Montgomery Parents March 2017 by KeepSharing

one test two lives

Get tested for HIV. For you and baby. for more information, call 1-800-228-0469 www.adph.org/hiv

The Complete Education From Pre-K3 through 12th grade, STJ students, faculty, and administration work together to foster the potential of each child at Saint James School. Visit our state-of-the-art campus and you will see first-hand how your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education is enriched through experiential science, art, music, and world language labs.

Admissions Testing at STJ Take advantage of our Saturday testing options for Fall 2017 rising 1st through 12th grade students. Call Laura Hassell at 334.273.2992 for complete testing and registration details. Testing for Grades 1-12 Saturday, March 4 (students must be registered for testing by February 24, 2017) Saturday, May 6 (students must be registered for testing by April 28, 2017)

Saint James School FOR PRE-K3 THROUGH 12TH GRADE ADMISSIONS

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

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March2017

Volume 22 Number 3

62 Columns

6 Editor’s Note DeAnne Watson

8 Living With Children John Rosemond

Bringing Home the Bacon

10 Benefits of Summer Camps

The gift of sending kids off to camp pays dividends for years.

Explore 15 part-time jobs for moms.

12 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

14 Montgomery Education Matters by Superintendent Margaret Allen

44 Autauga Education Matters

by Superintendent Spence Agee

48 Elmore Education Matters by Superintendent Richard Dennis

54 Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston

60 Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

Choosing the Right Day Camp

How to pick the perfect camp to fit your kid’s interests!

2017 Summer Camps Day, residential, sports camps and more! Our listing starts you planning your kids’ summer!

82 Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

93 A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

On The Cover Mary Claire Bloodworth (age 11) is a 5th grader at Pike Road Schools. She has a brother Sam Bloodworth and her parents are Rebecca & Jarrod Williams and Allan Bloodworth. Dee Howze (age 6) is in Kindergarten at Garrett Elementary. His parents are Carla and Ryan Howze. AUM summer youth programs are FUN educational enrichment programs taught by certified K-12 educators. As seen in these photos, the program includes vet camp and science camp, plus many, many more! Visit www.outreach.aum.edu/ classes#youth-programs for all that’s available.

Departments 10 Bits and Pieces 16 School Bits 84 Calendar/Support Groups 96 Movie Reviews

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Editor’sNote You’ve probably heard it said that with the addition of each child to the family, parents get a little more relaxed. I’ve certainly found that to be true in ours. After raising two who are now 20 and 16, our six-year-old Grace is reaping the benefits of us being able to chill a little more than in our early years as parents. One way this is showing up is in the way of summer camps. Let’s see, Will didn’t attend an away camp until he was going into 6th grade, Anna went away closer to 4th grade, and I’m thinking Grace may try a twonighter this coming summer at YMCA’s Camp Chandler. It’s close by and Anna camped there many summers, plus our neighbor is a counselor and could check on Grace often during the two days. It was funny when I mentioned it to Grace recently. I told her about camp...the activities, the food and all the fun to be had in Lake Jordan. Her response was, “I’m not a big fan of lakes.” Where did that come from I wondered? However, once I told her about the care packages she would get from home that included candy, nail polish, candy and more candy, she was fully on board! That was all it took for my little sweet tooth to buy in. But, hey, she’s excited to try camp... so here we go! If you are considering a residential camp for your child this summer, be sure to start by reading Christa Hines’ article, 10 Benefits of Summer Camp. She discusses how much our kids grow as they make new friends, gain self-confidence by mastering new skills, and fall in love with the great outdoors, just to name a few. After considering whether or not your child is ready for away camp, turn to our 2017 Summer Camp Guide on page 68 to find all types of residential camps to choose from near, far and somewhere in between. If you feel like your child isn’t ready to be away from home quite yet, and only you know, then consider a few day camps to keep them active and learning this summer. Check out Choosing the Right Day Camp for Your Child on page 66 to get some helpful guidelines for knowing where your child will most thrive. Our Summer Camp Guide also includes many day camps in the River Region focusing on art, music, theater, dance, gymnastics, sports, horseback riding, robotics, and so much more. You are sure to find the perfect fit for your child. One friend told me she likes to give this issue to her kids with a pen and let them circle all the camps that spark their interest. Then you all can narrow it down from there based on dates, cost, etc. Summer is coming soon, and while it’s hard to believe, don’t let that keep you from getting ready to make it great for your family. Most camps are beginning their registrations this month, so it’s time to start planning for happy camping!

The River Region’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

Founder Marty Watson (1950-2006) Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@montgomeryparents.com Associate Editor Alison Rouse Research Editor Wendy McCollum Contributing Writers Spence Agee Margaret Allen Richard Dennis Sandra Gordon Mark Gregston Christa Melnyk Hines Carolyn Jabs Pam Molnar John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Allen White, M.D.

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

DeAnne

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Montgomery Parents I March 2017

Montgomery Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing LLC, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, Alabama, 36123. Montgomery Parents is copyrighted 2017 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. opinions expressed in Montgomery Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

My Son is Vaping...Should I Worry? Q: I found a vaping pen hidden in my 13-year-old son’s room and am at a loss as to how to deal with it. He is very susceptible to peer pressure and wants very badly to fit in with the “cool” kids. Any suggestions would be appreciated. A: This is one of those occasional questions that no matter how I answer, some group of people buys pitchforks and torches and tries to find my house. At the risk of being pilloried anyway, I will share some objective facts, starting with although there has been plenty of speculation, medical science has yet to find any specific long-term health risk reliably associated with vaping other than the obvious: nicotine addiction. Undoubtedly, some folks are apoplectic already because they think nicotine causes various cancers, most notably lung cancer, but—and again, this is a fact—smoking tobacco is bad because tobacco tars become carcinogenic when burned and inhaled. Nicotine does not cause lung cancer. Nicotine is an addictive drug (but the strength of its addictive effect varies from person to person). However, if one removes tobacco from the equation, garden-variety nicotine addiction is not reliably associated

Montgomery Parents I March 2017

with any specific health or behavioral risk. Nicotine addicts are not known, as a group, to rob convenience stores or snatch elderly women’s purses to feed their habit. Drive-by shootings are not associated with nicotine addiction. There’s no South American nicotine cartel. As addictions go, it’s relatively benign. However, and hopefully needless to say, no addiction is a good thing, and it is possible to overdose on nicotine, so please hold off on the pitchforks and torches for now. Perhaps the most immediately worrisome thing about e-cigarettes is they’ve been known to set clothing on fire and even explode. As with anything else, the cheaper the e-cig, the more likely it is to malfunction. Needless to say, your son is probably using a fairly inexpensive unit. By no means am I dismissing your concerns. I’m simply saying that if you do all you can to stop your son from using e-cigs and he figures out how to get around your prohibition, the world isn’t coming to an end. After all, he could have fallen in with a peer group that self-medicates with alcohol, marijuana, or other illicit and even prescription drugs. If you don’t see an alarming change in his mood or behavior, then he’s not likely to be doing anything but nicotine.

When it comes to teens, parents do well to accept that the limits of their influence have waned and trust that the discipline they’ve provided to that point is going to effectively deter anti-social and self-destructive behavior. Some experimentation is likely during the teen years—especially with boys. In many cases, the experimentation goes no further than that: experimentation. Above all else, you want to approach this issue dispassionately. You can and should confiscate your son’s smoking equipment and let him know that until all the facts are in concerning e-cigs, you would be irresponsible to allow him to vape. Let him know that there will be consequences if you find another e-cig in his possession. Try to discover if the peer group in question is doing anything riskier than vaping. If they are, then you should do what you can to limit contact, knowing however that attempting to prohibit teenage relationships carries its own risks. As your question illustrates, sometimes the only thing a parent can do in the face of a problem is to stay calm and continue to be “user-friendly,” as in always loving and always approachable. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions at www.johnrosemond.com and parentguru.com.

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ADT Presents Princess Stories & More

Montgomery Zoo Weekend Spring Fundraising Event 2017 Southeastern Livestock Expo Rodeo

March 16-18 Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery The Rodeo coming to town means more than just buckin’ broncos, barrel racing and burly bulls—it means family fun for all ages. Whether it’s the Junior Beef Expo, Western Festival or Dancin’ in the Dirt, there’s something for everybody to enjoy. Our rodeo will have more cowboys and cowgirls who competed in the National Finals Rodeo than any other rodeo within 200 miles! For all the info, visit http:// slerodeo.com/.

The Art of Baking Puppet Show at MMFA

April 6-7 * Starts at 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Children will learn that “art is everywhere” from charming animals working in a bakery on stage. The characters demonstrate that their particular differences, talents and skills allow them to work together in order to make tasty masterpieces. In the course of the show, children will also identify shapes, primary colors, cool and warm colors, and patterns used in confections and what it takes to become an artist. The show is for three- to- six-year olds. Advance reservations are required (taken on a first-come, first-serve basis). 200 seats per show. Please note: scheduled visits to ARTWORKS Gallery are not available on Puppet Show dates. Call Jill Byrd at (334) 240-4359. Montgomery Parents I March 2017

March 11 &12 * 9 a.m.-6 p.m. both days Festive environment with live entertainment, games, rides, bouncy houses, big slides, pony and camel rides, petting zoo, karate demos, Montgomery Police K-9 presentation, live animal presentations, concessions and animals from around the world. Enjoy the many activities, fantastic food and have fun together at an affordable price. It is also an excellent opportunity to take advantage of discounted memberships. Call (334) 2404900 or visit montgomeryzoo.com.

Back by popular demand, Alabama Dance Theatre will present its 30th annual spring concert featuring The Princess Stories and More on Saturday, March 4, at 2:30 p.m. (shortened children’s matinee of “Princess Stories” only), Saturday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 5, at 2:30 p.m. at Troy University’s Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. Performance tickets are $15-$30. The action-packed Princess Stories feature “Pocahontas,” “Aladdin,” “The Sleeping Beauty” and the forerunner of a full-length “Beauty and the Beast.” The stories are colorful and exciting and will appeal to both boys and girls. For tickets, call (334)241-2800 or visit www.alabamadancetheatre.com. *After the Saturday matinee, children can meet the princesses onstage for an additional $10.

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Hampstead Taste and Tour Alabama Angels Pageant Looking for Volunteers for March 11 Event

The 2017 Alabama Angels Pageant will be held at Frazer United Methodist Church in Montgomery. It is a day designed to celebrate the lives of all those with special needs. Participation is free and is open to males and females of any age with any medically diagnosed physical or mental impairment. The theme for the 2017 pageant is “Classic Beauties and Bowties,” so we’ll be rockin’ around the clock ‘50s style! This is a noncompetitive pageant so all angels will go home with a crown, sash, goody bag and T-shirt among other surprises for the day. Female angels will have the chance to have their hair, make-up and nails done so they will look their princess best and all angels will have the opportunity to take a ride in one of our classic convertibles that will drop them off at our decorated entrance and to the applause of their many admirers. Needs include hairdressers, makeup professionals, and nail techs, as well as plenty of volunteers to help our angels and their families have a fun and easy day. For more info, to donate or to register as an angel or a volunteer, visit www.alabamaangels. org. Also look for and follow Alabama Angels Pageant on Facebook. 10

to Benefit Samaritan Counseling Center

Join The Samaritan Counseling Center on April 1 in a Taste & Tour of the homes and community of Hampstead! Tour over 15 beautifully decorated homes with delicious food & drink tastings throughout! The tour will end at The Tipping Point in the Town Center with Live Music, Prize Drawings, and Food and Drink! The Samaritan Counseling Center believes community, mind, body, and spirit all play a vital role in a happy and healthy life. When one suffers, we are here to provide healing through quality professional counseling services. The Samaritan Counseling Center is a not-for-profit organization, serving thousands of individuals and families in the River Region. We are able to provide hope and healing to those who are hurting because of the generous donations of others and the support of communities like Hampstead. Home Tour: 4:00pm - 7:00pm Tipping Point Party: 7:00-8:00pm 5272 Hampstead High Street, Montgomery Cost: $50. Tickets can be purchased at hampsteadtour.eventbrite.com. www.montgomeryparents.com

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12th Annual Fountain City Arts Festival

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March Madness Concert

March 12 at 3 p.m. Concert features “Our Favorite Sousa Marches” at the Amphitheatre at Pratt Park. Free and open to the public. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a Sunday afternoon concert with your family and friends. For more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit pops.prattvilleal.gov.

April 1 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Pratt Park in Prattville. This annual event features fine arts and crafts by artists from throughout Alabama and the Southeast, music by the Prattville Pops, Community Chorus and local and regional musicians, performances by the Way Off Broadway Theatre and lots of hands-on projects for festival guests. Delicious festival foods and children’s play areas for all ages. For more info, call (334) 5950854 or visit www.prattvilleal.gov. This festival is FREE and open to the public.

Maxwell Air Force Base Show and Open House

April 8-9 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the French aerial demonstration team, Patrouille de France, and many other acts fill the skies over the River Region with excitement at the Maxwell Air Force Base Air Show and Open House. The event will feature many Air Force static aircraft, past and present, as we also commemorate the entry of the U.S. into WWI a century ago and celebrate the Air Force’s 70th birthday. The Air Show is FREE and open to the public. For the latest info, visit maxwellairshow.com or call (334) 953-2015.

Montgomery Biscuits Bark in the Park/Kids’ Day/Kids Run the Bases

Sunday, April 9 * 2:05 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium. All dogs are welcome with leashes. All dog owners must sign a waiver at the RF Gate entrance. Kids ages 14 and under are invited to run the bases after every Sunday game at Riverwalk Stadium presented by Coca-Cola! Kids can also play catch on the field before the game and create some arts and crafts. For tickets or more info, visit www. biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 323-2255.

Montgomery Half Marathon and 5K

March 11 beginning at 7 a.m. Riverwalk Stadium - 200 Coosa St. Both courses are USATF certified. 7 a.m. Half Marathon begins 7:15 a.m. 5K begins 9 a.m.-2 p.m. EXPO, Awards & Entertainment NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION! Make sure you bring your bib to the race. Be sure to wear it in the front so the timing system can pick you up and the photographers know how to identify you. No bib, no race, no exceptions. Registration is $35 for the 5K and $45 for the Half. Military and 1st responders receive $5 discount. For more info, call (334) 3567271 or visit themontgomeryhalf.com/.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Do I Smell Old Cheese or Your Feet? On family road trips, one of our three teenage sons would take off his shoes, bringing the comment,”Put your shoes back on!” Followed by the indignant response, “How do you know I took my shoes off off?” And the reply, “Because your feet stink!” For Christmas, his stocking stuffers were often deodorizing shoe insole replacements and foot powder.

What Causes Stinky Feet?

Foot odor (bromodosis) begins with sweaty feet. Each foot has 125,000 sweat glands, the heaviest concentrations in the body. These sweat glands produce more sweat per square inch than any other area in your body, about one cup per day. Sweating helps reduce excess body temperature from exercising. The feet sweat glands, however, produce sweat continuously even without exercise. Sweat comes from eccrine sweat glands which are all over your body. (Apocrine sweat glands are in armpits, scalp and groin.). Sweaty feet seem to run in families and are more common in teenagers and pregnant women. Many of us outgrow this trait which suggests a hormonal cause. A condition known as “hyperhydrosis” causes excess sweating in some people. Sweat is primarily water and salts without an odor itself. Bacteria are the culprits.

Montgomery Parents I March 2017

The thousands of bacteria on our skin are not noticed until they cause problems. Certain of these bacteria love dark, damp places where they can eat and live on this type of sweat or dead skin cells from the foot. The waste products from this bacterial action are fatty, organic acids. These acids smell like stinky Limburger cheese, vinegar, ammonia, rotten eggs or some combination. Athletes’ Foot is caused by a fungus and also causes foot odor. While this smell is offensive to our noses, mosquitoes find it a real turn on, especially those carrying malaria. Foot sweat trapped inside shoes can’t evaporate when wearing the same sneakers every day or shoes without socks. Open toe shoes with rubber soles can trap sweat and smells between the foot and shoe sole. Even if the foot has been scrubbed clean, the stink resumes after putting on the same shoes.

Various types of socks claim to help. Some are impregnated with antibacterials, silver, or copper. Some are ventilated or composed of special “wicking fibers”. Cotton socks gets soggy quickly so changing them twice a day can help. Nylon has no wicking properties and is no better than not wearing socks. Wool has been a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts and hikers for years and has withstood the test of time. OTC antiperspirant sprays for feet are available. Look for an aluminum based active ingredient with strength of 15% to 20%. Apply nightly to clean dry feet for maximum effectiveness. Stronger sprays and roll-ons can be prescribed by physicians. Other suggestions of uncertain help are foot powders, soaking in green or black tea, washing with baking soda and vinegar, turnip juice or radish juice. With clean and dry feet, those problem bacteria will have to dine elsewhere. If you have smelly feet, just be glad you are not like butterflies with taste buds in their feet.

What Can Be Done About the Smell?

Wash your feet with an antibacterial soap. Wash socks, footies and sneakers in hot water and bleach. Rotate shoes at least every other day so shoes are not worn two days in a row. Shoes need to fully dry out for 24 hours between wearings.

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

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Healthy digestion? Let’s work on that together.

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You Don’t Have Anything Nice to Say... When I was a young girl, the phrase, “If you don’t have anything nice to say…” was quickly followed by “don’t say anything at all.” Of course, Alice Roosevelt Longworth, President Teddy Roosevelt’s daughter, is credited with finishing it with, “Come sit next to me.” As kids we also heard that while a stick or a rock can do harm, words can’t. Well that was not true then and it is less true today. Today’s social media is filled with great recipes, pictures of our family, funny animal videos and, unfortunately, a seemingly never-ending stream of negative

posts. Facebook, Twitter etc. is too often used to admonish others. We plant our flag in one political camp or another (with unkind words to the other side) and help to spread gossip aimed at friends, foes and even folks we don’t know. It is a sad marker of our time. Children use social media to quickly communicate … a lot. One survey showed that the average teen sends about 3,400 texts a month – girls over 4,000. Much of what they communicate is positive. Occasionally they share inappropriate photographs or talk negatively about others. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to monitor their children’s computer and phone. They also suggests having serious conversations with children about communicating electronically. A good place to begin is to make sure children know that anything sent via text, Twitter, Facebook etc. is NOT private. They must know that even texts sent to a single close friend is not secure. Too often to-

day’s Best Friend Forever can become next week’s angry enemy willing to share your deepest secrets. The report suggests ensuring that children know not to type anything they wouldn’t say to the other person’s face. Instead, encourage them to use the Golden Rule: treat others as you would like to be treated. Most importantly, we must be good role models. If children see adults posting inappropriate material on social media sites, they will likely do as we do and not as we say. There is no stopping social media; only the mission of learning to use it safely and responsibly! And if we don’t have anything nice to say, we should creatively and with innovation find something nice to say! 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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2017 AISA 2A State Champions!

Get in the Game They know the extra effort they make today will help them do even bigger things in life tomorrow. Athletics play a big part on campus at Macon East with over 80% of upper school students participating in one or more inter-scholastic team sports. Team sports at MEA include: baseball, basketball, cheerleading, football, golf, soccer, softball, and volleyball. Beginning in 3rd grade, elementary boys may participate in interscholastic football, and all elementary girls K3 - 6 may participate in cheerleading. Macon East has won numerous regional and state championships, and our coaches have received local and state recognition for excellence in coaching. We pride ourselves with an athletic program with a long-standing tradition of championship-level teams.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS: A WINNING PART OF A COMPLETE EDUCATION. Summer Educational and Sports Camps will be offered this summer. Contact the school for more information.

Macon East acadEMy Knights 15396 Vaughn Road Cecil, Alabama 36013 Telephone: 334.277.6566 Web: maconeast.net l

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents Leadership scholarship opportunities are available.

Montgomery County Schools

Carver High Student Surprised with Magic Moment

Floyd Middle Wins Second Place in Regional Math Contest

In 2015, a stray bullet left 16-year-old Carver High student Marquisha Jones a quadriplegic, but she did not abandon her dream of pursuing a legal career. Now a law firm and a nonprofit have teamed up to help her realize that dream. Members of Hill, Hill, Carter, Franco, Cole & Black, PC and Magic Moments surprised Jones in the Carver library by presenting her with a laptop, an iPad, voice adapting software and mounting equipment for her wheelchair. Jones believed that she would be meeting with partners from the firm to talk about their careers and what it is like to be a lawyer. They did indeed talk about that briefly, but then soon revealed the gifts they had brought, which were hidden beneath a sheet on the table behind them. Family members smiled and news media filmed as law firm partners talked to Jones about their commitment to helping her achieve her dream. Magic Moments, a nonprofit based in Birmingham, facilitated the event. The nonprofit provides memorable moments for children suffering from chronic and life-threatening disabilities.

Floyd Middle Magnet’s MathCounts team brought home second place in a regional competition that included teams from Montgomery, southeast Alabama and Auburn. Led by math teacher William Brock, the team will go on to compete in the state competition after its finish in the MathCounts Chapter Competition. Floyd is an academic magnet that has a particular focus on the subjects of science, technology, engineering and math. Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.

Four Montgomery Catholic Seniors Sign to Play Football on National Signing Day

Cornerstone Class Presents Judges of Israel

Recently, the Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy third-grade class had a presentation of the Judges of Israel. This is a fun opportunity for students to see God’s faithfulness, forgiveness and deliverance among his people. Thank you to Mrs. Hough for making learning so much fun. Montgomery Parents I March 2017

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School held a signing ceremony for Brian Anderson, Saxton Bibbins, Landon Pinckard and David Poole on National Signing Day February 1. The event was held in the school gym, where students were in attendance along with the varsity football coaches, the signees’ families and friends. Anderson signed his National Letter of Intent to play with the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. Anderson had thirty division one offers before deciding to commit to UNC. He is the son of Charlie and Linda Anderson of Montgomery. Bibbins made his commitment to play football for Alabama Prep - Birmingham. He is the son of Veronica Hawkins and James Bibbins, Jr. of Montgomery. Pinckard signed his letter of intent to play at Faulkner University in Montgomery. He is the son of Kay and Steve Pinckard of Montgomery. Catholic wide receiver David Poole will continue his football career at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He is the son of Cheryl and David Poole of Montgomery. Montgomery Catholic Principal Justin Castanza opened the ceremony with prayer. President Anne Ceasar addressed guests and each of the athletes, thanking them for their service to the Montgomery Catholic community and wishing them success in their future endeavors. Montgomery Catholic Football Coach Aubrey Blackwell introduced each of his players, commending them on their leadership, work ethic and the spirit they added to the team. 16

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High School Joy Night @ True Divine March 16

True Divine Baptist presents High School Joy Night, a musical, on Thursday, March 16, at 7 p.m. at 4601 Troy Hwy. This annual community-based event will feature performances from Montgomery’s local high school choral groups to include Carver, Jeff Davis, BTW Magnet and Park Crossing. Scholarships will be given to participating choral departments to continue to promote the arts in public schools. In addition, a college fair with admissions recruiters from various universities in Montgomery and surrounding areas will be on site. This event is designed to assist students in making good career choices and gain more information about the college of their choice. Come out and support your community high schools, wear your school colors and show your school spirit. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (334) 286-4008.

Macon East Academy Holds National Junior Honor Society Induction

The Macon East Academy chapter of the National Junior Honor Society inducted seven new members into the academic honor society for the 2016-17 school year. The National Junior Honor Society is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding middle grade students. NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship. At a ceremony conducted by the officers of the Macon East NJHS chapter, the following students were welcomed into membership: Ali Churchwell, McKinnon Hammonds, Abby Ledlow, Shelton Lee, Rachel Major, Trey Matthews and Jay Moore. Current officers are: Jake Wyrosdick-president, Rachel Sargent-vice president, Spencer Lindemood-secretary/treasurer and Ally Matthews-chaplain. All members are shown.

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Holy Cross Episcopal School is accredited by AdvancED (formerly SACS) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools We are a proud member of the National Association of Episcopal Schools

HOLY CROSS ADMITS STUDENTS OF ANY RACE, RELIGION, AND NATIONAL OR ETHNIC ORIGIN. Montgomery Parents I March 2017

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SUA Headmaster Awarded Educator of the Year

Success Unlimited Academy was overjoyed when the Montgomery Area Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (MACEPD) honored Headmaster Susan Alred as Educator of the Year. The committee honored numerous individuals and businesses in the River Region that provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the workforce. An awards luncheon was held at Capital City Club in the RSA tower, which was one of 14 special events being presented to the state as part of the October observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Local winners moved forward to compete for statewide recognition. On December 6, Gov. Robert Bentley and the Alabama Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities announced the success and contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workforce and recognized businesses that provide opportunities for successful employment for people with disabilities. Once again, Success Unlimited’s Headmaster Alred was recognized as Educator of the Year for the State of Alabama. This ceremony was held in the State Capitol.

Sugar Gliders Added to Forest Avenue Science Lab

Two sugar gliders were recently added to the Forest Avenue Academic Magnet School science lab. These furry creatures will join an assortment of animals housed in the science lab to enrich students’ learning experience.

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Bear Class Presents Black History Month

Bear Exploration Center third-graders dressed up and gave presentations as famous African-Americans in celebration of Black History Month. Florence Griffith Joyner, Maya Angelou, Mae Jemison, Katherine Johnson, Miles Davis, Vic Moore, Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks, and Muhammad Ali were some of the inspirational African-Americans who were represented.

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Lee High AFJROTC Cadets Visit CNN Center

Lee High Air Force JROTC cadets recently took a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Curriculum in Actionâ&#x20AC;? trip to Atlanta. The 77 cadets visited the CNN Center and the World of Coca-Cola in a trip that lasted from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Senior cadets have been learning about multinational and transnational corporations, so the trip was a chance to personally experience the type of companies they have been studying. Retired Air Force Col. Antonio Douglas, Lee High AFJROTC instructor, said that after the trip several students talked about wanting to study broadcasting and journalism in college on their way to a career in those fields.

Montgomery Parents I March 2017

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Bethany Christian Honors Local Heroes

Bethany Christian Academy hosted a special luncheon to honor community heroes recently. Honorees included veterans, firefighters. police officers and breast cancer survivors. Students expressed their gratitude and recognized the dedication and bravery of these courageous individuals.

Two Academy Seniors Named Natâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l Merit Finalists

Two seniors at The Montgomery Academy have moved on to Finalist status in the 62nd Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Dora Eskridge, top right, and Ellen Park will continue in the competition for approximately 7,500 National Merit Scholarships that will be announced between April and July 2017. These students are among 15,000 academically talented high school seniors from around the country who were named as Finalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and they represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.

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Churchill Students to Be Featured Dancers at 2017 School Choice Celebration

Family Tree at Success Unlimited Academy

Churchill Academy students were invited to be featured dancers in the 2017 School Choice Celebration for the Montgomery area. Students performed in a dance performance celebrating school choice. Churchill Academy is very proud of each of these students! Churchill Academy representatives were Josh Tolle, Thomas Rutherford, Taylor Jones, Brooklyn Denson, Brittney Stiff, and Teneal Foster.

Students in Ms. Batiste’s kindergarten class at Success Unlimited Academy recently began to learn about their “Family Tree.” Students learned that some families are large and others are small. They discussed that families have moms and dads, siblings, grandparents and the tree goes on and on. Some families even include their pets in the family tree. No matter the make-up, it’s all RELATIVE!

Montgomery Parents I March 2017

Sidney Lanier High School student groups braved a rainy Saturday morning to attend a Scholarship Breakfast at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Spa at the Convention Center. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity invited the students to the event, which featured guest speaker William Pickard, chairman of Global Automotive Alliance.The students represented the groups Lanier High Poet Ambassadors, the Fellowship of Christian Students and Students Aspiring to Medical Professions.

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Sidney Lanier Students Attend Scholarship Breakfast

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Catoma Elementary Holds Career Day Extravaganza

Community members from a wide array of professions visited Catoma Elementary for its Career Day Extravaganza. They included lawyers, health care professionals, financial professionals, architects, journalists and more. Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill and Montgomery Police Chief Ernest Finley were among the visitors to the school. School Counselor Cheryl Whetstone organized the event to help gear students toward being college and career ready. The visitors went to classrooms to talk to students about what their professions are like. They represented businesses, organizations and agencies including ServisFirst Bank, ForSight Eye Care, Miller Smith, Stonecreek Dental, the Alabama Historical Commission, the Equal Justice Initiative, Montgomery Fire Rescue, Robinson and Associates Architecture, the Montgomery Police Department, Toothbuds at Lagoon Park, the Montgomery County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office, Winn-Dixie Pharmacy, WSFA, ObGyn Associates and the Boy Scouts. Afterward, visitors were treated to a catered lunch at the school. Sponsors of the event included Coca-Cola and Whole Foods.

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ACA Hosts Red Cross Blood Drive

On January 25, the Alabama Christian Academy chapter of the National Honor Society held its annual blood drive. This year, ACA continued the legacy of serving its community by collecting 118 units of blood through the Red Cross Blood Drive. ACA consistently has the largest blood drive through the Red Cross of any private high school in the state. Last year 131 units of blood were collected. More than 80 high school students, 25 faculty and staff members, and friends and family came to donate. Donors must be at least 16 years old and meet height and weight requirements. If you are interested in donating, contact your local Red Cross for upcoming blood drives near you.

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Saint James Team Wins First Place in State TEAMS Students from Saint James School placed first in the state during the Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science (TEAMS) competition February 14. For the problem-solving portion of the contest, one of the11th/12th grade teams won first place; team members included Gyuna Kim, Jason Zhang, Jason Grate, Connor Taylor, Ian Tsekouras, Veronica Cherry, Hannah Dailey and Joseph Gary. The second 11th/12th grade team from Saint James finished fifth overall, and the 9th/10th grade team from Saint James tied for sixth place overall. During the competition, each team built a robot arm from provided materials including duct tape, strips of cardboard, popsicle sticks, rubber bands, coat hangers and a few other items. The arm was to pick up a full water bottle and move it to a target. Scoring was based on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;costâ&#x20AC;? of materials (each item was given a cost value) and on the speed at which the team could move the bottle to the target. The second 11th/12th grade team from Saint James built an amazing robot arm and took just 6.8 seconds to move the bottle! The winner for this portion of the competition will be announced later this spring. Team members were T Diebel, Jin Kim, Sophia Kim, Colton Alter, Mackenzie Montiel, Wesley Cherry, Mason Edwards and Steven Yergensen. The 9th/10th grade team from Saint James had a strong robot arm time of 1 min and 25 seconds and those team members were Kylie Eng, Jack Branham, Nayoon Kang, Janice Cho, Sarang Lee, Alex Whisenhunt and Sam Prickett. The teams also wrote and submitted an essay for a third component to the contest. The essay challenge was to identify a renewable energy source for generating power in Alabama. Technological challenges and costs for implementing the proposal were to be included in the essay. Essays were submitted on the 13th of February and the results will be announced this spring. The TEAMS program is an annual STEM competition that helps students discover their potential for engineering. Using math, science and 21st century learning skills, students work together to problem-solve real, everyday engineering challenges. TEAMS increases student knowledge about what engineers do and their impact on society; introduces students to new academic concepts through real-world applications; and fosters creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills. Montgomery Parents I March 2017

Top right, Saint James School students placed first in the problemsolving component of the TEAMS competition held mid February 2017. The junior and senior team members included, standing from left: Connor Taylor, Ian Tsekouras, Gyuna Kim, Jason Zhang, Jason Grate and Joseph Gary. Kneeling: Hannah Dailey and Veronica Cherry. Middle right, freshman and sophomore STJ students participated in the TEAMS competition in February. This group produced a successful robot arm that reached its target! Team members included, from left: Kylie Eng, Janice Cho, Sarang Lee, Nayoon Kang, Alex Whisenhunt and Jack Branham. Not pictured: Sam Prickett. Bottom right, the second team of junior and senior Saint James School students who participated in the TEAMS competition had an exceptional robot arm time! Team members were, standing from left: Mason Edwards, Wesley Cherry, Jin Kim, T. Diebel, Colton Alter and Steven Yergensen. In front: Sophia Kim and Mackenzie Montiel. 24

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Evangel’s Varsity Boys Win State Basketball Title

Evangel Christian Academy’s varsity boys’ basketball team recently won the AISA 1A state title. The Lions’ team played East Memorial Christian Academy for the championship game. The two teams had emerged from the final four tournament to go head to head for the title. They were evenly matched and the game proved to be a nail-biting experience. By the end of the game, the Lions roared to victory with a 53 to 47 win. Gregory Taylor and Kory Gaines made the All-Tournament Team and Chester Pruitt was named All-Tournament MVP. The ECA Varsity championship team members were Oaklee Williams, Daryl Stewart, Anthony Gill, Ronald Holland, Mathew Johnson, Chester Pruitt, Gavin Grady, Ethan Johnson, Vincent Greathouse, Gregory Taylor, DeSean Powell, Kory Gaines and Jordan Grice.

SUA Participates in Nat’l School Choice Week

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The Success Unlimited Academy School music program had the honor of performing for the Alabama Celebration of National School Choice Week. SUA senior Baylee Hampsey led a stirring rendition of The National Anthem followed by a choral performance of “Will You Teach Me” by Victor C. Johnson. The nationally celebrated event drew thousands of parents and students from around the state to the capital city’s Renaissance Hotel to urge state politicians to provide more publicly funded educational options for Alabama’s children.

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Success Unlimited Academy Celebrates Homecoming 2017 Success Unlimited Academy spent a fun-filled spirit week in January to celebrate Homecoming 2017. Spirit Days included: Super Hero Day, Career and Hobby Day, and Mustang Blue and Gold Day. Students enjoyed the hype going into the pep rally on Thursday as they anticipated the announcement of the Homecoming Court. Cheer Coach Vickie Parrish invited the senior basketball moms to surprise their sons for a skit entitled “You’ve Been Kissed.” After the presentation of the basketball and cheer teams, Headmaster Susan Alred and Activities Director Julie Beard announced the 2017 Homecoming King and Queen and their court. SarahDiane Moody and Marion Carney were selected as Homecoming King and Queen. Senior attendants were Briana Chevez and Brandon Maddox. Junior attendants were Mary Rogers and Jamel Johnson. Sophomore attendants were Shamia McDaniel and Cole Lewis and freshman attendants were Camryn Phifer and Devin Johnson. The basketball team hosted an alumni game on January 19 with former basketball players. The homecoming game was on January 29 with a victory against conference rival Tuscaloosa Academy.

Montgomery Parents I March 2017

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Lee Cadets Help at Capitol Hill Healthcare

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Montgomery Academy Jr. Varsity Teams CCC Champs

Robert E. Lee High School Air Force JROTC cadets took the initiative when they decided to offer assistance to Capitol Hill Healthcare Center, a nursing home and rehabilitation center. The nine senior cadets helped out in several ways, including serving food and drinks to the residents during their Valentine’s Day luncheon. “I am very proud of these cadets,” said their instructor, retired Col. Antonio Douglas. “They came up with the idea of assisting a local nursing home, they contacted the home, they served the food and everything else. This was 100 percent cadet initiated, planned and executed.”

The Montgomery Academy junior varsity girls’ and boys’ basketball teams won their respective Capital City Championship tournaments. The boys defeated Catholic and the girls defeated Saint James to clench the title.

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Forest Avenue Students Get Pajama Reward

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Evangel Christian Academy

Forest Avenue Academic Magnet students wore pajamas to school on Feb. 14 to celebrate a successful schoolwide book drive. Students collected 453 books and helped raise nearly $500 for the school library! The event was organized by the Student Council as part of an effort to recognize the school’s 2016 National Blue Ribbon School achievement.

Evangel Christian Academy exists to partner with Christian parents to provide their child with a Christ-centered education.

Our desire is to help each child achieve their God-given potential through providing activities designed to foster spiritual, academic and social growth.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord... Jeremiah 29:11

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For a FREE Educational Success Consultation please contact the school office

Bethany Christian Reaches Out to Others

Bethany Christian Academy joined hands and hearts with Catoma Elementary School in a coat and sock drive. Coats, hats, gloves and socks were donated to insure that deserving children would be prepared for the winter season. BCA thanks Catoma’s Principal Markham and guidance counselor Mrs. Whetstone for the opportunity to share in this drive. Bethany Christian also extends warm gratitude to donors Art Sanders and Henig Furs, local businessman Laday Dauda and all of the generous families and supporters. Catoma Elementary was also able to share donated items with the Montgomery Sunshine Center! Montgomery Parents I March 2017

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Macon East JV Boys’ Basketball Wins State Tournament

The JV boys’ team brought home Macon East Academy’s first JV state tournament win in basketball history. Mike Murry, dubbed the freshman phenom by Coach Glass, led the team all season. Finishing with a 14-7 record, the JV team continued to improve through adversity. Averaging 24 points per game, Murry earned himself MVP honors at the State Tournament. Stone Yarnell and Lane Goree’s efforts on defense earned them both spots on the all-tournament team, while Jake Wyrosdick and Tanner Moore added points to the board.

ACA Names New Miss Montala 2017

The long-standing tradition of “Miss Montala” at Alabama Christian Academy was held on February 11. This year’s Montala theme was “Frozen in Time.” Girls in grades 9-12 competed in evening wear, casual wear and winter wear in the hopes of being named Miss Montala. By the end of the evening, junior Mattie Davis was crowned Miss Montala 2017. First runnerup was Payton Smithee and Keely Nguyen was named second runner-up.

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2600 Bell Road Montgomery, Alabama 334.277.6690

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Montgomery Academy Chorus Performs at State Conference

The Montgomery Academy fifth- and sixth-grade chorus, conducted by Meg Griffin, performed at the Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA) State conference in January at The Montgomery Performing Arts Centre at Renaissance Montgomery.

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ACA Hosts First 5K ‘Sweetheart Run’

Alabama Christian Academy and local business, Montgomery Multisport, partnered together to host ACA’s first 5K “Sweetheart Run.” The event was held to support ACA athletics and the band program. Funds raised will be used to improve athletic facilities including the game field and practice/marching fields. More than 150 runners and countless volunteers helped make this event a huge success. ACA student Tristan Smith was the overall winner in the male division and Presley Miles was the overall winner in the female division.

Forest Avenue Holds Black History Month Program

First-graders at Forest Avenue Academic Magnet School celebrated African-American culture through music and dance in “How Sweet the Sound,” a program honoring Black History Month. The annual event is organized by first-grade teacher Veronica Handy-Palmer with help from her brothers Derek and Ron Handy. The event featured exuberant performances of “Kumbaya My Lord,” “Over My Head I Hear Music in the Air,” “Miss Mary Mack,” “We Shall Not be Moved” and “Take this Hammer.” First-grade teacher Diane Holtam also wrote an original song to inspire change.

ECA’s Junior Varsity Boys’ Basketball Team Wins State

Evangel Christian Academy’s junior high boys’ basketball team recently won the AISA 1A state title. ECA’s Lions faced Southern Academy in the championship game. Both teams played hard, and at the end of the first quarter, the score was tied 6 to 6. By halftime, Southern Academy’s team had rallied and led the Lions 17 to 9. By the third quarter, the Lions were down 22 to 11. When all hope seemed lost, the Lions began to come back with a mighty roar. During the fourth quarter, ECA’s defense shut down their opponent and forced several turnovers. The offense rose to the occasion, out-scoring Southern 13 to 2. During double overtime, Carlos Carter and Joseph Love scored several points helping the Lions pull ahead. With only 12 seconds left in the game, Jordan Grice made an outstanding defensive move by blocking Sothern Academy’s layup attempt. The Lions got the rebound and were able to dribble out the clock to clinch the state title! Grice and Love made the All-Tournament Team and Carter was the All-Tournament MVP. The ECA championship team included: Grice, Love, Carter, Solomon Ayeni, Aaron Todd, Tracy Smith, Samuel Adams, Jay Pullum, Jon Michael Clemmons, Kennedy Holland and Jordan Jenkins.

Eastwood Christian School Bake Sale

Five fourth-grade girls raised some “sweet dough” for Zana School in Uganda while having batches of fun at the same time. Abbie Ensminger, Talley Hamilton, Emma Hawkins, Ella Moore and Anna Myles Kelley baked up some treats to sell on Valentine’s day at their school, Eastwood Christian. With the help of their moms and Ella’s grandmother, their bake sale was a huge success. $469 was raised from the sale and several generous donations for the school mission project. Montgomery Parents I March 2017

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Catholic Middle School Boys Named CCC Champions for Second Consecutive Year

Montgomery Catholic’s Middle School boys’ basketball team was named CCC champions for the second consecutive year after defeating Trinity in the final game of the season, 28-25. Coach is Jared Grant and players include: Spencer Bach, Ryan Barranco, Ethan Binns, Myles Butler, Ian Cullen, Michael Jones, Christopher Long, Aiden Losik, Judd Osten, Matthew Reardon, Steven Robinson, Patrick Ryan, Boyd Saunders, Grant Smith and Jalen Thomas. Also pictured are Catholic Middle School cheerleaders: Gracie Barranco, Alex Celka, Devan DeRamus, Cecilia Hoffpauir, Blair Huffman, Alyssa Kirk, Anna Nekic, Mary Lawson Norton, Valerie Waite and Zoe Watkins. Photo by Kimberly Long

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Vaughn Road Elementary and Others Mark the 100th Day

Vaughn Road Elementary was one of several schools that celebrated the 100th day with fun activities. The Vaughn Road students and teachers alike dressed up as 100-year-olds. Halcyon Elementary students and teachers also dressed up, and had a contest for the best costume. There were activities in each classroom. Dozier Elementary students made special hats to commemorate the occasion. At Morningview, students in Peggy Flennory’s Language Unit designed T-shirts displaying their ability to count to 100.

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Macon East Fifth-Graders Complete D.A.R.E. Course

The Macon East Academy fifth-grade class recently completed its first semester D.A.R.E. course led each year by Corporal Kofee Anderson. Launched in 1983, D.A.R.E. is a comprehensive K-12 education program taught in thousands of schools in America and 52 other countries. D.A.R.E. curricula address drugs, violence, bullying, internet safety, and other highrisk circumstances that today are too often a part of students’ lives. D.A.R.E. envisions a world in which students everywhere are empowered to respect others and choose to lead lives free from violence, substance abuse and other dangerous behaviors. At the conclusion of the course, participants each wrote an essay about what they learned and how it will impact their lives. At the awards ceremony, Kaiden Byrom and Kayce Rutland were honored for Best Essay. Anna Watson was recognized as Top Student for the course, and Corporal Anderson selected Spurlin Culpepper as Most Improved. We thank Corporal Anderson for his dedication to the Macon East students.

Catholic First-Graders Make Chilly Discovery

The students at Holy Spirit campus recently studied Arctic animals and the blubber that helps keep the animals warm. Teacher Emily Cutts created “blubber” for each of her first-grade students. They were able to test the blubber out when Cutts had them hold their “blubbered” finger in a cup of water with ice. None of the students were able to feel the cold water because their “blubber” kept them warm!

Montgomery Parents I March 2017

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Community Helps Create Outdoor Reading Nook at E.D. Nixon Nixon Elementary fifth-grader Quantavious Globe had a vision for transforming a part of the E.D. Nixon school campus, and with the help of community support, that vision has been realized. The men of Omega Psi Phi, the Sidney Lanier High baseball team and Lowe’s all chipped in to help Quest students at E.D. Nixon create an outdoor reading nook near the back entrance of the school. Quest students are advanced students from several different schools who study at Nixon. The volunteers installed benches, landscaped the area, planted bushes and shrubs, and created a tile walkway, among other things. The project, nicknamed Project Redesign, fulfilled a partnership with community stakeholders to bring Globe’s plan to life.

Bethany Christian Loves Pink Pizzazz!

The faculty and student body of Bethany Christian Academy hosted Montgomery songstress D’Shanty Marshall at a Breast Cancer Awareness assembly. Marshall and her two sisters established the “Pink Pizzazz Foundation” in honor of their mother, Renee Brown, who lost her brave battle with breast cancer. Marshall’s sisters join her in spreading breast cancer awareness throughout the community and they do it with pizzazz!!

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Holy Cross Episcopalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Open House Grand Success

CCCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cybersecurity Team Competes at State Level

Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy students Collin Horne and Daniel Price competed with their cyber security team, Team Lynx, at the CyberPatriot State competition for the first time and came in first place in the Silver Tier. This advanced them to the regional competition where they placed sixth overall! Lee Sumner sponsors the STEM classes offered to CCCA students.

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At the 2017 Holy Cross Episcopal School Open House, parents, grandparents, guests and community dignitaries enjoyed viewing classrooms, meeting with teachers, and taking tours of the school and campus grounds led by teachers and current Holy Cross parents. Rev. Candice Frazer, Rev. Charlie Kendall and Holy Cross board member and alumni parent Sarah Chandler greeted guests in the Chapel of the Annunciation while highlighting and describing its rich history. The annual Open House highlights one of the premier hallmarks unique to Episcopal schools, which is a strong academic curriculum. A focal point of each day is the chapel service led by local Episcopal parish priests who also celebrate weekly Holy Eucharist. Enrichment classes in art, music, Spanish, computer technology, STEM lab, sports and athletics, choral and dramatic performances, as well as a vast variety of after-school extracurricular activities are offered on site. At the conclusion of the tours, guests lingered to visit with teachers, staff, administration and board members while enjoying refreshments that graced the serving table in the center of Melanie Kelley Hall. From left, Kathy Albree, art teacher; Kathy Taylor, principal; Mrs. Harold Nicrosi; and Todd Westhauser, parent.

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Montgomery Academy Speech & Debate Coach Inducted into Hall of Fame

Montgomery Academy Speech & Debate Coach Jay Rye was inducted into the Alabama Speech & Debate Association Hall of Fame at the Betty Gunn Invitational Tournament held at Mountain Brook High School. MA Alum Hal Mooty ‘01 gave the induction speech, and there was also a video recap of Rye’s career so far. The ceremony was a powerful recognition of his impact not only on the 750 students who have been involved in the activity at Montgomery Academy during the past 25 years, but also on the activity throughout the state and country.

Forest Avenue Students Advance to Statewide PTA Reflections Contest

Several Forest Avenue Academic Magnet School students will advance to the Alabama PTA Reflections Contest after winning several categories at the county level. The winners include Grace Liu (Award of Merit) and Grace Chung (Honorable Mention) for Intermediate Visual Arts; Florence Zimmer (Award of Merit) for Primary Literature; Selena Enoch (Award of Excellence) and Sumin Park (Award of Merit) for Intermediate Literature; Prachi Patel (Honorable Mention) for Intermediate Photography; Park (Award of Excellence) for Intermediate Dance Choreography; Euro Kim (Award of Excellence) for Intermediate Musical Composition; and Michael-Christipher Reese (Award of Excellence) for Intermediate Film Production. The winning entries will be forwarded to the Alabama PTA to be judged at the state level. PTA Reflections is a nationally acclaimed student recognition program to encourage artistic creativity in the classroom and at home. Students of all grades and abilities were invited to participate and explore the arts based on the theme: “What is Your Story?” 35

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Macon East First-Grade Fun

Each year Mrs. York’s first-grade class at Macon East Academy celebrates January learning about penguins. The class kicked off the unit by reading Mr. Popper’s Penguins, along with making penguin glyphs and doing research on 17 different types of penguins. Each first-grader created his own penguin rookery displayed in the photo. To complete this fun study of penguins, the class enjoyed watching March of Penguins and eating penguin snacks.

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Catholic’s Varsity Basketball Teams Sweep the Area

Both Montgomery Catholic boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams secured the number-one seeds in their area tournaments, allowing them to host both tournaments, giving the Knights the home court advantage. The Catholic varsity boys were 8-0 in area play and undefeated in CCC play, the first time in more than 20 years that Catholic has gone undefeated in CCC play. With an overall record of 17-9, even more impressive is the season that the Lady Knights have had with an ending record of 22-3 for the 2016-17 regular season. The Lady Knights are ranked fifth in the State. A great atmosphere and hard-fought games led both teams to area championships held at home on February 10. The varsity girls defeated BTW 38-37 in a nail biter and and the varsity boys defeated LAMP 62-43. Tournament MVPs were Michaelyn Foster and B.J. Barker. Above, Montgomery Catholic varsity girls team members include: Jessie Clark, Iyana Tate, Nona Johnson, Michaelyn Foster, Paige Rentfro, Alex Jolley, Aleigha Walden, Gabby Dallas and Carrie Belsterling with Head Coach Jill Clark. At left, varsity boys’ team members include: George Sloan, Darrell Gibson, Derrick Parker, Landon Pritchett, Charlie Ryan, Antwan Parker, Garrett Cook, Saxton Bibbins, James Sadie, Checardo (C.J.) Person Jr., Dezhion “D.J.” Carter, Brenton “B.J.” Barker, David Poole and Luke Craig with Head Coach Robb McGaughey and Assistant Coach Kirk Johnson. Montgomery Parents I March 2017

ACA Goes Back to the ‘50s

With the hopes of bringing a little enthusiasm and excitement to what is normally a slow time of year, Alabama Christian Academy students went back to the ‘50s and celebrated “Diner Day.” Chapel activities revolved around the ‘50s and everyone enjoyed a dinerthemed lunch. Decked in poodle skirts and leather jackets, ACA students were excited to go back to the ‘50s!

Success Unlimited Launches Spring Dinner Theatre

Success Unlimited Academy’s Footlights Drama Club will present The Butler Did It on Tuesday, March 15. The Footlights “dramateers,” as Director Liz Lee affectionately calls her acting troupe, are a truly talented group of teens. “The rehearsal process early on has brought great energy and excitement as we prepare this Agatha Christie-type show filled with many laughs and surprises!” said Lee. There will be an audience raffle to see who can guess the perpetrator of the dastardly deed, as well as surprise music guests. It will be a fun experience for anyone interested in good food and an abundance of laughter. To attend this dinner theatre masterpiece, contact the SUA Box Office for ticket pricing and to reserve your table at (334) 213-0803. Seating is limited! 36

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STJ Student Advances to State Spelling Bee

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Cornerstone Spring Fling Set for March 16

The students and faculty of Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy are looking forward to their annual Spring Fling event, which will be held on Thursday, March 16, at 6:30 pm. This event is a showcase of academic recitations, musical presentations and student artwork of the grammar school students at CCCA. Following the presentation there is opportunity for those interested in Cornerstone to tour the school, as well as a reception to honor the hard work of the students and teachers. The public is invited to attend. For more info, visit www. ccamontgomery.org .

Saint James School sixth-grade student Selina Sun has emerged as the best speller in Montgomery County and she is headed to the State Spelling Bee in March! Sun competed in the middle school spelling bee at Saint James for grades 6, 7 and 8 and won the school’s contest in January after 25 rounds of elimination. In February, she competed at the Montgomery County Spelling Bee for students up to eighth grade and won against 21 opponents after 15 rounds. She is excited to compete in the state spelling bee competition in Alabaster this spring.

Bethany Christian Gives Thanks By Giving

Families at Bethany Christian Academy provided full course Thanksgiving dinners for twenty-five community families. The hefty baskets also contained common food staples that would provide nutritious meals long past the Thanksgiving holiday. The baskets were complete with turkeys donated by the Montgomery Legacy Club and other supporters. BCA seventh-grader Daniel Thomas and his father, Rico, assisted with delivery of the baskets. The opportunity to give to others gives the BCA family reason to be thankful.

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SUA Holds 2nd Annual BOSS Showcase

Success Unlimited Academy students and staff recently held the 2nd Annual “Best of Success Showcase” – BOSS! Last year’s inaugural music cabaret set the stage for this year’s performance that brought the bright lights and big sound of New York City to the school’s Vaughn Road campus. The fundraiser, sponsored by the SUA Fine Arts Department, featured performances of Broadway’s most memorable show tunes by school staff and students.

ACA Elementary Skypes with Antarctica

First-graders at Alabama Christian Academy have been completing a unit on penguins. As a part of their study of penguins, first-graders collaborated with Jean Pennycook, a penguin expert who is stationed at a penguin colony in Antarctica. Students prepared questions ahead of time and discussed ways to track emperor penguins’ activity year to year. Students learned how they could even help penguins all the way from Alabama. Students also enjoyed learning about weather conditions in Antarctica. Montgomery Parents I March 2017

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Montgomery Academy Students Make Valentine’s Day Sweeter for Retirement Home Seniors and their kindergarten buddies at Montgomery Academy decorated Valentines together. Several H.E.A.R.T. (Helping Eagles Are Right There) Community Service Club members and kindergarten students then visited Wesley Gardens retirement community to deliver the special messages to the residents on Valentine’s Day!

Cornerstone Kindergarten Class Celebrates 100th Day

The kindergartners at Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy celebrated their 100th day of school in February! Activities included: hiding 100 Hersey kisses, making 100 day projects and crowns, eating 100 day snacks (10 various snacks consisting of 10 items each), reading “100th Day” books, drawing self-portraits as an 100-year-old person and deciding how to spend $100! Thank you to Mrs. Gonzalez for making such interactive and joyful opportunities here at Cornerstone!

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Macon East Basketball Seizes AISA State Championship

The Macon East Academy varsity boys’ basketball team enjoyed a perfect 33-0 season before winning the AISA state title. Coaches Larry Chapman and Lincoln Glass set out this year to become a more defensive-minded program, and they beat the majority of their opponents by an average 38.9-point margin. After playing in several tournaments this season and taking home the trophy from them all, only one trophy was still up for grabs. Heading into the Elite 8 as region champions, the Knights eliminated South Choctaw with Artavious Billups leading the charge with 30 points followed by Slate Garmany (14), Christian Lewis (13), and Kyle Edwards (12). The Final Four matchup with Pickens Academy was a 63-29 victory led by Garmany with 28 points and Billups with 18. As predicted, Macon East would face Autauga Academy for a third time in the championship game. By halftime with the score at 37-8, the excitement was building among the Knight fans and the bench. This team would be the school’s first since 1973’s Macon Academy team to win a state championship in basketball. Once again, Billups and Edwards led the scoring with 19 each and 13 points from Garmany. These three were named as members of the all-tournament team with Billups selected as tournament MVP. The three senior starters (Billups, Garmany and Lewis) went on to represent Macon East in the AISA All-Star game on February 17 at Huntingdon College. Seven seniors topped the roster for this year’s team, but only one was given the honor of grabbing the trophy. Channy Blackwell, sidelined since football season with an ACL injury, fought back to play basketball this season and live out his team’s dream of a state title. Though he made appearances in just a few games, his injury was not fully recovered, so instead he became another coach to his teammates and chief encourager. Blackwell took the trophy back to his team.

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Bethany Christian ‘Parades’ In Pink

As part of the annual celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Bethany Christian Academy students and teachers “paraded” through the community. Clad in pink and armed with pink trash bags, students beautified the neighborhood surrounding their school by picking up litter and rubbish. The parade through the community was also designed to meet and greet neighbors.

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ECA Students Place in AISA District Spelling Bee

The Alabama Independent School Association recently held the annual District Five Spelling Bee. Several students from Evangel Christian Academy advanced to participate. Students from fourth through eighth grades competed. Josh Johnson, chief meteorologist for WSFA-TV, hosted the event. Many of the ECA students placed. Eli Wilks, Jada Bowen, Kemairiya Davis, and Chelsea Trimble won second place in their divisions. Zahria Davis and Owen Perkins also represented ECA at the event.

Montgomery Parents I March 2017

MacMillan Student Reaches Out to Seniors

MacMillan International Academy fifthgrader Garrett Cantey has again shown that he has a big heart for seniors in need. Last year, Cantey created Socks of Love, a drive to collect socks to give to residents of Cedar Crest, a nursing home located near the school. After getting to know the residents, he discovered that some of them have additional needs. This year, he launched Socks and Gloves of Love. He and other MacMillan students delivered the socks and gloves to the seniors just before Valentine’s Day. www.montgomeryparents.com

Success Unlimited Announces Annual Spelling Bee Winners

Success Unlimited Academy held its annual spelling bee competition for the Lower Campus on February 1. This annual event challenges students in grades three through eight to learn to spell more than 250 words prior to the bee. The bee was held in Hawkins Hall on the lower campus and welcomed sixteen elementary participants (grades 3-5) and twenty-four middle school participants (grades 6-8). All participants received medals and certificates for their participation. Winners for the elementary grades were: 3rd place Keenan McMann, 2nd place Devonta Freeman and 1st place JaMarion Gantt. Winners for the middle school grades were 3rd place Johnny Paradise, 2nd place Ozackery Jones and 1st place Dontrell Mays. These winners were honored with trophies and a monetary gift presented by SUA Headmaster Susan Alred.

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Holy Cross Learns Geography Playing Family Feud

EASTER BUNNY’ S arrival! Easter Bunny Visits and Photos

Kathy Black’s third-grade class at Holy Cross Episcopal School has been learning about landforms and how nature changes Earth’s features by playing America’s favorite group game, Family Feud! Black draws two names to select the contestants. As they come forward, they exchange a friendly handshake and prepare to hear the question as Black reads it aloud. As soon as one of the contestants knows the answer, he rings the bell and answers excitedly! Third grade has launched an in-depth study of landforms, how and why our land changes shapes, related science vocabulary, topical geography, and how weather events shape the surface of our Earth.

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Montgomery County Schools

Catholic Hosts Vex Robotics Tournament

Macon East Celebrates AR Goals

The lower school students from Macon East Academy were treated to a show from magician Gary Ledbetter as a reward for achieving their Accelerated Reader goals for the second nine weeks. Ledbetter performed many magic tricks including levitation, card tricks, and pulling a bunny from his hat. Overall, MEA students continue to excel in the Accelerated Reader program, reading well above grade level and surpassing their quarterly reading goals. Thanks to school librarian Leigh Desmarais for challenging our young readers and planning fun events to reward their accomplishments.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School was proud to host a Vex Robotics state qualifying tournament in the Dolly Barranco Activity Center at the Middle/High School campus in early January. Led by faculty members Dr. Joe Profio and Rob Russell, Montgomery Catholic’s “Robo Knights” hosted the first robotics event at Montgomery Catholic and only the second of its kind in the region. The Knights competed with four of the 18 teams present from four visiting schools—Brew Tech, Enterprise, Ohatchee, and Saint James high school. The whole community came together with parents, students and faculty serving as volunteer referees, announcers, event staff and even kitchen crew. Montgomery Catholic expressed gratitude to the staff and students from Brew Tech who were willing to share equipment and expertise to help MCPS make the event such a successful one. The Knights and their robots finished well, with three of four teams represented in the final four matches.

Two Montgomery Academy Students Chosen for Capstone Leadership Academy Montgomery Academy sophomores Lucy Chapman and Will Hamlett were selected to The University of Alabama Honors College 2017 Capstone Leadership Academy. They will attend the CLA at The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa in March. Events will include leadership activities, presentations from guest speakers, small group discussions, campus tours, entertainment and fellowship activities.

Montgomery Parents I March 2017

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Where has the year gone? Spring is issuing in many exciting opportunities and events. Afternoons are packed with baseball, softball, golf, and soccer. Spring band concerts and field trips fill the students with excitement, and Spring Break is just around the corner, March 20-24! The Autauga County school system continues to produce a new crop of fresh honors for students and faculty alike! Great news just arrived for the Transportation Department! Zero deficiencies were found during the transportation audit. This is truly an amazing accomplishment. Did you know we transport over 5,400 students each day in Autauga County? We

have 124 total routes, 104 regular routes, and 20 special needs routes. Our buses travel nearly 647,000 route miles each school year and over 230,000 extra-curricular miles. We were also able to purchase 35 new buses for $2.6 million. This year’s fleet renewal funds will completely cover this obligation. I want to recognize and congratulate the team that keeps the buses in top shape to transport your children safely every day. Thanks to the following individuals: Transportation Supervisor-- Neil Messick, Shop Assistant -- Shari Bryan, Shop Foreman-- Carl Coburn, Derek Fuller, Transportation Secretary-Kathy Greer, Shop Supervisor-- Joey Hamm, Charlie Lucas, Clemon Motley, Donnie Parsons, Jack Willis, and Don Yarbrough. Our teachers are always looking for new ideas and ways to implement them. Central Alabama Electric Cooperative held their 2016-2017 Bright Ideas Grant Reception on January 17th. We received seven of these grants. Congratulations to following teachers: Kimberly Bell from Billingsley for

Student Created Hands-on Math Centers, Ashley Brock from Billingsley for Tools of the Trade, Spring Bruner from Marbury Middle for Aquaponics - The Farming of the Future, Kayla Dake from Prattville Primary for Lego Build our Science and Math Skills, Kristie Glidden from Prattville Primary for Egg-Stra Ordinary Beginnings!, Emily Gregory from Pine Level Elementary for Oh SNAP! It’s Electric!, and Tammy Horton from Prattville Kindergarten for Kinders Can! I hope everyone has a fun and restful Spring Break and returns refreshed for testing season. The 2017-2018 school calendar was approved in February to allow everyone to start planning for next year. You can find it on our website at acboe.net and also on our “Autauga County School System” Facebook page. 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 20 years of experience in the education field as well as 29 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 High’s Lauren Chambliss Named National Merit Finalist

Prattville High School senior Lauren Chambliss has been selected as one of the roughly 16,000 students to advance as finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. She will have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,400 National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $33 million that will be offered in April. Approximately, 90 percent of the semifinalists achieve finalist standing, and more than half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the title of Merit Scholar. Approximately 1.6 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools enter the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2015 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). To achieve finalist status, they must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by the high school principal, and earn an SAT score that confirms their earlier performance on the qualifying test. In addition to her National Merit achievement, Chambliss also has a 33 on the ACT, is currently enrolled in several Advanced Placement classes, and represented Autauga County in the Alabama Distinguished Young Women Competition where she was first runner-up. She is also very involved in her church as well as various leadership organizations such as Alabama Girls State and YMCA Global Leaders Program, and was a page in the Alabama Senate. Chambliss wants to become a chemical Engineer and will attend the University of Alabama. Remarkably, she follows in the steps of her mother, Tara, who was also a National Merit Scholar.

Foundation Grants More Than $32,000 to Area Schools

The Autauga Education Foundation (AEF) held a Grant Reception January 31at the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce. The Foundation allocated more than $32,000 for 23 different programs and/or projects for schools in the Autauga County School System. AEF board members are shown above with some grant recipients from Prattville Elementary and Prattville Intermediate schools. AEF is a nonprofit organization that provides sustainable resources and builds community support to ensure academic excellence and strong character development in Autauga County Schools. The Foundation is a separate and independent organization that works in concert with the Autauga County School System to provide support for its goals and objectives. Since the Foundation’s establishment in 1995, more than $350,000 has been granted to Autauga County District Schools, enhancing educational programs and student experiences throughout the county. This past September, the Foundation awarded $24,500 to 12 schools in the district. “We are so excited to increase our funding and be able to award funds twice in the same school year,” said Bob Gipson, 2017 AEF Board president. “The additional funds were made possible by the generosity of our community and the very teachers that dedicate so much to our students. Without support of our 2016 A+ Banquet, which is held each spring, and our Payroll Deduction Program, these funds would not be possible at this time.” The Autauga Education Foundation helps to develop and provide opportunities for local governments, businesses, individuals and philanthropic foundations to become actively engaged as volunteers and investors in our county school system. If you or your business would like to partner with AEF in their funding efforts, please call (334) 312-7047 or visit autaugaef.org.

Prattville Elementary School’s New Playground

Students at Prattville Elementary School are enjoying their new playground. This project began early in the school year and with a collaboration of efforts, the dream became a reality. Thanks again to all the students, parents, faculty, staff, community members, superintendent, board members, Brewbaker Motors, Gametime Inc., ADEM and Home Depot! 45

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Autauga County Schools

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Leadership Autauga County Education Day

The Autauga County Board of Education hosted the Leadership Autauga County Team on January 19. Staff members gave an overview of various topics including new construction projects, state assessments, funding and the Child Nutrition Program. The leadership team toured Prattville High School, the Autauga County Technology Center, bus garage, and Prattville Kindergarten School.

Prattville Kindergarten Presents Christmas Concert

During December, the students of Prattville Kindergarten School presented “A PKS Christmas” concert for parents and community members. Under the direction of music teacher Jocelyn Stovall, the students provided great holiday entertainment. There were more than 400 student performers and more than 800 people in attendance. The concert was performed at Prattville Doster Center and was an overwhelming success.

New Hope Students Support Moe’s Fundraiser

Prattville Schools Celebrate 100 Days

New Hope Academy’s high school students helped participate in the fundraiser at Moe’s Southwest Grill in Prattville February 8. ll funds raised will help support the school.

Schools all over Autauga County celebrated the 100th day of school on January 31. Faculty and students dressed the part. There was a parade at Prattville Primary and a balloon release at Daniel Pratt Elementary. Projects included students compiling 100 of their favorite items and writing about where they see themselves at 100.

Autauga County Receives Flawless Bus Audit

Daniel Pratt Elementary Holds Career Day

Daniel Pratt Elementary held a successful Career Day on January 13. Twentytwo vendors from across our region presented career opportunities to the students. Montgomery Parents I March 2017

Great news just arrived for the Autauga County Schools Transportation Department! Zero deficiencies were found during the transportation audit. This is truly an amazing accomplishment, because more than 5,400 students are transported each day in Autauga County, using 124 total routes (104 regular routes, and 20 special needs). Autauga County buses travel nearly 647,000 route miles each school year and more than 230,000 extra-curricular miles. The county was also able to purchase 35 new buses for $2.6 million. This year’s fleet renewal funds will completely cover this obligation. Thanks to the following individuals who keep the buses running safely for students: Transportation Supervisor Neil Messick, Shop Assistant Shari Bryan, Shop Foreman Carl Coburn, Derek Fuller, Transportation Secretary Kathy Greer, Shop Supervisor Joey Hamm, Charlie Lucas, Clemon Motley, Donnie Parsons, Jack Willis and Don Yarbrough. 46

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Prattville Christian Academy’s Design Thinking Curriculum Makes Community Impact

Prattville Christian Academy seniors Hannah Minney and Hannah Patton just completed a nearly year-long project to renovate the Louise M. Smith Developmental Center’s outdated conference room. As members of PCA’s iServe Technology Club, Minney and Patton chose this Design Thinking project as a way to give back to their community. Design Thinking is a methodology used to solve complex problems and find desirable solutions; it draws on logic, imagination, intuition and systemic reasoning to explore possibilities of what could be and to create desired outcomes that benefit the end user. The project involved replacing outdated furnishings, carpet and decor to create an environment suitable for business, with a focus on the organization’s mission of service to those with developmental and intellectual disabilities.“These young ladies exemplify the empathy, creativity and service that play a part in the Design Thinking process, and PCA is proud of their service to our community,” said Brigitte McCawley, PCA’s academic integrationist. As a result of their hard work, both were given the President’s Award at the Louise M. Smith Developmental Center’s Annual Board Membership meeting. “We couldn’t have asked for two more perfect young ladies for this project! From the very start they had a vision for the room and they remained enthusiastic about bringing that vision to life,” said Jess Butrica, Louise M. Smith Center executive director. “What they really grasped was when I first mentioned I wanted the room to feel welcoming, like you were at home. It was very important to me that this training room have photos of members of the Smith Center, and artwork that they put their time and efforts into. Both have bright futures ahead and we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of their project.” From left are Kyle Shirley, board president; Hannah Patton, Hannah Minney, Jess Butrica and John Allsup, board member.

Prattville Kindergarten Holds Family Fun Night

On January 26, Prattville Kindergarten School held Frozen Family Fun Night. There was face painting, a snowball fight, dance floor and a cake walk. Participants also participated in a snowman STEM project. It was so much fun that Elsa and Olaf even made an appearance. Blue frozen treats from Bruster’s made the night complete. This event had huge support with more than 600 people in attendance. PKS thanks all of its parents, community members, teachers and staff for such tremendous support in providing a fun night for students.

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We have all heard the saying, “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb,” referring to the transition from winter weather to the welcome warmth of spring. March also signals change and transition in the Elmore County Public School System, and I am excited to share some of these with you. In the area of athletics, I am pleased to announce that two of our high schools, Holtville High and Stanhope Elmore High, will welcome new head football coaches to their staffs. Mr. Jason Franklin joins the staff of Holtville High School after nine years as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Horseshoe Bend High School in Tallapoosa County. Coach Franklin’s success as a head coach in a small school coupled with his integrity and proactive leadership skills make him an excellent fit for Holtville High School. Stanhope Elmore High School’s new Athletic Director and Head Football Coach is Mr. Brian Bradford. Coach Bradford graduated from

Stanhope Elmore in 1994, then returned to serve as a math teacher and coach for nine years. He most recently served as Athletic Director/Head Football Coach at Chilton County High School. Coach Bradford is described as a “man of great character who does what is right for kids.” We look forward to the positive impact these men will have on the lives of their student athletes. In the area of instruction, a number of changes are planned to accomplish my goal of placing more resources back in our schools. Having served as a high school principal for 22 years, I am keenly aware of the challenges our teachers face on a daily basis. The changes in the education landscape both within the state of Alabama as well as nationally have increased the demands placed upon classroom teachers to meet the instructional, social, and emotional needs of their students. This is compounded by the fact that Elmore County operates on the minimum funding provided by the State Foundation Program, including the number of teachers placed in classrooms. Putting more resources back in the schools involves making the most efficient and effective use of all staff and includes placing staff where they can have the greatest positive impact on instruction and student achievement.

March also marks the beginning of spring testing for our students. Children in grades 3-12 will participate in some form of assessment, either online or paper and pencil, with the goal of measuring their academic progress. Students in grades 3-8 and 10 will take the ACT Aspire, 11th grade students will take the ACT with Writing, and 12th grade students will take ACT WorkKeys. We use the data generated from these and other assessments to guide our decision making and implement action steps to help our students reach their full academic potential. Fostering student-centered, challenging, and relevant learning environments that prepare students for college or the work force after graduation is our goal, and our staff is committed to helping our students achieve success in an ever-changing educational environment. Richard Dennis is the Superintendent of Education for Elmore County Schools. He is a 1983 graduate of Holtville High School. He completed his undergraduate degree in English and History Education at The University of Alabama, his Master’s degree in English at Troy University and his Administrative Certification at AUM. He served 21 years as a high school principal at Holtville High School, Wetumpka High School and most recently, Prattville High School. He and his wife, Leslie (also an educator) have three sons: Forrest, Ethan, Jacob, and a daughter, Laura Grace.

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WMS Holds Spelling Bees

On January 12, Wetumpka Middle School held its annual Spelling Bees. Participants were selected after winning an informal Spelling Bee at the homeroom level. Fifth- and sixth-grade winners were, above, Alexias Naylor, first place; and Ashley Burgess, runner-up. Seventh- and eighth-grade winners were, below, Cole Nowell, first place; and Joseph Hester. Naylor and Nowell went on to represent Wetumpka Middle School at the county Spelling Bee February 2.

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Elmore County Schools

Holtville Elementary Science Fair Winners

Elmore County Awards Spelling Bee Winners

Holtville Elementary held its school Science Fair on January 20. Students who placed first, second or third place competed at the Elmore County Science Fair February 9 at Lanark Learning Center. From left are Austyn Armstead (1st Place Earth/Physical Science), Avery Goff (1st Place Life Science), William Kiker (2nd Place Life Science), Lindsey Robinson (2nd Place Earth/Physical Science), Clifford Edwards (3rd Place Life Science), Amber Rogers (3rd Place Earth/ Physical Science) and Shalom McCloud (Honorable Mention Life Science). Not Pictured: Karson Heisler (Honorable Mention Earth/ Physical Science). The school Science Fair coordinator was Erica Burge.

Elmore County held its countywide Spelling Bees recently with the winners from each school competing against each other. Above, first-place winner in the thirdand fourth-grade bee was Maleah Beaufort from Airport Road Intermediate, shown with fellow ARIS student Kamani Howard, who gained the runner-up title in the fifth- through eighth-grade bee. Beaufort’s winning word was “crescent.” Below, Redland Elementary student Kaiya Dixon won the fifth- through eighthgrade bee. Her winning word was “machete.” She will compete in the State Spelling Bee on March 11 in Birmingham.

SEHS Wrestlers Head to State Championships

Stanhope Elmore High School had multiple wrestlers who qualified in their weight class for the State Championship in Huntsville. Shown are Jake Andrews, Tanner Sheffield, Tanner McCord, Dillon Pannell, Carson Stone and Tobias Garrison.

WES Teacher Receives Science Funds

Ms. Wells, a second-grade teacher at Wetumpka Elementary, received the materials from a Donor’s Choose project for science lab coats and goggles for her students.

Montgomery Parents I March 2017

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ARIS Enjoys Visits with Exotic Animals

Airport Road Intermediate School was excited to welcome representatives from Barn Hill Preserve, who did an awesome job providing the students with information about exotic animals. Students had a great time learning about Bubba the Lizard, Booger Ball the Bull Frog, Percy the Armadillo, Godzilla the Lizard and Joey the Kangaroo. Students had the opportunity to touch the animals and have their pictures taken with them.

Eclectic Elementary January Students of the Month Kindergarten students include: Xzandrea Winkler, Kady Adams, Kamren Floyd, Aaron Wildinson, Silver Milstead and Kambell Shade; 1st Grade: Santiago Diego Mateo, Caitlyn Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Banion, Jayla Wagner, Sarjah Matthews, Carley Walls and Beau Traylor; 2nd Grade: Desiray Woodard, Libby Claire Powell, Aly Shultz, Aiden Owens and Charlie Buckner; 3rd Grade: Gage Tompkins, Jayden Coates, Addison Darden, Carlee Sides, Houston Sides and Callie Haynes; and 4th Grade: Hailey Mathews, Ally Orr, Chaning Thomas, JP Clements and Eli Pitchford.

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Area Homeschoolers Give To the Community

A few Academy Days Co-op students represented their fellow homeschoolers as they delivered canned goods to W.E.L.C.O.M.E. Inc. in Millbrook recently. About 175 cans were collected and donated by the homeschoolers to the food bank serving West Elmore County families in need. Shown are Jason Jackson of Millbrook, Sarah and Tamara Phillips of Millbrook, Megan and Claire Mason of Montgomery, and Hannah Black of Deatsville. The homeschoolers represent the 44 families of the tri-county area who participate in the homeschool co-op. Held weekly during the school year at Coosada Baptist Church, Academy Days Co-op offers preschool through high school classes in subjects such as science labs, acrylic painting, computer programming, creative writing and P.E. Visit www.AcademyDays.com for more information about the co-op or homeschooling.

Holtville Elementary Student Council

The 2016-17 Holtville Elementary Student Council has displayed true Bulldog Spirit this year by helping others. Students have organized numerous events including: Fill the Boot campaign, canned food drive, leading the morning announcements with the pledge and character trait along with being great ambassadors for the school.

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WES Uses Outdoor Classroom For Crab Habitat

Wetumpka Elementary fourth-graders created habitats for crabs using the new Outdoor Classroom. Last year, WES. received a grant to create this outdoor classroom for all students to use.

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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston

Behavioral Warning Signs in Teens There is much in the news these days about cars accelerating out of control, leaving the driver and passengers helpless to know how to slow down or stop their runaway vehicle. That’s kind of what it is like in a family with a teenager who is out of control. The whole family gets swept along for the not so joyful ride. Typical adolescent behavior includes moodiness, hyper-sensitivity and irrational thinking — no cause for much alarm. But there are other behaviors that are warning signs of a bigger problem than you may realize. These attitudes and behaviors are often triggered by a child’s feeling of being disrespected or abandoned in some way at some point in their life, and the level at which those feelings impact their actions, relationships and decisions in the teen years becomes abnormal. Do you understand the difference between normal and abnormal teenager behavior? If not, here’s a handy tool we’ve developed to describe the behaviors that may mean that there is more going on than the normal bumps of adolescence:

Behavioral Warning Signs

Instructions: Enter how often the behavior is experienced: 0=Never 1=Sometimes 2=Frequently 3=All the Time [___] Your teen refuses to abide by anything you say or request. These behaviors may put your teen or your family in danger or high risk, and lead to constant fear or stress in the home. [___] Your teen displays behavior that is a marked change from what has been normal for them in the past (slipping grades, sleeping too little or too long, forgetfulness, lack of motivation, aggression, depression, anxiety, hating what they once loved or loving what they once hated, always wanting to be with friends away from home, or avoiding friends altogether and spending too much time alone). [___] Your teen is increasingly disrespectful and dishonest and no longer veils his or her feelings nor cares about the consequences of misbehavior. Seemingly a loss of a conscience or moral compass. [___] There is a blatant ignorance or profound rebellion toward the boundaries and rules of your home. This can be shown in passive aggressiveness or open defiance that is unusually excessive for your teen. Montgomery Parents I March 2017

[___] Outright or veiled threats of suicide; participation in self-mutilation or eating disorders or cutting (Important: Get immediate professional help!) [___] Excessive risk-taking, running away, dangerous drug or alcohol use (confirmed by drug tests); blatant sexual promiscuity, or same-sex relationships. [___] Threatening or out-of-control treatment against people, pets, or belongings, or your teen exhibits a vengeful spirit and destroys things to “pay back” a perceived mistreatment by others. Disrespect for all forms of authority. [___] Your teen thinks he or she is the center of your family, while at the same time showing a growing hatred for the family, evidenced by a blatant disregard for their feelings, time and possessions. Demands for money or outright theft of money or family possessions, or using things without permission and then claiming they were lost. [___] You cannot keep your teen away from peers who are obviously leading a lifestyle counter to your beliefs, and your teen is buying into their destructive behavior and attitudes. SCORE: ______ (total of the numbers you entered)

If the score is 15 or more, there is probably more going on in your teen’s life than you can handle on your own or through the normal tools of parenting. Your child needs some professional help, and things have escalated to the point that it could even mean that your child needs to be treated for a time away from your home, at a therapeutic facility like our Heartlight program. If the score is less than 15, it doesn’t mean that you are off the hook. Things can escalate quickly and the errant behaviors will expand to other areas; so if you’ve written a “2” or “3” next to any of these warning signs, you need to work hard to do to get that particular area under control before it spreads. Keep in mind that misbehavior in teenagers is usually nothing more than a flag they are waving high in the air to tell the adults in their life that something is wrong. Their actions are likely being sparked by something in their past, like: abuse, a split in the home, a death of a loved one, a mental illness, or a chemical or hormonal imbalance. They could also be the result of hidden substance abuse, excessive feelings of guilt, or bullying by peers. Sometimes the causes are so tragic and personal that a child would never 54

think of telling anyone about them, but they bubble or explode to the surface through their actions instead. Or, they may not even know why they are acting the way they are. In those cases, it is best to get a professional counselor involved, who can deal with these issues privately and skillfully.

Other Signs

Some teens act out their issues and stresses in less apparent ways, but these are warning signs as well. Those include: frequent sadness, crying for no reason, withdrawal from friends and activities, refusal to eat or over-eating, sleeping too much, feelings of hopelessness, loss of energy, talk of death, suicide or ending it all are all signs of depression. A depressed teen may not be making a fuss in the family, but the issues and outcomes can be just as serious. Another type of warning sign is your own feelings. Pay attention to them. If you’ve caught yourself thinking: “Our family cannot live like this any longer,” or “I can’t put a finger on it, but something is wrong with that kid,” or “I can’t sit by and watch him destroy himself,” then you already know that something needs to change. And if you have the feeling that something is going on that you just can’t put your finger on, you’d be wise to put on your detective hat and get to the bottom of it, because your gut feeling is probably right. You may be able to stop the problem well before it gets out of control. Sadly, every day, I meet good kids from great families with wonderful parents who are dismayed by their teen’s journey down the wrong road. The stress of it has torn their family and even their marriage apart in the process. I trust you will not allow things to get that far before you deal with the problem, or seek the right kind of help, if that is needed.

Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

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Thinking about going back to work this year? You are not alone. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics in 2015, the labor force participation rate for mothers – the percentage of the population working or looking for work – was nearly 70%. Would that number be higher if more moms could find a job that was accommodating to their family’s schedule? Ideally, a mom needs a job that adapts to her family and their schedule. That means starting your own business, finding work that is seasonal, or working within the school district. Take a look below at some family-friendly jobs for moms. Montgomery Parents I March 2017

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Be your own boss: Dog Walker/Pet Sitter – Dog walkers work midday to give four-legged friends a potty break. Pet sitters care for pets either in their home or the pet’s home when their family is on vacation. Check out the National Association for Professional Petsitters (http://www.petsitters. org/)for more information. Academic Tutor – This is a great job for a mom with a teaching degree! Work after school, weekends or evenings. Spread the word in your neighborhood, area schools and the library.

Music Instructor – Use your talents to teach kids how to play an instrument, read music or use the full range of their voice. Seek guidance at music instruction associations in your area.

Home Childcare – Moms already know how to take care of kids and have safety features, such as gates and electrical plugs, in place in their home. Check your city’s requirements

and licensing for home based day care. Want summers off? Offer before and after school care instead of a full day daycare.

Lactation Consultant – Remember that wonderful woman who came to help you when you were a new mom? Imagine being that angel for someone else. For information on training and certification, check out Healthy Children’s Center for Breastfeeding (www. healthychildren.cc).

Online Retail – eBay or Etsy – Most people have sold at least one thing on eBay in the past few years. Check out eBay University to find out how you can be a successful eBayer! If you are a talented artist or crafter, your products will sell well on Etsy. There are plenty of how-to books available for both eBay and Etsy. Virtual Assistant – VA’s offer professional administrative services to remote clients from the comfort of their own home. This service is often used by small businesses who cannot afford to staff an administrative assistant. For

more information, see the International Virtual Assistants Association (http:// www.ivaa.org/).

Photographer – Photographers are in demand for product shots, family portraits, kid’s sporting events, weddings or whatever else interests them. Photographers can also sell their work to stock photo sites such as iStockPhoto or ShutterPoint. Personal Trainer – Get certified to teach yoga, Zumba or as a personal trainer. Hold classes in your house or travel to your clients’ homes. This business is perfect for a mom as you can create your own schedule and work around any personal appointments you already have. Freelance – Many people assume freelance work is for writers only. However, a quick scan of elance.com will show you that freelancers are needed for many jobs like IT, accounting or web design. Bid on assignments that work for your skill level and time commitment. Check out other freelance sites like oDesk, Guru, or Freelancer.com.

PHYSICIANS TO CHILDREN

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DR. KAREN DOLES Now accepting new patients ages newborn to 18 years

PH Y S IC IAN S TO C H ILDR E N Taylor Medical Complex 470 Taylor Rd, Suite 210 Montgomery, AL 36117 (334) 293-5033

PHYSICIANS TO CHILDREN ChildrensAL.org/physicianstochildren

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Work for the school district and have summer’s off: Crossing Guard – Crossing guards are either employed by the police department or the school district. Most work regular morning and afternoon shifts during the school year right in their own neighborhood.

Food Service Assistant - Popularly referred to as the “Lunch Lady”, moms are often hired to work in the cafeterias in grades K-12. This is a perfect job for moms with school aged kids as you work only when they are in school. Teacher’s Sub – Not all states require substitute teachers to have a teaching degree. Requirements are either determined by the state or individually by school district. For more information on requirements in your area, check out Stedi.org.

IF T Secretary’s Sub – What happens when the school secretary gets sick? Schools need subs for the office staff as well. Apply at your local school district for administrative assistant positions. School Bus Driver –Typical school

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

www.prattvillemethodist.org Montgomery Parents I March 2017

bus drivers work 20 to 30 hours per week. School bus drivers need to have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), undergo training and receive passenger and school bus endorsements. Check out your local driver’s license facility for more information. mp Pam Molnar is a freelance journalist and small business owner. She has launched several successful businesses while staying home with her three children.

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Helping Kids Get Enough Sleep in a 24/7 World For growing children, adequate sleep may be every bit as important as nutritious food and daily exercise. Yet ever since Edison flipped on the first electric light, experts have been worrying about whether any of us are getting enough sleep. Now researchers are warning that online amusements, especially social media, are sabotaging sleep. Not long ago, the New York Times ran an anxious story about adolescents who “vamp”, staying up all night and using cellphones to surf, text, tweet, play games and binge watch their favorite shows. Apparently, some teens even text in their sleep, sending messages they don’t remember the next day. The best way to counteract these trends is to teach good sleep habits when kids are little and parents are firmly in control. Throughout elementary school, it’s a good idea to establish a clear bedtime by counting backward 10-11 hours from when a child needs to be up in the morning. (For current research about how much sleep kids need, visit www.parentingscience.com/sleeprequirements.html.) To help kids fall asleep, guide them toward a predictable, self-soothing routine. A warm bath. Getting things organized for the day ahead. Low lights. Soft music. A bit of reading. A snuggle with a stuffed animal. The specific ingredients may vary depending on child’s age and temperament, but experts point out that learning to do something consistent in preparation for sleep has lifelong benefits. In middle school, children grow rapidly, so they still need more sleep--and less social Montgomery Parents I March 2017

media—than they think they do. Sleep experts recommend that bedrooms be techfree zones--no cellphones, video games or televisions. Period. Get an old-fashioned alarm clock, and insist that all devices observe a curfew in a room you can supervise. Make it a goal for everyone in the family to get an hour of tech-free time before bed. By high school, most kids will challenge these rules, so parents need new strategies. The most effective is to talk to teens about how plenty of sleep at night makes them happier during the day. The goal is to help kids develop a genuine appreciation for the benefits of sleep so they will make healthy decisions even when you aren’t around. Here are some points worth making: How Much is Enough. Rather than arguing about how much sleep he or she needs, make your teen responsible for behaviors associated with being wellrested. Can your teen get up at the right time in the morning and do what needs to be done without nagging from you? Can he or she stay awake and pay attention at school? Is your teen able to get through most days without being hostile, grouchy or irritable—all common side effects of fatigue? Explain to your child that when the answer to all these questions is yes, you can back off about bedtime. If you see slippage in schedules, grades or moods, you’ll need to reassert control . The Risks of Too Little. Teens need to know about research showing that too little sleep has consequences for physical and mental health. In addition to the negative effects on mood and attention, sleep deprivation is also associated with higher blood pressure and an increase in stress hormones. Teens may also be interested to know that some researchers have connected too little 60

sleep to increased feelings of hunger which may lead to weight gain. Online Seductions. Teen aren’t going to want to hear this, but sleep experts are convinced that being online before bedtime makes it harder to fall asleep. For one thing, light is a stimulant that interferes with the sleep cycle. In addition, many online pastimes—competitive games, social media “drama”, provocative programs—activate emotions that thwart sleep. If your teen resists the idea of disconnecting at bedtime, talk about what’s going on. Some teens whose lives are heavily scheduled feel that their only unstructured time occurs after “lights out.” Others experience FOMO (fear of missing out) whenever they are offline. Understanding why your teen wants a phone under the pillow may help you work together to establish better boundaries and balance. Becoming Self Aware. Teens are more likely to make sleep a priority when they are aware of their own patterns, so encourage your child to keep a sleep diary. What time did he or she get into bed? How long did it take to fall asleep? What was happening immediately before bedtime? Did he or she wake up spontaneously (a sign that sleep was adequate)? When was your child tired during the day? Did he or she take a nap in the afternoon? How long? Did he or she wake up refreshed or groggy? Doing this for a week or two may help your teen make the connection between better sleep and better performance during the day. Finally, remember that children who lead full and complicated lives may need help with the kind of off-line relaxation that leads to restorative sleep. Depending on your family’s values, you may want to encourage your child to pray, count blessings, meditate, or write down problems so they can be set aside. All of these are time-tested strategies for stepping away from the pressures of a 24/7 world and finding peace at the end of the day. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing the Growing Up Online column for ten year. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart. Available at Amazon and Cooperative Wisdom.org. @ Copyright, 2017, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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THE ADVENTURES IN

Launch a Rocket

Math & Science

Kayak in Mobile Bay Build a Robot

Solve a Crime

2017 Summer Camp Sessions

Hosted by the Alabama School of Math and Science June 5-9, June 12-16, & June 19-23

Prepare for the ACT Day & Overnight Camp

Located in Mobile, AL Grades 6-10

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

1255 Dauphin St. • Mobile, AL 36604 • 251.441.2100 • www.asms.net • aims@asms.net 61

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As 14 million children across the country head off to day and overnight camps this summer, they’ll return home with more than just a cute camp t-shirt. The summer camp experience can give kids an advantage in school and in life. Here’s how camp benefits kids: Nurtures social skills. Camp is a community away from home and school where kids learn to work with each other and adult mentors, build relationships and manage conflict. “You learn to navigate through group dynamics, to barter, to keep one another happy, to be sensitive and support a friend who’s sad,” says James Spearin, YMCA senior vice president of youth development. “These skills transfer and build adults with strong character and leadership.”

Montgomery Parents I March 2017

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What Campers Say:

cording to the Centers for Disease Control, obesity in children has doubled, and in teens has quadrupled, in the last 30 years. Thanks to the many activities camp offers, kids stay busy and physically active. More camps are also working to offer healthier food choices for their campers. According to 2014 study in the American Journal of Health Behavior, camps that offer wholesome foods are more likely to turn out campers who eat more fruits and veggies. Many resident and day camps now offer cooking and gardening tracks where kids learn how to prepare nutritious meals.

96% say camp helped them make new friends 92% say people at camp make them feel good about themselves 74% did something they were afraid to do at first

Eases the summer slide. You know that old saying, “if you snooze, you lose”? In the absence of regular enrichment over summer break, research

Source: ACACamps.org finds that kids typically lose as much as two months of grade level equivalency in math. Reading comprehension and spelling skills also take a hit during the summer. To help curb summer learning loss, many specialized camps offer educational opportunities in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) that make learning and problem-solving fun and interactive. Also look for camps geared toward reading, writing and the arts.

Provides a sense of achievement.

From rock climbing to whitewater rafting and horseback riding, summer camp gives kids a chance to try activities that they wouldn’t ordinarily get to try. “Trying new things in an encouraging environment creates a greenhouse for growing young leaders,” says Garret Perkins, director of Camp Kanakuk, a faith-based camp that offers overnight, day and family camps.

Enhances self-confidence. According to an extensive study of camper outcomes conducted by Philliber Research Associates, 70 percent of parents report that their child gained self-confidence while at camp. Whether they work through homesickness or tackle an activity that pushed them outside of their comfort zone, kids walk

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away feeling a stronger sense of personal pride and self-reliance. “We use our activities and facilities as platforms to encourage kids in who they are and equip them to grow in confidence in who God has created them to be,” Perkins says. “With this newfound perspective, they become influencers in their own communities.”

Helps them unplug. In a distracting digital world, camp offers valuable space where kids can slow down, connect and focus. “At Kanakuk, we remove the distraction technology offers and give campers the chance to plug into the great outdoors, try new sports and activities, make friends through shared experiences instead of shared social media platformsand we see them come alive,” Perkins says.

Builds friendships. Away from the pressures, labels and social structure of school, one of the best parts of camp is the opportunity for kids to make new friends. “Some of the biggest benefits we saw from sending our children to Kanakuk

Montgomery Parents I March 2017

were their new friendships, spiritual growth and just the opportunity for them to spend time with like-minded people away from worldly distractions,” says Dianne Shadwick, whose three, now grown, children began attending Camp Kanakuk at age 9.

Reintroduces them to nature. According to a nationwide poll conducted by The Nature Conservancy, only about 10 percent of children spend time outdoors everyday. Why? Kids say they aren’t interested, they lack access and are uncomfortable outside. In the meantime, they’re growing more and more attached to life in cyberspace and further detached from the natural world. “To connect with our woods and forests, our wildlife, our lakes and streams and oceans, our stars in complete darkness, all while depending on other campers and adults to keep one another safe is an experience unlike most others in life,” Spearin says.

Fosters teamwork. Camp facilitates an environment where kids learn that to succeed they must work together with their peers and their camp leaders.

Whether they’re working to build a campfire together, playing a game, or preparing a meal, campers learn to problem-solve to accomplish their goals. Through teamwork, kids learn that they are each an integral part of the camp community where they feel a sense of acceptance and belonging.

Encourages personal growth. While camp may simply seem like a quintessential summer pastime for kids where they might learn to swim, sleep in a cabin and sing around a campfire, they’re rewarded with personal development skills that will help them in the classroom, in their relationships and eventually, the board room- or whatever their calling. “Those tangible experiences lead to building the foundations of stronger children who can lead others, show empathy, navigate through difficult group dynamics, value the differences in everyone, and give of oneself for the benefit of others,” Spearin says. “These are skills that the best in our society show throughout life.” mp Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines is the mom of two sons who love to attend camps each summer. Christa’s latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

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Millbrook Team Wins Grand Champion Cheer & Dance Title

Red Reign, the senior co-ed Level 4 team from Cheer Pro Athletics in Millbrook, traveled to Mobile on February 5 to compete at Jamfest Jam Bash National Cheer Championship.The members were in the company of many talented competitors from Georgia, Alabama. Mississippi and Louisiana but Red Reign came out on top with a first-place win. On February 11 the team also traveled to Birmingham for the Victory Valentine Championship.Teammates again took first place and were also awarded a Grand Champion title. As Grand Champions, Red Reign received a Platinum Paid Bid to “THE ONE” Cheer and Dance Finals in Orlando or New Orleans this spring. The team is made up of students from throughout the tri-county area. For more info, call (334) 517-4930. The group is shown at Jamfest.

PBS KIDS launched its 24/7 channel a few weeks ago, dramatically increasing access to the #1 trusted source of children’s educational media. Beginning Friday, April 21, the channel will debut “PBS Kids Family Night,” offering weekly family viewing events featuring movie specials or themed programming. The Family Night will run from 7-9 p.m., and will repeat on Saturday and Sunday nights. As kids continue to spend more and more time on screens, parents turn to PBS KIDS as a trusted and safe place for kids to watch television. By the end of the year, 90% of U.S. TV households will broadcast the channel, which includes 108 PBS licensees. Currently, 75 licensees are broadcasting the 24/7 channel. A recent parent survey about the benefits of PBS KIDS programming mentions that 66% of parents report that their kids’ behavior improves after engaging in PBS KIDS programming and content!

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Day camps come in all shapes and sizes, appealing to a range of interests and ages. Here’s how to find a camp that invests in your youngster by creating an unforgettable experience where they’ll meet new friends, gain self-confidence and learn new skills --all while giving you peace of mind.

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Begin with basics. First determine your schedule needs. Some camps are only a few hours a day while others are structured to work well with a working parent’s schedule. Figure out if you’ll need to arrange before or after care. From there, seek a camp with “caring staff, fun programs and a dedication to the health and safety of the campers,” says DD Gass, a director of camps and school-age services for a faith-based community center. Montgomery Parents I March 2017

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Match the camp with your child’s interests. From computer coding to robotics and sports, day camps offer kids the opportunity to try all kinds of new activities. If your child isn’t interested in a camp that specializes in one activity, choose a more traditional camp that offers a wide range of activities throughout the session. “Make sure there’s a healthy balance between structure and choice,” says Jim Spearin, senior vice president of Youth Development for the YMCA.

Consider the culture. Ask for referrals from trusted family and friends.”Choose a camp that welcomes parents as partners in their experience,” Spearin says. “Parents should always feel welcome to come visit during camp. There should be planned activities for both parent and camper to enjoy together such as special events or campouts.”

Seek qualified, organized staff. Camp employees should be licensed, certified and trained in sexual/child abuse prevention, first aid and CPR. Find out how camp leaders are supervised and how they plan for emergencies, including natural disasters, intruders and other threats. Also consider the child-to-staff ratio. Will your child feel lost in a group that’s too big, even if it meets state criteria? “It’s vitally important for staff to have child development knowledge and experience to ensure that appropriate, engaging and enriching activities are offered,” says Katrina Ball, a childcare resource and referral director.

Try it before you buy. Attend a camp expo or camp fair to find out what options exist in the area. Some organizations feature their own camp fairs and mini-camps during the spring for families to try. “As a parent you know your child best and what program would be best for them. Trust your instincts,” Ball says.

Calm butterflies. Many youngsters have a hard time adjusting to new situations and people and may feel scared or intimidated. Include them in the process of choosing a camp. Discuss the schedule of activities and what a typical day will look like. “Children can help pack their lunch (if needed) and pack their backpack with the items they’ll need for camp. This helps them know what they have in their backpack and know what they will need to bring home,” Gass says. Find out if one of your child’s friends would like to attend the camp with him. Attending orientations, visiting the camp site and meeting the staff prior to the beginning of camp can also help reduce any pre-camp jitters. mp

Freelance journalist, Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two happy day campers. Christa’s latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

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Whether you want them to experience day or overnight camp, sports or fine arts, our listing has details on these and many more. It’s time to get your campers ready for summer fun!

Art / Music / Theater • Abrakadoodle Summer Art Camps and Classes Abrakadoodle camps are designed for kids ages 3-5 and 6-12, and we bring everything schools and community sites need to offer an exceptional art experience: well-trained teachers, awesome art camp themes with the perfect art lessons, tools and materials to engage kids in fun art adventures. Abrakadoodle camp programs immerse kids in design, exploration, creativity, planning and problem solving in an environment that is packed with art activities that kids love! Abrakadoodle campers can get messy while experimenting with art. As kids unleash their creative potential, they will: Build skills as they discover art techniques, styles and artists; Use a wide variety of art materials to make original creations; Experiment and problem-solve with inspiring activities; Enjoy fun social interaction via collaborative art adventures; Play joy-filled games; Develop CREATIVITY. Please visit our website at www.abrakadoodle.com/AL01 for Art classes, camp locations and registration. To be a camp host site call (334) 265.5758 or Email: sparker@ abrakadoodle.com.

Alabama Shakespeare Festival ad on page 53

Behind the Curtain: Technical Theatre Camp (Grades 9-12)  Dates TBA,  9:00am - 4:00 p.m.   Fee: $300 . When directors and actors need sets, lights, sound and costumes so they can look good, whom do they turn to? You! Learn from the best master theatre artists and designers in the business! Broadway South Musical Theatre Camp (Grades 9-12)  July 24-28 , 9:00am - 4:00 p.m.  Fee: $300.  If you’re a triple threat just waiting to happen-you need to come to camp! Sing, dance and act side by side with real live professional actors on the ASF stage. At the end of the week they might be asking you for your autograph! Camp Shakespeare (grades 4-6)  July 10-14 or July 17-21, 8:30am - 4:00 p.m.  Fee: $300. Work with real New York based actors as you learn to act, move and cross swords like the pros. You don’t know what cool is until you can sound like a Shakespearean actor! Montgomery Parents I March 2017

Camp Shakespeare Extreme is (grades 7-12) June 19-23 or June 26-30, 9:00am - 4:00 p.m.  Fee: $300.  It’s Camp Shakespeare but - extreme. Dig deeper into your character, move effortlessly around the stage, learn to project and enunciate! Don’t know what enunciate means? You will when everyone is hanging on every word during your monologue.   Camp Shakespeare Junior is (grades 5-8) July 5-8 or June 12-26.  Fee: $149. An introduction to theatre for your 5 to 8 year old, engaging them with dramatic play and theatre games. A great preparation for Camp Shakespeare!  Weekend Warrior (Grades 7-12) July 21, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and July 22, 10:00 a.m. – 4 p.m. Fee: $150 (Only $100 with any other camp).  Learn the skills of stage combat! Your personal fight master will teach you the secrets of hand to hand combat techniques as well as the use of various weapons. For information on any of these summer camps, contact Greta Lambert at ASF Education Department at (334) 271.5393 or glambert@asf.net.

ASU Tonea Stewart’s Performing Arts Camps ad on page 79

Call 334.229.6755 or visit toneastewartcamps.com. Camps in acting, singing, dancing, oral interpretation, and technical theater. TAPS-Theatre Artist Performance School: (Ages 6-12) Enrichment Activities Program held May 30- June 10; $325 Registration Cost CAMP 3T-Teaching Through Theatre: (Ages 13-18) Residential program in performance for teenagers held June 18-24, $375 Registration Cost TTI-Technical Theatre Initiative: (Ages 15-18) Practical training in the technical arts held June 5-10 & June 18-24; $215/Five hours daily GIFTED-Giving Individual Freedom to Express Diversity: (Ages 13-21) A performance program for individuals with special needs held; (Tues.-Weds.-Thurs.) July 11-14. All applications require a $50 non-refundable deposit to be applied towards the camp fee.

ASU Middle School Music Camp ad on page 75

Tullibody Music Building Camp dates are June 26-29, Mon.-Thurs. from 9 a.m.

until 4:30 p.m. for rising 7-9th grade band and choral students with a minimum of one-year experience. Bring your own instruments. Students will receive instruction in performance skills and music knowledge, play fun music in large and small ensembles, and have classes in technique, music history, theory and aural skills. Students will also play in a piano lab and create notebook of what they learn. Friends and Family Showcase Concert on last day. Please call (334) 229.4341 for more information. You may visit www.alasu.edu/msmc for an application.

Barb’s Summer Art Camp ad on page 80

1923 Mulberry St; (334) 269.2272 or 334-546-2233 3 day ART CAMPS with Barb Grimes for 5 and up: $40 a day or $120 for 3 days; Tues, Wed & Thurs. from 1 pm - 3:15 pm. Multi media workshops...painting, collage, texture, pen & ink, watercolor, drawing etc. Session 1 – June 13-15; Session 2 - June 20-22; Session 3 - June 27-29; Session 4 - July 11-13; Session 5 - July 18-20; Session 6 - July 25-27. $40 deposit required. “Just Painting” with Barb at Barb’s on Mulberry for ages 4 and up: Paint 2 canvases a day! $25 a day or $75 for 3 days; Tues., June 6, Wed., June 7 and Thurs., June 8. Call Barb Grimes at (334) 269.2272 or Text 546-2233 to save a spot. Please visit our website at www.barbsonmulberry.com or www.facebook.com/ barbsonmulberry.com. • McBrien Design Art Studio (334) 361-2238 or (334) 546-2771 Frances McBrien Email: mcbriendesign@charter.net SUPER FUN ART CAMPS! Morning and afternoon sessions plus 3, and 5 day camps to choose from. Each session features different themes, art activities, and techniques, so be sure to sign up for more than one session. (Ages 6-17) Detailed Camp Information to be posted in May on the website. Website: www. mcbriendesign.com.

M.E.O.W. Academy: Music Education on Wheels ad on page 71

104 Mendel Parkway, Montgomery MEOW Academy offers music lessons in piano, voice and guitar for children ages 4+. Contact us about our spring break and summer camps at 334.676.1449 or visit www.meowacaedemy.net.

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Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts ad on page 58

Teen Camp: June 5-9, Ages 12 and up. Afternoons Youth Camp: June 19-23, July 10-14, July 24-28, Ages 6-13; Week-long, Half-day or All day. These unique fullfilled camps offer small group instruction (10 students to 1 teacher ratio; maximum of 20 students) in drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, and sculpture. Students also view and learn about famous works of art in a Museum setting. Each week a variety of art media and techniques are explored, such as drawing with pastels, charcoal, pen and ink, colored pencils, and markers; painting with watercolors, tempera, and acrylics; sculpting with clay and mixed media; and creating relief prints. Different themes, art projects, and techniques are offered each week, with a special student exhibition and reception for family members at the end of camp each Friday. Camp fee includes snacks and all art materials. The camps are also designed for working parents, as extended hours are offered. Camps are limited to 20 students and fill up quickly, so sign up today! Full day students MUST bring their own lunch. For more information, call the MMFA at (334) 240.4333 or visit the website at www.mmfa.org. • Montgomery Music Project Summer Camp 2416 West Cloverdale Park, Montgomery (901) 603.0420, Mei Li www.montgomerymusicproject.org Montgomery Music Project (MMP) offers an enriching day camp full of engaging music activities and classes for children of a variety of ages and abilities. Daily orchestra lessons are supplemented with group drumming, musicianship class, singing and more. The 2017 MMP Summer Camp will be announced. Registration can be found at www.montgomerymusicproject.org.

• Prattville’s Performing and Visual Arts Camp for Kids *MUSIC *ART *DANCE *DRAMA; TBA. Features art work and musical theatre production. Includes one hour of instruction of each of music, art, dance & drama every day. 9 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. For more information call (334) 361.0554. • P’zazz Art Studio 354.1975, 138 W. Main St. Downtown Prattville Weekly Classes. Please call for days and times. To register call Kasey at (334) 354.1975 or kaseyau@ gmail.com or visit us online www.pzazzart.com. • Spicer’s Garage Band Camp 334.329.7529, Auburn, AL garagebandcamp@gmail.com Rock Band Camp: Dates to be announced ; Praise Camp: Dates to be announced; Camp Kazoo: Dates to be announced.; Advanced Camp: Dates to be announced. Attention aspiring musicians, ages 8 - 18! If you love music, and want to play in a rock band, this camp is for you! At Spicer’s Garage Band Camp, you will have a blast as you jam daily with your band mates. Campers receive individualized lessons in their instrument of choice and work with other musicians to create their own unique sound. Instruction in singing, song writing, and performing on stage are key components of the camp. Through the competent guidance of skilled staff, lessons on self esteem, communication and problem solving skills are woven into each session. Camp Kazoo! This fun-filled, positive camp introduces children ages 3 to 7 to the wonderful world of music. Camp Kazoo campers will beat on drums, shake tambourines, tap the keys, strum guitars, sing and of course toot KAZOOS! They will experience various musical genres (think reggae, bluegrass, rock’n roll) and learn about melody and rhythm. This hands-on camp provides a foundation for a lifelong love of music, and may lead to discovering a passion for a specific

instrument (or two). Children will gain an appreciation for the many ways music enriches our lives. Please visit us at www.spicersmusic.com for more information. • Stringfellows 240.4004; June 18-24 The Montgomery Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the 23rd annual Stringfellows Summer Music Seminar, a “camp” to be held at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama. Stringfellows is designed to serve rising 7th-9th grade students of the violin, viola, cello, and bass. This seven-day residential music camp will focus on building the skills necessary for success on one’s instrument. Camp enrollment will be limited to the first 30 applicants accepted. The camp’s activities will be anchored by a string orchestra, which will rehearse 2-3 times a day. Daily classes in music history and theory will also be offered. Stringfellows will conclude with a concert and awards ceremony on Saturday morning. All campers must be able to read music and should be able to play two octave scales in several keys. Experience in the positions is helpful but not necessary. All campers will play for the faculty at registration and complete a theory background sheet to help determine the content of classes and the repertoire for orchestra. Campers must be recommended by their string teacher to be considered for acceptance into Stringfellows. For more information on the upcoming summer camp please check out www.MontgomerySymphony.org or call the MSO office at (334) 240-4004.

Trinity Art Camp ad on Inside Back Cover

(334) 213.2100 June 20-22 and July 18-20 Please visit our website at www.trinitywildcats.com for more information.

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Dance / Gymnastics / Cheer Camps • Alabama Dance Theatre 1018 Madison Avenue, 241.2590 The Alabama Dance Theatre will be offering summer classes in classes in classical ballet (pre-ballet to the professional level), pointe and variations, pas de deux, composition, modern, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, tap and “Back to Dance” Session I is: May 30-June 15 and Session II is June 26-July 13. There will also be a “Tutus and Tiaras” camp for ages 3-8 on June 19-23. The Alabama Dance Theatre Summer Intensive Seminar for intermediate and advanced dancers will be held July 17-31. The Summer Dance Seminar culminates with 2 Free performances of “Stars On the Riverfront” July 30 and July 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Riverwalk Amphitheater. Classes will be held at the Armory Learning Arts Center, home of the Alabama Dance Theatre located at 1018 Madison Avenue. For more information please call 334-241-2590 or visit www.alabamadancetheatre.com. • Alabama River Region Ballet (334) 356-5460; riverregionballet@gmail.com www.riverregionballet.com; Dates TBA Children’s Fairytale Ballet Camp: (ages 3-7): Includes ballet class and ballet oriented movies and crafts relating to classical storybook ballets. Light snack included. Summer Camp for ages 8-11; Summer Dance Intensive for ages 12-18. Classes offered in Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Jazz, & Modern. • Centre’ for Performing Arts Prattville, AL. Dance Classes: Please call for dates, Creative Movement, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary and Gymnastics. Ages 2 and up. Competition team auditions in the month of July. Diva Dance Camp (ages 5-12); TBA; Call 491.1192 or visit www.centreforperformingarts.com. • C.J.’S Dance Factory (home of the Prattville Ballet) (334) 467.8603; Camp Dates: June to July Little Princess Ballerina Camp: Tutus, Tiaras and Princess Activities, Power Tumble Gymnastics Camp and Ballet Technique. Please visit www.cjsdancefactory.com

Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection

ad on page 67 3370 Harrison Rd., 277.1098; Summer Fun Day-camp dates: June 5-9 and June 19-23 and July 10-14. Time: 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.(4-12 years). $175, Pre-register before May 15: $150. Including all styles of dance, modeling & manners, fashion shows, talent show, arts & crafts, water play and mini manicures! Summer dance classes for all ages beginning June 5 in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Baton and Tumbling. Call 277.1098 for info or check our website and Facebook page. www.tonyaspeedsdanceconnection.com

United Gymstars & Cheer Camp ad on page 77

Call 284.2244; 10 week Summer Camp, Weekly themed activities, gymnastics, trampoline, rope climbing, crafts and more. Beginning first week in June Montgomery Parents I March 2017

through beginning of August; Time: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ages: 4 and up. Half Day offered for 3 and 4 year olds. Call for rates.

riflery, Re Hall, and historic lodge. Transportation is available from Montgomery at no extra cost. www. ymcamontgomery.org

Day Camps

• Camp Invention Bear Exploration Center, Dates: 5/30 to 6/2 from 8:00 to 4:00; Cost: $230. A day at the Camp Invention program is packed with hands-on activities, brainstorming, experimentation, and unbelievable action! Please visit www.invent.org or email campinvention@invent.org.

AUM Summer Youth Programs ad on page 69

244.3804; Camps offered from June through July Ages: Gr. K-5 - 12th. OutReach offers a variety of educational enrichment programs children of all ages including Summer Youth Camps, ACT Review classes, Math & Reading Programs, and an Accelerated Program (Brainiac Camp). These programs instill children with an excitement for learning, prepare them for the upcoming school year, and even equip them with necessary skills for the college entrance exam. Call 244.3804 or visit www.outreach.aum.edu/classes for more information.

Alabama State University ad on page 73

(334) 229.4686 or (334) 229.4317 SKYCAP/IMSET 2017 Session 1: June 5-23; Session 2: July 10-28 Grades 1-12; Half and full-day programs. Academics, computers, arts and fitness. A variety of courses to expand and peak your child’s imagination, sharpen academic skills and introduce them to physical fitness activities. • Alabama Wildlife Federation 3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook, 285.4550 May 29th-August 4th Expedition Lanark Outdoor Day Camp is a full day summer camp that provides hands-on, outdoor educational activities that teach natural resource stewardship, develop leadership skills, build character and open your child’s mind to outdoor adventures and fun. From Tadpoles to Trail Blazers, Counselors in Training, High Adventure, Gross Out Camp and so much more, we have something for your child (ages 5-15) to explore this summer! Extended Care is available for an additional fee. Sign up for the fun now at www. alabamawildife.org • Camp Grandview — YMCA (334) 290.9622; Dates: May 30 - August 11 Length: Weekly basis; (Ages 5 to 15) 4700 Camp Grandview Rd, Millbrook, (334) 290-9622 Located on 190-wooded acres, YMCA Camp Grandview includes two beautiful lakes, a waterpark, horse barn, athletic fields, hiking trails, mud pits, disc golf, archery,

• Camp Sunshine for Boys 262.2697; July 10-14; Boys Age: 6-11. Outreach program for less advantaged youth with a variety of outdoor activities. No cost but invitation only camp; may call for application. • Camp Tukabatchee (800) 977.2688; Day and resident camps. Ages: By scout rank. Week 1: June 4-10, Week 2: June 11-17, Week 3: June 18-24; Other: Boy Scout Camp. Emphasizing outdoor skills and leadership development. Week long experience with swimming, hiking, canoeing and other outdoor skills. www.camptuk.org or www. tukabatcheebsa.org • Fort Faith/Brigadoon Retreat Center 315 Brigadoon Way, Ramer, Alabama (334) 288.1188, ext. 210; All ages; Open year round Hire facility out to churches for Summer Camps Activities: canoeing, paintball, volleyball, ping pong, foosball, video games, game room, swimming pool, climbing wall, Lake Blob, archery and much, much more. Y-Fi available. Please visit our website for more information: www.brigadooninfo.com or email camp@ fortfaith.org. • Gross Out Camp Takes Science Outdoors Alabama Nature Center (Lanark), Millbrook

July 24-28; Ages 6-9; Cost: $200 Yuck...if it’s gross we’ve got it! This award-winning science camp focuses on hands-on biology. Activities include: creek stomping expeditions for macro-invertebrates, meet-a-tree style scientific observation, and creativity such as making your own bird-poop paint (not from birds). Kids will meet live snakes in a reptile program. Learning has never been this much fun! Sponsored by Fresh Air Family. The camp combines science experiments, exploring,

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journaling, and nature-inspired arts and crafts to address a variety of learning styles. For more information, call (205) 540-6642 or go to www.alabamawildlife.org or www.GrossOutCamp.org

Montgomery Zoo ad on page 83

(334) 240.4900 Dates: half days for 5-6 yr. old, 7/17-21, 7/24-28; half day for 7-8 yr. olds, 6/26-30, full day 7-8 yr. old 7/10-14; half day for 9-10 yr. old, 6/12-16 full day for 9-10 yr. old, 6/19-23; full day for 11-12 yr. old, 6/5-9. Ages 5 - 12 (each week is for specific ages). Cost: Non- members; $180 for full day, $140 half day. Members; $162 for full day and $126 for half day. Full day includes lunch and two snacks; one snack for half-day. See daily live animal presentations; get up close and personal with some of the Educational animals at the Montgomery Zoo; enjoy scavenger hunts; craft times; classroom time; playtime, splash time and games at our playground; rides on our horse trail rides, pedal boats, and sky lift; participate in animal encounters with the giraffes, river otters, deer and parakeets; see behind the scene tours and visits with our zookeepers and other staff members. • Prattville Parks & Recreation Summer Youth Program Weekly Field Trips, Games, Crafts and Swimming Begins May 30 until the Friday before school starts, 7a.m. until 6 p.m.; Ages 5 going into K-6th grade. Registration begins April 1st at the Doster Center. Parent Orientation Date: May 23 Registration Fee – Non-refundable $75 registration per child; $75/week. Call 361.3640. • YMCA Cleveland Branch Dates: May 30 until August (Ages 3 to 12) 1201 Rosa L. Parks Ave, Montgomery (334) 265.0566 The YMCA Cultural Arts Center at the Cleveland Avenue YMCA offers youth specialty camps featuring music and dance. Participants will have opportunities to learn modern dance, jazz, tap, and piano with professional instruction in a first class dance studio and music laboratory. • YMCA East Branch Dates: May 30 until August (Ages 3 to 12) 3407 Pelzer Ave, Montgomery (334) 272.3390 The YMCA Cultural Arts Center at the Cleveland Avenue YMCA offers youth specialty camps featuring music and dance. Participants will have opportunities to learn modern dance, jazz, tap, and piano with professional instruction in a first class dance studio and music laboratory. • YMCA Goodtimes Dates: May 30 until August (Ages 5 to 14) 2325 Mill Ridge Drive, Montgomery (334) 279-8833 This is the premier summer facility with a teaching pool, indoor gym, inflatables, and a water park. In addition, the center features a cooperative reading program and a premier computer lab to help combat summer learning loss. Academic enrichment classes taught by a certified teacher are programmed into your child’s day along with recreational swim at the water park. • YMCA Junior High Teen Leadership Call 279.8666; Dates: May 30 until August A new program designed to teach teens leadership skills. Teens will be involved in enrichment activities for

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the younger campers, service projects, fun excursions, a camp day with other YMCA Leadership Leagues and a trip to North Carolina to participate in the Junior High Christian Values Conference. • YMCA Montgomery Soccer Complex Call 396.9754; 300 Brown Springs Road Summer Soccer Academy/Camps Mini-Kickers (Ages 4-5) TBA, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Recreational (Ages 6-14) TBA, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Advanced Skills (Ages 8-17) TBA, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Skill Development Academy (Ages 7-17) TBA, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Goal Keeping (Ages 8-17) TBA All Camps will be held at the YMCA Soccer Complex located at 300 Brown Springs Road, Montgomery. For more information or to request a brochure: 334-396-9754; msanchez@ ymcamontgomery.org www.ymcamontgomery.org • YMCA Kershaw 2225 West Fairview Ave.;(334) 265.1433, Summer Camp Dates: May 30 until Aug.; Ages 5 – 15. Please call for cost and registration details.

YMCA Prattville ad on page 44

Smith Branch, 365.8852 East Bradford Branch, 358.9622 Main Day Camp, girls and boys ages 5-12. An outdoor program. Begins May 30– in August. Mon. - Fri. Before and after care available at no extra charge. Must be picked up by 5:45. For members only. For more information please call Betty Estes, 358.1446. • Daniel Pratt Camp Daniel Pratt School. Dates and ages the same as above. For members and non-members. Begins May 30 –August school starts. Mon. - Fri. • Pine Level Summer Camp Pine Level School. Dates and ages the same as above. For members and non-members. Begins May 30 – August. Mon. - Fri. • Cheer Camp Grades 1-12, boys and girls; Dates to be announced; Times 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. or Gymnastics and Cheer camp from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.; Please call for pricing. Call Bambi at 365-8852 for more information. Discount for multiple sign ups. • Gymnastics Camp Dates to be announced, Ages 6-18; Times 9 a.m. through noon or both Gymnastic and Cheer from 9 a.m. until 4; Please call for pricing. Includes t-shirt and camp refreshments. Call Bambi at 365.8852. If you choose to do both a discount will be offered. • East Bradford Branch – 358-9622 Sport Camps, Mon-Thurs, 9 a.m. - Noon Girls basketball, Soccer Camp, Golf Camp, Tennis Camp, Boys basketball, Fishing Camp, Wrestling Camp, Girls Volleyball. Please call for pricing. Pricing is based on how many camps signed up for. Discounts are given for multiple camps and for multiple children in family. 2-22 Camp is a program for rising seventh thru ninth graders. Members ONLY. Dates TBA April 1st. The Montgomery Parents I March 2017

camp will cover character development, life skills, job skills, service learning and have activities such as board games, gym games, community service and field trips. Begins 1st day of school being out. Call Jeffery at 3589622 for more information. • YMCA Southeast Branch Summer Camp Dates: May 30-Aug.; Ages 5 – 15 3455 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery (334) 262-6411 The Southeast YMCA, a family facility, offers youth and adult fitness, aerobics, youth sports, before and after school childcare, summertime aquatic programs and much more. One of the greatest assets is its two gymnasiums, which provide open goals for working on jump shots or a great open space for fun activities on rainy days. • YMCA Wetumpka Day camp, 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Mon. - Fri. May 30 until beginning of school in August. (Ages 5 to 13) 200 Red Eagle Road, Wetumpka (334) 567-8282 A vital part of the community for over 40 years. It offers the opportunity to get involved with youth sports, pre-school classes, after-school programs and more.

Educational Alabama Christian Academy Camp Eagle ad on page 27

4700 Wares Ferry Road, Montgomery Email: dsanford@alabamachristian.org Phone: (334) 277-1985 Six One-week sessions from June 5-July 21. Camp Eagle is a FUN-tastic first class day camp for ALL kids ages 5-completed 5th grade. Come experience a summer of fun at Camp Eagle. Every single day is filled with an exciting variety of activities. Your child will participate daily in recreational and cooperative games, arts and crafts, sports activities, academic components, praise time, swimming, free time field trips and more. Please visit www.acacampeagle.org for more information and registration.

Churchill Academy ad on page 43

Lisa Schroeder, 270.4225 Tutoring available for summer. Grades K-12. Oneon-one tutoring. Call for rates. Times at parents’ convenience.

Macon East Academy Educational Camps ad on page 15

15396 Vaughn Road, 334.277.6566 July Jammin Educational Camp for Grades K5-6th, TBD Art Camp for grades 3-8, TBD. Call or visit www.maconeast.net for more information.

Resurrection Catholic School STEM Clubs ad on page 47

2815 Forbest Drive, Montgomery Call about our summer STEM clubs at 334.230.1973 or 334.230.1970. Find us on Facebook.

Sylvan “Find Your Edge” National STEM Bash ad on page 37

2640 Zelda Road, Montgomery, (334) 262.0043 2nd Annual STEM Challenge Camp, $195, Snack Provided. June 19-22 (9 am to 1 pm) and July 17-20 (9 am to 1 pm). Experience our coolest, new STEM programs at our upcoming STEM Bash! Kids are given a real world problem to solve in teams. Each team will design, test and resign their solutions like real engineers using K’NEX. At the end of the week, teams will present the finished product to a panel of STEM experts for a chance to win COOL PRIZES! Grades 3-8. Python Coding Camp, $149, Snack Provided. June 5-8 (9 am to 12 pm). Kids will learn Python syntax and programming logic as they solve fun puzzles. They’ll build their own projects, stories and an awesome portfolio of Python games, including Connect 4, Snake and Tetris. Grades 6-8. Maker Machine Lab Camp, $149 Snack Provided. July 10-13, (9 am to 12 pm). Robotics camp using Lego bricks, motors, sensors and code to build and animate projects. In this creative, hands-on camp, the kids will take on 3 maker “missions” to explore science concepts like speed, motion, chemistry, gravity and sound. Grades 1-6. Also, Montgomery Country Club: May 30 – June 1 (1:00 – 5:00), Robotics Camp June 13 – 15 (1:00 – 5:00) STEM Challenge Camp Wynlakes Country Club: June 19 – 22 (1:00 – 4:00) Robotics Camp July 24 – 27 (1:00 – 4:00) STEM Challenge Camp Please call for more details or visit www.sylvanlearning. com/montgomery.

Horseback Riding • MANE’s Unified Summer Camp Though MANE’s focus is therapeutic riding, the unified summer camp allows riders with disabilities and ablebodied riders to learn about adaptive activities, acceptance and horses! The Unified Summer Camp program encourages the sport of riding and horsemanship in a safe setting. July 10-14, July 17-21, and July 24-28. Ages 4-15. Camp for ages 16 and up offered July 31-August. Classes are conducted daily, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Each camper will participate in riding lessons, horsemanship skills lessons, snack/social time and horse related crafts. Each week concludes with a horse show. $250 per week per rider. Ages of 4-15. Each week is limited to 12 riders and applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Deadline for application is June 24. Please contact (334) 213.0909 for details. www.maneweb.org

Shade Tree Summer Horsemanship Day Camp ad on page 71

Shade Tree Riding Stables, Millbrook Camp dates: June 5-9, 19-23, July 10-14 and 24-28. Ages 8-14. Our day camp will introduce campers to the challenges and responsibilities of riding and caring for horses. Our program provides extensive riding, hands on learning and lesson time. Call 290.3727 or 546.3964 for dates and reservations.

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Martial Arts • Docarmo’s Summer Karate Camp 3447 Malcolm Drive; 220.5835 Two 1-week Karate Camp Sessions from 8:30 until 5:30 p.m. Dates to be announced. Monday-Friday Summer Karate Sport Camp students participate in Taekwondo, Padded Weaponry, and Sports Martial Arts training. Emphasis on martial arts training is what makes us different from other summer camps… our program offers discipline, structure as well as FUN! Camp also includes lots of games, field trips that include swimming, roller skating, ice skating, movies, museums, parks and more! Not to mention arts in crafts, games, video games, reading time, board games, character development, and movies in house. Your child will have to pack a lunch every day as we do not prepare meals. Camp size is limited. Please visit us at www.trytkdfree.com. You can also visit us on Facebook under Docarmo’s Taekwondo Center. • Family Karate Center Carole Coker, 277.4911; 8159 Vaughn Road. Located next door to Jalapenos, Peppertree Shopping Center. Kids Karate camp for summer program offered every day. Ages 2 years old and up. The camp is free to all students at the Family Karate Center. Non-members get to try the Camp for one day free (any day they choose this summer). Please call for Camp rates for non-members. Discounted birthday Party for camp register. The camp will teach Stranger Danger Child Abduction Prevention and Awareness Programs, The Ask Mom First Program (Child Molestation Prevention), “I am not a target” Bully Busters program and tips to teach children about lures child abductors use.

Also included in the Kids Karate Camp will be beginning and advanced karate skills and drills, relay races, Samurai Pool Noodle Challenge, Karate Freeze Tag, Ninja Dodge Frisbee, Power Ranger Relay Race, and many other fun games that make children test their coordination and balancing skills. The Family Karate Center is the ONLY karate center that offers a fully equipped fitness center for parents to use for FREE while children are in class. We have a separate camp that teaches 2-4 year olds. We are the ONLY school that teaches 2-4 year olds. We are also the only karate center that specializes in teaching special needs students- autistic, Asperger’s Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder, ADHD, Down Syndrome etc…. Call today for registration and information. We are the only Montgomery school with a Master degree Instructor who specializes in special need children. There is no extra cost for the special needs children. A FREE gift for all new enrollments. • Camp NextGen at NextGen Martial Arts in Prattville All Camps are open to the community! 9am-5pm Cost for each weekly camp is $199 June 5-9: Hyper Trick School Camp - Kicks, Form and Tricking; June 19-23: Hyper Weapons Camp - Kicks, Weapons and Tricking; July 17-21: Level Up Camp - Traditional Forms, Kicks, Self Defense, Sparring & Breaking. For more information contact Todd Newsom at (334) 590-3759 or todd@nextgenmartialarts.com; www.nextgenmartialarts.com • Tiger Park Taekwondo 3125 Bell Road, Montgomery, (previously Chung’s) (334) 277.2627; Classes for everyone Ages 3 to adult. 8 weeks of lessons plus uniform for $99.00.

Overnight Camps Adventures in Math and Science: Alabama School of Math and Science

ad on page 61

1255 Dauphin St., Mobile, 251.441.2152 www.asms.net  Don’t waste your summer! Spend it at Adventures in Math and Science (AIMS) Summer Camp. Learn while you have fun! Kayak in Mobile Bay. Build a smartphone app. Investigate a crime. Prepare for the ACT. Design and make a metal sculpture. Build a robot. Launch a rocket. Dissect...and much more! There is something for everyone! Who can enroll? Open to students entering the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grades. Non-Alabama residents are also eligible to apply. This year, AIMS will run for three sessions. Students can sign up for one, two, or three weeks. Session 1 (June 5-9), Session 2 (June 12-16), and Session 3 (June 19-23) are all overnight or day camps. Day camp is 8:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. Overnight Camp is $385 per week (all inclusive - meals, classes, activities, and lodging). The weekend stay between Week 1-2 or Week 2-3 are an additional $185, which includes trip to a water park (weather permitting) and other fun activities. Day Campers: $285 per week (this includes tuition and lunch). A $25 discount will apply (one per student) if application and all applicable forms are received by April 1. For more information, visit www.asms.net, email admissions@asms.net, or call 251-441-2152.

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• Adventure Treks (Alaska, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Oregan); Call (888) 954.5555. Each 16–29 day Adventure includes a wide variety of exciting wilderness activities such as rock climbing, whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, mountain biking, canoeing, mountaineering, and backpacking in some of the most breathtaking scenery in western Age: 12-18. Other: Designed to teach teamwork, self-responsibility, community living, and outdoor skills while building self-confidence. www.adventuretreks.com • Alpine Camp for Boys P. O. Box 297, Mentone, AL 35984, (256) 634.4404 Website: www.alpinecamp.com Call for CD-ROM with video; Junior Camp: (Grades 1-5) May 31-June 8, $2,775.00; (Grades 2-9) First Term: June 10-July 5 $5,225.00; (Grades 2-9) Second Term: July 8-Aug. 2 - $5,225.00; Other: ACA accredited. Christian camp offering a well-rounded experience. • Camp Alamisco Dadeville, AL (334) 652.3021 (call for free brochure) Adventure Camp, June 4-11, ages 7-9. Junior Camp, June 11-18, ages 10-12. Teen Camp, June 18-25, ages 13-16. Camp fees cover your lodging, food, and activities (there will be an extra charge for some creative arts projects). ACA accredited. Traditional camp activities including water sports, horsemanship, and climbing wall, plus program for advanced campers. Located on beautiful Lake Martin near Stillwater. www.campalamisco.org • Camp Cosby - Birmingham YMCA Alpine, AL, (800) 852.6729 Eight different sessions ranging in many different age groups. Camp dates begin on Sunday, June 4-July 29. Ages 6-16. ACA accredited. Water skiing specialty camp, equestrian camp, mini-bikes, climbing and so much more. Please visit our website for all ages, sessions, dates and prices. Many to choose from. Costs $650 a week. Specialty Camps: Mini-bikes, Horseback, Water ski/wakeboard Add-On: Cost: $150. Stay-over Weekend (for multiple session campers): Cost: $110. Counselor-In-Training: The CIT program is a 4 week program that runs June 5 - July 2. Cost $1750  Leader -in-Training: The LIT program is a 3 week program that runs July 3 - 23. Cost $1,350. www.campcosby.org

Camp Chandler - YMCA ad on page 64

Jeff Reynolds, Program Director, 269.4362 Scouts (5-8 Year Olds): Session 1, June 18-20; Session 2, July 23-25; Cost: Members $250 and Non-Members $275 Explorer Program (7-9 Year Olds): Session 1 June 21-23; Session 2 July 5-7; Session 3 July 26-28; Cost: Members $250 and Non-Members $275 Rangers (8-14 Year Olds): Session 1, June 18-23; Session 2, June 25-30; Session 3, July 2-7; Session 4, July 9-14; Session 5, July 16-21; Session 6, July 23-28; Members $570 and Non-Members $620 Extreme (10-14 years olds): Session 1, June 18-23; Session 2, June 25-30; Session 3, July 2-7; Session 4, July 9-14; Session 5, July 16-21; Session 6, July 23-28; Members $680 and Non-Members $730 Ski-Venture (10-14 years old): Session 1, June 18-23; Session 2, June 25-30; Session 3, July 2-7; Session 4, July 9-14; Session 5, July 16-21; Session 6, July 23-28; Members $680 and Non-Members $730 Wranglers (10-14 years old): Session 1, June 18-23; Session 2, June 25-30; Session 3, July 2-7; Session 4, July 9-14; Session 5, July 16-21; Session 6, July 23-28; Members $680 and Non-Members $730 Fishing (10-14 years old): Session 2, June 25-30; Session 4, July 9-14; Session 6, July 23-28; Members $680 and Non-Members $730 Pioneers (13-14 year olds): Session 1, June 18-23; Montgomery Parents I March 2017

Session 3, July 2-7; Session 5, July 16-21 Members $730 and Non-member $780 LIT’s Leaders in Training (15 Year Olds): Session 1 June 11--30; Session 2 July 9-28; Cost: Members $1140 and Non-Members $1240 Camp Chandler Day Camp (ages 5-12): Session 1, June 19-23; Session 2, June 26-30; Session 3, July 1014; Session 4, July 17-21; Session 5, July 24-28; Members $175 and Non-member $200 Website: www.campchandler.org Email: campchandler@mcamontgomery.org • Camp Coleman Trussville, AL; Call (256) 365.2970 or (800) 734.4541 Dates: June 5-9, June 12-16, June 19-23 and June 26-30, 4 sessions offered, Day camp and Horse Day Camp (Grades 1-7, co-ed); June 19-23 and June 26-30, Resident camp (Ages 6-14). Camp Coleman has a state-of the-art low and high rope course, a historical swinging bridge, swimming pool, lots of traditional camp activities and plenty of room to explore. Camp Coleman is close to the Cahaba River, which offers a wonderful resource to learn about biodiversity and local ecological systems. The campsite also includes a spacious dining hall and large open-air gym for activities and rainy day events. There is the opportunity for Counselors in Training, 11th and 12th grades in the fall. Website: www.girlscoutsnca.org • Camp Hollymont for Girls Asheville, NC; (828) 686.5343; Dates: 6/11 – 7/21 Length: 7,13 or 27 days; Age: Girls 6-15 Christian girls camp located in the mountains of Western North Carolina just outside of Asheville. ACA accredited. Wide variety of recreational opportunities including arts & crafts, horseback riding, tennis, swimming, cooking, high adventure trips & much more. Basic Camp Fee: $1840 for 7 days, $3550 for 13 days, and $7100 for 27 days Website: www.hollymont.com. E-mail 4info@hollymont.com • Camp Juliette Low Cloudland, GA; (770) 428.1062 Dates: 6/4 – 7/29; Length: 1, 2, & 3 weeks; Girls 7-17 Other: ACA accredited. Traditional camp activities with emphasis in (teaching) self-worth and a spirit of independence. Rates: 1 week for $915, 2 weeks for $ 1800 and CIT Three week program for $1300. www.cjl.org Email: info@cjl.org • Camp Kiwanis Location: Electic; Phone: 1 (800) 239.6636 www.girlscoutssa.org Sessions available from June 11 through June 23 Grades: 2nd – 12th grade All girls invited to enjoy a week at summer camp on beautiful Lake Martin. Girls will participate in activities such as archery, canoeing, crafts, sailing, hiking and swimming. All activities are designed to emphasize teamwork and leadership and promote girls of courage, confidence and character. There is a Counselor in Training (CIT) program for girls in grades 10-12. Swimming lessons are taught by a certified Red Cross Water Safety Instructor. Kamp Kiwanis is accredited by the American Camp Association.

• Camp Laney Mentone, AL; (256) 634.4066 Length: 1 & 2 week; Age: Boys 7-15 1-week sessions Junior Camp – Boys finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade (ages 7-9) only. Session 1: June 11-17, Session 2: June 25-July 1 , Session 3: July 23-29. Cost: $1,750. 2-week sessions – Boys (completed 1st grade-9th); 1st session: June 11-23; 2nd session: June 25-July 7; 3rd session: July 9-21; 4th session: July 23Aug. 4; $3,150. ACA accredited. www.camplaney.com Email: info@camplaney.com • Camp Mac Summer Camp for Boys and Girls 2671 Cheaha Road, Munford, Alabama (256) 362.7449; Ages: 2nd grade – 9th grade; Dates: Junior Term (2nd-5th) 6/1-10 ($2500); 4-week term

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(3rd – 9th grade) 6/12 – 7/7; $4100; 3-week term (3rd – 9th grade) 7/10-30 ($3650). With the benefit of three generations of summer camping experience, we have developed a unique program which is both fun and challenging. The many details of this plan work together toward our primary goal–to help develop strong bodies, keen minds and strength of character through a dedication to Judeao-Christian values. Email office@ campmac.com or visit www.campmac.com. • Camp Marannook (334) 864.7504; Lafayette, AL June 4-July 28; 1st – 9th graders Residential and Day Camps. From sunrise to after sunset, every camp day is packed with fun. Campers will swim, shoot archery, make crafts, eat s’mores around the campfire, and play games on the game field. They explore a huge maze, ride the cable car and crazy swing and are challenged by various rope and climbing activities. And there is a one-of-a-kind Bible Time with skits and drama. When the campers arrive, the counselors are ready to build relationships and to share the love of Christ through these relationships. http://marannook.org/ • Camp Scoutshire Woods, Girl Scout Camp Location: Citronelle; (800) 239.6636 Website: www.girlscoutssa.org Dates: Sessions available from June 25 through July 7 All girls invited to enjoy a week at summer camp on the sand hills surrounded by pines and magnolias. Girls can participate in activities, such as horseback riding, archery, canoeing, crafts, hiking and swimming. All activities are designed to emphasize teamwork and leadership and promote girls of courage, confidence and character. There is a Counselor in Training (CIT) program for girls in grades 10-12. Swimming lessons are taught by a certified Red Cross Water Safety Instructor. Camp Scoutshire Woods is accredited by the American Camp Association.

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• Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer Arapahoe, North Carolina Call (252) 249.1111 or (252) 249.1212 6/11 – 8/11; Length: 1, 2, & 4 week session Ages: 6-16; Cost: Ranging from $1089 to $4368 Other: ACA accredited. Nationally recognized sailing and motor boating program as well as all traditional camp activities. Website: www.seagull-seafarer.org

Chattanooga, Tennessee

• Camp Skyline Ranch Mentone, AL. Call (800) 448.9279; Dates: 6/11 – 8/1 Length: Four 2 wk. sessions, for girls ages 6-16; Three 1 wk. Sessions for girls ages 6-16. ACA accredited. Member of Christian Camping International. Choice of 20 camp activities including horseback riding, circus, ropes course, canoeing and more. Limited enrollment. Located on top of Lookout Mountain. Founded in 1947. Adventure and fellowship in a safe environment. Rates and discounts: One week mini-sessions $2034. Twoweek session $3782. www.campskyline.com • Camp Stanislaus Bay St. Louis, MS; (228) 467.9057; Boarding camp. Dates: 6/11 – 7/8; Rates $695 - $2480 for Residential Length: 1, 2, 3 and 4 week sessions; Ages: boys 8-15. Other: A fun camp revolving around water activities and more. On the beach. Driver’s Ed and scuba offered. www.campstanislaus.com • Camp Trico 315 Trico Drive, Guntersville, AL 1 (800) 734.4541 Dates: July 9-14 and July 16-21 Camp Trico offers staffed program activities canoeing, fishing, teambuilding, and more. Please visit us at www.girlscoutsnca.org.

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• Camp Victory Samson, AL; (334) 898.7948 Dates: Weekly sessions, June 5 – July 29; Ages: Grades 3 – 12; coed camp. Air conditioned cabins. Activities include Bible Classes, Singing, Missionary Presentations, Volleyball, Riflery, Horseback Riding, Ping-Pong, Swimming Pool, Tetherball, Good Food, Archery, Mini Golf, Canoeing, Basketball, Foosball, Crafts, Carpet ball, Outdoor Education, Boating, Fishing, Tournaments, Low Ropes Challenge Course and Climbing Wall; Trained Christian staff who live in cabins with campers; evening chapel. Affiliated with the Children’s Bible Mission. Rates: $245 per week; Website: www. campvictoryal.org; Email: office@campvictoryal.org

Camp Walkabout ad on page 75

171 Baylor School Road, Chattanooga, TN (423) 267.8506, Ext. 827 Sessions begin June 11 and run through July 22 Boys and Girls, 8-16 years Camp Walkabout is the no-experience-necessary avenue to all things outdoors. Campers will climb the world renowned Tennessee wall sandstone one day, explore the amazing underground world of a cave the next and paddleboard the mighty Tennessee River Gorge another. Camp Walkabout optimizes every day to find new adventures, leadership opportunities and friendships that will last a lifetime. Camp Walkabout truly is the most fun a camper can have in the summer! Check us out at: www.baylorschool.org/summer / overnight-camps/camp-walkabout/index.aspx. • Camp Widjiwagan Nashville, TN; (615) 360.2267 Dates: 5/22-8/9: Twelve sessions. Summer Camp for Boys and Girls from ages 7-15. Located on the shores of Percy Priest Lake, in Antioch, Tennessee, just 20 minutes from downtown Nashville. Camp Widjiwagan sits on 320 acres and 4 miles of shoreline at the Joe C. Davis YMCA Outdoor Center. Offering day, overnight and family retreats. Co-ed programs for rising 1st-9gth

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graders. Activities include team building, leadership, Swimming/splash Park, lake sports, horseback riding, team adventures, sports, zip line, and ski and equestrian schools and much more! Call or visit www. campwidji.org

Spring Break Camps Docarmo’s Taekwondo

3447 Malcolm Drive, 220.5835 March 28, 8:30 until 3:30 Students participate in Taekwondo, Padded Weaponry, and Sports Martial Arts training. Emphasis on martial arts training is what makes us different from other summer camps…our program offers discipline, structure as well as FUN! Please visit us at www.trytkdfree.com. You can also visit us on Facebook under Docarmos Taekwondo Center.

Expedition Lanark

March 20th-24th Don’t miss out on the River Region’s most unique outdoor camp! We always have lots of fun activities planned and with our NaturePlex facility, we are prepared to have fun in any type of weather! Some activities include fishing, canoeing, birding with binoculars, and using game cameras with track stations to see types of wildlife we have on the property! We will also put some waders on to catch fish, frogs, and tadpoles at the aquatic center! This year we will add a few new activities like checking and maintaining wood duck boxes on the property as well as making tree frog houses to catch tree frogs. AGES: 6-12 | COST: $125.00/week 9 am – 2 pm with before (8am-9am) and after care 2pm-4:30pm) available for $40.00/week www.alabamawildlife.org

Family Karate Center Carole Coker, 277.4911; 8159 Vaughn Road Located next door to Jalapenos, Peppertree Shopping Center. Kids Karate camp for summer program offered every day. Ages 2 years old and up. The camp is free to all new students at the Family Karate Center. Non-members get to try the camp for one week free. Please call for rates for non-members. The camp will teach Stranger Danger Child Abduction Prevention and Awareness Programs, The Ask Mom First Program (Child Molestation Prevention), “I am not a target” Bully Busters program and tips to teach children about lures child abductors use. Also included in the Kids Karate Camp will be beginning and advanced karate skills and drills, relay races, Samurai Pool Noodle Challenge, Karate Freeze Tag, Ninja Dodge Frisbee, Power Ranger Relay Race, and many other fun games that make children test their coordination and balancing skills. We have a separate camp that teaches 2-4 year olds. We specialize in teaching special needs students- autistic, Asperger’s Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder, ADHD, Down Syndrome etc… Call today for registration and information. FC Montgomery Soccer Futsal

Capital City Sportsplex, 1555 Eastern Boulevard (indoor/air conditioned) Coach Bruno (Former pro & College coach - Masters Phy. Ed.) Montgomery Parents I March 2017

March 20-24 ALL AGES - Cost: Half Days $125/week or Full Days $195/week Most Advanced Youth Development Methodology Worldwide! Come improve your technique and have fun the Brazilian way! Sign up now! Space is limited! Please visit www.fcmontgomery.com and contact coach Bruno brunomr@fcmontgomery. com or (334) 207.5442.

Sylvan Spring Break Robotics Camp 2640 Zelda Road, (334) 262.0043 March 20-23; Grades 2-6 Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Expand your child’s STEM skills (and have fun!) with Advanced Robotics. Our new course is a fun way to help kids master more advanced STEM concepts. Your child will learn by creating and animating complex robots, applying engineering concepts, engaging in cool problem-solving activities and challenging other kids to friendly competitions. $149 for week long Robotics Camp, snack provided. Please call to reserve your spot today. www.sylvanlearning.com/montgomery

United Gymstars & Cheer

6100 Brewbaker Blvd, 284.2244 March 20-24 from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.; Ages 4 and up Please check our website for rates. www.unitedgymstarsandcheer.com

2017 Spring Break Family Bash at the Bell Road YMCA

Saturday, March 18, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Come join us at the Bell Road Indoor Pool for our Annual Spring Break Family Bash. The cost is $10.00 per Child, ages 3-15 – Adults are Free – This is a YMCA Members Only Event – Every Child MUST have and Adult Chaperone present on the pool deck. Pizza, Drinks, and other concessions will be available for purchase throughout the evening. Get ready for games, contests, and a family movie, which will be played on a big projector screen. Please call (334) 271.4343 for more information. YMCA Branches and Goodtimes Center March 20-24; Check with the East Y for swim camp. Sign up for Healthy Kids Day at the Goodtimes Center, Cleveland Ave. or Kershaw Branch. Please call 279.8666 or Visit www. ymcamontgomery.org. 76

• Camp Woodmont Cloudland, GA; (706) 398.0833 Dates: 5/28-7/28: Nine one-week sessions and Three 2-week sessions. Summer Camp for Boys and Girls 6 - 14. ACA accredited. Traditional activities - swimming, horseback riding, archery, sports, arts & crafts, drama/dance, cheerleading, nature activities, canoeing, fishing, hiking, challenge course, climbing wall, and more. Limited enrollment, caring counselors and close family-like atmosphere makes campers feel secure, welcomed and re-assured. Cabin living atop breezy Lookout Mountain. Two generations of family management. Extremely close supervision of campers, staff, and activities. Visit campwoodmont.com. • Cub Camp (800) 977.2688 Session 1: May 20-21 or Session 2: June 2-3 Scout Registration (includes all meals, activities, t-shirt and patch) is $80.00 per scout. Please visit http:// www.tukabatcheebsa.org for more information. • Cub Scout Webelos Resident Camp, Camp Hobbs (800) 977.2688; June 8-11 or June 15-18 and June 2225 ; Cost: $140.00. www.tukabatcheebsa.org • Experiment in International Living (800) 345.2929. Motivated high school students engage in cross-cultural living as members of host families in Africa, Asia, Pacific, the Americas and Europe. Must have completed 9th grade. 3, 4 or 5-week programs. Foreign language studies a prerequisite for most sessions. Please visit www.experiment.org. • Falling Creek Camp for Boys Tuxedo, NC; (828) 692.0262 Boys Camp, Grades 1-12; 1 week sessions to 4 week sessions; Camp Dates: 6/4– 8/11 Rates: $1550$6150. Wilderness adventure camp. Includes archery, rifle, sailing, riding and more. www.fallingcreek.com • Kanawahala Program Center Chelsea, AL; (205) 678.8843 or (800) 734.4541 Owned and operated by Cahaba Girl Scout Council. June 23-28 resident camp; Age: Girls, Gr. K-12 Other: Rope course and climbing. Resident and day camp programs offered. Please call for more information. Website http://www.girlscoutsnca.org • Lake Forest Ranch Macon, Mississippi (662) 726.5052 Sessions beginning May 26 through August 1. Located in the middle of a 53,000-acre pine forest on a beautiful 60-acre lake, Lake Forest Ranch is among the most beautiful settings in the south for a summer camp experience for children (ages 7-12) and teenagers (ages 11-18). LFR is an interdenominational evangelical camp that serves mostly church groups (though individual campers are welcome too) during the summer months. Horseback riding, tubing, a wonderful climbing wall, a thrilling zip line, a brand new big swimming pool, kayaking, a gym, tennis courts, archery, archery tag, crafts and many other fun activities all coupled with wonderful facilities, carefully selected godly college age staff members and a week jam packed with spiritual growth, inspiration, worship and deep friendships all add up to a life changing week of non-stop excitement and encouragement. One of the best parts of the camp experience at LFR is having deeply committed camp counselors who sincerely care about the children in their cabins and spend individual time with each of them to encourage them and pray for them. There are

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twelve exciting camp sessions available from which to choose. Visit www.lakeforestranch.com or call 662-7265052 to discover the week that works best for your child or church youth or children’s ministry group. • McWane Science Center Summer Camp 200 19th Street North, Birmingham, (205) 714.8300 June 5-July 28 Eight one-week sessions for each age level. Students entering 1st through 7th grade will be full day camps. Pre K-Kindergarten will remain half day camps. In just one day at camp, your child can discover a dinosaur, explore the ocean floor and so much more! The various themes and activities allow children to experience something new each day! Please www.mcwane.org. • Moondance Adventures Atlanta, GA; (800) 832.5229 Dates: 6/13 - 7/31; Length: 14, 17, 21, 23 and 24 days; Age: 12-18. Other: Includes backpacking, rafting, canoeing, surfing, mountaineering, scuba, and climbing in California, Colorado, Yosemite, Wyoming, Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Kilimanjaro, Alps, Spain, Morocco, Washington state, plus much more. www.moondanceadventures.com • Museum Expedition Archaeology Camp 39 Tuscaloosa, AL (205) 348.7550 E-mail: museum.expedition@ua.edu THIS IS NOT YOUR ORDINARY SUMMER CAMP! Discover Alabama’s diverse natural history by participating in the 39th Annual Museum Expedition Camp! Participants will have the fun and unique opportunity to work with scientists in the field of archeology as part of an actual scientific research project to explore the history of Alabama. Students, teachers, and adults will spend a week at the Expedition field camp working with scientists to learn excavation techniques, laboratory procedures, and artifact identification. The Museum

Expedition combines real exploration, with real science to create a unique experience and lasting friendships. Middle School Camp (6, 7, 8th Grade): June 5-10 High School Camp (9, 10, 11, 12th Grade): June 12-17 Public Paleontology Camp (14 to adult): June 19-24 We hope you’ll plan to join us for a fun, action-packed week at camp. Course Credit: Students can earn elective high school credit through advance arrangements with their school and the Expedition staff. Teachers can earn University of Alabama continuing ed. units or professional development hours. Registration: Space is limited to 20 participants, so contact us soon to reserve your spot. To register for the program, please complete a registration form and return it along with a $50 deposit to reserve a space to participate in the Museum Expedition 39. Program tuition is $375 per week. Accommodations, food, and scientific equipment will be provided; a detailed list of what to bring is included in the registration packet. For information or to become a member of the Museum, call 348-7550. Website: http://amnh.ua.edu • North Carolina Outward Bound Asheville, NC; toll-free (888) 756.2627 Dates: Year Round Programs; Length: 4-78 days Age: 14 and up; Other: North Carolina Outward Bound offers wilderness leadership courses in backpacking, rock climbing, mountain biking, whitewater canoeing, sea kayaking and mountaineering for teens and adults. www.ncoutwardbound.com. • Ponderosa Bible Camp Mentone, AL; (256) 634.4397 Dates: 6/11- 7/7; Length: One week; Ages: 7-18 and Leadership Training Program for 11th and 12th grad-

ers; Other: ACA accredited. For a Blast and a Blessing! Members of CCI. Co-ed camp for boys and girls ages 7-18. www.ponderosabiblecamp.com • Rising Star, Savannah College of Art & Design Savannah, GA; (800) 869.7223 and Atlanta, GA; (877) 722.3285 Savannah Dates: June 18-July 21, Atlanta Dates: June 18-July 21. Open to students who completed junior year of high school and are interested in a career in the visual and performing arts, design, building arts, or the history of art and architecture. The course carries 10 hours of college credit, which may be applied toward a degree at the Savannah College of Art and Design or other colleges. Contact Fran Jones in Montgomery for additional information at 324-1412. www.scad.edu/risingstar; Email: admissions@scad.edu

Riverview Camp for Girls ad on page 63

Mentone, AL; (800) 882.0722 Dates: Short Term 1-week sessions – (ages 6-12) June 4-August 4 Cost: $1,950. Long Term 2-week sessions – (ages 6-16) June 11-Aug. 4; Cost: $3500. ACA accredited. Free video and catalog. Non-denominational Christian camp. More than 15 activity choices available, including riding, climbing tower and ropes course. New pool and new tennis courts. www.riverviewcamp.com • Sail Caribbean Northport, NY; (800) 321.0994; Length: Programs range from 14 to 21 days

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Grades 6th – 12th.; Other: Activities include sailing the Caribbean plus courses in scuba, and marine biology. Many sessions available. Please check with website on dates and rates for each program. www.sailcaribbean.com • Twin Lakes Camp Florence, Mississippi; (601) 845.6858 Five one-week sessions available from June 5-July 15. Overnight camps for ages 6-12, MondaySaturdays. Biblical teachings are woven into a week filled with exciting adventures waiting around every corner. Twin Lakes is located on waterfront property and offers Sling Shot Paintball, Challenge Course, Dirt Biking, Swimming, Horses, Riflery and Archery, Rock climbing, Super fun games and Wild Wilderness Adventures. Please visit us at www. twinlakescamp.org. • U.S. Space Camp and Aviation Challenge Huntsville, AL; (800) 637.7223 Dates: Runs year round; Summer Program is May -August, call for pricing. Ages: 9-up. Other: ACA accredited. Parent/child ages 7-11 weekend camps also. US Space Camp is oriented towards astronaut training. Aviation Challenge is oriented towards fighter pilot training. www. spacecamp.com • YMCA Camp Ocoee Ocoee, TN; (423) 338.5588; Dates: 6/4 – 8/5 Ages: Ranger 7-15; Teen Leadership and Specialty Camps, 16-17. Other: ACA accredited. Kayaking, climbing, water-skiing and more. Special Appalachian field trip. Strong Christian emphasis. Website: www. campocoee.com. E-mail: ocoee@ix.netcom.com

Special Needs Camp ASCCA-Easter Seals ad on page 64

Jackson Gap, AL; (800) 843.2267 Length: 1 week; Age: 6 and up; Reduced rates available based on income. Camp ASCCA Main Campus-Jackson’s Gap, Session 1: June 2-7, Child physically disabled (6-21 yr.) and Child intellectually disabled (6-21 yr.); Epilepsy Camp (6-18 yr.) Session 2: July 9-14, Adult intellectually disabled (19+ years) Session 3: July 16-21, Physically disabled “Teen Week” (15-25 years), “Right Moves” Sports Camp (physically disabled 10-19 years) Session 4: July 23-28, Child physically disabled (6-21 years) and Child intellectually disabled (6-21 years) Session 5: July 30-August 4, Camp Mobile Rotary (Mobile area residents) Session 6: August 6-11, Adult intellectually disabled (22-35 years) and Adult physically disabled (22-35 years) Session 7: August 13-18, Adult physically disabled (19 + years) www.campascca.org • Camp Seale Harris ACA accredited camp for individuals with diabetes. Camp sessions are held at Camp ASCCA on Lake Martin near Jackson Gap, Alabama. (205) 402.0415 Junior Camp (ages 6 - 13), June 11-16; Senior Camp (ages 12 - 18), June 4-9; Please call for more information about camp dates. Email: info@campsealeharris.org

• Camp Wheeze-Away Kids age 8-12 suffering from moderate to severe asthma can apply for this FREE summer camp program offered at YMCA Camp Chandler. Kids experience all the fun of summer camp while learning confidence building skills in asthma management from medical professionals. Camp Wheeze-Away will be held at YMCA Camp Chandler, May 28-June 2. For questions regarding selection or medical qualifications and limitations please contact Brenda Basnight, CRT at (334) 244.7811 or email: brendabasnight@yahoo.com.

Sports Camps • Alabama Baseball Camp Tuscaloosa, AL; (205) 348.8849 5 sessions from June 6-July 10 The University of Alabama has a wide selection of Baseball camps during the months of June and July. Age ranges for these camps are K-12th grade. 1,2,3 and overnight camps available. Please visit their website for dates, applications and more information. Website: www.rolltide.com

Alabama Christian Academy Basketball Camp ad on page 27

4700 Wares ferry Road, Montgomery; 277.1985 Dates: TBA; Please call for more information. • Alabama Football Camp Tuscaloosa, AL; (205) 348.0808 The University of Alabama has a wide selection of Football camps during the months of June and July.

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Age ranges for these camps are K-12th grade. Please visit their website for dates, applications and more information. Website: www.rolltide.com. There are many summer camps available through Alabama Athletics. You can obtain information on dates and costs as well as enroll online. • Alabama Men’s Basketball Camp Tuscaloosa, AL; (205) 348.4111 Avery Johnson Camp, June 19-22 Elite Camp, TBA, High School players in 2018-2020 classes Individual Camp, June 18-21 (ages 10-High School) Day Camp, June 19-22 (ages 7 – High School) Play Date I, June 15, (for High School and AAU teams) Play Date II, June 16, (for High School and AAU teams) Play Date III, June 17, (for High School and AAU teams) Website: www.rolltide.com • Auburn Tiger Swim Camp Ages 9-18 Starts & Turns Elite Camp: May 13-14; Cost: $420 Day Camp – Session I: May 28-June 1; Cost: $690 Overnight Camp – Session I: May 28-June 1; $750 Day Camps – Session II: June 3-7; Cost: $690 Overnight Camp – Session II: June 3-7; Cost: $750 If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us through the website or at auswimcamps@ gmail.com and we will do our best to get back to you in a timely manner. www.auburnswimcamps.com. • Auburn University Baseball Camps Auburn, AL; Call (334) 844.4975 Team Camp, June 12-15 Pitcher/Catching/Infield Camp, July 7-9 Youth Camp, (ages 7-12) July 17-20 High school Showcase Camp, July 11-14 www.auburntigersbaseballcamp.com • Auburn Tiger Junior Golf Camp (334) 844.9657 June 4-6 (ages 7-17, girls) This camp will benefit all ages and all skill levels from beginner to advanced. www.auburntigers.com • Auburn Tiger Softball Camp (334) 844.9515 June 13-15 – All Skills Camp I – Ages 12-19 June 20-22 – All Skills Camp II –Ages 12-19. Campers will receive instruction from some of the top coaches in the country who care about the betterment of each individual player. Visit www.auburntigers.com. • Auburn Volleyball Camp Position Camp 1, July 7 Serving Clinic I, July 7 All-Skills Camp, July 8-10 Position Camp 2, July 11 Serving Clinic 2, July 11 Team Tournament ONLY, July 12-13 Team Camp ONLY, July 13-15 Team Tournament and Team Camp, July 12-15 Youth All Skills Camp, July 15-17 Please visit www.auburntigers.com. • Alabama Women’s Basketball Camp Tuscaloosa, AL; (205) 348.6164 Dates TBA; www.rolltide.com • Auburn Women’s Soccer Camps 844.9637 June 9-10, Auburn Soccer Goalkeeper & Striker Camp, ages 11-18 June 11-14, Auburn Soccer June Residential Camp, ages 9-18, girls only June 11-14, Auburn Soccer June Residential Camp I, ages 9-18, girls only July 7-9, Elite Camp, ages 13-18, girls only July 10-13, Soccer July Day Camp, ages 5-12, boys/girls

July 16-19, Auburn Soccer July Residential Camp I, ages 9-15, girls and boys July 16-19, Auburn Soccer July Residential Camp I, ages 9-15, girls and boys. www.auburnsoccercamp.com • AUM Sports Camps Dates to be announced in the spring. Girls Soccer (Age 6-17) Tafadzwa Ziyenge, 244.3141 Boys Soccer (Age 6-17) Wulf Koch, 244.3617 Girls Basketball (Gr.7-12) Dan Davis 244.3235 Boys Basketball (Gr. 3-9) Michael Cheaney 244.3542 Baseball (Ages 6-15) Clay Booth 244-3236 Girls Softball (Grades 1-12th), Eric Newell 244.3538 Tennis (Ages 6-16) Rolando Vargas 244.3448 Please http://www.aumathletics.com.

FC Montgomery Soccer Futsal ad on page 78

Capital City Sportsplex, 1555 Eastern Blvd. (indoor/air conditioned) Coach Bruno (Former pro & College coach - Masters Phy. Ed.) Dates: May 30-June 3, 5 other camps offered with dates to be decided. ALL AGES - Cost: Half Days $125/week ($30/day) or Full Days $195/week ($45/day) Most Advanced Youth Development Methodology Worldwide! Come improve your technique and have fun the Brazilian way! Sign up now! Space is limited! Please visit www.fcmontgomery.com and contact coach Bruno brunomr@fcmontgomery.com or (334) 207.5442.

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• Faulkner Sports Camps Call 386.7148. Ages 6 – 17 Hal Wynn, 386.7285, softball camp; Dates TBA Patrick McCarthy, 386.7980, baseball ; Dates TBA Scott Sanderson, 386.7159, basketball camp; TBA Leslie Pierce, 386.7261, Girls soccer camp; TBA Tori Bartels, 386.7149, Volleyball Camp; Dates TBA Charlie Boren, 386.7671, Football Camp; Dates TBA Kyle Beard, (806) 777.1267, Men’s soccer; Dates TBA Brook Fuller, 386.7208, Golf; Dates TBA Reed Sutton, 386.7509, Women’s Basketball; Date TBA Please visit our website at www.faulkner.edu • Huntingdon College Baseball Camps Call DJ Conville for costs, 833.4501 1st session- High School Showcase Skills Camp, Grades 9-12, May 20; 2nd session- Fundamentals Camp, May 30-June 1, ages 5-15 • Huntingdon College Youth Football Camp Ages: 6 - 12 years old; Dates and Times: TBA Location: Newly renovated Charles Lee Field at Samford Stadium on the campus of Huntingdon College Surface: Synthetic Turf. Brochure may be downloaded at www.huntingdonhawks.com or call 833.4322. • Huntingdon College Soccer ID Camp Date: June 17th, 8:45 until 3 p.m. Grades: Boys, 9th – 12th grade; Cost $100 Date: April 29th, 8:30 until 4 p.m. Grades: Girls, 9th – 12th grade; Cost: $100 Please visit us at www.hchawkssoccercamps.com for more information on scheduling and what to bring. • Huntingdon College Soccer Florida Camp Dates: June 16-17 Grades: Girls, Seniors-2018, Juniors-2019, Sophomores-2020, Freshman-2021 Cost: $150 per player. The ID Camp will provide players with the opportunity to train and play games in front

Montgomery Parents I March 2017

of coaches from a variety of NCAA and NAIA colleges. This two day event gives players the opportunity for exposure to coaches from a variety of programs, while registration is limited to provide for a player to coach ratio that allows all players to be showcased appropriately. www.hcsocceracademy.com.

participation and sportsmanship. A little bit of every sport, team sports as well as individuals. Cost: $2150 per session. Website: www.mccallie.org

• Huntingdon College Summer Youth Academy for Soccer Dates: TBD; Grades/Ages: Boys & Girls 6 to 15 Hawks Summer Youth Academy is committed to the passion “love of the game” to develop technical, tactical and physical skills that will enable players to respond to the challenges of soccer in a confident and creative manner. This is a day camp for players age 6 to 15 at all skill levels. Offering a positive overall experience in a fun yet challenging atmosphere. Players will be grouped by age and ability. Goalkeepers will receive specialized instruction each day. Please visit www.hchawkssoccercamps.com for more information.

500 Anderson Street, Montgomery, 334.240.4884 Email: bbradshaw10s@gmail.com Dates and Class times to be announced. Visit their website at www.oconnortenniscenter.com.

Macon East Academy Sports Camps ad on page 15

15396 Vaughn Road, 334.277.6566 Camps include Elementary baseball, soccer, volleyball, basketball and football for grades 3-6. All camps open to the public. Call or visit www.maconeast.net for more information. • McCallie Sports Camp Chattanooga, TN; (800) 672.2267 Age: 9-15; Length: Three 2-week sessions MSC Session I: Monday, June 12 Saturday, June 24 MSC Session II: Monday, June 26 - Saturday, July 8 MSC Session III: Monday, July 10 - Sat, July 22 Other: Action-oriented with an emphasis on fun,

O’Connor Tennis Camps ad on page 67

Saint James School Sports Camps ad on page 1

Saint James School will continue its summer tradition of providing a variety of sports and cheerleader camps for young people. Printed information will be available soon and will include cost, age groups and other pertinent information. Call Jerry Browning, athletic director, or the individual coaches at 277.8033, ext. 145. Baseball, Volleyball, Wrestling, Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball, Football, Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer. Dates for all camps to be announced soon!

Trinity Sports Camps ad on Inside Back Cover

1700 E. Trinity Blvd., 213.2100 Baseball Camp, rising 3rd-7th graders – June 5-7 Softball Camp, June 27-29 Boys Basketball, June 26-30 and July 10-14 Cheer Camp, July 26-27 Twirler Camp, July 28 Dance Camp, July 24-25 Art Camp, June 20-22 and July 18-20 Please call or visit our website at www.trinitywildcats. com under news and events tab. mp

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The Attraction of Magnets

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Children are wonderfully observant and are quick to make mental connections about how things work. Manipulating levers, scoops, and wheels demonstrate the mechanical ways that objects move and perform. Concepts that involve invisible forces like gravity and magnetism are more mysterious and easier to grasp when introduced through play. Exploring unseen forces moves a child’s thinking beyond obvious mechanical power and toward an expanded understanding of other marvelous forces. The following items are recommended as ideal introductions to the powerful attraction of magnets.

by Gerry Paige Smith

3D Magfun 32-Piece Set

Gearation Refrigerator Magnets

(Magfun)

(TOMY)

As a destination of every important document, photo or artwork related to your child, the refrigerator remains a central feature in the home. Gearation magnets are an intriguing opportunity to turn the kitchen’s crossroads into a site for play/ learning experience. This set comes with one central magnetic gear with a switch that starts rotation, and five accessory gears that can be placed in a variety of combination. One flip of the switch and the interlocking gears begin to turn with a mesmerizing effect. The pieces are sturdy and the magnets are strong enough to hold the gears in place as they move. Combining the strength of magnets with the mechanical marvels of gears, this Gearation set will set young minds in motion as well.

With brightly colored, environmentally friendly blocks in a variety of shapes and sizes, kids can explore the power and versatility of magnets as mortar for an endless stream of construction. The Magfun set includes thirty-two pieces that feature squares, wheels, balls, caps and more 3D shapes. The strong diversity of elements will quickly inspire small hands to craft their own masterpieces. The magnetic connections on all sides make quick assembly easy and intuitive. Whether children are taking their lead from the included instructions or designing their own builds, creating the shape of things to come is a magnetic snap with this Magfun set.

Bellz! A Positively Magnetic Game

Brain Power Magnetic Blocks

With the goal of channeling magnetic attraction through multiple objects to collect a player’s designated bell colors, the simple elements of this game camouflage real dexterity and strategy challenges. Players must choose which end of the magnetic wand (strong pull or weak) to use as they attempt to lift their color from the game surface without attracting other player colors. Delicate manipulation and forward thinking come into play as kids and adults navigate the wand among forty bells of various colors and sizes to gather their own. Neatly gathered in a zippered pouch that opens up to become the playing surface, the challenge of manipulating magnetic force can go anywhere.

Combining the basic shapes of plane geometry with the powerful pull of magnetic connections, Brain Power’s Magnetic Blocks open a wide vista of tactile play and mental exploration. The sixty-five translucent tiles not only support three-dimensional thinking as the build progresses, but also add a colorful artistic aesthetic that keeps kids engaged with their construction. Much like tangram shapes, the tiles’ basic elements of geometry encourage mathematical thinking and problem-solving as little fingers manipulate the pieces into structures of their own design. Whether kids are making architecture or art, these beautiful elements all come together through the invisible power of magnetism.

(Kidoozie)

(Wiggles 3D)

Gerry Paige Smith is a syndicated columnist recommending the best products for kids and their families. Discover more at www.PageBookMedia.com

Montgomery Parents I March 2017

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Montgomery Alumnae Panhellenic Council Presents Funds for Charity

12th Annual Alabama Book Festival

April 22 * 9 a.m.-5 p.m. This year’s festival features authors Winston Groom (Forrest Gump) and Karren Pell (whom Old Alabama Town fans know as a performer with the Old Alabama Town Revue Crue), among many others. It will be held in downtown Montgomery at historic Old Alabama Town. The free public event is the state’s premier book festival, with more than 4,000 people from around the state converging in the capital to meet with and hear from their favorite authors and scholars—and discover new favorites. A children’s activity area is sure to make it a day of fun for the entire family! For a full list of authors and other details, visit alabamabookfestival.org.

The Montgomery Alumnae Panhellenic Council (MAPC) presented a check to the River Region Christmas Clearinghouse at its annual poinsettia sale in December. Funds raised at this event are used for local charities like the Christmas Clearinghouse, Common Ground and college scholarships. On April 23, MAPC will offer a RUSH/Recruitment Question and Answer session to area seniors who are considering going out for RUSH at their selected college or university. Collegians will be on hand to explain the process and give some insight on how to prepare for the various activities involved in RUSH. Additionally, local vendors will be on hand to share options for clothing appropriate for RUSH with the collegians modeling some of the fashions. Forms for those interested in going out for RUSH and flyers with details of the event will be distributed to local high schools in March. If you cannot attend the event, you may send a friend or contact Darby Forrester at darbyforrestor@charter.net for further details. MAPC collects the forms and passes them on to the member sororities’ chapters. Shown, President of the Montgomery Alumnae Panhellenic Council Cindy DeLongchamp presents a check to Jo Ann Johnson of River Region Christmas Clearinghouse with MAPC members looking on.

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FamilyCalendar Wednesday, March 1

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. Related handouts from the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service are provided each session at no cost. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunches to each event. Iced tea and water will be provided.

Thursday, March 2

Event: In the Arts, Hosted by the MUSES and BTW 5-7 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. In the Arts is designed for teens who dream of working in the arts, offering them a chance to interact with professionals working in the visual arts, design, performance and literature, and to ask about the education, career paths and skills of those serving in leadership and creative roles in the arts. Many presenters bring examples of current projects. All ages are welcome at the event. For more info, visit http:// mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333.

Parents’ Night Out at United Gymstars & Cheer Also March 24 & 31 6:30-10:30 p.m. $20/first child; $15 per sibling. For ages 5-12. Pizza and drink provided. Fun games, trampolines, rope swing, tumble tracks, foam pits and more! Call (334) 284-2244 to reserve your spot! Walkins welcome. Visit www.unitedgymstarsandcheer.com for more info.

Saturday, March 4

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents The Two Gentlemen of Verona Proteus is in love with Julia until he gets an eyeful of his best friend’s girl, Silvia. When friends turn into rivals things quickly go comic as they clash with bandits, a bad-mannered dog, an angry father and a girl who won’t be dumped. This condensed version of Shakespeare’s first play is sure to be a big hit with all ages!

historical landmarks, to include: the Alabama State Capitol, Alabama State Archives and History Museum, Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, Rosa Parks Library & Museum & Children’s Wing, First White House of the Confederacy, as well as the Court Square Fountain. To volunteer, call (907) 301-2362 or find us on Facebook. AUM Offers Free Mandarin Classes -- Every Saturday 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. Civil Rights Walking Tours -- Every Saturday and Sunday 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. start times. Tours start from The

Millbrook Community Theatre Presents Leading Ladies -- Through March 5 7:30 p.m. except for March 5 @ 2 p.m. Comedy involving two down-on-their-luck English Shakespearean actors who pose as the heirs of a wealthy old lady who is dying. Tickets are $12 in advance, $14 at the door, and $8 for 12 and under. For tickets or more info, visit www.millbrooktheater.com or call (334) 782-7317.

Friday, March 3

Beyond Ordinary Marriage Conference Presented by Centerpoint Fellowship Church -- Also March 4 Hunter Hills Church of Christ in Prattville. Cost is $100 per couple. Childcare is available for additional cost of $25 for first child; $15 for each additional child. Conference fee includes conference, breaks, continental breakfast, dinner and $5 off coupon for the book Beyond Ordinary. Registration is required. For more info and to register online, visit centeringlives.com. Art on the Square 6-9 p.m. This tour will retrace historical steps beginning at 400 Mobile St to the Fire House at 5 Points Arts District and convene at One Court Square. Stops will include the Rosa Parks Library and Museum, local restaurants, historical markers, the movie White Water, live art with local and national artists, live music by local bands, real history by historians, and good food. This will be a family-friendly historical event and is free and open to the public. To pick up your free pass, stop by 116 Montgomery St downtown, Monday -Sunday from noon-3 p.m. or 4-6 p.m. Call (334) 296-3024.  Friday Night Hoops -- Also March 17 Students in 5th through 12th grades get together with friends for pick-up games of basketball every first and third Friday at the Bell Road YMCA from 9 p.m.midnight. Students must be dropped off by 10 p.m. and cannot leave without being picked up by parent or guardian (unless students drove themselves). Must be playing basketball to be involved. Participants must have a photo ID (i.e. School ID). $3 for members; $7 for non-members. For more info, contact James Garvin at (334) 271-4343 or jgarvin@ymcamontgomery.org.

Montgomery Parents I March 2017

Recommended for ages nine and up. Visit www.asf.net or call 271-5353. Michael’s Kids Club -- Also March 11, 18 & 25 10 a.m.-noon. $2 per project. Supplies included. Ages 3 and up. Each session is 30 minutes. Parent or guardian must remain on premises. March 4 is a Sprout nature journal; March 11 is a fairy house; March 18 is a fingerprint floral canvas; and March 25 is a watercolor frame. For more info, visit www.michaels.com/. Home Depot Kids’ Workshop 9 a.m.-noon. Ages 5-12. Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety. Today’s project is Build a Rain Gauge. Once the gauge is built, your child can paint his project to personalize it. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron and an achievement pin. For more info, visit http://workshops.homedepot.com/ workshops/kids-workshops. Sixth Annual Pike Road Art Market 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Pike Road Town Hall. Purchase unique fine art, jewelry and crafts from regional artists. Participate in the silent auction and see authentic British cars presented by a local British Motoring Club. For more info, e-mail patty@pikeroad.us or visit www.pikeroad. us/. Alabama Wildlife Federation Talladega Wild Game Cook-Off Local AWF chapters host annual Wild Game CookOffs across the state and everyone is invited to participate. These competitions are excellent ways for backyard chefs to show off their culinary skills and enjoy some good ‘ol fashion fun, fellowship, and fabulous food. Visit www.alabamawildlife.org/wildgame-cook-off/ for more info. 18th Annual Enlisted Heritage 5K Race & 1 Mile Fun Run 6:30-10 a.m. Montgomery Riverfront Park, 335 Coosa. Benefits the Enlisted Heritage Museum on Maxwell AFB. Proceeds will fund enlisted education programs, exhibits and displays. Participants head through the park’s underground tunnel entrance before passing Riverwalk Stadium. Runners will experience several

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

Health Services, Inc. Hosts Read Across America Day Noon-1 p.m. at HSI’s Montgomery Primary Health Center located at 3060 Mobile Highway. This event is free and open to ages 0-3 years old in honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Call (334) 293-6648 to reserve your spot today!

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Village Gallery. Come explore Montgomery’s history walking from different historical sties and engage in profound moments from slavery, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement. This tour highlights pioneers and unsung heroes who contributed to a new era. Cost: Adults - $10; 12 & under - $5; 4 & under FREE. Book your tour by calling (334) 595-9243. Alabama Dance Theatre Presents 30th Annual Spring Concert -- Also March 5 Troy University’s Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. This concert features “The Princess Stories and More” (March 4 at 2:30 p.m. is a shortened children’s matinee of “Princess Stories” only). Other performances are March 4 at 7:30 p.m. and March 5 at 2:30 p.m. Performance tickets are $15-$30. Special ticket price for children ages 12 and under of $15. For tickets, call (334) 241-2800 or visit www. alabamadancetheatre.com. *After the Saturday matinee performance, children can meet the princesses onstage for an additional $10 which will include a chance to win a pearl necklace and earring set, donated by Harold’s Fine Jewelry.

Sunday, March 5

First Sundays at One -- Also April 2 1-2 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Learn more about the traveling exhibitions as well as the Museum’s Permanent Collection in these FREE docentled tours the FIRST Sunday of each month. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa.org/. Discovery Sundays Join Landmarks Foundation for its dynamic new series one Sunday a month at 2 p.m., and the program will vary from presentations at Old Alabama Town to field trips around Montgomery. Free to the public. Today’s program is “Local Modernism” with Mark Driscoll and takes place at 301 Columbus St. Visit www. landmarksfoundation.com/ or call (334) 240-4500. How to Raise Spiritual Champions 11 am.-noon. Monthly on first Sundays. Frazer Atlanta Highway Campus, Fellowship Hall. Monthly coaching for Christian parenting. We’re gathering the best ideas from more than 12 top parenting studies and the best

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FamilyCalendar teachers and mentors from across Frazer to give you the tools you need to help your children grow into the best version of themselves in Christ. Everyone is welcome. Each session is a stand-alone so drop in whenever! For more info, e-mail susan@frazerumc.org.

Wednesday, March 8

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. Beverages are provided by CAMGA. For more info, call 567-6301 or visit www.aces.edu/counties/Elmore/.

Thursday, March 9

Bazaar d’Art 2017 7-10 p.m. at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. The auction offers beautiful works of arts from some of Montgomery’s finest homes at deep price reductions. Funds raised from the event help the Museum fulfill its mission of collection, preserving, and interpreting art of the highest quality for the enrichment of our visitors. Guests will enjoy a taste of the Orient with Chineseinspired hors d’oeuvres and drinks are included with the price of the ticket. For more info, visit http://mmfa. org/ or call (334) 240-4333. Capri Theatre Classics Presents Goldfinger 7:30 p.m. Bond. James Bond. For more info, visit www. capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858. Junior League of Montgomery’s 2017 Shop, Save, Serve Charity Shopping Event -- Through March 19 This innovative fundraiser, which is a new project for the Junior League of Montgomery, gives shoppers the opportunity to purchase a Shop, Save, Serve pass for $30 through the Junior League of Montgomery and select retailers. Pass holders receive a 20% discount at more than 150 participating businesses during the designated ten-day shopping period. A full list of retailers is available at www.jlmontgomery.org. Passes are available for purchase at the following locations: The Shoppes at EastChase Guest Services, Barb’s on Mulberry, River Bank & Trust, The Shoppes of My Kids Attic, and Welle Studio. A kickoff party for the event will be held March 9 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Blackfinn Ameripub in The Shoppes at Eastchase. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Sherlock Holmes -- Through March 25 A new adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes story by Geoffrey Sherman, this gripping tale of the world’s most famous detective features amazing twists and turns, accompanied by a healthy dose of comedy. Recommended for ages nine and up. Visit www.asf.net or call 271-5353.

Friday, March 10

Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets Also March 24 Elmore County Homeschool Organization is a non-profit support group for homeschooling families. We provide a positive socialization environment for homeschooled children & support and encourage their parents in the homeschooling process. We typically meet the second and fourth Friday of every month year-round from 10 a.m. to noon at Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. Membership is free

and is open to all homeschoolers in the tri-county area. For details, visit http://www.onlineecho.com. Parents’ Night Out at Grandview YMCA 6-10 p.m. Take the night to go to a movie, relax at home, go grocery shopping or have a date night. For school age children, ages 5 and up. Dinner for your child, games and fun included! For more info, contact Bill at (334) 290-3622 or bmyers@ymcamontgomery. org. Catalyst Quartet in Concert 7 p.m. Montgomery City Hall Auditorium, 103 N Perry St., Montgomery. A fun, casual concert will delight you with new music and old favorites. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at clefworks.org/?page_id=24. For more info, call (334) 603-CLEF. Goodtimes Late Nights at Goodtimes YMCA 6:30-11 p.m. Take the night to go to a movie, relax at home, go grocery shopping or have a date night. For school age children, ages 5 and up. Dinner for your child, games and fun included! Cost: $15 per child for registrations by Thursday prior; $5 late fee for day-of registrations. For more info, contact Nick at (334) 2798666 or nbrown@ymcamontgomery.org.

Saturday, March 11

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.

your closets and sheds and get rid of your unwanted, but good items. Guns, weapons, tobacco & alcohol CANNOT be sold. One booth per household. One booth per person. Limited space available. For info, call (334) 595-0800. Set-up is March 10 from 3-7 p.m. Zoo Weekend -- Also March 12 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway. Festive environment with live entertainment, games, rides, bouncy houses, big slides, inflatables, pony and camel rides, petting zoo, karate demos, Montgomery Police K-9 presentation, live animal presentations, concessions and animals from around the world. Enjoy the many activities, fantastic food and have fun together at an affordable price. Call (334) 240-4900 or visit montgomeryzoo.com. Montgomery Half Marathon and 5K Riverwalk Stadium, 200 Coosa St., Montgomery. Both courses are USATF certified. 7 a.m. Half Marathon begins; 7:15 a.m. 5K begins; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. EXPO, Awards & Entertainment. There is NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION! EXPO and packet pick-up at Riverwalk Stadium Friday, March 10, from noon-6 p.m. Make sure you bring your bib to the race. No bib…no race… no exceptions. Registration is $35 for the 5K and $45 for the Half. Military and 1st Responders recieve a $5 discount. For more info, call (334) 356-7271 or visit themontgomeryhalf.com/.

Native American Family Day 1-4 p.m. at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. During this free event, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians will share many different aspects of their heritage in fun and interactive ways for all ages. Storytelling by the Poarch Creek Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, dance performances, tribal drumming, and artisans demonstrating their skills. Hands-on basket weaving, medallion making and creating in clay, all in the Poarch Creek tradition. For more info, visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 2404333.

Sunday, March 12

Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women Montgomery Country Club, Azalea Room, 3800 Narrow Lane Road. 9 a.m.-noon. 3-hour workshop that is offered monthly, designed to help participants explore the legal, financial, and emotional issues of divorce and gain a greater understanding of the process. Cost to attend is $20 per person and pre-registration required. For more info, please call or e-mail Sommer Morris at (334) 612-1086 or sommer.morris@morganstanley. com. You may also visit www.secondsaturday.com.

Prattville Pops March Madness Concert 3 p.m. concert features “Our Favorite Sousa Marches” at the Amphitheatre at Pratt Park. Free and open to the public. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a Sunday afternoon concert with your family and friends. For more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit pops.prattvilleal.gov.

Children’s Book Arts Workshop 10-11 a.m. Creative Arts Center, Prattville. This workshop is sponsored by the Prattauga Art Guild as part of the Fountain City Arts Festival. The workshop is free, but space is limited and reservations are required. For more info, call (334) 595-0854. Volunteers Needed for Alabama Angels Pageant Frazer United Methodist Church. This is a day designed to celebrate the lives of all those with special needs. Participation is free and is open to males and females of any age with any medically diagnosed physical or mental impairment. The theme is “Classic Beauties and Bowties,” so we’ll be rockin’ around the clock 50’s style! For more information, to donate or to register as a volunteer, visit www.alabamaangels.org. Also look for and follow Alabama Angels Pageant on Facebook. Prattville Gigantic Flea Market 6 a.m.-noon. Doster Community Center. Clean up

Imagery: Literature in Art 6-8 p.m. Art Exhibit Opening at Prattville Creative Arts Center and Gallery. The Prattauga Art Guild will host an opening reception for an exhibit featuring literarybased art by local and regional artists as part of the Fountain City Arts Festival Celebration of the Arts. The arts center is located at 342 Chestnut Street behind City Hall/Police Station. This reception and the exhibit are free and open to the public. For more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit artguild.prattvilleal.gov.

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Rockin’ Road to Dublin 7:30 p.m. The new sensation that combines the art of an Irish dance show, the power of a rock-n-roll concert, all with the finish of a Broadway theatrical production. Starring world champion Irish dancers Scott Doherty and Ashley Smith, the cast includes 14 dancers, 8 musicians and two vocalists. Tickets begin at $35. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100.

Tuesday, March 14

Youth Ice Hockey -- Through March 25; another session runs March 28-April 8 YMCA is partnering with the Eastdale Mall Ice Skating Rink to bring this exciting program for children ages 4 to 11. Children will learn the fundamentals of ice skating and begin to practice the skills needed to play ice hockey. This program will begin as instructional and evolve into a developmental league program. Registration is going on now! Practices will be Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 5:30-6:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 1011 a.m. Other sessions available March 28-April 8, April 11-22, and April 25-May 6. Cost: $35/members and

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FamilyCalendar $75/non-members. For more info or to register, contact James at (334) 271-4343 or jgarvin@ymcamontogmery.org.

Wednesday, March 15

Personal Discipleship Class Meets Wednesdays for six weeks from 6-8 p.m. at His Vessel Ministries, 300 Water Street, Suite 100, Montgomery. Learn how to have an effective prayer closet, a more personal, intimate time with God every day, how to purify the heart, and how to pursue your purpose in life. To register, e-mail info@hisvessel.org or call (334) 356-4478. Wonderfully Made Baptist Health Seminar Series Noon-1 p.m. UAB School of Medicine, Montgomery Campus, 2119 E South Boulevard Suite 304, Montgomery. FREE. Explores the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of women’s health. Sometimes women, busy with day-to-day activities, don’t take time for their health.

Thursday, March 16

Food For Thought The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. Noon-1 p.m. Bring lunch and and join us every third Thursday for these FREE lectures sponsored by Friends of the Alabama Archives. Drinks are complimentary. Today’s topic is “The Mt. Ida Quilt Project: One Community, Two Quilts, Three Centuries,” presented by Sarah Bliss Wright. Call 353-4726 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Ron White 8 p.m. Comedian Ron “Tater Salad” White is best known as the cigar-smoking, scotch-drinking funny man from the “Blue Collar Comedy” phenomenon. Over the past five years he has been one of the top three grossing comedians on tour in the United States! For mature audiences only. Tickets begin at $52. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100.

Why I’m Not a Painter, I’m a Poet, co-hosted by Alabama State University 7-8 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Enjoy an evening of original poetry and prose composed in response to View of Montgomery. Featured writers will read unique works of literature inspired by the Museum’s treasure, and audience members will be invited to select their favorite work of literature and to suggest works of art to be used as inspiration for future readings. For more info, visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333. Kindergarten Readiness Workshop 6-6:30 p.m. @ Doster Center in Prattville. Focus on tips that parents can use to make it a successful first year of school for your child. FREE! For more info, check out Parent to Parent-Montgomery, Alabama on Facebook. Registration required. 2017 SLE Rodeo -- Through March 18 Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery. The Rodeo coming to town means buckin’ broncos, barrel racing, burly bulls and family fun for all ages. For more info, visit http:// slerodeo.com/.

Saturday, March 18

U.S. Kids Golf Montgomery Local Tour Cottonwood Golf Course, Montgomery. U.S. Kids Golf Local Tours provide boys and girls, ages 5 to 14, the opportunity to advance their golf experience in ageappropriate competition. At the Local Tour level, kids can gain their first exposure to competitive golf, earn Priority Status for Championship Events, meet new friends and learn valuable life lessons. Register for this event through March 13. For more info or to register, contact Quincy Leonard at (334) 721-4536,

Montgomery Parents I March 2017

quincyleonard@leogolfacademy.com or visit www. uskidsgolf.com. Dive In Movie Family Fun Night 5:30-7:30 p.m. Bell Road YMCA Indoor Pool. Watch a family movie on the big screen, search for treasure in the kiddie pool, enjoy a hilarious synchronized swimming performance by your favorite lifeguards, race kayaks in the lap pool, splash contests and so much more! Food and concessions will be available for purchase! FREE ADMISSION FOR ADULTS! 100% of proceeds benefit the Annual Support Campaign! Cost for members: $10 per child; non-members: $20 per child. For more info, contact Daniel at (334) 271-4343 or dblazer@ymcamontgomery.org.

Tuesday, March 21

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

Thursday, March 23

Newcomers Club of Montgomery Monthly Luncheon The Newcomers Club of Montgomery invites all women of the River Region to attend our monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Arrowhead Country Club. Katie Parker, a group sales representative for the Montgomery Biscuits, will join us at the March luncheon to share about the exciting upcoming season of our hometown team. Lunch cost is $18 and reservations must be made by noon Monday, March 20, to Jan Burdette at (334) 593-9266 or jan8410@ bellsouth.net. Visit www.newcomersmontgomery.com. We will follow up on her talk with a group outing to a home game on April 8. Sign-up sheets will be at the luncheon or e-mail cynthishaw@aol.com. Black to the Future Gala Sponsored by That’s My Child 6-9 p.m. Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center, 201 Tallapoosa St. The evening will include food and beverages provided from local Montgomery vendors, performances by the TMC youth, a raffle, and a keynote address by Executive Director Charles Lee. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door and can be purchased at eventbrite.com. That’s My Child is a local youth foundation, founded in 2012, by Montgomery resident Charles Lee. TMC provides arts programming, mentoring, and other extracurricular activities to underserved youth between the ages of 6-18. For more info, call (850) 380-2378. ARTtalk at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 6-8 p.m. This unique program, designed for artists and art lovers alike, has been celebrating the work of Montgomery area artists for more than 25 years. Sign up for a new season of opportunities to view outstanding artwork and receive feedback about your own work. ARTtalk meets on select Thursday evenings in the Museum Library. Cost: $20 for Museum or Art Guild members; $35 for non-members. Register now and get an up-close look at artists, their work, and the creative process! E-mail edsecy@mmfa.org or call (334) 2404365 for reservations or visit www.mmfa.org. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Dauphin Island -- Through April 9 A world-premiere production by Jeffry Chastang. Suspicion and fascination dovetail when (en route

from Detroit to a new job on Dauphin Island) Selwyn Tate interrupts the self-imposed isolation of Kendra in the Alabama woods — dramatizing the risks involved when two displaced souls intertwine. Developed by the Southern Writers’ Project. Recommended for ages 16 and up. Visit www.asf.net or call 271-5353. Capri Theatre Classics Presents Clueless 7:30 p.m. The kickoff to our ‘90s Nights series. Cher, an absurdly wealthy and popular high school student in L.A., takes new kid in town Tai under her wing. If you like Jane Austen’s Emma, or the nineties, or comedy, or romantic comedies or really large cell phones or plaid, you’ll love Clueless. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858. Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre Presents Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs -- Through April 9 This production, directed by Blair Dyson, will run Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door and can be purchased online at wobt.prattvilleal.gov, with Mastercard or Visa by phone at (334) 595-0854, or in person at the Special Events office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Friday, March 24

The Price is Right Live! Stage Show 8 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Tickets begin at $35. To register for chance to be a contestant, visit registration area at or near the venue box office 3 hours prior to show time. For complete rules & regulations, including eligibility requirements, visit or call the box office at (334) 481-5100.

Saturday, March 25

Walk MS: River Region Riverwalk Stadium, 200 Coosa St, Montgomery. Site opens at 8 a.m.; walk begins at 9 a.m. Help raise critical funds and awareness for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. To register, visit walkMS. org, call (855) 372-1331 or e-mail fundraisingsupport@ nmss.org. For more info about multiple sclerosis and the National MS Society, visit nationalMSsociety.org or call (800) 344-4867. Easter Eggstravaganza at Alabama Nature Center 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The Easter bunny is back at the ANC! Activities include three different age group egg hunts, egg bocce ball, egg race, bunny pictures, and a lollipop garden! Hot dogs will be for sale at the pavilion outpost. Please return your eggs if you do not want them!  Daily admission is $5/person with a $20 maximum per family. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (334) 285-4550. A Tour of Historic Wetumpka 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The Elmore County Historical Society and Museum presents a walking tour of the beautiful old homes in Wetumpka. These homes have been a part of Elmore County history as early as the 1850s. The tour will begin at the Presbyterian Church, founded in 1836 and built in 1854. Tickets are $10 for the tour only or $20 for the tour with lunch included.

Sunday, March 26

Family Art Affair and Jazz Jams 2-4 p.m. Bring the whole family to this FREE Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts program and listen to

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FamilyCalendar the best jazz artists from the River Region perform or bring an instrument of your own and join in with the band!  Seating is limited, so arrive early for this great afternoon of live music. Drop in the studios between 2 and 4 p.m. and create art projects with your children designed around exhibitions in the Museum’s Temporary Galleries. Thanks to the Alabama Roots Society for making Jazz Jams possible. No reservations necessary. For more info, visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333.

Tuesday, March 28

2017 MAX Capital City Classic

6:30-9:30 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium, 200 Coosa Street. Help celebrate the tradition and rivalry of the Iron Bowl at Riverwalk Stadium as Auburn takes on Alabama. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m.; first pitch is at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15-$22. Purchase online or call (334) 323-2255.

Friday, March 31

can-eat crawfish and sides, cold beverages, live music featuring Federal Expression, BPM and Blackberry Breeze. Raffle prizes, crawfish souvenirs and fun. Get your tickets by stopping by our office at 2125 East South Boulevard, next to Baptist South! General admission tickets will be available at the door for $35; VIP tickets available until March 24. Kids ages 3-10 can purchase a kid-friendly meal and drink for $10 so even the smallest supporter can enjoy! Montgomery Babypalooza Baby & Maternity Expo 9 a.m.-1 p.m. MultiPlex at the Cramton Bowl. FREE to attend. Baptist Health will have representatives for all Women’s and Children’s services from both Baptist South and Baptist East. Nurses and staff will be available for private Q & A concerning Neonatal Care, Postpartum, Labor and Delivery, Pediatrics, and the Centering Pregnancy program. Childbirth specialists will be discussing the various childbirth classes taught in the Small Wonders program. For more info, visit http:// babypaloozatour.com/. Centerpoint Half Marathon And 5K Race 5:30-6:30 a.m. packet pickup at the Prattville YMCA Race Day Registration: Half Marathon - $75; 5K - $25; and Kids’ Fun Run - $20 (Registration for this event available until 8:30 a.m.) For more information or to register online, visit centerpointhalf.com.

Friday Night Live Dance for 5th- and 6th-grade Students 7-10 p.m. Doster Community Center, Prattville. $5 per child for students of Autauga County Schools. Every child must be on the school roster in order to attend. If you are interested in chaperoning, you must register by calling the office (334-595-0800) the day before the dance. Children will not be allowed to leave until their parent or guardian arrives to pick them up.

Sylvan Learning Center Offers ACT Cram Course 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at 2640 Zelda Road. Reading, grammar, writing, social studies, science, and math are taught by teachers who specialize in preparing students for the ACT. Students are also given test tips and insight on how the ACT is structured. Cost is $35. Call (334) 262-0043 or e-mail cd@montgomerysylvan. com to enroll.

Saturday, April 1

Sunday, April 2

12th Annual Fountain City Arts Festival 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Pratt Park in Prattville. This annual event features fine arts and crafts by artists from throughout Alabama and the Southeast, music by the Prattville Pops, Community Chorus and local and regional musicians, performances by the Way Off Broadway Theatre and lots of hands-on projects for festival guests. Delicious festival foods and children’s play areas for all ages. For an artist or vendor application or for more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit www.prattvilleal.gov. This festival is FREE and open to the public. Saint James United Methodist Church Benefit Auction for Youth and Children’s Missions 4-6 p.m. 9045 Vaughn Road (corner of Vaughn and Ryan). No cost for admission to the auction. Visitors may preview items on March 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. or online at sjlifeauction.com. Featured items include antique furniture from Pickwick Antiques, original artwork, jewelry, salon and boutique certificates, gift cards from local businesses and vacation home rentals. U.S. Kids Golf Montgomery Local Tour Wynlakes Country Club, Montgomery. U.S. Kids Golf Local Tours provide boys and girls, ages 5 to 14, the opportunity to advance their golf experience in ageappropriate competition. At the Local Tour level, kids can gain their first exposure to competitive golf, earn Priority Status for Championship Events, meet new friends and learn valuable life lessons. Register for this event through March 27. For more info or to register, contact Quincy Leonard at (334) 721-4536, quincyleonard@leogolfacademy.com or visit www. uskidsgolf.com. Annual Autism Crawfish Boil Benefits Easter Seals Railyard Brewing Company, 12 West Jefferson Street, Montgomery. Noon-5 p.m. (early bug and VIP ticketholders get in at 11 a.m.) 4,000 pounds of all-you-

Montgomery Chorale and the Faulkner University Chorus Present Peace & Harmony Concert 3 p.m. Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts, 251 Montgomery St. Featuring Ralph Vaughn Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem. General admission $25; senior/ military $20; student $10. For more info, call (334) 265-3737.

Thursday, April 6

Faulkner Dinner Theatre Presents You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown -- Also April 7-8, 13-15 and 20-22 Doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner served 6:156:45 p.m. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Faulkner University Dinner Theatre, 5346 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery. Visit https://www.faulkner. edu/undergrad/student-life/student-activities/dinnertheater/dinner-theatre-schedule/ or call 877-840-0457. Montgomery Biscuits 2017 Season Opening Night 7:05 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium. For tickets or more info, visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 323-2255.

The Art of Baking Puppet Show -- Also April 7 Shows start at 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Children will learn that “art is everywhere” from charming animals working in a bakery on stage. The characters demonstrate that their particular differences, talents and skills allow them to

work together in order to make tasty masterpieces. In the course of the show, children will also identify shapes, primary colors, cool and warm colors, and patterns used in confections and what it takes to become an artist. The show is for three- to- six-year olds. Advance reservations are required (taken on a first-come, first-serve basis). 200 seats per show. Please note: scheduled visits to ARTWORKS Gallery are not available on Puppet Show dates. Call Jill Byrd at (334) 240-4359 for more information.

Friday, April 7

State Archery Competition Montgomery Multiplex @ Cramton Bowl; Flight Times:  9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.,|4 p.m.  $25 per archer; archers get to keep their arrows. Spectators are free. Movies on the Green A date night movie will be played on the big blow-up screen down in Montgomery’s Riverfront Park starting at dark on the first Fridays in April, May and June. Bring chairs or blankets for seating. Food vendors and a cash bar will be available for purchase. No outside alcohol allowed. Must be at least 18 years or older. Pets welcome. Tickets must be purchased online or at the gate. April’s movie is The Wedding Singer.

Saturday, April 8

YMCA Strides For Kids 5K Dash Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex. 8:30 a.m. registration for the 5K and 9:45 a.m. for the Fun Run. Entry Fees: $25 for 5K ($30 after March 25); $10 for 1-Mile Fun Run ($15 after March 25). This event will be held rain or shine. Proceeds benefit the Annual Support Campaign. All 5K participants will receive a dri-fit shirt. Walk-in/Late registrations are welcome (but not guaranteed a shirt). To register, visit www.active.com/ montgomery-al/running/distance-running-races/ymcastrides-for-kids-5k-dash-2017. Party for Parkinson’s Fundraising Event 5:30 p.m. in casual attire at Wylnlakes Country Club. This will be a great evening of live music, food and beverages benefitting Parkinson’s Disease research and respite care programs for patients and caregivers in Central Alabama. Chevy 6 will again perform at this can’t-miss event! Tickets are $60 and include 2 drink tickets and BBQ dinner. Visit www.parkinsonaca.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+ for all the latest event details! An Evening with Clint Black 8 p.m. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Grammy Award-winning country music star Clint Black will headline this outdoor concert on the grounds of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. This spectacular event will also include two additional bands, which will be announced at a later time. Rain or shine. Gates open at 4 p.m. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online at www.asf.net. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets. Food will be available for purchase from a variety of local restaurant vendors. All proceeds will go to support the Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s cultural and educational outreach efforts. Call 334.271.5353. Flora and Fauna Arts Festival 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in the NaturePlex at the Alabama Nature Center, 3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook. Enjoy this artistic celebration of Alabama’s natural world. Alabama artists will feature their original fine arts and crafts in a variety of mediums and styles, to include ready-to-hang wildlife and floral paintings, wood-carved marine fish, photography, mixed media, gourd art, stained glass mosaics and much more! For more info, call (334) 285-4550 or e-mail aharper@alabamawildlife.org.

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FamilyCalendar Maxwell Air Show -- Also April 9 The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the French aerial demonstration team, Patrouille de France, and many other acts fill the skies over the River Region with excitement at the Maxwell Air Force Base Air Show and Open House. The event will feature many Air Force static aircraft, past and present, as we also commemorate the entry of the U.S. into WWI a century ago and celebrate the Air Force’s 70th birthday. The Air Show is FREE and open to the public. Air Show hours are 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. each day. For the latest info, visit maxwellairshow.com or call (334) 953-2015.

Sunday, April 9

Montgomery Biscuits Bark in the Park/Kids Run the Bases/Kids’ Day 2:05 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium. All dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed. One dog per adult. All dog owners must sign a waiver at the RF Gate entrance. Kids ages 14 and under are invited to run the bases after every Sunday game at Riverwalk Stadium presented by Coca-Cola! Kids can also play catch on the field before the game and create some arts and crafts. For tickets or more info, visit www. biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 323-2255.

Ongoing Ala. Dept. of Archives & History Exhibit galleries include a children’s gallery and a reference room for genealogical and historical research. In Grandma’s Attic, kids can try on clothes, 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 to do at home. In addition, there are FREE, guided tours of the Museum of Alabama EVERY Saturday at 1 p.m. 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 meeting 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. 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. (Bluegrass Jam is going on at the same time in another room.) 300 W. Tallassee St. (former Wetumpka Jr. High building). 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. Brain Pump is a group exercise class, targeting children 4-12 years old. The class is the collaboration of a physical therapist and a kinesiology professor combining traditional therapy and exercise concepts with the latest cutting edge research on movement and the

Montgomery Parents I March 2017

brain. This is all done in a fun, energetic setting, that seems much more like playing than exercising. Brain Pump is taught at Metro Fitness on Saturdays from 1111:45 a.m. Contact Tiffany Higginbotham at Body Logic PT & Wellness (334-380-5920) for more info. 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. For event info, call Ernie Rains, CATA Community Coordinator, at 3241406 or e-mail www.centralalabama.usta.com. Civil Rights Memorial A monument to those who died and/or risked death in the struggle for civil rights. 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery. For information, call 264-0286. Cloverdale Playhouse “Third Tuesdays” Montgomery’s singers and songwriters perform in our intimate theater space each month on the third Tuesday. Join us for a musical evening in Old Cloverdale. For details, call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse. org. Also contact us about volunteer opportunities, auditions, and the Playhouse School! First White House of the Confederacy Open on Saturdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The First White House of the Confederacy played a significant role during the Civil War and served as Jefferson Davis’ family residence from February-May 1861. Located at 644 Washington Avenue in downtown Montgomery, neighboring the Ala. Dept. of Archives and History. For more info or to tour the museum, call 242-1861 or visit www.firstwhitehouse.org. Friday Night Open Volleyball Students in 5th through 12th grades get together every 1st and 3rd Friday at the Bell Road YMCA from 6-9 p.m. Students must be dropped off by 10 p.m. and cannot leave without being picked up by parent or guardian (unless students drove themselves). Free for members; $3 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 1-800-2409452 or visit www.VisitingMontgomery.com. In Prattville, call 361-0961 or visit www.prattville.com/visitor/history. In Wetumpka, call 567-3002 or visit www.wetumpka. al.us/features. Other numbers are: Blount Cultural Park (274-0062 or www.blountculturalpark.org); Grace Episcopal Church (215-1422); Old Alabama Town (240-4005 or www.oldalabamatown.com); and Alabama Garden Trail (1-800-ALABAMA or www.touralabama.org). W. A. Gayle Planetarium Public Shows offered Mon.-Thurs. at 4 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. and first & third Saturdays at 2 p.m. Admission $6.50/person, children under 5 free, seniors $5.50/

person. 1010 Forest Ave. in Oak Park. Call 625-4799 or visit http://www.troy.edu/planetarium/.

Harriott II Riverboat Cruises Seasonal. Typical hours are 6:30-9 p.m. Live entertainment, cash bar and concessions available. For more info and available dates, visit www.funinmontgomery. com, call (334) 625-2100 or visit the Riverwalk Box Office at 200 Coosa Street. Montgomery Women’s Newcomers Group: Moving On After Moving In Thursdays from 9:15-11 a.m. beginning September 15. St. James UMC Cafe, Vaughn Rd. Childcare available. For more info, please contact pam.zavada@gmail. com or (256) 541-7888. Montgomery’s Freedom Rides Museum 468 South Perry Street. Learn how 21 young people helped change our nation’s history using nonviolent protest. Black and white, male and female, none of them were older than 21. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, noon -4 p.m. For more info, visit www.freedomridesmuseum.org or call (334) 242-3184. MOOseum, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Children’s educational center featuring past, present and future in agriculture and the cattle industry. Free. Group tours should be pre-scheduled. Mon.- Fri. 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Last scheduled tour of the day starts at 3:30 p.m. 201 Bainbridge St., Montgomery. For info, call 265-1867 or visit www.bamabeef.org. Old Alabama Town 19th and early 20th century outdoor history museum. Tours Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: $8 for adults, $4 for students ages 6-18. Under 6 free. 301 Columbus St., Montgomery. For information, call 240-4500 or vist www.landmarksfoundation.com/.

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Prattville-Millbrook Newcomers Club A non-affiliated social club geared to new people moving into the area AND to those looking to form new friendships or just learn more about the area and help new residents do the same. Meets every third Thursday (except special events, holidays) throughout the year at the Willis Bradford Branch of the YMCA on McQueen Smith Road in Prattville. For more info, contact Nancy Schrull at (334) 414-8185 or nschrull@knology.net. Prattville Movie Club (for Teens) Meeting twice a month on Fridays, current Prattville Movie Club members range from 14-18 years old and meet at the Carmike Promenade 12 on Cobbs Ford Road. There are no GPA requirements and no class requirements. We are friends who enjoy moviegoing and want to meet others who also enjoy watching movies. For more info, call (334) 224-7811 or e-mail brandonperdue12@gmail.com. Rosa Parks Museum 252 Montgomery Street. 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. For more info, call 241-8615 or visit www.troy.edu/rosaparks/. Tales for Tots Join us for this FREE introduction to art in storybooks and in the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts galleries for young children and their families. Each time a different work of art and special story will be presented. Next classes are March 22 from 10:30-11 a.m., and 11-11:30 a.m. Call 240-4365 or visit www.mmfa.org for more info. YMCA 7 to 11 Club Calling all children ages 7 to 11 for this fun, free event. While Mom and Dad are working out, join us for games, arts & crafts, service projects and more. Earn special

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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 or e-mail liz.owen@jackson.org to register or for more info. Breastfeeding Class This one-time class at Baptist Health 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. Class fee: $20. Registration is required. E-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Caring For Your Newborn Taught by Baptist Health Newborn Nursery nurses, this one-time class helps new families become familiar with the basics of caring for your infant in the first six weeks after birth. This interactive class covers routine hospital newborn procedures along with bathing,

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diapering, swaddling and soothing, normal infant behavior, appearance and sleep patterns. Class fee: $20. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. 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 Boot Camp (One Day Saturday Class) This fast-paced one day class taught by Baptist Health’s experienced Labor and Delivery Registered Nurses prepares families to welcome their new addition. All aspects of Labor and Delivery from our hospital admis-

sion process through postpartum care are covered during class. Additional topics include Cesarean sections, medication and anesthesia options along with coping and comfort measures. Breathing and relaxation techniques are also introduced. Maternity Area Tour is included as a part of this class. Class offered select Saturdays of each month. Fee: $60 per couple and includes lunch. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. ID required. 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 info 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. 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 info, contact alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or visit 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 334-430-7569 or e-mail bolson@abchome.org. Infant Safety/CPR This one-time class sponsored by Baptist Health will teach 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. This class will also help parents with creating a safe environment for their child. Classes are taught by certified CPR Instructors. This class is not a certification class. Fee: $10 per person. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org. 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. Maternity Area Tour Baptist Health’s Maternity Area Tour is for parents not attending Childbirth Preparation Boot Camp. Tour is offered on select Saturdays of each month and is complimentary. Tour is for adults only. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@ baptistfirst.org for more info. Pre- and Post-natal Fitness Classes Includes water aerobics, step-floor aerobics and strength training. SportsFirst. Call 277-7130. Pregnancy Nutrition Classes Interactive 3-week series of classes developed by wellknown 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 info, contact alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or visit www.Facebook.com/LeaninCentralAL. Prepared Childbirth Class (Understanding Birth) Jackson Hospital. Preregistration required. Topics include: pregnancy, labor, birth, options for pain management, medical procedures, cesarean birth. Note: This class is a basic overview of the labor and delivery process and does not prepare someone for “natural” or unmedicated childbirth. Cost: $25 (covers mother and support person). Class size is limited. Please try to register by the 5th month of pregnancy for the best selection of available class dates. Call (334) 293-8497 or e-mail: liz.owen@jackson.org. Sibling Preparation Class One-hour class is designed for expectant “big brothers and sisters” ages 3 to 8. They will learn about the arrival of their new baby through an introduction to the hospital experience and the early days at home. Parents should plan to attend with their child. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 2734445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org. Slow Flow Yoga Classes are held at Old Alabama Town on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 11:30-12:15, and 12:30-1:15. Beginners welcome! No registration needed; just come to Molton South Building. Enter through the Rose House, located on Columbus St. between N. Hull and Decatur. Parking is available along Decatur and N. Hull. Drop in fee: $12; 5-class pass: $50 (exp. 60 days). Monthly unlimited: $65. Mat rental: $1. 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. 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 info, or to volunteer, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Baptist Hospice Volunteers There are many 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 to our program. Please call Gloria @395-5018 to join our dynamic team.

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FamilyCalendar Baptist Hospital Volunteers Volunteers are needed at Baptist Medical Center East, Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville Baptist Hospital. Duties vary by facility but include delivering mail and flowers, transporting patients, staffing waiting rooms and information desks, and furnishing coffee for visitors. Volunteers work one four-hour shift per week. For more info, call 286-2977. Baptist Sleep Disorders Centers Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville. Both centers have the ability to diagnose up to 84 different sleep disorders. There are four board-certified physicians and a clinical psychologist on staff between the two centers. For more info, call (334) 286-3252 for Baptist Medical Center South and (334) 361-4335 for Prattville Baptist Hospital. Jackson Hospital Animal Therapy Program Jackson Hospital’s Animal Therapy Program is a vital part of its patient care. Animals in the program are limited to dogs, and no other animals are allowed to participate. Currently, there are 10 dogs in the program. Their handlers have undergone extensive training and orientation, and visit the hospital weekly. For more information, please call 293-8894. Jackson Hospital Volunteer Services Jackson Hospital information desk 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. Call 293-8967 or visit www.jackson.org/patients_ volunteers.html. 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. River Region Association of Doulas Doulas Traci Weafer, Rebekah Hawkins and Christina Clark provide prenatal counseling, labor and postpartum doula services, breastfeeding education, events and support groups. Contact rradoulas@gmail.com or visit rradoulas.weebly.com or https://www.facebook. com/RRADoulas/.

Support Groups Adoption Support

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer Memorial UMC. For more info, call Sonia Martin at 409-9477 or at smartin@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 life-long adoption process. Meetings held at Children’s Aid Society, 2141 14th Avenue South in Birmingham. For class dates and times, call Kathy King at (205) 943-5331 or e-mail kking@childrensaid.org. Panda Pals is a support group for families who have adopted or in the process of adopting children from China. We have playdates, family nights and get-togethers to talk about raising our children from China. If you would like to join our group, just e-mail PandaPals2005@yahoogroups.com or call Tracie Singleton at 395-8215.

Montgomery Parents I March 2017

Cancer Support

American Cancer Society, including Montgomery, Elmore & Autauga Counties: **To access or sign up for these programs, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Look Good…Feel Better is an American Cancer Society program in which trained volunteer cosmetologists help female cancer patients deal with the side effects of treatment. Patients are taught beauty techniques to enhance their appearance and self image during or after treatments, including ways to disguise hair loss and skin changes. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 for more info. OTHER PROGRAMS/SERVICES OFFERED BY THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: Reach to Recovery matches newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors on a one on one basis. Free wigs and other supplies for cancer patients Free rides to treatment through our Road To Recovery program (where volunteer drivers use their cars and time to take in need cancer patients to treatment) Free lodging through the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge in Birmingham (if patients are sent to Birmingham for treatment) On-line cancer information classes and support group through cancer.org. Information anytime and trained specialists at 1-800-ACS-2345. Cancer Patient and Caregiver Support Group 1-2 p.m., Tuesdays, Montgomery Cancer Center, 4145 Carmichael Road. The group is facilitated by professionally trained health care providers and other members of the support care team. It’s free and open to all cancer patients and their caregivers. Call (334) 273-7000. General Cancer Support Group held at Christ Church, 8800 Vaughn Road, Tuesday afternoons at 1 p.m. This is an open group. For more information, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie Diemayer at 467-4578. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 2nd Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Room 8114. Provides education, awareness and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family or friends. For more info, call 272-8622 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net.

Divorce Support

DivorceCare meets Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. at Frazer Memorial UMC. Join us for thirteen weeks of guidance and purpose as you move forward with life after divorce. For more info, call 495-6368 or e-mail singles@ frazerumc.org. Divorce Care for Kids meets Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. at Frazer Memorial UMC. Children of divorce or separation find hope, help, and healing. Call 495-6368 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org for more info. DivorceCare meets at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. It fosters a weekly supportive and caring environment to heal the hurt of separation and divorce. 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 at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $15 (scholarships available). Contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@montgomeryfbc.org or 241-5125. Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women Montgomery Country Club, Azalea Room, 3800 Narrow Lane Road. 9 a.m.-noon. This is a 3-hour workshop that is offered monthly, designed to help participants explore the legal, financial, and emotional issues of divorce and gain a greater understanding of the process. The cost to attend is

$20 per person and pre-registration is required. For more info, please call or e-mail Sommer Morris at (334) 6121086 or sommer.morris@morganstanley.com. You may also visit www.secondsaturday.com.

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 at the church’s building, 301 Dalraida Road. Please e-mail farauthor@aol.com for more info. “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 ages 7-11 who have experienced the recent loss of a loved one. 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. Space is limited to 6 participants so call 279-6677. Start date will be determined once reservations are confirmed. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW. “Comfort and Conversation,” Wednesdays at 11 a.m., Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is intended to address those affected by a recent loss (0-12 months after death). Through meeting with others who are walking a similar journey, you will be encouraged to work through the complications of your loss, understand your pain, and adjust to your new reality. Space is limited, so please call 279-6677. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW. Compassionate Friends, Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Hwy, first Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child. For more information about the group, call (334) 284-2721. “Connect,” Fridays at 11 a.m., biweekly, Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is for those who have already walked through the initial grieving process but still desire to connect with others who share similar experiences. This group will allow you to meet new people, stay active in the community, and look ahead to a bright future. We will share lunch, visit museums, volunteer, attend movies, and participate in area events. This group is ongoing and does not have a participation limit. 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 2728622 for more info. GriefShare meets weekly at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. This program is non-denominational and features biblical concepts for healing your grief. 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. 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.

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FamilyCalendar 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. 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. 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.

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

Celebrate Recovery is a 12-step-Christian process to help you cope with hurts, hang-ups, and habits on a weekly basis. Meets at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. You will experience hope and strength for each day. “Celebrate Recovery” is led by Jeff McFarland. To register or for more info, call 279-5433. Gluton Intolerance Group (www.gluten.net) is a nonprofit organization with the mission to provide support to those with any form of gluten intolerance. 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 (Turn on Berryhill Rd. by EastChase). Check the blog for special “alternate site” meetings (www.

glutenfreemontgomery.blogspot.com) For more info, you may also e-mail dr.hetrick@charter.net or visit the group’s Facebook page.

ist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. E-mail Mom2mom@frazerumc.org for more information.

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.

Moms’ LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) First Baptist Church, Prattville. Meets twice monthly from 8:30-11:45 a.m. in the chapel at First Baptist Church in Prattville August through May. For moms of all stages and ages of life. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guests, special guest speakers and a lot of fun! Cost is $5 per meeting. Childcare provided by reservation. For more info and to reserve your spot, call Kelley Manning at 361-7919. The Montgomery Multiples Club is a non-profit organization offering support to the mothers and families of twins, triplets, and more in the Central Alabama region. They have a mom’s night out with dinner once a month. They also have a yard sale twice a year, in the spring and again in the fall. For more info, visit https://sites.google.com/site/montgomerymultiples/home.

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 info, contact Holli at (334) 290-0646 or e-mail: ahif_montgomery_auburn@yahoo.com. Visit www.ahif.org.

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. gives fathers and daughters an opportunity to read together to create fun, educational memories. This free event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Montgomery CityCounty Public Library and Dreamland Barbeque. For more info, call Ron Simmons at (334) 777-8596. La Leche League of Montgomery Area has served local mothers since 1984. Women who are pregnant, interested in breastfeeding and nursing mothers are invited to attend our free mother-to-mother support meetings or e-mail with breastfeeding questions. Join us with your babies. Children of all ages are welcome. We currently have morning and evening meetings. For more info, e-mail LLL.Montgomery.AL@gmail.com or visit http://www.llli.org/groups/@llli*group*montgomery or “like” us on Facebook. Mom2Mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of children ages birth-5 years at Frazer United Method-

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry St., Montgomery. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:3011:30 a.m., September through May. Moms, need a little break? 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? 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 vaughnforestmops@gmail.com or visit http://vfcmops.weebly.com/.

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. Post-abortion Support Group, Saint James United Methodist Church, 6-8:30 p.m. meeting 2nd and last Thursdays of the month for six sessions beginning March 9 and ending May 25. Do you have a secret you have promised yourself “you are taking to the grave?” Come and

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SupportGroups Single Parents Support

God Will Make a Way, Frazer UMC, Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. Learn to follow God’s principles to thrive relationally, emotionally, and spiritually in 12 key areas of life and use God’s wisdom to cope with your most difficult problems. Call 495-6368 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org for more info. Single Moms Support Group, Landmark Church of Christ, Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in Classroom 118. For more information call 277-5800. listen to stories of others who were scared to surrender their secret. Come and find healing and peace that you never even knew you needed. Come and learn about the One who came to set you free. Join us in a study of “Surrendering the Secret” by Pat Layton and know that you are not alone! (Learner guide and digital download sessions.) To sign up, e-mail annpemberton@charter. net. 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.

Montgomery Parents I March 2017

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 495-6368 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org. 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 familyoriented 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 for daily restaurant specials, area kid-friendly events, and tips/ ideas for families on a budget. TNT (Tuesday Night Together) for Singles, Frazer Memorial UMC, Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, Bldg. 7000. A meal ($5) and program are

provided. Call 495-6368 or e-mail singles@frazerumc. org for info.

Special Needs Support

Alabama Angels Pageant, a nonprofit pageant for males and females of any age with special needs. Participation is free. 2016 pageant date TBA. Visit www. alabamaangels.org and look for us on Facebook! Central Alabama Autism Support Team (C.A.A.S.T.), St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Hwy. 31 in Prattville from 6-8 p.m. 3rd Thursdays quarterly (Feb., May, Aug., Nov.). Visit www.easysite.com/caast or e-mail casst50@yahoo.com. Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach, Vaughn Park Church of Christ, 2nd Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. We have activities, speakers and special events throughout the year for the parents, siblings and children with Down Syndrome. Childcare provided. Visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com or visit our Facebook page (MADSOG) for more information. Contact MADSOG at montgomeryareadownsyndrome@ gmail.com for more info. 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. Refreshments at each meeting. For more info, contact HearingInfo@earthlink.net.

Teens/Families Support

Alienated Grandparents Anonymous meets third Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m in room 3104 at Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. For more info, call 272-8622 Call Family Guidance Center of Alabama at 2704100 for information about current classes. Support Group for Teens with difficulties communicating with parents and friends. Contact Felicia Pressley at Pressley Counseling by leaving a message at (334) 625-0159.

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I Don’t Know What to Call My Cat

by Simon Philip, Illustrated by Ella Bailey (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) When a stray cat shows up on a young girl’s front steps, welcoming it into her life and home is easy. But finding the right name is a bit harder. The name “Kitty” calls every cat within ear shot. ‘Betty’ and ‘Ethel’ sound good until a vet visit changes the focus more toward ‘Butch’ and ‘Arnie’. Before the girl can decide what to call him, her cat escapes. But their journey back toward each other may just provide the perfect name for adventurous cat. Don’t know what to call your cat? Give it time, they practically name themselves.

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Black Cat, White Cat

by Silvia Borando (MiniBombo / Candlewick Press) Dark and lovely from his ears to the tips of his toes, Black Cat only goes out in the day and only sees things that come out in daylight hours. Bright and beautiful from her nose to her tail, White Cat only goes out after dark, reveling in the sights that are only seen in the night. When curiosity inspires each cat to seek out their opposite’s world, their paths cross and what follows is a sweet exchange that highlights the shared joys in their diverse settings. Illustrated in stark black and white, the simple language and silhouette styling celebrates the cats’ curiosity as they discover together how much black and white have in common.

The Very Fluffy Kitty, Papillon

by A. N. Kang (Disney/Hyperion) He’s not just fluffy. Like the butterfly he’s named for, Papillon is so fluffy that he floats around lighter than air. Worried that he could just drift away, his companion Miss Tilly contrives a variety of ways to hold him down to earth. Pizza, costumes, hats and eye patches help keep him grounded, but Papillon is having no part of it. When an open window and a beautiful day lure the fluffy cat outside, a blue sky adventure quickly turns frightening. Floating past the wilder side of the great outdoors, a scared Papillon uses Miss Tilly’s ideas and the help of a friend to find his way back home. With physical comedy and adorable expression, Papillon strikes a delightful balance between living the high life and keeping your feet on the ground. Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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Girl Scout Operation Cookie Care Package Underway

Girl Scout cookie season offers a variety of delicious, mouth-watering cookies, but its real focus is teaching girls five basic skills that are essential to leadership, to success, and to life: goal setting, decision-making, money management, people skills and business ethics.In addition to the five skills, through Operation Cookie Care Package, girls learn how to give back to those who give so much – our armed forces. Operation Cookie Care Package (OCCP) is a program through which customers make donations to Girl Scout Troops that are used to purchase Girl Scout cookies for our brave military troops and individuals in veterans’ hospitals so they can enjoy a little taste of home. At the end of the cookie season on March 5, girls will turn in their donations and the Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama will place a special OCCP order with the cookie baker. In April, GSSA will deliver cookies to designated military organizations, such as the USO and also to local military branches. Girl Scout troops can be found at local retail locations every weekend until the sale ends. For information on how to donate, or to locate a troop, e-mail communications@girlscoutssa.org or call (800)-239-6636.

Family Karate Center Instructor Teaches Child Safety in Montgomery Area Schools

Master Carole Smith, owner of Family Karate Center, has been working to ensure that children in the Montgomery area are aware of the tricks and lures child predators use to get children in their cars and away from their parents. She has been teaching these life-saving safety tips to children in public and private schools since the ‘80s, and works closely with the John Walsh Foundation and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Master Smith is the creator of the Stranger Danger Child Safety Program, and loves to share her knowledge with every children’s group she can. The children learn what to scream if approached, how to identify the trucks used to lure them, and Escape School techniques to break away and how to get to safety. These demonstrations are FREE to the public at all times. To schedule your free child safety awareness demonstration, call (334) 220-9319.

Business Card Directory

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Ea Montgomery Parents I March 2017

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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.

Edward Jones-Lane Easterling, 42

OB/GYN Montgomery, Dr. Desautels, 19

Evangel Christian Academy, 28

O’Connor Tennis Lessons, 67

Family Guidance Center, 22

Pediatric Nephrology of Alabama, 20

FC Montgomery Soccer Academy, 78

Pet Palace Hotels, 33

First Presbyterian Kindergarten, P’ville, 38

Prattville YMCA, 44

Adventure Sports II, 20

First UMC, Prattville, 58

Professional Pediatrics, 12

Alabama Christian Academy, 27

Frazer Memorial UMC, 37

Pump It Up Party, 38

Alabama Dept. of Public Health, Inside Front

Health Services, Inc., 3

Resurrection Catholic School, 47

AL School of Math & Science, 61

Herron Dermatology & Laser, 65

Riverview Camp for Girls, 63

Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 53

Holy Cross Episcopal School, 18

Rockin’ Jump, 35

Armory Athletics, 51

Hooper Academy, 19

Rolling Video Games of AL, 49

ASKIN/Synergy House, 94

Inflatables of Montgomery, 14

Saint James School, 1

ASU Acting Camp, 79

Interscapes, Inc., 91

Saint James UMC, 81

ASU Continuing Education Camps, 73

Joy to Life, 55

Sea Dragon Pirate Cruises, 9

ASU Middle School Band Camp, 75

KLynn Ice Skating, 8

Shade Tree Riding Stables, 71

AUM Cont. Ed. Summer Youth Camps, 69

Kingry Orthodontics, 31

Shane’s Rib Shack, 31

Baptist Health, 13

Kumon, 2

Spacewalker, The, 28

Barb’s on Mulberry, 80

Learning Tree Child Care, 48

Spotless Cleaning Services, 92

Beth’s Heirloom Sewing, 47

Legacy Early Learning Center, 34

Success Unlimited Academy, 25

Bradford Health Services, 52

Lori Mercer Photography, 49

Sweet Kiss Fertility, 94

Camp ASCCA, 64

Macon East Academy, 15

Sylvan Learning Center, 37

Camp Walkabout, 75

Mathnasium, 14

Taylor Road Baptist Church, 26

Cellar Door Wine Club, 58

MEOW Academy, 71

The Listening Place, 20

Chapman Orthodontics, 75

Memorial Presbyterian Childcare, 42

The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover

Children’s Hospital of Alabama, 57

Montessori @ Mulberry, 17

Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection, 67

Churchill Academy, 43

Montgomery Catholic Schools, 7

Trinity Presbyterian School, Inside Back

Crowned with Glory Ministries, 44

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 58

Tru-Cut Lawn Care, 51

Dentistry for Children, 34

Montgomery Pediatric Dentistry/Ortho, 29

United Gymstars & Cheer, 77

Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 32

Montgomery Uniforms Plus, 21

Valley View Ranch, 80

Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 26

Montgomery Zoo, 83

Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 32

E & S Hobbies, 94

Mrs. Sandy’s House, 94

Vaughn Road Preschool, 39

Eastdale Mall, 41

My Kids Attic, The Shoppes of, 23

YMCA Camp Chandler, 64

Eastern Oaks Church, 59

New Park, 4

You and Me Boutique, 11 95

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The Great Wall

The LEGO Batman Movie

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B Violence: D+ Sexual Content: A Profanity: BAlcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated The Great Wall PG-13 for sequences of fantasy action violence. Going to The Great Wall expecting a vague lesson on Chinese history? There’s a good chance the fortune cookie you cracked open at dinner will have more to say about Asian legends than this movie. I didn’t know what to expect, so when the massive herd of viscous dinosaur-like creatures came crashing toward the Great Wall of China at about the 15 minute mark, I thought I’d drifted off to sleep and was having one of those “too much pizza before bed” dreams. In that quarter hour prior to the CGI invasion, Matt Damon plays it straight as William, a mercenary fighter who, along with his companion Tovar (Pedro Pascal), is looking for a supply of a mystical Chinese creation sure to be worth some big money back home. It is rumored that black powder exists and can create a fire more ferocious than anyone in Europe can possibly imagine. However, while on their quest these two have also had a close encounter with a ferocious beast from which they managed to remove a forearm. The gory souvenir will prove valuable when these hapless men stumble upon The Great Wall and meet an army populated with the most capable soldiers and weapons imaginable. Their lives are spared after displaying the dismembered limb and presenting themselves as traders. Still, they are restrained and held captive. And that’s about the time the slimy beasts show up and begin to breach the towering fortress. The timing couldn’t be any more fortuitous for William and Tovar. General Shao (Zhang Hanyu) quickly recognizes their fighting abilities. Meanwhile William also takes a liking to the beautiful deputy Commander Lin (Jing Tian), causing him to rethink the initial plan to get a sack of black powder and hit the dusty trail. Tovar, on the other hand, stays focused on the prize. With the help of Ballard (Willem Dafoe), another westerner captured by the Chinese, he plans to escape during the next giant lizard battle. Rumored to be the most expensive Chinese movie ever made, this China-US co-production is light on story and very heavy on monster goo. These carnivores bleed green and, according to the unwritten movie violence rulebook, that means there are no reasons why they can’t be sliced, diced, gored, quartered and blown to bits (that’s where the black powder comes in). The ravenous creatures get a taste of Chinese as well, when they devoir many of the opposing warriors, but these encounters are not shown in explicit detail. All this hash and mash is somewhat mitigated by tongue-in-cheek humor (the westerners get all the funny lines) yet it will still present some nightmarish images for pre-teens. Other possibly objectionable content is limited to a few mild profanities.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: BSexual Content: B+ Profanity: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated The LEGO Batman Movie PG for rude humor and some action. The LEGO Batman Movie poses an interesting question within its opening minutes: Would we need good guys, that is superheroes, if we didn’t have bad guys? Batman (voiced by Will Arnett) is quite comfortable saving Gotham City singlehandedly. But when his usual nemeses The Joker (voice of Zach Galifianakis) surprises him by surrendering himself to Gotham City police, Batman is out of a job. Of course, the lipstick fiend has ulterior motives. Playing with Batman’s vanity he manages to amass an army of other evil villains and attack the city. He also has a personal vendetta to pursue with the Dark Knight. The conflict between these opposing forces provides plenty of frenetic action throughout. Obviously, there’s no explicit carnage in a LEGO movie but the frequent peril may still be frightening to younger audiences. Even worse, this overabundance of mayhem often obscures the positive messages within this script. Fixing Batman’s narcissistic is tendencies the primary target of this film’s moral objective. His ego gets in the way of forming sincere relationships, as well as accepting help from others. These characteristics will be challenged after he falls in love with the new police commissioner (voice of Rosario Dawson), unwittingly agrees to adopt an obsessively admiring boy (voice of Michael Cera), and listens to his butler Alfred’s (voice of Ralph Fiennes) fatherly counsel. Themes of teamwork may also be a little confusing to children when possible allies include a legion of criminals who aren’t quite as bad as the really, really bad dudes that align with The Joker. Yes, this isn’t the only movie on screens with fifty shades of grey, and parents should be prepared to discuss the good and bad traits that exist in all of us. Although sight gags, like young Robin pulling his pants off, will keep kids amused, most of the humor here comes from sarcastic cultural references, decades of Batman depictions and other iconic characters. Parents and older teens will likely find plenty to laugh at, but you might want to leave the littlest ones at home.

What Parents need to know about The LEGO Batman Movie... Violence: Characters are in perilous situations throughout the film. Although the action is not graphic in its depictions, it still includes threats from bombs, explosions, imprisonment, reckless driving/flying, fist-fights, falling from heights, weapon use, vehicle crashes and property destruction. The distinction between “bad guys” and “good guys” is blurred when the heroes behave unkindly and less-nasty villains turn against more evil villains. Sexual Content: Some mild sexual innuendo and rude terms (like “butt”) are heard. Infrequent potty words and humor are included. Characters are seen in their underwear when they change their clothes. Profanity: No real profanities or terms of deity are used, but characters do exclaim copy-cat words such as “heck” and “gosh”. Alcohol / Drug Use: Social drinking is portrayed, and a couple of alcoholic beverages are mentioned. Montgomery Parents I March 2017

What Parents need to know about The Great Wall...

Violence: Many scenes depict explicit monster violence with large dinosaur-like beasts being stabbed, sliced, gored and blown up; green blood is seen along with some body fragments. Human characters are also devoured, but with far less graphic detail. Human characters threaten one another with swords and other medieval-type implements. Characters are held captive, one is seen tied up in a cell. A human and monster come into conflict and we see the dismembered limb of the monster. Deaths are implied on a massive scale for both humans and monsters. Sexual Content: None noted. Profanity: Infrequent profanities are limited to mild and moderate curses, as well as terms of deity. Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted. 96

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Shaping Leaders that Change the World If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Director of Admission Jenny McClinton at 334.213.2213 or jmcclinton@trinitywildcats.com Tuition assistance available. Discount offered to military families.

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n Trinity graduates have received over $35 million in merit-based scholarships over the last 5 years n The vast majority of Trinity’s AP students score between a 3 and a 5 on their exams, with many students nearly completing their freshman college studies before graduating from Trinity n Trinity’s EnviroBowl Team won the 2016 State Championship—Trinity’s 10th EnviroBowl championship since 2001 n Partnering with a local elementary school, Trinity students serve as “Study Buddies,” as well as provide food to 85 children weekly through “Feeding America’s BackPack Program” n Trinity’s Change 4 Change project has donated over $70,000 in the past three years to charitable organizations in Montgomery and throughout the world Trinity admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origins to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Trinity does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origins in any of the educational policies, scholarship programs and athletics, and other school-administered programs.

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