Montgomery Parents February 2014 by KeepSharing

Third timeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the charm!

. take d e t c s t hr e t o r p e e do s y l l u f es of the H P V vacc ine to be HPV causes cervical cancer and many other cancers in men and women. The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls at age 11-12 to prevent cancers and diseases later in life. For those not yet vaccinated, the vaccine is recommended through age 21 for boys and age 26 for girls. The ADPH encourages you to pair the first dose of the HPV vaccine with the required 6th grade vaccinations (TDAP/Meningococcal) The vaccine is available at ALL County Health Departments at little or no cost to children ages 9 to 18. Dependents up to age 26 may be covered by their parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; insurance.

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There Is Hope Ahead. Montgomery Parents I February 2014

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February2014

Volume 19 Number 2

Columns

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6 Editor’s Note DeAnne Watson

8 Living With Children John Rosemond

Promoting Good Behavior at School

Learn what you can do at home to help them stay on “green light”!

12 Kids Health Watch

Small Person... Big Changes

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

What is Fifth Disease? It is late winter or early spring and just as our school and daycare children have recovered from their Strep Throats, RSV and Influenza diseases, we are puzzled by the school nurse’s announcement that there is a strange new rash in town infecting many children and some adults. The rash is very dramatic, but the systemic signs are very mild and our children play around as if they are not ill. After medical evaluation the diagnosis is an outbreak of Erythema Infectiosum or Fifth Disease. Fifth disease is caused by the human Parvovirus B 19, a single stranded DNA virus. It was so named because it was the fifth pink red rash disease to be described by doctors. The symptoms and signs of Fifth Disease are as follows: 1. Low grade fever usually less than 101 degrees or no fever at all. 2. Mild symptoms that may preclude the rash are headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, muscle aches and joint aches which are more severe in adults.

3. Bright red or rosy rash on both cheeks for one to three days (“slapped cheek appearance”). 4. Rash on cheeks is followed by a pink to red lacey or net-like rash on the trunk, arms and legs. 5. The rash comes and goes intermittently for one to five weeks, reoccurring after warm baths, exercise, sun exposure, rubbing the skin or emotional upset. How can you treat your child? The rash is harmless and causes no symptoms that need definitive treatment. There are no medications that can kill the virus and, most of the time, the infection resolves without complications. There are people who are at higher risk for more serious disease from the Parvovirus B 19. Pregnant women not immune can be at risk if exposed to a child with Fifth Disease. The mother should see her obstetrician. Antibody tests will be done to see if the mother already had the disease and is protected. If she does not have antibodies against the

virus the pregnancy will need to be monitored closely because the infant could acquire the infection that could result in complications. Other high risk groups that could have severe disease from Parvovirus B 19 are those patients with Sickle-cell Disease or other hemoglobinopathies and patients with immunodeficiencies. In Sickle-cell Disease this virus can cause aplastic anemia. Most adults who acquire Fifth Disease have a mild pinkness to their cheeks and no rash at all. They can develop severe joint pain, especially in the knees which may last one to three months. Usually these symptoms are relieved by ibuprofen. Children will develop the rash 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. The disease is contagious during the week before the rash develops. Therefore, exposed children should avoid contact with pregnant women if possible. When the bright red rash develops it is no longer contagious and the child can go back to school or daycare. Dr. Drennen earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1975 and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. He began his private practice of pediatric medicine in Loveland, Colorado. He then practiced in Ozark, Alabama before coming to Professional Pediatrics in 1998. He and his wife Rebecca have two sons. The entire family enjoys downhill skiing and beach activities.

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THINK FAST AT THE FIRST SIGN OF A

STROKE Get To The Area’s Only Nationally Certified Stroke Center

Every second is critical after stroke symptoms first appear. Receiving the right treatment quickly could save your life and minimize brain damage. That’s why you should immediately get to Baptist Medical Center South. As the area’s only Nationally Certified Stroke Center, Baptist South has a specialized Stroke Team on site 24/7, with the expertise to provide the fastest, most effective treatment. So in case of symptoms such as facial drooping, weakness in one arm, slurred speech, blurry vision, or sudden severe headache, think fast…call 911 and get to Baptist MedicalCenter South.

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Family Influence

Every so often (as I age) I find myself behaving in a way that reminds me of my mother or father. Gratefully, I smile and think or say to myself, “Thank God for my mama and daddy.” Our parents influence us, not just with our big core beliefs but in small wonderful ways. As I ride down the street I find myself raising my hand to wave at passing drivers and pedestrians – even if I don’t know them; that is what my daddy always did. When I meet people, I smile and treat them with respect. My mother set the perfect example offering kindness (usually a hug) to everyone she met. I have been known to add a hug to my greetings on occasion as well. The influence of family on the social and emotional well-being of children is just

as relevant today as when I was a child; perhaps more so. Our community is made up of thousands of families. We interact, we learn from and influence each other. What are our children learning from us? Tragedies in our community, and in those far away, have an effect on all of us. Recent events in Montgomery have shaken (and are shaping) the lives of children and adults alike. Some of our children have been directly impacted with sudden losses of family members and neighbors. Let’s remember that we send direct messages to our children through our responses to tragic events. When adults fail to respond to violent acts and other community ills, children may learn the lesson that we should just ignore tragedy (and what causes it). They may see themselves as helpless victims who just hope it doesn’t happen to them. When adults lead by example and deplore these actions and rise up to make change, children understand that it is not ok to hurt others, and that we as a community will not allow this to continue.

Our children need to know we care about them and that adults are here to protect them and teach them so they will grow into adults who will do the same for their children and community. This is a good time to pull out the age old poem that reminds us that “Children Live What They Learn.” We cannot ignore the issues in our neighborhoods, our community or our country. We must lead our children by strong examples of love, compassion, respect and concern as our parents and grandparents did. We must show and tell our children and grandchildren about life’s great possibilities. Join me in showing your resolve to ensure our community is a safe and wonderful place to live. Named superintendent in January 2014, Allen began working for Montgomery Public Schools as a special education teacher in 1976. She served as a teacher at Bear Elementary, assistant principal at Forest Avenue Elementary, principal at Garrett Elementary, and as an executive director of elementary schools. Most recently Allen has served as the professional development director for the system. She holds administrative certification from Alabama State University, a masters of arts in early childhood, a masters of arts in early childhood/handicapped, and a bachelor’s of science in elementary education and special education – all from Auburn University Montgomery.

Join us for this course to build a foundation for a Christ-centered marriage designed for couples who will be soon married or couples who have recently been married. The topics are chosen to confront issues married couples face early in their marriage and provide practical and biblical solutions.

Sundays, February 2 through March 16 9:45 am • A401 305 South Perry Street www.montgomeryfbc.org 334.834.6310 Montgomery Parents I February 2014

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Montgomery County Schools

Catholic’s Van Alst Wins Wrestling Tournament

ACA Senior Named to All-State Football Team

Alabama Christian Academy senior Kippy Tate has been named to the 2013 Class 4A All-State Team. This was Tate’s first year playing football. A soccer player for ACA, Tate used his skills acquired through soccer, as well as attended multiple skills camps this past summer, to help his team this year and was a valuable asset to ACA’s 2013 football team. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Tate.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s Zachary Van Alst was named Most Outstanding Wrestler in the Julian McPhillips Invitational wrestling tournament for the third consecutive year. The tournament was hosted by Saint James School on January 10 and 11. Van Alst, a freshman, also won the 113-lb. weight class in the tournament. He is the son of Bob and Jennie Van Alst. Montgomery Catholic senior John Haynes and sophomore Gabe Keating each finished fourth overall at the event. The Knights finished eighth in the tournament, while middle school wrestlers Gus Hodges and Wilson Miles each recorded their first wins of the year by pins. The Knights are coached by Coy Hunter. Shown, Zachary Van Alst won the 2014 Julian McPhillips Invitational Tournament at the 113-pound weight class. Julian McPhillips presented him with the Most Outstanding Wrestler award for the tournament, Van Alst’s third year in a row for this honor.

Macon East Cheerleaders Perform at Disney World

Macon East cheerleaders Rai Pritchett and Alex Wyrosdick had the privilege of participating in the UCA/ UDA All American Tour over the Thanksgiving break. The girls spent the week in Walt Disney World with more than 350 cheerleaders from around the country. The All-Americans were honored to perform a cheer dance to “Dancing with Mickey Mouse” as the opening of the Thanksgiving Day Parade at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. That evening the girls attended a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the cheerleaders, their families, and of course Mickey and Minnie. After the dinner, everyone enjoyed watching the video of the parade and a slide show of photos taken throughout the week. Pritchett and Wyrosdick both serve as captains for the Macon East JV cheer squad and were selected as All-Americans at the AISA UCA Cheerleading Camp held at Huntingdon College this summer.

Homeschool Seventh-Grader Visits Nigeria

Jeff Davis Named Finalists In Can Do Good Contest

Jeff Davis High School was recently named a state finalist in Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc.’s 2014 “Can Do Good” Social Design Competition. Jeff Davis will advance in the contest to compete against two schools in Georgia and South Carolina for a $2,500 and the title “Best Can Do Good Structure in the Southeast.” State finalists were selected following an online voting process where teams had to get as many votes for the Can Do Good structure they designed and built from items collected in their school’s food drive. The final round will be judged by a panel of architects and engineers from Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc. Montgomery Parents I February 2014

Lydia Williams, a homeschool student from Montgomery, traveled recently with her parents and a delegation of other business owners, to Nigeria in Sub-Saharan Africa. The family began its tour in Abuja, Nigeria, the country’s capital, where they were guests at a wedding. Days later they flew to Lagos for a business strategy briefing with Brian McCleary, commercial counselor of the U.S. Consulate, and Ngozi B. Nkwoh, commercial specialist. During her 10-day stay in Nigeria, Williams met the rear admiral of the Nigerian Navy and a former Nigerian senator, as well as other officials. She also explored Badagary, Abeokuta and Eko Atlantic. “My favorite things about visiting Nigeria,” said Williams, “were trying new foods and learning about the history. Their culture is different from ours but there were also a lot of other things that were similar. I’d like to go back someday.” Williams is the daughter of Rick and Tonya Williams, owners of RWC Wealth Management. The Williamses were honored to be guests of Montgomery doctors Doyin and Sesi Ogunbi, with whom they travelled to Nigeria. Lydia Williams, center, is shown with her father Rick Williams, right, and a merchant at an Abuja, Nigeria market place. 16

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Floyd Establishes National Elementary Honor Society Floyd Elementary School has made history by establishing a chapter of the National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) to recognize its outstanding students. A total of 62 members were inducted. Shown are some of the fifth-grade members. Cynthia Sankey and Synethia Martin are the advisers.

Carver Announces Spelling Bee Winners

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Holy Cross Debuts New Theater Club

Holy Cross Episcopal School has always put a huge emphasis on the arts. This year the school is starting the Holy Cross Theater Club. Sponsor Amber Griffith is excited about the possibilities. “We are finally going to be able to put on a large-scale production. In the past we were working with a cast of only 15-18 students. Now I’ll have much more to work with,” she says. Students will be learning everything from acting techniques to set design and costuming. They have been running through small skits, monologues and performing acting warm-ups.

Carver Elementary Arts held its schoolwide Spelling Bee recently. Winners were first place Naomi Tyson, from Ms. Bean’s fifth-grade class; second place Devon Anderson, from Mrs. Spencer’s fourth-grade class; and third place Daryl Bradford, from Mrs. Sharpe’s fourth-grade class. The Spelling Bee was chaired by Mrs. Garrett and Ms. Holmes. Connie Dacus was the official caller and judges included Mrs. Avera, Ramsey Tolliver and C. J. VanDiver.

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STJ Band Members Chosen For College Honor Bands

Gonzalez-Ansaldi Wins Holy Spirit Spelling Bee

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s Holy Spirit Campus held its school spelling bee January 17. The top spellers from each homeroom in grades four, five and six competed for a chance to advance to the district spelling bee. Angeles GonzalezAnsaldi, a fourth-grader, correctly spelled “enviable” and “merge.” She is the daughter of Doctors Maria Ansaldi and Gerardo Gonzalez.

In addition to the accolades and laurels received by the award-winning Saint James School Marching Trojans, several individual band students have been selected to participate in a variety of college-sponsored Honor Bands. Kayla Carr has been named to participate in the University of Alabama Honor Band February 7-9 and Price Everett and Will Richardson have been chosen to perform with the Auburn University Symphonic Honor Band that will assemble February 1315. Alexandria Seirafi has been selected to participate with the Samford University Honor Band Jan. 9-11. Honor Band members are nominated by their individual band directors from schools across the southeast. These students will rehearse over several days with nationally known conductors and composers and perform an “end of event” concert. Shown are STJ students Will Richardson, Kayla Carr, Alexandria Seirafi and Price Everett.

Local Taskforce Meets for Bully Awareness

The River Region ROCK Taskforce will hold its second meeting to plan how the group can raise awareness and prevent bullying in our schools and our communities. This Community Roundtable will be held at the AUM Center for Lifelong Learning at 75 Techna Center Drive February 6 at 9:30 a.m.

One of the many reasons to smile...

“ ” Prattville Location 460 McQueen Smith Road Prattville, AL 36066 (334) 358-6411

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Eastwood Announces Geography Bee Winners

Carli Culpepper made Eastwood history January 14 by winning the school Geography Bee for the second year in a row. She will now take a written qualifying test provided by the National Geographic Association to determine whether she advances to the state level bee at Samford University in April. Culpepper represented Eastwood at the state bee last year. Second-place winner was Lia Foti and third-place winner was McKenzie Higginbotham. All received gift cards to Books-a-Million. Other participants and finalists in the bee were Kyle Golden, Haley Hodges, Ben Johnson, Mikey Kometer, Andrew Markwell, Nolin Geiger, Adelaide Howard, Gracie Kocher, Michael Parker, Kirby Rockett and Mark White. From left are Lia Fioti, Carli Culpepper and McKenzie Higginbotham.

Easter Seal Dogs Visit Garrett Elementary

The Easter Seals DOC (Dogs On Call) therapy dogs recently visited students in reading coach Teresa Treloar’s reading room at Garrett Elementary. Students got an opportunity to sharpen their skills by reading aloud to the attentive dogs. They also learned about the seven-week training the dogs undergo with their owners to become therapy dogs.

Trinity’s Janie Hampton Scores 1000th Point!

Trinity Presbyterian School senior Janie Hampton was honored with her 1,000th point game ball on January 10 during halftime of the Trinity boys’ game against Montgomery Academy. She scored her 1,000th point during a game against ACA on December 14, where Trinity defeated the Eagles 54-32. Currently, the Trinity Lady Wildcats are 14-0 on the season, and Hampton’s scoring ability has contributed to their record-setting season. Breaking records is nothing new to Hampton. Just last spring, she scored her 100th soccer goal on March 19 in a 10-0 Wildcat win over LAMP. From left are Coach Blake Smith, Assistant Athletic Director Jessica Lassiter, Janie Hampton, Gail and Jim Hampton.

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

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

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Montgomery County Schools

Hooper JV Basketball Girls Take Second at State

Hooper Academy’s junior varsity girls took second place at the JV 3A State Tournament at Morgan Academy on January 18. The JV Lady Colts moved from fifth in the bracket to second place, only losing by one basket in the final game.

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During the holiday season, the Student Government Association at Evangel Christian Academy held a food drive to help the less fortunate. The elementary and high school students participated by bringing in cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, yams, green beans, corn, cornbread mix, cake mix, icing, fruit cocktail, and macaroni and cheese. The food was packed in baskets that were taken to Evangel Church which added turkeys to the bountiful gift. The Church then distributed the meals to people in the community.

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Secondary Open House February 25, 2014 6th - 12th Grade | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. Eternal truths and the fundamentals of learning — reinforced with tomorrow’s technology at Alabama Christian Academy. Set your child on the right path today. ACA. —— 334.277.1985 4700 WARES

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Montgomery Parents I February 2014

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STJ Golf Raffle Makes One Football Fan Happy The Saint James Golf Team completed a successful BCS-related raffle/fundraiser December 23 with the drawing of a travel package for two to the BCS Championship Game in Pasadena Jan. 6. The drawing was held at Marguirette’s Fine Jewelry and the winner, Norris Watson of Montgomery, was announced on the Doug Amos and Charlie Trotman radio show. The lucky $50 ticket purchase provided Watson with travel, meal and drink service for two to Pasadena Jan. 6, along with two tickets to the BCS game. The total value of the package for two was $5,200. The goal of the fundraiser was to help STJ’s Golf Team raise additional monies to fund its upcoming season. Last year’s successful STJ golf program resulted in a Class 4A State Runner-Up title, providing the 2014 team with several new opportunities and invitations to play in the best and most competitive tournaments held in Alabama. Monies raised from the successful fundraiser will defray high costs of travel, hotels, meals, entry/tournament fees, and the four-month practice season necessary for the school team to compete successfully in the upcoming tournaments. Total Sports Travel and Morris Capouya made the BCS Travel Package possible, by providing for the purchase and easy transfer of the package to a winner. Assistance with promotion was provided by John Longshore, Barry McKnight, Doug Amos and Charlie Trotman. In Montgomery, additional assistance was provided by Dunkin Donuts, Midtown Pizza Kitchen, Wes Cook Tire and Auto, and Campus Spirit, where tickets for the fundraiser were sold. Auburn assistance with the sale of tickets took place at Glover Tire and Auto, Berney Office Solutions, and Charter Bank. The Saint James golf team will compete in the season’s first tournament in Gulf Shores on February 17. Saint James School Golf Coach Aubrey Blackwell poses with Norris Watson of Montgomery, the winner of the BCS Travel Package Raffle/Fundraiser.

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Eight STJ Students Chosen For Statewide Honor Choir Saint James chorus students Caitlin Hicks, Mary Villageois, Miranda Therkelsen, Emma Frakes, Zach Jeffcoat, Jay Spivey, Joe Taylor and Alexander Chung have been chosen to perform in the 2014 Alabama Vocal Association Honor Choir, a statewide choral assembly composed of approximately 100 students from across the state of Alabama. Honor Choir is a venue at the Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA) Conference during even-numbered years. Choral directors choose one or two quartets (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) from their best students in grades 10-12. Candidates are screened in each district on the Honor Choir music and, if selected for Honor Choir, rehearse and perform during the AMEA Conference. The statewide roster of honorees attended a two-day January workshop in Montgomery, where they were directed by a nationally recognized conductor and composer. Following the workshop, the students performed in a public concert. “The Honor Choir is very selective, and these students had the incredible opportunity both to sing with their most talented peers and to be professionally conducted,” STJ’s Chorus Director Lis Donaldson said. “What a high honor!” Front from left are Mary Villageois, Zach Jeffcoat and Joe Taylor; back row, Emma Frakes, Miranda Therkelsen, Jay Spivey and Alexander Chung (not pictured: Caitlin Hicks) were selected to perform in the Alabama Honor Choir on Jan. 25, in a concert at the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery.

Montgomery Parents I February 2014

Macon East Student and Coach Chosen for Volleyball Honors

Macon East Academy sophomore Jesi Garrett has been named Montgomery Advertiser’s AISA All-Metro volleyball player of the year. At 5-foot-10, Garrett leads the team at the outside hitter position and had 347 kills for the season. Her overall hitting average was .350 and she ranked 2nd on the team in service aces with 63. Several other members of the Macon East volleyball team were also named to the All-Metro team: Deven Kennedy, Lexi Brantley and Sami Nesbitt. Haley Grant, Morgan Pounds and Anna Marie Pugh received honorable mentions. Coach Amanda Smallwood was named AISA Coach of the Year. She is in her third year at Macon East and led her team to their third straight state championship. The Knights volleyball team finished the season 28 and 1 with their only loss going to Lee-Scott Academy. The Knights went on to defeat the Warriors three times including a sweep in the Class AA state championship.

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Academy Students Reach Out Through Project

The members of Camilla Armstrong’s Painting I and AP Studio Art Classes at The Montgomery Academy recently painted portraits of twenty-one Cambodian orphans through The Memory Project, an international outreach program founded by Ben Schumaker in 2004. The Memory Project is a unique initiative in which art students create portraits for children and teens around the world who have been neglected, orphaned, or disadvantaged. Because kids in such situations tend to have few personal keepsakes, The Memory Project aims to provide them with special memories that capture a piece of their childhood. The project also wants to help the kids see themselves as works of art. MA art students received photos of children on The Memory Project waiting list and then created portraits of the children using an array of media. The portraits are now on their way to be delivered in person to the children as gifts. The students are eagerly awaiting photos taken during the delivery process of the children with their portraits. The students studied other portrait artists in conjunction with the project to learn more about the technique of portrait drawing. “The project was very special for me because it reminded me of the missionary work I did in Belize,” said MA senior Jennie Austin. “While I was in Belize, children would get so excited when I would simply show them a picture on my camera. After my trip, I realized it’s not about having the picture, but having a connection with someone who cared for them. I can only imagine how excited the children receiving these portraits will be to have something they can keep! I love that an everyday assignment in an art class in high school will make an impact on someone’s day and maybe even their life.” Students participating in the project included Miso Kim, Danielle Hwang, Claudia Rutland, Cari Budny, Evan Foy, Christine Hong, Brianna Bonner, Chelsea Howell, Claire Rickard, Jennie Austin, Claire Sikes, Frances Freeman, Preston Clark, Will Kelley and Gaun Lee. Christine Hong is shown with her portrait. 22

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Lee ROTC Cadets March In MLK Parade Downtown

Lee High School Air Force JROTC cadets honored Dr. Martin Luther King by participating in the annual MLK Day Parade in downtown Montgomery. JROTC students have learned about the Civil Rights Movement and Dr. King’s legacy of non-violent resistance in their Alabama History and American History classes, and used the holiday to perform this act of service as part of their unit.

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Holy Cross Track Team Takes City by Storm

The Holy Cross Episcopal School junior track team is at it again. After a wonderful turnout for the Jingle Bell Run in December, where nearly 20 Holy Cross student runners participated and kindergartner Claire Webb won first place in her age division, the team is back training. Holy Cross Head of School Melissa Coumanis, who is also the track coach, said she is excited that track is increasing health awareness for students at Holy Cross. Students are training for the Points of Life marathon benefitting Life South Blood Centers. In this kid marathon, students track the miles they run each day and then all meet together to run the final two miles. In total, students will have run 26.2 miles. This marathon has acted as a huge motivation for the Holy Cross junior track team. The students also plan to run in the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle in March. Many of the track members are planning to run the 10K during this race, making it their longest running endeavor in a single race. “I know they will be ready by then,” Coumanis said. “We have a team full of motivated and driven athletes who have set their mind on achieving this goal, and I have no doubt they will do just that!” 23

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ACA Receives New Books From Box Top Program

Call today to schedule a personal tour! Halcyon Park KinderCare 6955 Halcyon Park Drive

334-270-5955

Buckboard KinderCare 3025 Buckboard Road

334-277-3720

Shelia Blvd. KinderCare 701 Sheila Blvd., Prattville

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Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@ montgomeryparents.com. It’s FREE!

Montgomery Parents I February 2014

Alabama Christian Academy received 94 new books for its elementary library thanks to the Box Tops for Education program. Throughout the past semester, ACA students brought in 11,250 box tops, which raised $1,125. Elementary librarian Charlotte Patterson, who helped to coordinate the Box Top donations, turned the $1,125 worth of box tops into 94 books for her young readers. “The holidays are always a good time to keep the Box Tops top-of-mind for the library programs for libraries here in the River Region,” shared Patterson. “With many Box Top items used in holiday cooking and baking, we want to make sure our community takes the time to save these coupons and help our local schools to get more books for young readers.” The Box Tops for Education program has helped schools earn money through saving the Box Tops coupons on commonly bought food & household items for nearly two decades. For more information about the program, visit http://www.boxtops4education.com/.

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Montessori @ Mulberry Students Study Space

Students at M@M had a lot of fun learning different things about the Universe in January. They created a variety of art based on the planets, the moon, galaxies and the stars we can see in our night sky. A favorite thing to do was to take turns holding a small Earth, Sun or Moon marble and replicate the rotation of the Earth, or the orbits of Earth and Moon, all while the Sun is in its place. This activity was completed while singing the “Orbit Song.” For a size comparison of the planets, we used: Jupiter = basketball, Saturn = soccer ball, Uranus and Neptune = softball, Earth and Venus = large marble, Mars = small marble, Mercury = small bead, and Pluto and the Moon = a tiny bead. We had a discussion to help children understand the scale of things like, how a toy car can look like a real car but that it is scaled down so that we can play with it. Kylie, who attends M@M, took a turn holding a basketball that represents a scaled-down version of Jupiter.

Macon East Gives to the Humane Shelter

Mrs. York’s first-grade class at Macon East Academy presented gifts to Mary Hughes (and her dog, Harvey) of the Montgomery Humane Shelter as the class Christmas service project. This is an annual project, and the students enjoy donating pet food, toys and supplies to help their furry friends. Hughes visits the first-graders weekly as part of the “Read to the Paw” program.

Trinity EnviroBowl Team Wins Regional Contest

The Trinity EnviroBowl Team placed first in the regional competition January 17 at AUM. The team was undefeated in this double elimination style tournament. The students will compete in the state playoffs March 14 in Birmingham. EnviroBowl is a double-elimination, question and answer competition played between two high school teams consisting of four students each. The questions are designed to test the students’ knowledge of the environment and related fields, such as forestry, wildlife, chemistry, waste management, ecology, geology and pollution. Shown are Trinity EnviroBowl Team members: Hannah Green, Regan Goocher, Jack Albritton, Daniel Phillips and Bray Jones.

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ACA Chorus Performs at Davis Theatre

STJ Elementary Students Help Feed Older Adults

Saint James School second- and thirdgraders did their part to help the Montgomery Area Council on Aging fulfill its mission of serving older adults by collecting food items for the agency as part of their holiday community service project. The seven- and eight-year-olds collected more than 200 jars of peanut butter and instant coffee as a class donation to the Montgomery community organization.

Alabama Christian Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Acapella Chorus was honored to be the only chorus in Montgomery selected to participate in the nationally acclaimed production of The Forgotten Carols at the Davis Theatre December 6. The one-night show in Montgomery worked with the ACA chorus several weeks prior to the show to prepare for the production. The chorus sang back-up for songs in the production and several students played small roles during the show as well. The Forgotten Carols is a traveling production that benefits charitable causes in each town that it visits. In Montgomery, the producer, Michael Young, raised money through the showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ticket for the Marriage and Family Legacy Builders (MFLB), a foundation to help build stronger marriages and families. The co-founders of the MFLB foundation, Tony and Elizabeth Staten, donated $400 to ACA, but the ACA chorus opted to donate the money back to the MLFB foundation. To find out more about the MFLB, visit ://themflb.org/.

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McKee Pre-K Fundraiser: The Fresh Market

The students at McKee Pre-K have worked hard on their community garden. The produce harvested December 20 included cabbage, mustard and collard greens. As a fundraiser for the McKee PreK Center, parents were able to purchase vegetables their children had planted and raised. In 2008, the county’s cooperative extension office presented the idea of working on better access to healthy foods to some community leaders. This group included the parks and recreation departments for the city and the county as well as the regional planning and development commission. These multiple agencies applied for and received an ACHIEVE grant. The ACHIEVE coaches are James Williams, Parks and Recreation Superintendent for the Montgomery County Commission and Jennifer Anderson, Planner for the Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission. Roosevelt Robinson with Cooperative Extension installed nine raised bed gardens and conducted lessons on gardening for the Pre-K students and teachers. The gardens have been received enthusiastically by the students. They have gained a wealth of knowledge from the activity of gardening and acquired healthy nutritional practices. The students do all of the work in the garden. They turn the soil, plant, harvest, and water the garden. Montgomery County Commissioners have been strong supporters of ACHIEVE efforts and without their support this developmentally appropriate learning experience would not be possible for the students at the McKee Pre-K Center.

GOD HAS A PLAN AND A PURPOSE FOR ME

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Academy Art Students Receive Regional Awards

Works of art from Montgomery Academy students Miso Kim, Jennie Austin, Christine Hong and Caroline Lester were accepted into the Biennial Southeastern Regional High School Juried Art Competition and Exhibit at BirminghamSouthern College. This show has a history that is nearly 40 years old and is open to students at high schools across the southeastern region; it is juried by the full-time BSC art studio faculty with monetary and honorary awards presented. Out of 100 selected works, the three Montgomery Academy students each received one of the 10 monetary awards of $100 given by Birmingham-Southern art department. Hong also received one of the 10 honorable mentions that were given.

Mrs. Claus Visits ACA K-4 Classes

F o r E v E r y G E n E r at i o n . Prattville First United Methodist Church • 100 E. 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 TRADITIONAL WORSHIP 8: 30 AM & 11: 00 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL 9: 45 AM THE WELL 11:00 AM

www.prattvillemethodist.org Montgomery Parents I February 2014

The K-4 classes at Alabama Christian Academy had a special visitor for Christmas this year. Mrs. Claus took time out of her busy schedule at the North Pole to visit Mrs. Clifton’s and Mrs. Torode’s K-4 classes, where she told them about Santa’s schedule, the elves and all the toys Santa is making for the good little boys and girls. During her time at the ACA elementary school, she read a story to the children and presented each child with a book and a bag of homemade cookies. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Catholic Team Participates In Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School supported the Arthritis Foundation by participating in the Jingle Bell Run December 7 on the campus of Huntingdon College. The Montgomery Catholic Racing Knights, a 26-member team, donated more than $1,125 to the Arthritis Foundation. Led by Team Captain and MCPS parent volunteer Jennifer Passineau, the Racing Knights team was made up of students, faculty, staff and family members. Montgomery Catholic’s 2013 Jingle Bell Run team members were Liz Gregorius, Patrick Gregorius, Devin Kelly, Grace Leslie, Lucy Leslie, Sam Leslie, Becky Littrell, Sarah Beth Littrell, Donna, David and Daniel Labello, Angel Padilla, Michael Passineau, Alice Smith, Chloe Smith, Michael Smith, Nate Smith, Katelyn Stark, Sharon Stark, Annabel Starrett, John Terino, Emily Theurer, James Walker, Jason Walker and William Walker. The team’s top fundraiser was Coach John Terino.

Holy Cross Third-Graders Reach 100% AR Goals

Monette Stuart’s third-grade class at Holy Cross Episcopal School has a good reason to be proud! Each grading period, students at Holy Cross are presented with an Accelerated Reader challenge. Students are encouraged to read at least thirty minutes a day to reach a certain amount of AR points. This grading period, 100% of the third-graders met their goals in Accelerated Reader. Holy Cross librarian Kathy Taylor rewarded the class with a fun Accelerated Reader party. The students made snowmen from mini doughnuts, pretzels, and candy. Brett Westhauser shows off his snowman.

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ACA Cheerleaders Minister to Hillview Terrace Residents

Southern Artist Gives Lecture at Montgomery Academy

Critically acclaimed artist William Dunlap recently presented an inspiring guest lecture to Montgomery Academy Upper School AP Art History students. During his presentation he gave insight to his process of creating art, installing exhibitions, and shared background on several of his pieces. He encouraged the students to “look all around you, for art is everywhere in everything.” Dunlap has distinguished himself as an artist, arts commentator and educator, during a career that has spanned more than three decades. His paintings, sculpture and constructions are included in prestigious collections, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Lauren Rogers Museum, Mobil Corporation, Riggs Bank, IBM Corporation, Federal Express, The Equitable Collection, Rogers Ogden Collection, Arkansas Art Center, the United States State Department, and United States Embassies throughout the world. He has an M.F.A. from the University of Mississippi, and taught at Appalachian State University in North Carolina (1970-79) and Memphis State University (1979-80.) He currently maintains studios in McLean, Virginia; Mathison, Mississippi and Coral Gables, Florida. Montgomery Parents I February 2014

The Alabama Christian Academy cheer teams recently completed a big sister/little sister project that benefited Hillview Terrace, a nursing home that provides extendedstay nursing care to seniors with varying levels of disabilities. The big sister/little sister mentoring program brought the varsity, junior varsity and middle school teams together to make fleece blankets to take to the residents of Hillview Terrace for Christmas. The ACA cheerleaders delivered the blankets where they were able to spend time and interact with the residents. In keeping with the school’s tradition of service, the ACA cheerleaders started the big sister/little sister program for varsity cheerleaders to mentor the younger cheerleaders and also find ways to serve their community.

Update from Churchill Academy

November and December brought a flurry of holiday parties and other celebrations to Churchill Academy. At the annual winter program, students from Classrooms A through E sang songs and told stories about Christmas around the world. Then, Classroom G took the stage for a crazy round of Family Feud-style Christmas trivia. Kyle Hemmer hosted his classmates, who served as the red and green teams. The students knew a lot of answers that even many adults in the audience couldn’t have guessed. After all of that excitement, everyone was ready for a break! By the time school resumed on January 8, everybody was ready to get back into the routine. A number of new student faces brighten our hallways as we launch into the second half of the school year. Churchill Academy also welcomes back veteran teacher Tabitha Hall to Classroom A. Hall had taken time off to work on her Master’s Degree, and we are excited to have her back with us. We also welcome Judy Taunton to the upper school, where she has taught in the past. This year’s group of teachers is one of the strongest Churchill has ever had.

Catholic Choirs Perform at Crump Senior Center The Montgomery Catholic Preparatory Elementary Choir took a field trip to The Crump Senior Center in Montgomery on December 13. Students from the MCPS St. Bede and Holy Spirit campuses spread Christmas joy by singing Christmas Carols in Santa hats for a group of seniors at the Center. Led by teachers and choir leaders Ellie Burden and Mary Pears, the students were accompanied by piano and guitar played by Sharon Stark. St. Bede campus choir members, front row from left, Nathan Manning, Nick Calandra and Danielle Willcox; and second row, Cacey Williams, Alex Snowden, Ainsley Harrison and Cecelia Crawford sing at the Crump Senior Center spreading Christmas cheer. 30

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Pike Road Breaks Ground on New School

Construction on a new $16 million school is finally about to start in Pike Road. A groundbreaking ceremony was held January 10 where the new school will be built on Marler Road, adjacent to The Waters. The K-8 school, which will become a high school as the first eighth-grade class moves up, is scheduled to open in fall 2015. The school will be built on about 20 acres of land at The Waters, and will have a maximum capacity of about 850 students. Town officials estimate there will be about 600 to 700 students enrolled at the school in the first year, which is a figure based on the 2010 Census. Ray Hawthorne is president of the Pike Road Board of Education. He said the school board is in the process of hiring a superintendent and then a curriculum can be developed and teachers can be hired. Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone said town officials, including the school board and the Pike Road Educational Leadership Council, have taken components from exceptional schools in Alabama and other states to develop the school. The town also worked with Auburn University, Auburn Montgomery, Alabama State University and Troy University to come up with a model unique to Pike Road, he said. Stone said the idea to build a school in Pike Road started back in 1997. Since then, residents and town leaders have taken steps to start the process of developing a school system. Wayne Rabren, the first mayor of Pike Road, said the first school opened in the town in 1918 and closed in 1969. Information for this article was attained from The Montgomery Advertiser.

Macon East Librarian Receives Class Act Award Macon East librarian Jennifer Sanford recently received the Class Act Award from WSFA. Sanford is in her third year at Macon East. She teaches the students library skills using new technology in the library and encourages students to have a lifelong love of reading. The Class Act Award is a special honor as it is given based on student and parent nominations submitted to WSFA.

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ACA Inducts 12 New Honor Society Members

ECA Students Compete In School Spelling Bee

Evangel Christian Academy recently held its annual schoolwide Spelling Bee. The top three students from each class, fourth through eighth grades, competed in a schoolwide competition. The fourth-grade winner was Chelsea Trimble, fifth grade was Jalyn Smith, sixth grade was Emily Stehl, seventh grade was R.J. Holland and eighth grade was Chloe Britt. The top three overall winners for the school were Holland, who placed first; Britt, second; and Trimble, third. The winners from each grade level will advance to compete at the district level.

Twelve new members were inducted recently into Alabama Christian Academy’s National Honor Society chapter. Students are awarded this honor for more than just academic achievements – these students must exhibit characteristics of the NHS’s traditional four pillars: scholarship, leadership, service and character. As part of the traditional NHS ceremony, new inductees were taught about each NHS pillar from the 2013-2014 Senior NHS officers and also recited a pledge. The presentation concluded with President Ronnie Sewell and Secondary Principal Dale Horn offering advice and encouragement to new members. New inductees include: Senior Marisa Sutton and Juniors Abbi Coplen, Ashley Nicole Gault, Haley Hackett, Kodee Elizabeth Harrison, Mary Elizabeth Hayes, Lauren Hughes, John Cameron Parham, Javan Rampersad, Savannah Solar, David Charles Swayne, and Rachel Anne Treubig.

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Holy Cross Lions Score with Basketball

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Basketball at Holy Cross is in full swing this year. The two teams consisting of firstthrough fourth-graders have been working extremely hard during weeks of practicing. After fourth-grader Sydney Underwood made the first three points during their game, the ball was a hot item that everyone wanted to get their hands on. “The teams were focused, energized, and everyone had a lot of fun!” Coach Stevie Creel said. Basketball is not the only sport going on at Holy Cross right now. The junior track team is in the middle of training and the cheerleading squad has just started practice. The cheerleaders will be cheering for both the Holy Cross basketball and soccer teams, as well as traveling to some of the marathons where the track team is participating. Cheerleading coaches Autumn Jackson and Amber Griffith are excited to get the squad prepared. “It has been a lot of fun seeing these girls bubble over with school spirit. It’s given them a new pride for their school and their fellow Lions!” says Griffith. The Lions are shown practicing with Coach Creel before their first game.

Floyd Participates in WSFA’s 12 Days of Giving

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Floyd Elementary School students participated in collecting canned goods for WSFA’s 12 Days of Giving. Shown are the school’s 2013-2014 Student Council Officers, Phillip Thomas, President; Micah Sims, Vice President; Alayla Gray, Treasurer; and Kayla Jackson, Secretary.

STJ Theater Students Shine at State Festival

Saint James School Thespians made an impressive showing at the 73rd Annual State Trumbauer Theatre Festival competition held at Troy University Dec. 5-8. Each of the seven STJ actors received a Superior rating in their event, with senior Zach Jeffcoat receiving the First Place award in “Varsity Solo Musical Male Comedic” category and Hayden Ergenbright taking Fourth Place in the same category. Eighty-nine schools with more than 2500 competitors showcased their talents in the statewide event. From left are Joe Taylor, Zach Jeffcoat, Catherine Bradwell, Mary Villageois, Hayden Ergenbright and Blake Sanders (not pictured: Emma Colson).

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ACA 8th-Grader Wins School Spelling Bee

Alabama Christian Academy held its ninth annual schoolwide Spelling Bee for the secondary school, grades 5 through 8, on January 8. This year’s class representative spellers at ACA included Shelby Cousins, 5th grade; Kyra Caspari, 6th grade; Baylee Perkins, 7th grade; and Anna Grace Murphy, 8th grade. After 16 rounds of spelling, Murphy was declared the winner when she correctly spelled the word “infamous.” In addition, she was awarded $40. Spelling Bee Judges included Rhea Wynn and Calandra Cook. Murphy will advance to the Montgomery County Spelling Bee at Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church where she will compete against students from other schools in the River Region on February 3.

Montgomery Parents I February 2014

T.S. Morris Hosts First Top D.O.G.S. Luncheon

T. S. Morris Elementary School hosted its initial TOP D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students) kick-off luncheon December 16. The luncheon featured guest speaker Cleveland Gavin, principal of the Alabama Department of Youth Services School at Mount Meigs. The focus of the meeting was to discuss the importance of fathers’ support to the educational process and organizing of the school’s membership. The program is based upon a nationally recognized educational initiative by the National Center For Fathering that began in 1998 in Springdale, Arkansas. The goals of the program are to reach out to the fathers of the Morris community and other community leaders and supporters to: 1) provide positive male role models for the students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important and 2) provide extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security and reduce bullying.

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Goodwyn Middle FBLA Holds ‘CEO DAY’

Goodwyn Middle School’s FBLA recently participated in “CEO DAY.” Students dressed in professional attire for the day to show each other the proper way to dress at FBLA conferences and job interviews and to know the difference between social and professional attire. FBLA lead advisor Graves Goodwyn says, “Whether you like it or not, the way you are dressed is the first thing people notice about you and first impressions are usually formed within the first 30 seconds. Appearance is also one of the many factors that affects whether or not you will get hired.” From left are Jade Bailey, Brionna Barnes, JoEllen Whitfield, Diana Miranda, Brionna Burt, Brandon Tucker, Autumn Utsahagarn, Morgan Beckham, Chassity Rhodes, Demitrius Beckford, Taylor Webb, Tiant Perry, Diana Carrizales, Sierra Thompson, Victoria Seithalil, Jacob Crew, and Ashley Donohue. Not pictured are Jaysha Taylor, Kayla Carmichael, Emma Heary and Keturah Stone.

Macon East Celebrates Christmas Worldwide

“Christmas Around the World” is an annual celebration in Ginger Johnson’s kindergarten class at Macon East Academy. In December, the students learned how other children celebrate Christmas in 18 countries. Each student gave a report on his assigned country’s Christmas customs, how that country celebrates Jesus’ birth, and what name Santa is known by in that country. The students also brought a dessert to share that is a traditional Christmas treat in each country. Peyton Underwood is shown giving her report on Christmas in Sweden.

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STJ Senior to Meet Obama in D.C.

The son of Herbert and Loria Hunter, Saint James School senior Jared Hunter was named a National Merit Scholarship Corporation National Achievement semifinalist in September – one of only 1,600 Black American high school seniors named to compete for $2.5 million to be offered in the spring. Despite a demanding course load, he is also a student reporter for a special series of webcasts produced by Alabama Public Television. The programs, Project C: Lessons from the Civil Rights Movement, are online productions for which Hunter does on-camera interviews. The series has received more than 650,000 views. Some of the biggest news of the year for Hunter came earlier this month when the high school senior learned he is one of only two students in the state selected to represent Alabama in the U.S. Senate Youth program funded by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. In addition to a $5,000 college scholarship, Hunter receives an allexpense paid week-long trip to the nation’s capital in the spring to tour Washington, meet the President and Vice President, and talk and have dinner with multiple heads of agencies and departments, as well as Supreme Court judges and elected officials. “I’m incredibly excited and I’m counting down the days until I get to go in March,” Hunter said. “I think this will be an important week in helping me get into my dream college (Georgetown) and it will also give me a good glimpse of what career I want to pursue.” Selection for the honor does not come easily. Applicants must take a difficult test aimed at assessing a student’s knowledge about history and current affairs. Grades from the tests are tallied and the nine highest state scorers are chosen as semifinalists. The students are then interviewed, inperson, by the U.S. Senate Youth Program representatives. Each interviewee is quizzed on current affairs, history, and their views on a number of topical issues, both national and state-related. In addition to Georgetown, the talented 17-year-old is considering the University of North Carolina, the University of Alabama, and Auburn. Down the road, Hunter would like to be a U.S. senator. Montgomery Parents I February 2014

St. Bede Fourth-Graders Visit Archbishop in Mobile

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s St. Bede campus fourthgrade class was invited by Archbishop Thomas Rodi to visit Mobile for a special job. The students were in charge of creating the theme and decorating the Chancery Christmas tree. Nineteen students, along with teacher Mary Pears, Principal Laurie Gulley and Father Pat Arensberg, took a chartered bus to Mobile on December 10. The class was greeted by the archbishop on the steps of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on South Claiborne Street where the students were given a tour and history lesson. The lesson included the founding of the Cathedral and an explanation of the stained glass windows which all depict scenes referencing the role of Mary in the life of Jesus from the New Testament. After the tour, the group made their way to the Chancery to decorate the tree with student-made decorations in the class theme of “The Legend of the Candy Cane.” Every ornament involved the candy cane in some way, reminding all the real reason we celebrate Christmas. After Principal Gulley successfully topped the tree, the archbishop treated the students with chocolate milk and cookies. Superintendent of Catholic Schools Gwen Byrd, the staff from the Office of Religious Education and the Office of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Mobile joined the group for the sweet treat. After a busy morning the students were then invited to have lunch and recess with the fourth-grade class at Saint Pius X Catholic School before heading back to Montgomery. Shown are Father Pat Arensberg, Archbishop Thomas Rodi, Principal Laurie Gulley and Mary Pears with St. Bede campus fourth-grade students: James Bender, Boyd McKinley, Cecilia Crawford, Will Driver, Ailish Gilbert, Mason McCollister, Aidan McNeely, Matthew Reardon, Eathan Binns, Tianna Carr, Samantha Day, Ansley Erhardt, Layne Jordan, Julian Macchia, John McLennan, Will Noell, Samual Rogers and Hart Yost. (Photo by Mary Pears)

Miss Samford Visits Trinity Kindergartners

Trinity graduate Shea Summerlin, recently crowned Miss Samford, paid a visit to the K5 Class on January 10. It was a memorable time for the kindergarteners and Summerlin, as she answered questions and read a story. She also made an appearance at the Lower School Awards Celebration in Willett Hall on January 16. She spoke to the students and encouraged them to always do their best in every endeavor. 36

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Holy Cross Mentors With Buddy Program

Holy Cross is adamant about keeping up its mentoring buddies program. Many grades pair up to read and do special projects together. The fifth-graders and K4 class have had a great time making edible snowmen and other various art projects. The sixth-graders helped first-graders with their writing skills by assisting them with letters to Santa and writing their New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolutions. The third-graders and kindergarten class did partner reading together and created really cute glyphs. Buddies will also come together to work on the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual global museum which is on Kenya this year. Grace Scott and Micah Cobb are shown.

Hitting the high notes is music to our ears. Visit our state-of-the-art campus and experience first-hand the impact of engaged learning. Call today and schedule a tour.

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Academy Third-Graders Have Guatemalan Pen Pals

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English as a second language (ESL) tutoring provided. Saint James School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

The third-grade class at The Montgomery Academy is taking part in a unique learning opportunity this year with pen pals in Guatemala City. The project is a fun way for students to increase their cultural awareness, share about life in Alabama, and also learn new words and phrases in

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

Spanish. Lower School Spanish teacher Marilyn Bullard researched the educational pen pal project online and was excited to partner with Colegio Americano de Guatemala (American School of Guatemala), a K-12 private, bilingual school in Guatemala City with instruction in both English and Spanish. The MA students have written two letters to their pen pals, one in English and one in Spanish, in addition to receiving a letter from the third-graders at Colegio Americano de Guatemala and sharing several photos through e-mail. During a recent trip to Guatemala City, Bullard got to visit the Colegio Americano de Guatemala campus and the pen pals of her class, who eagerly asked her questions about MA and Alabama. Both classes are looking forward to scheduling a time to Skype during class in the next month. 37

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Trinity Students Enjoy Breakfast & Books

Trinity Presbyterian Lower School students celebrated their reading accomplishments for the second nine weeks with Mrs. Shelley at “Breakfast and Books.” The top four students in each grade were rewarded for having the most Accelerated Reader points from October 10-December 20. First Grade are: Anne Rollins Howe, Phillip Wilson, Maggie Gwin, and Lilla Wilson; Second Grade are: Buddy Watson, Cayson Keller, Andrew Glover and Mary Massey McCulloch; Third Grade are: Anna Kate Kyser, Cal Bennett, Kirby Lumpkin and Emory Roth; Fourth Grade are: Jake Yohn, Louden Wilson, Coleman Stanley and Simmons Byrd; and Fifth Grade are: Luke Franklin, Graves Aughtman, Linda Hill and Avery Newell. AR Point winners are shown with Trinity Lower School Principal Tami Shelley.

Academy Speech & Debate Coach Receives National Coaching Award

The National Forensic League, the speech and debate honor society, announces Montgomery Academy instructor Kris Hall as its newest diamond coach. Hall received a first diamond award after earning 1,503 points on December 15. A diamond award recognizes a professional career that combines excellence and longevity. The League provides diamond awards based on coach points received. Coaches receive one-tenth the points earned by their students and one-tenth of the points earned as a student member of the League. After a minimum of five years as a League member, a coach who attains 1,500 points is awarded a first diamond; he or she receives a second diamond for 3,000 points, a third for 6,000 points, and so on. Five years must pass between each diamond award. On June 19, Hall will receive special recognition at the National Forensic League National Speech & Debate Tournament in Overland Park, Kansas. Each year, the tournament draws more than 5,000 students, coaches, and parents from across the nation.

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Join us for a celebration of God’s goodness through praise and worship, followed by a life-applicable Biblebased teaching by senior pastor John Schmidt via video. Come casual and enjoy our service that starts at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday at the Jim Wilson YMCA at New Park. Nursery and children’s program provided.

For more information contact our office at (334) 356-3076 or visit our website at centeringlives.com

Montgomery Parents I February 2014

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STJ Mock Trial Team Qualifies for Nationals

The Saint James School Freshman Mock Trial Team, coached by Montgomery attorneys Wells Robinson and Rory McKean, reaped high honors for their participation in the 2013 Alabama YMCA Youth Judicial Competition. The team earned Third Place out of a field of 16 teams from around the State of Alabama in the Premier League. Members of the team received individual honors, including placing in the top three for the most outstanding attorney and most outstanding witness categories, each of which included a field of 48 competitors. The team’s overall performance earned them the opportunity to potentially compete in the National YMCA Mock Trial Competition in Chicago in 2014. Standing from left are team mentor and attorney Wells Robinson (‘01), Samantha White, Colton Alter, Hannah White, Bayley Beasley, Emily Kent and team mentor and attorney Rory McKean; sitting: Mason Edwards, Harrison Carter and Joseph Gary. Edwards was named an outstanding attorney and Kent was named an outstanding witness in the competition.

Mrs. Claus Visits Macon East Academy

Every Christmas Macon East Kindergarten and Pre-school students get a special visit from Mrs. Claus. She brings news from the North Pole and tells the boys and girls what the elves are busy making in the workshop. On her visit this year, Mrs. Claus showed the students a picture of Santa at the beach last summer and read The Night Before Christmas. The students enjoyed a special cookie treat and spending time visiting with Mrs. Claus. Ginger Johnson’s kindergarten class is shown.

Princess The New Stories

Alabama Dance Theatre presents excerpts from Swan Lake Act II, Aladdin, and Pocahontas! • Fri., February 28, 7:30 pm • Sat., March 1, 2:30 pm • Sun., March 2, 2:30 pm Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts Tickets: alabamadancetheatre.com Information: 241.2800 SPONSORS

This performance is made possible by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. 2014

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Evangel Celebrates With Christmas Play

Evangel Christian Academy recently held its annual Christmas Program. The elementary students, under the direction of music teacher Marla Black, joined together to present a holiday program for guest of all ages. This year’s presentation was based on the musical “We Three Spies,” a program that was written by Christy and Daniel Semsen. During the comical presentation, the main characters discovered the true meaning of the Christmas season.

Holy Cross Show Choir Spreads Joy at Christmas

Holy Cross has a tradition of spreading Christmas joy around the holidays. The show choir has done an excellent job for many years, continuing this tradition by singing at local area nursing homes before Christmas. This year the choir performed the program, The First Leon: Uncovering the Meaning of Christmas. It was a heartfelt performance depicting a young boy named Leon, played by sixth-grader Brody Day, who feels that it is his job to spread the Christmas message. Despite everyone telling him he’s not good enough to try out for his school play, Leon not only tries out, but he steals the show. The men and women at the nursing homes were quick to tap their toes and clap their hands. The show choir also performed for customers at Texas Roadhouse after eating lunch there.

Montgomery Parents I February 2014

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Macon East Academy

15396 Vaughn Road | maconeast.net | 334.277.6566 Located 11 miles east of Taylor Road, just minutes from Montgomery Macon East Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment policies and other school-administered programs.

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I feel it is very important for the citizens of Autauga County to be informed of the accomplishments of their school system, and how we utilize and stretch the precious funds we have to provide the best educational experience for our students. Highlighted for you below are some of the first semester accomplishments. BOARD OF EDUCATION • Received over $6.6 million in meritbased scholarships for the graduating class of 2013 • Celebrated our 2013 seniors scoring above the national average on the ACT for the first time • Celebrated the highest graduation rate in the River Region at 81% • Scored 26 or above on the ACT (15% of the graduating class of 2013)

• Graduated a bookkeeper from the Local School Finance Certification Program • Increased the state-required onemonth operating balance from 28% to 53% • Ended the 2013 Fiscal Year with a $2,561,397 General Fund balance • Purchased 7-12 math and K-4 reading/English textbooks • Purchased technology ($71,591) from the Energy Conservation Plan savings • Purchased 4 school buses with Fleet Renewal Funds • Added 250 seats to the football stadium and tinted cafeteria windows Marbury High School • Renovated cafeteria and funded paving project - Prattville High School • Replaced tile in nurse’s office, teacher break area, and 2 classrooms Prattville Elementary School • Installed new fire alarm control panel and smoke detectors - Area Technology Center • Repaired bleachers - Billingsley High School

• Installed new hand dryers in restrooms and renovated gym floor - Prattville Junior High School • Installed new tile and replaced wood and carpet in specific areas - Prattville Primary School • Installed buzz-in safety locks on doors - Prattville Kindergarten School, Daniel Pratt Elementary School, Pine Level Elementary School, and Marbury Middle School • Installed new fence and replaced gutters and downspouts - Daniel Pratt Elementary School Each individual school has also been successful in accomplishing many of their goals. I hope that you have a great second semester. Thank you for all your support! 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 ator, have two daughters, Abby and Addison.

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PCA Student Places Top 15 in National Pre-Teen Pageant

Laura Grace Henry, a fifth-grade student at Prattville Christian Academy, recently returned from 13 days in Anaheim, California, where she represented Alabama in the National American Miss Alabama Pre-Teen Pageant. She placed Top 15 overall, and was named Top 10 in both the talent and modeling competitions, out of 178 contestants from across the country. She also received a third-place award for her volunteer community service work, through her non-profit organization, “It Starts With One,” which promotes youth volunteerism. Throughout the competition, she participated in various events including a day at Disney Land, a Hollywood Tour, a formal Thanksgiving Gala and a shopping excursion. The National American Miss is one of the largest pageant organizations in the United States. Contestants are scored on personal introduction, formal wear, communication skills, interview and community involvement. They award thousands of dollars in state scholarships each year and over $500,000 on the national level.

PJHS Students Sweep Statewide Essay Contest

Prattville Junior High School students once again won all four places in a statewide essay contest sponsored by the Alabama Peace Officers’ Association. The school’s students also accomplished this almost unbelievable feat three years ago. The annual contest is open to all eighthgrade students in the state. The topic is always the same: “Why I Will Say No to Drugs and Alcohol.” Winning first place and $300 is Emily Jackson; second place and $200 is Scott Mooney; third place and $125 is Liana Taylor; and fourth place and $75 is Erika In. Their teacher, Libby Bruce, also receives $100 to buy instructional materials for her classroom. “I’m very proud of my students; their hard work has been recognized,” stated Bruce. “They receive a strong writing foundation in their seventh-grade English classes, and they’re naturally talented and motivated. My job is simply to challenge and guide them. My expectations for them are quite high, but the results of this contest prove that with continued work and dedication they can accomplish anything they attempt.”

Prattville Softball Players Sign to Play College Ball

Success came early to the seniors of Prattville High School’s softball team. After two developing seasons, they earned their position as starting outfielders on the varsity team beginning their freshman year of high school. They have been on teams that have made regionals and a state tournament. To add to their successes, all three seniors have signed to play ball at the collegiate level. Haleigh Lowe, who has maintained a high school batting average of over .415, has signed with University of South Alabama. She plans to be an elementary school teacher. Mikayla Carruth, who has batted over .330 every season, has signed with Mississippi College. She plans to pursue a degree in Christian studies or Pre Med. Abbie Smith has batted over .350 every season, and has signed with Central Alabama Community College. She plans to pursue a degree in Nursing. Shown are Prattville High School seniors Mikayla Carruth, Abbie Smith and Haleigh Lowe.

Autauga Reading Council Holds First Reading Fair

The Autauga County Reading Council recently held its first Reading Fair. In the 3rd and 4th grade category, Marlee Brown, at left, a fourth-grader at Prattville Elementary School, and daughter of Daniel and Tammy Brown, won first place with her project on the book, Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew: Cupcake Chaos. Hannah Blake, at right, also a fourth-grader at PES, and daughter of Brandon and Staci Blake, won second place with her project on the book, Because of Winn Dixie. Both girls are taught by Jana Wood and Kelly Lawrence. 43

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I recently had the pleasure of having my roles as superintendent and parent intersect at the All-County Honor Band held here in our district. My daughter Weldon, an 8th grader at Wetumpka Middle School, participated in this wonderful event that I had the pleasure to attend. The Honor Band is a long standing tradition around here and seeing and hearing this performance heightened my enthusiasm for our band programs exponentially! The Honor Band is a tremendous showcase of our talented students and band directors here in our county. I am so proud of our Elmore County Band Directors, representing the Elmore County Bandmasters Association, who participated in this event.

I offer my hearty congratulations to the following directors: Robby Glasscock, Tallassee High School; Anthony Vittore, Elmore County High School; Will Boartfield, Millbrook Middle School; Michael Bird, Southside Middle School; Jason Warnix, Wetumpka High School; Rick Ashcraft, Stanhope Elmore High School; Diana Frazier, Wetumpka Middle School; James Smith, Holtville and Eclectic Middle Schools; and Doug Brassell, Holtville High School. The Honor Band represents an excellent collaboration between both of our Elmore County School District, Elmore County and Tallassee City. Moreover, our students benefitted tremendously under the leadership of two accomplished band directors from the Homewood City School System--Jim Knight, Homewood High School, and Chris Cooper, Homewood Middle School. These men unselfishly participated in this weekend program even though Homewood had participated in the Rose Bowl Parade in California just a few days earlier. The musical selections that were handled so expertly by our students ranged

from classical treats to 70â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disco. What a treat for all of us in attendance! Band Conductor Jim Knight, who has entered retirement after a shimmering 46 year career, reminded the audience of the value of arts education. He challenged the audience to reflect on the connection between students in fine arts and higher academic scores. According to Conductor Knight, band members are true decision makers as they navigate the world of musical performance. These are convicting reminders to me as a school superintendent who is working to maintain arts programs with extremely limited funds. Programs like the Honor Band convict me that I must ensure that fine arts remain a thriving part of our school district. Thank you to our talented musicians and band directors here in our local school districts that truly make my heart sing! Dr. Jeff Langham is the Superintendent of Education for Elmore County Schools. Now in his eighth year as the systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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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Elmore County Schools

Holtville Students Make Elmore County Honor Band

Holley Represents County In Distinguished Program

Students in the Holtville High School Band tried out and were selected to be in the Elmore County Honor Band. The event took place over two days and culminated with a concert on January 11 at Wetumpka High School Commons. Front row from left are: Drew DeLong, Rachel McAnnally, Elizabeth Howard and Brianna Duncan. Second row from left are: Jesse Martin, Ashley Wiggins, Nicole Tyler and Lucas Willoughby. Back row are: Elijah Mummert, Ethan Lewis, Camri Martin-Bowen, Tiana Johnson, Hannah Mummert and Band Director Doug Brasell

Redland Holds Second National Geographic Bee

On January 10, Redland Elementary School participated in the National Geographic Bee for the second time. The ten participants included fourth-graders Seth Aude and Hunter Borden; fifth-graders Alex Easley, Zion Lewis, Claire Sims and Harrison Skala; and sixth-graders Kaylee Erneston, Micah Grate, Madison Kennedy and Cade Womack. Fourthgrade teacher Holly O’Dell coordinated the event, while Jenny Hamilton, communications director from the Elmore County District Attorney’s Office, was the moderator. Judges included Glenda van Ermen and Linda Williams. Questions were both written and oral, and some included maps. The top three winners were: Aude, first place; Lewis, second place; and Erneston, third place. Aude will now take a written exam provided by National Geographic to determine whether he qualifies for the state contest that will be held in Birmingham. Contestants are shown, front row from left: Hunter Borden, first-place winner Seth Aude, second-place winner Zion Lewis, third-place winner Kaylee Erneston and Harrison Skala; and back from left, Madison Kennedy, Cade Womack, Micah Grate, Alex Easley and Claire Sims. 45

Elmore County High School senior Patty Holley competed in Alabama’s Distinguished Young Women program and finished in the top 8. She also won the Talent and Spirit awards. Formerly known as the Junior Miss pageant, Distinguished Young Women is a national scholarship program that promotes and rewards scholarship, leadership and talent in young women. The state competition was held at Frazer United Methodist Church over two days and included a grueling fitness routine, a question-andanswer segment, talent performances and other challenges. Holley, the daughter of Joey and Tracy Holley, earned more than $5,000 in scholarship money from the Elmore County and state competitions combined. The spirit award meant the most to her, she said, because it was voted on by the contestants themselves. Her talent performance was a comedic musical number called “Darry is a Boy.”

ARIS Teacher Uses Song To Teach Grammar Skills

Airport Road Intermediate teacher Evvie Bowman taught her class a song about “The Helping Verbs.” Students learned well and sang this song over the intercom. www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

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Elmore County Chooses Secondary Teacher of the Year

Outstanding Candidates for Secondary Teacher of the Year were introduced at a recent Elmore County Board of Education Meeting: Lakeisha Ray, Eclectic Middle; Amelia Barton, Elmore County High School; Mallory Harp, Holtville Middle; Emily Sneed, Holtville High; Leah Sellers, Millbrook Middle School; Johanna Angelo, Stanhope Elmore High; Tracy Wright, Wetumpka Middle; and Michelle Stough, Wetumpka High. Barton, second from left, was selected Teacher of the Year.

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Airport Road Teacher Named WSFA Class Act

Airport Road Intermediate Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Amy Turner became a 2013 WSFA Class Act Teacher when one of her parents nominated her for the award. Turner introduces lengthy poems to her students to learn.

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Rotary Club Donates Dictionaries to RES

Representatives of the Wetumpka Rotary Club visited several Elmore County schools recently. As one of its community service projects, the club is the local sponsoring organization for a nationwide effort known as “The Dictionary Project.” The Project’s goal is to gift a dictionary to every third-grade student nationwide. This is the seventh year of the Wetumpka Rotary Club’s participation in The Dictionary Project. During those seven years, more than 3,500 dictionaries have been distributed to third-graders at Redland, Wetumpka, Eclectic, Holtville and Edgewood Academy by the Wetumpka Rotary Club. Tallassee and Coosada are served by other clubs.

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Two Airport Road Intermediate Clubs Perform One Show

The Airport Road Intermediate Dance Club and the ARIS Choir teamed up for a Christmas Concert for parents and faculty in December. Under the direction of Shirley Wood, Leisha Crosby and Joan Wise, traditional songs were mixed with some traditional songs that were sung with a different beat. The Dance Club delighted the audience with a routine to “Jingle Bell Rock.” 47

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Elmore County Schools

Elementary Teacher of the Year

Outstanding Candidates for Elementary Teacher of the Year were introduced at the recent Elmore County Board of Education Meeting: Janene Davis, Eclectic Elementary; Kendel Hansen, Eclectic Middle; Tami Baldomero, Holtville Elementary; Shayla Broadway, Holtville Middle; Judy Holder, Coosada Elementary; Tara McCloud, ARIS; Bridget Weatherford, Millbrook Middle School; Kristy Shaw, Wetumpka Elementary; Ellen Parmer, Wetumpka Middle; and Britney Fureigh, Redland. Shaw, third from left, was selected Teacher of the Year.

ARIS Teaches Christmas Customs Worldwide

Sweden’s Santa Lucia visits Mrs. Winchester’s third-grade class for crafts from “Christmas Around the World.” Airport Road Intermediate third-graders also visited Germany, Italy and France.

Airport Road Class Donates for Food Drive

At left, Lynne Evans’s class from Airport Road Intermediate brought 520 cans and food stuffs for the Student Council Food Drive. Third- and fourth-graders donated 2,613 non-perishable items for a food bank.

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Kids Get the Inside Story

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Give any child a closed box and the first thing they will ask is “What’s inside?” And as parents we know it’s much cooler to keep the secret and enjoy the surprise, the discovery. And it’s not just cool, it’s smart. Instead of just telling children what’s beneath the surface, why not give them the tools to find the answers for themselves. There are many kits, games and toys that inspire kids to peer inside, and what they find only leads deeper, to seek what else may be hidden. Curiosities being the hallmark of youthful exploration, the following items give kids the resource to go beneath the surface and to seek amazing inside stories.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Break Open Real Geodes

4D Visions: Dog (Tedco)

Part of a series of anatomy kits for kids, the 4D Visions: Dog offers an inside view of the man’s best friend, and all the interior marvels that make him tick. Standing about sixand-a-half inches high, the realistic canine frame contains 28 removable components that feature a dog’s anatomy. An ideal intro into vertebrate mammal structure, young hands can use the included assembly guide to build and disassemble the model while learning their way around the interior biology of a dog. With great hand-painted details, this exploration of everything inside a dog makes a great discovery tool and a cool display when it’s not teaching!

(Dr. Cool Science)

Geodes are natural rock formations that form when hollow chambers occur in rock and over time minerals accrete inside, forming crystals of different shapes and colors. But no one knows what is inside these small roundish stones until they are cracked open. With the Break Open Real Geodes kit, kids can use the enclosed safety goggles and a borrowed hammer to crack open the kit’s six geodes which are millions of years old. Once the hammer strikes and the mysterious crystals inside the stones are revealed, the kit includes an Adventurer’s Guide with more facts about the science of geodes. At once satisfying curiosity while encouraging a smashing good time, kids will love to take a whack at geodes to see what’s inside!

Nancy B’s ScienceClub Aquascope

Perplexus

(PlaSmart Inc.) This challenging sphere keeps the game play just under the surface, while players on the outside twist, turn and tumble the ball to win. Perplexus is a clear plastic globe that contains a complex maze and a single silver ball. Navigating the maze inside the sphere – yet unable to touch the silver ball – players must look inside and use only outside manipulation to move the ball through its paces and to its destination. Twists, flips, spins and other moves keep the ball in play on the inside. Reasoning and reflexes combine to move the ball that you can’t touch through challenges, mazes, tracks and tunnels just in sight, but out of reach. Fun for individual play or multi-player timed challenges, Perplexus takes you inside a game you can’t put down!

(Educational Insights)

While our eyes are always drawn to pools of water, the reflective and shifting surface makes it hard to see what lies just below. The ScienceClub Aquascope is an engaging tool that allows the user to break the surface and get a clear, magnified view of what’s happening beneath the water line. Perfect for spying creatures and formations just under the water’s surface of tide pools, shallow ponds, slow creeks and more, the Aquascope is also equipped with a temperature strip and a LED flashlight for extra underwater illumination. The included Marine Biologist’s Journal offers activities that encourage note-taking, drawings and more. Best enjoyed by the middle-school set, the Aquascope is a drylander’s dream for a journey of discovery just below the surface of ponds and pools.

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

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ha he ea we rem dis co pri this In my years as a practitioner, I have found that she isn’t alone in this frustration. It is sometimes difficult for parents to promote good behavior in their absence (i.e., at school, relative’s house, church, etc.). Since we cannot clone ourselves or be at every place at once, here are several strategies that may be helpful to motivate good behavior when you aren’t present.

by Stephanie Roberts, MS

My mother always told me that my brother and I didn’t come with an owner’s manual. I never thought much about that statement until I attended graduate school in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, and went on to work with children and families. The most frequent request was for help with behavior issues at school. Parents report they rack their brains trying to come up with ideas on how to correct or punish their child to stop inappropriate behaviors. While I still can’t seem to find an “owner’s manual”, we are lucky to have several strategies that can be helpful for problems that parents face every day. Recently a mother of a five-year-old boy asked what she could do to stop her son Montgomery Parents I February 2014

from coming home with “red notes”. In his classroom, the teacher has a color system in place and different behaviors warrant a clip to be moved up and down a traffic light diagram. Green indicates that there was good behavior, yellow indicates that there were a few instances of inappropriate behavior, and red indicates that the child had several instances of inappropriate behavior. If a child moves their clip to red, they lose privileges for the day and a “red note” is sent home. After speaking with this mother, she said that she had tried providing incentives for weeks in which her son stayed on green the entire week and removing privileges on days his clip moved to red. Nothing seemed to work. She expressed her frustration of trying to manage his behavior at school since she could not be there to ensure he was behaving. 52

Load up on reinforcement!

When your child comes home with a good report, lay on the positive praise! Let them know you are proud they had a good day while avoiding discussing other non-successful days. Simply focus on the good. It may also be helpful to provide extra time on activities that they already earn (e.g., extra 10 minutes of TV or computer time).

Encouragement is key!

If your child comes home with a negative report, instead of giving a lecture, you may find it more helpful to provide encouragement for success on the next day. For example, if Johnny comes home saying his clip was moved to red, say, “I can see you’re disappointed, but I know you will have a better day tomorrow.” www.montgomeryparents.com

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Discussing strategies to have a better day may be helpful at this point. Ask them, “What do you need to do tomorrow to make sure you stay on green? I know you can do it!” This not only allows them to come up with an answer and be more independent, but provides the opportunity for you to coach and encourage your child.

Expectations – a must! Let them know what you want!

Make sure your child knows what is expected of them. Classroom rules are most likely reviewed the first week of school. Make sure your child has a firm understanding of what is expected. Just because they can recite the rule does not mean they understand what it means. It may be helpful for you to ask them to give you examples of what the behaviors associated with a rule look like or for you to role-play specific problematic areas with them.

Review expectations

For children who have a particularly hard time remembering things, it may be helpful to review the expectations before each school day or at the beginning of each week. This will make it more likely they will remember what behaviors they will have to display to meet their goals. Discussing the consequences of not displaying the appropriate behaviors may also be necessary at this time to further promote success.

Set obtainable and reasonable goals

Remember, we want to set our kids up for success! By setting smaller goals at first, it will increase the likelihood that your child will come into contact with the reinforcing qualities of their good behavior and they will be more motivated to continue these behaviors. Gradually, the behaviors required for reinforcement can be increased. Remember, it is easier to start small and move up, than to start too big and move back. For example, instead of setting the goal of staying on green five out of five days, you could start your goal at staying on green three out of five days. Obviously, as parents, our ultimate goal is for our children to be good every day; however, it is important to keep in mind your child’s current performance. After a few weeks of success, increase the goal required for reinforcement (e.g., four out of five days on green). By setting lower, more obtainable goals and allowing them to come into contact with reinforcement, you are re-establishing their motivation and setting up a positive relationship. Just because a child “used to be able to do it”, or “behaved better in the past”, does not matter. Today is what matters, so we must start at the current levels. 53

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Also remember, slip-ups are acceptable. Building in a cushion for those “uh-oh” days is important. Even adults have bad days. We are setting ourselves up for disappointment if we always expect perfection from our children, especially when WE are not perfect all of the time.

Contracts are key

Behavior contracts can have motivating and lasting effects with children. Not only will it outline the expectations and consequences for their behavior but also serve as a way to keep you organized. This may be especially helpful if you have multiple children and are managing multiple behaviors. Each contract should outline exactly what is expected of the child, when you expect it to be completed, and what will happen if they do/do not follow-through with the behavior. These consequences should be positive. For example, if they meet their goal, they could earn an item or extra privilege at the end of the week. Contracts can also be helpful with home behaviors such as chores, morning routines, bedtime routines, etc.

Each child is different

It is important to identify valuable items or activities to reward good behavior. If your child is old enough, you can simply ask them what they would like to work for. If not, you can incorporate their likes and interests. Another strategy is displaying a variety of items in front of the child that you think they may like and recording which one they choose first. This provides a good hypothesis of what is motivating at that time. Sometimes, what we think the child will like, doesn’t actually help motivate behavior. The child may indeed like playing with something, but it may not be good enough to STOP bad behavior. Isolate the best stuff, so they are more motivated to earn it! Pick new, exciting things that the child doesn’t get all the time. Just because a child loves the iPad doesn’t mean they will work extra hard to earn five more minutes. However, a new iPad game that they ONLY play on green days may do the trick! Adopting some or all of the above strategies may help your child’s behavior at home and school! But, keep in mind that progress takes time. By celebrating and rewarding small successes, you will see an increase in positive behaviors and motivate your child to stay on green! mp Stephanie serves as a senior consultant for Butterfly Effects with over 3 years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings including homes, schools, center based, and residential programs. Stephanie graduated from Auburn University with her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2011. She earned a Master’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis/ Developmental Disabilities from Auburn University and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2012.

Montgomery Parents I February 2014

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Combining Two Seasons to Make One Style I know we are probably all maxed out after the holidays when it comes to shopping, so thinking about our style and ourselves is not quite in the picture just yet. We are slowly approaching spring and summer and we desperately need to shop, but we just can’t get it together financially, mentally or physically. Don’t fret, ladies, as soon as the last cold spell ventures through pull out those spring and summer items from last year, but keep some fall and winter pieces in your closet to help create a new transitional wardrobe and a brand new style. My job is to help you enjoy feeling stylish and do so without breaking the bank. The best way to do this is combining two seasons to make one style. Think about what you need to put together to complete an outfit.

1- Think of the material. Make sure your fabric texture works for the season.

2- Think color. Color is key for all seasons. Find out what the colors are for the season and Montgomery Parents I February 2014

work them into your wardrobe. For spring, add your pastels in with grays, blacks and jeweled tones.

3- Utilize t-shirts or tanks. Both of these items make the perfect layering piece for any season, and you can dress them up or down. If it’s cool at night add a cardigan, light jacket, or spring scarf to give yourself that extra coverage. Have fun with heels and jewelry to accessorize the outfit.

4- Wear maxi skirts or dresses. These are great for seasons. Some mornings and evenings in the spring can be cool, so find a chunky sweater, cardigan or scarf to throw on for an added layer.

5- Purses are a must. I know this sounds crazy, but it’s not, and it’s a definite must have for all seasonal attire. A purse (oversized or clutch) is a simple accessory that can really bring your outfit together, not to mention it is a functional piece. You can put a layer of clothing in your larger purse for those early morning or late evening climate changes.

6- Buy some new jewelry. Going into seasons this is a must have. You can change up any outfit simply by adding new pieces of jewelry. On average this only costs between $4 and $20. 56

7- Pull out last year’s shoes. Unless they have been worn out then there is no need to throw them away. You can always take them to your local shoe store for a little repair and cleaning up.

8- Revamp your closet using old and new pieces. Before you are too brash about getting rid of clothes you think aren’t in style, look to your favorite website or style magazine and see how you might transition those items into your new style. If you still can’t see it happening, then yes, find a new home for them. I love mixing and matching my clothes. I have items I bought from a flea market that I have been able to modernize with my style. So work with all your pieces if you can, but don’t be afraid to move them on as well.

9- Shop winter sales. You can find fall and winter items for half the cost during seasonal sales. This will save you tons of money and you will have a style worth showing off for the spring and summer. Enjoy the seasons, but don’t break the bank. Take everything you have and think of it as painting a canvas!

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

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Special Ends 2/28/14

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Montgomery Parents I February 2014

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Most parents see changes in behavior in their older children sometime during the first year after a new sibling is born. Parents may see a once-agreeable child acting out, becoming defiant, or beginning to show behavior struggles at school. This is normal; a child’s natural growth compounded with the stress of adjusting to a new family member can be overwhelming. It can cause her to think differently about herself and to behave differently as she tries to find her place in the family. When a new sibling comes home, an older child’s place in the family has changed, and she has difficulty understanding that it’s not a replacement, but simply a re-adjustment. Like everything in child development, this transition takes time.

According to Dr. Jane Nelsen, parent educator and author of Positive Discipline, what kids need most is a sense of significance and belonging, and this need is often most persistent after the birth of a new sibling. Nelsen says, “Significance and belonging are what all children and adults strive for; we want to know that we matter and that we have an important place in the world.” To a child, that ‘world’ is his family, and the arrival of a new sibling can disrupt any sense of security that he had in it. When he no longer feels that he belongs, those feelings are inherently reflected in his behavior. Dr. Nelsen says, “A misbehaving child is a discouraged child.” Misbehavior is the result of a child’s subconscious belief about himself that he is unloved or unimportant. He may act out to try to reconfirm his parents’ love, or try to reestablish his own sense of significance. “It is important for parents to realize that a child’s difficult behavior is the result of feeling discouraged about his place in the family. Rather than being punished, that child needs to be encouraged,” says Nelsen. And there are many ways to offer it.

Verbal Encouragement The most recognizable form of encouragement is probably the use of verbal statements like, “Thank you for helping me make dinner. I really appreciate it!” or, “Wow, you sure worked hard on that Lego tower. That was a lot of work,” or, “You must feel so proud of yourself right now!” Encouraging words like these are more effective than statements of blanket praise like, “You’re such a good sister,” as they focus on the child’s efforts and help her develop an internal sense of pride.

Emotional Encouragement A less obvious, yet vital kind of encouragement is the validation of feelings. Anytime a parent validates a child’s feelings—whether those feelings are positive or negative—they are telling that child, “It’s OK to feel that way; it’s normal,” and children need to hear this. It lets them know that they’re unconditionally accepted in the family: exactly what a newly older sibling needs. Parents can help children feel secure by allowing, articulating and accepting all of their feelings—pleasant or not.

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Encouragement through Self Confidence When kids begin to act out after a new baby comes home, what is most likely happening is that they are mistakenly thinking that they must regain Mom and Dad’s attention to secure their place in the family. The message coded in their behavior is, “Notice me! Involve me usefully!” Parents can give even very young children jobs to help out; opportunities to be noticed and become involved. They can help set the table, wash the windows, prepare food, shop at the store, get themselves dressed, take charge of their routines, help themselves to their own snacks, pour their own drinks, wipe the table, and many other age-appropriate tasks. These are the kinds of activities that give kids confidence and help them feel like valued, contributing members of the family.

One-on-One Encouragement When a new baby comes home, give your child a gift: the gift of time. The best gift for an older sibling is simply a parent’s regular focus connecting with them during this difficult transition (and beyond). After the birth of a new sibling is a perfect time to start scheduling regular “special time” together, during which the child leads the play for 15-20 minutes every day. It is a daily opportunity to ensure some valuable one-on-one time with older children, and kids look forward to this regular part of the day with each parent. It communicates to a child, “I’m here for you. You are important.” When children become new older siblings, parents can help kids feel secure by understanding and responding to the motivation behind their behavior—that instinctive pursuit of significance and belonging—more so than the behavior itself. Children need to be encouraged to realize their place in the family. They are significant and they do belong, and they need to know that. mp Kelly Bartlett is the author of “Encouraging Words For Kids.” She is a Certified Positive Discipline Educator and freelance writer with a focus on child development, family relationships and discipline. You can find more of her work at www. kellybartlett.net.

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Disney World Dancers Ring In The New Year

A group of 16 local dancers from C.J.’s Dance Factory were invited to perform at Disney World over the holidays. The dancers departed Prattville New Year’s Day for their performance at the beautiful Oceanside Stage at Downtown Disney. The performance included group ballet excerpts from the Nutcracker’s Spanish and Chinese dances as well as “Sea Cruise.” The finale included dancers from both Marbury and Prattville studios performing to Disney’s Fox and the Hound story combined with “The Fox.”

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Agape’s Crisis Pregnancy Service Hires New Team Member

Agape of Central Alabama announces its newest member on staff, Amber Duke. Duke began working with Agape in January as the Maternity Services Coordinator and is currently expanding Agape’s services in the Montgomery area. She will help educate and support women who find themselves in a crisis pregnancy, as well as educate teens on pregnancy prevention and their options if they become pregnant. Her role will also be to help provide one-on-one counseling to mothers and offer them options so that each woman can make an informed decision for herself and her child’s future, whether it is parenting the baby or making an adoption plan. “We are blessed to have Amber on our team and to help extend our crisis pregnancy services in the Montgomery area,” said Jimmy Dobbs, Executive Director at Agape. “We always want to be able to provide the support and love that each woman in crisis needs, and we know Amber can help us reach more women and provide the counseling and information that each mother needs.” Women who find themselves in a crisis or unplanned pregnancy can call or text Amber at any time (day or night) at 334-322-5409. She is there to be a listening ear, answer any questions, or plan a time to meet to further discuss the options available. Contact for Amber can also be made through e-mail at aduke@agapeforchildren.org. For more information on Agape’s crisis pregnancy services, visit www.agapeforchildren.org.

OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, February 27

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AUM Center for Lifelong Learning 75 TechnaCenter Drive

5:30-6:30 p.m.

It’s never too early to start planning your child’s summer activities. If you have children ages 5-18 don’t miss AUM’s Summer Youth Programs Open House. Come explore our large selection of educational enrichment programs and find out which one is just right for your child. Registration will be available on-site.

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• • • • •

Information session begins at 5:30 p.m. Ask questions Visit/tour our facilities Discover program highlights Register on-site

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View the digital catalog at WWW.CE.AUM.EDU or call 334-244-3804 for more information. 61

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Round-The-Clock Sleep Don’t be surprised if life with a new baby is a round-theclock snoozefest (for the baby, at least). New parents are often shocked by how much new babies sleep, says Roslinde M. Collins, M.D., sleep specialist at Vermont’s Rutland Regional Medical Center. “During the first month of life, newborns need a significant amount of sleep, up to 18 hours a day,” she says. “But lots of parents wonder if something is wrong when their baby sleeps that much.”

Make Some Noise

Baffled by your new baby’s sleep patterns? Wondering when you’ll get some sleep yourself? Here’s help. by Malia Jacobson Tiny, warm, and sweet-smelling, newborns are undeniably adorable. Unfortunately, these perfect little bundles don’t come with instruction manuals. Along with the many surprises of early parenthood, many new parents find themselves puzzling over their baby’s sleep patterns. Is she sleeping too much? Is it normal for him to feed so much at night? Why are her naps so short? If your baby doesn’t seem to fit the mold of a peacefully sleeping newborn,

Montgomery Parents I February 2014

don’t fret: Your little one is one-of-a-kind, and so are his sleep habits. From their first days of life, babies have individualized sleep patterns. Some restful newborns snooze contentedly with no problems, sleep for long stretches at night, and take predicable (if not regular) naps throughout the day. Many other babies present their parents with some significant sleep challenges. Contrary to popular belief, newborns don’t just magically “sleep when they need to sleep.” And brand-new parents are usually just getting to know their new family member, and haven’t yet figured out their baby’s unique sleep needs or sleep cues. But supporting healthy sleep starts early, so read on for tips on helping your new little one sleep well (so you can catch a few zzzs, too!).

In the womb, your child drifted off to sleep surrounded by the whoosh of your pumping blood, the thumping of your beating heart, and the rumbling of your stomach. After being soothed by a comforting blanket of noise for nine months, new babies often find life outside the womb strangely quiet, says Harvey Karp, M.D., pediatrician and bestselling author of The Happiest Baby On the Block. He recommends high-quality white noise to comfort newborns and help support longer sleep periods. “White noise is like an audible teddy bear—it’s very soothing to babies,” he says.

Sleeping Beauty When your sleepy little one finally opens her eyes, grab your camera—she’ll be snoozing again before you know it. In the first month of life, most newborns can only tolerate being awake for 45 minutes to an hour at a time. An age-appropriate daily routine consists of feedings, diaper changings, short periods of playtime, and then being put back down to sleep. By three months of age, many babies can

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Unschedule Newborns don’t have a predictable nap schedule until three to four months of age when regular nap patterns begin to emerge. Until then, don’t fret about short naps. Just wake your child from any nap longer than two to three hours, to protect nighttime sleep.

Nightowl Nudge In the early weeks of life, your baby’s circadian rhythm begins to develop. This “body clock” helps her organize her sleep patterns, resulting in more daytime wakefulness and sleepiness at night. This rhythm doesn’t fall into place until the second month of life. Until then, many babies swap day for night, preferring to snooze all day and play all night and leaving new parents knackered. To help babies learn that night is for sleeping, seek out plenty of bright light during the day and avoid nighttime light exposure, says Collins. This allows your

baby’s brain to produce adequate melatonin during nighttime hours. “Melatonin is the hormone that tells our brains when we should be sleeping, and it’s suppressed during light exposure,” she notes. That means saying no to nightlights, installing blackout curtains, and using a very dim light for nighttime feedings and diaper changes.

Sign Language Like older children, newborns give signs that they’re ready for sleep. But for new babies, sleep cues are often subtle. Appearing glassy-eyed and “burrowing” into your chest are signs that some babies are ready to be put down for sleep. Once your baby begins displaying these sleepy signs, move swiftly to get him down to sleep before overtiredness (and crankiness) sets in.

Winding Down You can help set the stage for peaceful bedtimes in the future by establishing a simple winddown routine. Performing the same sequence of events in the same

order before naptime and bedtime helps your baby understand that sleep is near. A story, quiet time in a crib or bassinet, a feeding, and swaddling can all play a part in your child’s sleepy-time routine.

Support Independent Sleep Parents often believe that newborns need to be rocked or nursed to sleep, but nursing and rocking are learned habits—in the womb, your baby drifted off to sleep without your help. It’s perfectly fine to nurse or rock a new baby to sleep, but if you’d like your child to learn to sleep independently, take small steps to start now. Put your baby down to sleep when he appears tired and try to allow him to fall asleep unassisted. Your kiddo may surprise you by revealing that he can fall asleep independently, at least some of the time. Allowing him to do so whenever possible is the key to healthy sleep habits through babyhood, toddlerhood and beyond. mp Malia Jacobson is a nationally published health journalist and sleep expert. Her latest book is Sleep Tight, Every Night: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Sleep Well Without Tears, Tricks, or Tirades.

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for your little one. Please visit us at www.childrensplace.com.

Fanci Free 146 W Main Street, Prattville 358.1524 Wide selection of children’s clothing, accessories and monogramming. Please visit us on Facebook under Fanci Free Boutique.

Namedropper / Storkland 7107 Eastchase Parkway, Montgomery 277.7118 or 277.BABY The Name Dropper carries all your favorite children’s designer clothing, shoes and accessories. Storkland sells the finest in baby furniture, care seats, strollers, clothing and unique gifts.

Patty Cakes International Inc.

Retail Baby Gap 7064 Eastchase Parkway, Montgomery 395.5703 Sweet knit booties, cozy bundlers and adorable extras for that special baby. Wide selection for infants and toddlers. www.gap.com

Barb’s on Mulberry 1923 Mulberry St., Montgomery 269.2272 Children’s fashions, Original Art, Gifts and Toys. Please visit us at www.barbsonmulberry.com.

Born Children’s Boutique 215.9140 3014 Zelda Place (Next to Publix) Clothing, gifts, diaper bags, burp clothes, cribs, crib, toddler bedding and much, much more. www.bornboutique.com

Children’s Place 7044 Eastchase Parkway, Montgomery 215.8888 Anything to cover your newborn, baby girl or baby boy. Large selection of fashionable clothing Montgomery Parents I February 2014

1726 West Third Street, Montgomery 272.2826 Bronzed baby plaques with hands and feet. Picture frames, piggy banks, bracelets for baby gifts. Please visit our website at www.pattycakes.com.

Sweet Tea 620 Oliver Road, Montgomery 270.2033 Providing quality custom clothing that children love to wear. Unique clothing for children. Visit us on Facebook at Sweet Tea Children’s Clothing.

• The Shoppes at My Kids Attic 401 Coliseum Blvd., Eastbrook Shopping Center Montgomery, 270.1456 Gifts for all occasions. Engraved & monogrammed gifts, Children’s couture and much, much more. Visit www.mykidsattic.biz.

Babies R Us (inside Toys R Us) 5484 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery 272.6706 Large selection of baby clothes, baby accessories, bedding, baby furniture and equipment. www.toyrus.com 64

Maternity

Prenatal Physicians

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Central Alabama Ob-Gyn Associates PA

Motherhood Maternity 7052 Eastchase Parkway, Montgomery 409.0969 We offer a large selection of maternity clothes at affordable prices. Something for every occasion. www.motherhood.com

265.3543 or 215-3400 2024 Chestnut Street, Montgomery and 440-B St. Lukes Dr., Montgomery Specialize in Gynecology & Obstetrics, Female Infertility and Surgery

409.9550 7040 Sydney Curve, Montgomery Specializes in Obstetrics, including 4-Dimensional Ultrasound Technology, Gynecology and Infertility.

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Jason Gentry, M.D. FACOG

Dent Williams, M.D.

263.3630 1758 Park Place #201, Montgomery Services offered: Gynecology & Obstetrics, Infertility and Low/High Risk.

Henry Johnson, M.D. FACOG 288.3400 or 288.2100 2601 Woodley Park Drive, Montgomery Services offered: Gynecology & Obstetrics.

David Kouri, M.D. FACOG 263.3630 1758 Park Place, Montgomery Services offered: Gynecology & Obstetrics, Infertility and Low/High Risk.

Montgomery Obstetrical & Gynecological Associates 284.2355 2173 Normandie Drive, Montgomery Dr. Cheryl Zimmerman and Dr. Victor Pena Offers services in Gynecology & Obstetrics.

Montgomery Women’s Primary Care 356.4873 8134 Seaton Place, Montgomery Dr. Roosevelt McCorvey Services offered: Gynecology & Obstetrics.

Ob/Gyn Associates of Montgomery PC 279.9333 (for both locations) 495 Taylor Rd., Montgomery www.montgomeryparents.com

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630 McQueen Smith Road, Prattville Gregory Waller, M.D.; Allen Dupre, M.D.; Keith Martin, M.D.; Joseph Desautels, M.D.; Mathew Phillips, M.D.; Benjamin Griggs, M.D.; Paula Sullivan, DO; Michele Conner, M.D.; William Thomas, M.D.; Robert Beaird, M.D.; Vicki Brooks, CNM; Lisa Blount, CNM; Tracey Mendelsohn, CRNP; Della Fuller, CRNP Specialize in Gynecology, Obstetrics, 4-D Ultrasound and High Risk/Low Risk pregnancy. www.obgynmontgomery.com

Physicians for Women

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290.4200 287 Mitylene Park Drive, Montgomery 491.4200 635 McQueen Smith Rd., Prattville R.M. Garrard, M.D., FACOG; Byron P Lawhon, M.D., FACOG; Winston M Ashurst, M.D., FACOG; William A Newman III, M.D., FACOG; Dr. Jennifer J Logan; McCain Ashurst II, M.D., Martha Eskridge, CRNP Gynecology & Obstetrics, Female Infertility and Surgery. www.mypfw.com

Glen Saucer, M.D. FACOG 264.2422 1722 Pine Street, Montgomery Services offer in Gynecology & Obstetrics.

Cecile Walker, M.D. FACOG 288.3400 2601 Woodley Park Drive, Montgomery Services offered: Gynecology & Obstetrics.

Kim Whittington, M.D. FACOG 263.3630 1758 Park Place, Montgomery Services offered: Gynecology & Obstetrics, Infertility and Low/High Risk.

Pediatric Care (Montgomery)

Alabama Neonatal Medicine PC 281.7523 2019 Normandie Drive Provide primary healthcare for infants. Dr. Cynthia M. Bonner, MD, Dr. J.A. Newton, MD., and Dr. Lynn K. Whittington, M.D.

All About Kids 277.5431 2921 Zelda Rd., Montgomery Diagnose and treat children for illnesses, injuries, conditions and developmental issues. 65

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Montgomery Pediatric Associates PA

260.9129 420 Cotton Gin Road John Sumners, M.D., James Rabon, M.D., Provide primary health care for infants, children and adolescents.

Partners in Pediatrics 272.1799 8160 Seaton Place, Montgomery 136 E. Main Street, Prattville Catherine Woods, M.D., Susan Brannon, M.D., Cheryl Outland, M.D., Lamenda Blakeney, M.D., Elizabeth Diebel, M.D., Rama Mukkamala, M.D., Melissa S. McNally, M.D. Services offered: Sick and well care visits, pediatric and adolescent medicine, Vaccinations, “On-Call” service each night and on weekends for urgent medical matters, “Nurse line” service for minor illness and general well being, “Blue Slip” service and a prescription line. www.mykidsdr.com

Dr. Gillis Payne 244.7209 7006 Fulton Court

Provide quality health care for sick visits, newborn care, well child visits, immunizations.

• Pediatric Cardiology of Montgomery 612.2111 239 Mitylene Park Drive Barton B. Cook, M.D., Gerardo S. Gonzalez, M.D. Pediatric and Adolescent Cardiology treating heart murmurs, chest pain, palpitations, congenital heart disease, fainting and high blood pressure.

Pediatric Healthcare 273.9700 4700 Woodmere Blvd. Martin Glover, M.D., David Morrison, M.D., Den Trumbell, M.D., Jeffrey Simon, M.D. Provide quality care for infants, children, adolescents and to assist parents in the endeavor of rearing their children to reach their optimal physical, emotional and spiritual development. www.pedhealthcare.com

Pessoa Vilma, M.D. PA 262.2092 1710 Norman Bridge Rd. Health care for infants, children, adolescents, sick visits, well visits and more.

Physicians to Children 293.5033 470 Taylor Rd., Suite 210 J. Robert Beshear, M.D., Cheryl Fekete, M.D., Alicia Hughes, M.D. and Dina Winston-Doctson, M.D. Services provided: Infant, child and adolescent health care, Sick and well visits, Developmental problems and immunizations.

• Professional Pediatrics 271.5959 4154 Carmichael Rd. Dr. C Allen White, Dr. Robert L. Coggin, Dr. David W. Drennen, Dr. Malissa K. Hoy, D.O., and Dr. Karen Doles Provides physical, mental and social health care for infants, children, and adolescents. We offer the following services: X-rays, Medical Labo-

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ratory, Surgical of minor lacerations, routine newborn immunizations, Health maintenance exams for older children and teenagers, Sports and camp physical exams, Pre-college exams and forms, Blue slips for school admission, In office Emergency Care on week nights, Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons, Pulmonary function testing, Hearing testing and tympanometry, Vision screening, Evaluation of Attention Deficit Disorder and Nebulizer treatments for asthma. www.professionalpediatrics.com

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Partners in Pediatrics

Know what to do in case of suspected concussion.

288.8222 2161 Normandie Drive Quality health care for newborn, child and adolescent. Sick and wellness visits, immunizations, child development, sport and camp screenings and more. www.drsumnersonline.com

272.1799 8160 Seaton Place, Montgomery 136 E. Main Street, Prattville Catherine Woods, M.D., Susan Brannon, M.D., Cheryl Outland, M.D., Lamenda Blakeney, M.D., Elizabeth Diebel, M.D., Rama Mukkamala, M.D., Melissa S. McNally, M.D. Services offered: Sick and well care visits, pediatric and adolescent medicine, Vaccinations, “On-Call” service each night and on weekends for urgent medical matters, “Nurse line” service for minor illness and general well being, “Blue Slip” service and a prescription line. www.mykidsdr.com

A concussion

is an injury caused by a blow to the head in which the brain moves rapidly and may collide with the inside of the skull. Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior.

Any athlete with a suspected concussion: l Should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY l Should be urgently assessed medically l Should not be left alone l Should not drive a motor vehicle

Prattville Pediatric Associates 361.7811 645 McQueen Smith Rd. N, Prattville John Sumners, M.D., James Rabon, M.D., Daria Anagnos, M.D. Provide sick and well child visits, immunizations, child development, sports screenings and more.

(Wetumpka) Carlile Pediatrics 78 Cambridge Court 567.6915 Provide complete and personal health care services for infants, children and adolescents. www.carlilepediatrics.com

Wetumpka Pediatric Clinic

CONCUSSION CLINIC 205.934.1041 www.Childrens AL.org/concussion IN CASE OF MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL 911 OR GO DIRECTLY TO YOUR LOCAL ER

815 Jackson Trace Rd. 67

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567.2882 Provide neonatal care, care for newborn adolescence, sick visits, child development, well visits, immunizations and more.

Doulas and Midwives Ob/Gyn Associates of Montgomery PC 279.9333 495 Taylor Road, Montgomery Midwives: Vicki Brooks and Lisa Blount www.obgynmontgomery.com

Mommy, Milk, & Me, Inc. 782.9816 Antepartum doula services. For more information please call Tangela Boyd at 334-783-9816 or visit www.mommymilkandmeinc.com.

Lactation Consultants • Baptist Medical Center South 2105 E. South Blvd., Montgomery 286.2829

Offers breast feeding classes, information on pump rentals and lactation consultants.

Parenting Programs

Baptist Medical Center East

Alabama Department of Public Health- All Kids- Children’s Health

400 Taylor Road, Montgomery 244.8360 Offers breast feeding classes, information on pump rentals and lactation consultants.

Jackson Hospital Mom & Baby Center 1725 Pine Street, Montgomery 293.8600 Offers breast feeding classes and pump rental information.

Mommy, Milk, & Me, Inc. 782.9816 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 information please call Tangela Boyd at 334-783-9816 or visit www.mommymilkandmeinc.com.

Insurance Program. www.adph.org; 1(888)373.5437. A low-cost, comprehensive healthcare coverage program for children under age 19. Benefits include regular checkups and immunizations, sick child doctor visits, prescriptions, vision and dental care, hospitalization, mental health and substance abuse services, and much more. Women, Infants and Children (WIC), 1(888) 942.4673, a supplemental nutrition program for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, women who had a baby within the last six months, infants, and children under the age of five. One must meet income requirements and have a nutritional risk that proper nutrition could help to improve. Plan First Family Planning for Women- 1-888-737-2083, Alabama’s Plan First Program is a family planning program for women ages 19 to 55. Family planning can help you and your family have a better life.

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• Baptist Health Childbirth and Parent Education Classes 2105 E. South Blvd. and 400 Taylor Road 273.4445 Childbirth Preparation/Lamaze Class: Class offered one time a week for five consecutive weeks. You will learn ways to prepare for your labor, birth and early parenthood experiences. Fee for class Baby Boot Camp: Is an abbreviated version of the Childbirth Preparation/Lamaze Class. You will learn ways to prepare for your labor, birth and early parenthood experiences. Fee for class Prenatal Breastfeeding Class: Class provides expectant mothers with information about breastfeeding. Fee for class Infant Safety/CPR Class: is designed to help parents create a safe environment for their child. Fee for class Maternity Area Tour, Baptist Medical Center East: A tour of the Labor and delivery area and Recovery, Postpartum and Nursery Areas. Please call 273.4445 for more information.

Jackson Hospital Mom & Baby Center 1725 Pine Street, Montgomery 293.8600 Prenatal Tours: Free Prepared Childbirth Class: Focus on preparation – so you will understand. The role of the labor support person, the process of labor and delivery as well as coping with the pain of labor. Sessions taught throughout the year. Fee per class Your Amazing Newborn Class: One night class, a pediatrician and members of our nursing staff will tell you exactly what to expect in the first few days, weeks, and months of your baby’s life. FREE Breastfeeding Class: Breastfeeding instruction, taught by a certified lactation consultant. Fee for class Lactation Support: You may encounter problems during your breastfeeding. We make lactation support available to you after delivery by phone of appointment. FREE Infant CPR: Taught by a certified instructor, so you have peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for any situation. Fee for class Please visit www.Jackson.org/classes or call 293.8497.

La Leche League of Montgomery Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 6880 Winton Blount Blvd. (East Montgomery Imaging Center) Meets 3rd Friday of the month at 10 a.m. 69

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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, babies and children are welcome. If you need information before the next scheduled meeting, please call or email Bridgit at 569.1500 or bridgitbroom@ gmail.com.

Infant Classes and Play Groups

The Parenting Assistance Line (PAL) -1(866) 962.3030

2435 Bell Rd., 271.4343 3407 Pelzer, 272.3390 www.ymcamontgomery.org 6 months to 3 years. Parents and tot swim classes offered year round.

http://www.pal.ua.edu/index2.php A collaborative service of the University of Alabama Child Development Resources and the Alabama Children’s Trust Fund. When callers call the toll-free number, a parenting resource specialist will answer the phone, listen to you, then offer helpful information and support .Parenting is tough! Call for FREE confidential help. Parent Resource Specialists are available from 8:00am-8:00pm Monday- Friday.

Kindermusik of Montgomery @ First Baptist Church 271.3264 Music and Movement classes for children Newborn -5 years. Visit us online at www.kindermusik.com.

YMCA Tot Swim Classes

Also, please check with your local churches for playgroups that might be held there.

Support Groups/Services Footprints Ministry A 501(C) 3 organization that assists families with children in the Neonatal Intensive Care

Unit. They serve Montgomery, Birmingham and Huntsville. Footprints distributes gift bags to NICU families that contain many items to provide hope and comfort. Footprints also assists with hotel stays, gas cards and funeral expenses. Footprints walks alongside NICU families during their child’s stay in the NICU and encourages them on their difficult journey. If you know a NICU family that needs to be ministered to please contact Kim Wilson at 391.1594. You may also visit http://www.nicufootprints. org/ for more information.

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Honoring Angels Like Owen, Inc. (HALO)

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328.1202 Halo offers family-oriented, Christian-based grief support groups that meet monthly. These groups are for families who have lost a child from 20 weeks gestation up to the age of 2 years old. Our parents’ group is for mothers and fathers. Our siblings’ group is for children ages 6-15. Both groups meet at the same time and place. These groups offer faith-based healing through sharing and emotional support. Meetings offer an outlet for sharing your child’s

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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 their burial. Visit them at www.honoringangelslikeowen.org.

Consignment Sales • Children’s Clothing Exchange 2260 Eastern Blvd, next door to Harbor Freight Tools, Montgomery Sale February 8-12th Consignment sale held twice a year with quality items at bargain prices. Children’s used clothing, furniture, equipment, toys and accessories. www.childrensclothingexchange.com

• Doodlebugs Located behind RJ’s Chicken Fingers off Hwy. 231 in Wetumpka 546.4722 Dates to be announced Seasonal consignment sale featuring gently worn children’s clothing, toys, baby equipment and so much more! www.doodlebugs-kids.com

• Kids Carousel Old Party City (across from Home Depot) 272.5263 March 8-15th Montgomery’s original and largest children’s semi-annual consignment sale with over 400 consignors and thousands of square feet of GREAT bargains to be found. www.kidscarouselinc.com

• My Kids Attic 270.1456, Montgomery 401 Coliseum Blvd (Eastbrook Shopping Center) February 8-15th Children’s clothing, toys, furniture, learning aids and everything you need for the little one. www.mykidsattic.biz

• Once and Again 4141 Hwy 14, Millbrook 290.0150 Open Year Round with children’s clothes, maternity, toys, furniture and much more. Find us on Facebook at Once and Again Millbrook. mp 71

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A Page in a Book by Gerry Paige Smith

Good Little Books It’s a universal fact that all kids start out small. Of course they grow, some faster than others, some more than others. But while they are still little kids…it’s a big world they live in. Sometimes bigness can loom large, intimidating the small. Big – in the form of parents and other adults - can also be an instinctive destination for comfort and protection. But kids should know that being little comes with a power and importance of its own, too. The following titles feature relationships between big and little, with sweet perspectives that make kids’ time as a ‘little’, a plus on their journey to big.

Little Cub

by Oliver Dunrea (Penguin / Philomel) A little cub lives alone in the big forest. He doesn’t really like the dark nights. He’s hungry, too. The little cub sees fish, but can’t catch them; smells honey in the tree, but can’t get to it. Mostly, little cub doesn’t like being alone. In the same forest is a big grizzled old bear. He catches fish and collects honey, but doesn’t like eating dinner for one. He doesn’t like the dark much either. Old bears get lonely, too. When their paths cross, these two very different bears discover that each has something the other needs to solve their problems. Simple sentences and softly colored pencil and gouache drawings warm up this sweet story of how the biggest and the littlest often need each other to become whole.

The King of the Little Things

by Bill Lepp, Illustrated by David T. Wensel (Peachtree) In this kingdom full of kings, all striving to be the biggest monarchs with the most money and the biggest armies, there was also a king of all the little things. While the biggest kings grew their power and wealth, the King of Little Things poured his love and attention into the smallest treasures of the realm, things like buttons, lamp wicks, ants and keys. When the biggest king of all defeated the other rulers bringing the entire world under his power, all that remained was to conquer the little things. But vast armies can be brought low by little things - like raindrops in the gunpowder, chiggers in their underpants and mealworms in the bread. As the great king seeks to dominate the small, he discovers to his dismay just how vital the little things are to making all the big things work. This clash of kings, of great and small, is just the right size of wonderful for little readers!

Little Burro

by Jim Arnosky (Penguin / G.P. Putnam’s Sons) Being the only little one in her band of burros can be trying for Little Burro. She loves their warm and cozy hillside home. It’s her favorite place, with sweet cactus and cool breezes in the day. So when her band begins to leave her home, she digs in her heels, brays loudly and refuses to go. But her mother’s gentle guidance compels her to join their treacherous and dry journey. At the end of the trail Little Burro is delighted to see a lake for the first time! She frolics, splashes and drinks the cool water until the sun begins to set. When it’s time to return to their hillside home, Little Burro digs in her heels, brays loudly and refuses to go. But as the big burros depart, she finally joins them on their journey homeward. A testament to little ones’ instinctual resistance to change, their loyalty to favorite things and the leaps forward kids take as they try something new, Little Burro celebrates the little steps that lead to the bigger world.

Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

Montgomery Parents I February 2014

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CLOVER+ Improves Reading Skills

Would you like for your child to make A’s & B’s in spelling and improve his or her grades in other subjects by being a better reader? Help yourself to the CLOVER+ Strategy freely offered on www.codeofreading.com by Motisi Associated Literacy Missions. You’ll find lots of helpful information and an easy-to-follow video showing a reading coach using the strategy to help a classroom of students learn to syllabify words with CLOVER+, an acronym for the 7 syllable types of English. We’ve also made available, at no cost, tools you can download from the site for explanation and practice. Having been initially developed to help students with Dyslexia, CLOVER+ Strategy has been proven effective at any level of learning, any grade, K-14, any age, and even for ESL [English as Second Language] to teach spelling to beginning or struggling students or to help good spellers become great ones. By making 86% of English words logically predictable, the strategy saves about 50% of students’ study time and 50% of teachers’, parents’, or tutors’ preparation time for the remaining 14%. As you visit the website, please give us your feedback on the Comments page, and let us know you heard about us from Montgomery Parents.

New Group Seeks to Promote Standards to Legislative Leaders On the first day of the 2014 legislative session, a new group is championing Alabama’s College and Career Ready Standards to state legislative leaders. Alabama GRIT, which stands for Graduate Ready. Impact Tomorrow, was formed following the 2013 legislative session. The group, which consists of Alabama parents, educators, business leaders, military personnel, and other civic leaders, seeks to inform, explain and provide resources about the state’s academic standards for Math and English Language Arts. Team GRIT is led by Alabama native Jessica Hammonds, who previously worked

for Florida Governor Rick Scott, and in George W. Bush’s presidential administration before that. In addition to working with state legislators, Alabama GRIT is planning informational sessions across the state and has produced resource guides for parents, businesses, and others. GRIT is also working with teachers across Alabama, including the 2013-2014 Alabama Teacher of the Year Allison Grizzle, to chronicle and share Alabama educators’ experiences teaching the standards in their classroom. It and other videos GRIT has produced can be found on Alabama GRIT’s YouTube page. 73

Alabama’s College and Career Ready Standards are based on the Common Core State Standards and were voluntarily adopted by the Alabama State Board of Education, which retains sole authority over Alabama’s academic standards. Since its launch, Alabama GRIT’s Facebook page, facebook.com/AlabamaGRIT has attracted more than 7,600 followers, and team members have tweeted updates using the hashtag, #reallearning. Team GRIT will launch a new website soon, but is encouraging supporters to visit its current site and sign the Team GRIT pledge at alabamaGRIT.org. www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Calendar/Support Groups Ongoing

Ala. Dept. of Archives & History Exhibit galleries include a children’s gallery and a reference room for genealogical and historical research. Hands-On Gallery includes Grandma’s Attic where you can try on clothes, uniforms, shoes, try an old typewriter, sit at an old school desk or experience making a quilt square. However, the Hands-On Gallery and Grandma’s Attic will temporarily close for 2nd floor hallway renovations this summer. The Museum will remain closed until Monday, August 19. You can visit our History at Home web page to print off fun activities you can do at home. Stay tuned in for upcoming events from the Archives, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook. Call 242-4435 or visit www.archives. alabama.gov. Alabama River Region Arts Center in Wetumpka has weekly after-school Arts Clubs which meet on Thursdays from 4-5 & 5-6 p.m. There are three clubs: Guitar (acoustic), Clay (polymer, ie “sculpy”) and Painting/Drawing. Each Club is $20 a month. Students for Guitar Club must be 10 years old, but 7-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 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. The Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa A private, non-profit, community-based organization located at 2213 University Blvd. in downtown Tuscaloosa, next to City Hall. Current hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed most holidays. Special programs are held for preschoolers weekly. Admission is $5 per person, with no charge for museum members or children under the age of 1 year. Special discounts are available to schools. For info, call (205) 349-4235 or visit www. chomonline.org.

February 2014 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. Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is a family-friendly space filled with interactive and educational hands-on exhibits for children age eight and under. Imagine It! also offers birthday parties, memberships and field trip tours. Museum hours:

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

Montgomery Parents I February 2014

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! Cool Kids Cook is a faith-based ministry with classes offered at different locations. Please call 220-3651 if you’d like to attend or volunteer with this ministry. Cupcakes by Tish Offers Cupcake Decorating Workshops and Parties for Kids and Teens Every fourth Saturday, classes will be offered for children ages 4-6, 7-10 and 12-15 between noon and 6 p.m. at The Shoppes at EastChase location. The hourlong workshop is $25 per child and gives each child the opportunity to learn the art of cupcake decorating. Each child will receive a Cupcakes by Tish apron and four decorated cupcakes with a variety of candies, sprinkles, and goodies that adds personalization. Older kids and teens will be shown the basics of fondant decorating. To register, contact Special Events Coordinator Ebony Ware at (334) 356-5292 or parties@ cupcakesbytish.com. First White House of the Confederacy Open on Saturdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This year begins the commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. The First White House of the Confederacy played a significant role during the war and served as Jefferson Davis’ family residence from February-May 1861. Located at 644 Washington Avenue in downtown Montgomery, neighboring the Alabama Department of Archives and History. For more info or to tour the museum, call 242-1861 or visit www.firstwhitehouse. org. 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

Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $11 plus tax for adults and children ages 2 and above. Imagine It! is located at 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. For more info, visit www.imagineit-cma.org or call (404) 659-KIDS [5437]. Montgomery’s Freedom Rides Museum Road to Equality: The 1961 Freedom Rides yearlong exhibit features works of art from top Alabama artists and offers unique interpretations of one of the most pivotal desegregation events in the nation’s history. Located in the capital city’s recently restored 1951 Greyhound Bus Station, the exhibit will remain open every Friday and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. or by appointment throughout the year. For more info, visit www.freedomridesmuseum.org or www.montgomerybusstation.org MOOseum, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Children’s educational center featuring past, present and future in agriculture and the cattle industry. Free. Group tours should be pre-scheduled. Mon.- Fri. 9 a.m. -noon and 1-4 p.m. Last scheduled tour of the day starts at 3:30 p.m. 201 Bainbridge St., Montgomery. For info, call 265-1867 or visit www.bamabeef.org. Old Alabama Town 19th and early 20th century outdoor history museum. Tours Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: $8 for adults, $4 for students ages 6-18. Under 6 free. 301 Columbus St., Montgomery. For information, call 240-4500. Prattville-Millbrook Newcomers Club A non-affiliated social club geared to new people moving into the area AND to those looking to form new friendships or just learn more about the area. We will also have interest groups that meet during the month at various times and locations. They could be groups such as canasta, bridge, lunches, movies, etc. General meetings are second Tuesdays September-May at 10 a.m. at the YMCA on McQueen Smith Road. For more information, contact Nancy Schrull at (334) 356-5026 or nschrull@theschrullgroup.com River Region Contra Dancing Everyone, school-age through adult, is invited for a little exercise and a lot of fun. Singles, couples and

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families are welcome. All levels of experience – including no experience. Dancing is on 1st & 3rd Fridays at 7 p.m. at Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 5260 Vaughn Road. For more info, visit www.riverregioncontradance. com or call Katherine Thomas at 334-361-6572. 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 Stone Mountain Park, Georgia Enjoy the outdoors together, while experiencing a variety of attractions, entertainment and recreation. Visit the 1870s town of Crossroads and enjoy live entertainment, skilled craft demonstrations, shopping, dining and more. Additional attractions include: the 4-D Theater, The Great Barn, Paddlewheel Riverboat, Summit Skyride, Scenic Railroad, Antebellum Plantation and Farmyard, Pedal Boats, Mini-Golf, New Camp Highland Outpost and Treehouse Challenge, Discovering Stone Mountain Museum and the Antique Car & Treasure Museum. The Regular One-Day All Attractions Pass is $24 (plus tax) for ages 12 and up, and $19 (plus tax) children ages 3-11. For an additional fee, guests can also “Ride the Ducks” sightseeing tour. Required parking permit is $8 for one day or $35 for an annual permit. Call (770) 498-5690 or visit www.stonemountainpark.com. 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 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. Next class is February 19. Call 240-4365 or visit www.mmfa.org for more info.

Classes

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 to schedule your class. Chinese Language Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Office of Far Eastern Initiatives offers Saturday classes for children and adults. The one-hour weekly courses are provided free-of-charge as a service to the community. For more information or to register, contact April Ma at 244-3018 or ama@aum.edu CPR & First Aid The American Red Cross offers classes in adult and infant/child CPR as well as first aid and babysitting classes monthly. Call 260-3980. Diabetes Education --Prattville Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available Wednesdays by appointment at Prattville Medical Park. Call 213-6360 for more information. Diabetes Education --Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available weekdays by appointment. Call 213-6360 for more info. 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. Math & Science for Preschoolers Classes for “3-2-1 Blast T.I.M.E.S. (Technology, Innovation, Math, Engineering, & Science)” are held every Monday, excluding federal holidays. Children ages 3-5 will learn math and science concepts through everyday play. Classes are 30 min. long and $8/week. Join us at 1585 E Main St, Prattville (next to Pri-Med), to have fun and get a boost in math & science. Please visit 321 Blast TIMES on Facebook for times. To register or for more info, contact Susan Trombley at 321blasttimes@ outlook.com or (334) 380-1879. 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 2734445 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.

Services

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

Support Groups Adoption Support

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer Memorial UMC. For more information, call Hannah Taylor at 4099477 or the church office at 272-8622. Autauga/Elmore Group meets 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Glynwood

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Calendar/Support Groups Baptist Church, Prattville. Childcare, children’s group and dinner provided. For more info, call 409-9477 or e-mail htaylor@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 gettogethers to talk about raising our children from China. If you would like to join our group, just e-mail PandaPals2005@yahoogroups.com or call Tracie Singleton at 395-8215.

Cancer Support

American Cancer Society, including Montgomery, Elmore, Autauga, & Macon Counties: **To access or sign up for these programs, call the American Cancer Society’s Montgomery office at 6128162 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 612-8162 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.

Divorce Support

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

Gambling Support

Gamblers Anonymous meetings in the River Region Area: Saturdays @ 7 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, 5375 U.S. Hwy. 231 (Directly across from the Winn-Dixie shopping center), Wetumpka. Call (334) 567-7534. Sundays @ 5 p.m., Mental Health Association, 1116

Montgomery Parents I February 2014

South Hull Street, Montgomery. Mondays @ 6 p.m., St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 4475 Atlanta Hwy., Montgomery. Gamblers Anonymous Hotline: 334-541-5420

Grief Support

Bereaved Spouses Support Group A new ministry of Cornerstone Christian Church, USA (Unavoidably Single Again) Ministries is designed to offer ongoing support, social events and fellowship to those who have lost their spouses to death. The group is open to ALL widowed individuals, regardless of age, religious beliefs, or length of marriage or widowhood. Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at the church’s building, 301 Dalraida Road. Please e-mail Lynda Coats at farauthor@aol.com for more information. “Big Leap!” Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m., Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is designed to meet the needs of children who have experienced the recent loss of a loved one. This group provides a hands-on, safe space for age-appropriate expression of grief. These sessions aim to increase feeling identification, decrease self-blame or guilt, and build coping skills. Through music, art, and play we meet your child or grandchild on their level. We encourage your children to hold tight to their memories as they make a “big leap” into their new future. This group is open to children ages 7-11. Space is limited to 6 participants so call 279-6677. Start date will be determined once reservations are confirmed. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW “Comfort and Conversation,” Wednesdays at 11 a.m., Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is intended to address those affected by a recent loss (0-12 months after death). Through meeting with others who are walking a similar journey, you will be encouraged to work through the complications of your loss, understand your pain, and adjust to your new reality. Space is limited, so please call 2796677. 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) 2842721. 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 5:30-6:30 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. Grieving With Hope, St. Mark UMC, meeting weekly on Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m. The group offers a place to share, care and heal from the losses of life. Facilitated by Dr. Lennie Howard and Marie Parma. Contact the church at 272-0009. Honoring Angels Like Owen, Inc. (HALO) offers family-oriented, Christian-based grief support groups that meet monthly. These groups are for families who

February 2014 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 12:30 p.m. There is no charge, but registration is required. For more information, call the Congregational Care office at 272-8622. Each participant needs to bring a sack lunch. On the first Thursday of each month, the Caregivers’ Support Group meets in Room 3103 beginning at 10:30 a.m. For the support group, call the church at 272-8622. Cardiolife, a FREE educational series for congestive heart failure patients and their caregivers, meets 4th Thursdays of each month, 10-11 a.m. Diabetes Center classroom, Jackson Hospital. For more info, call 279-6677. Topics include: Lifestyle Changes, A Heart Healthy Diet, Proper Fluid Intake, Importance of Daily Weights and Exercise Tolerance. Support for this program provided by River Region Supportive Care – a Division of Hospice of Montgomery. Facilitated by Arla Chandler, RN, BSN, MBA. 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

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Church, Fellowship Suite (faces entrance of EastChaseNE. 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 resume in January on 4th Thursdays at 6 p.m. in Room 8114. Group is for Parkinson’s patients and their family members. For more info, call 272-8622. Sjogren’s Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, WILL NOT MEET DECEMBER through MARCH. Meetings resume in April on 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. Traumatic Brain Injury Support, cafeteria at HealthSouth on Narrow Lane in Montgomery. 2nd

Thursdays at 6 p.m. Sponsored by Alabama Head Injury Foundation for anyone with a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or related disability. For more information, contact Holli at (334) 290-0646 or e-mail: ahif_montgomery_auburn@yahoo.com. Visit www. ahif.org Veterans OEF/OIF Caregivers Support Group meets 3rd Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 3108 at Frazer Memorial UMC. This group provides support and understanding to those caring for OEF/ OIF Veterans. For more information, contact LaQuana Edwards, Caregiver Support Coordinator at CAVHCS, (334) 727-0550 ext. 5350.

Parent Support

D.A.D.S. (Dad and Daughter Saturdays) Second Saturdays at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Library in downtown Montgomery at 11 a.m. D.A.D.S. is the vision of local resident and Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce staff member Ron Simmons and his 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 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.

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Calendar/Support Groups 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

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.

Special Needs Support

Apraxia Parents’ Support Group Meets 2nd Thursdays from 7-8 p.m. at Starbucks on 6501 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery. For more info, e-mail montgomeryparentsofapraxia@gmail.com. Central Alabama Autism Support Team (C.A.A.S.T.), St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Hwy. 31 in Prattville from 6-8 p.m. 3rd Thursdays quarterly (Feb., May, Aug., Nov.). Visit www.easysite.com/caast or e-mail casst50@yahoo.com for more info. Down Syndrome Support, Vaughn Park Church of Christ, 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 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

Teens/Families Support

Life is Fun Together (LIFT): A FREE Relationship and Marriage Enrichment Program providing different educational and fun-filled 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 270-4100 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

February 2014 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! 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 if you didn’t see your class listed so we can contact you when the next one starts. Support Group for Teens with difficulties communicating with parents and friends. Contact Felicia Pressley at Pressley Counseling by leaving a message at (334) 625-0159.

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Saturday, February 1

Crossroads Theater at Pike Road Town Hall Award-winning speaker, author and storyteller Sara Dubose will entertain us with tales from far and near, and the Back Porch Pickers will play live bluegrass music during the intermissions. A $25 ticket also includes a delicious meal from Tammy Griffin’s A Catered Affair. Seating is limited and tickets are on sale now at Town Hall, the library, Pike Road Butcher Block and the Charleston House Gallery. E-mail patty@pikeroad.us for more details. Prepared Childbirth Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose to have pain relief during labor and delivery. Topics include stages of labor, breathing and relaxation techniques, the role of the coach, and proper care of mother and baby after delivery. Sessions are taught throughout the year, from 9 a.m.-noon. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $25. Call 293-8497 or e-mail liz.owen@jackson.org. 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 racecar!” In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kidsized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates’ aprons, and an achievement pin. 9 a.m.-noon. Ages 5-12. Free. Wetumpka Depot Players Present The Miracle Worker -Also February 2, 6-8 7:30 p.m. except for 2 p.m. on February 2. Written by William Gibson; directed by Stephen Dubberley. Based on the life of Helen Keller. Interpretations for the hearing impaired will be offered at two performances. Call for more information and tickets at (334) 868-1440 or visit www.wetumpkadepot.com Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents The Great Gatsby -Through February 16 Adapted by Simon Levy; based on the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Jay Gatsby, a selfmade millionaire, passionately pursues the elusive Daisy Buchanan. Nick Carraway, a young newcomer to Long Island, is drawn into their world of obsession, greed and danger. The breathtaking glamour and decadent excess of the Jazz Age from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel come to the stage in Simon Levy’s adaptation, approved by the Fitzgerald Estate. Visit www.asf.net or call (334) 271-5353 for tickets.

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Thursday, February 6

Old Alabama Town Revue “Valentine’s Show: Lovin’ Alabama.” 7 p.m. The Old Church at Old Alabama Town on Columbus Street. Karren Pell and Southern Rendition, featuring Tim Henderson, Tni Woods, Marty Martin, guitarist Larry Gobrecht and guest artist Stephen Paul Bray. Faulkner Dinner Theatre Presents The Flight of the Lawnchair Man Through February 22 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.

Sunday Morning Worship 8:45 & 11 a.m. Worship Service at Cloverdale School Sunday at 6 p.m.

Friday, February 7

15th Annual Black History Program 6 p.m. Prattville’s Doster Community Center. Free entertainment for the entire family. Special guest: Tonya Terry, WSFA TV Anchor. Speaker: Attorney Vicky Underwood Toles. Emcee: OJ Howard. Call (334) 361-3640 for more info. Junior League of Montgomery Hosts Rummage Sale Also February 8 Garrett Coliseum, 5-9 p.m. on Friday; 8-11 a.m. on Saturday. Proceeds benefit local community organizations through Junior League grants. Fabulous pre-loved and gently-used items, as well as new and surprising treasures will be offered at affordable prices. Advance tickets are $3. They may be purchased at Eastdale Mall Customer Service Counter, The Shoppes of My Kids Attic, Barb’s on Mulberry and www.jlmontgomery.org or at the Junior League of Montgomery’s office at 3570 Carter Hill Road. Tickets will be $5 at the door. For more information, contact the Junior League of Montgomery at 288-8816 or visit www.jlmontgomery.org. Late Night with YMCA Goodtimes Also February 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.

Dr. R. Lawson Bryan Senior Minister

Saturday, February 8

Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic 10 a.m. Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at

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Calendar/Support Groups the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. This month’s project is a Love Note Holder. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Ages 5-12. Free. Online registration opens a few weeks before each clinic’s date. For more info, visit www. lowesbuildandgrow.com or call your local Lowe’s. AUM Offers Free Mandarin Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Confucius Institute continues to offer free Mandarin classes to the community on Saturdays this spring. To register, send the student’s name, age and contact information to ama@aum.edu. Montgomery Miracle League 2014 Spring Ball Registration -- Also February 15 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Both Saturdays). The Miracle Field (Field 8) located at the Ed Thompson Complex on Ray Thorington Road, Montgomery (across the street from Blount Elementary and Carr Middle School.) REGISTRATION FEE: $30 (covers uniform and trophy) Coaches and Buddies will be at the field on the days of registration! So bring your baseball player and let them practice while you fill out the forms! For more info, e-mail montgomerymiracleleague@gmail.com.

Sunday, February 9

Gov’t Mule in Concert at MPAC 8 p.m. Gov’t Mule is a Southern rock band formed in 1994 as an Allman Brothers Band side project by Warren Haynes and Allen Woody. They released their debut album in 1995. Gov’t Mule has become a staple act at music festivals across North America, with both its members and frequent guests boasting members from other notable bands, adding various funk and blues rock elements to the band’s sound. For ticket information, call 481-5100 or visit www.mpaconline.org

Monday, February 10

AUM Offers ACT Reviews In our ACT Review courses, youth will learn how to

approach standardized tests by learning accuracy, timing, what to study, and how to reduce test anxiety. The review covers mathematics, reading and language arts, and science reasoning. All materials are included. ACT Complete Review is offered Mondays through Thursdays Feb. 10-27: 6-8 p.m. for $309. ACT Math Review is held Monday through Thursday Feb. 10-13: 6-8 p.m. for $109; ACT Science Review Feb. 17-20: 6-8 p.m. for $109; and ACT Language Review Feb. 24-27: 6-8 p.m. for $109. Call (334) 244-3804 or visit www. ce.aum.edu to register!

Tuesday, February 11

AUM’s Small Group Tutoring for Grades One Through Five in Reading and Math Our instructors are certified classroom teachers with 10-plus years of experience. They will use grade-level curriculum that focuses on the common core in reading and math so that their instruction correlates with what is currently being taught in the classroom. Our instructors will determine where your student needs help and work with them to improve those skills. READING will meet on Tuesdays: 4:45-5:45 p.m. through March 11; MATH will meet on Thursdays: 4:45-5:45 p.m. February 13-March 13. No more than eight students will be in each grade/ section. Cost is $89 per term per subject. Call (334) 244-3804; visit www.ce.aum.edu; or come by 75 TechnaCenter Drive.

Wednesday, February 12

CAMGA Lunch & Learn Program Central Alabama Master Gardener (CAMGA) Jane McCarthy, Prattville, will share information on identifying, propagating and enjoying succulents. Held at the Elmore County Extension (ACES) facility on Queen Ann Road in Wetumpka, the free event begins

February 2014 at noon and ends at 1 p.m. Attendees are invited to bring their lunch and learn. Beverages are provided by CAMGA. Additional subjects for 2014 include: Garden Design; Annuals & Perennials; Hydrangeas and more. For more information call the ACES office at 567-6301.

Thursday, February 13

Cloverdale Playhouse Presents Into the Woods Through February 23 Musical by Stephen Sondheim/ book by James Lapine. Directed by Randy Foster. For more information or tickets, call (334) 262-1530 or visit www. cloverdaleplayhouse.org.

Friday, February 14

Capri Classics Presents When Harry Met Sally 7:30 p.m. The classic starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org Vince Gill and Amy Grant Perform at MPAC 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, call 481-5100 or visit www.mpaconline.org Prattville Community Chorus Singing Valentines For $25, buy two love songs, a rose and a card delivered by the Prattville Community Chorus. Call (334) 595-0854 to order. 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.

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Grand Opening of the Museum of Alabama The Museum of Alabama is located adjacent to the State Capital at the Alabama Department of Archives and History. The public Grand Opening will feature a wide variety of activities for the entire family. The official ribbon-

5K and 10K Trail Runs beginning at 9 a.m. benefiting the ANC education programs. There will be an additional 1-mile race beginning at 10 a.m. Pre-registration at www.active.com is $25 (5K) or $20 (1 Mile). Don’t fret, you can still register the day of the race for an additional $5. Prizes will be awarded for male and female overall, Masters (40+) and Grand Masters (50+). Also, three deep in the following age groups: 8 and under, 9-12, 1318, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 5559, 60-69, 70+. Prizes will also be awarded for the best costume, so be creative and run as an Alabama critter! Music and food will be provided, plus door prizes and lots of room for kids to play. Visit www.alabamawildlife.org or call 334-285-4550 for more information. AGAPE Run 5K/1 Mile “Sweetheart Sprint” 8-10 a.m. AGAPE Run is an annual outreach event of Taylor Road Baptist Church designed to reach out to those who have experienced significant challenges in life. This event serves as a tool to help meet the financial needs of the recipient the race is in honor of. This year’s recipient, the Eaves family, exemplifies the theme we’ve chosen, “Show Love” and all proceeds of the run will go to the family. For more information and to register, click here. For more info, visit taylorroad.org/#/welcome/ agape-run. Valentine’s Day Concert at Garrett Coliseum 6 p.m. Enjoy a Valentine’s Day Concert at Garrett Coliseum featuring Morris Day & The Time, K-Ci & JoJo, Calvin Richardson, Big Rob and Terri Right. Get tickets at the Coliseum office, Ticketmaster.com or Publix on Zelda or Vaughn Rd. Visit thegarrettcoliseum.com/events.html

Sunday, February 16

Frank Caliendo Performs at MPAC 7:30 p.m. You probably know Frank Caliendo from his current segments on ESPN Sunday NFL Countdown… Or maybe you know him from his decade long run on FOX NFL SUNDAY as Terry Bradshaw’s nemesis. His

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Saturday, February 15

cutting ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m. on the front terrace of the Alabama Department of Archives and History. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors can tour the new exhibition, enjoy food, art, and performances by Alabama musical groups on the Archives’ front lawn, listen to fascinating presentations by contributors to the exhibition, participate in fun activities for families and children, and more. Musical groups to perform include the Birmingham Sunlights, Flying Jenny, Bay City Brass Band, and Mariachi Garibaldi, among others. This event is free to the public. For more info, call 328-9088, visit www.archives.alabama.gov and follow the ADAH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Prattville’s 10th Annual Mardi Gras Parade 1 p.m. The parade themed “10 Years Rolling with the Good Times” will begin at Stanley-Jensen Stadium, proceed down Doster Road and turn right onto Northington Street. The parade will follow Main Street through Downtown Prattville then onto Court Street and left on 4th Street, ending at Gin Shop Hill Road. There will be lots of floats and other entries and plenty of beads, candy and MoonPies for everyone. Local vendors will be selling beverages and food, beginning at 11 a.m. in the Partners in Pediatrics parking lot, located next to Bank Trust in downtown Prattville. A children’s fun area will be set up as well. This year the 3rd annual Prattville Service League Chili Cook-off will be held in conjunction with the annual Mardi Gras festivities. Set up/check in for the downtown cook-off will begin at 7 a.m., and will officially open to the public at 11:30 a.m. For more information and complete rules, please contact the Prattville Service League at rachell419@yahoo.com. For more info, call (334) 595-0854. Fourth Annual Critter Crawl at Alabama Nature Center Enjoy a run along the beautiful trails located at Lanark in Millbrook. Bring the family and plan to run wild...or you can just crawl! This year, the Critter Crawl will feature

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Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Twenty Seven -- Through March 2 Edward Morgan’s adaptation of William Faulkner’s Old Man. When a great storm causes the levees to break on the mighty Mississippi, a flood of biblical proportions occurs. A prisoner from a penal colony is entrusted to pilot a small raft into the heart of the mayhem to save who he can. When he pulls a young pregnant woman from the limb of a tree, the unlikely pair embarks on a seven-week journey in which they face the perils of the Big Muddy and others who would do them harm. Visit www.asf.net or call (334) 271-5353 for tickets. Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets -- Also February 28 Elmore County Homeschool Organization is a non-profit support group for homeschooling families. We provide a positive socialization environment for homeschooled children & support and encourage their parents in the homeschooling process. We meet the second and fourth Friday of every month year-round from 10 a.m. to noon at Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. Membership is free and is open to all homeschoolers in the tri-county area. ECHO has field trips, park days, holiday parties, enrichment activities, and a yearly awards ceremony. For details, visit http:// www.onlineecho.com

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Calendar/Support Groups high energy act is a blend of observations, impressions, characters and anecdotal stories that start at a frenetic pace and never let up. Tickets range from $25 to $52. For ticket information, call 481-5100 or visit www. mpaconline.org.

Monday, February 17

Harpist Dania Lane & the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra 7:30-9:30 p.m. Harpist Dania Lane will join Maestro Hinds and the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra in a performance of the Reinecke Harp Concerto. Brahms’ powerful Symphony No. 3 will round out this evening. Visit www.montgomerysymphony.org/concerts_ subscription.htm

Tuesday, February 18

Troy University Symphony Band in Concert 7 p.m. Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. Under the direction of Dr. Mark Walker, the band will perform works from its repertoire in a program noted for superb playing, exciting music and sheer variety. For more info or tickets, call 241-9567 or visit www.troyedu/davistheatre. Celtic Woman Performs at MPAC 7 p.m. Group pricing is available for groups of 10 or more. Global music phenomenon Celtic Woman announces The Emerald Tour. The all-new stage production will celebrate Ireland and the Emerald Isles’ spellbinding Celtic heritage through an extraordinary presentation of traditional Irish anthems, pop standards and original music by Emmynominated music producer David Downes. For ticket information, call 481-5100 or visit www.mpaconline.org. Joe Thomas, Jr. 3rd Tuesday Guitar Pull 7-9 p.m. Three or four regional songwriters perform original music on the Cloverdale Playhouse’s intimate

stage. Tickets are $10 at the door. Call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org.

Thursday, February 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 “The Gentle Giant of Dynamite Hill: The Untold Story of Arthur Shores and His Family’s Fight For Civil Rights,” presented by Barbara S. Shores. Call 353-4726 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov. Wild Game Dinner at Frazer UMC 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Bring your own wild game dish and sample the dishes of others at this annual event to enjoy fellowship with other hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, and stay to enjoy an inspiring message from Tony Bolton, a nationally known speaker, worship leader, and founder of the Pray for Prey hunting ministry. Cost is just $5 with tickets available in the Frazer atrium Feb. 9 and 16, or at the door. If you don’t wish to bring a wild game dish, bring a dessert or other side item. Door prizes will be given. Funds raised go to sportsmen’s ministry mission projects that help connect underprivileged children with the outdoors and with the message of Christ. Call 495-6391 or e-mail Chris Bell at cbell@jttconnect.com. MMFA Art Auction 2014 Silent auction Feb. 20 and live auction Feb. 22. A committee of volunteers has traveled the country seeking works of art in all media to tempt Montgomery’s art collectors. Many choices at a variety of price points from New York, Santa Fe, Charleston, Atlanta, and New Orleans galleries will be available to start, or add to, your collection. Call the Museum at 240-4333 or visit www.mmfalorg to purchase your tickets!

February 2014 Monster X Tour -- Also February 22 Begins at 6 p.m. Garrett Coliseum. See incredible 10,000-pound, car-crushing Monster Trucks, wheelie contests, and freestyle action during the Monster X Tour! Plus, you can meet the drivers and see the trucks up close at the pre-event Autograph Pit Party. For more info, visit monsterxtour.com/events/montgomery-al-2014/ Love is in the Air with the Montgomery Ballet Through February 23 Join the Montgomery Ballet for valentines, cocktails and a gala performance in the Courtyard (Blackbox Theatre) on February 21-23. Performances: Friday at 6:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 & 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Visit www.montgomeryballet.org for details. Red Door Theatre Presents Mama Won’t Fly Through February 23 Historic Union Springs. Written by Jones, Hope, & Wooten, this play begins with an outrageously hilarious race against the clock when Savannah Sprunt Fairchild Honeycutt agrees to get her feisty mother all the way from Alabama to California in time for her brother’s wedding. Savannah’s problem: Mama won’t fly. This ferociously funny, family-friendly comedy will have you laughing your way across the country and all the way down the aisle! Four performances are offered: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for dinner at 6 p.m. (reservations required), and play at 7:30 p.m; and Sunday for the play only (no dinner) at 2:30 p.m. Play/$15; Dinner/$15; Overnight with Breakfast for 2/$125-150. Contact (334) 738-8687. Millbrook Community Players Present The Sound of Music -Through February 22; 27, 28 and March 1-2 and 6-8

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Directed by John Collier, with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein. Please call (334) 782-7317 or visit www.millbrooktheatre.com for ticket information. Theatre AUM Presents Ain’t Misbehavin’ Through March 2 Show times are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $10 for the general public, $5 for senior citizens and students from other schools, and free to AUM students, faculty, staff and alumni with identification card. Theatre AUM is located in the Taylor Center at AUM, 7440 East Drive. Call 334-244-3632 for more information.

Saturday, February 22

Cupcakes by Tish Offers Cupcake Decorating Workshops for Kids and Teens Every fourth Saturday, Cupcakes by Tish will now host Cupcake Decorating Workshops. Classes will be offered for children ages 4-6, 7-10 and 12-15 between noon and 6 p.m. at The Shoppes at EastChase location. The hour-long workshop is $25 per child and gives each child the opportunity to learn the art of cupcake decorating. Each child will receive a Cupcakes by Tish apron and four decorated cupcakes with a variety of candies, sprinkles, and goodies that adds personalization. Older kids and teens will be shown the basics of fondant decorating. To register, contact Special Events Coordinator Ebony Ware at (334) 3565292 or parties@cupcakesbytish.com. Animal Enrichment Day at the Montgomery Zoo 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Watch the zoo animals smell a new scent, taste a new flavor, play a new game or figure out a challenging puzzle or game. The result is to stimulate behaviors resembling those for that species in the wild. Visit www.montgomeryzoo.com Millbrook’s Mardi Gras Parade and Festival This family-friendly festival, hosted by the Krewe of Millbrook Revelers, starts at 9 a.m. at Village Green. With more than 60 vendors from all over the South, there is something for everyone! How about Gator-ona-Stick, smoked turkey legs, gumbo, or red beans and rice? A variety of traditional Mardi Gras food will be served along with hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken fingers. Kids will enjoy pony rides, inflatables, a zip line, train rides around the park, and lots of other kidapproved activities! The parade starts at noon sharp on Main Street with more than 50 floats, lots of beads, moon pies, doubloons, cups, candy and other trinkets to catch! Bring your revelry and your appetite! St. James United Methodist Church Holds Auction To Benefit Missions 4-6 p.m. Visitors may preview items on Friday, February 21, from 4-7 p.m. There is no cost for admission. Items featured include antique furniture and rugs from Pickwick Antiques, original artwork, jewelry, salon and boutique certificates, gift cards from local restaurants, and vacation home rentals. Proceeds from this year’s auction will benefit mission projects in Honduras, the Appalachian Mountains, and at Georgia Washington Middle School in Montgomery. Visit www. sjlifeauction.com for a preview of items.

Sunday, February 23

11th Annual Jewish Food Festival 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Montgomery’s Temple Beth Or. Enjoy delicious food samples, visit the Treasure Market and stop by the Temple Beth Or Gift Shop, which has a wonderful selection of jewelry and other gifts. Also, festival attendees will have the opportunity to attend a short session in the Temple’s sanctuary with Rabbi Elliot Stevens to learn about Jewish customs. For more info, call 262-3314 or visit www.templebethor.net. Family Art Affair and Jazz Jams 2-4 p.m. Bring the entire family to the Montgomery

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Calendar/Support Groups Museum of Fine Arts for this special FREE fun day, combining music, art, and more! Free admission. Seating will be limited so arrive early. For more info, visit www.mmfa.org

Tuesday, February 25

Montgomery Symphony Orchestra’s Fellowship Series 7:30 p.m. Wilson Auditorium located in the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Cellist Ahrim Kim joined by a pianist and repertoire to be announced. For more info, visit www.montgomerysymphony.org/ concerts_fellowship.htm

Thursday, February 27

Newcomers Club 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 speaker will be Monique Wilson from The Heart Association. Cost is $15 and reservations must be made by noon Monday, February 24, to mgmnewcomers@outlook.com or call 354-9797. Visit www.newcomersmontgomery.com Hooper Academy Holds Open House 6 p.m. for all grade levels (K-12). Please visit and see what we have to offer your family. If you have any questions, please call (334) 288-5980. Hooper is located at 380 Fischer Road in Hope Hull, just off I-65 South.

Friday, February 28

Alabama Dance Theatre Presents The New Princess Stories -- Through March 2 Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. The New

Montgomery Parents I February 2014

Princess Stories will include experts from the beloved ballets Swan Lake, Aladdin and Pocahontas. Join the Alabama Dance Theatre as these magical fairy tale stories come to life on stage. Performances will be held February 28 at 7:30 p.m., March 1 at 2:30 p.m.* (shortened children’s matinee), and March 2 at 2:30 p.m.* Performance tickets are $15-$30. Tickets will be on sale February 10 and can be purchased at alabamadancetheatre.com. For more info, call 241-2590. *Following the matinees on Sat. and Sun. children may go on stage to “Meet the Princesses,” Odette the Swan Queen, Princess Jasmine, and Pocahontas. Tickets for the onstage parties are $10 and include a chance to win an American Girl Doll. Dolls will be given away on Sat. and Sun.

Saturday, March 1

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 Trojan Horse bank” from the new DreamWorks animated film, Mr. Peabody & Sherman, coming in March. 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. Breastfeeding Class Breastfeeding and lactation education designed for expectant mothers, fathers, and/or support persons. Class includes benefits, basic breastfeeding techniques, and prevention of common problems. 10 a.m.-noon. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. $15 covers mother and support person. Pre-registration required. Call 293-8497 or visit www.jackson.org/ events to register or for more info.

February 2014 Wetumpka’s Mardi Gras Parade Begins at 1 p.m. in downtown Wetumpka. Vendor booths will open at 9 a.m. Stage entertainment is also planned before the parade. For more info, call (334) 300-7583 or e-mail oocparade@ yahoo.com. Couch to the Best 5k of Your Life Class Through May 10 This 10-Week Class, designed by ACE Certified Personal Trainers, concludes with Agape’s Run for a Mom 5K and Fun Run on Saturday, May 10. The $99 Couch to 5k Program fee INCLUDES the Agape 5k fee ($25 per person). The class includes a 5K training seminar, weekly group workouts including three cross-training workouts designed to increase your running strength, and timed trial runs. All Couch to 5k seminars and weekly group workouts will be held in Montgomery. Contact Matt Abele, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, at matt.abele40@gmail.com for more details and to sign up. For more information on the 5k, visit www.runforamom.org.

Calendar information due by the 15th of each month. Send to editor@montgomery parents.com.

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Business Card Directory

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Home Based Business Directory TUTORING

Certified Teacher in grades K-12 with 28 years teaching experience, plus a lot of experience with Special Education Students and Basic Math, Pre-Algebra and Algebra. Call Mrs. Gwin at (334) 215-0032 or (334) 301-7451. Or email dalice.gwin@gmail.com.

Card Making Workshops

Create beautiful cards at a stamping workshop. Call for more information at 334-221-8779. Or visit http:// ladyg.stampinup.net

Williams Carpentry

Angelina’s Photography

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

Available for family, child, baby, and pet portraits. A great idea for fall and Christmas portraits! Visit my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ angelinasphotographyal to view my work. Contact me, Angelina Smith, by phone at (205) 499-2029 or send me a message on Facebook.

Usborne Books and More

Piano Teacher

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

I am recruiting book sellers in the Montgomery, Prattville, and surrounding area to sell high quality, affordably priced children’s books. If you would like more information please call or email Christine at: (334)221-4371 or email Ceemetalk@aol.com.

iEasy Math Tutoring Win Before College Grades 7—12 ACT/SAT

Please email: cdcywg@gmail.com

Ala

We Sit And Stay While Your Away....

Whether you need us to watch your four-legged kids for the day, week, or month, we are available 24/7. Access To Both Maxwell And Gunter AFB; 10% Military Discount. Call Lori @ 407-403-0713 For Pricing.

Ala

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Tutoring

Kindergarten—Adult Master of Education Teacher’s Certificate Tri-county area

Saxon Lawn Service

You grow it, we mow it Affordable pricing

Tutoring for Students in Grades K-6th

Contact Debbie: 334-356-3865

Please call 274-0324.

Mrs. Taylor (Current Teacher) 334-590-2098 hdtaylor101@charter.net

Homemade Cheese Straws

Cheese Straws are a perfect appetizer for parties, showers, weddings, and tailgating. They also make a wonderful gift! Please call Shanna at 334-850-2439 or email at ilovemytwo@yahoo.com.

Chemistry Tutor

(current LAMP teacher) Clarence Hann IV 334-315-7070 channiv30@gmail.com

Advanced Placement Chemistry Honors Chemistry General Chemistry

Bow Wow Meow Pet Sitting and Training

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

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

Southern Quality Lawns, LLC

Mommy, Milk, & Me, Inc.

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

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

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

Work From Your Kitchen Counter in Health/Wellness Requirements for team members: Focus, willing to work hard, ready to do it now, enthusiastic, grateful, confident, self-responsible, teachable, team builder/player and best of all POSITIVE! 805-621-2466

Certified K-6 Teacher Reading and Math Tutoring Contact 334-456-3728 or email brittanygraves13@ hotmail.com

Montgomery Parents I February 2014

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“Home is Where the Heart Is” Cleaning Services”

Your home is one of the most important things in your life and the lives of your loved ones! Please allow me to take care of it for you. I will clean your home the same way I would my own! Please call Terri @ 334-365-2727 or 334-568-9160.

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

First Baptist, Montgomery, 14

My Kids Attic, The Shoppes at, 21, 29

First Presbyterian P’ville Kindergarten, 34

New Park, 51

First UMC, Montgomery, 79

OB/GYN Associates, Dr. Desautels, 53

4D Mommies, 59

First UMC, Prattville, 28

O’Connor Tennis Lessons, 46

Adventure Sports II, 57

Fleming’s Martial Arts, 84

Once and Again, 71

Alabama Christian Academy, 20

Frazer UMC Sonshine Soccer, 35

Party Ponies by Renfroe & Daughters, 85

Alabama Dance Theater, 39

FUMC Mom’s Morning Out, 17

Patricia White Photography, 44

Alabama Dept. of Public Health, Inside Front

Glitterbug the Clown, 69

Pediatric Cardiology, 66

Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 69

Greengate School, 55

Pet Partners, 85

Arts in Motion, 77

Holy Cross Episcopal School, 25

Professional Pediatrics, 12

ASKIN/Synergy House, 85

Hooper Academy, 28

Pump It Up Party, 73

AUM Continuing Education, 61

Huntington Learning Center, 33

Riverview Camp, 81

AUM Dixie Baseball, 23

KLynn Ice Skating School, 70

Ross Christian Academy, 34

AUM Softball Registration, 34

Kids Carousel, 23

Saint James School, 37

Baptist Health, 13

Kindercare, 24

Saint James UMC, Inside Back

Bradford Health Services, 4

Kingry Orthodontics, 31

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, 49

Centerpoint Fellowship Church, 38

Kreative Moments, 85

Seven Oaks Equestrian, 27

Chapman Orthodontics, 21

Kumon, 2

Smiles Galore Parties, 82

Children’s Clothing Exchange, 1

Learning Tree Child Care, 78

Spacewalk of Montgomery, 86

Children’s Hospital of Alabama, 67

Legacy Early Learning Center, 63

Spacewalker, The, 85

Churchill Academy, 15

Lori Mercer Photography, 60

Spotless Cleaning Services, 11

Dancewear, Etc., 86

Macon East Academy, 41

Stitchworks, 85

Dentistry for Children, 46

Mathnasium, 40

Success Unlimited Academy, 32

Dixie Youth Baseball & Softball, 53

Memorial Presbyterian Childcare, 59

Sylvan Learning Center, 39

Docarmo’s Taekwondo Center, 47

Montessori @ Hampstead, 26, 70

Taylor Road Baptist Church, 26

Doodlebugs Consignment, 33

Montessori @ Mulberry, 3

The Big Green Bus, 71

Dr. Bradley Willis-Dentist, 83

Montessori Academy, 65

The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover

Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 40

Montgomery Catholic School, 19

Trinity Presbyterian School, 9

Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 44

Montgomery Children’s Specialty Center, 66

United Gymstars & Cheer, LLC, 57

E & S Hobbies, 85

Montgomery Humane Society, 8

Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 68

Easter Seals, 48

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 83

Vaughn Road Preschool, 57

Edgewood Academy, 31

Montgomery Pediatric Dentistry/Orthodontics, 18

Vishnu Dental, 80

Edward Jones-Lane Easterling, 77

Montgomery Uniforms Plus, 84

W.A. Gayle Planetarium, 54

Evangel Christian Academy, 27

Montgomery Zoo, 42

WeeOnes Daycare and Preschool, 60

Family Karate Center, 7

Mrs. Sandy’s House, 85

YMCA Camp Chandler, 48

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I, Frankenstein

The Nut Job

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: BViolence: C Sexual Content: A Language: BAlcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated I, Frankenstein PG-13 for sequences of intense fantasy action and violence throughout. I, Frankenstein is a tale of good and evil in the most black and white sort of way. To get things rolling, we need a man in the middle, and that is -- you guessed it-- Dr. Frankenstein’s monster (played by Aaron Eckhart). The movie sets off at a hectic pace with a short recap of the original Mary Shelley tale. But immediately after the creature places his master (Aden Young) in the grave, he is attacked by evil beings that seem to want him for other purposes. Not so fast you demons! Suddenly the opposing team takes to the field in the form of strangely digitized gargoyles that quickly whisk the “science experiment” away to a cool looking gothic cathedral. Now it’s time to hear the back-story and rules to this game. The gargoyles, led by Queen Leonore (Miranda Otto), have been locked in an eternal battle with 666 demons that were sent to earth after Lucifer was booted out of heaven. These bad guys, led by Naberius (Bill Nighy), are particularly excited about Adam (the name Leonore has provided to Frankenstein’s unnamed child) because he is proof that life can be created by mortal man with only a few spare parts lying about the lab. Even better, the good doctor’s detailed journal is also in play and if Naberius can get his hands on this beastly cookbook, he can create an army of morgue-marching minions who will start “a war that will bring an end to mankind.” At the conclusion of the explanation Adam claims an agnostic role and opts not to choose sides. With the gauntlets down the battle sequences begin. Fortunately keeping score is fairly easy. When a demon is killed, it explodes into flames and head straight to Hell. On the other hand, the heavenly gargoyles finish their mortality in a flash of bluish white light that levitates them into the clouds. Meanwhile Adam is the ball between both teams that each wants to capture. And the creators of this film are hoping his apathy will keep us interested enough to sit the film out to the end. From a family perspective there’s not much here to keep teens from contributing their dollars to this production. There is a great deal of violence with a litany of stabbings and beatings (Adam’s favorite implement of destruction is a couple of blunt steel rods). Yet, with the aforementioned illuminated deaths, there is little blood with the exception of an explicit injury on Adam’s already patchwork back. The script contains only a single profanity in the form of a scatological expletive and no sexual content -- aside from Adam’s bare chest. If this glib description of the synopsis hasn’t already left you with the impression that this movie suffers from a lack of artistic ingenuity, let me assure you this won’t be showing up on award’s ballots for 2014. Stilted dialogue and a pounding musical score do nothing to help the fact that we likely could care less about what happens to these characters. Add an absolute lack of humor and it’s certain the only person left in stitches will be the immortal monster.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: C+ Sexual Content: B+ Language: B Alcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated The Nut Job PG for mild action and rude humor. You can expect plenty of “nut” jokes in this script. Thankfully, most of them don’t refer to male anatomy. There’s also loads of cartoon violence, including explosions, punching, smashing and even guns that are fired at the forest critters. But for the eight and older crowd who can keep up with the complexities of the script and the huge cast, The Nut Job is a mildly entertaining diversion. At the center of the story is Surly (voice by Will Arnett), a testy tree squirrel who lives up to his moniker. He only thinks about himself--particularly when it comes to food. He even mistreats Buddy (voice by Robert Tinkler), a scrawny rat that is the only animal willing to put up with the cantankerous rodent. The opening scenes of the story feel like something straight out of A Bug’s Life with the city park animals scrounging for enough nuts and scrapes to get them through the winter. Their leader Raccoon (voice by Liam Neeson) oversees the storage of the nuts inside a huge oak tree. When Surly refuses to help add to the stash and mistakenly sends their storage up in flames, he is banished from the park and forced to live on the mean city streets. There he’s chased by a pack of scummy sewer rats, almost run over in traffic and kicked by an irate pedestrian all within the first few minutes of landing in the city. But just when things start to look really bad, he stumbles upon a gold mine--Maury’s Nut Store. Unfortunately the establishment is owned by a mafia boss using it as a front to rob a bank. However, that doesn’t stop Surly from planning his own heist. Surly’s attempts to redeem himself and earn his way back into the good graces of his friends could have been enough storyline for this animation that is clearly aimed at a young audience. But the scriptwriters choose to add an additional plot line that turns the forest creatures against one another and makes it hard to know who to trust. All these twists make it difficult for young children to follow, and even a few adults will likely feel like they’re being subjected to a big screen version of the shell game. While the animation and 3D effects will hold your attention, at least for a while, some families may choose to wait until The Nut Job hits video store shelves.

What Parents need to know about The Nut Job...

Violence: A girl punches a man in the stomach and kicks him after yelling at him. Characters are accused of stealing and cheating. An animal is hit and then smashed by a falling brick. A bird is hit by a bus. Characters are frequently smashed, hit, punched, slapped, choked and electrocuted. A character lights a stick of dynamite and an explosion follows causing lots of damage to the animals’ home. A character falls over a waterfall and appears to be dead. Characters are chased and attacked by other animals. A man attempts to shoot animals with his gun. Characters are caught in traps. Sexual Content: An animal couple kisses and cuddles briefly. Some infrequent references to bodily functions are included. Language: The script contains some rude humor and brief crude comments, particularly about male anatomy. Brief name-calling is also included. Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted.

What Parents need to know about I, Frankenstein...

Violence: Frequent non-graphic violence is seen throughout the film, along with a scene of brief explicit violence. Most of the action involves hand-to-hand combat and use of weapons. An gory wound is seen while a character stitches it together. Detailed portrayals show frightening monsters and transformations. A brief scene of torture depicts a man being pulled by chains connected to his limbs. Another scene shows a rat, and later a human, being subjected to high amounts of electricity in an attempt to bring them to life. Sexual Content: A man’s bare chest is seen. Language: A single scatological term is heard. Alcohol / Drug Use: A scene in a bar shows people with alcoholic drinks. Montgomery Parents I February 2014

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