Montgomery Parents July 2015 by KeepSharing

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Colorado School of Mines University of Colorado Columbia University Cornell University Dartmouth College Davidson College University of Delaware Drexel University Duke University Elon University Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Emory University Emory & Henry University Florida Atlantic University Florida State University University of Florida Furman University Georgetown University George Mason University George Washington University University of Georgia Georgia Institute of Technology Grambling State University Grinnell College University of Hartford Harvard University Hollins University Huntingdon College Indiana University

Judson College University of Kansas University of Kentucky Kettering University LaSalle University Liberty University Lipscomb University Louisiana State University University of Louisiana-Lafayette University of Louisiana-Monroe University of Louisville Loyola University University of Maryland Maryville College University of Massachusetts University of Miami Millsaps College Mercer University Middlebury College University of Mississippi Mississippi College Mississippi State University University of Missouri University of Mobile University of Montevallo Mount Aloysius College Mount Holyoke College University of Nebraska New York University

University of North Alabama University of North Carolina North Carolina School for the Arts University of Northern Iowa Northern Arizona University Northwestern University University of Notre Dame Oberlin College Ohio State University Oxford College Oxford University, England Pepperdine University University of Portland Princeton University Providence College Purdue University Regents College, London Rhodes College Rice University Ringling School of Art and Design Rutgers University Saint Louis University Samford University San Diego State University Savannah College of Art and Design Smith College University of Southern California University of Southern Mississippi

Saint James School for Pre-K3 through 12th grade admissions

University of the South: Sewanee University of South Alabama University of South Florida University of South Carolina Spring Hill College Stanford University Sweet Briar College University of Tennessee University of Texas Texas State University Troy University Tulane University Tuskegee University University of Virginia United States Military Academy United States Naval Academy Vanderbilt University Virginia Polytechnic Institute Wake Forest University Washington University in St. Louis Washington and Lee University Wesleyan College of North Carolina Wesleyan University University of West Florida West Point Military Academy Western Michigan University Xavier University

334.273.2992

Building a Legacy of Leaders 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.

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Recognized by Apple as a distinguished school for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

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Every Saturday through July 25 from 5pm–7pm* Family friendly activities sponsored by River Region organizations including: July 4th No Family Fun Night, Eastdale Mall closes early at 6 pm July 11th Pirate & Princess Night Sponsored by Chick-fil-A and Kreative Moments July 18th Sponsored by Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts July 25th Eastdale Idol, A Kid’s Karaoke Contest

Plus great discounts from retailers

Free Ice Skating for kids 10 and under! Half Off Carousel Rides!

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Visit for discounts and entertainment schedules. *Families must check in at Customer Service for a wristband to participate.

PEP Parental Escort Policy Visitors 17 years & younger are required to be escorted by a parent Friday & Saturday evenings after 6pm.

Montgomery Parents I July 2015

Belk, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Sears and over 85 Specialty Shops, including Bath & Body Works, Sephora and Foot Locker

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“When leaders get better, everybody wins.”

—Bill Hybels, Willow Creek Community Church

The Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit offers two days of Game-Changing Leadership Development for your business, church or organization, featuring a World-Class faculty of speakers, hosted by satellite right here in Montgomery at Frazer UMC. There is simply no better investment you can make in the strength of your team and the future of your mission. Speakers include: Adam Grant Wharton School Brian Houston Hillsong Church Ed Catmull Walt Disney Animation Sheila Heen Harvard Law School Jim Collins Best-Selling Author Horst Schulze Capelia Hotel Group Brené Brown University of Houston Liz Wiseman Best-Selling Author Craig Groeschel LifeChurch.tv

Individual Registration $209 Significant discounts available for large teams (10+), military, faculty and students

Join an expected 260,000 leaders around the world at The Global Leadership Summit 2015. #wcagls

Frazer Church: find hope, Follow Jesus • Sunday worship 8, 9:30 & 11AM 6000 atlanta Hwy. Montgomery • frazerumc.org • 334.2728622 •

Do you feel chained by your ﬁnancial situation? Is money stress putting pressure on your marriage and family? Join Frazer as we discover God’s Kingdom Plan for Your Financial Freedom. Sign up now for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University (FPU). FPU will help you to: • Overcome Debt • Manage Wealth Wisely • Improve Relationships • Have a Secure Future • Join God’s Kingdom Plan

FPU offered to the public Wednesdays at 6pm in Frazer’s Wesley Hall. Course is 9 weeks beginning Wed. Sept. 9, 2015. Sessions last approximately 2 hours. Registration $99.98 per individual or married couple.

Each class includes a video lesson from Dave Ramsey followed by a friendly group discussion. Childcare available (arrive early for drop-off ). For more information contact Teri Brown, teri@frazerumc.org.

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Montgomery Parents I July 2015

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July2015 44

Volume 20 Number 7

Columns

6 Editor’s Note DeAnne Watson

8 Living With Children John Rosemond

Chill the Chore Wars Discover age-appropriate chores and tips to help them have the right attitude.

Birthday Party Rescue Ideas for creating a special day for your child...even when you are drained.

12 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

14 Montgomery Education Matters by Superintendent Margaret Allen

36 Autauga Education Matters by Superintendent Spence Agee

38 Elmore Education Matters by Superintendent Andre L. Harrison

42 Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

46 Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

Birthday Party Guide

From cakes to venues to entertainment and more, our guide helps you plan the perfect party!

Tween and Teen Party Themes

Find 5 unique party ideas tailored to your older child.

On The Cover Ellie Kolleen Bryan (age 3) attends First United Methodist First School. Her parents are Kim Hall and Scot Bryan. She has a brother, Nicholas Hall (15), and sister, Payton Hall (13). Ellie holds the title of Tiny Miss River Region for Miss Tri-State. Balloon designs on this month’s cover supplied by Kreative Moments. Kreative Moments offers balloon twisting, face painting, and balloon art to make each event have that “wow” factor. Find them in this month’s birthday party guide and on Facebook. 5

48 Centsibly Southern Chic Laura Handey

54 A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 10 Bits and Pieces 16 School Bits 73 Calendar/Support Groups 87 Advertiser Directory 88 Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Editor’sNote Having kids ranging in age from eighteen down to four, we’ve run the gamut on birthday parties. We’ve hosted large parties in the park where the kids could run free, intimate family-only parties at home or a favorite restaurant, sleepovers at our house, and even a spend the night party at a local hotel. No matter if you spend a lot of money or a little, or a lot of time planning or a little, the main thing is that the birthday girl or boy feel truly special on their special day. And that can come in a variety of packages. In our Annual Birthday Issue, we want to help you plan your child’s next party with as many ideas and as little stress as possible. Sometimes our lives can get hectic and the idea of planning another great birthday feels overwhelming. If you find yourself in this scenario, be sure to read Laurie Zottmann’s Birthday Party Rescue: Creating a Special Day When You’re Drained. She offers advice on how to simplify the process while still making it a day to remember! Next up, if your child is moving into the tween and teen years you may find that party planning becomes a bit more challenging. Our kids tend to get pickier about most everything around this age, and some new party ideas may just do the trick. Tiffany Guerzon shares 5 Party Themes for Tweens and Teens that are easy to pull off, creative and super fun! To round out our birthday focus, we’ve included our 2015 Birthday Party Guide which is your ultimate planning tool for your child’s next birthday. Whether you need ideas for where to buy the tastiest cake, who to ask to photograph the event, renting inflatables, buying that perfect gift, or where to host your child’s next party, we’ve got you covered. Be sure to look to our advertisers throughout the guide...they would love to serve your party needs! This is an issue you’ll want to hold onto all year long and refer back to before the big day rolls around for each of your kids. Or you can always access our monthly themed guides online at www.montgomeryparents.com. Summer is in full swing and our Bits & Pieces and Family Calendar are bursting with fun family events, from free outdoor movies at Riverfront Park to indoor movies at local cinemas. You’ll also find family fun at Eastdale Mall and Montgomery Biscuit family events throughout July. Use these lazy days of summer to connect more closely with your spouse and children as you make new memories together, not only on family vacations, but right here in the River Region. Have a happy 4th of July and a wonderful rest of the summer. We will see you next month to help you and the kids get ready to go Back to School!

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

Founder Marty Watson (1950-2006) Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@montgomeryparents.com Associate Editor Alison Rouse Research Editor Wendy McCollum Contributing Writers Spence Agee Margaret Allen Tiffany Guerzon Laura Handey Andre L. Harrison Malissa Hoy, M.D. Carolyn Jabs Judy M. Miller John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Laurie Zottmann Cover Photography Lori Mercer Photography www.lorimercerphotography.com

Publisher Jason Watson jason@montgomeryparents.com Associate Publisher Savannah Bowden Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson (334) 213-7940 ext. 703 ads@montgomeryparents.com

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Ad Design Tim Welch

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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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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

Solving ‘Anger Issues’ in Teens Q: Our 14-year-old daughter has difficulty controlling her anger. She has extreme outbursts fairly frequently here at home— screaming, cursing, and even throwing things when she doesn’t get her way. She appears to have no respect for us and very little consideration for her two younger siblings. At school and in other people’s homes, however, she’s a model citizen. She’s a straight-A student about whom all of her teachers have nothing but praise. When I describe her outbursts to friends and family, they are disbelieving. Is it too late to do anything about her anger issue? A: I flunked fortune telling in graduate school, so the answer to your question is “I don’t know.” Nonetheless, it’s certainly worth a good try. You’ve told me enough to know that what you’re describing is not an “anger issue.” Rather, it’s an issue of narcissistic disrespect and ingratitude. Mind you, today’s kids come by the latter fairly easily. Generally speaking, their parents give them entirely

Montgomery Parents I July 2015

too much. In the vernacular of an earlier parenting era, all too many of today’s kids seem to think that money grows on trees (or in their parents’ wallets and pocketbooks). The completely unnecessary personal smart phone at age 10 is the emblem of this ubiquitous over-indulgence. It’s a short hop from over-indulged to disrespectful. Entitlements and respect for the source of said entitlements are incompatible. More often than not, entitlements engender an “I deserve” attitude. When the entitlers are parents, the outcome is likely to be as you describe: thanklessness, demands, and rages when demands are not met. In short, a problem of this sort does not arise independent of a certain set of homebased circumstances. If you’re going to solve this problem you will first need to accept that you provided the medium in which it developed. In that regard, the question becomes, “Are you willing to radically change your ways?” Your daughter probably believes that exemplary grades and behavior outside

the home place her beyond the reach of consequences. You need to demonstrate the fallacy in her thinking. Do so by removing from her room all possessions save essential clothing and school supplies. Box them up and put them in a storage facility. Cancel her cell phone contract. If she has a computer in her room, move it to a common area. Do the above when she’s out of the house. When she comes home and asks for an explanation, tell her that her disruptions and disrespect will no longer be tolerated; that when she has been disruption- and disrespect free for a continuous 30-day period, her possessions will be returned with the understanding that if she backslides, her next rehabilitation period will jump to 60 days. If, during said 30 days, she has an “incident,” the 30 days begins over again the following day. When her rehab is complete, however, things must not go back to “normal.” You have to change your indulgent ways as well or a relapse is inevitable. You can do this. Just keep Admiral David Farragut’s famous order in mind: “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions at www.johnrosemond.com and parentguru.com.

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Carmike Summer Kids’ Movie Series

Chantilly 13 Every Monday and Thursday at 10 a.m. All seats $4 and include admission, small popcorn and drink.

Megamind Shrek Forever After Marmaduke The Tooth Fairy Spongebob 2 Paddington

July 2 July 6 & 9 July 13 & 16 July 20 & 23 July 27 & 30 August 3 & 6

NOTE: Prattville Promenade 12 follows the same schedule except only on Thursdays.

Montgomery Biscuits Family Events

For more info, call (334) 323-2255 or visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com. Kids Day July 5 & 19 * 5:35 p.m. start. Bring out the kids and join us for pregame catch on the field and post-game Coke Kids Run the Bases! Dollar Dog Tuesday July 7 & 28 * beginning at 7:05 p.m. Join us for a game and $1 hot dogs! Star Wars Night July 18 * 6:35 p.m. Meet all of your favorite Star Wars characters from the 501st Legion. Come dressed up as your favorite character and participate in our on-field costume contest. Stick around for post-game MAX fireworks!

Friday Night Hoops @ Bell Road Y

July 3 & 17 Students in 5th through 12th grades get together with 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. Montgomery Parents I July 2015

Summer Children’s Matinees Through July 31 Thursdays & Fridays 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. ALL SEATS $1 July 9-10: The Lego Movie (PG) July 16-17: Despicable Me 2 (PG) July 23-24: Ernest & Celestine (PG) July 30-31: Box Trolls (PG)

Other Summertime Fun at the Capri

Sing A Long Grease (with on-screen lyrics for everyone) July 9 at 7:30 p.m.

GO Camping at the Alabama Nature Center

Get Outdoors and spend the night under the stars July 18 at the Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook. Enjoy a summer night with your family and awesome activities that include a campfire 101 session, making s’mores, glow stick night hikes, watching the movie Sandlot, and so much more! Campsite set up begins at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 18, and activities start at 3 pm. Cost is $5 per adult and $3 per child, and is good for Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19. Campsites must be cleaned up and vacated by 11 a.m. Sunday, July 19, but you are welcome to stay and enjoy the ANC trails until we close at 5 p.m. Campfires will only be allowed in designated areas. Bring your own tent and camping gear, and no pop-up campers, please. No pets allowed. Even though you don’t pay until you arrive, please register for this fun event today! Call (334) 285-4550!

Summer Family Fun At Eastdale Mall

Family Fun Nights take place Saturdays from 5-7 p.m. through July! Each week, Eastdale Mall partners with a different community organization to host this free event for families of all ages! *All families must check in at Customer Service to receive a wristband to participate in activities July 4: *No Family Fun Night; Eastdale Mall closes early at 6 p.m.* July 11: Sponsored by Chick-Fil-A July 18: Sponsored by Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts July 25: Eastdale Idol, A Kid’s Karaoke Contest www.montgomeryparents.com

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ADT Presents Stars On the Riverfront

The Alabama Dance Theatre will present its 12th annual Stars on the Riverfront with two spectacular free performances August 2 and 3. Bring the entire family and a picnic to the Riverwalk Amphitheater as the sun sets on one of Montgomery’s most beautiful venues. These eclectic performances are the culmination of ADT’s two-week Summer Dance Seminar and will feature more than fifty dancers. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. both evenings, but gates open at 6 p.m. for picnicking. “Good to Go” Wind Creek Hospitality will be the local food vendor on site for each performance. Proceeds benefit the ADT Scholarship fund. The Riverwalk Amphitheater is located downtown, north of the Union Station train shed. Audiences should enter through the handicap accessible tunnel. Call (334) 241-2590 or visit www. alabamadancetheatre.com for more information on the performances. Photo by Alan Evans

The Little Mermaid at ASF

Alabama Shakespeare Festival brings new magic from the team that brought you Disney’s Mary Poppins! Features songs including “Under the Sea,” “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls” and “Kiss the Girl” – a fantastic show for ages 5 to 105! Visit www.asf.net or call 271-5353.

Monday Night Movies

July 6, 13, 20 & 27 Sponsored by Guardian Credit Union. Bring your family, lawn chairs, picnic baskets and coolers for a movie night along the Alabama River under the stars. Food and beverage vendors will be available. Movies begin at dusk, which could be anywhere between 8 and 8:30 p.m. **No Alcohol Allowed!** July 6 movie is Frozen; July 13 is Dolphin Tale 2; July 20 is Marley & Me; and July 27 is Box Trolls. For more info, visit www.funinmontgomery.com.

Woodland UMC Sponsors Back to School Blast Saturday, July 25, from 8-11 a.m. Woodland United Methodist Church, 4428 Wallahatchie Road in Pike Road (intersection of Vaughn and Wallahatchie Roads) For all children ages K5-12th grades School supplies; free bookbags (to first 600 children); health screenings including blood pressure, diabetes, vision, hearing and dental screens; fun & giveaways; games & prizes; snacks; free haircuts & much, much more... Everything is FREE! Call 272-7230 for more info.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

A Fungus Among Us Fungi are found in the environment around us both in the soil and on animals. Some called Dermatophytes can cause infections in humans. Three species, Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton, in particular, tend to infect the hair, feet, and skin of humans. This infection is usually referred to as Ringworm if on the hair or skin and Athlete’s foot if on the feet. Ringworm of the skin causes a circular red area with a clear center and slightly raised border that may or may not be itchy. In the hair, it causes circular areas of broken hairs or a more diffuse dandruff like presentation. Many times it starts as a small circle but enlarges if left untreated. Athlete’s foot presents with vesicles on the instep of the foot or fissuring and with scaling and erythema between the toes. Most people think of the between the toes Athlete’s foot but actually the vesicles on the instep of the feet is the more common type seen in adolescents.

A physician can usually diagnose a fungal infection fairly easily with a few simple tests or even by the presentation of the lesions. A special light called a Wood’s lamp that uses ultraviolet black lamps will make the fungus fluoresce different colors depending on which fungus is causing the infection. Sometimes other lab tests like a culture or KOH prep of the area may be needed to help with more difficult cases. Treatment is fairly easy and usually tolerated well. Ringworm of the scalp or any area with hair follicles needs to be treated with an oral medication for at least 4 weeks. Topical medications just cannot reach down the hair shaft to kill the fungus and will not clear up the infection completely. See your pediatrician if you suspect your child has ringworm of the scalp. If the area of concern is on your skin or your feet, then you can use topical

treatments that can be obtained over the counter. Lamisil, Lotrimin, or their generics are all effective treatments for most ringworm. Use them twice a day for 2-4 weeks until the lesion has cleared. Preventing all future episodes of ringworm may not be possible but there are some things that may help. Check all family members for possible infection. Sometimes another family member may have the infection but may not be showing signs yet. Also check your animals that you have contact with to ensure they have not been infected. Keep your skin and feet clean and dry. Wear shoes that can breathe in warm weather and socks that wick moisture away from your skin can help. Finally, if you bathe in public areas be sure to dry your feet well after and try to wear water proof shoes when walking around shared areas.

Dr. Malissa Hoy was born in Montgomery. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and earned her medical degree from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, West Virginia in 2007. She completed her Pediatrics Residency in Detroit, Michigan at St. John Hospital and Medical Center. Malissa is happily married to Jade and they have one son.

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IS HEARTBURN A PROBLEM? Baptist Medical Center East now has Montgomeryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only state-of-the-art diagnostic testing for heartburn and reflux. Our special team of doctors and nurses can put together a treatment plan just for you. And the best news? Most insurance plans will cover it. So call the heartburn team at Baptist

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An Ideal Vision for Students Montgomery Public Schools has an ideal vision for students: to motivate a love for learning, to encourage the cultivation of intellectual curiosity and to inspire them to dream of a future full of amazing possibilities! How wonderful is that! This is a blended vision that incorporates what parents do at home, with what schools do, along with what the community offers. Strategic actions on each stakeholder’s part can lead our students to a sure victory of graduating prepared for college, career, and beyond. One big influence on the vision is that of developing right habits – early on! Author Jocelyn K. Glei said, “We are little more than the sum of our habits. Who

Montgomery Parents I July 2015

we are and what we accomplish depends largely on a vast network of routines and behaviors that we carry out with little or no thought whatsoever.” Let’s look at three non-threatening habits that are sure to add to a student’s success: Read to Learn One of the best habits you can help your child develop is one of reading something new everyday. The subject matter should interest your child. It can be a book, magazine, or online age-appropriate blog about sports, fashion, video games, or any positive subject. The key is to encourage your child to be curious and to find a worthwhile vehicle to satisfy that curiosity. Make Your Bed Every Morning This simple act develops the understanding that there are some basic things we have to do in life. Getting in the habit of doing what needs to be done first (as in first thing in the morning) will serve your child

well as he or she enters college and the world of work. Be Courteous Being respectful and helpful can become habitual: How one addresses family members, friends, teachers, and elders; holding doors for those entering after us; smiling at others as we pass on sidewalks or offering a simple “good morning” to those we meet, sets the stage for a positive reputation and for good strong friendships. Being kind can become a part of our unconscious selves – something we won’t have to think about. If you want your children to develop the good habits that will serve them throughout their lives, it is imperative they do as you do – not just as you say. Lead by example. It is the fastest way to help your child be a kind, productive, responsible and successful person. 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.

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Catholic Inducts NHS Members And Honors Senior Members

MEA Has Hitchcock Award Nominees

The Jimmy Hitchcock Memorial Award for outstanding Christian leadership in athletics is one of highest regard in the Montgomery area. This year Macon East Academy was honored to have MariBeth Baker and Evan Tinch, above, as senior nominees for the prestigious award, as well as Bryson O’Malley and Tyler Watson, below, as freshman honorees. The objectives of the program are to recognize Christian leadership in athletics and to encourage and inspire others to emulate the man whose memory is perpetuated by this award. Each year since 1959, the respective coaches of Montgomery County high schools nominate athletes who have displayed the most outstanding qualities of Christian leadership. These qualities are strong personal character, dependability, 100% effort, team leadership, church leadership, leadership in school activities, and academic achievement. From this group of outstanding athletes, one female and one male are chosen each year to receive the coveted Jimmy Hitchcock Memorial Award. This year’s banquet was held May 1 at Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church with keynote speaker Kirk Cousins, quarterback for the Washington Redskins.

Montgomery Parents I July 2015

The Loretto Chapter of the National Honor Society at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School inducted twenty-two new members during an Induction Ceremony April 20, in the school’s Dolly Barranco Activity Center. A reception hosted by the 2015 National Honor Society members for the new members and their families immediately followed the ceremony. The newly inducted members of the Loretto Chapter of the National Honor Society at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School are Agnes Armstrong, Emily Barranco, Kathleen Beesley, Michael Collins, Marissa Dogan, Eryka Ellington, Claire Fischer, Abaigeal Gilbert, Jonathan Green, Lacy Herbek, Blake Johnson, Gabriel Keating, Emily Lafreniere, Aubrey Lenn, Andrew Lynch, Katherine McDaniel, Morgan Micher, Nadine Moussalli, Patrick O’Mara, Madison Searcy, Megan Stembridge and Logan Stevens. Shown, the NHS senior members who received their stoles were: Gaten Armstrong, Paige Barranco, Andrew Ellis, Ann Faulkner, Brianna Foley, Lindsey Guin, Jacob Hulcher, Ashley Karst, Derek Kelly, Ashley Kim, Mary Janet McLaughlin, Olivia Nobles, Leo Petters, Reese Smith, Ally Taylor and Lindsey Tynan.

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Evangel’s Kindergarten Class Holds Graduation Ceremony

The K5 class at Evangel Christian Academy concluded the year with a program and graduation ceremony. The students began by sharing Bible verses and songs. The audience then enjoyed a visit from various Bible characters. The children also shared math skills, reading rules, and the process by which they learned to read through songs and skits. There was even an appearance from superhero “Super E.” When the students left to change into their caps and gowns, the parents enjoyed a video presentation celebrating the students from birth to graduation. After the graduates returned dressed in traditional caps and gowns, awards were presented to the students. Then guests were invited to a reception honoring ECA’s youngest graduates. 16

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Holy Cross Revs Up Lions Summer Camp

STJ Golf Takes State 4A Championship

Coach Nigel Card, and two assistant coaches, Dr. Bryan Oliver and Chris Sullivan, gave the Saint James School golf team the support and guidance it needed to play its best – and to be the best – golf team in Alabama. Beginning in February, the team played a roster of tournaments and moved the needle higher and higher in terms of team rank and individual ranks. In April, STJ took second place at the CCC Championship, first place at Sectionals, and second place in May at the Sub State tournament. At the State Championship in Mobile, after two days of golf, Saint James took the state golf championship from rival UMS Wright by a 21-stroke victory. In fact, Saint James took four of the top 10, and five of the top 14 spots, in individual ranks. “They are an exceptional group of golfers who truly support one another,” said Coach Card. “It was such a personal honor and privilege to be a part of this extraordinary group of young men.” Saint James Head of School Melba Richardson is shown with STJ Golf Coach Nigel Card (top right); Assistant STJ Golf Coach Dr. Bryan Oliver (middle left); and STJ golf team members, top row from left: Jay Spivey ’15, Walker Wise ’15, Cooper Sharp ’17; and bottom row: Walker Carr ’15, Wells Hooper ’15, and Chase Hastey ’17.

South Montgomery County Academy “Home of the Raiders”

Ecclesiastes 11:1

Enrolling Now For 2015 – 2016 Openings in K3 – 12th

Accredited: AISA / SACS

A-Beka Curriculum Credit Recovery Option Low Student-Teacher Ratio Christian Values / Family Atmosphere Athletics-Pee Wee Sports Opportunities *Family Fun Events-Labor Day BBQ

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Sept. 7th, 10 am SMCA Campus!

S M C A

Celebrating Over 40 Years of Excellence in Academics and Athletics

Headmaster: Tim Davenport • 147 Old School House Rd. • Grady, Alabama 36036 Phone 334-562-3235 • www.smcaraiders.org

Lions Summer Camp at Holy Cross Episcopal School is off to a great start! This camp is for children entering kindergarten through sixth grade and is in session through July 24 from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. It is open to students from around the River Region and offers athletic activities such as sports, gym and dance, as well as academic enrichments, arts and crafts, and games. As the summer heats up, campers are cooling off with exciting outdoor water play and field trips to cool places around Montgomery. For more information, call the school office at (334) 395-8222 or e-mail our camp director at lionscamp@holycrossmontgomery.org.

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Montgomery County Schools

Catholic Names All-State Band Participants, Finalist

Evangel Names Mr. and Miss ECA

Evangel Christian Academy named the school’s 2015 Mr. and Miss ECA during the High School Awards Day ceremony. Seniors Gabriel Moorer and Rachel Baxley were chosen by the faculty and student body for this distinguished honor. They were chosen because of their Christian testimonies as well as their academic and leadership skills. Both students attended ECA since first grade.

Montgomery Parents I July 2015

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School received great news from the All-State Honor Band Festival Solo Competition held at the University of South Alabama in Mobile April 15. Students from all over Alabama audition for the All-State Honor Bands, and the top students are selected to be members. Montgomery Catholic has six students honored as members of the All-State Band. They are Henry Petters, Beth Vaughan, Logan Stevens, Jonathan Green, Mary Reagan Starrett and William Russell. Students who are selected for the All-State Bands are then eligible to compete in the All-State Festival Solo competition if they choose. Usually, only the top 15% or so of All-State Band Members elect to compete in the Solo Festival. Montgomery Catholic had four students compete in the 2015 Solo Festival. They are Petters, Vaughan, Stevens and Russell. All students in the Solo Festival played a preliminary performance for a panel of judges. These judges selected the top seven performers to be Finalists. These Finalists performed a Finalist Concert for the judges. All four of the Montgomery Catholic soloists did an admirable job performing at the preliminaries. Russell, a senior, shown at right, was chosen as one of the seven All-State Band Solo Finalists. This is the first time Montgomery Catholic’s band program has had a student named as an All-State Solo Finalist. Catholic’s band is directed by Alex Johnson.

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Macon East Baseball Named AISA 2A State Runners-up

The Macon East Academy baseball program, under the leadership of Coach Bob Pickett, had an outstanding 2015 season with an overall record of 35-11. The team was undefeated (9-0) in area play and finished as area champs receiving a bye in the first round of playoffs. Led by a group of 12 seniors (Tripp Adams, Chase Center, Logan Coleman, Cannon Colwell, Will Graham, Matt Johnson, Zachary Kervin, Bubba Pugh, Lou Rutland, Cole Sikes, Tyler Sheehan and Hunter White), they had a great chemistry on and off the field. After sweeping Wilcox and Springwood in the 2nd and 3rd rounds of the playoffs, their sights were set on a daunting three-game series at Paterson Field with the defending state champs. Coleman pitched a complete game onehitter to set the tone for the Knights in a 3-2 win. White was 2-for-3 with two RBIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and a run and Colwell was 2-for-3 with one RBI. Errors early in game two opened the door for an 0-2 Edgewood victory. The Knights ended their season on a disappointing note in the final game of the AISA 2A state tournament with a 5-18 loss to Edgewood. Sheehan had two RBIs in game 3 and scored a run, while Graham was 2-for-3 with a run and Chapman Dean went 2-for-2 with a run. Coleman, White and Dean were named to the all-tournament team as the Knights received the 2A runner-up trophy.

Lee Student Participates In Leadership Training

Alabama DECA State President Udonna Simpson, a senior at Lee High School, participated in the Alabama State Officer Leadership Training. The training took place June 15 and 16 at Drury Inn in Montgomery and involved officers of Career Tech student organizations from across Alabama. The training included team development, leadership styles, netiquette and accountability, and is designed to prepare officers to fulfill their roles responsibly during the 2015-16 school term. Shown are Udonna Simpson, president; Krista Johnson, state vice president; Caitlin McCrary, District 1 vice president; David Portillo, District 2 vice president; and Logan Cooper, vice president for Districts 3 and 4.

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Montgomery County Schools

Academy Announces Barfoot To Serve as Interim Head After five years serving as Head of School at Montgomery Academy, Dave Farace announced he has been given the opportunity to lead The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Fla., and would assume responsibilities there on June 1. “It has been a distinct honor and blessing to serve the Academy alongside so many talented, creative and passionate people,” said Farace. “MA is a special school community that has nurtured, challenged and energized me daily.” Montgomery Academy’s Board of Trustees has contracted with the highly respected search firm Wickenden Associates to conduct a national search for the next Head of School. The Board envisions a deliberate and thorough process very similar to the last Head search that will involve representation from all constituent groups of the school community. The goal is to fill the position with a Head of School who will begin July 1, 2016.

Serving as Interim Head of School will be Vivian Barfoot, left. “I am honored to accept the Interim Head of School position as the Academy makes the transition to a new leader,” she said. “Dave Farace has been an inspiring Head for our school and for me personally, and I have great faith that our Board of Trustees will identify an exceptional person to continue the Pursuit of Excellence.” Barfoot has been at Montgomery Academy for 35 years. Starting as a third-grade teacher in the fall of 1981, she has a deep appreciation for the learning adventure for all MA children. She was named Lower School Director in 2000, served as Interim Head of School during the 2009-2010 school year and currently is the Associate Head of School, a position she has held since 2010. Barfoot received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Alabama and a master’s in Early Childhood Education from Auburn University Montgomery. John McWilliams ‘96, right, will assume the role of Associate Head of School effective July 1. He has offered impressive leadership as Middle School Director and his willingness

to serve as Associate Head contributes to the stability of the leadership transition. His devotion to the school and his remarkable talents make him highly qualified for the position. McWilliams was an Upper School History teacher before being named the Middle School Director in 2011. He received his bachelor’s degree in history from Yale University and his Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Dartmouth College. Sarah Barton Thomas has been announced as the new Middle School Director, effective July 1. Her appointment was the result of a nationwide search that took into consideration critical input from the Montgomery Academy school community. She began her career as a music educator and has spent the last four years as an educational technology integrationist and cross country coach at the Norwood School, a K-8 independent school in Bethesda, Maryland. She was named by the National Association of Independent Schools as one of the “Teachers of the Future” in 2014.

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Catholic Racing Knights Sprint to State Meet

The Montgomery Catholic Racing Knights were among the elite teams that competed in the State Meet in Gulf Shores recently. The boys, shown above, qualified their largest contingent ever by taking second place at the Sectional Meet held at Smiths Station April 23-24. The girls also qualified an elite group by finishing third in the team standings. Among the record-setting performers at Sectionals were the Boys 4x100 Relay. The quartet of Thomas Stokes, Robert Smith, Brandon Thomas and Reese Smith shattered the school record and qualified with the fastest time in the 4A classification with their blistering 44.13 performance. Sophomore Winston Wright also crushed two school records as he won both the 110 meter high hurdles and the 300 meter hurdles in new school records of 16.87 and 43.40, respectively. In other individual events, senior Reese Smith placed second in the 100 and fourth in the 200 meters. His brother, senior Robert Smith, placed fifth in the 100 and sixth in the 200. Junior Brandon Thomas took silver in both the 200 and 400 meter dashes. Seniors Tay and Tray McCurdy placed 4th and 5th in the Shot Put. Tray also took bronze in the discus throw. Freshman Greg Ellis placed 4th in the Long Jump. Eighth-grader Grant Walker took 8th in the 1600 meters. Junior Sam Walker finished 8th in the Javelin. The Racing Knights scored in and qualified in all three relays as Robert Smith, Winston Wright, Greg Ellis and Brandon Thomas teamed in the 4x400 meter relay and Andrew Lynch, Angel Padilla, Patrick Gregorius and Grant Walker joined forces in the 4x800 meter relay. Both squads took 4th place. For the girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; team, eighth-grader Amaris Tyynismaa paced the team and earned Meet MVP by winning the 800 meter, 1600 meter, and 3200 meter runs in addition to working with Katelyn Stark, Annabel Starrett and Isabelle Cochran by anchoring the 4x800 team to a silver medal. Sophomore Tamrah Tucker established a new school record in the 100 meter dash in the preliminaries of 12.80 on Friday and then won the finals on Saturday in 12.83. She also set another school record in the 200 preliminaries with her 26.74 and grabbed second in the finals with a 26.82. In the 400 meters, she placed 7th in 65.29. Eighthgrader Isabelle Cochran placed 6th in the 800 meter run and also qualified for state in the 400 meters. Freshman Katelyn Stark advanced to state in the 1600 and 3200 meter runs. Iyana Tate, a sophomore, earned second place with her toss of 75-09. Freshman Annabel Starrett also scored for the team by finishing 7th in the 100 hurdles and 8th in the 300 hurdles. In relay action, the girls qualified also qualified in the 4x400 meters as Sarah Beth Littrell, Brayley Mularkey, Isabelle Cochran and Tamrah Tucker took bronze. 21

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C H Montgomery County Schools

Academy Students Build Roller Coasters for Class

Macon East Senior Commits to ASCC

Macon East Academy left-handed pitcher Logan Coleman signed with Alabama Southern Community College on June 1. The commitment follows an outstanding year for Coleman in his only season with the Knights. He finished the year with an ERA of 1.17 in 65 innings and 105 strike outs. In game one of the state finals, Coleman pitched a complete game one-hitter to set the tone for the Knights in a 3-2 win over the Edgewood Wildcats. He was named to the AISA state all-tournament team and the all-star team.

Adding a literal twist to their traditional study of physics, fifth-grade Montgomery Academy students constructed roller coasters for marbles to demonstrate their knowledge of the concepts of gravity, fluid friction, rolling & static friction, and Newton’s Three Laws of Motion. The project began with a written presentation defining each concept as it relates to real (or marble) roller coasters. Students were required to include a loop or a place where the tracks crossed paths, which proved to be one of the more challenging aspects of the project. They learned in order to successfully get their marble to the end of the “ride,” they had to generate the right amount of momentum, with friction playing an important role. While there were obstacles along the way, students demonstrated their ability to think critically and solve problems creatively with this entertaining physics assignment.

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

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

Montgomery Parents I July 2015

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Catholic’s Huett Named Harbin Award Winner

Martha “Marty” Rupert Huett was honored by Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School on May 4, as the 2015 Charlie Harbin Distinguished Service Award winner for her service to the school. The Harbin Service Award was established by the Harbin family and is awarded by the school to recognize those selfless individuals who have significantly served Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School and exemplified its values in their lives. Montgomery Catholic President Anne Ceasar presented Huett with an engraved clock, kicking off the 2015 Montgomery Catholic High School Campus Academic Awards. Huett has always been available for her Alma Mater, but certainly when both of her sons attended in the 1990s. Her service to Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School spans over 25 years. She was a very active member of the Alumni Association, where she served as the association president for nine years, raising $100,000 for the school’s new concession stand and press box in 1999. As a Booster Club member and volunteer she was a huge supporter of the baseball team, her oldest son’s favorite sport. Brannon Cochran Field was dedicated in his memory in 2007. She served as a gate and concession stand worker for countless numbers of games. She was an active member of the PTC, helped at campus clean up days, and acted as a room mom for many years. The school thanked Huett for her service and for making Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School a better place. She accepted the award and addressed the students present at the awards ceremony. She explained that she “chose to send her children to Montgomery Catholic, not only for the education, but because of the close relationships and the family atmosphere.” She received a standing ovation for her emotional acceptance. Huett is a Class of 1972 graduate from Montgomery Catholic. She is married to Rick Huett and retired from the Montgomery Police Department. Her son, Joseph Cochran ‘02 from Birmingham, escorted her to the event. 23

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Montgomery County Schools

Alisha Singh Spends Day As Head of School at Academy

Macon East Participates in Legislative Day

Recently, Montgomery Academy sixth-grader Alisha Singh spent her morning serving as Head of School at MA. Singh started her day greeting Lower School students in the carpool line, then traveled to the Vaughn Road campus where she learned about the role of the Head of School and division directors, and helped with the admissions process and menu planning. After reading her favorite books Mr. President Goes to School and A Fine, Fine School, from her days at the Lower School to the kindergarten class, Singh stopped by her sister Kareena’s fourth-grade class and decreed every student in the class exempt from homework that evening. As a special surprise for Singh, her scheduled Q & A with the sixthgrade class turned out to be an award presentation with Mary Hughes, education coordinator at the Montgomery Humane Society, who presented her with a medal for winning second place in the Humane Society’s citywide essay contest. After friends and family congratulated Singh, she concluded her role as Head of School with a private lunch with three friends.

Montgomery Parents I July 2015

The Bankers 2 Leaders division of the Alabama Bankers Association held its Annual Legislative Day in Montgomery on April 2. More than 150 bankers and high school students from all over the state attended the annual event which featured speakers representing key areas of government including Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey, Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard, and Rep. Jack Williams. According to ABA President and CEO Scott E. Latham, the event is designed to heighten awareness of the students as to how state government works and to encourage involvement in the democratic process at a young age. Hunter Gregg and Sarah Margaret Poundstone represented Macon East at this year’s Legislative Day and had the opportunity to talk with their legislators and state government leaders about issues prevalent in their own communities and get a first-hand view of how the legislative process works.

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STJ Cheerleaders Awarded at Auburn The Saint James School cheerleaders were on top of their game at the UCA Cheer Camp at Auburn University the last week in May. The Saint James cheer program was awarded the prestigious Universal Cheerleader Association’s Tradition Plaque that is given to the cheer team that shows leadership, integrity, and sportsmanship on and off the field. “I am so proud of the hard work, the effort, and the commitment all of the girls

put into their performances,” said STJ cheer coach Alex Ray. “They competed against cheer teams from around the state and they really shined. It was a great experience for all of us.” The Saint James Middle School won 1st place in Extreme Routine and 1st place in Sideline Routine; the STJ Junior Varsity girls won 1st place in Extreme Routine and 1st place in Sideline Routine; and the Saint

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James Varsity cheer team won 1st place in Sideline Routine and 3rd place in Extreme Routine. In individual awards, STJ’s Mya Averett and Lacy Brown won the UCA Jump Off as they competed against 30 cheerleaders for the best jumps at camp. Hannah White and Grace Kirkland were chosen for the Pin-It Forward Award that is given to individuals who have the qualities of being a great cheerleader. The following Saint James cheerleaders made UCA All-American, which is one of the highest awards at cheer camp: Bailey Anderson, Lacy Brown, Katie Leigh Smith, Grace Kirkland, Taylor Holman, Hannah White, Sally Brown, Lindsey Holcombe and Emma Moody. The All American cheerleaders are eligible to travel to Disney World over Thanksgiving or to London to perform in the London New Year’s Day Parade. Photo courtesy of Bryan Hubbard: Saint James Middle School, JV, and Varsity Cheerleaders at the Universal Cheerleader Association (UCA) Cheer Camp at Auburn University.

A L A B A M A

DA N C E T H E A T

stars on the riverfront!

Sunday, August 2 & Monday, August 3, 2015 H 7:30pm Riverwalk Amphitheater H Free Admission H 241-2590 Performance Sponsors

City of Montgomery

with additional support from

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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Montgomery County Schools

Junior League Kicks Off 90th Anniversary Year

The Junior League of Montgomery celebrated the end of a successful year and presented awards to deserving members and community partners for outstanding service and leadership. In addition, the League unveiled plans for the organization as it marks its 90th anniversary impacting the River Region. To commemorate this momentous occasion in the League’s history and to celebrate the impact that it has made in the River Region, the 90th Anniversary Committee has planned several exciting events and projects during the 2015-2016 League year. #90for90 Campaign was revealed at the May General Membership Meeting. Each month leading up to the 90th Anniversary Gala in April 2016, the League will choose one non-profit and donate 90 items. The Montgomery Christian School was the first organization chosen for the #90for90 campaign. The League donated 90 books for the school’s new library. “While we are thrilled to celebrate and share our 90 years of history and impact to Montgomery and the River Region, The Junior League of Montgomery will spend this year doing what we do best- giving back. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our legacy,” said Kimberly Baker, 90th President of the Junior League of Montgomery. All Junior League Members, past and current partners and the community as a whole, are invited to join in celebrating this historic anniversary. For more information about the Junior League of Montgomery 90th Anniversary, please visit www.jlmontgomery.org.

Macon East Academy Celebrates Class of 2015

The 2015 group of 33 Macon East Academy seniors accomplished much in their years at the school. Collectively they earned $1.6 million in merit-based scholarships with 85% of the class receiving scholarship offers. The students have been accepted into 27 colleges and universities, and several will continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. The Class of 2015 was also awarded more than 10 local scholarships including the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, Alabama Cattlewomen’s Association, Alabama Farmers Federation, A.W. Watkins, Capitol Filmworks, College Counts, Jackson Hospital, Montgomery Military Comptrollers, and National Wild Turkey Federation. In their senior year, the Class of 2015 led the athletics program to state championships in volleyball and softball, a state runner-up title in baseball, and a final four appearance in girls soccer. Mari-Beth Baker, Hunter Gregg, Taylor Jackson and Jessica Nam graduated with honors for academic excellence and community service. Twelve of the graduates (Tripp Adams, Kenzie Gourlay, Will Graham, Jessica Gulsby, Deven Kennedy, Zachary Kervin, Morgan Pounds, Bubba Pugh, Travis Ratliff, Lou Rutland, Cole Sikes and Hunter White) received a special 13+ pin to wear at graduation commemorating their years together at Macon East since kindergarten. Valedictorian Taylor Jackson and salutatorian Mari-Beth Baker gave the graduation address at commencement May 21. Montgomery Parents I July 2015

Montgomery Catholic Honors Senior Athletes

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School hosted its annual Senior Mass and Sports Banquet for all senior athletes on April 29 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Senior athletes and their parents were invited to the Holy Spirit parish hall afterward for dinner. Each athlete was recognized for his contribution to Montgomery Catholic’s athletic teams by Athletic Director Daniel Veres. Rev. Patrick Driscoll, pastor of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, offered the Invocation. Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School President Anne Ceasar introduced the banquet’s surprise speaker, Mike Lutzenkirchen, who established the Lutzie43 Foundation in honor of his son Phillip, who was killed in a tragic car accident on June 29, 2014. The Lutzie 43 Foundation mission aims to develop the character of young athletes and their coaches focusing on leadership, charity, compassion, mentorship, hard work, honesty and faith. As he remembered his son and the positive impact he had on others through service, Lutzenkirchen reminded the seniors of the importance of making good choices, wearing a seat belt and not drinking and driving. The audience was moved by his son’s story and his openness in sharing how his family is dealing with his loss. Mike Lutzenkirchen is pictured with Montgomery Catholic senior athletes, Robert, Jessica and Reese Smith. Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@ montgomeryparents.com. It’s FREE! www.montgomeryparents.com

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Montgomery Academy Participates in Philanthropy Course Over three weeks, 11 rising seniors participated in Montgomery Academy’s Philanthropy 101 course, which provides an in-depth study of charitable and nonprofit organizations in our community. Led by faculty members Denise Wentworth and Mandy Poundstone, the class is made possible through funding from The W. James Samford, Jr. Foundation. Students selected to take part in the course were: Taimoor Arshad, Cari Budny, Margaret Canary, Anne Morgan Cousins, Collin Darwish, Jeongwoo Kim, Allen Millsap, Madeline Roth, Olivia Rush, Claudia Ann Rutland and Bo Torbert. The course teaches students about nonprofit organizations by hosting representatives from local groups who give detailed presentations on the day-to-day workings of their organization and how their organization helps those in need. Students also spend a portion of each day “in the field” helping the local organizations directly by volunteering their time. Through this, students are able to learn about their ability to make a difference and the variety of ways to give. While the students earn no school credit for completing the course, each is given a stipend, a part of which must be donated to a single nonprofit 501(c)3 organization of his or her choice. A luncheon was held for students to give presentations about the mission and financial structure of their chosen charity and representatives from each organization were in attendance to accept the donations. During the class this summer, students heard presentations about, visited and/or did community service with these nonprofit organizations: Adams Foundation, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Brantwood Children’s Home, Camp ASCCA, Camp Seale Harris,

Central Alabama Community Foundation, Child Protect, Children’s Hospital of Alabama, Dream Court, Family Sunshine Center, Father Purcell Children’s Center, Habitat for Humanity, Huntingdon College, One Church Mission, Landmarks Foundation, Mary Ellen’s Hearth, Montgomery Area Council on Aging (MACOA), Montgomery Area Food Bank, Montgomery Area Zoological Society, Salvation Army, and Service Dogs of Alabama. In addition to reading The Ultimate Gift and A Generous Life: W. James Samford, Jr. to prepare for the course, students also read and discussed selected essays about philanthropy, the non-profit sector, and giving. The Philanthropy 101 teachers, as well as Burton Ward of the Montgomery Area Community Foundation, presented information on 501(c) (3) designation, evaluation of a nonprofit’s 990 reports and grant writing. Participants researched not-for-profits using guidestar.com and charitynavigator.com Brad Armagost of the Young Bankers Leadership Initiative presented a session on financial literacy and the students participated in a Professional Etiquette session with Rhea Kirk. The course concluded with a day-long American Heart Association CPR/AED and basic first aid certification class taught by Jason Cupps, who is a first responder with the Montgomery Fire Department. Seated from left are: Anne Morgan Cousins, Olivia Rush, Lucinda Cannon from The W. James Samford, Jr. Foundation, Claudia Ann Rutland and Madeline Roth; standing: Bo Torbert, Collin Darwish, Margaret Canary, Jeongwoo Kim, Cari Budny, Allen Millsap and Taimoor Arshad.

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Academy Studies Vocabulary in an Enjoyable New Way

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

www.prattvillemethodist.org Montgomery Parents I July 2015

This fall, the Upper School English Department adopted a new way of teaching vocabulary. It has been some time since the venerable Wordly Wise series was used in grades 9-12, and English teachers were ready for a new, systematic, departmentwide approach to helping expand students’ banks of usable words. Membean is an online program that supplies words, lessons and quizzes for students at whatever level is right for them. It uses the latest research to compile lessons that help students retain words over time. After a trial run of 45 days, teachers and students alike decided that Membean’s approach is effective and even enjoyable; the program is now a part of the 9-12 curriculum for all English classes except the two AP courses. Membean uses a brief diagnostic exercise to determine a student’s level in regard to vocabulary, and then presents him or her with a steadily increasing bank of words to learn. Images, brief videos, charts, and the like are some of the tools students can use to help them understand and remember the words they’re studying. Words are “recycled”; they reappear in exercises and on quizzes after they are initially mastered, just to be sure the knowledge sticks. English teachers assign a certain number of minutes per week for students to practice in class or at home. Quizzes are given once every student in the class has had sufficient practice and exposure to the necessary number of words. Each quiz, like every practice, is tailored to the individual student’s level and rate of progress. Membean’s large repertoire of ways to present vocabulary, its ability to accommodate itself to each individual student’s needs and its reinforcement of learning all appeal to English teachers. Mix those pedagogical advantages with an engaging on-screen experience for students, and the result is an approach to vocabulary learning that is fresh and effective. Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@ montgomeryparents.com. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Montgomery Catholic Celebrates the Class of 2015 Julia Fekete, Brianna Marie Foley*, Sherman Delnor Grant, Lindsey Robina Eliza Guin*, Cameron Thomas Harris, Harry Charles Harris, David Byrne Barber, Brandon Lee Barker, Miguel Salvador Barragan, Jacob Benjamin Hulcher*, Reginald Jamal Jackson, Tyrique Deamond Jones, Zachary Chadwick Jones, Ashley Lynne Karst*, Derek Lowe Kelly*, Ashley Yoonzee Kim*, Charles William Lawrence, Casey Lauren Lyerly, Stanley Donald Magdon, Kaitlyn Genea Martin, Taylor Jawan McCurdy, Traylon Jamal McCurdy, Mary Janet McLaughlin*, Drake Ernest Newell, Phu (Peter) Thien Nguyen, Olivia Rene` Nobles*, Alex Nyairo, Andrew Russell Oates, Elizabeth Marie Overton, Leo Alfred Petters*, Charcille Louise Randall, Katie Marie Reeves, Bryan Francis Rodopoulos, William Young Russell, Marla Sofia Sanchez, Carlye Dawn Schmidt, Caitlin Dougherty Smith, Foster Reese Smith*, Jessica Edith Smith, Robert Neil Smith, Julia Anne Starr, Thomas Craig Stokes, James Mercer Stone, Thomas Clay Stratton, Ashley Taylor Sulzby, Allyson Tyler Taylor*, William Michael Thacker, Jasiele Olivia Thornton, James Andrew Tolar, Lindsey Renee Tynan*, Jennifer Ann Tyner, Emily Jane Walker, James Madison Walker, Hunter Nicole Walski, Sarah Margaret Benson Ward, Rebecca Diane White, Tucker Gaines Wilkinson, Carolyn Marie Woodling, and Delohn Nathaniel Wyatt. *National Honor Society members

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s 140th Commencement Exercises took place in an outdoor ceremony on the grounds of the Athletic Complex at the Vaughn Road Campus May 19. Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi, Superintendent of Education Gwendolyn Byrd, Montgomery Catholic President Anne Ceasar, and High School Principal Chad Barwick were joined by Monsignor Charles Troncale, Father Patrick Driscoll ‘84, Father Pat Arensberg, Deacon Jim Labadie, and Father Alex Valladares as the special guests of the class. Salutatorian Ann Herrod Faulkner and valedictorian Leo Alfred Petters addressed their fellow graduates, special guests, family and friends after the class received their diplomas from Archbishop Rodi. The class of 2015, along with alumni, sang the Montgomery Catholic alma mater “Catholic, Our Refuge” led by Kerri Moore before heading to the end zone to salute the school one final time. Members of the junior and sophomore class hosted the graduates and their families at a reception in the Dolly Barranco Activity Center following the ceremony. Members of the Class of 2015 include: Megan Carrigan Aaron, Joseph Gaten Armstrong*, Nikki Marilag Back, Seullee Baek, Carolyn Paige Barranco*, Nicholas Andrew Beverly, Millie Rose Capouano, Maria-Vittoria Celli, Jarrett Russell Chesnutt, Maegan Brooke Cobb, Courtney Michelle Cool , Cammie Danielle Cornett, Marissa Lee Craig, Tiffany Hue Do, Ian Kyle Nichols, Carolina Elizabeth Edwards, Andrew Christopher Ellis*, Ann Herrod Faulkner*, Rachel

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Montgomery County Schools

Catholic Holds Academic Awards Ceremony Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School honored its top high school students at the annual Academic Awards Ceremony held in the Dolly Barranco Activity Center May 4. Many honors were bestowed, including the most outstanding student in each subject area. These students are Anna Nutting, Tamrah Tucker, Marissa Dogan and Olivia Nobles in English; Leo Petters, Derrick Kelly, Lisa Hong, Lita Blackburn and Henry Petters in Math; Anna Nutting, Ivy Bach, Marissa Dogan and Ann Faulkner in Science; Cloe Newell, Ivy Bach, Andrew Lynch and Ashley Karst in Social Studies; Thomas Lynch, Michael Barber and Nadine Moussalli in Theology; Katie Fisher and Emily Walker in Spanish; and Luke Craig in Latin. William Russell was named most outstanding student in Band. The new and senior members of the Loretto chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) were recognized during the ceremony. Also, Montgomery Catholic’s Key Club members accumulated more than 2,000 service hours to the Montgomery community this year. Thirteen students gave more than 50 hours of their time during this school year. Shown below, they were Agnes Armstrong, Aimee Azar, Marissa Dogan, Claire

Montgomery Parents I July 2015

Fischer, Katie Fischer, Patrick Gregorius, Emily Jones, Devin Kelly, Leah Krompecher, Ledariane Moore, Anna Nutting, Madison Searcy and Megan Stembridge. Students with the highest gradepoint average for each high school grade level were also recognized. The most outstanding freshmen were Katie Fisher, Cloe Newell and Henry Petters. The most outstanding sophomore was Ivy Bach. The most outstanding junior was Patrick O’Mara. The most outstanding senior for the class of 2015 was Leo Petters. Honor roll certificates for both the A and A/B honor rolls were given to those students who attained A or A/B honor roll throughout the school year for each grade level. The Joe Arban Perfect Attendance Award was given to Trey Magdon for having perfect attendance this year. The evening culminated with three of the highest awards given at Montgomery Catholic: the Sister Martha Belke Servant Leader Award, Leader of the Year and the Ideal Graduate. School President Anne Ceasar presented the inaugural Sister Martha Belke Servant Leader Award to Paige Barranco for her quiet and consistent leadership and school spirit. High school Principal Chad Barwick awarded the Montgomery

Catholic Leader of the Year to Mary Janet McLaughlin, who has served the school in numerous leadership positions including SGA and Youth in Government. Ceasar presented the Montgomery Catholic Ideal Graduate Award to the student who embodies the overall qualities and talents of an ideal graduate. This year the student chosen as the Ideal Graduate was Lindsey Guin. Below, Leo Petters was named the Class of 2015 most outstanding student.

Below, Montgomery Catholic’s Paige Barranco was named Servant Leader of the Year; Mary Janet McLaughlin was named Leader of the Year; and Lindsey Guin was named Ideal Graduate.

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STJ Students Meet Taylor Swift at Concert

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MEA Sophomores Attend HOBY Seminar

Macon East Academy sophomores Sami Nesbitt and Will Dowe recently attended the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Seminar held at Troy University. They joined more than 300 other young high school leaders from Alabama to recognize their leadership talents and apply them to becoming effective and ethical leaders. Student participants (known as HOBY Ambassadors) take part in hands-on activities, meet leaders in their state, and explore their own personal leadership skills while learning how to lead others and make a positive impact in their community. Nesbitt and Dowe were selected by their teachers based on their current leadership on and off the campus and strive to make a difference for positive change in their home, school and community.

Six best friends from Saint James School traveled to Charlotte, N.C., with their mothers to see Taylor Swift in concert June 8, hoping for a chance to meet the pop superstar. During the concert, the girls were singing and dancing in the Swift-adorned outfits they designed and made with their mothers – complete with neon shorts, neon socks, bright tutus, battery-operated lights under their tutus (to glow in the dark during the concert), and T-shirts promoting Swift’s “1989” tour. The goal was to be noticed by Taylor’s mother, who selects groups to meet Swift after every concert. And to their shock and thrill, Mrs. Swift spotted their group in the sold-out crowd of 15,000; she danced with them for a while, and then they were invited to “Loft 89,” the backstage gathering with Swift! After the concert, the girls and their mothers were escorted backstage where they talked with the mega-star, posed for photos with her, and had her sign their shirts. “She was so sweet to the girls,” said Alecia Brightwell, mother of two of the concert-goers. “She never acted like she was in a hurry; she talked with them, acted silly with them, and really just acted like their friend. She definitely showed them that fame is all in what you make it. She appears to be a very grounded young lady, even with all the fanfare that surrounds her.” This once-in-a-lifetime moment happened on National Best Friends Day. So, when everyone was backstage with Swift, she asked the close-knit group if she could adopt them. And of course they all shouted in unison, “YES!” From left are Katie Brightwell, Erin Grigsby, Mary Rodgers Prim, Taylor Swift, Erin Hughes, Haley Brightwell and Anna Colson.

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Montgomery County Schools

Holy Cross Participates in a Year of Giving Every year, Holy Cross Episcopal School reaches out to those in need in our community. During the 2014-2015 school year, Holy Cross students, their families and teachers made a difference in the lives of others through their support of three major outreach projects. Beginning in September, the school collected items to benefit the Montgomery Humane Shelter. Many bags of pet food and treats for dogs and cats, blankets, toys, and newspapers filled the table in the center of the building. Excitement for this project built as the collection of items grew until October 3, and the project ended with the annual Blessing of the Animals. The school’s next mission, the Christmas outreach project, was to provide needed items to the elderly in the area in partnership with the Montgomery Area Council on Aging (MACOA). Students collected 290 pairs of warm socks, 150 jars of peanut butter, and a little something extra—pet food to feed the

furry friends of the elderly who would benefit from the socks and peanut butter. The third project, the Easter outreach, was a new undertaking for Holy Cross. Students, families and teachers collected receiving blankets for the Footprints Ministry of Montgomery, who includes them in gift bags for the families of babies in the neonatal intensive care units at Baptist East and Baptist South. Also included in this project was the collection of paper plates, toilet paper, paper towels, travel size tissues, laundry detergent, and disinfectant wipes for the House of Hope. A project of the Footprints Ministry, House of Hope provides a place for a family from outside the area to stay while their newborn is in the NICU. Through participation in outreach projects, Holy Cross students learn about the needs in their community and how to care for other people. The Holy Cross community is small enough to care, but big enough to make a positive impact in their world.

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Cornerstone Classical Christian Competes at National History Day

Several upper school students from Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy were given opportunity to compete at the national level of the National History Day contest, June 15-19 at the University of Maryland. The students participated in junior and senior website, senior paper, senior documentary and senior performance. Harrison Estes (junior website) and Hannah Taunton (senior individual performance) received commendation by the national judges earning highest honors from all other entries in the state of Alabama. The topic of Harrison’s project was Thomas McAdory Owen, founder of the Alabama archives and Hannah portrayed the story of Julia Tutwiler. All of the projects by the students conformed to the theme of this year’s competition, “Leadership and Legacy in History.” The students including chaperone Lee Gonet had a wonderful time at the competition including sightseeing in Washington, D.C. Several Cornerstone families were able to make the trip as well.

Eastwood Student Receives Lady Tiger Award

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 his or her God-given potential through providing activities designed to foster spiritual, academic and social growth. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord... Jeremiah 29:11

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Emily Gwin, an upcoming 8th grade student at Eastwood Christian School, won the top award at the Auburn Ladies Basketball Camp this summer. She won the “Lady Tiger” award for showing the most overall character and leadership at the camp. Pictured with Emily is Coach Flournoy, the women’s basketball coach at Auburn. 33

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Montgomery County Schools

STJ’s Richardson Garners City & State Recognition

City and state leaders recognized Melba Richardson for her exemplary 32 years of service to Saint James School and to the advancement of education in the state of Alabama during the school’s last faculty meeting of the year, May 22. Shown, Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange presented a personal and heartfelt City of Montgomery Certificate of Recognition to Richardson. Michael McLendon, academic programs director for the Alabama Independent School Association, also presented Richardson with a Senate Resolution commending her for Outstanding Professional Achievement. In order to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts Richardson and her husband, Dr. William (Bill) Richardson, have gone to in order to attend as many extra-curricular activities as they could since she has been at STJ, McLendon gave her a custom STJ baseball bat – to an ovation from the audience.

Montgomery Parents I July 2015

Success Unlimited Graduation 2015

Success Unlimited Academy held its graduation exercises at St. James United Methodist Church on May 22. SUA’s praise band, Warrior, provided prelude music before the ceremony, followed by SUA Principal Susan Alred welcoming the guests and faculty members. Josh Myers, vice president of business banking at Regions, was the keynote speaker who encouraged the 74 graduates to follow their dreams and to make an impact on the community along the way. Special awards and presentations were made throughout the evening. Mr. and Misses Success, Bethany Odle, Stacy Suits and John Russell, represented the senior class by presenting a garden bench with a plaque to be placed in front of the school. The bench was given in memory of classmate Jacob Jinright, who passed away in January. Valedictorian Bethany Odle and salutatorian Dalton Harper addressed their fellow graduates with speeches filled with memories, lasting thoughts, and inspiration. Special scholarships were presented to the following: Bethany Odle, Valedictorian Scholarship; Dalton Harper, Salutatorian Scholarship; Taylor Quattlebaum, SUA Principal’s Scholarship; Jack Davis, Chase Brassell Scholarship; and Savannah Wallace, Summit Scholarship. Following the presentation of diplomas, Rachel Jinright accepted her brother Jacob Louis Jinright’s diploma, on behalf of her family. Susan and Bob Alred are shown with their daughter, valedictorian Bethany Odle.

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The 2014-15 school year is officially in the books, and what a great school year it was! Autauga County schools grew and flourished. With every ending comes a new beginning; this is the time of the year for celebration. New graduates and retirees will start the next phase of their lives, and I would like to wish the graduates and retirees of the class of 2015 the very best in their future endeavors. First, I would like to recognize the valedictorians and salutatorians of our high schools. • Autaugaville – Valedictorian, Aliyah Tolliver; Salutatorian, Alexandrea Goodson • Billingsley – Valedictorian, Jordan Brown; Salutatorian, Karsan Tindol • Marbury High – Valedictorians, MacKenzie Adair, Zachary Halloran, Jonathon Lunsford, and Gabriel Wurtz

• Prattville High – Valedictorian, Gyeong Seok Kim; Salutatorian, Isabella Joann Durham It is also my pleasure to acknowledge the veterans who received their high school diplomas at the May 29th graduation ceremony. They are Albert Franklin Blankenship, Arthur Eugene Burt, Donald Grady Carroll, Michael Lee Parker, Douglas Wayne Perdue, James Rae Scott, and Edward Smith. We are so grateful to these veterans for their service to our country. Next, I would like to recognize, thank, and congratulate all our retirees who worked diligently to educate the next generation and helped to mold the future of our country. The professionals retiring this year are Regina Allred, Donna Britan, Elizabeth Chambers, John Colquitt, Susanne Davis, Bethena DeRamus, Gary Elijah, Marlin Harris, Norm Kleinschmidt, Gloria Kuykendall, Roger Lambert, Gale Mallory, Patricia Mathis, Trent Miller, Faye Moore, Terry Mora, Cassandra Morris, Angie Nabors, Sheila Sievers, Morris Smith, Kitty Statsyszn, Kimberly Stearns, Brenda Stevens, Patty Sutherland, Ida Williams, James Woodham,

and Linda Wright. I wish each of you a long, fun-filled retirement. Thank you for what you have done for our students. The end of a school year wouldn’t be the same without field trips. What could be more meaningful or educational than a trip to our nation’s capital? Angela Landry took almost 100 sixth-grade students from Prattville Intermediate School to Washington, D.C. Students visited all the great memorials, engaging museums, and significant buildings. Of course the trip would not be complete without a group picture at the State Capitol. The new school year is right around the corner. The principals are working to get their schools staffed and cleaned for the new school year. We anticipate another great year for 2015-2016, and I look forward to sharing the wonderful achievements of our system and students with you in the fall. Like us on Facebook and stay informed! 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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Prattville Kindergartner Reads 100 AR Books

Ekira Serai Bouie, a student at Prattville Kindergerarten School, took on the task of reading 100 books this school year. Bouie began the Accelerated Reader program in January with her teacher, Jessica Thompson. Her teacher set a goal of 25 books to be read by the end of the school year. On her own, Bouie decided to set a goal for herself to read 100 books. With the help of her mother, Bouie began checking out two Accelerated Reader books per day and reading them three times each. Her teacher provided a sticker chart for Bouie to keep up with how many books she had read. ”It gave us such joy to see how excited Ekira was about reading,” says PKS librarian Hope Davis. “Each day she would announce, ‘I’m here to check out another book.’ She then proceeded to count by fives to let us know how many books she had read and how close she was to reaching her goal.” In recognition of her accomplishments, Bouie was presented a waffle breakfast with Principal Jodi Womble, a gift basket, and a reading certificate.

Prattville Junior High Getting a Facelift

Prattville Junior High School has several summer projects in the works. The bleachers are being replaced, dead trees removed, flowers planted, floors waxed, and the parking lot is getting resurfaced (thanks to the ACBOE). Other summer projects include replacing a floor, completing the projection system in the gym, painting two hallways, adding a small mural, and general repairs and clean-up. Thanks to our staff and faculty, summer crew, maintenance department, and the ACBOE for their support and assistance. Thanks also to school parents and staff for their support in fundraising adventures to sponsor some of these projects.

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This has been an extremely successful year for the Elmore County School System. Students of all ages have been recognized for their hard work and tenacity. Graduation from high school is an important milestone but we continually urge our students to pursue every advantage to support their future goals. This is evident by the $9.4 million that was awarded to our seniors for athletic or academic scholarships. State, national, and international awards brought remarkable recognition to our schools this year. The Wetumpka High School Robotics Team received national recognition at the White House and Redland Elementary School was recognized as the international award winner of Promising Practice in Character Education for the 7 Habits/Leader in Me program. Holtville Elementary and Coosada Elementary received the first Alabama Humanities Foundation pilot

Montgomery Parents I July 2015

grants for Prime Time Family Reading Time which introduced families to the joy of reading as a family. Redland Elementary held its first Leadership Day event featuring community leaders as guest speakers. Holtville High School and Stanhope Elmore High School were recognized as bronze level schools by the US News and World Report’s Best High Schools list for Advanced Placement participation and growth. Teamwork and good sportsmanship are integral parts of athletic success and our students dominated many state competitions. The WHS Girls Softball team are 6A state champions, the SEHS and WHS wrestling teams brought home state champions, and our schools were well-represented in baseball, golf, tennis, track, and basketball. Our JROTC classes also emphasized the importance of leadership and teamwork and student participation is this program is growing at a rapid rate. The Elmore County Technical Center continues its growth by planning new programs that will truly make our students ready for successful careers. This summer, each of our middle schools are participating in Alabama’s 21st Century

Community Learning programs. Eclectic Middle School, Holtville Middle School, Millbrook Middle School, and Wetumpka Middle School students are traveling to cultural sites in the tri-county area, and challenging their minds through experiments, activities, and experiences. Spelling bee champions, science fair winners, and students’ rising test scores would not be possible without the dedication of faculty, staff, and parents. Many of the “extras” you see in our schools from marquees to landscaping are due to the PTOs that raise funds and provide many hours of volunteer service. The well-written scholarship application paragraphs, the hours of musical and dramatic practice, and the visual arts which flourish are all the results of the student-parent-teacher teamwork that prods each child to his or her best efforts. 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.

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Wetumpka Softball Team Wins State Tournament

The Wetumpka High School softball team recently made history. The girls went undefeated in area and regional tournaments and won the 6A State Tournament.

Wetumpka Softball Seniors Thankful for Support

The Wetumpka High School seniors would like to thank everyone for their support and for cheering them on to a 6A State Championship. From left are Destinee Brewer, left field; Lauren Lett, pitcher; Savannah Reaves, right field, pitcher and DP; Mia Mitchell, center field; Alex Christian, 1st base; Jessi Freeman, 2nd base; and Courtney Richardson, short stop.

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Sydney Cox Represents Wetumpka at Girls State

Rising senior Sydney Cox was chosen to represent Wetumpka High School at the 2015 session of American Legion Auxiliary Alabama Girls State, held on the campus of the University of Alabama. For one week, she became a citizen of an imaginary state, taking part in the political life of her community, primarily through campaigning for and electing city, county and state offices. She learned the operation of government by participating in party caucuses and through the election process. Well-known speakers and other state, county and city officials visited and enlightened the young women on their civic responsibilities. Fifteen cities were established for American Legion Auxiliary Alabama Girls State. Cox was elected as mayor of the city of Magnolia. She was also a member of the Senate and was a federalist from Waite County. Cox will speak to organizations upon invitation about her experiences at Girls State. The daughter of Paul and Sandie Cox and the granddaughter of Janet Cox and Doug and Nan Free, she was selected to attend Girls State because of her outstanding leadership. Sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, Alabama Girls State is a laboratory of practical government, and a personal application of duties, responsibilities and privileges of being an American. After graduation, Cox will attend Troy University where she has received the Chancellor’s Award Scholarship which covers full tuition. She plans to major in education and minor in photojournalism.

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Victory Baptist Junior Invited to Football Camp

Victory Baptist School junior Mason Byrd received a Football University (FBU) TOP GUN invitation following the Nashville regional football camp. He then participated in UofM Coach Jim Harbaugh’s Prattville elite camp. The FBU invitation reads, “Congratulations... After looking at additional camp film and your FBU instructor notes from your recent regional camp, we are excited to invite you to Top Gun 2015, the nation’s most elite football training and showcase experience for top high school athletes. This is the best collection of high school football talent assembled in one place, at one time. Your technical ability and football IQ displayed at the Nashville Regional Camp has earned you this opportunity to compete against the best high school football players, continue to work with FBU’s most elite coaches, and gain additional national exposure.” The 2015 FBU Top Gun High School Showcase will take place at Dublin Jerome High School in Dublin, Ohio, from July 16-18. 41

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Finding Apps to Beat the Summer Slump A few years ago, educators started warning parents about “summer slump.” This drop off in academic skills forces teachers to spend the first weeks after Labor Day reteaching things their students knew at Memorial Day. Of course, summer won’t feel much like vacation if it’s crammed with workbook exercises. Instead, parents can keep young brains fresh by encouraging kids to imagine, explore and inquire about things that interest them. Whether it’s done with paper or pixels, reading continues to be one of the best ways to nurture young minds, followed closely by activities that motivate children to think their way through problems. Happily, both of these activities are a prominent part of many of the apps designed for children. The challenge for parents is to sort through the thousands of apps being produced to find the ones that will actually intersect with a particular child’s age and enthusiasms. These websites should help. All do independent reviews, and most sort apps by age group and subject area. Mind Leap Tech reviews educational apps with three things in mind: 1. Does the app trigger genuine learning? 2. Do kids enjoy using it? 3. Will they want to use it more than once? Apps are organized by grade level so you can pinpoint what works for pre-schoolers or fifth graders. And you can sign up for an e-mail that will alert you to new apps in particular areas. (www.mindleaptech.com) Montgomery Parents I July 2015

Common Sense Media now reviews apps in addition to movies, video games, TV shows, websites, books and music. Run by a non-profit, this site uses an easy to understand rating system that helps parents zero in on content that is developmentally appropriate. Reviews also include a “learning rating” which considers engagement, learning approach, feedback and support. (www.commonsensemedia.org/mobile-applists)

subject that he or she didn’t quite master last year. (www.appsineducation.com)

Digital-storytime reviews picture books that have been adapted for the I-pad. In addition to a candid assessment of the book, each review includes screen shots and videos so you know what you’re getting before you buy. There are also some helpful top ten lists, many organized around topics that appeal to the author’s young son such as elephants, pirates and planets. (www. digital-storytime.com)

Daily dose. Several apps make each day a learning opportunity by delivering new content to your mobile device every 24 hours. Read Me Stories provides a daily book ideal for children who are just learning to read. (www.8interactive.com) Brain Pop offers a mini-movie about a random topic likely to interest elementary age children. (www. brainpop.com/app)

Teaching Appz is another good source for apps endorsed by teachers in Great Britain. The reviewers are quite selective so you don’t have to wade through a long list to find topnotch apps in various subjects. Reviews also include tips about how to use each app to stimulate learning. (www.teachingappz. co.uk)

Storia is another free app that gives readers easy access to many of the popular books available from Scholastic book clubs. You can choose five free books when you download the app. After that, you’ll pay from $1.95 to $20 per book. (www.scholastic. com/storia)

To be honest, kids from families who can afford smart phones and tablet computers are less likely to experience summer slump. “All children backslide in math,” says James Kim, a Harvard researcher who has studied summer slump. “In literacy, the gap between high and low socio-economic status children widens. Low-income students, who may not have the same level of access to books and literacy resources, tend to decline more than wealthier students.” Parents can help close this gap by getting involved in local literacy projects. Sort through your family library and donate outgrown books, games and educational toys to programs such as firstbook.org. Or use the interactive map under Volunteer at RIF.org to find and support a literacy initiative in your school district. You may find that the best way to prevent summer slump is by joining with other parents to be sure that all the kids in your community have loads of opportunities to learn this summer.

Apps in Education reviews 1000 apps each week to identify the ones that are most likely to be useful to teachers. This is a great place to look for apps that will help will help a child catch up on fractions or some other

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, 2015, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

International Children’s Digital Library offers a free app that gives children access to more than 4000 books from around the world. Many of the books have been translated so kids can listen to stories in more than one language. The Digital Library also offers an app that helps children write and share their own stories. (http:// en.childrenslibrary.org/)

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Patrick Quinn and Ken Roach of Frazer Memorial UMC Author New Parenting Book In the face of the bewildering array of modern parenting advice, author and pastor Patrick Quinn, along with Ken Roach, shows parents a new way to make a positive difference in their children’s lives in How to Ruin Your Child in 7 Easy Steps: Tame Your Vices, Nurture Their Virtues (June 1, 2015). Modern parenting tends to lean heavily on either behavior— what children do—or on education—what children think. A growing number of parents, however, are most concerned with identity—who children become. Patrick directs these eager parents to the ancient understanding of virtues and vices, the powerful forces that shape one’s character. Modern parenting is all about being yourself, and helping your children be

themselves. But we can forget that there is a shadow side to ourselves. The ancient way of taming our vices and nurturing our virtues reminds us how to become the best version of ourselves—the loving, unique, fully human people that God created us to be from the beginning. Drawing on roots that go back centuries, the authors show how the tradition of the Seven Deadly Sins provides a framework for understanding how to help our sons and daughters avoid the traps that can corrupt and destroy their identity, while offering practical tools to nurture the

corresponding Seven Cardinal Virtues that will empower children to grow into the best of who they were created to be. In the end, parenting is not about what we do or what we say, it’s the journey of who we become—and how we transfer that down to our children, for bad or good. Patrick Quinn is Teaching Pastor at Frazer Memorial UMC and Ken Roach is Director of Content Creation, also at Frazer. You may find the book for purchase at the Frazer Bookstore, 6000 Atlanta Highway, or Wherever Books Are Sold.

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When children pitch in with chores they learn more than responsibility. Children also acquire competence, selfreliance and self-worth, and an appreciation for teamwork and cooperation--skills that will accompany them throughout their lifetimes. Follow these tips to chill any chore wars in your home.

Begin Early

by Judy M. Miller

Little ones are eager to help. They can help you pick up and put away their toys, match socks, hand you their dishes, bring you ingredients, or stir the muffin batter. They are learning through your everyday experiences and loving guidance.

Start Small

Tasks should not be overwhelming. For example, asking a threeyear-old to clean the bathroom by himself is too much. So is folding all of the laundry. He can, though, learn how to rinse out the tub with a plastic cup after it is used or fold the washcloths and smaller towels.

Provide Choices

One of our jobs as parents is to raise the future’s responsible adults. Doing so begins at home. Parents can begin to build the foundation of responsibility through teaching and expecting their children to do their fare share around the house. Montgomery Parents I July 2015

When your child is older he can take on additional and more complex tasks like taking out the trash, walking the dog, and doing the dishes. These chores have multiple steps involved and will likely require some supervision and training until your child is doing them correctly. Have a family meeting for the purpose of discussing what chores need to be done and how often and who will be assigned to do them. Also make sure everyone understands that they may have to pitch in where needed, say another family member is sick or otherwise unavailable.

Do Your Part

Chores are part of daily life for every person, whether they live with others or not. Model a good attitude about doing chores. Be calm and matwww.montgomeryparents.com

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ter of fact when you are doing chores or asking your child to do them. A child who observes his parent doing a chore in this manner is more likely to cooperate when asked to do a chore. Consider partnering with your child, working along side them to complete a task. Partnering offers you the opportunity to explain why you do the task the way you do and demonstrate the steps you take. Ask your child to copy you. You are there to gently and lovingly encourage and guide him.

Provide Incentives and Rewards

Motivate your child as he moves through preschool, elementary, middle, and high school years by using incentives and rewards, along with loving encouragement. Taylor incentives and rewards to the individual child and his interests. Be patient and consistent. And don’t forget the verbal praise, thanks and hugs.

Chore Ideas by Age Groups Preschoolers

• Clearing their place at the kitchen table. • Putting dishes in sink. • Matching socks. • Folding towels and washcloths. • Putting their toys away.

Elementary-Aged Children

• Help care for the family pet. • Putting their clothes away in their room. • Picking up their room. • Helping to put dishes away.

Tweens • • • • •

Stripping and making the bed. Sweeping the floors. Vacuuming. Taking out the trash. Dusting.

Teens • • • • •

Doing the dishes. Laundry. Mowing the yard. Washing the car. Cleaning the bathroom.

Judy M. Miller is a freelance writer living in the Midwest with her husband and four children. She is a Certified Gottman Educator and the author of What To Expect From Your Adopted Tween and Writing to Heal Adoption Grief: Making Connections & Moving Forward.

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Get in Touch with Toys

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Cultivating a child’s sense of touch is a vital part of early play as they learn to discern the differences among shape and texture. While we typically get plenty of cues from the world around us through our other four senses, the finer ability to identify shape, texture, temperature and more through touch alone are also important tools in the human toolbox. Supporting a child’s tactical development with toys that stimulate their sense of touch is easy and accessible with the following recommended items that are right at their fingertips.

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Textured Tangle

Laundry Jumble Game

Kids get the feel for the Textured Tangle immediately as they discover a range of different textures among the eighteen interconnected pieces that wend and weave together in one whole touch toy. The tangle of colorful tubes featuring a variety of raised textures can slowly be uncoiled into a gently twisted circle – and then bent and manipulated back into its tangle. The rotating connection between the segments allow for an endless exploration of forms. Popular for both its therapeutic value as well as its entertainment factor, the added bonus of problemsolving cues that come with the Textured Tangle make it an exciting twist among tactile toys!

For everyone who has had to rummage in the bottom of stuffed luggage or dig into a roomy handbag for just the right item, the Laundry Jumble Game makes perfect sense as an ideal opportunity to cultivate identify-by-touch skills in kids. With a module that mimics a clothes dryer, small doll-size articles of clothing are placed inside for players to identify by touch alone as they try to ‘dress’ the animal characters on their game card. In addition to building their vocabulary and matching skills, the Laundry Jumble Game hones children’s fine motor moves as they use their sense of touch to complete their character’s ensemble.

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Winkle Sensory Ball

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A baby’s early ability to grasp objects is immediately followed by moving those same objects toward their mouth. Taking its directive from this early instinct, the Winkle Ball from Manhattan Toy features a maze of easily grasped soft plastic loops that are just the right size for little fists to handle and manipulate. Crafted with BPA-free materials, these loops are also safe for mouthing and teething. Combined with a gentle rattle and bright colors, the Winkle Ball maximizes babies’ surplus of sensitivity in their hands and mouths, stimulating their touch and gross motor skill exploration. Once babies get a grip on the Winkle ball, they won’t let it go.

Combining colorful sand with polymers, Kinetic Sand is one of the most captivating touch experiences in the world of kids toys. With the ability to fine mold, pour, stretch and shape, this dry mixture is a tactile delight for children (and adventurous adults). Whether they are manipulating the medium into their own fanciful forms or pressing out shapes from molds, Kinetic Sand offers kids an endless landscape of touch and motor skill exploration. It’s an ideal opportunity for little hands to dig in and get in touch with the creative genius just behind their fingertips!

(Kinetic Sand)

(Manhattan Toy)

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

Montgomery Parents I July 2015

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ADT Dancers Continue to Win Awards

Alabama Dance Theatre dancers and students continue to win acceptance, scholarships and awards at some of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most selective dance institutions and festivals. The following dancers have received awards: ACES 1st place Senior high: Jessica Russell; ACES 2nd place Senior high: Safiya Haque; and Honorable mention: Taylor Jordan. ACES 1st place Jr. High: Savannah Golden; ACES 2nd place Jr. High: Virginia Perry; ACES 3rd place Jr. High: Lilliana Kwast; and Honorable mention: Sarah Messick. Scholarships and acceptances have been offered to: Alabama Ballet: Kristen Grooms; Alabama Dance Academy: Hayeong Jin; American Ballet Theatre: Anna and Haley Gentry, Hayeong Jin, Maya Pegues and Francie Hill; Atlanta Ballet: Hayeong Jin; Ballet West: Anna and Haley Gentry; Charlotte Ballet Trainee: Jessica Russell; Charlotte Ballet Apprentice: Taylor Jordan; Charlotte Ballet full scholarship: Safiya Haque; Huntsville Ballet: Francie Hill and Hayeong Jin; Inwood Dance Company: Hayeong Jin; Kansas City Ballet: Anna and Haley Gentry; Louisville Ballet: Cameron Crawford; Metropolitan Ballet Theatre: Virginia Perry; Palm Beach University: Catherine Cobb; Richmond Ballet: Anna and Haley Gentry; South Carolina Dance Conservatory: Anna Gentry, Haley Gentry, Amelia Felder, Kristen Grooms and Maya Pegues; and Troy University: Allyson Trimble. Pantomines choreographed by Sara Sanford was awarded Gala credit at Regional Dance Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Southeastern Regional Ballet Association Festival. Contained Chaos choreographed by Makenzie Kilpatrick was performed on the Emerging Choreographer Showcase at SERBA. ADT is located at the Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue. Summer classes are being held through July 16. For more info, visit www.alabamadancetheatre.com.

Wetumpka Girl Scouts Visit Marine Mammal Institute

Wetumpka Girl Scout Troop 9339 had a chance to visit The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport, Mississippi, in May. There the girls learned the rescue techniques used to help dolphins in distress. They also got up close to touch and feed fish, stingrays and invertebrates in the Discovery Room and Touch Pool. Next the girls decorated T-shirts with fish prints and enjoyed a movie and popcorn. After staying the night in the museum, they witnessed a dolphin training session and met a sea lion!

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Don’t Deny Yourself a New Style...It’s Never Too Late When I visit my clients or speak to groups of women they almost always tell me one thing... I do not have any style or sense of fashion. To be honest with you, I don’t agree with those who say that. It doesn’t matter when you begin, how old you are, or what size you wear, we all have some sense of style. It’s about finding out what style you are comfortable in and embracing it. Sometimes we just need a little guidance when it comes to what style we are looking for. The main hesitation for making a style change I hear is age. Ladies are always saying, “I’m too old to change my style.” Well I’m here to tell you, ladies, you are never to old for change, especially when it comes to your style or fashion. Here are some steps that I hope you will find helpful: 1- Research a style you may like. The great thing about research is there are so many options to help you. Look through magazines, search the web and window shop to find ideas you are comfortable with when it comes to your age, weight, height, etc. Montgomery Parents I July 2015

2- Shop at a different store for a change in style. This might sound silly, but I can assure you it’s not. We get stuck in a routine when it comes to our wardrobe purchases. We are used to buying the same things from the same retail store. This makes it hard for change and you end up having a lot of the same styles in your closet. So, change it up a little. 3- Take baby steps when it comes to adding new trends to your wardrobe. 4- Start off by purchasing a new handbag or fun accessories. This can add a lot to your simple outfit without totally stepping out. 5 - Change your hair and makeup. Sound silly? It shouldn’t. Sometimes when you refresh your hairstyle and change your makeup (try a lighter or darker lipstick, change your nail color), these are small steps in building up to that look you are longing for. • Research a new cut or color. • Show your stylist or makeup artist what look you are wanting in regards to your change. They may or may not agree 48

with you, but this will allow them to understand what you are looking for. Being the professionals that they are they will be able to work in a look that’s comparable to the change you are looking for without drastic measures. 6 - Build your confidence. Stop saying I wish I could wear that and say I want to try to wear that. This is so important, ladies. Simply by telling yourself that you will take the time to try new things, including a little change in your wardrobe or style, will allow you to have an open mind to new changes. In return, this can give you the confidence you need. CONFIDENCE is key to embracing your new style. Some people have a sense of style and a great fashion flair, but there’s no reason you can’t learn or get help if you feel you don’t have a clue. It requires knowledge, effort, and the willingness to make a change. Getting out of your comfort zone is essential to moving in the right direction. Don’t try to find the time to look great, make the time to get the help you need to look and feel your very best, every day. You can do it if you set your mind to it. You will be surprised how small changes will go a long way. It will be worth your time and effort. Start with the small changes. You’ll be glad you did. Be everything you want to be and more!

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

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HandsOn River Region Adopts Fire Stations

First responders risk their lives every day for the benefit of others. HandsOn River Region wants to thank and encourage these individuals by coordinating acts of kindness such as visiting with a plate of cookies, offering to perform general maintenance and yard work, or just dropping by to say thank you. In honor of the anniversary of September 11, HandsOn introduces the Adopt-a-Station Program and encourages families, organizations, businesses and schools to adopt stations near them in order to show appreciation for their work. Groups participating in this program have the option of serving the station year round or can oversee a one-time service event offering assistance in an area requested by the station adopted. Suggestions include: home-cooked meals; landscaping/yard work; or letters of appreciation. Plan now to adopt a fire and/or police station near you! If you have questions or need further assistance, contact Leslie Martorana at (334) 264-3335 or leslie@handsonriverregion.org.

Local DAR Chapter Honors Citizen Winners

Francis Marion Chapter, NSDAR, honored the winners of the Good Citizens Award from its sponsored schools, their parents and school counselors, and the essay contest winner, at the Montgomery Country Club on April 8, with Shan Russell, Francis Marion Good Citizens chairman, presiding. Following the awards ceremony, the winner of the essay contest, Cassandra Curry Felder, read her essay to the members and guests of Francis Marion Chapter. Front row from left are: Anna Pearson, Stanhope Elmore High School; Sadie Argo, Saint James; Cassie Felder, Trinity Presbyterian; and Kaitlyn Dinsmore, Alabama Christian Academy. Back row are: Colton Russell Gilmore, South Montgomery Academy; and Hunter Allen Woodruff, Edgewood Academy. Not present was Carolyn Paige Barranco, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School.

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The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens Offers Families

Simple SUMMER FUN

The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens, an elegant interpretation of a traditional mountain lodge in the heart of Middle Georgia, invites families to explore, discover and rekindle the classic pleasures of a summer long ago with ”Simple Summer Fun.” Offered May through August, 2015 with rates starting at $279 per night, the “Simple Summer Fun” package offers deluxe lodge-style accommodations, a beach picnic, breakfast in Piedmont Grille and admission to Callaway Gardens where endless outdoor activities abound. “SIMPLE SUMMER FUN” PACKAGE AT THE LODGE AND SPA AT CALLAWAY GARDENS May – August 2015; Package rates starting at $279 per night • Overnight accommodations for one or two nights • Picnic lunch and keepsake beach blanket to enjoy at Robin Lake Beach • Refreshing breakfast for two at Piedmont Grille • Admission to Callaway Gardens Vacationing families enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch for four packed with decadent bites like Sweet Tea Marinated Chicken Breast Sandwiches and Black Eyed Pea Hummus along with a keepsake beach blanket to enjoy at Robin Lake Beach, the world’s largest in-land, white-sand beach and the hub for summertime activities within Callaway Gardens. From sand castles and suntans to riveting rounds of mini golf and table tennis, the opportunities for enjoyment are infinite for both children and parents. Montgomery Parents I July 2015

Robin Lake Beach is also home to one of the Southeast’s most thrilling and unique summertime traditions, Florida State University’s Flying High Circus. Rivaling any professional circus, the FSU Flying High Circus is an aerial and stage presentation with three rings of spellbinding entertainment for the entire family. Guests of “Simple Summer Fun” will enjoy the sights and sounds of an actionpacked show as graceful trapeze artists, steady highwire walkers and skillful jugglers put on a performance to remember. After hitting the beach, travelers can meander through miles of gently rolling terrain and scenic woodlands as they discover Callaway Gardens’ countless spirited attractions, including the The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, one of North America’s largest glassenclosed tropical butterfly conservatories, the Virginia Hand Discovery Center, the Birds of Prey show, Cason’s Vegetable Gardens and the John A. Sibley Horticultural Center 50

Nested along 6,500 acres of inspiring gardens and preserved forest land, The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens is the new standard of luxury and service delivered with amenities and attention to detail as one of Georgia’s finest destination resorts. Located inside Callaway Gardens, The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens is a member of the Autograph Collection – a distinct group of unique properties carefully selected to represent an upscale line of prestigious hotels. The 150-room hotel is home to extensive meeting spaces, an awardwinning spa, delicious southern-style fare at Piedmont Grille and Ironwood Lounge as well as activities and attractions fit for meetings and families. The hotel is located

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s S in in the Appalachian foothills just 80 miles southwest of Atlanta. The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens is operated by Interstate Hotels & Resorts (www.interstatehotels.com), the leading U.S.-based global hotel management company. For more details, visit www.autographhotels. com or visit http://www.callawaylodgeandspa.com. For more information or to reserve the “Simple Summer Fun” package at The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens, please call (866) 750-3980 or visit http://www.callawaylodgeandspa.com/specials. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Bailee is Looking for a Caring Family to Call Her Own

Bailee, born September 2000, enjoys dancing, skating, softball, basketball, and spending time with her friends. She also likes music, writing, arts/ crafts, and using the computer. Bailee is very outgoing and extremely social. She is wonderful with younger children, and she tries to mentor younger children who may be struggling. Bailee has a desire to do well and please others. She can be hyperactive at times, loving to talk and enjoying attention. Bailee does well in school, recently making the A/B Honor Roll. While she struggles at times with taking responsibilty for her actions and being honest, she has shown an increased level of maturity and a willingness to improve her behavior. Bailee is a very sweet young lady who longs for a caring family to call her own. Bailee’s video can be seen at www.HeartGalleryAlabama.com. To find out more about adoption in Alabama call 205-445-1293.

Docarmo’s Taekwondo Wins Big at Tournament

Docarmo’s Taekwondo Center represented June 13, 2015, at the Alabama State Games Taekwondo event in Ozark, Alabama, coming away with an unbelievable 19 Gold Medals, 9 Silver Medals, and 9 Bronze Medals in Form, Olympic Sparring, and Board Breaking with just 13 team members! Two of the competitors came away with Gold in all three divisions while an additional 4 missed the all Gold accomplishment by a single division. Superior coaching, reffing, computer operating and family/parental support made Docarmo’s the winning-est team in the state of Alabama! Docarmo’s Taekwondo Center held a week-long taekwondo sports camp in mid-June. Camp topics included Bully Busters, Stranger Smarts, strength and conditioning, coordination training, a swim day and so much more. DTC is excited to be offering another taekwondo camp in mid-July.

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Have you ever felt like you didn’t have the time or energy to give your child the party she deserved? Maybe the birthday fell when you were sick, moving, or working double overtime. It happened to me when my oldest turned three. I was pregnant, as big as a house, and roughly as mobile. I felt like I was neglecting my daughter, and was eager to compensate with an exciting day that was all about her. The baby was due two months before Big One’s birthday. I told myself that as soon as I delivered this lead-filled watermelon, I would bounce right back to my old self and knock this party out of the park. To my dismay, Sweet Daughter the Second was born almost two weeks late, and she was a colicky handful. I stumbled through those recovery weeks on shattered sleep, and was just beginning to achieve a daily shower, when I realized that this much-hyped fiesta needed assembly. “How on earth do parents do this?” I wondered, as I nursed, rocked, nursed, changed, nursed, served cold leftovers, and nursed some more. Luckily, my wonderful family was there. When they asked, “What does she want for her birthday?” I said, “A party!” and Montgomery Parents I July 2015

we divvied up the jobs. We ended up with a fun day at the park. There was a crown, some cupcakes, and lots of balloons in her favorite colors. My sweetheart felt like a princess, and I decided we could keep both kids after all. There are lots of tricks that can help you conjure up lowstress birthday fun. Here are some that helped me and other run-down parents give our children a happy day to celebrate their fantastic self:

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1. Ask for Help

Grandparents, aunts, uncles, or friends might be game to help. Someone might even offer to plan the whole event, or maybe a crew would be happy to each bring a snack, a game, or an item of décor.

2. Go Off-Location Rather than cleaning and decorating your house, why not take the party to a restaurant or pool? For no cost, have a picnic at the park, or ask a generous friend or relative to host for you.

3. Keep it Intimate Instead of inviting the whole class or daycare roster, you could plan a special activity with just one or two close friends. Many kids socialize this way naturally, playing one-on-one or in a small group. A family-only party is another way to keep it low-key and focus on a favorite activity. 52

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4. Plan an Independence Day If you feel your child is old enough, maybe this birthday is a great time for that first unchaperoned trip to the mall or the movies. An older tween might really enjoy helping plan and execute this operation with one or two friends whom you trust to behave responsibly.

5. Gather Up a Potluck In the summertime, a laid-back multi-family potluck picnic can be a relaxing way to celebrate. The park or the beach will provide lots of fun with worry-free décor, menu, and activities.

6. Simplify Your Usual “I love planning parties,” says Angela, mom of two, “especially making cakes. I like to top them with figurines built out of modeling chocolate and work up a theme. When my oldest turned four, though, I didn’t have time for the usual prep. We went on holidays just before her birthday, right when I would normally be working on the party. I changed my plan and made a simple cake with colorful batter and icing rosettes. I got it all done in a day, and it was still very pretty and special.”

7. Go Old School Julie, a mother of two and grandmother of five, knows her parties. She says, “We have thrown a lot of parties, and the kids still love the simple games, like threelegged races and wheelbarrow races.” More zero-prep games include freeze tag, hide and seek, Simon says, and follow the leader. Older kids might get a kick out of having a dance-off or lip synch battle to music played on your smart phone.

8. Go Back to School Marlene, mom of three, shares this idea about an easy, athletic party; “My neighbor organized a ball hockey party in the school parking lot one weekend. Since it wasn’t a school day, the lot was empty. The boys brought their own sticks, and she just brought a couple of nets, snacks, and cupcakes.

9. Work the Clock Plan your party for mid-morning or midafternoon, so you can serve some easy snacks instead of a whole meal.

10. Work the Calendar Have a small party now, and plan a lavish un-birthday when the timing is better.

11. Call for Costumes Create an effortless theme by having everyone come in their favorite Halloween or dress-up outfit. The kids can grab pots and pans and have a costume parade down the street, or a quieter costumefashion show to show off their best catwalk moves and poses.

12. Camp Out If you have a backyard firepit, try a campout party. Let the kids roast their own hot dogs and marshmallows, and if they’re old enough, sleep over in tents. 53

“We used to have backyard sleepovers in our tent trailer,” tells Abbey, a veteran party-goer. “It was just like camping, except we could come inside and use the nice bathroom.” If you have a child’s birthday coming up at a stressful time, take heart. There are plenty of ways you can create happy memories for your special kid with exactly the time and energy that you have. mp Laurie loves sharing simple pleasures with her two girls, and is looking forward to a fun birthday season with these laid-back ideas.

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A Page in a Book A Word to Beginning Readers The murmurs of a nursing child, the peals of laughter that reflect the silly faces we make, and even yowls of discomfort are all part of babies’ first attempts at communication with us. But we are all on the edge of our seats as we await the magical moment when the first real word emerges from the lips of our children. Once that door opens, the verbal exchange between our kids and the larger world begins. And while small kids may still draw on their own private lexicon, invented words and dramatically physical gestures to impart their feelings and intent, their entry into the world of words is a milestone that starts a whole new conversation. The following titles feature the moments when words open the door to all new understandings between children and their larger world.

Edgar’s Second Word

by Audrey Vernick, Illustrated by Priscilla Burris (Clarion / Houghton Mifflin) Maybe it’s just an easy word for little mouths to form. Or perhaps it reflects the real feelings that children experience in a world that’s going one way, when they want to go another. But the word “no” is always one of the early players in every baby’s vocabulary. Little Hazel eagerly anticipates the arrival of her baby brother, Edgar, collecting books (full of words) that she can’t wait to share with him. But her waiting is rewarded with Edgar’s only and emphatic word “no”. Nothing appeals to her baby brother, who negates everything on offer with his word of choice. But when Hazel finally gets a sleepy Edgar to settle in by her side with a good book, his next new word is one that bears repeating. Edgar’s Second Word is a sweet story that rewards the patience of family as they wait for the right words that help babies communicate what they want.

Use Your Words, Sophie!

by Rosemary Wells (Viking / Penguin) Rosemary Wells’ beloved and challenging two-year-old Sophie is back – with a vocabulary of words that are simply misunderstood. When her parents come home with a new baby, Sophie responds with a welcome in Jellyfish language. And just like her parents can’t seem to settle on a name for the new arrival, Sophie’s own communication ranges from disgruntled Hyena talk to Baboon-influenced song. But when the baby starts to communicate her own unhappiness with fluent Howler Monkey, Sophie steps in to use her words in a way that both her and her baby sister can understand. With a nod to the variety of names and pet names we bestow on babies, this humorous story is ideal for children seeking ways to connect vocally with new arrivals.

Cuckoo!

by Fiona Roberton (G.P. Putnam’s Sons / Penguin) From the moment his over-sized, oddly colored egg hatches among his siblings, Cuckoo’s journey to speak the language of the realm begins. But his only word (cuckoo) doesn’t connect with his family (tootoo-wheet). And a cross-city trek only reveals a landscape of other non-cuckoo speakers. Even language classes and self-study can’t twist his only word into something in common with the world around him. Just when Cuckoo is becoming resigned to being the only speaker of his language, a single word carries over the rooftops and leads him to understanding. Onomatopoeia abounds in this delightfully illustrated testament to finding your own voice and a tribe to share it with.

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

Montgomery Parents I July 2015

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CAKES/FINGER FOOD • Bruster’s Ice Cream & Yogurt: 272.7369, 6835 Vaughn Road and 239-7004, 9182 Boyd Copper Parkway. Select from 8” round cake or 9x12 cake Choose ice cream and one of the cake flavors. Pick a rich middle layer of fudge or caramel. All cakes are “iced” with fresh vanilla ice cream. For pies, choose from fresh ice cream over a thick, rich layer of fudge, caramel, marshmallow, or your favorite topping. All pies are available in Oreo or Graham Cracker Crust. We also have pies available.

cream, and chocolate crunch. 8” round $24.19, 10” round $27.49, sheet cakes $35.19. Blizzard Cakes are 8 in” $27.49, 10 in” $30.79 and a sheet cake $41.79. All can be personalized at no additional charge. • GiGi’s Cupcakes: 356.3737, 7918 Vaughn Road. Nothing makes a special day unforgettable like a custom cupcake creation from Gigi’s. Special selection offered every day of the week. You may order online at our website and pick up at the store or view our daily menu online. http://www.gigiscupcakesusa.com/ montgomeryalabama

• Cake Designs: 288.6900, 3651 Debby Dr. in LeCroy Village. Specialty cakes all offered with professional decorating. Specialize in children’s birthday parties. Closed on Sunday and Monday.

• Great American Cookie Co. at Eastchase: 356.8111, 7048 Eastchase Pkwy. Choose from 16” round for $30.79, 16” square for $36.28 and large Rectangular for $40.68.

• Cupcakes by Tish: (334) 625.0999, 1940 Mulberry Street, 356.5292, 7276 East Chase Parkway and 832.8288, 355 South Kelly Street (Maxwell Airforce Base). Specializing in gourmet cupcakes for all occasions. Wide variety of Daily Flavors listed on our website. 48 hours advanced notice for orders placed that are not on daily menu. Please visit us at www. cupcakesbytish.com

• ICBY: 271.5944, 4339 Atlanta Hwy. Birthday Pies made of any flavor yogurt. You may choose from various decorations and designs. Please call for flavors and pricing.

• Dairy Queen: 244.9490, 6120 Atlanta Hwy and 272.1818, 3160 Taylor Road. Chocolate and vanilla ice

• Original Great American Cookie Co: 271.1900, Eastdale Mall. Up to 13 different varieties of cookies: 12” round $23.99, 16” round $28.99, 16” square $33.99 and sheet cookie $37.99.

• Liger’s Bakery: 288.6550, 3040 McGehee Rd. Any flavor birthday cake, round or sheet, decorated with flowers, fruit, etc. We also have cookies, cupcakes and sandwiches available. Please call for flavors and pricing. You may also visit us on Facebook under Liger’s Bakery or at www.ligersgood.com.

ENTERTAINMENT • Big Green Bus: The Big Green Bus brings the party to you! The Big Green Bus is a school bus that has been converted into a safe and fun preschool gymnastics facility. Many elements of gymnastics are combined into one fun filled hour on board the Big Green Bus! Our party includes a zip-line, tumbling mats, monkey bar, rock wall, slides, tunnels, beam, bar, vault, rings, parachute games, and more! We will introduce your child to the wild and crazy world of gymnastics. The birthday child will receive a Big Green Bus shirt! Goody bags are included in the prices. To schedule your party, please call Amber Holley at (334) 324.4628, or visit our website at www.biggymbus.com. • Big Red Fire Truck: is a member of the Big Green Bus Family. Our one hour party package includes: Children (ages 2 and up) enjoy the excitement of climbing on board and exploring a real working fire truck, inside and out, turn on sirens and flashing lights, Try on realistic fire fighter gear including pants, jacket suspenders, hats and fire extinguishers, Firefighter themed games, Fire safety lesson, Birthday child and

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parent get to ride around the neighborhood in the fire truck and turn on the lights and sirens, Fire extinguisher water guns for summer parties, Birthday child gets a Big Red Fire Truck shirt, and Fire truck themed goodies for up to 15 guests. Please call Jeff for more information at (334) 868.9144 or visit us at www.biggymbus. com and click on the Big Red Fire truck link. • Bricks 4 Kids (904) 357.0122, Felix Shuford Afterschool enrichment, in-school workshops, birthday parties and so much more. We service the Montgomery area and we look forward to reaching out and serving the children of this great city. We introduce the concept of S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Please call for more information. • DJ at Large: 260.9732. Offers a variety of music plus karaoke and light shows for your child’s party. Video parties 12 ft. screens and popular videos. We can also provide the building for the party for an extra charge. Provides age appropriate music and will censor music to your discretion. Please call for pricing. “We put you first.” Email: DJ@AtLarge.com Website: www. DJatLarge.com.

• Dynamite Magic & Balloons: 270.1234, Visit www.dynamitemagicandballoons.com. Helium tank rentals (varying prices and sizes). Balloon decorations. Costumed characters available. Please visit our website to see the characters we have to offer. Characters do a 20 minute show with several songs and deliver balloons. Magic & clown Shows available. • Fontaine Entertainment: 514.4457. “We are serious about your fun.” Offer DJ sound, light shows, karaoke, balloon decorations and theme decorations for birthday parties, corporate events, civic events, weddings, etc. 3 hr. minimum. Visit us on Facebook under Fontaine Entertainment or at www.fontaineentertainment.com. • Glitterbug the Clown! (334) 868.3876 Birthday parties, face painting, magic, balloon animals, temporary airbrush tattoos for the older kids! Tiger grams and Tiger Bombs also available! For booking info. please visit us at www.glitterbugtheclown.com or call (334) 868.3876. You may also email kimpossible21@gmail.com • K & S DJ Services: 285.6686. Website: www.knsdjservice.com Email: dj4hire@kns-djservice.com or visit us on Facebook. Over 20 years experience offering entertainment music, interactive games and party props for all ages. 2 disc jockeys for every party/ event. Call for more details. • Kindermusik of Montgomery: 271.3264 or Hallhome96@aol.com. Travel to party location. 30 minutes of music class for $50. Several themes to choose from. All instruments provided. • Rolling Video Games of Alabama: (334) 272.0028 or (855) 844.GAME. We bring the party to you! A climate controlled, customized, self powered, mobile video game theatre. Now offering pizza with 2 hours party game package. Please visit us at www.rollingvideogames.com • RockStar Parties and Events: 399.6962. DJ and Staged events. Stage and lights available. Available

for any type of event. Visit us on Facebook at www. facebook.com/rockstarevent

EQUIPMENT/GAME RENTALS • Arrow Rents: 277.0463, 5600 Calmar Dr., Montgomery. Tents, tables, chairs, carnival equipment, fans, and bounce rides. All sorts of themed decor, balloons, helium tanks, and more. Provide great selection and even better prices. “Your one stop party shop.” Please visit our website at www.arrowrents.com. • Bradley’s Events & Décor: (334) 230.7555, 969 Lagoon Business Loop. Bradley’s Events & Décor provides unique and innovative décor for all occasions. Please visit us at www.bradleysevents.com or visit us on Facebook at Bradley’s Events & Décor. Please call for more information. • Brendle Rentals: 279.7368, 485 N. East Blvd. Party supplies. Inflatables. Obstacle courses and other rides, carnival games, slide, bungee run, tents and train. We setup at City parks and provide insurance. Website: www.brendlerentals.com. • Kitty and Friends Costumed Characters and Concessions: 354.0625. Let us bring the fun to you for your next special event or special occasion! Choose from our popular costumed characters, fun food concessions & estras. Please visit us on Facebook under Kitty and friends costumed characters and concessions.

• Kreative Moments: Kim Hall, 233.4318. Offering balloon twisting, face painting, and balloon art to make each event have that “wow” factor. Find them on Facebook or email kreativemomentsmgm@ gmail.com. • Moonwalk Montgomery: 277.2351. Moonwalks, Giant slides, Interactive inflatable, Obstacle Courses, Rides, Rock-Climbing wall, and much, much more. Rentals for special events. Please visit us at www.moonwalkofmontgomery.com. • Playtime Rentals: 285.5444. We have a huge selection of bounce houses, slides and jumpers for your party. Call for rates and dates. Please visit www. playtimeinc.org. • Space Walk of Montgomery: (334) 273.0204. What do you want to celebrate today? Setups for Birthday Parties, Daycare Events, Community/civic Events, School Carnivals and Sporting Events. We offer inflatable Space Walks, Water Slides, Obstacle Courses, Combos, Concessions and much more. Visit www. herecomesfun.com for more information.

• The Spacewalker, Allen Bowen:

546.8116, 1514 West Street. We are a locally owned family business. Inflatable cinemas rental. We have a variety of moon walks, slides, games, slide combos, obstacle courses, characters and more... We also rent tables, tents, generators, chairs, balloons and concession machines. We now offer an indoor facility. We offer monthly specials. Please visit our website at www.thespacewalker.com . “You supply the people, we supply the fun.”

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EVENT PHOTOGRAPHERS • Allison Hilyer Photography: 315.5425. Allison Hilyer is an on location natural light photographer that specialized in telling your story by custom lifestyle portraiture. Please visit www.allisonhilyerphotography.com for recent work, faqs and packages. You may also visit me on Facebook under Allison Hilyer Photography. • Jennifer’s Photo Box: (334) 954.8098. Natural light photographer. Specializes in family photo shoots, kids, camps, parties. Themes available. Please visit me on Facebook at Jennifer’s Photo Box.

• Lori Mercer Photography: 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. • Mishka Cole Photography: (334) 220.6690. Available for Weddings, Family & Children Photo Sessions, Prom, Senior/Graduation Photo sessions, Special Events & Birth Photography. Please visit my website at www.mishkacole.com or on Facebook under Fotos by Mishka.

LIMOUSINES • Touch of Class Limousine: 284.2673. Carry up to 14 passengers at a time. Can pick up kids and ride them around or take them for pizza, etc. and then back home. These limos have all the extras for a fun time - red carpet, DVD for movies, a Birthday sign! Call for details.

INVITATIONS/PAPER GOODS/DECORATIONS • Amy’s Hallmark: 215.2257, 7842 Vaughn Rd. (on the corner of Vaughn and Taylor Rd) Paper/ party goods, gifts, invitations, and an assortment of cards. • Arrow Rents: 277.0463, 5600 Calmar Dr., Montgomery. All sorts of theme decor, balloons, helium tanks, and more. We provide a better selection. “Your one stop party shop.” • Brendle Rentals: 260.5568, 485 North Eastern Bypass, Montgomery’s Oldest Party Supply Store. Balloons, piñatas, party goods. Large array of items for themed parties. Party favors and birthday bags now available. • Capital City Copy Shop: 230.9681, 2701 Poplar St. Invitations printed. Printing, copying, pick up, delivery, fax services available. Please visit our website at www.capitalcitycopyshop.com. • Party City: 409.0901, 2759 Eastern Blvd. A onestop party store that provides a wide selection of merchandise at everyday low prices. Discounts up to 50% off party ensembles. • Party Junction: 730.0990, 113 N. Memorial Drive, Prattville. Balloons and party supplies for Birthdays, Theme Parties and more! Open Monday thru Friday, 10 am to 6 pm. And Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Sunday Dinner: 272.7000, 5455 Atlanta Hwy. Plates, cups, chafing dishes, large quantity food items. Open Sunday thru Monday.

PARTY PLANNERS

• Academy Events and Catering: 318.3047, 60 Commerce Street, Montgomery. Our goal is to exceed our customer’s expectations. Our specialties are our cakes and floral. Let us cater your special events with our own facility available for rent. Please visit us at www. academychefs.com. • Bradley’s Events & Décor: (334) 220.6236, 969 Lagoon Business Loop. Bradley’s Events & Décor provides unique and innovative décor for all occasions. Please visit us at www.bradleysevents.com or visit us on Facebook at Bradley’s Events & Décor. Please call for more information. • Kitty and Friends Costumed Characters and Concessions: 354.0625. Let us bring the fun to you for your next special event or special occasion! Choose from our popular costumed characters, fun food concessions & extras. Please visit us on Facebook under Kitty and friends costumed characters and concessions.

PRINTED INVITATIONS • Capital City Copy Shop: 230.9681, 2701 Poplar St. Invitations printed. Printing, copying, pick up, delivery, fax services available. Please visit our website at www. capitalcitycopyshop.com. • Creative Printing: 281.1315, 2501 East Fifth Street. Everything is custom made for that extra special birthday. Please visit us at www.creativeprinting.us.com. • FedEx Office: 277.1477, 2240 East Blvd. in Promenade North. Full color banners and our custom design and print. Website: www.fedex.com. • Kwik KopyShop: 244.0444, 4148 Carmichael Rd. Print custom invitations. Wide variety of designer invitations for theme parties such as pool, slumber, tea, zoo, carousel, western, bowling, skating, dancing, etc. 8

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1/2 x 11 designed papers are available for you to do it yourself. Fast turn around. • The Paper Lady: Specializing in reasonably priced invitations, birth announcements, calling cards, thank you notes and more. Also an authorized Sweet Pea Designs dealer. To view the full selection of papers visit www.thepaperlady.net.

UNIQUE GIFTS • A 2 Z Toys: 356.9648, 7248 Eastchase Parkway A full service toy store that offers a truly unique toyshopping experience. Complimentary gift -wrapping available. Please visit us on Facebook at A – Z Toys. • Alabama Shakespeare Festival Gift Shop: 271.5358, Blount Cultural Park. Theatre-related gifts. Open during performance hours, one hour prior to show and through intermission. Contact box office for show times. • Amy’s Hallmark: 215.2257, 7842 Vaughn Rd. (on the corner of Vaughn and Taylor Rd) Paper/party goods, gifts, invitations, and an assortment of cards. • Barb’s on Mulberry: 269.BARB (2272), 1923 Mulberry Street. Will personalize lots of gift items. Choose from a wide variety of unique and personalized gifts. Closed on Mondays. We now do birthday parties. Call for more details or visit website at www.barbsonmulberry.com. • Capitol City Comics: 215.3335, 7939 Vaughn Rd. (Festival Plaza). Large selection of comics, gaming cards, and statues. Military and college student discounts.

• The Dollhouse Toy Store: 239.7326, 1963

Mulberry Street. Two stories of toys for boys and girls of all ages featuring Lionel trains, Breyer horses, Melissa & Doug toys, Thomas & Friends, and many other crafts, games, toys and collectibles. Open 10 am-6 pm Tuesday thru Saturday. • Embellish: (334) 649.2022, 7056 Atlanta Hwy, Large selection of items to be monogrammed. Book bags, Scout bags, Brush Fire T-shirts, jewelry, tumblers and many, many more. • Heather Pierce Designs: 676.1807, 3173 Taylor Road Heather Pierce Designs specializes in personalized gifts. We offer tile décor including tumbled marble coasters, trivets and magnets. Please visit us on Facebook under Heather Pierce Designs. • Jan Beale’s You Name It: 272.9878, 5350 A Atlanta Hwy, Montgomery. We specialize in monogrammed and personalized gifts for all occasions. You’ll find exceptional gift items for baby, children, and adults. Many of our items can be monogrammed or personalized, adding that very special touch to your gift. Please visit us on our website at www.younameitinfo.com or come visit us in the shop. • Majestic Monograms: (334) 328.0820 We offer custom business logos, personalized baby/ children’s gifts, Greek merchandise, and more to meet all of your embroidery needs. Need t-shirts for that special event? We can do that too! We have lots of

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choices including shirts for family reunions, sports events, schools, etc. We carry some of your favorite brands including Comfort Colors and Charles River apparel. Check us out at www.facebook.com/MajesticMonograms

• Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Gift Shop: 240.4337. Blount Cultural Park. You will find a

wide assortment of unique gifts that are handcrafted by local artists for that special someone.

• My Kids Attic: 270.1456, 401 Coliseum Blvd. Eastbrook Shopping Center. We offer something for the everything in your life. Specialty gifts, home décor, candles, jewelry, pewter, children’s couture, vinyl and monogrammed gifts. Please visit us on Facebook at The Shoppes of My Kids Attic. • Old Alabama Town Gift Shop: 240.4500, 301 Columbus St. Regional and old-fashioned gift items. • Periwinkles: 277.3570, 8189 Vaughn Road. Make your gift decisions from a large selection of popular items in our store. • The Goat Hill Museum Store: 353.4969, located in Alabama’s State Capitol Building. Civil War, Civil RightsBooks, Local Artwork, Toys, Collectibles, Ornaments, Music, Videos, Cookbooks, Pottery, Souvenirs, and Unique Southern Gifts. Union Street Entrance. Open

Mon.-Fri, 8:00 - 4:30 and Sat. from 9-4 (Sat. please enter through the Union St. entrance).

unique selection of gifts, tumblers, jewelry and more. Please visit our website at www.tuckerpecan.com.

• The Montgomery Zoo Gift Shop:

• Two Blessings: 647.1745, 8127 Vaughn Rd. Carries a unique selection of gifts for men, women and children. Please visit our Facebook page at Two Blessings Gift Boutique.

240.4900, 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Off the Northern Blvd. Animal-related toys, shirts, masks, jewelry. Great gifts for the animal lover. • Quality Comix: 272.1787, 7968Vaughn Rd. Located in the Sturbridge Plaza. Talk with Jason for your comics or sports trading cards needs. • The Turtle Shell: 358.0902, 160 W. Main St., Prattville. Educational items including reading games, room decorations, math workbooks, gifts for birthdays, science kits, puzzles and music. • The Velvet Pumpkin: 273.9293, 8185 Vaughn Rd., Pepper Tree Annex. Beautiful selection of unique Clothing, Vera Bradley, frames and bath items. • Things Remembered: 271.9509, 7056 Eastchase Pkwy. Personalized gifts for all occasions. Name badges, monogramming on blankets, and engraving on items bought elsewhere. Please visit us online at www.thingsremembered.com. • Tucker Pecan Company: 262.4470, 350 N McDonough St., Montgomery. Come by and visit us for a

YARD SIGNS • Flamingo-A-Friend: 279.3737. Choose from flamingos (assorted colors), smiley faces, cows & pigs, penguins, elephants, or footballs to fill your yard and surprise your birthday child when they awake. Also, a 4 ft. personalized sign with birthday message. Set up before 6:30 a.m. and clean up by 6 p.m. Please call for rates.

PLACES TO PARTY ARTISTIC • Abrakadoodle: 265.5758. Creative art fun for your child for his or her birthday party. Painting parties and face painting available. Visit the website for more information. www.abrakadoodle.com. • Artistic Expressions: 285.7878, 3335 Highway 14 Fountain Plaza in Millbrook. Party room, staff/staff

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members, personalized birthday plate for the party child. Day of party you only pay for what the children paint. We now offer Parties to go and Home parties. Please call or visit our website for more details. Please visit us on facebook. • Do Re Mi: 239.7846, 2787 Bell Road. DoReMi Karaoke is an exciting way to have fun. Rooms available to rent for birthday parties, corporate get-togethers, and bachelor/bachelorette parties. We offer a large diverse song collection. Please call for more information. • P’zazz Art Studio: 354.1975, 138 W. Main St., Downtown Prattville. If you are looking for a unique place for a birthday party…then P’zazz is your place. Birthday Party Packages start at $175 for up to 12 children. $15 for each additional child. This includes the use of P’zazz for 2 hours, a 16x20 canvas for each guest, supplies, and instruction on how to paint a picture of your choice. Each child will leave with a completed painting as their party favor. Guests are allowed to bring in their own food and drink. We provide time for each and to open gifts. Please visit our website at www.prattville. pzazzart.com for more information. • Whimsy Daisy Art Studio: 318.7485, 200-D Deatsville Hwy, Millbrook. www.whimsydaisy.net. Want to give your child the birthday party that kids will be talking about for months to come? Birthday parties at Whimsy Daisy have a little music, a little paint, and a whole lot of fun! The cost is $175 for up to 12 children. $12 for each additional child. Give us your party theme and we can create a special painting just for you! The guest of honor also receives a special gift created just for them from Whimsy Daisy! You are welcome to bring in a cake, food, and beverages. The best part is…the kids paint their own party favor and take it home to remember their friend’s special day! $50 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your party date/time and will be applied the day of your party.

PLACES TO PARTY BOWLING • BAMA Lanes Inc: 272.5423, 3020 Atlanta Hwy. Package A) $9.00 per child plus tax, 2 hour party, Full birthday party setup, shoe rental, bumpers, ice cream, soft drink, Happy Birthday bowling pin/balloon bouquet. Package B) $10.00 plus tax per child. Includes package #1 plus hotdog and chips. Package C) $12.00 plus tax per child. Includes Package 1 Plus 2 slices of Pizza. Six child minimum with a $20.00 deposit. Weekday, Weekend or Evening (subject to lane availability)

HOOPER ACADEMY Grade Levels K-12

Please visit and see what we have to oﬀer your family! Early Learning Center 6 weeks thru K-4; Before & After School Care If you have any questions please contact Hooper Academy at (334) 288-5980. Hooper is located at 380 Fisher Road, Hope Hull, Alabama, just oﬀ I-65 South.

Headmaster: Greg Faulkner • Asst. Headmaster/Athletic Director: Keith Moore 334-288-5980 • www.hooperacademy.org • HCAinfo@hooperacademy.org

• BAMA Lanes, Prattville: 358.8600, 1714 East Main St., Weekday Party Hours and Prices: Monday-Thursday 10:30 – 3:30 and Friday: 10:30 to 6 p.m. Package A: $59.95 for one lane (six children per lane), 1 1/2 hour party. Shoe rental, bumpers for ages 8 and under, ice cream, drink, birthday pin and a balloon bouquet. Package B: $69.95 per lane (six children per lane). As above, plus hot dog with chips. Weekend parties: Party Package A: $69.95 per lane. 2 hrs., shoe rental, bumpers, ice cream, drink, birthday pin and balloon bouquet. Package B: $79.95 per lane. As above, plus hot dog and chips. Six child minimum and $25 deposit required.

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• Brunswick Zone: 819.7171, 1661 Eastern Blvd. Birthday party package: Pkg A: $12.99 per child for 2 hour party, bowling, shoes, one pizza per 5 children, 1 pitcher of soda per 5 children, Pkg B: $16.99 per child for 2 hour party, which includes bowling shoes, 2 Menu option, soda, partyware, signable bowling pin and a $5 Gift Certificate for each child. Pkg C: $19.99 per child for 2.5 hours party, 2 menu option, soda, bowling shoes, partyware, signable bowling pin, $5 Gift Certificate for each child and Ice cream station. Add-ons available and deposit required. Please call for more info. Please visit our website at www.bowlbrunswick.com.

• Big Green Bus: The Big Green Bus brings the party to you! The Big Green Bus is a school bus that has been converted into a safe and fun preschool gymnastics facility. Many elements of gymnastics are combined into one fun filled hour on board the Big Green Bus! Our party includes a zip-line, tumbling mats, monkey bar, rock wall, slides, tunnels, beam, bar, vault, rings, parachute games, and more! We will introduce your child to the wild and crazy world of gymnastics. The birthday child will receive a Big Green Bus shirt! Goody bags are included in the prices. To schedule your party, please call Amber Holley at (334) 324.4628, or visit our website at www.biggymbus.com.

PLACES TO PARTY GYMNASTICS/DANCE

Big Green Bus Family. Our one hour party package includes: Children (ages 2 and up) enjoy the excitement of climbing on board and exploring a real working fire truck, inside and out, turn on sirens and flashing lights, Try on realistic fire fighter gear including pants, jacket suspenders, hats and fire extinguishers, Firefighter themed games, Fire safety lesson, Birthday child and parent get to ride around the neighborhood in the fire truck and turn on the lights and sirens, Fire extinguisher water guns for summer parties, Birthday child gets a Big Red Fire Truck shirt, and Fire truck themed goodies for up to 15 guests. Please call Jeff for more information at (334) 868.9144 or visit us at www.biggymbus.com and click on the Big Red Fire truck link.

• Ballerina Birthday Parties at CJ’s Dance Factory: (334) 467.8603. Have a dance celebration with all your friends hosted by a beautiful ballerina. Our ballerinas captivates birthday guests for a good 30 minutes with a mini-dance lesson, performance and activities. Saturdays and Sundays only. Book your party today by calling: 334-467-8603. Please visit us on Facebook under C.J.’s Dance Factory home of The Prattville Ballet.

• Big Red Fire Truck: is a member of the

• Montgomery Ballet: (334) 409.0522, 2101 Eastern Boulevard, Ste. 223, Montgomery. Parties hosted by Montgomery Ballet Professional Company Members. Have your very own Dance Class for you and your friends! Princess characters available! Call for details about price and dates available. • Tonya Speed Dance: 277.1098, 3370

Harrison Road. We offer the best and most convenient venue for your child’s themed birthday party. We will help you customize the party and make it perfect and memorable. Parties start at $175 and up with themed parties such as Pretty Princess, Tumbling Toddlers, Disco, Hip-Hop, Disneymania, “I’m Thirteen,” Mardi Gras, Frozen, Rock Star, Dancing Princess and more! We also have space for dances, proms and ballroom parties for all ages. We will make the fun and magic of dancing a party to remember! Find us on Facebook. www. tonyaspeedsdanceconnection.com • United Gymstars: 284.2244, 6100 Brewbaker Blvd., off Troy Hwy. Website: www.unitedgymstars. com. Gymnastics, trampoline, recreational activities, supervised games, and birthday party room. We provide the facility and activities; you provide the cake, decorations and food. Cost of $175 is for 15 guests and the birthday child. Call for more information.

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PLACES TO PARTY MARTIAL ARTS • Docarmo’s Taekwondo Center:

220.5835, 3179 Taylor Rd. (Sturbridge Shopping Center), Docarmo’s Birthday Bash. For $12.00 per child you get: Use of Docarmo’s facilities which means you don’t have to worry about the mess! A taekwondo Intro class. We send out the invitations for you. We provide a variety of FUN games for entertainment. You may bring in your own choice of food. Minimum of 10 children. Prices are based on 1.5 hour party on Saturday afternoons and all day Sunday. Free lessons offered on all participants. www.trytkdfree.com • Family Karate Center: 277.4911, 8159 Vaughn Rd., Pepper Tree Shopping Center. Parties now available 7 days a week from 2 and up. We now offer a Karate Kid Movie Birthday Party. We offer fun wholesome birthday parties at our facility. Included in our parties are 2 hours of jam-packed fun, including: each guest will receive a 1 month FREE pass to Stranger Danger, Free Stranger Danger Demonstration at every Birthday party. Ask Mom First, and the Bully Buster program. Birthday child and guests receive a FREE uniform. Kung Fu Panda Balance Beam, Fun and exciting coordination skills & drills, Board Breaking Contest, Samurai Frisbee, Ninja Ball Bounce, Power Ranger relays, SWAT (Student Winning Attitude Team) Team Exercises, STORM (Student Team of Role Models) Team Demonstration and Teen Team Demonstration Squad. Stranger Danger Child ID Packages provided so mom does not have to supply gift bags. Mother of Birthday child, Birthday child and guests receive gifts. Moms let Master Coker do all the work so moms can just show up and have fun. If Birthday child signs up for classes that day then the party is FREE. If any guest signs up for classes they get a free party. Parties for 2-4 year olds now offered. Unlimited guests.

Even though their judgment isn’t always amazing,

their healthcare is. Welcoming Olivia Garcia, MD. PHYSICIANS TO CHILDREN 470 TAYLOR ROAD, SUITE 210 MONTGOMERY, AL 36117 (334) 293-5033

Dr. Bob Beshear, Dr. Kendra Gillis Colvin, Dr. Cheryl Fekete, Dr. Olivia Garcia, Dr. Alicia Jeturian Hughes, Dr. Dina Winston

• Fleming Martial Arts: 4315 Atlanta Hwy., 277.5425. We have a 4,000 square foot facility for 1½ hours of fun. We provide the entertainment, tables and chairs and you provide the food, paper and utensils. Flat fee of $175. Call us to book your party. Please visit our website at www.flemingsmartialarts.com. • Johnson Karate & Fitness Academy: 2801 Vaughn Plaza Rd. Suite J, 284.2344. $150 for 1.5 hours of pure fun. You provide the food and we provide the fun. Please call for more information. • NextGen Martial Arts, Prattville: (334) 590.3759, 698 Old Farm Lane S, Prattville. $150 for 1.5 hours. Karate fun and games. Parents provide paper products and cake and food. Please visit us at www. nextgenmartialarts.com. • Tiger Park Taekwondo: 277.2627, 3125 Bell Road Come party with us! We provide the facility, demonstration, mini-taekwondo class and Birthday child gets to break a board. You provide food and cleanup. Please call for more information. • Tiger Rock Martial Arts: 244.1465, 2750 Bell Rd. Academy facility for 1.5 hours. 45-minute Martial Arts lesson taught by one of our certified instruc-

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tors.MontgomeryParents_COA_JudgmentAd_Olivia.indd Parties scheduled on Saturdays. Includes a1 martial arts class with basic skills and agility games. Parents supply party decoration, treats and eats. We supply the facility, entertainment and clean up. Let us help make your birthday party fun and easy. Please visit us at www.tigerrockmontgomery.com for pricing and more information.

PLACES TO PARTY MISCELLANEOUS • Adventure Sports Aquatic Center:

269.3483, 1546 East Ann Street. WebSite: www. adventuresports2.com. Indoor and outdoor pools, kiddie pool, grilling and picnic area. Price of $200 includes lifeguard up to 20 children over 8 for two hours. You bring food and cake. Additional lifeguard it $50. Under age of 8 the limit is 16 per lifeguard. Call for details.

9:39 AM • Antique Train Rides: Call toll free (205)6/9/15 668.3435, Located in Calera, 60 miles north of Montgomery. Party takes place in the restored Amtrak car. Includes an hour train ride through the woods and by the interstate. Parents can set up party in our restored Amtrak car. Kids can also look through the old railroad yard. Hostesses are available but parents supply food and supplies. Theme parties available (Thomas the Train… etc.) Please call for dates and party packages or visit us at www.hodrrm.org for birthday information.

• Bell Road YMCA: 271.4343, 2435 Bell Rd. Please contact Jackie Gentry for parties for members. Can rent pool, building or both. Goodtimes Waterpark: $350 for 2 hours which includes lifeguards. Bell Road Indoor Pool Complex: $250 for 2 hours includes lifeguards. Bell Road Outdoor Pool: $200 for 2 hours which includes lifeguards. Adventure Room: $100 for 2 hours during business hours (2:30-4:30 p.m.) on Saturday. Please call for more information and availability. Inflatables

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party room at Goodtimes with eating area. Sat. & Sundays only. Please call Goodtimes for more information about Inflatables party at 279-8878. • Chuck E Cheese: 281.9290, 1116 Eastdale Mall. Three party packages offered. Star Package: Two hours of reserved table space, $10 in tokens per child , personal party host/hostess, Two slices of one topping pizza per child, soft drinks with free refills per child, Ticket Blaster experience for the Birthday Star with the Magic Ticket worth 1,000 tickets, star recognition in our birthday show, Superhero Mask or Princess tiara for the birthday child, superhero cape or princess cape for the birthday star, superhero or princess tabletop photo cutout, tablecloth and plateware and email invitations. Superstar package: includes everything in the Star package plus 1,000 Ticket voucher for the birthday star, collectible cup per child, additional $5.00 tokens per child and special gift for the birthday child. Mega super star package: includes everything in the star & super star package plus, Chuck E. Cheese goody bag per child, pull string piñata with 40 tokens and 400 tickets, chocolate or vanilla ice cream cup per child, and $20 in tokens per child. Please visit us at www.chuckecheese.com. • East Branch YMCA: 272.3390, 3407 Pelzer Ave. Parties for members. Indoor and outdoor pools. Outdoor pool includes slide and splash pool. YMCA provides lifeguards for party.

• McWane Center, Birmingham: They do it all - cake, punch, ice cream, paper products and, if you like, goodie bags. If you want a special science demonstration while you celebrate, they can also provide that. Your group will party in one of the colorful party rooms, then take to the museum floor for a full day of handson science fun and discovery. Of course, you can also see a movie while there. Call (205) 714.8369 or visit our website: www.mcwane.org.

• Eastdale Mall Island Carousel: 270.2736 (located outside of Belks). 4 Tables available for you to set up. If you come early you can hold them. We can not reserve the tables. Child and 9 friends ride one time for FREE. • FC Montgomery Soccer: Capital City Sportsplex, 1555 Eastern Blvd., (334) 207.5442. (indoor/air conditioned) We offer a broad spectrum of party opportunities and are very flexible because we are here to serve you and make your event special. Our parties can last 1, 2, or 3 hours, and include fun sports games, races, and short sided games. You will have full use of our kitchen, fridges, and the dining area. If you want it to be super easy, put us in charge of setting up tables, ordering the cake, drinks, or lunch. Cost: $100 for 1 hour, $175 for 2 hours and $230 for 3 hours. Add-ons are available for additional fees. Please visit www.fcmontgomery.com and contact coach Bruno brunomr@fcmontgomery. com or (334) 207.5442.

• Prattville East YMCA: 358.9622, 972 McQueen Smith Rd., Party room for members and non-members. Pool rental for members. Party room has a $20 deposit and is $190.00 for non-members and $140 for members. This includes 1 ½ hours of entertainment, hostess, sheet cake, cups, plates, napkins, silverware for 15 children. Cost for each additional child is $2. Birthday child receives a free t-shirt. You provide ice, ice cream and drinks. Themed parties also available. Call for more details.

• Pump It Up!: 277.5678, 1029 Lagoon Business Loop, off the Northern Blvd. Website: www.pumpitupparty.com. We are on the 10 Best Birthday Parties list from Parents Magazine Nationally. Only at “The Inflatable Party Zone” can you enjoy a private, indoor party with giant interactive inflatable play structures. A Pump It Up party is a fun and unforgettable event for ages 2 to adult! We offer three party packages. Surf our website for more information, or give us a call. Don’t forget to bring your socks! • Southeast YMCA: 262.6411, 3455 Carter Hill Rd. Rent facilities for parties for preschool to age 14. Available for members and non-members. Call for rates and information.

• Splattered Woods Paintball: 300.2417,

2151 Cantelou Road, Montgomery, Al. Mobile paintball supply sales and service. We hose parties at your field

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or our location: Birthday Parties/Team Building/Youth Groups. We can build custom games to fit your needs. Friendly Christian sales and service. Please visit us at www.splatteredwoodspaintball.com for party packages available and more information. Please visit us on Facebook at Splattered Woods Paintball by E&S Hobbies.

• Sylvan Learning of Montgomery:

262.0043. 2640 Zelda Road. Looking for a fun and creative way to celebrate your child’s birthday? Check out the hottest activity around...a Robotics birthday party (for up to 12 kids). Kids will have a great time brainstorming, building and experimenting with LEGO robots. Call today for details or email cd@montgomerysylvan.com.

PLACES TO PARTY OUTDOORS • Montgomery Zoo: 240.4900, 2301 Coliseum Parkway. Rent a shelter and host your own birthday party. Pay regular admission for each child or qualify for a group discount with 20 or more children. Advanced reservations required. • Shade Tree Riding Academy: 290.3727 or 546-3964, 566 Thornfield Dr., Millbrook. Gentle, experienced horses, easy trail and knowledgeable staff to assist beginners. Call today to reserve your party. • YMCA Camp Chandler: 229.0035,Wetumpka, on Lake Jordan 30 minutes from Montgomery. Great birthday idea for kids 5 to 15. Ten child minimum. This three hour block of time includes 2-3 activities that you and your child choose, and starting or ending with meal served in the Dining Hall (if you choose the meal option). Parents may bring cake and ice cream to be served with the meal. Cost with a meal: $20.00 per child (10 child minimum) Cost without a meal: $15.00 per child (10 child minimum) Please call for private party info.

HOMES starting in the $200’s

PLACES TO PARTY - PARKS • Millbrook Memorial Center & Village Green Park: 285.6428, On Main Street and Grandview. Incredible wooden playground with castle, space shuttle, boat, etc. We have picnic tables and picnic shelter. First come first serve. Memorial Center rents for $200 for a one day rental + a $100 security deposit which can be returned upon inspection of facilities and return of the key. Handicap accessible facility. Call for more information. • Montgomery City Parks: 241.2300, Speak with Ann Huebner to reserve picnic shelters all day for Lagoon Park, Buddy Watson Park, Ida Belle Young Park, Oak Park, Gateway and AUM Park. Large shelters are $50 for all day and $25 for 1/2 day. Small shelters are $40 for full day and $20 for half day. All parks are first come first serve and open to the public. Make shelter reservations as early as possible. Pete Peterson Lodge in Lagoon Park is also available for rent and is air conditioned and heated. Price starts at $300 during week, and $400 on weekends for 4 hours. Gateway Lodge is $600 during the week and $800 on the weekend. Gateway has a caterer’s kitchen. This books fast so call early. Please visit www.montgomeryal.gov.

• Prattville Parks: 361.3640. City park shelters are $25 for 4 hrs. & $50 for 8 hrs. Cooter’s Pond pavilions rent for $35 or $75 depending on which pavilion. The Doster Community Center: auditorium $350 for 10 hours, dining hall $200 for 10 hours. The kitchen with either one of these rooms is an additional $75.00. Upper Kingston Community Center rents for $200 for 10 hours. Call Department of Leisure Services to reserve. • Wetumpka Parks: 567.5147 for details on Gold Star Park (no rental fee if available), Jeanette Barrett Civic Room in Gold Star Park rents for individual $40, business $50 and church $25 ($50 refundable deposit). Martin Luther King Recreation Center (requires a $300 refundable cash deposit) 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. for $115. Civic Center in Wetumpka, large room with kitchen, $500 refundable deposit, $125 cleaning fee and $1075 rental for 10a.m. until 12a.m. Call 567.3002 for details about Fort Toulouse/Jack-

son Park, off US 231, Wetumpka 165-acre park area includes nature trails, campgrounds, picnic pavilion, museum, boat launch, and fort. Would be a great place for either a Pocahontas Party or a Wild West Party.

PLACES TO PARTY RESTAURANTS • Chick Fil A: 271.0104, 2682 Eastern Blvd and Eastchase Pkwy., Montgomery. Playground and reserved section. Kids meal and toy, ice cream and visit from Cow on request. Call your local Chik Fil A for pricing. • Cici’s Pizza: 386.3086, 981 Ann St. Cost by age. Ages 10 and under, $4.72 per person; adults $8.56 including your drink. You bring cake and Cici’s does the rest.

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B • Little Caesars: 288.1515, 3004 McGehee Rd., 4021 Atlanta Hwy. and 5853 Atlanta Hwy, 2774595, Montgomery. Order to pick up for parties or large gatherings. Large cheese or sausage or Large pepperonis for $5.00. • McDonald’s: Call individual stores for cost and details. Most offer similar packages. Cost varies slightly. Includes a Ronald McDonald cake, hamburger kid’s meal, ice cream, hostess, and party favors are supplied. Access to PlayLand after the party. • Nancy’s Italian Ice: 356.1403, 7976 Vaughn Rd. (Sturbridge Shopping Center) Ice and cupcakes available for purchase. • Papa John’s Pizza: Montgomery & Prattville. All locations offer discounts on pizzas on large orders. Call for details. • Pizza Hut: 265.6000. Offered at all Montgomery locations as well as Prattville, Wetumpka and Clanton. Costs vary. Call for details. Other: Many local restaurants will treat the birthday person to a free dessert and possibly sing Happy Birthday. Call your favorite restaurant for details.

PLACES TO PARTY SKATING • Eastdale Mall Ice Palace: 277.2088. 10 or more people. Free birthday invitations and reserved table outside the rink. You bring cake and everything you need. Please call for pricing. • Looney’s Skating Rink: 281.1032, 3541 McGehee Rd. Wide variety of party packages for all different ages. Please call for details and pricing. All parties require a non-refundable deposit at booking. You may bring cake, big cookie & ice cream only. Our friendly staff will setup, serve and cleanup your party. Any of the private party packages can be customized to meet your needs. All private party packages include 1-1/2 hour rink rental, invitations, admission, plates, napkins, sporks, cups, drinks during cake serving time, popcorn, and Stuff Shop party favor bags…all you do is bring a cake or big cookie. Pizza Party Packages are also available. www.looneysskate.com.

PLACES TO PARTY TEA / DRESS-UP • Paint and Clay: (334) 819.4450, 66 Dalraida Rd. Contact: Karen Kornosky. Girls Tea Party--Each

child will paint two tea cups and saucers, one to keep and one for the birthday girl. The birthday girl paints the teapot and has a set of cups to treasure made by her friends. Other party themes available for boys and girls. Canvas parties are now available. Please visit us at our website: www. paintandclaystudio.com.

• Smiles Galore: 269.2895, Montgomery. Plans parties for children. Many themes to choose from. Dress up, crafts, canvas painting, pirates, banana split Sundaes, superhero party, cowboy party, Princess party, just to name a few. Also do Stuff-n-fluff, Stuff a purse, Noahsaurs and Bella B Glamour workshop for girls. Set up is included. We do as much or as little as you like for us to do. All ages. One call takes care of all your party needs. Visit us on the web at www.smilesgaloreinc.com. • The Vintage Tea Room: 334.425.2319. Located in Old Cloverdale, Montgomery. Reserve your daughter’s party today. Specializing in tea parties for little girls. mp If your business was not listed in this year’s Birthday Party Planner, please email editor@montgomeryparents.com with all the information and we’ll include you in our next Birthday Issue!

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Johnson’s Martial Arts Teens Give Back

Johnson’s Martial Arts Academy Community Service and Leadership Club gives back by making blessing bags for the women’s and children’s homeless shelter. The teens also delivered the bags to the shelter and even put on a small karate demonstration for everyone.

Kids Bowl Free at Both Bama Lanes Locations!

Jubilee Run Raises $18,000 for Relay for Life

Representatives from Relay for Life of the Montgomery area had more than 18,000 reasons to smile as they received a check from the Jubilee Run For Cancer Committee. The event raised $18,240.25 for Relay for Life, which is part of the American Cancer Society. The run committee and members of MMS Charities Student Board presented the donation at the Alfa Insurance home office in Montgomery June 2. “We were shocked to see the donation amount when the check was unveiled,” said Jeannie Smith, community manager for Relay for Life. “This is tremendous, and we really appreciate how much work the run committee puts in every year to host such a wonderful Jubilee Run for Cancer. A donation like this means so much in the fight against this terrible disease.” Funds will be used for several programs, including cancer research and the Hope Lodge in Birmingham, a facility for families of cancer patients who are receiving treatments. Donations were made possible by local company sponsorships, registration fees and runners’ fundraising efforts. Alfa Insurance has sponsored the race since 2012, and Alfa Life Insurance Co. served as the presenting sponsor this year. “Because cancer affects so many lives, we knew we wanted this event to be a rallying point for our community in the fight against cancer,” said run Chairman Kathy Wood, who works in Alfa’s Life Department. “This year’s event was the biggest yet, with increased participation and fundraising. We hope these funds can help find a cure for cancer and improve the lives of those afflicted with cancer.” Since 2012, the Jubilee Run For Cancer has raised more than $36,000 for Relay for Life. Montgomery MultiSport provided race support for the Jubilee Run For Cancer, and MMS Charities assisted with financial responsibilities related to the run. From left are run committee members Barbara Long, Katrina Martin, Joanne Brown and Kathy Wood, director; Park Crossing High School students Peyton Millington and Megan Sellers of the Montgomery Multisport Charities student board; and Jeannie Smith and Kay Franklin of the American Cancer Society. Montgomery Parents I July 2015

Bama Lanes of Montgomery and Prattville have partnered with the nationally acclaimed Kids Bowl Free Summer Program for 2015. This allows all school-aged children to bowl two free games all summer long. This program has been recognized on all major networks as well as the President’s Council on Fitness. The program coordinators have created a grant program in which fifty schools will win grants of $1,000 for participating in the program. In 2014, Alabama Christian Academy was awarded $1,000 for its participation in the program. This program is a win-win for parents, youth, schools and our communities. The entire family is eligible to participate in the Kids Bowl Free Program. When you register your children, you have the option of selecting a family package. This is a great way to spend quality time with your children. If you have not signed up, please visit www. kidsbowlfree.com to register so that you may begin bowling with us at Bama Lanes. We look forward to seeing you and your children.

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Glow-in-the-Dark Sock Hop

Turn down the lights for a fantastic party theme! Use black lights to illuminate your party space for a glowing good time. Decorate the room with white streamers and neon-colored balloons, and make the party table pop with a white table cover along with neon plates and napkins. Peruse party and dollar stores for everything from glow necklaces and bracelets to glow-in-the-dark makeup and nail polish. Glow.com has an amazing variety of glowing products, from LED flashing ice cubes for your punch to glow-in-the-dark bubbles. In the invitation, let guests know that under black lights, anything white or neon-colored shows up, so they should dress to shine! Pick up a package of neon or black and white patterned socks at the local discount store, one pair per guest. Give each partygoer a pair of socks, put on music, and they can move those feet to the beat.

Murder Mystery Dinner Party

A Murder Mystery party is a fun, scripted way for teens to mingle and puzzle out clues. MyMysteryParty.com is a great website which has multiple party scenarios to choose from--including mysteries without a murder! You can choose age, gender and number of players. This instant download comes with everything: recipes, invites, name tags and even ice breaker party games. All you will need (in addition to the download) is a few simple costumes you can pick up from the dollar store: such as an army hat for a soldier, a feather boa for a movie star, etc. And if you don’t feel like cooking up elaborate dinner fare, kids will be just as happy with pizza and chips.

Water Party

Show kids a splashin’ good time by hosting a party chock full of wet activities on a hot day. Greet every guest with a bucket filled with water toys, such as a sponge ball, squirt gun, and water balloons. Turn your yard into a mini water park by setting up a giant slip-and-slide. Add a couple of sprinklers, then try a few of these fun activities: Squirt gun target practice: Create targets on a fence in sidewalk chalk by drawing a series of concentric circles with a “bull’s 71

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a variety of decoration ingredients such as tinted frosting, sprinkles, fondant sheets and cookie cutters, and toothpicks or lollipop sticks to use as skewers for building. Give them a theme to work from to get those creative juices flowing. Examples: Monuments (Space Needle, Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa), holidays, animals, etc. Vote for the best and then chow down! eye” in the center. Assign a point value for each circle and give prizes for the most points. Or, set up plastic disposable cups in a pyramid on a small table and shoot them down. Sponge Balls: Make fun “sponge balls” from dollar store sponges. Cut two rectangular sponges lengthwise into four pieces each, then stack the strips into two layers of four pieces each. Wrap a rubber band tightly around the midpoint of the stacked sponges. “Fluff” and pull the sponge strips until you have a ball shape. To play, give kids a bowl or bucket of water to dip the sponge balls into. Wet sponge balls are great for tag, target practice, or just tossing back and forth! Water Pinata: Let the kids release some pent-up energy and cool off with a pinata filled with water! Take a plastic grocery sack and fill about halfway with water. Using the handles of the bag, tie the water- filled bag over a tree branch. The bag doesn’t need to be sealed. Let the kids hit the water bag with tennis rackets, plastic bats or a cardboard wrapping paper tube. What a great way to recycle those plastic grocery bags! These water pinatas won’t last long, but getting wet is the point of this activity, so who cares? Serve popsicles, watermelon and lemonade and don’t forget the towels and sunblock!

Cake Battle Party

Turn teens loose in the kitchen with a mini-cake decorating challenge. Kids can really explore their creativity as they cut cupcakes into shapes, stick them together with frosting, or even build towers by spearing the cakes with toothpicks or lollipop sticks. Teens will have a blast doing this fun and delicious activity, so be sure to have your camera ready! Hand out six cupcakes per guest. Provide them with Montgomery Parents I July 2015

Espionage Party

Turn your party venue into a spy recruiting center with an espionage theme. Greet each guest as they come in with a customized Spy Kit. Include items such as a small flashlight, a magnifying glass, and an ID Tag. Decorate a round layer cake to resemble a giant magnifying glass and serve red twizzler dynamite sticks. Check out this website for super-cool spy party gear: http://www.spymuseumstore.org/ spy-party-supplies.html For games, check out this website for simple ciphers kids can decode: http:// www.topspysecrets.com/secret-codes-forkids.html. Other game and activity ideas include: Invisible Ink: Write a message in lemon juice and hold the paper over a light bulb to see the message appear. Laser Beam Crawl: Tape yarn across a doorway in different patterns. Challenge guests to climb through the laser beams without knocking down the strings! Fingerprint match: Take fingerprints of guests using white index cards and a black stamp pad. Make two sets of prints for each guest on two different cards and label with the name on the back of each. Mix up the cards and let guests try to analyze the prints and match up each set. Use any of these fun themes as a jumping off point, and then tailor the games and favors to the gender and age of your birthday kid. Fill out your party agenda by searching the internet for additional ideas, Pinterest is always a good place to start. No matter which of these themes you choose, your tween or teen’s party will rock! mp Tiffany is a freelance writer and the mother of three children, including a tween and a teen.

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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-year-olds are welcome for the other two. Clubs are limited to the first 10 students, for one month. While children are in Arts Clubs, parents are welcome to stay and browse our Gallery or Resource Library, or just wait in the kitchen with a soda! Studio space is also available on a lease basis. The Pottery Studio is available to ARRAC members trained on the wheel. First Saturday of every month is a free Sit & Sew, from 9 a.m.-noon. Bring your hand-sewing project or sewing machine for a morning of sewing with the ladies. (Bluegrass Jam is going on at the same time in another room.) 300 W. Tallassee St. (former Wetumpka Jr. High building), Wetumpka, AL 36092. Visit www.arrac.org or see us on Facebook: Alabama River Region Arts Center, or call 578-9485 for more information. Artists In Action: 1st Wednesday and 3rd Saturday of EVERY month at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts from noon-2 p.m.. Local and regional artists at work. For more info, call 240-4333. “Artworks,” a hands-on children’s exhibit. FREE. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Blount Cultural Park. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Open until 9 p.m. Thursdays. Closed Mondays. For more info, call 240-4333. Bama Brushstrokes Art Club Meets 9 a.m., 2nd Saturdays of each month, Messiah Lutheran Church, 6670 Vaughn Road, Montgomery. Club members include beginners, intermediate and advanced skill levels. Activities include seminars with well-known artists. Classes are taught by our members or guest artists. We share our talents with our community in various programs, such as the Memory Box Project for hospice patients through sponsorship by the Society of Decorative Painters. Our chapter creates finished paint projects and murals for various hospitals, libraries, and community-based organizations. For more info, contact Diana French, president, at garnet2@ bellsouth.net. Celtic Dance Classes Fridays at Montgomery Ballet from 4-5 p.m. We welcome boys and girls ages 6 to adult. Call Amanda at (706) 457-9254 or e-mail Celtic.traditions@gmail.com for more info. 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 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

July2015 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 non-members. 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 in Montgomery, call 1-800240-9452 or visit www.VisitingMontgomery.com. In

Find a listing of Public Library Storytimes and Events at MontgomeryParents.com! Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed most holidays. Special programs are held for preschoolers weekly. Admission is $5 per person, with no charge for museum members or children under the age of 1 year. Special discounts are available to schools. For info, call (205) 349-4235 or visit www. chomonline.org. Civil Rights Memorial A monument to those who died and/or risked death in the struggle for civil rights. 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery. For information, call 264-0286. Cloverdale Playhouse “Third Tuesdays” Montgomery’s singers and songwriters perform in our intimate theater space each month on the third Tuesday. Join us for a musical evening in Old Cloverdale. For details, call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org. Also contact us about volunteer opportunities, auditions, and the Playhouse School! Cool Kids Cook is a faith-based ministry with classes offered at different locations. Please call 220-3651 if you’d like to attend or volunteer with this ministry. Cupcakes by Tish Offers Cupcake Decorating Workshops and Parties for Kids and Teens Every fourth Saturday, classes will be offered for children ages 4-6, 7-10 and 12-15 between noon and 6 p.m. at The Shoppes at EastChase location. The hourlong workshop is $25 per child and gives each child the opportunity to learn the art of cupcake decorating. Each child will receive a Cupcakes by Tish apron and four decorated cupcakes with a variety of candies, sprinkles, and goodies that adds personalization. Older kids and teens will be shown the basics of fondant decorating. To register, contact Special Events Coordinator Ebony Ware at (334) 356-5292 or parties@ cupcakesbytish.com. First White House of the Confederacy Open on Saturdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This year begins the commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. The First White House of the Confederacy played a significant role during the war and served as Jefferson Davis’ family residence from February-May 1861. Located at 644 Washington Avenue in downtown Montgomery, neighboring the Alabama Department of Archives and History. For more info or to tour the museum, call 2421861 or visit www.firstwhitehouse.org.

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:

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Calendar/Support Groups $8 for adults, $4 for students ages 6-18. Under 6 free. 301 Columbus St., Montgomery. For information, call 240-4500. Prattville-Millbrook Newcomers Club A non-affiliated social club geared to new people moving into the area AND to those looking to form new friendships or just learn more about the area. We will also have interest groups that meet during the month at various times and locations. They could be groups such as canasta, bridge, lunches, movies, etc. General meetings are second Tuesdays September-May at 10 a.m. at the YMCA on McQueen Smith Road. For more information, contact Nancy Schrull at (334) 356-5026 or nschrull@theschrullgroup.com Rosa Parks Museum 252 Montgomery Street, 241-8615. Hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. -3 p.m. Sundays and holidays, closed. Admission 12 years and under-$5.50/ Over 12-$7.50. Alabama college students with a valid student ID: $6.50; discount price for both Museum & Children’s Wing: adults: $14, children $10 Stone Mountain Park, Georgia Enjoy the outdoors together, while experiencing a variety of attractions, entertainment and recreation. Visit the 1870s town of Crossroads and enjoy live entertainment, skilled craft demonstrations, shopping, dining and more. Additional attractions include: the 4-D Theater, The Great Barn, Paddlewheel Riverboat, Summit Skyride, Scenic Railroad, Antebellum Plantation and Farmyard, Pedal Boats, Mini-Golf, New Camp Highland Outpost and Treehouse Challenge, Discovering Stone Mountain Museum and the Antique Car & Treasure Museum. The Regular One-Day All Attractions Pass is $24 (plus tax) for ages 12 and up, and $19 (plus tax) children ages 3-11. For an additional fee, guests can also “Ride the Ducks” sightseeing tour. Required parking permit is $8 for one day or $35 for an annual permit. Call (770) 498-5690 or visit www.stonemountainpark.com. Toastmasters International is an organization that was founded in 1924. Its mission is to help individuals with their communication and leadership skills. Each club provides an atmosphere where individuals can speak without being criticized or judged, yet provide effective evaluations. We also offer the opportunity to take on leadership roles as club president, vice president, and other officer positions that teach planning, time management, organizing and parliamentary procedures. Anyone 18 years or older can join Toastmasters. We currently have six clubs in the River Region. Toastmasters is now starting a club named The River Region Toastmasters in the Prattville/Millbrook area. Meet every Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Journey Church located at 2050 Commerce Street, just off I-65, exit 179. For more info, contact the interim president, Gene Ann Hildreth, at 361-6333 or alabamasoupgirl@aol.com. Tales for Tots Join us for this FREE introduction to art in storybooks and in the 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 class is July 15 from 10:30-11 a.m., and 11-11:30 a.m. Call 240-4365 or visit www.mmfa.org for more info. 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 troubleshooting common problems to establish a successful breastfeeding experience. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $15. Class schedule is subject to change, so please call 293-8497 to register or for more info.

Montgomery Parents I July 2015

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. Foster Parent Training Classes Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries sponsors foster care training classes in the Tri-County

July2015 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 334430-7569 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. Math & Science for Preschoolers Classes for “3-2-1 Blast T.I.M.E.S. (Technology, Innovation, Math, Engineering, & Science)” are held every Monday, excluding federal holidays. Children ages 3-5 will learn math and science concepts through everyday play. Classes are 30 min. long and $8/week. Join us at 1585 E Main St, Prattville (next to Pri-Med), to have fun and get a boost in math & science. Please visit 321 Blast TIMES on Facebook for times. To register or for more info, contact Susan Trombley at 321blasttimes@ outlook.com or (334) 380-1879. Pre- and Post-natal Fitness Classes Includes water aerobics, step-floor aerobics and strength training. SportsFirst. Call 277-7130. 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. 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 Lunchtime Yoga Classes at Old Alabama Town. Take a break from your computer desk and relieve your body of all that stress with some slow flow yoga! Instructor Juliet Thomas provides downtown workers with a convenient way to stretch and reenergize before

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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 to 310 N. Hull Street (Lucas Tavern) and we will direct you to a place to change and set up your mat. Drop in fee: $12; 5-class pass: $50 (exp. 60 days) Monthly unlimited: $65. Mat rental: $1. Pay by cash or check. Make checks payable to Juliet Thomas. Blocks will be provided. Avoid a big meal before class. 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

Services

American Cancer Society seeks Volunteers for Road to Recovery This program is designed to ensure that cancer patients have transportation to and from medical facilities for treatment. Road to Recovery volunteers can be individual drivers with time to help others or even local companies who allow employees to provide transportation on company time in company cars. Anyone who has a driver’s license, a safe driving record, personal automobile insurance, owns a car or has access to one, and can spare as little as one morning or afternoon a month is encouraged to volunteer. For more information, or to volunteer, please call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Hospital Volunteers Volunteers are needed at Baptist Medical Center East, Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville Baptist Hospital. Duties vary by facility but include delivering mail and flowers, transporting patients, staffing waiting rooms and information desks, and furnishing coffee for visitors. Volunteers work one four-hour shift per week. For more info, call 286-2977. Hospice Volunteers Through volunteering at Baptist Hospice, the opportunities to help are endless. Our volunteers are an important part of the patient’s care and are the heart of the hospice family. There are many other ways to help, such as special projects and events or providing administrative support for the staff, that are essential. Volunteers often have special talents and innovative ideas that add so much to our program. Please call Gloria @395-5018 to join our dynamic team. Volunteer Services Jackson Hospital is looking for volunteers for the information desk. These volunteers are needed for the evening shift, 5-8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Volunteers must be friendly and eager to offer information to those visiting the hospital. With this position, a free meal will be given as well as a parking spot next to the lobby. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and are asked to work 4 hours a week. They must complete an application and pass a background check and health screening. If you are interested in volunteering, call 293-8967 or visit www.jackson.org/patients_volunteers. html and fill out the application. Baptist Sleep Disorders Centers Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville. Both centers have the ability to diagnose up to 84 different sleep disorders. There are four board-certified physicians and a clinical psychologist on staff between the two centers. For more information, call 286-3252 for Baptist Medical Center South and 361-4335 for Prattville Baptist Hospital. Jackson Sleep Disorders Center Jackson Hospital houses a sleep disorders center on the third floor of the Goode Medical Building to monitor those who are suffering from sleep disorders. For more information, contact your physician or the Sleep Center at 293-8168. Jackson Hospital Offers Animal Therapy Program to Pediatric Unit Jackson Hospital’s Animal Therapy Program is a vital part of its patient care. Animals in the program are

limited to dogs, and no other animals are allowed to participate. Currently, there are 10 dogs in the program. Their handlers have undergone extensive training and orientation, and visit the hospital weekly. For more information, please call 293-8894.

Support Groups Adoption Support

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

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.

Divorce Support

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 Divorce-

Care 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. DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K), Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays from 6-7 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. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Call (334) 495-6368. Divorce Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622 for more info.

Gambling Support

Gamblers Anonymous meetings in the River Region Area: Saturdays @ 7 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, 5375 U.S. Hwy. 231 (Directly across from the Winn-Dixie shopping center), Wetumpka. Call (334) 567-7534. Sundays @ 5 p.m., Mental Health Association, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Mondays @ 6 p.m., St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 4475 Atlanta Hwy., Montgomery. Gamblers Anonymous Hotline: 334-541-5420

Grief Support

Bereaved Spouses Support Group A new ministry of Cornerstone Christian Church, USA (Unavoidably Single Again) Ministries is designed to offer ongoing support, social events and fellowship to those who have lost their spouses to death. The group is open to ALL widowed individuals, regardless of age, religious beliefs, or length of marriage or widowhood. Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at the church’s building, 301 Dalraida Road. Please e-mail Lynda Coats at farauthor@aol.com for more information. “Big Leap!” Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m., Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is designed to meet the needs of children who have experienced the recent loss of a loved one. This group provides a hands-on, safe space for age-appropriate expression of grief. These sessions aim to increase feeling identification, decrease self-blame or guilt, and build coping skills. Through music, art, and play we meet your child or grandchild on their level. We encourage your children to hold tight to their memories as they make a “big leap” into their new future. This group is open to children ages 7-11. Space is limited to 6 participants so call 279-6677. Start date will be determined once reservations are confirmed. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW “Comfort and Conversation,” Wednesdays at 11 a.m., Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is intended to address those affected by a recent loss (0-12 months after death). Through meeting with others who are walking a similar journey, you will be encouraged to work through the complications of your loss, understand your pain, and adjust to your new reality. Space is limited, so please call 2796677. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW Compassionate Friends, Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Hwy, first Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child. We have an annual special event on Tuesday, Dec. 4. We will hold a Candlelight Ceremony in memory of our children at 7 p.m. at Eastmont Baptist Church. Registration is encouraged and may be made by calling (334) 2842721. We will also collect Toys for Tots for anyone interested in participating. “Connect,” Fridays at 11 a.m., biweekly, Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is for those who have already walked through the initial grieving process but still desire to connect with others who share similar experiences. This group will allow you to meet new people, stay active in the commu-

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Calendar/Support Groups nity, 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.

Montgomery Parents I July 2015

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 Each Wednesday in July from 10:30-11:30 a.m. The support group will meet at Hospice of Montgomery’s office located at 1111 Holloway Park, Montgomery. HOM’s bereavement program is a voluntary one offered to family members and loved ones of HOM’s patient’s who want this type of support. Open to the community. 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 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.

July2015 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 Day Care, Frazer Memorial UMC, Thursdays, in Room 3101, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There is no charge, but registration is required. For more information, call the Congregational Care office at 272-8622. Each participant needs to bring a sack lunch. On the first Thursday of each month, the Caregivers’ Support Group meets in Room 3103 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For the support group, call the church at 272-8622. Cardiolife, a FREE educational series for congestive heart failure patients and their caregivers, meets 4th Thursdays of each month, 10-11 a.m. Diabetes Center classroom, Jackson Hospital. For more info, call 279-6677. Topics include: Lifestyle Changes, A Heart Healthy Diet, Proper Fluid Intake, Importance of Daily Weights and Exercise Tolerance. Support for this program provided by River Region Supportive Care – a Division of Hospice of Montgomery. Facilitated by Arla Chandler, RN, BSN, MBA. 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.

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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 Alliance, Room 3101 at Frazer UMC, 1st Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. This group is for those with depression and bipolar illness and their families. For more info, call 2728622 or visit dbsamontgomery@yahoo.com. (This group will NOT meet at Frazer in January due to New Year’s Day.) 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 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, meets on 4th Thursdays at 6 p.m. in Room 8114. Group is for Parkinson’s patients and their family members. For more info, call 272-8622. Traumatic Brain Injury Support, cafeteria at HealthSouth on Narrow Lane in Montgomery. 2nd Thursdays at 6 p.m. Sponsored by Alabama Head Injury Foundation for anyone with a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or related disability. For more information, contact Holli at (334) 290-0646 or e-mail: ahif_montgomery_auburn@yahoo.com. Visit www.ahif. org. Veterans OEF/OIF Caregivers Support Group meets 3rd Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 3108 at Frazer Memorial UMC. This group provides support and understanding to those caring for OEF/ OIF Veterans. For more information, contact LaQuana

Edwards, Caregiver Support Coordinator at CAVHCS, (334) 727-0550 ext. 5350.

Parent Support

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

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Calendar/Support Groups speakers and a lot of fun! Cost is $5 per meeting. Childcare provided by reservation. For more info and to reserve your spot, call Kelley Manning at 361-7919. The Montgomery Multiples Club is a non-profit organization offering support to the mothers and families of twins, triplets, and more in the Central Alabama region. They have a mom’s night out with dinner once a month. They also have a yard sale twice a year, in the spring and again in the fall. For more info, visit http://montgomerymultiplesclub.org. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry St., Montgomery. 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 through the summer and beyond. 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) 5678649 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 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 Amaz-

July2015 ing 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.

Special Needs Support

Central Alabama Autism Support Team (C.A.A.S.T.), St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Hwy. 31 in Prattville from 6-8 p.m. 3rd Thursdays quarterly (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.

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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 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 Thursday, July 2

Fantastic Fourth Celebration at Stone Mountain (Ga.) Park -- Through July 5 Attraction Hours: 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Lasershow and Fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Stone Mountain Park and Star 94 present ‘Rockin the Rock’ featuring American Authors and Rachel Platten! The concert will kick off the Fantastic Fourth Celebration on July 2. The Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision and extended fireworks finale will immediately follow the concert. The show includes a lighting feature at the base of the mountain shining up like fingers of light showcasing the 825-foot mountainside. Three flame cannons add a punch to the show by sending a trio of flames nearly 100 feet into the air. Plus, special new fireworks spray multicolored bursts and dance on the water at the base of the mountain. The special patriotic fireworks finale will immediately follow the Lasershow all four nights! For more info or tickets, call 800-401-2407 or visit www. stonemountainpark.com.

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Calendar/Support Groups Friday, July 3

Friday Night Hoops -- Also July 17 Attention 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. Jasmine Hill Gardens and Outdoor Museum Fridays Through Sundays Weekly Wetumpka. Open Fridays-Saturdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays noon-5 p.m. More than 20 acres of year-round floral beauty and classical sculpture, including new statuary honoring olympic heroes. Take a stroll through the outdoor gardens and experience beautiful flowers blooming throughout each season. Tours are available for groups of 20 or more. For more info, call (334) 2635713 or visit www.jasminehill.org/.

Saturday, July 4

Independence Day in Pike Road The Pike Road Civic and Community Clubs continue the tradition of hosting the annual Fourth of July Parade beginning at 10 a.m. and travel down Pike Road. That evening Summer Fest will be held at The Waters. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. and the fun starts at 5. The evening will feature live music from The Joe Wright Band, the Pike Road Lions Club will be selling food, and a spectacular firework show. Bring the whole family and join in on the fun! Wetumpka Fourth of July Events 5-9 p.m. All proceeds benefit Hemophilia and Bleeding

Disorders of Alabama. Music by Wishbone and fireworks at 9 p.m. For more info, visit www.cityofwetumpka.com or call (334) 567-5147. Fourth of July in Prattville The Independence Day parade will be held at 9 a.m. The parade starts at the Autauga County Courthouse and will end at Stanley-Jensen Stadium. Children (and adults) on bikes, tricycles and scooters are also invited to participate in the family fun. Other events included in the Independence Day festivities are the City’s annual “Cardboard Boat Races” and the Lions Club Bar-B-Q and Camp Stew Sale. These events start at 10 a.m. and are held at Pratt Pool and Pratt Park, respectively. The annual fireworks presentation will be held at Stanley-Jensen Stadium. Gates open at 6 p.m. with live entertainment and a patriotic program. Fireworks begin at dark. Admission to this event is FREE and the public is encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. NO pets, glass, or bottles will be allowed on the field. For more info, call (334) 595-0851 or (334) 595-0800. Fourth of July Picnic on the River Montgomery Riverfront Park, 5 p.m. Free admission. Live music from the Sweet Young ‘Uns. Rib-eating competition with cash prize. Food vendors. Activities for the children. Following the concert there will be a fireworks show! Picnics and coolers are allowed, but no alcoholic beverages. Please call (334) 625-2100 for more info. Peachtree Pancake Pacer Join Fleet Feet Sports Montgomery and the Cloverdale Idlewild Association for the first-ever Peachtree Pancake Pacer at 6:30 a.m. Dress in your most festive 4th of July attire and come join in the fun 5k. After the run is done we will have pancakes, water, coffee and mimosas. For more info, call (334) 356-5412 or check Facebook. Home Depot Kids’ Workshop Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill

July2015 a sense of accomplishment. Today’s project is “Learn to Build a Minion Scooter.” 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.

Sunday, July 5

Kids Day with the Montgomery Biscuits Also July 19 5:35 p.m. start. Bring out the kids and join us for pregame catch on the field and post game Coke Kids Run the Bases! Visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 323-2255 for more info. Special Needs Skate -- Also July 19 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.

Monday, July 6

Movie Monday -- Also July 13, 20 & 27 Sponsored by Guardian Credit Union. Bring your family, lawn chairs, picnic baskets and coolers for a movie night along the Alabama River under the stars. Food and beverage vendors will be available. Movies begin at dusk, which could be anywhere between 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. **No Alcohol Allowed!** July 6 movie is Frozen. For more info, visit www.funinmontgomery.com.

Tuesday, July 7

Dollar Dog Tuesday with the Montgomery Biscuits -- Also July 28 Join us for dinner and a baseball game! Come out for Dollar Dog Tuesday and get hot dogs for only $1! It’s also Future Farmers of America Night! Game begins at

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7:05 p.m. Visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 323-2255 for more info. Art with Barb at Nancy’s Italian Ice Tuesdays and Thursdays through July 30 Enjoy painting and fun on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Nancy’s Ice with Barb Grimes. Barb’s painting classes are for ages 5 & up and feature fun canvases every week. Cost is $15 which includes a free ice treat! Tuesdays @ 5:30-6:15 p.m.; Thursdays @ 10-10:45 am Canvases: July 7/9 - Sassy Seahorse; July 14/16 Flashy Flamingo; July 21/23 - Hooting Owl; and July 28/30 - Tweetie Birds. Call (334) 546-2233 to reserve your spot! More info at www.barbsonmulberry.com/ classes-parties/.

Wednesday, July 8

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents The Little Mermaid -- Through July 26 You know the story, you love the music – now see the magic brought to vivid life by the team that brought you Disney’s Mary Poppins! Features songs including “Under the Sea,” “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls” and “Kiss the Girl” – a fantastic show for ages 5 to 105! Visit www.asf.net or call 271-5353. 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/.

Thursday, July 9

Faulkner Dinner Theatre Presents Fiddler on the Roof -- Through July 25 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/. Capri Classics Presents Sing-a-long Grease 7:30 p.m. The classic film with on-screen lyrics so everyone can join in. Rated PG. For more info, visit www. capritheatre.org.

Friday, July 10

Parents’ Night Out at the Wetumpka Family YMCA A monthly Parents’ Night Out program for parents of kids 12 years and under offered the 2nd Friday of each month from 6-10 p.m. Games, arts and crafts, a movie and hot dogs are offered. Cost is $10 per child for members and $15 per child for non-members. You must register by the Thursday prior. Call 567-8282 for more info. Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets -- Also meets July 24 Elmore County Homeschool Organization is a non-profit support group for homeschooling families. We provide a positive socialization environment for homeschooled children & support and encourage their parents in the homeschooling process. We meet the second and fourth Friday of every month year-round from 10 a.m. to noon at Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. Membership is free and is open to all homeschoolers in the tri-county area. ECHO has field trips, park days, holiday parties, enrichment activities, and a yearly awards ceremony. For details, visit http://www.onlineecho.com. Parents’ Night Out at United Gymstars & Cheer Also July 24 6:30-10:30 p.m. $20/first child; $15 per sibling. Pizza and drink provided. Fun games, trampolines, rope swing, tumble tracks, foam pits and more! Call (334) 284-2244 to reserve your spot! Walk-ins welcome (until maximum capacity is reached). **Must have at least 20 people signed up ahead of time or it will be

cancelled.** Visit www.unitedgymstarsandcheer.com for more info.

Saturday, July 11

Find Your Story: A Genealogy Workshop For Beginners Held at the Alabama Dept. of Archives and History. 9 a.m.-noon. Led by Nancy Dupree. $30 for the public, $20 for Friends of the Alabama Archives members. Specifically designed for beginners! Get step-by-step instruction followed by hands-on research time in the EBSCO Research Room. Visit www.archives.alabama.gov or call Sarah McQueen at (334) 242-4364 for more info or to register. Breastfeeding Class Breastfeeding and lactation education designed for expectant mothers, fathers, and/or support persons. Class includes benefits, basic breastfeeding techniques, and prevention of common problems. 10 a.m.-noon. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. $15 covers mother and support person. Preregistration required. Call 293-8497 or visit www.jackson.

org/events to register or for more info. 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/ev ents/1374454692792666/?source=1. 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. Santuck Flea Market Outdoor flea market features booths with arts, crafts, antiques, novelties, imports, food and more. Free admission with free parking available. For more info, call (334) 567-7400. Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic 10 a.m. Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to

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Calendar/Support Groups instill a sense of accomplishment. Today’s project is “Black Widow’s Sky Cycle” inspired by “Marvel’s Avengers Assemble!” Watch the animated series Sunday Mornings on Disney XD! Visit marvelkids.com for Avengers games and more!. Ages 5-12. Free. Online registration opens before each clinic’s date. For more info, visit www.lowesbuildandgrow.com or call your local Lowe’s. Saturday Jam Sessions at Old Alabama Town Also July 25 Pick and grin at Saturday Jam Sessions in the Rose House at Old Alabama Town. Bring your acoustic instruments and have fun. 9 a.m.-noon. For more information, call (334) 240-4500 or visit www.oldalabamatown.com. Family Fun Nights at Eastdale Mall -- Also July 18 & 25 5-7 p.m. Saturday nights during the summer. Each week, Eastdale Mall partners with a different community organization to host this free event for families of all ages! All families must check in at Customer Service to receive a wristband to participate in activities. Second Saturdays -- Through August 5-9 p.m. Riverfront Park holds this family-friendly event including live entertainment, games for all ages, food vendors and adult libations at the SandBAR at the Silos. NO OUTSIDE FOOD, BEVERAGES OR COOLERS! Live entertainment by Groove Merchants at 6 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. $1 admission. 12 and under free. Russell Marine and Capitol Chevrolet Truck and Boat Show at 10 a.m. For more info, call 625-2100 or visit www.funinmontgomery.com. Farmer’s Market at the Shoppes at EastChase Saturdays through October 10 7 a.m. until noon. The Market includes local vendors with festivities for the entire family, including several stores and restaurants from the Shoppes at EastChase participating in the events. Shoppers will continue to find unique local items such as organic meats and milk, goat cheese, natural bath products and handmade soaps,

Montgomery Parents I July 2015

honey, fruit pastries, birdhouses and nursery plants. For more info, call (334) 279-6046 or visit www.theshoppesateastchase.com.

Monday, July 13

Movie Monday -- Also July 20 & 27 Sponsored by Guardian Credit Union. Bring your family, lawn chairs, picnic baskets and coolers for a movie night along the Alabama River under the stars. Food and beverage vendors will be available. Movies begin at dusk, which could be anywhere between 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. **No Alcohol Allowed!** July 13 movie is Dolphin Tale 2. For more info, visit www.funinmontgomery.com.

Tuesday, July 14

Summer Art Sampler -- Also July 16, 28 & 30 2:30-3:30 p.m. Join the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts in the studio to create a different art project each day. Explore a variety of art media, including collage, oil pastel & watercolor resist painting, and more. All supplies are provided. Class size is limited to 15 participants. Cost: $5 members/$10 non-members for each class; $15 members/$35 non-members for the series of four classes. 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 at Hampstead community. Look for a big red barn! For more information, call 422-9331, e-mail info@eatsouth. org or visit www.facebook.com/VegOutMontgomery.

Thursday, July 16

ArchiTreats: Food For Thought The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. Noon-1 p.m. Bring lunch and a drink and join

July2015 us every third Thursday for these FREE lectures sponsored by Friends of the Alabama Archives. Today’s topic is “The Freedmen’s Bureau in Alabama, 1865 - 1867,” presented by Jason J. Battles. Call 353-4726 or visit www.archives. alabama.gov. Millbrook Community Players Presents Annie Warbucks -- Through July 26 The action picks up right where Annie leaves off, when Child Welfare Commissioner Harriet Doyle arrives on the scene to inform Daddy Warbucks he must marry in sixty days so the newly adopted Annie can have a proper mother. In the end, Daddy Warbucks’ whirlwind search for a fitting bride uncovers not only a plot by Doyle and her daughter to strip him of his fortune, but also his true feelings for Grace Farrell. Book by Thomas Meehan. Music by Charles Strouse. Lyrics by Martin Charnin. Directed by Joe Nolin, Jr. Visit www. millbrooktheatre.com or call (334) 782-7317 for tickets.

Saturday, July 18

Star Wars Night at the Montgomery Biscuits 6:35 p.m. Come out to Riverwalk Stadium where the force is strong! Meet all of your favorite Star Wars characters from the 501st Legion. Come dressed up as your favorite character and participate in our on-field costume contest. Stick around for post-game MAX fireworks! Prattville Gigantic Flea Market Doster Community Center, 6 a.m.-noon. For info, call (334) 595-0800. True Divine Community Development Hosts a Community Yard Sale 7-11 a.m. Every third Saturday through October. 4525 Virginia Loop Road. To sign up for $10 booths, call 286-4008. Foghat Performs at Callaway Gardens (Georgia) Best known for “Fool for the City,” “Slow Ride,” and their cover of Willie Dixon’s “I Just Want to Make Love to You,” Foghat has reached a whole new generation of fans due to their songs appearing on games such as Guitar Hero

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III, numerous movies, and TV ads, etc.Advance tickets are $25; $35 day of show. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. Showtime is 8 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit www. callawaygardens.com or call 1-800-463-6990. Callaway Gardens is in Pine Mountain, Ga., 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus. GO Enjoy...Big Backyard Campout -- Also July 19 Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook. Sat., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m. Also open on Sunday for hiking. Call 285-4550 or visit www.alabamawildlife.org. Admission charged. 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. It is a lot of trial and error, but it is always fun. Call (334) 240-4900 or visit montgomeryzoo.com. Wetumpka’s River and Blues Music & Arts Festival 2 p.m. Downtown Wetumpka. Ten bands, two stages and a massive kids’ zone. Free admission. Paid for by local sponsors. Visit http://www.riverandblues.net/.

Sunday, July 19

MPAC Presents Old Crow Medicine Show 7:30 p.m. The Grammy Award-winning group was also the newest member to be inducted to the Grand Ole Opry in 2013. The cult hit song “Wagon Wheel,” originally written by Bob Dylan and modified by Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show, was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in April 2013. Their music has been called old-time string sound fueled by punk rock energy, folk, and alternative country. Visit www. mpaconline.org for more info or tickets. Prices begin at $27.50.

Monday, July 20

Movie Monday -- Also July 27 Sponsored by Guardian Credit Union. Bring your family, lawn chairs, picnic baskets and coolers for a movie night along the Alabama River under the stars. Food and beverage vendors will be available. Movies begin at dusk, which could be anywhere between 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. **No Alcohol Allowed!** July 20 movie is Marley & Me. For more info, visit www.funinmontgomery.com.

Tuesday, July 21

Joe Thomas, Jr. 3rd Tuesday Guitar Pull 7-9 p.m. Three or four regional songwriters perform original music on the Cloverdale Playhouse’s intimate stage. Tickets are $10 at the door. Call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org.

Thursday, July 23

ARTtalk at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 6-8 p.m. Join artists and art lovers alike in this year’s remaining sessions of this unique program. Each session artists can bring one work of art to show for friendly feedback. Light refreshments are also served. Cost: $10 for Museum or Montgomery Art Guild members; $17 for non-members for three sessions (July, September and November). Call Brandy Morrison at 240-4365 or e-mail edsecy@mmfa.org to register.

Friday, July 24

Cloverdale Playhouse Troupe Presents James and the Giant Peach -- Through July 26 Based on the classic children’s book by Roald Dahl. Directed by Jason Morgan. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Call (334) 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org to get tickets.

Prattville Performing and Visual Arts Camp FREE Performance 12:15 p.m. at the Martin Theatre Complex, 145 South Court Street in Prattville. Children who participate in Prattville’s Performing and Visual Arts Camp July 20-24 will display their art and give a free Broadway performance for the public. The campers will perform songs and dances from the musicals Neverland, Singing in the Rain and Charlie Brown. Refreshments will be served. For more information and to RSVP, call (334) 467-8603.

Saturday, July 25

4th Saturday Outreach Event 9-11 a.m. River City Church, a United Methodist congregation, invites the entire community to this event at the church, located at 301 Dexter Avenue. Admission is free. The River Region will have access to blood pressure/glucose screenings, career services, free haircuts, hygiene items and canned goods. Participants can register for a drawing for a weekly bus pass and gasoline gift cards. During the 2-hour period, attendees can speak with prayer partners and purchase items (clothes, furniture, etc.) in the River City Rummage Sale located in the lower level of the church. Nurses will screen for diabetes (glucose testing), assess body mass index, blood pressure, and other vital signs. Volunteers will also provide homework help and a craft for children. For more info, please call 263-0549 or visit www.rivercityumc.com. Back to School Blast Sponsored by Woodland United Methodist Church 8-11 a.m. at Woodland UMC, 4428 Wallahatchie Road, Pike Road (intersection of Vaughn & Wallahatchie Roads). This event is for all children ages K5-12th grades. School supplies, free bookbags (to first 600 children), health screenings (blood pressure, diabetes,vision, hearing, & dental screens), fun & giveaways, games, prizes, snacks, free haircuts and much, much more... Everything is FREE! Call (334) 272-7230 for more info.

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Monday, July 27

Movie Monday Sponsored by Guardian Credit Union. Bring your family, lawn chairs, picnic baskets and coolers for a movie night along the Alabama River under the stars. Food and beverage vendors will be available. Movies begin at dusk, which could be anywhere between 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. **No Alcohol Allowed!** July 27 movie is Box Trolls. For more info, visit www.funinmontgomery.com.

Thursday, July 30

Wetumpka Depot Players Present Smoke on the Mountain -- Through August 15 Written by Connie Ray and Alan Bailey; directed by Hazel Jones. 7:30 p.m. performances except for 2 p.m. matinees August 2 and 9. For ticket info, visit www.wetumpkadepot. com or call (334) 868-1440. Red Door Theatre Presents The Mystery of Miz Arnette -- Through August 9 Downtown Union Springs. All performances at 7:30 except August 9 at 2:30 p.m. By Alan Bailey and Ronnie Claire Edwards; directed by Kim Mason. The Mystery of Miz Arnette is set in Oklahoma’s devastating Dust Bowl. The time is 1934 when Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd along with their gangs roamed the territory. Out of the desolate nowhere arrives Miz Arnette to rent the room that had been advertised and leased four months ago. With the family farm at stake and desperate for the additional income, young Floy Kate strikes a deal and takes in the intriguing stranger that would forever change her life. Tickets may be obtained by calling (334) 738-8687 or visiting www.reddoortheatre.org.

Saturday, August 1

Prepared Childbirth Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose to have pain relief during labor and delivery. Topics include stages of labor, breathing and relaxation techniques, the role of the coach, and proper care of mother and baby after delivery. Sessions are taught throughout the year, from 9 a.m.-noon. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $25. Call 293-8497 or e-mail liz.owen@jackson.org.

Sunday, August 2

Alabama Dance Theatre Presents 12th Annual Stars on the Riverfront -- Also August 3 Two spectacular free performances. Bring the entire family and a picnic and join the Alabama Dance Theatre as the sun sets on one of Montgomery’s most beautiful venues, the Riverwalk Amphitheater. These eclectic performances are the culmination of ADT’s two-week Summer Dance Seminar and will feature more than 50 dancers. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Riverwalk Amphitheater. Gates open at 6 p.m. for picnicking. “Good to Go” Wind Creek Hospitality will be the local food vendor on site for each of the performances. Proceeds benefit the ADT Scholarship fund. The Riverwalk Amphitheater is located downtown, north of the Union Station train shed. Audiences should enter through the handicap accessible tunnel. Call (334) 241-2590 or visit www. alabamadancetheatre.com for more info.

Saturday, August 8

Magical Creatures Program at the Montgomery Zoo Meet some of the magical animals that are featured in movies like Harry Potter series and The Hobbit. You will get a chance to meet animals up close, learn about them in their habitats, and take home some special prizes for yourself. Make new discoveries and new friends. Geared for boys and girls, 4-10 years old, advanced reservations required. Call (334) 240-4900 or visit www.montgomeryzoo.com for details.

Please send calendar info to editor@montgomeryparents.com. Montgomery Parents I July 2015

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Number ONE Reason To Advertise...WOMEN! 85

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MontgomeryParents “Parents in the Know, Know Montgomery Parents” The River Region’s Foremost Parenting Source

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Are Your Customers WOMEN? So Are Our READERS! We Offer SMART ADVERTISING! Call Today, 213-7940

Home Based Business Directory House Cleaning, Window Cleaning and Light Paint Jobs

Please call me for a quote on any of the above. I have previous experience in all areas and am looking to work in the Prattville and Milbrook area. Please call Terri at (334) 365-2727.

Home Refinishers

MATH TUTORING

Chemistry Tutor

24 years teaching experience

Current Chemistry Teacher Experienced chemistry tutor

Clarence Hann, IV

Email channiv30@gmail.com or call 334-546-4860.

Call Lisa Tyler (334) 647-1125 lisactyler@yahoo.com

Half off on first session if you mention this ad.

Piano Teacher

Saxon Lawn Service

Your home repair specialist! We offer an array of home services at a reasonable rate. Services include tile repair and installation, painting and stucco repair, drywall repair, pressure washing, trash and junk removal, light carpentry, and more. Call us today for your free estimate at 334-498-4988. Licensed and Insured. “Get it done right the first time...call the pro!”

You grow it, we mow it Affordable pricing

BLL Computer Services

Summer Tutoring

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

Please call 274-0324.

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

Ala

TUTORING

Ala

28 years teaching experience Tutoring grades 1st-8th

Call Alice Gwin at (334) 300-8350. Email dalice.gwin@gmail.com.

Bra

Mommy, Milk, & Me, Inc.

Complete computer repair. Free diagnoses. Fast friendly service. Flat rate. No hourly fees. Free pickup and delivery. Call: 334-450-9760.

Great rates All subjects Grades 2-6

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

Contact Ms. Taylor @590-2098 or email debrataylor350@ yahoo.com

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

Nutrition Education

Squeaky Clean

The Piano Man

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.

“Absolute Clean” Cleaning Service

Reliable, dependable, and trustworthy are the three things most needed when trusting someone in your home. We have all three of them, so just call Trenella @ 334-391-7596 for your free estimate and the absolute best cleaning job you could ask for with no worries, just a clean house. Call today!

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

Cassie’s English Tutor, Proofreader, Typist, Organizer and Writer

“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

Cassie Rogers (334) 444-2343 cassiesenglish@wowway.com

Mental Health Services

Dedicated, result oriented, and 10 years of experience in community psychology practice in mental health. Contact: Genevieve Morris Email: genevieve.morris@ymail.com

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

Brother to Brother Entertainment, Inc.

Get a DJ and a Photographer in one package for your next event. We specialize in birthdays, weddings, luncheons, family reunions, and holiday parties. Contact Matthew Ezell @ 334-202-6869 or Alexander Strum @ 334-235-3518

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 July 2015

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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.

Fleming’s Martial Arts, 83

Montgomery Zoo, 49

Frank Johnson Cove, 57

Mrs. Sandy’s House, 85

Frazer Memorial UMC, 3

My Kids Attic, The Shoppes of, 19

Adventure Sports II, 17

Great Leaps Learning Center, 36

New Park, 7

Alabama Christian Academy, 20

Greengate School, 28, 81

New Waters Realty, 65

Alabama Dance Theatre, 25

Holy Cross Episcopal School, 24

O’Connor Tennis Lessons, 69

Ala. Dept. of Health, Inside Front/Back

Hooper Academy, 61

Plexus Slim, Rhonda McClellan, 85

Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 51

Huntingdon Basketball Camp, 36

Professional Pediatrics, 12

ASKIN/Synergy House, 85

Interscapes, Inc., 11

Providence Early Childcare/Preschool, 72

AUM Continuing Education, 40

It Works, 58

Pump It Up Party, 79

Baptist Health, 13

Jenny Alexander, MD, 85

Riverfront Park Monday Movies, 37

Beth’s Heirloom Sewing, 25

Kids Carousel, 47

Riverview Camp for Girls, 80

Bradford Health Services, 67

Kingry Orthodontics, 84

ROCK Campaign, 27

Chapman Orthodontics, 23

Kreative Moments, 85

Saint James School, 1

Children’s Hospital of Alabama, 63

Kumon, 39

Smart Smiles, 77

ChristChurch, 4

Learning Tree Child Care, 73

Smiles Galore Parties, 60

Churchill Academy, 9

Legacy Early Learning Center, 64

South Montgomery Academy, 17

Dance Generation, 21

Little Lights Creative Learning Ctr, 85

Spacewalker, The, 62

Dentistry for Children, 83

Lori Mercer Photography, 53

Spotless Cleaning Services, 8

Docarmo’s Taekwondo Center, 23, 45

Macon East Academy, 15

Success Unlimited Academy, 38

Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 66

Mane, 62

Sylvan Learning Center, 59

Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 21

Mathnasium, 34

Taylor Road Baptist Church, 18

E & S Hobbies, 61

Memorial Presbyterian Childcare, 31

The Big Green Bus, 60

Eastdale Mall, 2

Montessori @ Hampstead, 32, 76

The Dollhouse Toy Store, 33

Easter Seals Central Alabama, 69

Montessori @ Mulberry, 41

The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover

Edward Jones-Lane Easterling, 82

Montgomery Ballet, 31

The Vintage Tea Room, 57

Evangel Christian Academy, 33

Montgomery Catholic Schools, 22

Thrive Counseling, 85

Evangel Church VBS, 14

Montgomery Integrative Health, 14

Tonya Speed Dance Connection, 18

Evolve Church Learning Center, 45

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 84

Trinity Presbyterian School, 35

Family Support Center, P’ville, 85

Montgomery Pediatric Dentistry/Ortho, 56

Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 66

First UMC, Montgomery, 69

Montgomery Uniforms Plus, 71

Vaughn Road Preschool, 78

First UMC, Prattville, 28

Montgomery Youth Chorale, 29

Vishnu Dental, 29

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Max

Inside Out

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: C Sexual Content: ALanguage: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: B+ The MPAA has rated Max PG for action violence, peril, brief language and some thematic elements. Not all soldiers walk on two feet. Some of them have four. Max is one of those. The highly trained German shepherd serves as a military dog with the US Marines in Afghanistan, along with his handler Kyle Wincott (Robbie Amell). Their assignment is to search out explosives and clear the path for the rest of the unit. It is a dangerous and often thankless job. But Kyle and Max have an incredible bond. Then tragedy strikes. Max is shipped back to the dog training facility to deal with the after effects of the event. Sadly, he is a changed animal -- aggressive, skittish and unreliable. The army’s only option is to put him down. Still, Kyle’s parents (Thomas Haden Church, Lauren Graham) want to give the dog a second chance. They plead with Sergeant Reyes (Jay Hernadez) to let them take him home. Kyle’s younger brother Justin (Josh Wiggins) is put in charge of Max. Yet taking care of the unsettled animal is the last thing this sullen teen wants to do. While Kyle was fighting in the hot desert sands of Afghanistan, Justin was holed up in his room firing endless rounds of ammunition in video war games. Dealing with reality and responsibility are tough adjustments for the youth. Although Max addresses subjects like post-traumatic stress disorder and drug cartels, at its heart it is a boy and his dog story in the vein of Far From Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog, My Dog Skip and Old Yeller. In this case, the plot involves both a troubled dog and a troubled teen. And like the other films in this genre, it is a pairing that seems to work for a tween audience. Fortunately the actual depictions of war violence are limited to a couple of tense and deadly encounters with the enemy. However there are frequent scenes involving guns (including weapons aimed at animals) that may be too frightening for young children. Teens are also chased and shot at. As well, there are depictions of illegal behavior such as arms sales and game pirating. While selling weapons may be outside the realm of most adolescents, the game pirating portrayed is a kind of gateway crime that is far more accessible. The script also contains the stereotypical bad cop character, as well as some shady military operatives and Mexican drug runners. For older kids and younger teens, this film contains impressive dog handling, some positive depictions of Latinos and a change of heart for a boy and his family. Despite the fact the movie has huge plot holes and ridiculous scenarios at times, the storyline’s strong point is the relationship between a dog and a young owner who both find a new leash on life.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B+ Violence: BSexual Content: ALanguage: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Inside Out PG for mild thematic elements and some action. Have you ever asked yourself what could possibly be going on inside your child’s head? Well now, thanks to Peter Doctor, you may find out. He co-wrote and directed the new Pixar/Disney movie Inside Out. And from his perspective, a kid’s mind can be a pretty complicated place. Riley (voice by Kaitlyn Dias) and her family have just moved across the country from Minnesota to San Francisco. She’s left behind her friends, her school and her hockey team. Her family has relocated in a rundown row house with a dead mouse in the front room. That’s put her emotions -- Joy (voice of Amy Poehler), Sadness (voice of Phyllis Smith), Fear (voice of Bill Hader), Anger (voice of Lewis Black) and Disgust (voice of Mindy Kaling) -- in commotion and left Riley’s parents wondering what has happened to their normally happy 11-year-old. Joy does her best to keep Riley feeling positive about her new circumstances. But Sadness starts to impact all of Riley’s happy memories. During a bit of an emotional scuffle in Riley’s head Joy and Sadness go missing. That leaves Anger, Disgust and Fear in charge of Riley’s feelings. Like many other Pixar movies, this storyline doesn’t forget there are adults in the audience too. Along with getting inside of Riley, viewers get to take a peek at the interior of Mom and Dad’s (voices of Dian Lane and Kyle MacLachlan) noggins as well. While the depictions of their emotional command centers may be pretty stereotypical, they at least show that women and men often approach the same issue differently. The plot also takes audiences through the maze of long-term recollections (which looks a lot like huge plastic containers full of colorful candies), down into the dump of forgotten memories, and through dreamland. Thankfully the film has few content concerns for most viewers. Anger often talks about using a bad word, but it is bleeped out when he finally does. However youngersters may be more bothered by the death of a character and the moments of peril Joy and Sadness experience as they make their way back to headquarters. While the emotions are drawn with cartoonish features, the actions of some of the more realistic characters could be a worry for some families. Upset by her new situation, Riley steals her mother’s credit card, buys a bus ticket and runs away -- two acts parents wouldn’t want their own tweens to repeat. However the essence of the story is to appreciate all of our emotions. Admittedly Fear, Disgust and Anger don’t come across quite as favorable as the other two do. Still, Sadness earns her keep in this script, showing that life is full of a mixture of sentiments. That message will likely go over the heads of little ones who will be more entertained by the colorful animation and slapstick antics. Yet for older children and tweens, Inside Out can be a good way to begin a conversation about the importance of giving voice to all of our feelings.

What Parents need to know about Max...

Violence: Warfare and soldiering in a war zone are shown. Soldiers are attacked and fired upon. At leas one character is killed. Drug and arms dealers are also shown with weapons. Guns are aimed at an animal and fired at other characters. A teen rips off video games and sells them illegally. A character is kicked out of her home for getting a tattoo. A family grieves the death of a child. Dogs fight. Animals and humans fall down a cliff. A character is punched in the face. A man is taken hostage. An explosion and fire cause crates of ammunition to go off. Characters are in peril. Sexual Content: A teen girl kisses a boy. Language: The script contains infrequent mild curses. Alcohol / Drug Use: A man offers an employee a beer at work. Montgomery Parents I July 2015

What Parents need to know about Inside Out...

Violence: Characters experience moments of peril and personal threat. A character gets angry and lashes out at others. A character finds a dead mouse in her house. Some weird and slightly scary depictions are shown during a dream sequence. A character steals a credit card and runs away. A boy repeatedly says he will die for another character. A clown scares a child. Sexual Content: A baby’s bare buttocks are briefly shown. Language: A character’s bad word is bleeped out. Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted. 88

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C O L L E G E

A C C E P T A N C E S

2 0 1 5

94% of the 67 member Class of 2015 received merit-based scholarships totaling $7.8 million.

WITH A REMARKABLE EDUCATION, THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE ENDLESS. Members of the Class of 2015 were admitted to these colleges and universities.

Appalachian State University

Maryville College

University of Arizona

Arizona State University

Miami University of Ohio

University of California, Berkeley

Auburn University

Middle Tennessee State University

University of California, Los Angeles

Baylor University

Millsaps College

University of California, San Diego

Belmont University

Mississippi State University

University of Colorado

Berry College

Murray State University

University of Denver

Birmingham-Southern College

New York University

University of Georgia

Boston College

North Carolina School of the Arts

University of Hartford

Boston University

Oberlin College

University of Memphis

Bradley University

Ohio State University

University of Miami

Brandeis University

Parsons School of Design

University of Mississippi

Carnegie Mellon University

Pepperdine University

University of Montevallo

Clemson University

Pratt Institute

University of North Alabama

Colby College

Purchase College SUNY

College of Charleston

Purdue University

University of North Carolina at Asheville

Columbia University

Rhode Island School of Design

Columbus State University

Rhodes College

Connecticut College

Samford University

DePaul University

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

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School of Visual Arts

Furman University

Sewanee: The University of the South

Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology Grinnell College

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of Notre Dame

University of Southern Mississippi University of Vermont

Slippery Rock University

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St. John’s College

Huntingdon College

Wagner College

Stanford University

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Troy University

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University of South Alabama University of South Carolina

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Wofford College

Th e M o n t g o m e r y A c a d e m y T h e

P u r s u i t

o f

E x c e l l e n c e

Contact Susannah Cleveland, Director of Admissions admissions@montgomeryacademy.org • 334.272.8210 Financial Aid Available

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M ON T G OM E RYAC A DE M Y. O R G

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.