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June2015

Volume 20 Number 6

Columns

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6 Editor’s Note DeAnne Watson

8 Living With Children John Rosemond

Resiliency 101

Life is full of stressors, but we can equip our children to rise above the challenges.

12 Kids Health Watch

Homeschooling

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Is Your Teenager Always Sleepy? Sleep is something that most people take for granted. However, it is not so easy for some people, especially teenagers and some school age children. They sometimes have real difficulty getting a refreshing night sleep. This is a problem medical providers are now recognizing more frequently. According to Sleep Medicine specialists, lack of sufficient sleep in teenagers can cause some obvious problems and some surprising problems. We know that lack of sleep can impair our concentration and judgment. This can result in behavior that mimics attention deficit disorder and may cause poor academic performance. School performance is directly related to how much sleep students get each night. The more sleep they get, the better their academic performance. If your teen is having difficulty in school, check on their sleep habits. Lack of sleep is also a safety issue. Many people have driven while drowsy, but most accidents due to sleepiness occur in individuals under 25 years old. In one study, 68% of teens reported to have driven while sleepy. This is very troubling when it has been shown that two hours of sleep deprivation each night for two weeks results in behavior similar to a blood alcohol level of 0.1. Less obvious effects of poor sleep include susceptibility to infections. Our immune system does not function as well with

lack of sleep. It really is true that when we are sick, we need to rest. This allows our bodies to produce more of the various natural agents that allow us to fight off infections. Also lack of proper sleep contributes to obesity believe it or not. During sleep we produce hormones that regulate appetite, energy use, and glucose metabolism. In fact, sleeping less than 6 hours a night is considered a third risk factor for obesity after overeating and lack of exercise. Teenagers ideally should have 9 hours of sleep each night. In reality, most teens do not get this much sleep. Part of the problem is that after puberty the sleep cycle or circadian rhythm is altered because the release of the sleep hormone melatonin is delayed. This causes teens to not feel sleepy until later in the evening and want to sleep later in the morning. Compounding this natural change in sleep pattern is the frequent use of electronic devices at this age. The screens of electronic devices such as TV, cell phones, tablets, and computers produce a blue light that suppresses melatonin production and causes even more difficulty in getting proper sleep. Also, the use of these devices is stimulating to the brain making it more difficult to relax. Many medical conditions may cause sleep problems including obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux, emotional

problems, and many less common medical conditions. An evaluation by a medical professional may be warranted if a physical or emotional condition is suspected. Helping a teen to develop a more restful sleep pattern can be challenging, but here are several things to try that may help. First, try to establish a routine sleep schedule that you can adhere to every night. Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, even on weekends, is a start. Second, establish a bedtime routine where you wind down before going to bed. Taking a warm bath, reading, listening to relaxing music, or drawing may help. Third, put down all electronic devices. This means no TV in the room and turning off cell phones an hour before bedtime. Fourth, obviously avoid caffeine and other stimulants during the evening before bedtime. Much more information is available from the National Sleep Foundation, web sites of various childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hospital around the country, and your pediatrician. Dr. Coggin received his medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and did his pediatric residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. He began private practice in Mississippi and has been in Montgomery since 1983. He has two married daughters, one in Montgomery and one in Orlando, Florida. He enjoys college sports with his wife Cathy who is an attorney.

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

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A Summer Learning Challenge! Last month, Montgomery Public Schools presented over 1500 graduates from eight high schools to the community. What a proud experience for students, their families, teachers and administrators! Even though I treasured each ceremony, amidst the applauds and expressions of great happiness and joy, my thoughts landed on elementary and middle school students. How can we give them a glimpse of the victory that was being experienced by the students who walked the stages? How can we plant seeds of hope and high expectations ear-

Montgomery Parents I June 2015

lier so that every student who begins the journey can complete it? The answer of course is one day at a time, one student at a time and one adult who cares. When should this begin? Right now! This summer! Graduation preparation should be a part of every family’s summer vacation. Research suggests rich summer experiences have the same impact as salt; it preserves what was started and adds a great flavor to learning. It’s believed that some students can lose up to two months of grade level math skills and disadvantaged students tend to lose more than two months in reading achievement as well over the summer. This year, parents don’t have to spend time planning lessons or doing research to help their children learn over the summer. The Alabama Department of Education has an online Summer Learning Challenge filled with free ways to

keep children engaged and excited about learning. Go to www.alsde.edu/sec/comm/ Pages/summer-learning.aspx and you will find a variety of tools to improve your student’s reading, math, and science skills. There are also tips, resources, and research for parents. If we are to ensure that all students move closer to the finish line and eventually cross the stage, we must be intentional even as we plan fun excursions and enjoy times of fun in the sun. A little academic influence can go a long way toward a successful graduation experience. How about an early congratulations to all potential graduates!! I challenge you to just do it! 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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Macon East Softball Team Named State Champions

The Macon East Academy Lady Knights softball team did it again this year, winning the AISA 2A state softball championship at Lagoon Park. Overall, the team went 57-5 as it made the move to the AA classification. The Lady Knights were the three-year reigning state champions in class 3A going into the tournament. Undefeated in the tournament with wins over Wilcox (2-1), Evangel (9-2), and an eight-inning semi-final battle over Pickens (2-1), the girls headed into the final game for a rematch with Wilcox Academy. The Knights trailed the Wildcats 1-0 after five innings but scored four runs with two outs in the fifth to take the lead for good. With Bailey Singleton on the mound, the Knights closed out the game in the top of the 7th with a fly ball to right fielder Cameron Redding. Jesi Garrett, Deven Kennedy and Cameron Redding were named to the all-tournament team, and Bailey Singleton was honored as the tournament MVP.

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BTW Students Win Visual Arts Awards

From left, Booker T. Washington Magnet High students Neha Patel, Jinny Khantisouriya and Kaitlyn Tarver have recently won visual arts awards. Patel won the Youth Art Month Award, sponsored by the Wiregrass Museum in Dothan. Of the 400 pieces that were submitted to the museum from students across the state, hers was one of just 93 pieces selected for the exhibit. Not only did her photograph win the Youth Art Month Award, it also earned first place in the competition. It will be displayed for one year at the museum. Khantisouriya recently won Best in Show during the Alabama State Council on the Artsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Visual Art Achievement Program. This statewide competition and exhibition is highly competitive and includes more than 100 student artworks from all state districts. Her photograph was selected as the best work in the whole competition. This is the first time in the history of the competition that a photograph was selected as Best in Show and first time a BTW student has ever won Best in Show. She was recognized at an awards ceremony on April 24 at the State Capitol. Her piece will also be displayed in the Alabama Artist Gallery at the State Council Office, located in the RSA Tower on Monroe Street. Tarver is the state winner for the 2015 Congressional Art Competition. Each spring the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. She received the award from U.S. House Rep. Martha Roby, who congratulated her on her achievement and commended her for creating such a beautiful work of art. Tarverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photograph will be exhibited at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. in June. Montgomery Parents I June 2015

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Academy Senior Class Earns Merit Scholarships

The Class of 2015 of The Montgomery Academy claims numerous accomplishments in the classroom, in the arts, in the sports arena, and in the community. Comprised of 67 students, this Senior Class celebrates the recognition of three students being named National Merit Finalists, four students being named National Commended Students, and 19 AP Scholars by the College Board. Since joining the Upper School in Fall 2011, members of this class have played key roles in interscholastic athletics, capturing 18 State Championships, while at the same time contributing to the Visual and Performing Arts with local, state and national recognition. With acceptances to 95 different institutions of higher learning, 64 students in the Senior Class have been offered $7.7 million in merit-based scholarship money, an amount which does not include financial aid or need-based scholarships.

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Local Business Donates to Wilson Elementary

Jim Wilson and Associates presented a fundraising challenge to James W. Wilson Elementary School - agreeing to match funds raised during this school year up to $20,000. The school accepted the challenge and, through a series of events, raised more than $35,000. Representatives from the Wilson Company recently presented the check to the school on May 5. “We are thrilled,” said Wilson Elementary Principal Meredith Bishop. “Even though we are a new school, we have so many things that need attention. This donation will go a long way to help us provide more services to our students. We are so very grateful to the Wilsons.” Bishop says the funds will be used, in part, for much-needed upgrades to technology, library books, electronic language translators, additional physical education equipment, and improvements to the playground. The $20,000 donation is the first in a fiveyear, $100,000 challenge to Wilson Elementary. The Wilson company has also offered the same challenge to Park Crossing High School; their fundraising efforts for the year are still in progress. “Anytime we can encourage education and the physical well-being of our students we should do so, and this commitment and contribution to Wilson Elementary is a great way to do both,” said Will Wilson, President of Jim Wilson & Associates. “The ultimate goal is to enhance education and bring together children, parents and the community to make an outstanding school even better.” Jim Wilson & Associates, LLC, based in Montgomery, is a privately owned real estate company specializing in shopping centers, residential real estate investments, offices, condominiums, hotels and mixed-use developments. With more than three decades of real estate experience, JWA has developed in excess of 21 million square-feet of shopping center space. Shown, Wilson School Principal Meredith Bishop and Jim Wilson III stand with a check representing the donation made to the school from Jim Wilson and Associates.

Catholic Students Attend Leadership Seminar

Tamrah Tucker and James Sadie were selected to represent Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School as Ambassadors for HOBY (Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership) this May. The Seminar was held at Troy University. HOBY is the nation’s foremost Youth Leadership Seminar that more than 9,000 deserving high school sophomores from across the country attend each year. Its mission is to inspire and develop the global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service, and innovation. Tucker is the daughter of Ms. Tomica Tucker of Tuskegee. Sadie is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Sadie of Montgomery.

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Montgomery County Schools

Success Unlimited Holds Annual Senior Breakfast

ECA Seniors Travel Down Memory Lane

Five seniors from Evangel Christian Academy recently enjoyed reminiscing about one of their favorite activities from kindergarten. Tia McNeil, Taylor McNeil, Rebecca Johnson, Jordan Hunter and Carlisha Allen enjoyed spending time with “B.B. Bear.” The students took turns taking B.B. home and sharing their weekends with him. Their parents documented their weekend fun in a journal. As the students prepared to graduate from high school, Mrs. Throgmartin, their former kindergarten teacher and now ECA’s librarian, gave the girls their journal entries from kindergarten.

Montgomery Parents I June 2015

Success Unlimited Academy’s seniors were treated to an annual senior breakfast May 7 held at Eastern Hills Baptist Church. Seniors arrived in their graduation attire and after finding their baby pictures, which were used as their name cards, students were eager to enjoy the delicious meal prepared by King’s Table Catering. Rickey Fennie gave the invocation prior to the meal and SGA President Savannah Wallace introduced the guest speaker for the morning, U.S. Representative Martha Roby. Congresswoman Roby encouraged the 2015 seniors to always follow their dreams and to give back to their home, “The Great State of Alabama.” Benita Edwards, worship leader at True Divine Baptist Church, closed by giving students words to challenge them through their journey of life. A special gift was presented to the seniors by Jacob Jinright’s family. Jacob passed away earlier this year and his family wanted his classmates to always carry the memory of Jacob with them. The gift was a wallet card made from a selection in Jacob’s journal titled, “Jesus is the Real Hero.” Students then had their senior class portrait made by photographer Darren Freeman. SUA seniors graduated May 22 at St. James United Methodist Church. Shown here are Susan Alred, Dalton Harper, Bethany Odle, Martha Roby, Savannah Wallace and Rickey Fennie.

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Trinity FCA Helps Host Vaughn Road Field Day

On April 22, nearly 70 Trinity students assisted in Vaughn Road Elementary School’s annual Field Day. Vaughn Road, which is Trinity’s neighborhood school, has been the focus of many projects this year through several service clubs on campus. This particular event was sponsored by Trinity’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), with assistance from the Key Club and SGA. The school provided leadership through planning, assisting with set-up and take-down, providing snacks, and most importantly staffing the events. For the 2014-2015 school year, Trinity’s Key Club has led in partnering with Vaughn Road in many different facets. Trinity students have served as Study Buddies, provided the school with a visit from “Team Impact,” and fed 25 children weekly through the My BackPack program. The joint partnership with FCA to provide support for Field Day was initiated by local FCA Director John Gibbons and FCA Board Member and Trinity parent Troy Teel. In January, several Trinity administrators, coaches, and faculty met with leadership from Vaughn Road to plan the event. “We appreciate Vaughn Road Elementary allowing the Trinity FCA to partner with them for their Field Day,” said Teel. “Principal Lindsey and Coach White were very supportive and the Vaughn Road students were awesome. It was great to see our FCA team interact with the children and share the love of Christ in a fun way. The Trinity students did a great job of working hard and running the stations at Field Day. We look forward to working with the Vaughn Road students in the future.”

Forest Avenue Teachers Earn Coveted Honors

Forest Avenue Magnet School congratulates Mrs. Beth Crittenden on her recent award of Alabama State PTA Elementary Teacher of the Year for the 2014-2015 School Year. Crittenden (pictured right), who teaches second grade at Forest Avenue, was selected ahead of many excellent teachers from all over the state. To be chosen as a State PTA Teacher of the Year is quite an honor, and FAAM has been lucky enough to have back-to-back recipients of the award. Fran Miller (pictured left) received the honor of Elementary Teacher of the Year last year, and is Crittenden’s pair teacher at Forest Avenue.

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Montgomery County Schools

MPS Nominates Students For Jimmy Hitchcock Award

In this photo, Melvin Tyus, Jr., right, the Jimmy Hitchcock Award winner from the G.W. Carver High School Class of 2015, poses with Principal Gary Hall, center, and Shaun Hamilton, the Hitchcock award winner from Carver’s Class of 2014. Hamilton attends the University of Alabama, in Tuscaloosa. Here is a complete list of Montgomery Public Schools’ nominees for the 56th Annual Jimmy Hitchcock Awards for Outstanding Christian Leadership in Athletics. They were honored at a banquet May 1 at Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church. Daviun Belser, Jefferson Davis High School, Faith Full Gospel Baptist Church, football; Deandre Bibb, Sidney Lanier High School, Salvation Army, football; Mia Collins, Robert E. Lee High School, Outreach Church of God in Christ, basketball, volleyball, track; Noah Deyampert, Jefferson Davis High School, Butler Chapel AME Zion Church, basketball; Kaylin Finch, Jefferson Davis High School, Bible Fellowship Apostolic Church, softball, volleyball; Whitney Hawkins, Carver Senior High School, Resurrection Catholic Church, track, cheerleading; Genesis James, Booker T. Washington Magnet High School, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, basketball; Adrian King, Robert E. Lee High School, Freewill Baptist Church, football; Robert Lewis, Brewbaker Tech High School, True Divine Baptist Church, basketball; Uvakeious McGhee, Jefferson Davis High School, Saint James Holt Crossing, football, soccer, track, wrestling; Michael McKenney II, Carver Senior High School, Remount Worship Center, football, basketball, baseball; Destiny Moore, Brewbaker Tech High School, Landmark Church of Christ, volleyball, track and field; Abigail Norris, Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School, Community Baptist Church, softball, volleyball; Noah Probst, Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School, Frazer United Methodist Church, indoor track and outdoor track; Kayla Ray, Booker T. Washington Magnet High School, Frazer United Methodist Church, softball, cross country, tennis; Carter Rief, Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School, Frazer United Methodist Church, basketball, track; Zoya Robinson, Brewbaker Tech High School, Church of the Highlands, tennis, volleyball, track, basketball; Laron Sawyer, Sidney Lanier High School, Freewill Baptist Church, basketball; Ar’tarreyus Shelton, Sidney Lanier High School, Freewill Missionary Baptist Church, basketball, football; Joshua Smiley, Robert E. Lee High School, Living Waters Pentecostal Church, football, track; Brittany Stallworth, Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School, Union Chapel AME Zion, volleyball, basketball, outdoor track; Kyra Sturdivant, Jefferson Davis High School, Bible Fellowship Apostolic Church, volleyball, track and field; Tiara Tatum, Robert E. Lee High School, Covenant Ministries, basketball, track; Joshua Terrell, Sidney Lanier High School, Heritage Baptist and Frazer United Methodist Church, football; Lavarsha Thigpen, Jefferson Davis High School, volleyball, basketball, softball; Melvin Tyus, Carver Senior High School, Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, football, baseball; Rhianna Ware, Robert E. Lee High School, Christway Church, softball; and Isaiah Williams, Carver Senior High School, Unity United Church of Christ, football, baseball, wrestling.

Catholic Students Serve Community As Part of Lenten Day of Service

Serving others in the community is not only the focus of Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s annual Lenten Day of Service, but has been a part of the school’s mission since 1873. More than 300 Montgomery Catholic students in grades nine through twelve, along with faculty members, spent a combined total of more than 900 hours volunteering in the community the morning of March 27. Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s High School campus celebrated mass together at the High School before leaving campus. The students worked at 11 locations around the River Region performing various tasks such as cleaning up trails at YMCA’s Camp Grandview, Camp Chandler, and the Nature Center in Millbrook; working for Catholic Social Services, MANE, The Food Bank and completing projects on campus at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School among many other works of service throughout the community. The Montgomery Catholic Varsity Baseball team, who was at a baseball tournament in Orange Beach, also participated in the Lenten Day of Service by volunteering at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church in Gulf Shores on Friday. The organizations and agencies served by Montgomery Catholic high school students in the River Region were: Catholic Social Services, The Food Bank, MANE, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School and Ida Bell Young Park, The Montgomery Zoo, AWF - The Nature Center, St. Bede Catholic Church, The East YMCA, Camp Chandler, Camp Grandview, YMCA Good Times Center. Faculty Members escorted students at each location. The Montgomery Catholic Baseball Team is shown. Front, far left, is Father Carruci, with Coach Brad Parker, Coach Cameron Lewis and Coach Tyler Blackwell and Varsity Baseball players Gaten Armstrong, James Cleghorn, Michael Collins, Payton Dennis, Hunter Ferrell, Sherman Grant, Jake Hulcher, Blake Johnson, Will Lawrence, Trey Magdon, Taylor McCurdy, Patrick O’Mara, Connor Owens, Landon Pritchett, Bryan Rodopoulos, Josh Seals, Reese Smith, Robert Smith and Drew Tolar. Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com. Montgomery Parents I June 2015

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An education that opens doors. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2015 AND THEIR RECORD-BREAKING

$8.4 MILLION IN MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS!

S A I N T J A M E S S C H O O L G R A D UAT E S H AV E B E E N A CC E P T E D TO T H E F O L LO W I N G CO L L E G E S A N D U N I V E R S I T I E S : Agnes Scott College Air Force Academy University of Alabama University of Alabama, Birmingham University of Alabama, Huntsville American University Appalachian State University Arizona State University University of Arkansas Auburn University Auburn University Montgomery Baylor University Belhaven College Belmont University Birmingham-Southern College Boston College Boston University Brevard College Brown University Bryn Mawr College California State Polytechnic Institute Carnegie-Mellon University Case-Western Reserve University University of Chicago The Citadel Clemson University College of Charleston College of William & Mary

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

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

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MA Tennis Teams Win State Championships

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The Montgomery Academy boys’ and girls’ tennis teams won the 2015 Class 1A-3A state championship titles. This is the 10th time the school has won both state titles since 1997. The MA boys dominated the tournament, sweeping all nine singles and doubles championships. It was the fifth straight championship for the Eagles, and the 14th for Coach David Bethea. Hunter Carroll won at No. 2 singles, and Clayton Muller won at No. 3. James Torbert, Will Spain and Allen Millsap won at No. 4, No. 5 and No. 6, respectively. Bo Torbert-Carroll were the No. 1 doubles champions. Spain-James Torbert won at No. 2 and Muller-Millsap won at No. 3. “Their goal all season had been to sweep, and that’s really what they’ve been working for. So, to go ahead and do that was really fun,” said Coach David Bethea. “It gave them a lot of motivation to excel even when they had the tournament won. And for those guys, the team always comes first. That’s their main concern. And today, they just concentrated on getting that last goal they wanted to achieve.” The MA girls won their seventh title in eight years, winning out over defending champion Houston Academy. Hannah Snider won at No. 3, Holland Griffin won at No. 4, and Kate Dockery won at No. 5. Lucy Massey was the No. 6 singles champion. Elizabeth Robertson finished second at No. 2. Robertson-Griffin were champions at No. 2 doubles, and Dockery-Massey were second at No. 3 doubles. “They were ready to work hard from the day the season started,” MA Girls’ Tennis Coach Fairlie Herron said. “That hard work really paid off with their match toughness. They were able to deliver on the day it counted most.”

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Macon East Holds Grandparents Day

On April 24, Macon East Academy students in grades K3-6 presented a “Grandparents Rock” program. It was the students’ way of thanking their grandparents for all of their love and support over the years. Girls were dressed in poodle skirts and capris and boys in rolled-up jeans, white t-shirts, and slicked-back hair. They sang oldies rock ‘n roll songs such as “Lollipop,” “Rock Around the Clock,” “Rockin’ Robin,” “Hound Dog,” “Twist and Shout,” and “Willie and the Hand Jive.” Students not only sang fun songs, but they also added their own choreographed dance for each number. The program concluded with the Beach Boys song “Be True To Your School.” After the music program, grandparents enjoyed a sweet treat and had a special photograph taken with their grandchildren.

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Montgomery County Schools

STJ Students Score Well on National Spanish Exam

MPS Elementary Schools Recognized for Character At a recent Montgomery Public Schools board meeting, Pam Morgan with Character at Heart recognized character-building efforts by Forest Avenue Academic Magnet, Seth Johnson Elementary and King Elementary schools. King’s Principal Booker McMillian, far right, and speech instructor Jennifer Mesaris were accompanied by students from King Elementary in recognition of the school’s #iROCK program.

Saint James School students scored exceptionally well on the National Spanish Exam – evaluating vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening achievement in the two-part test. Senior Kiley Dunn took a Gold placement, senior McLean Stewart received a Silver placement, and juniors Liz Buchli and Kia Sneed both received Honors placements. “I am so very proud of these students,” said Saint James High School Spanish teacher Rhea Grate. “They have all worked very hard to achieve this level of success. In their category and level, there were 29,166 students nationwide who competed. The gold placement indicates that the student is in the 95% or higher range against their competition; silver is in the 85%-94% range; and the honors placement ranks the students in the 50-74% range against their competition. Mastering a subject comes from diligence and dedication. Our students are well on their way.” From left, STJ students Kia Sneed, Liz Buchli, Kiley Dunn and McLean Stewart achieved high accolades from National Spanish Exam.

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Baldwin Students Qualify At ACTE Competition

Baldwin Arts and Academics Magnet School had several students to qualify at regionals for the Alabama Council for Technology in Education competition, held April 25, at Calhoun Community College in Tanner, Ala. Finalists include Shafkat Meraj, third place, General Applications (Individual) Level 3; Angelique Nance and Junghee Min, first place, General Applications (Group) Level 3; and Sebastien Dean, Azraf Hossain, Tajwar Hossain Honorable Mentions, Hardware/Robotics (Group) Level 3.

SUA Seventh-Grader Performs for School

Success Unlimited Academy seventhgrader Madison Taylor wowed the audience recently performing a lyrical dance presentation for SUAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Got Talent. Wearing a black tutu with white tights and jazz shoes, she danced to the song, Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Catch Me by Katie Hodges. Taylor has trained with the Dynamic Dancing Beats for only one season, yet she performed with the grace and poise of a seasoned dancer. She choreographed her routine for her performance and held the SUA audience captive, dancing her way to a second-place finish. 25

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ACA Fifth-Graders Perform in Musical

Macon East Names Duke TIP State Honorees

Three of the twelve Macon East Academy seventh-grade students who participated in the Duke University Talent Identification Program received state recognition for their outstanding scores on the ACT. In order to be state recognized, talent search participants must have a score of 21 or higher on one of the individual sections of the ACT. From left, Lane Johnson, Spencer Lindemood and Trent Watson were invited to participate in the statewide recognition ceremony at the University of Alabama in May.

Montgomery Parents I June 2015

Fifth-graders at Alabama Christian Academy recently performed in and ran the school’s second annual elementary musical, 101 Dalmatians, Jr. A crew of fifth-graders organized and ran the performance as their classmates performed in the musical. The crew had the opportunity to make the props and select costumes, as well as operate the stage lights, sound system and spotlights. The production was featured in two performances for ACA elementary students, parents and general public. The show was the focus of this year’s fifth-grade music classes, showcasing a 39-member cast. Alabama Christian Academy’s elementary music teacher, Kari Kelly, is a musical theater graduate of Faulkner University and continues to coordinate and perform in productions herself -in addition to instructing her young students in music, theater and the arts. Shown are Camden Anderson as Roger (at the piano) and Caroline Carter as Anita, as well as many of the students as 101 Dalmatians.

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Highland Gardens Track Team First

Highland Gardens Elementary School’s track team consists of firstthrough fifth-grade students. This year, 80 students participated in track meets. All events were held at Park Crossing High School for the Montgomery YMCA “Dream Team’s” 3rd Annual Elementary Championship. Students were trained by Coach Mixson and Coach Peterson, with assistance from Ms. Davis and Ms. Carnell. Other teachers volunteered their time to assist in efforts to maintain supervision. The championship meet was held April 18, and Highland Gardens’s track team finished in first place with 874 points.

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Hooper Students Compete in State Technology Fair

Several Hooper Academy students competed in the Alabama Independent School Association State Technology Fair at Faulkner. Jaycie Connell placed 2nd in Multimedia and Madison McEwen placed 3rd in Website Design. Bottom row from left are Jaycie Connell, Alyssa Rambo, Brooke Smith and Madison McEwen; and top row: Will Sikes and Lane Sides.

Cornerstone Graduates Fourth Class of Seniors

May 8 was a special day as Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy graduated its fourth class of seniors. The graduation held at Morningview Baptist Church was attended by school students, families and invited guests. Graduating with honors were Alyse Bloodworth, Andrew Graham and Joy Scott. Other members of the graduating class were Abbey Muzio and Philip Stewart. Each of the seniors gave a speech and received a blessing by their church pastor. All of the students received scholarships at the colleges of their choice.

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Academy Speech & Debate Captures Championship

For the 15th time in the past 20 years, the Speech & Debate team at the Montgomery Academy has won the state championship. Only two teams in the country can claim a larger number of state titles. From Duo Interpretation to Varsity Lincoln-Douglas Debate to Impromptu Speaking, MA team members excelled in all events. Senior Evan Price, a four-year veteran of the program, was named Outstanding Competitor of the year and has been nominated for the National Student of the Year. He also earned a full scholarship to the University of Alabama, awarded by the Alabama Forensics Council. According to Jay Rye, who heads the Speech & Debate team, nine students from MA will compete in the national tournament to be held in Dallas this summer. Rye credits the students with the program’s consistent success. Though the ability to think quickly and counter an unexpected argument or cover forgotten lines is crucial, other attributes also mark the successful debater. Creativity and intelligence are important, but simple determination can make a significant difference in a participant’s and in the team’s overall success. Round by round and year by year, the Montgomery Academy Speech & Debate team has learned well the arts of eloquence and excellence. Individual Awards: Outstanding Competitor of the Year - Evan Price; Duo Interpretation - 1st place - Evan Price & Madison Hall, 4th place - William Moore & Bella Barrera and 6th place Dylan Mills & Michael Butler; Dramatic Interpretation - 1st place - Madison Hall and 2nd place - Jacqueline Lee; Humorous Interpretation - 1st place - Evan Price and 2nd place - Michael Butler; Prose Interpretation - 1st place - Evan Price, 3rd place - Madison Hall and 5th place - Kate Dockery; After Dinner Speaking - 3rd place - Jacqueline Lee; Impromptu Speaking - 5th place - William Moore; United States Extemporaneous Speaking 6th place - Scotland Kemper; International Extemporaneous Speaking - 5th place - Michael Butler; Senate - 1st place - Taylor Dockery, 2nd place - John Koo, 3rd place - Griffin Payne, 4th place - William Chandler and 6th place - Henry Hamlett; House - 1st place - William Moore and 4th place - Sallie Johnson; Varsity Lincoln-Douglas Debate - 2nd place - Henry Hamlett; Junior Varsity Lincoln Douglas Debate - 2nd place - William Moore; Varsity Public Forum Debate - 2nd place - William Newman & Tyler Duncan and 3rd place - Will Spain & Allen Millsap; Novice Public Forum Debate - 3rd place - Camp Spain & Ford Mozingo and 5th place - Pio Jung & Ben Marquess. Team Awards: Congress Sweepstakes - 1st place; Individual Events Sweepstakes 2nd place; Debate Sweepstakes - 1st place; and Overall Sweepstakes - 1st place.

Montgomery Parents I June 2015

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Catholic Hosts Ninth Annual Coach Turner Blood Drive

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School hosted the ninth annual Coach Tim Turner Memorial Blood Drive March 18, in the parking lot of the Middle/High School Campus. The LifeSouth Bloodmobile was on site and accepted donations all day. This annual blood drive is hosted by Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s high school student government association in honor of the late Coach Tim Turner who valiantly coached several MCPS Middle School sports teams while battling a terminal illness. This year the campus received 50 blood donations for the day. Coach Turner’s sister, Gena Brasington, was on campus for the blood drive. “Please let the students and staff know how very much we appreciate their continued support each year in making this cause such a success,” Brasington said. “We look forward to next year and the big 10th annual blood drive and celebration.” Coach Tim Turner is shown on the MCPS football Field. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Eastwood Students Study Metamorphosis

Third-grade students in Mrs. Owen’s class at Eastwood Christian School patiently waited for the beautiful Painted Lady butterfly to emerge from the chrysalis stage.

Macon East Competes in District & State Art Shows

Winners from the Macon East Academy art show advanced to the Alabama Independent School Association district show at Lee-Scott Academy. Nine participants were recognized for their outstanding entries and advanced to the AISA state art show at Faulkner University. MEA district winners were Katie Kitchens, Parker Agnew, Hunter Coston, Thomas Rutland, Jennifer Campbell, Savannah Driver, Kirksey Jones, Christian Steyer and Jessica Gulsby. Driver was recognized as Best of Show at District in the 10-12 grade division. AISA State Art Show winners from Macon East were second-grader Katie Kitchens, who received third place for her mixed media/collage cat, and ninth-graders Parker Agnew and Hunter Coston. Agnew and Coston each were awarded first-place ribbons for their printmaking and mixed media/collage entries. Macon East art instructor is Tiffany Ala. Shown are MEA state art winners Hunter Coston, Katie Kitchens and Parker Agnew.

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MPS Schools and Teachers Presented With Awards

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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The following awards were presented to Montgomery Public School employees during recent meetings of the local and state Parent Teacher Associations in Montgomery. The Montgomery County Council PTA gave its awards at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts on April 19, and Alabama PTA held its awards dinner on April 25 at the Embassy Suites Hotel. Beth Crittenden of Forest Avenue Magnet School was recognized as Outstanding Elementary PTA Teacher by both the Montgomery County Council PTA and Alabama PTA. Michelle Gravatt of Booker T. Washington Magnet High School was named Outstanding Secondary PTSA Teacher by the Montgomery County Council PTA. John Johnston of Johnnie Carr Middle School was awarded Outstanding Middle School PTSA Administrator by the Montgomery County Council PTA and Alabama PTA. Dr. Quesha Starks of Booker T. Washington was recognized as Outstanding Secondary PTSA Administrator by Montgomery County Council PTA. Johnny Smith Jr. of Dunbar Ramer Elementary School was awarded Outstanding Support Staff – Elementary by Montgomery County Council PTA. These schools were recognized by the Montgomery County Council PTA with PTA Unit Awards: Collaborating with the Community, Bear Exploration Center PTA; Supporting Student Success, Booker T. Washington PTSA; Welcoming All Families, Bear Exploration PTA and Floyd Middle Magnet PTSA; and Communicating Effectively, Floyd Middle Magnet PTSA.

Brew Tech Competes In State Track Meet

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

Jalyn Bowen, a sophomore at Brew Tech, cleared 5’4” and won first place in the girls’ 5A high jump at a recent state track meet.

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Bear Students Hold Annual Art Show

Bear Exploration Center had its 16th Annual Art Show this April. Students and their guests enjoyed cookies and lemonade as they viewed the works of art created by each student at Bear. Ribbons were awarded in several different categories including Pop Art Self-Portraits, Monet Bridges, Matisse Still Lifes, Photography, and Oil Landscapes. Berkeley Wright won the Principal’s Choice Award for her “Blue O’Keefe Flower.” Kolbi Bates won the Best of Show Ribbon for her “Baskets of Berries.” Also included in the show were fifth-grade students’ ceramic plates based on Van Gogh’s Starry Night. The third- and fifth-graders made beautiful bracelets. Art Club students designed and painted a special banner for the show. Shown standing are Kolbi Bates, Tyler Toth, Camden Hann, Baylie Grace Long, and Ellie Stevens. Shown kneeling are Junseo Park, Berkeley Wright and Clayton Craft.

ACA Students Inducted into NJHS

Nine new members were inducted recently into Alabama Christian Academy’s National Junior Honor Society chapter. Students are awarded this honor for more than just academic achievements; these students must exhibit characteristics of scholarship, leadership, service and character. As part of the traditional NJHS ceremony, new inductees were taught about each National Honor Society pillar from the 2014-2015 NJHS officers and also recited a pledge. New inductees include: Emily Thornton, Madison Davis, Laura Phelps, Logan Clark, Carson Davies, Braxton Bonner, Hope Bruner, Marlo Duggan and Judd Hardin.

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Saint James Welcomes Mike Lutzenkirchen

The Saint James School eighth-graderes invited Mike Lutzenkirchen to speak to the students about the legacy of his son, Philip Lutzenkirchen. A non-profit organization, Lutzie 43 Foundation, was established after Lutzenkirchen’s untimely death last summer, to perpetuate the positive impact Philip had on so many people. Mike’s message was clear and to the point – he encouraged the students to always serve as advocates for themselves and for their friends. He explained to the eighth grade and high school students that each of them has the ability to make good choices and questionable choices at different times in their lives; it is up to each person to make the good choices and then help their friends make those same good choices. Mike reminded the students that often those decisions will not be the popular ones, but through an emotional voice he said, “You will continue to be able to make good choices if you start making them now.” Lutzenkirchen asked the junior class to stand for the eighth-graders and other underclassmen to look at them. He charged the rising senior class to act as appropriate role models as they transition into the leaders of the school’s student body. He drew the parallel for the students to think of his son, as he was a role model for so many people, from all walks of life. For the Saint James students, it was a powerful assembly delivered by a father who simply wants to help young people stay on a positive path as they move through high school, college, and their early adult years. Philip Lutzenkirchen was just embracing his calling to coach high school football when he was tragically killed in a car accident in Georgia last year. Just before the accident, he worked with the Saint James football team and mentored the players – he taught them to give all they could on the field, but to remember that giving back to family, friends, and community were qualities just as important to being truly successful in life. Shown, the Saint James School 8th grade hosted a middle and high school bake sale to raise funds for the Lutzie 43 Foundation. The class presented Mike Lutzenkirchen with a check for more than $500 when he was on campus May 14.

SUA Student Serves As Senate Page

Success Unlimited Academy seventh-grader Julian Bennette served as an Alabama State Senate page during the April 2015 session. Appointed by Senator Quinton Ross, Bennette served with 14 other young people from the tri-county area. As the youngest of these honored youth, he helped to serve the Alabama senators by running errands, delivering messages, handling files, making copies, and escorting visitors. Bennette was treated like a VIP with a photo session and an official tour of the Senate House, Law Library and Capitol Building. The highlight of this experience was meeting Governor Robert Bentley. Bennette is an honor student of the SUA Middle School and has a desire to attend Yale University one day.

Hooper Student Wins Jimmy Hitchcock Award

EFCA Wins ACSC State Baseball Championship

The Evangel Family Christian Academy Saints baseball team won the ACSC State Championship May 2. The Saints were undefeated in conference play and won the regular season title as well. All-Tournament Selections were Collin Kennedy, Holland Boan, Troy Weatherly and Baker Weldon. Weldon was named tournament MVP. This was the second state championship captured by EFCA this year. EFCA was coached by Darrell Dapprich, with Derek Johnson, Reese Campbell and Jimmy Norman serving as assistant coaches. Montgomery Parents I June 2015

Congratulations to Hooper Academy senior Morgan Maxwell on winning the Jimmy Hitchcock award. The Jimmy Hitchcock Award is presented to the top male and female high school senior student athletes in the greater Montgomery area that not only excel on the field, but also in the classroom and bring the highest ideals of Christian leadership. Maxwell is the first Hooper student to receive this honor and the first ever in the award’s history to be a co-winner.

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WE CONGRATULATE THE 140TH GRADUATING CLASS OF MONTGOMERY CATHOLIC PREPARATORY SCHOOL. THEY’VE REACHED ONE PINNACLE AS THEY STRIVE FOR ANOTHER—TO BE SALT AND LIGHT TO THE WORLD. Our graduates include a YMCA Youth Legislature Secretary of State and Director of Legislative Affairs, three athletic scholarship recipients, two Eagle Scouts, an Alabama Key Club Robert F. Lucas Award Winner, a State Record Holder in football, a Naval Academy Appointee,

and an Alabama All-State Band Solo Festival Finalist. The graduating class of 2015 received $3.5 million in scholarship offers from colleges and universities across the country, including the University of Alabama, Alabama A&M, Auburn University, AUM, Belmont University, Faulkner University, Hampton University, Huntingdon College, Mississippi Valley State University, United States Naval Academy, Ole Miss, University of North Alabama, University of North Carolina Ashville, University of South Alabama, and Troy University.

St. Bede Elementary Campus Holy Spirit Elementary Campus Middle School Campus High School Campus www.montgomerycatholic.org Montgomery Parents I June 2015

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Trinity’s Baseball Team Wins State

Trinity Presbyterian School’s baseball team defeated Brooks 3-2 and 8-5 to win the Class 4A State Championship! This was Trinity’s third state championship in four years. The Wildcats have now won six state baseball titles overall – one each in 1A and 2A (1985 and 1996), three in Class 3A (2000, 2012 and 2013) and now one in Class 4A. Trinity is the first team in AHSAA history to win state titles in four different classes. Trinity (31-9-1) finished the season with 12 straight wins, six of which were shutouts. Junior Robert Adams was the series MVP, going 7-for-7 overall in the series at the plate and winning Game 1 on the mound. Trinity has made the playoffs for 25 straight seasons. “It’s been a remarkable team effort,” said Coach Ken Whittle. “Someone different was making plays almost every week. We played good defense and had some timely hits. These guys grew together as a team as well as anyone I’ve had.”

Catholic’s Golf Team Competes in Enterprise

Montgomery Catholic’s Golf Team played in the Enterprise Invitational at Silver Wings Golf Course on Fort Rucker, March 23. The Knights finished second, shooting 321 as a team. Catholic eighthgrader Drew Smith was a medalist shooting 74 for the day. The Montgomery Catholic Varsity Golf Team members are: Brian Anderson, Zach Jones, Sam McCracken, James Sadie and Drew Smith, coached by Daniel Veres.

Got news? Send us your school bits by the 12th of each month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.

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Four Academy Students Earn Duke TIP Recognition

ACA Students Serve As Ambassadors

Alabama Christian Academy students Emily Boyd and Cade Horn were chosen as HOBY ambassadors based on their demonstration of leadership and service at ACA and within the community. Boyd and Horn were chosen from nearly 100 ACA juniors to attend and to participate in the threeday HOBY Leadership forum at Troy University. Each high school across the state sent students to the conference to develop continued leadership and service skills and to learn from other young leaders.

Four Montgomery Academy seventh-grade students qualified to receive state recognition at the 35th annual Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP). The seventh-grade students who qualified for state recognition are Russell Hughes, Femi Adediji, Sofie Behr and Kelly Yoon. These four students attended the State Recognition Ceremony at the University of Alabama on May 4. In addition to state recognition, Adediji also received grand recognition. The Duke University Talent Identification Program serves 16 states of the Southeast and is committed to identifying and serving academically talented young people, providing students with information about their abilities, academic options and resources, as well as sponsoring challenging educational programs. Seventh-graders are invited to participate in the SAT or ACT if they score at the 95th percentile or above in one of the following areas on the ERB: verbal ability, reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning, mathematics, writing mechanics or writing concepts and skills. Students can also qualify with other approved standardized test scores. Students took either the SAT or the ACT during the months of December 2014-February 2015.

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Montgomery Parents I June 2015

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Alabama Homeschool Expo June 11-13

The Alabama Homeschool Expo will be held at the Montgomery Convention Center June 11-13. Families from across the state come to Montgomery every year for its large exhibit hall and wide variety of informative workshops. Visit AlabamaHomeschoolExpo.com.

ECA Students Place at District & State Art Shows

Several students from Evangel Christian Academy recently won awards at the Alabama Independent School Association District 5 Art Show and one student advanced to place at the AISA state level. The district event was held at Morgan Academy in Selma. The state competition was later held at Faulkner University. Shay Taylor won first place in the printmaking category at the state level after winning a first place ribbon at district. ECA also had numerous other students who placed at the district level. In the lower elementary division, Kaylee Carter won third place in the 3D category. Grace Claybon won third place in the water base category and Eddie McQueen received a third-place ribbon in the drawing with color category. In the upper elementary division, Sarah Paterson took third place in the water base category and L.J. McCloud won third place in the 3D category. Madolyn Mayberry won third place in the high school division in drawing with color.

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Trinity Fifth Grade Chorus Sings at Biscuits Game

Trinity Presbyterian Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fifth Grade Chorus sang the National Anthem before the Montgomery Biscuits Baseball game at Riverwalk Stadium on April 20, under the direction of Ms. Wendy Cho and Mr. Dale Lawrence.

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Cornerstone Participates In Agape Run for a Mom

On May 9, the running team from Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy participated in the Agape Run for a Mom 5K held at Vaughn Park Church of Christ. Several of the students placed in the top 5 for their age division including Nathan Collins, Koen Beard, Logan Langley, Hannah Taunton, Fred Carver and Caleb Gentle. Cornerstone dad Kyle Beard coached the team.

Montgomery Parents I June 2015

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Nine Catholic Students Earn Duke TIP Recognition

Nine Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School middle school students have earned state recognition for their ACT scores by the Duke Talent Identification Program. The Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) identifies academically talented seventh-grade students in sixteen states across the Southeast, Midwest and Southwest who have scored at the 95th percentile or above on standardized achievement tests. Montgomery Catholic had 18 seventh-grade students who qualified to participate in the Duke TIP Program last fall with nine students whose high scores qualified them for state recognition. Montgomery Catholic students who will be honored at the Duke Talent Search State Recognition Ceremony are Lainie Doyle, Jason Flowers, Sofie Izer, Savannah Johnson, Katherine O’Connor, Charles O’Donnell (not pictured), Katherine Perkins (not pictured), Anna Sadie and Clare Wilson. Doyle, Johnson, O’Donnell and Perkins qualified for Academy of Summer Studies and Flowers, Izer, O’Connor and Wilson qualified for Center for Summer Studies.

State Super Hams Up with Students

Alabama State Dept. of Education Superintendent Tommy Bice took a selfie April 25 with students from Wilson Elementary at the Alabama PTA meeting at the Embassy Suites downtown Montgomery.

Macon East Golfers Finish Out Year

The Macon East Academy golf team had an exciting year playing golf courses across central Alabama. The team currently consists of two outstanding golfers, Bryson O’Malley (9th grade) and Bishop Stringer (7th grade). Stringer won the tournament hosted by Lee-Scott Academy on April 16 at Saugahatchee Country Club with a score of 71. O’Malley and Stringer both qualified to represent MEA in the AISA State Tournament at Troy Country Club and finished 16th and 23rd respectively in a field of 80 golfers. From left are Bishop Stringer, Coach Mike O’Malley and Bryson O’Malley.

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Montgomery County Schools

STJ Senior Serves as Alabama Youth Governor

Wares Ferry Artists Featured in Exhibition

Three students from Montgomery Public Schools can find their artwork on display in the nation’s capital. Pieces by third-graders Timiya Harris, Kimberly Gudino and Willie Grant of Wares Ferry Road Elementary School will hang in the United States Department of Education as part of Museums: pARTners in Learning 2015. The program is a partnership between the Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD) and the U.S. Department of Education. The exhibition features artwork created by students participating in innovative educational programming at 16 AAMD member museums, including the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) Artist in Residence Program at Wares Ferry Road. The program includes weekly art classes for third-grade students, with lessons based on works of art in MMFA’s collection; regular visits from professional artists; and the use of Visual Thinking Strategies, an inquiry-based teaching method, to encourage students’ critical thinking and literacy skills. On view at the U.S. Department of Education, Museums: pARTners in Learning 2015 celebrates new developments in arts education fostering such “21st-century skills” as creativity, innovation, critical thinking, problem solving, communication, cultural awareness, and collaboration. The exhibition showcases the remarkable achievements of K-12 students across the country, and underscores the wide range of interdisciplinary skills students can acquire through arts education, as well as how direct engagement with the arts supports student learning and personal growth. The artwork will be on display through June 30. Montgomery Parents I June 2015

Saint James School senior Cassie Sadie served as Alabama’s Youth Governor during the 67th YMCA State Youth Legislature in February. During the session, Sadie was selected to attend the Conference on National Affairs (CONA) this summer in Black Mountain, North Carolina. She attended CONA last summer, as well as the Governor’s Conference in Washington, D.C., with other youth governors from across the nation. Sadie received the Bill Barringer Scholarship Award, which is presented to a college bound senior with exemplary Christian character, extensive behind the scenes work regardless of recognition, great dedication to the program, attitude of encouragement and enthusiasm, and has gained the respect of peers and adults. Many other Saint James students were involved in the 67th Youth Legislature, including Win Woodson, who served as the Governor’s Chief of Staff, and who won the Best Bill Award in the House. Margaret Ann Kreher served as the Assistant Floor Leader in the Senate, had her bill passed, and was selected as one of twenty top delegates to represent Alabama at CONA this summer. Claudia Hubbard served as the Assistant Floor Leader in First Year and was elected Speaker of the First Year House for next year. Hubbard’s bill and Hannah Yost’s bill on an education lottery was passed in First Year. Yost and Hubbard were selected as Outstanding Statesmen in First Year. Yost was also selected as an alternate delegate for CONA. Anna Claire Bullard received the Media Award and was selected as the editor-inchief of the conference newspaper Alabama Today for next year. Kendall McCann also served as a media staff member. Hannah White received the Outstanding Lobbyist award and will serve as chief lobbyist next year. Other lobbyists include Abi Young and Samantha White. Harrison Carter and Sarah Arrington both served as Assistant Secretary of State. Colton Alter served on the Governor’s Cabinet as Administrator of Alcohol Beverage Control. Atchison Hubbard served as a Supreme Court Justice; Stephen Sadie served as House Chaplain. Other House members included Mason Edwards, Holland McWhorter, Paden Browning, Sydney Sampson, Mackenzie Monteil, Denson Clark, Allan Azar, Lexie Larson, T Diebel and James Kelly. Diebel and Kelly’s bills in the House were both passed. The STJ seniors who have participated in Youth Legislature for three or more years received honor cords during the session: Cassie Sadie, Margaret Ann Kreher, Sadie Argo, Sarah Kean, Win Woodson, Holland McWhorter, Sydney Sampson and Paden Browning. Serving on College Staff were STJ alumni and University of Alabama freshmen Caitlin Cobb, Jared Hunter and Haley White. Shown, Saint James School senior, Governor Cassie Sadie, congratulates Christina McLaughlin of Spain Park High School in Hoover for her bill being selected as Senate Best Bill SB16 during the 67th YMCA State Youth Legislature.

Hooper Cheerleaders Enjoy Beach Retreat Hooper Academy varsity cheerleaders enjoyed their annual beach retreat in Orange Beach. From left are Haleigh Gill, Jessika Wallace (co-captain), Laura Gravely (co-captain), Charity Bowden (cocaptain), Ashley Jones (captain), Lindsey Baker, Haley Reynolds, Madeline Maxwell (co-captain) and Abby Brasington. 40

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LAMP Students Study Foreign Languages

Two students from Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School will study abroad as part of the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLIY) this summer learning local dialects. Freshman Ann Williams and junior Deja Chappell will participate in the program sponsored by the United States Department of State that is designed to prepare students to be “leaders in a global world,” according to its website. Williams, who says she is thinking about a career in foreign relations or international affairs, will be going to China. Chappell will go to Morocco, a country in northwest Africa, and said she understands the college and career appeal of learning a language from a part of the world with so much political interest. Chappell said she would like to pursue a career in international law. The program offers merit-based scholarships that pay the entire cost of the students’ travel, something Chappell said made NSLIY stand out compared to other programs that support study abroad. Last summer, she went backpacking with a different scholarship program and the year before, she volunteered with EAT South, a Montgomery-based community program that educates citizens on sustainable farming. Williams and Chappell will travel from Montgomery to New Jersey and New York, respectively, before leaving for their host countries. They’re already thinking of how the trips will change them and benefit friends and family waiting at home. “Of course I won’t be fluent (in Mandarin), but hopefully I will have excelled and will be able to talk with my teacher,” Williams said. “Being in the culture and learning at the same time, you just learn so fast.” NSLIY criteria include a minimum 2.5 grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale), maturity, a passion for learning other languages and a willingness to learn in an immersive environment. More info can be found at www.nsliforyouth.org. 41

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Montgomery County Schools

Catholic Students Answer What the Principal Does

Macon East Attends Government Day

Macon East Academy students and Pike Road residents, Bailey Blaze, MeriKathryn Bright, Jennifer Campbell and Seth Meadows, recently attended the Pike Road Youth in Government Day. Participants learned the importance of local government and civic involvement. Bright, who just finished her junior year, was elected as the 2015-16 Pike Road Youth Mayor. Meri-Kathryn Bright, 4th from left, is shown with Mayor Gordon Stone and other Youth in Government participants.

During creative writing in Ellie Burden’s second-grade class at Montgomery Catholic’s Holy Spirit Campus, students expressed their ideas with illustrations answering the question “What does the principal do all day?” They were quite creative with their ideas of Mr. Monson’s daily activities! Some of the tasks they believe he does each day are reading e-mails, signing papers, visiting classrooms, talking on the phone to parents, going to meetings, joining the students at church, giving prizes when students fill their positive behavior punch cards, playing with the students at recess, waving to parents at dismissal… and several commented on his stylish and colorful attire, especially his bow ties! Holy Spirit Campus Principal Matthew Monson is shown with several members of Ellie Burden’s second-grade class. Front row from left are Keveen Ramirez, Abbey Jones and Antonio Lemuz.; and back row, Allison Naccari, Antonio Charles, Alex Brown, Mr. Monson, Heather Walski and Harper Howell.

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MA Welcomes Author Mac Barnett

The Montgomery Academy Lower School recently hosted New York Times bestselling author Mac Barnett, who wrote more than 18 books for children, including two Caldecott Honor-winning collaborations with Jon Klassen: Sam & Dave Dig a Hole and Extra Yarn. The latter also won the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award and the E.B. White Read-Aloud Award. To welcome Barnett, the Lower School lobby was transformed into a scene from one of his books, Extra Yarn. Kindergarten students, along with their fourth-grade buddies, created full-bodied self-portraits, which circled the library and entrance to the school and were connected with a long strand of yarn. Barnett also joined in on the fun, allowing art teacher BeeLee Tullos to trace a life-size portrait of him to include in the decorations. Lower School parents and art helpers Katrina Casey and Jacque Hart spent hours cutting and hanging portraits to complete Tullos’s vision. Creative projects by students focusing on some of Barnett’s other books, including Telephone and Count the Monkeys, were displayed throughout the school. During each of his presentations, Barnett spoke passionately about his craft and expressed his strong opinions about the power and potential of children’s literature. His presentations included a great routine in which he threatened to draw “the most terrifying, the most disturbing” image imaginable, and worked the kids into a frenzy to see what this horrifying thing could possibly be. He then drew a blank sheet of paper, letting out a highpitched scream and hiding from it. He explained that every morning, authors have to face that terrifying sight, that blank paper that calls, “FEED ME!” In his presentation to the fourthgrade class, Barnett told the story of his first book’s four-year journey to publication. The story was only slightly fictional including bossy editors, flighty illustrators, sea serpents... it was quite entertaining! Through the story, the students learned something about the power of perseverance, and of patience. As an additional treat, fourth-grade students who had read all four of Barnett’s “Brixton Brothers” series were invited to a pizza lunch with Barnett. “It was honestly magical to listen to the back-and-forth between Barnett and the students at the lunch,” said Lower School librarian Frances Smith. During the lunch, students spent a lot of time talking about the characters and their motivations, with Barnett providing back story on some of the names and events in the books. Several of the kids confessed to wanting to be authors, and Barnett advised of the joys and struggles of the profession. When asked why he became a children’s book author, Barnett responded, “A book, like any piece of art, is a conversation between its creator and its audience. I just happen to like talking to kids.” 43

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Montgomery County Schools

STJ Seniors Awarded $8.4 Million in Scholarships

The Saint James School 2015 Senior Class graduated May 18 on the school’s campus with a graduation hall overflowing with seniors, faculty, family and friends. To date, the class of 85 students has been awarded more than $8.4 million in merit scholarships to universities and colleges around the globe; the figure continues to increase daily. The class is filled with gifted students – academically, artistically and athletically, including two National Merit Scholar Finalists, one National Merit Commended Student, one National Achievement Scholar Finalist, and numerous Advanced Placement scholars. The Senior Address was delivered by Cassie Sadie, who was selected by her peers for the honor. She reflected on the many years the students had been together with more than half her class having attended Saint James School since pre-school and kindergarten. She reminded each of her classmates again and again of their collective talents and how she is looking forward to watching her friends reach milestones in life as they pursue their dreams. A moment of pride for the entire Saint James School family, STJ graduate Dr. Daniel (Dan) Mangis ‘93 of Washington, D.C delivered the Graduation Address. Dr. Mangis is currently the Senior Desk Officer for France and Monaco in the Office of Western European Affairs (EUR/ WE) at the U.S. State Department. Before his Foreign Service career, he earned a B.A. in Political Science & Journalism and an M.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Alabama; he holds a law degree and a Ph.D in Communication Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. However, before Mangis earned his extraordinary higher education successes, he earned great esteem as a decorated Forensics student from Saint James School. He won national championships in high school and college – and continued to mentor forensics students while he was studying in Austin. When Mangis was talking with Saint James Head of School Melba Richardson, he told her, “Not a day goes by that I don’t use my Forensics skills in some way. I credit Saint James School for uncovering and developing those skills that have helped me achieve my successes in life.” Mangis encouraged the graduates to soak in their surroundings, give thanks to the wonderful teachers they have had the privilege to learn from, and to express appreciation to their parents for giving them such a fine education. “After all these years, I still carry Saint James close to my heart; its where I became who I am today,” he said. During the presentation of awards, special recognition was given to retiring elementary music instructor Kay Newman and graduating senior Zuri Foster in memory of the Saint James School founder, Dr. G. Stanley Frazer. And a new award was established this year in honor of the retiring Head of School – the plaque bears the name, the Melba B. Richardson Excellence in Education award and her name is etched as the first recipient. From left are STJ Alum ’93 and Commencement Speaker Dr. Daniel Mangis; STJ High School Principal Dr. Bryan Oliver; and Saint James Head of School Melba Richardson.

National Honor Societies Induct Trinity Members

A National Honor Society induction ceremony was held on April 8 in Trinity Presbyterian School’s Willett Hall. This year’s ceremony was the 40th induction of the National Honor Society at Trinity. The National Junior Honor Society induction ceremony was held on March 19. Membership in the National Honor Society is one of the highest honors that can be awarded a student. Newly inducted members of the National Honor Society, shown above, are: seniors Carrington Cole, Hadley Hayes and Alex Mershon; juniors Liz Clements, Lance Freeman, Madison Gillis, Jake Hemmings, Selah Kim, Katrina King, Trent Mann, Olivia Pendley, Sidney Richards, Katherine Rowell, Jackson Scott, McKenzi Shoemaker and Jake Turk; and sophomores Anne Macon Adams, Carolyn Albritton, Samuel Ames, Sydney Bassett, Chip Blake, Sophie Burks, Claudia Collins, Allie Dillard, Aubrey Grant, Mary Carmen Haynes, Will Heartsill, Ashley Kendrick, Shalom Kim, Andrew Martin, Jenna Moore, Sam Nunn, Eddie Parma, Betsy Powell, Catherine Price, Allie Ramsey, John Sluis, T. A. Sluis, Mary V. Stabler, Mary Conley Teel, Abby Tinney, Kacey Tinney, Madison Tylicke, Cooper Waller, Ella Brannen Walker, James Wilder and Tatum Willis. Newly inducted members of the National Junior Honor Society, shown below, are: freshmen Joy Bishop, Nicole Brown, Mary Grace Etheredge, Kelsey Franklin, Thomas Helms, Mark Hixon, Will Holmes, Madison Johnston, Dawson Oliver, Ben Pope, Katie Scott, Anna Ruth Steelman, Coston Stricklin, Sarah-Gracen Watts, Welden Willis, Collier Wilson and Jack Yohn; and 8th-Graders Bailey Blake, Ben Bricken, Trace Bright, Rob Chandler, Caroline Easterling, Ethan Fekete, Garrett Flowers, Lauren French, Mary Frances Green, Carter Grice, Dean Herndon, Sarah Howe, William Kong, Charlie Lott, Michael Lynch, Hannah McDaniel, James Newsome, Bracken Osmer, Mckenzie Parker, Catherine Parma, Anna Lawrence Pemberton, Mary Ann Pittman, Liz Portis, Pickett Reese, Nolan Sasser, Jack Singletary, Emma Beth Teel, Anna Lee Tucker and Drue Walker.

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Evangel Christian Academy Holds Spring Sing

Evangel Christian Academy recently held its annual spring sing. The elementary classes delighted the audience with a night of praise. The first, second and third grades sang “Power of Your Love,” “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” and “Shout to the Lord.” The fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade classes sang “Let Everything That Has Breath,” “Yesterday, Today, and Forever” and “In Christ Alone.” For the finale, all of the elementary joined together to sing “Come, Now Is the Time to Worship” and “How Great Is Our God (How Great Thou Art).”

Success Unlimited Celebrates Teachers

To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day, the Achievers Class at Success Unlimited Academy made a special treat for the teachers. Putting their cooking skills to use, the students gathered in the SUA Life Skills Lab and mixed up a batch of Bunny Bait. First, the students gathered the ingredients for the project: popcorn, peanuts, M&Ms, pretzels, Corn Chex, and Rice Chex. Next, the ingredients were mixed together and poured onto cookie sheets and drizzled with white almond bark. Finally, when the mixture hardened, it was scooped up and poured into decorated bags.

session 1: June 8-26, 2015 | session 2: July 6-24, 2015

KIDS/YOUTH

Summer fun and learning for students entering 1st-12th grades. Each session is three weeks, Monday-Friday, with the option of full-day or half-day enrollment. Orientation | May 30 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Full Day 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | $425 Per Child, Per Session HalF Day 8 a.m.-noon or noon-5 p.m. | $300 Per Child, Per Session

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if you register on or before May 30, 2015.

15% DiSCount if you register for both sessions on or before May 30, 2015.

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For more information, contact the alabama State university Division of Continuing Education at 334-229-4686.

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Cornerstone Students Visit Pioneer Days

As part of their study on major events in world history, Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy’s first- and second-graders received a glimpse into the lives of a pioneer to America’s west. The first-grade students and their teacher Jordan Gaines spent a day tending a garden, playing pioneer games and washing cloth on a scrub board. The second grade, under the supervision of their teacher Jennifer Graham, traveled to Troy to the Pike Pioneer Museum for a day of touring and watching period re-enactors.

HOOPER ACADEMY Grade Levels K-12

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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

MEA’s Kyser Selected Student Ambassador

Macon East Academy junior Emily Kyser was recently named student ambassador for the Wounded Warrior Family Foundation. She will work to bring awareness to the foundation and the families in need. Montgomery Parents I June 2015

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MA Committee Donates to Food Bank

Montgomery Academy’s Public Service Committee recently presented a check for $9,500 to the Montgomery Area Food Bank. For a full school year, various Academy clubs and organizations have been devoting their fundraising toward amassing funds and food donations. The Public Service Committee includes faculty members from all three divisions of the Academy, with student representatives from Middle School and Upper School. The Lower School’s Fall Sharing Project was a food drive; cans of food were collected at an Academy-hosted track meet, MA’s Race to End Hunger. Bake sales by the HEART Club and the French Club raised money, as did the powderpuff game, sales of hearts for Valentine’s Day, and a Smash club event. Proceeds from the sale of Community Day Tshirts, a concert by Jack Anderson and Jack Barganier, and an Art for Charity fundraiser all went to the Food Bank. The art department raised money as well, as did a campaign selling stickers for Hunger Action Month. Seated from left are: Mary Braden Hendon, Megan Thompson, Ashley Anthony and Pierce Russell; and standing: Reese Kelso, Mary Stewart Shegon, Lucie Longshore, Sellers Pierce, Montgomery Area Food Bank Director E. Parke Hinman, III, and Dawson Buettner.

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Alabama Christian Academy seniors Alyssa Harrell and Travis Borland have been named the 2015 Wade Black Norton award recipients. Annually, this honor is given to a senior boy and girl based on nominations by the ACA staff and voted on by the family of Wade Black Norton in his memory. The Norton family chose Harrell and Borland as the 2015 recipients based on these guidelines: the students uphold both personal integrity and Christian values, as well as athletic leadership and academic achievement. Harrell and Borland are multi-sport athletes and leaders in the classroom, their churches and their community.

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Montgomery County Schools

MA Girls’ Soccer Team Wins State Championship

Floyd Celebrates Cinco de Mayo

Floyd Middle Magnet School celebrated Cinco de Mayo with an end-of-the-year project in Sra. Henley’s class by making piñatas. Students created a variety of eyecatching piñatas that featured the Spanish culture, including a traditional donkey, a taco and even a Spanish guitar. After the piñatas were graded, students had the opportunity to hit them and enjoy all the candies and toys.

The 2014-15 Montgomery Academy girls’ soccer team finished the season 21-1-2 and as state champions for the second year in a row and the program’s fifth state title. The girls were led all year by their two captains: senior Brenna Katz and junior Olivia Rush. The Eagles also participated in two tournaments during the regular season, both of which they completed undefeated and only allowed one goal during seven total games. During their four-game State Tournament campaign, they allowed a total of three goals while scoring thirty goals. For a nine-game stretch during the middle of the season, the team remained undefeated, allowing zero goals against while scoring a total of 44 goals. MaxPreps.com had the team ranked as high as 5th in the nation and now has it as the second-ranked team in the State of Alabama. The Eagles’ journey to the State title this year included matchups against Holy Spirit Catholic in the semifinals and West Morgan in the finals. The team was coached by Head Coach Stuart Bonner and Assistant Coach Rachel DeRose. Members of the team included: Austyn Barnes, Ann Jordan Williams, Brenna Katz, Brooke Horne, Cari Budny, Cayla Williams, Dora Eskridge, Elizabeth Robertson, Ella Cate Cooper, Ellie Herron, Gracie Trulove, Isabel Trehern, Kate Harris, Maggie Chambers, Margaret Head, Maylon Davis, Mead Robertson, Olivia Rush, Reese Kelso, Shelton James and Tara Katz.

Eastwood Seniors Wrap Up Impressive Year

Eastwood Christian School’s 20 graduates have been offered $2.5 million in scholarship dollars, averaged a 28 on the ACT, and are matriculating to the following institutions: Auburn University, Auburn University Montgomery, Belhaven University, Huntingdon College, Judson College, Mississippi College, Troy University, United States Military Academy at West Point and the University of Mississippi.

Kindergarten Rocks at Montgomery Catholic

Kindergartners at Montgomery Catholic’s Holy Spirit campus, Autumn Walker, Aalina Holzimmer, and Molly Turner, were so excited to show off their styles for a dress-down day on the last day before Easter Break!

Send Your School News to: editor@montgomeryparents.com. Montgomery Parents I June 2015

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SUA Achievers Make Pizza

The Achievers Class at Success Unlimited Academy has been busy preparing menus and cooking in the SUA kitchen as part of its curriculum. As a culminating activity for the end of the school year, the students got a chance to cook some of their favorite foods. Achievers teacher Kay Smith said, “Victoria Duncan and Kiki Hardrick both chimed in together and said, ‘We want to cook pizza!’” Students eagerly brought the toppings. The pizzas were rolled out onto baking sheets and topped high with browned ground beef, pepperoni, several types of cheese, and black olives. All the students enjoyed preparing and eating the pizzas.

MEA Kindergarten Holds Easter Party

Ms. Lawrence’s kindergarten class at Macon East Academy enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon before the Good Friday holiday and Easter weekend. The students began by enjoying a pizza party lunch outside followed by an Easter egg hunt on the school grounds. Parents set up games for the children to enjoy after the egg hunt that included horseshoes, bean bag toss, sidewalk chalk drawing, and much more. The afternoon ended with ice cream and a variety of toppings.

Students Named Mr. & Miss Hooper

Taylor Campbell and Morgan Maxwell were selected as Mr. and Miss Hooper Academy at their Senior Class Day in May. Both students have attended Hooper since kindergarten and their parents are all alumni of the school. Campbell and Maxwell will be a part of the 45th graduating class of Hooper Academy.

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Accolades don’t cease with the start of our summer break. I would like to recognize Music Teacher Darryl Hunt for his outstanding work at Prattville Elementary School (PES) and Prattville Intermediate School. Before the end of the school year, I had an opportunity to hear his 40-student Bobcat Choir perform during the PES Talent Show, and they were outstanding! Mr. Hunt is very much loved by his students, and he does a wonderful job each day. Congratulations to the following students for a job well done in the talent show: Karson Frost, violin; Austin Ellison and Emma Fountain, guitar; Hope Benefield, Sydney Boyce, Gracey Bradley, Rani Harris, Deona Isom, Stella Mitchell, ReBeka Neal, Mrs. Cara Neal, Kinsley

Nichols, Nolee Nichols, Emme Parker, Jayln Rice, Victoria Sigler, Kylee Taylor, Skyler Thomas, Autumn Wilcox, singing; Charlie Dye, rapping; Taylor Ann Shavers, Hannah Glidden, and Breahna Davault, dancing; Kyli Haseltine, karate; and Arianna Lee and Janie Spence, gymnastics. I am extremely proud of the Marbury High School (MHS) Spanish Club. They participated in the 44th annual convention of the Alabama Federation of Spanish Clubs at the University of Alabama on Friday, April 10th. The convention was one of the biggest ever with over 1,000 students from 38 Alabama schools in attendance. Twenty-five MHS students competed in 18 different academic and cultural competitions, winning awards in 10 of those competitions! 1st Place Award winners were Austin Green (Sight Reading-Level I), Scott Shelton (Vocabulary Level II), Maurilio Brito-Miranda (Grammar UsageBilingual Level), Valeria Piña (Poetry Recitation-Native Speaker Level), and

the Spanish Club Singers, Andrew Dawson, Anna Harris, and Hallory Tucker. 3rd Place Award winners were Diamond Ragsdale (Poetry Recitation-Level I) and the Spanish Club Dancers, Michael Atcheson, Patria Casalduc, Landon Harley-Wright, Caleb Hollon, Shaun Holloway, Lorena Juarez, Hannah Lovvorn, and Carley Swink. Hailey Campbell won 4th place for her beautiful drawing of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the Club Scrapbook won 3rd Place for its content and 4th Place for its cover. Olé, MHS Spanish Club! I wish each of you a safe and funfilled break! I look forward to the next school year and the chance to share the many outstanding accomplishments of the young people of Autauga County with you. Spence Agee is the Superintendent of Education for Autauga County Schools. He is a third generation educator with an ED.S. in Educational Leadership. He has 16 years of experience in the education field as well as 25 years of military experience. Agee is an active member at First Baptist Church in Prattville. He and his wife, Cesily, who is also an educator, have two daughters, Abby and Addison.

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Autauga County Schools

Prattville Bands Participate in All-State Bands

Sixteen students from Prattville Junior High and High School bands participated in the Alabama Bandmasters Association All-State Honor Band. The event was held at the Mobile Convention Center and Civic Center on April 16-18 in Mobile. Tryouts for the event were held in January, and the students could make one of four bands. There are three high school bands (Red, White and Blue) and one middle school band. Each band is led by an internationally known clinician. The bands rehearse for a total of eleven hours over the three-day period. They then performed a concert on Saturday afternoon. This is a top honor for band students to make one of these groups and experience this event.

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PCA Senior Signs AUM Scholarship

Prattville Christian Academy senior Ansley Story recently signed scholarship forms with AUM Cross Country Coach Michael Gross, as Story’s family and friends were present to support her. She is currently ranked #36 in the state for senior cross country runners, with a personal record of 20:59.8 for 5,000 meters, which is a 5k, or 3.1 miles. Her best time for 3200 meters is 12:40.84, and her 1600 meter best time is 5:57.14. Story was the varsity cross country captain 2012, 2013 and 2014, and also played #2 on the varsity tennis team and #1 doubles for the last two years. She also carried a 3.9 GPA, and was a member of the National Honor Society, Students Against Drunk Driving, National Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Key Club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Front row from left are dad Ty Story, Ansley, and mom Becky. Back row are sister Laura, AUM Coach Michael Gross, PCA Cross Country Coach Ken Lantz, and sister Mary Grace.

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PJHS Students Help Clean Up Campus

The students in Mrs. Lane’s career explorations class and Ms. Lawrence’s language arts elective classes at Prattville Junior High recently put down their pens and pencils and picked up trash bags. The students spent some time outside participating in the Autauga PALS cleanup program where they picked up trash that had been discarded all over the campus of PJHS. The students had a great time making a positive impact on their community and many students commented that they would jump at the opportunity to do further acts of service.

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New Hope Celebrates Cinco de Mayo

New Hope Academy provides innovative programs and teaching strategies all in a supportive environment. The school’s emphasis is on project-based learning and teaching to mastery. Shown here, New Hope’s pre-k class celebrates Cinco de Mayo by crafting their own personal guitars. Montgomery Parents I June 2015

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PJHS Rewards Academics By Challenging Principal

Prattville Junior High students who had worked hard on their academics challenged Principal Janice Stockman to a one-mile Fun Run. Any students who could beat her time received a special privilege. It was fun to promote students working hard INSIDE the classroom so they could challenge the principal OUTSIDE the classroom.

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New Hope Holds Teacher and Volunteer Appreciation Day

On May 7, The Noah Foundation and New Hope Academy held their volunteer and community partner appreciation event. This event is in conjunction with Teacher Appreciation Week, and the event honored teachers, volunteers and community partners that support The Noah Foundation’s mission. The Noah Foundation is a local non-profit organization that supports the education of learning challenged and special needs children, primarily through New Hope Academy. The day kicked off with a live broadcast from the school, aired on Dixie Country 100.1. Ben Waugh and Brian Wilson, the morning RelyLocal radio hosts, had a remote set up at the school, and they interviewed Director of Operations Gaines Harrell, Transitional Education Instructor Hailey Morrow, and New Hope student Amber Purdue. Dixie Country 100.1 and RelyLocal have been supporters of The Noah Foundation, and have been helping to create awareness of the Noah Foundation’s mission. All New Hope Academy teachers and staff were honored with certificates of appreciation. They were also treated to an in-house mini spa session with Debbie Starr from SKINaturals. In addition to the teacher appreciation events, students were treated to a pizza party with Fox’s Pizza Den. The Noah Foundation also honored Robin Davies of Realty Connection and Michael Gay of State Farm for their sponsorship of fundraisers held in 2014. Additionally, Ben Waugh of Badcock Furniture, Brian Wilson of RelyLocal, and Scott Ferguson of RelyLocal were honored for their continued support of the foundation and of New Hope. On May 14, The Noah Foundation and New Hope Academy also honored volunteers who helped with the fundraiser at The Big Star Tavern. This event was held at the New Hope Academy campus, and the Noah Foundation was presented with a check from the proceeds of the April fundraiser. For more info about New Hope Academy and The Noah Foundation, visit www.NewHope4Kids.com and www.The-Noah-Foundation.org.

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H Autauga County Schools

Autaugaville Junior Chosen For Health Scholar Program

Autaugaville School junior Jailia Rhodes was selected for the University of Alabama Rural Health Scholars Program. To qualify, a student must: be a rising high school senior; be a resident of rural Alabama for at least six years; have a B average or 3.0 GPA; have taken the ACT (minimum score of 21) or SAT (minimum 1000 score); have an interest in health care with a desire to return to rural Alabama; submit two (2) letters of recommendation: one from the studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guidance counselor and the other from a teacher; submit transcript that includes ACT and/or SAT scores; submit a statement of interest; and meet the University of Alabama admissions criteria. The Rural Health Scholars Program, conducted by the College of Community Health Sciences, allows 25 rising high school seniors from rural Alabama to live on the University of Alabama campus during a five-week summer program. Chosen based on academic achievement and interest in rural health care, these outstanding high school juniors from rural areas take two courses for college credit (English and chemistry), participate in lectures related to rural health careers and take field trips to rural health care facilities and a medical school.

East Memorial Senior Awarded Scholarship

Alli Drummonds from East Memorial Christian Academy was awarded the Alabama Independent School Association community service scholarship at the State SGA Convention May 4. A senior and 2015 valedictorian at EMCA, Drummonds will attend Troy University this fall.

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PJHS Students Honored by Career Tech Seventh-grader Hermanno Krystofer Tremontana and eighth-grader Khalil Jackson were recognized as Outstanding Students at the Autauga County Career/Technical Education Annual Awards Ceremony and Scholarship Presentation on May 7. Both students were selected by the Prattville Junior High School career tech elective teachers because of their teamwork, perseverance and strong leadership qualities displayed in the classroom.

New Hope Students Build Team Tower

New Hope Academy’s emphasis is on project-based learning and teaching to mastery. School curriculum is designed and individualized around students’ academic and social skills. Teachers help students overcome challenges through structured classwork and individual attention. Shown here, New Hope high school students excelled in using effective communication skills and teamwork to build this tower out of straws strong enough to support a tennis ball.

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My First Semester as Your Superintendent! Over the past few months, I have enjoyed meeting many of you and sharing my vision as your new leader of Elmore County Schools. During this time, I have had an opportunity to visit each of our communities either through School Board meetings or community meetings to discuss information and ideas about our system, and I really appreciate the support and enthusiasm that I have received from the citizens of Elmore County. In addition, as your Superintendent, I have been very proud of our students and their successes from our preschool programs to our seniors who have graduated in the Class of 2015. One senior from each high school was selected to receive the first annual Superintendent’s Award at their respective graduation ceremonies. This year’s recipients were Foster Ballard, Elmore County High School; Dustin

Grier, Holtville High School; Brian Segree, Stanhope Elmore High School, and Daniel Ricketts, Wetumpka High School. Many of our graduating seniors have won various academic and extracurricular awards, and I wish that I had the space within this article to list them all. Their success has given them well-deserved recognition at both the State and national levels, and we are so very proud of them. Likewise, our employees have done the same. For example, our system had its first “Love the Bus School Bus Driver of the Year Award” in which Mrs. Penny Pearson, a school bus driver in the Millbrook area, was the recipient of this distinguished award. I would like to salute our employees and our students for presenting such a positive image of our county. One of my goals as your Superintendent is to continue to pursue the tradition of excellence that we have always had in Elmore County. Bringing many minds, voices, experiences and expectations to the table allows us to evaluate where we are and the many possible paths to our destination to excellence. In order to accomplish this, I have formed advisory groups and task forces to gather ideas, discuss possibilities, and to create plans that will provide opportunities to explore ways to help every student to fulfill his or her future goals. Prepara-

tions for student success on assessments such as ASPIRE, the ACT, and Work Keys provide us the unique opportunity to evaluate the individual needs of our students in order to provide them with the support that they will need to achieve their objectives. Another exciting opportunity for our school system is the K-9s for Kids program which has just begun. During the 2015-2016 school year, you may see a service dog in Eclectic Elementary, Eclectic Middle, Holtville Middle, Holtville High, Coosada Elementary, Millbrook Middle, Wetumpka Elementary, Wetumpka Middle, and ICare. Research has proven that a trained dog brings calm to chaotic situations and provides engagement and confidence to students who are struggling with academic or maturity issues. I am thankful that I have been given the opportunity to serve you and to be a part of the exciting future of Elmore County Schools. I hope that you have a wonderful summer filled with family, fun, and opportunities for adventure! 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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Elmore County Schools

Redland Holds Leadership Day

As a part of Redland Elementary School’s first-ever Leadership Day event May 7, the school hosted different speakers to visit each grade level and talk about how they are leaders in the community. Student Council members were in charge of leading the speakers to and from different classrooms, as well as greeting them at the door and presenting them with gifts. Speakers included Mulder Church Children’s Ministry Director Mara Holden, who visited kindergarten; Lean Magazine Editor Jenny Stubbs, who visited first grade; WSFA-TV meteorologist Amanda Curran, who spoke to second-graders; regional reading coach/radio host Yvette Dillard, who visited third grade; Redland Hills Church minister Wes Gunn, who spoke with fourth grade; and Wetumpka High School Head Football Coach Tim Perry, who visited fifth grade. Sixth grade had three speakers: Elmore County Schools Superintendent Dr. Andre’ Harrison, Elmore County Schools Director of Elementary Education and Federal Programs Claire Moore, and retired U.S. Army General Rick Dinkins. Sixth-graders also participated in the “Write” Leader Essay Contest, in which students shared their thoughts on the qualifications of effective leadership. As the assignment had been made several weeks prior, the students’ essays had already been read and judged before Leadership Day. Dr. Harrison was able to announce the winners and present the top three with trophies. Winners included: first place, Avery Pyles; second place, Connor Bailey; and third place, Austin O’Donahue. School guidance counselor Brittney Kelly, who was in charge of coordinating the event, said she hopes Leadership Day will grow into an even bigger event each year. From left are RES guidance counselor Brittney Kelly, Elmore County Schools Superintendent Dr. Andre’ Harrison, Avery Pyles, Connor Bailey and Austin O’Donahue.

ARIS Presents 2015 Field Day Champions

Students at Airport Road Intermediate School just experienced, perhaps, one of their most favorite days of the school year...FIELD DAY! This is an annual event which focuses on physical education and teamwork. The students prepare for many months in their daily physical education classes. Events include a one-mile run, 50-yard dash, long jump, various relay races, and tug of war (a student favorite). Ribbons are awarded to students who win individual events and a trophy is presented to the class who earns the most points overall to be named Field Day Champions. Shown are Mrs. Judge’s 4th grade Field Day Champions and Mrs. Crumpton’s 3rd grade Field Day Champions. 59

Eclectic Holds Spring Library Book Drive

Eclectic Elementary School held its annual Spring Book Drive. Thanks to the community, parents and students, 511 books were donated. The library was able to use many of the books, and the others were made available for students to take home for summer reading. Shown are the students who won the drawing for iPad time in the library.

Victory Kindergartners Visit Lanark Nature Center

Victory Baptist School’s K5 classes recently enjoyed the “Animal Adventure” program at Lanark Nature Center in Millbrook. They started off with a hike through nature and were able to find evidence of animal homes or tracks. Their guide made it very exciting and fun while teaching them about different trees and animals located in our county. The classes ended their day by making animal track casts to take home as souvenirs.

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Elmore County Schools

Victory Baptist Football Team Honored at Banquet

The state senate of Alabama awarded Victory Baptist School in Millbrook with a resolution to honor the football team’s hard work on back-to-back championships. VBS was presented this resolution at its annual sports banquet on May 14. The team also presented an MVP trophy to Carson Meadows for his dedication and support for the last two years.

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Redland Elementary Counselor Named ‘Class Act’

WES Kindergartner Surprised By Dad

Wetumpka Elementary School kindergartner Tanner Adams had a huge surprise the morning of his graduation ceremony when his daddy, Brian, arrived JUST in time for the program.

Redland Elementary guidance counselor Brittney Kelly was recently surprised with the honor of receiving WSFA-TV’s Class Act award. Meteorologist Amanda Curran made the presentation when she visited the school as a guest speaker at Redland’s firstever Leadership Day event. A native of Panama City Beach, Florida, Kelly strives every day to be readily available to all of her students, whether their problems are big or small. She started out in teaching but said she found herself focusing more on the well-being of her students. She helps to resolve problems by teaching the children about seven important habits that are part of the school’s character education program. The habits help students take responsibility for their actions but also help them to become better leaders.

Airport Road Hosts Art Spectacular

Airport Road Intermediate School hosted the ABCs of ART Spectacular on April 23. It was a night filled with a variety of talented artists. The school choir performed a medley of current popular songs. The art of dance was presented by the ARIS dance team performing its #shakeit routine. The art spectacular culminated in the cafeteria where all ARIS students were represented by unique art creations. Parents were allowed to purchase these one-of-a-kind art creations with funds going back into the teachers’ classroom funds. Ten students were presented with special art awards and will be participating in “Sparking the Arts” in Wetumpka later this year. Student winners were: Christian Probus, Kiara Thompson, Bryan Lewis, Jada Marshall, Janiya Gill, Karley Earl, Deanna Jones, Connor Gardner, Jercobi Gibbons and Meagan Moore.

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Airport Road Drama Club Presents ‘Alice in Wonderland’

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The Airport Road Intermediate School Drama Club presented Alice in Wonderland to the students and parents May 8. The students prepared the entire school year to showcase their dramatic talents and gave an excellent performance. The costumes were fun and colorful along with a beautiful set design. The sponsors of the drama club are Mrs. Crumpton and Mrs. Moody.

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Victory Third-Graders Visit Coca-Cola Bottling

Mr. Nolinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third-grade class at Victory Baptist School had an informative time at the Montgomery Coca-Cola Bottling Company. As the students arrived, they were taken to the conference room where they learned about the different products made at the factory. From the conference room, students were led into the factory where they saw many types of machines at work. Some machines were designed to make plastic bottles for water, while other machines poured Coke into the bottles. The class also observed the room where Coke products were made. Students learned about the many different jobs at the factory. After the tour, the students were taken back to the conference room where each child and parent received a gift bag and free bottles of Coke or Coke products. The class ended the day by going to Pratt Park to eat lunch, feed the ducks and play on the playground.

Eclectic Elementary Names April Students of the Month

Kindergarten: Ella McGhee, Myah Oliver, Butler Walker, Kelsey Crumpton, Dylan Rogers, *Davis Andres, *Dylan Andres and Riley Oliver; 1st Grade: *Artavius Johnson, Kayleigh Boatner, Caden Hornsby, Eli Green, Brenna Walker, Brody Billock and Nickalis Maddox; 2nd Grade: Seth Deloney, Eli McGhee, Jakob Edwards, Jackson Youngblood, Abbie Guy, *Nella Denton and Paisley Williams; 3rd Grade: Destany Patty, Taz Girdner, Anzlee Nobles, Taylor Woodfin, Logan Ballard and Jayden Robertson; and 4th Grade: Joseph Ellis, Haley Griffith, Elizabeth Brown, Julia Thomas and Lexie Knight. Those students marked with * were not pictured. 61

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How Social Media Can Shape a Girl’s Body Image Raising a daughter who’s happy in her own skin isn’t easy. For years, parents have worried about the unrealistic way women are depicted in media, advertising, pop culture and even video games. Many try to counter this influence by pointing out to their daughters that commercial images of women are often manipulated by people hoping to make a profit. Social media poses different challenges, largely because girls themselves are creating and commenting on their own images. This gives them tremendous power—and makes them hugely vulnerable. On platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and Twitter, appearance can become a competitive sport as girls vie for emoji, likes, and followers. Selfies in particular push girls to compare themselves with peers at their prettiest, and it doesn’t take long to figure out that the fastest way to get more likes is to be thin, skilled with make-up, dressed in revealing clothing or positioned in provocative poses. A recent survey by Common Sense Media found that, among teens who post online, 35% are worried about being tagged in unattractive photos, 27% feel anxious about their appearance in posted photos, and a quarter take it personally when their photos are ignored. Parents may not be able to dominate the conversations about appearance that are going on in social media, but they can and should comment. Girls need to hear from mothers who have come to terms with their own body issues and fathers who appreciate women for more than their faces and figures. Here are some things to keep in mind. Montgomery Parents I June 2015

Don’t dismiss. For better or worse, people do make judgments about each other based on how they present themselves physically, so your daughter’s concerns about how she looks are valid. And for girls who constantly see images that have been filtered and Photoshopped to match an ideal, the curves and pimples of puberty can feel like a crisis. Parents cannot change the prevailing culture, but you can help your daughter think clearly about two things. First, how much will she allow herself to be influenced by what others think about her looks? Encourage her not to give power to those who don’t deserve it. Second, how will she evaluate others? Help her understand that other, less visible qualities—integrity, intelligence, sense of humor, compassion— are more important than appearance. Be aware of the awful. Yes, there really are pro anorexia (pro-ana) and thinspiration (thinspo) websites that encourage girls to starve themselves and praise them when they post emaciated photos. Yes, girls post “Am I pretty?” videos on YouTube and, perhaps unsurprisingly, attract the attention of trolls. Yes, there are apps like Hot or Not that exist simply to rate the physical attractiveness of users. Although many girls are turned off by these sites, others are susceptible to their appeal. Point out possibilities. Social media gives girls more opportunities to find allies who will encourage them to be themselves, without conforming to other people’s ideas about how they should look. Some girls, for example, post what they call “uglyselfies”, unadorned photos of them which mock conventional ideas about beauty. Others post photos that emphasize accomplishments or insights instead of appearance. Girls can also follow female celebrities like Lorde and Emma Watson who have been outspoken about the way representations of women are manipulated and exploited. 62

Critique photos. A photo can capture a “real” moment or it can be a performance. Talk to your daughter about how she chooses the photos she decides to post online. What is she trying to express about herself? What kinds of editing techniques does she use and why? What kind of feedback does she hope to get? How will she feel if people misunderstand what she is trying to communicate? You can ask similar questions about the photos her friends post online. Do specific photos capture what she likes about her friend or their relationship? Do other photos make her uncomfortable? Filter feedback. Teens long for feedback from peers—as long as it is positive. Negative comments can be crushing, so parents need to help children develop defenses. Rather than accepting hostile or cruel comments as objectively “true”, teach kids to understand them as a reflection of the other person’s state of mind. People who are happy with themselves don’t feel the need to attack others. Encourage your child to be constructive in her own comments—supporting and encouraging other girls. Get real. Positive role models have an enormous effect on kids. Be sure your daughter knows plenty of real life women who are comfortable with themselves. Surround her with female role models—grandmas and aunts, teachers and coaches, your own colleagues and friends. Talk about the accomplishments of these women and the qualities you admire in them. Although it may not seem that way in adolescence, appearance is only a fraction of a girl’s identity. You can mitigate the impact of social media by talking often about all the other things you value about your daughter. Help her find activities she enjoys and people who appreciate her for who she is. Model a lifestyle that includes a balanced approach to eating and exercise. Most of all, create a family environment in which every member is respected for who they are and what they can do rather than how they look on any given day.

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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.

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Ever struggled with a season of anxiety? You are not alone since it is estimated that 40 million adults in America presently do [ADAA, 2014]. Managing fear and stress in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fast paced culture of divorce, crime, financial and natural disasters, and violence is relevant to every single one of us. In a perfect world, as parents we would cope perfectly and confidently raise our kids to feel both competent and equipped to handle the highs and lows life brings. Since we all fall short, we need to be intentional in fostering resiliency so that our children may weather storms and face challenges with courage. Montgomery Parents I June 2015

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Stress Overview

Pediatrician Kenneth Ginsburg and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) joined forces with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to write a guide for parents and caregivers to help children better recognize their abilities and strengths. In A Parent’s Guide to Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Your Child Roots and Wings (2011) Ginsburg summarizes what we know for sure about the development of resilience in kids and provides this overview of stress: * Children need to know that there is an adult in their life who believes in them and loves them unconditionally. * Kids will live “up” or “down” to our expectations. * We will always experience stress in our lives. * Stress is an important tool that can aid in our survival. * Our body’s reaction to stress is mediated through a complex interplay of sensory input—sights and sounds—as well as the brain and nervous system, hormones, and the body’s cells and organs. * Emotions play an important role in how we experience stress because the brain is the conductor of this system. The way we think about stress and what we choose to do about it can affect the impact of a stressful event.

The 7 C’s of Resilience Understanding that resilience is not a simple one-part entity, the 7 C’s of resiliency include: competence, confidence, connection, character, contribution, coping, and control. The following descriptions are followed by suggestions for strengthening resilience.

Competence: Competence is the ability to do something effectively or efficiently, and parents can encourage it. * Help children focus on individual strengths. * Focus any identified mistakes on specific incidents. * Empower kids to make decisions. * Be careful that the desire to protect your child doesn’t mistakenly send the message you don’t think they are competent to handle things. * Recognize the competencies of siblings individually and avoid comparisons.

Confidence: A child’s belief in his own abilities is derived from competence. * Focus on the best in each child so that they may see the best as well.

* Clearly express their best qualities, such as fairness, integrity, persistence, and kindness. * Recognize when they have done well. * Praise honestly about specific achievements, not global praise which lacks authenticity. * Don’t push your child to take on more than they can realistically handle.

Connection: Developing close ties to family and community creates a solid sense of security that helps lead to strong values and prevents alternative destructive paths to love and attention. * Build a sense of physical safety and emotional security within your home. * Allow the expression of all emotions so they will feel comfortable reaching out during difficult times. * Address conflict openly in the family to resolve problems. * Create a common area where the family can share time (not necessarily TV time). * Foster healthy relationships that reinforce positive messages.

Character: Children need to develop a solid set of morals and values to determine right from wrong and demonstrate a caring attitude toward others. * Demonstrate how behaviors affect others. * Help your child recognize himself or herself as a caring person. * Demonstrate the importance of community. * Encourage the development of spirituality. * Avoid racist, hateful statements, or stereotypes.

Contribution:

Children need to realize that the world is a better place because they are in it. Understanding the importance of personal contribution can serve as a source of purpose and motivation. 65

* Communicate to children that many people in the world do not have what they need. * Stress the importance of serving others by modeling generosity. * Create opportunities for each child to contribute in some specific way.

Coping: Learning to cope effectively with stress will help your child be better prepared to overcome life’s challenges.

* Model positive coping strategies on a consistent basis. * Guide your child to develop positive and effective coping strategies. * Realize telling them to stop the negative behavior will not be effective. * Understand that many risky behaviors are attempts to alleviate stress and pain in kids’ daily lives. * Do not condemn your child for negative behaviors and potentially, increase their sense of shame.

Control: Children who realize that they can control the outcomes of their decisions are more likely to realize that they have the ability to bounce back. Your child’s understanding that he or she can make a difference further promotes competence and confidence. * Help your child understand life’s events are not purely random and that most things that happen are the result of another individual’s choices and actions. * Teach them that discipline is about teaching, not punishing or controlling; use discipline to help your child understand that his actions produce certain consequences. mp Michele Ranard has a husband, two sons, and a master’s in counseling psychology.

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Calling Kids to the Kitchen

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

When a child begins to show the markings of a young chef, it’s important to foster that interest early! Before the ease of prepackaged treats and the accessibility of convenience food sings its siren song, introduce kids first to the pleasures and rewards of real cooking. From prepping the mix and crafting the plate to consuming something delicious that they made by themselves – engaging a child’s interest in the kitchen is a great recipe for cultivating their nutritional education and expanding tastes. The following items are recommended early introductions to cooking for the kids with culinary interests!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Curious Chef 16-Piece Cupcake Set

Moose Toys Chocolate Bar Maker

There are no half measures when it comes to cooking with Curious Chef. This 16-piece Cupcake Set includes a 6-cup muffin tin, frosting decorator, 6 frosting tip designs, 6 silicone cup liners, frosting spreader, stickers and more that quickly move a little chef straight to the business of cooking. With a shopping list included, young foodies can tailor their recipe choices to their own taste as they plan their cupcake menu. This set features real dishwasher-safe cooking implements that are made with kids’ size and safety in mind. If your kid’s mind is on food preparation, foster their culinary interest by giving them the tools to have a hand in the cooking as well!

Young confectioners get an easy introduction to candymaking with this Chocolate Bar Maker set that lets them remake favorite chocolate flavors into their own signature taste combinations and styles. Using a microwave to melt their favorite chocolate, little hands can then squeeze the soft medium into the shapes of their choice. They also have the option of adding their own toppings, wrappings, stickers and more to give their own creative touches to the sweets they craft. Ideal for the budding chef with a sweet tooth, the Moose Toys Chocolate Bar Maker is a sweet start for little chocolate lovers with big ideas!

(Easy Chef)

(Curious Chef)

YayLabs Play and Freeze Ice Cream Ball

Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven

There’s nothing that tastes quite as authentic as homemade ice cream. For the younger set, waiting for the traditional ice cream churn is the real challenge. Enter YayLabs’ Play and Freeze Ice Cream Ball that keeps kids engaged in the process from start to delicious finish. Just add the ice cream mix in one side, ice and salt in the other, lock it down and get the ball rolling. Kids passing, flipping, spinning and shaking the ball generates the movement needed to activate the icing process which takes about 15 – 20 minutes. Time flies (and ice cream freezes) while you’re having fun! It needs no electricity so it’s perfect for young chefs to take along to the beach, on camping trips, picnics and more! The best homemade ice cream is on a roll with the Play and Freeze Ice Cream Ball.

The new Easy-Bake oven gets a big makeover with a sleek new design, more safety features and a cosmetic overhaul that makes it appealing to chefs of all ages. Simply whip of a batch of cookies with the included mix, then shape and set them on the small baking pan. Once the oven is preheated, just slide the pan into the slot on one side using the pan tool. When the cook time is complete and the cool down period finished, your pan of delicious cookies can be removed from the slot on the other side. Refill mixes and additional tools are available from Easy-Bake as well. Nostalgia for the heat lamp ancestor of this popular kids appliance is quickly replaced with fresh appreciation for this all new cooking tool that makes kids’ baking easier than ever.

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

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The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens Offers Guests “Summer Sips and Southern Tunes”

The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens, an elegant interpretation of a traditional mountain lodge in the heart of Middle Georgia, offers hotel guests the perfect summer escape featuring live music and outdoor fun with “Summer Sips and Southern Tunes.” With rates starting at $299, the “Summer Sips and Southern Tunes” package offers deluxe lodge-style accommodations, seasonal summer cocktails, two tickets to a Callaway Gardens Summer Sunset Concert and admission to Callaway Gardens where endless outdoor activities abound. “SUMMER SIPS AND SOUTHERN TUNES” PACKAGE AT THE LODGE AND SPA AT CALLAWAY GARDENS The nights June 26 and July 18 Package rates starting at $299 per night Overnight accommodations for one night Two tickets to a Callaway Gardens Summer Sunset Concert A round of chef’s-choice seasonal cocktails prior to the performance Admission to Callaway Gardens *Package must be booked 7 days prior to concert date • Based on availability Enjoy the sweet sounds of summer with “Summer Sips & Southern Tunes” and choose from two of Callaway Garden’s upcoming Summer Sunset Concerts, including renowned Southern rock brand, 38 Special, and the award-winning English blues-rock band, Foghat. Before the concert, guests can sip and sample the fresh flavors of summer with a round of seasonal chefinspired cocktails like the Jalisco Sunset and Blueberry Rum Cooler at the Ironwood Lounge, a welcoming bar with plush seating Montgomery Parents I June 2015

vignettes and a large stone fireplace. Guests can also take to the popular poolside Cabana Bar, open only on weekends during the summer months, and enjoy refreshing frozen cocktails like zesty Margaritas and tropical Piña Coladas. After the show, concertgoers can retire to The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens and enjoy their carefully appointed guestroom with the highest quality fabrics, inviting textures and soothing colors to complement the authentic, lodge feel. With balconies overlooking calm wooded landscape, guests drift off to sleep on 300-thread count sheets, enjoy flat screen televisions and stay connected courtesy of free Wi-Fi access. The “Summer Sips and Southern Tunes” package also includes access into the gardens, which offers a variety of activities to choose from, including The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, one of North America’s largest glass-enclosed tropical butterfly conservatories, the Virginia Hand Discovery Center, the Birds of Prey show, Cason’s Vegetable Gardens, Robin Lake Beach and the John A. Sibley Horticultural Center. Nested along 6,500 acres of inspiring gardens and preserved forest land, The 68

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 award-winning 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 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.

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For more information or to reserve the “Summer Sips and Southern Tunes” package at The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens, please call (866) 750-3980 or visit http://www. callawaylodgeandspa.com/specials. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ LodgeAndSpaAtCallawayGardens Twitter: https://twitter.com/LodgeandSpa Instagram: https://instagram.com/ LODGEATCALLAWAY/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ thelodgeandspa/ www.montgomeryparents.com

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Girl Scout Troop 9339 Helps Beautify School

Girl Scout Troop 93339 Juniors earned their Journey patch recently for beautifying the landscape at Redland Elementary School and became Agents of Change. The Daisies and Brownies earned a community service patch for helping. The girls put out forty bales of pine straw at the school.

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Pack 50 Cub Scouts Hold Annual Crossover

The Cub Scouts of Wetumpka’s Pack 50 have completed their year of scouting and participated in their annual crossover ceremony. The pack crossed six Webelos scouts into local Boy Scout troops, and the remaining cubs moved up in rank for the next scouting year. All six of the Webelos Scouts who advanced to Boy Scouts earned their Arrow of Light award, the highest rank given to Cub Scouts. The boys who received this high honor were Mack Ragan, Ashton Taylor, Tyler Burton, Blaine Burch, Asher Brooks and Matthew Jones.

Great American Campout Kicks off June 27

Camp for a cause and help wildlife stay wild. National Wildlife Federation’s widely popular nationwide event, the Great American Campout, is celebrating its 10th year of connecting people with the great outdoors so that they will form a deeper desire to protect wildlife and wild places. Nick Offerman, star of NBC’s Parks & Recreation series, serves as the official celebrity spokesman for the cause which kicks off on Saturday, June 27, and runs through September 7 (Labor Day). “Of course it’s great,” said Offerman. “It’s camping, and it’s American.” To participate, National Wildlife Federation asks people of all ages to make an online pledge to camp anywhere – from a forest to their own backyards – at least once this summer and provides all the information needed, including a directory of hosted Great American Campout locations, tips on what to bring, lists of campout activities and recipes, and more. Campers are encouraged to take #Campies (Camping Selfies) and submit them to NWF’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to share their experiences and create an extended community of participants year round. For more info and to register, please visit www.nwf.org/campout. 69

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When the 2015-2016 school year gets underway many parents will begin homeschooling. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that in 2012 roughly three percent of students in the United States were homeschooled, or around two million. With the numbers increasing each year it’s clear that homeschooling is here to stay. Choosing that route comes with some benefits and challenges you should be aware of before deciding if homeschooling is right for you.

The Benefits “One of the biggest benefits for us, is that since my husband is in the military, I don’t have to worry about my boys missing something major in their education, especially with their math and reading skills,” explains Katie Beauchamp, who has been homeschooling for 10 years and is coordinator of MAHE (Maxwell Area Home Educators). “Homeschooling also keeps the family as a priority in my children’s lives, including when family from out of town visits. We’re able to take off and spend time with them.” Although reasons for homeschooling vary, the NCES reports that the most common reasons are that parents are not satisfied with the school curriculum and they have concerns about the school environment. Many parents don’t approve of certain subject matter being taught, Montgomery Parents I June 2015

while others feel the school is not safe or that their child won’t learn the moral principles they desire. Other reasons for homeschooling include not wanting a child to be labeled as learning disabled or as having attention deficit disorder (ADD). Some families feel they can help a challenged student more at home. Another major benefit that many homeschooling families cite is the fact that their child gets more of an opportunity to explore and go in-depth with subjects that interest them. Schools are known for keeping people on pace and all learning the same thing at the same time, while a homeschooled child may take an interest in astrology, for example, and get to really explore that subject more. Students taught at home often get to learn at a comfortable pace, get more hands-on learning experiences, and have the opportunity to take more field trips to museums and other educational places. Homeschooled students also get more one on one time with the teacher, because it is usually just them, their parent and possibly some siblings, rather than a classroom with 20-30 students who are learning the subject matter.

The Challenges Jill Jones, an Opelika, Ala. mother, is homeschooling her 10th grade daughter this year for the first time. Her daughter, who has Asperger Syndrome, has been in mainstream schools her whole life and even though her mother says she is a bright student, her grades did not reflect this because she has a difficult time taking standardized tests. Jones has discovered that there are challenges that come with homeschooling. “The disadvantage, and something that homeschoolers won’t often tell you, is how frustrating it can be to spend your day doing a lot of work with nothing to show for it. Of course, if you www.montgomeryparents.com

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start homeschooling at the beginning of their school career, this is probably not as apparent,” says Jones. “Of course, I had several distractions, including a 2 ½ year old who demanded a lot of attention.” Another challenge for many parents is that they worry a great deal about having their child’s education in their hands. Yet the research shows that there may not be reason for so much worry. A report in The School Psychology Review explained that the “data has consistently shown that homeschooled children typically score higher than the national average on achievement tests.” That can also be seen when comparing ACT Assessment tests, a widely accepted college entrance exam. ACT, Inc. reports that homeschooled students score higher on their test scores than do public school students. Additionally, another report in 2010 in the Journal of College Admissions, also had a higher overall grade point average. Perhaps the biggest challenge homeschoolers face are stereotypes. One of the biggest being that many people believe a homeschooled child doesn’t get properly socialized. However, the research doesn’t support that myth. The School Psychology Review reported: “Students from homeschools and traditional schools have been found to attend extra-familial social activities with the same frequency, belong to the same number of organizations (e.g., scouting and church youth groups), and socialize equally as often with relatives and friends.” Most homeschoolers belong to support groups where they often engage in outside classes, play sports and take field trips.

Bottom Line If you’re thinking about homeschooling, make sure you research first so you know what it takes. Get involved in support groups so you get off to a good start and make the most of local resources. Just like sending your child to school, homeschooling does come with its own set of benefits and challenges. The more you know ahead of time, the better prepared you will be to meet them head-on. mp

SHE SUCCESSFULLY PLAYED THE SAME PRANK ON HER MOTHER THREE TIMES IN A SINGLE DAY AND REMAINS CONFIDENT SHE COULD DO IT AGAIN. and at Children’s of Alabama we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine.

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Jacqueline Bodnar is a freelance writer living near Daytona Beach, Fla. with her husband and two children.

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Getting Started & State Laws • www.leapingfromthebox.com – Informative website that answers common questions about home schooling in Alabama. Includes support groups, cover schools, etc… • www.homeschool.com – Wonderful website to visit if you are thinking of homeschooling. Great information on different approaches to homeschooling, such as: classical , unschooling, Charlotte Mason, school in a box, etc… • www.hslda.org - HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association) gives families the freedom to homeschool without having to face legal threats alone. New laws were introduced last year and HSLDA has some great information on this and what they mean. • www.homeschoolcentral.com- Resourceful website for new or veteran homeschoolers. Includes state laws, curriculums, un-schooling and more.

Cover Schools • Dayspring Academy/Highschool Maplesville, AL 36750 Phone: (334) 518.9181 or (334) 635.0661 Contact: Jazmin Price or Delaina Smitherman Website: http://www.dsacademy.org Requirements: A church enrollment form to local Board of Education Enrollment Fee: $95 first time enrollment fee Re-enrollment for members is pro-rated per family. Enrollment Deadline: Accept new enrollments year-round Other: Phone/in person curriculum help, message board (covers all of Alabama), transcripts for each child, online support, area coordinators available to plan local activities. All books, report cards, graduation ceremony and awards or diplomas will be extra. • Evangel Family Christian Academy Attn: Homeschool Office 3975 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36106 Phone: (334) 272.3215 Contact: Denise Matthes, Administrator Requirements: Membership in Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA); letter from your pastor stating that your family is a member in good standing in a Bible-believing church; course of Montgomery Parents I June 2015

study for each school-age child; 170 schooling days; orientation meeting at beginning of school year. Tuition: Fee for each school year. Enrollment Deadline: August 1st Other: Quarterly student evaluations; Supplemental classes available through Gateway Academy for ages 13 and up, monthly newsletter, field trips, clubs, sports (ages 12 and up), standardized testing as requested and graduation with diploma. www.evangelfamily.net • Ezekiel Academy 8191 Seaton Place, Montgomery, AL 36116 Phone: (334) 315.0010 Contact: Maretta Oswald, Administrator; Debra Monplaisir, Assistant Administrator Requirements: Letter from your pastor stating that your family is a member in good standing in a Bible-believing church; course of study for each school-age child; 170 schooling days; orientation meeting at beginning of school year. Tuition: $200 per year per family, which includes legal services provided by local law firm Enrollment Deadline: August 2nd Other: Quarterly student evaluations; LIFT classes for ages 12 and up, field trips, clubs, sports (ages 12 and up), standardized testing as requested and graduation with diploma. Please visit www.Ezekielacademy.org • Everest Academy 1035 Jenkins Rd., Hayden, AL 35079 Phone: (205) 433.9828 Administrator: Deb Spradlin Email: everstacademy1@gmail.com Website: www.alabamahomeschooling.com Mission: Everest Academy believes that the parent has the best interests of their children at heart. We believe that the parent is the first and only teacher that a child needs. In keeping with this philosophy, we wish to be a very hands-off cover school and allow the parent to lead and guide their children in the direction and at the pace they feel is best suited to their children. We ask only for what the law requires while offering support along with quality resources to aid families in their efforts. Other: We serve all of Alabama, Statewide coverage. Newsletter sent weekly by email. We offer a wider range of field trips and activities. Requirements: Application for enrollment and grades and attendance records due at time of graduation or transference. 72

Tuition: $200 new enrollees / $100 re enrollment per family per year

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• Holy Spirit Academy Telephone: (334) 294.7305 E-mail: Happygirl.beach@gmail.com Administrator’s Name: Monica Burke Location (mailing address): 8570 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery, AL 36117 Office hours (for phone contact): 9 am-4 pm Sponsoring church: Holy Spirit Catholic Church Enrollment area: Local to Central Alabama Statement of Faith: not required. HSLDA: required General description (or Mission Statement): The mission of Holy Spirit Academy is to serve families choosing to educate their school age children at home in compliance with Alabama law. HSA provides home schooling families with a structure of support and services for academic excellence and for living the Catholic faith in the home and society. Requirements: HSLDA membership, Church School enrollment form filed yearly, curriculum list, semester progress report, semester attendance report, and September required meeting of primary teachers. We do accept families of other religions with a pastor’s letter stating they are registered members of their church. Tuition: $35 yearly fee.

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• Little Flock Ministries P.O. Box 250504, Montgomery, AL 36125 (334) 288.7475; (Montgomery) Hours: 7 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Administrator: Tracy Glover Email: glovereleven@bellsouth.net Mission Statement: Interdenominational church school. Our goal is to serve homeschooling families regardless of church and/or religious affiliations. Requirements: We do require that the four basic subjects be taught, one attendance report per month, two progress reports per year. You must maintain daily record of attendance, grade book, lesson plans and a work portfolio with samples of past work at home. You must fill out application package. Tuition: $25 per year per family Enrollment Deadline: open year round

• Outlook Academy

P.O. Box 1027, Millbrook, AL 36054 Phone: (334) 290.0919 Directors: Carren and Daniel Joye Email: info@outlookacademy.com Web site: www.outlookacademy.org Outlook Academy is a hands-off church school. Because we believe that parents are best suited to direct the education of their children, Outlook Academy asks only for what the law requires while also offering support for your personal choices. We accept students from all over the state. Because we wish to use today’s available technology to make the homeschooling process as easy, efficient and convenient as possible, many of our services have Internet options, such as attendance reports via email. Requirements: Attendance reports at the end of the mid-July. Not required: membership in HSLDA but encouraged, meetings, minimum days of attendance, testing, curriculum review, or statement of faith. Enrollment Fee: $125 for family for new enrollment if done during open enrollment period, $170 if done after open enrollment Enrollment Deadline: August 1, with mid-year enrollments for an additional fee Other: Weekly Co-op, convenient attendance reporting via email, monthly newsletter, online support, contact information for local homeschool www.montgomeryparents.com

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support groups, web site featuring curriculum information and news of home schooling interests. •New Hope Academy 301 Water Street, Prattville, (334) 361.9505 Hours: 8 a.m until 6 p.m. Administrators: Tina Halbert Email: thelearningplace@att.net Website: www.thelearningplacealabama.com Mission Statement: The Learning Place provides a legal homeschool covering for those parents choosing to homeschool their children. We are a “hands-off” cover school, requiring only the basic enrollment procedures and attendance policies. Please read our forms for more information. Feel free to contact us with any questions. Enrollment: Accepting applications year round. Tuition: $20 per child with an $80 cap. Please visit www.leapingfromthebox.com for statewide cover schools. Also, check with your local church to see if it might be a cover school for its members.

Curriculum • ABEKA Curriculum: Abeka Curriculum has a Christian and traditional approach to education. They offer three options to teaching. The DVD option is a fully accredited college preparatory program with ABEKA Academy. The second option is the traditional parent – directed option with ABEKA Academy. The third option is textbooks / materials for home schooling that you pick and choose from. ABEKA offers home school material displays several times a year in Montgomery and surrounding areas. Please visit www.abeka.com for more information or for a free catalog. • Alpha Omega Publications: Alpha Omega offers a wide variety of Christian curricula for varying learning styles. Please visit www.aop.com for more information or a free catalog. • Apologia - Along with our award-winning creation-based science courses, Apologia Educational Ministries offers biblical worldview and apologetic titles, online classes, inspirational books, homeschooling tools (such as planners), the Real Refreshment Retreats for homeschooling moms, and mission opportunities. All of our products and services have been created to help homeschooling families learn, live, and defend the Christian faith. For more information visit www.apologia.com. • Bob Jones Curriculum: BJU offers quality textbooks, homeschool consultants, student focused distance learning classes, and a wide range of other products and services to meet your educational needs. BJU Press offers home school material displays in Montgomery and surrounding areas during the year. Please visit www.bjupress. com or call 1(800) 845.5731 for more information or a free catalog. • Calvert School – “When enrolled in Calvert school, you have a partner in education.” They provide you with all of the textbooks, tools and support you need. Calvert is a classical Christian Private School. The teachers provide the lessons plans and everything is provided to you. They offer support with placement testing, education counselors, and advisory teaching services. Please visit www.calvertschool.org/home-school/ or call 1(888) 487.4652 for more information or a free catalog. • Heart of Dakota - Christ centered homeschool curricula that is flexible, easy to use, and educational. This curricula can be used with multiple ages at the same time. Please visit www.heartofdakota.com for more information or for a free catalog.

• Keystone National High School - Online Accredited High School and Middle School where you can earn your diploma online. Visit www.keystonehighschool.com. • KONOS – KONOS is distinct from other curricula. It uses the entire library as a textbook and the whole world as its curriculum. www.konos.com • My Father’s World – Raising up generations of families who see the world through God’s eyes and live according to that knowledge. www.mfwbooks. com • Oak Meadow – Oak Meadow offers many different options to meet individual family needs for education. They offer complete curriculum for at home use or you can enroll online to receive academic credit. Their curricula gives students freedom to learn with flexibility and recognition of learning styles. Please visit www.oakmeadow.com for more information or a free catalog. • Rod & Staff Curricula – Rod and Staff offer Bible based textbooks that are designed to make the child God conscious. Please visit www.rodandandstaffbooks.com and click on the homeschool link. • Saxon Curriculum – Saxon teaches the foundational skills of math and reading. Please visit www. saxonpublishers.com for more information. • Sonlight Curriculum - Sonlight uses a classical Christian approach to education. It is literature rich and focuses on teaching children to seek God’s kingdom and to create a learner’s heart, enthusiasm and excitement for learning. Please visit www. sonlight.com for more information, a free catalog or to visit the forums. • Tapestry of Grace – Tapestry of Grace uses a Classical / Redesigned approach to education through a plan of study that helps parents provide a Christian, classical education using a guided unit study approach. Students cycle through world history every four years, with all ages studying the same slice of history each week, each at their own learning level. This curricula does not include does not include a phonics program, science, math, grammar, spelling, or foreign language. Please visit www.tapestryofgrace.com for more information.

www.autism-society.org: Information, education and support for families www.autism-pdd.net/inks/alabama.html: Information and support www.wrightslaw.com: Special education law and advocacy for children with disabilities www.mitchells-place.com: Diagnostic services, treatment, education and support for families

Resources A to Z Home’s Cool – Curriculum and information; http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com Becky’s Porch Swing – 425 Coliseum Blvd., Montgomery, AL. We are located inside the Eastbrook Flea Market, downstairs in booth 409 and 398. A Garden of books and resources for home education. “Plant a good book…and watch a great mind grow.” We have the best selection, and the best prices, all under one roof. For more information please call, Becky at 270-1557 or email beckyrod@ knology.net. Open every day: Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday 12:30 until 4:30 p.m. Bellerophon Books – Books covering art, literature, history, etc. www.bellerophonbooks.com Beautiful Feet History and Science Curriculum – Offers classic and historic works that nurture a love for reading. www.bfbooks.com Chem4kids- Wonderful chemistry website for kids. www.chem4kids.com Children’s Books- Wide assortment of curricula and books. www.homeschooldiscountproducts.com Christian Liberty Press – Large assortment for the Christ centered biblical approach. www.christianbook.com Distance Learning Integrators- Electronic field trips. www.efieldtrips.org Greenleaf Press – The original and still the best resources for teaching history and literature chronologically. www.greenleafpress.com

• Timberdoodle Co. – Offers a wonderful selection of books and Core Curriculums. Our selection is based on over twenty-five years of homeschooling and 24 years of selling homeschooling supplies. Please visit us at www.timberdoodle.com

Hands of a Child – Large variety of Lapbook kits. www.handsofachild.com

• Veritas Press – Specializes in providing educational materials for a classical Christian education. Scripted lesson plans with a complete curriculum package or online classes with expert teachers available. Please visit www.veritaspress.com for more information or a free catalog.

Homeschool Super Center – Secular and religious material offered. www.homeschool supercenter.com Home Science Tools – Affordable Science tools and kits for hands on experimentation. www.homesciencetools.com

• Winter Promise - Winter Promise celebrates the strengths of family by building unity, togetherness and memories. Our captivating programs will excite your family’s curiosity and our interactive learning opportunities will involve every type of learner. www.winterpromise.com

Special Needs www.autismtoday.com: Everything you need to know about autism 73

Hearthsong – Unique toys, games, puzzles, dolls, arts and crafts. www.hearthsong.com

Learning Things – The Education Store www.learningthings.com Mindware – Educational toys, games and learning toys. www.mindware.com PATH-Parent at the Helm was created by veteran homeschooling parent Linda Dobson. PATH is the place to find the impetus to take charge of your child’s education…no matter where that may come from. www.ParentattheHelm.com www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

munity Church in Millbrook, this affordable co-op is designed for students (preschool through high school) to gather for subjects difficult to teach at home or best taught in group setting. The co-op is open to all homeschoolers of any covering. • BRICKS 4 KIDS (904) 357.0122, Stephanie 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.

Rainbow Resource Center – Educational Books and Curriculum at Great Prices http://www.rainbowresource.com/index.php

Timberdoodle - Fully customizable, budget friendly, complete curriculum and more! www.timberdoodle.com

Real Science 4 Kids - Science Curriculum from Preschool to Highschool. Please visit www.gravitaspublications.com

White House Kids – News, history and games. www.whitehouse.gov/kids

ROCK Solid – Educational Books and Curriculum at Great Prices. www.rocksolidinc.com Store for Knowledge – A variety of kits, models and toys. www.storeforknowledge.com The Homeschool Lounge The Homeschool Lounge is a place for homeschool moms to connect for support, encouragement, a fellowship and fun. www.thehomeschoollounge.com The Homeschool Village The Homeschool village offers articles written by homeschool moms giving sound advice, suggestions, and encouragement; and offering connections with homeschool bloggers. www.thehomeschoolvillage.com

Yesterday’s Classics- Classic Books for Children http://www.yesterdaysclassics.com/ Zoom Kitchen Chemistry Explore the virtual kitchen and perform online experiments. http://pbskids.org/zoom/games/kitchenchemistry/ Also, check with your local library for resources.

Support Groups & Supplemental Instruction • Academy Days Homeschool Co-op Carren Joye, carren@outlookacademy.com http://www.academydays.com Please visit our website for a list of classes being offered for the upcoming school year. Held weekly during the school year at Grace Com-

• Classical Conversations (CC) Contact: Robbye Nelson at rnelson@classicalconversations.com https://www.classicalconversations.com  CC is a community based homeschool program in the form of support groups that get together weekly. Group leaders help to equip parents to homeschool through a series of academic services, tutors, and meetings. CC offers kindergarten through 6th grade with an introduction to History, Math, Science, Latin, English, Institute of Excellence in Writing (IEW) and Language arts. Finally, the 7th through 12 grade students work on challenging curriculum that involves Saxon math, Apologia Sciences, Classic Literature, Writing, debating, and much more. “CC exists to know God and to make Him known.” • Elmore Cty Homeschool Organization (ECHO) http://www.onlineecho.com; http://groups.yahoo. com/group/homeschoolecho We are a support group for homeschooling families in the tri-county area (Elmore, Autauga, Montgomery) of Alabama. Our motto at ECHO is: “You get out what you put in!” We meet the second and fourth Friday of every month year-round from 10 a.m. to noon Harvest Fields Community Church. Membership is free! Just bring your children and your enthusiasm. We feel that we can conduct our adult discussions with our children in the room, so there is no cost for childcare at ECHO! Our meetings provide practical support for parents while our children participate in supervised activities and playtime. From small things, great things grow -- ECHO is like that.

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What you put in, what you plant, is what comes out, and with care it will GROW! So get to know your fellow homeschoolers while your children make some homeschooled friends! • Fellowship of Home Educators (FHE) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fhenewsandinfo/ FHE is a group of families in Prattville and surrounding area who support one another in the area of home education. We offer many educational opportunities as well as social gathering for our children. • Homeschooling in the River Region A local Facebook page with other mothers like you. They list any local events and activities geared towards homeschoolers and support. A great place to meet new homeschooling families. Please search for us under Homeshooling in the River Region on Facebook. • L.I.F.T. Sharon Hubbard, 286.9957 LIFT is a supplemental program to homeschooling your students. It was developed with the intention of assisting parents of students 12 years old through students 19 years old in areas they may not feel fully confident to teach. Members of other church school ministries who pay the activities fee to Ezekiel Academy may participate in LIFT during the school year. Large variety of classes offered. Please visit us at www.liftmontgomery.org. • Maxwell Area Home Educators (MAHE) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MAHE/ Maxwell Area Home Educators is a support group formed primarily to encourage military homeschoolers in the MGM (Maxwell/Gunter/ Montgomery) area regardless of their reasons for homeschooling, philosophy, or method of instruc-

tion. MAHE is NOT a legal “church school,” but a network of homeschoolers working together to assist one another in our homeschooling efforts. If you are new to homeschooling or are long term homeschool parents looking to broaden your child’s academic experience, there is much we can do to help you. • Montgomery Homeschoolers This group was created for all homeschooling families in the Montgomery area. We are hoping to plan field trips, or attend field trips with others. Plus, play dates, gatherings, support, etc. This group can also be used for curriculum resources and help with planning. Let’s help, encourage and support one another. Please search for us under Montgomery Homeschoolers on Facebook.

• Sylvan Learning Center Home School

(334) 262.0043 2640 Zelda Road, Montgomery, AL 36107 The Sylvan Learning Center in Montgomery is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and offers Home School services for children in grades K through 12. Students receive 560 hours of instruction in Math, Science, History, and Reading/English. Home School instruction is offered Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. State required electives are completed outside of the Learning Center as an independent study. Requirements: Transcripts from previous school withdrawal letter from previous school. Proof of registration with Home School Organization Cost: Please call for pricing. (Dependent upon which payment option is selected). For more information please visit us at www.sylvanlearning.com.

Workshops & Book Sales • ABEKA Homeschool Materials Display in Montgomery July 9, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, 203 Legends Court, Prattville, Al. August 12, 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Comfort Inn & Suites - in Eastchase. Please visit Abeka’s website for dates in other locations. • Alabama Homeschool Expo June 11-13 at the Montgomery Convention Center. Look for discounts and details at AlabamaHomeschoolexpo.com. • AUM Homeschool Programs AUM’s Homeschool classes are enrichment classes that are specially designed for homeschool students. They are not designed to replace curriculum. Class sizes are small so students receive individualized attention. All classes are hands on. Our goal is to offer learning experiences that parents are not able or willing to attempt at home. Classes will resume in September and a complete schedule will be available in August. For more information please call 244.2804 or visit us at www. aum.edu and click on the Continuing Education tap at the top right and scroll down to Youth programs. • CHEF Home School Conference June 18-19 in Gardendale, AL at Gardendale First Baptist Church. www.chefofalabama.org CHEF of Alabama serves all home educators in Alabama by providing information, services, and resources from a Christian perspective to anyone who needs help in the area of homeschooling.

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is $30. $40 Registration fee per year. Mondays and Wednesday classes: 12:30 and 1:30-2:30. Tuesday and Thursday classes: 12:30 and 1:30. Please call or visit our website at www.armoryathletics.com for information. • Brunswick Zone Bowling League 1661 Eastern Blvd, Montgomery, AL The Home School League will meet in September. Please call closer to this time to get the exact date. At this meeting the parents will decide what day and what time Home School League will meet. All ages of home school students are invited to bowl in this league. For more information about the league contact us at (334) 819.7171.

• Docarmo’s Takewondo Center 3179 Taylor Rd., Phone: (334) 220.5835 Homeschooling classes year round Monday and Thursday mornings. Please visit www.trytkdfree.com

CHEF had a huge Homeschool Convention and Curriculum Fair every year. To find our more about CHEF please visit their website at www.chefofalabama.org • Evangel Family Christian Academy Used Book Sale Please call for dates. The used book sale is for all who desire to attend. Table space must be reserved for families who are NOT EFCA members ($20 fee) by calling EFCA. • Southeast Homeschool EXPO July 23-25 Cobb Galleria in Marietta, GA. The Homeschool Expo is a “don’t miss” whole family

two day event with hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of products where parents can review and purchase the latest curriculum, hear great speakers who give practical encouragement, and receive personalized help and answers to any questions. Please visit www.southeasthomeschoolexpo.com.

Extra-curricular Activities • Armory Gymnastics Center 1018 Madison Avenue, (334) 241.2789 Classes for ages 2 years and up. Cost: $40 per month (2 classes per week) Each additional child

• Family Karate Center 8159 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Phone: 277.4911 or 467.5762 Instructor: Master Carole Coker Offers homeschool classes Monday through Saturdays at various times starting at age 2. Private classes. Instructor has master’s degree in early childhood education and special education (Only school that offers work with Autism, Aspergers, ADD, and ADHD). We have a full workout room for mom’s while children are in class. Free tutoring from certified teacher for all children. Homework checked. Outstanding academic achievement receives treasure chest rewards. Each homeschooler’s report card displayed on Wall of Fame. Students earn bonus bucks for pro-shop. Call for FREE class today.

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• Homeschool Choir with Karen Gosselin Days and Times: 3 year old – 1st grade – 1:151:45; 2nd grade – 6th grade -- 1:45-2:30; 6th grade – 12th grade – 2:30-3:30 Location: Eastern Hills Baptist Church, Montgomery Alabama. 6th graders are allowed to choose which choir they want to be in…Jr. singers learn music skills by playing more games… Sr. singers learn music skills though mostly singing. Cost: $35 a month for 1 child ($8.75 a lesson); $45 a month for 2 children ($5.63 a lesson per child); $55 a month for 3 or more children ($4.58 a lesson per child). Registration fee is $25 per child (can be split up if needed) for music, instruments, upkeep, etc. For the preschool and younger choirs, we learn music by playing games and activities! We learn singing skills, major and minor muscle coordination, early reading skills, and more! We use play to learn listening skills and singing skills. For the older choir, we use singing skills to learn music reading. We work abundantly on listening skills to create blend, harmony, and melody. Please contact Karen Gosselin at (334) 303.4783 • Homeschool Piano with Alan Newman Please contact Alan at alangnewman@gmail. com, (334) 538.6774 or visit him on Facebook at Alan Newman EzMusic for more information. • Homeschool Skate Day at Looney’s Phone: (334) 281.1032 September thru May, 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. Time: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. $3.00 per skater (includes skate rental) • McWane Science Center Labs 200 Nineteenth Street North, Birmingham, AL (205) 714.8359; www.mcwane.org McWane Science Center Labs are designed to supplement what you are teaching at home. Students will be able to use equipment and take part in experiments that are not easily executed in the home classroom. Our labs fall within the standards of the Alabama Course of Study as well as the National Science Standards. • P’zazz Art Studio 354.1975, 138 W. Main St. Downtown Prattville Homeschool art classes offered on Wednesday’s starting in September. Please visit our website at www.prattille.pzazzart.com. • River Region Homeschool Band Meetings begin September at Fountain of Grace Church in Prattville. We offer a beginner class and Intermediate/Advanced Class. $40 per month with an additional discount for family members. Please check us out on Facebook under River Region Homeschool Band for any updates. Please call Ted Mann at (334) 312.1486.

Recommended Reading School Proof by Mary Pride The Right Choice: Home Schooling by Christopher Klicka

• United GymStars 6100 Brewbaker Blvd., Montgomery, 284.2244 What a great way to get in physical education. Classes are offered on Wednesday from 12:30 - 1:30 for ages 6 and up. A waiver is signed for each participant. Cost is $6 per child per visit.

Christian Home Educator’s Curriculum Manual by Cathy Duffy

• YMCA Homeschool Physical Education Select YMCA’s offer PE to homeschoolers for an hour. Please call your local branch for more information.

100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum by Cathy Duffy

The Christian Home School by Gregg Harris The Homeschooling Father by Michael Farris

The Homeschooling Handbook by Mary Griffith 77

The Way They Learn by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias For the Children’s Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macalay The Five Love Languages of Children by Chapman & Campbell The Practical Home Schooling Magazine by Mary Pride The Big Books of Home Learning by Mary Pride If you provide any services or resources to homeschooling families and you were not listed in this issue, please contact us at editor@montgomeryparents.com. We want to make sure you are included!

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7 Ways to Do Well Shopping at Your Local Discount Stores We all have our own unique ways of saving money, and being creative while doing so. Whether it’s grocery shopping, car shopping, or shopping for your home decor there is no better thrill than finding the best deals by utilizing creative ways to find them. The same goes for shopping at your favorite clothing discount stores. Finding ways to be creative with your style can allow you the freedom to be different. An added bonus is you will allow yourself to have several new items added to your wardrobe. Here are 7 tips to follow:

1- Go in with an open mind. Don’t get overwhelmed when you walk into these stores. Plan your day around browsing and shopping. Maybe take a friend (a friend is good to take for opinions) and grab a cup of coffee. Make it fun and relaxing.

2- Be creative. When you are shopping for any kind of bargain, being creative can allow you Montgomery Parents I June 2015

the freedom to expand your choices or outlook on what your are buying. Whether it’s how much you are buying or even the price point, there is nothing like finding a good bargain and being creative about the entire adventure.

3- Research your style. I do this for all my clients and so should you. Researching your style online, in your favorite fashion magazines, or on fashion blog sites allows you to be more creative and confident with your choices. Keep a journal of some sort with all of your fashion ideas. This will allow you to walk into your favorite bargain stores with an idea in mind for your style without being overwhelmed.

4- Quality counts. You can find items at great prices but be aware of the quality. Don’t buy items that are not made well unless they are certain trends, t-shirts or accessories you don’t mind wearing for only a certain amount of time. Just check items out before you purchase them. This goes for any store.

5- Save money by having your own look. This is my favorite part! I have saved so much money on my style and the best part about it is....I don’t look like every 78

other person out there. I have my own unique style. You can, too!

6- Consider non-seasonal styles. You can find non-seasonal styles in these stores and this allows you to carry your items through to the next season. Then you only have to make small purchases to add to these styles throughout the year.

7- Fashion is art. This might sound silly, but it’s so true. Fashion is like your own work of art. Think of your style like painting a canvas. When you walk into these store allow the colors, shapes, and styles to blend and flow with you and your personality. Treat your style and these stores like you would your favorite art piece. Treasure it and have fun being creative! Remember, the one thing about shopping these stores is to enjoy your day along with all the purchases you find. In return, you will have saved money and can now treat yourself and your loved one to a nice dinner in a fun new outfit. This is certainly a win-win for this southern bargain stylist.

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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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Bradford Health Services ROAD MAP TO ADOLESCENT RECOVERY

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FEMA Corps Team Members Visit Johnson’s Martial Arts

Armory Gymnasts Compete in State Meets

Armory Athletics wrapped up the boys’ and girls’ competitive gymnastics season at State Meets held in March. With 59 first-place finishes, the boys’ gymnastics teams completed their season in Huntsville at the 2015 Alabama Boys State Meet March 21. In team competitions, the level 4 team finished first overall, level 5 finished third, level 6 finished second, and level 9 finished first. In Level 4, William “Tyler” Herman placed first on vault and parallel bars. Joseph Higbe placed first on floor, rings, parallel bars, and placed first all-around in his division. Jeremy Flatt placed first on floor, pommel horse, and high bars. Ade Simmons placed first on floor and high bars. Kyle Roberts placed first on vault. In Level 5, Daniel Moffett placed first on floor, pommel horse, rings, vault, and placed first all-around in his division. Trey Bostic placed first on pommel horse, parallel bars, and high bars. In Level 6, Patrick Cain II placed first on pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars, and first all-around in his division. Sean Moffett placed first on floor and high bars. In Level 8, Campbell Puckett placed first on pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars, high bars, and first all-around in his division. Logan Borth placed first on floor, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars, high bars, and first all-around in his division. In Level 9, Micah Puckett placed first on floor and pommel horse. Ethan Reed placed first on rings, vault, high bars, and first all-around in his division. Garrett McDaniel placed first on parallel bars. Erik Tsekouras placed first on floor, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars, high bars, and first all-around in his division. In Level 10, Robert Sheppard placed first on floor, rings, vault, parallel bars, and first all-around in his division. Samuel Norwood placed first on pommel horse and high bars. The 2015 Region 8 Men’s Championships took place in West Palm Beach, Florida, April 10-12. Armory Athletics had nine regional qualifiers to compete at the regional championships: Patrick Cain II, Campbell Puckett, Logan Borth, Ethan Reed, Micah Puckett, Garrett McDaniel, Erik Tsekouras, Robert Sheppard and Samuel Norwood. Level 8 gymnast Logan Borth placed first on floor, pommel horse, rings, parallel bars, and first all-around in his division. Level 9 gymnast Erik Tsekouras placed first on rings. Junior Olympic Men’s National Qualifiers are Ethan Reed and Robert Sheppard. With nine first-place finishes, the girls’ optional teams completed their season in Montgomery at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl March 27-29. In team competitions, the level 6 team finished third, level 7 finished third, level 8 finished seventh and level 9 finished eleventh. In Level 6, Borden Lash placed first on the balance beam. Haley Wren placed first on vault, balance beam, floor and finished first all-around in her division. In Level 7, Samantha Hodge placed first on bars and placed first all-around in her division. Kristen Lemaster placed first on balance beam. Madison Kille placed first on balance beam. 2015 Girls Regional Qualifiers include: Madison Kille, Samantha Hodge, Aiden Clark (alternate), Carsyn Jones and Jermenee Taylor. Montgomery Parents I June 2015

Five members of the FEMA Corps Ocean 3 team gave a presentation to the students, instructors and parents of Johnson’s Martial Arts Academy about their mission and purpose for coming to Montgomery from various states in which they reside. The team members came from Arizona, Arkansas, Massachusetts, Oregon and Virginia as part of their 10-month program designed for 18-24-year-old young adults who are committed to helping others. FEMA Corps members are focused on emergency management and disaster recovery. This Ocean 3 team worked out of the Serve Alabama Office in Montgomery to create a guide for a disaster preparedness camp that will become national. While in Montgomery, this team trained for three weeks in kickboxing and selfdefense at Johnson’s Martial Arts Academy for fitness and for self-protection because of their extensive travel schedule around the United States. To learn more about or join the FEMA Corps Program or Johnson’s Martial Arts Academy, call (334) 284-2344.

Mann Dancers Receive Special Awards

Students from Mann Dance Studio have enjoyed an award-winning competition season. Soloist, duets, groups and productions have performed over Alabama earning first-place platinums and special judges’ awards. The senior elite large group “Locomotion” earned the Crystal from Showstopper competition. The Crystal was awarded for highest score of all entries from the entire three-day competition. Queen B production brought home the Fusion Star Power Award and the most energy award from the Fusion competition. MDS groups were awarded Video Choice Award from Thunderstruck competition. Several students were awarded scholarships to NYC for All Star Convention from Kids Artistic Review and three of the students will get to perform in the opening number at Fusion Nationals in Panama City this July. www.montgomeryparents.com

Tonya Speed’s Dance Teams Win Competitions

Forty members of the DC Strutter dance teams from Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection competed this season at Fusion and Applause national Dance competitions. Contestants received several overall wins and Platinum awards. Below, several dancers also participated in TSDC’s Family Night at a recent Biscuits ball game! Everyone ate, socialized and danced.

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Young girls need strong male role models in their lives. When a father shows a genuine interest in his daughter and treats her with respect, he sends her the message that all men should treat her in a similar manner. And they should.

Dads want the best for their little girls and when they

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connect with their darling daughter, they are gifted with the opportunity to give their girl the best parts of themselves. Whether you know a dad who needs a hand up building his relationship with a little lady or are a father working to recon-

nect with his teenager, here are a few quick tips for dad.

Montgomery Parents I June 2015

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Get Involved

Do you come home after work and immediately turn on the TV or flip on your iPad? Perhaps you don’t get home until after your kids are in bed. Whatever the case, now is the time to re-evaluate your priorities. By getting involved with at least one aspect of your daughter’s life, you will see a change in how connected the two of you are. Coach her soccer team. Have dinner with the family a few times a week. Get to know the other dads in her social circle. Making the time to get involved is a great first step.

Respect Her Mother

The way you treat your daughter’s mother (and your own mother) will speak volumes to your little girl about how men treat women and what she should expect in the future. A good rule of thumb is to always treat your wife the way you want your daughter’s future husband to treat her. You may not know it, but she is watching you for cues on how to behave with men.

Great Dates for Dads and Daughters

Looking for a few ideas for a great father/daughter date? Try one of these favorites on for size:

Dinner The Movies Bowling Ice Cream Picnic in the park Hiking Shopping Playing video games at home Seeing a play at the theater

Carve Out One-on-One Time

Daddy/daughter dates are one of the best things you can do to connect with your daughter. Plan ahead, but be sure to include her in the process. If you make this special time a weekly or monthly occurrence, you will fall into a rhythm that makes you more relatable and easier to talk to. This is when she will start confiding in you and letting you into her world.

Hug Her

No matter how old your daughter gets, never stop showing her affection. Hugs may not seem welcome when your teenager is giving you the cold shoulder, but studies show that the teenage years

OPEN HOUSE DAILY HOMES starting in the $200’s are the most formative time for a young girl’s self-esteem. She needs those hugs.

Tune In to the Details

Girls today have a lot going on and parents can sometimes be clueless to the details of their daughters’ lives. Do you know who her close friends are? What books she is reading? What TV shows and celebrities she is interested in? Tuning in to the little details of your daughter’s life will make her feel like an important part of your world.

Follow Up

If your daughter comes to talk to you about a problem, check in with her about 83

it after the fact. Nothing says “I care” more than interested follow up on previous discussions. Follow up lets her know that you were listening to her and will make her more likely to confide in you in the future. Whether your daughter is young and you are working to lay a foundation for the future or she is a teenager or older and you are looking to repair a distant relationship, connect with her today and you will both enjoy the benefits of a strong relationship for years to come. mp

Beth N. Davis writes from Silver Spring, MD where she and her husband are raising their four children (including three young daughters).

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A Page in a Book Sharing the Joy of Generosity A pacifier, a bottle, a favorite toy, a security blanket; these are some of the first things that a young child senses are uniquely their own. But as toddlers age into the years of interactive play with their peers, and their landscape of ‘things’ broadens, learning to share can be the difference between frustrated tears and peace in the realm. The following titles explore the natural feelings children experience regarding their possessions (or things they want to possess) and open up positive conversations about sharing. With a focus on the good feelings that sharing can generate, these books give a boost to the joy of generosity!

Bernice Gets Carried Away

by Hannah E. Harrison (Dial / Penguin) Bernice is having a lousy time at her friend’s party. She receives the only piece of cake without a frosting rose. The pinata is opened before she even has a chance to take a swing at it (and the only candy she finds from it is one stepped-on gumdrop). But when the balloons arrive, Bernice isn’t taking any chances. She grabs all the balloons – which quickly lift her up and away from the party! As Bernice floats away, she passes others who are having equally bad days. Sharing her bounty of balloons becomes the key to boosting the moods of others as well as getting Bernice back down to the party. Touching on the real feelings that can spark possessive reactions, Harrison’s expressive illustrations relate the journey to generosity with warm humor that will delight both children and adult read-aloud partners.

Red Panda’s Candy Apples

by Ruth Paul (Candlewick Press) Red Panda makes the best sticky and sweet candy apples. So he decides to make some to sell, looking forward to the reward of coins in his jar. But he soon discovers that it’s hard to let go of something that you’d like to keep (and eat) yourself. Red Panda’s brisk business quickly leaves him with only one apple left, and his last two customers fighting over it. When the struggle over the last apple turns to tears, Red Panda remembers a secret solution that will let everyone enjoy a candy apple. Exploring the mixed feelings that we get when we share the things we love, the real joy of giving comes to the fore in this sweet title.

Llama Llama Time to Share

by Anna Dewdney (Viking / Penguin) Children playing together for the first time can be a dance of mutual discovery as they feel out each others boundaries, seek out common interests, and learn what things are sometimes hard to share. When Llama Llama meets new neighbor Nelly Gnu for the first time, he’s not sure what they will both enjoy playing together. After a cautious start, the two slowly discover a shared interest in building blocks and it looks like the play date is going to be successful. But when Nelly starts to play with Llama Llama’s beloved Fuzzy Llama doll, all bets are off as tears (the wet kind) and tears (the ripping kind) erupt between the new playmates. With parents to help guide the way, Llama Llama and Nelly find a path toward sharing that mends the moment and paves the way toward smoother shared play in the future for these new friends. Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

Montgomery Parents I June 2015

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River Region

July 4th Celebrations Annual Flag Boat Parade

Saturday, July 4, beginning at 12 p.m. at Kowaliga Marina on Lake Martin. Boats of all sizes parade from Kowaliga Marina to Children’s Harbor and back. Onlookers from the shoreline and water can watch free of charge. Boat registration is due by July 1. Forms can be picked up at any Russell Marine location - Kowaliga, Real Island, The Ridge and River North. For outof-towners, call (334) 857.2111 to request a form. Registration is free.

Prattville Celebration 2015 Schedule of Events

Annual 4th of July Parade On Saturday, July 4th at 9am, family members of all ages will enjoy the fire engines, candy, floats and more. This years Grand Marshals are The Iraqi Freedom Veterans. Bring your lawn chair and set up early for a good spot along the parade route. Begins at the Autauga County Courthouse and winds its way downtown. For more information, call 595-0854. Annual Lion’s Club BBQ & Cardboard Boat Races After the parade, join the fun at the annual Lion’s Club BBQ and Camp Stew Sale at Pratt Park. Baked Goods will be for sale. Music, a patriotic program, a children’s fun area and lots of arts and crafts. 10am-2pm. Free admission. Call 358.1068 for info. The Annual Cardboard Boat Races begin at 10am, with teams creating their competition boats out of cardboard and duct tape. Trophies given out! Fee: $5 per boat. New rules apply this year so call for additional information at (334) 595-0800. SWIMMING POOL: Independence Day Special - $2.00 per person. 1-5pm Fireworks Presentation Takes place at Stanley-Jensen Stadium and festivities begin at 6pm and fireworks start at dark. Patriotic music, children’s inflatable play area, and a variety of food vendors. Best seats in the house for an amazing fireworks show. Volunteers Volunteers needed. It takes a lot of volunteers to make this event happen. Great for Montgomery Parents I June 2015

youth and adult community service organizations. Call 595.0854 for more info or visit www.prattvilleal.gov.

Russell Lands Fourth of July Blast: Concert and Fireworks

Featuring The Bankwalkers and Nationwide Coverage. Lake Martin Amphitheater will host a night of music and fireworks on Saturday, July 4, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Show starts at 5:30 p.m. and fireworks will being at 9 p.m. Music until 10:30 p.m. (This is one of the Southeast’s largest fireworks show.) Children’s activities will be conducted by Children’s Harbor throughout the evening. The fireworks show is free (from an open field adjacent to the amphitheater or by boat), but for the best seat in the house and to enjoy the musical entertainment, tickets are available at the gate or through Ticketmaster, with children under 6 free. Proceeds benefit Lake Martin area charities. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnics. Concessions are also available. The Lake Martin Amphitheater is located on Highway 63 about 1 mile south of Kowaliga Bridge. For more information call (256) 397. 1019 or visit http://www.lmat.org/fourth.html.

2015 Fourth of July Riverfront Celebration

Saturday, July 4 Creek Casino presents 4th of July Picnic on the River, 5 p.m. at the Riverfront Park, FREE Admission. Activities for the kids, Dreamland Rib Eating, Competition with cash prize, Live music with the Sweet Young’uns. Followed by a fireworks show!

Fireworks Cruise on the Harriott II Cruise boards at 8 p.m. and departs from 8:30 until 10:30 p.m. Please visit www. funontheriver.net (334) 241.2726 or (334) 625.2118

Callaway Gardens July 4 Star Spangled Beach Party Friday, July 3, 2015 to Sunday, July 5, 2015 The celebration begins early and lasts well into the night at our annual July 4th Star Spangled Beach Party at Robin Lake Beach. Highlights include beach activi86

ties, live music - headlined by the Swingin’ Medallions, the FSU Flying High Circus and our annual Fireworks Extravaganza. Visit www.callawaygardens.com for information.

Pike Road Parade

Saturday, July 4 Registration 8:30a.m. Parade Begins at 10a.m. Parade Theme: “Defend Our Constitution.” Parade will follow the same route as in years past (Starts at church on Pike Road and travels down Pike Road, turns right on Meriwether Rd. and ends at the County Feed Store) All entries are welcome (horses, walkers, floats, dogs, cars, etc.) Parade contact info: Maurite Scanlan 334-201-6859 (cell) 334-279-8318 (home)

Pike Road Summer Fest

Saturday, July 4, gates open at 5:30p.m. (Fireworks begin at dusk) at The Town Square in The Waters Neighborhood. Bring your family and friends and enjoy an evening of good old-fashioned fun, featuring live music from a local favorite, Joe Wright Band. The evening will culminate with a fireworks spectacular, featuring one of the largest shows in the River Region that can be seen from miles around. The Pike Road Lions Club will be selling drinks and hamburgers and hotdogs, with proceeds benefit this organization and its charities. Cost: $10 per car load.

Wetumpka Celebration

Saturday, July 4th @ 5 p.m. Fireworks and Entertainment; Fireworks will be at 9 p.m., Gold Star Park. Please visit www. cityofwetumpka.com for more information and updates or call (334) 567.5147 for more information or an application for the contests.

Cloverdale-Idlewild Parade Celebrating the Star Spangled Banner

Saturday, July 4, at 2 p.m. at the corner of Plymouth and Lexington. Ends at Bottom Park on Cloverdale Rd. Drums, bikes, floats; 6 p.m. there will be a band. Dress in your red, white and blue and join this old fashioned 4th of July celebration. Contact Charlie Colvin, 834.6030. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Local Students Compete in Taekwondo Championship

Family Karate Center Travels to Tournament

The students of Family Karate Center in Montgomery were excited to meet students from different states as they traveled to their first tournament April 24-25. The class assistant instructor Jon Holmes tested for his second black belt with The Atlantic Pacific Tang Soo Do Federation Friday night, April 24. He received his first black belt from the U.S. Marine Corps. The youth classes held up signs they handcrafted of well wishes for Holmes. The next morning was exciting for all the students who were participating in their first tournament. Black belts competed first so that students could observe the techniques and weapon forms that black belts must perform. Opening ceremonies came next, with all students called to their rings of competition. Master Carole Smith said all students did very well in the Suwanee, Georgia, Civic Center that day, earning many medals. After meeting many of the masters judging the events, Smith’s students have set their goals to becoming masters rank one day also. Shown, Master Carole Smith talks to her students before their divisions were called. Call Family Karate Center at 220-9319 for two free classes just for reading this article.

March of Dimes March for Babies Walk

Saturday, June 6 * 8-11 a.m. Join March of Dimes for the third year in a row to raise money for babies right here in our community! The location this year will be Baptist Health DeBoer Buiding, located at the corner of Brown Springs Road and Winton Blount Boulevard, across from the YMCA Soccer Fields and the Main Post Office. There’ll be family teams, company teams and people walking with friends. For route information and details, call (334) 277-6910 or check Facebook.

Twenty-two students from Chung’s Taekwondo & Fitness in Tallassee recently competed in the Taekwondo National Championship in Montgomery. Students ranging in age from three years old through adult won mostly first- and second-place trophies in forms, sparring and board breaking for their divisions. Sixth-degree black belt Tracy Daar is the owner of the school and serves as the head instructor. He is pictured with Grand Master Y.S. Chung of Chung’s Taekwondo in Montgomery and Master David Adams of Chung’s Taekwondo in Millbrook.

Redland Scouts Honored with Religious Awards

On May 19, Redland Cub Scout Pack 429 recognized 30 boys for completing the Boy Scouts of America religious awards program under the guidance of chaplains Scott Rouse and Curtis Latham. There are currently four separate age-based programs that a Scout may complete, with two of these available for Cub Scouts. During the months of January and February, 17 fourth- and fifth-graders participated in the “God and Family” Bible study with their parents. These boys included: Richard Bailey, Justin Cauthen, Tanner Cauthen, Ethan Hamil, Jacob Hutto, Hunter Johnson, Tyler Kile, Dylan LaPorte, Carson Lewis, Cameron Little, Benjamin Lowry, Diego Montes, Logan Oakley, Joseph O’Dell, Hayes Pieper, Ryan Rouse and Jacob Sharpe. Thirteen firstthrough third-graders participated in the “God and Me” Bible study during April and early May. These boys included: James Neal Abrams, Cole Cox, Paul Flomer, Caleb Garner, Price Goggans, Aubry Houlditch, Brewer Houlditch, Caleb Latham, Taylor Little, Jonathan Lowry, Andrew Sears, William Sims and Ashton Winkle. “God and Me” and “God and Family” awards were presented by Mulder Memorial United Methodist Church Rev. Matt Mobley, pastor of the pack’s chartered organization. Certificates and religious knots were presented by Scott Rouse and Chartered Organization Representative Kevin Johnson. These knots are unique because they may be worn on the boys’ uniforms all throughout their Scout careers and even as adult leaders. Beyond Cub Scouts, boys may participate in the “God and Church” program for sixth- through eighth-graders, and the “God and Life” program for grades nine through twelve. If you are interested in learning more about how your Cub or Boy Scout unit may earn religious awards, please contact Muskogee District Religious Emblems Coordinator Scott Rouse at (334) 328-7831 or scott.rouse@bellsouth.net. 87

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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

June2015 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!

Montgomery Parents I June 2015

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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$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 June 10 from 10:30-11 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. 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 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 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)

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Calendar/Support Groups 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 Luella Giles at 612-8162 or call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Hospital Volunteers Volunteers are needed at Baptist Medical Center East, Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville Baptist Hospital. Duties vary by facility but include delivering mail and flowers, transporting patients, staffing waiting rooms and information desks, and furnishing coffee for visitors. Volunteers work one four-hour shift per week. For more info, call 286-2977. Hospice Volunteers Through volunteering at Baptist Hospice, the opportunities to help are endless. Our volunteers are an important part of the patient’s care and are the heart of the hospice family. There are many other ways to help, such as special projects and events or providing administrative support for the staff, that are essential. Volunteers often have special talents and innovative ideas that add so much to our program. Please call Gloria @395-5018 to join our dynamic team. Volunteer Services Jackson Hospital is looking for volunteers for the information desk. These volunteers are needed for the evening shift, 5-8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Volunteers must be friendly and eager to offer information to those visiting the hospital. With this position, a free meal will be given as well as a parking spot next to the lobby. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and are asked to work 4 hours a week. They must complete an application and pass a background check and health screening. If you are interested in volunteering, call 293-8967 or visit www.jackson.org/patients_volunteers. html and fill out the application. Baptist Sleep Disorders Centers Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville. Both centers have the ability to diagnose up to 84 different sleep disorders. There are four board-certified physicians and a clinical psychologist on staff between the two centers. For more information, call 286-3252 for Baptist Medical Center South and 361-4335 for Prattville Baptist Hospital. Jackson Sleep Disorders Center Jackson Hospital houses a sleep disorders center on the third floor of the Goode Medical Building to monitor those who are suffering from sleep disorders. For more information, contact your physician or the Sleep Center at 293-8168. Jackson Hospital Offers Animal Therapy Program to Pediatric Unit Jackson Hospital’s Animal Therapy Program is a vital part of its patient care. Animals in the program are limited to dogs, and no other animals are allowed to participate. Currently, there are 10 dogs in the program. Their handlers have undergone extensive

Montgomery Parents I June 2015

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, & Macon Counties: **To access or sign up for these programs, call the American Cancer Society’s Montgomery office at 6128162 or call 1-800-ACS-2345 and you will be connected to the Montgomery office.** Look Good…Feel Better is an American Cancer Society program in which trained volunteer cosmetologists help female cancer patients deal with the side effects of treatment. Patients are taught beauty techniques to enhance their appearance and self image during or after treatments, including ways to disguise hair loss and skin changes. Call Luella Giles at 612-8162 for more info. Man to Man is an American Cancer Society support group for men who are battling or have survived prostate cancer. It offers them education, discussion and support. Please call for next meeting dates at the American Cancer Society Office in Montgomery. OTHER PROGRAMS/SERVICES OFFERED BY THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: Reach to Recovery matches newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors on a one on one basis. College scholarships to cancer survivors Free wigs and other supplies for cancer patients Free rides to treatment through our Road To Recovery program (where volunteer drivers use their cars and time to take in need cancer patients to treatment) Free lodging through the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge in Birmingham (if patients are sent to Birmingham for treatment) On-line cancer information classes and support group through www.cancer.org. Information anytime and trained specialists at 1-800ACS-2345 General Cancer Support Group held at Christ Church, 8800 Vaughn Road, Tuesday afternoons at 1 p.m. This is an open group. For more information, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie Diemayer at 467-4578. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 2nd Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Room 8114. Provides education, awareness and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family or friends. For more info, call 272-8622 or e-mail womenofhope@ charter.net.

June2015 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 DivorceCare experience involves a dynamic video presentation, group share time, and personal workbook exercises. Facilitators for DivorceCare are Todd Smith, Wendy Timbie and Becki Harrison. To register or for more info, call 279-5433. DivorceCare and DivorceCare 4 Kids First Baptist Church Montgomery, Wednesdays starting August 22 at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $15 (scholarships available). Contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@montgomeryfbc.org or 241-5125. 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

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at 7 p.m. at Eastmont Baptist Church. Registration is encouraged and may be made by calling (334) 2842721. We will also collect Toys for Tots for anyone interested in participating. “Connect,” Fridays at 11 a.m., biweekly, Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is for those who have already walked through the initial grieving process but still desire to connect with others who share similar experiences. This group will allow you to meet new people, stay active in the community, and look ahead to a bright future. We will share lunch, visit museums, volunteer, attend movies, and participate in area events. We even have a fishing trip on the agenda! This group is ongoing and does not have a participation limit. It’s time to have fun again, come join us! For more info, call 279-6677. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW. Grief Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Rm. 3105. Call 272-8622 for more info. GriefShare will begin meeting weekly at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday night, January 14, from 6-8 pm. This program is non-denominational and features biblical concepts for healing your grief. You will find a warm, caring environment for your journey through grief and loss. You will not be left alone to deal with all the grief issues in your life. Three key parts make up your GriefShare experience: video seminar; support group time; and workbook study. GriefShare will be led by Howard and Carol Payne and Jim Williams. To register or for more info, call 279-5433. GriefShare, Hospice of Montgomery’s office located at 1111 Holloway Park, Montgomery. Meets Wednesdays from noon-1 p.m. through March. This FREE group is for individuals, families and caregivers in the River Region. Registration required to attend. HOM provides quality palliative care to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those in our community affected by terminal illness; maintains the highest ethical standards; and educates the community about the hospice concept and end-of-life issues. For more information or to register, please contact Candace Fales at 279-6677 or cfales@hospiceofmontgomery.org. Grieving With Hope, St. Mark UMC, meeting weekly on Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m. The group offers a place to share, care and heal from the losses of life. Facilitated by Dr. Lennie Howard and Marie Parma. Contact the church at 272-0009. Honoring Angels Like Owen, Inc. (HALO) offers family-oriented, Christian-based grief support groups that meet monthly. These groups are for families who have lost a child from 20 weeks gestation up to the age of 2 years old. Our parents’ group is for mothers and fathers. Our siblings’ group is for children ages 6-15. Both groups meet at the same time and place. These groups offer faith-based healing through sharing and emotional support. Meetings offer an outlet for sharing your child’s memory and your day to day struggles, while receiving support of others who have been in similar situations. Please feel free to bring photos of your child to share. HALO also offers free professional photography for families facing the loss of a child up to the age of 2 years old and needs-based financial assistance for burial. Visit www.honoringangelslikeowen. org or call (334) 328-1202. Hospice of Montgomery (HOM) Grief Support 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.

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. (This group will NOT meet in January due to New Year’s Day.) 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. 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.glutenfree-

montgomery.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, East Imaging Center on Winton Blount Blvd., Montgomery, 3rd Fridays, 10 a.m. Leaders are experienced breastfeeding mothers who have completed an accreditation program and are familiar with breastfeeding management techniques as well as current research. Meetings are free and open to all women. Expecting moms, children and grandmothers also welcome. If you need information before the next scheduled meeting, please contact Bridgit (569-1500), Amy (356-3547), or Heather (LLL_ heather@yahoo.com). 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) 567-8649 or visit www. mops.org/redlandmops.

Pregnancy Loss/Infertility

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

Single Parents Support

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

Montgomery Parents I June 2015

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. 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.

June2015 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 Monday, June 1

Millbrook Community Theatre Summer Acting Camp -- Through June 6 Directed by Joe Nolin, Jr. for ages 8 to 18. Classes June 1-5 with recital June 6 at 7 pm. Cost is $75 per student. Space is limited. Cost includes basic acting lessons, T-shirt and sack lunch plus two tickets to acting recital. Call (334) 782-7317 for more info or visit http://www.millbrooktheatre.com/ for registration. Wetumpka Depot Summer Acting Camp Through June 6 This year’s Acting Up program will be “Tree Houses and Fairy Tales.” The weeklong program, led by certified teachers and theatre artists, will include opportunities for children and youth of all ages. The morning session (Grades 2-4) will be daily from 9 a.m.-noon. The afternoon session (Grades 5 and 6) will be from 1-4 p.m. There will be an evening session for Junior High and High School students the same week, from 6-9 p.m. Performances will be June 5 and 6. Sessions are $125 (T-shirt included) per week and program space is available on a first come, first served basis. Class size is limited to 20 per session. For more info, e-mail kmeanor@wetumpkadepot.com or visit wetumpkadepot.com. Science Classes 3-2-1 Blast T.I.M.E.S. (Technology, Innovation, Math, Engineering, & Science) classes are held every Monday, excluding federal holidays. Children, ages 3 through 2nd grade, will learn science concepts through everyday play. Classes are 30 mins. Join us at Kazoo Toys in Montgomery at 10:15 a.m. or 1585 E. Main St. in Prattville (next to Pri-Med) at 12:05 p.m., to have fun and get a boost in math & science. Please visit 321 Blast TIMES on Facebook, e-mail 321blasttimes@outlook.com, or call 334-380-1879 to register or request more info. The World Saw Your Pictures: Spider Martin & The Voting Rights Campaign at the Department of Archives & History -- Through September 8 In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Selma-to-Montgomery March and the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, this exhibit includes iconic photographs of the Selma-to-Montgomery March taken by Spider Martin in March 1965. These images were seen around the world, drawing attention to the struggle for civil rights in Alabama and across the South. Public outcry over these stirring images helped to increase momentum towards the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The ADAH and the Museum of Alabama are open Monday-Saturday, 8:30-4:30. Admission is always free. Visit www.archives.alabama. gov and www.museum.alabama.gov to learn more.

Tuesday, June 2

Summer Art Sampler -- Also June 4 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.

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All supplies are provided. Class size is limited to 15 participants. Cost: $5 members/$10 non-members for each class; $8 members/$15 non-members for the series of two classes. Science Classes 3-2-1 Blast T.I.M.E.S. (Technology, Innovation, Math, Engineering, & Science) classes are held every Tuesday at Kazoo Toys. Children, ages 3-2nd grade, will learn science concepts through everyday play. Classes are 30 minutes. Join us at Kazoo Toys in Montgomery at 4:45 pm, to have fun and get a boost in math & science. Please visit 321 Blast TIMES on Facebook, e-mail 321blasttimes@outlook.com, or call (334) 380-1879 to register or request more info.

Wednesday, June 3

Capital City Master Gardener Association Lunch And Learn Series Open To The Public The first Wednesday of each month, noon to 1 p.m. Sessions are held at the Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, next to the Curb Market. The Capital City Master Gardener Association provides a monthly educational series called “Lunch and Learn,” on a variety of gardening topics in a classroom setting. Related handouts from the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service are provided each session at no cost. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunches to each event. Iced tea and water will be provided. Science Classes -- Also June 10, 17 & 24 3-2-1 Blast T.I.M.E.S. (Technology, Innovation, Math, Engineering, & Science) classes are held every Wednesday at Prattville Wesleyan Preschool. Students will learn science concepts through everyday play. Classes are 30 min. Please visit 321 Blast TIMES on Facebook, e-mail 321blasttimes@outlook.com, or call (334) 380-1879 to register or request additional information.

Thursday, June 4

Science Classes -- Also June 11, 18 & 25 3-2-1 Blast T.I.M.E.S. (Technology, Innovation, Math,

Engineering, & Science) classes are held every Thursday at Montessori at Hampstead. Students will learn science concepts through everyday play. Classes are 30 min. Please visit 321 Blast TIMES on Facebook, e-mail 321blasttimes@outlook.com, or call (334) 3801879 to register or request additional information. Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theater (WOBT) Presents 100 Lunches: A Gourmet Comedy Through June 21 Written by Jack Sharkey and Leo W. Sears and directed by Sam Wallace, this is a romantic comedy of gastronomic proportions! What does playwright Chuck Reynolds do when the one critic who hates his shows asks for help writing her own play? He gets revenge! He agrees to help Charity Starr in exchange for her footing the bill at some of the most expensive restaurants in town until the play is finished. Non-stop fun, romance, and hilarious mayhem make this an ideal show for the entire family! Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays except for the 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/prattvillewobt. For advance tickets, call (334) 595-0854.

Friday, June 5

Science Classes 3-2-1 Blast T.I.M.E.S. (Technology, Innovation, Math, Engineering, & Science) classes are held one Friday a month at Glynwood Childcare Ministries in Prattville. Students will learn science concepts through everyday play. Classes are 30 min. Please visit 321 Blast TIMES on Facebook, e-mail 321blasttimes@outlook.com, or call (334) 380-1879 to register or request more info. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Beyond Glory -- Also June 6 Adapted from a book of the same name by Larry Smith. Join us in honoring military heroes as awardwinning stage and screen actor Stephen Lang (Avatar, Gods & Generals and Terra Nova) portrays eight men of incredible valor from WWII, Korea and Vietnam whose acts of bravery earned the Medal of Honor. Recom-

mended for ages 12+. General admission $30-$50; special military pricing $25 (active duty/retired and family members). Visit www.asf.net or call 271-5353. Friday Night Hoops -- Also June 19 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. Jasmine Hill Gardens and Outdoor Museum Open Through June 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, June 6

March of Dimes - March for Babies Walk 8-11 a.m. Join March of Dimes for the third year in a row to raise money for babies right here in our community! The location this year will be Baptist Health DeBoer Buiding, located at the corner of Brown Springs Road and Winton Blount Boulevard, across from the YMCA Soccer Fields and the Main Post Office. There’ll be family teams, company teams and people walking with friends. For route information and details, call (334) 277-6910 or check Facebook. Prepared Childbirth Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose

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Calendar/Support Groups 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. The Urban Slide 10 a.m.-11 p.m. 1,000 feet of slippery sliding arrives in The Capital of Dreams! Join friends, neighbors and visitors in this family-friendly event as we slip, slide, and party until after nightfall where you can also enjoy the glow-in-the-dark night slide! The slide will be set up downtown on Montgomery Street. A constant stream of water flowing down both channels helps make the slide slippery. The nighttime slide is equipped with LED lights and black lights that will light up the city streets for a truly unique slip-n-slide experience. Other features and amenities will include food trucks, vendors and local businesses, music playing along the entire slide, a bag check area to secure footwear and other belongings, water-themed games, photo booth, and more! Registration ranges from $20-$40. More Information on secure.theurbanslide.com/event/ TheUrbanSlide-Montgomery. American Idol Finalist Jessica Meuse Performs at Wetumpka Depot 7 p.m. Local residents have enjoyed watching Meuse transform from a budding young artist to a truly gifted singer, writer and musician. Her work is nationally recognized due to a strong following from her phenomenal success after placing fourth out of thousands who auditioned for American Idol. Part of the proceeds from this event will serve as scholarships for the Wetumpka Depot’s many children’s programs to assure that no child is left in the classroom when school groups attend the shows geared for young audiences. Tickets may be purchased by calling (334) 868-1440 or visiting wetumpkadepot.com. AUM Offers Free Mandarin Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Confucius Institute continues to offer free Mandarin classes to the community. To register, send the student’s name, age and contact information to ama@aum.edu. 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. Home Depot Kids’ Workshop Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Today’s project is “Learn to Build a Load ‘n Go Truck.” 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. 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, honey, fruit pastries, birdhouses and nursery plants. For more info, call (334) 279-6046 or visit www. theshoppesateastchase.com.

Sunday, June 7

Kids Day with the Montgomery Biscuits Also June 14 & 28 5:35 p.m. start. Bring out the kids and join us for pre-game catch on the field and post game Coke Kids Run the Bases! June 7 includes Bark in the Park. Enjoy a baseball game with your furry, four-legged friend! Visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 323-2255 for more info. Special Needs Skate -- Also June 21 5:30-7:30 p.m. 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month.

Montgomery Parents I June 2015

Looneys Super Skate, 3541 McGehee Rd. All ages welcome. Sensory sensitive. Volunteers available for assistance. $5. For more information contact Lyrastephens@yahoo.com.

Tuesday, June 9

VEG OUT Montgomery 6-8 p.m. Join EAT South for its monthly plant-based diet pot luck dinners on the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. Located at the EAT South Farm 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. Dollar Dog Tuesday with the Montgomery Biscuits 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 7:05 p.m. Visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 323-2255 for more info.

Wednesday, June 10

Central Alabama Master Gardener (CAMGA) Lunch & Learn Program Held at the Elmore County Extension (ACES) facility on Queen Ann Road in Wetumpka, these free events for the public are held on the second Wednesday of each month, beginning at noon and ending at 1 p.m. Attendees are invited to bring their lunch and learn. This month’s topic is Holiday Deocrating with Natural Materials. Beverages are provided by CAMGA. For more information, call the ACES office at 567-6301 or visit www.aces.edu/counties/Elmore/.

Thursday, June 11

Alabama Homeschool Expo -- Through June 13 The Alabama Homeschool Expo is a homeschool convention at the Montgomery Convention Center in downtown Montgomery. We welcome families from across the state every year to come to Montgomery for our large exhibit hall and wide variety of informative workshops. Come to hear the best speakers in homeschooling close to home! For more info, visit AlabamaHomeschoolExpo.com. Jimmy Buffett Night with the Montgomery Biscuits Calling all parrot-heads! Join us as we sail away to Margaritaville with tropical drink specials and Jimmy Buffet music all night long. Game begins at 7:05 p.m. Visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 323-2255 for more info. Capri Classics Presents Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom 7:30 p.m. Steven Spielberg lassic featuring Harrison Ford. Rated PG. For more info, visit www.capritheatre. org.

Friday, June 12

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. Parents’ Night Out at United Gymstars & Cheer Also June 26 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. Alabama Omega Foundation Charity Golf Tournament Registration/breakfast start at 7:30 a.m. with a shot-

June2015 gun start at 9 a.m. At the Lagoon Park Golf Course in Montgomery. Enjoy a day of golf to raise funds for youth and college scholarships, education, mentoring initiatives and community outreach programs. Golf team registration includes breakfast, Awards Ceremony Luncheon, refreshments along the course, green fees, golf cart, gift bag and team photo. For event or sponsorship info, contact Robert Thomas at (334) 546-4919. Montgomery Art Guild Opening Reception, with Featured Artist Clark Walker Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts from 5:30-7 p.m. Juror Tom Butler has selected works in a wide range of media and with diverse subject matter, providing a sample of the best contemporary art in the River Region. The exhibition in the ARTWORKS Corridor will feature a selection of art from Advanced Placement (AP) art students of the River Region. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit www.mmfa.org/events/. Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood in Concert Also June 13 Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. Multiple performances. Call (205) 458-8400 or visit http://www. bjcc.org/ for tickets. Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets -- Also meets June 26 Elmore County Homeschool Organization is a non-profit support group for homeschooling families. We provide a positive socialization environment for homeschooled children & support and encourage their parents in the homeschooling process. We 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.

Saturday, June 13

Dads and Daughters Saturday (D.A.D.S) Calling ALL Fathers and Daughters for storytimes, fun and laughs, 11 a.m.-noon every 2nd Saturday at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Memorial Library. There will be singing, dancing and arts & crafts. So come visit us and have an enjoyable time! For more info, visit www. facebook.com/events/1374454692792666/?source=1. Canoe Trail Fun Run in Prattville Spend some time with family and friends and try out Prattville’s Autauga Creek canoe trail (at your own risk). You must provide your own equipment (canoe, kayak, paddleboard, life jackets, sunglasses, drinking water, sunblock, etc.). No glass or alcoholic beverages allowed. After dropping off your canoe at the starting point and taking your vehicle to the ending point, a bus will shuttle you back to the starting point. The last shuttle will be at 9:45 a.m. Starts at Creek Walk behind the Prattville Police Department; ends at Co. Rd. 4 take-out on Reuben Road. FREE!!! 2015 Gump Games 9 a.m.-noon. The 4th Annual Gump Games benefitting the Arts Council of Montgomery will be held at The Multiplex at Cramton Bowl, Montgomery. One day of intense competition! Spectators are also welcome! For more info, e-mail Rebekah Stephens at bucky@ riverregioncrossfit.com. 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 instill a sense of accomplishment. Today’s project is “Iron Man’s Avenjet.” Bring in your child to build part of our “Marvel’s Avengers Assemble” summer series. Ages 5-12. Free. Online registration opens a few weeks before each clinic’s date. For more info, visit www. lowesbuildandgrow.com or call your local Lowe’s. Saturday Jam Sessions at Old Alabama Town Also June 27 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.

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GO Enjoy...Hydrangea Fest and Firefly Run 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. 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.

Monday, June 15

Wetumpka Depot Players Present GRITS: the Musical -- Through June 21 17 original songs and monologues that depict today’s “Girl Raised in the South” in an honest, poignant and humorous setting. 7:30 p.m. performances except for a 2 p.m. matinee June 21. For ticket info, visit www. wetumpkadepot.com or call (334) 868-1440.

Tuesday, June 16

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

Thursday, June 18

ArchiTreats: Food For Thought The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. Noon-1 p.m. Bring lunch and a drink and join us every third Thursday for these FREE lectures sponsored by Friends of the Alabama Archives. Today’s topic is “Goats & Governors: Alabama Political Stories,”

presented by Steve Flowers. Call 353-4726 or visit www. archives.alabama.gov. Military Appreciation Day at the Montgomery Zoo 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. All military personnel and their immediate family members receive FREE admission to the Zoo and the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. Food, drinks and assorted refreshments are also provided. Call (334) 240-4900 or visit montgomeryzoo.com. Cloverdale Playhouse Presents Dinner with Friends -- Through June 28 Directed by Mike Winkelman. Winner of the 2000 Pulitzer Prize in Drama. Written by Donald Margulies. Meet Gabe and Karen and Tom and Beth. Two married couples who have been inseparable friends for all of their married lives, they’ve vowed to “grow old and fat” together, vacationed with their kids together, and had many, many dinners together. They thought they would always be friends, but that’s not the case.... *Recommended for ages 14 and above.* Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Call (334) 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse. org to get tickets.

Saturday, June 20

True Divine Community Development Hosts a Community Yard Sale 7-11 a.m. Every third Saturday through October. 4525 Virginia Loop Rd. To sign up for $10 booths, call 286-4008.

Sunday, June 21

Father’s Day at the Montgomery Zoo FREE ADMISSION FOR ALL DADS to the Montgomery Zoo and the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Call (334) 240-4900 or visit montgomeryzoo.com.

Monday, June 22

Way Off Broadway Theatre Camp -- Through June 27 This theatre camp will introduce students to all aspects

of the theatre. In addition to acting, there will be focus on set and costume design, production, directing and more. This camp will help to build teamwork skills, confidence, public speaking, creativity and more, and will end with the students’ participation in a play. Cost of this Theatre Camp is $75 and it will be held from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Presentation of the play will be at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 27. For more info, contact the Special Events Office at (334) 595-0851. Southern League All Star Game Social 5-7 p.m. Baseball fans will have the opportunity to get autographs from future stars of the Major Leagues as every Southern League All-Star player will be available for an autograph session during the Social held in The Alley in downtown Montgomery. For more info, call (334) 323-2255. Remembering The Great War: A Symposium On World War I The Alabama Dept. of Archives and History, in partnership with Auburn University’s Caroline Marshall Center for the Arts and Humanities and the Croix Rouge Farm Memorial Foundation, will present a free, public symposium from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will feature noted scholars discussing the causes and consequences of the Great War, the experiences of the soldiers and communities who sent them, and the ways in which we have and continue to remember the War’s significance. Admission is free to the public but registration is required. To register and view a complete schedule of events, please visit www.auburn.edu/greatwar. For more info, contact Maiben Beard at (334) 844-4903.

Tuesday, June 23

2015 Southern League All-Star Game & Home Run Derby Riverwalk Stadium. The Southern League All-Star Home Run Derby kicks off the night’s events, with the league’s top hitters and prospects competing for the Home Run Derby Title. Following the Home Run Derby, the

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Calendar/Support Groups Southern League All-Star Game will commence at 7:35 pm. Following the game, fans will enjoy a MAX Fireworks Spectacular. For more info, call (334) 323-2255.

Friday, June 26

.38 Special Performs at Callaway Gardens (Georgia) Most associate the band with their arena-rock pop smashes, “Hold On Loosely,” “Rockin’ Into the Night,” “Caught Up in You,” and more. 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. Family Faith Night with the Montgomery Biscuits 7:05 p.m. Presented by Faith Radio, Family Faith Night will feature a FREE pre-game contemporary Christian concert! After the game, don’t miss out on the best fireworks show in the River Region! Visit www. biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 323-2255 for more info.

Saturday, June 27

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 instill a sense of accomplishment. Today’s project is “Captain America’s Motorcycle.” Bring in your child to build part of our “Marvel’s Avengers Assemble” summer series. Ages 5-12. Free. Online registration opens a few weeks before each clinic’s date. For more info, visit www.lowesbuildandgrow.com or call your local Lowe’s. Back to the Future Night with the Montgomery Biscuits Head back to the future with us as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of this hit movie. Players will wear custom Back to the Future jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game. Auction proceeds will benefit The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Game begins at 6:35 p.m. Post-game MAX fireworks follow. Visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 323-2255 for more info. Birds of Prey Art Event & Fundraiser 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Prattauga Art Guild will feature a special talk by the founder of the Upstate Birds of Prey organization that operates a rehabilitation facility treating raptors from the state of Tennessee and Northern Alabama. This event also will feature artwork relating to birds and nature by local artists and members of the Prattauga Art Guild. This event will have fun activities

Montgomery Parents I June 2015

and educational opportunities for children and adults. The event is free and open to the public. For more info, contact the Special Events Office at (334) 595-0851 or visit artguild.prattvilleal.gov. Located at Creative Arts House, Chestnut Street (behind Prattville City Hall). Montgomery Lions Club Cycling for Sight Ride 8 a.m.-noon. Ride starts & ends at Tallapoosa Lakes Convention Ctr., 1501-A Dozier Road, Montgomery. This year’s ride is sponsored by the Montgomery Bike Club and Creek Casino. The ride commemorates Helen Keller, a native Alabamian, who courageously challenged Lions Club members to become “Knights of the Blind in the Crusade against darkness.” The Lions accepted her challenge and their work ever since has included sight programs aimed at preventable blindness. Choose either a 21-mile or 45-mile route and enjoy the beautiful rural roads of east Montgomery County. You will be supported every mile of the way with mechanical and SAG support along with fully stocked rest stops. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to all riders, and this year, all registrants will be entered to win a bike graciously donated by Regions Bank! Tandem bike rides available for the vision or hearing impaired. Limited to 100 riders. Registration is $30 before June 7. For more info, call (334) 356-1180 or visit www.montgomerylionsclub.com/cycling-for-sight.html. Cupcakes by Tish Offers Cupcake Decorating Workshops for Kids and Teens Every fourth Saturday, Cupcakes by Tish will now host Cupcake Decorating Workshops. Classes will be offered for children ages 4-6, 7-10 and 12-15 between noon and 6 p.m. at The Shoppes at EastChase location. The hour-long workshop is $25 per child and gives each child the opportunity to learn the art of cupcake decorating. Each child will receive a Cupcakes by Tish apron and four decorated cupcakes with a variety of candies, sprinkles, and goodies that adds personalization. Older kids and teens will be shown the basics of fondant decorating. To register, contact Special Events Coordinator Ebony Ware at (334) 3565292 or parties@cupcakesbytish.com. 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

June2015 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.

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.

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.

Saturday, July 11

Breastfeeding Class Breastfeeding and lactation education designed for expectant mothers, fathers, and/or support persons. Class includes benefits, basic breastfeeding techniques, and prevention of common problems. 10 a.m.-noon. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. $15 covers mother and support person. Pre-registration required. Call 293-8497 or visit www.jackson.org/events to register or for more info.

Please send calendar info to editor@montgomeryparents.com.

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Business Card Directory FREE GED CLA$$E$ 361-4703

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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

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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.

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.

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

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

TUTORING

Ala

28 years teaching experience Tutoring grades 1st-8th

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

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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!

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

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 June 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.

First UMC, Montgomery, 56

Montgomery Pediatric Dentistry/Ortho, 52

First UMC, Prattville, 30

Montgomery Uniforms Plus, 41

Fleming’s Martial Arts, 35

Mrs. Sandy’s House, 97

Adventure Sports II, 93

Frank Johnson Cove, 51

My Kids Attic, The Shoppes of, 19

Alabama Christian Academy, 17

Frazer Kindergarten, 77

New Park, 63

Alabama Dept. of Health, Inside Front

Frazer Memorial UMC, 2

New Waters Realty, 83

Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 23

Great Leaps Learning Center, 38

O’Connor Tennis Lessons, 27

ASKIN/Synergy House, 97

Greengate School, 53, 85

Outlook Academy, Inside Back Cover

ASU Continuing Education Camp, 45

Holy Cross Episcopal School, 36

Plexus Slim, Rhonda McClellan, 97

AUM Continuing Education, 39

Hooper Academy, 46

Professional Pediatrics, 12

Autauga County Family Support Ctr, 97

Huntingdon Basketball Camp, 24

Providence Early Childcare/Preschool, 69

Baptist Health, 4

Interscapes, Inc., 8

Pump It Up Party, 25

Beth’s Heirloom Sewing, 81

It Works, 11

Riverview Camp for Girls, 85

Bradford Health Services, 79

Jenny Alexander, MD, 97

Saint James School, 1, 22

Chapman Orthodontics, 25

Kingry Orthodontics, 37

Smart Smiles, 67

Children’s Hospital of Alabama, 71

Kreative Moments, 57

Smiles Galore Parties, 81

Churchill Academy, 33

Kumon, 7

Spacewalker, The, 27

Dentistry for Children, 43

Learning Tree Child Care, 76

Spotless Cleaning Services, 96

Docarmo’s Taekwondo Center, 3

Legacy Early Learning Center, 58

Success Unlimited Academy, 31, 49

Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 55

Little Lights Creative Learning Ctr, 97

Sylvan Learning Center, 61

Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 95

Lori Mercer Photography, 29

Taylor Road Baptist Church, 93

E & S Hobbies, 97

Macon East Academy, 21

The Big Green Bus, 38

Eastdale Mall, 9

Mane, 24

The Dollhouse Toy Store, 97

Easter Seals Central Alabama, 35

Mathnasium, 18

The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover

Edward Jones-Lane Easterling, 43

Memorial Presbyterian Childcare, 81

Thrive Counseling, 29

Evangel Christian Academy, 30

Montessori @ Hampstead, 26, 75

Trinity Presbyterian School, 15

Evangel Church VBS, 95

Montessori @ Mulberry, 57

Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 55

First Baptist Church, Montgomery, 13

Montgomery Catholic Schools, 34

Vaughn Road Preschool, 42

First Baptist Church, Prattville, 14

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 37

Vishnu Dental, 51

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Tomorrowland

Poltergeist

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B+ Violence: C Sexual Content: A Language: BAlcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Tomorrowland PG for sci-fi action violence and peril, thematic elements, and language. What kid hasn’t dreamed of making his or her own jet pack? Or at least thought about whipping around town in an airborne vehicle that looks like something out of the Jetsons TV show? Well if that is the future you dream of, then Tomorrowland is the place for you. As a child, Frank Walker (Thomas Robinson) had big ideas. Tinkering around in his father’s shop, he created his own personal propulsion machine. Although it wouldn’t actually fly vertically, that was beside the point. He had his eyes firmly focused on the possibilities of the future. Now as an adult, Frank (George Clooney) is far less optimistic about the direction in which mankind is headed. Holed up in a highly secured farmhouse, he watches constant news feeds of natural destruction, man-made disasters and human follies. Then Casey Newton (Brit Robertson) comes knocking on his door. She, like the rest of us, has been fed a steady diet of gloom and doom from her teachers, academics, politicians and especially the media. However, in the midst of all of it, she has a vision of the future and remains hopeful about the changes than could make the world a better place. However she needs Frank to help her get to a place called Tomorrowland, where the best and brightest are recruited to dream the impossible. The first 45 minutes of this movie are the most fun, as the characters get a glimpse of a beautiful, sleek time to come. Based on the predictions of the 1964 Tomorrow-Land at The World’s Fair, the future in this movie has the retro look made popular during the 1950s and 60s. (Fortunately fashion isn’t reduced to standard issue where everyone is forced to wear identical jumpsuits like they do in popular sci-fi franchise Star Trek.) After a string of bleak dystopian films such as Divergent, The Hunger Games and The Giver, Tomorrowland is a refreshing take. Yet it is only made possible by Casey’s ingenuity and optimism. Refusing to believe that global warming, natural disasters, riots and societal breakdown are inevitable, she doesn’t succumb to Frank’s fatalistic views. The film is also free of any sexual content or substance abuse. While there is a generous smattering of profanities in this Disney film, the biggest concerns will be violent depictions. The most startling scene occurs when a speeding vehicle runs over a child. There are also portrayals of vandalism, peril and some brutal hand-to-hand fighting between humans and robots. This production has an agenda, but thankfully it is not overly heavy-handed. And it acknowledges that the most gifted and creative people can come from all walks of life, ethnicities, age categories and career paths. Showcasing that diversity, along with the possibilities of greater things to come, Tomorrowland may just inspire young audiences to explore their own imaginations to find ways to create a better world.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C Violence: CSexual Content: B Language: C Alcohol / Drug Use: C The MPAA has rated Poltergeist PG-13 for intense frightening sequences, brief suggestive material, and some language. Over 30 years ago Director Tobe Hooper did to television sets what Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho did to showers. He made them one of the scariest things in the house. Poltergeist (1982) was frightening enough to inspire two more sequels starring a little blonde actress who held her hands up to the static-filled screen and talked to dead people. Sadly, 12-year-old Heather O’Rourke died shortly after filming for the third Poltergeist wrapped up. Three decades later the new Poltergeist has lost some of the spine-chilling punch of the original, thanks in part to the plethora of horror movies that have ripped off the film’s scariest moments. But now a dark-haired, freckle-faced Kennedi Clements takes over the lead role, playing a little girl innocent enough not to know she’s communicating with the imprisoned souls of those who can’t find their way to the light. However, her slightly older brother Griffin (Kyle Catlett), known as the family scaredy-cat, is in tune enough with his new surroundings to sense all is not right -- including the fact that the inside and the outside of this suburban home are not an architectural fit. From the moment this family, made up of an unemployed father (Sam Rockwell), stay-at-home mom (Rosemarie DeWitt) and three kids moves into a new neighborhood littered with foreclosure signs, strange things begin happening. Closet doors open and close themselves. The post of the banister at the bottom of the stairs gives off an electrical shock, an ancient tree in the yard scratches repeatedly against the windowpanes and Kennedi’s character, Madison, begins talking to “imaginary” friends. For audience members who love the goose-bump inducing thrill of a horror movie, Poltergeist has a few good jump scenes, along with the obligatory flickering of lights and the foreboding sense you’re being watched. Yet it also has some odd side stories. Dad has been out of work for an undisclosed amount of time. That leaves one “ghostbuster” wondering if the explanation for the unexplained occurrences might not just be a hoax in order to get a reality show. There’s also a love story between secondary characters that feels forced and a little out of place in a plot about disembodied specters. From a content perspective, Poltergeist is full of the expected grotesque images, character peril, non-graphic violence and things that go bump in the night. There’s also some brief strong language and a dozen or so profanities. Thematically, Poltergeist might actually be considered a family film. It’s a story of parents and children pulling together to reclaim their little girl while going through tough financial times. Still, before you haul your own kids off to see this reboot of the franchise, remember those bonding moments are often overshadowed by angry ghosts and electrical static, which likely won’t be appropriate fare for your offspring.

What Parents need to know about Tomorrowland...

What Parents need to know about Poltergeist...

Violence: A child is hit by a speeding truck. Characters are blown up in an explosion. A robot is beaten repeatedly with a bat. Characters are shot at and chased by robots. Some hand-to-hand and weapon violence is included, along with other non-graphic moments of peril and violence. Characters are crushed, killed and injured, (some blood is shown). News footage of disasters, riots and warfare are shown. A girl steals a vehicle. Sexual Content: None noted. Language: The script contains over a dozen mild profanities. Alcohol / Drug Use: A father fears his daughter is on drugs because of her unusual behavior. Montgomery Parents I June 2015

Violence: Frequent scenes depict physical and emotional distress of characters (often children) that are subjected to trauma from spirits in the afterlife. Characters are pulled into a dark and scary realm where obscured images of skeletons and partially decomposed humans are seen. Some characters display injuries. Sexual Content: A married couple plans to engage in sexual activity but is quickly interrupted by a child. Language: A character says “eff-ing”. A scatological term and other mild profanities are infrequently heard. Drugs/Alcohol: A father frequently turns to alcohol to alleviate stress. 100

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