Montgomery Parents November 2013 by KeepSharing

Open House

Pre K-4 and Kindergarten Open House

Sunday, January 26, 2014 1:30pm

Exploring the world right from your classroom. Visit our state-of-the-art campus and experience first-hand the impact of engaged learning.

Saint James School for pre k3-12th grade admissions

6010 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery

334.273.3000

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

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

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

334.279.1400 • kumon.com/montgomery-central Kumon Math & Reading Center of Montgomery - Southeast Peppertree Shopping Center 8125 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116

334.649.1178 • kumon.com/montgomery-southeast

Montgomery Parents I November 2013

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December 13 • 7 pm December 14 • 4 & 7 pm December 15 • 4 & 7 pm Tickets available online beginning November 11.

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305 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36104 Montgomery Parents I November 2013

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November2013

Volume 18 Number 11

66 Columns

6 Editor’s Note DeAnne Watson

8 Living With Children John Rosemond

12 Kids Health Watch

Bullying: Is Your Child a Victim?

A Peaceful Stepfamily Holiday

Learn how to help your child if he has become a target.

Proactive steps to ease the difficulties of blended family holidays.

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Treating Your Child’s Cough Every parent dreads seeing their child sick and it is worse when they don’t have a fix for the problem. Most children have 4-10 colds every year and along with many of them comes the dreaded cough. Cough is a protective reflex by the body to clear the airways of irritating or obstructing material like mucous, and can be very aggravating to both the parent and the child. In January 2008, the FDA warned against giving children under 2 years old cough and cold medicines due to the possibility of serious harm or death. They later extended the age limit to include children 5 years and under. Their decision was based on evidence from studies showing little to no improvement of symptoms in this age group and the large number of visits to the emergency room for adverse effects caused by many of these medicines. While complete suppression of the cough can cause prob-

lems there are some things that you can do to help with the cough. Vapor rub containing camphor, menthol, or eucalyptus oils have been shown to help with symptoms at night when used appropriately. For children ages 2 and up, these products should be applied to the chest and neck area at bedtime and have been shown to relieve some but not all the symptoms. If your child has asthma, chronic lung disease, eczema, or a seizure disorder this may not be a good choice as it could irritate their disease. Another option you can try is honey. Some studies show that giving your child honey 30 minutes before bedtime can help relieve the cough. Honey is not safe for children younger than one year old as it can cause a serious infection with botulism. A cool mist humidifier in your child’s room can also help with cold and cough symptoms. Elevating the head of your child’s bed by placing a towel or blanket under the top mattress may help relieve some of the cough as well.

For children over the age of 6 years there are many over the counter medicines available. Many of these combinations contain a cough suppressant and other medicines so be sure to read the label to make sure you are not giving your child a double dose of a medicine. If you are unsure about what to try, talk with your doctor before giving any medicine to your child. Remember that your child’s cough is still a protective, airway clearing reflex so try not to suppress it completely. While these suggestions may help with the symptoms there is no medicine that will make it better faster if the cough is caused by a cold. Time, along with rest and plenty of fluids, is of the most help in this situation. If your child’s cough persists past two weeks or suddenly gets much worse and he or she has fever you should see your pediatrician for evaluation. Dr. Hoy was born in Montgomery, Alabama. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and earned her medical degree from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, West Virginia in 2007. She completed her Pediatrics Residency in Detroit, Michigan at St. John Hospital and Medical Center. Malissa is happily married to Jade and they have one son.

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

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

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I am honored to have been named interim superintendent for Montgomery Public Schools; simultaneously, I am humbled by the knowledge that each decision impacts children and the community. I am grateful for the kind words and prayers of my colleagues, friends and especially my church family. I have begun each day affirming the importance of doing what’s best for students. The staff and I are committed to our partnership with Alabama State Superintendent Dr. Tommy Bice and his staff as we move the system forward. I am developing a series of goals that I will concentrate on over the coming weeks. • The central staff, our principals and teachers will work closely with the state Department of Education to ensure a suc-

Montgomery Parents I November 2013

cessful partnership. We will own the challenges in our system and seek solutions. • We will work to improve our internal communication, and between the system and our stakeholders. • We will implement a new board approved strategic plan focused on student achievement and support for teachers. • We will clean-up our policy manual and internal procedures so that everyone understands what is expected and is then held accountable for those expectations. • We will continue to challenge the community and schools to advocate for MPS students with passion and commitment. The key to our success lies in the “real” involvement of parents and the community around “real” instructional, cultural, attendance, and behavioral issues. Every day hundreds of people volunteer as mentors and tutors. However, there are hundreds of other students who need to know that someone cares. To those of you who are now ready to take a role, I urge you to see the “U” in ED”U”CATION as a signal for personal commitment.

We need more parents, grandparents, churches, businesses and community members to determine a plan of action for engaging, not just in school settings, but wherever you come in contact with children and whenever you have opportunity to encourage and offer hope. It doesn’t take a special degree, just the desire to make a difference in the life of a child...your child...our children! We won’t let a day be wasted; we plan to keep it moving. Today is a good day to join with us! Become an MPS student advocate! “Let us therefore pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another,” Romans 14:19! To volunteer contact the Communications Office at 223-6873. The Montgomery County Board of Education named veteran educator Margaret Allen to serve as the interim superintendent for the system after the departure of Barbara W. Thompson. Allen began working for Montgomery Public Schools as a special education teacher in 1976. She served as a teacher at Bear Elementary, assistant principal at Forest Avenue Elementary, principal at Garrett Elementary, and as an executive director of elementary schools. Most recently Allen has served as the professional development director for the system.

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Montgomery County Schools

Brewbaker Intermediate Student Surprised by Dad

Brewbaker Intermediate student Gentry Lloyd III, who is in Catrina McGhee and Patricia Black’s fifth-grade classes, received a surprise visit from his dad, Senior Chief Gentry Lloyd Jr., while in a technology class. Chief Lloyd has been an active member of the U.S. Navy for 14 years and was on board the Aircraft Carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (SVN69) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During his surprise visit, Chief Lloyd took pictures with his son’s classmates and spoke briefly about the United States Navy. He also surprised his son with tickets to the Alabama-Ole Miss Game!

Catholic Celebrates Feast Of St. Francis of Assisi

On October 4, the Catholic Church celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Holy Spirit Catholic Church had a Blessing of the Pets Friday afternoon. Pictured is Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School firstgrader Sarah Caroline Katz, with a dog named Jackson after the blessing. She is the daughter of Denise and Jay Katz of Montgomery. Montgomery Parents I November 2013

Jeff Davis School Media Wins Top Awards at Troy

Jeff Davis High School’s Cavalier yearbook and JDTV placed second and third respectively during Journalism Day hosted by Troy University. The Cavalier yearbook won second place in the categories of School Coverage and Theme & Design. JDTV won third place in the category “Best Television Broadcast.” More than 40 high schools from across the state were represented.

SUA Achievers Start Cooking Lessons

When Success Unlimited Academy’s Achievers Class started cooking lessons this semester, homemade “mac and cheese” was on the top of their list as a favorite. The students were busy reading recipes and deciding which one was the best for their venture. First, they wrote the ingredients needed on their grocery list. After purchasing the items, the students began to prepare the dish by measuring flour, milk, cheese, and seasoning. Using individual bowls, each student was able to prepare his own dish for the microwave. As part of the curriculum, cooking also helps to incorporate science, math, and home safety awareness for the students. More importantly, it teaches independent learning skills. The students enjoyed their special treat. Kiki Hardrick served Finance Director Pam Johnson.

Bear Students Selected For State Music Festival

Bear Exploration Center students Amiracus Brown, Madison Mills, Allyson Merriweather, Anna Grace Rief, Tyler Banks, Hannah Thomas, Brianne Therrien, Aidan Steyer, Raven McGhee and Michelle Trammer were selected to perform in the Alabama Music Educator Association Elementary Music Festival with 400 children from across the state. The children’s choir performed at a concert held at Samford University in Birmingham. The Bear students sing under the direction of music teacher Beverly Fain. 16

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Open House:

January 13: 6:00 - 7:30 pm - K3 - 12 January 26: 1:00 - 3:00 pm - K3 - 6

Macon East Academy

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

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Montgomery County Schools

Covenant Kids Hold Car Wash

On a recent hot Friday morning, the children at Covenant Kids Child Development Center held a car wash just for fun. They all brought their vehicles from home or borrowed some from the center and had a blast scrubbing their cars, trucks, and bikes! They each had their own bucket and scrub brush along with LOTS of bubbles to use to get their special mode of transportation sparkling clean. Shown is Mac McClendon getting his car ready to display.

Montgomery Parents I November 2013

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ACA’s Football Team and Quarterback Receive Awards

Alabama Christian Academy was recently named the Academy Sports + Outdoors Right Stuff Team of the Week for outstanding teamwork and sportsmanship on the field. In addition to this team award, Chandler Taylor, a junior at Alabama Christian, has been named the Player of the Week for the fourth time this year as the quarterback for ACA. He has been selected by the Montgomery Quarterback Club as the Private School Player of the Week, the Montgomery Advertiser’s Player of the Week and has been voted al.com’s Montgomery Player of the Week twice.

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Macon East SixthGraders Lead Chapel Program

Lanier Particpates in Scarecrow Showcase

To prepare for the September chapel program, Macon East sixth-grade students created cardboard testimonials focused on the challenges young people face each day. The flip side of each cardboard testimonial expressed how faith in God equips them to face these challenges. Each sixth-grade student presented his testimonial at the opening of the chapel assembly. The students also led in singing “Hallelujah” and “You Are My All in All.” The guest speaker for this month’s chapel was Ashley Davis of Woodland United Methodist Church. She shared a message with the students based on 2 Corinthians 5:17 which says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Using the example of the caterpillar being transformed into a beautiful, new butterfly, Davis taught how a relationship with Christ can transform you into a new creation. She showed the kids some dirty socks and garbage as an example of the bad choices and ungodliness we all have in our lives. Davis finished her teaching by spraying air freshener over the socks and garbage as an illustration of how God’s grace can take away the old, yucky things in our lives. Lower school chapel at Macon East Academy is presented each month by a different grade and guest speaker.

Lanier High Principal Marie Kostick got into the fall spirit by adding the finishing touches to the Lanier High scarecrow before it was displayed at the MPS Arboretum. During September, Arboretum director Cindy McKenzie asked all MPS schools to submit themed scarecrows that would be displayed on the grounds for visitors throughout the months of October and November. More than 30 scarecrows were sent in by schools. To view the scarecrows, you can visit the Arboretum which is located at 1755 Hunter Loop Road.

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Montgomery County Schools

Hampstead Montessori School Holds First Peace Parade Event

Chisholm Students Walk to School

Children at Chisholm Elementary were among several Montgomery public schools that participated in “National Walk to School Day” in October. Students gathered in the parking lot of the Montgomery Zoo with their parents, grandparents and school staff. The purpose of the event, organized by the Partnership for a Walkable America, is to build awareness for the need for walkable communities, safer routes to school, and to promote the benefits of walking for physical activity.

On September 8, the United Nations marked the International Day of Peace with a call to invest in education that encourages children to embrace global citizenship based on values of tolerance and diversity. Montessori at Hampstead’s Middle School and Upper Elementary Students prepared short speeches about peacemakers from around the world. The students did research on their peacemakers and what their words meant to them. The Lower Elementary sang to the crowd about peace and made their own miniature peace doves. These students returned to class after the peace parade and made their own peace flags and spoke about what peace meant to them. The Primary students also made their own miniature peace doves. The toddlers enjoyed watching the peace dove fly and the great presentations by the Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary and Middle School students. Montessori School at Hampstead is looking forward to next year’s parade and bringing this event to the forefront of the greater community experience.

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Montgomery Parents I November 2013

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Four MA Students Commended By Natâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l Merit Corporation

Will Cochran, Guy Hood, Rachel Warwick and Layne Williams have been named Commended Students in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program. These students will receive a Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2014 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2014 competition by taking the 2012 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Holy Cross First-Graders Learn About Nature First-graders at Holy Cross Episcopal School were in for a special treat when they had a visit from Mary Robin Jurkiewicz, who has helped make the grounds at Holy Cross the beautiful place they are. She talked to Dianne Mannâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class about the trees on the Holy Cross grounds. The students can now recognize a gingko tree from an evergreen. They also learned which trees provide shade and which trees have the potential to grow very large. Many went home that afternoon trying to find out if they had the same trees in their own neighborhoods. It was a hands-on experience that not only taught the children some important nature facts, but also helped Holy Cross students appreciate the beauty of nature as well.

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Montgomery County Schools

Carver High Culinary Artists Shine

Carver High School Culinary Arts Academy students shared creatively designed cupcakes with participants at the Taste of the River Region held in September. The event featured food and beverages from more than 35 top restaurants across the River Region. Proceeds from the event benefited the Junior League of Montgomery’s community service projects.

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Holy Cross Kindergartners Go on a Sight Word Hunt STJ’s Hunter Named Nat’l Achievement Semifinalist If you were in the halls of Holy Cross and found kindergartners roaming the halls with magnifying glasses, you might be witnessing a very extensive search for words. Kindergarten teacher Grace-Ann Armagost informed her students that their sight words had gotten loose and they were now hiding all over the building. Students took their clipboards and went on a hunt to find as many of them as possible. “They love being detectives, and it is a fun and exciting way to help them learn their sight words. They don’t even realize they are actually reading!” says Armagost.

Bonnie Nail Joins SUA Faculty

Bonnie Nail joins the Success Unlimited Academy faculty this year, bringing 32 years of teaching experience into the classroom. Nail received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama and earned her master’s degree in education from Troy State. She gained most of her teaching experience at Clanton Elementary and Intermediate schools. “Ms. Bonnie,” which she prefers to be called, enjoys being creative and implementing new teaching strategies in the classroom. Montgomery Parents I November 2013

Saint James School senior Jared Hunter has been named one of only 1,600 Black American high school seniors across the country to be named Semifinalists in the 50th Annual National Achievement Scholarship Program. These scholastically talented young men and women now have an opportunity to continue in the competition for approximately 800 Achievement Scholarship awards, worth about $2.5 million to be offered next spring. “The recognition will definitely help my chances of getting into a really good college,” Hunter said. “I appreciate the teachers at STJ who kept pushing to excel. They helped with all the hard work, homework, and tutoring, especially (math teacher) Wanda Love. She and everyone were just constantly pushing me to do my best.” To be considered for a National Achievement Scholarship, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 80 percent of Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and more than half of the Finalists will win an Achievement Scholarship Award. Hunter, who has attended STJ since the fourth grade, is a member of the school’s cross country and tennis teams and the Film Club, a senior peer leader, the SGA twelfth-grade representative, the secretary for the student Y club, a member of the TWM Club (raising awareness for Lou Gehrig’s disease), and a judge in Youth Judicial. He has a 3.99 GPA.

Trinity Seniors Commended By National Merit Program

Trinity students Wesley Curles and Sarah Green have been named Commended Students in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program. Curles is a recipient of the Yale Book Award and the Latin III Academic Award. He is also a Furman University Scholar, a Presbyterian College Fellow, and a Wofford College Scholar. Green received the Physics Academic Award, the AP U.S. History Academic Award, the Yale Book Award, and the Harvard Book Award. She is also a Furman University Scholar, a Presbyterian College Fellow, and a Wofford College Scholar. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2014 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2014 competition by taking the 2012 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. 22

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Catholic Elementary Campuses Elect 2013-14 Student Councils

Students at Montgomery Catholic’s St. Bede and Holy Spirit Elementary campuses recently elected student council representatives for the 2013-2014 school year. This year the student council at St. Bede’s campus will be led by Libby Duke as President, Patrick Flores as Vice President, McKinley Boyd as Secretary, Lucy Duke as Chaplain, and Ethan Binns as Treasurer. At the Holy Spirit Campus, officers are Anna Sadie as President, Meaghan Pineda as Vice President, Clare Wilson as Secretary, Sarah Rose Burden as Chaplain and Joey Tarlavsky as Treasurer. The St. Bede Campus Student Council are, front row: Ailish Gilbert, Ansley Erhardt, Samantha Day, Mason McCollister, Will Driver, James Bender, Will Noell and Cecelia Crawford; second row: Amari Pitters, Grayson Howell, Veronica Masters, Alyssa Decker, Cacey Williams, Kade Hampton, Devan Deramus and Maren Manning; and third row: Patrick Flores, Libby Duke, Katie Rose Perkins, Lucy Duke, Mary Ellen Vazquez, Ethan Binns, Michael Hodges, McKinley Boyd and Kyla Stinson. Not Pictured: Riley Taylor.

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The Holy Spirit Campus Student Council are, front row: Emily Klinger, Jordan Stokes and Jack Allen; second row: Joey Tarlavsky and Katherine O’Connor; third row: Anna Sadie, Meaghan Pineda and Sarah Rose Burden; and back row: Katie Sugiyama, Clare Wilson and Emma Garrison. Not pictured: Michael Russo and Kolbe Russo.

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St. Bede CDC Studies Johnny Appleseed

St. Bede Child Development Center recently celebrated Johnny Appleseed’s birthday. The whole Center was filled with apples! There was plenty of art from the Infants’ fingerpainted apples to the “Apple Pies” that the Twos made. We graphed favorite apples and learned apple rhymes. There were all kind of apple snacks—even homemade applesauce! This child in Debbie Redden’s 4K class is peeling an apple before slicing it and adding to the pot to simmer all day. For more information about St. Bede Child Development Center, please call 277-8551.

ACA Students Attend Reptile Show

Recently Alabama Christian Academy students had the opportunity to learn about several species of reptiles thanks to a visit from Paul Stewart and his reptile show. Students were able to see a variety of snakes, lizards and turtles and connect current learning in the classroom to the reptiles Stewart showed them. Stewart shared details about the snakes’ complex muscular and digestive systems to facts about habitats, growth patterns and uses for venom. The K5-5th grade students were fascinated to learn that the venom that can cause so much pain and sometimes death, is also used in medicines for heart and cancer patients. Montgomery Parents I November 2013

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STJ’s Cunningham Named Nat’l Merit Semifinalist

Saint James School senior Kathleen Cunningham has been named a National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalist, a prestigious honor awarded to only 16,000 students nationwide, from 1,500,000 program entrants. She is the third National Merit honoree from the school in as many years. The daughter of Drs. Daniel and Debra Cunningham, Kathleen began attending Saint James in pre-school. The 17-year-old says she hopes to become an engineer. “I know I want to apply to Colorado State University, because I like the atmosphere there and my grandparents live in Ft. Collins,” she said. In addition to being an honor student, Cunningham is a member of the school’s Robotics and Science Olympiad Teams. As a semifinalist, Cunningham has an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,000 National Merit Scholarships worth about $35 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and more than half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.

Park Crossing Student Wins Baking Contest

Park Crossing High School student Nia Marshall recently won first place in the Creative Arts’ Junior Baking Division during the 60th Annual Alabama National Fair. She received a ribbon and $150 sponsored by Alaga Foods. She was encouraged to enter the competition by Agriscience teacher Kelly Mullins.

Trinity Holds QR Code Scavenger Hunt

Students in Ms. Siebenthaler’s Advanced Placement United States History course recently participated in a QR Code Scavenger Hunt. Twenty-five QR codes were posted around the campus, and students raced one another to find them all. Once they found a QR code, the students used an app on their iPhones to decode the message to receive a question about the drafting of the U.S. Constitution and the early Republic. Students then had to use various online resources to find the correct answers. The student with the most accurately answered questions at the end of the 45-minute period won a prize. Shown, junior Cassie Felder scanning a QR code for an AP U.S. History assignment.

“Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

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Montgomery County Schools

Hooper Celebrates Hometown Heroes

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On September 13, in remembrance of 9/11, Hooper Academy hosted an event honoring all heroes serving our country and community. Firefighters, emergency responders, law enforcement, and current members of the armed forces, as well as veterans, were honored in a parade. The Alabama State Troopers helicopter landed on the practice field and officers delivered a new American Flag to the school. The Huntingdon College Band was also there to help honor these heroes.

Forest Avenue Faculty ‘In the Pink’ for Awareness

Forest Avenue teachers held a “Pink-Out Day” in support of friends, family and other loved ones of faculty and staff members who are breast cancer survivors or fighting breast cancer.

Trinity Celebrates Homecoming 2013

Trinity’s annual alumni tent at Homecoming was filled with memories as several alumni classes returned to celebrate their reunions, including the classes of 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003 and 2008. Before the football game featuring the Trinity Wildcats’ defeat of Thorsby 61-16, the Jack Noble family was recognized in a special ceremony for their long-standing dedication to Trinity for more than 40 years. In attendance were Jack and Susan Noble, along with their five daughters and their families. Trinity had even more to celebrate, as it was the 10-year anniversary of the 2003 State Championship Football Team. All the players from the 2003 team were invited back and recognized in a special ceremony during halftime. Trinity’s 2013 homecoming court was also recognized during halftime: 2013 Homecoming Queen Hunter Custard; 12th Grade attendants Emory Johnston and Anna Claire Loftis; 11th Grade attendant Barbara Ann Trotman; 10th Grade Beth Birchfield; 9th Grade Sarah Kate Etheredge; 8th Grade Zoe Portis; and 7th Grade Catherine Parma. From left are Sarah Kate Etheredge, Barbara Ann Trotman, Emory Johnston, Hunter Custard, 2012 Homecoming Queen Marley Sport, Anna Claire Loftis, Beth Birchfield, Zoe Portis and Catherine Parma. Montgomery Parents I November 2013

STJ Middle School Celebrates Grandparents

Saint James Middle School student Trinity Goff is lovingly flanked on both sides by her grandmothers -- Anne Mulder, left, and Lenora Hubbard -- as they dote on their very important pre-teen during STJ’s MS Grandparents Day held October 4. More than 200 middle school grandparents visited their grandchildren early that morning, and afterwards joined a schoolwide celebration of these special relatives for a catered, mid-morning Grandparent Brunch. The event honored all STJ grandparents, thanking them for the constant love and support they provide throughout the year for their “grands.” The brunch was planned and sponsored by STJ’s Development Department, led by Kim Hendrix.

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Montgomery Academy Student Government Leaders

The Montgomery Academy Upper School Student Government Association (SGA) is comprised of students in grades 9-12 who are elected as representatives by their peers. As members of SGA, these students serve as the voice of their grade at monthly meetings and are responsible for school events including dances and service projects. Consisting of three main officers in addition to class officers, the SGA is responsible for many activities in the Upper School. The SGA kicks off the school year with a fundraiser, the sale of wrapping paper, which assists with funding of dances and homecoming decorations. In addition, the SGA sells “Bleacher Creature” t-shirts that can be worn by students at games to support the athletic teams. Class officers are also responsible for Homecoming decorations, keeping their classmates informed of what goes on at the monthly SGA meetings, and creating a class t-shirt. Led by their SGA officers, the 10th grade class is responsible for planning and overseeing the Eagle Day Carnival, while the 11th grade class sponsors the Halloween Carnival and the Junior/Senior Prom. The SGA is sponsored by Deans Andy Roth and Carole Yeaman. Officers for 2013-2014 are: President William Haynes, Vice President Kit Birdsong and Social Chair Lillian Roth. Individual grade officers are 12th Grade: President Brock Hendon, Vice President Ann Hester and Social Chairs Liza Hunter and Caroline Lester; 11th Grade: President Sara Brown, Vice President George Hook and Social Chairs Sam Adams and Cody Jones; 10th Grade: President Wilkie Stevenson, Vice President Barton Lester and Social Chairs Jay Back and Annabel Roth; and 9th Grade: President Ford Cleveland, Vice President Darry Freeman and Social Chairs Margaret Ann Allen and Issey Behr.

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Churchill Begins the Year with Traditions Old and New

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Churchill Academy congratulates classroom C teacher Kelly Gunnels as she welcomes a new baby boy into her family. Mrs. Cohen is taking the class C helm in her absence. She has really clicked well with the students. The school wrapped up an intensive month of testing and Individual Learning Plan meetings in late September and early October. Discussing testing results and class placement in hour-long parent teacher conferences ensures strong communication throughout the year. These meetings also gave a chance to discuss the Singapore math program that students are now using in the classroom. Because Singapore math focuses on three distinct learning phases: concrete, pictorial and abstract, this method is perfect for our school. The concrete phase involves hands-on activities that reinforce students’ understanding of key concepts. This then progresses into the pictorial stage, where students draw representations of mathematical ideas. Finally, students enter the abstract phase, solving problems numerically. The three phases together give students a strong grounding in math. Churchill students went to Dreamfield Farms in October as they geared up for the spookiest time of the year. The school also held its annual fall festival, where everyone dressed in costume and students played games and won treats. The annual game of teacher musical chairs is one of the festival highlights. Student Services Coordinator Kaye Pair, Lauren Hathcock, and Principal Lisa Hanlon Schroeder are shown in the run-down to Hathcock’s ultimate victory. www.montgomeryparents.com

Macon East First-Graders Study Earth

Susan York’s first-grade class at Macon East has been studying map and globe skills. Each student made and painted his own papier mache’ globe. They also labeled all the oceans and continents. The boys and girls had fun presenting their globes and hanging them on display in the classroom.

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Cornerstone Students Gather at the Pole

The seventh-grade students at Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy were responsible for planning and leading this year’s See You At The Pole event. The students organized their prayer time by using this year’s theme verse from 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If…Then.” Following a brief explanation of the history and purpose of the See You at the Pole event, the Cornerstone students divided into small groups to pray through a list of topics provided to them by the seventh-grade class. This year, students in the school are learning to pray through the ACTS model of prayer and this was the format selected by the seventhgraders. Many parents joined the students for the presentation and for prayer. Seventh-graders Emily Grace Jones, Ashley Moore and Nadia Anderson led the fourth-graders in prayer.

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Garrett Principal Locked Up for Charity Fundraiser

Garrett Elementary Principal Anissha Officer narrowly missed going to jail for MDA! Her staff and students helped her raise half of her $3,200 goal, which was enough to bail her out of jail and return to Garrett!. The Lock-Up is the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s premier fundraising program. Business and community leaders agree to be “put behind bars for good,” where they encourage their vendors, co-workers, family and friends to get donations that will go toward their “bail.” All funds raised by the MDA Lock-Up assist the Association in providing lifesaving research, a nationwide network of medical clinics and accessible summer camp experiences to individuals and families affected by neuromuscular diseases.

Trinity’s Johnston Honored By Quarterback Club

Trinity junior Trace Johnston was named the Private School Player of the Week by The Montgomery Quarterback Club for his outstanding game against Leeds on September 6. Johnston received the award at the Quarterback Club’s meeting September 17. Joey Jones, head football coach at the University of South Alabama, was the featured speaker. Trace is the son of Leah and Dow Johnston. Johnston is shown with Trinity Coach Ken Whittle Montgomery Parents I November 2013

Vaughn Road Staff Celebrates Teamwork

Vaughn Road Elementary teachers and school staff recently showed off their new school shirts to remind themselves of how important their work is and the difference they make in students’ lives. Faculty and staff participate in a variety of teambuilding activities to better serve students, because Together, Everyone Achieves More!

Catholic Football Teams Win Two Championships!

Both the Montgomery Catholic Termite and Pee Wee football teams claimed titles September 21 at the Hooper Academy Jamboree. The Termite Knights started the rainy day with a 28-0 defeat over hosting team Hooper Academy. In the game, Chase Ford recorded three touchdowns. Also scoring was Ethan Binns on a QB keeper up the middle for a 7-yard touchdown run and Will Belsterling scored on a 2-point conversion. In the second game, the rain did not let up but neither did the Knights. The Pee Wee football team beat Hooper Academy by the same score, 28-0! Grant Smith scored on two touchdowns as did Christian “Cat” Ivey for the Knights in the win. Those two wins propelled both the Montgomery Catholic Pee Wee & Termite teams into the Championship games. Both teams would face Fort Dale Academy Eagles out of Greenville. The Termite Knights won their game 6-0. Ford led the Knights with the only touchdown of the game. Following the Termite championship game was the Pee Wee Championship game. And like the Termites, the Pee Wee Knights claimed a victory to win the Hooper Academy Jamboree Championship. Ivey led the Knights with two touchdown runs, helping the Pee Wee Catholic Knight football team win 12-0 over Fort Dale Academy. Montgomery Catholic Termites are shown with their Jamboree Championship Trophy.

Dozier Pre-K Celebrates Johnny Appleseed Dozier Elementary’s Pre-K class celebrated Johnny Appleseed’s birthday on September 26. The teachers are Shiron Brookins and Roland Austin. 30

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Macon East Class Creates Family Trees

The second-graders at Macon East Academy have been learning how traditions, relatives, ancestors and keepsakes are all part of a family’s history. They created family tree posters and then interviewed one family member from their family tree. Each student shared their tree and interview in class. The class presentations were recorded with each student’s iPad so that they could also share them with their families at home. The family history unit concluded with each student bringing a treasured keepsake to show to the class.

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Success Unlimited Academy seventhgrade students are hitting the books after their summer vacations. Literature, which is part of the SUA English curriculum, allows students to broaden their horizons by reading. Throughout the year, students will be introduced to various types of literature: fiction, nonfiction, mysteries, poetry and everything in between. “Get ready for a great literary year!” said seventh-grade teacher Sue James.

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MA Eighth-Graders Gain Awareness in Action Awareness in Action is a unique service program started this year for eighth-grade students at the Montgomery Academy. Senior Garrett Barnes proposed the concept of the program that starts with an assembly at the school that informs students about a specific service organization and the role it plays in helping people in the river region. The program concludes by giving students the opportunity to help the organization they learned about earlier in the week through handson volunteering experience in the form of Service Saturdays. “Implementing this program was a bold example of leadership,” said Middle School Director John McWilliams. “Garrett had a goal and went through the proper channels and committees to see that goal become a reality. The program is a privilege for the oldest students in the middle school and something we hope younger students will start to look forward to in years to come.”

The first Awareness in Action assembly, held September 18, welcomed Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Elizabeth Saliba to share information about Habitat. Following the assembly, the first Service Saturday was held on September 28 at the Academy. Students decorated bird houses that will be given to partner families or sold in the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. The Awareness in Action program will be offered three times a semester giving students a glimpse into some of the many organizations where they can donate their

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time. Eighth-grade teacher Pam Gilpin encouraged students to use these assemblies and service opportunities to become aware of what is going on in our community and figure out what organizations interest them the most.

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Holy Cross Holds Annual Blessing of the Animals You may drive down Bell Road and think that the circus is in town when you see nearly a hundred animals roaming the grounds at Holy Cross Episcopal School. Instead, it is the pets of Holy Cross students and faculty that have come to receive their annual blessing. It is a tradition that students and adults look forward to each and every year. This year Rev. Bob Hennagin and Rev. Matthew Grumfield blessed each animal that came forth. It was a great turn-out with an abundance of dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, a horse, and many other types of animals. In conjunction with Blessing of the Animals, Holy Cross also collected supplies for the Elmore County Humane Shelter. The Holy Cross family did a wonderful job, bringing an overwhelming amount of dog and cat food, cleaning supplies, treats, etc. Fourth-grader Emily Holston patiently waits with her pet for a blessing.

Goodwyn Presents Veteran Program

In honor of National Constitution and Citizenship Day, students at Goodwyn Middle School treated 130 local veterans to brunch and a special program thanking them for their service to our community and nation. The event included songs, a flag ceremony, a poetry reading and a candle-lighting ceremony, before ending with students presenting the veterans with certificates of appreciation and school Tshirts. This is the seventh year the school has presented the program. 33

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ACA Math Team Competes at Auburn Tournament

STJ Robotics Team Introduces Robot

During a high school assembly on Oct. 9, Saint James senior Duncan Blackwell and fellow members of the robotics team presented a robot the students themselves designed and constructed. The robot was the team’s entry in the annual BEST Robotics Competition held in Auburn on Oct. 18. After introducing the robot, the students announced their “Name the Robot” competition to generate excitement for the team’s participation in the event. Vicky Eichelberg is the Robotics Team faculty sponsor, and the instructor for the school’s Robotics and Pre-Engineering elective.

This year Alabama Christian Academy’s AMP’d Squad decided to try its hand at outwitting the evil chessmaster villain, Don Rook. Middle school math coach Lynne Smith assembled some of the middle school’s smartest, most clever and intelligent seventh- and eighth-grade students and made the trip to Auburn to attempt the challenge. The challenge began with bartering for a key to unlock the doors. Once inside the doors, twelve very complex logical reasoning problems were attempted. The challenges were conceived by the master and doctoral students of the Math and Science Department of Auburn University. Our team of seven middle school students successfully solved 10 of the 12 challenges and located the goods stolen in the heist made by Don Rook. The team this year consisted of JiWon Bae, Gracie Shaddix, Reece Solar, Jackson Duke, Andrew Lin, Timothy Jones and Phelps Griffin.

MCPS Wins Auburn’s AMP’ed Competition

C Holy Cross Day Was a Success

Holy Cross Day is the day that faculty, students and families of Holy Cross Episcopal School get together and celebrate the birthday of their school. This year proved to be extra special when the Rt. Rev. Santosh K. Murray, Assistant Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, came to speak at the chapel service. Students were then able to participate in a balloon release. Attached to each balloon was a strip of paper decorated by the students. This year the office staff at Holy Cross was shocked to receive phone calls from Josie, Ala., and Matthews, Ala. 34

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The Montgomery Catholic Middle School participated in the Auburn Mathematical Puzzle Challenge (AMP’ed) against 13 other teams. The MCPS team brought home first place for the second year in a row, edging out St. James in a tie-breaker. Seventh- and eighth-grade students who participated were Lauren Beverly, Lita Blackburn, Sam Caudill, Luke Craig, Henry Petters, Hyunjoo Rho, Ricky Treloar and Marcelo Villena. The students were challenged to figure out several mathematical puzzles to win puzzle pieces that were put together to answer a ‘who-dunnit’ type of problem. MCPS Middle School Math Team teacher sponsors are Julie Flowers and Vicki Petters. The Montgomery Catholic High School Robotics team sponsored the Middle School Math Team for this event by paying the entrance fee.

Montgomery Parents I November 2013

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Cornerstone Welcomes Special Guest Speaker

Each Monday, the students at Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy meet as a school family for a time of worship, prayer and discipleship. School Principal Priscilla Stewart typically leads the chapel service. In October, the students and faculty had the privilege of welcoming a special speaker to their chapel service, Chief Okon Mkpong. Pastor Mkpong has served in the gospel ministry for 50 years in the country of Nigeria. He came to Christ as a child in Nigeria. Through the influence of Christian missionaries, he came to the United States where he received a college education and a master’s degree in Education and Administration. Turning down several promising job offers in the United States, Mkpong returned to his native country where he was instrumental in beginning a secondary school and a college of preaching preparing men for the gospel ministry. To date, Pastor Mkpong’s secondary school has graduated more than 270,000 young people and the preaching college will graduate its 1,000th student in December 2013. Known for his bold proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, Mkpong was kidnapped in 2010 and held for ransom. He was released after a short captivity and since has continued his work in Nigeria. During his time with the Cornerstone students, he encouraged the students to follow the example of Jesus in Luke 2 who as a young person knew that his job was “to be about His Father’s business.” Pastor Mkpong has a special connection to Cornerstone as two of his nineteen grandchildren attend Cornerstone. He is shown with grandsons Israel and Elias Afangideh.

Grandparents’ Day at ECA

Evangel Christian Academy’s elementary students recently celebrated Grandparents’ Day. The students invited their grandparents to visit their classrooms and eat lunch with them. The special guests were also invited to attend a chapel service. Each elementary class honored the guests with a song. After the musical presentation, everyone enjoyed listening to a brief sermon given by Pastor Michael Rippy, senior pastor of Evangel Church and president of Evangel Christian Academy.

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Johnny Appleseed Visits Macon East Kindergartners

Fellowship Christian Athletes at Success Unlimited Academy

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is an organization for students to meet together and share their common interests: passion for their sport and love for the Lord. Success Unlimited Academy junior and senior high students gather together once a month to enjoy breakfast, fellowship, and an encouraging devotional. Guest speakers spark an interest for the athletes. October’s meeting introduced Matt Bostic, a Guinness Book of World Record holder for the most number of basketball 3-point shots made during a 24-hour period. He shared three points for the athletes to ponder: study the word of God, know that God wants to use them to bring Him glory, and make God real in their lives.

In celebration of Johnny Appleseed’s birthday September 26, 1774, a special guest stopped by for a visit with the K3, K4 and K5 classes at Macon East Academy. Johnny Appleseed (MEA junior Bubba Pugh) met with the boys and girls and told them about his travels throughout the U.S. planting apple trees and sharing seeds with the early settlers. Johnny Appleseed, born John Chapman, was also a missionary, and it is said he spread good cheer everywhere he went along with planting apple trees. Each of the students received an apple from Johnny out of his sack and asked him questions about his life and travels. Ginger Johnson’s kindergarten class also spread good cheer by visiting each faculty and staff member and giving them a specially wrapped apple. The students enjoyed a week full of fun learning about Johnny Appleseed and doing other apple-related activities. Johnson’s class are, back row from left: Caden Mobley, Ashlyn Tompkins, Mason Humphries, Elliot Fitch, Cam Sutton, Johnny (Bubba Pugh), Aiden Crow, Addison McDuffie, Sam Wallace and Cade Cluche; and front row: Peyton Baggott, Matthew Hong, Payton Underwood, Coleman Stabler, Mackenzie Nelson, Haden Shinkle, Colton Champion and Paxton Mauney.

Eastwood Senior Earns Nat’l Merit Commendation

Eastwood Christian School senior Jack Harmon, son of Bart and Hollie Harmon of Montgomery, received a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program. Harmon received the letter and certificate for outstanding performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. He is shown with Upper School Assistant Principal Denise Brassell.

Montgomery Parents I November 2013

Marching Knights Receive Excellent Rating at Huntingdon

The Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Marching Knights competed at the Huntingdon Marching Invitational on the campus of Huntingdon College October 5. This was the third consecutive year the Marching Knights have participated in the event. The Knights brought home four trophies. The Color Guard, Percussion, and Drum Major were each individually rated “Superior.” In addition, the MCPS Band received an overall rating of “Excellent” from the panel of judges. The Marching Knights are led by Band Director Alex Johnson; Assistant Band Director Christina Banks; Color Guard sponsors Sarah Rech and D’Jara Britton; and drum major Kristina Vanella, an MCPS senior. 36

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ACA Third-Graders Learn About Service Animals

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MA Seventh-Graders Qualify for Duke TIP

Forty-six Montgomery Academy seventh-graders qualified to participate in the Duke Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP), a program that identifies academically talented students in the United States. Through the talent search each year, thousands of seventhgrade students in the United States are identified based on standardized test scores and invited to take the ACT or SAT alongside college-bound eleventh and twelfth grade students. The Montgomery Academy students who qualified are: Bisola Adediji, Sarah Barnes, Mary Elizabeth Bullard, Carter Chandler, Lucy Chapman, Alcy Christie, Emma Cleary, Mary Kathryn Cook, Anderson Crane, Chloe Czapla, Will Davis, Lucy Chapman, McKenzie Dunsmore, Hannah Hale, Will Hamlett, Margaret Head, Vivian Herron, Francie Hill, Cole Hilyer, Kiara Johnson, Tara Katz, Anne Price Kelley, Jake Kim, Sujin Lee, Arden Lieux, Trey Lindsey, Hannah Maddox, Mary Jane McConnell, Landon Meadows, Savannah Mims, Logan Norris, Eun Oh, Roma Pirnie, Mead Robertson, Lee Sahlie, Hunt Scott, Charlie Snipes, Hannah Soloff, Anne Carlson Sylvest, Sidney Thomas, Travis Thompson, James Torbert, Catherine Updegraff, Elizabeth Waldo, Bradley Westhauser and Casey Whitt.

After reading Aero and Officer Mike by Joan Plummer Russell, Alabama Christian Academy third-graders received a visit from ACA student Matt Waters and his service dog Piper. Waters has diabetes and has had Piper for just over a year now. Piper received training before Waters got her so she would be able to alert for fluctuations in blood sugar levels that would be dangerous to his health. The third-graders asked Waters questions about how Piper alerts him, where she goes with him, and about her training. By having the students learn about other types of service dogs, the teachers were able to help them better understand the dog Aero and his job from their class story.

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‘Grand Story Hour’ At Trinity a Success

Grandparents and grandchildren were invited to the Trinity Lower School Library for a time of storytelling and treats recently. Grandparents brought their pre-school grandchildren to “Grand Story Hour” where they were greeted by cheerleaders. The children especially enjoyed making a craft using finger paint. Lower School Media Center Director Keeli Osmer read “How to Babysit a Grandpa” to a captivated audience. Meanwhile, second-grade students served as hosts, performing several songs for their special guests, treating them to a delightful reception, and presenting handmade gifts as a token of their appreciation. Grandparents’ Day was a fun conclusion to the students’ social studies unit on family. Robertson’s Photography was on hand to take pictures of each second-grader with their grandparents. Pre-school children, parents, and grandparents are shown enjoying “Grand Story Hour.”

STJ Volleyball Teams Win Conference Titles

Saint James School’s Junior Varsity (JV) and Middle School (MS) Volleyball teams finished their season as Capital City Champions (CCC). The year’s JV record was 31-4. Team members selected for the CCC All Tournament team were Hannah Dailey and Lindsey Sampson, with Tournament MVP Caitlyn Decker. After a first round loss to Trinity, the Trojans defeated ACA, Catholic, Trinity (in the semifinals) and Montgomery Academy (finals, Championship) to become the reigning CCC champions. Kill leaders for the team were Hannah Dailey (19), Sydney Stone (13), and Kendall Wybenga (13). Kill percentage leaders were Sydney Stone (.439) and Hannah Dailey (.378). Ace leaders for the team were Emily Livings (17) and Samantha White (13). Dig leaders were Caitlyn Decker and Emily Blackwell (both at 16) and Lindsey Sampson (13). Assist leaders were Emily Poundstone with 37 assists and Samantha White with 52. Hannah Dailey had the most team blocks, with 6. Saint James’ Middle School Volleyball team defeated Trinity 19-25, 25-12, 15-11, then played number one seed Montgomery Academy and won 15-25, 29-27, 15-7 to put the Trojans in the championship match. Saint James MS played Montgomery Academy for the championship and lost the first game 22-25, 2520, 13-15. The Trojans came back and won the final game 25-18 and 25-18. Carson Ann Crow led the offense with 47 kills. Adia Foster had 101 assists. Lizanne Livings had 31 kills and 7 aces, Annie Skoneki had 15 kills and 10 blocks, Emily Olsey added 8 kills, 7 aces, and 4 blocks. Caroline Christie had 20 perfect serve/receive passes and Baylor Belich added 6 aces. Adia Foster was named tournament MVP. Carson Ann Crow and Annie Skoneki were named to the All Tournament Team. Saint James Junior Varsity Coach is Geoff Waring, and Karen Lee coaches the Middle School team. The school’s Head Volleyball coach is Kellye Jordan Bowen. The STJ Junior Varsity team, shown with Coach Geoff Waring, celebrated its success after the competition. Montgomery Parents I November 2013

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Holy Cross Holds First Pep Rally

The Holy Cross Episcopal School Lions soccer teams were celebrated in the first pep rally of the year. Students made signs saying “Go Lions” and “Holy Cross Rocks.” Cheerleaders Grace Scott and Sarah Grace Daniels did a great job leading the school in cheers, and sixth-grader Brody Day got the soccer players pumped up as he called each of their names, prompting them to run down a tunnel of Holy Cross students. The spirit stick was awarded to Cynthia Echol’s second-grade class for showing the most school spirit. The soccer teams have been playing hard and doing a great job. Holy Cross cheerleaders Sarah Grace Daniels and Grace Scott are shown with teacher Autumn Jackson. 38

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Catholic Senior Earns Girl Scout Highest Award

Montgomery Catholic senior Maddie O’Mara was presented with the Girl Scout Gold Award September 14 at the Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama Lead Out Loud! (LOL) event at Woodland United Methodist Church in Pike Road. O’Mara has been a Girl Scout for twelve years. She earned both Bronze and Silver Awards in previous years, and earned the Gold Award for beginning a recycling program at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School last year. This “Take Action” service program helped her school community, and helped earn her this high honor. Only 5.4% of all eligible Girl Scouts earn a Gold Award. It is the highest award a Girl Scout can achieve. Those who receive the Gold Award and enlist in the military, receive advanced rank as a result of their achievement. Many colleges offer scholarship money to recipients of the Girl Scout Gold Award. O’Mara is the daughter of Col. and Mrs. Ray O’Mara of Montgomery. She is shown at her Girl Scout Gold Award ceremony September 14.

STJ Pre-K Classes Host Montgomery Fire Dept.

Saint James School’s K4 classes hosted the Montgomery Fire Department in October, as part of their study on Fire Safety. Fouryear-olds in Ms. Megan Stephenson’s class (with aide Lane Sullivan) wore their “fireman’s hats” for their picture in front of the very special City truck.

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Macon East Cheerleaders Compete in Championship The Macon East JV and varsity cheer squads competed September 21 in the AISA Cheer & Dance Championship at the Cramton Bowl Multiplex. Both squads competed in the 3A division, performing a routine choreographed by the Macon East cheerleaders that included cheer, dance, tumbling, stunts and pyramids. The girls received high marks from the judges. Top from left are junior varsity cheerleaders Annslie Gourlay, Rai Pritchett, Alex Wyrosdick, Bailey Williams and Caitlin Martin Bottom photo front row from left are varsity cheerleaders Addison Folmar, Emily Riddle and Ashley Howard; and back row: Cameron Redding, Morgan Long, Carly Boutreis, Kenzie Gourlay, Dallas Sanders, Paxton Searle, Taylor Jackson, and Hunter Talley.

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Eastwood Headmaster Turns Into Minstrel

Fourth-grade students at Eastwood Christian School are always amazed when Headmaster John Geiger, a.k.a. “John Gone with the Wind,” visits the classroom to perform songs whose lyrics tell stories of distant places and imaginary historical events. Each year, Geiger explains the role of a Medieval European bard which relates to their fourth-grade Medieval History literature.

Trinity Upper School Goes To College for the Day!

SUA’s Career Start Class Kicks Off Strong Start

Success Unlimited Academy’s Career Start Class is off to a busy start this semester. Mike Miller, class instructor, is enhancing the curriculum by enlisting guest speakers to motivate his students. Recently, Mike Talley, manager of Don Duncan All American Automotive and Tire Store, visited the classroom. Talley listed several points to make the job experience successful for the students: “One must strive to find selffulfillment in their job responsibilities. Honesty and trustworthiness are essential attributes of a good employee.” Talley also stressed that imagination is the avenue to “success.” In closing, he pointed out that references play a key role in job employment. Montgomery Parents I November 2013

Trinity hosted a College Day program September 17. More than forty colleges and universities attended. This was an outstanding college fair, where both students and parents were able to attend three 15-minute presentations from college admission counselors and discuss college admissions with the experts. Parents were welcome to attend any of the presentations. There was also an hour browse session with all the colleges and universities. While receiving encouragement from college representatives, the students also learned how to prepare themselves for the college application process. “We look for students who challenge themselves academically, as you do here at Trinity,” said University of Georgia representative Alexis Petry. Trinity’s college counselor is Elizabeth Mosley. Colleges and universities that made presentations included: Agnes Scott College, Alabama, UAB, UAH, Anderson, Auburn, AUM, Belhaven, Berry, Birmingham-Southern, Covenant, Faulkner, Fisk University, High Point, Hollins, Huntingdon, Jacksonville State, Judson, LaGrange, Millsaps, Mississippi College, Mississippi State, University of Mobile, University of Montevallo, Naval Academy, North Alabama, Ole Miss, Piedmont, Presbyterian College, Samford, Savannah College of Art and Design, Sewanee, Shorter, South Alabama, Southeastern, Spring Hill, Sweet Briar, Tennessee, Troy, Union, Vanderbilt, Virginia Military Institute and Wofford. From left are Katie Sullivan, Bethany Willis, Adrianna Diaz and Ashley Patino. 40

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Catholic Seventh-Graders Qualify for Duke TIP

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School has 21 seventh-graders who have qualified for The Duke University Talent Identification Program, or Duke TIPS program, for the 2013-2014 academic year. The 7th Grade Talent Search, which focuses on the identification, recognition, and support of high-ability students, offers qualifying seventh-grade students the opportunity to take college entrance exams alongside high school students. Many 7th Grade Talent Search participants go on to earn exceptionally high scores. Those who qualified are: Annie Bach, Anna Katherine Barranco, Erica Blackburn, Jacob Flowers, Jonah Gier, Anna Mary Gilbert, Dylon Godwin, Reagan Herbek, Grace Leslie, Madeline Losik, Ethan Macchia, Thomas McLaughlin, Demetrios Philippou, Zoe Rutland, Drew Smith, Chloe Smith, Sydney Sprowl, Emily Talbot, Hunter Vaccaro, Grant Walker, and Benjamin Wilke.

Success Unlimited Academy Budgets for Billionaires

Success Unlimited Academy’s computer and consumer math classes are busy learning to prepare budgets and manage money in their classes this fall. Using Excel, the students are combining the valued principles for managing money with a Godly perspective. Sharion Vandervort, teacher at SUA, explains that the students are taking monthly incomes and applying sound financial principles. Setting aside 10% of their budget for their church, students are learning the importance of tithing. The other 90% of their budget is for monthly living expenses. The students are also learning to prepare annual budgets. “They may not be budgeting billions today, but with wisdom and favor, they will have the opportunity to do so in the future,” said Vandervort.

ECA Celebrates Johnny Appleseed

Evangel Christian Academy’s kindergarten, first- and second-grade classes recently celebrated the birthday of Johnny Appleseed, also known as John Chapman. The students discovered that Johnny Appleseed planted apple trees throughout America and was a missionary to the Native Americans. They also discussed how apples are grown and harvested. The children participated in a variety of apple-related activities such as color and size comparison. The students enjoyed tasting various types of apples and treats made from the delicious fruit.

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Holy Cross Fifth-Graders Make a Hopi Pueblo

ECA’s Pre-Calculus Class Watches Math in Motion

Evangel’s pre-calculus class recently went on a field trip to Hyundai Motors. The class toured the plant and enjoyed seeing math concepts being put into practical use. The tour began in Hyundai’s gallery and continued with a tour of their state-of-theart robotic assembly facilities. The students were amazed at the precision and accuracy of the assembly process. The class discussed the mathematical theories involved and specifically discussed the principles of symmetry which the class was currently studying.

Montgomery Parents I November 2013

The fifth-graders at Holy Cross have been learning about the first people to live in America, discussing Native American groups like the Hopi Pueblo Indians and the Iroquois. After learning about the nomads, students found that the Hopi Pueblo Indians were among some of the first groups to settle down and not live the wandering lifestyle. They learned about pueblo villages and were then given the challenge to build one. Teacher Amber Wright gave them some clay and students brought in small animals to put in the corral. Fifth-grader Cole Armagost made a mesa out of modge-podge that was complete with a rainwater pit. Mitchell Davis did a great job making the base, and other students were able to jump right in making gardens, pueblo houses, and trails that led up to the mesa. “I have a very creative group of students, and they took on the challenge like pros,” said Wright. “We have a pretty awesome pueblo in our room right now.”

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SUA Classes Focus On Life Skills

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Macon East Observes ‘See You at the Pole’

On September 25, Macon East Academy’s 7th-12th grade students gathered at the campus flagpole for a time of prayer and reflection. See You at the Pole is an annual gathering of Christian students at their school’s flagpole for scripture reading, worship and prayer. This event began in 1990 in the United States and is observed each year on the fourth Wednesday of September. See You at the Pole is a day for students across our nation to gather together on their campuses and pray for their school, friends, families, churches, communities and the world. The national theme for SYATP 2013 was #Ifthen: IF we pray, seek, turn; THEN God hears, forgives, heals. This is based on 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Macon East senior and SGA President Anna Marie Pugh led the student body in this annual prayer gathering along with Mary Beth Baker, Lexi Brantley, Cole Sikes, Kayla Thompson and Peyton Whittle.

The Career Start Classes at Success Unlimited Academy are learning that “success” is needed not only in the classroom, but in the work field as well. As part of the curriculum, the students are focusing on “life skills” to be successful. Guest speaker and former 2011 SUA graduate and valedictorian Caitlin Odle recently spoke to the students about her college and job experiences. Odle stressed the importance of being a college graduate and setting goals. She recently graduated from Southern Union College in Auburn, with a degree in cosmetology, and is presently working as a licensed hair stylist at Olivia’s. “As a high school student, I learned to balance school work and a part-time job. I worked as a dental assistant and at a local ice-cream parlor. Not only did this prepare me for college, it helped me to learn time management,” Odle said.

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T Montgomery County Schools

Montgomery Academy Announces Habitat for Humanity Partnership

ACA Student Named Nat’l Merit Semifinalist

Mitch Moody, a senior at Alabama Christian Academy (ACA), was named as a Semifinalist in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship competition. Moody is a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish National Honor Society for 2012-2014, Mu Alpha Theta and is the Vice President for the Student Government Association. He also received first-place awards in ACA’s AP European History, Honors English 10, AP American History and physics. Moody serves as officer of the 2013-14 Seven to Serve club, the Model United Nations for the past four years and took part in the MUN leadership team in 2011-12, serving as the secretary general during his sophomore, junior and senior year. In addition, he received first place for the Nation Building Committee at the Lamp Invitational Model United Nations Conference in 20122013 and was a member of the Student Action Leadership Team (SALT). In 2013, Moody was a senator at Alabama Boy’s State and participated in the Dixie Electric Montgomery Youth Tour and Bridge Builders Alabama. He has been in the ACA Marching Band since 2010 and is the section leader for trombones and baritones this year. He is an active member of Thorington Road Baptist Church and has spent time volunteering at House Representative Martha Roby’s Montgomery office and the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Approximately 16,000 students, or about one-third of the 50,000 high scorers, were notified that they have qualified as Semifinalists. These academically talented high school students have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,000 National Merit Scholarships worth about $35 million, which will be offered next spring. Montgomery Parents I November 2013

The Montgomery Academy prides itself on community involvement, holding Community Days in October and April during which students serve those in need in the Montgomery area. MA also sponsors numerous other service projects. In addition, the Public Service Committee, a group composed of student and faculty representatives from all divisions of MA, coordinates a school-wide partnership with a local agency each year. This year MA’s partner is Habitat for Humanity. Students in grades K-12 will participate in age-appropriate projects to benefit that organization, from creating welcome baskets for new residents of refurbished or newly-built homes to hammering boards in place or mixing cement. Members of the committee will be working with their divisions to coordinate student involvement. Frazier Pilkerton will work with Lower School students; Teresa Pittman will oversee Middle School efforts; Amy Kemp will manage Upper School participation. William Haynes and Laken Dennis, as the leaders of the Student Council and HEART, respectively, are student members of the committee, along with Will Peeples, president of the 8th grade class. Denise Wentworth chairs the Public Service Committee. Habitat for Humanity has formed a group to plan youth builds for the 2013-14 school year. The Youth Build Leadership Committee, led by President Hannah Haynes of Trinity Presbyterian School, includes among its officers four MA students: Garrett Barnes, Vice President; Laken Dennis, Secretary; Will Spain, Treasurer; and Camp Spain, manager of the Under-16 Program. Mary Kate Godwin of Trinity will serve as chairman of the Education Subcommittee. While students must be 16 or older and receive some training in order to fully participate in a hard-hat build, kids of all ages can contribute to Habitat’s mission of helping to provide housing for families in need. There will be youth builds, in which students help refurbish the interiors of existing houses. Doors may be brought to campus for painting by Middle School students and installation at a later date; Lower School students’ involvement may include writing thank-you notes to volunteers or signing and putting their handprints on boards to be used inside of some of the homes. At construction sites students ages 12-14 can maintain volunteer tables and help provide refreshments. Habitat for Humanity hopes to be able to move two families into new or refurbished homes by Christmas.

Macon East Third-Graders Conduct Science Experiment

Third-graders at Macon East have been studying the characteristics of living things in science class. One way living things are alike is that they all respond to changes in their environment. Each student in Mrs. Thomas’ class used a mealworm to test its response to different stimuli. The students tried blowing on the mealworm’s head through a straw, touching its antenna with a toothpick, placing it on the edge of a textbook, shining a flashlight on its body, and holding a vinegar-soaked toothpick in front of its head. After sharing their findings and discussing the possible reasons for the worm’s reactions, the students went on a mealworm scavenger hunt to discover 16 facts about this creature. The third-graders used the information gathered to set up a colony of classroom mealworms, which they will continue to observe for metamorphosis. Anna Glynn Lott, Kadence Moss and Taylor Holley are shown. 44

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Trinity Senior Named 2014 Distinguished Young Woman

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Trinity senior Anna Claire Loftis was named the 2014 Distinguished Young Woman of Montgomery County. She received a $3,700 scholarship for winning the prestigious title. Loftis sang “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Misérables for her talent and won one of the two talent awards. She is the daughter of Maxanne and Anthony Loftis and plans to attend Belmont University after graduating from Trinity. Her activities and honors include: National Honor Society, Wildcat Girl (Official School Ambassador), Alabama Youth Leadership Program, Trinity Show Choir, Bridge Builders Alabama, One Vice Honor Choir, Taylor Road Baptist Church Youth Praise Band Leader, French Club, World Changers Mission Volunteer—Puerto Rico, and Trinity’s productions of “The Music Man” and “Anything Goes.” Trinity was represented by four talented young ladies. In addition to Loftis, they were Thomason Bryan, Janie Hampton and Sarah Grace Stone. Bryan won one of the two talent awards and made the top ten. Hampton won the fitness category and also placed in the top ten. Founded in 1958 in Mobile, Distinguished Young Women is the largest and oldest national scholarship program for high school girls. It has provided life-changing experiences for more than 700,000 young women across the country and more than $93 million in cash scholarships at the local, state and national levels. In addition to cash scholarships, Distinguished Young Women participants are eligible for college-granted scholarships from almost 200 colleges and universities. More than $108 million in college scholarship opportunities were provided last year, some of which included full tuition, room, and board to first-class institutions. Trinity seniors participating in DYW included Janie Hampton, Anna Claire Loftis, Thomasson Bryan and Sarah Grace Stone.

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Montgomery County Schools

Eastwood Competes in Olympic Games

Catholic’s O’Connor Signs With University of Mobile

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory held a signing ceremony for senior softball pitcher Sydney O’Connor in the Dolly Barranco Center at Montgomery Catholic’s Middle & High School campus. O’Connor signed her letter of intent to play softball with the University of Mobile for the next four years. Her parents, MCPS Varsity Softball Coach Britt Taylor, former softball coaches Bill Barranco and Marty Britt, along with fellow MCPS students and school administration, were all in attendance for the ceremony. O’Connor, a four-year MCPS Varsity player, was instrumental in getting the Knights to the state tournament this season on the mound, and will look to take that success to Mobile, who finished second at the 2008 NAIA National Tournament and had appearances in 2011 and 2012. O’Connor thanked her family and all of her past coaches for their support, and God for surrounding her with amazing people during her speech. Shown are Montgomery Catholic senior Sydney O’Connor and her parents Katie and Mike O’Connor.

Eastwood lower school students get to compete in the Olympic Field Day games every September. Led by sixth-graders, each team is comprised of students from various grade levels. The teams compete for first, second and third place in games such as Tug of War, 50 Yard Dash, Sack Races, Three-Legged Races and many more. Each team also creates a cheer and a poster banner. A trophy is displayed at the school for the team which receives the most Christ-like award. This year, first place games went to The Medes; first place poster went to the Greeks; and there was a three-way tie for the most Christ-like between the Assyrians, the Cretans and the Greeks. The Medes are shown: John Hixon, Kaylee Gill, Elizabeth Ann Stewart, Mac Stewart, Thomas Stewart, Adler Horii, Captain Asa Button, Jonathan Beaulieu, David Hixon, Chael Kerr, Rachel White, Captain Amy Parker and Teacher Beth Ames.

College Board Names STJ AP Scholars

The College Board has recognized 22 Saint James School students for earning AP Scholar Award status due to their exceptional achievement on Advanced Placement (AP) exams. The College Board’s AP Program provides motivated and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP exams. Only about 20 percent of the 2.1 million students worldwide who took AP exams performed at a sufficiently high level to also earn an AP Scholar Award. One of the named students, 2013 graduate Josef Jackson, received the group’s highest honor, the National AP Scholar Award. Jackson earned an average score of 4 or higher on a five-point scale on all AP Exams taken, as well as scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. Seven STJ students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award, by earning an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and grades of three or higher on five or more of these exams. These students are 2014 senior Kathleen Cunningham, and Eliott Burrow, Josef Jackson, Reed O’Mara, Benjamin Ritter, Grayson Rutherford and Walker Woodson, all members of the 2013 STJ graduating class. Two STJ students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award, by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, with grades of three or higher on four or more of these exams. These students are Caroline Crisp and Hannah Ritter, both 2013 graduates. Thirteen Saint James students qualified for the AP Scholar Award, by completing three or more AP exams with grades of three or higher. These AP scholars are Saint James 2014 seniors Caitlin Cobb, Forest Decker, Jared Hunter, Scotlyn Patterson, Allison Rutherford and William Setzer, as well as 2013 graduates Cassidy Alwan, Megan Bontragar, Eun Sung Cho, Ben Graves, Amelia Hanan, Kelly Joyner and Elizabeth Kean. Members of the Class of 2014 named AP Scholars are, from left, Allison Rutherford, Kathleen Cunningham, Caitlin Cobb, Scotlyn Patterson, Forest Decker and William Setzer. Jared Hunter (not pictured). Montgomery Parents I November 2013

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I am excited about all that’s going on in the Autauga County School System. Everything is trending in a very positive direction, including our finances. We had to make some difficult decisions over the last 18 months, and our efforts are starting to pay off. We are working on closing the books on the 2013 fiscal year and anticipate closing with 3 million dollars in our General Fund. We finished fiscal year 2012 with 1.4 million dollars, up from fiscal year 2011 closing with $180,000. So you can see we are moving toward the State Accountability Law of having a one month operating budget on hand, which is 4.9 million dollars. The requirement to have one month’s operating budget on hand is a reserve to ensure all Autauga County School System employees are able to be paid if the state government is unable to pay for some reason.

My staff has worked very hard to present a balanced budget for fiscal year 2014 that is fiscally responsible and will meet and enrich our children’s educational experience. I feel we can accomplish both with the budget recently passed by the Board of Education. While we are working to get our financial situation in order, I feel we managed our finances this past year very well. Technology has increased in every school around the county. Approximately $207,000 worth of technology has been infused into your child’s education over the past twelve months. We put a math textbook in every child’s hand and are working on doing the same for English. Last year we allocated $400,000 for capital improvements in the county for things like painting, carpet, security upgrades, roofing, and paving to name a few. Keeping our aging schools in top shape is very high on my agenda. Prattville High School assistant principal Janice Stockman has developed a program for freshman students entitled Academy of Leaders. The program is designed to help

students work together and learn leadership skills. It also encourages them to make good choices and aids students in being successful. Students in the program recently participated in various events arranged for them at Lanark in Millbrook. Lanark is home to the 350 acre Alabama Nature Center consisting of forests, fields, streams, wetlands and ponds providing an outdoor educational facility offering hands-on, outdoor-based education programs and activities. I had the opportunity to speak at two different sessions during the Academy of Leaders week. The students were fabulous during my visit, and the overall impression for our children was outstanding. It is hard to believe we are closing in on November. With all of us working together, we can have the best school system in the state of Alabama! Spence Agee is the Superintendent of Education for Autauga County Schools. He is a third generation educator with an ED.S. in Educational Leadership. He has 16 years of experience in the education field as well as 25 years of military experience. Agee is an active member at First Baptist Church in Prattville. He and his wife, Cesily, who is also an educator, have two daughters, Abby and Addison.

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Autauga County Schools

PCA Seniors Donate To March of Dimes

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The seniors at Prattville Christian Academy chose the March of Dimes as their first service project for the year. The seniors sold MOD Blue Jeans for Babies T-shirts that will be worn all around the state on November 15 to increase awareness of prematurity and save lives of children in our state. Through their sales, PCA seniors were able to raise $770 for this worthy cause. From left are Joshua Durbin, Wesley Thomas, Anna Eaves, Kimberly Simpson (Senior Class Sponsor), Ashley Gorum (MOD Division Director, Central Division), Nancy Patton, JR VanDeventer and Mary Katherine Berritt.

PHS Varsity Volleyball Has Strong Season

Prattville High School celebrated Senior Night September 30. The varsity volleyball team played Stanhope Elmore and Marbury. The three seniors—Hannah Hollis, Taylor McAlpine and Bailey Hendricks—led the Lady Lions to dominating wins. The Lady Lions defeated Stanhope 25-12, 25-15, and 25-10. They then defeated Marbury 25-9 and 25-6. As of October 1, the PHS Varsity Volleyball Team has compiled a record of 21-13. Recently the team finished second place in the Smith Station Tournament, compiling a tournament record of 5 wins and 1 loss. The team played well throughout the day. The most exciting game was against Smith Station, losing the first set 27-25. Prattville battled back to win the final two sets 25-07 and 15-13. In the third and final set, Prattville was losing 13-8 and went on a run scoring the final five points of the match on Katie Mussers’ and Hannah Hollis’ strong serving. In the second set of the match, to turn the momentum, Katie Fagan served 14 straight points, including three aces.

Prattville Names Commended National Merit Students

Richard Dennis, principal of Prattville High School, announced that John Mitchell, William Mitchell and Zach Cook have been named Commended Students in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program. Certificates and letters were presented to these scholastically talented seniors. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2014 competition for National merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of the more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2014 competition by taking the preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. From left, Zach Cook, William Mitchell and John Mitchell receive Commendations from Principal Richard Dennis.

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Prattville Top Fund-raisers Enjoy Limousine & Lunch

The winners of the Prattville Elementary School cookie dough fundraiser were treated to a limousine ride to Fox’s Pizza, where they enjoyed lunch that was also provided to them. The top-selling third-grade winners were, in order of finish, Marley Smith, Mathew Biles and Jordan Parlette. Bree Kelly had the most sales among fourth-graders, while Chandler Gibbs was second and Kyle Webb and Morgan Bridges tied for third place. Montgomery Parents I November 2013

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Prattville Freshmen Participate in Leadership Opportunity

More than 500 ninth-grade students participated in a week-long event exposing them to motivational speakers, team-building, personal development, professional development and achieving goals during the low ropes course. They heard from business leaders, professors, bankers, educators, pastors, artists, law enforcement, students, and many others who encouraged them to bridge the gap between adolescence and adulthood. So many people from across Prattville joined hands to touch the future. Each day, a student from last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Academy of Leaders program spoke about what they learned through the program. Additionally, a senior spoke to the students about what they have learned in the past years of high school that will help prepare them for successfully obtaining a diploma.

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Marbury Middle Visits Downtown Montgomery

On September 19, Marbury Middle School seventh-graders brought history to life by visiting the Alabama State Capitol Building and sitting in on a court case in Judge Boothâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s courtroom. The students were also able to meet with Senator Taylor. They were able to experience firsthand what they are learning in the classroom.

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Recently I had the pleasure of serving as an Honorary VIP Delegate in the RTM K12 Education Congress held in San Diego, California. The K-12 Education Congress is a private, invitationonly forum featuring 120 national district leaders who are accountable for leadership in curriculum, instruction and academic/educational excellence. I was honored to represent Alabama on behalf of my fellow superintendents statewide. While there, I got to sit at the feet of some of the most profound thinkers in education, creativity, and innovation like Sir Ken Robinson and Dr. Yong Zhao. Sir Ken has made quite an impact with the video of his famous 2006 and 2010 talks to the prestigious TED Conference that have been seen by an estimated 200 million people in over 150

countries. Dr. Zhao is an internationally known scholar, author, and speaker whose works focus on the implications of globalization and technology on education. Both of these men have the gift of taking the complexities of the world of education and shaping them into simple, no-nonsense, common sense messages. Their mantra is simple: “The purpose of education is not to fix student deficits, but to highlight student strengths.” I heard remarkable success stories from some of America’s leading school districts— Miami-Dade County (Florida) and CharlotteMecklenberg (North Carolina) as well as several other school systems. I walked away from these presentations with excitement realizing that we are on track here in Elmore County. I was pleased to observe that many of the key factors that have contributed to the success of these districts are already underway here in our district or are a part of our strategic planning. How exciting! On another note…this month, Holtville High School Principal Jimmy Hull will travel to Washington, D.C. for the 2013 National

Blue Ribbon School Recognition Ceremony. Holtville was one of only six Alabama schools recognized for this prestigious honor. This is the first time an Elmore County public school has been named as a Blue Ribbon School. Our entire school district salutes Holtville High—we are proud of you! As a final thought, by the time you read this article, our district will have joined with school systems throughout the state to host Learning With Legislators Day, an activity sponsored by the Alabama State Department of Education encouraging state lawmakers to visit the public schools within their districts so they can make informed decisions about education during the upcoming Legislative Session. What a tremendous proactive approach to help strengthen and encourage the efforts of our school administrators, teachers, and students. Stay tuned for further details on the positive fruits from this event.

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Dr. Jeff Langham is the Superintendent of Education for Elmore County Schools. Now in his eighth year as the system’s leader, he has a total of 27 years of experience in the field of education. Langham is an active member at Landmark Church in Montgomery. He and his wife, Ginny, a nurse educator, have one daughter, Weldon.

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

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

Montgomery Parents I November 2013

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Airport Road Intermediate School faculty and students recently received a signed letter on White House stationery from First Lady Michelle Obama. Mrs. Obama’s platform as First Lady is to fight obesity among school-age children. She is involved with Let’s Move, the exercise program that has brought exercise into the classroom at ARIS. After ARIS was named a Be Healthy School by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, ARIS joined Let’s Move. The increase in exercise during the school day and the encouragement students are receiving to continue “moving” at home through outside play will make a difference in the long run. It is hoped that as new habits of exercise are created, “these collective efforts will inspire lasting and sustainable change,” says Michelle Obama. Shown, Tera McCloud’s class marches in place as part of Let’s Move, a program that encourages exercise during transition times in the classroom. Increased blood flow to the brain helps keep students alert.

Holtville High Students Participate in Mission Trip

These students from Holtville High School went on a church mission trip to Nicaragua this summer. During the spring, they collected shoes to take with them. While there, they gave out shoes, shirts, glasses and toiletries. These students attend Shoal Creek Baptist Church in Deatsville. Bottom row from left are Cody Hileman, Hunter Davis, David Hacker and Brandon Dunn; and top row, Annie Culverhouse, Alexis Kelley, Breelyn Buck and Haylee Ellis.

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Elmore County Schools

Victory Baptist Eagles Defeat Clay County On the Road

In a game against Clay County, the Victory Baptist football team came out fast, with sophomore quarterback Mason Byrd throwing a 25-yard touchdown to senior receiver Will Byrd on the third play from scrimmage. Junior Benton Dunklin picked off a pass on Clay County’s opening drive, and hauled in a 40-yard reception from Byrd on the next play. Clay County threw another interception on the next drive, this one returned 45 yards by senior Jerrell Frazier for Victory’s third score, and caught a 32-yard pass on the next drive for their fourth. Clay County finally found a hole on offense, and sophomore running back Hunter Flowers went 70 yards for the touchdown to make the score 26-6 at the end of the first quarter. Victory answered quickly, with junior running back Auston Deneve running it three yards into the end zone. Clay County didn’t waste any time either, throwing a 55-yard strike to stay in the game. The teams traded touchdowns on the next two drives, then Mason Byrd found Will Byrd again for a touchdown, this time for 21 yards, making it a 44-19 game at the half. Victory started scoring in the second half after Frazier found his way to the end zone on a 19-yard run. Clay County’s Flowers broke a 72-yard run on the last play of the third quarter to make the score 52-26. A 29-yard touchdown pass on Clay County’s next drive pulled them within 20, but Mason Byrd threw two more touchdown passes to put the game out of reach. Byrd finished with a 75% completion percentage, 397 yards, and 6 touchdowns. The 66-32 win brought the Eagles to 6-0 on the year and a number-one ranking in the Alabama Christian Education Athletic Association six man standings.

WMS Names September Students of the Month

Fifth-grade Students of the Month at Wetumpka Middle School were Xzavier Guary, Hannah Beumer and Jay Nowden; sixthgrade Students of the Month were Leandro Castellanos and Be’la Fowler; seventh-grade Student of the Month was Tykee McKethern; and eighth-grade Student of the Month was Carter Bentley.

Montgomery Parents I November 2013

Talented ARIS Students Receive Recognition

At Airport Road Intermediate School, several students have been recognized for their talents. “Sparking The Arts,” a county-wide art-boosting organization, encouraged art by visiting school art festivals last year. Ten samples were chosen from each school and then had a judging of the best, which hung in Wetumpka City Hall through the rest of the school year, summer, and the beginning of the new school year. Winners were honored at a ceremony and later given their original art back and framed for hanging. ARIS winner was third-grader Mackenzie Hiles and Coosada Elementary School winner was second-grader Ariel Steele. Both are currently ARIS students.

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In addition, Nace Boswell wore a championship buckle that showed that he competed to the top of his level in calfriding at a south Alabama meet. His next trip is to Colorado for another competition. Boswell says that he has been riding calves since he was three years old. Someday, he will be a bull rider.

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Holtville High School Recognized As A National Blue Ribbon School For 2013

Holtville High School has been recognized by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan as one of 286 schools of the 2013 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools, based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in improving student academic achievement. Secretary Duncan made this year’s announcement live via the Department’s USTREAM channel, viewed by recognized principals, teachers, and students assembled across the country. Dr. Jimmy Hull, principal of Holtville High School, will attend a recognition ceremony Nov. 18-19 in Washington, D.C. In its 31-year history, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed this coveted award on nearly 7,500 of America’s schools. “National Blue Ribbon schools represent examples of educational excellence, and their work reflects the belief that every child in America deserves a world-class education,” said Secretary Duncan. The National Blue Ribbon Schools award honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students’ levels of achievement. Only six Alabama schools were chosen this year, and Holtville High was the only school from the River region. “On behalf of our entire school system, we salute Holtville High for its outstanding and historic achievement,” said Elmore County Superintendent Jeff Langham. “Bravo to Dr. Hull and his dynamic Holtville High family for achieving this coveted honor! This recognition spotlights years of consistent excellence at the school. This is a thrilling accomplishment!” The program recognizes schools in one of two performance categories. The first category is “Exemplary High Performing,” in which schools are recognized among their state’s highest performing schools, as measured by state assessments or nationally-normed tests. The second category is “Exemplary Improving,” in which schools that have at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds demonstrate the most progress in improving student achievement levels as measured by state assessments or nationallynormed tests. A total of 420 schools nationwide may be nominated, with allocations determined by the numbers of K-12 students and schools in each jurisdiction. The Secretary of Education invites nominated schools to submit an application for possible recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School. A list of the 2013 National Blue Ribbon Schools is available at http:// www.ed.gov/nationalblueribbonschools.

Eclectic Elementary School participated in Jumpstart’s Read for the Record again this year. Classes read the book Otis by Loren Long. Some classes watched Long read the book online. The Library held an art competition to go along with the book. Students created a portrait of their best friend. Two students from each grade were chosen as the winners. Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.

HOMESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE Come explore our selection of educational Homeschool enrichment programs and find out which one is just right for your child. Meet instructors, tour our facilities, ask questions, receive detailed information about our homeschool programs, and register on-site! Winter classes start in February.

Eclectic Participates in Read for the Record

Past classes include: • Mosaics • Robotics • Chemistry Lab • Adventures in Programming • Spanish

Open House Jan. 16

For more information, call 334-244-3804 or visit www.ce.aum.edu. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AUMConEdYP.

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Elmore County Schools

Local Creeks Donate To Wetumpka Elementary

WSFA’s Johnson Visits Redland Class

Wetumpka Elementary Principal Jina Sanders is shown with students and the school supplies that were donated by the Poarch Creek Indians.

Misty Trussell’s third-grade class at Redland Elementary performed a play recently called “Live! It’s Fairy Tale News” and WSFA meteorologist Josh Johnson made a special guest appearance.

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HES Student Council Supports Cancer Research

Reptile Show Was Big Hit at WMS

Students at Wetumpka Middle School had the opportunity to explore and learn about various reptiles during a Reptile Show. They were able to learn interesting facts about the different reptiles that were brought to WMS and even had the opportunity to hold some of them.

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Holtville Elementary School Student Council sold pink paper ribbons for .25 to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. HES raised $589 for cancer research. Mrs. Scott’s fourth-grade class won the “Orange You Glad You Crushed Cancer Party” for purchasing the most pink ribbons.

Holtville High Club Visits Montgomery Food Bank

The Holtville High School Jr. Civitan Club visited the Montgomery Area Food Bank October 10. Students presented the food bank with a check, went on a tour, and watched a video of what services are offered for people in need. In addition, the students worked by unpacking boxes and sorting food into bins. Jr. Civitan is sponsored by Lee Howard.

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2416 W. Cloverdale Park Montgomery, AL 36106 334.834.8990 www.fumcmontgomery.org

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Wetumpka Middle Implements Professional Learning Communities

Wetumpka Middle School has implemented Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). A professional learning community (PLC) is an extended learning opportunity to foster collaborative learning among colleagues within schools. Professional learning communities are seen as an effective staff development team approach and a powerful strategy for school change and possible improvement. Through commitment and a shared vision the team becomes empowered to work together and achieve goals. The faculty and staff at WMS were able to choose which professional learning community they wanted to be a part of for the 2013 school year. Currently the school has five PLCs that include technology, classroom management, school culture, motivation and instructional strategies. The ultimate goal for each PLC group is to collaborate with others in the school to identify research-based strategies that will bring about improvement and school change. Each professional learning community has a group facilitator who facilitates. Many new ideas and strategies have been implemented at the school through the work of the PLCs, which include: Indian Buck Motivation Program; Tribal Counsel Advisory Program; WE-2 Wednesday; Student of the Month; Spotlight of the Month; Positive Office Referrals; School Beautification Projects; Secret Pal; Positive Communication through social media; Student Use of Technology in the Classroom; POD Parties; Educational Apps Utilized in the Classroom; and Effective Instructional Strategies Utilized in the Classroom.

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will stand forever. Isaiah 40:8

Join us for worship, fellowship, and service. Sunday Morning Worship 8:45 & 11 a.m. Worship Service at Cloverdale School Sunday at 6 p.m.

Wetumpka Middle Students Crowned at Homecoming

Wetumpka Middle School eighth-grader Destinee Davis was crowned Homecoming Queen, while Nick Angus was Homecoming King. Angus collected the most money for the Erich Flynn Liver Transplant Fund.

Dr. R. Lawson Bryan Senior Minister

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Elmore County Schools

HHS Celebrates Homecoming

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Holtville High School celebrated homecoming October 4. The entire school participated in a week-long celebration capping off with the crowning of the Homecoming Queen during half time at the football game. From left are: Madison Law, Breelyn Buck, Alexis Bennett, Kate Culverhouse, Hayden Willis, Ashley Wiggins, Lindsey Strock (Homecoming Queen), Josie Conner, Hannah Dozier, Taylor Nix, Alexa Barker, Reagan Ruiz, Ella Eskelinen, Kaylin Buck and Tiffany Eiland.

Wetumpka Offers Smurfy Incentive

Wetumpka Elementary rewarded students with good behavior recently with a Smurf party.

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Victory Baptist Class Visits Zoo and Museum

ARIS Bus Driver Rewards Exemplary Behavior

In his first year as a bus driver for Elmore County Schools, “Coach” LeJeune has found that driving a bus is a great way to make sure kids get home safely from school. He truly enjoys interaction with the students. Recently, he decided to reward them for exemplary behavior on the bus. He surveyed the students about their favorite candy and created a paper sack of treats for each student. Coach LeJeune says that he might do it one or two more times during the school year.

Mr. Nolin’s third-grade class from Victory Baptist School had a chance to observe animals up close at the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Museum recently. Students viewed animals from five continents: North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia. Zoofari Skylift gave the students the opportunity to view the animals from above. Students also got a chance to feed parakeets in Parakeet Cove, an open-air aviary housing more than 500 parakeets. At the Petting Zoo, students were given the chance to touch and feed pygmy goats. This attraction was a great hit with the students. Some saddled up on a horse for the first time and moseyed on down the Zoo trail. By the end of the day, the students had collected plenty of new data for their science notebooks.

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Wetumpka Visits Pumpkin Patch

Wetumpka Elementary kindergarten students visited Dream Field Farms and Pumpkin Patch for a recent field trip.

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Victory Baptist Eagles Win Against Ranked Team

Victory Baptist football team won against Faith Christian Academy 92-64. The Eagles got a quick start behind the arm of sophomore quarterback Mason Byrd, who threw three touchdown passes to Benton Dunklin to start the first quarter. Junior running back Auston Deneve got the next three, two rushing and one passing, to give Victory a 41-19 lead in the first quarter. Byrd threw four more touchdown passes in the second quarter to give Victory the lead 67-39 lead at half. After both teams were held to a touchdown each in the third, Byrd threw three more touchdowns to finish the game with ten touchdowns and 495 yards. Faith was the second-ranked team in the Alabama Christian Education Athletic Association coming into the game. Mason Byrd is shown warming up before his stellar performance Friday.

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WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF

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

Any athlete with a suspected concussion: n

Should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY

Should be urgently assessed medically

Should not be left alone

Should not drive a motor vehicle

ThinkFirst _____________________________________________

Alabama

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

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Time to Build the Robots!

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

From the automatons of previous centuries to robot beings that permeate our pop culture (Wall-e, Transformers, C3PO), humans have always been fascinated by the mystery and marvels of mechanical beings that mimic living creatures. And as real, life-like robotic creations continue to evolve by leaps and bounds, our kids will live in a world where robots will be part of their everyday lives. With this field of engineering growing, encouraging children’s interest in robots and robotic science through play is recommended. Cultivating an early understanding of robots and their mechanics can give your child the inventive edge in a brave new robotic world!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Robot Invasion

Gyrobot: Gyroscopic Robot Kit

(Bloco Toys)

Breaking the stiff mold for traditional robot assembly, the Robot Invasion Set from Bloco is a uniquely child-friendly collection of robot components that are super-easy for little hands to assemble. The high-density foam pieces and plastic connectors are bendable in ways that allow for stacking, rotating and flexible construction of robot projects. Additionally, the parts are slightly stretchy (fostering more challenging connections) and washable! The set include plans for 6 robots (5 can be constructed from the materials all at one time), but the easy assembly and colorful pieces will quickly inspire independent design and construction of a new and original robotic army of creations to invade and conquer your household!

(Thames and Kosmos)

With this ideal introduction to gyroscopes (used in everything from smartphones and tablets to video game controllers and space telescopes), kids can harness the power of this amazing device to build seven different motorized robots, each with unique characteristics and function! The process of assembling each robot gives budding robotic engineers handson experience and valuable scientific knowledge about how gyroscopes play an indispensable role in our modern lives. From building a gravity-defying personal vehicle to a tightrope-walker, this kit will amaze and educate kids and adults as they use the power of the gyroscope to mobilize their robotic creations!

Makedo Find & Build a Robot

Build Your Own Robo-Pup

(Makedo)

(Discovery Kids)

Makedo is an uber-cool building option that combines a builder’s imagination and resourcefulness with the kit’s connectivity supply. Using the broad range of connectors and decorative elements in the Makedo Find & Build a Robot kit, the builder is challenged to craft his robot from found items and stuff lying around the house! The ultimate fun recycling project, kids can transform boxes, broken toys, packaging, plastic bottles and more… into robot wonders using the Makedo safe-saw, lock-hinges, pins, clips and robotthemed stickers. This inexpensive, yet amazing, kit facilitates the Dr. Frankenbot in every kid as they combine their re-purposing ingenuity with Makedo resources to build a robot!

For the kid who’s on the front end of an interest in robots and robotics, the Discovery Kids Build Your Own Robo-Pup is ideal bridging technology for the beginning builder. With a slick exterior design and a minimum of pieces and parts, the bulk of the pup is already built. When the eight main components of the robot pup are assembled (with some adult supervision), it can walk, bark, as well as move its head, ears and tail. Activated by touch and sound, the Robo-Pup is a cute and compelling introduction to the possibilities of simple robotics offering the broad strokes of the science without the detail challenges of some similar robotics kits.

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

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THINK FAST AT THE FIRST SIGN OF A

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

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

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Montgomery Parents I November 2013

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Most of us recall our school Why? Profile of a Bully days with a mixture of nostalgia and hazy memories. It was a long time ago. We knew bullies and probably had some run-ins with them over the years. In every era there are those children, both boys and girls, who engage in bullying behaviors.

What is Bullying?

What exactly is bullying? The current definition of bullying is “the use of force or coercion to abuse, intimidate or dominate others.” It may be habitual behavior to instill fear and may present as verbal harassment and threats, or physical assaults. Bullying can come in many forms: teasing, name calling, stealing property, and forcing unwanted acts. It is designed to instill fear and anxiety. Some bullies try to justify their behavior based on the sex, race, class, abilities or appearance of their victims. When bullying is done by groups it is known as “mobbing.”

It’s hard to understand why children want to hurt others for no apparent reason. Most experts agree that bullies are children who want and need attention. They want to raise their own status by feeling powerful. They often are abused or neglected children who haven’t learned to care about others’ feelings. They are predatory by nature and select as victims those they perceive as weaker than themselves. They lack a set of values to guide their choices and rarely accept responsibility for their behaviors. Their behavior can be compulsive and repeated over time. Bullies usually have low self-esteem, insecurities and fear exposure of their weaknesses. They are driven by bitterness, hatred, anger and prejudice which they vent on their victims.

Warning Signs

If you suspect that your child is being bullied on the way to school, in school or at other times, here are behaviors to look for: • School avoidance behaviors such as morning stomach aches, headaches, asking to stay home

• Trouble sleeping • Loss of appetite • Anxiety in normal life situations • Unexplained fears • Changes in grades In today’s technological world there are ample opportunities for bullies to act out in the relative anonymity of their computers and phones. They can threaten, expose and tease all the while hiding their identity.

What Can You Do?

Parents are often astounded at the intensity of bullying behavior their children tolerate every day. Once a bullying situation is exposed, the offender often changes tactics. He or she stops bullying that particular person for fear of retribution, embarrassment or consequences. But without help, the offender will most likely bully again. Parents walk a fine line when helping their children to deal with bullying behaviors. If they step in and solve the problem for their child, the child remains vulnerable. If they refrain from acting, they risk their child’s harm, both emotional and physical.

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There are common sense ways to combat bullying: Proactive Teaching: Many schools have anti-bullying campaigns in place. Most often classroom teachers or school counselors teach the lessons. But change in behavior takes time. Most bullies need one on one help to change and meanwhile the victims must find ways to stay safe. Parents can do some proactive teaching as well. Talk to your children about staying safe and standing up to bullies. Help them build strategies to stand up for themselves while never resorting to fights which could get them into trouble. Avoidance Techniques: One logical way to stop bullying is to stay away from the bully. If at all possible, change the route taken to school or walk a different hallway to get to the next class. Bullies tend to take advantage of an opportunity. If the opportunity is taken away they have no victim. Standing Firm: Children need to be proud of themselves and learn to be brave in the face of trouble. For those children who seem frail or unsure, it’s a good idea to enroll them in classes or join sports programs--get involved in activities that build confidence.

Montgomery Parents I November 2013

They need to practice Children at risk to become bullies have saying a firm some or all of these characteristics: “No” to those who bully them and to be will• They have been shamed, belittled or ignored at home. ing to ask for • They have been disciplined violently. help or report problems to • They feel unsafe at home. authorities. Ig• They seek attention for a feeling of powerlessness. noring threats • They have few friends. is sometimes • They lack the support of adults in their lives. helpful, but having a • They have parents with mental health issues. buddy and • There is little communication in their home. being a buddy is probably an even better tion, strategies and role-playing activities strategy. The absolute worst choice when to give your child the confidence and being bullied is to tolerate it and stay strength to stand up to bullying behaviors. quiet. Teach your child to speakup when Go to the site and type “bullying” in the bullied. search box. mp Why not take the opportunity to talk about bullying with your children? What www.keepkidshealthy.com should they do if they witness bullying www.thebullyproject.com behavior? And, let’s be honest here, have www.stopbullying.org they ever taken part in bullying another www.pbskids.org/parents person or witnessed bullying without in(look for Arthur episodes dealing with bullying) tervening? Let them know you are always available to talk about uncomfortable Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a retired teacher and freelance writer. situations in their lives. And check out She lives in Vancouver, Washington where she volunteers in the websites below to find more informaan after-school program for at risk children.

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Live within walking and biking distance of Montgomery’s newest Elementary, Middle and High School! Find a brighter future for your family at New Park. No other neighborhood offers Montgomery’s widest array of home styles, and puts you adjacent to the city’s newest schools and the city’s newest YMCA. Homes from the low $200s. Hurry before Phase I is sold out!

Stop by our New Home Information Center today before the lots in Phase I are gone!

Park Crossing High School Now Open!

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9430 Park Crossing, off Ray Thorington Road

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Don’t Stress About Your Holiday Style When it comes to shopping for holiday fashion, we all know the stresses it can cause. And, if you are like us, the holiday season started in October...and it’s crazy busy! I try not to sweat the small stuff, especially when it comes to my style. We always have parties or holiday functions to attend, but money and time play a huge role in making those ultimate fashion decisions. I’m going to give you some tips on how to look stylish without breaking the bank for your holiday activities.

1) Incorporate spring and summer items. Yes, simple items you wore this spring and summer, like t-shirts and blouses, are great to incorporate in a fun holiday style. For example, depending on your event, add a skirt, accessories, tights, boots or a fun heel (printed or a seasonal color). You can also bring in added style with jewelry. I like layering my jewelry by mixing metals and adding some sparkle to that simple style. You can have fun with jeans as well, but be sure to keep your denim a darker shade as you enter Montgomery Parents I November 2013

the night. Add a heel, blazer and a classic or printed light jacket and you have a versatile day to evening outfit.

2) Shop for bargains. See what you have in your wardrobe that you can piece with a favorite skirt, pair of pants or dress you find in the stores. You can find these wardrobe pieces from any of your local discount stores. Be sure to check T.J.Maxx, Ross and our very own Dillard’s discount store. Yes, you have to dig, but the great thing about these stores is they can be your one stop shop! You might be able to load up on Christmas gifts for others while you are there, too. 3) Little black dress, pants or skirt. Yes, I love that little black dress. It’s classic and can be very versatile. I do believe you need a different black dress for the summer and the fall. The material makes a big difference as far as seasonal style goes. How can you make your dress, pants or skirt versatile, you ask? Accessorize and add a print or color, whether it’s in your shoe, boot, belt, light jacket, blazer, or a structured cardigan. Depending on the style of your dress, pants or skirt you can always play with layers. Make sure your layers are not too bulky and overwhelming. With a little variety added, this little black dress or skirt can actually take you to more than one Christmas or holiday function. 64

4) Accessorize...this is my easiest and most affordable tip. You can find fun and colorful accessories at your favorite stores. It’s so easy to change an outfit with different pieces of jewelry. Kohl’s, Burlington Coat Factory, Dillard’s, Versona and our local boutiques have good prices on costume jewelry.

5) Add flare with a print, fun color or both. Shoes, belt, scarf, clutch or purse, you name it, prints and seasonal colors will never go out of style.

6) Take a day or two to run around in your workout clothes. I know it sounds silly coming from this Southern fashionista, but I really think if we can run around with our comfortable gear on we are less likely to stress out and we tend to get things done in a more timely manner. It’s nice to get that shopping done in comfort. However, if you are trying on clothes, wear the right undergarments and make sure you throw on a little make up.

7) Don’t stress about the holidays! Most of all remember what the season is all about and enjoy time with your family and friends. This is my most important holiday tip!

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

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Montgomery Parents I November 2013

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The holidays descended upon us

quickly after my husband and I married midOctober and began our new life together. My expectations of a joyous holiday season faded as the reality of combining two households with different traditions and outside family members settled on us. I wasn’t prepared for the chaos and heartache that accompanied our first Christmas together. Blending four young children, managing a harried schedule with two ex-spouses, and competing with the “other households” for time together and adequate gift exchange ignited a simmering blaze that burned throughout the season, leaving behind a trail of hurt feelings and unmet expectations. I learned some valuable lessons that season on negotiating with others and compromising on details that don’t have to go my way. I also resolved to take proactive steps in the future to help relieve some of the turmoil and division that occurred among family members. Here are a few suggestions for more peaceful stepfamily holidays that will enable your family to enjoy one another and create lasting memories instead of simply surviving another holiday season.

Set aside unrealistic expectations. Accept that there will be unhappy moments during the holiday period. Children experience fluctuating emotions as they cope with the loss of their nuclear family and accept their new stepfamily. They may act out or withdraw during periods of grief. When my stepchildren lost their mother, holidays became especially difficult for them. Memories of past holidays sometimes prevent them

from enjoying our family celebrations today. However, a difficult day or period of unhappiness doesn’t have to ruin the entire holiday season.

Be proactive. Start planning your schedule early. Have a family meeting and talk about the logistics of the season - when to decorate, what to eat for holiday meals, how to do gift exchange (draw names, include grandparents, etc.) and what special programs need to be put on the calendar. Ask each family member to take part in the planning and decision-making. Begin negotiating the visitation schedule early to allow time for discussion among parties.

Be flexible and agreeable with other family members, when possible. Be willing to make sacrifices to fit everyone’s schedule. Offer alternatives when negotiating schedules and recognize that Thanksgiving and Christmas can be celebrated on a day other than the official holiday and still be a special day. We have altered our Christmas gift exchange many years to allow everyone to be together. Try to be fair to all parties involved and commit to do your part toward peaceful interaction with your ex-spouse. Separate old marital issues from parenting issues and examine your heart for resentment or bitterness that might be preventing you from friendly communication.

Consider your children’s needs. Children don’t choose to join a step-

family and they don’t deserve to be pulled between family members. Allow them the freedom to love their other parent and go to the other home without a guilt trip. Help your children buy gifts for other family members. And don’t set a lot of rules about where gifts are kept or played with. If your child receives a gift he’s asked for all year and leaves for Dad’s house that afternoon, it’s likely he’ll want to take it with him.

Start new traditions and continue to celebrate old ones that fit. Traditions offer a sense of belonging to family members and cement relationships as they’re carried out together. Talk to your children about what traditions are important to them and brainstorm ideas of new traditions to start together. Soon after we married, we started a tradition of reading the Christmas story to our children on Christmas Eve to remind them of the reason we celebrate Christmas. Our family also takes time to attend special church services and enjoy a light show together. We also like to decorate the house and bake special goodies for those we love. Traditions are a great way for stepfamilies to create bonds with one another that are strengthened every year as you come together for an established purpose. With the right attitude and proactive steps, holidays can be enjoyable and memorable as a stepfamily. There may be bumps along the way, but don’t give up on a joyous holiday season. mp Gayla Grace is a freelance writer, and a wife and mom to five children in her blended family. She works hard to create a peaceful stepfamily holiday season.

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2013 River Region

Holiday Happenings Montgomery 8th Annual Interfaith Christmas Nativity Exhibit

Experience the beauty of hundreds of nativities, traditional and extraordinary, and listen as community groups perform songs of the season. This wonderful celebration is a gift to the community and provides an opportunity for each of us to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and find spiritual peace during the busy holidays. November 28th – 30th and December 4-6th and Sunday the 8th from 1-8 p.m. and Saturday, December 7th from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.; 3460 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery. Open to all. FREE Admission. Sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. www.MontgomeryNativity.com

15th Annual Lights of Love

Dec. 5th, 6 p.m. For a contribution of $15 or more to the Jackson Hospital Foundation, a light will be placed on the Lights of Love tree inside of Jackson Hospital in front lobby in honor, or in memory, of someone special to you. For contributions of $100 or more Moravian stars will be placed on the tree. For contributions of $500 or more a decorative angel will be placed on the tree. Christian music will be presented. An invitation to the ceremony will be sent to those honored or to the family of those memorialized. Contributions will benefit the Women and Children’s Department at Jackson Hospital. For more information, call 293.8106.

47th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival Marks House Pike Road

November 2 from 9:00am-4:00pm. Shop the arts and crafts and eat BBQ, sweets, and more! Special activities for the children too – face painting, a tour of the Pike Road Fire Department’s Mobile Fire Safety House and free “make and take” crafts will be provided by Home Depot. Admission is $2 at the gate with children under age 8 admitted for free. Visit us at www.pikeroadfair.org.

2013 Capital City Christmas Parade

The City of Montgomery would like to invite you to the 2013 Christmas Parade. The lineup will begin this year at the Capital steps to City Hall. The event will be held Friday, December 6th at 6:00 p.m. A limited number of parade

Montgomery Parents I November 2013

entries will be accepted. Registration deadline for float signup is November 25, 2013. Schedule of Events: 5:15 p.m. - Governor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Capitol 6:00 p.m. - Capitol City Christmas Parade 7:30 p.m. – Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony All questions about a parade entry and parade festivities should be directed to Denise Welch at (334) 625.2118 or cgunter@montgomeryal.gov. Visit www.montgomeryal.gov for entry forms.

“A Christmas Carol” at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival

Starting November 29-through December 24. The snowy London streets ring with carols that set the stage for Dickens magical tale of hope and redemption. Join us as the ghosts of the pasts, present and future reawaken Scrooge’s conscience. A great family outing to brighten your holiday. Recommended for children ages 6+ and up. Prices starting at $24. Please visit us at www.asf.net

Alabama Dance Theatre presents “Mistletoe”

Davis Theater, Montgomery, November 15th at 7:30 p.m. (Special Military Appreciation Performance), November 16 & 17 at 2:30. A Montgomery Holiday tradition featuring “The Messiah” with music by George Frideric Handel and accompanied by The Montgomery Chorale and “Favorite Dances of Christmas”. Meet Santa on stage after the performance for a $10 donation. This includes a chance to win a “My American Girl Doll” voucher. Tickets on sale. Please visit www.alabamadancetheatre.com for more information or call (334)241.2800

Aldersgate UMC Christmas Events 6610 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Monday, December 2, 4:30, Family Advent Adventure and 6 p.m., Chrismon Service. Crafts and fun activities offered for the family. Sunday, December 8, 11:00 a.m. Christmas Musical Drama. Sunday, December 15, 6:00 p.m., Praise Singers Concert and Sing-a-long carols. Call for reservations. Tuesday, December 24, 5 p.m. Christmas Eve Service

Communion, Carols and Candlelight. For more information call the Aldersgate music ministry office at 272.6152.

Annual Holiday Light Festival The Montgomery Zoo

December 5-8, 12-15, 19-31; 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Thousands of Christmas Lights illuminate The Montgomery Zoo in shapes of animals and Christmas themes. See the beautiful displays by train or by foot. Enjoy live entertainment, food, gifts and pictures with Santa.Free for members, Cost $12 for children ages 3 and up, which includes a train ride. Age 2 and under are free. For more information please call 240.4900.

Candlelight Harpischord Chamber Concert Wednesday, December 11; 6 p.m. Christchurch, 8800 Vaughn Rd. You are invited to Christchurch’s free concert of sacred and secular music. The 45 minute performance will feature instrumental and vocal pieces performed by the church’s chancel choir and soloists from the church as well as outside professionals. The free concert in the church’s sanctuary will begin at 6 p.m. It will be followed by a champagne and dessert reception in the parish hall. Reception tickets, which are $25 each, will be available by calling (334)387.0566, ext. 203, beginning Wednesday, November 13th. Proceeds from the reception will benefit the Christchurch Pipe Organ Fund. Please visit www.christchurchxp.net for more details.

Christmas Open House Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum Date to be announced from 1-5 p.m., 919 Felder Avenue. Join us for refreshments, video and tour of period decorations. Donations requested. Call 264.4222. Please visit us at www.fitzgeraldmuseum.net.

Cruising With Santa December 7, 12-14, 20-21 Family Friendly; Boards at 6:30 p.m., Cruises 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., $20-$45 per adult & $15-$25 per child. This cruise will include dinner, entertainment and Santa!! Cash Bar. Please visit us at http://www.montgomeryal.gov.

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Cottage Hill Candlelight Tour Celebrate the Year of Small Towns and Downtown during Cottage Hill Historic Foundation Tour of Victorian. December 8, 3-7 p.m.; Starting location: Intersection at Martha and Whitman, Montgomery. Admission charged- call for ticket information, (334) 538.3892.

Eastdale Mall Santa’s Arrival on Ice Eastdale Mall, November 8, 7 p.m. Call Mall Information Desk, 277.7359, for schedule.

Eastern Hills Baptist Church presents 9th Annual “Hanging of the Green” Sunday, December 8 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Come help us ring in the Christmas season celebrating the hope found in the Christ Child! Also featuring: Youth Choirs, Drama, Celebration Ringers (hand bells), Ensemble, Narration, Interpretive Movement and more. Come early for a good seat – No admission charge. Eastern Hills Baptist Church, 3604 Pleasant Ridge Road, Montgomery, AL (in the Forest Hills neighborhood) Call (334) 272.0604 ext. 214 or visit online, www.ehbconline.com.

Family Night Out Fall Carnival November 15th, Montgomery First Assembly, 135 Bell Rd. This event is a fun event for the whole family! It is the youth department’s largest fundraiser of the year for missions work around the world. The night includes concessions food, candy and drinks, as well as toddler to adult games. Also, inflatables, mechanical bull, rock wall, cake walk, hay rides, face painting, and even a prize redemption booth for the kids to redeem their winning tickets for prizes. All attendees have a chance to win free giveaways from local businesses throughout the night. The event runs from 6pm-9:30pm in the gymnasium.

Frazer Memorial UMC presents “A Royal Christmas”

Wesley Hall, December 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. Frazer presents this community wide production, Christmas Theatre. Fun for the entire family! Please call (334) 272.8622 or visit www.frazerumc.org. Frazer Candlelight Worship December 24 at 5 p.m. in Sanctuary and 7 p.m. in Wesley Hall. Frazer Memorial The Longest Night Service December 21 at 6 p.m. in the East Sanctuary. A special servicer for those who are experiencing a loss, grieving or lonely.

Glenn Miller Holiday Concert Featuring Airmen of Note

Dates to be announced. Annual Glenn Miller Holiday Concert. This year’s performance is free to the public. Will be accepting canned food donations for the Montgomery Area Food Bank. This performance will be held at the Davis Theatre. Featuring The United States Air force Band, Airmen of Note, premier jazz ensemble, will perform holiday and Glenn Miller favorites. The Airmen of Note ensemble was created in 1950 to carry on the style and tradition of the Glenn Miller Army Air Forces Dance Band. Please call 241.9567.

Governor’s Mansion Christmas Open House Tours

1142 South Perry Street, Montgomery, 834.3022 The 1907 Governor’s Mansion will be aglow with lights and filled with the spirit of the season. December 2, 9, and 16 from 5:00 until 7:00. 1142 South Perry Street, Montgomery.

Holiday Memories

December 5th-15th. By Truman Capote and adapted by Russell Vandenbroucke. An American treasure based on two short stories from Truman Capote, “The Thanksgiving Visitor” and “A Christmas Memory” at the Cloverdale Playhouse, Montgomery’s Community theater.

Holiday Open House @ Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

December 7th, 1 to 4 p.m.; Free The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts invites you to an afternoon of holiday cheer at the annual Holiday Open House. The day’s activities will include performances by local choral groups and festive studio activities. In addition to these holiday treats, the Museum invites guests to explore the multiple exhibitions on view. Also, be sure to see the Kwanzaa and Hanukkah displays as well as the Museum’s Christmas tree, adorned with hand-made ornaments created specifically for the Museum by Alabama artists. There is no charge for Holiday Open House, but guests are encouraged to bring canned goods for donation to the Montgomery Area Food Bank or a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.

Holiday Pops Concert

December 16th, 7:30 p.m. at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center. Join the MSO for an evening of everyone’s seasonal favorites. Maestro Thomas Hinds and the MSO will perform a wide variety of “holiday classics” with music from both the popular and classical repertories. To order tickets please call the Symphony office at (334) 240.4004.

Huntingdon College Annual Christmas Celebration Share some holiday cheer at Huntingdon College’s annual Community Christmas Celebration on Thursday, December 5th, on the Huntingdon Campus. The celebration includes: 6:30 p.m., the Arrival of Saint Nicholas, in front of Flowers Hall 6:45 p.m., Tree-lighting Ceremony and caroling, in front of Flowers Hall; and 7:00 p.m., A Service of Lessons and Carols, combining Biblical readings by members of the Huntingdon community interspersed with music from the College’s Concert Choir; Ligon Chapel, Flower’s Hall. The events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Huntingdon College Office of Community Relations at (334) 833.4515.

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Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis

December 7th 5k Run or Walk to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Also 1 mile fun run (chasing an Elf) for under 8’s and 1 mile walk. Admission is $30 to $35 until week prior to event. Please visit us at http://JBRMontgomery.kintera.org/.

Old Alabama Town Open House

December 5th, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Enjoy the holidays, early-Alabama style! Live holiday music, traditional pioneer crafts for children, storytelling & costumed guests, cookies and hot cider. Followed by Karren Pell’s Holiday Revue in the Old Church at 7 p.m. Please call (334)240.4500 or www.oldalabamatown.com for more information.

Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church Annual Christmas Production

1550 East Washington St. Please join us December 14 at 4 p.m. as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Hosted by the Youth Department. Please call 462.3048.

Santa’s Helpers

Church of the Holy Comforter, 2911 Woodley Road, Call 281.1337. Saturday, December 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free child care! Drop off your kids at Holy Comforter while you shop. We will have activities fro them, feed them lunch, and help your children make ornaments. When you get back, we’ll help you wrap gift for free! Bring your camera for a stress-free picture with Santa. Every child will go home with a dozen fresh-baked cookies. Ages 2-12. Reservations required.

The Forgotten Carols A Magical Family Musical…About the Hope and Promise of Christmas December 6th at 7 p.m. at the Davis Theatre Adults tickets for $15 and Students $10 Tickets will be available at www.theostheatricals.com.

The Joy Singers Christmas Program at First Baptist Church

Sunday, December 1 at 6:15 p.m. Main Sanctuary in First Baptist Church, 305 South Perry Street. Come join us in a narration and familiar carols presented by the JOY Singers Senior Adult Choir. Please call 834.6310 or visit us at www.montgomeryfbc.org.

The Living Christmas Tree

First Baptist Church, 305 South Perry Street December 13-15; Performers will delight you atop the 40 ft. set resembling a Christmas tree on stage. Please call 834.6310 or visit us at www.montgomeryfbc.org.

The Montgomery Chorale Holiday Performances Seasonal Performance, November 15-17, Davis Theatre Messiah Sing Along, Dexter Avenue UMC, December 10 Twelfth Night Celebration, Episcopal Church of the Ascension, January 3rd and 4th. Tickets, please call (334) 265.3737 or visit www.montgomerychorale.org.

“The Nutcracker” presented by Montgomery Ballet

Montgomery’s Favorite Holiday Tradition for over 37 years presented by The Montgomery Ballet. The world’s most famous Christmas ballet. A Montgomery tradition since 1976, this year’s production promises to delight all ages with brilliant dancing, beautiful scenery, and colorful costumes. Come celebrate the holiday season with the Montgomery Ballet as they present this Christmas classic with evening performances at 7:30 pm, December 12th, 13th and 14th, and matinees at 2 p.m., December 14th and 15th and a 6 p.m. performance on Dec. 15. All reserved seats. Tickets are $15 to $35 for adults. We offer military, senior and student discounts. Prices are dependent on convenience and/or handling fees. Come early to each performance and shop the “Montgomery Ballet Boutique,” where you can find a variety of holiday collectibles and special Nutcracker

souvenirs. For reservations, call (334) 409.0522 or visit www.montgomeryballet.org.

The Shoppes at EastChase Season’s Greetings & Santa’s Grand Parade

Saturday, November 16, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. It’s a parade for Santa’s arrival at The Shoppes at EastChase! The day will include a parade for Santa, carriage and train rides, cookies and cocoa stations, face painting and performances by the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Carriage and train rides will run until 2 p.m. The grand finale of the parade will include performances of “A Christmas Carol” by Alabama Shakespeare Festival on Main Street in front of Dillard’s. The annual tree lighting with Santa will be at 6 p.m. near the fountain. After Thanksgiving Card Giveaway Friday, November 29 Shop at The Shoppes at Eastchase on Black Friday and get rewarded! The Shoppes will be giving away a total of $3,000 in gift card giveaways-that a $500 gift card given away every hour from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. during Black Friday at Express, DSW and Gap. Find out more at www. theshoppesateastchase.com. Photos with Santa Santa has a new home this year at the Shoppes at EastChase! Starting Saturday, November 16, photos with Santa will be Santa’s Workshop on Main Street. Kids can enjoy the excitement of being in Santa’s workshop while getting their picture taken with Santa. Saturday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sundays from noon – 6 p.m. Friday, November 29 from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday, December 13 from 5-8 p.m. * Pet Night Friday, December 20 from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 24 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Breakfast with Santa Saturday, December 14, 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Kids can enjoy breakfast with Santa at The Bonefish Grill at The Shoppes at Eastchase. $10 will include visits with Santa and breakfast. Participants must register by Thursday, December 12.

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Baking Cookies with Santa December 7 & 21, 8:00 until 10:30 a.m. Kids can bake with Santa at Williams-Sonoma at The Shoppes at Eastchase on Saturday, December 7, and at Panera Bread on Saturday, December 21! The baking fun will be $5 and participants must register by Thursday, December 5 and Thursday, December 19, for Panera Bread. Carriage Rides (next to Earth Fare) Shoppers can enjoy holiday carriage rides through The Shoppes at Eastchase Saturday, December 7, 14, and 21, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Carriage rides will be $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Take a ride around EastChase and enjoy the beautiful holiday sights and sounds. Holiday Theatre Performances Enjoy holiday performances from “A Christmas Carol” by Alabama Shakespeare performers! Performances will take place on Main Street during various times throughout the week and weekends at Santa’s Workshop on Main Street. Check The Shoppes at EastChase website for performance dates and times. Visit www.theshoppesateastchase.com.

The Sounds of Christmas Presented in Free Concert

Everyone is invited to celebrate the sounds of Christmas with the Capital Sounds Concert Band and the Montgomery Recreators, Thursday, December 5, at 7 p.m. in the main sanctuary of Vaughn Forest, 8660 Vaughn Road. Enjoy the season with Christmas musical selections from “The Nutcracker Suite” including Miniature Overture, Six Characteristic Dances, and Waltz of the Flowers. The band will also perform a beautiful arrangement of the Carol of the Drum, and the Leroy Anderson favorite Sleigh Ride. Join in singing with a Holiday Sing-A-Long of your favorite Christmas Carols. The concert is free for everyone. For more information please contact Vaughn Forest Church at 279.5433.

“Tis the Season!” W.A. Gayle Planetarium

Beginning December - Traces the development of many of the world’s endearing holiday customs, and how they involve lighting up the winter season, from the burning Yule log and sparkling Christmas tree lights, to the lighting of the Menorah and luminaries. It also recounts the historical religious and cultural rituals practiced during the time of winter solstice. not only Christian and Jewish, but also Celtic, Pagan, Nordic, Roman, Egyptian and Hopi. It also takes a look at some of our more light-hearted seasonal traditions: from gift-giving and kissing under the mistletoe to songs about lords a-leaping, and ladies dancing. And the custom of decking the halls with greenery and candles. St. Nicholas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus all drop by as well. For tickets, call (334)241.4799. Or visit http://montgomery.troy.edu/ planetarium for details.

Just for Kids YMCA Camp Chandler Holiday Camps 1240 Jordan Dam Road, Wetumpka, Alabama Christmas Camp Dec. 21st - Dec 23rd arriving on Dec. 21st at 4-5 p.m. and departing Dec. 23rd at 4-5 p.m. This adventure is for old and new campers (ages 5-15), old and new staff, friends and relatives. Fee: $100 (members) and $115 (non-members), which includes t-shirt and camp store. Call Jeff Reynolds at 229.0031.

YMCA Goodtimes Holiday Childcare Call 279.8878 to register. Program will run everyday except Thanksgiving Day or the day after. 7:00 a.m. thru 6 p.m. Cost per day; members $23 and non-members $28.

New Years Eve Bash @ Camp Chandler Dec. 31st - Jan 1st, arriving Dec. 31st at 3 - 4 p.m. and departing Jan 1st at 10-11 a.m. Celebrate New Year’s Eve Camp Chandler style with “ball drop,” dance, and fireworks. Ages 5 - 15. Parents, let us take care of your children’s fun, so you can celebrate the New Year together. Fee: $40 for members and $50 for non-members.. Call Jeff Reynolds at 229.0031 or log on to www. campchandler.org for more information on all camps.

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Saturday | November 16, 2013 | 2:30 pm Sunday | November 17, 2013 | 2:30 pm Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts Tickets: alabamadancetheatre.com Information: 334.241.2800 The Daniel Foundation of Alabama

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

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Eclectic Christmas Begins With Christ: An Eclectic Christmas December 3-8, Come join us in December to experience the true story of the first Christmas. The walking tours begin December 5-9 at 6:00 p.m. This event will take place at 1455 Claud Road Eclectic AL, 36024, just south of Eclectic on AL Highway 63. Please call 578.4846 or visit our website at www.aneclecticministry.org. If registering through the website, your reservation will be confirmed as soon as possible. Admission is free, and donations are accepted and appreciated to help with expenses.

Millbrook Christmas Music and Tree Lighting Millbrook Village Green Stage, December 5 at 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m., Performances by school, church and group choirs and Christmas caroling for everyone. The Spirit of Christmas Parade Dec 7th, Parade is at 2 p.m. Millbrook’s Annual Christmas Parade will begin at the Sports Complex behind Smokehouse Bar-B-Que and will end at the intersection at City Hall. The theme for this year’s parade is “A Green “Recycled” Christmas”. Activities will be from 1:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Vendors will be set up at Village Green Park; there will be arts, crafts, and food. This is one of the great things about living in a small community - family fun, not too crowded and loads of excitement for everyone. No admission fee. Call (334) 285.7232.

Prattville Annual Christmas Concert by Prattville Community Chorus and Prattville Pops Friday, December 13, 7 p.m. at the Glynnwood Baptist

Church on McQueen Smith Road. This event is free and open to the public.

City of Prattville Annual Christmas Parade

Friday, December 6 at 7 p.m. Parade will begin that the Autauga County Courthouse. Theme: “A Hometown Christmas”; Lots of floats, dancers, horses, candy and trinkets for everyone. This is a free, family friendly event. Applications available online at www.prattvilleal.gov. Deadline to register is November 25. Please call 595.0854 for more information.

City of Prattville Christmas Tree Lighting

Thursday, December 5th. The program starts at 5 p.m. in front of City Hall with music by the Prattville Pops and the Prattville Community Chorus, along with performances by a host of local talents. This is a free, family friendly event. For more information, visit www.prattville.com.

East Memorial presents “ A Christ in Christmas Celebration”

Consisting of two events: Drive thru “Living Nativity” December 7th, from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. (December 8th will be a back up rain day) Christmas Musical December 15th, from 6 p.m. East Memorial Baptist Church, 1320 Old Ridge Road, invites the Public to experience the birth, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ at a drive-through Living Nativity. Come be counted for the census in Bethlehem, pass through the Town and see the Inn where Joseph and Mary find no room. See the Shepherds in the field where the Angel appears and watch the Wise Men make their way to the trough where Jesus lay. See Him on the Cross and then the glorious Empty Tomb. In addition the church will be presenting a musical. Admission is free. For more information contact the church office at 365.7500 or visit our website at www.eastmemorial.org.

Free Children’s Holiday Art Workshop Event November

Saturday, November 16, from 10 m until noon and 1pm until 3pm. Registration is required because of limited space. Free Children’s Holiday Art Workshop, December December 7, from 10 am noon a.m. or 1 pm until 3 pm. Children ages 4yrs to 12yrs will create works of art to keep forever or give as gifts. Children under 5 years must have a parent or guardian with them at all times. Space is limited and reservations are required. To reserve your space or for more information call the Prattville Special Events Office at 358.0297 or go to the website at www. prattvilleal.gov.

Mistletoe Market

Friday, November 1 from 9 a.m. to 8p.m., and on Saturday, November 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mistletoe Market, a merchant’s market held at the Doster Memorial Community Center in Prattville, AL., is a great opportunity to begin your holiday shopping. Great holiday gift ideas including home décor, clothing, jewelry, bed & bath, gift baskets, food gifts and more. 40 vendors. Visit www.visithistoricprattville.com or call 365.7058 for more information.

Special Holiday Exhibit at The Gallery at the Prattville Creative Arts Center

November 8 – December 31. Featuring works by members of the Prattauga Art Guild including holiday and gift items. This is a free, family friendly event. Admission to The Gallery is Free and it is open to the public. For more information or to set up group or individual tours call 358.0297.

The Nutcracker’s Sugar Plum

The holiday season is upon us when the cast list of the Prattville Ballet’s Nutcracker goes up! Visions of dancing the lead role of the Sugar Plum fairy have been a dream of Braidyn Lazenby’s for the past eight years. “The fist time I saw the Nutcracker I knew I wanted to dance that magical role” said Braidyn, “It is an honor to be chosen and it makes people happy at Christmas.” She is an 11th grade honor student at Prattville High School and has been study-

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ing dance for the past 10 years. This year’s biennial production will be a collaboration by studios from three counties: Autauga, Chilton and Montgomery. This production is performed by students from C.j.’s Dance Factory, Janey’s Academy of Dance and Tammy’s Academy of Dance. It celebrates the power of human imagination, which children have in abundance. The tri-county Nutcracker Ballet will be at the new Performing Arts Center at Jeff State Community college, December 14th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. For more information please call (334) 467.8603.

Tallassee Holiday Parade The parade will be Dec. 7th at 10 a.m. Begins at Tallassee Church of Christ and goes thru Central Blvd, Gilmer Ave. down to Barnette Blvd. and end at O’ Brien Football stadium. For more information please call (334) 283.5151.

Lake Martin/Alexander City Christmas Market

Saturday, December 7, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Children’s Harbor along with Real Island Volunteer Fire Department, Children’s Harbor Lodge Conference Center, Lake Martin. The 8th annual event to raise funds for both organizations is a chance to add some fun to your Christmas shopping. Admission is free with periodic drawings for prize giveaways throughout the day. A variety of items will be available such as hand poured candles, mirror art, jewelry, pottery, hand beaded bags, art works, luggage and more. We will have breakfast and lunch food for sale, a bake sale and door prizes. To find us from Wetumpka take Highways 231N and then 14 to 170 then left on 163. For further information, please call (334) 857.2021.

Hometown Christmas Parade

One of East Alabama’s largest parades featuring elaborate floats, dancing groups, marching bands, horse-riding clubs and Santa Claus highlight. December 2; 6-7 p.m. Downtown Alexander City.

Santa and Tree Lighting

Help us welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to Alexander CityDecember 1 from 4:30 until 5:30 p.m. - just in time for the Christmas Parade. Free event, Downtown at the Bud Porch Center Alexander City. 1:00-4:30 p.m. (256)329.9227. www.alexandercity.org

Wetumpka ARRAC Christmas Faire

November 14th – December 22nd, Thursday thru Friday and Sunday from noon until 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Arts Center (300 Tallassee St., Wetumpka, AL). The Arts Center Lobby and Hall will be filled with trees and tables to display quality local hand made gifts and decorations. Cost for space is free for members or $20 for non-members. For more information call Theresa Wayne at 334-300-9394, leave a message at the center by calling (334)578.9485 or email Theresa at artistdirector@arrac.org.

Charis Crafters 15th Annual Christmas Show and Tasting Fair

November 15th – 16th. Wetumpka Civic Center. Friday, November 15th from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 16th from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Annual show features baked goods, canned goods and crafts from more than 20 artisans. Door prizes every hour. Tickets are $5 for both days and a door prize given every hour. Come taste foods prepared by members from our recipe cookbooks which will also be on sale for $10. Contact Sheila Green (334) 567.3594 or Patricia McCullers (334) 567.5785.

City of Wetumpka

Wetumpka Tree Lighting December 5th, in Gold Star Park. Photos with Santa and hot cocoa. Please visit www.cityofwetumpka.com for more information.

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Wetumpka Nativity and Luminary Open House December 6th, Downtown Wetumpka from 6:30 until 8 p.m. Please visit www.cityofwetumpka.com.

a seated luncheon or an elegant dinner at the grand historical Shorter Mansion. Begins December 7th. Please visit www.eufaulapilgrimage.com.

Wetumpka Christmas Decoration Contest December 3rd; 6:00 p.m. Businesses and residential. There will be judging to those who have submitted applications. Prizes will be awarded.

Victorian Christmas

Christmas on the Coosa

December 14: Christmas extravaganza with arts and crafts, parade, food, quilt show, classic car show, entertainment and activities on the Coosa River culminating with a spectacular fireworks exhibition at dusk. Gold Star Park & the Courthouse Veranda, Wetumpka. Booths will begin selling at 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Fireworks immediately following Boat Parade at 5 p.m. Please call (334)567.1313 or (334)567.4811. www.wetumpkachamber.com

New Year’s Eve Ball

December 31st from 7 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. at the Wetumpka Civic Center. Tickets required. Tickets at the City Administrative Building. Please call 567.1384.

“A Very Second Samuel Christmas” At the Wetumpka Depot

Sample turn-of-the-century desserts, sip hot chocolate or mulled cider and try your hand at making traditional Christmas decorations. December 8th; 1:00-4:00p.m. (334)794.3452. www.landmarkpark.com. Free.

Calera North Pole Express Train Rides Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

“All Aboard” says the conductor, and your journey begins. Through the dark night, the magical train speeds to the top of the world! Upon arrival at the brilliantly decorated North Pole, Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves board the train to visit with everyone, so be sure to bring your camera! You’ll enjoy chocolate milk and cookies and sing Christmas carols along with the live musician, Mr. Jim. Listen to a special Christmas story and receive a Christmas gift.

The Christmas sequel to the beloved play “Second Samuel”. The familiar residence of Second Samuel, GA lights the way for a Christmas miracle. December 15-16 at 7:30 and December 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets will sell for $16 by calling box office. Tickets can be purchased by calling 334-868-1440 or online at wetumpkadepot.com. The Depot Theatre is located at 300 S Main Street in the heart of historic downtown Wetumpka.

Santa Claus Special Train Ride Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

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Eufaula Christmas Tour of Homes

Alabama Ballet presents George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker”

Stroll through history and witness the magnificence of Eufaula’s finest homes all aglow in holiday splendor. Enjoy

Santa rides the train with you! Tell him what you would like for Christmas as he poses for photos. Each child will receive a Christmas gift! November 30th, December 7th, 14th, & 21st. For tickets and info call 1 (800) 943.4490 or order online at www.hodrrm.org.

With its tenth annual performance of George Balanchine’s

The Nutcracker™, Alabama Ballet remains one of only seven companies in the world currently licensed to present this holiday classic. All performed to Balanchine’s brilliant specifications; dazzling choreography, opulent costumes, and extravagant sets make this production unlike any other. The addition of a community cast of children from the area make this performance truly magical. Join us December 13-15 and 20-22 at the Samford Wright Center for this joyous spectacle. In addition to the Birmingham performances, Alabama Ballet will also tour to Anniston, AL. Balanchine’s Nutcracker™ is more than a performance; it is a holiday tradition you and your family do not want to miss. (205)322.4300. www.alabamaballet. org. Admission charged. Samford University Wright Center.

Breakfast in Santa’s Workshop at the McWane Science Center Two dates to choose from: December 14 or 21; 8:30am until 10:00 a.m.. Bring your little elves to have breakfast in Santa’s Workshop. Decorate gingerbread houses, have breakfast together, explore the Winter Wonderland exhibit and visit with Santa! Be sure to bring your camera! Ticket includes admission to the museum, breakfast, activities and visit with Santa! Reservations are required. Call (205)714.8414. Cost: $20 Adults, $15 Kids for non-members and $15 adults and $10 kids for members. www. mcwane.org

Christmas Craft Show Gardendale Civic Center hosts the Christmas Craft Show with over 60 booths. Only handmade, hand crafted items. Pictures with Santa too! November 15-16; (205)683.0354. www.northartscouncil.webs.com. Free.

Christmas Light Show DeSoto Caverns November 1-December 31. This special light show celebrates the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and is shown on every caverns tour. www.desotocavernspark.com.

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Christmas Village Festival

Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham. November 6-10, Wednesday-Saturday 10:00am- 8:00pm; Sunday, noon until 5:00pm. The largest indoor arts, crafts, and gifts show in the south, this show draws exhibitors from over 30 states with products like clothing, jewelry, food, decorations and much, much more. www.christmasvillagefestival.com

McWane Science Center ‘Magic of Model Trains Exhibit’

The holidays are picking up steam at McWane Science Center with the return of the Magic of Model Trains exhibit, November 9- January 26. Discover trains of every shape and size inside this popular exhibit which features over a dozen different train displays. Sets include several tiny trains that are built to scale with surrounding cities and scenes including the LG&W that depicts central Alabama in the 1950’s. Every set in the exhibit is designed to scale with the size of the trains. The meticulous detail of the scenery including covered bridges, downtown storefronts and of course, several train stations will keep your family entertained for hours! www.mcwane.org

Winter Wonderland! at McWane Science Center

Brrrr! When the weather outside is frightful, McWane is so delightful! November 29-January 5; Come inside the museum this holiday season and let your imagination be your guide through the new Winter Wonderland exhibits where snowflakes glisten above your head and toy trains zip around the tracks. Inside this holiday exhibit, wonder is in the air as children explore the snow room where everyday they can touch the “almost” snow! Kids’ laughter can be heard as they try to catch fish through the ice. Brave winter wonder seekers can even sled down a giant snow hill between the third and second floors in the museum. Then, skate around the ice pond in your slippery socks. www.mcwane.org

Out of State Georgia Annual Fantasy In Lights

The most spectacular holiday light and sound show in the south begins November 16- December 30! Nestled amidst wooded landscape of Callaway Gardens, Fantasy In Lights is the Southeast’s most spectacular holiday light and sound show with more than eight million twinkling lights celebrating the holiday season. This spectacular show has attracted almost two million visitors since it opened in 1992. With more than a dozen larger-than-life lighted scenes, Fantasy In Lights remains unique in that its scenes are custom-designed especially for Callaway Gardens–to celebrate not only the joy of the season but the wonder of nature in this idyllic setting. Drive your car or ride the Jolly Trolley to experience scenes like March of the Toy Soldiers and Snowflake Valley. At Robin Lake Beach, enjoy ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ and ‘The Nativity’, light and sound shows enticing passers-by to stop, reflect and enjoy. Sunday, November 17, the annual March of Dimes Walk – one night each year is reserved for walkers only to hike the winter wonderland of Fantasy In Lights. No vehicles allowed! For tickets please visit www.callawaygardens.com.

'(&(0%(5 $7 7+( '$9,6 7+($75( Call our box office at (334) 409-0522 or visit e-tix.com to reserve your seats today!

A Cantus Christmas

December 16, 7:30pm. This regularly sold-out tradition tells the Christmas story with musical masterpieces and audience carols. The professional chorus Cantus Columbus presents the eleventh installment of Message of the Season—Music of the Masters in Legacy Hall. The concert features the Atlanta Symphony Brass Quintet and tenor Bradley Howard. www.rivercenter.org

Atlanta New Year’s Eve Festival

December 31; Peachtree Street, Downtown Atlanta Georgia. This Block Party for Thousands offers live Musical Performances by local artists and musicians, as well as a midnight Fireworks Spectacular. Tickets are available at a variety of local sources. Stay downtown and enjoy the festivities at Underground Atlanta ... enjoy the ‘official’ Peach Drop at midnight - followed by a really awesome New Year’s fireworks display, with live performances.

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 T RADI T I O NAL W O RS H I P 8: 30 AM & 11: 00 AM S UNDAY S CH O O L 9: 45 AM T H E W E L L 11: 00 AM

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A Tuna Christmas

December 12-14, 19-21, 23-24 at 7:30 pm. And Dec. 15 and 22 at 2:30 p.m. at Foley Hall, Columbus, Ga. Christmas returns to Texas’ third smallest town. Everybody’s frantic about the annual yard display contest, which Vera Carp hopes to win for the 15th year in a row. She faces the competition from Didi Snavely – the proprietress of Didi’s Used weapons – and Inita Goodwin and Helen Bedd – the cowboy-loving Tastee Kreme waitresses. Again, the entries are threatened by the Christmas Phantom. The whole town suspects juvenile delinquent Stanley Bumiller. Aunt Pearl knows better but she ain’t talking’. Columbus’ biggest hit turns 10 years old! For tickets please visit www. springeroperahouse.org.

Chick-fil-A Bowl Parade

Every year on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2013 from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m., around 30 Bands, Classic Cars, Floats and various other entertainment, parade their way down Peachtree Street to International Blvd., then winds through downtown to Centennial Olympic Park, ending at the Georgia World Congress Center. The Parade makes it’s way through the downtown area to honor and celebrate the Two College Teams that will be playing for the Chick-fil-A Bowl title. Please visit us at www.chik-fil-abowl.com.

Chick-fil-A Bowl

Tuesday, December 31st at 8 p.m. Thousands of people visit Atlanta to witness one of the most popular NCAA College Football Bowl Games in the entire country. This annual showdown is played at the huge Georgia Dome in downtown Atlanta.

Magical Nights of Lights

November 15-December 31; nightly 5:00-10:00pm. Rekindle an old tradition or create a new one at Lake Lanier Islands Resort’s Magical Nights of Lights holiday celebration. A seven-mile drive through tour of animated, festive, holiday light displays. At the end of your tour, the Holiday Village awaits you with carnival rides and games, pony rides and numerous holiday treats. Warm up with a hot cup of cocoa or step inside Santa’s Workshop for some holiday shopping and a visit with Santa. And nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like a visit to Legacy Lodge & Conference Center for a delectable Magical Nights of Lights dinner buffet, or stay the night so the kids can enjoy the time honored tradition of having Breakfast with Santa. www.lakelanierislands.com

Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain

Snow Mountain is Atlanta’s first snow park! The 2013/2014 season opens November 25, 2013 – February 17, 2014. Atlanta’s Stone Mountain Park transforms into a winter wonderland with Snow Mountain. Bundle your family up and get ready for snow tubing, snowballs, snowmen and snow angels. Based at Stone Mountain Park’s famous Laser Lawn, Snow Mountain keeps your entire family busy for hours. A 400’ foot tubing hill and a snow play area filled with a blizzard of snow activities make Snow Mountain Atlanta’s not-tobe-missed winter attraction. There’s even a play zone reserved for your littlest snow bunnies. Snow Mountain’s state-of-the-art snow-making magic guarantees you tons of fresh snow daily. And with two Mountain SnoLifts to get you up the tubing hill, you’ll want to go again and again! www.stonemountainpark.com

2013 Ole Time Christmas

Stone Mountain Christmas

December 6th & 7th, 7 pm-10 pm

(334) 566-3597 pioneer-museum.org

Admission $4.00 per person Children under 5 are free

Montgomery Parents I November 2013

November 9-January 1. There is nothing like the Christmas season that magically transforms Stone Mountain Park into a land of enchantment. Within the glow of more than two million twinkling lights, you can watch live entertainment, engage in fun attractions and reconnect with friends and family during this special time of year. Make a Stone Mountain Christmas a part of your holiday tradition. Events include Wonderland Walkway, Snow Angel Castle, Holly Jolly Cabaret, The Polar Express 4D Experience, Snow Angel Fireworks and Snowfall Celebration, Sleigh Ride, Simply Christmas, Christmas Parade, Visit with Santa Claus, storytelling and live shows, great food and holiday shopping! For details and tickets, www.stonemountainpark.com. mp

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The Facts About Antibiotics and Your Kids We all want the best for our children. So what if one of our practices could actually be harming them? This could be the case with requesting antibiotics at the pediatrician’s office when they are not necessary. By giving antibiotics to our children imprudently, we are exposing our children not only to possible side effects from the medications, but also increasing the risk of rendering the antibiotics ineffective (also known as bacterial resistance), which could potentially prevent the same antibiotic from curing an infection in the future. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), antibiotic resistance has been named one of the world’s most pressing health concerns. Since most prescriptions for antibiotics are given to children, we can make an impact on resistance by joining forces to stop over-prescribing of these medications. It is important to remember that most illnesses in children are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Antibiotics only treat bacteria, so taking antibiotics for a viral illness is futile. Most viral illnesses will resolve without any medications. There is an appropriate time for antibiotics. If the pediatrician decides that an anti-

biotic is needed in your child, it is imperative that the entire course of therapy be completed. Also, antibiotics should not be shared between siblings or other family members. Each prescription bears the warning “Caution: Federal law prohibits the transfer of this drug to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed.” Be mindful of this law when considering sharing medications. If all doses are not taken or antibiotics are shared, we are promoting resistance. Follow these steps to help decrease over-prescribing of antibiotics in our children: • Remember that a virus (including influenza) cannot be treated with an antibiotic. • Do not request an antibiotic. After evaluation, the physician will determine if an antibiotic is needed. • If an antibiotic is prescribed, be sure to finish all of the doses. Do not save or share any prescription medication, but especially antibiotics. In 2008, the Centers for Disease Control joined forces with several other organizations in developing the “Get Smart: Know When

Antibiotics Work.” The focus of this campaign is to provide education to patients, caregivers, parents and all healthcare providers on the dangers of over-utilization of antibiotics. This campaign is continuous throughout the year, but for one week each year, there is special emphasis placed on this topic. This year, “Get Smart Week” is November 18-24. Be on the lookout for television interviews, newspaper articles and pamphlets to heighten the awareness of this growing problem of antibiotic over-prescribing and resistance. We can make a difference in antibiotic over-prescribing. Will you do your part? Melanie Hyte, Pharm.D., currently serves as the antimicrobial stewardship coordinator at Baptist Medical Center South. After graduating from Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy in 2002, she completed a pharmacy practice residency at Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, Ala. After completing her residency she moved to Montgomery where she and her husband, Rhett, have resided for 10 years. They have three children: Alexandria, Luke and Kennedy.

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A Page in a Book by Gerry Paige Smith

Finding Beauty in the Night Most children struggle at some point with fear or discomfort in the dark. It’s entirely natural to feel some anxiety when one of our primary senses, which serves us so well in the light, is dimmed by the dark. And when a child’s imagination begins to fill in the dark blanks, sometimes the results can be scary. But, like the dreams that take flight when our eyes close tight, the night has its own lovely secrets to share with the child who is ready to explore them. The following books shine a light on the wonders of the night and celebrate the beautiful things that can happen when the sun goes down for the evening.

Please Bring Balloons

by Lindsay Ward (Penguin / Dial) When young Emma visits her favorite carousel, she spies a note tucked under the saddle of the great white polar bear. It simply asks her to bring a balloon. So, she does. On her next visit she finds a note that simply says, “Please bring more.” And, bring them, she does! As darkness falls, Emma comes with many, many balloons to tie to the carousel bear’s saddle. And gently, the balloons lift the Bear – and Emma – into the night sky. Their airborne adventure takes them up into the darkness, where they revel against starry skies, among gentle snows and upon quiet icebergs. When morning comes, Emma isn’t sure the adventure was real, but a clue on the carousel just may indicate that dreams could come true. Celebrating the wonders of a winter night with colorful intensity, “Please Bring Balloons” is a beautiful bedtime read to put sleepy minds on a dreamy path to the magical possibilities of the night.

Steam Train, Dream Train

by Sherri Duskey Rinker, Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld (Chronicle) When the night reaches full dark, a powerful train steams into Night Falls station where a menagerie of animals will load it with prize cargo. A polar bear and penguin load the freezer car full of ice cream. Turtles creep aboard as they move their (fast asleep) fast cars onto the train’s auto rack. The train’s cars are all taking on special cargo as the animal crew preps for the evening journey. Lushly illustrated, the moonlit clouds mimic the clouds of steam billowing from the train, and the train’s headlight flashes like the northern star in the night. For every child who loves trains and for every reader who’s ever heard a train’s whistle in the dark, this title is a rich, rhythmic reminder that wonderful things are still happening in the world long after the sun has set.

The Insomniacs

by Karina Wolf, Illustrated by The Brothers Hilts (Penguin / G. P Putnam’s Sons) When Mrs. Insomniac takes a new job that relocates the whole family half-way around the world and across twelve time zones, they all quickly discover that their nights and days are all mixed up. Mother, Father and little Mika can’t fall asleep at night. And their days are miserable as work and school suffer when everyone is too tired to be their best. When all insomnia remedies fail, the family strikes off into the night to seek advice from anyone they find. What they discover is a whole world of life that thrives in the dark! Nocturnal creatures - from angel sharks to aardvarks, from bats to bandicoots – reveal that some types are best suited to the night-life. The newly nocturnal family takes up work and hobbies that are best pursued in the dark (Mika even takes night classes) as they find a way to take back the night and make use of the mysterious and marvelous dark!

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

Montgomery Parents I November 2013

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Do you ever think of volunteering with your kids as a little like eating broccoli? It’s something you know you should do, but you can’t get excited about it?

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Sure, you’ve heard about the benefits: volunteering can teach your children how to be compassionate for others and caring of the world around them. While helping out they can learn new skills, gain self-confidence and learn about people with different backgrounds and beliefs.

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Yet when you think about signing up, all you may be able to focus on are the obstacles. Fortunately, overcoming those barriers is a lot easier than learning to love broccoli. Here are several common objections to volunteering along with ways to rise above them.

Montgomery Parents I November 2013

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egory, think about what your family members like to do. For instance, if you all like being outdoors, you can It’s true that many orgawork at a comnizations have age restrictions about who is allowed http://www.handsonnetwork.org munity garden for a local food bank to volunteer. But you may http://thevolunteerfamily.org be able to work on a project http://www.volunteermatch.org to benefit human welfare. You can that doesn’t involve showing http://liveunited.org/volunteer help clean up up onsite. For instance, if http://idealist.org litter from local your kids really love animals beaches or riverbut they are too young to banks to help the volunteer at a shelter, your environment. Or you may want to participate family may be able to organize a blanket or in a backyard bird count or help restore a towel drive, collect dog food, or make cat toys. The bonus is that when you deliver wild habitat to contribute to animal welfare. your goods, you’ll probably be able to spend a little quality time playing with the “I can’t even get my kids to help animals you’re helping.

“We’ll volunteer eventually, but my children are too young now.”

Check these online sites for more ideas on how your whole family can get involved in helping out:

“There are so many good causes, there’s no way we can decide on one to get our help.” Think about your interests to help you decide where to give your time. Many nonprofit service organizations can be broken down into three broad categories: human welfare, environmental welfare or animal welfare. Once you define your broad cat-

out around the house, there’s no way I can get them to volunteer to work somewhere else.”

The key is to make volunteering more like fun than work, which it can be. And you need to get buy-in from everyone involved. If you present a volunteer opportunity to your kids as something they will do whether they “like it or not,” you’ll almost certainly get resistance. But if you ask their opinions and give them a voice in choosing a cause to

work for or a project to help out on, you may be surprised at the enthusiasm they show.

“My kids already spend time on service projects through their Scout troops, there’s no need to spend more time volunteering.”

It’s true that service organizations of many types help kids learn the pleasures of giving their time. But there’s also an advantage to be gained from working together as a family. You get to see your kids succeed at tasks they may not normally do, and you may also find out about issues that are important to them. And it’s not bad that your children get to watch you commit your time and energy to something you believe is important. Another bonus: the possibility of meeting other families who believe in the same causes you do. Once you break the volunteer barrier, don’t be surprised if you find yourself adding a regular project to your family’s calendar. There’s something about helping an organization or contributing to an issue you care about that’s good for you. Just like broccoli, only better. mp Cindy Hudson has volunteered as part of Girl Scout troops, school groups, mother-daughter book clubs, and with her family and friends. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and two daughters. Visit her online at www.MotherDaughterBookClub.com.

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Redland Scouts Clean Adopt-a-Mile

Eleven cub scouts from Pack 429, chartered by Mulder Church in Wetumpka, cleaned their Adopt-a-Mile stretch on Firetower Road recently. The scouts and their parents picked up and discarded several bags of roadside litter as a service to the community. Boys in first through fifth grades meet weekly on Tuesday nights at Mulder from 6:307:30 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.pack429.org or call Cubmaster Scott Rouse at (334) 462-7560.

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NextGen Martial Artists Compete in Tournament

Students from NextGen Martial Arts competed in the Capital City Jam tournament held at Saint James High School October 12 featuring numerous schools from Alabama and surrounding states. Competitors got to see diverse types of martial arts and were able to meet new friends in the martial arts community. Accomplishments included: Gene Burbage - 2nd Point Sparring, 1st Traditional Forms; Bell Campbell- 1st Creative Forms; Lincoln Campbell- 1st Traditional Forms; Carsyn Hawkins- 1st Traditional Forms, 1st Creative Board Breaking; Mason Hawkins- 2nd Weapons, 3rd Point Sparring; Benjamin Jones- 1st Weapons, 1st Traditional Forms; Winston Jones- 1st Creative Board Breaking, 2nd Weapons; Daniel Maddox- 2nd Point Sparring, 3rd Traditional Forms; Micah Newsom- 1st Point Sparring, 1st Creative Board Breaking, 2nd Creative Forms, 3rd Weapons. Special thanks to Master Todd Newsom and Mr. Phillip Powell who continually train our students for excellence! Visit www.nextgenmartialarts for information about joining our NextGen family. Front row from left are Mason Hawkins, Micah Newsom, Carsyn Hawkins, Benjamin Jones and Kevin Henry; middle row: Winston Jones, Gene Burbage, Lincoln Campbell, Bell Campbell, Daniel Maddox and Master Todd Newsom; and third row: Mr. Phillip Powell and Mr. Andrew Law.

To share news about your group’s special events, e-mail editor@ montgomeryparents.com by the 12th of each month. Montgomery Parents I November 2013

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Red Cross Workers Open ‘Holiday Mail for Heroes’ Through December 6

Americans who wish to send a holiday card to a service member can easily do so with the help of the Red Cross. In celebration of the Holiday Mail for Heroes program this year, the Alabama Region is recruiting volunteers to help distribute cards to military members and veterans in the community around the holidays. Up to December 6, Americans can express their gratitude and best wishes for the holiday season to those who give the ultimate gift to our country. Service members, veterans and their families will receive cards across the country and around the world. “It just takes a moment to sign a card to share your appreciation for the sacrifices members of the military community make,” said Chris Osborne, communications officer for the Alabama Red Cross. “You say thanks, and we’ll do the rest.” The Red Cross invites the public to send messages of thanks and holiday cheer by mailing them to: Holiday Mail for Heroes, P.O. Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456. Red Cross volunteers across the United States and on military installations overseas sort and deliver the cards throughout the holiday season. The Red Cross has received and distributed more than 6.5 million cards for members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and their families since the program began in 2006. To ensure that cards are delivered in time for the holidays, they must be postmarked no later than December 6. Individuals are asked to refrain from sending letters, monetary donations, or any other kinds of inserts with the cards and from using glitter. More information and card requirements can be found at redcross. org/holidaymail. The Red Cross also invites the public to share photos and videos of their card signing efforts or their holiday greeting for troops by using the hashtag #HolidayMail on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Vine accounts. The Red Cross will use the material on its social sites throughout the holiday season. The public also can connect with fellow card senders through Facebook.com/redcross and Twitter.com/redcross using the hashtag #holidaymail. 82

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ADT Presents ‘Mistletoe’

November 15-17 Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts More than 90 dancers and artists participate in this year’s elaborate Alabama Dance Theatre holiday productionwhich features “Favorite Dances of Christmas” and “The Messiah” with live music. It will be accompanied by the Montgomery Chorale Ensemble and a small orchestra under the direction of Rebecca Taylor. A dancing Santa Claus will perform again in this season’s production, and children will have a chance to meet him after the Saturday and Sunday matinees on November 16 and 17 for a $10 donation. Public performances are Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets range in price from $15 to $30. Reserved and general admission tickets are available by visiting www.alabamadancetheatre.com. For more information, call (334) 241-2800. A special FREE performance in honor of our Military will be held on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m.

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Autauga County Fair Holds Local Pageant

The revival of the “Autauga County Fairest of the Fair” beauty pageant, held in conjunction with the Autauga County Fair, was a display of the most beautiful young ladies in the county. A cash scholarship for college was given to the Miss winner and each contestant received gifts donated by local businesses. “These girls are looking forward to numerous scheduled appearances throughout the year as representatives of our county,” stated Director C.J. Martin. This is the ONLY county scholarship pageant and it was supported by Burger King, Sonic, Brusters, Sweet Frog and more.

Family Karate Center Featured in Montgomery Advertiser for Classes on Handling Bullies

The Family Karate Center youth program ages 2-13 was proud to roll out the red carpet for Kym Klass and Montgomery Advertiser photographer Mickey Welsh on Tuesday October 22nd. Master Carole Smith started the Stranger Danger, ASK MOM FIRST, and Bully Busters program for children and teens in the 80s, and these programs are even more popular now that bullying in school is sadly on the rise. “We were happy to demonstrate many techniques in how to handle bullies,” said the Family Karate Instructors. ”None of us are targets, and if an aggressive child comes into your personal space to hurt you physically, you do not deserve to be hit, and you have the right to defend yourself!” Students discussed why children become bullies, and how to talk to their teacher and parents about what is happening at school. “We are hearing more and more about young children committing suicide because of cyber bullying and constant harassment at school, and we are a martial arts school that teaches what to do if this happens to you! We do not need to lose another young, innocent life because of verbal and physical abuse in school,” said Chief Instructor and school owner Carole Smith. Family Karate Center is located at 8159 Vaughn Road, Peppertree Shopping Center.

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Calendar/Support Groups Ongoing

Ala. Dept. of Archives & History Exhibit galleries include a children’s gallery and a reference room for genealogical and historical research. Hands-On Gallery includes Grandma’s Attic where you can try on clothes, uniforms, shoes, try an old typewriter, sit at an old school desk or experience making a quilt square. However, the Hands-On Gallery and Grandma’s Attic will temporarily close for 2nd floor hallway renovations this summer. The Museum will remain closed until Monday, August 19. You can visit our History at Home web page to print off fun activities you can do at home. Stay tuned in for upcoming events from the Archives, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook. Call 242-4435 or visit www.archives.alabama. gov. Alabama River Region Arts Center in Wetumpka has weekly after-school Arts Clubs which meet on Thursdays from 4-5 & 5-6 p.m. There are three clubs: Guitar (acoustic), Clay (polymer, ie “sculpy”) and Painting/Drawing. Each Club is $20 a month. Students for Guitar Club must be 10 years old, but 7-year-olds are welcome for the other two. Clubs are limited to the first 10 students, for one month. While children are in Arts Clubs, parents are welcome to stay and browse our Gallery or Resource Library, or just wait in the kitchen with a soda! Studio space is also available on a lease basis. The Pottery Studio is available to ARRAC members trained on the wheel. First Saturday of every month is a free Sit & Sew, from 9 a.m.-noon. Bring your hand-sewing project or sewing machine for a morning of sewing with the ladies. (Bluegrass Jam is going on at the same time in another room.) 300 W. Tallassee St. (former Wetumpka Jr. High building), Wetumpka, AL 36092. Visit www.arrac. org or see us on Facebook: Alabama River Region Arts Center, or call 5789485 for more information. Artists In Action: 1st Wednesday and 3rd Saturday of EVERY month at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts from noon-2 p.m.. Local and regional artists at work. For more info, call 240-4333. “Artworks,” a hands-on children’s exhibit. FREE. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Blount Cultural Park. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Open until 9 p.m. Thursdays. Closed Mondays. For more info, call 240-4333. Bama Brushstrokes Art Club Meets 9 a.m., 2nd Saturdays of each month, Messiah Lutheran Church, 6670 Vaughn Road, Montgomery. Club members include beginners, intermediate and advanced skill levels. Activities include seminars with wellknown artists. Classes are taught by our members or guest artists. We share our talents with our community in various programs, such as the Memory Box Project for hospice patients through sponsorship by the Society of Decorative Painters. Our chapter creates finished paint projects and murals for various hospitals, libraries, and communitybased organizations. For more info, contact Diana French, president, at garnet2@bellsouth.net. Celtic Dance Classes Fridays at Montgomery Ballet from 4-5 p.m. We welcome boys and girls ages 6 to adult. Call Amanda at (706) 4579254 or e-mail Celtic.traditions@gmail.com for more info. The Central Alabama Tennis Association (CATA) is a volunteer-based tennis organization formed to provide programs which promote and develop the growth of tennis throughout central Alabama. The CATA has four essential charitable and educational purposes: (1) to promote and develop the growth of tennis in central Alabama area by providing a variety of educational and charitable tennis programs and services; (2) to educate the community concerning the importance or tennis and the benefits that can be derived from tennis; (3) to expand the opportunities in the community for learning tennis and to offer opportunities for learning tennis to individuals who do not have access to tennis; and (4) to provide programs and services in the community that teach participants scholarship and fair play and that permit access to volunteers and instructors who can serve as positive role models and mentors. For event info, call Ernie Rains, CATA Community Coordinator, at 324-1406 or e-mail www.centralalabama.usta.com. The Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa A private, non-profit, community-based organization located at 2213 University Blvd. in downtown Tuscaloosa, next to City Hall. Current hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed most holidays. Special programs are held for preschoolers weekly.

Admission is $5 per person, with no charge for museum members or children under the age of 1 year. Special discounts are available to schools. For info, call (205) 3494235 or visit www.chomonline.org. Civil Rights Memorial A monument to those who died and/or risked death in the struggle for civil rights. 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery. For information, call 264-0286. Cloverdale Playhouse “Third Tuesdays” Montgomery’s singers and songwriters perform in our intimate theater space each month on the third Tuesday. Join us for a musical evening in Old Cloverdale. For details, call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org. Also contact us about volunteer opportunities, auditions, and the Playhouse School! Cool Kids Cook is a faith-based ministry with classes offered at different locations. Please call 220-3651 if you’d like to attend or volunteer with this ministry. Cupcakes by Tish Offers Cupcake Decorating Workshops and Parties for Kids and Teens Every fourth Saturday, classes will be offered for children ages 4-6, 7-10 and 12-15 between noon and 6 p.m. at The Shoppes at EastChase location. The hour-long workshop is $25 per child and gives each child the opportunity to

November 2013 features works of art from top Alabama artists and offers unique interpretations of one of the most pivotal desegregation events in the nation’s history. Located in the capital city’s recently restored 1951 Greyhound Bus Station, the exhibit will remain open every Friday and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. or by appointment throughout the year. For more info, visit www.freedomridesmuseum.org or www.montgomerybusstation.org MOOseum, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Children’s educational center featuring past, present and future in agriculture and the cattle industry. Free. Group tours should be pre-scheduled. Mon.- Fri. 9 a.m. -noon and 1-4 p.m. Last scheduled tour of the day starts at 3:30 p.m. 201 Bainbridge St., Montgomery. For info, call 265-1867 or visit www.bamabeef.org. Old Alabama Town 19th and early 20th century outdoor history museum. Tours Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: $8 for adults, $4 for students ages 6-18. Under 6 free. 301 Columbus St., Montgomery. For information, call 240-4500. Prattville-Millbrook Newcomers Club A non-affiliated social club geared to new people moving

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

Montgomery Parents I November 2013

learn the art of cupcake decorating. Each child will receive a Cupcakes by Tish apron and four decorated cupcakes with a variety of candies, sprinkles, and goodies that adds personalization. Older kids and teens will be shown the basics of fondant decorating. To register, contact Special Events Coordinator Ebony Ware at (334) 356-5292 or parties@cupcakesbytish.com. First White House of the Confederacy Open on Saturdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This year begins the commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. The First White House of the Confederacy played a significant role during the war and served as Jefferson Davis’ family residence from February-May 1861. Located at 644 Washington Avenue in downtown Montgomery, neighboring the Alabama Department of Archives and History. For more info or to tour the museum, call 2421861 or visit www.firstwhitehouse.org. 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 1-800-240-9452 or visit www.VisitingMontgomery.com. In Prattville, call 361-0961 or visit www.prattville.com/visitor/history. In Wetumpka, call 567-3002 or visit www.wetumpka.al.us/features. Other numbers are: Blount Cultural Park (274-0062 or www. blountculturalpark.org); Grace Episcopal Church (215-1422); Old Alabama Town (240-4005 or www.oldalabamatown. com); and Alabama Garden Trail (1-800-ALABAMA or www. touralabama.org). W. A. Gayle Planetarium Public Shows offered Mon.-Thurs. and Sun. Admission $3.50/person, children under 5 free, seniors $2.50/person. Mon-Thurs. at 3 p.m.; Sun. at 2 p.m. 1010 Forest Ave. in Oak Park. Call 241-4799. Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is a family-friendly space filled with interactive and educational hands-on exhibits for children age eight and under. Imagine It! also offers birthday parties, memberships and field trip tours. Museum hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $11 plus tax for adults and children ages 2 and above. Imagine It! is located at 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. For more info, visit www.imagineit-cma.org or call (404) 659-KIDS [5437]. Montgomery’s Freedom Rides Museum Road to Equality: The 1961 Freedom Rides yearlong exhibit

into the area AND to those looking to form new friendships or just learn more about the area. We will also have interest groups that meet during the month at various times and locations. They could be groups such as canasta, bridge, lunches, movies, etc. General meetings are second Tuesdays September-May at 10 a.m. at the YMCA on McQueen Smith Road. For more information, contact Nancy Schrull at (334) 356-5026 or nschrull@theschrullgroup.com River Region Contra Dancing Everyone, school-age through adult, is invited for a little exercise and a lot of fun. Singles, couples and families are welcome. All levels of experience – including no experience. Dancing is on 1st & 3rd Fridays at 7 p.m. at Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 5260 Vaughn Road. For more info, visit www.riverregioncontradance.com or call Katherine Thomas at 334-361-6572. Rosa Parks Museum 252 Montgomery Street, 241-8615. Hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. -3 p.m. Sundays and holidays, closed. Admission 12 years and under-$5.50/Over 12-$7.50. Alabama college students with a valid student ID: $6.50; discount price for both Museum & Children’s Wing: adults: $14, children $10 Stone Mountain Park, Georgia Enjoy the outdoors together, while experiencing a variety of attractions, entertainment and recreation. Visit the 1870s town of Crossroads and enjoy live entertainment, skilled craft demonstrations, shopping, dining and more. Additional attractions include: the 4-D Theater, The Great Barn, Paddlewheel Riverboat, Summit Skyride, Scenic Railroad, Antebellum Plantation and Farmyard, Pedal Boats, Mini-Golf, New Camp Highland Outpost and Treehouse Challenge, Discovering Stone Mountain Museum and the Antique Car & Treasure Museum. The Regular One-Day All Attractions Pass is $24 (plus tax) for ages 12 and up, and $19 (plus tax) children ages 3-11. For an additional fee, guests can also “Ride the Ducks” sightseeing tour. Required parking permit is $8 for one day or $35 for an annual permit. Call (770) 498-5690 or visit www.stonemountainpark.com. Toastmasters International is an organization that was founded in 1924. Its mission is to help individuals with their communication and leadership skills. Each club provides an atmosphere where individuals can speak without being criticized or judged, yet provide effective evaluations. We also offer the opportunity to take on leadership roles as club president, vice president, and other officer positions that teach planning, time management, organizing and parliamentary procedures. Anyone 18 years or older can

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join Toastmasters. We currently have six clubs in the River Region. Toastmasters is now starting a club named The River Region Toastmasters in the Prattville/Millbrook area. Meet every Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Journey Church located at 2050 Commerce Street, just off I-65, exit 179. For more info, contact the interim president, Gene Ann Hildreth, at 361-6333 or alabamasoupgirl@aol.com. Tales for Tots Join us for this FREE introduction to art in storybooks and in the Museum galleries for young children and their families. Each time a different work of art and special story will be presented. Next class is November 6. Call 240-4365 or visit www.mmfa.org for more info.

Classes

Breastfeeding Class Designed to prepare the expectant mother for breastfeeding her newborn. Also includes trouble-shooting common problems to establish a successful breast-feeding experience. Usually the first Saturday of the month, from 9-11 a.m. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. FREE. Class schedule is subject to change, so please call 2938497 to register or for more info. Childbirth Basics Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose to have pain relief during labor and delivery. Sessions are taught throughout the year but are often held on the first Saturday of the month, from noon-2 p.m.. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $25. Call 293-8497 by your 4th month of pregnancy to register. Childbirth Preparation Class Comprehensive four-week series covers all aspects of the labor and delivery experience, admission process, medication and anesthesia options including epidurals, cesarean sections, coping and comfort measures including breathing and relaxation techniques. Postpartum care and baby care basics are also included. A maternity area tour is also included as a part of this class. All of our classes are taught by registered nurses certified in childbirth education.Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule your class. Childbirth Preparation Boot Camp An abbreviated version of Childbirth Preparation Class offered in a one-day format. A maternity area tour is also included as a part of this class. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule your class. Chinese Language Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Office of Far Eastern Initiatives offers Saturday classes for children and adults. The one-hour weekly courses are provided free-of-charge as a service to the community. For more information or to register, contact April Ma at 244-3018 or ama@aum.edu CPR & First Aid The American Red Cross offers classes in adult and infant/ child CPR as well as first aid and babysitting classes monthly. Call 260-3980. Diabetes Education --Prattville Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available Wednesdays by appointment at Prattville Medical Park. Call 213-6360 for more information. Diabetes Education --Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available weekdays by appointment. Call 213-6360 for more info. Grandparent Class This program presents new concepts in newborn care to grandparents who need a refresher course. Usually one Tuesday per month. FREE. Call for schedule. Jackson Hospital. Call 293-8497. Infant Safety/CPR Class Teaches parents and grandparents American Heart Association’s Family and Friends CPR for infants and children, including care of the choking infant, infant rescue and breathing with hands-on practice using ACTAR CPR dolls for class participants. Class will also help parents with creating a safe environment for their child. Classes are taught by certified CPR instructors. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule. Maternity Area Tour Maternity area tour for expectant mothers and families not attending Childbirth Preparation Class/Boot Camp. Baptist Medical Center East. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule. Pre- and Post-natal Fitness Classes Includes water aerobics, step-floor aerobics and strength training. SportsFirst. Call 277-7130. Prenatal Breastfeeding Class Provides expectant mothers information about breastfeeding including various factors influencing lactation, advantages of breastfeeding, basic anatomy

and physiology of milk production, specific techniques to promote a successful breastfeeding experience and breastfeeding equipment and supplies. Classes are taught by IBCLC instructors. Partners are encouraged to participate in this class. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule your class. Sibling Preparation Class Fun one-hour class is designed for expectant “big brothers and sisters” ages 3 to 8. They will learn about the arrival of their new baby through an introduction to the hospital experience and the early days at home. Parents should plan to attend with their child. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@ baptistfirst.org to schedule. Your Amazing Newborn One-night class taught by a pediatrician and nursing staff usually one Tuesday a month. This class presents new concepts in newborn care and helps alleviate parenting jitters often experienced by soon-to-be parents. Grandparents also welcome. Jackson Hospital. FREE. For more info, call 293-8497.

Services

American Cancer Society seeks Volunteers for Road to Recovery This program is designed to ensure that cancer patients have transportation to and from medical facilities for treatment. Road to Recovery volunteers can be individual drivers with time to help others or even local companies who allow employees to provide transportation on company time in company cars. Anyone who has a driver’s license, a safe driving record, personal automobile insurance, owns a car or has access to one, and can spare as little as one morning or afternoon a month is encouraged to volunteer. For more information, or to volunteer, please call Luella Giles at 612-8162 or call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Hospital Volunteers Volunteers are needed at Baptist Medical Center East, Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville Baptist Hospital. Duties vary by facility but include delivering mail and flowers, transporting patients, staffing waiting rooms and information desks, and furnishing coffee for visitors. Volunteers work one four-hour shift per week. For more info, call 286-2977. Hospice Volunteers Through volunteering at Baptist Hospice, the opportunities to help are endless. Our volunteers are an important part of the patient’s care and are the heart of the hospice family. There are many other ways to help, such as special projects and events or providing administrative support for the staff, that are essential. Volunteers often have special talents and innovative ideas that add so much to our program. Please call Gloria @395-5018 to join our dynamic team. Volunteer Services Jackson Hospital is looking for volunteers for the information desk. These volunteers are needed for the evening shift, 5-8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Volunteers must be friendly and eager to offer information to those visiting the hospital. With this position, a free meal will be given as well as a parking spot next to the lobby. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and are asked to work 4 hours a week. They must complete an application and pass a background check and health screening. If you are interested in volunteering, call 293-8967 or visit www.jackson.org/ patients_volunteers.html and fill out the application. Baptist Sleep Disorders Centers Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville. Both centers have the ability to diagnose up to 84 different sleep disorders. There are four board-certified physicians and a clinical psychologist on staff between the two centers. For more information, call 286-3252 for Baptist Medical Center South and 361-4335 for Prattville Baptist Hospital. Jackson Sleep Disorders Center Jackson Hospital houses a sleep disorders center on the third floor of the Goode Medical Building to monitor those who are suffering from sleep disorders. For more information, contact your physician or the Sleep Center at 293-8168. Jackson Hospital Offers Animal Therapy Program to Pediatric Unit Jackson Hospital’s Animal Therapy Program is a vital part of its patient care. Animals in the program are limited to dogs, and no other animals are allowed to participate. Currently, there are 10 dogs in the program. Their handlers have undergone extensive training and orientation, and visit the hospital weekly. For more information, please call 293-8894.

Support Groups Adoption Support

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer Memorial UMC. For more information, call Hannah Taylor at 409-9477 or the church office at 272-8622. Autauga/Elmore Group meets 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Glynwood Baptist Church, Prattville. Childcare, children’s group and dinner provided. For more info, call 409-9477 or e-mail htaylor@childrensaid.org 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.

Cancer Support

American Cancer Society, including Montgomery, Elmore, Autauga, & Macon Counties: **To access or sign up for these programs, call the American Cancer Society’s Montgomery office at 612-8162 or call 1-800-ACS-2345 and you will be connected to the Montgomery office.** Look Good…Feel Better is an American Cancer Society program in which trained volunteer cosmetologists help female cancer patients deal with the side effects of treatment. Patients are taught beauty techniques to enhance their appearance and self image during or after treatments, including ways to disguise hair loss and skin changes. Call Luella Giles at 612-8162 for more info. Man to Man is an American Cancer Society support group for men who are battling or have survived prostate cancer. It offers them education, discussion and support. Please call for next meeting dates at the American Cancer Society Office in Montgomery. OTHER PROGRAMS/SERVICES OFFERED BY THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: Reach to Recovery matches newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors on a one on one basis. College scholarships to cancer survivors Free wigs and other supplies for cancer patients Free rides to treatment through our Road To Recovery program (where volunteer drivers use their cars and time to take in need cancer patients to treatment) Free lodging through the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge in Birmingham (if patients are sent to Birmingham for treatment) On-line cancer information classes and support group through www.cancer.org. Information anytime and trained specialists at 1-800ACS-2345 General Cancer Support Group held at Christ Church, 8800 Vaughn Road, Tuesday afternoons at 1 p.m. This is an open group. For more information, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie Diemayer at 467-4578. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 2nd Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Room 8114. Provides education, awareness and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family or friends. For more info, call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net.

Divorce Support

Divorce Care, Grief Share, Divorce Care for Children, All three groups meet Sundays at 5 p.m. at Heritage Baptist Church, 1849 Perry Hill Rd. Call 279-9976. Divorce Care and Divorce Care 4 Kids First Baptist Church Montgomery, Wednesdays starting August 22 at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $15 (scholarships available). Contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@montgomeryfbc.org or 241-5125. Divorce Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622 for more info.

Gambling Support

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

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Calendar/Support Groups Grief Support

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

Montgomery Parents I November 2013

Baptist Church. Registration is encouraged and may be made by calling (334) 284-2721. We will also collect Toys for Tots for anyone interested in participating. “Connect,” Fridays at 11 a.m., biweekly, Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is for those who have already walked through the initial grieving process but still desire to connect with others who share similar experiences. This group will allow you to meet new people, stay active in the community, and look ahead to a bright future. We will share lunch, visit museums, volunteer, attend movies, and participate in area events. We even have a fishing trip on the agenda! This group is ongoing and does not have a participation limit. It’s time to have fun again, come join us! For more info, call 279-6677. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW Grief Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622 for more info. Grief Recovery After Suicide, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., first Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Room 3102. This group is open to family members and friends who have lost a loved one as the result of suicide. Group offers a confidential environment in which to receive support, hope and information. Contact Rev. Susan Beeson, 272-8622. Grieving With Hope, St. Mark UMC, meeting weekly on Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m. The group offers a place to share, care and heal from the losses of life. Facilitated by Dr. Lennie Howard and Marie Parma. Contact the church at 272-0009. Honoring Angels Like Owen, Inc. (HALO) offers family-oriented, Christian-based grief support groups that meet monthly. These groups are for families who have lost a child from 20 weeks gestation up to the age of 2 years old. Our parents’ group is for mothers and fathers. Our siblings’ group is for children ages 6-15. Both groups meet at the same time and place. These groups offer faith-based healing through sharing and emotional support. Meetings offer an outlet for sharing your child’s memory and your day to day struggles, while receiving support of others who

November 2013 have been in similar situations. Please feel free to bring photos of your child to share. HALO also offers free professional photography for families facing the loss of a child up to the age of 2 years old and needs-based financial assistance for burial. Visit www.honoringangelslikeowen. org or call (334) 328-1202.

Homeschool Support

ECHO (Elmore County Homeschool Organization), Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. 2nd and 4th Fridays year-round from 10 a.m. to noon. This is a support group for homeschooling families in the tri-county area. Membership is free. For more info, please visit http://www.onlineecho.com PEAK of Montgomery Homeschool Group Parent Educators and Kids (PEAK) of Montgomery is an inclusive, member-led group of homeschooling families who meet regularly for field trips, park days and other social and educational activities. We welcome all local home educators who enjoy sharing and learning within a diverse community. To join us, visit us at www.peaknetwork.org/montgomery

Illness Support

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

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Supportive Care – a Division of Hospice of Montgomery. Facilitated by Arla Chandler, RN, BSN, MBA. Depression/Bipolar Support Alliance, Room 3101 at Frazer UMC, 1st Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. This group is for those with depression and bipolar illness and their families. For more info, call 2728622 or visit dbsamontgomery@yahoo.com Meetings also available 3rd Saturday afternoons from noon-2 p.m. at Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway. For more info, call 652-1431. Depression & Bipolar Support, Montgomery Public Library Main Branch, 245 High Street downtown, 2nd Floor Meeting Room, 3rd Saturdays, Noon-2 p.m.; OR 1609 West Street, north off Carter Hill and Narrow Lane, 2nd Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Call 201-9638 or 652-1431 for more info. Fibromyalgia Support, Room 8114 at Frazer UMC, 3rd Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. This group is for those that have fibromyalgia and for their family members and friends. For more info, please call 272-8622. Gluten Intolerance Group (www.gluten.net) is a nonprofit organization with the mission to provide support to those with any form of gluten intolerance. GIG-Montgomery assists with awareness of diverse potential symptoms, which can range from fatigue and headaches to nausea and intestinal problems. Guidelines are provided on how to eat safely both at home and eating out. Another objective is to facilitate more effective communication between the local gluten-free community and stores, restaurants and the medical community. Meets 2nd Thursdays, 6-7 p.m., at Taylor Road Baptist Church, Fellowship Suite (faces entrance of EastChase-NE. Turn on Berryhill Rd. by EastChase). Check the blog for special “alternate site” meetings (www.glutenfreemontgomery.blogspot.com) For more info, you may also e-mail dr.hetrick@charter.net or visit the group’s Facebook page. Montgomery Area Mended Hearts, First floor of Montgomery Cardiovascular Institute on the campus of Baptist Medical Center South. For anyone who has experienced cardiac illness. Third Mondays, alternates between 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Call 286-3410 for more info. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Montgomery offers General Membership meetings on 4th Mondays (beginning January 28, 2013) at the Dalraida

UMC annex building at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are open to anyone who is interested in issues concerning mental health. The NAMI Montgomery Family Member Support Group continues to meet on 2nd Mondays, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Dalraida UMC annex building. Call Mary Jo Logan (271-2280) for directions/details. Beginning in February, NAMI Montgomery will offer the 12-week “Family To Family” education program (free) on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. at the Bell Road Lowder Regional Library. Call 271-2280 to register. Overeaters Anonymous, Unity of Montgomery, 1922 Walnut St., Saturdays from 3-4 p.m. Contact Misty at 3249568 or Carol at 467-5742. Parkinson’s Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, meets 4th Thursdays at 6 p.m. in Room 8114. Group is for Parkinson’s patients and their family members. For more info, call 272-8622. Sjogren’s Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, meets 3rd Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. in room 3104. This group is for those with Sjogren’s disease and the family members of those affected by this disease. For more info, call 2728622. Traumatic Brain Injury Support, cafeteria at HealthSouth on Narrow Lane in Montgomery. 2nd Thursdays at 6 p.m. Sponsored by Alabama Head Injury Foundation for anyone with a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or related disability. For more information, contact Holli at (334) 290-0646 or e-mail: ahif_montgomery_auburn@ yahoo.com. Visit www.ahif.org Veterans OEF/OIF Caregivers Support Group meets 3rd Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 3108 at Frazer Memorial UMC. This group provides support and understanding to those caring for OEF/ OIF Veterans. For more information, contact LaQuana Edwards, Caregiver Support Coordinator at CAVHCS, (334) 727-0550 ext. 5350.

Parent Support

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

and his five-year-old daughter Erin. It gives fathers and daughters an opportunity to read together to create fun, educational memories. All fathers in the River Region are invited to bring their daughters to the library to read, laugh and have fun. This free event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Montgomery City-County Public Library and Dreamland Barbeque. For more information on this event, call Ron Simmons at 334-777-8596. iConnect, Frazer Memorial UMC, 3rd Thursdays from 9-11:30 a.m. in the Parlor. Share life, encourage and be encouraged by other women. We meet for breakfast, fellowship and a speaker. Advance reservations are necessary for breakfast and preschool nursery. Cost is $5 per meeting. For more info or to make reservations, call Frazer’s Women’s Ministry at 495-6391 or e-mail Sandy Boswell at sandy@frazerumc.org La Leche League of Montgomery, East Imaging Center on Winton Blount Blvd., Montgomery, 3rd Fridays, 10 a.m. Leaders are experienced breastfeeding mothers who have completed an accreditation program and are familiar with breastfeeding management techniques as well as current research. Meetings are free and open to all women. Expecting moms, children and grandmothers also welcome. If you need information before the next scheduled meeting, please contact Bridgit (569-1500), Amy (356-3547), or Heather (LLL_heather@yahoo.com). Moms’ LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) First Baptist Church, Prattville. Meets twice monthly from 8:30-11:45 a.m. in the chapel at First Baptist Church in Prattville August through May. For moms of all stages and ages of life. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guests, special guest speakers and a lot of fun! Cost is $5 per meeting. Childcare provided by reservation. For more info and to reserve your spot, call Kelley Manning at 361-7919. The Montgomery Multiples Club is a non-profit organization offering support to the mothers and families of twins, triplets, and more in the Central Alabama region. They have a mom’s night out with dinner once a month. They also have a yard sale twice a year, in the spring and again in the fall. For more info, visit http:// montgomerymultiplesclub.org.

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Calendar/Support Groups MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry St., Montgomery. Moms, are you looking for a good excuse to get out of the house? MOPS is a great opportunity to hone your mothering skills, meet new friends, and learn new things while deepening your relationship with God. Free childcare is provided. Meetings are 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Oct. 3 & 17) Call Kristi Gay at (334) 233-8989 or visit www.montgomeryfbc.org. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Vaughn Forest Baptist Church, 8660 Vaughn Road, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Are you in need of a time-out? Then have we got the place for you! MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. Childcare is provided. For info, e-mail VFCMOPS@gmail.com. Hannah’s Prayer, Prattville First United Methodist Church, 2nd Thursdays and 3rd Sundays. Support group for women dealing with pregnancy loss/infertility issues. Call (334) 365-5977. Sav-A-Life conducts a HOPE GROUP for women who have experienced the emotional aftermath of an abortion. Groups meet eight consecutive Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. and are facilitated by women who have experienced abortion. The “Forgiven and Set Free” Bible study is used. Confidientiality is assured. Please call Kathy at 260-8010 for information.

6-8 p.m. 3rd Thursdays quarterly (Feb., May, Aug., Nov.). Visit www.easysite.com/caast or e-mail casst50@yahoo. com for more info. Down Syndrome Support, Vaughn Park Church of Christ, 1st Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Childcare provided. Call 356-9048 or visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com for information. Montgomery Area Hearing Loss Support Group meets monthly at the Wesley Building of the First Methodist Church in Montgomery on 2nd Thursdays at 4 p.m. It is affiliated with the nationally recognized non-profit advocacy group, Hearing Loss Association of America. The purpose is to bring together all adults and parents of children who would like to know more about hearing losses, its causes and its possible corrections. Licensed audiologists make brief presentations explaining their local programs, their offices and the availability of hearing tests, of possible medical corrections, and/of hearing aids and cochlear implants. Refreshments at each meeting. For more info, contact HearingInfo@earthlink.net River Region Autism Support Group, Cafe Louisa (in Old Cloverdale), 1036 E. Fairview Ave. We meet on 1st Saturdays from 4-6 p.m. This group is comprised of parents whose children are on the autism spectrum. We also welcome others involved with autistic children, such as grandparents, friends, teachers, therapists, etc. For more info about how to join the group, or if you plan to attend a meeting, e-mail Lyra Stephens at LyraStephens@yahoo.com.

Single Parents Support

Teens/Families Support

Pregnancy Loss/Infertility

Singles’ Small Groups, Frazer Memorial UMC, Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622 for more info. TNT (Tuesday Night Together) for Singles, Frazer Memorial UMC, Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, Bldg. 7000. A meal ($5) and program are provided. For reservations, call 272-8622.

Special Needs Support

Central Alabama Autism Support Team (C.A.A.S.T.), St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Hwy. 31 in Prattville from

Life is Fun Together (LIFT): A FREE Relationship and Marriage Enrichment Program providing different educational and fun-filled seminars to individuals and families. The LIFT Program is provided through Family Guidance Center of Alabama in partnership with the Alabama Community Healthy Marriage Initiative. Call Tonya Rogers at 270-4100 for class start dates or more info! “Relationship Smarts Plus” teaches teens in grades 7-12 about healthy relationships in a fun, interactive way.

November 2013 Six-week sessions are available throughout the year on Mondays from 4–6 p.m. “Smart Steps for Stepfamilies” is a six-week session that helps stepfamilies learn strategies to strengthen and stabilize their families. Parents and children ages 8 and up meet in their own groups, then meet up at the end of each session for a fun family activity! “Together We Can” gives non-married parents the skills they need to maintain healthy relationships between themselves and their children. “How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk (or Jerkette)” teaches single adults how to get the most out of dating. “Mastering the Magic of Love” is a communication class for all couples. Bring your spouse, fiancé, or that special someone in your life with you to learn new communication techniques and enhance your skills as a team of two. All adults are welcome, including graduates looking for a refresher! Also…. LIFT has a brand-new program just for parents of teens!!! “Bridging the Great Divide: Parents and Teens Communicating About Healthy Relationships” is perfect for parents or guardians who want open lines of communication with their teen. Topics include “Principles of Dating & Healthy Relationships,” “Sensitive Topics,” “Rules & Boundaries,” and more!!! Building D of Family Guidance Center, 2358 Fairlane Drive. This workshop lasts only three weeks, so call TODAY to reserve your spot! You can look at a calendar of LIFT classes & events online by visiting our LIFT web page: http://www.familyguidancecenter.org/ Remember, LIFT has FREE programs for singles, couples, stepfamilies, parents, teens, and now parents of teens! Call 270-4100 or e-mail trogers@ familyguidancecenter.org if you didn’t see your class listed so we can contact you when the next one starts. Support Group for Teens with difficulties communicating with parents and friends. Contact Felicia Pressley at Pressley Counseling by leaving a message at (334) 625-0159.

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This Month Tuesday, November 5

Pike Road Education Leadership Council Hosts Information Sessions About Pike Road School System 6 p.m. at Pike Road Town Hall. The council will present renderings of the school and will address the school construction and hiring timelines in addition to answering questions. The event is open to the public. Another session will be held November 7 at 6 p.m. at the meeting house at The Waters.

Wednesday, November 6

Don Williams at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre 7:30 p.m. With his laid-back straightforward vocals and large imposing build, Don Williams came to be known as “the Gentle Giant.” That nickname was bestowed on him in the early ‘70s, when he began a string of countrypolitan hits that ran into the early ‘90s. He had a total of 17 numberone hits. For ticket information, call 481-5100 or visit www. mpaconline.org Disney on Ice Presents: Princesses and Heroes at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Through November 10 Multiple performance times. For more information or tickets, call (205) 458-8400 or visit www.bjcc.org. Alabama Frontier Days -- Through November 10 Fort Toulouse/Fort Jackson in Wetumpka. Once a year in November, visitors can enjoy stepping back in time to what it was like in the period from 1700 to 1820 during Alabama Frontier Days. See genuine blacksmiths at work, traditional Native American dances, battle re-enactments and more. Browse the living history exhibits or tour the 1751 French Fort Toulouse occupied by a full force of authentically costumer French Colonial Marines or visit the War of 1812 camp set up next to 1814 Fort Jackson. Learn the history of both forts from the Living History enthusiasts who give their time to inform the public what life was like in a much harsher time. Call (334) 567-3002 or visit www.forttoulouse.com

Thursday, November 7

Heart Saver CPR Class 9 am.-noon. Jackson Hospital, Education Classroom 1. For anyone who wants to learn basic CPR skills and how to use an AED. $30 fee. Call 293-6886. AUM Winter LLI Preview Session 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the AUM Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL), 75 TechnaCenter Drive, Montgomery. Learn about winter classes, meet instructors and ask questions. To register or learn more about classes, visit www.ce.aum.edu or call Brittany at 244-3804. Theatre AUM Presents No Exit Through November 17 Show times are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $10 for the general public, $5 for senior citizens and students from other schools, and free to AUM students, faculty, staff and alumni with identification card. Theatre AUM is located in the Taylor Center at AUM, 7440 East Drive. Call 334-244-3632 for more information.

Friday, November 8

Parents’ Night Out at the Wetumpka Family YMCA A monthly Parents’ Night Out program for parents of kids 12 years and under offered the 2nd Friday of each month from 6-10 p.m. Games, arts and crafts, a movie and hot dogs are offered. Cost is $10 per child for members and $15 per child for non-members. You must register by the Thursday prior. Call 567-

8282 for more info. Pike Road’s Healthy Families Program Well-known marriage expert Mitch Temple will visit Pike Road Town Hall at 7 p.m. He will lead an evening of instruction and guidance for couples, single parents, grandparents and anyone else needing encouragement in the family realm. The program is free and open to the public, but we do need you to pre-register by emailing tony@themflb.org. Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets -- Also November 22 Elmore County Homeschool Organization is a non-profit support group for homeschooling families. We provide a positive socialization environment for homeschooled children

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Calendar/Support Groups & support and encourage their parents in the homeschooling process. We meet the second and fourth Friday of every month year-round from 10 a.m. to noon at Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. Membership is free and is open to all homeschoolers in the tri-county area. ECHO has field trips, park days, holiday parties, enrichment activities, and a yearly awards ceremony. For details, visit http://www.onlineecho.com

Saturday, November 9

Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic 10 a.m. Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. This month’s project is a “pullback car.” Jimmie is on the hunt for another championship! Come join the excitement at Lowe’s and build this awesome #48 car with a pull-back motor! Ages 5-12. Free. Online registration opens a few weeks before each clinic’s date. For more info, visit www.lowesbuildandgrow.com or call your local Lowe’s.

Sunday, November 10

Town of Pike Road’s Annual Veterans Day Ceremony Begins with the Veterans Walk of Honor at 2 p.m. at the Old Town Hall site on Pike Road. We will have live music by the Capitol Sounds, the colors will be presented by a USMC honor guard, and we’ll dedicate the brick pavers leading to the veterans monument. For more information, call (334) 272-9883. Montgomery Zoo Veterans’ Day Week Through November 16 Join the Montgomery Zoo in thanking the proud men and women of the United States Armed Forces. During Veteran’s Day Week, all veterans, active duty military personnel and immediate family receive a 50% DISCOUNT on regular admission to the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. For more info, visit www.montgomeryzoo.com or call (334) 240-4900.

Montgomery Parents I November 2013

Monday, November 11

8th Annual Agape Golf Tournament Golf for a cause at the Wynlakes Golf and Country Club. Taking part in this event will help support Agape in finding Christian homes for foster children and orphans, as well as helping women through a crisis pregnancy. The annual golf tournament is more than just a great day of golfing—it’s an opportunity to be part of a ministry that serves neglected and abused children, families who want to share their love with a child, and pregnant women in need of assistance. Special military discounts for veterans and active military are available for individuals and teams in honor of Veterans Day. For registration and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.agapeforchildren.org/golf.

Wednesday, November 13

Master Gardener ‘Lunch & Learn’ Program Noon-1 p.m. Bring your own lunch to the Alabama Cooperative Extension Services (ACES) at 340 Queen Ann Road, just off Highway 14 on the west side of Wetumpka. The program is free and beverages will be provided at no cost. The topic for November is “Recycling Yard & Kitchen Waste By Composting,” presented by Central Alabama Master Gardeners’ Assn (CAMGA) member Rhona Watson of Wetumpka. For more information, call 567-6301 or visit the Extension Office on Queen Ann Road in Wetumpka.

Thursday, November 14

Sinbad at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre 8 p.m. Hailed as one of the “100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time” by Comedy Central, Sinbad has performed for audiences across America and Canada for more than a decade. More recently, he has appeared on popular television shows Celebrity Apprentice, American Dad, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and voiced Roper in Disney Pixar’s Planes. For ticket information, call 481-5100 or visit www.mpaconline.org

November 2013 Millbrook Community Players Presents A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol -- Through November 23 The long-awaited sequel to the popular The 1940s Radio Hour. It’s Christmas Eve 1943, and the Feddington Players are now broadcasting from a hole-in-the-wall studio in Newark, NJ, and set to present their contemporary “take” on Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. Whether it’s the noisy plumbing, missed cues, electrical blackouts, or the over-the-top theatrics of veteran actor, but radio novice, William St. Claire, this radio show is an entertaining excursion into mayhem and madness. Visit www.millbrooktheatre.com or call (334) 782-7317 for more info.

Friday, November 15

Parents’ Night Out at Christ Community Church Enjoy a date night out while supporting Youth Missions! Christ Community Church, 8285 Ryan Road, 5-9 p.m. The staff and student ministry will provide evening childcare in the church theater for children ages 5-12. The cost is $15 per child, and dinner will be provided. This is great opportunity for kids to have fun while parents have a night off to be grown-ups, and all proceeds benefit the students’ 2014 Youth Mission Trip! To register your child, please call Lauren Beach at (334) 273-8110 or e-mail lb@christccm.net (include your name, ages of children, and a contact phone number). Space is limited, and children must be registered in advance to participate. Miss Alabama/Miss Teen Alabama Pageant at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre -Also November 16 7:30 p.m. both nights. For ticket information, call 481-5100 or visit www.mpaconline.org Charis Crafters 15th Annual Home for the Holidays Craft Show -- Also November 16 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Friday; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday. Wetumpka Civic Center, 410 South Main Street in Wetumpka. Purchase an advance ticket for $5 and received a $2 off coupon toward the purchase of a cookbook. For more info, find the group on Facebook.

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Wetumpka Depot Players present A Very Second Samuel Christmas -- Through November 17 7:30 p.m. performances except for 2 p.m. matinee on November 17. Tickets may be reserved by calling the Depot at (334) 868-1440 or by visiting www.wetumpkadepot.com.

Saturday, November 16

Miles for Midwives presented by the Alabama Birth Coalition The Alabama Birth Coalition will host Miles4Midwives Montgomery at the Union Station Train Shed from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be FREE healthy family fare that will provided by vendors from around the capitol city, as well as activities for the entire family! Visit AlabamaBirthCoalition.Com for more information! Color Vibe 5K Run Montgomery Motorsports Park. 8-11 a.m. Get your friends and family stretched out for this amazing color blast event where you’ll get blasted with color while you run the Color Vibe 5K. You’ll be blasted at every color station throughout this awesome 5K run. Sign up fast, because spots are filling quickly and we have a limited number of shirts available. For more info, visit www.thecolorvibe.com/montgomery.php Prattville Gigantic Flea Market Doster Center. 6 a.m.-noon. Guns, weapons, tobacco & alcohol CANNOT be sold on the premises. Season’s Greetings at EastChase 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. It’s a parade for Santa’s arrival at The Shoppes at EastChase! The day will include a parade for Santa, carriage and train rides, cookies and cocoa stations, face painting and performances by the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Carriage and train rides will run until 2 p.m. The grand finale of the parade will include performances of “A Christmas Carol” by Alabama Shakespeare Festival on Main Street in front of Dillard’s. The annual tree lighting with Santa will be at 6 p.m. near the fountain. Visit www. theshoppesateastchase.com Alabama Nature Center GO Hike Weekend Also November 17 Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook. Sat., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m. Enjoy hiking five miles of scenic ANC trails while learning about the fascinating natural history of central Alabama. You can even add to the outdoor experi-

ence with a tasty picnic under or around the ANC pavilion. Call 285-4550 or visit www.alabamawildlife.org. Admission charged. Alabama Dance Theatre Presents ‘Mistletoe’ Also November 17 2:30 p.m. performances at the Davis Theatre. Featuring “The Messiah” with music by George Frideric Handel accompanied by the Montgomery Chorale and “Favorite Dances of Christmas.” *Meet Santa on stage after the performance for a $10 donation. (This includes a chance to win a ”My American Girl Doll” voucher). The Alabama Dance Theatre, along with Troy University of Montgomery, will host a special FREE performance in honor of our Military on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. at the Davis Theatre. The performance is open to all active duty, retirees, reserve and national guard military personnel and their families who present a valid government military ID card at the door. Visit www.alabamadancetheatre.com or call (334) 241-2800.

Monday, November 18

The Eagles Perform at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center 8 p.m. For more information or tickets, call (205) 458-8400 or visit www.bjcc.org.

Tuesday, November 19

Moscow Ballet – The Great Russian Nutcracker at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre 7:30 p.m. 40 star-studded dancers perform Olympic-worthy leaps in Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. It is the holiday performance for families with magical toys, falling snow, growing Christmas trees, and astounding ballet moves. The Moscow Ballet dancers are world- class and a delight to experience. Visit nutcracker.com for more info. For ticket information, call 481-5100 or visit www.mpaconline.org

Wednesday, November 20

Newcomers Club Monthly Luncheon The Newcomers Club of the Greater Montgomery Area invites women who are new residents in the area to attend our monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

at Arrowhead Country Club. This month’s speaker will be Rebecca Bloodworth, AUM program manager. Cost is $15 and reservations must be made by noon Monday, November 18, to lyrad0980@yahoo.com or call 354-9797. Visit www. newcomersmontgomery.com

Thursday, November 21

ArchiTreats: Food For Thought The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. Noon-1 p.m. Bring lunch and a drink and join us every third Thursday for these FREE lectures sponsored by Friends of the Alabama Archives. Today’s topic is “Diamonds in the Rough: A History of Alabama’s Cahaba Coal Field,” presented by James S. Day. Call 353-4726 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov. Capri Classics Presents To Kill a Mockingbird 7:30 p.m. Atticus Finch (the renowned Gregory Peck) is a lawyer in the South during the Depression. As if that wasn’t tough enough, he takes on the case of a black man accused of rape, and the community’s racism essentially guarantees an unfavorable verdict. Along the way, his children learn about prejudice and about strength in the face of adversity. It’s the movie your teachers wanted to inspire you with, only here you get to see it with drinks and snacks. Rated PG. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org ARTtalk at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 6:30-7:30 p.m. Get an up-close look at artists, their work, and the creative process in this unique program, designed for artists as well as those interested in art. Six times a year artists have the opportunity to bring a work of art to the Museum, show it to other artists and participants, and have friendly feedback about the work. Cost: $20 for Museum or Art Guild members/$35 for non-members. Visit www.mmfa. org or call 240-4333. Autauga County PALS Electronic Recycling Event Autauga County PALS and C E & E Solutions of Prattville host a Monthly Electronic Recycling Drop-off third Thursdays at Pratt Plaza, from 3-6 pm. Recycle your old, broken, or obsolete TVs ($10), cell phones, radios, stereos, computers, laptops, cameras, toaster ovens, microwaves, vcrs, remotes, printers, scanners, pagers, tape recorders, vacuums, irons, hair driers, keyboards, monitors, projectors, video games, speakers, server hubs, turntables, CD/DVD players, etc. Divert

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Calendar old electronics from the landfill, free up storage space, & create jobs by recycling. ($10 fee for TVs). CE&E (568-9621) is registered with ADEM as an electronic recycler. For details, call John-Paul (358-6749).

Friday, November 22

Artist Market Preview Party at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 5:30-8 p.m. Get a head start on your Holiday Shopping! Shop and mix and mingle with more than 30 artists! This event features a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres. Visit www. mmfa.org or call 240-4333.

Saturday, November 23

Cupcakes by Tish Offers Cupcake Decorating Workshops for Kids and Teens Every fourth Saturday, Cupcakes by Tish will now host Cupcake Decorating Workshops. Classes will be offered for children ages 4-6, 7-10 and 12-15 between noon and 6 p.m. at The Shoppes at EastChase location. The hour-long workshop is $25 per child and gives each child the opportunity to learn the art of cupcake decorating. Each child will receive a Cupcakes by Tish apron and four decorated cupcakes with a variety of candies, sprinkles, and goodies that adds personalization. Older kids and teens will be shown the basics of fondant decorating. To register, contact Special Events Coordinator Ebony Ware at (334) 356.5292 or parties@cupcakesbytish.com. CeCe Winans at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre 7 p.m. The gospel singer is widely known for her award-winning solo career and her collaborations with brother BeBe Winans (the duo have a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame). This event is a fundraiser sponsored by Baptist Health. For ticket information, call 481-5100 or visit www.mpaconline.org Artist Market at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Join us for the 4th Annual Artist Market! This event is free and open to the public. There are more than 30 artists exhibiting. Shop and meet the artists, including featured artist Janet “Gogo” Ferguson, whose exhibition, “Gogo: Nature Transformed,” is now on view at the MMFA! Visit www.mmfa.org or call 240-4333.

Monday, November 25

Montgomery Symphony Orchestra Performance 7:30 p.m. Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. Maestro Hinds leads the MSO in an all-American program featuring pianist Adonis Gonzalez in Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Visit www.montgomerysymphony.org/ concerts_subscription.

Thursday, November 28

90th Annual Turkey Day Classic This year’s game features the Alabama State University Hornets versus the Stillman College Tigers at the New ASU Stadium at 3 p.m. Visit hornethomecoming.com/game.html

Friday, November 29

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents A Christmas Carol -- Through December 24 An ASF tradition begins with the return of this holiday hit featuring Charles Dickens himself who, with sleight of hand and sense of humor, brings his magical story to life. When miserly Ebenezer Scrooge receives an unwanted visit from the ghost of his former business partner, an overnight journey of epic proportions begins. With a gorgeous set, period costumes, beautifully sung carols and a spectacular new ending, you and your family will be left totally enthralled! Visit www.asf.net or call (334) 271-5353 for tickets.

Calendar information due by the 15th of each month. Send to editor@montgomeryparents.com. Montgomery Parents I November 2013

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

Home Based Business Directory TUTORING

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

Clothing Repair

Tutoring

Pathway Voyages

Need your favorite clothes repaired at reasonable rates?

Kindergarten—Adult Master of Education Teacher’s Certificate Tri-county area Contact Debbie for details at 334-356-3865.

We chart the path, you enjoy the voyage! Amanda Gunn, Owner/Agent

Working on a paper? Let me proofread it and get you a better grade!

Hood Virtual Assisting and Consulting

Professional copy editor and Writing tutor Experience: High school & college essays, Master’s theses, Ph. D. dissertations, novels and technical writing. First 5 pages FREE! For more information, please contact Marty at 662-295-2797 or email at martyLcooper@ gmail.com. Located in Montgomery.

Knitting & Crocheting Lessons For all people, all ages Contact Katie Garner (334) 322-7791 krgarner1@yahoo.com

the baby boom

Specializing in Diaper Cakes, Invitations, Birth Announcements, Baby Shower Planning, and More! Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/thebabyboom or email us at thebabyboom@ live.com.

Call Letricia Long at 334-549-6414.

Piano Teacher

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

Spend more time on revenue generating tasks! Can’t afford to hire an employee? Only pay for the work and time needed. Services Offered: Call forwarding, receive and pay bills, send cards and gifts, make and return phone calls, and more. E-mail info@hoodconsult.org or call 1-866-239-7686 like us on Facebook at Hood Virtual Assisting & Consulting.

Tutoring

120 Hickory Place • Wetumpka, AL 36093 Phone/Fax: 334.514.0999 Email: amanda@pathwayvoyages.com Visit www.pathwayvoyages.com.

We Sit And Stay While Your Away....

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

Williams Carpentry

Saxon Lawn Service

Tutoring for Students in Grades K-6th

Please call 274-0324

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

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

The Piano Man

Mathematics Tutoring

You grow it, we mow it Affordable pricing

Bow Wow Meow Pet Sitting and Training

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

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

Dr. Joan N Powell, ProMath Tutoring Over 30 years tutoring and teaching experience. Tutoring in most math courses, Grades 4 – college. Call or text to check openings still available this semester! 334.244.6681 Home 334.233.4559 Cell jpowell@aum.edu

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Advanced Placement Chemistry Honors Chemistry General Chemistry

Mommy, Milk, & Me, Inc.

Southern Quality Lawns, LLC

Provides breastfeeding education, antepartum doula services, childbirth education, and Happiest Baby on the Block classes. Handmade breastfeeding greeting cards and breast pump rental services also available. For more info please contact Tangela Boyd at 334-782-9816. Email: Tangela@mommymilkandmeinc.com Website: www.mommymilkandmeinc.com

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

“Home is Where the Heart Is” Cleaning Services”

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

The FREE AD GUY knows that every business needs a few lucky breaks before it can become successful. That’s why he is offering more FREE ads to Home Based Businesses. In return, the FREE AD GUY would appreciate it if you would tell a friend about Montgomery Parents Magazine. If you’ll just help him spread the word about Montgomery Parents Magazine he’ll keep working for you and your business. If you have already run a FREE ad you can send a request to repeat the ad or make changes. Please understand but we will not accept any phone requests. For new Home Based Business advertisers, just send your information to: FREE AD GUY, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, AL 36123, or freeadguy@montgomeryparents.com. The FREE AD GUY reserves the right to refuse any ad in case it’s not appropriate for our readers.

Montgomery Parents I November 2013

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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, 91

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 92

Embellish, 39

Montgomery Pediatric Dentistry/Orthodontics, 61

Evangel Christian Academy, 25

Montgomery Taekwondo, 93

4D Baby Bumps, 1

Family Karate Center, 9

Montgomery Uniforms Plus, 43

A Great Start Learning Academy, 86

First Baptist, Montgomery, 4

Montgomery Zoo, 69

Adventure Sports II, 33

First UMC, Montgomery, 55

Mrs. Sandy’s House, 93

Alabama Army National Guard, 27

First UMC, Prattville, 75

My Kids Attic, The Shoppes at, 19

Alabama Christian Academy, 35

Fleming’s Martial Arts, 20

New Park, 63

Alabama Dance Theatre, 71

Frazer Memorial UMC, 7

Once and Again, 21

Alabama Dept. of Public Health, 3

Glitterbug the Clown, 33

Party Ponies by Renfroe & Daughters, 93

Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 73

Greengate School, 65

Pediatric Cardiology, 18

Arts in Motion, 23

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, 71

Pioneer Museum of Alabama, 76

ASKIN/Synergy House, 92

Holy Cross Episcopal School, 42

AUM Baseball, 14

Hooper Academy, 21

AUM Continuing Education, 53

Huntington Learning Center, 47

Baptist Health, 59

Kindercare, 31

Bradford Health Services, 79

Kingry Orthodontics, 90

Centerpoint Fellowship Church, 51

Kreative Moments, 93

Centre for Performing Arts, 14

Kumon, 2

Chapman Orthodontics, 89

Learning Tree Child Care, 77

Children’s of Alabama, 57

Legacy Early Learning Center, 18

Christmas on the Coosa, 72

Looney’s Super Skate, 93

Church of the Holy Comforter, 73

Lori Mercer Photography, 28

Churchill Academy, 37

Macon East Academy, 17

City of Prattville Tree Lighting & Parade, 70

Mathnasium, 20

CSS Advisors, United Health One, 41

Mom’s Flea Market & Consignment, 28

Dancewear, Etc., 93

Montessori @ Hampstead, 39

Dentistry for Children, 81

Montessori @ Mulberry, 27

Diamond Princess Ball, 74

Montessori Academy, 45

Dr. Bradley Willis-Dentist, 24

Montgomery Ballet, 75

Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 23

Montgomery Catholic School, 29

Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 86

Montgomery Children’s Specialty Center, 61

Eastdale Mall, 13

Montgomery Gem & Mineral Show, 70

Easter Seals, 81

Montgomery Humane Society, 11

Professional Pediatrics, 12 Pump It Up Party, 89 Riverview Camp, 50 Ross Christian Academy, 87

Saint James School, Inside Front Cover Saint James UMC, Inside Back Cover Smiles Galore Parties, 47 Spacewalk of Montgomery, 93 Spacewalker, The, 90 Spotless Cleaning Services, 8 Stitchworks, 93 Success Unlimited Academy, 32 Sylvan Learning Center, 24 Taylor Road Baptist Church, 87 The Big Green Bus, 49 The Forgotten Carols, 76 The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover Trinity Presbyterian School, 15 United Gymstars & Cheer, LLC, 43 Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 62 Vaughn Road Preschool, 88 Vishnu Dental, 83 Zackery Burr, Attorney, 67 www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Free Birds

Ender’s Game

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: C+ Violence: C Sexual Content: B Language: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Free Birds PG for some action/peril and rude humor. If the movie Free Birds is part of your Thanksgiving Day plans, you might want to watch it after you eat dinner. Otherwise you could find yourself ordering fast food instead of enjoying the traditional holiday meal. Why? Because Free Birds is all about rewriting history in favor of political correctness when it comes to dining options. There are a lot of turkeys in this movie, however the script may be the biggest one. Reggie (voice by Owen Wilson) has been warning his fellow gobblers that they are only being fattened up for someone’s dinner table. But the feather-headed fowl won’t listen. Just as Reggie reissues the alarm, he gets plucked from the flock by the daughter of the US President (voice by Kaitlyn Maher). Luckily, instead of getting stuffed, he is chosen for the traditional pardoning of the turkey ceremony and suddenly finds himself living the life of luxury at the taxpayers’ expense. Yet his endless evenings of cable TV and truckloads of pizza come to an abrupt halt when he is kidnapped and hauled off to a secret military installation that houses a time machine. His captor, a brawny, action-oriented turkey named Jake (voice by Woody Harrelson), wants Reggie to go back in time with him to the first Thanksgiving and get turkeys off the menu. Messing with the institution of Thanksgiving dinner is a risky move. And there seems to be plenty of other agenda items written into this script too. Everything from animal rights, negative military stereotypes, female empowerment and a spoof on the latest dance competition movies make it into this film. The story also hints at a presidential mistress, environmental issues of “overgrazing” and some sexual attraction between two muscular male birds. That’s a lot to cover in an animation supposedly aimed at children. Most kids will likely be drawn to the film’s silly gags, so parents should be aware that the cartoon includes gun use, dynamite and an intentionally set fire meant to drive a some turkeys from the safety of their home. Characters also experience frequent peril and several die off screen. Historical figures also get the rough treatment. Myles Standish (voice by Colm Meany) is portrayed as a savage killing machine and Governor Bradford (voice by Dan Fogler) is shown as a corpulent, selfish leader. And the human Native Americans who inhabited the land get only seconds of screen time. In the end, Free Birds becomes a flighty tale that seemingly has little to do with dressing or cranberries. Giving a voice to these bird-brained creatures makes for an interesting take on Thanksgiving. And time definitely isn’t the only thing that gets warped in this holiday-inspired story.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: C Sexual Content: A Language: B Alcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Ender’s Game PG-13 for some violence, sci-fi action and thematic material. Based on a popular book authored by Orson Scott Card, Ender’s Game feels like a combination of The Hunger Games (where adults use children to play out their war games) and the classic novel Lord of the Flies (a story that leaves youths to work out their own society and pecking order). But Card’s plot is jettisoned into space. As is often the case in sci-fi tales, a futuristic Earth has been attacked by aliens. Fortunately mankind was able to ward off the invaders, but not without huge costs and the growing concern they will return. Preparing for the next confrontation military leaders are looking for innovative combat ideas to fight the ant-like enemy’s swarming techniques. They believe their only chance of acquiring such prowess will be to tap the talent of the very youngest members of society. Embracing the philosophy that playing video games improves strategic abilities, adults equip every adolescent child with a tablet device where they engage in war games in a virtual world. One of the most promising players is a smaller boy named Ender (Asa Batterfield). His exceptional abilities catch the attention of both a classmate named Stilson (Caleb J. Thaggard) and a high-ranking military official, Colonel Graff (Harrison Ford). For the competitive Stilson, losing to Ender’s creative strategies during their battles is more than the bully is willing to endure. But when he attacks Ender after the game, the diminutive boy uses similar cunning to get the much larger Stilson on the floor. Then he continues to kick and beat him, even though Stilson is already defeated. It is this latter action that scores big points with the Colonel. Ender is disturbingly determined not only to subdue his enemy but also to try and eliminate him. (Unlike Graff, some viewers may feel Ender’s zealous rage over his adversary extends too far.) As a result of the altercation Ender is chosen to join an elite group of youth in space who are preparing for the next extraterrestrial strike. These warriors-in-training repeatedly practice using simulated conflicts. Quickly moving up the command ranks, Ender maintains a firm hand while surprisingly, given his past conduct, managing to show compassion for those he works with. Ender’s Game offers messages about teamwork, as well as developing and recognizing the talents of individuals. These themes combined with compelling visuals, an engaging story and strong performances make the movie a rare find that may be suitable for tweens and teens. Still, parents will want to be ready to discuss appropriate ways of dealing with bullying and the realities of war. There is also the possibility a few young recruits might think they have found the perfect justification for spending hours playing video games.

What Parents need to know about Ender’s Game...

Violence: Young characters often engage in verbal conflicts, some of which escalate to fights. The protagonist is the target of bullying by classmates and an older brother. A bully, along with other cohorts, provokes another boy and challenges him to a fight; the boy accepts and, after hitting the bully with an object and knocking him to the floor, continues to kick and hit him. Later an adult mentor rewards him for this behavior. A male sibling pushes his smaller brother on to a bed and begins to strangle him with his hands, but eventually lets go. After a verbal altercation two boys begin fighting in a shower room; one boy hits his head on the floor causing severe trauma; we later see him receiving medical help. Children are often placed in harms way and are subjected to verbal military discipline in a society where adults are relying on children to fight battles against an alien enemy. Sexual Content: None noted. Language: A crude male anatomical term is heard.

What Parents need to know about Free Birds...

Violence: A turkey screams when he sees a cooked bird being carved for dinner. A character is tossed into a burlap bag and kidnapped. Characters are slapped, punched and threatened. Soldiers fire on characters with flamethrowers. A pack of ferocious dogs, along with men with guns and dynamite, chase a group of turkeys. Characters blow up building using gunpowder. A character dies in a fire. Characters experience frequent peril. Sexual Content: The script includes numerous buttock jokes and some sexual innuendo. Two male characters share a moment of supposed sexual attraction. A girl hints a relationship between her father and a female employee. A couple kisses off screen. Language: The script contains some name-calling and threats. Montgomery Parents I November 2013

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