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Contents December 2012

Volume 17 Number 12

Features 62 Jump-Start Conversation with Your Children

Find 21 questions to help promote more meaningful dialogue with your kids on a daily basis.

66 Stick a Pin In It!

Discover how to do holiday crafting on the website thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all the buzz...Pinterest!

68 2012 Holiday Happenings

Columns 6 From One Parent to Another DeAnne Watson

8 Living With Children

The holidays are in full swing and the River Region offers a ton of fun to get your family in the Christmas spirit.

78 Meet the 2012 Families of the Year

Learn about the five families awarded this honor from the Family Guidance Center.

82 Stay Connected to Your Middle Schooler

Young teens can become hard to connect with, but these ideas offer ways to create new bonds.

John Rosemond

12 Kids Health Watch

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Upper Respiratory Infections An upper respiratory infection (URI) or the common cold seems to be a trivial subject and not important, but it is one of the most common illness in children, especially this time of year. Even though these illnesses are generally mild and resolve without specific treatment, it sometimes seems that children just keep a cold all the time. Understanding the illness may help relieve some anxiety. There are over 200 different viruses that cause the common cold. The most common viruses are rhinovirus, parainfluenza, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus or RSV. RSV causes more concern in children since it can lead to serious illness in some cases. Usually RSV acts like a very bad cold that lasts for a long time, but sometimes it can cause wheezing and difficulty breathing requiring hospitalization. Because there are so many viruses that cause the same symptoms, the body is not able to develop immunity to all of them. This causes the symptoms to seem to be more persistent and recurrent. These illnesses may occur any time during the year, but are more common during winter. This is because people stay indoors and this close contact with others allows for easier spread of the viruses. This is more true in schools and daycares where good hygiene is more difficult to maintain and children are in close contact for prolonged periods of time. In addition, the air is usually drier in winter, which causes the lining of the nose and throat to become dry, allowing easier entry of viruses into the respiratory system.

The most obvious symptoms are, of course, a runny nose or congestion in the nose and cough. These are frequently accompanied by fever, sore throat, fatigue and just not feeling good. The congestion and cough can last for as long as two weeks. It is very common for children in daycare to have symptoms this long, then seem to be well just a few days, then develop the same symptoms all over again. Children can have as many as six to ten upper respiratory infections in a year. The challenge of these symptoms is how to tell if it is just a bad cold or something more serious. Generally, you worry if the symptoms are more pronounced â&#x20AC;&#x201C; higher fever, more cough, more sore throat, difficulty breathing, or lasting longer than expected. Conditions that are of more concern include pneumonia, flu, sinus infections, and asthma. One of the most common secondary infections of a cold is ear infection. If the child has fever, complains of earache, or keeps congestion for more than two weeks, it would be important for him to be seen by his pediatrician. Treatment of typical upper respiratory infections in children is mainly symptomatic. Saline (salt water) nose drops or spray, suction bulb in infants, a vaporizer or humidifier, and steaming the bathroom may all be helpful in relieving the nasal congestion and providing some comfort. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend any type of medication since none provide any significant relief and are more likely to cause side effects,

especially in infants. Antihistamines may be helpful if the congestion is due to allergies. Antibiotics are not helpful for colds since they do not treat viral infections. Even though these viruses are widespread and easily contracted, there are some preventive measures that may help reduce the possibility of becoming ill. The most important measure is frequent hand washing. These viruses easily get on your hands from touching contaminated surfaces, then spread to your nose or mouth when you touch or rub them. Avoiding second hand cigarette smoke is also very important since cigarette smoke is very irritating and can cause persistent nasal congestion and secondary infections. Avoiding daycare, if possible, can also reduce these illnesses by avoiding excessive exposure to the cold viruses. If you have any concern about your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health, of course, the wisest thing to do is to contact your pediatrician. Dr. Coggin received his medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and did his pediatric residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. He began private practice in Mississippi and has been in Montgomery since 1983. He has two married daughters, one in Montgomery and one in Telluride, Colorado. He enjoys college sports with his wife, Cathy, who is an attorney.

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We have bright students in every Montgomery County Public School. The next several articles will feature a few of them. We start with three special recognitions of some of those students who have been tapped by national organizations for their exceptional academic accomplishments: National Merit Semifinalists, National Achievement Semifinalists, and National Hispanic Scholars. And this year, just like most, MPS has more of these recognitions than any other public or private school in our area. This year nine National Achievement, one Hispanic Scholar and 13 National Merit semifinalist MPS students were recognized as among the nation’s best. MPS leads the state with more National Achievement Semifinalists than any other school system. These students are picked from the brightest and best minority students in Amer-

ica. Of the 46 Alabama students to be named, nine are from MPS. James Bethea, Breana J. Davis, Judy K. Oranika, Lindsey O. Redd, Akaninyene D. Ruffin, Timothy T. Scanterbury, Joshua J. Tippett, Mary R. Vandiver, and Rick H. Watkins are now among 1,600 students from a pool of 160,000 who applied for the program nationwide. Hispanic Scholar Gabriela Hayes is among 5,000 students selected in the U.S. Our National Merit Semifinalists Audrey S. Ang, Rachel L. Berube, Madison N. Brand, Junhi Chang, Christopher E. Dudley, Akhil C. Kaushik, Sarah J. Kim, Hyung R. Lee, Daniel H. Luehrs, David S. Mesina, Ravi S., Rajendra, Sungwoo Ryoo, and Bryful A. Sun are now among 16,000 students tapped from a pool of 1.5 million who applied for the program. Semifinalists represent less than one percent of all U.S. high school seniors and are the highest scoring program entrants in each state. MPS is the only public school system in the River Region to have Merit Semifinalists. These students are competing for their share of over $34 million in scholarships available through these programs. It’s very gratifying to see our students earn national recognition that acknowledges their hard work and commitment to academic excel-

lence. These students are not just among the best in Montgomery, they are the elite in our nation. These young people are bright and highlymotivated. They have proven themselves to be among the best of the best. And not only are these 23 students to be congratulated, but also their teachers, administrators and especially their parents. The support our students receive at home translates into achievement at school. Teachers, administrators and parents are all partners with our students. It takes all of us working together to help our students reach their full potential. We are celebrating these student’s accomplishments with ceremonies, receptions, media coverage and even with billboard space that has been donated by Lamar Advertising. If you know one of these outstanding students, please join us in offering your congratulations. Barbara W. Thompson is Montgomery County Schools’ superintendent. She has served children as a teacher, curriculum leader, elementary principal, and supervisor of secondary alternative and at-risk programs. Superintendent Thompson’s skill as an educator has garnered her several professional honors. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American Association of School Administrators and the Board of the School Superintendents of Alabama.

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All STJ Seventh-Graders Qualify for Duke TIP!

Holy Cross Holds Annual Fall Festival

The Holy Cross Episcopal School PTF sponsored the Annual Fall Festival October 28 on the Holy Cross campus. Chairperson Hollie Pegg and her dedicated committee group planned an afternoon full of tricks and treats - fun for the young and old. Games, inflatables, putt-putt, ping pong, a pony and wagon ride and the ever-popular cake walk were just a few of the great activities available for Holy Cross families to enjoy. Current students and alumni enjoyed the festivities in full Halloween mode by dressing up in costumes. Some of the characters attending the Holy Cross Fall Festival were Spiderman, Iron Man, fairies, princesses, a bumblebee and a cowboy. There were even a few ghosts and zombies. Earlier in the week a Pumpkin-Decorating contest was held and all the pumpkins were on display for families to view. Each year classrooms are provided a pumpkin to decorate for the contest. This year classes created pumpkins featuring a witch, Frankenstein, a bat, a mummy and the purple people eater, to name a few. The winner was the sixth grade’s witch pumpkin.

Each member of Saint James’s entire seventh grade 2012-13 class has qualified to participate in the Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP), a program developed to discover academically talented students early in their educational career. Duke’s TIP not only identifies gifted students but also provides opportunities to nurture development of these exceptionally bright youngsters. Students who enroll in the program are registered to take either the ACT or SAT. Taking these tests, which are designed for college-bound high school students, gives them greater insight into their own academic abilities. Last year nine STJ students qualified for state recognition, nine qualified to attend the program’s three-week Academy for Summer Studies, and three qualified to attend the TIP-organized three-week Center for Summer Studies.

BrewTech Students Present Bookcase to Principal

Members of BrewTech’s Carpentry I sophomore class presented a handmade bookcase to Principal April Lee on behalf of all the students in the Building Sciences Academy. Wayne Walters is their teacher.

Bell Road Preschool Enjoys ‘Creepy’ Lesson

The students at Bell Road Preschool recently enjoyed a creepy crawly theme. By using some yarn and silly string, they got “caught in a spider’s web!”

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Trinity Seniors Participate In Distinguished Young Women

Trinity Presbyterian School seniors Candler Reynolds, Caroline Ward and Lauren Kingry participated in the Distinguished Young Women’s program recently. All three ladies placed in the top 10. Reynolds was the second runner-up and received a $1,000 scholarship. She and Ward were recognized with a four-year $35,000 Chancellor’s Scholarship to Troy University for Academic Excellence. Kingry received the Physical Fitness Award. The three Trinity seniors received more awards than any other school. From left are Candler Reynolds, Lauren Kingry and Caroline Ward. 16

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C Molina Center Children Unveil New Book

ACA Girls’ Group Was ‘Maid for Jesus’

Mrs. Goldman’s girls’ small group from Alabama Christian Academy was “Maid for Jesus” one day when they went to clean a house and prepared lunch for a special lady who is undergoing chemo treatments. She mentioned that the treatments make her weak and tired so she was very grateful for a clean house before Thanksgiving.

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The children of Writers’ Blocks, an after-school writing program for children residing in Southlawn Commons and Sherwood housing communities, recently unveiled their annual anthology, The Young Writers of the Molina Learning Center: Volume Five. The 2012 edition was dedicated in honor of Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange, who was in attendance along with Jeff Fox of BSR Trust, LLC. Writers’ Blocks was founded in 1997 by Nancy Anderson, AUM associate professor of English and director of Actions Build Community. She and volunteers run a writers’ workshop at Southlawn Commons and Sherwood throughout the academic year as a free after-school enrichment program. Children ages 6-12 gather at the Molina Learning Center in Southlawn Commons twice a week to work on poetry and prose. Over the summer, they edit and organize their work into a printed anthology. In June 2010, the children were surprised with a personal letter from President Obama, who had received a copy of the 2009 collection of their writings, The Young Writers of the Molina Learning Center: Volume Two, which included many pieces on the historic 2008 election.

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

Carver JROTC Drill Team Wins Regional Accolades

Carver High’s JROTC drill team, under the direction of SFC Michael Walker, Sr. and 1SG Stanley Murry, recently placed among 42 high schools in three regional invitational drill competitions. The drill team won third place overall in drill play at Stanhope Elmore High School; first place overall in drill play at Eufaula High School; and second place overall in drill play at Greenville High School. These competitions have put the JROTC one step closer to winning a spot at the National Drill Competition in Louisville, Kentucky in May 2013. The team also recently posted colors in Atlanta at the Atlanta Hawks vs. Miami Heat basketball game Nov. 9.

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Montgomery Parents I December 2012

SUA Welcomes Back Gwen Felder

Gwen Felder began working at Success Unlimited Academy in 2000. Her outstanding ability to educate children was quickly evident by the outstanding progress noticed in the children under her tutelage. In 2009, she was involved in a car accident and had to retire. Now, three years later, she is back and better than ever. As someone who could be home enjoying her retirement years, she instead says proudly, “Life is so much sweeter when I am doing what God has gifted me to do. I feel blessed to be back home.”

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Frazer Preschoolers Study Native Americans

Frazer Memorial Christian Kindergarten and Preschool have been learning about Indians all through the month of November. They have enjoyed hands-on activities such as making Indian bowls, bows and arrows and papooses. All of the children made a paper bag Indian vest and headdress complete with feathers. Each class had a pow wow with stories about the Great White Buffalo and sang songs and danced around a campfire and teepee! Mrs. Holston’s and Mrs. Twiggs’s 4-year-old classes are shown after their class pow wow.

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Hooper Senior Chosen For All-Star Volleyball

Hooper Academy senior Kayla Cantey has been nominated for the All-Star Volleyball Team. She participated in the AISA All-Star Volleyball Game on November 3 held at Kingwood Christian School. Cantey played as a defensive specialist this season and was a strong server for Hooper’s team.

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Montgomery Parents I December 2012

St. Bede Principal Chickens Out

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School St. Bede Campus Principal Laurie Gulley thanked her students in October for meeting the annual cookie dough fundraising goal. There was a special incentive for students to meet the goal... Gulley appeared on campus October 4 dressed as a chicken for the day as a special way to show her appreciation for all the effort her students put into making the goal. The children loved it! Fourth-grade students Lucy Duke, Matthew Barranco and Cacey Williams are shown with the St. Bede Chicken.

LAMP Teacher Appears On ‘Jeopardy’ Game Show

Loveless Academic Magnet Program students and staff recently held a watch party in the school auditorium to see LAMP teacher Kate Wilson’s performance in the quarterfinals on the popular game show Jeopardy. Wilson, below with Alex Trebek, competed against teachers around the country in the Jeopardy Teachers Tournament and received a Wild Card to advance to the quarterfinals. Because of her efforts, Jimmy McGuire, a representative from Jeopardy, visited Wilson and her students at LAMP and presented them with a classroom version of Jeopardy. He also emceed a game with her fourth-period class.

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MA Students Receive Superiors at Theatre Competition

Floyd Students Awarded for DAR Poster Contest

Floyd Middle Magnet School students and their teacher, Ms. Robinson, were honored at an awards ceremony and reception sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution for their outstanding performance in the DAR Constitution Week Poster Contest. Mrs. Woody W. Parramore from the Anne Philips Chapter presented the awards and with the help of other DAR members treated the students to a lovely reception at AUM. MPS 2012 Winners from Floyd were: first place, Brett Bonikowski; third place, Philip Todd; and honorable mentions, Hunter Atkins, Grace Longpre, Tyler Patterson, Hannah Richardson, Eric Russell, Jr., and Damian Wilkerson. Shown are Hannah Richardson, Ms. Robinson, Grace Longpre, Eric Russell, Jr., Damien Wilkerson, Brett Bonikowski and Philip Todd.

Upper School theatre students from The Montgomery Academy recently competed in the Walter Trumbauer District Festival. The Trumbauer Festival has provided quality training and performance opportunities for Alabama theatre students at the secondary level since 1940. The educational impact of this event is substantial. The festival consists of 28 individual events, a one-act play festival, a studio theatre 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 six district festivals. At all levels of competition, students receive critiques from qualified teachers and theatre practitioners, allowing them to improve their theatrical skills. These MA students received Superior Ratings: Sarah Catherine Hook: Varsity Solo Dramatic Musical, female; Abigail Hagood, Varsity Solo Dramatic Musical, female and Varsity Solo Comedic Musical, female; Anne Louise Pass: Novice Solo Dramatic Musical, female and Novice Dramatic monologue, female; and Nora Newcomb and Evan Price: Varsity Readers Theater (comedic). These students will go on to compete in the State Tournament in December. These students received Excellent Ratings: Sarah Catherine Hook and William Haynes: Comedic Duo Acting; Rayisa Israil: Novice Solo Comedic Musical, female; Holly Harold: Novice Comedic monologue, female; Evan Price: Varsity Dramatic monologue, male; and Nora Newcomb: Varsity Solo Comedic Musical, female.

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Jeff Davis AP Students Receive Incentive Checks

Lighthouse Classes Honor ‘PrinciPAL’

The preschool (K2-K4) classes of Lighthouse Christian Academy showed their princiPAL how much they love him on Boss’s Day. The elementary and junior high students also made and presented banners. Bro. Mohney was given tickets to an Alabama game from the staff. To learn more about the school, call 271-4200. www.montgomeryparents.com

During a ceremony held at their school this fall, thirteen Jeff Davis High School students received $100 incentive checks for earning qualifying scores in Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Superintendent Barbara Thompson, far left, and Jeff Davis Principal Cheryl Fountain, far right, joined with Jeff Davis AP teachers and the students’ parents to enjoy a special breakfast reception held in honor of the students to mark their achievement. Students who earn qualifying scores receive college credit for classes while they are in high school, which saves themselves and their families time and money. According to research, students who pass AP courses in high school are much more likely to be successful in college, greatly benefit from the rigorous curriculum, and are better prepared for college. So far, MPS high school students have earned more than $52,000 in incentive checks this year. 22

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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CELEBRATING 12 YEARS OF SUCCESS! Brewbaker Middle Football Team Wins City Championship

The Brewbaker Middle School Cougars football team defeated the McKee Middle School Tigers 6-0 in Cramton Bowl to clinch the 2012 City Championship. Under the direction of head coach James Ray and coaches Dusty Baker, Coy Hunter, Terrance Vaughn and Jeff Cannady, the Cougars finished a perfect 8-0 season to secure the middle school city championship for a record seventh time! The Cougars were also recognized for demonstrating character, sportsmanship and the desire to excel on the field and in life.

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ECA’s Kindergartners Celebrate Career Day

Distance Education • Evening School Programs for Special Needs Students

The five-year-old kindergarten class at Evangel Christian Academy recently celebrated Career Day. The class had been learning about community helpers and how each one is vital to a community. To culminate the unit of study, K5 teacher Mrs. Cole asked each child to come to school dressed in a costume to represent the job he or she wants as a grown-up. Each student had an opportunity to tell about his/her future career and then participated in a parade down the elementary hallway. There were several doctors, nurses, teachers, beauticians and even the President of the United States present in kindergarten that day. Montgomery Parents I December 2012

Interdisciplinary Arts Programs Music Education • Drama Productions • Dance Education After school programs (Praise Band, Guitar Lessons)

(334) 213-0803 • SACS Accredited 2328 Fairlane Drive • Montgomery, AL 36116 www.suacademy.com • K-12 23

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STJ Honors Teacher During Cancer Awareness

Saint James High School was awash in pink on Oct. 23 when students wore articles of clothing in the color to support breast cancer awareness and teacher and breast cancer patient, Cindy Sanders. Mrs. Sanders teaches physics in the high school. Front row from left are Evan Border, Rachel Parks and Reed Chisenhall; back are: Ben Graves, Elliott Burrow, Cindy Sanders, Abby Besselman and Carson Traff.

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ACA’s Coach Folds Chosen ‘Turkey Teacher’

Every year Alabama Christian Academy Key Club members raise money for a teacher to wear a turkey suit and all the money raised goes to a needy family. Students put money in the jar of a particular teacher and the teacher who receives the most money has to wear a turkey suit. This year the honor went to Coach Nick Folds. Coach Folds went a step further by charging everyone who wants to have a picture made with him in the turkey suit $1, all for a great cause.

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Cornerstone Holds Grandparents’ Day

Grammar school students at Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy hosted their grandparents at the school’s first Grandparents’ Day October 30. Grandparents were entertained as each grade presented academic material that they had learned in the form of songs, chants and sound-offs. The grandparents then toured the classrooms, seeing student projects and viewing samples of their grandchild’s work. “This Grandparents’ Day is something that our school board envisioned,” commented board secretary Michele Hough. “We are thankful for the large number of grandparents and friends who chose to spend the afternoon with us. This is truly a testimony to God’s generational faithfulness to our children.” Due to the success of the afternoon, Grandparents’ Day will become an annual school event.

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Macon-East Students Win Poster Contest Awards

Macon-East Montgomery Academy sixth-grade students participated in the Constitution Week poster contest with Daughters of the American Revolution. Ten posters were sent in to the DAR contest and eight came back winners. From left are Bailey Estes, Sydney Wevernick, Claire Donaldson, Bailey Williams, Isabella Fagan and Cooper Goude, all Honorable Mentions; Annslie Gourlay, second-place winner; and Braylee Moss, fourth-place winner. Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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Hooper Holds 2012 Winter Sports Banquet

Hooper Academy recently held its 2012 Winter Sports Banquet to honor athletes who competed in football and volleyball for the 2012 season. Students who received awards are: football team captains Travis Crane, Kyle Sides, Thomas Harper and David Huneycutt; Colt Award, Shane Wood; Christian Award, Will Smith; Scholastic Award, Drew Owen; Defensive MVPs Raheem Sheppard and Kyle Sides; Offensive MVP, Darius Bennett; and Most Improved, Kye Todd; volleyball team captains Morgan Boone and Kayla Cantey; MVP, Emily Owens; Ace Award, Kayla Cantey; Offensive Award, Amanda Hobbs; Defensive Award, Nicole Cooper; Best Team Player, Jasmine Flores; Christian Award, Michaela Godwin; and Academic Award, Amanda Hobbs.

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Trinityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Varsity Volleyball Team Wins Area Tournament

Trinity Presbyterian Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Varsity Volleyball swept their area tournament with a 3 straight-set win over BB Comer in the first round followed by a 3 straight-set win over Central Coosa in the championship on October 20. Trinity advanced to the South Super Regional Tournament, playing against Cottage Hill October 26 at the Montgomery multiplex.

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Montgomery Parents I December 2012

Holy Cross Fifth-Graders Visit Camp Chandler

The fifth-grade class at Holy Cross Episcopal School really got into the spirit of fall recently when they took a trip to Camp Chandler. Teachers Connie MacDonald, Amber Wright and Matt Arrighi accompanied the students on the overnight trip. The glorious fall weather provided the perfect backdrop for two fun-filled days. After checking into their cabins and choosing their bunks, students participated in riflery and archery, went canoeing in small canoes as well as a war canoe, fished, took boat rides and climbed the tower. They also participated in low ropes activities where team building was crucial. They learned the value of cooperation and listening to the ideas of others. On Thursday night the students and staff hiked down to the lakeside for a roaring campfire where they roasted marshmallows and made s’mores. Afterward, they sang songs and told scary stories. Later, they hiked (arm-in-arm in some cases) back to their cabin. After lunch the next day, and a few rousing games, the fifth-graders grudgingly packed up and returned to school – weary but happy!

Catholic Elementary Science Olympiad Takes First Place at West Alabama

The Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Elementary Science Olympiad Team brought home first place overall at the Science Olympiad Competition held at the University of West Alabama in Livingston October 23. The team competed against eleven schools, in 18 events, receiving eight first-place ribbons, seven second-place ribbons and seven third-place ribbons and bringing home a first-place overall trophy for Montgomery Catholic. MCPS Elementary Science Olympiad Team Members are: Fifth-graders Jack Allen, Megan Bourke, Sarah Rose Burden, Michael Hodges, Gabriel Myers, Scott Nation, Katherine O’Conner, Katie Rose Perkins, Meaghan Pineda, Michael Russo, Anna Sadie, Eric Shin, Elizabeth Speirs, Kyla Stinson, Hannah Vaccarro and Clare Wilson; and sixth-graders Annie Bach, Anna Catherine Barranco, Erica Blackburn, Nick Bowden, Rachel Davis, Sydney Downes, Jacob Flowers, Mary Kathrine Foley, Connor Frank, Jonah Gier, Annamary Gilbert, Ezequiel Gonzalez, Mason Lawrence, Grace Leslie, Maddie Losik, Ethan Macchia, Gabriel McBeal, Thomas McLaughlin, Jevon Murdock, Zoe Rutland, Virginia Speirs, Ricky Treloar, Hunter Vaccarro and Skylar Watson. Coaches are Lee Anne Barranco, Allison Boyd, Ellie Burden, Nick Bourke, Shelley Herbek, Tina Rutland, Laci Taylor and Bryan Teegardin. Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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AUM Childhood Center Opens New Outdoor Area

The AUM Early Childhood Center (ECC) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony (using safety scissors!) for its new outdoor recreation area on Oct. 25. The renovated space features a new playground and tricycle track. The ECC children served cookies and lemonade to guests. Housed in the AUM School of Education, the ECC is an accredited childhood development center established in 1974. It strives to develop self-directed, self-disciplined, self-responsible children who have a passion and enthusiasm for life, learning and helping others. Enrollment is open to children ages 3-5, regardless of AUM affiliation. Photo by Frank C. Williams.

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SUA’s Praise Band Leads School in Worship

Success Unlimited Academy’s praise band, Warrior, started off the school year with a new sound. The lead singer this year is a very talented senior, Artisia Peagler. Other vocalists are Austin Lee, Candace Shorter and Sarah Moody. On the drums is Caleb Womack; keyboard, Stancy Turner; guitarists, Collin Oliver and Anthony Norman; and bass player, Tyler Woodfin. Each week these talented students lead the school in praise and worship before our chapel speakers bring the message. “I feel so happy when I sing,” says Peagler. “It is a joy to be able to praise God at school!”

Coming This Month!

A New Indoor Facility Offering 2 Private Party rooms!

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Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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Pike Road Firefighters Visit Macon-East Students

A kind and gentle dog named Sparky is a mascot for the Pike Road Fire Department. Along with other Pike Road firefighters, Sparky recently made a visit to Mrs. Ginger Johnson’s K-5 class at Macon-East Montgomery Academy to present fire safety instructions to children. Sparky encourages both children and adults to have two ways out of every room in their home. He informs children when they hear the smoke alarm, get outside and stay outside. “Sparky was born in 1951. He is a learning tool,” said Pike Road Fire Chief Mike Green. “The Pike Road Fire Department is one of thousands of fire departments throughout the United States that use Sparky as a symbol of fire safety.”

The Montgomery Quarterback Club named Trinity senior Allen Wood the Private School Player of the Week for his outstanding game against Saint James on September 28. Wood received the award at the Quarterback Club’s meeting October 9. Gene Stallings, former head football coach at the University of Alabama, was the featured speaker. From left are Vonda Wood (Allen’s mother), Ron Farris (Allen’s grandfather), Allen Wood and Charlie Wood (Allen’s father)

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MA Cross Country Teams Win Sectionals at Gateway

The Montgomery Academy Girls’ and Boys’ Varsity Cross County teams took home 1A-2A State of Alabama sectional wins at Gateway Park. The top-ten runners on both teams competed for a state championship November 10 in Moulton. Girls’ team members are, back row from left, Margaret Canary, Drake McGowin, Emily Pierce and Ellie Herron; middle row, Scotland Kemper, Krisie Stakely, Alice McGowin, Maggie Chambers, Kate Harris, Kaylee Quinn and Margaret McGowin; and front row, Claire Rickard and Taylor Gerard. Boys’ team members are, back row, Dylan Mills; middle row, Stephen Guerrero, Grant Woika, Taylor Dockery, Jack Barganier and Silas Mims; and front row, Timothy Russom, Jack Anderson, Everett Fuller, Andrew Harris, Ken Ward and Tucker Little.

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Montgomery Parents I December 2012

BrewTech Students Win Art Competition

BrewTech Advertising Design Technology student Sydnie Glymph was awarded first place for her art submission in the Reach for the Height Art Contest, sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. presented the award at the Reach for the Height Legacy Luncheon held at Wynlakes Golf and Country Club this fall. Glymph’s work was on display at Wynlakes and later will be on display at the Montgomery Public Library, Hampton Branch. Advertising Design Technology students Felicia Pledger (second place), Daniel Davis (third place) and Natalia SerranoGuerra (honorable mention), were recognized along with Glymph by contest coordinator Jo McCall and several members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. www.montgomeryparents.com

S Catholic Cross-Country Finishes Strong in Auburn

Frazer Preschoolers Enjoy Thanksgiving Feast The friends at Frazer Kindergarten and Preschool dressed up as pilgrims and Indians for a wonderful Thanksgiving Feast. Traditional food was served such as turkey, corn and snow peas. Of course no party is complete without chips, cookies and cupcakes. Special thanks to our parents for always making party day special!

The Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School cross country teams traveled to Auburn October 20 and brought home some hardware for their efforts, with the boys’ team finishing first overall and the girls’ second in the meet. On the boys’ side, Jarrett Mason finished second in the Small School race with a time of 16:45, setting a new school record on a 5K course. He was joined across the finish line by Skip Martin in a time of 17:11, Timothy McOmber in a time of 17:33, Dylan Martin in 18:16, Nathan Revor in 18:34, Patrick Gregorius in 19:01 and James Cleghorn in 19:13. All of these runners finished the race with new personal bests. The Knights finished first overall with 29 points, easily outdistancing second place LAMP (44) and third place Montgomery Academy (88). On the girls’ side, Katherine Terino claimed first place in the Small School (Class 1A-4A) race in a time of 19:40, setting a new school record on the course. Kylie Frank finished in a time of 22:30, Katelyn Stark in a time of 23:14, Annabel Starrett in a time of 23:18 and Katie Lawrence in a time of 27:16. All of these girls set new personal bests during the race. The Knights finished second overall with 64 points, finishing behind Montgomery Academy (20 points) and ahead of LAMP (66 points).

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Montgomery Parents I December 2012

STJ Students Selected for Prestigious All-State Choir

Saint James high school show choir members Blake Sanders, Emma Colson, Rebecca Williams, Zach Taylor, Madison Smith and Emily Prim were selected for Alabama’s All State Show Choir, after their auditions on October 6 at Montgomery’s First Baptist Church. “There were hundreds of auditions statewide for only 60 positions in the All-State Show Choir, and STJ students got six of the positions,” beamed STJ’s Choral Director Lis Donaldson. “That means 10 percent of the choir will be represented by our students. It’s unique to have one or two members from a school. And we have six!” All-State Show Choir (ASSC) is a showcase performance ensemble for the annual Alabama Music Educators Conference, held in Montgomery in Janary 2013. The 60 students chosen for ASSC are selected from a rigorous vocal and dance audition. “The students must individually learn their vocal music and hone their dance skills to perform as an ensemble so they can even be considered. I admire each one of them for their hard work and being selected,” Donaldson said. When the students come together in January they will rehearse with nationally recognized show choir Vocal Coach Paul Gutsvig and Choreography Coach Jarad Voss. Together they will rehearse for two days during the AMEA conference and perform their show in an AMEA Saturday performance at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center. From left are Emma Colson, Rebecca Williams, Madison Smith, Blake Sanders, Emily Prim and Zach Taylor.

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

Trinity Science Lab Students Have Green Thumbs!

Recently, Trinity Presbyterian Lower School students planted the annual vegetable garden outside the school. The Lower School Science Lab, in conjunction with Sage Dining, provided the vegetable garden to the lower school. The harvested vegetables and herbs are used in the school’s daily lunch. Bonnie Plants donated the soil, fertilizer and plants for the garden. The Middle School and Upper School Science Departments are also helping to maintain the garden. They will do soil tests, measure plants, and see how sunlight, watering and fertilizer affect the garden.

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Success Unlimited Reopens Harrison Road Campus

Fall enrollment soared this year at Success Unlimited Academy, so much so that the school needed to expand to another campus. SUA’s original campus on Harrison Road re-opened on August 20 for its elementary students. Assistant Principal Lauren Morgan believes the move will be beneficial in many ways for the younger students. “The Harrison Road campus will provide more space for each classroom, but more importantly the new campus will be solely dedicated to the needs of our younger students,” said Morgan. The campus had a facelift before the year began, complete with new playground equipment and court resurfacing. The walls were freshly painted inside and out and an upgraded air conditioning system was installed. SUA has used this campus for more than 10 years in differing capacities. “It has always served a purpose and we are very thankful we have this special place to educate our students,” said Principal Alred.

Lee ROTC Senior Cadets Attend Community Corps Day

Robert E. Lee High School’s Air Force JROTC senior cadets attended the National Community Corps Day, in collaboration with the Alabama Department of Public Health. The goal of the seminar was to target JROTC high school seniors and educate them about military careers in health care, with opportunities in health-related professions like social work, physician assistants, computer programmers, program managers, administrators and education.

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Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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Everything a School Should be!

Holy Cross Students Earn Popsicles For Pop-tops

Each year, Holy Cross Episcopal School participates in community projects. One of the students’ favorites is collecting pop-tops for the Ronald McDonald House located in Birmingham. The proceeds from selling the pop-tops assist The Ronald McDonald House in providing “a home away from home” for families that have children as patients in Children’s Hospital. When a class fills its first gallon jug for the year, the students receive a popsicle party, have their picture made and receive recognition on a bulletin board in the lunchroom. Each time a class turns in a jug, it receives a star next to the class picture. This year the Holy Cross classes have the opportunity to win the “top spot” by collecting the most gallon jugs during the year to receive a special prize. In addition to a school competition, Holy Cross is participating in a statewide contest against other schools in trying to turn in the most poptops by April 30, 2013. Saving pop-tops aids others in need and helps the environment by recycling at the same time!

Macon East’s administrators, faculty & staff are focused on excellence in every aspect of your child’s education.

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Academics

Hooper Academy Holds Grandparents’ Day

Hooper Academy elementary students celebrated the love for their grandparents with a Grandparents’ Day program November 8. Second grade started off the program with the Pledge of Allegiance, “My Country Tis of Thee,” the Lord’s Prayer and a poem. The kindergartners followed with a scripture reading and “God Bless America.” The first-graders helped tie in Thanksgiving with a poem about grandparents and telling one thing they are thankful for. The third grade put together an adorable skit about going to their grandparents’ house and ended with a short poem. Fourth grade sang a song about grandparents to the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” and told some Thanksgiving-themed jokes. Fifth grade gave the ABCs of grandparents by giving an adjective to describe their grandparents. Sixth grade ended the program with several short skits about how they feel about their grandparents or what they like to do with them. Sixth-grader Stuart Langley ended the program with prayer. The program was followed by a reception for the grandparents to have some time to spend with their grandchild.. The entire elementary looks forward to creating a program for next year’s Grandparents’ Day. Montgomery Parents I December 2012

Athletics

Achievement Macon East Academy is located 11 miles east of Taylor Road, just minutes from Montgomery. If you are interested in learning how your son or daughter can become a part of Macon East, please contact Jill Taylor or visit our website.

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Catholic Celebrates Homecoming Events

Academy’s Elliott Named Distinguished Young Woman Recently Montgomery Academy seniors Caroline Elliott and Sarah Catherine Hook competed in the Montgomery County Distinguished Young Women of Alabama competition. Formerly known as Junior Miss, the Distinguished Young Women of Alabama competition is a preliminary of the Distinguished Young Women national scholarship program which promotes and rewards scholarship, talent and leadership in young women. The competition begins at the countywide level, with contestants competing in five different categories: scholastic, interview, talent, self-expression and fitness. Elliott and Hook both won two of the five categories, with Elliott emerging as the overall winner. With her outstanding academic achievements, she won the scholastic portion of the competition – which is the most heavily weighted part of the program – as well as the interview portion, where she was asked what she would do first if she was president; to speak in French and how she perceived technology to be affecting her generation. Hook won the talent segment with her performance of the German song, Rastlose Liebe, which means “Restless Love.” She also won the self-expression category, where she spoke about the subject of kindness and how even a small kind deed can make a huge impact on a person. The two Academy seniors spent six weeks preparing for the competition and they both really enjoyed being part of the program. Elliott will compete in the state competition at Frazer United Methodist Church in January. www.montgomeryparents.com

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School recently crowned its 2012 Homecoming Queen and King during the half-time ceremonies of the varsity football game as the Knights hosted Geneva High School October 5. Michaela Marie Armstrong was crowned by the 2011 Homecoming Queen Hailey Loria. Michael Tyner was named Homecoming King and presented a scepter by 2011 Homecoming King Miller Clemmons. The Freshman Attendant was Nadine Moussalli. She was escorted by Patrick O’Mara. The Sophomore Attendant was Emily Walker, escorted by her brother Jake Walker. The Junior Attendant was MacKenzie Colvin. She was escorted by Kyle Berher. Sarah Talbot was a Senior Attendant and she was escorted by Homecoming King Michael Tyner. Shelby Taff was a Senior Attendant and was escorted by Jack Starr. Homecoming Queen Michaela Armstrong was escorted by Will Littleton. Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School welcomed all alumni home with a party at the Homecoming game from kick-off to half-time. Knight alumni were able to enjoy re-connecting with former classmates and tailgating with Jim-N-Nicks Barbecue, including the class of 2002, the class of 1982 and the class of 1977. Montgomery Catholic also welcomed the Class of 1962 home, celebrating their 50th Reunion, including former Knight football players Doug McElvy, Jimmy Jehle, Ray Shulstead and John Lueken, who were recognized between quarters. Montgomery Catholic students celebrated Homecoming Week with a host of daily activities building up to the Homecoming Dance on October 6 held at the St. Bede Family Life Center. Center, 2012 Montgomery Catholic Homecoming Queen and King Michaela Armstrong and Michael Tyner are crowned by 2011 MCPS Homecoming Queen and King, far left Hailey Loria and far right, Miller Clemmons.

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Macon-East JV Lady Knights Win State Championship The Macon-East Montgomery Academy junior varsity Lady Knights traveled to Alabaster on October 15 to compete for the Junior Varsity State Championship. After battling through two games, the Lady Knights found themselves in the State Championship match. They clinched the win in two sets giving Macon-East and Coach Amanda Smallwood the first JV State Title for the school. 34

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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Dogs on Call Visit Holy Cross

Holy Cross Episcopal School third-graders and their buddies from kindergarten were lucky enough to get to experience one of the unique programs overseen by the Easter Seals organization recently. As part of a weekly activity, the buddies meet to do projects or program activities together and recently the students received a visit from Dogs on Call. Therapy â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dogs On Callâ&#x20AC;? is a non-profit organization that supports, trains, organizes and certifies dogs and their handlers to perform multiple services. A few of these services include: working with children or adults with disabilities, disaster relief responders, cancer patients, nursing home patients and VA facilities, to name a few. Abby, a black lab, and her owner Laura Roth came to talk about the training process and how one can go about training their pet to become a service dog. The class enjoyed interacting with Abby and made a new friend in the process.

ACA Elementary Donates To Heavenly Hats Program For their first service project of this school year, Alabama Christian Academy elementary students raised funds for the Heavenly Hats Foundation. ACA students discovered that even young people can make a difference as they learned about Anthony Leanna and that he began the Heavenly Hats Foundation when he was an elementary student. Heavenly Hats provides hats and caps for cancer patients who have lost their hair due to treatment. Students were encouraged to find jobs they could do at home to earn their own money. Students brought in $332 in donations and enjoyed wearing hats to school for Heavenly Hat Day.

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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STJ Wins Trinity Volleyball Tournament

ACA’s 5th Grade Attends Stadium Dedication

Alabama Christian Academy’s fifth-grade students attended the dedication of Faulkner University’s new stadium on October 5. The ceremony included the unveiling of a statue of John Mark Stallings by his father, Gene Stallings, the former University of Alabama football coach. The students were impressed that the field was dedicated to John Mark Stallings, not because he was a famous sports figure, but because of his great attitude and kindness toward others.

The Saint James School varsity volleyball team won the Trinity Volleyball Tournament held September 14-15 in Montgomery. Saint James started the tournament by winning againstTrinity on Friday and went through pool play undefeated. Saint James defeated Alabama Christian Academy in the championship match in two games. The Trojans did not lose a game during the tournament going 6 -0 in their matches. Bottom row from left are Rebecca Williams, Win Woodson, Paden Browning and Zuri Foster; middle row, Brett Young, Laura Catherine Clark and Payton Stone; back, Lacie Vette, Clayton Waring, Regan Riddle, Amanda Cherry, Lizzie Kean and Head Coach Kellye Jordan.

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“Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

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C hallenging a CademiC a tmosphere in a C hristian e nvironment Accredited AISA Blue Ribbon School Evangel Christian Academy is a ministry of Evangel Church in Montgomery, Alabama.

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Montgomery Parents I December 2012

Lee ROTC Cadet Seniors Chosen to Serve as Leaders

The 2012-2013 Robert E. Lee High School Air Force Junior Officers Training Corp (AFJROTC) cadet senior staff, also known as the “Flying Generals,” were selected to serve as leaders in the highest cadet positions in the unit. The Flying Generals are the top students in the program and are responsible for assisting the JROTC instructors in all aspects of the program’s daily corp operations. Newly selected members are, front row from left: C/Maj Celeste Thomas, C/Maj Danisha Forbes, C/Maj Ravin Townsend, C/Maj Lanesia Martin (Commander, Kitty Hawk Air Society), C/Maj Kwoneathia Wilkins, C/ Maj Jamille Johns, C/Lt Col Gabrielle Vazquez ( Group Vice Commander) and C/Col Preston Reese (Group Commander); back: C/Capt Anthony Thomas (Cmdr, JROTC Choir), C/Major Ronnie Webb (Gp Safety Officer), C/Maj Andrew Xiengen (Operations Support Squadron Commander), C/Capt Bahja Pettus (Assistant Public Affairs Officer). Not pictured are: C/ Maj Johathan Mosely (Operations Squadron Commander), C/ Capt William Tutt (Assistant Public Affairs Officer), C/Capt Kyra Taylor (Assistant Logistics Officer), C/Maj Dari Thornton (Gp Supply Officer), C/Capt’s Raven Wallace, and Kendaria McCall (Asst CIMS Officers), C/Maj William Thornton (Gp Civil Engineering Officer) and C/Maj Tristan Tolbert (Group Chaplain).

SUA Adds Bible Pledge To Start Day Off Right

As part of the daily routine for starting our day off right at Success Unlimited Academy, students stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, listen to a short devotional and pray. Children’s Pastor Peggy Henderson has started to add one more important element to the day, the Pledge to the Bible. Each student recites the following, “I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God’s holy Word. I will make it a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I will hide its Word in my heart, that I might not sin against God.” What a beautiful exhortation to proclaim each day!

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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ST Catholic Wins Third Place in Can-Do Event

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School participated in the 4th Annual Can-Do-Good event, held October 13 at The Shoppes at EastChase in support of the Montgomery Area Food Bank. A social design competition between area high school students and overseen by architects and engineers from Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, high school teams created artistic structures made from canned goods. Catholic students were responsible for conducting their own food drives and for designing, planning and building a structure out of cans and other non-perishable food items. The MCPS team sponsored by Tina Tynan had three hours to build their structure, a piece of pecan pie and a cup of hot chocolate. The event culminated in an awards ceremony where MCPS took third place and was voted “Viewer’s Choice.” The structure was made of 368 cans and a total of 424 were donated to the Montgomery Area Food Bank.

ACA Seniors Honored with Special Breakfast

Alabama Christian Academy’s senior football players and cheerleaders were recently honored with a special breakfast compliments of the parents. The seniors greatly appreciated this treat and enjoyed this time together celebrating their last year at ACA.

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Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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STJ’s Marching Trojans Named Regional Champions

The Saint James Marching Trojans stormed the Alamo Dome on Nov. 2 as a mighty band on a mission. In the Bands of America San Antonio Super Regional Competition, Saint James School’s Marching Trojans were crowned the event’s Class A Champions. The STJ Marching Band tied for the Outstanding Music Award and won the Outstanding General Effect Award, finishing ahead of bands from Texas and Mississippi. Former Grand Nationals Class A Champion Jackson Academy received Second Place, and 2011 Class Champion Hildago High School placed Third. The little STJ band from Alabama also finished in front of most of the Class AA bands and several AAA and AAAA bands - many with more than 200 members. In all, 63 bands competed over a two-day period in Texas, a state which has historically had many of the best band programs in the country. The crowd response to the STJ band’s show “Charming” was overwhelming in the preliminary competition, prompting judge Freddie Martin (father of Chris Martin, principal trumpet of the Chicago Symphony) to comment, “That brought the house down like nothing has all weekend!” Based on their performance in competition, the Trojan band was also invited to perform during the Finals on Saturday evening. The award marks the second time the Marching Trojans have won the Super Regional honor. The STJ band was named Super Regional Class A Champion in Atlanta in 2011.

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

ECA Holds Fall Book Fair Recently Evangel Christian Academy held its annual fall book fair. The profits from this event went to enhance the school’s library and reading programs. This year’s theme was “Vote for Reading.” All of the classes had fun as they participated in many activities involving the book fair. Each elementary student was given a preview of the books available and the opportunity to write a “wish list.” Parents were also invited to a special night of shopping.

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STJ Homecoming Queen Presides Over Her Court

The Saint James 2012 Homecoming Court was presented to alumni and parents during halftime festivities of the school’s homecoming game against the Alabama Christian Academy Eagles Oct. 26. The 2012 STJ Queen is Ashley Williamson, daughter of Richard and Ruth Williamson. Members of the 2012 Court are, from left, freshman attendant Emma Moody, junior attendant Caitlin Cobb, Queen’s attendant Riley Kuenzel, Homecoming Queen Ashley Williamson, Queen’s Attendant Carlee Naftel, senior attendant Kelsey Hanson and sophomore attendant Sadie Argo.The Crownbearer is Grace Kelly, daughter of Joel and Emmy (Thomas) Kelly, an STJ alumna. The Trojans won their homecoming game, besting the ACA Eagles, 39-10.

Macon-East Lady Knights Crowned State Champions

On October 20, the Macon-East Montgomery Lady Knights competed in the 2A State Tournament. Macon-East defeated Kingwood Christian in three sets to advance to the State Championship match against Morgan Academy. Macon-East won the match in three hard-fought sets. Deven Kennedy and Morgan Pounds were named to the All-Tournament Team and Blue Caldwell was named State Tournament Most Valuable Player. Congratulations to Coach Amanda Smallwood and the Lady Knights on an incredible season! Front row from left are Blue Caldwell, Savannah Henderson, Abby Adams and Ashley Anderson-Mathis; back are Mary Kaylin Veach, Anna Marie Pugh, Haley Grant, Jesi Garrett, Lexi Brantley, Deven Kennedy, Morgan Pounds and Coach Amanda Smallwood.

Holy Cross Show Choir Performs At Holiday Market

The Holy Cross Episcopal School Show Choir, comprised of fifth- and sixth-grade students, performed on October 18 at the new multiplex at Cramton Bowl during the Holiday Market expo. This is an annual treat for the students to get the opportunity to perform in front of family and early Christmas shoppers. Songs performed were a compilation of contemporary worship songs blended with traditional hymns called “Praise Jams.” Also included in the performance were choreography and scriptures. Holy Cross music teacher Beth Harris organizes and plans all the Show Choir events performed by the students. www.montgomeryparents.com

Frazer Kindergartners Hold Mock Election

The kindergartners of Frazer Memorial Christian Kindergarten learned about the voting process and even held their own mock election. Each class made a list of what they were looking for in a leader and then cast their secret ballots. Votes were tallied and winners were announced. Mrs. Struthers’s class is shown casting their ballots for either Zero the Hero or Chester the Rabbit. Incidentally, Chester won as class president.

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ECA Classes Enjoy ‘Scarecrow Day’

Evangel Christian Academy’s five-year-old class recently celebrated “Scarecrow Day.” The students learned about scarecrows and how farmers use them to protect their crops. The students read a special story called “The Secret of the Scarecrow” which talked about how God takes care of them and how to trust Him when they are afraid. The story also contained scriptures regarding this principle. Later that day, the kindergarten students enjoyed a visit from their sixthgrade Big Buddies. The two classes worked together to decorate and eat their very own scarecrow cookies. At the end of the day, the younger students were given a scarecrow and a copy of the “The Secret of the Scarecrow” story to take home. Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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SUA Welcomes New Drama Instructor

Theatre veteran Melanie Reeder Boulware joins the Success Unlimited Academy faculty after a 34-year career with Montgomery Public Schools, where she began the magnet theatre program at Baldwin Arts & Academics Magnet School in Montgomery in 1989. She brings to the SUA Players a wealth of experience and expertise in the field, having taught acting classes at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival as well as the newly established Cloverdale Playhouse School. She performed for more than 20 years at the Montgomery Little Theatre and learned her craft from some of the finest directors in our state.

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Cornerstone Class Studies Native American Culture Mrs. Lawrence’s kindergarten class at Cornerstone Christian Academy recently studied Native American cultures. The class completed the unit by inviting local Choctaw storyteller Gina South to share with the class items from the Oklahoma Choctaw culture. South wore traditional Choctaw regalia and passed around Choctaw artwork for the children to see. The class was able to see and handle authentic arrows, dolls, jewelry, beadwork, baskets, drums, arrowheads and furs. The class observed a dance demonstration with live drumming and participated in the retelling of the traditional story “How the Squirrel Made the Sun Hide.” The children learned to count from one to ten in Choctaw and learned other words like “Halito,” which means both “hello” and “see you later.” The lesson ended with a question and answer session, during which the children asked if South still had to hunt for her food, and she replied that she hunts for chickens at Publix. Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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Lee Debate Team Participates in LAMP ‘Gumptastic’

Hooper Fourth-Graders Visit Pioneer Museum

On October 25, the Hooper Academy fourth-grade classes visited the Pioneer Museum of Alabama. The students participated in “hands-on history” assignments throughout the day to enhance their understanding of what it was like to live in the 19th century. Students visited a one-room cabin where they were given the opportunity to churn fresh butter and experience various chores of pioneer children.

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Lee High School’s debate team recently participated in the “Gumptastic” Forensic Invitational hosted by Loveless Academic Magnet High. The Lee team members debated three pieces of legislation. Tania Woods and Meagan Jones presented persuasive speeches while each debate member asked questions of the presenters. Jewel Smiley competed in the Literary Interpretation category and Paula Felix gave a speech declaring her opposition for the death penalty and won first place in the Original Oratory category. This was the first competition for the newly formed Lee debate team. Team members are Tania Woods, Meagan Jones, Devin Houghtlin, Chyea McCloud, Vernard Provo, Randell Eatmon, Logan Hurt, Jaselle Houghtlin, Larashae Allen and Keonna Hill. Their teacher is Delano Muhammad.

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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Catholic Bands and Chorus Perform Fall Concert

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Band and Chorus held their Fall Concert October 22 at the Dolly Barranco Activity Center on the MCPS Middle and High School Campus. The program included performances by the Middle School Band, the High School Chorus and the Concert Band. Directed by Alex Johnson and Christina Banks, the concert began with the Middle School band performing three pieces, concluding with Robert Smith’s “Furioso,” an exciting piece that uses energetic rhythms and fierce imagery to capture the fury, turbulence and vigor of an ordinary day in the Middle School. The High School Chorus, with accompanist Vicki Petters, performed Mary Lynn Lightfoot’s “A Festive Alleluia,” Ruth Elaine Schram’s arrangement of “The Water is Wide” and closed with the lively American Spiritual dating from the pre-Civil War era, “Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit.” The Concert Band was the final group to perform. Beginning with a colorful, contemporary overture, “Aventura” by James Swearingen, the band’s next piece was the theme march from the classic British film, The Dam Busters, followed by a piece taken from Act II of Alcina, the well-known opera written by George Frideric Handel in 1728. The Band performed “Verdi Prati,” transcribed by Albert Davis. The final piece ended the concert with power and excitement, Robert Smith’s “Incantations.” The encore performance had the High School Chorus joining the Concert Band for the contemporary hit by Adele, “Rolling in the Deep.” The Concert Band is shown performing October 22.

ACA Pre-K Classes Enjoy Thanksgiving Feast

Mrs. Clifton’s and Mrs. Torode’s pre-K students recently enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast with traditional, and not-so-traditional, Thanksgiving foods. Prior to the feast, the students learned about the Pilgrims’ reasons for coming to America and the events leading up to the first feast of thanksgiving in their new country. Each student wore a hand-painted shirt with his chosen Native American name painted on the shirt. The names were chosen based on the student’s favorite animal and a descriptive adjective for that animal. Parents, teachers and students all enjoyed this time together and the opportunity to reflect on the many blessings of the season, as well as the blessings of living in the United States of America.

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Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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H M ECA’s K4 Class Enjoys Special Pumpkin Day

The Four-Year-Old Kindergarten Class at Evangel Christian Academy recently had a special fall day. The students learned about farming and harvesting. They discussed how pumpkins grow and how they are used for decorating and cooking. The students visited a pumpkin patch and each chose their own pumpkin. They also read books about pumpkins and had a special devotion while carving a pumpkin. The children discussed how God cleans our hearts out just as we clean out the inside of a pumpkin, and how He puts His light inside of us.

Hooper Academy Holds Pink Out Day for Awareness

October 22 was the day Hooper Academy recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Hooper students were encouraged to wear pink in order to show their support for breast cancer patients, survivors, or those who have lost their fight. Donna McCord, grandmother of eighth-grader Cadey Brown, spoke to the 7th-12th grade students on breast cancer awareness. McCord is the vice president of Women of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation and is also a five-year survivor of breast cancer. The students who participated in wearing pink to school that day took part in creating a Human Pink Ribbon and releasing pink balloons in remembrance of those who are battling cancer, are survivors, or have lost their fight.

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Success Unlimited Academy elementary students have been excitedly preparing boxes for a recent service project, “Sight Night.” Sight Night is an opportunity for SUA students and their families to provide the gift of sight to those in need. Students collect used eye wear which is then recycled by the Lion’s Club and hand delivered to those in need around the world. This eyewear provides the opportunity for many to see clearly – some for the very first time. Elementary teacher and Assistant Principal Lauren Morgan took on the project of decorating the boxes for each homeroom teacher at the Fairlane Drive campus. The project is sponsored by SUA’s Key Club and was kicked off October 1.

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Kindergarten students at Holy Cross Episcopal School had a “blast from the past” recently when they celebrated the 50th day of school by stepping back in time and visiting the 1950s. The class participated in a hula-hoop event and listened to ‘50s music. The class also enjoyed dancing a classic dance – the twist. Additionally, they reinforced sequencing by ordering and making Coca Cola floats, worked on the alphabet using chalk and did a fun math game with hidden numbers – that later displayed the ‘50s theme. Some of the students even came dressed in poodle skirts and blue jeans, including their teacher, Mrs. Armagost.

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Catholic Cross-Country Qualifies for State

Lee High School Wins Canned Structure Contest

Lee High School’s design team won first place during Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood’s annual “Can Do Good” social design competition! The Generals’ Rubber Duckie design wowed the judges for its uniqueness. It was made of 1,200 canned goods, cardboard and other materials. BrewTech Magnet High’s Christmas tree structure earned second place. Montgomery Catholic placed third. Students from Jeff Davis High’s Humanitarian Club and Future Business Leaders of America also participated. Together, the four schools donated a total of more than 11,000 cans of food to the Montgomery Area Food Bank.

ACA Fifth-Graders Visit Desoto Caverns

Alabama Christian Academy fifth-graders made a field trip to Desoto Caverns recently and were in awe of God’s creation. The students were all ears when the tour guide told them about what happened during Prohibition and how a clandestine “bar” was opened in the caverns where “moonshine” was made. He showed several of the stalactites that were shot off by guns during some brawls. The students were also very interested in how the caverns were formed and the formation of the stalactites and stalagmites. After exiting the caverns, the students had some fun in the maze and enjoyed “panning” for gems. www.montgomeryparents.com

The Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School cross-country teams qualified for the AHSAA State Championships in Oakville, placing in the top three at the AHSAA Sectionals held at Gateway Park. The girls qualified as a team for the first time since 2009 for the AHSAA State Championships, finishing third in the section behind Bayside Academy and T.R. Miller. Senior Katherine Terino was the top finisher for the Knights, crossing the line fourth overall. Meanwhile, the Montgomery Catholic boys’ team made history by winning their third consecutive section championship - the first time the feat was accomplished in the section in Class 3A. The Knights, who had been ranked second most of the year in Class 3A, outran the team holding the top ranking for much of the season, Cottage Hill, for the championship. The Knights had three runners finish in the top 10 in the race, led by senior Jarrett Mason in third with a time of 16:20.85. He was followed by Skip Martin in fifth with a time of 16:48.99 and Timothy McOmber in eighth with a time of 17:06.48. Other runners to score for the Knights included Dylan Martin in 14th with a time of 17:56.22 and Nathan Revor in 15th with a time of 17:56.84. Both Tucker Wilkinson and James Cleghorn each finished in the top 25 for the Knights, crossing the line in under 19 minutes. Boys from left are Patrick Gregorius, Skip Martin, Devin Kelly, Josh Davidson, James Warner Cleghorn, Dylan Martin, Jarrett Mason, Timothy McOmber, Tucker Wilkinson and Nathan Revor. Girls from left are Katelyn Stark, Megan Revor, Kylie Frank, Sarah Talbot, Katherine Terino, Sara Beth Littrell, Annabel Starrett, Katie Lawrence and Madison Searcy.

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MPS Central Office Holds Pink Out Day

Montgomery Public Schools Superintendent Barbara Thompson and members of the Central Office Staff held a Pink Out Friday this fall to raise awareness and provide support for employees who are breast cancer survivors or have family and friends who are currently battling or have survived the disease. The effort was held in conjunction with breast cancer awareness and fundraising activities took place in schools throughout the month of October. 46

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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Academy Girls’ Cross Country Wins State Championship

The Montgomery Academy Girls’ Cross Country team earned back-to-back Alabama High School Athletic Association state championships at the Oakville Indian Mounds Park. The Lady Eagles placed five runners in the top 15 with junior Taylor Gerard leading the team with a time of 19:54. She was followed by sophomore Kaylee Quinn, senior Drake McGowin, eighthgrader Maggie Chambers and seventh-grader Kate Harris. The Boys’ team took third place with freshman Jack Barganier (17:12) finishing second with sophomores Jack Anderson and Taylor Dockery securing places in the top 15. The Lady Eagles competed in the 1A-2A division and have won five state championships in the last seven years. Shown, for the past five state championship wins, MA XC runners have posed with the “blue” trophy on the bridge at Oakville Indian Mounds Park while spelling “WE 1” with their fingers. Keeping up the tradition are, from left, Alice McGowin, Emily Peirce, Krisie Stakely and Maggie Chambers.

Macon-East Classes Visit Clanton Pumpkin Patch

Ms. Thomas and Mrs. York’s classes from Macon-EastMontgomery Academy enjoyed a fun-filled, educational day at the Grand Ole Pumpkin Patch in Clanton. They rode a covered wagon down to a real pumpkin patch where they saw actual pumpkin vines and the pumpkins that grew there. They also noticed the sprinkler hoses throughout the patch and were reminded that pumpkin plants need a lot of water to grow. The students realized that sliding down a giant slide might just cause enough friction to blister an elbow or two! They noticed all of the honeybees pollinating the beautiful sunflowers, and got to pet and feed some very interesting animals, such as Jacob the four-horned sheep. The students even explored Native American teepees and tried to imagine what it would have been like to have lived in one.

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R Trinity Seventh-Graders Make Cells for Life Science Class

For the past two weeks, Mrs. Jackson’s 7th-grade Life Science class at Trinity Presbyterian School has been studying the structure of cells. To reinforce the concept, the seventh-graders designed and built their own cells. They could choose between an animal or a plant cell and had to find a creative way to show the structures and organelles. When the students brought their creations in, there were many different interpretations. Students used anything from clay, styrofoam and Legos to edible ingredients like candy and cakes. This fun project is one of the highlights of the year in Mrs. Jackson’s class. The cell projects are currently on display in the Trinity Middle/Upper School Library.

Adams Named Montgomery Academy Homecoming Queen

Homecoming 2012 at The Montgomery Academy was filled with dress-up days, door decorating, float building, pep rallies and a parade. The week ended with Sarah Ross Adams being crowned Homecoming Queen and the MA Eagles’ 42-28 victory over LaFayette. From left are Olivia Rush (Freshman), Sarah Paige Massey (Junior), Megan Thompson (Sophomore), Sarah Catherine Hook (Senior), Corrie Tankersley (Senior), Sarah Ross Adams (Senior and Homecoming 2012 Queen), Miah Brooks (Class of 2012and Homecoming Queen 2011), Mary Elizabeth Massey (Senior), Garrett Barnes (Junior), McEachern Foy (Sophomore) and Annah Peeples (Freshman).

Catholic Termite Football Team Wins Rebel Bowl Against Lowndes Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s Termite Football team (2nd - 4th Grade) won the Lowndes Academy Rebel Bowl recently. The Montgomery Catholic Knights beat Lowndes Academy 26-0 in the first game. The Knights were victorious in the championship game by the same score, defeating Southern, 26-0. The team is coached by Bruce Johnson, Rod Bach and Jason Morehouse. The Montgomery Catholic Termites have been undefeated 6-0 so far this season. Montgomery Catholic Termites are: Spencer Bach, Owen Beesley, John Berryhill, Brennan Binns, Ethan Binns, Austin Cleghorn, Harrison Downes, Jacob Downes, Will Driver, Will Gooslin, Hunter Hodges, Will Holderfield, Dean Johnson, Hollis Johnson, Cameron Koepele, John McLennan, Caleb Morehouse, James Franklin Saliba, Shawn Sponsler, Grant Smith, Alex Snowden, Riley Swain and Jake Talbot. Montgomery Catholic Termite Cheerleaders are: Alyssa Decker, Savannah Decker, Devan DeRamus, Cecilia Hoffpauir, Blair Huffman, Emily Klinger, Alexis Meshok, Emily Riggles, Maggie Stewart, Sophia Taylor, Danielle Willcox and Cacey Williams. www.montgomeryparents.com

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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STJ Robotics Team Receives Second Place in B.E.S.T. Contest

In their first year of competition in all five phases of the B.E.S.T. (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology) Contest, the Saint James School Robotics Team was awarded second-place honors, in addition to earning an invitation to the Southâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s B.E.S.T. Regional Competition. Competing against area schools including LAMP, BrewTech, and Montgomery Catholic, Saint James finished in second place in the Seeding Round to compete in semifinals and finals. The team was awarded Third Place for Most Robust Robot. Along with the Robotics component of the event, the school competed in four additional areas, winning Second Place for Engineering Notebook, Second Place for Webpage Design, Third Place for CAD Design Notebook, and First Place for T-shirt Design. In all, 19 Saint James students participated at some point during the six-week competition, with ten students responsible for the majority of the work. Members of the STJ Robotics and Pre-Engineering Class are Grayson Rutherford, Duncan Blackwell, Shaun Lewis, Matthew Garnett, Hayden Tan and Hayden Cavanaugh. Other students who assisted with different phases of the robotics competition include Sahil Patel, McLean Stewart, Matt Murray, Ben Graves, Cassidy Alwan, Russ Daniel, Justin Lee, Jessica Fuentes, Robbie Bradford, Riley Kuenzel, Lindsey Engles, Katie Bonner and Clayton Allen. Vicky Eichelberg is the Robotics and Pre-Engineering Class instructor. Additional Saint James faculty members providing support are Dr. Amanda Ousley, Evelyn Shoults and Lonny Harrison. The students now begin preparations for the participation in the regional Southâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s B.E.S.T. Competition in December. Standing with their array of awards from the B.E.S.T. Competition on Oct. 13 at Smiths Station, Saint James Robotics Team members are all smiles. From left are Duncan Blackwell, Sahil Patel, Hayden Cavanaugh, Shaun Lewis, Grayson Rutherford, Justin Lee, faculty team sponsor Vicky Eichelberg, Matthew Garnett, Hayden Tan and McLean Stewart. Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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MA Seventh-Grade Students Enjoy Interdisciplinary Unit The Wright 3 Day is an exciting day of interdisciplinary study for seventhgrade students at The Montgomery Academy. The day-long program is based on their study of the book, The Wright 3, which chronicles the story of three sixthgrade students inspired by their teacher to save a Frank Lloyd Wright house scheduled to be dismantled. Organized by seventh-grade faculty, The Wright 3 Day relates different elements of the book to studies in English, history, math and science. The students began the day with an abstraction presentation from math teacher Richard Armstead, in which he examined works by artist Piet Mondrian and his use of geometric shapes. History teacher Susan Riley then discussed the concept of stained glass windows with students, which was followed by a session of creating their own stained glass projects. These activities were chosen because stained glass windows and the shapes that compose them play an important role in

the novel’s unfolding. Next, architects John and Lida Sease were brought in to discuss architecture with the students and explain how working with their clients is similar to the way Frank Lloyd Wright worked with his clients. The students then gathered in Wilson Theater where drama teacher Scott Bowman taught them about Alfred Hitchcock and the use of suspense in his movies and in drama. This led up to a viewing of the Hitchcock movie, Rear Window, which mimicked the characters viewing of the same movie.

Seventh-grade teachers also organized activities for the students that related to the study of the book both before and after The Wright 3 Day. English teacher Caroline Sease had students complete “Wright 3 Challenges,” which are assignments that involve writing but also include exercises that relate to other aspects of the book, such as solving codes, observing spaces around campus and drawing floor plans. Life science teacher Denise Tinney also brought the book into her classroom after The Wright 3 Day by showing a CSI clip to students that parallels the movie Rear Window. The students spent the class period studying observation and crime scene investigation. Shown, architect Lida Sease discusses blueprints with seventh-grade students.

Trinity Kindergartners Visit Marco’s Pizza, Fresh Market

To wrap up their study about communities, the Trinity Presbyterian School kindergarten class went on a field trip to Marco’s Pizza and The Fresh Market in the Perry Hill Road Shopping Center. Marco’s Pizza owner and State Representative Jay Love talked to the kindergarten class about communities and citizen responsibilities. Marco’s manager Chris took the students into the kitchen and showed them how to make pizza using the equipment needed to run the restaurant. Students were very impressed that the refrigerator was big enough for the whole class to fit inside! Students and chaperones were treated to fresh, delicious pizza and drinks. After their visit to Marco’s Pizza, the students walked down to The Fresh Market. Manager James Besler greeted each child with his very own reusable shopping bag that included coupons and a bottled water. He then took students on a tour of the store where he taught them about healthy eating. Besler taught the children about produce, including the fact that eggplant is a fruit--not a vegetable. The students were given samples of apples and bananas to add to their shopping bags. Besler quizzed the students on fun facts and correct answers were rewarded with gift cards to The Fresh Market. The students learned more about these businesses and how they contribute to the community. Shown, Marco’s Pizza owner and State Representative Jay Love with Mrs. Allen’s Class from Trinity. www.montgomeryparents.com

Homeschooled Students Visit Taylor Crossing

Several homeschooled children ranging from ages six through 12 visited Taylor Crossing Animal Hospital for a recent educational tour to complete their unit on animal studies. While on their tour, the kids received education on pet safety. Dr. Zeb King also demonstrated an actual otoscope and ultrasound procedure, before showing several X-rays taken of abdominal obstructions and other disease states. The tour was topped off with the kids enjoying a visit through the boarding facility and viewing the Doggie Day Care dogs showing off their latest swimming moves in the bone-shaped pool. Shown are Dr. Zeb King, Samantha Kyser, Lilly Stagg, patient model, Emmy Bostic, Alea Bostic, Kassidy Roberts, Olivea Bostic, Emma Oster and Kyle Roberts. Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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This is a wonderful time of year, full of celebration! It encourages me to reflect on all the things I have in my life to be thankful for. One of the things I am very thankful for is the opportunity the people of Autauga County have given me to serve as their superintendent of education. Every day I strive to make the educational experience better for our children. I want to share with you our fiveyear capital improvement plan. This is a fluid document that gives us a solid blue print for capital improvement in Autauga County. We have $270,000 programmed for upgrades, renovations, and improve-

ments at schools throughout Autauga County for 2013. For the years 2014 and 2015, we have allocated $768,000 to be used for upgrades, renovations, and improvements. In 2014 we will be investing $67,000 in information technology. Additions at various schools are planned for 2015. For 2016 and 2017 we have programmed a total of $988,000 in upgrades and renovations. We have already started our planning for next year. We have teams working in many areas including what type schedule our high schools will operate on next year. Any changes from a seven-period day will require board action. I cannot say I am pleased with our calendar this year, but it was the best we could produce considering the short turn-around time and restrictions placed on us by the legislature. This is another

area we have started working on for next year. I am pleased to report that our financial situation is improving. This improvement has allowed the board to approve $62,000 to purchase a math textbook for every student in grades three through five. I am anticipating a huge improvement in closing out last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finances, and I anticipate being able to purchase the math text books for our sixth graders. I hope each of you has a great holiday season. We truly have so many things to be thankful for, and living in Autauga County is one of them. Spence Agee is the Superintendent of Education for Autauga County Schools. He is a third generation educator with an ED.S. in Educational Leadership. He has 16 years of experience in the education field as well as 25 years of military experience. Agee is an active member at First Baptist Church in Prattville. He and his wife, Cesily, who is also an educator, have two daughters, Abby and Addison.

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PCA Collects for Charities During Red Ribbon Week

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Prattville Junior Wins Art Award at National Fair

The Alabama National Fair Student Art Exhibit has given its second place award for the 11th-grade division to Anthony Sanderson of Prattville High School. Sanderson is a junior who enjoys all types of art, especially drawing. Toni Toney is his art instructor.

Prattville Christian Academy hosted a successful 2012 October Red Ribbon Week again! The theme this year was “The Best Me is Drug Free!” During the Red Ribbon Week of October 22-26, PCA staff and students raised money through various participation themes in an effort to give back to the community while remembering to stay away from drugs. Each charity was the theme of the day during the week, and the students enjoyed wearing special hats, sports shirts, and contributing toiletries and canned goods to raise money for the respective organizations. PCA students raised $731.65 for the Arthritis Foundation, $462.80 for the Adullam House, $258.46 for the Autauga Interfaith Care Center, and $757.38 for Children’s Hospital of Alabama. They also donated canned goods, personal care items, and toys for these charities. The total amount raised was $2,210.29! PCA students are encouraged to serve others, and this week exemplified giving to and serving others. During the check ceremony, the students were thrilled to see how their efforts paid off and how others can benefit through giving. From left with the respective checks are: Alice Davis Blake with Children’s Hospital, Denise Brown with Autauga Interfaith Care Center, Hannah Powell with Adullam House, Lisa Hemphill with the Arthritis Foundation, and PCA fourth-grader Savannah Nelson.

Prattville High Robotics Team Competes in Smiths Station The Prattville High School Prattbotts Robotics Team competed on October 13 in the War Eagle Warp XX Robotics Competition at Smiths Station High School. Also competing were twenty-three other teams including the veteran robotics programs of Stanhope Elmore High and Wetumpka High. This year’s theme revolved around nanotechnology and space elevators. Unlike past years, this year’s theme dictated that the robot be able to climb a pole carrying objects to the top. After qualifying for the tie-breaker round, the Prattbotts team robot placed 13th overall. This year, the relatively new team also decided to participate in the BEST Award competition. One component of this competition is the CAD, or Computer Assisted Design, category in which Xavier Brown won first place. BEST Robotics is a nationally recognized program for middle and high school students where they engage in the study of engineering, science and technology while they create a remoteMontgomery Parents I December 2012

controlled robot for competition. This competition begins in August and runs for six weeks. During the kick-off portion of the season, each team is given a returnables kit and a consumables kit to use to create and build their robots. Teams must use only approved materials to create their robot and the structure of the robot is designed and built by the students. Additionally, students are provided with software programs like Solidworks to use to design CAD drawings as well as the use of robot programming software such as EasyC, RobotC and MatLab Simulink. Teams may compete in an optional portion, the BEST Award, which is comprised of several parts: the project engineering notebook, a marketing presentation, a team exhibit and interview, 53

spirit and sportsmanship, and the performance of the team robot. Members of the 2012 Prattboots Robotics Team from left are: Baile Ellender, team sponsor Alyson Hahn, Kameron Seward, Jason Cook, Kaitlin Russell, team sponsor Cindy Mitchell, team sponsor Kristen Abney, Alex Ho, Xavier Brown, Drew Kunkel and Chris Connors. Not pictured are: Zack Cook, Kristen Gleaton, Moira Offord, Miranda Paulk, Alex Smith, Nicole Russell, Bri Millican, Allie Wright, William Mitchell and team sponsors Rob Russell and Spencer Bryant.

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PHS Freshman Academy Staff Attend Team-Builders

PHS Freshmen Participate In Science Labs

Prattville High School Freshman Academy biology students participate in many labs to increase achievement and to meet the needs of all learning styles of students.

New Hope Students Participate in Halloween Activities

In preparing to open the Prattville High School Freshman Academy at the beginning of this school year, staff members attended a team-building activity and professional development day. This provided an excellent framework for how the Freshman Academy would be organized, as well as various expectations and academic endeavors.

Prattville Pre-AP English Students Compare Literature

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Prattville High School Freshman Academy pre-AP English For Halloween, teachers and students read pieces students at New Hope Academy of literature and comparticipated in a few schoolwide pare works of various activities, such as face-painting, authors in Socratic Circles. Students must pumpkin carving and learning lead these conversaabout the holidayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history. Facepainting was the biggest hit and students enjoyed becoming cats, vampires, or tions and debate their point of view. just having pumpkins painted on their faces.

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As we are in the midst of the holiday season, I believe this is a perfect time to express my thanks for several gifts of achievement provided to our school system by our talented students, teachers, administrators, and

community members. I am thankful for the students who are part of my Superintendent’s Advisory Council. At a recent meeting, these young people and I reviewed the mission and vision of our school system and enjoyed an engaging discussion about our strengths and areas for improvement from their perspective. Students are our clients and this roundtable discussion provides invaluable information to me as the leader of this school system. I am thankful for our teachers and students who spent an entire Saturday recently

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

participating in an Advanced Placement test study session at Wetumpka High School as a part of our A+ College Ready Program. How exciting it was to witness firsthand these hard working individuals busily engaged together in rigorous preparation. I am thankful for the remarkable achievements of our students in our drama programs. Our high schools participated in the annual district Trumbauer Festival for theatre this fall. Thirty-seven of 38 events were recognized as at least “excellent.” Twentyfive of these events will proceed to the state festival in Florence. I am thankful for the ongoing remarkable achievements of our Robotics teams here in the county. Congratulations to the Wetumpka High School Robotics Team for taking 1st Place Best Award in the recent competition held in Lee County. The next step is competing for the South’s Best, which will include at least 50 teams from several states. Stanhope Elmore High School took home honors from this recent competition as well. I am thankful for community partners like the Wetumpka Depot Players who

recently provided a traveling production of Wiley and the Hairy Man on the campus of Wetumpka Elementary School. Not only did this folktale production provide delightful entertainment, but aligned beautifully with our classroom curriculum as well. I am thankful for the future leaders of our school district as we see the continued growth of our Leadership Academy for Aspiring Administrators. I am excited that our neighboring school district, Tallassee City Schools, has joined us in this year’s class as well as we seek to prepare future administrators for the challenges and practical realities of leading a school campus. Here in our school district, we have been truly blessed by these gifts of achievement from our students, teachers, community, and administrators. Bravo for a job well done! Dr. Jeff Langham is the Superintendent of Education for Elmore County Schools. Now in his eighth year as the system’s leader, he has a total of 27 years of experience in the field of education. Langham is an active member at Landmark Church in Montgomery. He and his wife, Ginny, a nurse educator, have one daughter, Weldon.

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Wetumpka Softball Holds Diamond Run January 26

Please join the Wetumpka High School Softball Booster Club for the 2nd Annual WHS Softball Diamond Run on January 26, 2013, to benefit the WHS Softball team and the Elmore County Food Pantry. This year we will offer something for the whole family...Kids’ Fun Run and 5/10K as well as a Half Marathon all starting and ending at Wetumpka Middle School. All participants will receive a T-shirt and swag bag if registered before Jan. 11. Awards will be given for overall winners in the 5K and 10K as well as by age in the Men’s and Women’s divisions. Awards for the Half Marathon will be first, second, and third for Men and Women. All participants will be entered in multiple door prize drawings after the race has ended. All Half participants registered by Jan. 11 will receive a medal. Time limit for the Half is four hours. Map of route will be posted. All runners/walkers are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to help restock the Elmore County Food Panty on the day of the race. Parents with children will be allowed to leave their children in a kid-friendly area that will be overseen by race volunteers. For questions, please contact Debbie Carswell, race coordinator, at 202-5791 or debbiecarswell@gmail.com

Victory Class Enjoys Zoo Field Trip

Mr. Nolin’s third-grade class from Victory Baptist School had a chance to observe animals up close at the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Museum recently. Students viewed animals from five continents: North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia. The zoo’s newest attraction, Zoofari Skylift, gave the students the opportunity to view the zoo from above. Students also got the chance to feed parakeets in Parakeet Cove, an open-air aviary housing more than 500 parakeets. By the end of the day, the students had collected plenty of new data for their science notebooks.

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Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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Wetumpka High Excels At Robotics Competition

On October 13, Wetumpka High School Robotics, Inc. team members awakened early to travel to Smith’s Station, Alabama, to compete in the War Eagle B.E.S.T Robotics Competition with 24 other teams from our robotics hub. B.E.S.T. (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology) is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization devoted to promoting science and technology, with its focus on younger generations. The Auburn hub met at Auburn University on August 30 to receive instructions and materials for construction of their playing field and robot. The team quickly scrambled to get everything done in the six-week time constraint, which helped members to rally together as a team for preparation of Warp XX. Many tasks that had to be completed before game day included: constructing a robot, writing an engineering notebook, creating a functioning Web page, building a team exhibit of a space elevator, and designing a marketing presentation to explain that Wetumpka’s product, the WHS Space Enterprise, would be the best investment. Not all schools participated due to the lack of an operational robot, and while

that’s not the total sum of the competition, it’s a requirement. WHS Robotics, Inc. had its own share of difficulties in that many modifications were made during the last week. For example, the robot was too heavy; during practice it fell and had to be repaired, causing the drivers to have

less time to practice. However, the team’s spirit never died and members were able to overcome these obstacles. The setup of the competition was much like a football game: many bands were scattered throughout the gym, cheerleading groups rallied teams to their feet, and competitors waved encouraging signs

Holtville Elementary Dines in Oz Style!

Wetumpka Student Helps Earn Money for Humane Shelter

Holtville Elementary School celebrated Halloween in a unique way. The lunchroom staff transformed the new cafetorium into “The Wizard of Oz,” along with the characters serving lunch to the children. Shown are Dorothy, the Lion, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and Glenda the Good Witch.

Redland Kindergarten Classes Celebrate Thanksgiving

Redland Elementary kindergarten students dressed up as Native Americans or Pilgrims the week before Thanksgiving. Parents were invited to come eat a Thanksgiving feast with their child. Afterward, the students rotated to different kindergarten classrooms for various activities on life long ago. Students from Stacey Turner’s class are shown. Montgomery Parents I December 2012

throughout the day. Next door to the gym was a room labeled “the pit,” which was designated for any last-minute modifications and/or repairs to the robot. The high school’s cafeteria was used as a display room for each team’s own interpretation of the space elevator. There was everything from an elevator with famous robots in history (like R2D2 from Star Wars) to actual moving elevator doors. During the preliminary competition of the event, WHS went from 7th, to 6th, to 4th place, and advanced to the finals. It was in finals that Wetumpka had some very successful robot rounds to add to its other total point accumulation. WHS added another notch in its belt of wins by achieving its seventh straight year winning the overall competition. Other awards included: first place in notebook; first place, team exhibit design and construction; second place, marketing presentation; second place, spirit and sportsmanship; third place, robot; third place, team exhibit and interview; third place, most photogenic robot; and third place, founders award robot design.

Tabitha Cox, a second-grader at Wetumpka Elementary School, spent a recent Saturday helping employees at the Taylor Crossing Animal Hospital raise money for the Elmore County Humane Shelter. The business held a yard sale offering free nail trims for donations. The event raised $160 and Taylor Crossing Animal Hospital matched the funds raised. Rea Cord, Elmore County Humane Shelter director, was pleased to accept the funds. www.montgomeryparents.com

Edgewood Senior Collects Coats for Kids

Redland Third-Graders Perform Halloween Play

Edgewood Academy senior Chandler Thornton spearheaded a coat drive called Coats for Kids at her school. The students at Edgewood were asked to donate new or very gently worn coats in any children’s size. During the two- week drive, 155 coats were donated. These will be given to the Welcome Center in Millbrook for families that demonstrate need. Any student who brought a donation will be allowed to participate in a special Pajama Day at Edgewood.

Third-graders in Misty Trussell’s class at Redland Elementary performed the “World-Record Pumpkin” play on October 31 for kindergarten, first- and second-grade classes in the school library. From left are Drew, Avery, Rebekah, Christopher and Chase.

Redland First-Graders Hold Election Day

Redland Elementary first-graders held their very own Election Day to coincide with the day their parents chose their pick for United States president. Some of Kellie King’s students are shown filling out and submitting their ballots.

ARIS Students Participate In Mock Presidential Election

The month of November gave Airport Road Intermediate School students two opportunities to understand what it means to be an American citizen. For one, American citizens of age get to vote. Since third- and fourth-graders are not 18, they can only vote in a mock presidential election organized by their teachers. Students presented voter identification, were given a ballot to mark, and dropped it in the ballot box. After votes were counted, President Obama won the popular vote. ARIS students also observed Veterans’ Day with a “Wall of Heroes” in the lunchroom, displaying photographs of loved ones who served or are serving in the military. Students have learned that their freedom is precious and protected by members of the military. Students are shown respectfully touching an American Flag. The large flag, now retired, once flew over Robinson Springs School (1926-1999).

Holtville Ornaments Are Tribute to Alabama

Mrs. Driscoll, an intern in Mrs. Wheeler’s second-grade class at Holtville Elementary School, joined with the Holtville High School FFA department to guide the second-graders in making Christmas ornaments for the Governor’s Mansion. The ornaments reflect the agricultural community of Slapout, Alabama. The students filled the ornaments made by the FFA department with cotton, corn and other crops grown in the area. These ornaments will be on display at the Governor’s Mansion for Christmas tours on December 3, 10 and 17 from 5 until 7 p.m.

Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com. www.montgomeryparents.com

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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Park Crossing, off Ray Thorington Road www.montgomeryparents.com

Rolling Into the Holidays!

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

You’d think that with school out for the holidays most families would spend less time on the road. But it seems to be a universal commonality that the rush of Christmas sends us on more lastminute errands, grocery trips, and family visits than ever. The kids are our passengers as we zip from one destination to another – kids who are (hopefully) patient with all of our comings and goings. As this holiday season drives up, there are a host of hot kids’ items rolling up, gift ideas that put them in the driver’s seat for a change. The following rolling toys let kids take the wheel and set a course of their own choosing …and I’m betting the grocery store is not on their trip list until at least January.

by Paige Gardner Smith

Rock, Roll ‘n Ride Trike

Team UmiZoomi: Come and Get Us Counting UmiCar

(Fisher-Price)

Just like shopping for a real car, you look for the vehicle that’s going to grow with you and get the best mileage. The same applies to the Rock, Roll ‘n Ride Trike from Fisher-Price. This adjustable trike starts its journey as a rocking ride, with a wide base that locks on for stable rocking suited for young tots - until they are road-ready. Then, when junior is ready to hit the street, the rocker base easily swings around back becoming an extra-long (finally!) handle that allows parents to stroll and guide from behind. With a parent controlling the pace, the young driver can develop his pedaling and steering skills. As the driver grows, in confidence, size and motor control, the parent handle can be removed, and vehicular independence is gained. From tot to toddler to Team Indy, this trike gets the mileage you’re looking for in a new vehicle.

(Fisher-Price)

Nickelodeon’s popular Umizoomi has spawned a fantastic little remote control car that responds like the car in the show! The ‘Come and Get Us Counting UmiCar’ teaches numbers and counting as well as introducing shapes, patterns and comparison thinking to preschool age kids. With Milli and Geo characters along for the ride, it’s your child who’s really in the driver’s seat with a super-easy remote control that moves the car forward, backward, or spin – as well as controlling options for the car to sing and count (forwards and backwards). You can’t beat the educational mileage kids will get with the UmiCar, but who’s counting. Your kids are counting – that’s who!

Switch & Go Dinos

Pillow Racers

We expect a lot from our cars, and kids should expect the same from their toys. Sometimes you want a car or truck, and sometimes you want a dinosaur. Why not have both – in one transforming toy? VTech agrees, and offers up the Switch & Go Dinos series where colorful vehicles with lots of customizable sound and light functions easily adjust into an awesome dinosaur. LED screens let the child choose different eyes for the dinosaur, or in vehicle mode, choose various drivers. The vehicle mode offers auto sounds and effects, while the dino mode presents over 50 unique sounds and phrases. From car carrier to Brachiosaurus, from sports car to Triceratops – kids can hit the swtich and call the shots with this versatile vehicle series.

Little ones love their first rideon toy, so much sometimes that it’s hard to get them off it. Pillow Racers offer a lovable alternative to the straight-up hard plastic riding toy. The racers feature a soft washable pillow seat in a variety of themes from ladybug and unicorns to turtles and dragons. The overstuffed shaped pillow seat attaches with strong Velcro to a rolling base (360 degree wheels) with an easy grip handle. As a riding toy, it’s cute and comfortable and takes corners like a champ! And when ride time is over, the character pillow removes easily for cuddling and carrying along when rolling along isn’t an option. The Pillow Racers really do go everywhere… and should!

(Little Trikes)

(VTech)

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

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Montgomery Parents I December 2012

The

Living Christmas Tree

December 7 • 7 pm December 8 • 4 & 7 pm December 9 • 4 & 7 pm

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For tickets, call 334.241.5156 or order online at www.montgomeryfbc.org No offering will be taken during the presentation. $5 per ticket suggested.

Celebrating the Joy of Christmas 305 South Perry Street | Montgomery, AL 36104 | 334.834.6310 | www.montgomeryfbc.org

Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship You are invited to this very special experience for the entire family.

3:30 & 5:00 pm | Main Sanctuary Montgomery Parents I December 2012

www.montgomeryparents.com

21 Questions

Jump-Start Conversation With Your Kids by Lara Krupicka

It’s evening. Maybe you’re lucky enough to be sitting around the dinner table as a family. Or perhaps you’ve got a few moments in the car with your child between activities. So you ask, “How was your day?” But all you get are grunts and shrugged shoulders. Instead you try asking, “What did you do in school today?” This time you get the customary one-word answer: “Nothing.” What’s happening here? You’re simply trying to connect with your child. And while it seems like he’s brushing you off, he may just be trying to disengage from school business. And your questions prevent that. Or he’s so used to the queswww.montgomeryparents.com

tion rolling off your tongue as a form of greeting, that he doesn’t think you expect a real answer. Rather than push harder for answers to your standard end-of-the-school-day questions, why not try some new conversation primers? Here are 21 ideas to get you rolling: 1. Tell me something that made you laugh. 2. Who did you encourage today? How? 3. Who encouraged you? What did they do? 62

4. If you had a “do-over” button, which part of your day would you press it on? Why? 5. What are you glad for? 6. Is there anything you missed today? What do you miss about it? 7. Name something you are proud of.

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Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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10.Who did you sit with at lunch today? What did you talk about?

Visit with Santa before the show on December 22!

11. What do you look forward to next week/ weekend/month?

Nov. 23–Dec. 23

12. Name something you’re good at now that you weren’t last year. What makes it easier? 13. What’s one thing you’d like to learn to do someday? 14. What’s one thing I could do for you or say to you that would make you feel good? 15. Who do you admire in your class? What do you like about them? 16. When you approach school, who did you look for first? Why? 17. Tell me about one thing you learned today. What makes it interesting? 18. What do you hope to do tomorrow? 19. What part of your day do you wish lasted longer? 20. What’s the best thing about your teacher(s)? 21. What don’t most people at school know about you? For fun, write each question on a slip of paper and place in a container near the dinner table or in your car. Each evening pick out a question from the container to ask. Invite your child to add questions of his own to the mix or let him create his own container of questions to ask you. Take turns answering the same or different questions. If all else fails, try posing this final question and see if your child can begin building the bridge from his side of the conversation: What question do you wish I would ask you after school? Some tips on creating an atmosphere that encourages dialog:

Based on the novel by Charles Dickens, Adapted by ASF’s Producing Artistic Director Geoffrey Sherman

A Magical New Twist on the Holiday Favorite! The snowy London streets ring with carols that set the stage for Dickens’ magical tale of hope and redemption. Join us as the ghosts of the past, present and future reawaken Scrooge’s

• Don’t machine gun multiple questions at your child at once. It’s best to only ask one or two questions to get conversation going. Then stop and listen.

conscience. A great family outing to brighten your holiday.

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• Be prepared to answer any question that you ask. And be honest in the answers you give. You and your child can both learn more about each other and what goes on in your day when you create an atmosphere of safety and openness. • Listen carefully to your child. Reflect back what you hear her say. Acknowledge any emotions implicit in the communication. mp

www.ASF.net

/alabamashakes

Coming Soon!

Starting January 25

Lara Krupicka is a contributing writer.

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

1-800-841-4273

www.montgomeryparents.com

Menu Planning

A Way to Save Real Money by Marla Cilley

We may think it is going to take too long to develop a menu plan for our family. We wait until the last minute to even begin to cook something for ourselves and our family. As a result we throw in the dish towel before we even open the refrigerator door, and we head for the first drive-thru. This drains our pocketbooks and adds unwanted pounds to our bodies. Do you know how much money you have been spending on food for your family? This means in the grocery store and eating out.

Most of our income is spoken for by fixed payments: utility bills, phone bills, house payments, car payments and credit card payments. When it comes down to saving real money the only place we have any wiggle room is in our food expense. A little planning today will keep the money in the bank instead of it slipping through your fingers as you pay your toll at the golden arches. Here is a simple way to make your menu plan: Keep a food calendar. All you have to do is pencil in what you had to eat every night. This will help you to build your menus for a week and this is a great start. We are all creatures of habit, so use these family

habits to help you build a routine for your meals. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s use Sunday as an example. Do you go out to dinner or do you fix a big family meal. If you cook, is it pot roast or chicken? How about Friday night? Are you beginning to see a pattern to your meals? This is why I like to have a theme to each meal for every day of the week. It can either be the type of meat you are cooking as the main course or how you cook it...the grill, crock pot or casserole. Or you could have a country theme... Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Greek, American, or Plain ole southern country cookinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. You can have some real fun with this and teach your children how to cook at the same time. Each night you could have a different Kid Chef. You would let your children help decide on the menu, make the grocery list and then help prepare the meal. There is no better way to help a child learn about nutrition and real food. Just teach your child to make a salad and watch them ask for seconds. Knowing what you are going to cook is half the battle. The other half is having the food in the house so you can pull it out of the freezer or pantry and fix it. If you have to go to the store you might as well just pass those arches again. This is why having a day set aside to plan menus, take inventory of your refrigerator as you clean it out and then go grocery shopping will help you enjoy cooking with your family again. You will be surprised at how much fun it is to cook when your kitchen is clean, your sink is shining and you have food in the house. Are you ready to feed your family and save money by getting back in the kitchen?

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For more help getting rid of your CHAOS, see her website and join her free mentoring group at www. FlyLady.net. Also check out her books, Sink Reflections, published by Random House, and her New York Times Best Selling book, Body Clutter, published by Simon and Schuster. Copyright 2012 Marla Cilley. Used by permission in this publication.

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Montgomery Parents I December 2012

Local Ballerinas Selected for Moscow Ballet’s Nutcracker

Moscow Ballet soloist and audition director Svetlana Todinova came to Alabama to audition young ballet students for children’s roles in the Moscow Ballet’s Nutcracker, including party guest children, mice, angels, butterflies and snowflakes. More than ninety children from studios in the tri-county area auditioned. Six aspiring local ballerinas landing some of those roles were students from C.J.’s Dance Factory. The 20th Anniversary production of The Great Russian Nutcracker was performed on November 19 at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Above from left are Paige Mason, Sarah Wainwright, Hannah Emfinger, Amelia Robbins and Mikella Anderson. Molly Acre is not pictured.

‘Pearl Girls’ Enjoy Pajama Bash

Pink and Pearls for Girls recently had a pajama bash. The girls played games and enjoyed a western hoedown dinner. Afterward, they wrote appreciation letters to the veterans in honor of Veterans’ Day. If you would like to become a Pearl Girl, call Grace Smith at 561-5091.

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Family Karate Center Kids Send Their Instructor to Afghanistan with Huge Party

This month was a tough one for the Family Karate Center kids of all ages as they threw a big party for their instructor, Mr. Mark Chandler. Mr. Chandler, who has a wife and 4 children, was supposed to test for his second degree black belt in September when he got the news that he would be deployed to Afghanistan with the US Air Force. Master Carole Smith, Chief Instructor, said that the entire school would miss her assistant instructor as he traveled far away to serve in the Air Force, but that they could not be more proud of his service! The Tigers (ages 2-4), Dragons (ages 5-7) and the Eagles (ages 8-11) gathered together a lot of goodies for a party packed with a good luck cake, brownies, Filipino food, and a lot of love and well wishes that Mr. Chandler return home QUICKLY! The Family Karate Center salutes all its military families and wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season! Call today for more info on our school with military discounts offered everyday! 334-467-5762 or 334-220-9319. Also, The Family Karate Center hosts a Parents Night Out each month on Friday nights. There are G rated movies, pizza, games, demonstrations, dance contests, hula hoop contests, bag kicking contests and a chance for parents to get out and SHOP for Christmas without children! There are adult chaperones there, and the doors are locked until you pick your children up after your shopping or GREAT date night! Next night out is December 21st, 6:00 until 9:30 pm. Call 334-467-5762 or 334-2209319 to reserve your spot today.

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Montgomery Parents I December 2012

www.montgomeryparents.com

Stick a Pin In It!

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Holiday Crafting

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with by Jan Udlock

Are you crafty by nature or do you want to just try a simple craft with your kids? No problem. Pinterest is great resource for both types of crafters to give you ideas with actual pictures of the craft and links to the instructions. And with the holidays, this is a great time to start.

Benefits of Pinterest

Pinterest is a virtual cork board filled with images where you can search and sort for crafts, recipes, fashion, home décor ideas www.montgomeryparents.com

and more. You don’t have to skim through text when you’re searching for a holiday craft idea. It’s all visual. “You can tell right away if it is something you are interested in without having to wade through hundreds of search results,” says Melissa Haak, mother and blogger.

Make a Holiday Board

Join Pinterest by opening an account and select a few topics which will become your boards. “You don’t need to have an account or boards to search on Pinterest, but you’ll need 66

an account to save them so you can come back and find them again,” says Haak. By default, you’re given several boards pre-named things like “For theHome” or “Cool Places I’ve Been”, etc. Rename your boards with simple themes like ‘Holiday Crafts’. This makes it easier for you to find your pins by category, and for others to search and find your pins. You can itemize each type of craft by having a board named “snowpeople”, “wreaths”, or “ornaments”...or you may want only one holiday craft board. After you’ve set up a few boards, let the searching begin. You can search by topic/ Montgomery Parents I December 2012

category or just scan through the home page. When you “like” or repin an image, another window will pop up showing you who/ where else this pin has been stored. You can then click someone else’s board based on similar pins. You can also see who else’s boards they follow, and click onto those boards. By picking areas of interest, Pinterest will show you people who have similar interests. You can use the search box on the top left with words like “Winter crafts for kids” or “Christmas ornament crafts”. Haak suggests you use specific words at first and see what shows up. If this is your first time with Pinterest, you will be amazed with the variety of cute, clever crafts that are extremely simple to try. The pictures themselves can be quite enticing. You will have to play around with the search feature and see what works best for the craft you are looking for. After you’ve logged on to your account, hover the cursor over the red Pinterest and you’ll find broad categories like DIY/Crafts and Holiday/Events. “Searches will bring up one of three types of results: 1. Pins 2. Boards and 3. People,” says Wendy Manganaro, Founder of Social Abundance Marketing.

When you find a craft that you’d like to try, click on it twice and you’ll be taken to the website where the pin originated from with supply lists and instructions for the craft. If you want to save the pin, click on the pin and then it will take you to a drop down screen with your various boards. Select your holiday board and click “Pin it!” You’ve pinned your first pin. If you follow a crafty blogger, she probably also pins on Pinterest so you can look her up by searching for her name on Pinterest. Unlike Facebook, you can follow people without asking permission. If you find an adorable picture of a craft and want it to be the board cover which is like an album cover (think facebook photo albums), hover the cursor over the board and click. Pinterest will walk you through how to change it. Changing your board cover is similar to changing your Facebook cover.

Pick a Small Project

If you’re a bit reluctant to try Pinterest because it can be overwhelming at first, just start with one goal in mind. Pick one subject like snowflakes, wreaths or manger craft. Utilize Pinterest as an image search engine, double clicking on pins that look fun and be

taken to the site to determine how involved the project will be.

Warning

Like any online game or interest, looking at Pinterest can become a time suck. “Give yourself a time limit on how long you’d like to look at Pinterest before you start, so you actually will have time to do some of the things you are pinning,” suggests Wendy Mangaro. You also don’t have to make every craft you pin this year or ever. Some crafts are just cute and will motivate you to create other crafts. Also, keep in mind that your boards are not private and anyone can look at your board.

Winter Ideas, Too

And remember that after the holidays, there’s a lot of down time for you and your family. Winter craft ideas are abundant on Pinterest. Have your child select a few crafts that she’d like to do after you decide what’s age appropriate for her. Pinterest becomes simpler after you dive in and play around with it. It’s a great organizational tool and resource and will provide you and your kids with hours of ideas. mp Jan Udlock is a freelance writer, mom of five and might have just found another vice, Pinterest.

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Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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2012 Capital City Christmas Parade

2012

Holiday Happenings in the River Region

The City of Montgomery would like to invite you to the 2012 Christmas Parade. The lineup will begin this year at the Capital steps to Court Square Fountain. The event will be held Friday, December 7th at 6:00 p.m. A limited number of parade entries will be accepted. Registration deadline for float signup is November 28, 2012. Schedule of Events: 5:15 p.m. - Governor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Capitol 6:00 p.m. - Capitol City Christmas Parade 7:30 p.m. – Montgomery Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony; All questions about a parade entry and parade festivities should be directed to Carol Gunter at (334) 241-2726 or cgunter@montgomeryal.gov. Visit www.montgomeryal.gov for entry forms.

Christmas Open House

December 15, 1-5 pm; Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum, 919 Felder Avenue. Join us for refreshments, video and tour of period decorations. Donations requested. Call 264-4222. Please visit us at www.fitzgeraldmuseum.net.

Montgomery Aldersgate UMC Christmas Events

6610 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Sunday, December 2, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Family Advent Adventure and Chrismon Service. Crafts and fun activities for the family. Sunday, December 9, 11:00 a.m. Christmas Musical Drama. Sunday, December 16, 6:00 p.m., Praise Singers Concert and Sing-a-long carols. Call for reservations. Saturday, December 24, 5 p.m. Christmas Eve Service Communion, Carols and Candlelight. For more information call the Aldersgate music ministry office at 272-6152.

14th Annual Lights of Love

Dec. 6th, 6 p.m. For a contribution of $15 or more to the Jackson Hospital Foundation, a light will be placed 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. Contributions will benefit the Women and Children’s Department at Jackson Hospital. For more information, call 293-8106.

“A Christmas Carol” at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival

Through December 23. The snowy London streets ring with carols that set the stage for Dickens magical tale of hope and redemption. Join us as the ghosts of the pasts, present and future reawaken Scrooge’s conscience. A great family outing to brighten your holiday. Recommended for children ages 6+ and up. Prices starting at $30. Please visit us at www.asf.net.

A Christmas to Remember

Isaiah’s Restaurant and The Butterfly Inn present, “A Christmas to Remember,” Saturday, December 15th 7-11 p.m. at 135 Mildred St in historic downtown Montgomery. Join us for magnificent lights, holiday music and delicious food. $20 per person. Horse and carriage rides also available. Bring the children Sunday,

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Annual Christmas Production at Pilgrim Rest

December 8: Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church,1436 East Washington St., will host its Annual Christmas Production, by the Youth Dept. Join them as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Call 462-3048.

Annual Holiday Light Festival the Montgomery Zoo

December 6-9, 13-31; 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Thousands of Christmas Lights illuminate The Montgomery Zoo in shapes of animals and Christmas themes. See the beautiful displays by train or by foot. Enjoy live entertainment, food, gifts and pictures with Santa.Free for members, Cost $12 for children ages 3 and up, which includes a train ride. Age 2 and under are free. For more information please call 240-4900.

AUM Holiday Market

Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Taylor Center 230 Come complete your holiday shopping at the annual AUM Holiday Market, featuring quality local and handmade goods from area vendors. Items will include candles, jewelry, body products, knitted goods, pet supplies, arts and crafts, and much more. Admission is free. AUM classes will not be in session, so parking will be free and plentiful. For info, call 334-244-3642.

Candlelight Harpischord Chamber Concert

Wednesday, December 12; 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Christchurch, 8800 Vaughn Rd. You are invited to Christchurch’s free concert of sacred and secular music. The 45 minute performance will feature instrumental and vocal pieces performed by the church’s chancel choir and soloists from the church as well as outside professionals. The free concert in the church’s sanctuary will begin at 6 p.m. It will be followed by a champagne and dessert reception in the parish hall. Reception tickets, which are $20 each, will be available by calling 334-387-0566 after November 1st. Proceeds from the reception will benefit the Christchurch Pipe Organ Fund.

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December 7-8, 14-16, 21-22 Family Friendly; Boards at 6:30 p.m., Cruises 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., $42.95 per adult & $22.95 per child. This cruise will include dinner, entertainment and Santa! Cash Bar. Please visit us at http://www.montgomeryal.gov.

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Cottage Hill Candlelight Tour

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December 16th, 5-8 p.m. and enjoy cookies and hot apple cider in a joyous winter wonderland. $2 per adult. Call 334.265.9000 for reservations.

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Celebrate the Year of Small Towns and Downtown during Cottage Hill Historic Foundation Tour of Victorian. December 9, 3-6 p.m.; Starting location: 550 Martha Street, Montgomery. Admission charged- call for ticket information 334-538-3892.

Eastern Hills Baptist Church presents 8th Annual “Hanging of the Green”

Sunday, December 2 from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. Also featuring: Youth Choirs, Drama, Celebration Ringers (hand bells), Ensemble, Narration, Interpretive Movement and more. Come help us ring in the Christmas season celebrating the hope found in the Christ Child! Come early for a good seat – No admission charge Eastern Hills Baptist Church, 3604 Pleasant Ridge Road, Montgomery, AL (in the Forest Hills neighborhood) Call 334-272-0604 ext. 214 or visit us online, www. ehbconline.com.

Frazer Memorial UMC presents “My Favorite Christmas Card”

in Wesley Hall, December 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. Frazer presents this community wide production, Christmas Theatre. Fun for the entire family! Please call 334-2728622 or visit www.frazerumc.org. Candlelight Worship at Frazer United Methodist December 24 at 5 p.m. in Sanctuary and 7 p.m. in Wesley Hall.

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Get ready to open the holiday season Dec. 20th at 7 p.m. with the 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

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Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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was created in 1950 to carry on the style and tradition of the Glenn Miller Army Air Forces Dance Band. Please call 953-1517 or 953-2014.

Governor’s Mansion Christmas Open House Tours

1142 South Perry Street, Montgomery, 834-3022 The 1907 Governor’s Mansion will be aglow with lights and filled with the spirit of the season. December 3, 10 and 17 from 5:00 until 7:00. 1142 South Perry Street, Montgomery.

Holiday Open House @ Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

December 1st, 1 to 4 p.m.; Free The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts invites you to an afternoon of holiday cheer at the 17th annual Holiday Open House. The day’s activities will include performances by local choral groups and festive studio activities. In addition to these holiday treats, the Museum invites guests to explore the multiple exhibitions on view. Also, be sure to see the Kwanzaa and Hanukkah displays as well as the Museum’s Christmas tree, adorned with hand-made ornaments created specifically for the Museum by Alabama artists. There is no charge for Holiday Open House, but guests are encouraged to bring canned goods for donation to the Montgomery Area Food Bank or a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.

Holiday Pops Concert

December 17th, 7:30 p.m. at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center. Join the MSO for an evening of everyone’s seasonal favorites. Maestro Thomas Hinds and the MSO will perform a wide variety of “holiday classics” with music from both the popular and classical repertories. To order tickets please call the Symphony office at 334-240-4004.

“The Nutcracker”

Montgomery’s Favorite Holiday Tradition for over 37 years presented by The Montgomery Ballet. 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. Come celebrate the holiday season with the Montgomery Ballet as they present this Christmas classic with evening performances at 7:30 pm, December 14th and 15th, and matinees at 2:30 p.m., December 15th and 16th and a 6 p.m. performance on Dec. 16. All reserved seats. Tickets are $15 to $35 for adults. We offer military, senior and student discounts. Prices are dependent on convenience and/or handling fees. Come early to each performance and shop the “Montgomery Ballet Boutique,” where you can find a variety of holiday collectibles and special Nutcracker souvenirs. For reservations, call 334/409-0522 or visit www.montgomeryballet.org.

Old Alabama Town Open House

Thursday, December 6 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. followed by Karren Pell’s show at 7 p.m. An evening of magic as our authentic 19th Century village is illuminated by candlelight and all decked out for the holidays. This family friendly event will showcase hand bell choirs, vocal choirs, and activities and Christmas crafts. Admission charged. 334.240.4500 or www.oldalabamatown.com

The Shoppes at EastChase

Breakfast with Santa Saturday, December 15 and Saturday 22nd at 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Kids can enjoy breakfast with Santa at Panera Bread at The Shoppes at Eastchase. $10 will include visits with Santa and breakfast. Participants must register by Wednesday, December 12. Baking cookies with Santa December 8, 9:00 until 10:00 a.m. Kids can bake with Santa at Williams-Sonoma at The Shoppes at Eastchase! The baking fun will be $5 and participants must register by Wednesday, December 5.

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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Carraige Ride (next to Earth Fare Organic Grocer): Starting Saturday, November 17 - Saturday 2 pm to 6 pm and every Sunday 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. which kicks off November 19th Train Rides (next to Books-A-Million) – Starting Saturday, November 17; Kids can experience the sites and sounds of Christmas with train rides through The Shoppes at EastChase every Saturday from 3 – 7 p.m.

The Sounds of Christmas Presented in Free Concert

Everyone in the River Region is invited to attend a free Christmas concert presented by the Capital Sounds Concert Band with Vaughn Forest Church Celebration Choir on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Hear the sounds of some of the most beautiful Christmas music arrangements; White Christmas, A Christmas Festival, Ava Maria, Hallelujah Chorus and much more. The concert will take place at Vaughn Forest Church at 8660 Vaughn Road in East Montgomery. For information contact Vaughn Forest at 334-277-0362 (Mary James Newsome).

“Tis the Season!” at the Planetarium

Beginning December - This great traces the development of many of the world’s endearing holiday customs, and how they involve lighting up the winter season, from the burning Yule log and sparkling Christmas tree lights, to the lighting of the Menorah and luminaries. It also recounts the historical religious and cultural rituals practiced during the time of winter solstice. not only Christian and Jewish, but also Celtic, Pagan, Nordic, Roman, Egyptian and Hopi. It also takes a look at some of our more light-hearted seasonal traditions: from gift-giving and kissing under the mistletoe to songs about lords a-leaping, and ladies dancing. And the custom of decking the halls with greenery and candles. St. Nicholas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus all drop by as well. For tickets, call (334) 241-4799. Or visit http:// montgomery.troy.edu/planetarium for details.

Troy University Rosa Parks Museum Holiday Open House

December 1 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Come join the Troy University Rosa Parks Museum as we celebrate the holiday season at our third annual Holiday Open House. You will find special gifts in our gift shop, enjoy holiday sounds from an area choir, and create a “renewed, reused, and recycled” holiday ornament and gift jar. Please be sure to bring a can good or non-perishable food item for the Montgomery Area Food Bank. For more information please contact Viola Moten at 334-241-8701.

Just for Kids Santa’s Helpers

Church of the Holy Comforter, Saturday, December 8, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Free child care! Drop off your kids at Holy Comforter while you shop. We will have activities for them, feed them lunch, and help your children make ornaments. When you get back, we’ll help you wrap gifts for free! Bring your camera for a stressfree picture with Santa. Every child will go home with a dozen fresh-baked cookies. Ages 2 – 12. Located at 2911 Woodley Road, under the water tower off the Southern Bypass. For more information, call 281-1337.

YMCA Camp Chandler Holiday Camps

1240 Jordan Dam Road, Wetumpka, Alabama Christmas Camp Dec. 21st - Dec 23rd arriving on Dec 21st at 4-5 p.m. and departing Dec. 23rd at 4-5 p.m. This adventure is for old and new campers (ages 5-15), old and new staff, friends and relatives. Fee: $125 for members and non-members $100 (members) and $115 (non-members), which includes t-shirt and camp store. Call Jeff Reynolds at 229-0031. New Years Eve Bash @ Camp Chandler Dec. 31st - Jan 1st, arriving Dec. 31st at 3 - 4 p.m. and departing Jan 1st at 10-11 a.m. Celebrate New Year’s Eve

Camp Chandler style with “ball drop,” dance, and fireworks. Ages 5 - 15. Parents, let us take care of your children’s fun, so you can celebrate the New Year together. Fee: $40 for members and $50 for non-members.. Call Jeff Reynolds at 229-0031 or log on to www.campchandler.org for more information on all camps.

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Christmas Begins With Christ: An Eclectic Christmas

December 5-9. Come join us in December to experience the true story of the first Christmas. As you make your way to Bethlehem, you will visit the field where shepherds received the angel’s message and news of the Messiah. Then visit the wise men as they journey in search of the New Born King. The walking tours begin December 5-9 at 6:00 p.m. This event will take place at 1733 Claud Road Eclectic AL, 36024, just south of Eclectic on AL Highway 63. Reservations are suggested and may be made by: visiting http://www.fbceclectic. org or please call 541-4444. 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.

Millbrook Christmas Music and Tree Lighting

Millbrook Village Green Stage, November 29 at 6 p.m., Performances by school, church and group choirs and Christmas caroling for everyone. Tree lighting at 6 p.m.

The Spirit of Christmas Parade

Dec 1st, Parade is at 2 p.m., Duration 4 hours. Millbrook’s Annual Christmas Parade will be held on Main LIFEGUARD Street. The theme for this year’s parade is “A Patriotic Christmas”. Activities will be from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Vendors will be set up at Village Green Park; there will

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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. Call (334) 285-7232.

Prattville

Annual Christmas Concert by Prattville Community Chorus and Prattville Pops

Thursday, December 13 at the Glynnwood Baptist Church on McQueen Smith Road. This event is free and open to the public.

“A Blue Annual Christmas Parade”

Saturday, December 1st at 4:30 p.m. Lots of floats, dancers, horses, candy and trinkets for everyone. This is a free, family friendly event. For more information, please all the Prattville Cultural Arts Center at 358-0297.

Christmas at Artistic Expressions

Breakfast With Santa! Dec. 1st, 8th, and 15th at 9 a.m. This event fills up every year, so sign up early. Reservations are required. The total is $20 and this includes a breakfast of muffins, doughnuts, assorted pastries, milk and juice. It also includes an ornament for them to paint. Polar Express Night! Train Banks! Cookies and Cocoa! A visit from the Engineer! Join ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS for Polar Express Night!! Mark you calendars for Saturday, Dec. 1st or 8th at 6:30 p.m. The engineer will be here to read The Polar Express and will have cocoa and paint Train banks. The cost is only $35 and includes everything you need to make a wonderful Christmas memory! Sign up for all events has begun, and spaces fill up fast, call at 285-7878 to make reservations.

East Memorial presents “A Living Nativity, The Gift”

FEGUARD TRAINING

Saturday and Sunday; December 15th and 16th 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. East Memorial Baptist Church, 1320 Old Ridge Road, Prattville invites the Public to experience the birth, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ at a drive-through Living Nativity. Come be counted for the census in Bethlehem, pass through the Town and see the Inn where Joseph and Mary find no room. See the Shepherds in the field where the Angel appears and watch the Wise Men make their way to the trough where Jesus lay. See Him on the Cross and then the glorious Empty Tomb. Admission is free. For more information contact the church office at 334-365-7500.

Free Children’s Holiday Art Workshop Event

December 8, from 10 am 11:30 a.m. or 1 pm until 2:30 pm. Children ages 4yrs to 12yrs will create works of art to keep forever or give as gifts. Children under 5 years must have a parent or guardian with them at all times. Space is limited and reservations are required. To reserve your space or for more information call the Prattville Special Events Office at 334/358-0297 or go to the website at www.prattvilleal.gov.

Special Holiday Exhibit at The Gallery at the Prattville Creative Arts Center

December 2. Featuring works by members of the Prattauga Art Guild including holiday and gift items. This is a free, family friendly event. Admission to The Gallery is Free and it is open to the public. For more information or to set up group or individual tours call 334/358-0297.

Tallassee Holiday Parade

The parade will be Dec. 1st at 10 a.m. Begins at Tallassee Church of Christ and goes thru Central Blvd, Gilmer Ave. down to Barnette Blvd. and end at O’ Brien Football stadium. A Holiday Market in Veterans Park on Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1st. For more information please call 334-283-5151.

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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Lake Martin/Alexander City Annual Hometown Christmas Parade

One of East Alabama’s largest parades featuring elaborate floats, dancing groups, marching bands, horse-riding clubs and Santa Claus highlight. December 3; 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Downtown Alexander City.

Christmas Market

Saturday, December 1, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Children’s Harbor along with Real Island Volunteer Fire Department, Children’s Harbor Lodge Conference Center, Lake Martin. The 7th annual event to raise funds for both organization is a chance to add some fun to your Christmas shopping. Admission is free with periodic drawings for prize giveaways throughout the day. A variety of items will be available such as hand poured candles, mirror art, jewelry, pottery, hand beaded bags, art works, luggage and more. We will have breakfast and lunch food for sale, a bake sale and door prizes. To find us from Wetumpka take Highways 231N and then 14 to 170 then left on 163. For further information, please call 334-857-2021.

Wetumpka

ARRAC Christmas Faire Through December 9th, Thursday thru Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays 12 noon to 4 p.m. at the Arts Center (300 Tallassee St., Wetumpka, AL). The Arts Center Lobby and Hall will be filled with trees and tables to display quality local hand made gifts and decorations. Cost for space is free for members or $20 for non-members. For more information call Theresa Wayne at 334-300-9394, leave a message at the center by calling 334-578-9485 or email Theresa at artistdirector@ arrac.org.

Christmas on the Coosa

December 8: Christmas extravaganza with arts and crafts, parade, food, quilt show, classic car show, entertainment and activities on the Coosa River culminating with a spectacular fireworks exhibition at dusk. Gold Star Park & the Courthouse Veranda, Wetumpka. Booths will begin selling at 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Fireworks immediately following Boat Parade at 5 p.m. . 334-567-1313 or 334-567-4811. www.wetumpkachamber.com.

Christmas on the Coosa Ball

December 15, 7:00pm to 11:00 p.m. at Wetumpka Civic Center.

“A Very Second Samuel Christmas” At the Wetumpka Depot

The Christmas sequel to the beloved play “Second Samuel”. The familiar residence of Second Samuel, GA light the way for a Christmas miracle. December 13-15 at 7:30 and December 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets will sell for $20 by calling box office. Tickets can be purchased by calling 334-868-1440 or online at wetumpkadepot.com. The Depot Theatre is located at 300 S Main Street in the heart of historic downtown Wetumpka.

Wetumpka Christmas Decoration Contest

December 3rd; 6:00 p.m. Businesses and residential. There will be judging to those who have submitted applications. Prizes will be awarded.

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North Pole Express Train Rides Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

“All Aboard” says the conductor, and your journey begins. Through the dark night, the magical train 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. New in 2011 – First class service3 to the North Pole! The Silver Maple and Kayenta railcars will offer first class service- hot chocolate in a souvenir mug, special dessert treat, premium gift and specialized service. Wear your pajamas! The excursion will last approximately one hour. November 30 - December 2, December 7-9, & 14-17. Train departs at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. For tickets and info call 1-800-943-4490 or order online at www.hodrrm.org.

Santa Claus Special Train Ride 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! December 1, 8, & 15. For tickets and info call 1-800-943-4490 or order online at www.hodrrm.org.

Birmingham and North

Christmas Light Show DeSoto Caverns

Through January 1. This special light show celebrates the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and is shown on every caverns tour. desotocavernspark.com.

McWane Science Center ‘Magic of Model Trains Exhibit’

The holidays are picking up steam at McWane Science Center with the return of the Magic of Model Trains exhibit, through January 10. Discover trains of every shape and size inside this popular exhibit which features over a dozen different train displays. Sets include several tiny

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trains that are built to scale with surrounding cities and scenes including the LG&W that depicts central Alabama in the 1950’s. Every set in the exhibit is designed to scale with the size of the trains. The meticulous detail of the scenery including covered bridges, downtown storefronts and of course, several train stations will keep your family entertained for hours! www.mcwane.org

Polar Express Pajama Parties at the McWane Science Center

The Polar Express Pajama Parties have become a holiday tradition for the entire family. Put on your pajamas and treat yourself to hot-chocolate, cookies and milk, and a visit with Santa. Make sure to bring your own camera for photographs with Santa. Special treats will be given to all kids who wear their pajamas! December 8, 15, 22 & 23; 4:30-6:00pm (Movie Times: 3:00 pm). $11 Adults, $10 Children (Members get $1 OFF). Advanced reservations are required. www.mcwane.org

Winter Wonderland! at McWane Science Center

Brrrr! When the weather outside is frightful, McWane is so delightful! Through January 6; Come inside the museum this holiday season and let your imagination be your guide through the new Winter Wonderland exhibits where snowflakes glisten above your head and toy trains zip around the tracks. Inside this holiday exhibit, wonder is in the air as children explore the snow room where everyday they can touch the “almost” snow! Kids’ laughter can be heard as they try to catch fish through the ice. Brave winter wonder seekers can even sled down a giant snow hill between the third and second floors in the museum. Then, skate around the ice pond in your slippery socks. www.mcwane.org.

Out of State / Georgia Annual Fantasy In Lights

The most spectacular holiday light and sound show in the south begins November 16- December 30! Nestled amidst wooded landscape of Callaway Gardens, Fantasy In Lights is the Southeast’s most spectacular holiday light and sound show with more than eight million twinkling lights celebrating the holiday season. This spectacular show has attracted almost two million visitors since it opened in 1992. 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 20, 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! For tickets, www.callawaygardens.com.

Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain

Snow Mountain is Atlanta’s first snow park! Through February 18, 2013. 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! www.stonemountainpark.com mp

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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A Page in a Book

by Paige Gardner Smith

Checking Out the Competition

From seeing who can eat ice cream the fastest to racing a sibling for the elevator button, competition makes an early appearance in childhood and kids are naturals at it. But how they manage the competition can be trying if they don’t know how to balance the spirit of the challenge with the reality that there is usually only one first place winner. Competition among peers is healthy when children are testing themselves or playing a game where fun is the greater goal than ‘the win’. For those “second place” and “also ran” moments in a child’s journey, the following books explore competition in ways that value the spirit of the challenge and the discovery of talents that even a lower place on the podium can reveal.

Penguin’s Hidden Talent

by Alex Latimer (Peachtree Publishing) From the moment the Talent Show is announced, and excitement is high as Penguin’s friends all begin practicing for the big day. Albatross can swallow fish, Bear juggles appliances and Fox can burp the alphabet like a beast! But Penguin can’t seem to find his own talent. He can’t bake, knit or read maps – and he’s starting to feel talent-free as the show approaches. With no showy skill to present, Penguin offers to help with the planning and preparations instead. He post flyers, sends emails and polishes the trophy. The show is a great success, but Penguin’s friends notice he’s not around later to celebrate with the winners. They decide to throw him a party to cheer him up, but they’re not very good at planning and organizing – and that’s when Penguin discovers his hidden talent! This title is a celebration of the behind-the-scenes winners who make the showcase events successful!

The Great Race

by Kevin O’Malley (Walker & Company) Lever Lapin is an insufferable winner. He’s a racing celebrity blowing into town just in time to disrupt Nate Tortoise’s lunch. All the fuss over the loud, bragging hare and his flashy accomplishments wears on Nate to the point he stands up and challenges Lapin to a race. The stakes are high as Nate will have to paint “Lever Lapin is a Genius” on his shell if he loses. Nate prepares as well as he can, but it seems impossible that he can cross the finish line first. And truly, when the starter pistol goes off, Lapin is gone in a flash. He jets almost to the finish and the welcoming crowds where he begins to bask among the cheering autograph seekers. They welcome his boasts and prideful gloating for hours – while a small persistent competitor trots behind the crowd and changes the game. A testament to drive and persistence, even against great odds – The Great Race is a laugh-out-loud poke at poor sports.

Every Cowgirl Loves a Rodeo

by Rebecca Janni, Illustrated by Lynne Avril (Dial Books / Penguin) The county fair is coming to town and Nellie Sue is most excited about the Bike Rodeo that comes with it! She flies on her pink “steed” in practice, and is secretly hopeful that she can be faster than her friend A.J. Pickett (two-time winner of other Bike Rodeos). Nellie Sue and her friends train on their bikes – and when fair day comes, they are ready for all kinds of competitions. They enter the pie-eating contest, play the ring-toss and water balloons – with varying success. But the real event is coming up soon. Nellie takes her two-wheeled horse around the barrels with flash, turning in a great time. She’s in the lead when A.J. takes his turn. But an unforeseen event leaves Nellie with a choice of winning or doing the right thing to keep the competition fair. Kids will appreciate the lessons about friendship, honor and good sportsmanship with this colorful tale from the rodeo! www.montgomeryparents.com

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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Free 24 hour Emergency Consultations

(334) 244-0702 or 1-800-873-2887 www.bradfordhealth.com Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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It’s Your Move!

Relocating with Kids

Home is Where the Traditions Are Maintain consistency in your home by establishing holiday rituals after relocation. Holiday traditions are as fun and varied as the families who create them. For example, Megan Phillips’ family has one of the most unique traditions I know of, yet it’s so simple. “On Christmas Eve we go to church and have dinner. Then we drive around to look at Christmas decorations. When we get home, we have chocolate milkshakes, open one present and track Santa until bedtime,” says Megan. Her family looks forward to their Christmas tradition no matter where they live, and they’ve relocated many times. Traditions are also a great way to maintain consistency and foster a sense of security in a new location – two things that will help your child adjust to his new surroundings. Like the Phillips, you can create your very own tradition to accommodate everyone in your family, no matter where you live. To get you started, check out this mom-tested list of holiday rituals: Grateful Giving: As you’re unpacking moving boxes, you’re likely to find items you don’t need. Ask your child to help you gather unused clothing, shoes, coats, toys and household items. Find a local donation center and give to others in need. Clean out every year to make room for your new Christmas loot. In Your Area: Montgomery Rescue Mission (montgomeryrescuemission.org) accepts a variety of gently used items and will pick up donations at your home. Call (334)-264-0701. The Salvation Army also accepts household items at the following locawww.montgomeryparents.com

tions: 900 Bell St., Montgomery (334) 265-0281 and 702 East Main Street, Prattville, (334) 358-5372. Elf on the Shelf: For such little guys, elves can sure get around. Consider inviting an elf into your home for holiday fun that continues year after year, no matter where you live. Shelf elves have a wide range of personalities. Some simply report to Santa overnight and return to a new hiding spot in the morning, while others get into mischief in the kitchen and travel in the car to visit family members in other towns. Faithful Following: A strong church family can make a huge difference after relocation. Attending a Christmas Eve service each year is a family tradition that can be maintained no matter where you live. And if you’ve just moved, you can use the service as a time to worship and as a time to begin to forge relationships with others in your community. Cookies for Santa: Does the guy in the red suit expect cookies and cold milk when he stops by your house? If so, you’ve got a prime opportunity to create a portable tradition with your children. Bake special cookies together in preparation for Santa’s visit. If you’d rather provide storebought treats, select a special plate and let your kids arrange Santa’s snack. You can use the same plate or recipe each year, even if it’s in a different home in a different town. Don’t forget to leave a carrot for Rudolph! Read Together: The Christmas season is busy. Throw in relocation and your stress meter is likely pegged. Take 76

a few minutes to unwind and read to or with your kids. Select a longer book, like Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, to read as a family for a few minutes each night. Or choose a picture book to read together on Christmas Eve. This tradition is easy to do no matter where you live. Treats for Neighbors: New neighborhood? No problem. The holidays provide a perfect opportunity to meet your neighbors. Get the family to pitch in and make special treats. Package them in festive bags or tins, and head outside to introduce yourself. You can continue the tradition the next year, even if you are still in the same neighborhood. Local Opportunities: If you move frequently, your tradition can be to experience one holiday event that is specific to your new area. Parades, lights displays, museum exhibits and performances at local churches are just a few of the opportunities waiting to be discovered. In Your Area: Check out the Christmas Lights Festival at the Montgomery Zoo (montgomeryzoo.com) or the Capitol City Christmas Parade (montgomeryal.gov). Find many other opportunities in the Holiday Happenings Guide in this month’s issue. The ideas for establishing fun, meaningful family traditions are endless. Not only do traditions grow and mature with your kids, but they create a sense of continuity that is vital during times of upheaval. Best of all, you can tailor your tradition to suit your family exactly. Julie Steed is an Air Force spouse with 10 moves under her belt. Her children have attended 4 schools in the last 4 years.

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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Don’t Let Separation Anxiety Take the “Jingle” Out of Your “Bells” As the holidays approach, separation anxiety becomes more common in dogs. During the holidays pet owners travel, attend holiday functions or act as host to holiday festivities. All require subtle changes to a pet’s regular routine causing signs of separation anxiety or worsening of an already existing anxiety problem. Nothing can be more frustrating than returning home to find your sofa shredded, door scratched, house soiled, or belongings destroyed. Understanding what causes separation anxiety can help pet owners cure the problem. It just takes a combination of “human” and “pet” conditioning. First, pet owners must understand the signs of “separation anxiety.” It often consists of persistent howling, barking or whimpering when you leave, even if your absence is for a short time. The behavior manifests to destruction of property and even house soiling. In some cases, excessive drooling will occur. Without behavior intervention, separation anxiety can develop into other anxiety problems in dogs including noise phobias and body destruction including excessive chewing of the feet or tail. It is the most common anxiety disorder I see, but fortunately easy to prevent and treat. The treatment is not difficult, if the “human” is willing to change some bad habits they have created. It is important for all pet owners to realize, our pet is an animal and has certain “dog instincts” which we will never be able to remove no matter what our dog’s pedigree. NO EMOTIONAL FAREWELLS. Any excitement created before you leave transforms into anxiety for your dog. This means do not get your dog worked up with your emotional farewell. You should treat your departure exactly like to you treat every day activities like laundry, preparing meals or opening the mail. I doubt pet owners make a big deal about these activities. The best farewell is done when you get your keys and leave. Believe it or not, this type of “goodbye” is healthier for you dog’s psyche than the “emotional” farewell many dog owners give. PROVIDE A SPECIAL TOY. Before your departure, leave a “special” time consuming treat like a food filled kong toy. This distracts your pet from your departure and gives him/her something to do while you are away. NO EMOTIONAL RETURNS. Ignore your dog when you return if he/she meets Montgomery Parents I December 2012

you with uncontrollable excitement. Ignoring your pet can be tough, but it is needed in order to confirm to him/her that it is a normal activity when you return. Once your dog has settled down then give him/her attention. DOGGIE DAYCARE. Consider a fun and interactive doggie daycare if you will be leaving for long periods of time during the day. A good program should provide a safe and loving environment that emphasizes exercise and socialization. ALONE TIME. Encourage your dog to play with his/her toys without you. This gives them the security of knowing they can still have fun when you are away. EXERCISE. A build up of stored energy can cause multiple behavior problems in a dog. When owners leave, their dog acts out because he/she does not know what to do with built up energy. If you do not have time to exercise your dog daily, consider enrolling him/her in a reliable doggie daycare program. MEDICATION. If your dog suffers from severe separation anxiety your veterinarian may suggest a medication that increases

serotonin production. However, medication is meant to facilitate a behavior modification program not replace it. Holidays are a time for you and your family to enjoy each other. This often means normal day to day routines change. Pets must understand this change is temporary and not a big ordeal. To ensure a smooth transition exists when separation is necessary, remember leaving and returning without emotion is critical. Also, provide several bouts of exercise daily to offset a build up of excess energy. For many pet owners, doggie daycare programs provide an excellent option for exercise and socialization. By providing a little “human” and “pet” behavior modification, hopefully you can prevent separation anxiety in your companion friend and keep the “jingle” in your “bells” ringing this holiday season. Article provided by Dr. Philip Mitchell, one of the owners at Taylor Crossing Animal Hospital. He graduated from Auburn University’s School of Veterinary Medicine and has been a practicing veterinary medicine for over 25 years.

www.montgomeryparents.com

Meet the 2012

Families of the Year Edited by Alison K. Rouse

For 24 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 five families from Alabama’s River Region were honored at a special ceremony at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts on November 11. In addition to the Family Guidance Center and Montgomery Parents magazine, sponsors of the program include: WSFA, Aronov, Sterling Bank, 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 270-4100 or visit www. familyguidancecenter.org.

The Bettie Barnett Family

At 77 years old, Bettie is the Barnett family matriarch. Widowed at a young age, she raised six children as a single parent in public housing. Now those six children, including sons Leon, 54; Gerald, 51; and Joseph, 44; and daughters Charisse, 48; and twins Wanda and Sonya, 45—are all productive members of society who hold bachelor’s and master’s degrees. One of the most important things Mrs. Barnett instilled in her children is to put God first, then family, then self. A spiritual person who has never wawww.montgomeryparents.com

vered in her Christian faith, she is a longtime member of Saint James AME Church, where she is loved and respected by all. From young ages, the Barnett children learned to work individually and collectively. They helped each other in daily household chores, as well as working together to clean up after holiday parties and family cook-outs. “You would never know a family of seven who could keep a household so spotless,” Barnett said. Today, with her children living across several states, she still knows that she can depend on their help, such as with a recent hospitalization. Son Leon and daughter Sonya are the closest in proximity, but they can easily count on the advice, financial assistance and helping hands their siblings will provide in a family crisis. Through each of the Barnetts’ individual journeys in life, all have remained committed to their Christian faith, the one thing that keeps them together as a strong family unit. They are all successful as community leaders, engaged in civic activities, performing volunteer work and helping to make their community stronger. Mrs. Barnett has been their role model all these years, still serving as a commissioner with the Montgomery Public Housing Authority and Resident Council President for the Richardson Terrace Neighborhood Association. She champions daily for things that improve the quality of life for all residents in public housing. Over the years, she has developed a rapport with county commissioners, city council members, the mayor and members of the Legislature.

The Sang & Sherry Chung Family

Nominated by family friend and fellow church member Melanie Wallace, the Chung family has inspired others through its perseverance and determination to follow what Sang and Sherry felt was their calling. Before Sang was even an official United States citizen, he decided to join the U.S. Air Force and has since 78

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been naturalized. Upon meeting and marrying Alabama native Sherry, the couple had four children and settled in Wetumpka. Sherry homeschooled their children and became a regular volunteer with the Adullam House, a home for children of incarcerated parents. In 2009, the Chungs decided to adopt a child from Korea, but they had to wait approximately a year after completing the paperwork before hearing anything. By the time they received a call about a little boy, Sang was faced with either re-enlisting or retiring from the Air Force. Faithful that God would provide their needs, he chose retirement and the family welcomed Joshua into their home. Sang began a contract teaching position with the Air Force and the family soon decided to adopt again. This time, church members helped raise funds through yard sale donations and other support. Sang’s contract teaching position expired and he spent a few months pursuing a career in Texas that didn’t work out. The couple once more stepped out in faith and flew to Korea to bring home Savannah, who makes their sixth child. They’ve converted their garage into a bedroom, their dining room into a bedroom and have two children attending Faulkner University. Sang is training for a new career with Edward Jones, demonstrating to his children that all things are possible through faith, love and the willingness to work hard. Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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The Sandy & Leanne Harrell Family

The three children of Sandy and Leanne Harrell have received excellent guidance from their parents’ example. The Hayneville residents have been and continue to be actively involved in the football and cheerleading programs at Lowndes Academy, as well as heavy involvement in Hayneville Christian Church. Sandy coaches the Lowndes JV and varsity football teams, Leanne serves as the church choir director, son Stewart and his wife Sarah are youth Sunday School teachers, daughter Kristin volunteers as the Lowndes JV cheerleading sponsor and as a church nursery worker, and son Drew assists his father with the JV and varsity football teams. Cathie Leverette, who first met the family when her son entered Lowndes Academy as a sixth-grader in 1992, said she appreciated the extra time Coach Sandy took with her son, who had never played football before that school year. “He instilled the knowledge in his players that with hard work and determination, all goals are achievable—a work ethic that has followed my son in life well beyond his football career,” she said. “Now as a lieutenant in the Montgomery Fire Department, he leads others in much the same way he was led in those early years.” Carmen Gray’s daughter is on the Junior Varsity cheer team led by Kristin Harrell. Not only does Kristin spend a significant amount of her time working one-on-one with the cheerleaders, inspiring them to do their best, but she sees that the girls are involved in community outreach as well. An example of this commitment is taking the cheerleaders to the local nursing home to visit with residents. “I am proud my daughter has someone like Kristin to be such a positive example in her life,” said Gray. Montgomery Parents I December 2012

Montgomery residents Paul and Allison Russo are the proud parents of five children: Michael, 10; Kolbe, 9; Gabe, 8; Matthew, 6; and Anna, 4. The family is very active at St. Bede Catholic Church, where Paul has taught catechism classes for several years and Allison recently organized a project aimed at raising money to help care for impoverished children of Uganda. She plans to visit Uganda this fall on a mission trip to help distribute these funds, while Paul will care for the family. In addition to involvement in the children’s school both as a room mother and a PTC officer, Allison works with the COPE agency, a non-profit group aimed at helping to counsel and support women through crisis pregnancies. She is also a team manager for the Capital City Streaks soccer club, of which three of her sons participate. Paul finds time to coach and assist in recreational soccer teams through the YMCA. The Russos make time to give to many organizations, across a variety of situations, and in generous ways. The family is in fact in the planning stages of adopting a child from Uganda. The Russos’ generosity is reflected within their children, who are kind, considerate, friendly and achieving.

**Russo photo provided by Grace Photography.

The Jason & Gina South Family

Particularly during the last year, the South family has learned strength through trying times. When Jason and Gina’s oldest son Crispin was diagnosed with appendicitis, his operation had to be delayed because the appendix had abscessed. Following lots of prayer and antibiotics, he had surgery. The very next day the family received word that they had been selected to adopt an eightmonth-old baby girl in Texas. Gina stayed with Crispin at the hospital for another week while Jason and the two younger boys, Duncan and Liam, went home to prepare for the new baby! Once Crispin was released from 79

the hospital, the family jumped right into fundraising and focusing on bringing baby Juliet home. The little girl was born three months premature with drugs in her system, so she continues to meet regularly with a speech therapist to help her stay on target developmentally. Teamwork is the name of the game in the South family. Jason and Gina both have a teaching background, so they encourage their children to do their best in every area,

whether it is education, sports or local theatre. Members of the family have appeared in various Alabama Shakespeare Festival and Faulkner Dinner Theatre shows, and Jason has directed several plays at Faulkner. The Souths also encouraged Gina in a recent job change when she became the state director of the Alabama Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers. Other community involvement includes active membership at Vaughn Park Church of Christ, where the family participates in Bible class, youth group and small group Bible study in their home. Jason and Gina sing on the praise team and Jason and Crispin work in the puppet ministry during children’s church. The Souths are also a licensed foster family through Agape and had the opportunity to foster a baby boy prior to adopting Juliet. As Gina is half Hispanic and half Native American, she teaches her children to embrace diversity and helps teach others about diversity as well. She and Jason host an annual “Indian Day,” where she dresses in traditional Choctaw clothes and teaches the children about the Choctaw way of life. Since she is also an attorney, she was very involved in educating the Hispanic community about HB56 and has done pro bono family law. Even the boys are getting an early start toward helping others, through selling lemonade to raise money for Agape, making get-well cards for sick friends, or mowing neighbors’ lawns…for free! mp www.montgomeryparents.com

Public Library Events MONTGOMERY CITY-COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Storytimes

Juliette Hampton Morgan Memorial Library (Main Branch) 245 High Street 240-4991 Preschool Storytime Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. in the auditorium December 6 Christmas Counting Counting Christmas Barney’s Christmas Surprise

Children’s Department For Read-a-Book Day the Children’s Department will have Carver Elementary and Arts Magnet Choral at 10 a.m. in the auditorium. We will also have storyteller and author Judith Glenn at 11 a.m. There will be a craft to go along with Mrs. Glenn’s stories.

Read-a-Book Day Activities 10 a.m.: Carolyn Chambliss and her Dixielanders Jazz Band will play a variety of Christmas music. 10:30 a.m.: Mrs. Joyce Brown, librarian at Seth Johnson Elementary, reads Christmas stories. 11 a.m.: Ventriloquist Tammy Chavers and friends will entertain with humorous stories.

Coliseum Branch 840 Coliseum Boulevard 271-7005 Preschool Storytime Thursdays, 10 a.m.

11:30 a.m.: The “Jolly Old Man” himself, Santa, will make his appearance, read a story, and hand out candy.

The Berenstain Bears and the Nutcracker Make paper ornaments

Galaxy Readers Book Club For children in 4th-6th grade who have read the book and wish to discuss it. Tuesday, Dec. 4 @ 4-4:45 p.m. Path of Beasts by Lian Tanner (Final book in The Keepers Trilogy). Rufus A. Lewis Branch 3095 Mobile Hwy. 240-4848 Preschool Storytime Wednesdays, 10 a.m.

Hampstead Branch Library 5251 Hampstead High St., Ste. 107 244-5770

December 13 We all want to have friends! The Playground Snake Rain, Rain, Go Away Craft – Rabbit masks

Baby & Toddler Time Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. An early learning & literacy program designed for children ages 6 months to 3 years

Happy Holidays December 27 No Story Time

December 20 Christmas is near! Twelve Hidden Days of Christmas The Night Before Christmas Craft – Reindeer masks

December 5 Nursery Rhymes: “Georgie Porgie,” “Come, Follow” and “Jack Be Nimble” Signing “bird”

December 12 The Night Before the Night Before Christmas Mary Engelbreit’s A Merry Little Christmas: Celebrate from A to Z Let’s Make Christmas Cards

Morgan’s Young Adult Department “Celebrating the Joy of Reading @ Your Library”

December 27 No Story Time Today Happy Holidays! (See you January 10, 2013)

December 12 Nursery Rhymes: “This Little Piggy” and “To Market, to Market” Signing “fish”

December 19 Little Miss Spider: A Christmas Wish Christmas Morning 2012 Calendars Handed Out

December 8 10-11 a.m. Author Judith A. Glenn from Birmingham shares her personal experiences with the students. She will discuss and read from her books, Voices, Manassas Please Slow Down and Don’t Cry For Me. 11-11:30 a.m. Author Quebe Bradford will discuss In the Absence of My Father with young adults. Educating today’s youth is one of Quebe Bradford’s strongest passions. She teaches English to high school students in Montgomery, Alabama. 11:30-noon. Aretha Bettis president of Divas 4 Divas will read Twelve Days of Christmas. Refreshments will be served!

Governor’s Square Branch 2885-B E. South Blvd. 284-7929 Preschool Storytime Tuesdays, 10 a.m.

December 19 Nursery Rhymes: “There Was an Old Woman” and “Diddle, Diddle, Dumpling” Signing “fan”

Rufus A. Lewis Library Ms. Stringer’s Storytime Hour

December 4 Mischievious Mice Day If You Take a Mouse to the Movies One is a Feast For a Mouse Puppet craft.

December 26 No Baby & Toddler Time Happy Holidays!

December 20 Merry Christmas from Max & Ruby Max’s Christmas A Merry Bunny Christmas

Morgan Reference Department Julie Hedgepeth Williams will present A Rare Titanic Family, the Caldwells’ Story of Survival. www.montgomeryparents.com

Baby & Toddler Time will resume January 9, 2013.

December 11 Holiday Surprises Day Corduroy’s Christmas Surprise The Night Before Christmas Coloring Page

Pre-School Story Time Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. Children 3 and up December 4 Hanukkah (Dec. 8-16) Bubbe’s Tales Hanukkah coloring sheets

December 18 Holiday Movie Day December 25 Holiday…No Storytime Governor’s Square Branch

December 11 Christmas (Dec. 25) Madeline’s Christmas 80

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December 18 Kwanzaa (Dec. 26 – Jan. 1) Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa Weave paper placemats

December 6 Join-in Stories for the Very Young Will You Be My Friend? Bears Don’t Swim Craft – Chick masks

December 13 Christmas Gifts The Last Christmas Present Chester’s Presents

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December 5 Holiday Coloring Pages Provided While Individual Pictures Taken For 2013 Calendars

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Mon., Dec. 3 & Wed., Dec. 5 “Movie Day” How the Grinch Stole Christmas Activity: Christmas coloring sheets Wednesday, Dec. 12 Snow A Merry Christmas Corduroy’s Christmas Little Whistle’s Christmas Little Rabbit’s Christmas Mon., Dec. 17 & Thurs., Dec. 20 Christmas Carol Singing Day Wednesday, Dec. 19 Teen Book Club Meeting

Read-a-Book Day Readers & Performers •Commissioner Elton Dean, Sr. Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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•Tonya Terry of WSFA News •Sergeant John Mackey •Commissioner Jiles William •Solo by Latitia Stiener •New Canaan’s Youth in Action Choir •God’s Gifted Girls Praise Dancers of New Canaan •Jonathan Avent & PNC Staff •Activities and Gifts for the Children •Pictures with Santa E.L. Lowder Branch 2590 Bell Road 244-5717 Preschool Storytime Fridays, 10:15 a.m. December 7 How Do You Know? Christmas Craft Activities Saturday Special Event *****December 8***** Read-A-Book Day 2012 Saturday Morning @ 10:30 a.m. Come and trim the tree with us and all the other stuff! Caroling, Santa, Christmas puzzle, hot cocoa, cookies, and lots of Christmas fun! We will be making Christmas Ornaments for the Tree. Join us and have a holly jolly good time!

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December 14 Emily’s Christmas Gifts Christmas Craft Activities

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December 21 & December 28 *****No Story time***** Have a Happy and Safe Holiday!

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Bertha Pleasant Williams Library (formerly Rosa L. Parks Branch) 1276 Rosa L. Parks Ave./240-4979 Pre-School Story Time Tuesdays, 10 a.m. December 4 Let’s Celebrate Hanukkah! December 11 Let’s Celebrate Christmas! December 18 Let’s Celebrate Kwanzaa! FUN FOR ALL AGES! Saturday, Dec. 8 @ 10 a.m. Holiday Open House Join us as we ring in the Holidays with songs, music, dance, readings, and light refreshments! December 1-31, the Bertha Pleasant Williams Library has a reading group for tweens and teens on Facebook! Books are tween and teen centered, but adults

are welcome! Book discussions will begin on the first day of each month. Send a message to or post on the our Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/MCLMCCPL for more information or to join.

The Teen Book Club will discuss Matched by Ally Condie

The iRead with Expression Facebook Group will discuss The Familiars by Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jackson.

Pintlala Branch 255 Federal Rd., Hope Hull 281-8069

Pine Level Branch 20 Kohn Dr., Pine Level 584-7144

December 6 @ 11:25 Pre-K Santa Duck Craft: Santa Face, Count down to Christmas

Writing Out Loud The Bertha Pleasant Williams Library has a writing group on Facebook! Writing Out Loud provides a safe environment for self expression with positive feedback and encouragement. Send a message to or post on our Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/MCLMCCPL for more information or to join.

December 8 @ 10 a.m.-noon Read-A-Book Day Celebrating the Joy of Reading @ Your Library Lots of Family FUN! December 11 @ 11:15 K Mother Hubbard’s Christmas Craft: Make Mouse Reindeer

Pike Road Branch 9585 Pike Rd. / 244-8679 Story Time for ages 3-7 Mondays at 4:15 p.m.

December 20 @ 11:25 Pre-K The Bear and His Cub Craft: Christmas Cake Walk

December 3 Turkey Claus

Pintlala Branch Library Holiday Open House December 8 * 10 a.m. – noon “Celebrating the Joy of Reading” Guest readers Antha Taylor and Mary “Butch” Moseley will share Christmas stories. Bonnie Stanfield has a holiday origami creation just for you. Margie Poole will assist children with creating holiday-related craft items. Katie Faulkner will aid the children in music and fun for a chance to win cakes. Laquisha Thomas will create holiday artistry. Jackie Freeman will show the children how to make a holiday ornament. Jessica Hines will share sweet treats. Jazzmine Gardner is coming with cupcakes to decorate. A Surprise Guest? Refreshments Door Prizes

December 10 Pete the Cat Saves Christmas December 17 Llama Llama Holiday Drama The Night Before the Night Before Christmas Family Movie Time Thursday, Dec. 6, at 4 p.m. Hey, kids and grown-ups, come on over to enjoy a movie and some popcorn. The best part is the admission cost: FREE! Holiday Open House and Read-A-Book Day Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. until noon. Join us for readings from special guests, a Christmas craft, a free photo opportunity with Santa, and food provided by the Friends of the Pike Road Branch Library.

Ramer Branch Library 5444 State Highway 94 (334) 562-3364 Preschool Storytimes Tuesdays, 10 a.m.

Tween and Teen Book Clubs The Angry Dragons: A Book Club for 4th-6th Grade Wednesday, Dec. 12 @ 4:15 p.m. The Angry Dragons will discuss a Dragon Pick! Check out the library’s website to find out what it is: http://www.mccpl.lib.al.us/ montgomery/eventspikeroad.asp

December 3 Angelina’s Christmas December 10 ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

Teen Book Club: For 7th grade and up Wednesday, Dec. 5 @ 4:15 p.m.

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

December 17 How Santa Lost His Job 81

Ramer Branch Library Read-a-Book Day Christmas Stories and Crafts with Ms. Kalila Brooks, kindegarten teacher at E.D. Nixon Plus, Mr. & Mrs. Claus will make a special visit! The Drama Club from DunbarRamer School will put on a special Christmas production! Author Eddie Phillips will talk about growing up in Montgomery in the 1960s!

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240-4987 -- Juliette Hampton Morgan Memorial Library 240-4850 -- Rufus A. Lewis Regional Library 244-5179 -- E.L. Lowder Regional Library (334) 562-3411 -Ramer Branch Library

AutaugaPrattville Library 254 Doster Street, Prattville Call 365-3396 or visit http://www.appl.info

Preschool Storytime Tuesdays at 10 a.m. P.A.W.S. dogs Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Reading Clubs for 1st-6th grades Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Millbrook

3650 Grandview Road Call 285-6688 or visit http://library.cityofmillbrook.org/ Pre-school Storyhour Thursdays at 10 a.m.

Wetumpka

212 S. Main St. (next to Wetumpka Depot) Call 567-1308 or visit www.wetumpkalibrary.com Preschool storytimes Tuesdays & Fridays at 10 a.m. December 4 & 7 Reindeer December 11 & 14 Snowmen December 18 & 21 Christmas December 28 Grab Bag www.montgomeryparents.com

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Stay Connected

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to Your MIDDLE Schooler

by Sara Marchessault

Remember middle school? Those happy years when childhood starts to melt away and the promise of being a teenager sits on the horizon? With changes in height, voice, skin, and hair, we watch our children as they are initiated into the wonderful world of hormonal change. But middle school is about more than hanging out at the mall and dealing with parents who are no longer cool in the eyes of their kids. Being in middle school also means rising expectations, both in the areas of academics and personal responsibility. It’s important for us to remain connected to our kids, which can be hard if they want nothwww.montgomeryparents.com

ing to do with us. Middle school-aged kids need the love and support they had as small children, they just need us to change the way we deliver that love and support. The pre-teen years are just another challenge for parents, like potty training or tying shoes. Here are some ideas for staying connected to your middle schooler and continuing to be a positive influence.

Cook together. We all have to eat and food preparation is a skill that often passes through the generations. Maybe it’s time to see if Grandma is willing to share her secret recipe for homemade pesto and make it with 82

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your middle schooler. When cooking something new you get to learn the ins and outs of a new dish, and you get to make mistakes and problem solve. Make this a monthly or weekly ritual, take turns picking recipes, and see how your relationship can grow.

Start a book club. If your middle schooler is inclined to engage in literary delights, see what they do with the idea of a book club. Make sure they get to select the book you read and work together to decide who you’d like to invite into your club. Or keep it just mother/daughter or father/daughMontgomery Parents I December 2012

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

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

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Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

We’ve do put Itogether everything you’re looking for in a perfect“I saw camp onemy of Why choose Riverview each summer? mysetting! first river Recognized on a mountain,as I rode

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

Golf,times Dance, Dance, Outdoor Sports, Soccer,use Beach Volleyball, Basketball, “As go,Stomp it was one of the BEST.”Skills AndClass, what child couldn’t some of that these days?

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

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

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

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

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

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Sara Marchessault is the former owner of a summer camp for middle school girls. She has spent many hours getting to know middle school girls, listening to their dreams and their fears, and encouraging them that their parents are not really the enemy. When she isn’t playing with her own kids, Sara is a writer, professor, and coach.

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Engage in a service activity.

Service learning is gaining in popularity and it’s not surprising why. Young people who participate in a service activity are gaining

Share a journal. Did you keep a diary or journal when you were a kid? Was it the safe place you wrote your secrets? Maybe you still keep one now. A journal is a space where we can reflect openly and honestly. A shared journal gives you and your child an opportunity to write back and forth to each other. There are many people who communicate better through writing than in face-to-

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a location for a trip. Talk to them about options for places to visits, how you’ll get there, what sort of budget you have for the trip, and what you’ll do when you reach your destination. Allow your child to make a few of the major decisions and watch them get excited about doing something special for the family.

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Plan your next family trip together. Invite your middle schooler to select

leadership skills and a work ethic. Other benefits include the satisfaction of giving back and participating in an activity that gives them a time to shine. The result can be boosted confidence and a feeling that their efforts in the world make a difference. This can have a huge impact on the self-esteem of any young person!

face conversation. We can put more time into what we want to say when we write and we may be even a little more honest. Enhance your communication with a few ground rules that you make together, primarily that the contents are private, only to be shared between specific people, and you can decide if the topics brought up in the journal are open for face-to-face discussion. Adding the dimension of written words to your relationship can help it to blossom now and in the years to come. Engaging your middle schooler and allowing him or her to express an area of interest is a worthwhile task. Have fun and enjoy your child where they are in their life now! The middle school years won’t last forever, but our nurtured connections will lay the groundwork for a lifetime of happily shared experiences. mp

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Middle school-aged kids need the love and support they had as small children, they just need us to change the way we deliver that love and support.

ter - even if it’s just the two of you, it’s still a club. You could meet in someone’s home or make it a special night out where you dress up and enjoy a fancy dinner discussing the merits of the latest novel. And the best part? You can discuss underlying themes that present themselves in the book, such as those that question morals and values. Books are a great way to initiate conversations that might otherwise be difficult to get started.

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Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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Family Calendar Ongoing Ala. Dept. of Archives & History

Exhibit galleries include children’s gallery and a reference room for genealogical and historical research. Hands-On Gallery includes Granny’s Attic where you can try on clothes, uniforms, shoes, try an old typewriter, sit at an old school desk or experience making a quilt square. Discovery Boxes are filled with all kinds of Alabama history. Numerous handouts, videos on Selma to Montgomery March, Helen Keller, Mardi Gras and more. Photographs of Helen Keller on display. The Archives museum galleries are FREE to the public. Hours are Mon.-Sat., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Please note: The Research Room is only open the 2nd Saturday of each month. 624 Washington Ave., Montgomery. Call 242-4435 or visit www.archives. alabama.gov. Alabama River Region Arts Center in Wetumpka has weekly after-school Arts Clubs which meet on Thursdays from 4-5 & 5-6 p.m. There are three clubs: Guitar (acoustic), Clay (polymer, ie “sculpy”) and Painting/Drawing. Each Club is $20 a month. Students for Guitar Club must be 10 years old, but 7-year-olds are welcome for the other two. Clubs are limited to the first 10 students, for one month. While children are in Arts Clubs, parents are welcome to stay and browse our Gallery or Resource Library, or just wait in the kitchen with a soda! Studio space is also available on a lease basis. The Pottery Studio is available to ARRAC members trained on the wheel. First Saturday of every month is a free Sit & Sew, from 9 a.m.-noon. Bring your hand-sewing project or sewing machine for a morning of sewing with the ladies. (Bluegrass Jam is going on at the same time in another room.) 300 W. Tallassee St. (former Wetumpka Jr. High building), Wetumpka, AL 36092. Visit www.arrac.org or see us on Facebook: Alabama River Region Arts Center, or call 578-9485 for more information. Artists In Action: 1st Wednesday and 3rd Saturday of EVERY month at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts from noon-2 p.m.. Local and regional artists at work. For more info, call 240-4333. “Artworks,” a hands-on children’s exhibit. FREE. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Blount Cultural Park. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Open until 9 p.m. Thursdays. Closed Mondays. For more info, call 240-4333. Bama Brushstrokes Art Club Meets 9 a.m., 2nd Saturdays of each month, Messiah Lutheran Church, 6670 Vaughn Road, Montgomery. Club members include beginners, intermediate and advanced skill levels. Activities include seminars with well-known artists. Classes are taught by our members or guest artists. We share our talents with our community in various programs, such as the Memory Box Project for hospice patients through sponsorship by the Society of Decorative Painters. Our chapter creates finished paint projects and murals for various hospitals, libraries, and community-based organizations. For more info, contact Diana French, president, at garnet2@bellsouth.net. Celtic Dance Classes Fridays at Montgomery Ballet from 4-5 p.m. We welcome boys and girls ages 6 to adult. Call Amanda at (706) 457-9254 or e-mail Celtic.traditions@gmail. com for more info. The Central Alabama Tennis Association (CATA) is a volunteer-based tennis organization formed to provide programs which promote and develop the growth of tennis throughout central Alabama. The CATA has four essential charitable and educational purposes: (1) to promote and develop the growth of tennis in central Alabama area by providing a variety of educational and charitable tennis programs and services; (2) to educate the community concerning the importance or

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December 2012

tennis and the benefits that can be derived from tennis; (3) to expand the opportunities in the community for learning tennis and to offer opportunities for learning tennis to individuals who do not have access to tennis; and (4) to provide programs and services in the community that teach participants scholarship and fair play and that permit access to volunteers and instructors who can serve as positive role models and mentors. For event info, call Ernie Rains, CATA Community Coordinator, at 324-1406 or e-mail www.centralalabama.usta.com. Civil Rights Memorial A monument to those who died and/or risked death in the struggle for civil rights. 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery. For information, call 264-0286. Cloverdale Playhouse “Third Tuesdays” Montgomery’s singers and songwriters perform in our intimate theater space each month on the third Tuesday. Join us for a musical evening in Old Cloverdale. For details, call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse. org. Also contact us about volunteer opportunities, auditions, and the Playhouse School! First White House of the Confederacy Open on Saturdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This year begins the commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. The First White House of the Confederacy played a significant role during the war and served as Jefferson Davis’ family residence from FebruaryMay 1861. Located at 644 Washington Avenue in downtown Montgomery, neighboring the Alabama Department of Archives and History. For more info or to tour the museum, call 242-1861 or visit www. firstwhitehouse.org. Garden Tours Local gardens include Southern Homes and Gardens, Blount Cultural Park’s Shakespearean Garden at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Grace Episcopal Church, Prattville’s historic gardens in Old Pratt Village and the Wilderness Park, and Wetumpka’s arboretum at Ft. Toulouse. For more info in Montgomery, call 1-800240-9452 or visit www.VisitingMontgomery.com. In Prattville, call 361-0961 or visit www.prattville.com/ visitor/history. In Wetumpka, call 567-3002 or visit www.wetumpka.al.us/features. Other numbers are: Blount Cultural Park (274-0062 or www.blountculturalpark.org); Grace Episcopal Church (215-1422); Old Alabama Town (240-4005 or www.oldalabamatown. com); and Alabama Garden Trail (1-800-ALABAMA or www.touralabama.org). W. A. Gayle Planetarium Public Shows offered Mon.-Thurs. and Sun. Admission $3.50/person, children under 5 free, seniors $2.50/person. Mon-Thurs. at 3 p.m.; Sun. at 2 p.m. 1010 Forest Ave. in Oak Park. Call 241-4799. MOOseum, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Children’s educational center featuring past, present and future in agriculture and the cattle industry. Free. Group tours should be pre-scheduled. Mon.- Fri. 9 a.m. -noon and 1-4 p.m. Last scheduled tour of the day starts at 3:30 p.m. 201 Bainbridge St., Montgomery. For info, call 265-1867 or visit www.bamabeef.org. Old Alabama Town 19th and early 20th century outdoor history museum. Tours Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: $8 for adults, $4 for students ages 6-18. Under 6 free. 301 Columbus St., Montgomery. For information, call 240-4500. Rosa Parks Museum 252 Montgomery Street, 241-8615. Hours are Mon.Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. -3 p.m. Sundays and holidays, closed. Admission 12 years and under-$5.50/Over 12-$7.50. Alabama college students with a valid student ID: $6.50; discount price for both Museum & Children’s Wing: adults: $14, children $10 Toastmasters International is an organization that was founded in 1924. Its mission is to help individuals

with their communication and leadership skills. Each club provides an atmosphere where individuals can speak without being criticized or judged, yet provide effective evaluations. We also offer the opportunity to take on leadership roles as club president, vice president, and other officer positions that teach planning, time management, organizing and parliamentary procedures. Anyone 18 years or older can join Toastmasters. We currently have six clubs in the River Region. Toastmasters is now starting a club named The River Region Toastmasters in the Prattville/Millbrook area. Meet every Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Journey Church located at 2050 Commerce Street, just off I-65, exit 179. For more info, contact the interim president, Gene Ann Hildreth, at 361-6333 or alabamasoupgirl@ aol.com. Tales for Tots 10:30-11 a.m. December 12. Join us for this FREE introduction to art in storybooks and in the Museum galleries for young children and their families. Each time a different work of art and special story will be presented. Call 240-4365 or visit www.mmfa.org for more info.

Classes Bradley Method Natural Childbirth Classes

Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Zink Chiropractic Clinic, Course includes pregnancy exercise and nutrition, body changes during pregnancy, the coach’s role in pregnancy and natural birth, the stages of labor, breathing and relaxation for labor, common interventions and how to avoid them, breastfeeding, basic newborn care, and more. Contact Lanette Tyler, 450-4605 or lanette.tyler@gmail. com; or visit www.bradleybirth.com Breastfeeding Class Designed to prepare the expectant mother for breastfeeding her newborn. Also includes troubleshooting common problems to establish a successful breast-feeding experience. Usually the first Saturday of the month, from 9-11 a.m. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. FREE. Class schedule is subject to change, so please call 293-8497 to register or for more info. Childbirth Basics Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose to have pain relief during labor and delivery. Sessions are taught throughout the year but are often held on the first Saturday of the month, from noon-2 p.m.. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $25. Call 2938497 by your 4th month of pregnancy to register. Childbirth Preparation Class Comprehensive four-week series covers all aspects of the labor and delivery experience, admission process, medication and anesthesia options including epidurals, cesarean sections, coping and comfort measures including breathing and relaxation techniques. Postpartum care and baby care basics are also included. A maternity area tour is also included as a part of this class. All of our classes are taught by registered nurses certified in childbirth education. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst. org to schedule your class. Childbirth Preparation Boot Camp An abbreviated version of Childbirth Preparation Class offered in a one-day format. A maternity area tour is also included as a part of this class. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org. Chinese Language Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Office of Far Eastern Initiatives offers Saturday classes for children and adults. The one-hour weekly courses are provided free-of-charge as a service to the community. For more information or to register, contact April Ma at 2443018 or ama@aum.edu

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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CPR & First Aid The American Red Cross offers classes in adult and infant/child CPR as well as first aid and babysitting classes monthly. Call 260-3980. Diabetes Education --Prattville Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available Wednesdays by appointment at Prattville Medical Park. Call 213-6360 for more information. Diabetes Education --Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available weekdays by appointment. Call 213-6360 for more info. Grandparent Class This program presents new concepts in newborn care to grandparents who need a refresher course. Usually one Tuesday per month. FREE. Call for schedule. Jackson Hospital. Call 293-8497. Infant Safety/CPR Class Teaches parents and grandparents American Heart Association’s Family and Friends CPR for infants and children, including care of the choking infant, infant rescue and breathing with hands-on practice using ACTAR CPR dolls for class participants. Class will also help parents with creating a safe environment for their child. Classes are taught by certified CPR instructors. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst. org to schedule. Maternity Area Tour Maternity area tour for expectant mothers and families not attending Childbirth Preparation Class/Boot Camp. Baptist Medical Center East. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule. Pre- and Post-natal Fitness Classes Includes water aerobics, step-floor aerobics and strength training. SportsFirst. Call 277-7130. Prenatal Breastfeeding Class Provides expectant mothers 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 IBCLC instructors. Partners are encouraged to participate in this class. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst. org to schedule your class. Sibling Preparation Class Fun one-hour class is designed for expectant “big brothers and sisters” ages 3 to 8. They will learn about the arrival of their new baby through an introduction to the hospital experience and the early days at home. Parents should plan to attend with their child. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@ baptistfirst.org to schedule. Your Amazing Newborn One-night class taught by a pediatrician and nursing staff usually one Tuesday a month. This class presents new concepts in newborn care and helps alleviate parenting jitters often experienced by soon-to-be parents. Grandparents also welcome. Jackson Hospital. FREE. For more info, call 293-8497.

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Road to Recovery This program is designed to ensure that cancer patients have transportation to and from medical facilities for treatment. Road to Recovery volunteers can be individual drivers with time to help others or even local companies who allow employees to provide transportation on company time in company cars. Anyone who has a driver’s license, a safe driving record, personal automobile insurance, owns a car or has access to one, and can spare as little as one morning or afternoon a month is encouraged to volunteer. For

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

more information, or to volunteer, please call Luella Giles at 612-8162 or call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Hospital Volunteers Volunteers are needed at Baptist Medical Center East, Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville Baptist Hospital. Duties vary by facility but include delivering mail and flowers, transporting patients, staffing waiting rooms and information desks, and furnishing coffee for visitors. Volunteers work one four-hour shift per week. For more info, call 286-2977. Hospice Volunteers Through volunteering at Baptist Hospice, the opportunities to help are endless. Our volunteers are an important part of the patient’s care and are the heart of the hospice family. There are many other ways to help, such as special projects and events or providing administrative support for the staff, that are essential. Volunteers often have special talents and innovative ideas that add so much to our program. Please call Gloria @395-5018 to join our dynamic team. Volunteer Services Jackson Hospital is looking for volunteers for the information desk. These volunteers are needed for the evening shift, 5-8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Volunteers must be friendly and eager to offer information to those visiting the hospital. With this position, a free meal will be given as well as a parking spot next to the lobby. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and are asked to work 4 hours a week. They must complete an application and pass a background check and health screening. If you are interested in volunteering, call 293-8967 or visit www.jackson.org/ patients_volunteers.html and fill out the application. Baptist Sleep Disorders Centers Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville. Both centers have the ability to diagnose up to 84 different sleep disorders. There are four board-certified physicians and a clinical psychologist on staff between the two centers. For more information, call 286-3252 for Baptist Medical Center South and 361-4335 for Prattville Baptist Hospital. Jackson Sleep Disorders Center Jackson Hospital houses a sleep disorders center on the third floor of the Goode Medical Building to monitor those who are suffering from sleep disorders. For more information, contact your physician or the Sleep Center at 293-8168. Jackson Hospital Offers Animal Therapy Program to Pediatric Unit Jackson Hospital’s Animal Therapy Program is a vital part of its patient care. Animals in the program are limited to dogs, and no other animals are allowed to participate. Currently, there are 10 dogs in the program. Their handlers have undergone extensive training and orientation, and visit the hospital weekly. For more information, please call 293-8894. Nolan Research Pays Kids for Toy Testing Nolan Research, 2569 Bell Road in Montgomery, conducts toy tests that pay $20 in cash to each child ages 4-12 that participates. Testing takes place usually between 5 and 7 p.m. and only takes about 30-45 minutes. Results are used to help toy manufacturers decide whether or not to bring new toys out on the market. Please call 284-4164 to sign your child up and spread the word to any other families who may be interested in allowing their children to participate.

Autauga/Elmore Group meets 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Glynwood Baptist Church, Prattville. Childcare, children’s group and dinner provided. For more info, call 409-9477 or e-mail apac2@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.

Support Groups

Divorce Support

Adoption Support

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC), This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer Memorial UMC. For more information, call 409-9477 or 272-8622.

Cancer Support

American Cancer Society, including Montgomery, Elmore, Autauga, & Macon Counties: **To access or sign up for these programs, call the American Cancer Society’s Montgomery office at 612-8162 or call 1-800-ACS-2345 and you will be connected to the Montgomery office. 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 Luella Giles at 6128162 for more info. Man to Man is an American Cancer Society support group for men who are battling or have survived prostate cancer. It offers them education, discussion and support. Please call for next meeting dates at the American Cancer Society Office in Montgomery. 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. College scholarships to cancer survivors 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 www.cancer.org. Information anytime and trained specialists at 1-800ACS-2345 General Cancer Support Group held at Christ Church, 8800 Vaughn Road, Tuesday afternoons at 1 p.m. This is an open group. For more information, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie Diemayer at 467-4578. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 2nd Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Room 8114. Provides education, awareness and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family or friends. For more info, call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@ charter.net. Plus, join us at our Signature Luncheon October 4 at 11:30 a.m. in Frazer UMC’s Wesley Hall. Tickets are $30 each ($25 is tax deductible) and include tasty cuisine from Carrabba’s Italian Grill, modeling fashions from Focus on Fashion and guest speaker Rosie Butler (breast cancer survivor and former Ebony Fashion model). For more info, call 2204599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net. Visit us at www.thewomenofhope.org. Divorce Care, Grief Share, Divorce Care for Children, All three groups meet Sundays at 5 p.m. at Heritage Baptist Church, 1849 Perry Hill Rd. Call 279-9976. Divorce Care and Divorce Care 4 Kids First Baptist Church Montgomery, Wednesdays starting August 22 at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $15 (scholarships available). Contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@ montgomeryfbc.org or 241-5125. Divorce Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC,

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Family Calendar 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622 for more info.

Grief Support

Bereaved Spouses Support Group A new ministry of Cornerstone Christian Church, USA (Unavoidably Single Again) Ministries is designed to offer ongoing support, social events and fellowship to those who have lost their spouses to death. The group is open to ALL widowed individuals, regardless of age, religious beliefs, or length of marriage or widowhood. Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at the church’s building, 301 Dalraida Road. Please e-mail Lynda Coats at farauthor@aol.com for more information. “Big Leap!” Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m., Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is designed to meet the needs of children who have experienced the recent loss of a loved one. This group provides a hands-on, safe space for age-appropriate expression of grief. These sessions aim to increase feeling identification, decrease self-blame or guilt, and build coping skills. Through music, art, and play we meet your child or grandchild on their level. We encourage your children to hold tight to their memories as they make a “big leap” into their new future. This group is open to children ages 7-11. Space is limited to 6 participants so call 279-6677. Start date will be determined once reservations are confirmed. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW “Comfort and Conversation,” Wednesdays at 11 a.m., Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is intended to address those affected by a recent loss (0-12 months after death). Through meeting with others who are walking a similar journey, you will be encouraged to work through the complications of your loss, understand your pain, and adjust to your new reality. Space is limited, so please call 279-6677. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW Compassionate Friends, Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Hwy, first Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child. We have an annual special event on Tuesday, Dec. 4. We will hold a Candlelight Ceremony in memory of our children at 7 p.m. at Eastmont Baptist Church. Registration is encouraged and may be made by calling (334) 284-2721. We will also collect Toys for Tots for anyone interested in participating. “Connect,” Fridays at 11 a.m., biweekly, Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is for those who have already walked through the initial grieving process but still desire to connect with others who share similar experiences. This group will allow you to meet new people, stay active in the community, and look ahead to a bright future. We will share lunch, visit museums, volunteer, attend movies, and participate in area events. We even have a fishing trip on the agenda! This group is ongoing and does not have a participation limit. It’s time to have fun again, come join us! For more info, call 279-6677. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW Grief Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622 for more info. Grief Recovery After Suicide, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., first Tuesdays from 5:306:30 p.m. in Room 3102. This group is open to family members and friends who have lost a loved one as the result of suicide. Group offers a confidential environment in which to receive support, hope and information. Contact Rev. Susan Beeson, 272-8622. Honoring Angels Like Owen, Inc. (HALO) offers family-oriented, Christian-based grief support groups that meet monthly. These groups are for families who

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have lost a child from 20 weeks gestation up to the age of 2 years old. Our parents’ group is for mothers and fathers. Our siblings’ group is for children ages 6-15. Both groups meet at the same time and place. These groups offer faith-based healing through sharing and emotional support. Meetings offer an outlet for sharing your child’s memory and your day to day struggles, while receiving support of others who have been in similar situations. Please feel free to bring photos of your child to share. HALO also offers free professional photography for families facing the loss of a child up to the age of 2 years old and needs-based financial assistance for burial. Visit www.honoringangelslikeowen.org or call (334) 328-1202.

Homeschool Support

ECHO (Elmore County Homeschool Organization), Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. 2nd and 4th Fridays year-round from 10 a.m. to noon. This is a support group for homeschooling families in the tri-county area. Membership is free. For more info, please visit http://www.onlineecho. com PEAK of Montgomery Homeschool Group Parent Educators and Kids (PEAK) of Montgomery is an inclusive, member-led group of homeschooling families who meet regularly for field trips, park days and other social and educational activities. We welcome all local home educators who enjoy sharing and learning within a diverse community. To join us, visit us at www.peaknetwork.org/montgomery

Illness Support

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Day Care, Frazer Memorial UMC, Thursdays, in Room 3101, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. There is no charge, but registration is required. For more information, call the Congregational Care office at 272-8622. On the first Thursday of each month, the hours are extended to 12:30 p.m. while the Caregivers’ Support Group meets in Room 3103 beginning at 11 a.m. Only during this time will each participant need to bring a sack lunch. For the support group, call the church at 272-8622. This new series is for all patients with congestive heart failure and their caregivers. This series is FREE for all participants. Below is the information: Cardiolife, a new educational series for congestive heart failure patients and their caregivers, meets 4th Thursdays of each month, 10-11 a.m. Diabetes Center classroom, Jackson Hospital. For more info, call 279-6677. Topics include: Lifestyle Changes, A Heart Healthy Diet, Proper Fluid Intake, Importance of Daily Weights and Exercise Tolerance. Support for this program provided by River Region Supportive Care – a Division of Hospice of Montgomery. Facilitated by Arla Chandler, RN, BSN, MBA. Depression/Bipolar Support Alliance, Room 3101 at Frazer UMC, 1st Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. This group is for those with depression and bipolar illness and their families. For more info, call 2728622 or visit dbsamontgomery@yahoo.com Meetings also available 3rd Saturday afternoons from noon-2 p.m. at Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway. For more info, call 652-1431. Depression & Bipolar Support, Montgomery Public Library Main Branch, 245 High Street downtown, 2nd Floor Meeting Room, 3rd Saturdays, Noon-2 p.m.; OR 1609 West Street, north off Carter Hill and Narrow Lane, 2nd Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Call 2019638 or 652-1431 for more info. Fibromyalgia Support, Room 8114 at Frazer UMC, 3rd Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. This group is for those that have fibromyalgia and for their family members and friends. For more info, please call 272-8622. Gluten Intolerance Group (www.gluten.net) is a nonprofit organization with the mission to provide

support to those with any form of gluten intolerance. GIG-Montgomery assists with awareness of diverse potential symptoms, which can range from fatigue and headaches to nausea and intestinal problems. Guidelines are provided on how to eat safely both at home and eating out. Another objective is to facilitate more effective communication between the local gluten-free community and stores, restaurants and the medical community. Meets 2nd Thursdays, 6-7 p.m., at Taylor Road Baptist Church, Fellowship Suite (faces entrance of EastChase-NE. Turn on Berryhill Rd. by EastChase). Check the blog for special “alternate site” meetings (www.glutenfreemontgomery.blogspot. com) For more info, you may also e-mail dr.hetrick@ charter.net or visit the group’s Facebook page. Montgomery Area Mended Hearts, First floor of Montgomery Cardiovascular Institute on the campus of Baptist Medical Center South. For anyone who has experienced cardiac illness. Third Mondays, alternates between 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Call 286-3410 for more info. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Montgomery offers General Membership meetings on 4th Mondays (beginning January 28, 2013) at the Dalraida UMC annex building at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are open to anyone who is interested in issues concerning mental health. The NAMI Montgomery Family Member Support Group continues to meet on 2nd Mondays, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Dalraida UMC annex building. Call Mary Jo Logan (271-2280) for directions/details. Beginning in February, NAMI Montgomery will offer the 12-week “Family To Family” education program (free) on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. at the Bell Road Lowder Regional Library. Call 271-2280 to register. Overeaters Anonymous, Unity of Montgomery, 1922 Walnut St., Saturdays from 3-4 p.m. Contact Misty at 324-9568 or Carol at 467-5742. Parkinson’s Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, WILL NOT MEET IN DECEMBER. Meetings will resume in January. 4th Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in Room 8114. Group is for Parkinson’s patients and their family members. For more info, call 272-8622. Sjogren’s Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, WILL NOT MEET DECEMBER-FEBRUARY. Monthly meetings will resume in March. 3rd Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. in room 3104. This group is for those with Sjogren’s disease and the family members of those affected by this disease. For more info, call 272-8622. Veterans OEF/OIF Caregivers Support Group meets 3rd Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 3108 at Frazer Memorial UMC. This group provides support and understanding to those caring for OEF/ OIF Veterans. For more information, contact Joy Germanos, LCSW, PIP, Caregiver Support Coordinator at CAVHCS, (334) 725-2542.

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Parent Support

D.A.D.S. (Dad and Daughter Saturdays) Second Saturdays at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Library in downtown Montgomery at 11 a.m. D.A.D.S. is the vision of local resident and Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce staff member Ron Simmons and his five-year-old daughter Erin. It gives fathers and daughters an opportunity to read together to create fun, educational memories. All fathers in the River Region are invited to bring their daughters to the library to read, laugh and have fun. This free event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Montgomery City-County Public Library and Dreamland Barbeque. For more information on this event, call Ron Simmons at 334-777-8596. iConnect, Frazer Memorial UMC, 3rd Thursdays from 9-11:30 a.m. in the Parlor. Share life, encourage and be encouraged by other women. We meet for breakfast, fellowship and a speaker. Advance

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reservations are necessary for breakfast and preschool nursery. Cost is $5 per meeting. For more info or to make reservations, call Frazer’s Women’s Ministry at 495-6391 or e-mail Sandy Boswell at sandy@frazerumc.org La Leche League of Montgomery, East Imaging Center on Winton Blount Blvd., Montgomery, 3rd Fridays, 10 a.m. Leaders are experienced breastfeeding mothers who have completed an accreditation program and are familiar with breastfeeding management techniques as well as current research. Meetings are free and open to all women. Expecting moms, children and grandmothers also welcome. If you need information before the next scheduled meeting, please contact Bridgit (569-1500), Amy (356-3547), or Heather (LLL_heather@yahoo.com). Moms’ LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) First Baptist Church, Prattville. Meets twice monthly from 8:30-11:45 a.m. in the chapel at First Baptist Church in Prattville August through May. For moms of all stages and ages of life. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guests, special guest speakers and a lot of fun! Cost is $5 per meeting. Childcare provided by reservation. For more info and to reserve your spot, call Kelley Manning at 361-7919. 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 http:// montgomerymultiplesclub.org. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry St., Montgomery. Moms, are you looking for a good excuse to get out of the house? MOPS is a great opportunity to hone your mothering skills, meet new friends, and learn new things while deepening your relationship with God. Free childcare is

provided. Meetings are 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Oct. 3 & 17) Call Kristi Gay at (334) 233-8989 or visit www.montgomeryfbc.org. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Vaughn Forest Baptist Church, 8660 Vaughn Road, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Are you in need of a time-out? Then have we got the place for you! MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. Childcare is provided. For more info, e-mail VFCMOPS@gmail.com.

Singles’ Small Groups, Frazer Memorial UMC, Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622 for more info. TNT (Tuesday Night Together) for Singles, Frazer Memorial UMC, Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, Bldg. 7000. A meal ($5) and program are provided. For reservations, call 272-8622.

(Feb., May, Aug., Nov.). Visit www.easysite.com/caast or e-mail casst50@yahoo.com for more info. Down Syndrome Support, Vaughn Park Church of Christ, 1st Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Childcare provided. Call 356-9048 or visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com for information. Montgomery Area Hearing Loss Support Group meets monthly at the Wesley Building of the First Methodist Church in Montgomery on 2nd Thursdays at 4 p.m. It is affiliated with the nationally recognized non-profit advocacy group, Hearing Loss Association of America. The purpose is to bring together all adults and parents of children who would like to know more about hearing losses, its causes and its possible corrections. Licensed audiologists make brief presentations explaining their local programs, their offices and the availability of hearing tests, of possible medical corrections, and/of hearing aids and cochlear implants. Refreshments at each meeting. For more info, contact HearingInfo@earthlink.net Parents of Special Needs Children, Saint James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road, 1st Sundays, 5-6:30 p.m. Please notify Chris Henderson if you plan to come. (Home: 215-0427; e-mail: chenderson41@yahoo.com River Region Autism Support Group, Cafe Louisa (in Old Cloverdale), 1036 E. Fairview Ave. We meet on 1st Saturdays from 4-6 p.m. This group is comprised of parents whose children are on the autism spectrum. We also welcome others involved with autistic children, such as grandparents, friends, teachers, therapists, etc. For more info about how to join the group, or if you plan to attend a meeting, e-mail Lyra Stephens at LyraStephens@yahoo.com

Special Needs Support

Teens/Families Support

Pregnancy Loss/Infertility

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

Single Parents Support

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

Life is Fun Together (LIFT): A FREE Relationship and Marriage Enrichment Program providing different educational and fun-filled

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Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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Family Calendar seminars to individuals and families. The LIFT Program is provided through Family Guidance Center of Alabama in partnership with the Alabama Community Healthy Marriage Initiative. Call Tonya Rogers at 2704100 for class start dates or more info! “Relationship Smarts Plus” teaches teens in grades 7-12 about healthy relationships in a fun, interactive way. Six-week sessions are available throughout the year on Mondays from 4–6 p.m. “Smart Steps for Stepfamilies” is a six-week session that helps stepfamilies learn strategies to strengthen and stabilize their families. Parents and children ages 8 and up meet in their own groups, then meet up at the end of each session for a fun family activity! “Together We Can” gives non-married parents the skills they need to maintain healthy relationships between themselves and their children. “How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk (or Jerkette)” teaches single adults how to get the most out of dating. “Mastering the Magic of Love” is a communication class for all couples. Bring your spouse, fiancé, or that special someone in your life with you to learn new communication techniques and enhance your skills as a team of two. All adults are welcome, including graduates looking for a refresher! Also…. LIFT has a brand-new program just for parents of teens!!! “Bridging the Great Divide: Parents and Teens Communicating About Healthy Relationships” is perfect for parents or guardians who want open lines of communication with their teen. Topics include “Principles of Dating & Healthy Relationships,” “Sensitive Topics,” “Rules & Boundaries,” and more!!! Building D of Family Guidance Center, 2358 Fairlane Drive. This workshop lasts only three weeks, so call TODAY to reserve your spot!

December 2012

You can look at a calendar of LIFT classes & events online by visiting our LIFT web page: http://www. familyguidancecenter.org/ Remember, LIFT has FREE programs for singles, couples, stepfamilies, parents, teens, and now parents of teens! Call 270-4100 or e-mail trogers@familyguidancecenter.org. Support Group for Teens with difficulties communicating with parents. This group began March 29 using the life skills training. Contact Felicia Pressley at Total Life Connection, 244-5061.

This Month Saturday, December 1

The Grinch Ballet Performed by The Prattville Ballet and Students of C.J.’s Dance Factory Destiny Church in Prattville at 2 p.m. For more information, call (334) 361-0554. Prepared Childbirth Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose to have pain relief during labor and delivery. Topics include stages of labor, breathing and relaxation techniques, the role of the coach, and proper care of mother and baby after delivery. Sessions are taught throughout the year, from 10 a.m.-noon. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $25. Call 293-8497 or e-mail liz.owen@jackson.org. Holiday Open House at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 1-4 p.m. The day’s activities will include performances by local choral groups and festive studio activities. In addition to these holiday treats, the Museum invites guests to explore the multiple exhibitions on view. Also, be sure to see the Kwanzaa and Hanukkah displays as well as the Museum’s Christmas tree, adorned

with hand-made ornaments created specifically for the Museum by Alabama artists. There is no charge for Holiday Open House, but guests are encouraged to bring canned goods for donation to the Montgomery Area Food Bank or a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. This event is sponsored by BBVA Compass. Visit www.mmfa.org or call 240-4333 for details. The Empire Brass Presents The Sound of Christmas Starring Elisabeth Von Trapp Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts, 7 p.m. Born and raised in Vermont, Elisabeth is the granddaughter of the legendary Maria and Baron von Trapp, whose story inspired The Sound of Music. Singing professionally since childhood, Elisabeth has enthralled audiences from European cathedrals to Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center. For ticket information, call (334) 241-9567 or visit www.troy.edu. Fair Trade Holiday Market Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 6610 Vaughn Rd. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Items from all over the world will be available for purchase including household items, Christmas items, personal items and much more. Proceeds will help provide a fair living for the artisans of the products in addition to helping provide food for the Aldersgate Food Pantry, which provides emergency assistance to people in the community. Call (334-) 300-4835 or visit www.aldersgateumc.org for details. Home Depot Kids’ Workshop Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. This month’s project is build a picture frame. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates’ aprons, and an achievement pin. 9 a.m.-noon. Ages 5-12. Free.

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Santuck Flea Market An outdoor flea market with more than 450 booths featuring arts, crafts, antiques, novelties, imports, food, and more. The Santuck Flea Market is open the first Saturday of each month from March - December from daylight until 2 p.m. RAIN OR SHINE. Free admission, free parking available. Call 567-7400. City of Millbrook Christmas Parade & Arts and Crafts in the Park Free admission. Main Street (parade) & Village Green Park (arts & crafts). Celebrate the holiday season during the annual Christmas parade. Arts and crafts vendors, concessions and more. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Parade starts at 2 p.m. Visit www. cityofmillbrook.org or call (334) 322-9871 for details. Prattville Christmas Parade Free admission. 4-6 p.m. downtown. Call (334) 358-0297 or visit www.prattvilleal.gov for details. Wetumpka Depot Presents The Legend of Santa Pig Written by Bill Springer and directed by Kim Mason. This play answers the ageold philosophical question: “If it’s Christmas in the barnyard and no one is around, will the animals have one bang-up Christmas party?” Well, the answer is definitely “Yes!” For tickets, visit www.wetumpkadepot.com or call 868-1440. Faulkner Dinner Theatre Presents Inspecting Carol --Also December 1; 6-8; and 13-15 Theatre doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner is served from 6:15 until 7. The show begins promptly at 7:30. Tickets are $25 and include dinner and the show. Members of the military can purchase tickets for just $20. Reservations must be paid in advance. Make reservations or for more information, call 386-7190 or e-mail boxoffice@faulkner.edu. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents A Christmas Carol -Through December 23 Adapted from the novel by Charles Dickens. Recommended for ages 6+. Appropriate for most audiences. For ticket info, visit www.asf.net or call 271-5353. Fantasy In Lights at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Ga. -- Through December 30 Celebrate the holidays at the 21st Fantasy In Lights. See the magic of Christmas come alive in the eyes of loved ones as everyone enjoys the brilliance of 8 million lights in one of the world’s largest outdoor light and sound shows. Sing carols and buy unique gifts to celebrate the holiday season at Fantasy In Lights. For more information, please call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) or visit www. callawaygardens.com. Old Alabama Town Holiday Celebration -- Through December 31 The house museums will be authentically decorated for the holidays. Self-guided tours offered Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Guided tours by reservation and for groups. Call 240-4500 or visit www.oldalabamatown.com for details.

2416 W. Cloverdale Park Montgomery, AL 36106 334.834.8990 www.fumcmontgomery.org

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Join us for worship, fellowship, and service. Sunday Morning Worship 8:45 & 11 a.m. Worship Service at Cloverdale School Sunday at 6 p.m.

Sunday, December 2

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre presents Dwight Yoakam Live 8 p.m. Dwight Yoakam captured the imagination of traditionalists and new listeners alike by giving hillbilly music a modern twist. Born in Kentucky but based in Los Angeles, Yoakam debuted with a twangy cover of Johnny Horton’s “Honky Tonk Man,” which led him to the ACM’s 1986 Top New Male Vocalist trophy. In all, Yoakam landed 14 Top 10 hits – some he wrote (“I Sang Dixie”) and others he revived (Elvis Presley’s “Little Sister”). Tickets: $34, $29. For tickets or more info, visit www.mpaconline.org or call 481-5100. Autaugaville Christmas Parade Free. Call (334) 365-9563 for starting location. Parade complete with floats, marching units and Santa. 3:30 p.m. Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Pike Road Town Hall Pike Road Arts Council is looking for citizens of any age who can attend two or three practice sessions in November and be part of a choir of carolers during the tree lighting. If you are interested in participating, please e-mail Patty Payne at patty@pikeroad.us December: Beautiful Music for the Holidays by The Montgomery Chorale 2:30 p.m. Featuring Robby Gibson, Guitar. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. For tickets, call (334) 265-3737 or visit www.montgomerychorale.org.

Monday, December 3

Governor’s Mansion Candlelight Tours & Open House -Also December 10 & 17 1142 S. Perry St. 5-7 p.m. The 1907 Governor’s Mansion will be aglow with lights and filled with the spirit of the season. Pick up tickets at the gift shop across the street. Call 241-8824.

Dr. R. Lawson Bryan Senior Minister

Tuesday, December 4

“Your Amazing Newborn” Class Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. FREE. One-night class taught by a pediatrician and nursing staff. Presents new concepts in newborn care and helps alleviate parenting jitters by soon-to-be parents. Grandparents welcome. Class schedule is subject to change, so please call 293-8497 or visit www.jackson. org/events.

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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Family Calendar Wednesday, December 5

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Joe Bonamassa 8 p.m. As Joe Bonamassa grows his reputation as one of the world’s greatest guitar players, he is also evolving into a charismatic blues-rock star and singersongwriter of stylistic depth and emotional resonance. His new album, Black Rock, is his tenth solo album and eighth studio release of his career – as well as his fifth consecutive with producer Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Black Crowes, etc.) For tickets or more info, visit www.mpaconline.org or call 481-5100.

Thursday, December 6

Old Alabama Town Holiday Open House 4-7 p.m. Free admission! Enjoy the holidays from an early 19th century perspective! Listen to live holiday music, have fun with traditional crafts for children, hear storytelling & interact with our costumed guests, and enjoy cookies & cider on the fire! Then stick around for Karren Pell’s Holiday OAT Revue at 7 p.m. in the Old Church. This event is free for all, but donations are accepted. Visit www.oldalabamatown.com or call 240-4500. Cloverdale Playhouse Presents Season’s Greetings Through December 9 & 13-16 Written by British playwright Alan Ayckbourn. A “typical” holiday gathering of family at the table and, on occasion, under the Christmas tree, has Neville and Belinda wondering if order can be restored by Boxing Day. The arrival of an unexpected guest and a performance by a puppet theater supply abundant laughs and a ruffled feather or two. For tickets or more info, call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org Montgomery Zoo Christmas Lights Festival -Through December 9 and 13-31 5:30-9:30 p.m. nightly. 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. Santa appears nightly through Dec. 23 when he must leave to deliver presents to all the children around the world. The Zoo also has a Santa Craftshop where you can make last-minute gifts for that someone special. Enjoy live entertainment nightly at the Overlook Cafe. Take a ride on a Haflinger horse at the Horse Trail Rides. And don’t forget to check out all the snacks and treats at the Overlook Cafe. $12 for ages 3 years and older. Admission includes your Christmas Light train ride. FREE for 2 years and younger and Montgomery Zoo members. Call (334) 240-4900 or visit www. montgomeryzoo.com.

Friday, December 7

City of Montgomery Christmas Parade Depart from Cramton Bowl and parade downtown from Capitol steps to the Court Street fountain. 6 p.m. Call 241-2726 for more info. Diamond Princess Ball Old Alabama Town. 7-10 p.m. Call 240-4500 or visit www.oldalabamatown.com for details. Millbrook Community Players Present ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas 7:30 p.m. One night only! Written by Michele Vacca. Tickets are $8. Call (334) 782-7317 or visit www. millbrooktheatre.com for ticket information. Miss Alabama USA and Miss Teen USA Pageants Also December 8 Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The Miss Alabama competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the U.S. state of Alabama in the Miss America pageant. Miss Alabama’s have performed strongly at the Miss America pageant, particu-

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December 2012

larly in the early 21st century, when the state produced their third Miss America, a first runner-up, a second runner-up, a fourth runner-up, two semi-finalists, and one quarter-finalist. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call 481-5100 for tickets. Floyd Middle Magnet will sell hot chocolate as a fundraiser for the school’s newly formed Athletic Department. The hot chocolate will be available as a part of this year’s Christmas Village which will be located in the large parking area behind the Embassy Suites in downtown Montgomery. Purchases of hot chocolate can be made immediately following Montgomery’s Christmas Parade December 7 and every Saturday and Sunday December 8-23. Christmas Craft Show at Garrett Coliseum -Through December 9 Friday, 3-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Entrance to the craft show is a can of food. For more info, call 356-6866. Cruising with Santa on the Harriott II-- Also December 8; 13-16; and 20-22 Montgomery Riverwalk. This cruise boards at 6:30 p.m. and cruises from 7-9 p.m. Live Entertainment and Cash Bar will be available. Yes...Santa WILL be cruising! To purchase tickets, call (334) 625-2100 or visit the Box Office at 200 Coosa St. Late Night with YMCA Goodtimes -- Also December 14, 21 & 28 A weekly Parents’ Night Out program for parents of five-to 12-year-olds offered at the YMCA Goodtimes Center on Bell Road. Time is 6:30-11:30 p.m. and supper is included. Cost is $15 per child and no reservations are required. Child to staff ratio is 15:1. Call 279-8878 for more info.

7 p.m. Glynwood Baptist Church, 376 North McQueen St., Prattville. For more info, call (334) 358-0297. Wetumpka Depot Presents Second Samuel Christmas -- Through December 16 Join B Flat and the other colorful residents of Second Samuel, Georgia, as they prepare for the town’s annual Christmas pageant. Nothing works out as expected, but the residents of the small town light the way for their very own miracle! For tickets, visit www.wetumpkadepot.com or call 868-1440.

Saturday, December 8

Saturday, December 15

Christmas on the Coosa Free. Gold Star Park and the Courthouse Veranda in Wetumpka. Christmas extravaganza with arts and crafts, parade, food, entertainment and more on the Coosa River, culminating with a spectacular fireworks exhibition at dusk. Call (334) 567-1313 or visit ww.wetumpkachamber.com for more info. Dream in December! -- Also December 13-15 and 20-22 Join us at the corner of Tallapoosa and Commerce from 5-8 p.m. You can enjoy: a Christmas carol scene; Santa Claus and his sleigh (Photo Op); Christmas village with large lighted christmas tree and snow; marketplace with trees, garland, wreaths, baked goods and candies; tacky lights trolley rides; horse drawn carriage rides; and beautiful lights in downtown entertainment district. Children’s activities include: giant movie screen with holiday movies, s’mores and hot chocolate. For more information contact the Riverfront Office at (334) 625-2100.

Wednesday, December 12

The Newcomers Club of Montgomery Monthly Luncheon The Newcomers Club of the Greater Montgomery Area invites women who are new residents in the area to attend our monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Arrowhead Country Club. This month’s luncheon will feature a holiday program by the Halcyon Elementary Show Choir. Cost is $15 for members and $22 for non-members and reservations must be made to russell.cynthia98@yahoo.com or call 300-4949. Visit www.newcomersmontgomery.com Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Presents Transiberian Orchestra 7:30 p.m. Visit www.bjcc.org or call (205) 458-8400 for ticket information.

Thursday, December 13

Christmas Concert Performed by Prattville Community Chorus and Prattville Pops

Friday, December 14

Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets -- Also Deember 28 Elmore County Homeschool Organization is a nonprofit support group for homeschooling families. We provide a positive socialization environment for homeschooled children & support and encourage their parents in the homeschooling process. We meet the second and fourth Friday of every month year-round from 10 a.m. to noon at Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. Membership is free and is open to all homeschoolers in the tri-county area. ECHO has field trips, park days, holiday parties, enrichment activities, and a yearly awards ceremony. For details, visit http://www.onlineecho.com Parents’ Night Out at the Wetumpka Family YMCA A monthly Parents’ Night Out program for parents of kids 12 years and under offered the 2nd Friday of each month from 6-10 p.m. Games, arts and crafts, a movie and hot dogs are offered. Cost is $10 per child for members and $15 per child for non-members. You must register by the Thursday prior. Call 567-8282 for more info. Babysitter Training Workshop in Prattville 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ages 11-15. This course covers safety, first aid, professionalism, leadership and care-giving skills. Also includes tips for getting baby-sitting jobs. This course covers certification 1 babysitters’ training. Bring a lunch. Doster Center. Fee: $85 includes babysitter’s handbook, babysitter’s pin, class material and babysitter’s backpack. Check payable to: American Red Cross. Call (334) 361-3640 now to register and pay on the day of class. Christmas at the Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook -- Also December 16 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. What do you want for Christmas? Let Santa know when he visits the Nature Center. For the regular price of admission, guests can visit with Santa, make a Christmas craft and enjoy a snack around a roaring fire. Visit www. alabamawildlife.org or call 800-822-9453. My Favorite Christmas Card: A Musical Performed by Frazer UMC -- Also December 16 7 p.m. Back for a second year by popular demand: experience the warmth, humor and inspiration of our favorite Christmas Cards “come to life” through stage and song as we celebrate God’s Christmas Card to the whole world—the birth of Jesus Christ. Beautifully produced with 200+ voice choir, orchestra and original drama. Admission is free, no ticket required, and childcare ages 0-3 is provided. Call 272-8622 or e-mail info@frazerumc.org Alabama Dual-Rated State Chess Championship Organized by Evangel Chess Club and sponsored by Evangel Church and Alabama Chess Federation. 4-round Swiss: Rd1 G/30, Rd2 G/40, Rd3 G/50, Rd4 G/60. Round times: 9:00, 10:30, 1:00, 3:15. Registration: Send name, USCF ID, and entry fee (checks payable to “Evangel Church”) to Doug Strout, 6000 Camelot Ct, Montgomery, AL 36117. E-mail: dtstrout@bellsouth.net or www.AlabamaChess.com. Tournament is at Evangel Church, 3975 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery.

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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Monday, December 17

Montgomery Symphony Presents “Holiday Pops” 7:30 p.m. Join Maestro Thomas Hinds and Special Guest Millinee Bannister for an evening of holiday classics with everything from “Deck The Halls” to “Sleigh Ride.” Ask about the “Buy One - Get One Free” offer. Call the MPAC Box Office at 481-5100. Tinsel & Tunes: A Cabaret and Auction Benefiting ASF and The Montgomery Ballet One night only! Recommended for 18 and up. Seating is general admission. ASF will host a silent auction in the lobby starting at 6:30 p.m. All funds raised will go to ASF and The Montgomery Ballet. Tickets are $20 each. Special on-stage tables available for up to 4 people, includes a bottle of champagne. Tickets for this limited seating are $40 each. Call the Box Office at 1-800-841-4273 or visit www.mmfa.org to book.

Tuesday, December 18

Holidays in the Studios at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts -- Through December 20 1:30-2:30 p.m. Bring family members and friends to make art projects with a holiday theme and create unique gifts! Each day a different project will be featured. Cost: $2 members/$4 non-members each class Advance registration necessary! Visit www. mmfa.org or call 240-4333.

Thursday, December 20

ArchiTreats: Food For Thought The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. Noon-1 p.m. Bring lunch and a drink and join us every third Thursday for these FREE lectures sponsored by Friends of the Alabama Archives. Today’s topic is “Portraits of Conflict: A Photographic History of Alabama in the Civil War,” presented by Ben H. Severance.Call 353-4726 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov.

Saturday, December 22

F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum Christmas Open House Come enjoy cookies and drinks, warm music, and rumors of sugarplums. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 264-4222 or visit www.fitzgeraldmuseum.net

Monday, December 31

Jamey Johnson in Concert 8:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Come celebrate New Years Eve with this CMA and ACM Award Winner and five-time Grammy Award nominee. New Year’s Eve in Downtown Montgomery Join us as we ring in the year of 2013 with live music along with participation from all of your favorite downtown spots. The festivities will begin at 9:30 p.m. on Commerce Street with Groove Merchants taking the stage. Creativity will follow when they take the stage at 11:15 p.m. When the clock strikes midnight, we will close 2012 with a virtual rise and ring in 2013 with confetti and fireworks, brought to you by PCI. The band will continue to play until 1 a.m. All of these events will be FREE to the public, with the exception of food and beverage purchases. Make your plans to be in Downtown Montgomery to ring in the New Year! Visit www.funontheriver.net.

Calendar information due by the 15th of each month. Send an email to editor@montgomeryparents.com. Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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Dirtbags Finish Third in East Cobb Tournament

Docarmo’s Taekwondo Sponsors Capital City JAM

The spirit of competition was in the air, as martial arts students from Alabama, Georgia and Florida converged on Montgomery for the 8th Annual Capital City JAM. The event hosted by Docarmo’s Taekwondo Center was held at the Saint James High School Gym October 13. This year’s JAM featured more than 100 participants, competing in Musical Forms, Weapons, Traditional Forms, Point Sparring and WTF OlympicStyle Sparring. WTF Olympic-Style Sparring had its best year, thanks to the exposure it received during the 2012 Olympic Games held in London this summer. “WTF Sparring does not have that big of a following in Alabama, where Point Sparring has been dominant for decades,” said Kharaun Campbell, who was the assistant tournament director. “Thanks to the Olympics and the fact that we had two U.S. Team members (Terrence Jennings and Paige McPherson) medal this year, more people want to get involved. This is a good sign for things to come.” As an Open tournament, the Capital City JAM enjoys a blend of not just taekwondo, but other martial art styles as well. For members of DTC Elite, Docarmo’s Taekwondo Center’s competition team, the Capital City JAM kick-starts the tournament season. Students on the team compete throughout the Southeast with aspirations of qualifying for USA Taekwondo (USAT) Junior and Senior Nationals, commonly referred to as the Junior Olympics. The USAT is the Olympic governing body for taekwondo in the United States. The 2013 Juniors will be held in Chicago. On November 10, several members of DTC Elite went to the 21st Annual Roman Taekwondo Classic in Rome, Ga. Nine members competed in a total of 17 events, and they medaled in every single one! The final medal count was 11 gold, four silver, and two bronze. Six of the members took gold in both Forms and WTF Olympic-style Sparring. Next on the schedule is an eight-hour training session with Olympic Bronze Medalist Terrence Jennings before breaking for the holidays. www.montgomeryparents.com

The 11U Dirtbags travel baseball team came up a little short and placed third in the Triple Crown Sports Georgia Fall State Championships played at the East Cobb Baseball Complex in Marietta, Georgia, October 19-21. In game one, the Dirtbags defeated the Parkview Panthers (Lilburn, Ga.) 9-4. Parkview came in to the contest with a fall record of 20-0. In game two, the Dirtbags played the Spartanburg Phillies (Spartanburg, S.C.) but lost 5-1. In bracket play Sunday, the Dirtbags faced the Phillies once again, this time winning 7-3. In the semi-finals, the Dirtbags played Rays Baseball (Marietta, Ga.). The Rays were made up of perennial East Cobb Baseball powers East Cobb Astros and East Cobb Braves. The Rays won the game 9-1 and then defeated the East Cobb Yankess 9-2 in the Championship game. The Dirtbags pushed their record for the fall to 17-5. Back row from left are Zane Faulk (Smiths Station), Jackson Blair (Pike Liberal), Ty Singleton (Pike Liberal), Cole McWhorter (Pike Liberal) and Payne Griffin (Pike Liberal). Front row are Trace Deloney (Forest Ave.), Easton Wilcoxson (Montgomery Catholic), Copeland Hilyer (ACA) and Zak Haynes (Tallassee). Will Aaron (Trinity) is not pictured.

Tonya Speed Dancers Perform for Community

Little Sisters dance team members participated in the Montgomery County Distinguished Young Woman Scholarship Program recently. Frances Speed, Sara Elizabeth Shirley, Faith Barringer, Amanda Parker and Wesley Parker are all senior dance team members at Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection. Shown with the girls at left is Meredith Peden, Little Sisters choreographer. Also, some members of the senior dance team carried the banner for the EastChase Christmas Parade. More than 200 dancers participated as they marched with metallic streamers. Pre-schoolers rode in trucks and gave out lots of Christmas greetings. Look for us December 7 in the City of Montgomery Christmas Parade!

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

Business Card Directory

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Home Based Business Directory Zoe Lawn

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Piano Lessons

Math & Reading Tutor

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Beginners, Intermediate, or Advanced. Experienced Teacher & Adjudicator. MTNA and Nationally Certified. Summer lessons available. Call now for information at 334-265-8154.

Provides breastfeeding education, antepartum doula services, childbirth education, and Happiest Baby on the Block classes. Handmade breastfeeding greeting cards and breast pump rental services also available. For more info please contact Tangela Boyd at 334-782-9816. Email: Tangela@mommymilkandmeinc.com Website: www.mommymilkandmeinc.com

Does your child need extra help with reading and math skills? I’m an experienced school teacher of more than 15 years and work with patience and understanding. I work with children from pre-K through 3rd grade. Call Cynthia Henderson at 334.201.9524 or 334.239.9630 or email cynthiaahenderson@gmail.com.

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

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Move In/Move Out, Residential and Commercial, Construction Sites Quality and Reasonable Rates Call Betty Dennis, Cleaning Specialist, at 334.303.2585 for a free estimate.

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Lucky Lawns

Top quality lawn care for your home and business! Dependable tri-county service. Call James today at 424-2974 for a free estimate. 20% off for referrals!

Birthday Parties

Hand-n-Hand Teaching Materials is offering Birthday Parties for children from birth to age 8. Plan a summer party for your child with Melissa & Doug Products. Call (334) 651-1292.

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Image consulting firm that specializes in helping singles mothers or persons who want to enhance their lives. We offer self-esteem, self-assertiveness, and self-worth training. In addition, we specialize in hair and makeup makeovers. For a consultation, please call Kimberly Parker at 334-421-9293 or email me at capitalcitysinglesmixer@gmail.com. Visit our website www.capitalcitysingles.com.

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

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Montgomery Parents I December 2012

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HELPFUL

Advertising Information

RESOURCES M o n t g o m e r y P a r e n t s ’ Advertiser Directory

Welcome to the Montgomery Parents’ Advertiser Directory. This section was created to help our readers easily access advertising information in our magazine. 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. A Great Start Learning Academy, 47

First UMC Montgomery, 89

O’Connor Tennis, 30

Adventure Sports II, 70

First UMC Prattville, 71

Partners in Pediatrics, 44

Alabama Army National Guard, 91

Fleming’s Martial Arts, 20

Party Ponies by Renfroe & Daughters, 93

Alabama Christian Academy, 17

Frazer Memorial UMC, 15

Pediatric Cardiology, 54

Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 63

Holy Cross Episcopal School, 38

Pediatric Nephrology of Alabama, 72

Amy Ann’s, 18

Hooper Academy, 20

Petrunic Orthodontics, 72

Arts in Motion, 70

Huntington Learning Center, 35

Professional Pediatrics, 12

ASKIN/Synergy House, 93

Kazoo Toys, 30

Pump It Up Party, 24

Auditory/Visual Enhancement, 27

Kingry Orthodontics, 69

Riverview Camp, 83

Baptist Health, 4

KLynn Ice Skating, 19

Saint James School, Inside Front Cover

Bradford Health Services, 75

Kumon East, 51

Savannah L. Bowden Photography, 69

Brandi McNew-Counselor, 42

Kumon Central, 14

Shade Tree Riding Academy, 35

Cancer Care Center, 2

Lakeview Baptist, 49

Smiles Galore Parties, 54

Carriage Hills Animal Hospital, 32

Learning Tree Child Care, 88

Carver Arts After School Program, 52

Lil Pea Pod Boutique, 25

Catoma Baptist Church Preschool, 14

Macon East Montgomery Academy, 33

Chapman Orthodontics, 45

Mathnasium, 37

Children’s Hospital of Ala, 9

Monster Jam, B’ham, 1

Churchill Academy, 28

Montessori @ Hampstead, 13

Clean America, 91

Montessori @ Mulberry, 25

Dancewear, Etc., 93

Montessori Academy, 73

Dentistry @ Park Place, 21

Montgomery Catholic School, 8

Dentistry for Children, 47

Montgomery Humane Society, 11

Dr. Bradley Willis-Dentist, 41

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 64

Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 39

Montgomery Pediatric Dentistry/Orthodontics, 26

Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 39

Montgomery Taekwondo, 93

E & S Hobbies, Inc., 93

Montgomery Uniforms Plus, 21

Eastdale Mall, 3

Montgomery Zoo, 55

Edward Jones-Lane Easterling, 87

Mrs. Sandy’s House, 93

Evangel Christian Academy, 36

My Kids Attic, The Shoppes at, 31

Family Karate Center, 7

Name Dropper/Storkland, 44

First Baptist Church, Montgomery, 61

New Park, 59

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

Southlawn Childcare Center, 24 Spacewalk of Montgomery, 93 Spacewalker, The, 28 Spotless Cleaning Services, 65 St. Bede Child Development Center, 18 Success Unlimited Academy, 23 Sylvan Learning Center, 41 Taylor Crossing Animal Hospital, 77 Taylor Made Gaming, 56 Taylor Road Baptist Church, 26 The Big Green Bus, 93 The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover Tree Theater Company, 87 Trinity Presbyterian School, Inside Back Twisted Spur, 56 United Gymstars & Cheer, LLC, 43 Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 67 Vaughn Urgent Care, 45 W.A. Gayle Planetarium, 71 YMCA Camp Chandler, 43

www.montgomeryparents.com

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn 2

Red Dawn MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C Violence: CSexual Content: ALanguage: D+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C+ The MPAA has rated Red Dawn PG-13 for sequences of intense war violence and action, and for language. When the lights go out in the sleepy town of Spokane Washington, quarterback Matt Eckert (Josh Peck) and his older brother Jed (Chris Hemsworth), who is home on leave, don’t think much about it. However, when bombs and fatigue-wearing paratroopers begin dropping from the sky the next morning, they quickly realize this isn’t a launch for a new pizza shop. Their Dad, police chief Tom Eckert (Brett Cullen), sends his two sons and their friends (Josh Hutcherson, Connor Cruise, Adrianne Palicki, Edwin Hodge) to hide in the family cabin in the woods. But after North Korean commander Captain Lo shoots their father in the head, the Eckert brothers are done hiding. Using his military training, Jed drills his brother and friends on the use of assault weapons and guerilla warfare, and then mounts a counter attack that would make any terrorist leader proud. If this sounds like a plot full of potential holes (and not just from the bullets), you’re right. But this remake of the 1984 film (starring Patrick Swayze, Charlie Sheen and Lea Thompson) takes itself far less seriously than the John Millus’ movie did. It offers humor, missteps and an underlying sense of absurdity amidst the exploding cars and rounds of live ammunition. These kids’ experience with warfare is limited to Call of Duty and once they realize they’re living the video game, it “sucks”. Still, if you’re okay with the preposterous, then who better to rally the flagging spirits of a defeated town than gun-pumping high school students chanting the name of their school mascot: Wolverines, Wolverines, Wolverines! Unfortunately for teen viewers, this script is pelted with profanities including rapid-fire scatological slang and a couple of strong sexual expletives. It also contains copious amounts of shooting, explosions and car crashes but relatively little amounts of blood and gore. Although the young actors deserve credit for their earnest efforts, don’t expect much more. While Red Dawn comes with a political statement about the state of the country’s defense, even it may get lost in this display of adolescent fervor that is usually reserved for home coming weekend.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C Violence: D+ Sexual Content: C Language: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: B+ The MPAA has rated The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 PG-13 for sequences of violence including disturbing images, sensuality and partial nudity. The arrival of her and Edward’s (Rob Pattinson) half-human, halfvampire offspring brings out a fiercely protective side in Bella. It’s either that or the oil change she got when Edward finally bit her, turning her blood into whatever substance it is that courses through the veins of the eternally undead. Regardless of the cause, Bella isn’t about to let the Volturi get their hands on her daughter Renesmee. The Cullen family’s crisis begins when Irina (Maggie Grace) mistakes Renesmee for an immortal child -- one that has been turned into a vampire before reaching maturity. Immortal children threaten the vampires’ safety since they tend to go on unrestrained gorging sprees, decimating entire villages and drawing attention to the existence of the undead. Carlisle (Peter Facinelli) knows his family is no match for Aro (Michael Sheen) and his minions (Jamie Campbell Bower, Christopher Heyerdahl), but he hopes to assemble a league of other vampires that will testify of Renesmee’s human qualities. As each of the new faces is introduced, these neck biters showcase their various talents (an obvious attempt to draw out the movie’s length) as the plot moves to the one and only notable event of the entire movie -- the inevitable battle on a snow-covered field. As much as Carlisle hopes to negotiate a peaceful end to this misunderstanding, there are too many clues and too little other action to settle for anything less than full out mayhem. Just as the last movie’s marriage vows finally freed Edward and Bella to fully enjoy their conjugal rights (something they do again in a scene of impassioned kissing and exposed skin), the defense of Renesmee gives the Cullen clan justification to stand up to the Volturi council in a bloodless battle that involves the forcible removal of limbs, decapitations and torched torsos. Looking for a happy, fairytale ending on this gruesome battlefield appears unlikely but Director Bill Condon pulls out a magic wand just in time.

What Parents need to know about The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2...

What Parents need to know about Red Dawn...

Violence: Newsreel footage includes scenes of battles, dictators and military threats. Brief on-field football action includes hard-hitting tackles. Planes drop bombs and paratroopers. Homes and businesses are destroyed. Numerous characters are imprisoned, shot, blown up or injured in car accidents. Cars crash during high-speed chases. A man is shot in the head (off-screen). Some bloody injuries are shown. A girl sutures a wound. A home is set on fire. A boy throws up after shooting his first human. He later drinks the blood of an animal he has killed. Frequent war violence is portrayed. Sexual Content: A teen couple kisses on several occasions. Language: Contains a strong sexual expletive, a crude hand gesture, frequent scatological slang, terms of Deity, crude sexual language and other profanities. Alcohol / Drug Use: High school students go to a bar. Drinking is shown in social settings, a bar and at home. Some characters drink during times of stress. A drunk soldier makes advances on a female coworker. www.montgomeryparents.com

Violence: Characters are kicked, hit and tossed through the air. A child is shown with a bloody face after feasting upon humans. Characters have their heads and limbs ripped from their bodies before being burned. Detached body parts are shown. Others are decapitated during an extended battle scene. Characters fall to their deaths in a deep crevasse. Humans are attacked and killed. Vampires used their special abilities to inflict pain on others. Some disturbing images and frequent moments of peril are portrayed. Sexual Content: Couples kiss frequently. A married couple engages in sexual activity involving passionate kissing and exposed skin with partial nudity. A man rips the clothes off of a woman. Numerous sexual jokes and innuendo are included in the dialogue. Language: The script contains only a handful of mild profanities. Alcohol / Drug Use: A woman carries a beer can. A drunken characters walks down a deserted street. 96

Montgomery Parents I December 2012

Trinity Presbyterian School is Montgomeryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foremost educational institution binding academic excellence with Christian perspective. Trinity is proud to have had a National Merit Finalist for the last three years, and recently announced a National Merit Semifinalist for the 2012-13 school year. In addition, the 73-member 2012 graduating class earned over $3.4 million dollars in scholarships.

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Contact Monica Lott 334.213.2137 Nondiscriminatory statement as to students: Trinity admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origins to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Trinity does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origins in any of the educational policies, scholarship programs and athletics, and other school-administered programs.

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