Montgomery Parents February 2016 by KeepSharing

Provides caring, quality services that affect all communities and every person in the state â&#x20AC;&#x201D; not just those who walk through health department doors.

Increases access to health care for eligible, uninsured children ages birth through 18 with the ALL Kids Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health Insurance Program. In 2013, ALL Kids served nearly 85,000 Alabama children.

Provides nutrition assessment, education, and nutritious foods at no cost to a monthly average of 139,000 limitedincome pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 at nutritional risk through WIC.

Investigates disease outbreaks, maintains surveillance of notifiable diseases, and answers queries about disease control and other health-related events including communicable disease outbreaks and rabies case investigations.

Protects patients/ residents of health care facilities from abuse and neglect. Works to ensure facilities provide a level of care that complies with state and federal standards. Requires corrective action when surveys find facilities are noncompliant.

Protects the public from foodborne illnesses and the spread of disease by ensuring standards in environmental health, regulates onsite sewage disposal systems, and oversees treatment and disposal of septage and other permitted wastes.

Offers home care services that include skilled nursing, physical therapy, medical social work, and personal care services through Medicare-certified home health agencies.

Provides health education to modify behavior to prevent and manage chronic diseases such as arthritis, asthma, cancer, heart disease, and overweight/obesity.

Offers a tobacco Quitline.Thirty-nine percent of tobacco users who complete the telephone or online program stop using tobacco.

Issues certified copies of all Alabama birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates in every county health department on a while-you-wait basis regardless of where in the state the event occurred.

Provides a wide range of confidential and professional family planning services, regardless of income, to prevent unintended pregnancies and abortion through education and contraceptive services.

Administers the Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program to provide screening to uninsured and underinsured women age 40-64, and ensures treatment is provided.

Screens newborns for genetic or metabolic conditions, thereby reducing morbidity, premature death, intellectual and other developmental disabilities through early detection and follow-up.

Provides clinical nursing services such as immunizations, and STD and TB screening and treatment. Administers the Alabama Drug Assistance Program for HIV medication assistance.

Assists rural and medically underserved areas by working with health care providers and organizations to prepare grants and provide workforce development.

Assures that emergency medical services meet or exceed established standards.

www.adph.org 1-800-252-1818

The Complete Education PROSPEC T I V E ST U DE N TS A N D PA R E N TS , PL E ASE JOI N US ! From Pre-K3 through 12th grade, STJ students, faculty, and administration work together to foster the potential of each child at Saint James School. Visit our state-of-the-art campus and you will see first-hand how your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education is enriched through experiential science, art, music, and world language labs.

Lunch Tours at STJ

Let us show you around! Please join us for a mid-day tour (11am-1pm) in

February. We know the time away from your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current school is valuable, so we hope you can slip away during lunch and join us for a tour. As you are leaving, we will have a to-go-lunch for your child. February 16 For students entering Grades 1-5 this Fall February 17 For students entering Grades 6-8 this Fall February 18 For students entering Grades 9-12 this Fall Please reserve your lunch tour by contacting Walton Skelley at wskelley@STJweb.org or 334.273.2992. All lunch tour reservations must be made by February 11, 2016.

Admissions Testing at STJ

Take advantage of our Saturday testing options for Fall 2016 rising

1st through 12th grade students. Call Walton Skelley at 334.273.2992 for complete testing and registration details. Testing for Grades 1-12 Saturday, March 5 (students must be registered for testing by February 26, 2016) Saturday, May 7 (students must be registered for testing by April 29, 2016)

Saint James School FOR OPE N HOU S E RE S E RVATION S, CALL

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

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

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A unique method with benefits for today, and for life. At Kumon, we personalize our math and reading programs to fit the skill level of each child. That way, children at all levels can grasp any concept on their own and take full ownership of their success. With success comes confidence that can last a lifetime. That’s learning for the long run.

Schedule your free placement test now at these locations Kumon Math & Reading Center of Montgomery - Central 1655 Perry Hill Road, Montgomery, AL 36106

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Montgomery Parents I February 2016

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February2016

Volume 21 Number 2

56 Columns

6 Editor’s Note DeAnne Watson

8 Living With Children John Rosemond

Parenting Today’s Teens

Mark Gregston explains why a father’s role is so critical.

More Than Baby Blues

Supporting a friend with postpartum mood disorder (PMD).

12 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

14 Montgomery Education Matters by Superintendent Margaret Allen

40 Autauga Education Matters by Superintendent Spence Agee

42 Elmore Education Matters by Superintendent Andre L. Harrison

52 Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston

54 Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

Be Well Postpartum

New & Expectant Parents Guide

Tips for a healthy recovery that will help the post-childbirth Where to go in the River Region months go much smoother. for “all things baby!”

On The Cover Addyson Jenkins is 7 months old and lives in Montgomery with her parents, Falando and Nadia Jenkins. She has two big brothers, Jaylan and JR, and a sister, Jayla. She is an active little girl and loves playing with her siblings. Addyson even shares a birthday with brother JR. 5

58 Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

68 A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 10 Bits and Pieces 16 School Bits 72 Calendar/Support Groups 87 Advertiser Directory 88 Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Editor’sNote Although I am many years removed from birthing my babies, the articles in this month’s Baby Issue are near to my heart. A woman’s experience after having a baby varies from mom to mom, and even pregnancy to pregnancy. I remember well how much I enjoyed being pregnant with our firstborn. I was fascinated by the entire process and anticipated a smooth transition into motherhood. After all, I loved children and had even worked in child care before my pregnancy. Well, you might see where this is going...the days and weeks post-delivery did not go as expected. I had no idea the burden of responsibility I would feel for this new life. It brought out every bit of selfishness in me that I didn’t even realize existed in such large quantities! Aside from not getting the sleep I needed (and wanted), I felt like all I did was nurse this baby 24/7. And why wouldn’t this child take a normal nap? Why wasn’t this sleep/eat/wake schedule that I had planned so carefully working? Combine these things with severe hormone fluctuations and, well, you might imagine what it looked like around our home. Fortunately, all of these struggles and feelings are temporary and we soon adjust to our new normal. And our children add a richness and deep love to our lives that we couldn’t have even imagined. But since going through those postpartum days can be so difficult, we do need all the help we can get. We hope the articles in this month’s issue will give you just that. First, if you are expecting a baby, be sure to read Be Well Postpartum: 7 Tips for a Healthy Recovery. Ideas like sleeping when baby sleeps and tapping into your village would’ve come in handy for me in those first weeks home from the hospital. Most of us feel we need to be self-sufficient and “Super Woman” all rolled into one, but that’s just not how we were designed. We need our rest and we need other people to help us when we are weak. If I could do it over again, I would accept so much more of the help that was offered to me, and I would let the dishes stay dirty in the sink so I could nap whenever possible. While my hormones definitely caused me issues for the first few weeks after delivery, some new moms experience the “baby blues” to a degree that wreaks havoc for months. Postpartum Mood Disorder (PMD) affects 15-20% of new moms and is the number one complication associated with childbirth. If you have a friend who seems to be struggling beyond what’s “normal” read Ruth Hanley’s article, More Than Baby Blues. She offers practical advice for how we can be a real help to our friends during this difficult time. Now that we’ve touched on some of the more challenging parts of becoming a parent, let’s focus on all the joy that comes with this new phase in life. Finding out you are pregnant, announcing the news to your family, getting that first ultrasound, decorating the nursery, experiencing the miracle of seeing a new life born right from your own body... all of these bring indescribable joy! With that in mind, we’ve included our 2016 Baby Guide to lead you to the right OB/GYN and pediatrician, help you find baby furniture and clothing at boutiques or local consignment sales, and much more. For those of us who are past the “baby years” you’ll find plenty of helpful articles in this month’s issue as well. From our new Parenting Today’s Teens column to Growing Up Online, plus John Rosemond’s advice and our Family Calendar, Montgomery Parents strives to include relevant information for all phases of your parenting journey...and what a blessed journey it is!

The River Region’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

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Founder Marty Watson (1950-2006) Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@montgomeryparents.com Associate Editor Alison Rouse Research Editor Wendy McCollum Contributing Writers Spence Agee Margaret Allen Mark Gregston Ruth Hanley Andre L. Harrison Christa Hines Carolyn Jabs Sara Marchessault John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Allen White, M.D.

Cover Photography Lori Mercer Photography www.lorimercerphotography.com Publisher Jason Watson jason@montgomeryparents.com Associate Publisher Gena Hill Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson (334) 213-7940 ext. 703 ads@montgomeryparents.com Ad Design Tim Welch Distribution Manager Chris Mitchell Member

DeAnne

deanne@montgomeryparents.com

Montgomery Parents I February 2016

Montgomery Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing LLC, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, Alabama, 36123. Montgomery Parents is copyrighted 2015 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. opinions expressed in Montgomery Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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Passion for Women’s Health Established in 1991, OB-GYN Associates of Montgomery provides comprehensive obstetrics and gynecologic services. The practice also offers gynecological surgical services and the most innovative up-to-date Robotic Davinci Surgeries. The OB-GYN team of physicians, midwives, and nurse practitioners strive to provide excellence in women’s healthcare and are welcoming new patients.

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Gregory Waller M.D. Allen Dupre M.D. Keith Martin M.D., Joseph Desautels M.D. Matthew Phillips M.D. Benjamin Griggs M.D. Paula Sullivan D.O. Natalie Needham M.D. Vicki Brooks CNM Melissa Hatter CNM Della Fuller CRNP Tracey Mendelsohn CRNP Michelle Aplin CRNP www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

LivingWithChildren

by John Rosemond

Toddler Tantrums Can Be Tamed Q: Our 3-year-old son is very sweet, loving,

and generally well-behaved. Occasionally, however, he breaks into a huge tantrum during which he becomes uncontrollable. The word “possessed” comes to mind. He will suddenly snap from being sweet to being a demon and then back to being sweet and loving again. These tantrums don’t occur very often, but when they do, they are frightening. We try to be consistent with our discipline but are at a complete loss where this is concerned. I’ve heard that young children can be bipolar. Is that a possibility? In any case, can you shed some light on this for us?

A: The diagnosis of bipolar disorder of childhood or early-onset bipolar disorder is not officially recognized by the American Psychiatric Association. It was popularized in The Bipolar Child (Broadway, 2007), authored by psychiatrist Demitri Papolos and his therapist wife Janice.

As pediatrician Bose Ravenel and I explained in The Diseasing of America’s Children (Thomas Nelson, 2009), the diagnostic criteria proposed by the Papoloses describe fairly typical toddler behaviors. Those behaviors, even when they “cluster,” are not in and of themselves anything to be concerned about in this age child. That is especially the case when, as in your son’s case, only one diagnosing behavior is present and that behavior occurs infrequently. Given that you describe your son as generally sweet, loving, and well-behaved, then I would chalk his occasional tantrums up to toddlerhood. They are occurring not because he’s possessed (Disclaimer: I am not an official exorcist, but if your son is possessed by demons, then so are many, if not most toddlers) but simply because toddlers believe that what they want, they deserve to have. In short, toddlers are little narcissists. Hopefully, parent discipline will “exorcise” that belief from the child in relatively short order, but traces of it remain in all of us, to one

degree or another, throughout life. People who never get over it are called undersocialized, narcissistic, sociopathic, egomaniacal, or just plain insufferable. A fair number of them have to be removed from society and spend their lives behind bars. But fear not. I doubt that your son is headed for a life of crime. And as of yet, he does not qualify as a brat, that designation being appropriate only after a child’s fifth birthday and requires more than simply occasional tantrums. Firm, consistent discipline will eventually prevail, believe me. In that regard, as soon as your son begins one of his outbursts, before it becomes full-blown, put him in his room. For this age child, cutting the door in half, re-hanging it as a “Dutch door,” and turning the lock around prevents escapes. (Do not, I repeat, do not lock a child this age behind a full door!) Regardless, put him in his room (drag him kicking and screaming if you must), walk away, and let the hurricane run its course. If my experience serves me well, your son’s cure will take four to eight weeks. Above all else, be calm. That’s what authentic authority is all about. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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Alabama Nature Center’s Critter Crawl

Saturday, February 13 Grab your running shoes and hit the trails for the Sixth Annual Alabama Nature Center Critter Crawl! This year, the Critter Crawl will feature a 5K Trail Run beginning at 9 a.m. and a 1-mile race beginning at 10 a.m. Enjoy Alabama’s forests and fields with your family! Visit www.active.com to register.

Miracle League Spring Ball Registration

Saturday, February 6 Whether you are an expert runner or just run for fun, there will be events for everyone at the 7th Annual Millbrook Mardi Gras Run on the Camp Grandview YMCA Trails. The race will include a 5K, an 8K, and a one-mile run on the beautiful and challenging trails of Camp Grandview. Registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. and the first race will start at 8:30 a.m. The races will conclude with an awards ceremony at 10 a.m. WRBZ 95.5 is a major sponsor for the event this year. To register for the event, visit http:// www.millbrookmardigrasrun.org/ and download a registration form or be directed to register online. Can’t run the race? You can sign up as a “phantom runner” and have someone else do the running! The registration cost for all races except the one-mile run is $25. The one-mile run registration fee is $15. All participants – including phantoms - will receive the official race-day T-shirt.

Other River Region Mardi Gras Festivals

Saturday, February 6 Get ready for beads, moon pies and candy!! Wetumpka festival opens downtown at 9 a.m.; parade begins at 1 p.m. Visit Order of Cimarrón page on Facebook or call Jay at (334) 424-2867 for more information. Prattville celebration begins at 11 a.m.; parade at 1 p.m. Visit www. prattvilleal.gov/ or call (334) 595-0854 for details. Montgomery Parents I February 2016

Saturdays, February 13 AND 20 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Both Saturdays) The Miracle League provides an opportunity for children with physical and/or cognitive disabilities to play baseball. They play on a special field with a soft, synthetic covering to accommodate walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, and those a little unsteady on their feet. They have players with autism, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, deafness, blindness, and brain injury, just to name a few. Registration and games are held at 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 of $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 him practice while you fill out the forms! PLEASE NOTE, while there is a registration fee, many scholarships ARE available. PLEASE do not let the Registration Fee hinder your decision to allow your child to play! The Miracle League also needs volunteers for Coaches and Buddies (to help the players). If you or someone you know would like to come out and be a part of this awesome program, please come to the registration and fill out a volunteer application and join the fun. Have questions or need other information? E-mail montgomerymiracleleague@gmail.com.

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Alabama Dance Theatre Presents Peter Pan

Back by popular demand, the Alabama Dance Theatre will present its 29th annual spring concert featuring the storybook classic “Peter Pan” on Saturday, March 5, at 2:30 p.m. (shortened children’s matinee with “Peter Pan” only), Saturday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 6, at 2:30 p.m. at Troy University’s Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. Adult performance tickets are $15$30. A special ticket price is offered for children ages 12 and under of $10. For tickets, call (334) 241-2800 or visit www. alabamadancetheatre.com. *After the performance, children can meet Peter Pan onstage for an additional $10 charge.

MPAC Presents

Tickets may be purchased by calling (334) 481-5100 or visiting www.mpaconline.org. Kathleen Madigan February 6 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $17.

Blue Man Group February 16 at 7 p.m. Tickets begin at $55. Vince Gill and Lyle Lovett February 17 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $55. St. Paul and the Broken Bones February 18 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $30.75 Melissa Etheridge: This Is M.E. Solo February 28 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $33.

www.montgomeryparents.com

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Rodeo Comes to Coliseum March 12-20

The Southeastern Livestock Exposition Rodeo Week “plus” events will begin Saturday, March 12, and run through Sunday, March 20. There are multiple events and competitions for the entire family at the W.O Crawford Arena, the Teague Arena, and Garrett Coliseum. Kids can enjoy a stick horse rodeo before every rodeo performance. After the dust has settled, come down to get the autograph of your favorite cowboy or cowgirl. Finally, the Western Festival on Saturday will feature games and activities like dummy roping, mutton busting and wagon rides to teach you all about the life of the cowboy. Pro Rodeo master comedian Lecile Harris appears for his 60th year performing as a rodeo clown. Bring out the family to enjoy the laughs, tricks and stunts Lecile has to offer. Enjoy a FREE concert and dancing on the arena floor with your admission to the Friday and Saturday night rodeo performances. Friday night, the Sweet Young’Uns will play some toe-tappin’ tunes to celebrate 50 years in the music business. Following the Saturday night rodeo, the Wes Loper Band will help you party in pure, country fashion. For more info, visit www.slerodeo.com.

Local YMCAs Holding Father/Daughter Dances

Bell Road YMCA will hold its 2016 Winter Wonderland Father Daughter Dance February 6 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. We invite fathers, uncles, grandfathers, stepfathers, etc. (sorry, no mothers and sons) to bring their special princesses to dance the evening away. Food, fun and a photo to remember the occasion is included. Bring your dancing shoes to compete in the dance-off. Prizes go to dance-off winners and Best Dressed Couple. Pre-registration through February 5 cost for members: $30 per couple, $5 for additional child; cost for non-members: $60 per couple, $5 for additional child. Day of event registration February 6: additional $10. Contact Sonja Miller at (334) 271-4343 or smiller@ymcamontgomery.org. On the same night, Kershaw YMCA will hold A Night in Paris Daddy Daughter Dance with dinner from 5-6 p.m. and dancing from 6-8 p.m. Cost: $35 per couple, $5 for additional child. Contact Eleanor Thomas at (334) 2651433 or ethomas@ymcamontgomery.org.

Harlem Ambassadors Visit Faulkner

Get ready for dazzling basketballhandling tricks, high-flying slam dunks, and hilarious family comedy. Visit the Harlem Ambassadors on Saturday, February 20, at 3 p.m. at the Faulkner University gymnasium as they take on the Montgomery Habitat Home Team. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door the night of the game. All proceeds will benefit Montgomery Habitat for Humanity. For more info, visit www.habitatmontgomery.com or call (334) 832-9313.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Fever: Bad or Good? “My baby has a fever of 102. Should I take him to the emergency room?” parents often ask. My first response is, “What does the thermometer read?” Surprisingly, about half of parents do not know a normal temperature is 98.6° F. Then, I ask, “How is your child acting?” This is more important than the exact temperature. If he is running around and playing, you have less to worry about. However, if your child is immune suppressed from cancer treatment, organ transplant, sickle cell disease, or has excess vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy, then call immediately. Fever is a symptom and only part of the big picture that tells us disease is present. When your body recognizes the start of an infection, it recruits defensive cells to fight the invaders. These cells eat germs and release inflammatory mediators causing fever. Fever helps our body’s defense mechanisms by increasing the number of white blood cells and speeding up their activity. Also fever increases the rate of enzyme reactions, speeds up metabolism within the body, slows down the growth of microorganisms and speeds up tissue repair. Fever may cause seizures in 4% of children under 5 years. That means 96% do NOT

have a seizure with a fever. Most infections do not cause fever over 105. Hyperpyrexia is an extreme elevation of body temperature greater than or equal to 106.7 °F. Body temperature this high indicates a serious underlying condition and may, potentially, lead to brain damage. As a result, hyperpyrexia is considered as a medical emergency. Most pediatricians do not consider a temperature to be a fever unless over 100.4°F.

How to check temperatures:

1. Oral--Around five years, most children can cooperate with an oral thermometer held under their tongue until it beeps is or the number stops changing. 2. Rectal--This method is accurate but inconvenient. Cooperative infants and toddlers can lie on their backs or on your lap, face down. Put the tip of the thermometer about 1/2 inch into the rectum and hold the buttocks together to keep it in place. Thermometers should be labeled oral or rectal so they go into the appropriate orifice! 3. Armpit--While not accurate, this method can help tell if a temperature is elevated. Add one degree to the axillary temperature to roughly correlate with the rectal reading.

4. Ear canal --This is only accurate if read from the ear drum. If focused on the skin in the ear canal or some wax, the reading will be lower than the actual temperature. To get a better reading, straighten the ear canal by pulling the ear toward the back of the head and point the thermometer tip toward the back of the nose. 5. Temporal artery--Done across the forehead, this is fairly accurate if the child has been indoors, not under an air-conditioning vent, and not snuggling with a parent. Not all doctors agree when to treat fever. In my opinion, treat once the fever exceeds 101°F. Give acetaminophen every 4-6 hours or Ibuprofen every 6-8 hours. Alternating them every 3 hours has not been proven to lower fevers more quickly, but it seems to help and is not harmful in correct doses. Fevers are usually higher at night. Do not worry about “ breaking the fever.” You do not cure the disease by lowering the fever and when it goes back up, you have not lost. Your goal in lowering the temperature is to help your child feel better!

Dr. Allen White earned his medical degree in 1969 from Kentucky Medical School, Lexington, and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. He began his private practice of pediatric medicine with an office in the Goode Medical Building of Jackson Hospital before moving to the Carmichael Road location in 1986. He and his wife, Diana, have 3 sons. For pleasure, Dr. White enjoys reading, gardening and spending time with his grandchildren.

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

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

Newborn, Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

OFFICE HOURS Mon-Thurs Friday Saturday Sunday Montgomery Parents I February 2016

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

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The Anglican Church In North America 8800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, Alabama, 36117

Christchurch invites you to join us on Saturday, February 6, 2016, at 7:30 pm for an evening of Baroque music featuring

INCENDIUM NOVUM Incendium Novum is a chamber music ensemble that performs on period instruments.

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Heidi Freimanis

Yi-Li Chang

Zarina Irkaeva

Thomas Bowers

Founded in Boston in 2014, the ensemble consists of soprano Heidi Freimanis, violinist Yi-Li Chang, gambist Zarina Irkaeva, and harpsichordist Thomas Bowers. Incendium Novum was born of an interest in historically informed performance delivered with genuine passion and simplicity. Our goal is to ignite the same passion in our modern audience of all ages and backgrounds. The name Incendium Novum means "New Fire". This name evokes the new passion for the historical performance movement that we seek to spark and nurture in our audience members. This performance will afford the opportunity for attendees to experience the music of the Baroque era performed on authentic period instruments.

Adults $10.00 - Children & Students Free More information can be found at www.christchurchxp.com & www.incendiumnovum.com 13

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Sticks and Stones Children have long used the old adage “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Actually, words do hurt. Words (written or spoken) are symbols that have meaning and they can have a positive or negative affect -- depending on the child, the words, and the speaker. Words can change the view of who we are and may tell us how we are valued by others. Damaging words can be spoken in jest, delivered sarcastically or purposely delivered. They can leave lasting scars that can change relationships and even the course of people’s lives. Some believe that emotional abuse is just as harmful as physical abuse. Telling a child he or she is “dumb, stupid, or useless” can be hurtful! After

hearing these over and over, a child may be influenced to believe what is said and begin to “live down” to expectations. Phrases like “I wish you were never born,” or “You can’t do anything right” can bring deep emotional scars. Sometimes hurtful words are delivered in less obvious ways. Threats of abandonment -- such as telling a child “I don’t care what you do anymore,” or “I don’t need you” can be devastating to a child who only wants approval. According to researchers at Harvard Medical School, taunting and verbal abuse can cause abnormal structural imprints on the brains of middle school children. Researchers at the University Jena in Germany even found that emotional pain involves the same brain regions as physical pain and that words can trigger physical pain. So, it is important that we always choose our words carefully. It’s important to remember that even as we have bad days at work, financial issues, or are tired or angry, taking it out on our children is the wrong thing to do. Emotionally abused children can develop low self-worth and accomplish less in their lives.

2600 Bell Road Montgomery, Alabama 334.277.6690

Problems in school, social and emotional withdrawal and sometimes attempts to physically harm themselves can occur. Children who are mistreated in this way often grow up to abuse their own children. Help is available for those parents who have trouble coping and find themselves talking down to children when other options are more effective. You can contact the Family Sunshine Center at 334-206-2100 or the crisis line by dialing 800-650-6522 for assistance. It doesn’t take a paddle or a belt or even a stick or stone to cause serious injury to a child. The wrong words hurt - just as the right words heal. Children should receive correction and direction when they misbehave. But finding right ways to re-direct negative behaviors without inflicting damage is an adult’s responsibility. Allen began working for Montgomery Public Schools as a special education teacher in 1976. She holds administrative certification from Alabama State University, a masters of arts in early childhood, a masters of arts in early childhood/handicapped, and a bachelor’s of science in elementary education and special education – all from Auburn University Montgomery.

460 McQueen Smith Road Prattville, Alabama 334.358.6411

Dr. John H. Payne IV • Dr. David Stanley • Dr. Davis Denney • Dr. Rob Owen Montgomery Parents I February 2016

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In Memory Jackie Maloy-Watson, Executive Director, Montessori @ Mulberry Jackie Maloy-Watson, Executive Director and co-owner of Montessori @ Mulberry, passed away suddenly on January 4, 2016. Jackie was a natural entrepreneur and started many small businesses in Montgomery, including interior decorating, gift baskets and building renovations, just to name a few. Her real passion was working in the Montessori Education community, which she did for many years at Montessori Academy alongside her sister Astri Tadlock, who provided much inspiration. Astri and Jackie shared a dream to start their own Montessori Preschool and eventually that dream was realized. Unfortunately, Astri became sick, but Jackie along with her partner Terri Jackson, launched Montessori @ Mulberry in 2010. Jackie was a determined business owner who proved you can dream new dreams at any age. She gave her blood, sweat and tears to building the school…from renovations to gardens, she loved projects and Montessori @ Mulberry was her favorite! Because Jackie had a special passion for working in her garden, she wanted the students at Montessori @ Mulberry to experience the same joys she realized each time she worked in the gardens at her home. One of her unique innovations at the school was to provide a working garden the students could use as a classroom to learn about how to grow vegetables and flowers, then taking them home to share with their families! Before her death, she had made plans to expand the Montessori @ Mulberry gardens with a Garden House, raised beds, and a greater variety of flowers to brighten the classrooms each day. Miss Jackie will be missed by her students and their parents. But her true legacy, The Children’s Garden, will provide many special moments in the future for the children and parents who make up her Montessori @ Mulberry family. If you would like to participate and help grow The Children’s Garden in Jackie’s honor, please contact Terri Jackson, 315.3848 or email casadebambini@aol.com.

Montgomery Parents I February 2016

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Montgomery Academy Students Travel to Spain

Hooper Scholars Bowl Named Runners-Up

The Hooper Academy Middle School Scholars Bowl team won runners-up in the Alabama Independent School Association District Scholars Bowl January 12 at Morgan Academy.

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Over the Thanksgiving break, Montgomery Academy Upper School Spanish students and their teachers traveled to Spain where they immersed themselves in the language, art and architecture in order to learn and experience the culture they have studied for many years. Their trip began in the central part of Spain, in the cosmopolitan capital of Madrid, which has preserved the history of the two most important royal houses of its monarchy, the Habsburg and the Bourbon. The old part of Madrid, called the “Villa” and the “Ayuntamiento” placed them in the Habsburgs’ time, while a visit to the Royal Palace showed them the magnificence of the Bourbon Royal House. A few kilometers away, they were able to plunge into the Habsburgs’ time again, as they visited the old capital of Toledo, placed on a hill that provides an astounding view of its fortified and strategic location. In this part of Spain, the observer sees very clearly the foundations of old civilizations: the Celts, Iberians and Romans, whose presence are all strongly reflected in modern Spain. On the southern leg of the trip, the group immersed themelves in the great region of Andalusia that brought to their attention the Phoenician, Greek and Arab influences that are so deeply ingrained in the composite of Spanish culture. The cities of Granada, Cordoba, and Seville shone under the softly warm Mediterranean sun that attracted the students. The Arab architecture characteristics were everywhere from Granada’s Moorish palaces and gardens, to Cordoba’s monumental Mosque, to Seville’s large medieval Cathedral. A trip from Seville to Barcelona on the AVE, High Speed Train System, gave the group some leisure time to appreciate a panoramic view of Spain’s countryside and to share their personal views and experiences. Barcelona, capital of Cataluña, was ready to show them the beauty of its Christmas night lights, the impressive work of Anton Gaudy, its famous architect, and finally, the astonishing church he designed, the “Sagrada Familia.”

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Catholic Knights Wrestle At Local Tournaments

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s Varsity Wrestling team took first and second places at the Swede Umbach Invitational held December 11 and 12 at Auburn. Montgomery Catholic junior Zachary Van Alst placed first with teammate, senior Gabe Keating, taking second. The Catholic JV wrestlers competed at the Montgomery Open tournament held at Goodwyn December 12. The Knights brought home five medals total including: Sean Moore, 1st Place; Jason Flowers, 2nd Place; Maverick Friday, 2nd Place; Clayton Peeler, 3rd Place; and Michael Hodges, 3rd Place. Montgomery Parents I February 2016

Mt. Meigs Holds Annual Winter Holiday Program

Mt. Meigs Accelerated Christian Academy held its annual Winter Holiday Program December 11. The students (pre-school and elementary) provided the audience with wonderful holiday songs, and some of the students presented readings.

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Math & Science 2016 Summer Camp Sessions

Hosted by the Alabama School of Math and Science June 6-10, June 13-17, & June 20-24 Grades 6-10

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Register Online Early to Save! Register by April 6: $360 Overnight Camp (all inclusive), $260 Day Camp (includes lunch) Register after April 6: $385 Overnight Camp (all inclusive), $285 Day Camp (includes lunch) The cost to stay the weekend between Sessions 1 and 2 is an additional $185 (includes trip to water park) Applications, more information, and course descriptions are online at www.asms.net. COURSE SAMPLING ACT Prep, Algebra Review, Exploring Inner Space, Marine Biology, CSI: Mobile, Phun Physics, Using Java, Robotics, Field Biology, Psychology, Math Puzzles, Labs of Doom, Rocketry, Origami, Speak Up, Light Metals and Enameling, Apps for Smart Devices, and many more.

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Montgomery County Schools

Macon East Inducts New Students in Mu Alpha Theta

The Macon East Academy chapter of Mu Alpha Theta National High School and Two Year College Mathematics Honor Society inducted 18 new members at a ceremony held December 9. High school students who have completed geometry and are enrolled in advanced mathematics must maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA to be eligible for membership. This year’s new members are sophomores Parker Agnew, Jaycee Cook-McCollum, Katie Jo Dickey, Colin Harris, Hannah Johnson, Amber McGuff, Travis Moody, Bryson O’Malley, Zack Peacock and Tyler Watson. Juniors inducted this year are Jennifer Campbell, Tripp Clark, Jalen Northcutt, Ann Morgan Stewart and Slate Garmany. Senior inductees included Zach Fitzgerald, Brandon Livingston and Brianna Turner.

SUA Students Inspired To Make Trash Art

The seventh-grade literature class at Success Unlimited Academy enjoyed one of its literature stories so much that the students wanted to try their hands at creating art from “trash.” They were given total freedom in creating their art projects with only two requirements--nothing store bought and it had to be small enough to get through the doorway! The students made Robbie the Robot, a flower arrangement, a bunny, a clock, crayons carved out of wood, and many other creative items.

Montgomery Parents I February 2016

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Trinity Swim Team Makes Big Splash at State Meet

Holy Cross Students Enjoy Buddy Time

The Trinity Presbyterian School Swim Team had a recordsetting season. Trinity Swim Team members Prather Anne Hargrove and Maria Stevenson competed against the most elite 7th-12th grade swimmers during Central Sectionals at the Sportsplex in Birmingham. Trinity was well represented as sophomore Stevenson competed in the 100 Free and the 100 Breast at Sectionals, swimming a personal best in the 100 Breast. Eighth-grader Hargrove swam the 50 Free and 100 Free at Sectionals, as she qualified for State in both the 50 Free (coming in 6th with a 25.12) and 100 Free (coming in 2nd with 54.61). Hargrove competed in the AHSAA State Swim Meet held at Auburn University in December. She swam personal best times as she placed 8th in the State in the 50 Free and 10th in the State in the 100 Free. The Trinity Swim Team is shown.

Buddy time is a favorite tradition for the students at Holy Cross Episcopal School. Students in grades 3-6 are buddies with the students in grades K4-2nd. The older students visit the younger students’ classrooms to share books, create an art project, and help the younger students practice skills such as coloring, cutting and letter sounds and numbers. The younger students enjoy visiting their buddies’ classrooms to sit in their big desks and experience some of the fun things the big kids get to do. Both groups benefit from the interaction that takes place during buddy time. The younger students get a cool, big friend to watch over them and the older students learn to interact with and appreciate a younger student.

ACA Announces Plans for 2016 Summer Camp

Alabama Christian Academy will launch its inaugural ACA Summer Camp Program in Summer ’16, with Elementary Music Teacher Kari Kelly serving as director. Her diverse background and experience with children in musical education, camp counseling and acting will provide a great backbone for success for Summer Camp. Eight weeks of Grow Day Camp and specialty camps will be offered this summer to children ranging five years to 12th grade. Camps will begin on Monday, May 23, and go through Friday, July 22. There will be no camps during the week of July 4 (Monday, July 4–Friday, July 8). Stay tuned. Summer Camp offerings and ACA’s registration portal will go live in February!

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Sylvan Students Help Montgomery Food Bank

The students at The School at Sylvan Learning Center collected 1,000 nonperishable food items to donate to Good Samaritan Ministries of Montgomery for Thanksgiving food baskets for the Montgomery Area Food Bank.

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Catholic Middle School Students Accepted to Troy Honor Band

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School had 12 middle school band members selected for Troy University SEUS Middle School Honor Band, which took place December 3-5 in Troy. The Montgomery Catholic middle school band members chosen for this honor band were: Bobby Crawford, Lainie Doyle, Mai Ellington, Angela Gier, Victoria Hall, Ashley Hayes, Savannah Johnson, Koen McDaniel, Charlie Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell, Clayton Peeler, Darian Riley and Hannah Vaccaro. The Middle School Band Director is Alex Johnson.

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Montgomery Parents I February 2016

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Saint James Forensics Team Takes the Win in Tuscaloosa

Saint James instructor Dr. Ian Turnipseed and his Forensics Team traveled to Tuscaloosa January 15-16 to compete in the annual University of Alabama Hall of Fame High School Speech and Debate Tournament. Saint James School senior Bradley Wascher was awarded a full academic scholarship to the University of Alabama for speech & debate and the Saint James team finished strong with second place in individual events and third place overall. “Bradley Wascher is an amazing example of how passion and hard work lead to personal success,” Dr. Turnipseed said. “He has shown commitment to this team and his events. He has truly earned the accolades and awards he has received in Speech & Debate.” Wascher also received first place in After Dinner Speaking, first place in Extemporaneous Speaking, and first place in Impromptu Speaking. He won the individual sweepstakes award as the Best Competitor at the tournament. Teammates Mason Edwards and Salena Bulls received quarterfinalist in Varsity Public Forum Debate. Bulls received second place speaker in Varsity Public Forum Debate, and Leland Tolbert received fifth place speaker in Novice Public Forum Debate. Henry Olree received third in Impromptu Speaking and third place in Informative Speaking. Cassidy Duncan received fourth place in Original Oratory, fourth in Humorous Interpretation, and third place in Duo with Olivia White. Erika Aho received fifth place in Humorous Interpretation. The Saint James Speech & Debate Team has enjoyed great success recently, titles including State Individual Events Team Champion, State Congressional Debate Team Champion (tied for first), eight individual state championships, third place National Finalist, and five STJ competitors have been awarded full academic scholarships for Speech & Debate to The University of Alabama. Saint James Director of Forensics Dr. Ian Turnipseed is shown at front left with his 2015-2016 Speech & Debate Team at the University of Alabama tournament. Senior Bradley Wascher is shown at front right.

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ACA Drumline Plays For a Good Cause

Southlawn Accepts Donation from FilipinoAmerican Association

History teacher Henry Tellis received a $500 check donated to Southlawn Middle School by the Dr. John Farrell Educational Fund and the Filipino-American (Fil-Am) Association of Greater Montgomery, during the association’s annual Christmas party December 5 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. The check was awarded by Fil-Am President Liberty Farrell, assisted by Dr. Barbara Brown, Ed.D (Fil-Am PRO).

Alabama Christian Academy’s Marching Eagle Drumline and Pit-Percussion Ensemble had the recent opportunity to be a part of the Extra Mile and 10K race sponsored by Hope Inspired Ministries in downtown Montgomery. The Drumline and Percussion group played multiple cadences for runners to enjoy and even motivate them to do their best. There were more than 250 runners in this event, ranging from small children to older adults and dogs! Hope Inspired Ministries is a local, non-profit organization dedicated to teaching, preparing and guiding men and women in the correct area of employment for them. The group focuses on low skilled, poorly educated, and chronically unemployed men and women from all over the city of Montgomery. The race was held to raise awareness and provide information about HIM’s mission, all while putting on a fun time for anyone interested in the event. Hope Inspired Ministries has changed many people’s lives for years, as was shown at the event. A former drug addict who went through the HIM program was at the race. There, she shared her testimony about how the organization practically saved her life and now she is back on her feet and is in school to become a nurse. Her story brought many people to tears. The event was a successful experience for the ACA Band students who attended.

A K4-12 College Preparatory School

ENROLLING NOW Holy Spirit Elementary Campus, K4-6 grade

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8580 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery, AL 36117 334-649-4404

St. Bede Elementary Campus, K4-6 grade 3850 Atlanta Hwy., Montgomery, AL 36109 334-272-3033

Middle School Campus, 7-8 grade 5350 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery, AL 36116 334-272-2465

For more information contact vdickson@montgomerycatholic.org or call 334-272-7221 ext. 32.

High School Campus, 9-12 grade 5350 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery, AL 36116 334-272-7220

Montgomery Parents I February 2016

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ACA Holds First Enlightenment Salon

Students enrolled in Honors English and AP English History held Alabama Christian Academy’s first Enlightenment Salon. The students each researched a great Enlightenment thinker and became that character for class discussion purposes. The students dressed as their characters and enjoyed a time of food, drink and discussion of Enlightenment topics, displaying knowledge of their characters’ thoughts and feelings on a broad variety of topics leading into the French Revolution.

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Macon East Participates In AISA All-Star Game

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The Alabama Independent School Association All-Star football game was held December 4 at Cramton Bowl. Ty Thomas was selected by the Macon East Academy coaches to represent the Knights on the AISA East team. Thomas played wide receiver, and the East defeated the West 36-27. Macon East senior cheerleaders Paxton Searle, Carly Boutreis and Hannah Davis were selected in tryouts at this summer’s AISA UCA cheerleading camp to participate on the East all-star cheer squad.

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All-Metro Honors Bestowed on Catholic Fall Athletes

Holy Cross Sixth-Graders Enjoy Sub Sandwich Math

The sixth grade at Holy Cross Episcopal School had a great “Real-World” application in math recently. Students often ask, “When will we use this in real life?” or “How is this going to help us in the real world?” On this day, they found out! They were presented a problem to solve involving a three-foot sandwich. Each student was given the problem on a slip of paper and worked on his or her own to solve it. Everyone got the correct answer! To reward their efforts, one of the sixth-grade parents ordered a three-foot sandwich from Subway and brought it to them for lunch the next day. What a fun (and yummy) way to make the “real-world” connection between math and life! Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School announces All-Metro honors for twelve fall athletes. Montgomery Catholic All-Metro cross country runners include three ninth-grade athletes: Isabelle Cochran, Grace Leslie and Runner of the Year Amaris Tyynismaa. Tyynismaa won her second straight AHSAA state title by winning the Class 4A State meet with a time of 17:52.25, making her the fastest high school female runner in Classes 1A-6A. She was also named the Super All-State Female Runner of the Year for her efforts during the 2015 Cross Country season. All-Metro Montgomery Catholic football players for 2015 included: sophomore Landon Pritchett, junior Brian Anderson, senior Devin Byrts, and senior Gabe Keating, with senior Blake Johnson and sophomore BJ Barker receiving honorable mentions. Offensive guard Brian Anderson was also named second team All-State, Class 4A. All-Metro Montgomery Catholic volleyball players included junior Iyana Tate (second team) with honorable mentions to junior Kayanna McKenzie and senior Sarah Murry. Amaris Tyynismaa, All-State, All-Class Cross Country Female Runner of the Year and Brian Anderson,Second Team All-State, Class 4A are shown. (photo: Total Image)

Success Unlimited Demonstrates Daily Faith

When the chapel lights dropped and the praise band cranked up the instruments to “God’s Great Dance Floor,” Essence Phenix looked around. The Smoothie King owner was prepared to speak on trusting God that day, but had not expected to first encounter a God experience of a different proportion. As the flash mob of students ran from the front to the back of the auditorium pulling their classmates into the aisles and onto the stage to dance, the energy soared through the roof! “I truly felt the presence of the Lord,” Phenix said. “What a blessing it is for these students to have the opportunity to start their day the way we all should, with praise and worship, and hearing a Word from God!” Phenix shared that her formula for success started when she was in college. “After I studied my hardest, I would place IJN at the top of each paper that I turned in – In Jesus’s Name!” Apparently Phenix’s words and action struck a chord with a number of students in that many have been placing those three powerful little letters in the top corner of their papers.

Evangel Holds Annual Christmas Program

Evangel Christian Academy recently held its annual Christmas Program. This year’s theme was “A Rockin’ Jinglin’ Christmas.” The elementary students, under the direction of ECA’s music teacher Leo Lewis, joined together to present a holiday program for guests of all ages. The students performed both traditional and contemporary music much to the delight of the audience. Montgomery Parents I February 2016

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Macon East Students Spread Christmas Cheer

To celebrate the Christmas season, Macon East lower school classes participated in various charitable service projects as well as random acts of kindness around school campus. The entire lower school participated in a food drive, while the first-graders collected much-needed items for the Montgomery Humane Shelter (shown below). The second and fourth grades donated pajamas and books for children through the Family Sunshine Center. Sixth grade and first grade worked together to collect pre-loved coats and gloves for those in need. Shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse were filled by K3 and K4 students. Toys were donated to the Montgomery Baptist Association Toy Drive by the third- and fifth-graders. Spreading cheer around campus, Mrs. Mills’ pre-K students decorated the school office for the holidays, and the kindergarten class sang carols and colored pictures for a special school helper. Our school janitors received thankyou notes from the first grade, and the second grade went caroling to the other classrooms. Third grade created a Christmas banner to hang in the multi-purpose room with our 10-foot live Christmas tree. All the classes received candy cane gifts from the fourth grade, and the fifth grade decorated cookies for the school staff. Mrs. Walters’ sixth-grade class wrote letters to soldiers who won’t be with their families for Christmas, thanking them for their service to our country.

Academy Debate Team Competes in New Orleans

The Montgomery Academy Speech & Debate team had an excellent trip to New Orleans with several students finishing in the top 10 in speech and congressional debate competition at Isidore Newman School: 1st place Programmed Oral Interpretation: Madison Hall; 2nd place Dramatic Interpretation: Madison Hall; 2nd place Oral Interpretation: Madison Hall; 4th place Humorous Interpretation: Catherine Updegraff; 6th place Programmed Oral Interpretation: Catherine Updegraff; Semis Impromptu Speaking: Michael Butler and Lindsey Ferraro; Semis Extemporaneous Speaking: James Torbert; and Finals in Congress: Griffin Payne.

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ASMS Instructor Named AWLA Teacher of the Year

Catholic Band Marches in Christmas Parade

The Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Marching Knights were invited to perform in the Shoppes at EastChase Santa Parade November 14. The band enjoyed welcoming Santa to town as the students played Christmas Carols and marched in front of his carriage. More than fifty members of the Marching Knights and Color Guard were led by Band Director Alex Johnson and Color Guard coaches Sarah Rech and Maggie O’Donnell.

Montgomery Parents I February 2016

Alabama School of Math and Science French and German instructor Muriel Hoequist received the Alabama World Language Association (AWLA) Teacher of the Year Award at the annual AWLA conference during a luncheon in January. She will also be the Southern Conference on Language Teaching (SCOLT) Outstanding K-12 Teacher nominee for the state of Alabama. “My peers in Alabama recently elected me as the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG) Teacher of the Year,” Hoequist says. “As the newly elected German Teacher of the Year for the AATG, I agreed to apply for the AWLA Teacher of the Year. Every language association in Alabama submits its top candidate, and the Alabama professionals from all languages elect one outstanding teacher.” Hoequist also won the AATG Teacher of the Year award in 2011. She is well known around the state and has attended the Alabama annual conferences, regional conferences, and national conferences throughout her 12 years at ASMS. For the AWLA Teacher of the Year Award, Hoequist submitted five samples of student work. She also sent documentation about how her teaching and the student work demonstrate national standards for language teaching.

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Academy Dodgeball Tournament Raises Thousands For Charity

On November 17, Montgomery Academy’s Upper School students battled it out in the first-ever dodgeball fundraiser. The junior boys won the tournament, but the real victor was MA’s community service partner for 2015-2016. After all sources of revenue were counted— event admissions, concessions, contributions to the class kings, team fees—the HEART club was able to donate $9,229.20 to the River region branch of Magic Moments. It was the single most successful fundraiser ever sponsored by HEART. In addition to setting a monetary record, the dodgeball tournament set new standards for fun and student involvement. Seventh- and eighth-grade volunteers, HEART officers, the Dodgeball Court and the players provided a well-coordinated, hilarious and athletic spectacle. Enthusiastic spectators, including students, faculty and parents, cheered with the encouragement of announcer Michael Butler. Philip McKenzie was Dodgeball King, bringing in a total of $3,994.13; other members of the court were Bradley Turner, Will Davis, Trey Rush, Will Cousins, Mason Little, Garrett Sanderson and Jack Bargainer. From start to finish, the event was planned and executed primarily by students, especially these HEART officers: Hannah Hale, Trey Rush, Sarah Payne, Mary Stewart Shegon, Michael Kelly, Lucie Longshore, Ann Vivian Spencer, Mary Braden Hendon, Pierce Russell and Ashley Anthony. Other fall fundraisers by HEART for Magic Moments included a raffle for the HEART parking spot and a bake sale. Valentine hearts and another bake sale are planned for the spring, along with the sale of T-shirts for Experiential Learning Week. HEART sponsors are Connie Johnson and Denise Wentworth.

MEA Participates in 12’s Day of Giving

Macon East Academy lower school students participated in Dixie Electric and WSFA-12’s Day of Giving annual food drive. The students collected canned goods and other non-perishable food items throughout the month of November in an Auburn vs. Alabama challenge. Macon East students proudly delivered more than 1,000 items December 4. At the overall event, this year more than $33,000 was donated, along with 9,099 pounds of food, 2,993 toys, and 78 bicycles. All donations benefit Toys for Tots, Christmas Clearinghouse and the Montgomery Area Food Bank.

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Academy Announces New Lower School Director

The Montgomery Academy announces the appointment of Nicole St. Amand as the new Lower School Director, effective July 1, 2016. Her appointment was the result of a nationwide search that took into consideration input from The Montgomery Academy school community. St. Amand has extensive experience in independent schools. She began her career as an art educator and currently serves as the Lower School Director of Educational Technology and Innovation at Shorecrest Preparatory School, a PreK-12 independent school in St. Petersburg, Florida. Prior to that, she served as a Technology Curriculum Coordinator at Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia. While at Woodward, she also served as the Director of Summer Professional Learning and was an art teacher in their primary division for twelve years. St. Amand graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in Education and she has a master’s degree in education from Walden University with a focus on Curriculum, Assessment & Instruction. She is married to Jason St. Amand and they have two children. “I am thrilled that Nicole St. Amand is joining our administration as the new leader of the Lower School!” said John McWilliams, Associate Head of School. “She will build on the legacy of excellence left by Jan Pringle as she retires from the position at the end of the year. We look forward to Nicole joining the MA family this summer.”

EXPIRES 02/29/2016

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Montgomery Parents I February 2016

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ACA Inducts New Members Into National Honor Society

In November, Alabama Christian Academy had the privilege of inducting a new class of members into its chapter of The National Honor Society. The chapter inducted sixteen new inductees from the class of 2017 and one new inductee from the class of 2016. Each year the ACA National Honor Society hosts the largest high school Red Cross Blood Drive in the area. Back row from left are Emily Anne Kirkland, Alyssa Nixon, Blake Mitchell, Cade Horn, Matthew Johnson, Clay Richardson, Morgan Prestage, and Whitney Hicks; and front row are Caitlyn Westbrook, Alley Blanchard, B Khuntonthong, Kyra Humphrey, Emily Boyd, Heather Barsukoff, Keely Nguyen, Laura Nickolson and Aly Nguyen.

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Catholic Students Attend Bus Boycott Youth Summit

Eight Montgomery Catholic High School students participated in the Montgomery Improvement Association’s Beyond the Bus - Youth Summit. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the monumental Montgomery Bus Boycott, the summit brought together student leaders from senior high schools and colleges across the state to collaborate and examine strategies for improving our communities and leading change in our nation. “There are so many parts of the civil rights movement, this was an opportunity to find out the truth about it,” said Montgomery Catholic senior Jonathan Green. “It also gave us an opportunity to learn about the people involved in the movement that sometimes go nameless.” Green is shown with Anna Marie Koerner, Madison Pritchett, Audrey Kim, Austin Collett, Anna Mary Gilbert, Aleigha Walden and Kevin Leahy in a retro Montgomery Bus during the 60th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott Youth Summit in downtown Montgomery.

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Academy Participates in National Geographic Bee

Catholic Students Take Part in ‘Mass Blast’

Each year Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School students and their families are invited to participate in Catholic Masses throughout the River Region. Montgomery Catholic is supported by eight parishes in four counties, including Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady Queen of Mercy, St. Bede the Venerable, St. Joseph, St. Peter, St. Vincent de Paul and Holy Family Catholic Community at Maxwell AFB. This year, students were encouraged to wear their Mass day uniforms to church the weekend of January 9-10, and one family was asked to act as gift bearers. The pastor and associate pastor at each parish encouraged parishioners to explore Catholic education for their families and to pray for the school and its mission. Shown are second-grade student Ethan Harbin and his sister Olivia, a firstgrader, with Monsignor Charles Troncale at St. Vincent De Paul in Tallassee.

Sixth-grader Parker Roth recently won the National Geographic Bee at Montgomery Academy. He will take a written exam for possible qualification for the state bee. Fourth-grader Holt Speir was the first runner-up and eighthgrader Cyprian Dumas was second runner-up. Students in grades 4-8 participated in gradelevel competition to determine the finalists for the school competition. Grade-level winners were: 4th Grade: William Hall (runner-up: Holt Speir); 5th Grade: Bennett Parnell (runner-up: Greer Armstrong); 6th Grade: Clisby Berry (runner-up: Parker Roth); 7th Grade: Leighton Robertson (runner-up: Venus Avezanno); 8th Grade: Cyprian Dumas (runner-up: Jaqueline Navidad). Each year, thousands of schools in the United States participate in the National Geographic Bee using materials prepared by the National Geographic Society. The contest is designed to encourage teachers to include geography in their classrooms, spark student interest in the subject, and increase public awareness about geography. Schools with students in grades four through eight are eligible for this entertaining and challenging test of geographic knowledge.

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Holy Cross Celebrates Reading Success

Second- and third-grade students at Holy Cross got together on January 15 to celebrate their success in Accelerated Reader. Students in these classes who met their AR goal for the second quarter were treated to cookies and hot chocolate with marshmallows along with a fun writing and coloring activity. These two classes, which meet often to work on projects together and share learning experiences, decided to celebrate all the hard (fun) work everyone put into meeting their Accelerated Reader goals.

Success Unlimited Observes Insect Life

In science, Ms. Felder’s and Mrs. Watson’s Achievers class at Success Unlimited Academy learned an understanding of God’s world by observation. The class was given the task of finding something interesting in their own backyards. Each student brought in their discoveries to share with the class. They shared earthworms, spiders, beetles, rosemary, ladybugs, crickets and even a wasp nest. The class used a magnifying glass to help examine each of their findings closely. During this process, Antrinett Boyd was amazed that lady bugs really have spots. “Lady bug spots are actually a warning against predators they may encounter,” explained Mrs. Watson. “This assignment not only taught the many facts about insects through observation; it also allowed the students to discover how many tiny creatures make their home in their backyards.” Shown at left are Clayton Tenters, Antrinett Boyd and Timothy Schaub. Montgomery Parents I February 2016

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Macon East Drama Club Presents Annual Cabaret

The Macon East Academy Drama Club presented its annual Cabaret on December 10. This year’s hosts were seniors Cydney Worthington, Hannah Davis and Bailey Blaze. Some of the favorite acts from the night were “Underdog,” featuring Ty Grant and Max Taylor, “It’s a Hard Knock Life” from Annie, featuring Georgia Blaze, Katherine Kirk, Rachel Sargent, Lauren Taylor, Barret Hammond and Casie Starling, and “Romeo and Juliet” (Abridged) featuring Bryson O’Malley, Hannah Johnson, Bailey Blaze, Lane Johnson, Max Taylor, Sam Pittenger, Savannah Clemens, Hannah Walters, Madison Folkes, Ty Grant and Lauren Taylor. Select acts from the show were chosen to participate in the AISA Regional Drama Competition on January 13.

Trinity Features Artwork at Exhibit in The Alley

The Trinity Art Department recently hosted its annual Winter Exhibit featuring student artists, including a “Senior Show” for AP art students Aline Sluis, Meredith Moore, Kelly Trumbull, Minseok Kim; and Portfolio II students Madison Gillis and Betsy Byrne. A large crowd gathered the night of the artist reception at 121 Coosa Street with an “Artist Talk” highlighting the evening. Other students contributuing to the Winter Exhibit included Portfolio students Abby Johnston, Mary V. Stabler, Jenna Moore, Claire Stewart, Shalom Kim and Lizzie Swearingen; Advanced Art students Ensley Craven, Mackenzie LeGrand, Amanda Meadows, Mary Martin Mooneyham, Maria Stevenson and Jessica Wilson; and Drawing class students Ellie Crawford, Hazen Finlay, Alex Fisher, Carter Grice, Beth Montgomery and Pickett Reese. Senior Meredith Moore is shown during the Artist Talk.

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Montgomery County Schools

SUA Psychology Students Learn Critical Thinking

MEA Artists Chosen for Art Museum Exhibition

Students in Joseph Schaub’s psychology class at Success Unlimited Academy have been studying critical thinking skills as it pertains to the ability of psychologists to function as scientists. Recently, the students were assigned to watch the Republican presidential debate. During the class discussion, students were able to identify with a very high degree of accuracy the many times that the CNBC moderators committed logical fallacies in the way they presented questions to the candidates. “While this, admittedly, is not directly related to the study of psychology, I was nevertheless impressed with their ability to properly appropriate the material to real life situations,” Schaub said. “They are becoming increasingly aware of the practical aspects of the course, as it pertains to psychology, as well as to all of life. This has been my goal. I am glad to say that it has been happening faster than even I expected.”

Montgomery Parents I February 2016

Three Macon East Academy art students were chosen for the recent Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts ARTWORKS corridor. This quarter’s corridor theme, Transformations: Tools and Art, featured contemporary art celebrating the omnipresence of tools in our lives. The committee of museum curators, educators, and local artists received 200 entries from 19 area schools and selected 56 works for the exhibit. Samantha Pittenger’s painting, “Everything is an Instrument,” displays a small bird made up of tiny tools. Hannah Johnson’s mixed media piece, “In Bloom,” boasts a clever combination of watercolor flowers with inked tools, and Savannah Clemen’s photograph, “Earth Cut,” shows how an everyday saw can be created using sticks, leaves and rocks. The exhibition ran through January 3 in the ARTWORKS corridor at MMFA.

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Catholic Partners with AUM to Offer Broader Worldview friendly relationships with other nations; promoting the development of multi-culturalism, and constructing a harmonious world.” Montgomery Catholic welcomed Zeng in early September. He began his lessons immediately, and has already offered his students the opportunity to experience Chinese culture with a field trip to ASF and by learning a song which was performed for the Montgomery Catholic student body. “His classes for the middle and high school are exciting as they shift from language instruction to cultural differences,” said MCPS 7-12 Principal Chad Barwick. “The Lotus Flower song he taught the students was a hit and came in handy as they sang it with the Guangzhou Dance Troupe on a class field trip.” Zeng was born in a small village surrounded by mountains in southeast China. His family has been farmers for generations, which Zeng explained is still very primitive in his village. “Education changed my life, and the big world did not unfold its beautiful picture until I received education,” he said. After completing his graduate work in China, he returned to his high school alma mater to begin his teaching career in 2011 teaching English. In the summer of 2015, a trip to the United States was put on the agenda, through a national examination in China. Zeng said he has been happy to see most students here are polite and willing to learn. He said, “when they open their mouths to talk in Chinese, it brings me a satisfaction in being a teacher.” On being placed at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, the first private school to offer classes through the Confucius Institute, Zeng said, “So far I like working at MCPS; the faculty and students work just like a family.”

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Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School has partnered with Auburn University at Montgomery’s Confucius institute and offers Middle and High School electives in Mandarin Chinese and Chinese Culture to students in grades K4-6. “We are excited about our new partnership with the Confucius Institute this year, and the addition of our visiting teacher Jeremy Zeng. He is not only teaching a Mandarin Chinese class but cultural lessons to all of our students and faculty,” said Montgomery Catholic School President Anne Ceasar. “This is an amazing opportunity to widen our students’ worldview.” The Confucius Institute at AUM was established in 2012, as part of a worldwide network. According to AUM, the goals of Confucius Institutes is to “satisfying the demands of peoples from different countries and regions in the world who learn the Chinese language; enhancing understanding of the Chinese language and culture by these peoples; strengthening educational and cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and other countries; deepening

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Montgomery County Schools

Academy Students ‘Hang Out’ with Google

MEA Student Chosen To Cheer at Disney

On a Friday morning in November, the entire Vaughn Road campus took part in a “Google Hangout” with Dr. Nan Boden, VP of Engineering at Google. The Eagle Room, Wilson Theater, gym and Mazyck Commons were filled with students and teachers in grades 5-12 connected through a live video feed with Dr. Boden at Google Headquarters in Mountain View, California. Off campus, Associate Head of School John McWilliams participated from a plane bound for New York, while Middle School Director Sarah Thomas joined in from home. Boden shared her path from Alabama to Google Headquarters before informing students about some of the fascinating products Google is currently researching and building, including autonomous cars and augmented reality. Google is about taking all the world’s information and making it available to everyone. “I’ve learned other people don’t think like I do and if we work together, we can accomplish so much more,” Boden said. “Computer science is much more collaborative and team-based than one might think.” Junior Ford Cleveland commented, “I didn’t realize Google was investing so much time in research of products like contact lenses for diabetics and self-driving cars. It was interesting to hear all the different ways they are using technology to impact people across the world. I was amazed when Dr. Boden said by 2025 we might be able to simulate the human brain.”

Macon East Academy junior varsity cheerleader Emily Claire Lott spent the week of Thanksgiving at Disney World with hundreds of other cheerleaders from around the country as part of the UCA All-American Tour. Lott was selected as an All-American Cheerleader at last summer’s cheerleading camp and was excited for the opportunity to represent Macon East. The All-Americans performed a cheer dance as the opening of the Thanksgiving Day Parade at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Lott said performing on Main Street at Disney World was a once-ina-lifetime experience, and she and her family enjoyed a funfilled week at the Disney theme parks.

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Saint James Captures Top Photography Awards

Under the direction of their teacher, Evelyn Shoults, several students from Saint James School were recognized for their photography talent through the Double Exposure juried photography competition. The program is open to photographers in Alabama with both Junior and Adult competition divisions. After two rounds of judging, two outstanding pieces by Saint James students were awarded significant recognition in the Junior division. Both students were awarded cash prizes in addition to their standing: Best of Show, Taylor Meadows for “Peripheral Vision,” and Award of Excellence, Lindsey Sampson for “Leaf.” All student photography is on display in the Tuscaloosa Bama Theatre through February 21. That afternoon, the students

will receive their awards at the closing reception. Above, “Peripheral Vision” by Saint James senior Taylor Meadows; Right, “Leaf” by Saint James junior Lindsey Sampson

SUA Ambassadors Celebrate the Season

The Success Unlimited Academy Middle School Ambassadors became the “guests” rather than the hosts when they were treated to a Christmas luncheon. The event was hosted by their sponsors, Mrs. James and Mrs. Clinton, and the Vaughn Road Campus administrator, Mr. Speed. A festive mood was set with a holiday tablescape, place cards, goodie bags, and of course, food. Fun and friendly conversations filled the conference hall where everyone enjoyed chicken fingers, wings and the trimmings. Ideas for 2016 were suggested and shared for future community service projects. These students have already learned that giving is key and their “what can we do and how can we help” spirits are a daily gift to SUA.

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Saint James Students Named Outstanding Statesmen Saint James School was represented by 25 seventh- and eighth-grade students in the YMCA Junior Youth Legislature January 22. There were 280 middle school students from twelve schools participating. The students learned parliamentary procedure and how to write bills - and then they wrote their own bills. The participants spent the afternoon presenting, debating, and voting on their bills. The STJ students served in the House with approximately 180 students. Three Saint James students were elected officers; two students were elected for each office and they alternated the position. STJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jack Burt was elected as presiding officer; Lauren McQueen, floor leader; and Tyson Ely, reading clerk. Saint James students Wilson Carter and Michael Shalayda presented their bill to the House. Andrew Sadie and Collier Dean amended their bill and it was passed by the House. Saint James students Andrew Sadie, Collier Dean, Lauren McQueen, Jesse Custard, Jeffrey Ford, and Cole Armagost were awarded Outstanding Statesmen. Jack

Montgomery Parents I February 2016

Burt was selected as The Most Outstanding Statesman. Additionally, two Saint James high school students volunteered to assist during the Junior Youth Legislature event, sopho-

more Claudia Hubbard and junior Harrison Carter. Above, Saint James School middle school participants in YMCA Junior Youth Legislature January 2016.

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I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year and that you are ready for a fantastic 2nd semester. What better way to start off a new year than with good news? Congratulations to our bus mechanics on their annual inspection conducted in December. The inspection included a check of bus brakes, exhaust, steering, signaling system, tires, and other safety items and maintenance records. Zero deficiencies were found on the 154 buses inspected. This report placed our bus mechanics as top performers in the state! Congratulations to Charlie Lucas, Clemon Motley, Donnie Parsons, Jack Willis, Don Yarbrough, Shop Foreman Carl Coburn, Shop Supervisor Joey Hamm, Shop Assistant Shari Bryan, Transportation Secretary Kathy Greer, and Transportation Supervisor Neil Messick. Thank you for the hard work and dedication in getting our students to and from school on safe buses.

Montgomery Parents I February 2016

I also want to congratulate the following bookkeepers who recently completed the Local School Management Certificate Program: Alicia Chavers from the Autauga County Technology Center, Charlotte Hollis from Prattville High School, and Tammy Thompson from Prattville High School. This program is designed to develop, expand, and enhance a bookkeeper’s knowledge base in the area of local school finance. Bookkeepers fulfill an important role in our schools. I personally thank these individuals for all they do for our schools. I also want to applaud Kimberly Bell, a third grade teacher at Billingsley School, who was selected for the NASA STEM Standard Practice workshop. She is a first year teacher dedicated to constantly searching for new strategies to teach math and science to the third grade Cubs at Billingsley School. In Autauga County, we are always focused on the future! During the November board meeting, Mr. Jim Manderson was elected to serve as board chairman for the 2016-2017 year, and Ms. Ledronia Goodwin was elected to serve as the vice-chairman. We are blessed to have such an outstanding

group to serve on the Autauga County Board of Education. I look forward to working with the board as we strive to increase our students’ academic achievement. We have also completed our school calendar for 2016-2017. I would like to thank all the members of our calendar committee for their outstanding work. The new calendar was approved on January 11th and can be found on the ACBOE website and Facebook page. This will assist you in your planning for next year. I am looking forward to the many blessings that 2016 has in store for us. I take great pleasure in sharing the accolades that our schools, staff members, and students receive with the citizens of Autauga County. With so much news to share, take a moment to like “Autauga County Schools” on Facebook! Spence Agee is the Superintendent of Education for Autauga County Schools. He is a third generation educator with an ED.S. in Educational Leadership. He has 16 years of experience in the education field as well as 25 years of military experience. Agee is an active member at First Baptist Church in Prattville. He and his wife, Cesily, who is also an educator, have two daughters, Abby and Addison.

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Autauga County Schools

Marbury Step-Brothers Sign To Play Baseball at Wallace

Marbury High School lefty Wallace Henry signed a baseball scholarship with Wallace State in Hanceville, and Bret Spires was honored to join the same team. Henry and Spires have played baseball together since age 6. Both are seniors and looking to have a great year with Marbury Coach Woodfin and the Bulldogs before moving on to Wallace State. Marbury Baseball Team and Softball Club was present, along with family and friends, for the signing ceremony. From left are Wallace Henry, Wallace State Pitching Coach Shannon, and Bret Spires.

EMCA Drama Team Places First

The East Memorial Christian Academy drama team placed first in Ensemble Acting and Duet Acting at District Drama Competition January 13. Tyler Burns also placed third in Solo Acting. The students went on to participate at the AISA State Drama Competition January 22. From left are Kiara Spencer, Kaitlyn Baker and Tyler Burns.

PHS Senior Recognized for Achievement

Autauga County Superintendent Spence Agee, left, and Prattville High School Principal Richard Dennis recognized Katie Fagan as a National Merit Semifinalist as well as the student with the highest ACT Score at Prattville High School. Fagan is one of 16,000 semifinalists in the 61st Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,400 National Merit Scholarships. To be considered for the National Merit Scholarship, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of competition. About 90% of the semifinalists are expected to obtain Finalist standing, and more than the half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship. Fagan will be notified in February whether she is a National Merit Finalist. In addition to her National Merit achievement, Fagan has a 35 on the ACT, the top score at Prattville High School. She is currently enrolled in several Advanced Placement classes and plays volleyball on the varsity team. Fagan wants to become a bio-medical engineer and is considering attending Mississippi State University in Starkville or the University of Alabama in Birmingham.

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Did you know that Elmore County Public Schools has served preschool children for over 23 years? We truly have a “hidden gem” in our longstanding Child Development Program provided by the Community Education Program in our system. This program provides preschool and afterschool care in a safe and caring environment that focuses on developmental learning and enrichment. It also provides afterschool care for students up to age 13 and offers academic enrichment and recreational activities. Child Development Program facilities are located Eclectic, Holtville, Millbrook and Wetumpka, and our total enrollment is currently 428. The Eclectic Child Development Program offers K2, K3, and K4 classes as well as afterschool care. K3 and K4 classes

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and afterschool care are offered at the Holtville Child Development Program. We are happy to announce that we have recently added an infant class at our Millbrook Child Development Program in response to the need in that community. In addition, K1, K2, K3, and K4 classes and afterschool care are also offered. The Wetumpka Child Development Program offers K2, K3, and K4 classes and afterschool care. All programs are open year-round, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Our Child Development Program prides itself on the strong academic foundation we provide for our students on which to begin their school career. Research-based Easy Breezy Preschool and Scott Foresman curriculums are implemented and provide instruction in reading, writing, math, science, art, and music. Our preschool teachers collaborate with our kindergarten teachers to ensure that the necessary preparatory skills are being taught to maximize children’s success in kindergarten. Year after year, our kindergarten teachers report that they can always identify the students from the Child

Development Programs because of their high level of readiness for kindergarten. While academics is the primary focus for afterschool care, we offer many enrichment activities and experiences. Children are provided time to complete homework and receive tutoring in areas of academic need. During the summer months, our preschool program and afterschool program follow a curriculum focused on academics. Children are also engaged daily in enrichment activities and experiences such as field trips, music, arts, crafts, guest speakers, gardening, organized games, etc. We in Elmore County Public Schools are committed to providing the best possible educational experience for all of our students, regardless of their age. We look forward to pursuing the First Class Pre-K Program opportunity and many others in an effort to best serve our most important clients–our children! Andre` L. Harrison has served as a teacher, acting principal, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services and Human Resources, Assistant Superintendent of Education, and the Deputy Superintendent of Education/Chief of Staff. He is married to Monica, and they have a daughter, Aundrea, who attends the UAB. They reside in Millbrook, Alabama.

MANE's instructors have successfully taught independent riding skills to many children with cerebral palsy, mental disabilities, autism, hearing impairment, and other disabilities. Some clients progress to riding completely independently (without side walkers or a horse handler) over the period of a 10-week session. Since goals are developed individually for each client, lessons may also underscore the strengthening of fundamental skills such as counting, identifying letters and colors, spelling, geography, or communication as well as developing memory. Instructors use games on horseback, signs, colored reins and other methods/tools to achieve educational objectives. Teachers of special education classes that have participated in the MANE program rave about the benefits that transfer from arena to classroom!

April 4-June 17 Applications Available Online www.maneweb.org Contact us at: 334-213-0909 equine.director.mane@gmail.com Montgomery Parents I February 2016

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Holtville Elementary Science Fair Winners

Holtville Elementary School held its science fair on January 21. More than 120 students participated. Congratulations to the following winners: Earth/ Physical 1st Place Winner- Madison Graham, Earth/Physical 2nd Place Winner- Brandon Snowden, Earth/Physical 3rd Place Winner- Jack Carlisle; Life Science 1st Place Winner- Drey Barrett, Life Science 2nd Place WinnerChristopher Higgins, Life Science 3rd Place Winner- Jonathan Moncrief. The winners competed in the Elmore County Science Fair on February 3 at Lanark in Millbrook. From left are Madison Graham, Drey Barrett, Christopher Higgins, Brandon Snowden, Jonathan Moncrief, and Jack Carlisle. Erica Burge was the science fair sponsor.

Redland Kindergartners Visit Old Alabama Town

Redland Elementary School kindergarten classes visited Old Alabama Town recently. Students enjoyed learning how life was long ago. They were able to visit a school, church, store, house, doctor’s office and barn with a corn crib. There was also a learning station of how cotton and wool were made into clothes and how butter was made. Students decided they enjoy the comforts of today’s life better! Julie Knapp’s class is shown visiting the one-room school house at Old Alabama Town.

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Flying eﬀects provided by D2 Flying Eﬀects.

Saturday, March 5th, Shortened Matinee 2:30 pm Saturday, March 5th, 7:30 pm | Sunday, March 6th, 2:30 pm Troy University’s Davis eatre for the Performing Arts

Purchase tickets online at alabamadancetheatre.com or call 334.241.2800 for information or assistance.

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

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Elmore County Schools

Airport Road Staff Celebrate Life of Cherished Teacher

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The staff of Airport Road Intermediate School recently celebrated the life of Jessica Shelby, an amazing third-grade teacher who lost her battle to brain cancer. Her best friend Ashley Winchester planned a beautiful celebration of life event with Mrs.Young, who was also the shirt designer. Staff members shared stories and memories of how Shelby touched the lives of her students and others around her. The school created a Perseverance Award in her name last year. The staff learned so many lessons from her while she was sick: be grateful, be thankful, be appreciative and cherish every moment that you have with your loved ones.

Eclectic Celebrates Reading Success

Eclectic Elementary celebrated reading success by playing charades in the library! About 200 students achieved their reading goals.

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Holtville Middle Wins Verizon App Challenge

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Holtville Middle School teacher Cheyanne Barrett and her students participated in the Verizon App Challenge and WON for the State of Alabama. These students competed against 1,200 app concept submissions and won a $5,000 grant for their school. Each student who participated also won a tablet.

Redland Announces Science Fair Winners

The following students placed in the Redland Elementary Science Fair January 20. These students will move on to compete at the Elmore County Science Fair on February 3, which will be held at Lanark beginning at 9 a.m. Sixth-grade teacher LaDedra Frazier is the science fair coordinator at Redland. Fourth- and fifth-grade winners are: fourthgrader Davis Bell, first place in the Earth/Physical Science category, “Is My Classroom Cleaner than a Toilet?”; fourth-grader Jason Bailey, second place in the Earth/ Physical Science category, “Medieval Launch Test”; fourth-grader Katherine Wright, third place in the Earth/ Physical Science category, “The Mpemba Effect”; fourth-grader Ryals McNeely, first place in the Life Science category, “Making Sound Waves Visible!”; fifth-grader Maddy Waren, second place in the Life Science category, “It’s Written All Over Your Face!”; and fifth-grader Grady Waren, third place in the Life Science category, “The Power of Peer Pressure.” Sixth-grade winners are: Trevor Lewis, first place in the Earth/Physical Science category, “Beat Goes On”; Ryan Rouse, second place in the Earth/Physical Science category, “Polar Power”; Ashley Lampman, third place in the Earth/Physical Science category, “What Shape is Stronger for Building a Bridge?”; Ally Colquitt, first place in the Life Science category, “An Apple a Day – What Keeps the Brown Away?”; Josie Thayer, second place in the Life Science category, “How Smart is Your Water?”; and Baylee Jost, third place in the Life Science category, “Mummified.”

April 12, 2016 Cooters Pond, Prattville, AL

1st Place $2000 $100.00 Per Boat

2nd Place $1000 5th Place $350 8th Place $125

$10.00 Big Fish (optional)

3rd Place $500 6th Place $250 9th Place $125

4th Place $400 7th Place $150 10th Place $100

This is based on 50 boats - pays one place ($100) per every 5 boats above 50. Big Bass is optional and 100% payback.

More information and registration @ www.hooperacademy.org

Donated by SAMM Electric

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Elmore County Schools

Eclectic Announces Students of the Month

Eclectic Elementary announces December Students of the Month: Kindergarten: Brolen Hornsby, Kameron Barry, Braxton Loftin, *Joshua Lett, Demarcus Rogers and Maria Morales; 1st Grade: Riley Oliver, Kaylan Martin, Levi Creamer, Cory Stubbs, *Jaylyn Hill and Lacy Martin; 2nd Grade: Jordan Pollard, Jasmine Ramirez, Mason Pack, *Brennon Lumpkin, Gage Tompkins and Kale Petty; 3rd Grade: Courtney Myers, Kennedy Robinson, Eli McGhee, Channing Buckner, Abe McGhee and Abbie Guy; 4th Grade: Hallie Crumpton, Karley Navarre, Jayla Brooks, Jabari Murphy and Anabelle Orr. *Not pictured

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Holtville Students Enjoy Round Reading Time

Students enjoy Round Reading in the Holtville Elementary School Library with librarian Natalie McLemore. This lesson gives students a quick preview of books, both fiction and nonfiction, “musical chair” style.

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

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Montgomery Parents I February 2016

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WES Teachers Earn CAEC Grants

Above, Wetumpka Elementary first-grade teacher Kimberly Deem received a Bright Ideas Grant from the Central Alabama Electric Cooperative for Robotics in the Elementary Classroom.

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WES kindergarten teacher Tiffany Oshel also received a Bright Ideas Grant for “Let’s Boogie Down,” electronic boards to help with enhancing the writing curriculum.

ARIS Class Becomes Forensic Specialists

At Airport Road Intermediate School, teachers like to think outside the box and incorporate different types of learning experiences. Recently, Mrs. Ragasa’s class transformed into forensic specialists. The students took on the role of crime scene investigators to solve a mystery that occurred in the school. They integrated math, science and language arts into the study of forensic science and associated legal careers such as district attorneys, law enforcement, and scientists. These students used context clues, paid attention to details within the crime scene, made inferences and wrote about the evidence and who they thought the suspect could be. Principal Marcia Stephens is fingerprinted as a suspect in the crime. 47

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Redland Participates in National Geographic Bee Ten fifth- and sixth-graders representing their homeroom classes recently participated in the third annual National Geographic Bee held at Redland Elementary. Top three winners were: 1st place – Seth Aude, sixth grade; 2nd place – Tate Padouk, fifth grade; and 3rd place – Jack Walden, sixth grade. Other participants were sixth-graders Logan Oakley, Hayes Pieper, Connor Scheeren and Justin Snell; and fifth-graders Carter Hardin, Troy Maclean and Grady Waren. Fifthgrade teacher Becca Bowers is the coordinator of the National Geographic Bee at Redland. Judges were guidance counselor Brittney Kelly and GATE instructor Leslie Mattox. WSFA chief meteorologist Josh Johnson was the moderator. Aude will take an online test and the top 100 scorers in the state will continue in the state National Geographic Bee at Samford University. Front row from left are second-place winner Tate Padouk, first-place winner

Seth Aude and third-place winner Jack Walden. Back row are Connor Scheeren, Carter Hardin, Hayes Pieper, Grady Waren, Justin Snell, Logan Oakley, Troy Maclean and WSFA chief meteorologist Josh Johnson.

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Montgomery Parents I February 2016

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Airport Road Holds Annual Spelling Bee

Third-grade winners of the Airport Road Intermediate School spelling bee were: 1st place, Madison Picker, and 2nd place, Meredith Harrison. Fourth-grade winners were: 1st place, Alayna Tullier, and 2nd place, Jon Silas Moncrief.

Holtville Librarian Earns Grant for Art Activities

Holtville Elementary librarian Natalie McLemore received a grant from the Central Alabama Electric Cooperative to support “Art in the Library.” The art fair theme is “Urban Art: A Recycled Treasure.” Students are learning about artists and doing art projects in the library to prepare for the art fair.

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Six to eight weeks after the December holidays Valentine’s Day pops into our winter, giving us another bright spot to warm this season. It’s a time for love and sweets, date nights, and classroom Valentine parties.

a little note to let them know you love them, remind them of a recent time they made a particularly good choice, or simply thank them for being a good kid. You never know, your son or daughter might just need a bright spot in his or her day and a lunch box note could do the trick.

Treasure hunt. These take a little more time and effort, but a treasure hunt can be a great way to show your kids how much you love them. It can also be a fun activity for the family to complete together. First, determine the treasure you want your family to seek. Next, prepare a list of clues for them to follow to get to the treasure. It’s fun to create little verses or riddles that lead the treasure hunters from one point to the next. You can hide clues under furniture, on top of the fridge, in the garage, outside, inside a boot, etc. It might be easiest to first choose the number of clues, than select your hiding places for the clues, and finally, write your clues out. This is a great activity for the kids when they get home on Valentine’s Day or even first thing in the morning if you’ve got early risers. The treasure could be a small gift, a new family board game, or a tasty treat that everyone loves.

Valentine’s Day is fun for kids because they get to choose Valentine’s to share with friends and exchange them at school or with other groups. Adults enjoy Valentine’s Day because it’s a good excuse for a date night. But Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be strictly a kid or grown-up thing. It can be fun for the whole family. You don’t have to bring your kids on your Valentine’s date, nor is it required that you attend the class party to bring a little more love into your day. Instead you can try one of the ideas below to fuel family love and create a richer Valentine’s Day.

Lunch box note.

Love letter.

Tried and true, kids love discovering a note from mom or dad when they open up their lunch box. Index cards or even Post-it Notes work well for this. When packing lunch for the day, slip in Montgomery Parents I February 2016

There are many references to love letters in classic literature, 50

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poetry, and even romantic novels. Often we think of love letters as expressions of love between two adults. But love letters can be for kids too. Parents can write to their kids a story about a memory they shared or a character trait the parent is particularly proud of their son or daughter for developing. Love letters can be a tool we use to express to our kids what is important to us as parents. We are quick to give comments about beauty or smarts, but in a thoughtful love letter, we can really get into detail about what we love about them, about what makes them special.

Mirror note. Similar to lunch box notes, mirror notes are a little surprise for our loved ones. These can be short and brief, written on any size Post-it Note and stuck to the mirror. Or, if you’d like to write on the mirror directly, you can use dry erase markers, which will wash off when you clean the mirror. Mirror notes can be funny phrases, drawings, arrows pointing to where your son or daughters face is in the mirror with positive phrases and notes of love.

Valentine-themed picnic. Plan an indoor picnic for Valentine’s Day. Choose your sunniest room, spread out a picnic blanket and throw some pillows on the floor, and have a winter snack or meal together. Sweets are traditional for Valentine’s Day, but you could also do sandwiches shaped like hearts and strawberries cut in half. Flour tortillas can be cut into heart shapes too and dipped into a favorite salsa or melted cheese. Dig out your heart-shaped cookie cutters and see if you can plan an entire meal where you cut your food into heart shapes. If this isn’t a surprise for the kids, include them in the planning, assigning jobs and letting them come up with their own ideas. Whatever you do for Valentine’s Day, whether it feels like a major festivity or a simple moment to stop and say I love you, enjoy your time with your loved ones. Letting them know you care puts a smile on their faces and makes you feel good too. mp

Sara Marchessault is a writer and coach. Her work helps clients to more fully experience joy in their daily life. Sara is an avid diarist and keeper of her family’s stories. These days her journals are getting lots of details about playing with her kids and the awesome ups and downs of being a mom. Learn more about her work at saramarchessault.com.

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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston

A Father’s Critical Role Don’t be fooled into thinking that dads aren’t all that important. Kids need dads to validate their self-worth. Many problems can come to a family and to future relationships for the children when a dad is absent or not as involved with his kids as they need him to be. Not only does an absent dad make it hard on the mom – who then tries to play both roles, but it is also confusing to the children. Mom the nurturer has to become mom the authoritarian, and the kids will begin to feel a void in their life that can create relational minefields in their future. What about when a dad is there, but he remains disengaged? This too can be a problem; maybe an even bigger problem than an absent dad. It can lead to a loss in a child’s self-worth and identity. They begin thinking that they are not important or not worthy of dad’s attention, or worse yet, they’re a burden to him. As a result, they can develop insecurities and anxieties and may never feel they measure up or are good enough – not to anyone. Each parent has a separate role when it comes to building a child’s self-esteem. Moms instill value in her children and dads validate it. If mom is doing her job, but dad is not right behind her doing the validating, a son may enter into inappropriate relationships to do that for him, or a daughter may go out to find a boy or even an older man who will do the same. They want someone to validate their self worth; but they can only get that from dad. But what is validation? It’s kind of like a stamp of approval. It tells the child that they are loved and accepted for who they are, regardless. It validates that they are a valued and important part of the family and that they are a beautiful person worthy of the adoration of a father. Can’t you just tell a child that? Of course you can, and you should! But actions speak louder than words. Validation comes from showing you are interested in the child and not only willing to spend time with them, but that you cannot wait for the next time you two can spend together. It’s a very special and important part of your life. Montgomery Parents I February 2016

What if the Father is Absent?

If your child does not have a father, or someone to fill that role in their life; it is important to ask your pastor or youth minister, or other family members to fill that void in a positive way for your child. I knew a man who was slowly passing away from terminal cancer. Before he passed, he asked six different men to look after his children when he was gone. Now that is dedication. This man understood the importance of the role of the father. He wanted at least six men to be looking out for his children, to be sure they would have the support and validation they so desperately need, especially after the loss of a father they loved so much.

My Teen Doesn’t Want to Spend Time with Me

Not every dad knows how to be a good father, because they didn’t have a good example in their own life. That could be why there is a rift in your relationship. A shift in your parenting to become a validator will allow you to experience something you may never have had before in a relationship. Perhaps you are struggling with your teen and sometimes just want to cut off the relationship and say “Enough is enough!” So maybe you’ve gotten overly involved in projects, sports or work and avoid your child. But even unruly children want their dad to offer them the same amount of attention and dedication. They may not say it. They may even deny it with all their might. But no matter how nasty they’ve become, they still need their dad. These dads may now have to work extra hard to validate their teen. And after they have broken the ice, they should continue to make sure they are doing a good job by asking, “Am I around you enough?” Or, “Do I support you like you need?” “Who do you know you can always count on…is it me? “Who is the second?” “Third?” Sometimes kids cannot explain their needs, but dad’s desire to talk to them shows that he cares, especially if he listens to them and takes them at their word. 52

For all the dads out there that have “blown it” or parents that feel they have lost all connection with their kids, showing how you desire time and interaction with them now will still make a difference. Be persistent, and it will pay off.

Steps Toward Validation

Dads should make an effort to get together with their son or daughter once a week, no matter what. For daughters, make it a date. Go to dinner or a coffee shop and just sit and open your ears, look at her, and ask some good questions. Show her that you will go out of your way to talk to her about what matters most to her. For sons, you’ll do a better job of validating by doing something active together, rather than sitting face to face. Work on a project, golf, hunt, fish, or attend a game together. You may need to go out of your way to find an interest you both have in common. Positive validation through mutual participation in an activity (especially an activity you may not personally be that fond of) gives your teenager the impression that you care. Strengthen that feeling by endeavoring to find some way to encourage and praise them, even if it is hard to find something praiseworthy. Every child yearns for attention from the adults in their life. They might be on guard or may not trust you at first because in the past they have not felt so important to you. Make it clear to them that it is your desire now to spend time with them on a regular basis, and then be consistent. Both of you will benefit, but your teen will feel validated because they begin to feel that you really want to be with them and to nourish the relationship. Kids need their mom’s and dad’s presence and attention to their needs. If not, they will look for value and validation somewhere else – usually from all the wrong places — but they will never truly find it. Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

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Giving Kids the Royal Treatment

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

The fairy tales of youth could be what launches our early interest in castles. These over-sized, elaborate structures are the ubiquitous lodging for kings and queens. These elaborate structures are the seat of power in countless imagined kingdoms. History also defines castles in various cultures as the nexus for events that changed the world. So it’s certainly a natural outcome that many kids find playing with castle toys part of their ultimate childhood fantasies. Whether they are enacting their own epic intrigues or playing out a version of scenarios from their favorite tales, castle toys are prime real estate every kid’s landscape!

by Gerry Paige Smith

My Soft World Block Set - Castle

Imaginext Lions Den Castle

Little hands have the tools they need to build their own small fiefdom with the My Soft World Castle Block Set. Featuring lightweight blocks and figures crafted with soft, yet durable foam, these pieces are the building blocks for a tiny realm that’s sized just right for the preschool crowd. No sharp edges or hard knocks come with this soft play set. With colorful graphics that add royal flair to the turrets and towers, plus a cast of characters ready to move in, this soft building set offers all the pretend-play elements for a child’s first castle adventures.

With the noble lion as its sigil and defender, this castle play set is ready for adventure. Designed for small hands and big imaginations, the Lions Den comes with fierce elements that will spark scenarios that change and evolve with each play session. Movable elements and parts allow kids to craft defensive actions or plan their own attacks on the fortifications – the adventures are theirs to design and implement. Including a raging lion and three characters with various armor and weapons, this set can also be expanded with additional figures to grow new stories from within the Imaginext Lions Den Castle.

(Fisher-Price)

(EduShape)

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Knights Castle Tent

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(Discover Kids)

For turn key castle play, the Discovery Kids Knights Castle Tent is a quick and easy way to create an instant fortress for kids to rule. Crafted with durable nylon, this play tent has a roof and floor that make it ideal for indoor and outdoor play. With colorful graphics and classic castle design elements (crenelations, arched windows, peaked roof) that reinforce the vibe, this tent quickly cultivates its own legendary pretend play. The tent poles are stretch-corded for easy assembly and fast break down. When the castle is uninhabited the whole edifice collapses to a flat, compact and handily portable package for the royals on the go.

(Melissa & Doug)

Ready to host epic adventures and intrigues, the Fold & Go Wooden Castle delivers royal recreation. Crafted from safe materials and high quality wood, this durable two-story play set comes with six figures and some movable furniture items to set the stage. The multiple rooms, parapets. staircases, and windows (plus a dungeon and a working drawbridge) create a setting that will instantly kick-start a child’s storytelling. When the castle is closed for adventure, it simply folds together, storing its pieces inside. The Fold & Go Castle from Melissa & Doug is a first choice for quality design and versatility of play.

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

Montgomery Parents I February 2016

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ROCK Task Force

A Shield Against Anger, Intolerance and Isolation minister to In today’s these kids; let world, young them know people are that hope perhaps more dwells in uncertain and treating othfrightened than ers as they ever before. would like to That carries be treated; over into the and continuclassrooms and ally reinforcthe hallways of ing acts of their schools, kindness and where reinforcrespect,” said ing that they Family Sunmatter becomes shine Center one way school Public Affairs administrators Rockstar Award Recipient, Drequan Jackson, Carver HS Director Melacan help them nie Beasley, gain confidence also a ROCK Steering Committee member. in themselves and faith in their safety and According to all the literature, howevsecurity. er, healing kids and transforming them into Unfortunately, many times, schools educated, positive and productive citizens are not havens of inclusiveness, belonging cannot be accomplished exclusively in or stability. Instead, they can become another layer of fear, unpredictability and dis- schools. “We must enlist all elements of the community, including families, faithenfranchisement, where children stand to based groups, non-profit agencies, law be bullied or harassed by other students. enforcement, city and county governments The first layer comes when children grow and others,” Beasley said. up in unstable homes, maybe even homes With this in mind, the ROCK Task where violence and threats are present. Force was formed in 2013. Currently, So, if both layers exist, children can be left with no stronghold to brace against intoler- there are about 65 members, including individuals from the city, county, churches, ance, harshness and stress. public and private schools, the River Re“That is what our ROCK campaign gion United Way, the Montgomery County was established to do: in a broad sense,

In conjunction with the Montgomery Chapter of the Public Relations Council of Alabama, Montgomery Parents is devoting space for a series of articles on bullying to raise awareness.

HOW CAN YOUR SCHOOL GET INVOLVED?

FIND OUT AT ROCKTASKFORCE.COM.

RIVER REGION ROCK TASK FORCE. CREATING A SAFER, KINDER RIVER REGION.

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Sheriffs’ Office, the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, NAMI Alabama, Common Ground Ministries, and more. The group meets several times a year to help plan and organize special events in the month of October, Bullying Awareness Month. One activity, a brainchild of the task force, is the annual ROCK Star Awards. The first award, designed to reward students, individuals or community organizations whose actions contribute to a kinder, more respectful community, was given to Montgomery County Sheriff Derrick Cunningham and Drequan Jackson (Carver HS student) in October 2015. Nominations for the award can be turned in any time during the year, but the awards ceremony will be in October. ROCK Stars can be nominated for activities such as community service projects; events or activities that discourage bullying behavior, raise understanding and celebrate differences; or advocacy for inclusion and unity. For further information, visit the ROCK website, www.rocktaskforce.com. You may sign on to be a member at that website, or call Melanie Beasley, Family Sunshine Center, 334.206.2100.

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Post-partum mood disorder (PMD) is the number one complication with childbirth. It affects fifteen to twenty percent of new mothers and is often undiagnosed in women, leaving new moms worrying and wondering why they don’t feel “normal”. PMD can affect women who have had a baby, stillborn child or miscarriage, women who are pregnant, or after weaning their child from breastfeeding. PMD can include any number of symptoms: obsessive-compulsive behavior, depression, anxiety, or anger. Lindsay Bagley, a licensed mental health counselor and masterslevel therapist in Washington suggests that talking with a trusted friend is the first step in reaching out for help. Though you can’t diagnose PMD unless you are a professional, if you have a friend who you think is struggling after having a baby, there are ways that you can help them.

The Gift of a Nap

Offer to babysit so that she can take a nap. Sleep not only helps ease symptoms of PMD, it will help any mom who is feeling the toll of sleep deprivation. If she is willing, take her baby out on a walk with your own little one or let her drop her baby off at your house. You can babysit while your child is busy playing or walking and she can take a nap back at her house or at yours.

Dinner’s on You

Schedule a day and time when you can bring dinner to her house. Bringing dinner to a friend after she’s had a baby not only helps because it’s one less thing to try to do in the day, it can also help alleviate the surge in expenses that happens after a baby is born. These pressures can add to symptoms of PMD. If you are short on time, you can always pick up a premade chicken, bagged salad, slice up some apples and a frozen side dish or a homemade one. And don’t forget to throw in some chocolate!

Bring Coffee and Leave Judgments at the Door

Bring her a cup of coffee or her favorite decaffeinated drink and listen to what she is feeling and experiencing right now. Don’t dismiss or try to solve her problems, but listen and let her feel heard. It might be hard to listen without trying to fix all her problems, but a listening ear is what she really needs right now. If she says something that truly concerns you, encourage her to reach out to a professional who can help her. Montgomery Parents I February 2016

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Share Your Experience

Perhaps you’ve been through PMD yourself. If you feel you can, share your experience with her and let her know that she is not alone. Sharing your experience, Bagley says, can help others feel less isolated and alone. PMD can be a very misunderstood condition and undiagnosed for so many moms. Let your friend know that she deserves health and happiness.

Hook Her Up With a Community

Did you have a baby group that helped you feel a part of a community? Perhaps you found one through the hospital, or perhaps there is a walking group or a mommy and me class that helped you meet other moms. Let your friend know which organizations and groups were helpful to you or that you have heard about. It is empowering to have the support of new moms with babies the same age as hers, who provide a community. There is a normalizing power to realize that other moms are going through the same challenges as well.

Help Her to Reach Out Further

If your friend would like more support, she can start by contacting Post-partum Support International. PSI has a national “warm line” at 1-800-944-4773. This number is staffed by trained volunteers, some of whom have had PMD themselves. They quickly return the messages left on their confidential voicemail and can help with support, information, and resources. PSI also has information on local area coordinators who can give resource suggestions in the local area. Bagley says that if a friend thinks she may have PMD, it’s important to get help as soon as she can. Not because she needs to feel guilty, but because she is worth it. It can be hard to just listen to a friend without trying to “fix” her. You may even feel like you’re not doing enough to make a difference. However, sharing your own story and being open about your experiences lets them know they’re not alone. It also creates a better climate for others to share their thoughts and feelings. Sometimes helping a friend means being present with them through their storm and reminding them that they are not alone, it’s not their fault, and there is help. mp Ruth Hanley had PMD after each of her two children were born and has a special interest in helping moms advocate for themselves and know that they are not alone.

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Montgom

Contracts for Connected Families In general, families run better with good rules, so it’s not surprising that parents want to make rules about how kids use technology. Lots of organizations have offered well-intended versions of online do’s and don’ts. And plenty of parents have written about their efforts to create guidelines governing what kids can and can’t do with computers, video games and cellphones. Although rules have their place, they don’t last long online. A rule that seemed perfectly reasonable yesterday may be outdated (and easy to ignore) tomorrow. In such a rapidly evolving environment, many parents are turning to something more flexible—contracts that they write—and rewrite—with their children. One particularly engaging example of this kind of contract was written by Dr. Lynn Schofield Clark, author of The Parenting App: Understanding Families in the Digital Age. Clark says her goal was to “put learning first,” by encouraging her kids to think for themselves about what kinds of online experiences were good for their family. She was also open to the possibility that her kids would want to make rules about her use of technology. Although her approach might not work in every family, it does lay the groundwork for open conversations, making it more likely that children will turn to parents if they encounter online situations that are confusing or risky. The kind of Technology Contract likely to work in your household will, of course, Montgomery Parents I February 2016

depend upon the ages and inclinations of your kids. Regardless of age, here are some questions that need to be considered: What interactive devices are being used in our family? You’ll want different rules for cellphones, tablets, computers and gaming systems. If family members share equipment, you may need to establish priorities—for example, homework takes precedence over games and social media. Your contract can also specify how you will share interactive experiences. Will you play games together? Share videos? Create a shared album of favorite digital photos? What kind of supervision makes sense? The right kind of supervision makes kids feel safer and reinforces a sense of conscience. Will you check phone bills for calls to numbers you don’t recognize? Will you use monitoring software that alerts you if your child strays onto an adult website or sends too much personal information? Be open about what you plan to do and why. How much time should we spend online? Think about when it’s okay or even necessary to be connected. When is it important to be offline? As individuals? As a family? Some parents set up a docking station for cellphones in the kitchen or family room. At agreed upon times, all devices go to sleep. What information are we willing to share online? What one person posts on a social media site often has implications for other family members, so it’s important to discuss what can be shared online. Is it ever appropriate to post an address or phone number? How much are you willing to divulge about where you live, what you are doing and family activities including vacations? When is it okay for parents to post pictures of kids and vice versa? How will we keep our family Internet system secure? You have rules about lock58

ing the door when you leave the house. Establish similar policies about online security. Is it ever okay to share passwords with anyone except parents? What are house rules about downloads including games, music and videos? Kids need to know that these often carry malware which can compromise family security. Who is allowed to purchase things online? Think about physical items—clothing, posters—as well as virtual goods— games, music, books. Younger children should get permission for any purchase. For teens, an online allowance may be appropriate. Like any allowance, agree in advance on terms—is the money contingent on behavior, chores, grades? What kinds of online activity should kids report to parents? Being online involves trust because parents can’t supervise the way they can in other settings. Establish the expectation that your child will come to you immediately if he or she encounters bullying, sexting or any kind of invitation from online strangers. What are the penalities for breaking the contract? Losing access to a device is an obvious consequence (for adults as well as kids). Your contract might also include the possibility of additional monitoring for family members who don’t follow the rules. When will we renegotiate the contract? As kids demonstrate online responsibility, they should be able to earn new technology privileges. To be honest, in many families, your kids (or your spouse) will roll their eyes if you suggest drawing up an actual contract. Remember that the point of this exercise isn’t necessarily to get something in writing. Instead, you want to have ongoing conversations that help you understand how your children are using technology. Only then can you make rules that will help your kids become as safe and responsible online as they are in the real world. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for ten years and is working on a book about constructive responses to conflict. Visit www.growing-up-online.com to read other columns. @ Copyright, 2016, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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It’s a good neighborhood for letting go. HE’S JUST A LITTLE BOY BUT FEELS TEN-FEET TALL WALKING TO SCHOOL. AS A FIRST GRADER, HE STILL LETS ME HOLD HIS HAND, BUT I KNOW HE’LL BE PULLING AWAY SOON. AND MY JOB – HARD AS IT IS – WILL BE TO LET GO. AT LEAST I KNOW THESE SAME SIDEWALKS WILL SEE HIM THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL.

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Throughout your pregnancy, you eat the right foods, drink plenty of fluids, rest and try to keep stress to a minimum. You might think once your baby arrives that you can relax your self-care regimen, but caring for yourself should remain a top priority to ensure the health of both of you.

Also, stock up on protein-packed snacks to keep your energy up especially if you plan to breastfeed. Choose simple, healthy snacks like cheese sticks, almonds, rotisserie chicken, yogurt and energy bars. Consult with your physician to determine how many extra calories you should be consuming each day according to your activity level, weight and if you choose to nurse.

Drink plenty of water. “The key to optimal recovery after

Sleep when the baby sleeps. “Those first days home

delivery is fluid hydration with water,” says Dr. Gina Petelin, OB/ GYN. “This is important for replenishing your body after significant fluid losses.”

from the hospital, rest, rest, rest and spend as much time skinto-skin with your baby as you can,” says Teresa Marshall, a birth and postpartum doula. “This will truly make for a smoother transition for baby from womb to room and for mama, as well.”

Nourish yourself. Before the baby arrives, assemble

healthy meals ahead of time to stash in your freezer. In the midst of caring for a newborn, you’ll be less likely to eat poorly when you can quickly pop a nutritious, ready-made meal into the oven or crockpot. Montgomery Parents I February 2016

Tricia Walania, a postpartum emotional support program coordinator, says that rest is one of the best ways you can care for yourself. “Being rested helps you cope more effectively with 60

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both physical and emotional changes,” she says. Unable to catnap? Relax with your eyes closed.

Integrate gentle exercise. Many

moms are surprised that they still look pregnant after delivery. “Don’t panic; that’s normal,” Petelin says. Although the uterus decreases in size right away, you will still appear to be about five months pregnant when leaving the hospital. By following a healthy diet and exercising according to your doctor’s instructions, you’ll get back to your pre-pregnancy body. Many moms enjoy group exercise activities like “mommy and me” yoga and Fit4Mom (formerly Stroller Strides) where you’ll also experience companionship with other moms. Walking is also beneficial. Not only will you get exercise, a stroll around the block on a sunny day will do wonders for your emotional well-being and give you a boost of vitamin D.

Take extra care if you’ve had a cesarean delivery and only gradually increase your activity level according to your doctor’s instructions. Current recommendations include no driving the first two weeks postpartum and no heavy lifting (anything over 15 pounds) for the first six weeks. Expect hormonal changes. Many new moms feel overwhelmed, tired, anxious, tearful or mildly depressed. “Exhaustion, hormonal changes and isolation after the birth of a baby may lead to what is referred to as ‘baby blues,’” Walania says. “To some degree this happens to everyone. It’s natural and not permanent.” Talk to your doctor if symptoms persist for more than two weeks. Anxiety and depression can also be linked to thyroid issues, low levels of iron and vitamin D.

Tap your village. “I would recommend reaching out. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or just a visit,” Marshall says. Often friends and family members are eager to assist by holding the baby or watching siblings to give you a chance to nap, shower, go for a walk or run an errand. “You have to take care of yourself in order to be able to take care of your baby,” Walania says. While social media can help you feel connected to the outside world, nothing can quite replace a deeply satisfying conversation with a friend or a warm hug. Get together for coffee, lunch or a walk.

If your network feels inadequate, join a mothers’ group or look for parent-child gatherings in your neighborhood through Meetup.com. (Also, refer to the New & Expectant Parents’ Guide following this article and the Support Group section of this issue.) The sooner you seek support, the faster you can start feeling like yourself again. “We don’t want anyone to miss out on the first months of their baby’s life because they don’t feel like themselves and aren’t able to enjoy it like they had hoped,” Walania says. 61

Nurture your spirit. You may be a

mom now, but you aren’t only a mom. Take time to do the things that have always brought you personal fulfillment and joy, whether that’s crafting, relaxing in a warm bath, browsing at a boutique or lunching with a friend. When you are happier and healthier, your baby will be too. mp

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two boys. Christa is the author of Confidently Connected: A Mom’s Guide to a Satisfying Social Life, a resource that helps moms build a strong support network.

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Namedropper / Storkland

7107 East Chase Parkway 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.

Once and Again

4141 Highway 14 290.0150 We are a children’s consignment shop that specializes in lightly used children’s clothing, toys, books, nursery décor and accessories, maternity clothing, and nursing supplies. Please visit our Facebook page at Once and Again Millbrook

Patty Cakes

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International Inc.

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

Retail Montgomery Baby Gap

7064 Eastchase Parkway, 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., 269.2272 Children’s fashions, Original Art, Gifts and Toys Please visit us at www.barbsonmulberry.com.

The Shoppes at My Kids Attic

(ads on pages 23 and 41) 401 Coliseum Blvd., Eastbrook Shopping Center 270.1456 Gifts for all occasions. Engraved & monogrammed gifts, Children’s couture and much, much more. www.mykidsattic.biz

Babies R Us (inside Toys R Us)

5484 Atlanta Highway, 272.6706 Large selection of baby clothes, baby accessories, bedding, baby furniture and equipment.

Prattville

Born Children’s Boutique

Fanci Free

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

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

Children’s Place

Maternity

7044 Eastchase Parkway, 215.8888 Anything to cover your newborn, baby girl or baby boy. Large selection of fashionable clothing for your little one. Please visit us at www.childrensplace.com Montgomery Parents I February 2016

Motherhood Maternity

7052 Eastchase Parkway (The Shoppes at EastChase), 409.0969 62

We offer a large selection of maternity clothes at affordable prices. Something for every occasion. www.motherhood.com

Prenatal Physicians Montgomery Central Alabama Ob/Gyn Associates PA 265.3543 or 215.3400 2024 Chestnut Street, Montgomery and 440-B St. Lukes Dr., Montgomery Roger S. Duggar, M.D.; Christopher R. Duggar, M.D.; Edward W. Reed, M.D. Specialize in Gynecology & Obstetrics, Female Infertility and Surgery

Latoya Clark, M.D.

(ad on page 66) 284.1500 1758 Park Place, Suite 406 Specializes in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Accepting new patients.

Dent Williams, M.D.

409.9550 7045 Sydney Curve Specializes in Obstetrics, including 4-Dimensional Ultrasound Technology, Gynecology and Infertility. www.drdentwilliams.com

Female and Maternity Care

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

Montgomery Obstetrical & Gynecological Associates

284.2355 2173 Normandie Drive Dr. Cheryl Zimmerman and Dr. Victor Pena Offers services in Gynecology & Obstetrics

Montgomery Women’s Health Associates 281.1191 470 Taylor Rd., Suite 300 Dr. Joe D. McClinton, M.D., James R. Dockery, Jr., M.D., Judi A. Jehle, M.D., Rebecca S. Miller, M.D., Gregory Philip Jones, DO, MPH, Katie Sanderson, CRNP Routine prenatal care, High risk prenatal care including non-invasive prenatal testing, In-office ultrasound, In-office nonstress testing and biophysical testing, VBACs for patients who want to try and meet guidelines for trying, External cephalic version. Please visit our website at www.montgomerywomenshealth.com

The Montgomery Women’s Primary Care 356.4873 8134 Seaton Place, Montgomery

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Dr. Roosevelt McCorvey Services offered: Gynecology & Obstetrics

Ob/Gyn Associates of Montgomery PC

(ads on pages 7 and 67) 279.9333 (for both locations) 495 Taylor Rd., Montgomery 630 McQueen Smith Road, Prattville 6992 Winton Blount Blvd., Nurse Midwife Location Gregory Waller, M.D.; Allen Dupre, M.D.; Keith Martin, M.D.; Joseph Desautels, M.D.; Mathew Phillips, M.D.; Benjamin Griggs, M.D.; Natalie Needham, M.D.; Paula Sullivan, DO; Michele Conner, M.D.; Robert Beaird, M.D.; William Thomas, MD; Dent Williams, MD; Vicki Brooks, CNM; Melissa Hatter, CNM; Tracey Mendelsohn, CRNP; Michelle Aplin, CRNP, Della Fuller, CRNP. Specialize in Gynecology, Obstetrics, 4-D Ultrasound and High Risk/Low Risk pregnancy. www.obgynmontgomery.com

Physicians for Women

290.4200 , 287 Mitylene Park Dr, Montgomery 491.4200, 635 McQueen Smith Rd., Prattville Chip Garrard, M.D., FACOG; Byron P Lawhon, M.D., FACOG; Winston M Ashurst, M.D., FACOG;

Al 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, Suite 603 Services offer in Gynecology & Obstetrics

Whittington, Kouri and Gentry P.C.

263.3630 1758 Park Place #201, Montgomery Kim Whittington, M.D. FACOG, David Kouri, M.D. FACOG and Jason Gentry, M.D. FACOG 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., Dr. Aaron R. Millage

All About Kids

277.5431, 2921 Zelda Rd. Dr. Michael Doyle, M.D.; Dr. Nicole Sheffield, M.D Diagnose and treat children for illnesses, injuries, conditions and developmental issues. www.zeldapeds.com

East Montgomery Pediatrics

337 St. Lukes Drive, 356.1411 Dr. Elmer Roque Provides primary healthcare for newborns to eighteen years of age.

Montgomery Pediatric Associates PA

260.9129, 420 Cotton Gin Road John Sumners, M.D., James Rabon, M.D., Daria Anagnos, 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.,

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River Region Association of Doulas

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

Deficit Disorder and Nebulizer treatments for asthma. www.professionalpediatrics.com

Dr. Gillis Payne

Prattville

Lactation Consultants

Partners in Pediatrics

Baptist Medical Center South

244.7209, 7006 Fulton Court Provide quality health care for sick visits, newborn care, well child visits, immunizations and more.

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

Pediatrics Twilight

213.1361, 7026 Sydney Curve Norma Davis, MD, Developmental Pediatrician We are an after-hours pediatric urgent care. Dr. Davis treats pediatric patients who have urgent illnesses or injuries and offers an alternative to long waiting periods at the emergency room. www.pediatricsattwilight.com

Physician’s to Children

293.5033, 470 Taylor Rd., Suite 210 J. Robert Beshear, M.D., Cheryl Fekete, M.D., Alicia Hughes, M.D., Dina Winston-Doctson, M.D., Dr. Kendra Gillis Colvin, M.D. and Dr. Olivia Garcia, M.D. Services provided: Infant, child and adolescent health care, Sick and well visits, Developmental problems and immunizations. www.childrensal.org

Professional Pediatrics

(ad on page 12) 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 Laboratory, 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 Montgomery Parents I February 2016

William E. Sumners, M.D.

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

Prattville Pediatric Associates

361.7811, 645 McQueen Smith Rd. N, John Sumners, M.D., James Rabon, M.D., Daria Anagnos, M.D., Nicole Percival, CRNP, Katie Jones, CRNP Provide sick and well child visits, immunizations, child development, sports screenings and more.

Doulas: Traci Weafer, Rebekah Hawkins and Christina Clark Providing Prenatal counseling, labor and postpartum doula services, breastfeeding education, events and support groups. rradoulas@gmail.com; rradoulas.weebly.com https://www.facebook.com/RRADoulas/

(ad on page 53) E. South Blvd, 286.2829 Offers breast feeding classes, Information on pump rentals and Lactation consultants.

Baptist Medical Center East

(ad on page 53) Taylor Road, 244.8360 Offers breast feeding classes, Information on pump rentals and Lactation consultants

Jackson Hospital Mom & Baby Center

1725 Pine Street, 293.8600 Offers breast feeding classes and pump rental information.

Parenting Programs Alabama Department of Public Health

Doulas & Midwives

(ad on Inside Front Cover) All Kids- Children’s Health Insurance Program. www.adph.org; 1(888)373.5437. A low-cost, comprehensive healthcare coverage program for children under age 19. Benefits include regular check-ups 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.

Ob/Gyn Associates of Montgomery PC

Baptist Health Centering Pregnancy Classes

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

815 Jackson Trace Rd., 567.2882 Provide neonatal care, care for newborn adolescence, sick visits, child development, well visits, immunizations and more. Please visit us on Facebook under Wetumpka Pediatrics.

(ads on pages 7 and 67) 279.9333, 495 Taylor Rd. Midwives: Vicki Brooks, Lisa Blount and Melissa Hatter www.obgynmontgomery.com 64

(ad on page 53) 273.4445 Childbirth Preparation Boot Camp: A fast paced one day class that includes the same information offered in our weekly series. Maternity Area www.montgomeryparents.com

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Tour is also included as a part of this class. Fee is $60 per couple (includes 2 box lunches) payable at class by cash or check. Space is limited. Registration is required. Childbirth Preparation Class: This 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 newborn characteristics are 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. This class is $60 per couple. Space is limited. Registration is required. Prenatal Breastfeeding Class: Class provides expectant mothers with information about breastfeeding including various factors influencing lactation, advantages of breastfeeding, basic anatomy and physiology of milk production, specific techniques to promote a successful breastfeeding experience and breastfeeding equipment and supplies. Classes are taught by IBLCE instructors. Partners are encouraged to participate in this class. This class is $20 per couple. Space is limited. Registration is required. Maternity Area Tour, Baptist Medical Center East: A tour of the Labor and delivery area and Recovery, Postpartum and Nursery Areas. Space is limited. Registration is required. Caring For Your Newborn  Our newborn care class helps new families become familiar with the basics of caring for your infant in the first six weeks after birth. This interactive class covers routine hospital newborn procedures along with bathing, diapering, swaddling and soothing, normal infant behavior, and appearance and sleep patterns. Partners are encouraged to attend. This class is $20 per person. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please call 273.4445 for more information.

Jackson Hospital Mom & Baby Center

1725 Pine Street, 293.8600 PreNatal Tours: Free Prepared Childbirth Class: Understanding Birth – 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 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 65

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La Leche League of Montgomery

6880 Winton Blount Blvd. (East Montgomery Imaging Center) Evening series Meeting in Millbroook, 1st Tuesday of every month at 6-7:30 p.m. at the Once Again Consignment store. Breastfeeding Café in Montgomery, 2nd Thursday of every month at 6-7:30 p.m. at Dalraida United Methodist Church. Morning Series meeting in Montgomery, 3rd Friday of the month at 10-11:30 a.m. at 6880 Winton Blount Blvd. Baptist East Imaging Center. 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 visit our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LLL.Montgomery.AL.

The Parenting Assistance Line (PAL)

1(866) 962.3030. 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 8:00am8:00pm Monday- Friday.

Infant Classes Kindermusik of Montgomery

271.3264; Music and Movement classes for children. Newborn -5 years. Visit us online at www. kindermusik.com

YMCA Tot Swim Classes

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

Support 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. “We now offer “The House of Hope” residence for out of town families. 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.footprintsministry.info for more information.

Honoring Angels Like Owen, Inc. (HALO)

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 memory and your day to day struggles, while receiving support of

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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 needsbased financial assistance for their burial. Visit www.honoringangelslikeowen.org

**Please check the Support Group section of this month’s issue for more Mom/ Parent Support Groups.

Photography Lori Mercer Photography

(ad on page 83) 399.1884 Up to 2 hours coverage, disc of printable files, online gallery to share with family and friends. Please call for pricing. Reserve your date early as availability is limited. Please visit my website for more information at www.lorimercerphotography.com.

Consignment Sales Children’s Clothing Exchange

(ad on page 3) Sale February 5-10th 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 Consignment Sale (ad on page 33) 546.4722 February 25 – March 5 Seasonal consignment sale featuring gently worn children’s clothing, toys, baby equipment and so much more! www.doodlebugs-kids.com

GOD HAS A PLAN AND A PURPOSE FOR ME

Evangel Christian Academy Evangel Christian Academy exists to partner with Christian parents to provide their child with a Christ-centered education. Our desire is to help each child achieve their God-given potential through providing activities designed to foster spiritual, academic and social growth.

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Kids Carousel

(ad on page 35) 272.5263 February 27- March 5 4367 Atlanta Hwy (old Olympia Sporting Goods location) 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

(ad on page 23) 270.1456 February 13-20 401 Coliseum Blvd (Eastbrook Shopping Center) Children’s clothing, toys, furniture, learning aids and everything you need for the little one. www.mykidsattic.biz mp 67

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A Page in a Book Great Books in the Forecast A child’s perception of weather is vastly different from the adult experience. Long before they grow into the tasks of driving in downpours, bringing in plants before a hard freeze or pruning tree limbs that are pushed against windows by wind, children will experience weather with a much simpler and innocent sense of wonder. Unafraid of rain on their skin, delighting in kite weather and simply mad with excitement as the first snow of winter approaches, kids see the potential for adventure in nature’s changing moods. The following titles celebrate special weather conditions through the eyes of children who see fun in the forecast!

Tap Tap Boom Boom

by Elizabeth Bluemle, Illustrated by G. Brian Karas (Candlewick Press) The city sidewalks are crowded with pedestrians as the first droplets of rain presage the storm that’s about to break. The tapping tempo of the rain punctuated by the booming thunder provides the constant score behind the bustling of people rushing to escape the weather. With sparse text that reads a bit like beat poetry, the hypnotic sounds and rhythms of a thunderstorm drive the narrative of controlled chaos among strangers who are now merging together with a common goal of escaping the deluge. Refreshing in its approach, Tap Tap Boom Boom explores weather through the actions and reactions of the people caught in its wake.

When the Wind Blows

by Linda Booth Sweeney and Jana Christy (G.P. Putnam’s Sons / Penguin) When the wind picks up outside his door a young boy beckons his grandma to accompany him on a journey that will make the most of every breeze! From kites flown above the hillside to a gusty walk along the seashore, they experience together all the ways that wind touches every part of their world. Each two-page spread of rainbow-colored edge-to-edge illustrations is anchored by a simple quartet of noun/verb pairings. The sparse wording is just enough to whisper the sense of wind to the reader. Touching on the full sensory experience associated with being buffeted by breezes, this title is the soothing narration of a rich journey through a windy afternoon.

Snow

by Sam Usher (Templar Books / Candlewick) There is something uniquely maddening about having to wait for grown-ups before venturing outside after a new snowfall. If you need a slow-moving adult to facilitate your snow day experience, time can seem to be literally frozen. When one young boy must wait on his Grandpa to accompany him out into the new snow, he pleads for speed as he monitors the snow through the windows. In the beginning, he wants to be the first kid making tracks in the snow, but as time slowly passes he’s becoming worried that he will be the last in his neighborhood to step into the winter wonderland. It’s only when his Grandpa finally gets ready to venture out, that the snowy adventure in store for them both makes the waiting worthwhile!

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

Montgomery Parents I February 2016

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Tonya Speed Dancers Perform at Coliseum

Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection team known as the DC Strutters was honored to entertain at the Harlem Globetrotters game at Garrett Coliseum in January. The TSDC team members wore basketball- style shirts with the number 86 on the front to symbolize Speed’s first year in business as a dance studio. Ashley Duncan and Mary Katherine Messick choreographed the jazz/hip hop-style piece performed.

Family Karate Center Visits Dalraida Elementary

Master Carole Smith and students of Family Karate Center were asked to spend the day at Dalraida Elementary School January 22 for Hobby Day. Each of the school’s 700 students was allowed to participate in many scenarios that would help them learn about how to get out of dangerous situations. The students learned the tricks and lures that child abductors and predators use to get them to go away with them, and what to scream if someone approached them. Many students drew pictures for chief instructor Carole Smith showing them screaming, “No, stranger! I will not go with you! You are not my parent!” The Family Karate Center goes to local schools free of charge to teach students how to stay safe. This demonstration teaches children how to NOT go with predators, and what to do if grabbed. If you would like Family Karate Center to come to your class, organization, children’s school or group, just call 220-9319 or stop by 8159 Vaughn Rd. at Peppertree Shopping Center. Dalraida Elementary students are shown learning Stranger Danger from Master Carole Smith.

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Docarmo’s Students Begin Sword Training

More than 30 students from Docarmo’s Taekwondo Center and Montgomery Taekwondo Center began competitive sword training under 8th Degree Black Belt Master John Kim from Eastern Shore Taekwondo located in Daphne. Students were introduced to basics movements before a sword form was introduced. “We are so excited to expand our training with Master Kim; he has competed and won on the national level with his innovative sword forms,” said Master Anne Docarmo, school owner. “I felt it was another way for our students to gain martial arts knowledge and confidence. Everyone was so inspired by Master Kim’s abilities and teaching skills. He will come throughout the year to take the students to another level before expanding to other weapons.”

Freedom Rides Museum Expands Tour Hours During Black History Month

Beginning February 1, the Freedom Rides Museum will be open for tours Tuesday- Saturday, noon until 4 pm. Visitors are invited to view the museum’s current exhibit “Travelin’ Down Freedom’s Main Line,” which includes original and compelling works of art, architecture, photographs and the stories of Freedom Riders. The exhibit places the Freedom Rides in the context of the civil rights movement and its iconic Alabama events. In their own words, riders, young and old, tell about their commitment (or not) to nonviolent direct action. What happened when they told their parents (or didn’t) that they were going on the ride? What was it like to be in jail and how the rides changed them (or didn’t)? Guided tours will be available each day that the museum is open. “It is significant that we are expanding the hours for the Freedom Rides Museum during Black History Month because the theme for this year is ‘Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories,’” said Lisa Jones, Acting Executive Director for the Alabama Historical Commission, which manages and operates the museum. “This museum has become a sacred site where we can reflect on the courage of these young Freedom Riders, black and white, who risked their lives to challenge injustice and bring about major change in America.” A schedule of events will be posted on the museum’s website at www.freedomridesmuseum.org. Information on the events will also be posted online at the museum’s Facebook page.

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Calendar/Support Groups Ongoing

Ala. Dept. of Archives & History Exhibit galleries include a children’s gallery and a reference room for genealogical and historical research. Hands-On Gallery includes Grandma’s Attic where you can try on clothes, uniforms, shoes, try an old typewriter, sit at an old school desk or experience making a quilt square. Also visit our History at Home web page to print off fun activities you can do at home. In addition, there are FREE, guided tours of the Museum of Alabama EVERY Saturday at 1 p.m. This is a general overview of Alabama history in our museum galleries led by one of our staff or experienced docents. Stay tuned for upcoming events from the Archives, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook. Call 242-4435 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov. Alabama River Region Arts Center in Wetumpka has weekly after-school Arts Clubs which meet on Thursdays from 4-5 & 5-6 p.m. There are three clubs: Guitar (acoustic), Clay (polymer, ie “sculpy”) and Painting/Drawing. Each Club is $20 a month. Students for Guitar Club must be 10 years old, but 7-yearolds are welcome for the other two. Clubs are limited to the first 10 students, for one month. While children are in Arts Clubs, parents are welcome to stay and browse our Gallery or Resource Library, or just wait in the kitchen with a soda! Studio space is also available on a lease basis. The Pottery Studio is available to ARRAC members trained on the wheel. First Saturday of every month is a free Sit & Sew, from 9 a.m.-noon. Bring your hand-sewing project or sewing machine for a morning of sewing with the ladies. (Bluegrass Jam is going on at the same time in another room.) 300 W. Tallassee St. (former Wetumpka Jr. High building), Wetumpka, AL 36092. Visit www.arrac.org or see us on Facebook: Alabama River Region Arts Center, or call 578-9485 for more information. Artists In Action: 1st Wednesday and 3rd Saturday of EVERY month at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts from noon-2 p.m.. Local and regional artists at work. For more info, call 240-4333. “Artworks,” a hands-on children’s exhibit. FREE. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Blount Cultural Park. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Open until 9 p.m. Thursdays. Closed Mondays. For more info, call 240-4333. 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 wellknown 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 communitybased organizations. For more info, contact Diana French, president, at garnet2@bellsouth.net. Brain Pump Are you looking for a fun outlet for your child that nurtures wellness, fitness, coordination, balance, attention and learning, all while interacting and playing with their peers? If so, then Brain Pump might be what you are looking for! Brain Pump is a group exercise class, targeting children 4-12 years old. The class is the collaboration of a physical therapist and a kinesiology professor combining traditional therapy and exercise concepts with the latest cutting edge research on movement and the brain. The intensity of the class is also designed to keep the child’s heart rate at a level that research shows most stimulates the brain. This is all done in a fun, energetic setting, that seems much more like playing than exercising. Brain Pump is taught at Metro Fitness on Saturdays from 11-11:45 a.m. Please contact Tiffany Higginbotham at Body Logic PT & Wellness (334-380-5920) if you are interested in reserving a spot in the class. 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) 4579254 or e-mail Celtic.traditions@gmail.com for more info.

Central Alabama Contra Dancers Everyone, school-age through adult, is invited for a little exercise and a lot of fun. Singles, couples and entire families are welcome. All levels of experience - including no experience. Dancing is on 1st and 3rd Fridays from 7-9 p.m. at the MASDA building, 2200 Popular St. For more info, visit www.contralines.com or email info@contralines.com. 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

February2016 info or to tour the museum, call 242-1861 or visit www. firstwhitehouse.org. Friday Night Hoops Attention students in 5th through 12th grades: Are you looking for something to do on Friday nights? Get together with your friends for pick-up games of basketball every 1st and 3rd Friday at the Bell Road YMCA from 9 p.m.-midnight. Students must be dropped off by 10 p.m. and cannot leave without being picked up by parent or guardian (unless students drove themselves). Must be playing basketball to be involved. Participants must have a photo ID (i.e. School ID). $3 for members; $7 for nonmembers. For more info, contact James Garvin at (334) 271-4343 or jgarvin@ymcamontgomery.org. Garden Tours Local gardens include Southern Homes and Gardens, Blount Cultural Park’s Shakespearean Garden at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Grace Episcopal Church, Prattville’s historic gardens in Old Pratt Village and the Wilderness Park, and Wetumpka’s arboretum at Ft. Toulouse. For more info

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

Montgomery Parents I February 2016

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) 3494235 or visit www.chomonline.org. 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 hour-long workshop is $25 per child and gives each child the opportunity to learn the art of cupcake decorating. Each child will receive a Cupcakes by Tish apron and four decorated cupcakes with a variety of candies, sprinkles, and goodies that adds personalization. Older kids and teens will be shown the basics of fondant decorating. To register, contact Special Events Coordinator Ebony Ware at (334) 356-5292 or parties@cupcakesbytish.com. 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

in Montgomery, call 1-800-240-9452 or visit www.VisitingMontgomery.com. In Prattville, call 361-0961 or visit www.prattville.com/visitor/history. In Wetumpka, call 567-3002 or visit www.wetumpka.al.us/features. Other numbers are: Blount Cultural Park (274-0062 or www. blountculturalpark.org); Grace Episcopal Church (215-1422); Old Alabama Town (240-4005 or www.oldalabamatown. com); and Alabama Garden Trail (1-800-ALABAMA or www. touralabama.org). W. A. Gayle Planetarium Public Shows offered Mon.-Thurs. at 4 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. and first & third Saturdays at 2 p.m. Admission $6.50/ person, children under 5 free, seniors $5.50/person. 1010 Forest Ave. in Oak Park. Call 625-4799. 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: 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.

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Calendar/Support Groups 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 and help new residents do the same. We 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. For information on meetings and locations, contact Nancy Schrull at (334) 356-9897 or nschrull@knology.net. Prattville Movie Club (for Teens) Meeting twice a month on Fridays, current Prattville Movie Club members range from 14-18 years old and meet at the Carmike Promenade 12 on Cobbs Ford Road. The goal of the group is to promote friendship through moviegoing. There are no GPA requirements and no class requirements. We are a couple of friends who enjoy moviegoing and want to meet others who also enjoy watching movies. For more info, call (334) 224-7811 or e-mail brandonperdue12@gmail.com. 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. Tales for Tots Join us for this FREE introduction to art in storybooks and in the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts galleries for young children and their families. Each time a different work of art and special story will be presented. Next classes are February 17 from 10:3011 a.m., and 11-11:30 a.m. Call 240-4365 or visit www.mmfa.org for more info. 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. YMCA 7 to 11 Club Calling all children ages 7 to 11 for this fun, free event. While Mom and Dad are working out, join us for games, arts & crafts, service projects and more. Earn special beads for participation and try to break records for superior achievements. Monthly special events will be hosted as well. Check with your YMCA center or visit ymcamontgomery.org for more details.

Classes

Breastfeeding Class Designed to prepare the expectant mother for breastfeeding her newborn. Also includes trouble-shooting common problems to establish a successful breastfeeding experience. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $15. Class schedule is subject to change, so please call 293-8497 to register or for more info. Caring For Your Newborn Helps new families become familiar with the basics of caring for your infant in the first six weeks after birth. This interactive class covers routine hospital newborn procedures along with bathing, diapering, swaddling and soothing, normal infant behavior, appearance and sleep patterns. Partners are encouraged to attend. $20 fee per couple. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. Expectant moms should register for classes by the fifth month of pregnancy for best selection as class space is limited. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Childbirth Basics Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose to have pain relief during labor and delivery. Sessions are taught throughout the year at Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $25. Call 293-8497 by your 4th month of pregnancy to register. Childbirth Preparation Class Comprehensive four-week evening series covers all aspects of the labor and delivery experience, admission process, medication and anesthesia options including epidurals, Caesarean sections, coping and comfort measures including breathing and relaxation techniques. Postpartum care and newborn characteristics are included. A maternity area tour of Baptist Medical Center East is also included as a part of this class. All of our classes are taught by registered nurses certified in childbirth education. This class is $60 per couple. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more information. Expectant moms should register for classes by the fifth month of pregnancy for best selection as class space is limited. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. ID required. Childbirth Preparation Boot Camp Fast-paced Saturday class including the same information offered in our weekly series in a compressed format. Maternity area tour of Baptist Medical Center East is also included as a part of this class. Fee is $60 per couple and includes 2 box lunches. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more information. Expectant moms should register for classes by the fifth month of pregnancy for best selection as class space is limited. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Chinese Language Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Office of Far Eastern Initiatives offers Saturday classes for children and adults. The one-hour weekly courses are provided free-of-charge as a service to the community. For more information or to register, contact April Ma at 244-3018 or ama@aum.edu CPR & First Aid The American Red Cross offers classes in adult and infant/ child CPR as well as first aid and babysitting classes monthly. Call 260-3980. Diabetes Education --Prattville Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available Wednesdays by appointment at Prattville Medical Park. Call 213-6360 for more information. Diabetes Education --Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available weekdays by appointment. Call 213-6360 for more info. Family Nutrition Classes Fun, hands-on 3 or 6-week in person or online course developed by well-known pediatrician Dr William Sears. Classes focused towards parents of children age 3-12. Content includes: Traffic Light Eating, Brainy Breakfasts, the Truth about Fats, Powering up with Protein and Play, and more! The goal is to learn simple ways to improve the health of your child through lifestyle, exercise, attitude, and nutrition. Fee includes materials, activities, and a snack. A 2-hour preview class is available. For more information, contact Alissabeth Taylor at alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or via Facebook - www.Facebook.com/LeaninCentralAL.

February2016 Foster Parent Training Classes Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries sponsors foster care training classes in the Tri-County Area. For more information on foster care or to register for the classes, please contact Bobbi Olson, Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, at 334-430-7569 or e-mail bolson@abchome.org. Infant Safety/CPR Class Teaches parents and grandparents the American Heart Association’s Family and Friends CPR for infants and children, including care of the choking infant, infant rescue and breathing with hands-on practice using ACTAR CPR dolls for class participants. Class will also help parents with creating a safe environment for their child. Classes are taught by certified CPR Instructors, but this class is not a certification class. $10 fee per person. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. Expectant moms should register for classes by the fifth month of pregnancy for best selection as class space is limited. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Maternity Area Tour Only Baptist Medical Center East maternity area tour for expectant mothers and families not attending Childbirth Preparation Class or Boot Camp. This tour is complimentary and is offered on select Saturdays of each month. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. Pre- and Post-natal Fitness Classes Includes water aerobics, step-floor aerobics and strength training. SportsFirst. Call 277-7130. Pregnancy Nutrition Classes Fun, interactive 3-week series of nutrition classes developed by well-known pediatrician Dr. William Sears. Classes focus on lifestyle choices, attitude, and exercise at any stage of pregnancy; Optimal nutrition before, during and after pregnancy; Transition from pregnancy to motherhood. Courses can be taken separately or as a series. Jump in any time! Materials and snack provided with fee. For more information contact Alissabeth Taylor at alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or via Facebook - www.Facebook.com/LeaninCentralAL. Prenatal Breastfeeding Class Baptist Medical Center East class provides expectant mothers with information about breastfeeding including various factors influencing lactation, advantages of breastfeeding, basic anatomy and physiology of milk production, specific techniques to promote a successful breastfeeding experience and breastfeeding equipment and supplies. Classes are taught by IBLCE instructors. Partners are encouraged to participate in this class. $20 per couple. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. Expectant moms should register for classes by the fifth month of pregnancy for best selection as class space is limited. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Prenatal Breastfeeding Class Second Saturday of each month, 10 a.m.-noon. NICU Conference Room, Baptist Medical Center South. Take the main hospital elevators to the 2nd floor. Go left off the elevator. Take an immediate left down the first hallway you come to (which only goes to the left). The conference room is the last door on your right at the end of the hallway, just before the back entrance to the NICU. This class is free to the community. Moms in their second trimester are welcome. Those that qualify will receive incentives. No children please. This is a learning environment. Call (334) 286-2829 to register. Sibling Preparation Class Fun one-hour class is designed for expectant “big brothers and sisters” ages 3 to 8. They will learn about the arrival of their new baby through an introduction to the hospital experience and the early days at home. Parents should plan to attend with their child. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule. Slow Flow Yoga Take a break from your desk and relieve stress with some slow flow yoga at Old Alabama Town! Instructor Juliet Thomas provides downtown workers with a convenient way to stretch and reenergize before going back into the office. Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 11:30-12:15, and 12:30-1:15. Beginners welcome! No registration needed; just come

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Calendar/Support Groups to Molton South Building. Enter through the Rose House, located on Columbus St. between N. Hull and Decatur. Parking is available along Decatur and N. Hull. Drop in fee: $12; 5-class pass: $50 (exp. 60 days) Monthly unlimited: $65. Mat rental: $1. Pay by cash or check payable to Juliet Thomas. Blocks will be provided. Please arrive 5-10 minutes early. Wear comfortable clothing, something to easily move around in. Mats and props are provided if needed, although students may prefer their own mat after a few yoga sessions. Bring water to hydrate on your walk back to the office! No sugary drinks or other food allowed. For more info, call (334) 240-4500 or (334) 207-0909 or e-mail juliet.yoga@icloud.com.

tor those who are suffering from sleep disorders. For more information, contact your physician or the Sleep Center at 293-8168. River Region Association of Doulas Doulas Traci Weafer, Rebekah Hawkins and Christina Clark provide prenatal counseling, labor and postpartum doula services, breastfeeding education, events and support groups. Contact rradoulas@gmail.com or visit rradoulas.weebly.com or https://www.facebook. com/RRADoulas/.

Services

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. However, the group will meet in room 8253 in November. For more information, call Monica Russell at 409-9477 or the church office at 272-8622. Autauga/ Elmore Group meets 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Glynwood Baptist Church, Prattville. Childcare, children’s group and dinner provided. For more info, call 409-9477 or e-mail htaylor@childrensaid.org. Birth Parent and Adult Adoptee Support Group Children’s Aid Society hosts a free support group for adult adoptees and birth parents. This group provides emotional support for people at all stages of the lifelong adoption process. Meetings held at Children’s Aid Society, 2141 14th Avenue South in Birmingham. For class dates and times, call Audrey Derevenko at (205) 943-5343 or e-mail adereven@childrensaid.org. Panda Pals is a support group for families who have adopted or in the process of adopting children from China. We have playdates, family nights and 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.

American Cancer Society Seeks Volunteers for Road to Recovery This program is designed to ensure that cancer patients have transportation to and from medical facilities for treatment. Road to Recovery volunteers can be individual drivers with time to help others or even local companies who allow employees to provide transportation on company time in company cars. Anyone who has a driver’s license, a safe driving record, personal automobile insurance, owns a car or has access to one, and can spare as little as one morning or afternoon a month is encouraged to volunteer. For more information, or to volunteer, please call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Baptist 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. Baptist 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. 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 Hospital Animal Therapy Program 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. Jackson Hospital 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. Jackson Sleep Disorders Center Jackson Hospital houses a sleep disorders center on the third floor of the Goode Medical Building to moni-

Montgomery Parents I February 2016

Support Groups Adoption Support

Cancer Support

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

February2016 Divorce Support

Boundaries Study for singles meets each Tuesday through November 24 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. This study helps singles learn to set boundaries with emotions and help avoid the harmful behavior of others. For more info, call the Singles office at 4956386 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org. DivorceCare will begin meeting at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday night, January 14, from 6-8 pm. It fosters a weekly supportive and caring environment to heal the hurt of separation and divorce. You will experience the GriefShare group as an oasis in the midst of a difficult season of your life. The DivorceCare experience involves a dynamic video presentation, group share time, and personal workbook exercises. Facilitators for DivorceCare are Todd Smith, Wendy Timbie and Becki Harrison. To register or for more info, call 279-5433. DivorceCare and DivorceCare 4 Kids First Baptist Church Montgomery, Wednesdays starting August 22 at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $15 (scholarships available). Contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@montgomeryfbc.org or 241-5125. Divorce Care, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays through November 24 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call (334) 495-6386 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org for more info. DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K), Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays through December 1 from 6-7:30 p.m. This group is for children ages 5 and up and helps children of all ages heal from the pain of their parents’ separation and divorce. Call (334) 4956386 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org 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 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

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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. For more information about the group, call (334) 284-2721. “Connect,” Fridays at 11 a.m., biweekly, Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is for those who have already walked through the initial grieving process but still desire to connect with others who share similar experiences. This group will allow you to meet new people, stay active in the community, and look ahead to a bright future. We will share lunch, visit museums, volunteer, attend movies, and participate in area events. We even have a fishing trip on the agenda! This group is ongoing and does not have a participation limit. It’s time to have fun again, come join us! For more info, call 279-6677. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW. Grief Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Rm. 3105. Call 272-8622 for more info. GriefShare will begin meeting weekly at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday night, January 14, from 6-8 pm. This program is non-denominational and features biblical concepts for healing your grief. You will find a warm, caring environment for your journey through grief and loss. You will not be left alone to deal with all the grief issues in your life. Three key parts make up your GriefShare experience: video seminar; support group time; and workbook study. GriefShare will be led by Howard and Carol Payne and Jim Williams. To register or for more info, call 279-5433. GriefShare, Hospice of Montgomery’s office located at 1111 Holloway Park, Montgomery. Meets Wednesdays from noon-1 p.m. through March. This FREE group is for individuals, families and caregivers in the River Region. Registration required to attend. HOM provides quality palliative care to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those in our community affected by terminal illness; maintains the highest ethical standards; and educates the community about the hospice concept and end-of-life issues. For more information or to register, please contact Candace Fales at 279-6677 or cfales@hospiceofmontgomery.org. Grieving With Hope, St. Mark UMC, meeting weekly on Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m. The group offers a place to share, care and heal from the losses of life. Facilitated by Dr. Lennie Howard and Marie Parma. Contact the church at 272-0009. Honoring Angels Like Owen, Inc. (HALO) offers family-oriented, Christian-based grief support groups that meet monthly. These groups are for families who have lost a child from 20 weeks gestation up to the age of 2 years old. Our parents’ group is for mothers and fathers. Our siblings’ group is for children ages 6-15. Both groups meet at the same time and place. These groups offer faith-based healing through sharing and emotional support. Meetings offer an outlet for sharing your child’s memory and your day to day struggles, while receiving support of others who have been in similar situations. Please feel free to bring photos of your child to share. HALO also offers free professional photography for families facing the loss of a child up to the age of 2 years old and needs-based financial assistance for burial. Visit www.honoringangelslikeowen. org or call (334) 328-1202. Hospice of Montgomery (HOM) Grief Support Thursdays in October beginning Oct. 8 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. The group will meet at Hospice of Montgomery’s office located at 1111 Holloway Park, Montgomery. The Grief Support Group is open to the community. HOM’s bereavement program is a voluntary one offered to family members and loved ones of HOM’s patients who want this type of support. Grief education programs are also available to individuals living within Hospice of Montgomery’s service area. For more info, call (334) 279-6677 or visit www.hospiceofmontgomery.org. Mourning to Morning is a Christian growth group for mothers who have lost a child, from before birth

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Calendar/Support Groups through adulthood. We normally meet the last Thursday night of each month at Grace Baptist Church in Wetumpka, 304 Old Montgomery Highway. For more info, contact Alice Scarborough at (334) 462-4775 or Gwen Ellis at (334) 567-8754 or e-mail us at mourningtomorning@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook--Mourning to Morning Group. Our purpose is to glorify God as we serve Him in comforting and encouraging each other in our grief and growth.

Homeschool Support

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

Illness Support

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers Support Group meets 1st Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in room 3103 at Frazer Memorial UMC. For more info, call 272-8622. The Renaissance Spirit Group (an adult day group for Alzheimer’s patients in their early to middle stages) meets each Thursday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Room 3101 at Frazer Memorial UMC. Registration is required. For more info, contact Nancy McLain at (334) 233-2139. Cardiolife, a FREE educational series for congestive heart failure patients and their caregivers, meets 4th Thursdays of each month, 10-11 a.m. Diabetes Center classroom, Jackson Hospital. For more info, call 279-6677. Topics include: Lifestyle Changes, A Heart Healthy Diet, Proper Fluid Intake, Importance of Daily Weights and Exercise Tolerance. Support for this program provided by River Region Supportive Care – a Division of Hospice of

Montgomery Parents I February 2016

Montgomery. Facilitated by Arla Chandler, RN, BSN, MBA. Celebrate Recovery is a 12-step-Christian process to help you cope with hurts, hang-ups, and habits on a weekly basis. It will begin meeting at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday night, January 14, from 6-8 pm. This Christ-centered recovery will provide a safe place to share and to heal. You will also experience hope and strength for each day. “Celebrate Recovery” will be led by Jeff McFarland. To register or for more info, call 279-5433. Christians Against Substance Abuse (CASA) is a 12-step spiritual recovery program for overcoming addictions. Using the steps and the Bible, we help build self-esteem, responsible behavior, learning to make amends for destructive behavior, then fill the void in our hearts by developing a loving relationship with God. Class begins each Wednesday evening @6:30 p.m. Please contact the Prattville Church of Christ office, 344 East Main St. in Prattville (334-365-4201), for additional information. Depression/Bipolar Support Group meets 1st Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. in Room 3101 at Frazer Memorial UMC. This group is for those with depression and bipolar illness and their families. For more info, call 272-8622 or visit dbsamontgomery@yahoo.com. Meetings also available 3rd Saturday afternoons from noon-2 p.m. at Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway. For more info, call 652-1431. Depression & Bipolar Support, Montgomery Public Library Main Branch, 245 High Street downtown, 2nd Floor Meeting Room, 3rd Saturdays, Noon-2 p.m.; OR 1609 West Street, north off Carter Hill and Narrow Lane, 2nd Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Call 2019638 or 652-1431 for more info. Gluten Intolerance Group (www.gluten.net) is a nonprofit organization with the mission to provide support to those with any form of gluten intolerance. GIG-Montgomery assists with awareness of diverse

February2016 potential symptoms, which can range from fatigue and headaches to nausea and intestinal problems. Guidelines are provided on how to eat safely both at home and eating out. Another objective is to facilitate more effective communication between the local gluten-free community and stores, restaurants and the medical community. Meets 2nd Thursdays, 6-7 p.m., at Taylor Road Baptist Church, Fellowship Suite (faces entrance of 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 Montgomery (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) provides understanding, education and information to family members and friends of those who suffer mental illness. The NAMI Montgomery Family Member Support Group meets second Mondays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in room 3103 at Frazer Memorial UMC. Call Mary Jo Logan (271-2280) for details. OCD Support Group (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) Long showers, multiple hand-washing, rituals, checking the stove, hoarding and symmetry. This support group is open to anyone who has struggled with OCD. You’re not alone anymore. This group is just getting started so a specific meeting time has not been set yet. Location will be 5500 Ash Grove Circle, Montgomery. Call Donald at 220-7555 for more info. Overeaters Anonymous, Unity of Montgomery, 1922 Walnut St., Saturdays from 3-4 p.m. Contact Misty at 324-9568 or Carol at 467-5742. Parkinson’s Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, normally meets on 4th Thursdays at 6 p.m. in Room 8114.

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Group is for Parkinson’s patients and their family members. However, the group will meet on the 3rd Thursday in November due to Thanksgiving. It will not meet in December. 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

Circle of Moms Club Meets Feb. 8 & 22; also March 7 & 21 from 11:30 a.m.1 p.m. at UAB School of Medicine Basement Auditorium, adjacent to Baptist Medical Center South. Bring your baby, your questions, and hang out with other moms and moms-to-be. Learn from each other and have a great time at this free breastfeeding club. A lactation nurse will be at each meeting to offer expert help. A baby scale will also be available to monitor the weight of your baby. Light lunch provided, and door prizes! For more info, call (334) 286-2829 or e-mail llrambo@ baptistfirst.org. D.A.D.S. (Dad and Daughter Saturdays) Second Saturdays at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Library in downtown Montgomery at 11 a.m. D.A.D.S. is the vision of local resident and Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce staff member Ron Simmons and his daughter Erin. It gives fathers and daughters an opportunity to read together to create fun, educational memories. All fathers in the River Region are invited to bring their daughters to the library to read, laugh and have fun. This free event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Montgomery City-County Public Library and Dreamland Barbeque. For more information, call Ron Simmons at (334) 777-8596. La Leche League of Montgomery Area has served local mothers since 1984. Women who are pregnant, interested in breastfeeding and nursing mothers are invited to attend our free mother-to-mother support meetings or e-mail with breastfeeding questions. Our leaders are experienced breastfeeding mother volunteers who have completed an accreditation program through LLL International. At monthly meetings mothers share their questions and concerns as well as the benefits and joys of breastfeeding. Join us with your babies. Children of all ages are welcome. We currently have morning and evening meetings. For more info, e-mail us at LLL.Montgomery.AL@gmail.com or visit http://www. llli.org/groups/@llli*group*montgomery or “like” us on Facebook facebook.com/LLL.Montgomery.AL. Mom2Mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of children ages birth-5 years at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. E-mail Mom2mom@frazerumc.org for more information. Moms’ LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) First Baptist Church, Prattville. Meets twice monthly from 8:30-11:45 a.m. in the chapel at First Baptist Church in Prattville August through May. For moms of all stages and ages of life. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guests, special guest speakers and a lot of fun! Cost is $5 per meeting. Childcare provided by reservation. For more info and to reserve your spot, call Kelley Manning at 361-7919. The Montgomery Multiples Club is a non-profit organization offering support to the mothers and families of twins, triplets, and more in the Central Alabama region. They have a mom’s night out with dinner once a month. They also have a yard sale twice a year, in the spring and again in the fall. For more info, visit http:// montgomerymultiplesclub.org.

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Calendar/Support Groups MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry St., Montgomery. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Moms, need a little break? MOPS is a place you can share a good meal, make new friends, and find encouragement as you face the everyday challenges of raising your little ones. We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Visit www.montgomeryfbc.org/MOPS or contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Vaughn Forest Baptist Church, 8660 Vaughn Road, Montgomery. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Are you in need of a time-out? Then have we got the place for you! MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. Childcare is provided. For more info, e-mail VFCMOPS@gmail.com. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Redland Baptist Church in Wetumpka. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month from 9-11 a.m. during the school year. We will also have scheduled play dates and mom’s nights out. Women can come just as they are to build friendships, be encouraged by each other and gain practical parenting strategies. Moms get together to share food, laugh, and hear inspiring speakers. While moms are in a MOPS meeting, their children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program. In a MOPS group, you experience authentic community, mothering support, personal growth and spiritual hope, all to help you be the best mom possible. For more info, please call (334) 567-8649 or visit www.mops.org/redlandmops.

Pregnancy Loss/Infertility

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

Single Parents Support

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

Montgomery Parents I February 2016

Special Needs Support

Alabama Angels Pageant, a nonprofit pageant for males and females of any age with special needs. Participation is free. 2016 pageant date TBA. Visit www. alabamaangels.org and look for us on Facebook! Central Alabama Autism Support Team (C.A.A.S.T.), St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Hwy. 31 in Prattville from 6-8 p.m. 3rd Thursdays quarterly (Feb., May, Aug., Nov.). Visit www.easysite.com/caast or e-mail casst50@yahoo.com for more info. Down Syndrome Support, Vaughn Park Church of Christ, 2nd Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Childcare provided. Call Hope Smith at 328-8766 or visit www. montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com for information. Montgomery Area Hearing Loss Support Group meets monthly at the Wesley Building of the First Methodist Church in Montgomery on 2nd Thursdays at 4 p.m. It is affiliated with the nationally recognized non-profit advocacy group, Hearing Loss Association of America. The purpose is to bring together all adults and parents of children who would like to know more about hearing losses, its causes and its possible corrections. Licensed audiologists make brief presentations explaining their local programs, their offices and the availability of hearing tests, of possible medical corrections, and/of hearing aids and cochlear implants. Refreshments at each meeting. For more info, contact HearingInfo@earthlink.net. River Region Autism Support Group, Cafe Louisa (in Old Cloverdale), 1036 E. Fairview Ave. We meet on 1st Saturdays from 4-6 p.m. This group is comprised of parents whose children are on the autism spectrum. We also welcome others involved with autistic children, such as grandparents, friends, teachers, therapists, etc. For more info about how to join the group, or if you plan to attend a meeting, e-mail Lyra Stephens at LyraStephens@yahoo.com. Special Needs Skate 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month. 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Looney’s Super Skate, 3541 McGehee Rd. in Montgomery. All ages welcome. Sensory sensitive. Volunteers available for assistance. $5 admission. For more information, contact Lyrastephens@yahoo.com.

Teens/Families Support

Life is Fun Together (LIFT): This is a FREE program through Family Guidance Center of Alabama and a partnership with the Alabama Healthy Marriage and Relationship Initiative (AHMREI). LIFT provides relationship and marriage education and real-world skills through fun, distinctive workshops, information & referral services, ongoing support, and the LIFT library. Singles, non-married parents, stepfamilies, premarital couples, and married couples can all enjoy the benefits of LIFT workshops: ELEVATE blends 7 practical skills with an understanding of the physiology of human interaction (the heart-brainbehavior connection). Couples can get skills to help manage stress and reduce conflict. Learn how to relax, get to know each other more deeply, and make your relationship something you look forward to every day! In Relationship Smarts (RS+), participants learn what true love really is, the role of “brain chemicals,” how to build healthy relationships, how to handle breakups, the “red flags” to domestic violence, relationship skills, and so much more. Written for 9th through 12th graders, RS+ is a solid, basic curriculum for adults too. Date Nights! is a program for couples that are in committed relationships. Using the Basic Training curriculum, participants get the unique opportunity to enjoy a date together at a local restaurant- ON US! Topics include benefits of a healthy marriage, communication, surrender, problem-solving as a team, and intimacy. How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk (or Jerkette) is a great program for singles and daters. Participants learn the technical definition of a “jerk” and how to spot one, how to build a healthy relationship, and the five things to know in order to be able to predict what someone would be like in marriage. For Couples Only is a must-have for any couple in any stage of their relationship. Using the Mastering

February2016 the Mysteries of Love curriculum, couples go through intensive training in communication, conflict management, and problem-solving. Smart Steps for Stepfamilies was created for couples where at least one partner is not the biological parent of at least one child in the family. This curriculum is useful for all stepfamily couples regardless of whether the couple is married. A children’s component is often available. Contact Tonya Rogers at 270-4100, trogers@familyguidancecenter.org, or www.familyguidancecenter. org today! Support Group for Teens with difficulties communicating with parents and friends. Contact Felicia Pressley at Pressley Counseling by leaving a message at (334) 625-0159.

This Month

Monday, February 1

Soul Shop Suicide Prevention -- Also February 2 Soul Shop trains church leaders to save lives. In an effort to stem the rising tide of suicide in the River Region, training is offered by The Samaritan Counseling Center, Inc. at 2416 West Cloverdale Park in Montgomery. A session on February 1 from 6:30-8 p.m. is open to the public. One on February 2 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. is specifically for clergy, church staff and lay ministers. The daylong training session for church leaders teaches how to detect the signs of someone contemplating suicide and possibly save their life. Additionally, Soul Shop trains church leaders how to minister to surviving family members after a suicide. To learn more, please call (334) 262-7787 or e-mail nthomas@tsccenter.org. February 2016 State Superintendent’s Art Show -- Through February 29 Alabama State Capitol Supreme Court Library. For more information, contact Lisa Franklin, (334) 242-3188. Freedom Rides Museum Expands Tour Hours Through February 29 Beginning February 1, the Freedom Rides Museum will be open for tours Tuesday-Saturday, noon until 4 pm. Visitors are invited to view the museum’s current exhibit, “Travelin’ Down Freedom’s Main Line,” which includes original and compelling works of art, architecture, photographs and the stories of Freedom Riders. The exhibit places the Freedom Rides in the context of the civil rights movement and its iconic Alabama events. In their own words, riders, young and old, tell their stories. Guided tours will be available each day that the museum is open. A schedule of events will be posted at www.freedomridesmuseum.org. Information on the events will also be posted online at the museum’s Facebook page.

Wednesday, February 3

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

Thursday, February 4

An Expressive Evening at the MMFA 6-7:30 p.m. Join us in celebrating the expressive talents of local students. The Muses, a council of teens passionate about the arts, presents the fourth annual Expressive Evening. Showcasing music, dance, visual arts, and dramatic and literary readings throughout the Museum, the performance event will engage the collec-

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Calendar/Support Groups tion as a source of inspiration. Student artwork will also be on view in the exhibition Sensational Still Life. The Museum thanks the Muses representing BTW, Brew Tech, the homeschool community, LAMP, Lighthouse Christian, Park Crossing, St. James, and Trinity for organizing this exciting event. Visit www.mmfa.org or call (334) 240-4333. ARTtalk at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 6-8 p.m. Six times a year, artists have the opportunity to bring a work of art to the Museum, show it to other artists and those interested in art, and have friendly feedback about the work. Signing up for ARTtalk reserves a space in all six meetings, with or without artwork. Cost: $20 (for all six sessions) for Museum or Art Guild members; $35 for non-members. Register now for this unique program, and get an up-close look at artists, their work, and the creative process! E-mail edsecy@mmfa.org or call (334) 240-4365 for reservations. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Ain’t Misbehaving -- Through February 13 The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s comes to life in this three-time Tony award-winning musical revue. Join five performers on a journey through the timeless music of Thomas “Fats” Waller. Visit www.asf.net or call 271-5353.

Friday, February 5

Grand Opening for Rockin’ Jump New trampoline park located at 5544 Atlanta Hwy. Visit montgomery.rockinjump.com or call (334) 239-2587. Friday Night Hoops -- Also February 19 Students in 5th through 12th grades, get together with your friends for pick-up games of basketball every 1st and 3rd Friday at the Bell Road YMCA from 9 p.m.midnight. Students must be dropped off by 10 p.m. and cannot leave without being picked up by parent or guardian (unless students drove themselves). Must be playing basketball to be involved. Participants must have a photo ID (i.e. School ID). $3 for members; $7 for non-members. For more info, contact James Garvin at (334) 271-4343 or jgarvin@ymcamontgomery.org.

Saturday, February 6

Home Depot Kids’ Workshop Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Today’s project is “build a wooden Valentine’s mailbox to hold all your child’s cards from their favorite friends.” After the mailbox is built, your child can personalize the project with paint. 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. Living History Program at Fort Toulouse - Fort Jackson Featuring 1814 Militia All events are $2/adult & $1/child unless otherwise noted. Call (334) 567-3002 for more information. Michael’s Kids Club Cupid’s Arrow Valentine EastChase Parkway in Montgomery and Cobbs Ford Road in Prattville. 10 a.m.-noon. Cost: $2. Kids 3 and up can enjoy a quick project and take home a finished masterpiece. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. $2 per child, supplies included. Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event. Visit www. michaels.com for more info. Fun Family Craft Time - Chalkboard Frame at Michael’s EastChase Parkway in Montgomery and Cobbs Ford Road in Prattville. 1-3 p.m. Gather your family and friends and join us for a fun afternoon of decorating sweet heart-shaped frames with chalkboard paint and chalk markers. Just in time for Valentine’s Day! Supplies are included when you buy the frame. Visit www. michaels.com for more info. Pike Road Arts Council Animals Art Workshop Founders Station from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Artist Kellie Newsome teaches how to create bright, colorful animals and shows skills you can apply to paintings of

Montgomery Parents I February 2016

any kind! If you have a pet or a cool scene you’d like to paint, simply bring an 8x10 photo and leave with a creative masterpiece. This class is open to all skill levels and recommended for aspiring artists ages 14 and older. The workshop is $100 and includes many of the materials needed. Reserve your space by e-mailing kellie_newsome@yahoo.com. AUM Offers Free Mandarin Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Confucius Institute continues to offer free Mandarin classes to the community. To register, send the student’s name, age and contact information to ama@aum.edu. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Comedian Kathleen Madigan 7:30 p.m. Over Madigan’s 25-year career, she has performed on nearly every stand-up television show ever made. Leno, Letterman, Conan, Ferguson and most recently on the new Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, and she recently filmed her fifth appearance on Ron White’s Salute To The Troops set to air in on CMT. In 2014, Madigan was nominated for an American Comedy Award for Best Concert Comic and her third hour-long special, Madigan Again, was named one of iTunes Best Comedy Albums. Tickets begin at $17. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100 for tickets. Prattville’s Mardi Gras Celebration and Parade Celebration begins at 11 a.m.; parade at 1 p.m. Visit www.prattvilleal.gov/ or call (334) 595-0854 for details. Wetumpka’s Order of Cimarron Mardi Gras Festival and Parade Get ready for beads, moon pies and candy!! Festival opens in downtown Wetumpka at 9 a.m.; parade begins at 1 p.m. For more info, contact Jay at (334) 424-2867. Prepared Childbirth Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose to have pain relief during labor and delivery. Topics include Topics include: pregnancy, labor, birth, options for pain management, medical procedures,cesarean birth. Sessions are taught throughout the year, from 9 a.m.-noon. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Preregistration is required. Cost is $25. Call 293-8497 or e-mail liz.owen@jackson.org. 2016 Winter Wonderland Father Daughter Dance Bell Road YMCA from 6:30-8:30 p.m. We invite fathers, uncles, grandfathers, stepfathers, etc. (sorry, no mothers and sons) to bring their special princesses to dance the evening away. Food, fun and a photo to remember the occasion is included. Bring your dancing shoes to compete in the dance-off. Prizes go to our dance-off winners and our Best Dressed Couple. Pre-registration through February 5 cost for members: $30 per couple, $5 for additional child; cost for nonmembers: $60 per couple, $5 for additional child. Day of event registration February 6: additional $10. Contact Sonja Miller at (334) 271-4343 or smiller@ ymcamontgomery.org. A Night in Paris Daddy Daughter Dance Kershaw YMCA. Dinner: 5-6 p.m. Dancing: 6-8 p.m. Cost: $35 per couple, $5 for additional child. Contact Eleanor Thomas at (334) 265-1433 or ethomas@ ymcamontgomery.org. 7th Annual Millbrook Mardi Gras Run Events for everyone on the Camp Grandview YMCA Trails. The race will include a 5K, an 8K, and a one-mile run on the beautiful and challenging trails of Camp Grandview. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and the first race starts at 8:30 a.m. The races will conclude with an awards ceremony at 10 a.m. To register for the event, visit http:// www.millbrookmardigrasrun.org/ and download a registration form. Registration cost for all races except the one-mile run is $25. The one-mile run registration fee is $15. All participants will receive the official raceday T-shirt. Alabama Nature Center Weekends -- Saturdays Guests are encouraged to arrive by 10 a.m. to enjoy the first of the day’s activities. Take a look around the the Discovery Hall, enjoy the movie specials in the theater, and explore the trails. Vending machines will provide snacks/drinks. Gift shop will be open. Visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call 1-800-822-9453.

February2016 Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Cinderella -- Through February 20 An enchanting play based on the classic Brothers Grimm fairytale, Cinderella is a must-see for young audiences! Visit www.asf.net or call 271-5353.

Sunday, February 7

The Helen Boykin Piano Festival2016 Honor Recital 2p.m. Free admission. Held at Memorial Presbyterian Church, 2130 Bell Road, Montgomery. The Boykin Recital is comprised of the honor students chosen February 6 in the Boykin Festival. Both the festival and the recital, which are sponsored by the Montgomery Music Teachers’ Forum, are named in memory of Helen Boykin. She was an active member of the Forum in Montgomery who shared her love of music with her students and is recognized internationally for her compositions and teaching. For more info, call Eunhee Ashley at (334) 202-4404 or e-mail ptcena@yahoo.com. 2016 Chinese New Year Celebration 2:30 p.m. The Confucius Institute/East Asia Initiatives at Auburn University at Montgomery, in conjunction with the Central Alabama Association of Chinese (CAAC for short), will host the 2016 Chinese New Year Celebration. The Chinese New Year is the most important festival among the Chinese ethnicity. This celebration is their biggest event of the year. Performances begin at at 2:30 p.m. followed with dinner. Some featured performances are acrobatics and dances by professionals, as well as performances from AUM students and CAAC community. This event is family-friendly. Tickets: Non-CAAC member: $15/person, CAAC member: $8/person, student with ID: $10/person, children 3 to 10: $5, children under 3 are free. Please RSVP to confuciusinstitute@aum.edu by Jan. 20. For more info, call (334) 244-3624. Montgomery Symphony Orchestra’s Fellowship Series The Montgomery Symphony Association presents its two Artists in Residence, violinist Nadir Khashimov and cellist Natalie Helm, in a six-concert series known as the Fellowship Series. These artists-in-residence will be joined by a number of guest artists on these exciting chamber music programs. All concerts will be presented in the Wilson Auditorium located in the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. This month’s performance is at 2:30 p.m. and features Nadir Khashimov on violin and Barno Nishanova on piano. Single tickets are available for $17 for adults. Students age six and over are admitted free. For more info, call (334) 240-4004 or visit www.montgomerysymphony.org/fellowship-series/. Special Needs Skate -- Also February 21 5:30-7:30 p.m. 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month. Looneys Super Skate, 3541 McGehee Rd. All ages welcome. Sensory sensitive. Volunteers available for assistance. $5. For more information contact Lyrastephens@yahoo.com.

Tuesday, February 9

VEG OUT Montgomery 6-8 p.m. Join EAT South for its monthly plant-based diet pot luck dinners on the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. Located at the EAT South Farm downtown. For more information, call 422-9331, e-mail info@eatsouth.org or visit www.facebook.com/ VegOutMontgomery. Fat Tuesday Fun Run Fleet Feet Sports is bringing back its Fat Tuesday Fun Run at 6 p.m. Run through Old Cloverdale and stick around afterwards for some fun with your friends on the back patio of Leroy Lounge! For more info, call (334) 356-5412 or visit Facebook. Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Boy Scout Benefit Join Wetumpka Boy Scout Troop 13 for its annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper beginning at 5:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Wetumpka, 100 West Bridge Street. Meals include pancakes, sausage or bacon, butter and syrup, orange juice and coffee. There is no specific charge, but donations will be accepted and appreciated! The money raised will go toward the purchase of a new lightweight trailer that will be used by the troop for monthly camp-outs.

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Wednesday, February 10

Central Alabama Master Gardener (CAMGA) Lunch & Learn Program Held at the Elmore County Extension (ACES) facility on Queen Ann Road in Wetumpka, these free events for the public are held on the second Wednesday of each month, beginning at noon and ending at 1 p.m. Attendees are invited to bring their lunch and learn. This month’s topic is Holiday Deocrating with Natural Materials. Beverages are provided by CAMGA. For more information, call the ACES office at 567-6301 or visit www.aces.edu/counties/Elmore/. Special Guest Speaker at Pike Road Library 3 p.m. Dr. Daniel Haulman, co-author of Tuskegee Airmen: An Illustrated History 1939-49. 9585 Vaughn Road. Call (334) 244-8679 or find us on Facebook.

Thursday, February 11

Vann Vocal Celebrity Recital 7 p.m. at Huntingdon College in Ligon Chapel. Offered in partnership with the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, featuring performances by the internationally respected opera veteran David Cangelosi and fellow operatic artists. For more info, call (334) 240-4004. Wetumpka Depot Theatre Presents Steel Magnolias -- Through February 27 7:30 p.m. performances except for 2 p.m. February 14 & 21. Written by Robert Harling, this Southern classic will be directed by Carol Heier. Tickets may be purchased at wetumpkadepot.com or by calling (334) 868-1440. The Wetumpka Depot is located at 300 S Main Street in historic downtown Wetumpka. Faulkner Dinner Theatre Presents The Addams Family -- Through February 27 Theatre doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner is served from 6:15 until 7. The show begins promptly at 7:30. Tickets are $26.50 and include dinner and the show. Members of the military can purchase tickets for just $21.50. Reservations must be paid in advance. To make reservations or for more information, call 877-840-0457 or visit http://www.ticketforce.com/.

Friday, February 12

Friday Night Live Dance 7-10 p.m. at Doster Community Center in Prattville. Friday Night Live dances are for 5th- and 6th-graders who are students of Autauga County Schools. Every child must be on the school roster in order to attend. We encourage all interested parents to chaperone along with Parks and Recreation staff. If you are interested in chaperoning, you must register by calling the office the day before the dance. Children will not be allowed to leave until their parent or guardian arrives to pick them up. This is for your child’s safety. Cost is $5 per child. Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets Also February 26 Elmore County Homeschool Organization is a non-profit support group for homeschooling families. We provide a positive socialization environment for homeschooled children & support and encourage their parents in the homeschooling process. We typically meet the second and fourth Friday of every month year-round from 10 a.m. to noon at Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. Membership is free and is open to all homeschoolers in the tri-county area. ECHO has field trips, park days, holiday parties, enrichment activities, and a yearly awards ceremony. For details, visit http://www.onlineecho.com. Parents’ Night Out at United Gymstars & Cheer Also February 19 6:30-10:30 p.m. $20/first child; $15 per sibling. For ages 5-12. Pizza and drink provided. Fun games, trampolines, rope swing, tumble tracks, foam pits and more! Call (334) 284-2244 to reserve your spot! Walkins accepted until maximum number is reached. Visit www.unitedgymstarsandcheer.com for more info.

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Calendar/Support Groups Saturday, February 13

Prenatal Breastfeeding Class Second Saturday of each month, 10 a.m.-noon. NICU Conference Room, Baptist Medical Center South. Take the main hospital elevators to the 2nd floor. Go left off the elevator. Take an immediate left down the first hallway you come to (which only goes to the left). The conference room is the last door on your right at the end of the hallway, just before the back entrance to the NICU. This class is free to the community. Moms in their second trimester are welcome. Those that qualify will receive incentives. No children please. This is a learning environment. Call (334) 286-2829 to register. Dads and Daughters Saturday (D.A.D.S) Calling ALL Fathers and Daughters for storytimes, fun and laughs, 11 a.m.-noon every 2nd Saturday at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Memorial Library. There will be singing, dancing and arts & crafts. So come visit us and have an enjoyable time! For more info, visit www. facebook.com/events/1374454692792666/?source=1. Cultural Crossroads XV: The Mississippi Territory in Becoming Alabama 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Alabama Dept. of Archives and History. Early Alabama was closely linked with Mississippi from 1798 until 1817 as it was a part of the Mississippi Territory. Seven scholars will present thirty minute talks on topics relating Alabama’s history with that of its western neighbor. One of the talks will be on Montgomery County and its founding on December 6, 1816, as a part of the large Mississippi Territory. Other talks will focus on the people, lifestyles, boundaries, and internal issues. $45 general admission; $40 member admission (Landmarks, ADAH, Draughan); and $25 student and faculty. *Admission includes lunch, vegetarian option available. For more info, call 240-4500 or visit landmarksfoundation.com. Alabama Nature Center’s Critter Crawl Grab your running shoes and hit the trails for the Sixth Annual Alabama Nature Center Critter Crawl! This year, the Critter Crawl will feature a 5K Trail Run beginning at 9 a.m. and a 1-mile race beginning at 10 a.m. Michael’s Kids Club Valentine Dreamcatcher EastChase Parkway in Montgomery and Cobbs Ford Road in Prattville. 10 a.m.-noon. Kids 3 and up can enjoy a quick project and take home a finished masterpiece. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. $2 per child, supplies included. Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event. Visit www. michaels.com for more info. Brantwood Children’s Home Love Run Third annual 5K race will take place at Paterson Field. Day of registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. with the race beginning at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds from the race will benefit the at-risk and neglected children that call Brantwood home each day. This 5kK offers multiple race divisions with awards distributed in each category. To register, call Brantwood at (334) 265-0784 or visit www.active.com. Miracle League Spring Ball Registration Also February 20 10 a.m.-1 p.m. both Saturdays. The Miracle League provides an opportunity for children with physical and/ or cognitive disabilities to play baseball. They play on a special field with a soft, synthetic covering to accommodate walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, and those a little unsteady on their feet. They have players with autism, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, deafness, blindness, and brain injury, just to name a few. Registration and games are held at 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 of $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 him practice while you fill out the forms! PLEASE NOTE, while there is a registration fee, many scholarships ARE available. The Miracle League also needs volunteers for Coaches and Buddies (to help the players). Have questions or need other information? E-mail montgomerymiracleleague@ gmail.com.

Montgomery Parents I February 2016

Tuesday, February 16

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. Pecan Management Workshop at Pike Road Alabama Cooperative Extension System is partnering with Pike Road’s Agriculture and Stewardship Initiative to bring this FREE and informative event to Founders Station from 9-11 a.m. Reserve your space and find out more by calling the Montgomery County Extension Office at (334) 270-4133. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Blue Man Group Doors open at 7 p.m.; show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $66. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100 for tickets.

Wednesday, February 17

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Vince Gill and Lyle Lovett ‘Songs and Stories’ 7:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $55. Each show will be a series of intimate solo and duo performances, during which the artists will serve as their own accompanists. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100 for tickets. Wonderfully Made Seminar for Women MCI Auditorium on the Campus of Baptist South, noon-1 p.m. This Baptist Health seminar series explores the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of women’s health. Sometimes women, busy with day-to-day activities, don’t take time for their health. This monthly program will provide women of all ages with straightforward information about current health topics, as well as what it takes to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Lunch is provided. Space is limited. Please register if you plan to attend by calling (334) 273-4304.

Thursday, February 18

Food For Thought The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. Noon-1 p.m. Bring lunch and and join us every third Thursday for these FREE lectures sponsored by Friends of the Alabama Archives. Drinks are complimentary. Today’s topic is “Visions of Flying Machines: Early Aerial Experimenters in Alabama,” presented by Billy Singleton. Call 353-4726 or visit www.archives. alabama.gov. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents St. Paul and the Broken Bones 8 p.m. Tickets begin at $31. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100 for tickets. Red Door Theatre Presents Wedding Belles Also February 19-20, 27-28 Downtown Union Springs. February 18-20 performances at 7:30 p.m.; February 27-28 performances at 2:30 p.m. Written by Alan Bailey and Ronnie Claire Edwards; directed by Kathryn Adams Wood. In this delightful Southern comedy, four garden-club ladies meet a young girl who has come by bus to their little Texas town one day in the summer of 1942 to rendezvous with her infantryman beau at the station and marry him there before he ships off for World War II. The women impulsively decide to throw the girl an elaborate wedding, and their lives and friendships are thrown into turmoil as they race to accomplish the nuptials in one frenzied afternoon, as one thing after another threatens to ruin their plans. Tickets may be obtained by calling (334) 738-8687 or visiting www.reddoortheatre.org. Millbrook Community Players Present Lil’ Abner Through February 28 Most performances at 7:30 p.m.; matinees at 2 p.m. February 21 & 28. A fun-filled, foot-stompin’ extravaganza from the composers of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Trouble begins in the cornseed town of Dogpatch, USA, when the government decides to wipe

February2016 it off the map. Hilarious protests and a riotous Sadie Hawkins Day chase ensue. Based on the classic comic strip, Li’l Abner is packed with one dance after another - pure entertainment for the whole family! Winner of 2 Tony Awards. Based on the characters created by Al Capp; directed by A. John Collier with musical direction by Sam Wallace. Children ages 6-12 admitted for $8; children over 12 through adults admitted for $12. Visit www.millbrooktheater.com or call (334) 782-7317 for tickets. Theatre AUM Presents Miss Julie -- Through February 28 By August Strindberg. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $10 for the general public and $5 for seniors, nonAUM students and military. AUM faculty, staff and students admitted free of charge. No late seating. Children younger than age 6 not admitted. For reservations, contact Katie Pearson at 244-3632 or kpearso2@aum.edu.

Friday, February 19

tobyMac at Legacy Arena at The BirminghamJefferson Convention Complex 7 p.m. Visit www.bjcc.org/ or call (205) 458-8400 for tickets.

Saturday, February 20

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. Community Garden and Organic Gardening 101 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the EAT South Downtown Farm. Harlem Ambassadors Basketball Show 3 p.m. at the Faulkner University gymnasium. Get ready for dazzling ball-handling tricks, high-flying slam dunks, and hilarious family comedy as the Harlem Ambassadors take on the Montgomery Habitat Home Team. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door the night of the game. All proceeds will benefit Montgomery Habitat for Humanity. For more info, call (334) 832-9313 or visit www.habitatmontgomery.com. Animal Enrichment Day at the Montgomery Zoo 10 a.m.-2 p.m. From zoo animals to our pets at home and even including us, we all need enrichment: a chance to smell a new scent, taste a new flavor, play a new game or figure out a puzzle. Enrichment is an effort to tap into and stimulate our basic five senses: touch, sight, smell, taste and hear. The result is to stimulate behaviors resembling those for that species in a wild. Call (334) 240-4900 or visit montgomeryzoo.com.

Tuesday, February 23

The Montgomery Chamber Music Organization Presents the Dover Quartet 7:30 p.m. at the Wilson Auditorium at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. The Dover Quartet was recently named “the young American string quartet of the moment” by The New Yorker. For ticket or event information, call (334) 277-3505 or visit www. montgomerychambermusic.org/concerts.html. Connecting Hearts by Agape of Central Alabama Agape of Central Alabama is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Connecting Hearts event with special guests Jay and Angie Jacobs. Jay, the athletic director for Auburn University, and wife Angie are active foster parents and advocates for children who need a home and family.

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The Connecting Hearts featured event will take place at the Alley Station Warehouse in downtown Montgomery, from 7 until 8 p.m, with a tailgate tasting available for all guests from 6-7p.m. A separate, ticketed “meet and greet” with Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs is available at 6 p.m. Sponsorship opportunities for children to attend the event are currently available, and tickets to the general public are on sale. Your support of this event will impact children and teens similar to those fostered by the Jacobs family, throughout Central Alabama. Visit www. connectinghearts.org, or call Agape of Central Alabama at (334) 272-9466.

Thursday, February 25

Newcomers Club of Montgomery Monthly Luncheon The Newcomers Club of Montgomery invites all women of the River Region to attend our monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Arrowhead Country Club. Speaker will be Ms. Jill Bryd from the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Cost is $18 and reservations must be made by noon Monday, February 22, to Jan Burdette at (334) 593-9266 or jan8410@bellsouth.net. Visit www. newcomersmontgomery.com. Wetumpka Crater Tours -- Through February 27 Hosted by The Wetumpka Crater Commission and the City of Wetumpka, which sits right on the bull’s eye of the greatest natural disaster in Alabama’s history. The hills just east of downtown are the eroded remains of a five-mile-wide impact crater that was blasted into the bedrock of what is now Elmore County. Call the City of Wetumpka at (334) 567-5147to reserve your space on the tours! Cloverdale Playhouse Presents Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike -- Through March 6 Written by Christopher Durang and directed by Sarah Walker Thornton. Vanya and Sonia are a middleaged brother and sister who live in their family home together, mostly peacefully, until their movie-star sister Masha drops in for a visit with her new flame, Spike. Their psychic housekeeper Cassandra had just warned them of coming danger, but is it Masha and Spike, or sweet Nina from next door, or a silly costume party that will change their lives? Please note: this play includes strong language, references to adult situations, and a character who likes to walk around in his underpants (Spike). For tickets or more info, call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org.

Friday, February 26

Monster X Tour -- Also February 27 The nation’s most competitive monster trucks invade Garrett Coliseum. See these incredible 10,000-pound car-crushing giants compete in racing, wheelie contests, and then rock the house with amazing freestyle action! Plus, you can meet the drivers and see the trucks up close at the pre-event Autograph Pit Party! Visit http://www.thegarrettcoliseum.com/ or call (334) 356-6866.

Saturday, February 27

Red Dress Dash - Presented by Baptist Health 8 a.m.-noon. Baptist Health’s Corporate Office - DeBoer Building, 301 Brown Springs Road. Ladies and gentlemen from across Montgomery are invited to put on their best RED outfit and dash, dance, walk or run a 5k to dash the myths about the No. 1 killer of women: heart disease. The Red Dress Dash also includes special preevent activities to help participants get into the spirit. Visit http://www.baptistfirst.org/. Color in Motion 5K 9 a.m. at Montgomery Raceway Park. Your moving body will be plastered in an explosion of vibrant color with all your friends! As you sprint, jog, waddle, or leisurely stroll along, you will be bombarded with bright colors that transform a group of ordinary runners into a moving rainbow. For more info, call (208) 538-9502 or e-mail info@colorinmotion5k.com.

Sunday, February 28

Lockwood Tour of Homes 12:30-5:30 p.m. Landmarks Foundation is hosting its third annual tour of homes to familiarize the public with Montgomery’s rich historical housing stock. Six Frank Lockwood-designed homes in the Garden District, Old Cloverdale and Edgewood will be open to the public. Lockwood was one of Montgomery’s premier architects in the early 20th Century, and on this tour you will see his stylistic range including English Arts and Crafts, Neo-Tudor, Neo-Georgian, Neo-Colonial and Spanish Colonial. Tickets may be purchased in advance for $20 at landmarksfoundation.com or by calling (334) 240-4617, and at the Capri Theatre on Feb. 28 for $25 from 12-4 p.m. Family Art Affair and Jazz Jams at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 2-4 p.m. All ages will enjoy these fun, FREE monthly events combining Jazz Jams (listening to incredible local jazz musicians) and exploring art together with

hands-on art making, inspired by exhibitions in the Museum. All materials are provided. Visit www.mmfa. org or call (334) 240-4333. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Melissa Etheridge: This Is M.E. Solo 8:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $33. Academy Award and GRAMMY winning artist, Melissa Etheridge, will take the stage to perform songs from her new album, This is M.E., as well as some of her greatest hits like “Come to My Window”, “I’m The Only One” and “I Want To Come Over”.Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100 for tickets. 13th Annual Jewish Food Festival 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Montgomery’s Temple Beth Or. Enjoy delicious food samples, visit the Treasure Market that promises something for everyone 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

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Calendar/Support Groups Stevens to learn about Jewish customs. The central attraction, of course, is the Jewish food that may be purchased and most of which has been handmade by Temple members., including pastries such as rugelach, strudel and mondel bread; plates of brisket or corned beef; matzo ball soup; potato latkes; and quajado (spinach pie). “Imported” from New York are New York cheesecakes, direct from the famous Carnegie Deli and sold by the slice or cake. FREE to attend. For more info, call (334) 262-3314 or visit templebethor.net.

Thursday, March 3

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents White Lightning -- Through May 7 Can a young man get off the wrong track and on to the right one before the revenuers catch up with him? A story about moonshine, racing and adventure that takes a snapshot of the1940s South and the rough and tumble origins of NASCAR. A new Southern play by Gee’s Bend playwright Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder. Visit www.asf.net or call 271-5353. Art Auction 2016 Silent & Live -- Also March 5 6:30-9 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. The Silent Auction, featuring 400 works of art, will take place Thursday and will include a delicious array of heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Tickets for all the food, beverages and bidding that one can enjoy are only $50 per person. On Saturday, March 5, the Live Auction will consist of a cocktail party at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30, with the Live Auction of 25 premium works presented during dinner. Tickets for the evening are $175 per person. In an effort to make the Art Auction 2016 works more accessible to the largest number of bidders, the Museum will be using mobile bidding for the first time. You will have the opportunity to place bids through your desktop, laptop, smartphone or tablet. It’s easy and efficient,

Montgomery Parents I February 2016

February2016

and will give you even more chances to capture that special work of art for your home or office. Visit www.mmfa.org or call (334) 240-4333. Art in the Alley The Montgomery Junior Board of Alabama Head Injury Foundation presents a silent auction benefiting AHIF at the Alley Station from 6-9 pm. The event will consist of a variety of types of artwork from local artists with disabilities and artists from the community. Also available for auction will be gift certificates to local businesses. Tickets are $30 per person including dinner and live music. All proceeds remain in the River Region. For more info on how to purchase tickets or be a sponsor, call (334) 224-5179 or visit www.ahif.org/ montgomery-regional-board-event.html.

Archives led by Loretta Pettway Bennett. Participants will learn how to make a Pine Burr quilt square, the pattern of the official Alabama state quilt. This event is free to attend. For more info and to register, visit www.archives.alabama.gov or call (334) 242-4364. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents The Comedy of Errors -- Through May 7 Twenty years after being separated in a shipwreck as babies, two pairs of identical twins find themselves in a seaport town with a reputation for sorcery and magic. Mistaken for each other, they are constantly bewildered by bizarre encounters, cross-purpose conversations and baffling misunderstandings. It all ends in riotous chaos! Visit www. asf.net or call 271-5353.

Friday, March 4

The Wetumpka Depot Players present School House Rock Live! March 11 and 12 at 7pm. Twenty-five years after the first clips aired on television, “Schoolhouse Rock” is bigger than ever. This delightful musical perfect for the show family brings the magic of the familiar cartoons to the stage. All the familiar songs are there....from “A Noun is a Person, Place or Thing” all the way to the closing number, “Interjections!” Schoolhouse Rock Live delivers a fun and educational musical theatre experience! Ticket info 334.868.1440 or wetumpkadepot.com.

Common Threads II: Alabama Quilting Traditions at the Alabama Department of Archives and History -- Also March 5 In partnership with the Alabama Folklife Association, this two-day event will explore Alabama’s rich quilting traditions through the textile collections at the Department of Archives and History. Common Threads II is free to the public but advance registration is required. The event will feature expert speakers on Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Speakers include Mary Elizabeth Johnson Huff and Louisiana Pettway Bendolph. These speakers, along with several others, will discuss topics that include Gee’s Bend Quilting Traditions, the March Quilts Project, and the Alabama Quilt Book Project. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the Archives’ quilt storage area. A box lunch will be available for purchase for $15. Common Threads II will conclude on Saturday with a quilting workshop from 9 a.m. to noon at the

March 11 & March 12

Please send calendar info to editor@montgomeryparents.com.

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Home Based Business Directory Moore’s Confidential Services

Need Help with Credit Reports, Job Applications (Federal & State), Resumes/Cover Letters, Legal Forms, Background Checks, and Other Misc. Services? Email me: HelpIsHereAlabama @yahoo.com

Cupcake Castles Travel Company

Specializing in all things Disney! (Cruises, Disney World, Disney Land, Adventures by Disney, Universal and all inclusive resorts) My services are always FREE! Contact me today and let’s begin planning your MAGICAL vacation! Cell: 334-328-0820 or email: Dana@cupcakecastlestravel.com

BJ’s Cleaning service Move In, Move Out Residential & Commercial Construction Sites All with Quality and Reasonable Rates Call Betty Dennis, Cleaning Specialist at 334.303.2585 for a free estimate or email bjdennis46@yahoo.com.

Cutie Patootie Creations

Horseback Riding Lessons

Let Cutie Patootie Creations take care of all your decoration needs. We do balloons, candy tables, diaper cakes, invitations, baby showers, birthday parties and so much more!

Ages 4 and up! Advanced Certified instructor Safe horses and ponies Camps, after-school programs and more! Contact Anne Alan Jemison 334-663-2922 www.FairHavenFarmLLC.com

Naomi (334) 296-2055 or Facebook.com/ cutiepatootiecakecreations

Piano Teacher

Saxon Lawn Service

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

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

Jackie’s Home Daycare

Mommy, Milk, & Me, Inc.

Quality childcare and education in a fun, safe, Christian environment.

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

Located in East Montgomery Years of experience Smoke and pet free/clean home Ages 6 weeks -10 years Call (334) 676-3136.

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

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

TUTORING 28 years teaching experience Tutoring grades 1st-8th Call Alice Gwin at (334) 300-8350. Email dalice.gwin@gmail.com.

Mental Health Strategist

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

Ala

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Nutrition Education

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

ROOFTOP MINISTRIES

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

334-288-1346

Squeaky Clean

The Piano Man

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

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

Southern Quality Lawns, LLC

Authentic Professional Consulting

“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

Medical Billing Services, Bookkeeping, Professional Development Practice Management, Strategic Planning. Call 334.799.3862 or email authenticpconsulting@gmail.com

Tabitha Campbell, CEO

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

BIRDMAN

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

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.

Montgomery Parents I February 2016

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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.

Evangel Christian Academy, 67

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 75

FC Montgomery Soccer Academy, 23

Montgomery Pediatric Dentistry/Ortho, 14

First UMC, Montgomery, 71

Montgomery Uniforms Plus, 65

Adventure Sports II, 48

First UMC, Prattville, 30

Montgomery Zoo, 16

Alabama Christian Academy, 39, Inside Back

Fleming’s Martial Arts, 76

Mrs. Sandy’s House, 85

Alabama Dance Theater, 43

Frazer Memorial UMC, 34, 69

My Kids Attic, Consignment Sale, 23

AL Dept. of Public Health, Inside Front

Go Karting Montgomery, 85

My Kids Attic, The Shoppes of, 41

AUM Dixie Baseball, 20

Great Leaps Learning Center, 35

New Park, 59

Alabama School of Math & Science, 19

Greengate School, 4

OB/GYN Associates, 7

Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 47

Health Services, Inc., 61

OB/GYN Montgomery, Dr. Desautels, 67

American League Baseball, 28

Holy Cross Episcopal School, 31

O’Connor Tennis Lessons, 36

ASKIN/Synergy House, 85

Hooper Academy, 45

Patty Cakes International, Inc., 63

Baptist Health, 53

Huntingdon Learning Center, 37

Pediatric Nephrology of Alabama, 42

Beth’s Heirloom Sewing, 22

Interscapes, Inc., 8

Professional Pediatrics, 12

Bradford Health Services, 79

Jenny Alexander, MD, 85

Pump It Up Party, 77

Bricks 4 Kids, 85

KLynn Ice Skating School, 48

Q & C Cleaning, 85

Camp ASCCA, 28

Kids Carousel, 35

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ROCK Campaign, 55

Chapman Orthodontics, 45

Kumon, 2

Rockin’ Jump, 57

Children’s Clothing Exchange, 3

LaToya Clark, MD, 66

Saint James School, 1

Children’s Hospital of Alabama, 81

Learning Tree Child Care, 70

Smiles Galore Parties, 25

Christchurch XP, 13

Legacy Early Learning Center, 21

Spacewalker, The, 33

Churchill Academy, 27

Little Lights Creative Learning Ctr, 85

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Dentistry for Children, 36

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Success Unlimited Academy, 29

Docarmo’s Taekwondo, 49

Macon East Academy, 9

Sylvan Learning Center, 30

Doodlebugs Consignment, 33

M.A.N.E., 42

Taylor Road Baptist Church, 84

Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 20

Mathnasium, 40

The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover

Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 76

Memorial Presbyterian Childcare, 63

Trinity Presbyterian School, 15

E & S Hobbies, 85

Montessori @ Mulberry, 17

Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 25

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Montessori Academy, 51

Vaughn Road Preschool, 38

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Montgomery Catholic Schools, 24

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The 5th Wave

Kung Fu Panda 3

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: BViolence: CSexual Content: BLanguage: CAlcohol / Drug Use: B+ The MPAA has rated The 5th Wave PG-13 for violence and destruction, some sci-fi thematic elements, language and brief teen partying. Cassie Sullivan (Chloë Grace Moretz) is a typical American high school student -- at least she’s movie typical. Blonde, beautiful and modestly shy about approaching her football playing crush, Ben Parish (Nick Robinson), Cassie’s life is pretty fine -- until some aliens park their flying saucer right over her neighborhood. Within short order the unseen foe from outer space begins killing off humans by first disabling their power grid with an electromagnetic pulse, followed by earthquakes, floods and disease. Within a half-hour of film time, Cassie moves from her happy place to being a lone girl in the woods with an automatic weapon, ready to kill on sight as she searches for what family she may have left. Had The 5th Wave been part of the first wave of movies to explore this concept, I’d have been more impressed. The story is relatively solid, although I suspect most audiences won’t be too surprised by the few twists and turns in this plot. Chloe Grace Moretz does an admirable job of playing Katniss… er… I mean Cassie, and the rest of the cast turns in decent performances as well. The problem is we feel like we’ve seen it all before. However, the repetition of these plot points also leads to the question of how does our entertainment reflect or contribute to adolescent attitudes? Are these frequent depictions of teens living in worlds without parents, where adults are either trying to manipulate or kill them, reflective of a society that isn’t providing for its children? Or is this simply teen-movie-angst -- a modern day evolution of a rebel with a cause? That’s not to say there isn’t anything worthwhile here for young people. One possible positive message is the script’s exploration of how societies depend on an ability to trust their members in order to stay stable and sustain a sense of humanity. Once the mayhem gets started, violence becomes the production’s biggest content issue. As civilization dissolves, gun violence intensifies, and so do the portrayals of on-screen shootings and a mass killing. There is also a scene of teen sensuality with implied sexual activity. Despite following in the footsteps of its genre predecessors, The 5th Wave is engaging and Cassie’s initial love for her family is commendable. With two more books to come in this series, the next titled The Infinite Sea, there’s a good chance another wave is on its way.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B+ Violence: BSexual Content: ALanguage: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Kung Fu Panda 3 PG for martial arts action and some mild rude humor. After Kung Fu Panda released in 2008 to great popular applaud, the studio followed up the hit animation with a warm and fuzzy sequel in 2011. Now the lovable, black and white hero (voiced by Jack Black) returns for a third adventure. If you are a fan of the franchise, you will recall in the second movie we were all shocked to learn that Mr. Ping (voice of James Hong), the noodle cooking goose, was not Po’s biological father. Yes, Po is adopted -- so it’s fitting that in this film we meet Po’s birth dad, Li Shan (voice of Bryan Cranston). We also discover a secret panda village full of plump, pleasant and somewhat out-ofshape bears, just like Po. But the happy reunion is short lived when Po is called upon to help fight an ancient, evil spirit called Kai (voice of J.K. Simmons). Looking like an overgrown mountain goat, Kai has come to steal the powers of legions of Kung Fu masters -- including Po’s fighting cohorts, the Furious Five (voiced by Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu and Davis Cross). It turns out the only hope to save China is to train these portly pandas to become martial arts fighters. It’s a stretch, but with Po setting the example, the bears become a force to be reckoned with. Kung Fu Panda 3 manages to retain the good spirit of fun and adventure that has made this series popular with family audiences. While this instalment delves further into Chinese spirituality, with characters needing to enhance their “chi” (life-force or energy flow) to be able to defeat the foe, it still offers plenty of positive themes that will appeal regardless of philosophical persuasions. These including Po’s ongoing adoption story, as well as the messages about recognizing and developing the individual gifts and talents each of us has been given. And kids will likely easily understand the teamwork concept of these pandas coming together to protect their world. Thankfully content concerns are few. You can expect the usual animated “Kung Foolery” with characters battling one another with martial arts moves that borderline on slapstick mayhem. Other than a comedic situation where Po attracts the attention of a flirtatious female (voice of Kate Hudson), and a reference to Po’s “tender” body parts, Kung Fu Panda 3 serves up great fun for families.

What Parents need to know about The 5th Wave...

Violence: An alien force is trying to destroy all of mankind. The movie contains frequent depictions of deaths from drowning and disease, extensive property destruction, explosions, crashing vehicles, planes falling from the sky, along with countless corpses. Characters resort to gun battles and fistfights, which result in bloody injuries, deaths, a massacre and several on-screen shootings. The military trains children to be soldiers: drills, war games, target practice, self-defense exercises and children killing other children are shown. A lack of trust causes characters to shoot and kill others. A bloody gunshot wound is seen and later stitched up without the use of anesthetic. Some death threats are uttered. Sexual Content: The script contains some sexual innuendo. A couple of girls joke about sending a text message with an invitation for sex. Some male characters are seen shirtless. Ssensual glances are exchanged between a young man and a teen girl: kissing is shown and sexual relations are implied. Language: A strong sexual expletive is used, along with infrequent mild profanity and scatological slang. Also, a few terms of deity and rude slang. Alcohol / Drug Use: Teen characters at a party drink something that might be alcohol.

What Parents need to know about Kung Fu Panda 3...

Violence: Martial art confrontations are shown throughout with lots of action, but no graphic details are shown. Slapstick antics are plentiful. Fighting and fireballs cause property damage. Deaths are implied, but few injuries are shown. An immortal super-villain steals the life force of other characters: He turns them into miniature stone icons and also controls their power/energy. The death of a character’s mother is discussed. A character lies to another. Competing parties usually solve conflicts through battles. Characters are often in peril. Sexual Content: Characters flirt. A character is kicked in the groin and makes a vague reference to private body parts. Jokes are made about vomiting and urinating. Language: The script includes mild name-calling. Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted. Other: The movie depicts the spirit realm and immortal characters, and includes other Asian and Buddhist ideas/philosophy. Montgomery Parents I February 2016

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