River Region Parents October 2019 by KeepSharing

Mirror, mirror on the wall, whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been vaping in the stall? - Sarah, 8th Grade

For more information visit AlabamaHealthyTeens.com

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GREAT DAY at STJ! SAINT JAMES SCHOOL INVITES PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS AND PARENTS

Welcome Wednesdays.

We encourage all prospective families to schedule an individual tour of Saint James School during the school day. In addition, parents and children who are interested in Pre-K3, Pre-K4, and Kindergarten at STJ are invited to our Welcome Wednesdays. Parents will take a brief tour while the children enjoy an enrichment classroom activity with a teacher and have arts & crafts time with our high school student ambassadors.

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TO VISIT STJ THIS FALL DURING

NOVEMBER 13, 2019, 9:00AM SCIENCE LAB NOVEMBER 20, 2019, 9:00AM TECHNOLOGY LAB DECEMBER 4, 2019, 9:00AM HOLIDAY LIBRARY TIME RSVP: admissions@stjweb.org

Reservations are encouraged at least three school days before the Wednesday you would like to attend.

Save The Date RISING PRE-K3, PRE-K4, & KINDERGARTEN

Open House SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2020 AT 1:30PM RISING 6TH-12TH GRADE

STJ Pop-Up Shop SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2020 AT 3:00PM

Pre-K3−12th Grade

Saint James School

334-273-3021 or STJweb.org

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR LIFE Call today to learn more about merit scholarships and affording a Saint James education for your child. Academic support for English Language Learners available. Saint James School admits students of any religion, race, gender, creed, 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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River Region Parents I October 2019

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River Region Parents I October 2019

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October2019 72

Volume 24 Number 10

Columns 8 Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

12 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Stomp Out Bullying

Signs to look for and how to stop it dead in its tracks.

16 Montgomery Education Matters

Fall in Love with Festivities

by Dr. Ann Roy Moore, Interim Superintendent

Ideas for fun with your family!

50 Pike Road Education Matters by Superintendent Charles Ledbetter, Ed.D.

56 Autauga Education Matters

by Superintendent Spence Agee

58 Elmore Education Matters by Superintendent Richard Dennis

64 The College Years by Lee Gonet

Fall Festivities Guide

Usher in the autumn season with local and nearby family fun!

Kid Behaviors Adults Could Do Better 5 things kids often do better!

70 Parenting, Media & Everything in Between Common Sense Media

82 A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

88 Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

On The Cover Ella (8), Nora (1) and Kathryn (5) Bradley are the daughters of Joshua and Brittany Bradley. Ella is in 3rd grade at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School - Holy Spirit Campus and enjoys singing, dancing and acting. Kathryn is in Kindergarten at Holy Spirit and enjoys snuggling with Mommy, art and soccer. All three girls are looking forward to the fall season and all the fun it brings!

Departments 14 Teacher of the Month 18 School Bits 90 Calendar/Support Groups 100 Mom to Mom

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Editor’sNote Longest. Summer. Ever. Even as I write on this late September day, it is 96 degrees! I’ve looked ahead on my weather app though, so I know cool (well, cooler) weather is almost here. I feel more ready than ever to retire these summer clothes and flip flops and pull out my jackets and boots. I’ve been putting off cooking my family’s favorite chili until there’s at least a bit of crispness in the air, so that’s on the menu coming up! And I’m ready to take Grace, our youngest and only child left at home, to a pumpkin patch not far down the road. At eight years old, she’s the perfect age to enjoy not only the hayride to pick her pumpkin, but all the fun and delicious food this fall tradition has to offer. Oh, who am I kidding? Jason and I are actually the perfect age to enjoy the food part, which may or may not be one of my top two reasons for the outing. Speaking of fall changes, after nearly 25 years, we’re making a little adjustment to our name. Montgomery Parents is now River Region Parents. All of our area communities are special so we don’t want any of you to feel left out. Now our name reflects all the families we strive to serve each month! If you are looking forward to finally enjoying some autumn fun with your family, pull out your calendar and use this month’s issue to start making plans. First, read Kimberly Spivey’s article, Fall in Love With Festivities, where she shares tried and true, plus creative ideas to get your juices flowing. Then flip over to our Fall Festivities and Halloween Fun Guide to find a detailed listing of all that the River Region (and nearby towns) has to offer. From craft fairs to pumpkin patches and haunted houses to Halloween alternatives, we’ve got you covered! October is also National Bullying Prevention month and Kimberly Blaker shares an important article, Stomp Out Bullying. You’ll find the signs to look for that would signal your child is a victim of bullying, plus advice for putting a stop to it. She also sheds light on the characteristics of a bully, so you can be sure your child is not exhibiting these behaviors. While bullying is certainly not an admirable behavior in a child, kids do have some great characteristics that exist simply because they are young. We parents would do well to take some lessons from our children in five areas, according to Cheryl Maguire in 5 Kid Behaviors Adults Could Learn to Do Better. I’ll give you a spoiler on two of them, hoping you’ll put them to use this month. Kids play creatively and kids find humor in everything! So, what are you waiting for? Put on your boots, grab a pumpkin spice latte and go laugh and play with your kiddos at some of the great fall events you discover in this issue. Finally, we want to thank everyone who attended our 4th Annual Special Needs Expo last month. We had a wonderful turn out and know moms and dads were encouraged as they visited with our sponsors and vendors who are committed to helping special needs families. Check out photos on our Facebook page (riverregionparents). It was a great day and we look forward to making it even bigger and better for you all next year! Have a fun-filled October!

Founder Marty Watson (1950-2006) Editor DeAnne Watson editor@riverregionparents.com

Associate Editor Alison Rouse Research Editor Wendy McCollum Contributing Writers Spence Agee Kimberly Blaker Richard Dennis David Drennan, MD Lee Gonet Dr. Charles Ledbetter Cheryl Maguire Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Dr. Ann Roy Moore Gerry Paige Smith Kimberly Carter Spivey

Cover Photography Judy Barranco www.judybarrancophotography.com

Publisher Jason Watson jason@riverregionparents.com

Associate Publisher Gena Hill Community Coordinator Savannah Bowden Digital Manager Scott Davis Advertising Opportunities (334) 213-7940 ext. 703 ads@riverregionparents.com

Ad Design Tim Welch

DeAnne

Member

River Region Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing LLC, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, Alabama, 36123. River Region Parents is copyrighted 2018 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. opinions expressed in River Region Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

editor@riverregionparents.com

River Region Parents I October 2019

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

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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

The “Air Traffic Controller” Phase I had a revelation the other day as my back door was endlessly opening and closing, with a constant stream of children and their friends and the dog and the dog’s friends coming in and out and in and out. Requests and updates were flying through the air: “Mom, can my friends come in?” “Mom, when is dinner?” “Mom, if we put a mattress on the ground can we jump off the carport roof?” I had a brief moment of realization and that is this: I am an air traffic controller. At this phase of parenting – with 2 kids in college, 2 seniors in high school, and 3 other high schoolers right behind them, I realized how much of my life doesn’t actually resemble traditional mothering anymore, but more and more resembles that of an air traffic controller. I have spent the last 22 years intentionally leading, loving, disciplining, teaching, and correcting all of these children, and now I feel like I spend most of my time just making sure the planes run on time, that they don’t crash into one another, and certainly that they don’t jump off the carport roof. Essentially – I am here to help them arrive safely to their destination. And I’m okay with that. It’s gratifying really. They are nearly grown and they do things like drive to high school in the morning and then go to their

River Region Parents I October 2019

college classes in the afternoon. They have jobs, they play baseball, they have (gasp!) friends that are girls. It is fun and busy and chaotic and feels like life is barreling down the runway at 150 knots. But back in the days of toddler tantrums, sleepless nights/weeks/months/ years, when my days were consumed with snack time and Teletubbies (which… hello. Let us all be thankful that phase is long done and over), I could never have imagined that I would arrive at this place of chaotic peace. And though I would never be so bold as to tell mothers in a hard phase to “enjoy it, because it goes by so fast,” I will say this...have perspective. The very definition of perspective is: to have a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something. So my encouragement to you, tired momma, is to summon the strength to pull back from the situation you are struggling with and see if you can view it from a different vantage point, because our perspective can so often determine our attitude. Essentially, our thoughts determine our feelings which then direct our actions. It’s a 1-2-3 step process. (1) Thoughts come into your head, (2) that activates a feeling response which then (3) dictates your actions. If you think your teenager is being defiant

because he just didn’t do what you asked – you will feel disrespected – then you will be inclined to lash out at him. But hang on, let us shift perspective. Maybe your teenager is struggling with an issue or is so consumed with the stressors of high school life and navigating social norms and academia and the lunchroom that he truly forgot what he was told to do. In this instance, we may feel compassion for him and be more apt to handle the situation with grace and a bit of empathy. So take heart, there is often more than one way to look at a particular parenting problem. By exploring and taking the time to think through some of those options, we are able to adjust our responses to more effectively meet the needs of our children. I have more to say on this, but I have to go peel children off of the roof now. Fly high fellow parenting warriors, fly high. Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the brain in behavior and how to adopt therapeutic parenting techniques to mitigate negative behaviors. She is the Director of Central Alabama for Lifeline Children’s Services and is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of which were internationally adopted and she is a foster parent.

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Jamey Johnson’s 8th Annual Homecoming Concert

October 6 * 7 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium Singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson, along with the Nikki Mitchell Foundation, welcomes country singer-songwriter, actor, and record producer Toby Keith. Other guests include Randy Houser, Lee Brice and more. Tickets to the show are available at the Montgomery Biscuits box office or online at www. ticketreturn.com. Prices range from $20 to $40. For more info, call (615) 982-6802.

Costume Ball for Special Needs Kids

October 24, 5:30 to 7 p.m. 300 S. Main Street, Wetumpka The Wetumpka Depot Penguin Project invites special needs students ages 10-21 to a costume ball! Wear a fun costume and invite a friend! There will be snacks, music, games, hayrides and face painting. For any questions, please email penguinproject@wetumpkadepot.com.

Saturday, November 16, at 2 & 7 p.m. Sunday, November 17, at 2 p.m. Davis Theatre in Montgomery A Montgomery Holiday Tradition featuring “Favorite Dances of Christmas” & “Messiah” with music by George Frideric Handel accompanied by the Montgomery Chorale. Tickets on sale beginning October 21 at alabamadancetheatre.com or by calling (334) 625-2590. Ticket prices are $15-$30. Photo credit Richard Calmes. Dancers include Emily Efferson, Ahsha Gray, Abigail Perkinson and, in front, Mary Olivia Dudley.

River Region Parents I October 2019

River Region Out of the Darkness Walk

October 27 at Auburn University Montgomery, Moore Hall. Noon registration; 1:30 p.m. opening ceremony and 2 p.m. walk. Proceeds bring local and national suicide prevention and awareness programs of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention directly to the school. Learn more at afsp.org/OutoftheDarkness.

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Woofstock: Peace, Love and Pets

Saturday, October 5 * 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Woofstock—Peace, Love and Pets (inspired by the 50th anniversary of Woodstock—Peace, Love and Music) will be held on the Green at Providence Presbyterian Church, 2130 Bell Road in east Montgomery. “Woofstock” is a community festival, bringing together adoptable pets, vendors, food, and fun! Woofstock features adoptable animals from the humane societies of Montgomery, Autauga and Elmore counties. There will be a petting zoo with goats, chicks, an alpaca, donkey and other farm animals with which kids can interact. Children can also play on inflatable games and enjoy cornhole, face painting, and games. Ordained members of Providence Presbyterian will be offering Blessings to any pet that comes to the festival, and all are welcome—live pets and stuffed teddy bears, too! Inside the church will be a Used Book Sale with great offerings and prices. The event will also feature arts and crafts vendors and other pet-related businesses and ventures. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be prepared by the Providence Presbyterian Preschool and available for sale. Admission to “Woofstock” and all of its features is free, and the event is open to the public.

Junior League Holiday Market

October 9-12 Multiplex at Cramton Bowl, 220 Hall St. Wednesday: Prancer’s Preview Party and Silent Auction, 6-9 p.m.; Thursday: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. with Spirit Night from 5-9 p.m.; Friday: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. with Girls’ Night Out from 6-9 p.m.; and Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with Breakfast with Santa from 9-11 a.m. and Photos with Santa (Bring your own camera) from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. **Breakfast with Santa is a separate ticket and does not include general admission tickets for parents.** For more info, visit www. jlmontgomery.org/ or call (334) 288-8816. 10

Food Truck Friday

The Shoppes at EastChase Fridays through October 25 5-8 p.m. We’ll have a food truck set up with patio seating near H+M and lawn games provided by Lafgamco. This event is free and open to the public. The menu and food truck changes every week, so stay tuned on Facebook! www.riverregionparents.com

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Millbrook Cops & Kids Day

October 5 * 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Mill Creek Park, Millbrook. This is a FREE family fun day and the first 1,000 kids will receive a T-shirt. Mill Creek Park is behind the Village Green to include the ballfields and a large open area. For more info, find us on Facebook.

Autumn Art Fest

October 13 * 3-6 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Celebrate the changing of the seasons and enjoy an afternoon of pumpkin decorating, autumnthemed art activities, ghost stories, music, and fall foods. Local artists will demonstrate their pumpkin carving skills. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa.org/.

Saturday, October 19 * Registration begins at 9 a.m. John Mark Stallings Football Field/ Faulkner University The Buddy Walk celebrates National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. It is a fun, heart-warming event in which thousands of people from coast to coast and around the world participate each year to make a difference in the lives of thousands of families. Your participation in the Buddy Walk helps the Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group provide information and support to families in the Montgomery tri-county area. General Schedule of Events 9-11 a.m. --- Gates open/ Registration/ Activities/ Entertainment 11 a.m. --- Walk 11:30 a.m. --- Lunch Noon --- Awards For more info or to register, visit https://www.classy.org/event/2019-montgomery-buddy-walk/e245825.

Creatures of the Night

Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook October 19 * 3 p.m. Join us for a Halloween-themed evening under the stars. Activities will include a slithering snake encounter, creepy crawly insects, ewwy gooey touch table, flashlight spider search and night hike, and a movie under the stars! There will also be plenty of Halloween-themed games, food and activities for the kids to enjoy. FREE! Visit www. alabamawildlife. org/ or call (334) 285-4550.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

The Flu is Back! Over the past several weeks our office has experienced an increased amount of documented influenza illnesses. And like last year, physicians, especially pediatricians, are in a disease prevention mode hoping to vaccinate every possible patient and prevent a flu epidemic and its complication. Influenza is a very contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus that spreads around the U.S. every year from September to May. The virus infects the nose, throat, and lungs. It is spread when an infected personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s droplets from cough, sneeze or talk enter the mouth, eye, or nose. It can also be spread by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching mouth, eyes or nose. Anyone may contract the flu which strikes suddenly and may last several days. An infected person can infect others one day before symptoms start and up to 5 to 7 days after. Symptoms of flu disease may be fever and chills; cough; sore throat; runny or stuffy nose; muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea. Influenza vaccine can prevent the flu and complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections. Every year thousands of people of all

River Region Parents I October 2019

ages die from the flu and many more are hospitalized. The CDC recommends flu shots for everyone 6 months of age and older and especially those at increased risk. Children 6 months through 8 years may need 2 doses during a single flu season. All others need only 1 dose each flu season. It takes about 2 weeks for the development of immunity after vaccination. Influenza vaccine does not cause the flu illness and may be given with other vaccines. The flu vaccine needs to be given each year since there are many flu viruses and they are always changing from year to year. Each year a new flu vaccine is made to protect against up to four flu viruses that are likely to cause disease in the new flu season. What are the common vaccine side effects and risks? Though flu vaccines are safe, some side effects may occur. Minor problems following the flu vaccine may include redness, soreness, and swelling at the injection site; sore, red or itchy eyes; cough; fever; aches; headache; itching; and fatigue. More serious side affects such as severe allergic reactions can rarely occur. Guillain-Barrreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; syndrome (GBS) may occur in fewer than 1 or 2 cases per 1 million patients vaccinated. Children receiving multiple

vaccines have a slightly increased risk of a febrile seizure. People who should not get the flu vaccine include any one with severe, life threatening allergies, had GBS before, or not feeling well the day of the vaccination. There are some commonly used medications to treat the flu and symptoms. The usual suggestions of pushing plenty of fluids to maintain adequate hydration and taking antipyretics such as Tylenol or Motrin for relief of fever and body aches are a very important part of the treatment. Antiviral medications such as Tamiflu and Xofluza may be ordered by the physician to kill the flu virus, shorten the length of illness and make the patient not contagious. The antivirus meds must be given within 48-72 hours to make a difference. In summary, most healthy children who catch the flu will recover in a few days to two weeks, but some will develop complications requiring medical attention. The risks of contracting the flu with complications can be significantly reduced by vaccination. Get the flu shot, not the flu! Dr. Drennen earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1975 and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. He began his private practice of pediatric medicine in Loveland, Colorado. He then practiced in Ozark, Alabama before coming to Professional Pediatrics in 1998. He and his wife Rebecca have two sons. The entire family enjoys downhill skiing and beach activities.

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When Tara’s breast cancer diagnosis left her with tears in her eyes, we put a hand on her shoulder. When she asked for her options, we gave her a solution. And when she worried she didn’t have the strength to fight, we gave her the confidence to win.

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Amber Hogan Alabama Christian Academy

the habit of doing things for a prize, but instead develop a sense of pride and determination in their choices and work. We talk a lot about integrity and character and the reputation they want to display in their life. My ultimate goal is for them to become self-motivated.” Teaching children in today’s world can be very challenging. Ms. Hogan has noticed some of the stress that her students experience at school and she’s working on helping them work through it. “Students feel pressure to know and get things correct on the first try, and when that aren’t instantly successful they become discouraged or feel incompetent. I think their challenge is living in a world of instant gratification and not fully understanding that failure is not permanent. It is rather an opportunity to look at situations differently and build character along the way.” Ms. Hogan is admired by her fellow teachers, administration, and her students. Elementary School Principal Doug Black says, “Classroom community is created in Ms. Hogan’s room through students spurring one another on with positive cheers, yips and chants when correct answers are shared by classmates. I smile every time I walk among her students.”

Patient, dedicated, compassionate, encouraging….a few of the words used to describe Teacher of the Month, Amber Hogan. Ms. Hogan teaches 3rd grade at Alabama Christian Academy, as well as coaching the JV volleyball team. She has been teaching for nine years and is currently working towards a masters of education in curriculum and instruction. When she was considering career choices years ago, Hogan knew she wanted a job that would constantly be changing and would look different every year. So she decided to bring her unique energy to the classroom. She says, “Every class brings a different dynamic that allows things to not feel redundant each year.” When asked what she thinks her teaching style is, she says, “I am loving, yet stern. I am sour and sweet like a Sour Patch Kid. I have high expectations, but I will be there to help you reach your goals along the way. I very much express the need for children to advocate for themselves and become independent thinkers.” The parents of her students agree! Stacy Griffin says of Ms. Hogan, “She is an amazing educator with patience and dedication to each child in her room. They all get their own time with her as she teaches them to connect and pay attention to details. She truly loves them.” Hogan goes on to say, “I try to find a balance when motivating students. I don’t want them to get in

River Region Parents I October 2019

Amber Hogan teaches 3rd grade and coaches JV volleyball at Alabama Christian Academy. In her free time she enjoys the outdoors (hiking/camping), going to concerts, movies at the Capri theater, and being with her friends.

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S.T.E.M. Spells FUN STEM is an acronym. It stands for Science – Technology – Engineering – Mathematics. It is a word that embraces the future for our students and our society. There is nothing new about teaching those four areas; Montgomery Public Schools have been doing that for decades. The key is that the areas are now joined in the way we teach them. But the STEM concept goes beyond even that. Using the STEM model, classrooms become team learning laboratories. Students use multiple strategies to find answers to complex and real-world problems. The children learn the importance of teamwork. Students are exposed to new ways of thinking and problem solving. They rely

on each other and find that every student (and every discipline) brings something to the table to find solutions. And one thing that seems to occur without fail when using the STEM concept is that students are engaged in their learning and they have fun doing it. Yes. School becomes fun for students. And when children are engaged, and have fun, the lessons stick. They retain more of what they learn by doing than just by listening. While the STEM concept is part of learning in every classroom of MPS, six of our schools are currently working to become STEM certified. Two are almost there. Others are just beginning the process. Over the next three years, we will be working to solidify the concepts of promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and STEM as a cohesive model of instruction throughout the district. Of course, while you can teach the basics of any of these with a chalk board, moving into the application of STEM takes

resources, especially in technology. Every dollar is worth the investment. Companies are looking for people who have had training in the STEM concept. That training applies whether you are posing questions ranging from “how do we get a person to Jupiter,” to “do you want fries with that?” And the concept of STEM even moves into our culture. If we learn how to work together to find solutions to problems, we stop relying on violence and hate to fill the gaps between us. We learn to communicate and reach out to each other to find answers and see that every person has something to contribute. Issues are resolved through knowledge and teamwork. So, you will be hearing the word STEM much more frequently. And now when you do, you will know that it sounds like fun! For more than four decades, Dr. Moore has educated the children of Alabama. From her first post as a pre-school teacher, to her administrative work as a principal, central office curriculum specialist, superintendent, and her mentoring the next generation of teachers as an adjunct professor at colleges and universities, teaching is her passion.

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Montgomery County Schools

LAMP Names 12 National Merit Semifinalists

Twelve Loveless Academic Magnet Program High students have been named National Merit Semifinalists. LAMP has the fourth highest total of National Merit Semifinalists in the state despite having a relatively small number of seniors. LAMP usually has about 100 graduates total each year. The semifinalists are Theresa Kim, Jaewon Woo, Sun Mee Choi, Micah Boone, Yeonaah Beasley, Sarah Kim, Dylan Davis, Pearl Khotsombath, Mary Olivia Dudley, Felix Wang, Ololade Harrison and Eric Mesina. They are shown here with Principal Matthew Monson and Guidance Counselor Kimberly Glenn-Foster.

Churchill Participates in Dream Court Delegation

Five Churchill Academy athletes were selected to be part of the Dream Court tennis delegation that participated in the 2019 US Open. Charles Backus, Matthew Dickinson, Carys Burks, Lillie Mastin and Drake Arden all traveled to New York with the group. They participated in an on-court exhibition of skills through an invitation from the United States Tennis Association’s Net Generation and their hard work with Dream Court of Montgomery under the direction of Coach Jessica Weyreuter. The student-athletes also saw Alladin on Broadway and viewed the sights and sounds of New York through a tour via double-decker bus.

ACA Attends Presidential Leadership Institute

This summer, six Alabama Christian Academy students traveled to York, Nebraska, to study with business, educational and civic leaders known for their servant attitude toward leadership. Attending the Presidential Leadership Institute were Riley Barrow, Madison Davis, Marlo Duggan, Claire Forrester, Jalen McDade and Wynter Prempramont, along with school sponsors Amy Davis and Taylor Horn. The purpose of the Institute is to help student leaders from across the country study the skills of past and current leaders to implement student-planned school projects back at their home schools. During the week long conference, students have the opportunity to visit the presidential library of our 34th president—Dwight Eisenhower—with the president’s granddaughter Mary Eisenhower as their tour guide. Personal stories of the president highlight the scope and depth of his dedication to serving the troops and country he led during and after WWII. During the 2019 Institute, McDade was awarded the Howard Todd Presidential Scholarship—a full tuition scholarship to York College.

BTW Receives Donation From State Legislator

State Rep. Kirk Hatcher, a former teacher, donated $5,000 to the Future Business Leaders of America chapter at Booker T. Washington Magnet High. The money will be used for workshops and conferences, FBLA President Aylon Gipson said. From left are FBLA Vice President Jahnaya Cosby, Adviser Jamani Warren, Hatcher and Gipson. River Region Parents I October 2019

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ECA High Schoolers Provide Chapel Service

Evangel Christian Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s senior high students provided a chapel service for the elementary classes recently. The older students planned and implemented the service based on Bible truths that would relate to the younger students. The seniors enjoyed sharing their faith with the younger children and the younger students admired the example set by them. The elementary students especially enjoyed the short skit about Jonah.

BrewTech Adds Tutoring Center Staffed By Students There is a new learning resource for students at Brewbaker Technology Magnet High. The Tech Tutor Center is housed within the library and is staffed by BrewTech upperclassmen who are members of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s various honor societies and service organizations. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 to 8:30 a.m. and Wednesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 4 p.m.

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MEA Baseball Alum Receives Draft Offer

Macon East alum Drew Baker is making the move this year from junior college baseball to the SEC. After an outstanding freshman season as pitcher for Chipola Junior College in Mariana, Fla., Baker was pursued by Butch Thompson and the Auburn Tigers. The MLB draft brought an even more exciting offer to the table, as Baker was selected in the 16th round to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Baker made 26 appearances in the 2019 season at Chipola. In 50 innings on the mound, he gave up 41 hits with 26 walks and 52 strikeouts. He was 2-1 with seven saves and a 5.04 ERA. At Macon East, Baker was a star catcher for four years on varsity, leading the Knights to back-to-back state titles. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until his senior year, that he returned the mound with a pitch speed in the mid 90s. Honored to be considered in the MLB draft, Baker has chosen to continue both his education and developing his pitching skills on the baseball field as part of the Auburn Tigers 2020 team.

A great program for K-1st repeaters

Eastwood Students Practice Hospitality

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Recently the student body at Eastwood Christian School spent time focusing on the concept of hospitality. In the pouring rain, two 7th-graders put hospitality into action as they greeted students with a smile, an umbrella, and a less soggy walk to the building. Romans 12:13 21

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Dalraida Students Learn About Growing Food Dalraida Elementary students learned about food, farming and eating local when Taylor Hatchett of Boozer Farms in Chilton County stopped by for a visit. Hatchett talked to students in Elisabeth McKinneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second-grade classroom and explained how farming is hard work but also rewarding since it provides fresh local food, clothes, and even paper. She let each student try locally grown cantaloupe to help illustrate the importance of eating local food.

Grandparents Visit Trinity Second-Graders

Thank you to the second-grade grandparents who visited Trinity Presbyterian School. Our students were blessed to have you share your lives, stories, hobbies and treats with them. The celebration concluded with a performance by the students, a reception for the guests and tour of the school. It was a GRAND week!

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Alabama Dance Theatre

Cornerstone Welcomes New Headmaster

Although he has been part of the Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy family since March, this fall John Bradley began his first full year as headmaster at the school. Prior to assuming the position at CCCA, Bradley was the assistant dean of admissions at Faulkner University’s Jones School of Law. CCCA takes a classical Christian approach to education, which draws from the history and culture of Western civilization and employs the classical model based on the Trivium, a timetested, threefaceted approach to learning consisting of grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric. This methodology seeks to teach students to understand language, think well and communicate articulately. As a classical Christian school, CCCA believes that trusting and revering God is the first and most important step in acquiring knowledge. Bradley has fully embraced this classical Christian model, attending the Association of Classical and Christian Schools annual conference this summer and leading the faculty and staff through the book Wisdom and Eloquence: A Christian Paradigm for Classical Learning. Board Chair Rob McFarland is “excited about the passion for classical Christian education and vision John brings to Cornerstone, and grateful that he felt called to this opportunity.”

presents

Saturday | November 16 | 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm Sunday | November 17 | 2:00 pm Troy University’s Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts

Tickets: alabamadancetheatre.com Info: 334-625-2590 Wells Fargo | Kiwanis Club of Montgomery | Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama Pickwick Antiques & Montgomery Antiques and Interiors | Central Alabama Community Foundation WSFA 12 News | Cumulus Broadcasting This performance is funded in part by the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

MEA Senses Fun

Macon East Academy first-grade students loved learning about their five senses in Victoria Smith’s science class. The students did a blind taste test of salt and sugar to determine sweet and salty as well as other fun activities involving sight and touch. Their favorite experiment during the week included a popcorn treat! 23

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Montgomery County Schools

Lanier Highâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Garden Expands Environmental Learning

Sidney Lanier High is on the grow with a new community garden. Nicholas Dalton, Candice White-Petty and Sharonda Phelps spearheaded this effort, which will help students take learning beyond the walls of the classroom. On Groundbreaking Day, or G-Day, students, teachers, parents, and other community members helped set up a total of nine raised beds along with sowing seeds and planting transplants. Students in environmental science classes and the Environmental Science Club will maintain the garden.

Churchill Student Interviewed By U.S. Tennis Association

Churchill Academy student-athlete Carys Burks was interviewed with Dream Court founder/director Jessica Weyreuter by the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Burks gave journalists a description of the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 22+ hour journey to New York by bus along with insight into being chosen to play tennis at the U.S. Open. She shared about Dream Court and how much she enjoys the sport of tennis because of her participation there, and the joy of being at Arthur Ashe Stadium for such an event. Burks represented Dream Court, Churchill Academy and Montgomery beautifully.

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Success Unlimited Academy’s Hands-on Lab Explores Density of Pennies

Hands-On Learning in Academy’s STEM Lab

In The Montgomery Academy STEM Lab, seventh- and eighth-graders learned how to solder wires on motors that were broken. This was a great opportunity to teach the students some soldering while fixing the motors that they will use in their Arduino projects later this year.

Science labs encourage participants to explore a topic and think outside the box. Students learn to interact with others by sharing ideas, challenging each other, and students in Miriam Anderson’s science class worked on a lab project recently that explored the change in composition of pennies over a period of years. They measured the density of pre-1982 pennies and post-1982 pennies. SUA students discovered that during this timeframe, the cost of copper became excessively high, and the United States Mint adjusted the copper weight in pennies to accommodate the increase in costs of production. Participation in the lab allowed students to become familiar with density and the appropriate units of measure, and the procedures to make measurements that would allow them to draw conclusions concerning their findings. Anderson’s class was divided into small groups to work on their lab requirements, along with the presentation of their findings.

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Montgomery County Schools

Fifty-One Montgomery Academy Students Named AP Scholars

Trinity Announces New Head of School

The Board of Trustees of Trinity Presbyterian School ntroduces Bill Shelnutt as our next Head of School beginning July 1, 2020. Bringing more than 25 years of experience as an educational leader, Shelnutt received a Bachelor of Arts from Buffalo State College and a Masters of Education from Oglethorpe University, as well as a Masters in Business Administration from Reinhardt College in 2010. Shelnutt brings a strong reputation of academic excellence and leadership while at the same time embracing a passion for helping students understand how to live out their Christian faith. Shelnutt currently serves as the Head of School for St. Luke School, a thriving preK-8th grade in Columbus, Ga., with an enrollment of 598 students and a preschool that enrolls 349 students. While at St. Luke, Shelnutt has led strategic planning, accreditation and fundraising efforts, all of which have fueled the school’s growth. Shelnutt and his wife Susan are the proud parents of twins, Will and Annie (10), who are currently in 5th grade. He enjoys family time, hiking, golf, the outdoors, reading and travel. He’s an avid sports fan and a lifelong student. “I am very excited to be joining the incredible team of Christian educators at Trinity Presbyterian School,” Shelnutt said. “My wife Susan and our twins, Annie and Will, look forward to our new home in Montgomery, and we have already felt the warmth and welcome that characterize the Trinity community. God is doing amazing things at Trinity and I look forward to the opportunity to serve in this vital ministry.” In the coming months there will be opportunities to meet the Shelnutt family at various Trinity events. River Region Parents I October 2019

Fifty-one students at The Montgomery Academy have earned the designation of AP Scholar by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the collegelevel Advanced Placement Program (AP) Exams. Students took AP Exams in May 2019 after completing challenging college-level courses in the Upper School. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ performance on AP Exams. Three students were named National AP Scholars, which is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams: Carter Chandler, Mead Robertson and Catherine Updegraff. Twenty-three students were named AP Scholars with Distinction, which is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams: Sarah Barnes, Seth Brand, Sarah Honor Campbell, Carter Chandler, Lucy Chapman, Emma Cleary, Caroline Deale, Cyprian Dumas, Martha Ernest, Will Hamlett, Francie Hill, Andrew Hosp, Jin Jang, Hannah Maddox, Mary Jane McConnell, Mead Robertson, Isabella Rowland, Lee Sahlie, Hannah Soloff, Anne Carlson Sylvest, James Torbert, Catherine Updegraff and Kelly Yoon. Nine students were named AP Scholars with Honor, which is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams: Femi Adediji, Sofie Behr, Mary Elizabeth Bullard, Russell Hughes, Anne Price Kelley, Thomas Rizzo, William Robertson, Charlie Snipes and Elizabeth Waldo. Nineteen students were named AP Scholars, which is granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams: Bisola Adediji, Tucker Ayers, Isabella Baker, Will Barganier, Kelsey Cox, Ellie Gilmore, Cole Hilyer, Sarah Campbell Hughes, Tara Katz, Trey Lindsey, Mac Main, Roma Pirnie, Carson Roth, Hunt Scott, Coleman Speir, Travis Thompson, Bradley Westhauser, Casey Whitt and Ann Jordan Williams.

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AP Scholars with Distinction 2019 www.riverregionparents.com

SUA Achievers Learn Life Skills

Macon East Third-Grade Fun

In her 23rd year as an elementary teacher at Macon East Academy, Melissa Gilmore loves when her class has fun while learning. During the month of September, her thirdgrade class definitely had fun in and out of the classroom. Students participated in a Proper Noun Parade throughout the elementary school and enjoyed “Flashlight Friday,” reading books by flashlight on National Read a Book Day. To complete a unit on space, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing, they visited the W.A. Gayle Planetarium. Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@riverregionparents.com.

Life skills are a vital component to the curriculum of the high school Achievers’ class at Success Unlimited Academy. Students in Kay Smith’s class are often found spending class time in the kitchen. During a recent visit to the life skills kitchen, Achievers actively participated in the entire preparation and cooking process. From gathering the ingredients to stirring the mixture, the students learned teamwork, along with reading and understanding measurements. Smith is consistently providing her students with lifelong learning experiences, as well as tempting the entire student body’s taste buds with the smells of delicious foods. French toast was on the menu this visit to the kitchen and was enjoyed by the Achievers’ class. The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla permeated the halls!

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Montgomery County Schools

Lanier Teacher Launches Learning With Catapult Activity

Fittingly enough for “The Castle,” students in Caryn Barnes’s physical science class at Lanier High relived medieval days when they constructed their own catapults. This unique approach was a way to teach the students how to calculate speed. They measured the distance the items launched by the catapult traveled and how long it took the items to reach the ground. With this information, they calculated the speed of each item they successfully launched.

MPS Students Chosen for Montgomery Youth Orchestra

Four students from Baldwin Arts and Academics Magnet and one from Floyd Middle Magnet have been chosen for the Montgomery Youth Orchestra for the 2019-2020 season. Baldwin students who were selected are Max Lopez, violin; Rick Roy, clarinet; and Daniel Chen and Rhea Rastogi, both violin. Floyd student William Miller was selected for percussion. The MYO is made up of students from public and private schools throughout central Alabama. The orchestra rehearses weekly to provide two concerts to the public each season.

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River Region Parents I October 2019

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Catholic Student Invited To NYC with Dream Court

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Montgomery Academy Volleyball Teams Are Tournament Champions

The Montgomery Academy varsity volleyball team won the MAC Attack tournament and the Middle School volleyball team won the Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cup tournament! The Middle School team is shown above, and varsity team is shown below.

Dream Court Montgomery is an organization whose mission is to teach tennis and life skills to children and adults who are differently-abled. Through a partnership with Net Generation, an initiative of the United States Tennis Association to make tennis accessible to people of all ages and abilities, a delegation of Dream Court athletes and their coaches were invited to the U.S. Open Tennis Championships in New York City. Montgomery Catholic junior Ellie Pool, along with other adult and youth volunteers,accompanied 18 Dream Court athletes to Arthur Ashe Stadium where they got to showcase their skills on the court in front of thousands of spectators. As a bonus, some also had an opportunity to meet top-level tennis stars, like Roger Federer and Serena Williams. A tennis player herself, Pool has volunteered with Dream Court for the past two years and spends several hours each weekend working with different athletes. Even though there was a lot of work to do in New York, the Dream Court delegation still had ample time for fun activities. The group got to take a bus tour of the city, caught a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, and watched a Broadway production of Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aladdin. Pool is shown center with Dream Court athletes at the U.S. Open.

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SHE ONCE BUILT A FORT SO LARGE, THAT IT UTILIZED EVERY BLANKET, TOWEL, AND CHAIR IN THE WHOLE HOUSE.

SUA Faculty & Staff Attend Professional Development

CHILDREN A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY

and at Children’s of Alabama, we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine. 1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H B I R M I N G H A M , A L 3 5 2 3 3

River Region Parents I October 2019

(205) 638-9100

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Success Unlimited Academy faculty and staff held their annual teacher in service for the new school year on August 5-6. Each year Headmaster Susan Alred develops a theme for the school year and carries the theme throughout the two-day professional development. The 2019-20 theme, “2020 Vision: Building a Brighter Future,” was carried throughout the decorations on each table, and even in all the sessions. Emphasis was placed on “building” and “bright.” As Isaiah 60:1 reads, “Arise, shine, for your light has come and the glory of the Lord shines upon you.” This verse has been adopted as SUA’s spiritual emphasis for 2019-20. Moody Hall, on the school’s Fairlane campus, was transformed into an “active construction zone,” where hard hats, shovels, caution signs, work tools, safety cones and caution tape were appropriately displayed as decorations supporting the theme. Many of the props were used in group activities during the training. The displayed tools were significant when faculty and staff learned to work together to design and build a road map for a successful school year. Additionally, a time of spiritual emphasis and prayer for our students followed. Faculty wrote student names on a black road attached to the floor. Along the road, distractions and obstacles were displayed on cardstock for the SUA team to pray to be removed in student lives. As prayer continued, the distractions were torn into smaller pieces as a symbol of the prayers lifted. To continue the emphasis on praying for our students, each faculty and staff member was given a devotional book with “Take Ten” students written inside. Take Ten is a time of commitment and covenant to pray for ten students for ten minutes daily. SUA’s faculty and staff were quite surprised to find a $100 bill tucked in the devotional book Alred gave to each SUA team member. “This is my first tithe of the school year,” says Alred. “I believe they all deserve a thank you for joining me on this journey. I am so grateful to them for their love and dedication to our students.” www.riverregionparents.com

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Learn About MA Kindergarten Program

NASA Visits Macon East Academy

Macon East elementary students kicked off the new school year with a space-themed emphasis commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon. Gary Willis, program presenter from NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, visited Macon East students to talk about the mission that put the first man on the moon. He also shared NASA’s future plans to return and land the first woman on the moon and travel to Mars with the Space Launch System, America’s next great rocket. Willis serves as the manager of the Office of Stakeholder Relations in the Office of Strategic Analysis and Communications at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville. There he leads and coordinates communication and outreach to government, business, and community leaders to support NASA’s missions. His goal is to share the message of space exploration and excite and inspire the next generation of explorers. The students enjoyed seeing a 1:100 model of the Space Launch System and hearing about the many job and internship opportunities at NASA.

Ready for your child to soar? The Montgomery Academy invites you to learn about our kindergarten program, our admissions process, and discover how MA shapes great minds, caring hearts and confident leaders from the start. Parents and children often say they fell in love with MA the moment they set foot on campus. So join us as we warmly welcome all parents and children who are looking at kindergarten for the 2020 school year. aMAzing Morning will be held October 22 from 8:15-9 a.m. Join your child for a series of activities that highlight the Academy’s enrichment classes. Can’t make it on the 22nd? KView Kindergarten Previews are available throughout the month of October. Views are offered during our school day and provide an opportunity for you to see our kindergarten classes in action. Visit montgomeryacademy.org to schedule your tour or contact Rachael Gallagher at admissions@montgomeryacademy.org for more information.

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Montgomery County Schools

ACA’s Jalen Clark Awarded Player of the Week

On September 10, the Montgomery Quarterback Club named Jalen Clark the Private School Player of the Week at the Capital City Club in downtown Montgomery. It was an awesome night shared with his coaches and teammates.

BTW Teacher Wins Prestigious NEA Award

Booker T. Washington Magnet High Advanced Placement English teacher Zestlan Simmons has received a 2020 Award for Teaching Excellence from the NEA Foundation. She will be honored with other teachers from around the country at the Salute to Excellence in Education Gala in February. Simmons was also the Alabama Teacher of the Year for 2018-19.

Truth, Life, Calling

Veritas Vita Vocatio

Eastwood’s educational philosophy is committed to discipling young people through academics so as to foster a love for learning and a passion for Jesus Christ. Eastwood Christian School offers a classical, college preparatory program. Our purpose is to: • • •

Strengthen students in the TRUTH

Encourage students in the abundant LIFE

Equip students for the CALLING that Christ has placed on their lives

Eastwood Christian School serves students from K4 through the 12th grade. The extracurricular activities offered are middle and upper school sports, art classes, piano and guitar lessons, drama, and academic clubs such as Beta Club and Science Olympiad. Dual enrollment opportunities for juniors and seniors are available. Eastwood Christian School | 1701 E. Trinity Blvd | Montgomery, AL 36106

Open House for Prospective Families (K4-12) January 13, 2020 | 6:30pm

For more information visit eastwoodschool.org, or call 334.272.8195.

Eastwood Christian School admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions

River Region Parents I October 2019

programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

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Montgomery Academy Students Named Nat’l Merit Semifinalists

SUA’s Elite Athletic Academy Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The Elite Athletic Academy, a specialized division of Success Unlimited Academy, held its grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on September 5. SUA’s administration, along with the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, hosted the festivities at the new facility at 4500 Vaughn Road. The 3,600 square-foot building features a well-equipped training center with locker room, classrooms and a dance studio. Patsy Guy, with the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, welcomed other Chamber of Commerce staff, SUA board members, athletic advisory board members, families and other area businesses to the ceremony. Elite coaches, teachers and thirty-two student athletes were present as well. The Elite Athletic Academy is a Christ-centered specialized program geared to the development of elite athletes for post-high school participation and careers in athletics. Emphasis is on academic achievement and athletic training at a level that is competitive with collegiate expectations. Athletes completing all academic credits and requirements for graduation will be awarded their accredited diploma from SUA. Numerous SUA staff members attended, including Headmaster Susan Alred, who shared her vision and enthusiasm for this program. Others from SUA were Lead Principal Lauren Morgan and Athletic Director Bill Granger. Josh Williams with Liberty Construction was recognized as the contractor, and Montgomery County Commissioner Doug Singleton praised the school’s vision and for accomplishing the project in a timely manner.

Montgomery Academy students Femi Adediji and Kelly Yoon have been named Semifinalists in the 65th annual National Merit Scholarship Program! These academically talented high school seniors will continue in the competition for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million that will be offered next spring. According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), approximately 1.5 million entrants from more than 21,000 high schools entered the 2020 National Merit Scholarship program by taking the Preliminary SAT (PSAT)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). Roughly 16,000 students qualified as Semifinalists. To qualify as a Semifinalist, a student must exhibit an exemplary academic record, submit a scholarship application and earn a qualifying score on the SAT.

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Montgomery County Schools

Trinity Freshman Visits Africa

MEA Senior Buddies

Each year the Macon East Academy senior students are each paired with one of the school’s youngest Knights in the Pre-K 3 and 4-year-old classes. On September 13, the Class of 2020 enjoyed an afternoon of activities with their new “Buddies” from the Classes of 2033 and 2034. Throughout the school year, the youngest and oldest students on campus enjoy reading time, special snacks together, and many other fun events. The preschool buddies also cheer on their Senior Buddies at MEA sporting events.

River Region Parents I October 2019

Trinity Presbyterian School freshman Dalen Cope was determined to go to Africa. After extensive research, she chose a two-month trip building wells in Zambia with Teen Missions International. Unfortunately, after the second day of drilling, they encountered challenges preventing them from continuing any further. The group revamped its focus to include work on other projects. These plans involved clearing a juniorsized soccer field for village children, including the removal of a five-foot termite mound. Cope also found time to enjoy a safari and a cruise, where she visited Victoria Falls. Cope believes the trip helped her to understand situations where God’s plans are different from hers and looks forward to seeing where He will use her on future trips.

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Art Cafe Highlights Success Unlimited Academy’s Fine Arts Department

Art Cafe 2019 was a huge success for Success Unlimited Academy’s Fine Arts Department. This amazing event was recently held in Hawkins Hall on the lower campus. The annual event showcased what’s available to SUA students, including drama, music and visual arts. Students and parents were invited to the Art Cafe to have the opportunity to ask questions about the program, along with meeting other interested students. Participants and guests were offered an array of delicious finger desserts to enjoy. Highlights included students sharing dramatic vignettes, student artwork, and musical performances. The SUA fine arts team of Benita Edwards (fine arts director/music teacher), Liz Lee (drama teacher) and Barbara Grimes (art teacher) were present, as well as school administration. Without their coordination, Art Cafe 2019 would not have been so successful. The SUA Fine Arts department produces two drama productions annually, and numerous musical concerts. Art students participate in local, district and state competitions and art shows.

BrewTech Magnet Mathletes Win First Place

Brewbaker Technology Magnet High Mathletes won AllAround First Place in the inaugural Math Puzzle Saturday Competition. BrewTech competed against LAMP, BTW and Park Crossing High students in various activities that tested their ability to solve math, chemistry and physics-related puzzles. LAMP organized and executed this event that brought together students from throughout the district. It is known as Math Puzzle Saturday for Montgomery Public Schools, or MPS for MPS. Teams from each competing school work to solve math puzzles using teamwork, collaboration and persistence. Back row from left are Jada Stringer, Allen Paul, Jason Wang, James Beaulieu and Jonobe Edmonds. Front from left are Justin Tang, Jodi Chen, Michael Reyes, Bailee Golab, Kaylah Kerr, and sponsor Curtis Rice. Not pictured: Jessie Lipska.

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Montgomery County Schools

Nationally Known Speaker Visits ECA

Nationally acclaimed speaker Reggie Dabbs recently spoke at a chapel service for Evangel Christian Academy’s middle and high school students. Dabbs was touring the state with the Assembly of God Youth Leadership. During the service, he shared his testimony and told how he was fortunate to be alive. His mother was unwed and had nowhere to turn. A former school teacher took her in until Dabbs was born. The teacher and her husband then became Reggie’s foster parents and later adopted him. They raised him with a strong moral foundation, teaching that in every situation he had a choice to make and he was responsible for his choices. After graduating college, Dabbs began speaking to students about the importance of the choices they make. He has a passion for reaching today’s youth and encourages them to make the right choices in life. He stresses the fact that they cannot change their past but they can change their future.

Eastwood Celebrates Summer Reading and Math Competitions

Eastwood Christian School students in grades K4 through six celebrated the summer reading and math competitions with a Nancy’s Italian Ice party. The parents joined the first- through sixth-grade students later in the morning for the summer reading and math awards ceremony. The top readers and mathematicians in each grade received Books-A-Million gift cards. This summer Eastwood students received almost 1,930 book credits. Here are the winners for each grade: First Grade Reading: 1st place Kimbrel Jones, 2nd place Emme Allen and 3rd place Eliza MacLeod; Math: 1st place (three-way tie) Piper Hall, Kimbrel Jones and Eliza MacLeod, 2nd place Sadler McClure. Second Grade Reading: 1st place Christopher Lee, 2nd place Wesley Ann Preston and 3rd place Lottie Smith; Math: 1st place Copeland Ming, 2nd place Catherine Middleton and 3rd place David Webb. Third Grade Reading: 1st place Garland Thomas, 2nd place Amy Kate Coon and 3rd place Millie Freeman; Math: 1st place Julia Hankins, 2nd place Elias Waddell and 3rd place (three- way tie) Lena Birchfield, Amy Kate Coon and Anna Duggar. Fourth Grade Reading: 1st place Judah Pierce, 2nd place Marlee Smith and 3rd place Robert Moore; Math: 1st place (nine-way tie) Rivers DeHuff, Nini Hodges, Bella Humphries, Sophia MacLeod, Marlee Smith, Dana Swedenburg, Naomi Tan, Brice Webb and Lucy Whatley. Fifth Grade Reading: 1st place Bianka Miller, 2nd place Harper Thomas and 3rd place Charlie Coon; Math: 1st place Kate Hankins, 2nd place (three-way tie) Will Birchfield, Charlie Coon and Bianka Miller, 3rd place Matthew Middleton. Sixth Grade Reading: 1st place Caroline MacLeod, 2nd place John Bennett Lester and 3rd place Hope Birchfield; Math: 1st place (eight-way tie) Hope Birchfield, Lucy Calhoun, Knox DeHuff, Olivia Gross, Porter Johnson, Seonwoo Lee, Caroline MacLeod and Evelyn Williams.

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BrewTech TSA Chapter Visits D.C. BrewTech High School’s Technology Student Association (TSA) Chapter attended the 45th Annual National TSA Conference in Washington DC, June 27-July 3. While there, students also toured the White House, the U.S. Capitol, sat in on a session of Congress, visited Arlington National Cemetery, the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum and the Lincoln Memorial. BrewTech’s Isabella Eleogo served as the National TSA vice president for 2018-19.

Cornerstone 5th Grade Studies Rome Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy’s 5th-grade students recently completed a unit on the Roman Empire. History came alive for these students as they created Roman legion signum, a banner attached to a pole to identify a Roman legion. One of the students created wooden swords and shields which he presented to his classmates.

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Montgomery County Schools

Floyd Students Attend Flamenco Show For the eighth year in a row, Floyd Middle Magnet School students had the opportunity to attend the Hispanic Flamenco Art and Dance Show at the Davis Theater. Students Finn McKinney and Anna Gleason had the chance to dance on the stage with the performers. And just like always, students in Sra. Henley’s class proceeded to San Marcos Restaurant to eat authentic Spanish cuisine. The students had the chance to connect to the real world while experiencing an enriching Spanish culture.

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Churchill Academy Students Toss Coins at U.S. Open

Churchill Academy’s own Drake Arden, above, and Lillie Mastin, below, were chosen to handle the coin tosses for the U.S. Open matches at Arthur Ashe Stadium over Labor Day weekend. Both student-athletes are members of the Dream Court delegation from Montgomery, under the guidance of Coach Jessica Weyreuter, and were selected to represent the delegation in these dynamic moments. Mastin executed her coin toss during the Roger Federer match, while Arden did his during the U.S. Open match of Serena Williams. In their own way, each student brought smiles to the world through their participation. Churchill students lead in love, and these two took their smile-making powers to another level on this day.

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River Region Parents I October 2019

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Montgomery Academy Middle School Welcomes Author Jo Hackl

Montgomery Academy Middle School students enjoyed an exciting two-day interdisciplinary study of Jo Hackl’s novel Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe in the 6th and 7th grades. The highlight of the experience was Hackl’s visit to MA and a partnership with the Valiant Cross Academy 6th-graders who are also reading the book! During their visit, Valiant Cross and MA students discussed a self-reflection document they completed earlier in their English classes for each other; the document included reflections on the examples of help given and received in the novel as well as in the students’ own lives. Hackl shared about her life as a writer and the process of writing the book. Students worked with Hackl in a Writer’s Workshop setting to revise and edit the short stories they wrote earlier in English class. Additionally, students created watercolor paintings in the style of Walter Anderson like the paintings found in the novel. MA students also participated in a variety of other activities in their core classes. Students determined the area and perimeter of Cricket’s treehouse in math class and then built a life-size floor plan. In science, students identified types of plants that Cricket sees in the woods and came up with an outdoor survival plan using only the items found in their school backpack. In social studies and history, students researched the art of Walter Anderson (the artist on which the novel’s secret room is based). They also researched doogaloos (the type of coin used in the ghost town of Electric City, Miss.) and created their own doogaloo in history and social studies. In English class, students drafted a short story using instructions and writing tips created by Hackl. Students also learned how to make paper and ended the day with a scavenger hunt around campus! 38

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Catholic Celebrates 10 AP Scholars, National Merit Semifinalist

Ten Montgomery Catholic students have been identified as AP Scholars by the College Board in recognition of their performance on the Advanced Placement Program (AP) Exams taken in May 2019. Students enrolled in AP courses complete college-level work and take an exam at the end of the school year. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ performance on AP Exams, based on scores ranging from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Six students were named as AP Scholars for receiving a score of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams: Austin Collett ‘19, Jonah Gier ‘19, Grace Leslie ‘19, Maddie Losik ‘19, Kathleen Madden ‘19, and Chloe Smith ’19. Two students were given the AP Scholar with Honor Award for earning an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams: Annie Bach ’19 and Sofia lzer ’20 (shown at top right). Two students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award for receiving an average score of 3.5 or higher on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams: Reagan Herbek ’19 and Clare Wilson ’20 (shown at bottom right). Of these students, Herbek and Collett were the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of the graduating class of 2019. Izer has been named as a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist and Wilson has been named as a National Merit Commended Scholar. Over the past two years, more than half of all Montgomery Catholic students who have taken AP Exams have earned a score of 3 or better with about half of those students earning a 4 or higher. Students have an opportunity to earn college credit depending on how well they score on AP Exams. Montgomery Catholic offers a variety of AP courses in several different disciplines. Photo credit: Total Image

Eastwood Students Mentor Each Other

The fifth year of the Eastwood Christian School mentoring program began as the Lower School Boys’ Mighty Warriors group met for a Bible study and breakfast. The Lower School girls began this year’s Big Sis/Little Sis group with a tea party. The purpose of these programs is to build relationships, memorize Scripture, and develop Godly character for the glory of God.

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Montgomery Catholic Students to Compete on United States Martial Arts Team Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School students Heather and Peter Walski, along with their father Bill Walski, will represent the United States in the World Martial Arts Games in London, England in October. The Walski family studies Shotokan karate, a discipline that blends fundamental movements, forms, and sparring to develop physical and mental fitness. While they have not been practicing for very long, these young athletes quickly rose through the ranks at their dojo, Grandmaster Webbâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Karate and Fitness Fellowship of Christian Martial Arts Academy. Seventh-grader Heather specializes in kata, which is a set sequence of moves, like punches, kicks, jumps, and stances. Sixthgrader Peter enjoys weapons, especially the bo staff, and Bill excels at hand-to-hand sparring. At the World Martial Arts Games, Heather and Bill will compete in three events each and Peter will compete in four events. Both children have a background in gymnastics and soccer, and their athletic conditioning and competitive natures help to keep them engaged throughout their karate

practice. They caught on quickly to new concepts and were able not only to master the basic skills but also to quickly learn new movements and techniques. The turning point for each of them came in their first competition, where they both placed highly: Heather earned 1st in kata, 1st in weapons, and 3rd in fighting and Peter placed 1st in fighting. Twice a week, the Walski family trains at their local dojo in Montgomery. Once a month, they travel to the main dojo in Ashland, Ala., for an intense seven-hour training with their U..S National Team teammates. This is in addition to their regular schedule of schoolwork and soccer practice. The World Martial Arts Games will take place in London October 25-27. Around 500 athletes of different ages and martial arts disciplines from 20 countries from around the world will compete in events that include kata demonstrations, grappling, sparring, and wood and brick breaking.

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Shown, Heather and Peter Walski are in front, with Bill Walski, 2nd from left in the back row.

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Eastwood Students Learn About God’s Creation from Caterpillars

The arrival of a host of caterpillars on the Eastwood Christian School playground coincided with the K-5 class reading of the book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle. On the playground students watched the caterpillars and asked questions such as, “Where did they come from?” and “What do they eat?” They also wanted to know if caterpillars are poisonous, why they don’t all look alike, and if they are friends. In the classroom the K-5 students listened to the story of the hungry caterpillar. Afterward, they drew and painted leaves, then decorated the leaves by making caterpillars out of PlayDoh. Students were taught that the science of metamorphosis is a beautiful picture of how, as we grow, God is transforming us to become more like Christ.

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Trinity Lower School Uses Themed Learning

Trinity Presbyterian School’s Lower School classes used various themes to incorporate rigorous academic content into their day to engage their students and “rock our school.” Some of the themes included Popcorn Day, an all-day Glow Party, Pirate Day, and Jesus is Our Rock Day, which involved both third grade and Upper School Service 101 class! Sixth-grade geography class participated as well by spending their day in Spy School! 41

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Montgomery County Schools

MPD Lieutenant Visits Dalraida Students

Lt. John Mackey of the Montgomery Police Department is helping Montgomery Public Schools spread an anti-bullying message. Dalraida Elementary is one of the schools where he has talked about how to spot bullying and how to handle a bullying situation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be that student willing to help another student. What you say to someone can make them happy or sad,â&#x20AC;? Mackey told the students. Each Dalraida student also signed his own anti-bullying contract. Mackey is shown with Dalraida Assistant Principal Robert Price.

River Region Parents I October 2019

Holy Spirit Holds Grandparents Day

Grandparents, parents, family members and special guests crowded the gym of the Montgomery Catholic Holy Spirit campus to get a glimpse of their beloved students on Grandarents Day. Each class prepared a special presentation for the entire audience comprised of their classmates, teachers, and of course, their grandparents. The students donned creative hats, displayed handmade signs, recited poems, and sang songs to honor their very special visitors. After the heartwarming performance, guests were treated to pastries and juice with their students and had a fantastic time learning about the fun things that the children are learning at Holy Spirit.

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Churchill Academy Honors Heroes of 9/11

Churchill Academy spent September 11 learning about the history of 9/11 and honoring the heroes of that day. Lower School students made cards for local first responders, while the High School Student Council organized a remembrance ceremony for the entire school. Class discussions centered around what happened on that tragic day and how a very united America responded in the face of attacks. The ceremony included a 9/11 reading, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Churchill Academy students may not be old enough to remember the events of 9/11 on their own, but they are students who are learning to never forget the sacrifices made for their freedom.

Lanier High Named Top High School At innovateAFITC Competition

Lanier High computer science students made a big impression at the Air Force Information Technology & Cyberpower Conference. Kayla Hill, LaTerrica Green and J’naya Johnson teamed up with ARRAY Information Technology, winning Top High School and third place for Pitch Presentation in the innovateAFITC competition. This event is billed as the premiere collaboration competition for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and cybersecurity.

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SUA High Schoolers Experience Ballroom Dance

Success Unlimited Academy high-schoolers have started the year with an elective class in their schedules that some may consider outside the box. Ballroom dancing is a new opportunity for students at SUA! Under Joseph Schaubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teaching, students have been having a blast in ballroom dance class. Schaub brings to the dance floor more than twenty years of dance experience, and he is also an awardwinning dance teacher in Montgomery. Students are learning various dances like the tango, rumba and swing, as well as others. Dance floor etiquette, partnership and coordination are just a few of the many things that SUA students will have practical use for in their adult life. Thanks to Schaub, the dancers are excited about their success in the ballroom. Shown here are David Powell and Michaela Knighton.

Mobis Alabama Donates School Supplies to Catoma Elementary

Mobis Alabama LLC has once again donated more than $10,000 worth of school supplies to Catoma Elementary. Mobis has been a community partner to Catoma for eight years, donating thousands of pencils, reams of paper, scissors, bottles of glue and other items to help youngsters learn. Principal Mary Markham and Catoma students gathered in the school lobby to thank Mobis for the donation. Send Your School News to: editor@riverregionparents.com.

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MEA’s Coach Lott Reaches Milestone

Macon East Academy’s head football coach, Glynn Lott, reached a career milestone on September 13 as the Knights defeated Ft. Dale Academy in Greenville. The 41-7 victory gave Lott his 150th football coaching win. Lott is in his 24th season as the head football coach at Macon East, where he also serves as headmaster and head softball coach. Over the course of his football coaching career, Lott has compiled a record of 150-105. He has been named All-Metro coach 14 times and All-State coach six times and was selected as the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s AISA Coach of the Year in 2000. Lott has won state cham-pionships in football, softball and track, and guided his basketball teams to eight Final Four appearances. He also serves as president of the AISA Coaches Association. Lott’s 2019 varsity team is currently undefeated and anticipates a great remainder of the season in the AISA AAA classification.

Montgomery Catholic 7th-Graders Experience Camp Chandler

The transition to middle school can be a difficult time for some students. Moving to a new school, meeting a lot of new people, switching between different classes each period, and learning to open a locker are part of the challenges that almost every middleschooler experiences. To help ease the new school jitters and build fellowship, the Montgomery Catholic 7th-grade class takes an overnight trip to Camp Chandler at the beginning of each school year. The students enjoyed all kinds of activities including archery, swimming, tower climbing, boat rides, and everyone’s favorite high-intensity camp game, GaGa. The students split into four large groups and rotated between different activities during the day. In the evening, everyone gathered around the campfire to wind down for songs and fellowship with one another. Justin Castanza, principal of the Montgomery Catholic middle school, gave a motivational talk to welcome the students to middle school and encourage them to get to know one another better. 45

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Montgomery County Schools

Saint James Announces National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalist

MPS Receives Book Benches

The Montgomery Public Art Commission unveiled 12 book-themed benches designed by River Region artists, including three benches for Montgomery Public Schools. The Montgomery Book Bench Project was funded by the arts commission, the City Council and the County Commission. DeShaun Smith created a bench based on What’s the Hurry, Fox? by Zora Neale Hurston for E.D. Nixon Elementary, and India Wilson created a bench based on Yasmin in Charge by Saadia Farquhar for Fitzpatrick Elementary. Dianne Waites created a Winnie the Pooh themed bench for Garrett Elementary. She is pictured here with Garrett Principal Anissha Officer and City Council member Richard Bollinger.

Saint James senior Trevor Otis has been named a 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalist, a prestigious honor awarded to approximately 16,000 students nationwide, from 1.5 million entrants. Identifying these academically talented high school seniors across the nation provides them the opportunity to continue in the scholarship competition vying for one of 7,600 National Merit Scholarships that will be offered in the spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. Approximately 94 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title. Through his years as a Saint James student, Otis has served as president of the Speech & Debate team, a student ambassador, a member of the marching band, and a member of the math team. As a member of several honor societies including National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, French Honor Society, and Tri-M, he embodies the foundation of a Saint James education—educating the whole child. Otis said he would like to attend Rice University in Houston, Texas.

Success Unlimited Art Students Host Art Sale

Success Unlimited Academy’s art students hosted their first art sale recently. A multitude of various phenomenal pieces by talented students were sold as part of this fundraising event for the art department. Barbara Grimes, SUA’s art teacher, coordinated this profitable event for her students. From acrylic on canvas to mixed media, many genres were represented. Each student received a percentage of his individual purchased pieces, with the remaining percentage going to the art department. Proceeds of the sale will assist in the purchase of canvases, brushes, and other needed art supplies. SUA art students have won numerous awards on the local, district and state levels.

MEA Students Improve Reading Skills with Larry

For many years Macon East Academy first-grade students have enjoyed weekly visits with a very special visitor. Mrs. Mary Hughes and her dog, Larry the labrador retriever, visit Macon East each Tuesday and have reading time with every first-grade student in the library. In partnership with the Montgomery Humane Society, the reading program and Mrs. Mary have had a positive effect on the reading skills of our 1st-grade students. They look forward to selecting and reading a book to Larry each week. Larry is a patient and attentive listener, and the students enjoy the bond formed with their furry friend. River Region Parents I October 2019

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Montgomery Academy Coach Gordon Celebrates 1400 Wins

Montgomery Academy Volleyball Coach Julie Gordon recorded another milestone this season. The Hall of Fame coach collected her 1,400th win when the Eagles defeated Spain Park. In her 41 years of coaching, Gordon’s current career record is 1,405 wins and only 394 losses. She has coached five state championship teams and nine state runners-up. “I’ve been blessed to be at a great school with great coaches, parents and kids,” Gordon said. “I love the game so much and I look forward to the season every year. Our team this year is well balanced. We have been outsized all year and that means we win with heart, balance a variety of talent.”

Trinity Hosts Annual College Day

Trinity Presbyterian School hosted its annual College Day for 9th- through 12th-grade students and their parents. More than 50 colleges and universities were represented during our browse session, with more than half of them staying for individual classroom presentations. We were excited to be joined by our friends from Valiant Cross Academy as well. Thank you to our college counselor Elizabeth Mosley for organizing this event each year and to the parent volunteers and Trinity staff for their help.

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ACA Eagles Marching Band

It is a brand-new season for the Alabama Christian Academy Marching Band. The ACA color guard performs in meticulous fashion with one clear goal, to please the crowd. A tremendous amount of time and dedication is required, not only by the students and faculty, but by the parents of these musicians and performers. It takes an army of people to make these shows not only work smoothly but also in a timely fashion.

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Eastwood Hosts Grandparents And Grandpals Brunch

Eastwood Christian School hosted a celebration to honor the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; grandparents and grandpals. Guests were treated to a brunch and a brief program. The students joined the celebration to entertain their guests with songs and poems about what they are learning. Afterward, grandparents and grandpals were invited to visit the classrooms.

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Carver Teacher Named A Fulbright Scholar

Alyxandra Price of Carver High has been selected as a Fulbright Scholar and will be traveling overseas to share her teaching expertise. Price has received a Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching Short Term Program (Fulbright DAST) grant. She is one of 13 U.S. citizens who will travel abroad as part of Cycle II of the Fulbright DAST program in 2019. Price will be stationed in Kyambogo College School near Kampala, Uganda. Her focus will be “Introducing Learner Assessment Techniques in a Ugandan School.” The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to build relations between the U.S. and other countries and to help solve global problems.

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Cornerstone Introduces House System

This year Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy (CCCA) introduced a House System for its logic and rhetoric (grades 6-12) students who were divided into one of four houses. Through their houses, the students engage in Bible study, service, fellowship and friendly competition. Each morning the students gather in their houses for a time of morning devotion. The houses also provide opportunities for older students to serve as house leaders. The four houses are: Esther House, whose motto is “I have learned to give aid to those who suffer,” Ruth House, whose motto is “Victory Needs Sacrifice,” Aquinas House, whose motto is “Truth Conquers all Things” and Augustine House, whose motto is “The Light Shines in the Darkness.” CCCA student Annabella Butler, a member of Augustine House, said she is excited about the new house system because “it is a chance for new upper school students to mingle with old upper school students.” Shown, members of Ruth House gather for a time of morning devotion.

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It has been a great, but busy start to the school year. We have grown to over 2,200 learners in pre-K through 12th grade. This is a 20% gain in student enrollment since last school year. To meet the needs of our growing student body and provide sustained success, Pike Road Schools is in the process of building 12 additional classrooms at our Historic campus, completely renovating the Georgia Washington campus and adding athletic facilities to the Georgia Washington campus. We are excited these construction projects are underway. They are scheduled for completion in the fall of 2020. Also in the fall of 2020, PRS will realign our campuses in the following way:

• The Founding Campus located at 500 Avenue of Learning will house communities PreK-3. • The Historic Campus located at 4710 Pike Road will house communities 4-6. • The Georgia Washington Campus located at 696 Georgia Washington Road will house communities 7-12. Based on current enrollment projections derived from assessing our growth over the past five years and looking at the growth of other new school systems in Alabama that are similarly situated, we believe these decisions will meet our educational space needs for the next six to seven years. As we continue to grow in numbers, we also are growing in the courses and extracurricular activities available to our students. We have added a full marching band, several new clubs, and numerous AP and dual enrollment courses. Our fall athletic teams are performing well, with cheerleading, cross country, football, and volleyball. All teams are making our school system and community proud. Playoffs

will be upon us soon, as will the beginning of practice for winter sports. Pike Road High School recently attained School of Excellence status as recognized by College A+ College Ready. “ It is an honor to receive the A+ grant. It is an extreme honor to be chosen as one out of the four schools across the state as a School of Excellence,” said David Sikes, principal of Pike Road High School. “This distinction says a lot about the quality and dedication of the teachers at Pike Road High School and the caliber of students we work with.” We are making great strides in student achievement, overall success and growing by leaps and bounds. The future is bright for Pike Road Schools! Keep an eye on us as we continue to lead the way in education and make our school district the best it can be. Chuck Ledbetter has been an educator for 28 years. He has earned a B.A. in history from Auburn University; a Masters of Education in history from AUM; and a doctorate in educational leadership from Auburn University. Chuck Ledbetter was a history teacher for 11 years, an assistant principal, a middle school principal, a high school principal, assistant superintendent for curriculum and for finance, and is in his ninth year as a superintendent. He is married to Kim and has three daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.

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Ledbetter Named District Superintendent of Year

Pike Road Schools Superintendent Dr. Charles Ledbetter was elected as the District IV Superintendent of the Year. He was nominated and elected by the superintendents in District IV of the School Superintendents of Alabama. “Dr. Ledbetter is an extremely thoughtful and conscientious leader and well deserving of this honor,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey. “I knew him during his first tenure in Alabama and was sorry to see him leave for Georgia several years ago. As I would see him at various national meetings, it was obvious that he was an exceptional leader so, naturally, I was thrilled when he came back home to Alabama to share his talents and expertise. Pike Road is truly blessed to have him at the helm of their school system, where he continues to lead the way forward for excellent academics, athletics, and overall opportunity for all children.” School Superintendents of Alabama is the only association in Alabama for all school superintendents and members of their leadership team. There are approximately 1,525 members, including 138 public school systems, individual, retired, associate, and business members. District IV is comprised of 20 school districts. “The other superintendents in District IV are just as talented and work just as hard,” said Dr. Ledbetter. “The difference is the people in Pike Road, everyone from the learners and parents, to the businesses and the community and most of all our dedicated employees.”

PRES Student Receives Surprise Visitor

Chloe Cooper, a fourth-grade student at Pike Road Elementary, received a surprise visit at school from her father, Paul Cooper. He is active duty military and has been deployed for five months. The photo above captured her emotions.

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High School Football Player Kicks Out Cancer

Aubrey Grace, a senior at Pike Road High School, is using his kicking skills and abilities to raise money toward cancer research and travel expenses for cancer patients. Grace is the starting kicker and punter for the Pike Road Patriots varsity football team. Over the summer while attending a kicking camp, he learned of the Kick-It program. The Kick-It program is part of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. The main goal of the foundation is to raise money for childhood cancer research. Grace’s personal goal is to raise $2,500 this football season. Donations can be made in two ways: by donating a dollar to his campaign or by pledging a dollar amount for every point Grace kicks this season. His personal point goal is 75. Currently, Grace has raised $918 and scored 27 points towards his goal. To learn more or to make a pledge, visit https://www.alexslemonade.org/ mypage/1820463.

PRHS Achieves School Of Excellence Status

A+ College Ready, a program of the A+ Education Partnership, recognized Pike Road High School as a School of Excellence. A+ College Ready is a non-profit that works to boost the college readiness of Alabama students. PRHS is one of four schools in the state to receive this recognition. The award was based on student AP test scores from the 20182019 school year. Several PRHS teachers and students will receive grants for helping the school achieve A+ College Ready School of Excellence status. The grant provides ongoing resources for teachers. The grant also provides students who pass AP courses $100. Teachers who reach their individual percent goals for the number of students passing AP tests receive stipends. Passing AP scores gives students college credit. If students take all the offered AP courses, they can graduate high school with 24 college credit hours. In addition, if a student earns an A in an AP course, they in turn have a higher GPA. This motivates students to take AP courses. “It is an extreme honor to be chosen as one out of the four schools across the state as a School of Excellence,” said David Sikes, principal of Pike Road High School. “This distinction says a lot about the quality and dedication of the teachers at Pike Road High School and the caliber of students we work with.” River Region Parents I October 2019

Superintendent Reads to Kindergartners

Mrs. Cobb’s kindergarten class enjoyed a special guest reader in September. Dr. Charles Ledbetter, the superintendent of Pike Road Schools, visited the class and read two of his favorite childhood stories, Green Eggs and Ham and Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel. Ledbetter engaged the young learners in each of the stories by asking questions and reading with wonderful expression. www.riverregionparents.com

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PRMS Students Make Flag Corps

Pike Road Football Stadium Rolls Out NFL-Grade Turf

The Pike Road Patriots football team has played four consecutive football seasons without a home field or a true practice field. The excitement having a home football stadium is certainly building! In mid-September, crews began rolling out turf, making this long-awaited dream a reality. The turf was last used by the National Football Leagueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Orleans Saints, last football season. The turf was only used for one season by the Saints and is still virtually new. It comes with an eight-year warranty and a 10-12 year lifespan. In addition, this type of turf is rated the highest on the market for safety. It was constructed for very large linemen in the NFL to consistently fall on, therefore it minimizes the risks of injuries. When officials at PRS researched different turf options, this was presented as an option that provides virtually new turf that meets all the required specifications at a reduced cost. A Kansas high school used the same option and has been very pleased with the product. The Patriots are hoping to play their first game in the new stadium this October.

Ten Pike Road Middle School students were selected to serve on the 2019-20 Flag Corps team. This is the second consecutive year that Pike Road Middle School has offered a Flag Corps team. Students were required to write essays explaining what the American flag means to them and why they should be selected to be a member of this team. Essays were reviewed by PRMS Principal Vicki Davis. The top essay authors were then selected to serve on this years Flag Corp. After students were selected to be on this prestigious team, Maxwell Air Force Soldiers came to PRMS and provided flag protocol training to students. The soldiers are members of the Honor Guard Team who spend time with students training them in proper procedures for raising and lowering the American Flag. The soldiers also educate students on their responsibility as part of the Maxwell Honor Guard Team. They explained and demonstrated how they perform special ceremonies and why this tradition is so important to the armed forces. Once the PRMS Flag Corps team completed the training, they were assigned to teams of three who are then responsible for raising and lowering the American Flag each day.

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Pike Road Attends Air University K-12 Symposium

Pike Road Schools leaders joined other K-12, higher education and military leaders from across the state and even some from outside the state at the Air University K-12 Symposium on September 13. Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth was the keynote speaker. The symposium discussed improving public education opportunities for dependent children of Air University faculty, staff and students. At the forefront of the discussion was the Military Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Commission (MIC3). The compact deals with the challenges of being a military child and their frequent relocation assignments, which translates to changing school systems multiple times during their K-12 years. All 50 states are members of the MIC3. The program helps military children to have a seamless transition into a new school system. The MIC3 levels eligibility requirements, transfer credits, acceptance into gifted and special education, and graduation requirements among school systems. All four public school district superintendents in the River Region were in attendance. From Pike Road Schools were Superintendent Charles Ledbetter, Military Liaison & Communication Coordinator Rebecca Williams, Pike Road High School Principal David Sikes, Pike Road Elementary School Counselor Shelia Daniel, Pike Road Middle School Counselor Heather Windham, and Pike Road High School Counselors Tina White and Holli Lovrich. Pike Road Schools is dedicated to joining forces to improve education, not just for military students but for all students. River Region Parents I October 2019

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Extraordinary Academics. Extraordinary Arts. Extraordinary Athletics. Extraordinary Faculty.

All to the Glory of God. Accredited K3 through 12th Grade Independent College-Preparatory School Trinity School is Montgomeryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foremost educational institution providing students the highest quality college-preparatory education, training them in the biblical world and life view, enabling them to serve God in spirit, mind, and body. Trinity offers a rigorous academic program, award-winning fine arts program, committed educators, outstanding athletics, and a nurturing family environment. The Trinity Experience is extraordinary in every wayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;an education that is as unique as your child. If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Director of Admission Jenny McClinton at 334.213.2213 or jmcclinton@trinitywildcats.com. Tuition assistance is available. Discount offered to our military families.

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PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES ARE INVITED TO JOIN US FOR THESE SPECIAL EVENTS

GRAND STORY HOUR: Prospective K3, K4, K5 Students, Parents or Grandparents December 6, 2019 at 1:30 PM

K3-K5 OPEN HOUSE: Prospective Parents of K3, K4, K5 Students January 23, 2020 at 6:00 PM

One World. One School. One Family. 55

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The 20192020 school year is well under way, and I have already been so impressed by numerous events and activities across our district. As I visit our schools, I can tell that everyone is off to a great start. The one thing I am absolutely positive about is the fact that Autauga County schools are Taking Care of Business! Our students and faculty members continue to work hard and do their very best in every aspect of the educational realm and throughout our community. Fall break is quickly approaching, and I sincerely hope everyone enjoys a pleasant and restful break. Each year, we strive to improve in all aspects of your children’s educational

experiences, to include making as many necessary capital improvements as possible. Reroofing projects at Prattville High School and Prattville Junior High School are now complete. Paving projects, to include the car loop and parking lot at Billingsley School along with parking lot at the Autauga County Technology Center were completed this summer. The indoor facility at Prattville High School received an upgrade this summer. Finally, the flooring in all classrooms at Pine Level Elementary School was upgraded. Opportunity is what Autauga County Schools desire for all of our young people. In our ever-changing global marketplace, it is great to know that we send our students out into the workplace equipped with knowledge and skills needed to compete for jobs on a higher level. Autauga County Technology Center (ACTC) consistently evolves providing

more opportunities for students to acquire necessary skills to meet the varying demands of the workplace. The ACTC is offering three new classes this year: HVAC, Automotive, and Fire Science and Emergency Services. These new course offerings will help our students prepare for a bright future. The future of Autauga County Schools looks brighter and brighter because of the partnerships that exist among students, parents, teachers, and everyone who makes the school day happen. I am excited about the future of our schools and look forward to sharing with you more of the wonderful things going on in Autauga County Schools! Spence Agee is the Superintendent of Education for Autauga County Schools. He is a third generation educator with an ED.S. in Educational Leadership. He has 20 years of experience in the education field as well as 29 years of military experience. Agee is an active member at First Baptist Church in Prattville. He and his wife, Cesily, who is also an educator, have two daughters, Abby and Addison.

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Prattville Football Players Assist YMCA with New Adapted Flag Football Program

Another dream has been realized this year in the form of flag football. For the Prattville YMCA’s adapted sports program, fall has been baseball season on the Field of Dreams, until this year. Coach Jamie contacted June Dorough with the YMCA this summer because his son Gideon had a very important request: to play flag football like his dad. Not knowing how many would actually want to play, sign-ups were sent out. Results? Four teams! After some communication with Prattville High School’s Head Football Coach Caleb Ross, the team committed to sending a group of football players out each Thursday to help. First games were met with so many questions such as how to set up a field, how to work with and promote the abilities of each and every player, and would this actually work? Between the interaction from Prattville’s players and the kids running and scoring,there were smiles all around. The YMCA adapted program is designed to allow anyone to participate in sporting events so their field is named the Field of Dreams. For more information, follow the Field of Dreams on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PrattvilleYMCAFieldofDreams/ or contact the YMCA at http://prattvilleymca.org/programs/youth-sports/.

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PCA Band Students Chosen for Honor Band

Prattville Christian Academy freshman Andrew Minton and sophomore Nicholas LaFrance were selected to participate in the 2019 Huntingdon College high school honor band. They marched in a recent Hawk Walk as well as played in the football game’s halftime show. #PCAproud

PCA Critical Thinkers

Marbury Crowns Homecoming Queen, Wins Football Game

Marbury High School Homecoming Queen 2019 is Miss Jakaila Waller. To top off a fantastic evening, MHS football team won 43-34 over Shelby County.

Prattville Christian Academy’s gifted students are going #beyondcode and taking STEM to the next level while learning to code with SpheroSprk+ robots and being challenged to innovate with new curriculum called Invitation to Invent. They are combining critical thinking and problem-solving skills to create a system invention and dive deep into invention design.

Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.

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Fall sports are underway with many football and volleyball games as well as cross country meets already in the books! Fall festivals will soon begin, providing fun activities for entire families throughout the district. This is always an exciting time of year as we look forward to cooler weather and enjoy supporting our students in all their endeavors. Elmore County Schools continues to grow with a record enrollment of 11,209 students. To accommodate our growth, our Board recently approved our 2019-2020 capital plan and voted to employ architects to provide feasibility, budget estimates, design and construction administrative services on several major projects. These projects include expansion of the Elmore County Technical Center, construction of Redland Middle School, new construction of the Stanhope Elmore High School Band Room, wing addition at Airport Road Intermediate School,

new construction of a maintenance facility/ records storage building, security entrance upgrades and renovation of the baseball/ softball complex at Holtville High School. The total anticipated cost for these projects is approximately $38 million. The Board also approved a bond resolution authorizing the preparation and sale of up to $50 million in bonds to finance these capital projects. Plans for these new facilities represent additions and/or improvements throughout the school system, and we are excited to be able to move forward with these much-needed, long-anticipated projects. Military- and federally connected students and their families often face many challenges resulting from frequent relocations. The average military student transitions more than twice during high school, and most military children will attend six to nine different schools from kindergarten to 12th grade. We now offer the opportunity for students who reside on Maxwell Air Force Base or Gunter Annex to apply to attend school in our district at no charge, and student athletes are immediately eligible to participate. Ensuring a smooth educational

transition for these children and their families in keeping with the Military Interstate Children’s Compact is a top priority for Elmore County Schools. One in five teens has had a serious mental health disorder at some point in their life, and suicide is the second leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year olds. I am thrilled to announce that Wetumpka High School was one of 35 high schools across the United States recently selected to participate in a new teen Mental Health First Aid pilot program in partnership with Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation. This innovative new peer-to-peer program teaches high school students a 5-step action plan to help their friends who may be facing a mental health problem or crisis, such as suicide, and highlights the important step of involving a responsible and trusted adult. Elmore County Schools – where every student is empowered for success! Richard Dennis is the Superintendent of Education for Elmore County Schools. He is a 1983 graduate of Holtville High School. He served 21 years as a high school principal at Holtville High, Wetumpka High and most recently, Prattville High. He and wife, Leslie (also an educator) have three sons and a daughter.

FBC Prattville Welcomes New Senior Pastor,

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Elmore County Schools

Power Team Visits Redland Elementary

The Power Team visited Redland Elementary School and delivered an inspiring message to the students about working hard and making good choices.

Area Homeschoolers Storm ‘Thunder Truck’

Brutus Visits Holtville Elementary Students

Brutus the Bulldog—the Holtville High School mascot—along with the football players and cheerleaders, all make their way to Holtville Elementary every Friday to see the students. GO BULLDOGS!

The famous “Thunder Truck” and Alabama News Network Meteorologist Ryan Stinnett mesmerized local homeschoolers during a scheduled stop at Academy Days Coop in Millbrook recently. Students in the S.T.E.M. Challenges and Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead classes listened attentively as Stinnett explained the science, technology, engineering, and math behind weather prediction. The homeschoolers then explored Thunder Truck, the state-of-the-art, storm-chasing vehicle that allows the TV station’s team of meteorologists to track storms and broadcast live as they drive directly into severe weather. Held weekly during the school year at Coosada Baptist Church, Academy Days Co-op offers preschool through high school classes in sub-jects such as science labs, photography, criminology, history, creative writing and P.E. Visit www.AcademyDays.com for more information about the co-op or homeschooling.

Airport Road Fourth-Graders Tour History

On September 6, Airport Road Intermediate School 4th-graders attended their first field trip for the 2019-20 school year. Students had the opportunity to visit the Rosa Parks Museum, Alabama State Capitol, and the Alabama Department of Archives. River Region Parents I October 2019

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Eclectic Elementary Names August Students of the Month

Kindergarten: Sadie Fayth Peadon, Nora Cosby, Elijah Brown, Oneal Farrow and Gianna Sifuentes 1st grade: Lyla Moore, Abbigail Morse, Georgia Blakely, Kylie Deriso and Jaycee Lucas 2nd grade: Maddie Tyson (not pictured), Emma Sanders, Kinslee Fochtmann, Abbi Eckert and Arielle Kendrick 3rd grade: Khloe Moe, Brantley Hill, Kinley Bowden, Gabby Henderson (not pictured) and Ava Bruce Thompson 4th grade: Emmalyn Morse, Mason Byram, Taylor McGhar and Daniel Weldon

Elmore County Tech Center Hosts Open House

The Elmore County Technical Center hosted parents, students and the community during its annual Open House event in August. Students from 21st Century afterschool programs in the county toured the 12 programs at ECTC. Pictured are students learning about the automated mannequin in Medical Sciences.

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Elmore County Schools

Holtville Welcomes Grandparents to the Library

Mrs. McLemore invited all grandparents to the library to participate in library class with their grandchildren at Holtville Elementary. The grandparents enjoyed story time and fun with the children.

ECTC Medical Science Students Visit Jefferson State

Medical Science students from the Elmore County Technical Center visited Jefferson State Community Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health Science Day to learn about their programs of study. Each student was able to test out hands-on activities applicable to a variety of medical fields.

River Region Parents I October 2019

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Holtville Culinary Arts Students Prepare Food for State Ceremony

Holtville High School Culinary Arts students prepared and served refreshments at the Bicentennial Schools of Excellence Ceremony at the Department of Archives in September. During the event, the students had the opportunity to meet Governor Ivey and state school leaders.

Firefighters, Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Deputies Visit Redland

Redland Elementary School kindergartners were visited by Elmore County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department and Redland Fire Department as part of their study of community helpers.

Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@riverregionparents.com.

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Preparing Teens for Life Outside the Nest

by Lee Gonet

ACT Test Scores What They Mean and How They Affect You Colleges continue to use ACT scores to evaluate the potential success of future students, and now, more than ever before, college readiness has become an important evaluator for college acceptance. Why?

BECAUSE THE MAJORITY OF GRADUATING SENIORS ARE NOT ACADEMICALLY PREPARED FOR COLLEGE STUDIES.

National Averages

47% of students scored less than 20 on their ACT and 56% of those students dropped out of higher education before their second year. Of that same group, only 23% completed their degree in four years. Additionally, the majority of students scored below college-readiness levels in Math, Reading, and Science.

Student Readiness

Many students are entering college unprepared for the rigorous demands of coursework as evidenced by a rising need for remedial classes. Because these courses are not credit-bearing, they can delay students’ degree completion and increase the cost of education. To address this problem, ACT has created benchmarks, which indicate students’ likelihood for success in entrylevel credit-bearing college courses. An 18 in English suggests a student has a 75% chance of earning a C or higher in Composition I. A 22 in Math is advised for College Algebra; a 22 in Reading for Social Science classes (e.g. American History, Western Civilization, Psychology, or Political Science); and a 23 in Science for Biology I. In 2015, ACT created a STEM assessment of 26 based on student success in STEM-related subjects such as Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering. Only 26% of students met this benchmark of a 26 or higher.

College Expectations

Colleges will generally look at ACT

River Region Parents I October 2019

Composite scores (an average of the four subject scores) when making admission decisions. However, if a student indicates a STEM-related major, the college will place a heavier emphasis on Math and Science scores. Most college websites post the ACT averages of previous incoming classes; therefore, applicants can compare their own Composites to their desired college’s range of accepted scores and work towards specific increases.

One Point Matters!

A single point on the ACT might make a big financial difference. For example, many colleges offer scholarships of $1,000 per year for every point higher on composite scores, and many schools offer several thousands of dollars more per point. That represents a minimum of $4,000 for a four-year freshman scholarship PER POINT!

Focused Improvement

Students can raise their scores by knowing what to study. The ACT score report provides an analysis of strong and weak areas. Under “Detailed Results,” students will find how well they did in subcategories, such as geometry or grammar. If they need to raise a particular subject score to get into a desired college, they can focus on subcategories in weak areas, prepare, and try again.

Start Early

I advise students to take the ACT for the first time no later than the summer of their Sophomore year since over 50% of the test is on information they should have learned prior to high school. That way, they can use their first scores as a base, identifying areas for improvement, and working on those areas in school classes. Academic knowledge will have increased by the summer of their Junior year, demonstrating a rise in ACT scores. These incremental increases are encouraging and help students evaluate their future need for improvement. This plan 64

also alleviates stress during the collegeapplication process since students can reach their goal scores by the summer of their Senior year.

Choosing a College

On the ACT score report, the “Interest Inventory” graph tells students how well their interests match with other students who declared the same major, as well as if they scored in the low, medium, or high quadrant which aligns with other areas. For instance, when registering for the ACT, students select different kinds of preferred work tasks. The college and career planning section lists five potential occupations that involve work students prefer. People whose interests fit their career tend to experience better job performance and greater job satisfaction. Myact.org is a free tool which exposes students to different majors that fit their interests. It also allows them to explore colleges that offer specific majors and helps them calculate the cost of college.

In Perspective

Students, your ACT scores do not represent who you are or what you are capable of accomplishing. They are only diagnostic tools which guide you to better learning and life decisions. Use them as you would any other measure of work: evaluate the data, create a plan, and determine your own outcome. You are worth the effort. If you want help upping your score, I am now offering Saturday prep classes before each ACT Test for only $75, and as always, returning students receive a 20% discount! You can register at leestestprep. com. * The above information is primarily from the ACT website. For more information go to actstudent.org. Lee Gonet is an avid learner, speaker, educator, and world traveler. She loves challenging teenagers to excel beyond what society considers possible by teaching young people to think deeply, learn intensely, and act purposefully outside the classroom box. For example, her daughter worked abroad by 16 and her son earned his Engineering Master’s by 20. Dreams do come true. If you would like to learn more about Lee or her ACT Prep Classes, go to leestestprep.com!

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According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately one in five kids ages 12 to 18 has experienced being bullied in a given year. Such bullying ranges from name-calling and spreading rumors to the destruction of property, threats, and violence.

River Region Parents I October 2019

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Studies have found bullying has health and psychological repercussions – and the effects can last into adulthood. The victims of childhood bullying, as well as bully-victims (those who are both bullied and bully others), according to a 2013 report in Psychological Science journal, are “at increased risk of poor health, wealth, and social-relationship outcomes in adulthood.” Pure bullies (those who bully but are not victims), weren’t found to be at increased risk.

Bullying versus conflict

For parents and educators to effectively address bullying, we must first understand what constitutes bullying. When we see it, we often don’t recognize it because from the outside it looks like a conflict. In fact, it often is nothing more than conflict. In the heat of the moment, kids, like adults, can say and do mean things to each other. That, in and of itself, doesn’t constitute bullying. Because parents and teachers are aware of this, it’s sometimes easy to dismiss a child’s complaints about being harassed as nothing more than a spat. So, here are some questions to help determine which it is. • Do both children have equal power? If so, it’s conflict. In bullying, the bully has more power or more perceived power. • Are both children able to express their concerns or views? Or is one child passive or unable to express her side for some reason?

• Does the behavior stop when the antagonizing child recognizes he’s hurting another? Or does the aggressor continue, while being fully aware of the effects of his behavior?

What is bullying? Bullying is repeated acts by an individual or a group with the intent to scare, distress, or cause harm to another. It differs from simply disliking or rejecting another, mutual conflict, or a single-episode mean-spirited act. Bullying behaviors include any of the following: • Hostile or discriminatory behavior based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. • Cyberbullying, which is the use of social media, websites, instant messaging, or texting via smartphones or computers to harass or harm another. • Causing physical harm by hitting, kicking, shoving or destroying property. • Social bullying, such as spreading malicious rumors, damaging someone’s reputation, encouraging others to gang up on someone, or playing mean or embarrassing jokes. • Verbal bullying, which includes name-calling, intimidating, or insulting another.

Kids keep it a secret

Often, children don’t tell when they’re being bullied. As a result, the bullying persists for months or longer and becomes increasingly more damaging. There are multiple reasons kids might not tell an adult. • Perhaps a child has been threatened with repercussions if they tell, or the child fears the threat will become greater if they say anything. • They don’t want to be a tattletale, something kids have been taught not to do and don’t always understand the difference between tattling for unimportant matters versus more serious issues. • Children often feel ashamed or embarrassed either about being a victim of bullying or about the reason they’re being bullied. This is often the case when the bully has used name-calling or character attacks. • They feel they either won’t be believed or that adults won’t do anything about it.

Signs of bullying

There are several signs to be aware of that might indicate your child is being bullied. • Frequently tries to get out of going to school or has declining grades • Complaints of stomach aches and headaches • Feeling sad or upset • Social withdrawal • Difficulty sleeping

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• Asking whether something derogatory someone said about your child is true or other signs of decreased self-esteem • Unexplained bruises or abrasions • Clothing, electronics or other belongings missing or damaged • Seeming anxious or sad after being on social media • Changes in eating habits, whether lack of appetite, binge eating, or not eating lunch at school • Self-harm or talk of suicide Signs that might indicate your child is a bully include: • Hanging out with other kids who are aggressive or bully others • Not taking responsibility for their own actions • Excludes certain kids from activities • Frequently getting into trouble at school • Expresses intolerance toward kids who are different • Makes fun of other kids • Brings home items such as electronics, clothes, or money • Hurts animals • Has experienced or witnessed domestic violence • Is overly concerned about being popular

How to prevent or put a stop to bullying

First and foremost, talk to your kids about bullying, so they understand what it is and that it’s unacceptable. Make sure your kids understand it’s imperative they tell an adult if they or someone they know is being bullied. Monitor your kids’ activity online including their social media. There are many reasons to do this for your child’s safety. To ensure your child is neither being bullied or acting like a bully is one more big reason. Model the kind of behavior you expect from your kids. When kids overhear their parents talking negatively about people because of their weight or joking about someone who’s different, kids tend to model this behavior and are more likely to take it to an extreme. Teach your kids to stand up for themselves. If your child remains passive, a bully will up the ante and gradually become more abusive. But, if your child assertively and unemotionally stands up to the bully, the bully will realize she won’t get away with the behavior. On the other hand, if a bully knows he’s getting under your child’s skin, the bully will persist. Your child should maintain eye contact, stay calm, maintain appropriate distance, and use the bully’s name while addressing the bully. Here are some examples of what your child can say:

• You’re being a bully, Kyle. Knock it off. • Okay. Whatever, Sara. • I’m sure you think you’re really funny, Joey, but really, you’re not. • Amanda, do you really think I care? • Nice try, Christa. Notice all of these are simple, direct, unemotional responses that let the bully know she isn’t getting under your child’s skin. Your child should practice one or two of these or come up with his or her own ideas that feel comfortable. The idea is to not say anything that gives the bully power such as a compliment or that indicates it bothers your child. If your child is being bullied, also talk to your child’s teachers, school administrators, bus driver, and others who can help put a stop to the abusive behavior. Make certain your school has a plan in place to protect your child, and if it isn’t doing enough, contact the district superintendent. If your child has been threatened, contact the police immediately. Finally, if the bullying doesn’t cease, proceed by filing charges through your school board and the local police department. mp

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance lifestyle and parenting writer. Find her at kimberlyblaker.com

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Talking About “Sexting”

by a sexting scandal involving hundreds of students. In 2009, Cincinnati teen Jesse Logan committed suicide after a nude photo she’d sent to a boyfriend was circulated widely around her high school, resulting in harassment from her classmates. Fortunately, networks with large teen audiences -- MTV, for example -- are using their platforms to warn teens against the dangers of sexting. And the website ThatsNotCool.com uses teen-speak to help resist cyber peer pressure. Even the movie Eighth Grade reveals the ambivalence kids feel about the pressure to join the trend. Hopefully, these messages will get through.

Sexting among teens may not be the epidemic parents have been warned about. But despite education efforts and cautionary tales, it’s still, unfortunately, pretty common. While experts differ on statistics, a research report in the June 2019 edition of JAMA Pediatrics found that at least one in four teens receive sexually explicit texts and emails. At least one in seven teens send “sexts.” Why do they do it? To show off, to entice someone, to show interest in someone, or to prove commitment. Or even as a joke. Teens’ developing interest in sex, an impulse to experiment, and apps that make sexting easy -- and acceptable -- create an environment that some teens find irresistible. Though some experts tell parents not to “freak out,” sexting is associated with sexual risks, such as using drugs and alcohol, having more sexual partners, and not using contraception. Another big risk is kids’ personal privacy. As far too many teens have found out, the recipient of these messages is in possession of a highly compromising image or message that can be easily posted on a social networking site or sent to others via email or text. In a technology world where anything can be copied, sent, posted, and seen by huge audiences, there’s no such thing as being able to control information. The intention doesn’t matter -- even if a photo was taken and sent as a token of love, for example, the technology makes it possible for everyone to see your child’s most intimate self. In the hands of teens, when revealing photos are made public, the sexter almost always ends up feeling humiliated. Furthermore, sending sexual images to minors is against the law, and some states have begun prosecuting kids for child pornography or felony obscenity. There have been some high profile cases of sexting. In 2018, a sexting scandal ensnared several Virginia middle school students. In 2015, a Colorado high school was rocked River Region Parents I October 2019

Advice for parents • Don’t wait for an incident to happen to your child or your child’s friend before you talk about the consequences of sexting. Sure, talking about sex or dating with teens can be uncomfortable, but it’s better to have the talk before something happens. • Remind your kids that once an image is sent, it can never be retrieved -- and they will lose control of it. Ask teens how they would feel if their teachers, parents, or the entire school saw the picture, because that happens all the time. • Talk about pressures to send revealing photos. A study by Michigan State University found that many teens are sexually harassed online by their peers. Let teens know that you understand how they can be pushed or dared into sending something. Tell them that no matter how big the social pressure is, the potential social humiliation can be hundreds of times worse. • Teach your children that the buck stops with them. If someone sends them a photo, they should delete it immediately. It’s better to be part of the solution than the problem. • Check out Common Sense Education’s Sexting Handbook at www.commonsense.org. This resource gives families the language and support to take texting and cell phone power back into their own hands. It’s also a great resource for parents who are uncomfortable dealing directly with this issue. 70

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Pumpkins! Corn Mazes! Bonfires! Football! Fall marks the beginning of the holiday season, which brings lots of excitement to the area. It’s that time of year when leaves fall and everything is just a little bit cozier. The smell of crisp air on the open road and orange hues at sunset. Homes filled with the invigorating smell of pumpkin spice candles and children playing outside--enjoying the cooler temperatures. Celebration is a family affair, so why not try indoor and outdoor festivities the whole family can enjoy. We’ve recommended some of the best local and nearby, fun-filled activities of the season.

River Region Parents I October 2019

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Visit a Pumpkin Patch: Pumpkin spice and everything nice! There’s nothing like walking through a field of pumpkins to put you in the spirit of the fall season. The weather is nice and cool this time of year, which makes this outside activity comfortable and enjoyable for the entire family. Pumpkin patches are filled with lots of exciting things to do from choosing the perfect pumpkin to carve your jack-o’-lantern, playing games the kiddos can enjoy, admiring farm animals and more. And let’s not forgot the most essential thing to do at a pumpkin patch…take sweet seasonal photos! Props, scenes, pumpkins and hay bales are the perfect touch to create beautiful photos to last a lifetime.

Go to a Football Game: Football season is here and it’s time to cheer your favorite team to victory! To the American die-hard fan, nothing beats watching your football team live. The sounds of cheering fans, roaring bands, and calls from officials are certain to be just plain fun. Tailgate with Friends: If you’re a Southerner, chances are you hold true to one of the rivalry teams. Show your team spirit and support by partaking in one of the most exciting activities during football season. And if you’re not a football fan, you can still enjoy all of the pregame festivities. Invite a group of friends and pack up for a day filled with fellowship and good food.

Take a Hayride: If you love country living, this Southern tradition is the perfect activity to indulge in farm life and spend quality time with your little ones. Take a tractor-drawn hayride and enjoy the scenic landscape through fields and orchards while singing, playing games, storytelling, or just socializing.

Get Lost in a Corn Maze: If you haven’t ever found yourself lost in a corn maze…it’s time to give it a go! It’s a place where fun is happening while finding your way out of twists and turns. Find a corn maze, put on your thinking cap and experience the excitement.

Attend a Fall Festival: Big or small, it’s irresistible fun. Bring

A Night at the Zoo: Lions & tigers & bears, oh my! Take a walk on the wild side and experience a night of adventure you’ll never forget. Enjoy the sights, concessions, and friendly spooks!

the whole family to this annual harvest celebration that features delicious food, entertainment, arts, crafts, and carnival rides.

Attend a State Fair: According to research, annual state fairs have taken place in the United States since the 1800s. This popular fun-filled event will guarantee loads of amusement your kids can’t resist. There’s always something for everyone, whether you seek thrills on a roller coaster or fun on a Ferris wheel. Sit back and treat yourself to a giant turkey leg and sausage dog with all of the fixings.

Enjoy a Bonfire: Think of this as an excuse to snack on some

gooey s’mores! When the weather is chilly but not frigid, a cozy bonfire can be relaxing and memorable. Gather around the flames with family and friends and share stories while sipping hot cocoa.

Go Camping: Kick off the fall season with an adventurous

camping trip and explore the exotic side of nature. At night, it calls for storytelling while sitting around a cozy fire roasting marshmallows. This classic activity is a great way to spend quality time with your family and enjoy the great outdoors. These 12 ideas, plus the Fall Festivities Guide following this article, offer new and exciting things to partake in as your family embraces the season together. No matter your pleasure, fall activities are endless, so go out and have an absolute ball this fall! mp

Go Trick-or-Treating: Halloween – it’s not just for kids! Be a kid again and accompany your kiddos to a night out on the town. This popular outing creates an exciting time for them to dress up in unique costumes and indulge in lots of sweet treats. Explore your neighborhood, local schools and churches to enjoy a wonderful Halloween. Visit a Haunted House: If you’re looking to experience

Kimberley Carter Spivey is a freelance writer, blogger, educator, and entrepreneur. When she’s not working at her alma mater, Auburn University at Montgomery, she’s busy freelancing, blogging, or toiling away at her soon to be published first book.

the thrills and chills of Halloween, look no further than a haunted house. There’s always one to get your heart pumping and guaranteed to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up!

www.facebook.com/RiverRegionParents

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Art & Crafts / Festivals 52nd Annual Pike Road Arts and Crafts Fair ad on page 37 November 2

Old Marks House, 890 Old Carter Hill Road Pike Road, AL 9 am to 4 pm. Fun for the whole family; great arts and crafts shopping; over 150 artists and crafts exhibitors, food for sale! pikeroadartsandcraftsfair.com

4th Annual Sweet Creek Pumpkin Festival

October 1 -13, 19-20 and 26 & 27

85 Meriwether Road Pike Road, AL Wagon Rides to the Pumpkin Festival begin at 10 am. *** Stay tuned for BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS***Many many surprises!!! (334) 280.3276

66th Alabama National Fair October 4-14

Garret Coliseum, 1555 Federal Drive Montgomery, AL Midway rides, main stage entertainment including Trace Adkins, Rush of Fools, and Fantasia, food, information and commercial booths, kids area, livestock and other competition, family faith day, and more! (334) 272.6831 anf@alnationalfair.org www.alnationalfair.org

56th Annual Bluff Park Art Show October 5

Bluff Park Community Center, 517 Cloudland Dr. Hoover, AL 9:00am-5:00pm. Sponsored by the Bluff Park Art Association and includes more than 130 local and national artists displaying fine art for sale. Bring the kids to enjoy some hands on art fun. Free admission, parking and shuttles. Please visit our website at www.bluffparkartassociation. org for more information. (334) 822.0078 bpaashowchair@gmail.com bluffparkartassociation.org

River Region Parents I October 2019

The Tipping Point Oktoberfest

Pioneer Days

The Tipping Point/Hampstead, Montgomery, AL 1-5 p.m. Over 25 participating breweries from across the country, German inspired food, and live music from Montgomery’s very own, Wyatt Edmondson. Make plans to be here. This is an event you don’t want to miss! Tickets go on sale Thursday, September 19th. They can be purchased through the ‘shop’ section on our website.

Pioneer Museum of Alabama 248 Highway 231 N Troy, AL Horse and wagon rides, trips on the Pioneer Express, Native American camps with demonstrations of candle making, spinning, weaving, quilt making, blacksmithing, drum, dance, etc. Friday is School Day.

October 5

(334) 260.9110 tippingpointhampstead.com

Cotton Pickin’ County Fair October 5-6

18830 Hwy 85 Gay, GA Return to 1910 where the Farmhouse, the Cotton Gin, and the Cotton Warehouse form a unique backdrop for a great day of 21st century fun. Amidst skilled artisans and antique specialists, the Fair shares remnants of farm life in days gone by. New talent keeps the festival fresh and interesting while returning artists welcome loyal customers seeking to add to individual collections. (706) 538.6814 cpfair.org

Christmas Village Festival October 30-November 2

Jefferson Convention Complex, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N Birmingham, AL 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. (205) 836.7178 christmasvillagefestival.com

41st Annual Alabama Tale Tellin’ Festival Presented by ArtsRevive October 10

Arts Revive Building, 3 Church St. Selma, AL 6:30 p.m. Hear tales told by popular storytellers. The family friendly event returns to the Carneal Cultural Arts Center, 3 Church Street, Selma, AL, and features stories, music and lots of laughter! The Swappin’ Ground, where amateurs can tell their own tales, starts a 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Sponsored by ArtsRevive, admission is $15 for adults for one night, $10 for students Tickets will be sold at the door or in advance through PayPal. (334) 410.2302 artsrevive@outlook.com artsrevive.com

October 11-12

(334) 566.3597 www.pioneer-museum.org

27th Annual Alabama Cotton Festival October 12

Main Street Eclectic, AL 8:00 a.m. -2 p.m. Eclectic, AL Vendors will line Main Street with a wide variety of delectable food and unique wares as live music is played. The festival also features a variety of contests, including a car show, photography and art contests and the annual taste-off to see who can bake the best Sweet Treat. Registration forms for each contest can be found either in the front lobby of the Eclectic Municipal Building. (334) 541.4429 townofeclectic.com

Alabama Gourd Festival October 18-19

Cullman Civic Center, 510 Fifth St Cullman, AL Annual festival features gourd arts and crafts, such as birdhouses, musical instruments and decorated gourds. gourdzilla@aol.com alabamagourdsociety.org

River Walk Wine Festival October 19

Riverfront Park, 200 Coosa St Montgomery, AL 3-6 p.m. Wine tastings, Live Music & more. Tickets can be purchased online at funinmontgomery and Derek’s Vilet & Vine. (334) 625.2100 funinmontgomery.com

Hummingbird Festival October 19-20

Downtown, 400 E. Main Street Hogansville, GA Main Street will be bustling with food, crafts, antiques, music, local artists, open storefronts, rides, and activities for the whole family (706) 333.2520 www.hummingbirdfestival.com

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Country Living Fair

Alabama Frontier Days

October 25-27

November 6-9

Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd Stone Mountain Park, GA A fun, folksy and fabulous show and sale of folk art, antiques, “Made in America” crafts, art, furniture, home decor and more. Meet the editors of Country Living Magazine, attend seminars and how-to’s, artisan demonstrations, Harvest & Gourmet Market, and fall festivities

Fort Toulouse/Fort Jackson, Wetumpka, AL 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. This event demonstrates life in the South in the 18th and early 19th Century. (334) 567.3002 forttoulousejackson.org

Indian Festival & Pow-Wow November 7-10

(800) 401.2407 www.stonemountainpark.com

Peanut Butter Festival October 26

Bass House Grounds, 102 N. Main Street Brundidge, AL A harvest and heritage celebration honoring the town’s proud heritage in the peanut butter industry. The free for all festival features a 5-K Peanut Butter Run, non-stop entertainment, contests, games, exhibits, recipe contest, Peanut Butter Kids Contest and the Nutter Butter Parade and food galore including everything peanut butter. (334) 344.0643 or (334) 344.9427 www.piddle.org

Russell Lands Fall Family Festival October 26

Russell Crossroads, Alexander City, AL Join friends and neighbors for pumpkin painting, a costume contest, wagon rides and more, courtesy of Russell Lands on Lake Martin. (256) 397.1019 russelllandsonlakemartin.com

Spinners “Pumpkin Patch” Arts & Crafts Show October 26-27

Spinners Park, 390 West Sixth Street Prattville, AL Exhibitors of original art and crafts from throughout the southeast will display their wares. Food vendors, live entertainment, games, a coloring contest and many other activities for children and youth. Door prizes will be given at intervals during the show. Other events include The Great Pumpkin Race, a 5K/8K Race and a one mile Run/ Walk, a motorcycle show, jack-o-lantern contest

and more. Free admission and free parking. www.spinnersprattville.com

HullaBoo Fall Fest October 29

Old Alabama Town, South Living Block, 301 Columbus Street Montgomery , AL 4:30 until 7 P.M. It’s treats and fun at Old Alabama Town! Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. Free Admission with guardian. Costumes, children’s games and activities, food, and fun for HullaBoo Fall Fest. (334) 240.4500 www.oldalabamatown.com

Witches Ride at The Waters October 29

The Waters, 2239 Marlar Road Pike Road, AL 5-7 p.m. Fun, family-friendly event will include food trucks, live music, games, face painting and, of course, the Witches Ride parade. The Parade will end with a Fall Festival at Town Square. (334) 612.8166 thewatersal.com

2019 National Peanut Festival November 1-10

5622 U.S. Hwy. 231 S Dothan, AL Headliners Az-Izz, Creativity, Russell Dickerson, Jimmie Allen, The Manhattans, Pastor John and Aventer Gray and The Trotline Band. Livestock exhibits, competitions, demolition derby, crafts, food preservation, recipe contests, entertainment, carnival rides, sea lion show, and much more! (334) 793.4323 nationalpeanutfestival.com

Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd Stone Mountain Park, GA Experience Native American culture through dance & drum competitions, music, authentic craft demonstrations, cooking samples and storytelling activities. Learn about primitive skills such as flint-napping, bow making, fire starting, open fire cooking and pottery. Find that one-of-akind holiday gift in our artists’ marketplace, where world-renowned Native artists and crafters demonstrate their skills and offer items for purchase. (800) 401.2407 www.stonemountainpark.com

15th Annual Charis Crafters “Home for the Holiday” Craft Show November 7-9

Wetumpka Civic Center, 410 South Main Street Wetumpka, AL November 7-9. Wetumpka Civic Center Tickets are available in advance and at the door. One ticket is good for all three-show days! Door prizes will be given away every hour. The Craft Show features a variety of handmade items as well as homemade delight available for purchase. (334) 201.1817 delm713@wowway.com

29th Annual Christmas Made in the South November 8-10

Columbus Convention & Trade Center, 801 Front Avenue Columbus, GA Amazing craftspeople, outstanding art, unique gourmet food, and diverse entertainment to whet and satisfy every demanding appetite. Handmade, one-of-a-kind designs populate the booths that fill the festival: silk wearable’s to fabric bags, glass jewelry to close-up photography of nature’s funniest and fiercest creatures all await and more! Adults $8.00, Children 12 & under-Free; admission good for all 3 days. (704) 847.9480 www.madeinthesouthshows.com

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Russell Lands Holiday Bazaar November 29

Russell Crossroads, Alexander City, AL 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Artisans feature everything from jewelry, soaps, paintings, pottery, woodwork, lotions, furniture, and much more! Contact Tyler Mitchell at tmitchell@russelllands.com for information.

games, and fun for the entire family. Free! Rain or shine! (334) 396.9376 trbaptist.org

FUMC Montgomery Fall Bazaar October 2

Church Events

2416 W. Cloverdale Park Montgomery, AL Luncheon $12 | 12:00-1:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall Shopping & Silent Auction, 1-7 p.m. Wesley Hall Baked Goods • Frozen Foods • Garden Treasures • Gifts & Crafts • Kid’s Closet

Aldersgate UMC Fall Festival

Angel Fest

(256) 397.1019 russelllandsonlakemartin.com

ad on page 35 October 30

6610 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 5:30-7:30 p.m.. Trunk or Treat, Games, prizes, crafts, hayride, inflatables. (334) 272.6152 aldersgateumc.org

First Baptist Church Montgomery FamilyFest ad on page 3 October 27

305 S. Perry Street Montgomery, AL 4 to 7 pm. Free Games, Fun Fellowship, Fantastic Prizes. Wear a fun, happy costume! Food available to purchase. Visit www.montgomeryfbc. org/familyfest for more info. (334) 834.6310 montgomeryfbc.org

Thorington Road Baptist Fall Festival October 20

450 Ray Thorington Road Montgomery, AL 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Come join us for inflatables,

River Region Parents I October 2019

(334) 834-8990

fumcmontgomery.org

New Testament Christian Center Annual Fall Family Fun Day October 20

10300 Highway 80 East Montgomery , AL 10 a.m. We will have games, kids inflatables, food, chili cook-off and much much more! (334) 215.7215

freedonationkiosk.com

Ridgecrest Baptist Fall Festival October 26

5260 Vaughn Rd Montgomery, AL 10-12pm Open to all ages. Family friendly. Games, prizes, food, candy, and Trunk or Treat. (334) 277.0011 rbcmontgomery.com

October 19

St. Michael and All angels Church, 5941 Main Street Millbrook, AL 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Enjoy entertainment while you browse the booths of renowned local artisans, bid on amazing items for an unbeatable price at the Silent Auction, as the children enjoy the Kids’ Carnival. Don’t miss out on all the great food. Grab a tasty lunch of mouthwatering homemade goods at the Bake Sale, freshly cooked Boston Butts and more. Put the date on your calendar and come be part of this classic Millbrook festival!

Blue Ridge Baptist Church

October 27

4471 Jasmine Hill Road Wetumpka, AL 4p.m. until 6 p.m. A hotdog and chili supper. Trunk or Treat, bouncy houses, fun, games and crafts. Friendly costumes are welcome. Come celebrate this beautiful season God has given us. (334) 567.4325

blueridgebaptistchurch.net

Calvary Baptist Church Fall Festival

(334) 285.3905 stmichaelsallangels@gmail.com stmichaelsandallangels.com

October 27

FUMC Montgomery Pumpkinfest

(334) 567.4729 calvarybaptistwetumpka.org

October 20

2416 W. Cloverdale Park Montgomery, AL 4-5:30 p.m. For children of all ages - Front lawn of the church. Fun, games, horse-drawn hayride, moonwalk, refreshments and more! Happy costumes are welcome! Come join the fun! In the event of rain, the Pumpkinfest will be moved indoors. For children age toddler thru 3rd grade! (334) 834-8990

fumcmontgomery.org

504 West Osceola Street Wetumpka, AL 4 until 6 p.m. No scary costumes.

Dalraida Baptist Church Annual Family Fall Festival October 27

3838 Wares Ferry Road Montgomery, AL 5:00 until 7:30 p.m. Games, Prizes, Food, Hayride, Inflatables and More! (334) 272-2412 thedalraidadifference.org

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Eastmont Baptist Church Trunk or Treat

Gateway Baptist Church Fall Family Festival

4505 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 4-6 pm in the front parking lot of Eastmont Baptist Church. Bring your little super heroes, princesses, pirates and cowgirls for a FREE, fun and safe alternative to trick-or-treating.

3300 Bell Road Montgomery, AL 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Free admission. Games, popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones and Trunk or treat.

October 27

(334) 277-6300 www.eastmont.org

Saint James UMC Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat October 27

9045 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 5 until 7 p.m. Inflatables, candy, hayride, pizzas and much, much more. (334) 277-3037 sjlife.com

Taylor Road Baptist Church Treats the Town October 27

1685 Taylor Road Montgomery, AL Gates open at 5 p.m. Come out for a night of fun. We will have games, a cake walk, photo booth, inflatables, and free hot dogs. We will also have Trunk or Treat with lots of candy. Bible Story Land is also part of the evening. Enjoy a hay ride as it takes you by 8 Bible story scenes. Costumes are welcome but no scary ones please.

October 30

(334) 272-9494

gatewaybaptist.com

Camelia Baptist Trunks or Treats October 31

201 Woodvale Rd. Prattville, AL 6-7:30 p.m. Games, food, candy and a lifechanging message. Free admission. Games for ages preschool – 6. No scary costumes. Bring your family and friends. (334) 365.0231 cbdprattville.org

East Memorial Baptist Church Family Fun Fall Festival October 31

1320 Old Ridge Road Prattville, AL 5:30-7:30 pm. Games, candy, balloon animals and all sorts of fun for the whole family! (334) 365.7500

www.eastmemorial.org

Fall Farms Paradise Pumpkin Patch ad on page 47

September 28 - October 31

910 County Road 79 South Eufaula, AL Pumpkin Patch, Petting zoo, Cow Trains and Hayrides, Farm Playground, Giant Corn Box, Cotton pickin and more! We have a delightful Country Store with gifts & souvenirs. Come hungry, ’cause our Farm Kitchen is the home of “finger-licking good and farm fresh”! Hotdogs, hamburgers, chicken fingers, pizza, cotton candy, popcorn, soft pretzels, boiled peanuts, chips, nacho’s, ice cream, and assorted snacks and cold drinks. Open for Fall Season on September 29. Saturdays 9 am-6 pm and Sundays 11-6 pm. Special event dates and field trips available Monday-Friday. (334) 695.3600 www.paradisepumpkinpatch.com

Penton Farms ad on page 43

Monday-Friday 1-5, Saturdays 8-5 in October

3454 Firetower Road Wetumpka, AL 6 - 8 p.m. Fun for the whole family. Free hot dog supper, hayrides, inflatables, games with prizes, candy and face painting.

3595 County Road 59, Verbena, AL Activities include wagon rides, corn maze, live animal barn, super slides, human hamster wheel, cow train, hay mountain, corn pit, tire mountain and more. $10 per person, ages 2 and up. 50 varieties of pumpkins at great prices! www.pentonfarms.com

October 30

Dalraida UMC Fall Festival

The Pumpkin Patch Express

(334) 567-7865 wetumpkafirst.com

3817 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL Please call for dates and times. Games, food, prizes, costume contest and other surprises.

(334) 271-3363

taylorroad.org

FUMC Wetumpka Trunk or Treat 306 W. Tuskeena Street Wetumpka, AL 5-7 p.m. Contest, games, and treats for all ages. Parents are encouraged to attend with child.

Mulder UMC Fall Festivities October 31

(334) 567-4225 mulderchurch.com

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ad on page 40

(334) 272.2190 dalraidaumc.com

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum 1919 9th Street Calera, AL Every Saturday and Sunday in October. Train

October 1-31

www.facebook.com/RiverRegionParents

Halloween Events

boards and departs Saturdays 10:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm; and Sundays 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Enjoy an autumn train ride aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express that lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours, including our time at the Pumpkin Patch. Snacks and soft drinks are available for purchase. Pick the perfect pumpkin from the patch for an additional fee. Reservations recommended.

Zoo Boo: Montgomery Zoo ad on page 48

(205) 757.8383 www.hodrrm.org

October 11-13, 18-20 and 25-31

2301 Coliseum Pkwy. Montgomery, AL 6:00-9:00pm. A safe alternative to Halloween, ZooBoo provides a fun-filled evening of games, treats, and costumed characters, Enjoy education presentations, and the traditional haunted ride.

Circle Z Farms Dates TBA

12785 Wares Ferry Road Montgomery, AL The 2019 Hayride dates will be announced. (334) 201.3303 circlezfarms12@gmail.com circlezfarmsalabama.com

Farmer in the Dell Pumpkin Patch September 27- 29 and October 3-31

Wire Road 6 miles west of Vet School Auburn, AL Pick your pumpkins off the vine, enjoy the hay bale play area, ride the hay ride, pick sunflowers, dig in the corn trough, farm animals, bring your blanket, purchase a hotdog meal and enjoy the picnic outdoors. (334) 750.3792 info@auburnpumpkinpatch.com auburnpumpkinpatch.com

Cornfield County Farms Pumpkin Patch September 28-October 31

Intersection of Redland Rd & Willow Springs Rd Wetumpka, AL Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze, Sunflower Maze and more. Also booking Bonfires and Birthday Parties. Church groups welcome! Open September 28-October31, Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm,

Sundays 1 pm to 5 pm. Weekdays and groups by appointment only. (334) 850.7084 cornfieldcountyfarms@gmail.com cornfieldcountyfarms.com

Jack-O-Lantern Lane at The Oaks L.L.C September 28October 31

18151 Veterans Memorial Parkway Lafayette, AL Pumpkins, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, tractor-pulled hay rides, wagon rides, petting zoo, inflatable park, train rides, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, face painting, and more. Saturday 9:00am-6:00pm; Sunday 12:00-6:00pm. Also available by reservation Monday-Friday for school, church, daycare field trips and more. (334) 869.0554 www.jackolanternlane.com

(334) 625.4900 www.montgomeryzoo.com

Haunted Hearse Tours of Montgomery October 1- 31

The Alley, Montgomery, AL Come along with us on a ride through Montgomery’s dark history. Visit places of those souls who according to legend won’t or can’t rest. Listen to our ghostly tales of events that happened along the quiet streets of the Capitol City. You will tour Montgomery’s most macabre locations in a real hearse. Tours will leave The Alley every hour on the hour beginning each evening in October starting at 7:00pm; the last tour is at midnight each night. Reservations are strongly suggested due to the limited seating capacity. Call us and make your reservation and our “hearsetess” will meet you at the water tank at The Alley and get you prepared for the tour. $15 per person, cash only please. (334) 514.4457

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River Region Parents I October 2019

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Wetumpka Depot Players Costume Ball for Special Needs October 24, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

300 S. Main Street, Wetumpka The Wetumpka Depot Penguin Project invites special needs students ages 10-21 to a costume ball! Wear a fun costume and invite a friend! There will be snacks, music, games, hayrides and face painting. penguinproject@wetumpkadepot.com

Montgomery Humane Society’s Annual Haunted House October 18-19, 25-26 and 31

1150 John Overton Dr. Montgomery, AL 7:30-11 p.m. Tickets $15. Come get scared for a cause! Please note that although there is not a set age limit for our scare, it is not for toddlers and young children. (334) 409-0622 http://www.facebook.com/ mhshaunt4paws/

Camp Chandler Halloween Carnival October 19

1240 Jordan Dam Wetumpka, AL October 19 from 5-8 p.m. Admission is $5.00 per child and $3 for adults. Carnival Games, Cakewalk, Costume Contest and Little Pumpkin Playhouse, Inflatable Fun, Trick or Treating, and Haunted House, Raffle, Silent Auction, Concessions and More. This family friendly event is open to anyone interested in an evening of Fall Fun with a Camp Chandler twist. From toddlers in the Little Pumpkin Playhouse to teens in the Haunted House, the Halloween Carnival is great for all ages! (334) 567.4933

Creatures of the Night at Alabama Nature Center October 19

AWF, 3050 Lanark Road Millbrook, AL Beginning at 3 p.m. Bring the family and join us for a Halloween-themed evening under the stars, hosted by the ANC and Reality Connection. Activities will include a slithering snake encounter, black lighting for insects, ewwy gooey touch table, flashlight spider search and night hike, and a movie under the stars! While you are here make sure you meet our baby Alligator! Free hotdog, chips and drink. Recommended for ages 5 and up. 1(800) 822.9453 www.alabamawildlife.org

Murder Mystery in the Alley October 24

Alley Station, Ballroom 130, Commerce Street Montgomery, AL “Don Carrasion and the Murdered Mobster”.

ing live music by The Red Clay Strays, farmers + makers, delicious local food and a craft beer tasting presented by Pies & Pints. Donations for the craft beer tasting will benefit Child Protect, Childrens Advocacy Center.

(205) 823.3818 visitingmontgomery.com

(334) 279-6046 www.theshoppesateastchase.com

United Gymstar and Cheer Halloween Parents Night Out

Halloween in Hampstead

ad on page 33 October 25

6100 Brewbaker Blvd Montgomery, AL 6 until 10 p.m. Wear costumes if you would like. Pizza and drink included. $25 for the first child and $20 for each additional child. (334) 284.2244

www.unitedgymstarandcheer.com

Parade of Pumpkins October 25-November 2

Historic Downtown Prattville, Prattville, AL Grab a pumpkin, get in the spirit, and share your creativity at the First Parade of Pumpkins hosted by the City of Prattville! Stroll through Historic Downtown Prattville and explore a pumpkin wonderland featuring carved and decorated pumpkins, festive storefronts and seasonal displays. This family-friendly event is free and open for anyone to participate. (334) 595.0100 prattvilleal.gov

Haunting on the Harriott II Halloween Costume Party Cruise October 26

Riverwalk, Montgomery, AL Boarding at 8:00pm, Cruises time 8:30-10:30pm. Tickets $30/Adult, Ages 21 and over. Live entertainment, Cash Bar, Costume Contest! (334) 625-2100 funinmontgomery.com

The Shoppes at Eastchase Fall Harvest Jam October 26

Shoppes at Eastchase 7274 EastChase Parkway Montgomery, AL 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Harvest Jam returns to The Shoppes at EastChase this fall! This {free} festive fall event is for music fans, farmers market shoppers, craft beer lovers, and families from the River Region! Harvest Jam delivers a unique and robust experience filled with live music featur-

October 31

Montgomery, AL October 31 starting at 4:30, Celebrate Halloween in Hampstead! Bring the whole family for kids’ activities. (334) 546-2282

hampsteadliving.com

Holiday Shopping 52nd Annual Pike Road Arts and Crafts Fair ad on page 37 November 2

Montgomery Junior League Holiday Market October 9-12

The Multiplex at Cramton Bowl 220 Hall Street Montgomery, AL Start the Winter Holiday Season off right with shopping the Jr. League’s Market. Each year, holiday themed booths set up for a great, onestop-shop for all your Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years items. (334) 288.8816 www.jlmontgomery.com

Out of Town/State Fun Annual Pumpkin Festival September 21-November 3

Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd Stone Mountain Park, GA Take in all of the splendor that autumn provides

www.facebook.com/RiverRegionParents

Our Haunted Halloween Park will feature two incredible haunt attractions: The Labyrinth of Lost Souls and The Tomb of the Risen Dead. The Labyrinth of Lost Souls will be located within our 3/4 acre maze. In The Labyrinth of Lost Souls Attraction each guest will be deciding their own fate and ultimate reward, but not without encountering the assembly of the dead who may long to persuade each and every guest to stray. Our cave will be transformed into the Tomb of the Risen Dead Attraction and our not-so-faint of heart guests will experience a terrifying awakening because the deep is ready to speak. When our thrill seekers exit these attractions they can join in the festival fun located on the other side of the park.

with attractions, fun-filled games, shows and more. Follow the life sized telling of The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin as you wind your way through Spookley’s A-MAZE-ING Adventure. Join Spookley the Square Pumpkin and lift his friends into the air for a Dance-A-Long Party Parade that dances through Crossroads, and then meet him at Spookley’s Pumpkin Patch Meet & Greet. (800) 401.2407 www.stonemountainpark.com

Sloss Fright Furnace September 27-November 2

Sloss Furnace, 20 32nd Street North Birmingham, AL Sloss Fright Furnace offers trails, food, games, and unique horror experiences not found anywhere else in the world. Dare to take the Furnace Tour! Sloss Fright Furnace has created a terrifying experience that takes you into the deepest, darkest parts of Sloss furnace.Join us for Marathon of Horrow: Visit our outdoor movie theatre featuring continuous running horror flicks projected on a giant 25 foot screen. The new OUTBREAK 2 has expanded into the woods and includes a zombie infested forest, a 300 foot slide into darkness, a truly terrifying urban maze, and more surprises and twists around every turn. Road Kill Cafe: When you first enter the furnace, we don’t make you wait in line. You receive a pass, and relax in our fully equipped Roadkill Cafe until your group is called. Visit our Stages of Death, which offers the most unique entertainment you won’t find anywhere else! The Thing: Prepare yourself for an interactive encounter like no other. www.frightfurnace.com

(256) 378.7252 info@desotocavernspark.com www.desotocavernspark.com

Pope’s Haunted Farm

October 5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26 , 27, & 31

450 Lee Rd 724 Salem, AL Pope’s Haunted Farm has four different events to experience and scare you. (706) 566-7766 www.popeshayride.com

Fall Family Fun Days The Rock Ranch October 6, 13, 20 & 27

5020 Barnesville Hwy Rock, GA Open 1-7 p.m. each Sunday, guests will enjoy themed entertainment plus Train Rides, Hay Rides, a Petting Zoo, Zip Lines, Pony Rides, the Pumpkin Cannon, Tiny Town and much more! (706) 647.6374 www.therockranch.com

Judgment Journey 2019

Tomb of the Risen Dead

October 11-12, 18-19, 25-26 and November1-2

October 4-26

Desoto Caverns, 5181 DeSoto Caverns Parkway Childersburg, AL Every Friday & Saturday from 6:30-10:30

552 Hammett Road LaGrange, GA Ministry of Faith Baptist Church, Judgment

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Journey was started in 1997 as a method of presenting the events of the end of the world, as the Bible describes them. The vision was to present various ‘scenes’ where each person could experience a multi-sensory presentation of how the Bible describes what is yet to come. The event is held each year on the church campus on a ‘trail’ that meanders around the property. (706) 845.0000 www.judgementjourney.com

Eufaula Fest October 12 & 13

333 East Broad Street Eufaula, AL Sat., 9 until 5 p.m.and Sunday, 10-4 p.m. The district will be lined with handmade arts art crafts, perfect for the home, garden or holiday gift giving. Food and all types of games and activities featured. (334) 687.6664 www.eufaulachamber.com

Tour of Southern Ghosts October 17-27

1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd Stone Mountain Park, GA Meet professional storytellers spinning their tales of famous (and not-so-famous) Southern Ghosts along the lantern-lit paths of the Antebellum Plantation grounds- never too frightening and always appropriate for young children. Each night offers a different cast of six storytellers. (800) 401.2407 www.stonemountainpark.com

Old Cahawba Haunted History Tours October19 & 26

Old Cahawba Archaeological Park 9518 Cahaba Rd Orrville (near Selma), AL 7:00-10:30 p.m. Alabama’s most famous ghost town is rarely open to nighttime visitors, but on these dates, a few lucky people will experience

• Riding - English, Western, and Jumping • Swimming • Heated Pool • Ropes Course • Climbing Tower • Outdoor Nature Skills • Sports • Soccer • Basketball

winning, rd a w a n a n o t u Don’t miss o mp for your ca d re te n ce ts ri h C mmer! daughter this Su On Top of Lookout Mountain in Historic Mentone, Alabama

Best of Parenting WINNER 10

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Susan & Larry Hooks, Owners & Directors Donna Bares, Assistant Director

800-882-0722 www.riverviewcamp.com

River Region Parents I October 2019

• Beach Volleyball • Tennis • Canoeing • Golf • Archery • Gymnastics • Cheerleading • Dance • Chorus • Drama • Arts & Crafts • CIT Program • Campfires every night • Optional trips & more!

www.riverregionparents.com

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Old Cahawba after dark. Advance tickets are required. This is a deluxe wagon tour but some walking is necessary. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Fee: $20 per person. No refunds. (334) 872-8058 selmaalabama.com

BOO 24 Halloween Party ‘Skulls and Roses” Benefiting the Leukemia &

Lymphoma Society of Alabama October 25

B&A Warehouse, 1531 1st Avenue South Birmingham, AL 8:00pm . Live music, costume contest and more. Open to adults 21 yrs. and older.

get decked out in your favorite costumes and visit Callaway Gardens for some not-so-spooky family fun just before Halloween. From Trick & TreeTop and Trek-n-Treat Bicycle Parade to crafts and activities for all ages, the Gardens will be boo-tiful on Saturday, October 27 for our Calloween event.

Painting, Cup Cake Walk, Games and Prizes. Admission fee charged. Alumni and grandparents are always welcome.

School Festivals

October 24

(844) 512.3826 www.callwaygardens.com

Hooper Academy Fall Festival and Haunted House

(334) 262.8685

montessorimontgomery.com

Airport Road Intermediate Harvest Festival 384 Blackmon Dr. Coosada, AL 5-8 pm. We will have games, hayrides, haunted houses, a silent auction and contests that everyone can participate in. Yummy food will be available for purchase and all proceeds go directly back into the classroom. Wear your favorite costume, come hungry, and prepare to have a great time!

(205) 326.4220 www.boohalloweenparty.com

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27th Annual Halloween Fairyland

380 Fischer Road Hope Hull, AL 5-7 pm. There will be a cake contest, inflatables, cake walk, toy walk, costume contest and more. Admission ages K-6th grade, $10. Haunted House $5.

(334) 285.2115

(334) 288.5980 hooperacademy.org

Autauga Academy Gymnasium 497 Golson Road Prattville, AL 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Autauga Academy Gymnasium. Dinner, Games, Haunted Trail. Come join us for an evening of fun!

October 26

Tannehill State Park, 12632 Confederate Parkway McCalla, AL The Tannehill Halloween Festival, a non-scary fun-filled holiday event focused on the campgrounds, annually attracts over 6,000 visitors, most of them children. Begun in 1992, the event features park-sponsored programs during the afternoon and traditional Halloween candy “trick or treat” stops at more than 200 campsites during the evening. Park events include a moon walk, clowns, face painting, pony rides and sand art. A special tradition is the festival’s annual Halloween Festival tee shirt. Campground site decorations and lights are extensive, creative and surreal. (205) 477.5711 www.tannehill.org

Calloween at Callaway Gardens

October 26 Callaway Gardens, 17800 US Hwy

27 Pine Mountain , GA 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tis the season to play dress-up and eat candy, so

October 29

Alabama Christian Academy Fall Festival November 7

4700 Waresferry Road Montgomery, AL 3-6 p.m. Inflatables, Pony rides, games and more. They will have a silent auction and Country Kitchen and chili cook off. Concessions will be available. Admission is $5. (334) 277.1985

alabamachristian.org

Autauga Academy PTA Fall Festival October 26

(334) 365.4343 autaugaacademy.com

Edgewood Academy Fall Festival October 29

Montessori Academy Fall Festival

5475 Elmore Road Wetumpka, AL 5-8 p.m. Carnival, games, cake walk, hayride, inflatables, and much more. Costume contest divided by age group. Ticket prices at the door.

1025 South Hull Street Montgomery, AL 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. Pony rides, Inflatables, Face

(334) 567.5102 contactus@edgewoodacademy.org edgewoodacademy.org mp

October 18

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A Page in a Book Wordless Books Speak Volumes Parents consistently rank ‘learning to read’ as the most important of their child’s benchmark goals. Often overlooked in the tool kit for reading preparedness are wordless books, titles where the story is told through images and visual cues. Wordless books are important as they dissolve early barriers to reading for both visual learners and reluctant readers. They also present intuitive space for ‘readers’ to imagine diverse context and outcomes. Ideal for preparing pre-readers for literary observation, story subtext, foreshadowing, and other important aspects of reading comprehension, the following titles are perfect additions to the young reader’s bookshelf.

The Fisherman & the Whale by Jessica Lanan (Simon & Schuster) A father and son are pulling the day’s last net of fish up to the decks of their small fishing vessel. Beneath the ocean’s surface, an enormous whale is pursuing its own source for food. When dangling net lines inadvertently ensnare the leviathan mammal, the boy‘s gestures and expressions implore the reluctant father to risk a rescue of the whale. The perspective shifts between the onboard crew and the giant beneath the surface as their stories become entangled into one journey toward release. Without dialogue, Lanan’s blue-laden palette sings out an inspirational story of how humanity can rise up to remedy our mistakes as we navigate our natural world.

Sign Off by Stephen Savage (Beach Lane) As dusk settles on roadways and paths of a community, familiar symbols and images leave their posts, emerging from their signs to pursue a shared objective. The ‘deer crossing’ sign loses its deer as it leaps boldly into the field. A wheelchair user graphic rolls out of its background, ramping off a parked car to join a host of other sign symbols journeying toward a shared event. All signs point toward something new happening down the road. Savage’s color-blocked images feature blues that subtly shift and deepen as the night progresses, a moon in the background marking the evening’s march toward morning. Just as these familiar sign graphics speak without text in our daily lives, this clever wordless book relates an imaginative romp for these symbols as they sign off for the night.

Spot & Dot by Henry Cole (Little Simon) Clutching his cat, Dot, a young boy sees a neighbor posting up signs for her lost dog, Spot. When he takes up the task of helping her search the busy city for Spot, young readers will discover that Dot is already on the case. Highly detailed environments provide rich landscapes for Spot and Dot to get lost in, but observant readers will find them through their own patient perusal of the images. Winding through bazaars, bakeries, back alleys and bandstands, the story navigates through a bustling world of people and pets on their own journeys. The seekand-find elements add a rewarding sense of accomplishment with every two-page spread as readers pore over the dense images looking for Dot and Spot. Spot & Dot promises to become a bookshelf favorite! Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

River Region Parents I October 2019

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Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama Gets New Home

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) held a grand opening of its new office August 29 at 2501 Bell Road. During the open house, the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce also held a ribbon cutting to celebrate GSSA’s new home. The new building houses more than 12 full-time staff, as well as a store stocked with everything a Girl Scout needs, as well as beautiful murals and large meeting space for staff and volunteer training. To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit www. girlscoutssa.org. GSSA also recognizes Booker T. Washington student Claire Harden for receiving the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve—the Gold Award—putting her into an elite group of Girl Scouts. Last year, only five girls earned this prestigious honor from southern Alabama. Less than six percent of eligible Girl Scouts nationwide earn the Gold Award. It recognizes girls in grades 9 through 12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through sustainable and measurable Take Action projects. For Harden’s project, she worked with the Aid to Inmate Mothers (AIM) Storybook program, which allows incarcerated moms to read a story to their children on a recording. The program works to give children storybooks and recordings of their mother reading to them. AIM volunteers also bring children from all over the state to see their mothers every couple of weekends. Harden’s project assisted with both of these programs. She organized a storybook collection, built shelves at AIM to store books, and developed a craft curriculum to provide a fun activity for the moms and children to do together. “Seeing pictures of the kids with big smiles on their faces while they made crafts with their moms, that I had designed, made me very happy,” said Harden. “I hope that my project will help the kids of moms who are incarcerated to feel closer, and help them get through the separation until their moms are able to join the family again.” “Earning the Girl Scout Gold Award is truly a remarkable achievement, and this exemplifies leadership in all its forms,” said GSSA CEO Karlyn Edmonds. “Claire saw a need in the community and took action. Her extraordinary dedication, perseverance, and leadership are making the world a better place.” Through Girl Scouting, girls learn to face challenges head-on, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and find solutions to social issues all while building the skills and courage they need to take the lead every day. Earning the Gold Award is just one of the amazing things girls can do as part of Girl Scouts. To join Girl Scouts or learn more about volunteering, please visit www.girlscoutssa.org.

Help Them Learn and Grow

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PBS KIDS and the PBS KIDS Logo are registered trademarks of PBS. Used with permission. The contents of this ad were developed under a grant from the Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. The project is funded by a Ready To Learn grant (PR/AWARD No. U295A150003, CFDA No. 84.295A) provided by the Department of Education to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

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Wetumpka’s Troop 13 Confers New Eagle

Garrett Jones, a member of Wetumpka’s Boy Scout Troop 13, recently became the newest Eagle in the organization’s history. A 2019 graduate of Wetumpka High School, Jones was on the school’s robotics team and a trombone player for the marching and symphonic bands. He also attends Calvary Baptist Church in Wetumpka. Jones joined Cub Scout Pack 50 as a Webelos 1, earned the Arrow of Light—the highest level of achievement in Cub Scouts—and crossed over to Troop 13. There, he held troop positions of senior patrol leader and chaplain’s aide. In addition to earning his Eagle rank, he received four palms for completing at least 20 merit badges over the required number. His favorite campouts include National Youth Leadership Training at Camp Tukabatchee, Florida Sea Base in Key West, 2017 National Jamboree at Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia, and campouts where he got to spend time with his patrol. His Eagle project included planting trees and building benches around those trees on the Wetumpka High School marching band practice field, to provide more shade and space for the band students. Now that he is 18, Jones will continue involvement in the Order of the Arrow, the national honor society of Scouting. He is a brotherhood member, as well as the drum & dance chairman. He will attend Southern Union State Community College and hopefully further his education at Auburn University in veterinary medicine.

Pink and Pearls Holds Dedication Ball

Pink and Pearls for Girls crowned two princesses and the 2019 queen at the 6th Annual Dedication Ball and Awards Night. Savannah Williams is Sapphire Princess, Charity Jenkins is Teen Diamond Princess and Zy’Keria McClain is Pearl Queen. For more info about Pink and Pearls, call (334) 561-5091. 85

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Please use your inside voice. Eat your broccoli. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bedtime. Wear your jacket. As a parent, you have probably said at least one of these statements more than a hundred times to your child. Adults are always telling kids how to behave. But there are times when kids do things better than us.

Here are

River Region Parents I October 2019

5 behaviors adults can learn from kids: 86

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1. Just Say No

Most toddlers favorite word is no. A child will cross their arms and stand their ground shouting no until they turn blue and pass out. Adults do not have the same ease of using the word. Why is saying no hard for adults? According to an article in Psychology Today there are many reasons adults struggle with using the word no. Often people want to belong to a group so they may say yes to receive approval from others. Another reason a person may resist using the word no is fear of upsetting another person. Lastly, a person may want to be helpful and feel valued so they reframe from saying no. How can adults just say no? Psychology Today says the word no should feel empowering. By practicing and remaining diplomatic most people will improve their ability to say no to others. Envisioning how easy it is for a child to say no may also help you realize you can do it as well.

2. Ability to Negotiate

If you tell your child their bedtime is 8 pm, often they will ask how about 8:30 pm? Or if you suggest they eat five more bites of their dinner they respond with, “Can I only eat three bites?” Children have little fear or resistance to negotiating with adults or other kids. Why is negotiating hard for adults? An article on Salary.com states, “our research found nearly one-fifth of workers never negotiate after they’re offered a job.” After interviewing 2,000 people about why they don’t like to negotiate Salary.com found the biggest reason was fear of losing their job. In a Money Watch article by Jeff Haden, he states, “I hate negotiating, mostly because a negotiation often feels confrontational.”

Heidi Grant Halvorson Ph.D. shares this viewpoint by stating, “A negotiation is an experience that is rife with conflicting motivations.” How can adults negotiate better? Negotiating is an important skill since it enables you to earn a higher salary or pay less for a car or house. This skill can help you in both your personal and business relationships. Similar to saying no, you will feel empowered when you are able to negotiate effectively.

3. Play Creatively

If a child sees a basket of dolls or Legos, they have the ability to play creatively for hours. Sometimes a cardboard box is enough inspiration for a child to pretend to be in a car, train or plane. As people age, they no longer use pretend play. Why is creative play challenging for adults? In her article on Psych Central, Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S. discusses why adults struggle with creative play. She states, “Play for adults is perceived as unproductive, petty or even a guilty pleasure.” This leaves adults feeling as if the creative play is unnecessary, yet she found play helps people to feel happy. How can adults play creatively? Tartakovsky suggests you can add play into your life by changing how you think about it and giving yourself permission to play. She recommends using your childhood memories of play to reconnect with the idea. You can also play with your child or invite them to do a creative activity with you.

4. How to Succeed

If you have witnessed a child learning to walk or learning to ride a bike, you will see that despite falling down, they continue to get

up until they master the skill. Children don’t allow failure to hinder them from trying again until they succeed. Most success is the result of many failed attempts such as mastering a new skill. How can adults succeed? Guy Winch, Ph.D. suggests the best way to overcome failure is to focus on the aspects you can control. After you are able to figure out what isn’t in your control, try to improve it by taking a class or preparing and practicing for the next time you attempt the skill.

5. Finding Humor in Everything

Children laugh at almost anything. If an adult speaks in high pitched voice, stumbles over a shoe or mispronounces a word, a child will erupt into a fit of laughter. It is easy to make a child laugh. If you ask any comedian, they will probably tell you it’s not as easy to elicit laughter from an adult. Why is difficult for adults to laugh? People may hold back with laughing due to a fear of offending others. Robert Provine, Ph.D., author of the book Laughter, states that adults laugh less than children due to the fact they play less. How can adults laugh more? Provine found people are more likely to laugh when they are with other people as opposed to being alone. You can also read humorous books, watch funny TV shows or spend time with your child since laughter can be contagious. mp Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, Upworthy, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessing and Your Teen Magazine. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05.

WeCareTherapy Services We provide a wide-range of speech and language therapy services for both adults and children with various diagnoses including:

Articulation • Language • Stroke Autism Spectrum Disorder Voice Therapy • Stuttering 1286 Perry Hill Road Montgomery, AL 36109

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Phone: Email:

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Kids in the Kitchen Inviting kids into the kitchen to help cook rewards them in ways that far exceed the nutritional value of the food. Cooking introduces chemistry, physics, and math as kids measure ingredients, create mixtures and observe reactions. Literacy is supported when they learn to follow recipes and read the ingredients. Their self-confidence and social skills expand through partnership with adults as they help craft meals. A child invited into cooking preparations may also be encouraged to try new foods and broaden their palette (especially picky eaters). The following items offer

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

kids fun cooking resources that can both bring new chefs into the kitchen as well as expand the menu of the culinary child.

by Gerry Paige Smith

(Thames & Kosmos)

Kids can really sink their teeth into delicious teachable moments with the Gummy Candy Lab, a delicious introduction to the science behind the famous treats. Using a natural gelatin-like ingredient called carrageenan that comes from seaweed, young chefs are guided through the chemical processes that produce gummy treats. Mixed berry and green apple flavors are included to sweeten the candy to taste before the mixture is poured into the molds. Young kitchen chemists can even add citric acid to make sour gummies! Introducing topics like phases of matter and how to detect acids and bases (all described in easy-tounderstand language) the Gummy Candy Lab is the perfect blend of chemistry and confection!

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Playful Chef Baking Kit

Gummy Candy Lab

(Mindware)

Giving kids an early introduction to the marvels of baking is easy with the Playful Chef Baking Kitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traditional cooking tools, which are scaled down for smaller hands. Featuring 4 measuring cups, 4 measuring spoons, silicone pastry brush, wooden spoon, French rolling pin, 2 cookie cutters, stainless steel whisk, silicone Bundt pan and recipe book with parent guide, everything kids need to start is here. The recipe cards are simplified with young chefs in mind and the measuring cups and spoons are color coded, so children can instantly recognize the correct measurements for various ingredients. With the right tools for the task, the Playful Chef Baking Kit opens the door to an open-ended and rewarding cooking journey.

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A Candery Cotton Candy Machine

MasterChef Junior Pizza Cooking Set

One of the most popular confections from carnivals and fairs, the diaphanous delight that is cotton candy, can also be created right at home! The Candery Cotton Candy Machine is a modern countertop-sized appliance that uses heat, air and sugar to spin up the sweet fibers that tangle into delicious fluff. Using floss sugar (for best results) or hard candies (for flavor variety) the unit heats up the sugars until they waft out on warm air, ready to be collected on paper cones. While this unit functions like an industrial cotton candy maker, it takes a bit longer to accumulate a traditional sized cone of candy and young confectioners will need some patience as they build up their fluffy masterpieces. Easy to assemble and clean, the Candery Cotton Candy Machine is ideal for parties, sleepovers, holidays and every occasion that gathers kids with a sweet tooth and a soft spot for kitchen fun!

Focusing on one of the most popular foods among youth, the Junior Pizza Cooking Set brings kids into the process that produces this iconic staple of our family menu. The kitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cooking utensils (a sauce ladle, wood pizza board, personal pizza pan, and a plastic pizza cutter) are smaller than traditional tools and feature kid-safe materials and non-slip silicone grips. The real journey to pizza mastery begins with the recipe cards that are staged based on cooking experience. Kids start with a Traditional Pizza (line cook), advance to Breakfast Pizza (sous chef), and culminate their cooking journey with the Gourmet Flatbread as they move to the level of Master Chef. Inspired by the MasterChef television series, there are five MasterChef kits featuring a variety of menu items for young chefs to explore as they cook up and cultivate confidence in the kitchen.

(The Candery)

(MasterChef)

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

River Region Parents I October 2019

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MPAA Rating: PG Overall: AViolence: B Sexual Content: B Profanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: C+ It’s 1927 and Downton Abbey is about to enjoy a great honor – a visit from King George V and Queen Mary. Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) and his American-born wife Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) bring the family together to prepare for the royal visit. And their loyal staff determine to do their best to uphold the Abbey’s finest traditions. The monarch’s trip to Yorkshire makes for a thin plot, but it provides a good background for the many subplots that swirl through the film. Over the film’s somewhat bloated two hour runtime, audiences will get answers to numerous questions, large and small. Frankly, none of the questions leave the audience in suspense for long – if at all. There are, after all, only two questions that matter. First, will fans of the TV show like it? And, second, can the movie be enjoyed by those of us who don’t have years of exposure to the characters? The answer to the first question is definitely in the affirmative. Downton Abbey is a chance for fans to sit back, watch their favorite characters on the big screen, gaze wistfully at the glorious costumes, and laugh out loud at the Dowager Countess’s acerbic one-liners. The second question can also be answered positively. I am not a Downton fan, but I managed to enjoy the film’s quasi-historical escape with lovely period detail, a relaxing story, and only minor content issues. Downton Abbey is the cinematic equivalent of an English high tea. It isn’t terribly filling, but it looks lovely, tastes delicious is a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: A Sexual Content: AProfanity: D+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C It’s 1968 and Judy Garland (Renee Zellweger), now 46 years old, has wandered far from the yellow brick road that took her to Oz and global fame. Her options are dwindling and she realizes that she needs to make drastic decisions if she wants to win a custody battle and keep her children. She reluctantly accepts an offer to perform in London for a few months, hoping to make enough money to provide stability for her family. Judy is a moving biopic of a woman struggling to find a way to care for her children while battling the demons of her own early years. Judy Garland had a painful life, starting with her childhood stardom in The Wizard of Oz and a studio environment which was often toxic for young performers. Belittled for her appearance and weight, constantly threatened with firing, and fed a steady diet of pills, Judy Garland didn’t get to be Dorothy without giving up nearly everything else. Despite Judy Garland’s tumultuous life, parental concerns are reasonably limited. There is plenty of drinking, smoking, and abuse of prescription drugs, but this is shown in a negative light. There is less profanity than I expected, with most conversations devoid of objectionable language. There are nine swear words overall, with two sexual expletives. For all the glitz and glamour around its star, this film is quite dark. Zellweger does a good job of balancing Garland’s sense of humor and strong personality with the seemingly endless personal tragedy, but you’d still be well advised to come to the theatre with some tissues.

Abominable

The Peanut Butter Falcon

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: A Violence: B Sexual Content: A Profanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A Yi is living life on the go. Spending her vacation running from one part time job to another in her hometown of Shanghai, she barely has time to talk to her mother and grandmother. She is too busy to play basketball with younger neighbor, Peng and barely manages to squeeze in some snarky banter with handsome Jin. There’s a reason behind Yi’s frenetic schedule – she’s afraid that if she stops long enough to think, she won’t be able to control her grief over her father’s death. But then one night, she climbs up to her rooftop hideaway to play her father’s violin and makes a discovery that will change her life. Mr. Burnish (voiced by Eddie Izzard) is an acquisitive animal collector, with a lifelong obsession with yeti. He has finally managed to capture an abominable snowman of his own, only to see him escape over the rooftops of Shanghai. Injured in his flight, the yeti hides on the first convenient roof, until he’s discovered by Yi. Their meeting launches the new friends, along with Peng and Jin, on a journey across China to return the yeti to his home on Mount Everest. Not only is there much to enjoy in this movie; there is very little for parents to worry about. Abominable contains some perilous situations and a few violent encounters, but these are not gratuitous or gory and serve to advance the plot. Only sensitive children will be troubled by the story’s action. This charming movie celebrates the glories of the natural world and the magic of music, friendship, loyalty, and love. It definitely isn’t abominable – it’s wonderful and well worth the price of the ticket to see it on the big screen.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: BSexual Content: B+ Profanity: DAlcohol / Drug Use: D The Peanut Butter Falcon is a perplexing movie. Is it a heartwarming Huck Finn tale of two renegades on the run, figuring out if they’re the good guys or bad guys in their own stories? Or is it a modern attempt to tackle how we relate to, communicate with, and treat people with disabilities? I think the response is subjective – and you’ll need to decide for yourself. Zak (Zack Gottsagen) is a twenty-two year old man with Down Syndrome. He has no family and has been warehoused in a nursing home because the state lacks an appropriate facility. Not surprisingly, Zak decides to escape and pursue his dream of becoming a pro wrestler. He’s even picked his own stage name - The Peanut Butter Falcon. Tyler (Shia LaBeouf) is a crab fisherman who steals other fishermen’s catches. This is risky and, having been trapped in a sticky position, he commits an unplanned act of arson, putting him on the run from the law. When Tyler and Zak cross paths, they pair up as they try to avoid their pursuers on their journey towards freedom. Thankfully this rich relationship is supported by excellent performances by the lead actors, particularly Zack Gottsagen’s. Having a person with Down Syndrome actually portrayed by an actor with Down Syndrome makes the film more authentic. The most difficult part of going to see this film is watching people mistreat and abuse Zak. The sheer cruelty was enough to make me recoil in empathetic pain and disgust – and parents will want to keep this in mind as they consider this movie for family viewing. 89

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FamilyCalendar Wednesday, October 2

The Invincible Czars Perform Original Soundtrack to The Cabinet Of Dr Caligari 8 p.m. Capri Theatre. The Invincible Czars return for a live performace of their original score to the silent film classic The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Roger Ebert called it arguably “the first true horror film” and film reviewer Danny Peary called it cinema’s first cult film and a precursor for arthouse films. $12 members; $15 general admission. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858. Capital City Master Gardener Association Lunch and Learn Series Open to the Public Noon-1 p.m. The first Wednesday of each month. Sessions are held at the Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, next to the Curb Market. Related handouts from the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service are provided at no cost. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunches to each event. Iced tea and water provided. Artful Yoga at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts -- Also October 16 & November 6 Noon-1 p.m. Each Artful Yoga session will draw inspiration from collections and exhibitions of the Museum. Led by instructor Nancy Beale, the class is free and suitable for all levels; beginners are welcome. Bring your yoga mats and wear comfortable clothing. For more info, visit https://mmfa.org/ discover/artful-yoga/ or call (334) 240-4333.

Thursday, October 3

Wetumpka Depot Players Present Becky’s New Car -- Also Oct. 4-5 7:30 p.m. performances except 2 p.m. matinee Sept. 29. Written by Steven Dietz; directed by Tom Salter. Have you ever been tempted to flee your own life? Becky Foster is caught in middle age, middle management and in a middling marriage with no prospects for change on the horizon. Ride shotgun with us for this thoroughly original comedy. For tickets or more info, visit wetumpkadepot.com or call (334) 868-1440. Cloverdale Playhouse Presents Rumors -Through October 13 7:30 p.m. except for 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Written by Neil Simon and directed by Mike Winkelman. At a large, tastefully appointed townhouse, the Deputy Mayor of New York has just shot himself. Though only a flesh wound, four couples are about to experience a severe attack of farce. As the confusions and miscommunications mount, the evening spins off into classic hilarity. This is one of Simon’s most celebrated comedies. For more info, call (334) 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org/. Faulkner University’s 2019 Benefit Dinner featuring Nikki Haley Montgomery Renaissance. Order tickets at (334) 3867257 or visit https://www.faulkner.edu/e-events/2019benefit-dinner/. College Night: Art Song 6-8 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. College Night returns with this free art- and music-filled night! Kick back and mingle with fellow students while enjoying performances and art by students from Alabama State University (ASU). For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa.org/. Capri Theatre Presents Mean Girls 7:30 p.m. Cady Heron is a hit with The Plastics, the A-list girl clique at her new school, until she makes the

River Region Parents I October 2019

mistake of falling for Aaron Samuels, the ex-boyfriend of alpha Plastic Regina George. For more info, visit www. capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858. Earth’s Heart: Connecting Cultures -Also Oct. 10, 17, 24 & 31 2:30-3 p.m. ArtWorks at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Explore the arts of different cultures. ArtWorks Educator Kelly Bazan will introduce young learners to the basic greetings, visual arts, music, clothing, and traditions of the country in focus (this month is Venezuela). Connections will also be made to works in the Museum’s galleries. Classes are limited to 25 students. First come, first serve. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa.org/.

Friday, October 4

Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre Presents Clue the Musical -- Thru October 6 7:30 p.m. performances except for 2 p.m. matinees September 29 and 6. Written by Peter DePietro; lyrics by Tom Chiodo; and directed by Michael Proper. This is a fun, interactive musical with all of your favorite Clue characters! Tickets are $12 in advance and $14 at the door (if available). For more info, call (334) 595-0850 or visit cc.prattvilleal.gov. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents H amlet Through October 6 Written by William Shakespeare; directed by Eric Tucker. NYC’s Bedlam Theatre in residence at ASF creates Shakespeare’s Hamlet with a company of four actors, in a production hailed as “invigorating,” “lively and brisk,” and “masterful” by critics. Recommended ages 12+. For tickets or more info, visit asf. net/ or call (334) 271-5353. Alabama National Fair -- Through October 14 Various times. Garrett Coliseum and Fairgrounds, 1555 Federal Drive. Events include art show, choral festival, livestock, midway rides and live entertainment. For more info, visit https://alnationalfair.org/ or call (334) 272-6831. Food Truck Friday at the Shoppes at EastChase Fridays through October 25 5-8 p.m. We’ll have a food truck set up with patio seating near H+M and lawn games provided by Lafgamco. This event is free and open to the public. The menu and food truck changes every week, so stay tuned on Facebook or call (334) 279-6046. First Friday Cruise-Ins 5:30-7 p.m. 36 Dexter Ave., Montgomery. The lower block of Dexter Ave. will be closed off once the featured vehicles are in place. Numerous restaurants and food trucks will be open including Alabama Sweet Tea Company, Momma Goldberg’s, FRIOS Pops, Cuco’s Mexican Café and others. Join us for some free family friendly fun. For more info, visit www.LowerDexter.org or call (334) 273-0313. Date Night Movie on the Green -Fridays through October 6 p.m. Riverfront Park, 355 Commerce Street, Montgomery. Free Alley Bar/Aviator Bar entry with wristband. Ages 21 & over preferred. Chairs and pets welcome. Oct. 4: Boo! A Madea Halloween; Oct. 11: Young Frankenstein; Oct. 18: Beetlejuice; and Oct. 25: Jaws. For more info, visit www.funinmontgomery.com.

Saturday, October 5

Alabama Dept. of Archives & History Announces Return of Saturday Hours 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. With funding recommended by Gov. Ivey and appropriated by the State Legislature, the EBSCO Research Room will provide services to the public Tuesday through Saturday. This research facility, located inside the ADAH, provides access to the ADAH’s extensive records collections, free use of online resources such as Ancestry and Fold3, and guidance from the agency’s staff of expert research archivists. Access is always free. To learn more, visit www.archives.alabama.gov or call (334) 242-4364. Woofstock: Peace, Love and Pets 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Providence Presbyterian Church, 2130 Bell Road in east Montgomery. Woofstock features adoptable animals from the humane societies of Montgomery, Autauga and Elmore counties. There will be a petting zoo with animals with which kids can interact. Children can also play on inflatables and enjoy cornhole, face painting, and games. Admission is free, and the event is open to the public. For more info, call (334) 274-1018. Sixth Annual WYLD in the WOODS 5K Trail Run 8 a.m. Grandview Family YMCA in Millbrook. Free childcare is provided for participating runners! This challenging 5K will have uneven terrain (with rocks, roots and sand) and will feature beautiful fields and lakes through Grandview’s wooded area. This run is for all fitness levels. Proceeds benefit the Grandview YMCA Annual Support Campaign. For more info, contact Bill at (334) 290-9622 or bmyers@ymcamontgomery.org. 8th Annual River Region Prayer Walk 8:30 a.m. Union Station Train Shed. People from all across our region come together to pray with the theme of “Let Your Light Shine.” Afterward, there will be free food, music and family activities. This is an event for the whole community but registration is requested to provide a headcount for food. Sponsored by Frazer ministry partners Beauty by Fire Ministries and OUR Montgomery. E-mail riverregionprayerwalk@gmail.com or call (334) 578-9783. Millbrook Cops and Kids Day 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Mill Creek Park, Millbrook. This is a FREE family fun day and the first 1,000 kids will receive a T-shirt. Historically, the event has been held at Village Green, but it has been moved to Mill Creek Park, which is behind the Village Green to include the ballfields and a large open area. For more info, find us on Facebook. Guided Nature Hike at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook -- Also November 2 10 a.m. Hike some of Lanark’s 5 miles of trails with an experienced ANC naturalist by your side. Learn how to bird or ID plants and animals, splash through the creek, or catch insects in the meadow! General admission applies: $5/person with a $20 maximum per family. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife. org/ or call (334) 285-4550. Michael’s Kids Club at EastChase 10 a.m.-noon. Abstract Paper Pumpkin. Kids 3 and up can enjoy making an abstract paper pumpkin. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event. $3 for supplies. For more info, visit www.michaels.com.

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FamilyCalendar Old Cahawba Hear the Dead Speak 10-11 a.m. Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, 9518 Cahaba Rd, Orrville, Ala. At Old Cahawba, you don’t have to believe in ghosts to hear the past speaking to you. Be an “above-ground archaeologist,” and discover messages in Cahawba’s relic landscape that were left behind by the town’s long dead residents. Call (334) 872-8058 for more info or visit www.ahc. alabama.gov or www.facebook.com/oldcahawba. Admission is $8/person. CloverJAM 5-9 p.m. Block party along East Fairview Avenue between Moe’s and Bud’s. Live music, complimentary face painting, braid bar by Vital Beauty Bar, food and beverage specials. Find us on Facebook. Home Depot Kids’ Workshop 9 a.m.-noon. All locations. Ages 5-12. Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety. Today’s project is a fire plane. You’ll be able to attach the wings, landing gear, adjust the tail fin, decorate the propellers with stickers and be ready to fly. Each child also receives a kid-sized orange apron and an achievement pin. For more info, visit http:// homedepot.com/workshops/kids-workshops.

Sunday, October 6

Jamey Johnson’s 8th Annual Homecoming Concert 7 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium, 200 Coosa Street, Montgomery. Singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson, along with the Nikki Mitchell

Foundation, welcomes country singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer Toby Keith. Other guests include Randy Houser, Lee Brice and more. Tickets are available at the Montgomery Biscuits box office or online at www.ticketreturn.com. Prices range from $20 to $40. For more info, call (615) 982-6802.

(ACES) facility on Queen Ann Road in Wetumpka, these free events for the public are held on the second Wednesday of each month. Attendees are invited to bring their lunch and learn. Beverages are provided by CAMGA. For more info, call 567-6301 or visit www.aces.edu/counties/Elmore/.

Prattauga Art Guild Fall Show Opening Reception 1-3 p.m. Prattville Creative Arts Center, 342 Chestnut Street, Prattville. The Prattauga Art Guild show is open to member and non-member artists 18 and older and no longer in high school. Categories include opaque painting; transparent painting; drawing and printmaking; mixed media and collage; photography; and sculpture, 3-D, and fiber arts. For more info, call (334) 595-0850.

Junior League Holiday Market -- Thru Oct. 12 Multiplex at Cramton Bowl, 220 Hall St. Wednesday: Prancer’s Preview Party and Silent Auction, 6-9 p.m.; Thursday: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. with Spirit Night from 5-9 p.m.; Friday: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. with Girls’ Night Out from 6-9 p.m.; and Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with Breakfast with Santa from 9-11 a.m. and Photos with Santa (Bring your own camera) from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. **Breakfast with Santa is a separate ticket and does not include general admission tickets for parents. Visit www.jlmontgomery.org/ or call (334) 288-8816.

Tuesday, October 8

National Night Out Event in Prattville Target’s Parking Lot 5-8 p.m. FREE refreshments and fun events for the entire family. This community-wide event is to encourage neighborhoods to engage in stronger relationships with each other and with their local law enforcement partners. For more info, visit https://www.myriverregion.com/. Autauga County Fair 2019 -- Through Oct. 12 5-10 p.m. Mac Gray Park, 1050 Martin Luther King Dr., Prattville. For more info, call (334) 717-0277 or e-mail gary@autaugacountyfair.com.

Wednesday, October 9

Central Alabama Master Gardener (CAMGA) Lunch & Learn Program Noon-1 p.m. Held at the Elmore County Extension

Thursday, October 10

Happy Hour for a Cause 4-6:30 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium, 200 Coosa Street. Raise awareness and funds to support American Cancer Society’s Real Men Wear Pink Campaign. Free admission, live music with Rachael Wilson, food trucks, silent auction, pints from Common Bond Brewers and Uncle Nearest drink specials with all proceeds donated to ACS! Every dollar raised helps saves lives from breast cancer through early detection and prevention, innovative breast cancer research, and patient support. For more info, call (334) 288-8543 or find us on Facebook.

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FamilyCalendar Friday, October 11

Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets Also October 25 10 a.m.-noon at Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. Elmore County Homeschool Organization is a non-profit support group for homeschooling families. We provide a positive socialization environment for homeschooled children & support and encourage their parents in the homeschooling process. We typically meet the second and fourth Friday of every month year-round (except during November and December). Membership is free and is open to all homeschoolers in the tri-county area. For details, visit http://www.onlineecho.com.

Saturday, October 12

Oscillation Transia Film Festival 4:30 p.m. solar workshop; 6:30 p.m. free screening of indie short films. Town of Spectre, Jackson Lake Island in Millbrook. An outdoor event exploring the intersection of solar energy and independent cinema. Each event will include a free one-hour solar workshop and 90-minute film screening. Seating and fresh water will be provided at each event. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and reusable water bottle. For more info, visit www. oscillationtransia.com. Autauga County’s Fairest of the Fair Beauty Pageant All ages starting at 18 months. Lots of prizes! Visit AutaugaCountyFair.com or call (334) 467-8603. Animal Track Casting at Alabama Nature Center 10 a.m. Here we will learn about the types of tracks different animals make such as raccoons, foxes, deer, and turkey! Bring the kids and even make your own cast of an animal track to take home. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (334) 285-4550. Second Annual Sista Strut 3K Breast Cancer Walk 8 a.m.-noon. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Sista Strut will raise money for breast cancer research and survivor support organizations Joy to Life Foundation and Sistas Can Survive Coalition, Inc., local Montgomery breast cancer charities. $25 per individual/$30 per team member through Oct. 8. For more info, visit www.sistastrutwalk.com/ or call (334) 274-6451. Pumpkin Festival Opening Weekend featuring Beef Fest -- Also October 13 10 a.m.-7 p.m. SweetCreek Farm Market, Pike Road. We’ll have vendors, beef education, a coloring contest...and a beef chili cook-off! For more info, visit https://www.bamabeef.org/. AMC Theaters Offers Sensory-Friendly Movietimes -- Also October 26 For guests and families living with autism or other special needs, AMC partners with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes, and don’t forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly. Whole Foods Second Saturday Kids’ Club 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Whole Foods, 1450 Taylor Rd., Montgomery. Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Each second Saturday, Whole Foods will host fun, hands-on craft activities to teach kids about healthy eating. It’s totally free, and every participant gets a piece of fruit and whatever they make in the workshop! For more info, call (334) 523-2940 or visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/montgomery.

River Region Parents I October 2019

Dads and Daughters Saturday (D.A.D.S) Calling ALL Fathers and Daughters for storytimes, fun and laughs, 11 a.m.-noon every 2nd Saturday at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Memorial Library. There will be singing, dancing and arts & crafts. So come visit us and have an enjoyable time! For more info, visit www.facebook.com/events/1374454692792666 /?source=1. 2nd Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women Montgomery Country Club, Azalea Room, 3800 Narrow Lane Road. 9 a.m.-noon. 3-hour workshop that is offered monthly, designed to help participants explore the legal, financial, and emotional issues of divorce and gain a greater understanding of the process. Cost to attend is $20 per person and preregistration required. For more info, please call or e-mail Sommer Morris at (334) 612-1086 or sommer. morris@morganstanley.com. You may also visit www. secondsaturday.com. Second Saturdays at Old Alabama Town 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. Second Saturdays bring special programs for the whole family including crafts, music, lectures and more! This month’s focus is “Home Grown & Home Made.” S&B Apiaries will be here with bees, honey and information about saving bees. For more info, call (334) 240-4500 or visit www.oldalabamatown.com/. Old Alabama Town Revue 2 p.m. First Presbyterian Colored Church (1885), Columbus Street. The 12th season for the Old Alabama Town Revue kicks off with a show theme of “It’s Fall, Y’all.” It’s part of Second Saturday (see above), so it’s free and open to the public. The show features a combination of original songs and old favorites. Tour Old Alabama Town and stop in for the show! For more info, call (334) 240-4500 or visit www.oldalabamatown. com/.

Sunday, October 13

MAX Burger Bash 2019 5-8:30 p.m. on Lower Dexter Avenue. Each ticket holder gets to try each competitor’s burger. After sampling, the ticket holder votes on their top 3. The Burger Bash winner walks away with $1,000! Come enjoy a burger, beer and friends! Burgers will be available starting at 5:30 p.m. General admission is $25 and VIP Tickets available for $50. For more info, find us on Facebook. Painting with a Twist 6:30-8 p.m. Common Bond Brewers, 424 Bibb Street. Your evening will consist of painting class taught by PWAT’s professional artist and bartenders and staff from Common Bond taking care of your drinks. Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks welcome. In our classes we use acrylic paints on 16x20 canvas and provide step by step instructions. Tickets are $35 per seat. Call (334) 676-2287 or visit www. commonbondbrewers.com for more info. MercyMe at BJCC Legacy Arena 7 p.m. Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center Legacy Arena. Tickets begin at $24. For tickets or more info, visit https://www.bjcc.org/ or call (205) 458-8400. Friends and Newcomers Club for the Prattville and Millbrook Area 9:30 a.m. at the Bradford Branch YMCA, 972 McQueen Smith Rd., Prattville. General meeting every third Thursday. All ladies welcome. October speaker will be Sarah Kirkpatrick, YMCA fitness director, on healthy living. For more info, contact Nancy at (334) 414-8185 or visit www.friendsandnewcomers.org.

Bark in the Park 2-4 p.m. Rotary Dog Park, 98 Coosa St. Pet vendors & activities. Minimum $1 donation entry to go to Montgomery Humane Society. For more info, call (334) 625-2100 or visit www.funinmontgomery.com.

Capri Theatre Presents Psycho 7:30 p.m. Classic featuring Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins; directed by Alfred Hitchcock. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858.

Autumn Art Fest 3-6 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Celebrate the changing of the seasons and enjoy an afternoon of pumpkin decorating, autumn-themed art activities, ghost stories, music, and fall foods. Local artists will demonstrate their pumpkin carving skills. For info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa.org/.

Pike Road Plein Air Paint Out -- Also October 18 Presented by the Pike Road Arts Council with the Alabama plein air artists. All participating artists will paint around town throughout the day on Friday and Saturday. There will be a live paint demonstration by artist Amy Peterson at the Pike Road Arts Center, 11:30 a.m. Friday; and a preview art show and sale, 5-7 p.m. On Saturday, a wet paint art show, sale and reception will be held at New Waters Realty, 2239 Marler Rd., from 5-7 p.m. For more info, contact patty@pikeroad. us or call (334) 272-9883.

Wednesday, October 16

See Me: Exploring Still Life at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 1 p.m. Led by ArtWorks Educator Kelly Bazan, individuals with special needs (ages 6 and older) will explore still life works in the galleries and then create mixed-media still life artwork. Free but registration required. Call (334) 625-4365.

Thursday, October 17

Food For Thought Noon-1 p.m. The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. Bring lunch and and join us every third Thursday for these FREE lectures sponsored by Friends of the Alabama Archives. Drinks are complimentary. Today’s topic is “Old Traditions in a New State: Creek Families in Alabama,” presented by Alex Colvin. Visit www.archives.alabama.gov.

Friday, October 18

Best Robotics Competition -- Also October 19 Multiplex at Cramton Bowl, 220 Hall St. Head to head competition with up to 24 teams. Robotic competition includes design, build and drive. Also includes marketing presentations, team exhibits and interviews, team apparel, team websites and computer aided design (CAD) package. For more info, visit https://mgmbest. com/competition/.

Saturday, October 19

Prattville Artist Market 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy a fall day in the art garden next to the Prattville Creative Art Center and Gallery. Pick up holiday gifts of paintings, photography, jewelry, and more by local artists while the children work on a makeand-take art project. For info, call (334) 595-0850. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk 7:30 a.m. Union Station Train Shed. Help raise funds for groundbreaking breast cancer research,

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life-saving education, and critical patient services by walking in the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Making Strides of Montgomery. For more info, contact Quenita at MontgomeryALStrides@cancer.org or (334) 6128165. MDA Muscle Walk of Montgomery 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Montgomery Zoo. Celebrate the day with family fun activity stations, live music, and a united walk together on a mile long, fully accessible route for everyone to enjoy. Funds raised through this event helps MDA continue to support services and care to 1,300 children and adults in Alabama affected by neuromuscular disease as well as back three ground breaking research grants locally at UAB. Contact Shaylee Beck for more details at (205) 823-8191 or sbeck@mdausa.org. Big Day Bird Census at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook 9:15 a.m. A “Big Day” is when birdwatchers try to find as many different kinds of birds as they can in a specific area in one day. Join ANC naturalist Carol Alford as we identify and count all the birds we hear or see at The Alabama Nature Center. Binoculars will be provided along with pamphlets illustrating common Alabama birds. Expect to be out on the trails for about two hours. The pace will be slow with frequent stops to hear and look at birds. For more info, visit ebird.org and scroll down to the October Big Day article. Suggested ages 12

& up. General admission applies: $5/person with a $20 maximum per family. Visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (334) 285-4550. Creatures of the Night at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook 3 p.m. Join us for a Halloween-themed evening under the stars. Activities will include a slithering snake encounter, creepy crawly insects, ewwy gooey touch table, flashlight spider search and night hike, and a movie under the stars! There will also be plenty of Halloween-themed games, food and activities for the kids to enjoy! Feel free to bring a blanket or chairs for the movie. Admission is free. Visit www. alabamawildlife.org/ or call (334) 285-4550. Nitty Gritty 5K 8 a.m.-noon. YMCA Bradford Branch, 972 McQueen Smith Rd., Prattville. Where else can you walk or run a 5K then walk around and sample wonderful variations of local grits? Awards are given to top runners in each age group and the fastest male and female go home with a golden spoon of their own. All runners receive a shirt until they are gone. The race path will take you through the Silver Hills neighborhood in east Prattville. For more info, call (334) 361-0268 or visit https://www.itsyourrace. com/event.aspx?id=10993. Old Cahawba Haunted History Tours -Also Oct. 26 7-10:30 p.m. Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, 9518 Cahaba Rd, Orrville, Ala. Be transported to Cahawba’s most haunted locations where authentic historical accounts of ghosts attached to each place will be shared. Then the Alabama Paranormal Research group will step in with their ghost hunting equipment so you can participate in

a mini investigation. Advance tickets required. This is a deluxe wagon tour but some walking is necessary. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Call (334) 872-8058 for more info or visit www.ahc.alabama.gov or www. facebook.com/oldcahawba. Admission is $20/person. Ft. Toulouse/Ft. Jackson War of 1812 Reenactment 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wetumpka. Living history demonstrations of military, Indian, and civilian life take place throughout the day. Re-enactors are dressed and equipped as they appeared in North America. $4 admission for adults, per day. $2 admission for children. For more info, call (334) 567-3002 or visit https://ahc. alabama.gov/calendar/. Riverwalk Wine Festival 3-6 p.m. Riverfront Park, 355 Commerce Street. Wine tastings, live music and more. Chairs and pets welcome. $30 per ticket. Call (334) 625-2100 or visit www.funinmontgomery.com. 2019 Montgomery Buddy Walk 9 a.m.-noon. John Mark Stallings Football Field, Faulkner University. The Buddy Walk celebrates National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Your participation in the Buddy Walk helps the Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group provide information and support to families in the Montgomery Tri-County area. Lunch and awards included. Visit https://www.classy.org/event/2019montgomery-buddy-walk/e245825.

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FamilyCalendar AngelFest 2019 9 a.m.-2 p.m. St. Michael and All Angels’ Episcopal Church, 5941 Main Street, Millbrook. Enjoy entertainment while you browse the booths of renowned local artisans, bid on amazing items for an unbeatable price at the Silent Auction, and the children enjoy the Kids’ Carnival. Grab a tasty lunch of homemade goods at the Bake Sale, freshly cooked Boston Butts, and more. Call (334) 285-3905 or e-mail stmichaelsallangels@gmail.com. Highlight Tours 1-2 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Learn more about the works of art on view and latest exhibitions at the Museum with docent-led tours offered the third Saturday of each month. These tours are free and open to the public, no reservations required. For more info, visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333.

Sunday, October 20

Brass on the Grass - ClefWorks at Jasmine Hill 4-5 p.m. Jasmine Hill Gardens and Outdoor Museum, Wetumpka. FREE EVENT. Bring the family and enjoy the talented ASU Faculty Brass Quintet. Free entry to the gardens begins at 2 p.m. Concert begins at 4. For more info, call (334) 567-6463 or e-mail daynacoker@yahoo.com.

Monday, October 21

Bastille at BJCC Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center Concert Hall. Tickets begin at $18. For tickets or more info, visit https://www.bjcc.org/ or call (205) 458-8400.

Tuesday, October 22

Cupcake Bouquets Workshop 6-8 p.m. Pike Road Arts Center, 944 Wallahatchie Road. Work with icing and fondant to create edible art! Participants will receive multiple cupcakes and all the supplies they need to create an elegant floral bouquet. $15 per adult and $5 for children ages 9 and up with participating adult. Registration required by October 18. For more info, contact katy@pikeroad.us or call (334) 272-9883.

Wednesday, October 23

Viewing of Pike Road’s Annual Hay Bale Decorating Contest -- Through November 3 All Pike Road neighborhoods, businesses, and organizations are invited to participate in this fall-favorite event. For more info, e-mail katy@pikeroad.us.

Thursday, October 24

Newcomers Club of Montgomery Monthly Luncheon All women of the River Region are invited to attend our monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Arrowhead Country Club. Join ghost hunter and folklorist Faith Serafin for a trip through the Heart of Dixie and Montgomery’s most haunted history. Our guest speaker, Faith Serafin, is the author of five books on the haunted pasts of various towns including Montgomery. Luncheon cost is $18 and reservations must be made by noon Monday, October 21, to Janie Kennett at (813) 309-0300 or JMKennett12@ yahoo.com. Visit www.newcomersmontgomery.com for more info. Murder Mystery Dinner In The Alley 6-8:30 p.m. Alley Station Ballroom, 130 Commerce Street. Join the Alabama Head Injury Foundation for a fun night raising funds for a great cause! Someone killed the Don’s right hand man. When everyone in The Joint is a crook, killer, mobster, or gang member, it may be hard to figure out who whacked him. Releasing your inner super sleuth, you will piece together the clues, interrogate potential suspects, and solve the crime. Buffet style dinner and cash bar of beers, wines, and

River Region Parents I October 2019

theme mixed drinks also available. 1940s “gangster” attire is welcome, but not required. Tickets are $40 per person. Call (205) 823-3818 or 1-800-433-8002 for more info. Breakaway Films Presents Bill Traylor Chasing Ghosts 7 p.m. Join us for a screening of the groundbreaking documentary about the artist Bill Traylor, who captured scenes of life in Alabama from his rural roots in Dallas County to Montgomery’s Monroe Street (then Avenue), where he lived and made his extraordinary drawings. Following the film, Museum Director Angie Dodson will moderate a discussion. At the same time, MMFA will display a sampling of the artist’s drawings. Admission is free, tickets required. For more info, visit www. capritheatre.org/ or call (334) 262-4858. ARTtalk at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 6-8 p.m. Join this monthly program for Museum members during which artists share one artwork apiece and receive feedback from their peers. Enjoy light refreshments and networking with other professionals in this unique program whether or not you choose to bring artwork. To register, please contact Brandy Morrison at bmorrison@mmfa.org or call (334) 625-4365. Cost: $50 for the series of 12 meetings or $5 drop-in fee for single meetings. In the Arts 6 p.m. The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. The Muses host this annual arts-related career night for River Region teens. Professionals from community arts organizations and creative businesses showcase their work and answer questions about their education and career paths. For questions, contact Elisabeth Palmer at epalmer@mmfa.org or call (334) 625-4333. Wetumpka Depot Penguin Project Costume Ball 5:30-7 p.m. Wetumpka Depot Theatre. This is an event for 10- to 21-yearold special needs students. Wear a fun costume and invite a friend! Snacks, music, games, hayrides and face painting. For more info, e-mail penguinproject@ wetumpkadepot.com.

Friday, October 25

Parade of Pumpkins -- Through November 2 Bring a carved or decorated pumpkin to designated areas of Historic Downtown Prattville October 25-28 for display through November 2 for Prattville’s Parade of Pumpkins! call Visit prattvilleal.gov. MPAC Presents The Fab Four “The Ultimate Tribute” with Ed Sullivan 8 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. The Fab Four is a California-based tribute band paying homage to The Beatles. They have brought the music of the Beatles to many places worldwide, covering nearly the entire Beatles songbook, in addition to the Beatles’ solo material. Tickets begin at $25. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100. Monsters and Mummies Halloween Dance 6:30-9 p.m. Grandview Family YMCA in Millbrook. Mothers and sons will take part in an evening of costume contests, dancing and laughter. Dress up in your scariest costumes or come as a dynamic duo. We will have a photo booth, food and live music. Be sure to register BOTH children and adult participants. Ages 4 and up. Members: $10 per person; non-members: $20 per person. For more info, contact Bill at (334) 2909622 or bmyers@ymcamontgomery.org.

Open Gym at The Armory 7-9 p.m. For ages 6-18. Students do not have to be a member but must have a waiver signed by parent. $10 per student due at registration. Last day to register is 7 p.m. Thursday prior to the event; may not register day of event. For more info, visit http:// armoryathletics.com/ or call (334) 625-2789.

Saturday, October 26

Prattville Farmers Market Fall Market 8 a.m.-noon. The Prattville Farmers Market will return for a one-day fall market in the grove across from Gillespie Senior Center, featuring fall crops such as pumpkins and greens. Bring the kids out to enjoy fall crafts, games, bubbles and giveaways! For more info, call (334) 595-0850. Campfire Cooking Class at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook 10 a.m. Learn how to not only start a successful campfire but how to cook on a fire! These are handy skills to know for your spring camping trips. We are providing the food. Guests will learn how to prepare various types of food over a campfire as well as enjoy some tasty foods. General admission applies and includes this program. To RSVP, visit www. alabamawildlife.org/ or call (334) 285-4550. Harvest Jam Hosted by Shoppes at EastChase 11 a.m.-2 p.m. This free festive fall event is for music fans, farmers market shoppers, craft beer lovers, and families from the river region! Harvest Jam delivers a unique and robust experience filled with live music by The Red Clay Strays, farmers + makers, delicious local food and a craft beer tasting presented by Pies & Pints. Donations for the craft beer tasting will benefit Child Protect, Childrens Advocacy Center. For more info, e-mail suzanna@crawfordsq.com.

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Cloverdale Playhouse 2020 Season Announcement Party 7 p.m. We will announce the season upstairs in our Elizabeth Crump Theatre, with a reception to celebrate our wonderful volunteers and launch our ninth year of storytelling immediately to follow. Come as you are, dress up, or wear a costume! A FREE EVENT, but RSVPs are appreciated! For more info, call (334) 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org/. Candy Run 8K, 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run 6:30-10 a.m. Spinner Park, W 6th St., Prattville. Fundraiser benefiting the Family Support Center. Both the 8K and 5K will take you on a run through historic downtown Prattville. After the conclusion of all races you can enjoy a little shopping at the Spinners Arts & Craft Festival that will be in full swing at the Park. For more info, call (334) 361-4703 or visit www.acfsc.org.

Sunday, October 27

River Region (Montgomery) Out of the Darkness Community Walk Noon-4 p.m. Auburn University Montgomery, Moore Hall, 7440 East Drive. Join the effort with hundreds of thousands of people to raise awareness and funds that allow the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss. For more info, contact Cheryl at (334) 322-5988 or cherylwvinson@ gmail.com. Taste of Hampstead Wine & Art Festival 1-4 p.m. Hampstead Great Lawn by the Lake.

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FamilyCalendar Hampstead Community Realty, Taste and RSVP Montgomery host this inaugural festival with wine samplings from Alabama Crown, Grassroots, International Wines, Pinnacle, Rush Wines and United Johnson Brothers. Enjoy the lake view and big band sounds while you shop from a variety of talented artists. Advance tickets are $50 until October 20 and include commemorative wine glass, wine bag, bottled water, charcuterie samplings from Taste and shuttle service from parking lot to Hampstead’s Great Lawn. Must be 21 years of age. For more info, call (334) 354-2577 or visit www. hampsteadliving.com/.

Monday, October 28

Wetumpka Candy Walk 4:30-6:30 p.m. behind the City Administration Building. For toddlers through 4th grade. Please bring a canned good for the Elmore County Food Pantry. For more info, call (334) 567-5147. Prattville Parade of Pumpkins 5-7 p.m. Downtown Main Street. Featuring the annual candy walk. To learn more, visit prattvilleal. gov.

Tuesday, October 29

Halloween at the AMP 6 p.m. Lake Martin Amphitheater on Lake Martin. Admission is free. Grab your favorite Halloween costume and join the Ghouls at The AMP for the 4th Annual Halloween Band Concert featuring Alexander City Middle School Advanced Band and Benjamin Russell High School Concert and Symphonic Bands. Visit www. theamponlakemartin.com/ or call (256) 397-1019. HullaBoo Fall Fest 2019 4:30-7 p.m. Old Alabama Town South Living Block. For kindergarten through fifth grade. Free admission with parent or guardian. Costumes, children’s games and activities, food and fun. For info, call (334) 240-4500 or visit www.oldalabamatown.com/.

Saturday, November 2

Montgomery Zoo Volunteer Serve Day 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Volunteer groups will accomplish several tasks, including landscaping, trimming bushes, planting flowers, raking leaves, painting, and overall prepping the Zoo for upcoming events. Volunteers can be adults, teens, civic groups, school groups, church groups, businesses, military squadrons, and families. Volunteers ages 12-16 years old must be accompanied by a parent / legal guardian or a designated group chaperone. Volunteers under the age of 19 must obtain parent / legal guardian permission to volunteer. For more info, visit https://www.montgomeryzoo.com/ or call (334) 625-4900.

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Alabama Nature Center Rocks! 10 a.m. 3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook. Ready to “Rock Out?” Come visit us to search for and paint some nature scene rocks. This program will be informal and will be good for children and adults alike. All materials supplied. Feel free to hide your rock around the ANC once you are done, or take it home as a souvenir. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (334) 285-4550.

Pike Road Veterans Appreciation Ceremony For more info, call (334) 272-9883.

Thursday, November 7

Theatre AUM Presents The Seagull -- Through Nov. 9; also Nov. 14-17 7:30 p.m. performances except one 2 p.m. matinee Nov. 17. $10 general admission; $5 senior citizen, non-AUM students, and military (with ID); and free for AUM students, faculty, staff, and alumni (with AUM ID). For reservations or more info, contact Katie at (334) 244-3632 or kpearso2@aum. edu. 2019 Charis Crafters “Home for the Holidays” Craft Show -- Through November 9 10 a.m. Wetumpka Civic Center, 410 S Main St. Come to this special event to shop for items from 30 local crafters. Sample holiday treats and watch as some crafters demonstrate their talents. Support local charities through the purchase of a $5 ticket good for all three days of the show. Visit the Charis Crafters Facebook page or call (334) 201-1817 for more details. Disney On Ice Presents Dream Big at BJCC Legacy Arena -- Through November 10 Various times. Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center

Classes

Adoptive Parent Training Classes Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections recruits, prepares, and supports parents adopting waiting children in Alabama’s foster care. For information on adoptive parent classes or to register for classes in Alabama, contact our team at (866) 803-2722 or visit apac@ childrensaid.org. Baptist East Maternity Area Virtual Tour We invite you to visit our hospital from the comfort of wherever you are. A personal tour of Baptist Medical Center East’s Maternity Area is now just a click away. This virtual tour is designed to answer

Friday, November 8

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SupportGroups any questions you may have regarding our “familycentered maternity care.” Receive an inside look at our Labor and Delivery Suites, Newborn Nursery, Post-Partum and NICU units. From admission to discharge, this video provides all of the information you and your family needs to know. Visit www. baptistfirst.org/. Breastfeeding Class Designed to prepare the expectant mother for breastfeeding her newborn. Also includes troubleshooting common problems to establish a successful breastfeeding experience. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $15. Class schedule is subject to change, so please call 293-8497 or e-mail liz.owen@ jackson.org to register or for more info.

panels and rotating faculty ensure constant growth and a variety of insight. Even if you don’t perform every time - you can learn a lot by observing! There will be a sign-up sheet if you would like to work. Call (334) 262-1530 with questions. 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

will help set your mind at ease. Expectant parents can register for a one-on-one car seat installation session tailored to your vehicle. Our goal is to ensure your confidence in a safe ride home from the hospital. Space is limited. Pre-registration required Must provide your own car seat! $10 per car seat payable at the time of inspection by cash or check. Visit www.baptistfirst.org/ or e-mail smallwonders@ baptistfirst.org. Infant Safety/CPR This one-time class sponsored by Baptist Health will teach parents and grandparents the American Heart Association’s Family and Friends CPR for infants and

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

Childbirth Preparation Boot Camp (One Day Saturday Class) This fast-paced one day class taught by Baptist Health’s experienced Labor and Delivery Registered Nurses prepares families to welcome their new addition. All aspects of Labor and Delivery from our hospital admission process through postpartum care are covered during class. Additional topics include Cesarean sections, medication and anesthesia options along with coping and comfort measures. Breathing and relaxation techniques are also introduced. Maternity Area Tour is included as a part of this class. Class offered select Saturdays of each month. Fee: $60 per couple and includes lunch. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. ID required. Cloverdale Playhouse Rep Class Series Remaining 2019 dates are: December 2 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Cloverdale Playhouse Rehearsal Hall. This is a safe space to work on your craft, develop your audition skills, share your newest piece, or just get feedback on your latest artistic endeavor. Guest

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Breastfeeding Class This one-time class at Baptist Health provides expectant mothers with information about breastfeeding including various factors influencing lactation, advantages of breastfeeding, basic anatomy and physiology of milk production, specific techniques to promote a successful breastfeeding experience and breastfeeding equipment and supplies. Classes are taught by IBLCE instructors. Partners are encouraged to participate. Class fee: $20. Registration is required. E-mail smallwonders@ baptistfirst.org. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military.

Childbirth Preparation (Four Sessions on Monday Nights) This four-session class is taught by Registered Labor and Delivery Nurses on the campus of Baptist South. This class for new mothers covers topics ranging from how your body changes during pregnancy to signs of labor to the benefits of breastfeeding and what to expect during your birth experience. This class is complimentary. To register, call (334) 2863466.

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available Wednesdays by appointment at Prattville Medical Park. Call 747-7700 Option # for more information. Diabetes Education --Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available weekdays by appointment. Call 747-7700 Option # for more info. Family Nutrition Classes Fun, hands-on 3 or 6-week in-person or online course developed by well-known pediatrician Dr William Sears. Classes focused towards parents of children age 3-12. The goal is to learn simple ways to improve the health of your child through lifestyle, exercise, attitude, and nutrition. Fee includes materials, activities and a snack. A 2-hour preview class is available. For more info, contact alissabethtaylor@ gmail.com or visit www.Facebook.com/LeaninCentralAL. Foster Parent Training Classes Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries sponsors foster care training classes in the Tri-County Area. For more information on foster care or to register for the classes, please contact Bobbi Olson, Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, at 334-430-7569 or e-mail bolson@ alabamachild.org. Infant Car Seat Safety Inspection Baptist Health’s Certified Car Seat Safety Technician

children including care of the choking infant, infant rescue and breathing with hands on practice using ACTAR CPR dolls for class participants. This class will also help parents with creating a safe environment for their child. Classes are taught by certified CPR Instructors. This class is not a certification class. Fee: $10 per person. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Maternity Area Tour Only Baptist Medical Center East maternity area tour for expectant mothers and families not attending Childbirth Preparation Class or Boot Camp. This tour is complimentary and is offered on select Saturdays of each month. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst. org for more info. Pre- and Post-natal Fitness Classes Includes water aerobics, step-floor aerobics and strength training. SportsFirst. Call 277-7130. Pregnancy Nutrition Classes Interactive 3-week series of classes developed by well-known pediatrician Dr. William Sears. Classes focus on lifestyle choices, attitude, and exercise at any stage of pregnancy; optimal nutrition before, during and after pregnancy; transition from pregnancy to motherhood. Courses can be taken separately or as a series. Jump in any time! Materials

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SupportGroups and snack provided with fee. For more info, contact alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or visit www.Facebook. com/LeaninCentralAL. Prepared Childbirth Class (Understanding Birth) Jackson Hospital. Preregistration required. Topics include: pregnancy, labor, birth, options for pain management, medical procedures, cesarean birth. Note: This class is a basic overview of the labor and delivery process and does not prepare someone for “natural” or unmedicated childbirth. Cost: $25 (covers mother and support person). Class size is limited. Please try to register by the 5th month of pregnancy for the best selection of available class dates. Call (334) 293-8497 or e-mail: liz.owen@jackson.org. Preparing For A Natural Birth (One Time Class) Baptist Medical Center East. Please bring two bed pillows and a floor mat to class for breathing and relaxation exercise. This class equips expectant parents with natural childbirth options providing them with tools, techniques and coping skills for their labor and delivery experience. Participants will practice breathing and relaxation exercises along with other comfort measures. This class is most beneficial when your support person attends. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Class fee: $20 (couple or single) payable at class by cash or check. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org or call 273-4445. Tales for Tots Join us for this FREE introduction to art in storybooks and in the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts galleries for young children and their families. Each time a different work of art and special story will be presented. Next classes are October 16 from 10:30-11 a.m., and 11-11:30 a.m. Call 240-4365 or visit www. mmfa.org for more info. Wetumpka Line Dance Classes held at A Chance to Dance, 68 Queen Ann Road, Wetumpka. Country and Non-Country Music for All Ages! CURRENT CLASS SCHEDULE: Mon. Beginner 7:15 p.m.; Wed. Beginner 10 a.m.; Wed. Senior 2 p.m.; Wed. Intermediate 7 p.m.; Fri. High Beginner/ Intermediate 7 p.m. *Open Dance to follow class. For more info, call (334) 452-0293 or find us on Facebook.

Support Groups Adoption Support

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Our Adoptive Family Group will start back Thursday, August 8, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Rd. We will be starting a three-part series based off the book From Fear to Love by Bryan Post. RSVP is required for this event no later than August 5. Please include number of adults attending and NAMES AND AGES OF ANY CHILDREN. Full dinner, childcare and CEU’s will be provided! For more info, contact Jill Sexton at 409-9477 or jsexton@childrensaid.org. Birth Parent and Adult Adoptee Support Group Children’s Aid Society hosts a free support group for adult adoptees and birth parents. This group provides emotional support for people at all stages of the life-long adoption process. Meetings held at Children’s Aid Society, 2141 14th Avenue South in Birmingham. For class dates and times, call Kathy King at (205) 943-5331 or e-mail kking@childrensaid.org. Panda Pals is a support group for families who have adopted or in the process of adopting children from China. We have playdates, family nights and

get-togethers to talk about raising our children from China. If you would like to join our group, just e-mail PandaPals2005@yahoogroups.com or call Tracie Singleton at 395-8215.

Cancer Support

American Cancer Society, including Montgomery, Elmore & Autauga Counties: **To access or sign up for these programs, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Look Good…Feel Better is an American Cancer Society program in which trained volunteer cosmetologists help female cancer patients deal with the side effects of treatment. Patients are taught beauty techniques to enhance their appearance and self image during or after treatments, including ways to disguise hair loss and skin changes. Call 1-800-ACS2345 for more info. OTHER PROGRAMS/SERVICES OFFERED BY THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: Reach to Recovery matches newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors on a one on one basis. Free wigs and other supplies for cancer patients Free rides to treatment through our Road To Recovery program (where volunteer drivers use their cars and time to take in need cancer patients to treatment) Free lodging through the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge in Birmingham (if patients are sent to Birmingham for treatment) On-line cancer information classes and support group through cancer.org. Information anytime and trained specialists at 1-800-ACS-2345. Cancer Patient and Caregiver Support Group 1-2 p.m., Tuesdays, Montgomery Cancer Center, 4145 Carmichael Road. The group is facilitated by professionally trained health care providers and other members of the support care team. It’s free and open to all cancer patients and their caregivers. Call (334) 273-7000. General Cancer Support Group held at Christ Church, 8800 Vaughn Road, Tuesday afternoons at 1 p.m. This is an open group. For more information, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie Diemayer at 467-4578. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 2nd Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Room 8114. Provides education, awareness and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family or friends. For more info, call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net.

Divorce Support

DivorceCare meets Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. at Frazer Memorial UMC. Come to the Library area. This group will provide support & guidance to assist you in working through the issues, pain & pressures surrounding divorce. For more info, call 495-6350 or e-mail jan@frazerumc.org. DivorceCare and DivorceCare 4 Kids First Baptist Church Montgomery, Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $15 (scholarships available). Contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@montgomeryfbc. org or 241-5125. Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women Montgomery Country Club, Azalea Room, 3800 Narrow Lane Road. 9 a.m.-noon. This is a 3-hour workshop that is offered monthly, designed to help participants explore the legal, financial, and emotional issues of divorce and gain a greater

understanding of the process. The cost to attend is $20 per person and pre-registration is required. For more info, please call or e-mail Sommer Morris at (334) 612-1086 or sommer.morris@morganstanley. com. You may also visit www.secondsaturday.com.

Gambling Support

Gamblers Anonymous Meetings in the River Region Area: Saturdays @ 6 p.m. and Mondays @ 6:30 p.m.: meet at Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US Hwy. 231 N in the Wetumpka/Wallsboro community. The church is 1 1/2 miles past Tutweiler prison on the same side of the street. Sundays @ 5 p.m.: meet at Mental Health of America, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. For more information about the GA meetings, call (334) 399-6918. For information about counseling services or to request a guest speaker, please call the Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling at (334) 277-5100.

Grief Support

Bereaved Spouses Support Group A new ministry of Cornerstone Christian Church, USA (Unavoidably Single Again) Ministries is designed to offer ongoing support, social events and fellowship to those who have lost their spouses to death. The group is open to ALL widowed individuals, regardless of age, religious beliefs, or length of marriage or widowhood. Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays at the church’s building, 301 Dalraida Road. Please e-mail farauthor@ aol.com for more info. Bereavement Group, 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. For more info, call 279-6677. Compassionate Friends, Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Hwy, first Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child. For more information about the group, call (334) 284-2721. GriefShare meets on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in the parlor of First United Methodist Church Prattville. Led by Michael Beatty. For more info, call the church office at (334) 365-5977. GriefShare meets weekly at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. This program is non-denominational and features biblical concepts for healing your grief. Three key parts make up your GriefShare experience: video seminar; support group time; and workbook study. GriefShare will be led by Howard and Carol Payne and Jim Williams. To register or for more info, call 279-5433. 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. 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

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SupportGroups burial. Visit www.honoringangelslikeowen.org or call (334) 328-1202. Mourning to Morning is a Christian growth group for mothers who have lost a child, from before birth through adulthood. We normally meet the last Thursday night of each month at Grace Baptist Church in Wetumpka, 304 Old Montgomery Highway. For more info, contact Alice Scarborough at (334) 462-4775 or Gwen Ellis at (334) 567-8754 or e-mail us at mourningtomorning@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook--Mourning to Morning Group. River Region Survivors of Suicide Loss meets on second and fourth Thursdays (excluding holidays) at Cornerstone Christian Church, 301 Dalraida Road in Montgomery from 6:30-8 p.m. This is an open group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide and welcomes anyone regardless of religious beliefs. Contact Cheryl Vinson at riverregionsos@gmail.com with questions or for more information.

Homeschool Support

ECHO (Elmore County Homeschool Organization), Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. 2nd and 4th Fridays yearround 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

Parent Support

Century Church Strong Moms 9:30-11 a.m. Wednesdays. Different host homes in Pike Road’s The Waters community. The focus of this group is to build relationships between moms through Bible study, play dates, prayer and encouragement. Childcare provided for ages 2-5 years old and babies are welcome! For more info, visit https://centurychurch.churchcenter.com/groups/general-ministries/ strong-moms. D.A.D.S. (Dad and Daughter Saturdays) Second Saturdays at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Library in downtown Montgomery at 11 a.m. D.A.D.S. gives fathers and daughters an opportunity to read together to create fun, educational memories. This free event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Montgomery City-County Public Library and Dreamland Barbeque. For more info, call Ron Simmons at (334) 777-8596. GirlTime at East Memorial Baptist Church 9:30-11:30 a.m. 2nd Tuesdays at various locations in Prattville. GirlTime is open to ladies of all ages. Visit eastmemorial.org or call the church office at (334) 365-7500 for info. Childcare is provided at the church. La Leche League of Montgomery Area has served local mothers since 1984. Women who are pregnant, interested in breastfeeding and nursing mothers are invited to attend our free mother-tomother support meetings or e-mail with breastfeeding questions. Join us with your babies. Children of all ages are welcome. We currently have morning and evening meetings. For more info, e-mail LLL. Montgomery.AL@gmail.com or visit http://www.llli. org/groups/@llli*group*montgomery or “like” us on Facebook. Mom2Mom is a Bible study community for moms of preschoolers. It is a Frazer United Methodist Churchsupported ministry to reach moms of the community through encouragment and prayer during these early years of raising our kids. Join us for weekly Bible studies focusing on parenting, marriage, women’s studies and more. Childcare provided for newbornK5. For more info, e-mail Mom2mom@frazerumc.org.

River Region Parents I October 2019

Moms in Prayer International is a Christ-centered interdenominational prayer ministry made up of moms, grandmothers, aunts or any woman who wants to gather to pray for their children and schools. Meets every Sunday afternoon from 3-4 p.m. at St. James UMC, 9045 Vauhgn Road. Call Annette Jones at (850) 529-4730 or e-mail Montgomerymipac@gmail. com for more info on joining us or training to start your own group.

SWAK (Single with Amazing Kids), Maxwell / Maxwell Gunter AFB. This network is connecting and empowering single parents and their families through information, encouragement, and many family-oriented events throughout the year. We meet the last Wednesday or Thursday of each month. For more info, e-mail t2763@aol.com. Join us on Facebook for daily restaurant specials, area kid-friendly events, and tips/ideas for families on a budget.

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.

Special Needs Support

The Montgomery Multiples Club is a non-profit organization offering support to the mothers and families of twins, triplets, and more in the Central Alabama region. They have a mom’s night out with dinner once a month. They also have a yard sale twice a year, in the spring and again in the fall. For more info, visit https://sites.google.com/site/montgomerymultiples/home. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry St., Montgomery. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Moms, need a little break? We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Visit www. montgomeryfbc.org/MOPS or contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165.

Pregnancy Loss/Infertility

First Choice Women’s Medical Center conducts a HOPE GROUP for women who have experienced the emotional aftermath of an abortion. Groups meet for one weeknight over eight consecutive weeks and are facilitated by women who have experienced abortion. Confidientiality is assured. Please contact Kathy at (334) 260-8010 or kkay@firstchoicewmc. com for more details and information about upcoming groups. Post-Abortion Support Group, Saint James United Methodist Church. Do you have a secret you have promised yourself “you are taking to the grave?” Come and listen to stories of others who were scared to surrender their secret. Come and find healing and peace that you never even knew you needed. Come and learn about the One who came to set you free. Join us in a study of “Surrendering the Secret” by Pat Layton and know that you are not alone! (Learner guide and digital download sessions.) For more info, e-mail annpemberton@ charter.net. “Take Heart,” Room 116 at Eastmont Baptist Church, first Mondays of each month at 6 p.m. Support group for women dealing with infertility and/or miscarriage. Contact Melissa at (205) 913-2667 for more information.

Single Parents Support

Single Moms Support Group, Landmark Church of Christ, Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in Classroom 118. For more information call 277-5800. Single Moms’ Care and Support Group, Perry Hill United Methodist Church, 910 Perry Hill Road (corner of Perry Hill and Harrison Roads). Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:15-8 p.m. Free snack supper provided to moms and children. Child care for infants-16 years. Call 272-3174 for more info.

Alabama Angels Pageant, a nonprofit pageant for males and females of any age with special needs. Participation is free. Visit www.alabamaangels.org and look for us on Facebook! Central Alabama Autism Support Team (C.A.A.S.T.), St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Hwy. 31 in Prattville from 6-8 p.m. 3rd Thursdays quarterly (Feb., May, Aug., Nov.). Visit www.easysite.com/caast or e-mail casst50@yahoo.com for more info. D.A.T.S. M.O.M. (Disability as an Ability Toward Success: Moms on the Move), a non-profit parent empowerment organization for parents of children on the autism spectrum (or with related special needs challenges) that focuses on inspiring, equipping and motivating parents to move their child’s disability to an ability. Follow DATS MOM on Facebook, Twitter and Periscope for live sessions and discussion. E-mail datsmom@yahoo.com for more information.

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Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach, Vaughn Park Church of Christ, 2nd Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. We have activities, speakers and special events throughout the year for the parents, siblings and children with Down Syndrome. Childcare provided. Visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome. com or visit our Facebook page (MADSOG) for more information. Contact MADSOG at montgomeryareadownsyndrome@gmail.com for more info.

Montgomery Area Hearing Loss Support Group meets monthly at the Wesley Building of the First Methodist Church in Montgomery on 2nd Thursdays at 4 p.m. 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. Refreshments at each meeting. For more info, contact HearingInfo@ earthlink.net.

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Traumatic Brain Injury Support, cafeteria at HealthSouth on Narrow Lane in Montgomery. 2nd Thursdays at 6 p.m. Sponsored by Alabama Head Injury Foundation for anyone with a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or related disability. For more info, contact Holli at (334) 290-0646 or e-mail: ahif_ montgomery_auburn@yahoo.com. Visit www.ahif.org.

Teens/Families Support

Call Family Guidance Center of Alabama at 2704100 for information about current classes. Support Group for Teens with difficulties communicating with parents and friends. Contact Felicia Pressley at Pressley Counseling by leaving a message at (334) 625-0159.

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Page numbers follow the advertiser’s name.

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First Baptist of Prattville, 58

Newtopia, 2

Frazer Memorial UMC, 11, 44

Night To Shine, 73

Gogue Performing Arts Center, 9

OB/GYN Associates, 28

Adventure Sports II, 31

Guardian Credit Union, 15

OB/GYN Montgomery, Dr. Desautels, 54

Alabama Christian Academy, 25

Guild Mortgage, 69

O’Connor Tennis Lessons, 81

Alabama Dance Theatre, 23

Healthcare Resource Center, 36

Paradise Pumpkin Patch, 47

AL Dept. of Health, Inside Front

Heart of Dixie Railroad, 40

Penton Farms, 43

AL Dept. of Senior Services, 51

Hooper Academy, 45

Alabama Public Television, 84

Inflatables of Montgomery, 78

Ala School of Math & Science, 59

Jackson Hospital, 4

Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 41

Jeff Dickey, New Waters Realty, 20

Aldersgate UMC, 35

Judy Barranco Photography, 54

Alpha & Omega Learning Ctr, 77

KLynn Ice Skating School, 75

ASKIN/Synergy House, 21

Kingry Orthodontics, 85

Autauga/Western Elmore Arc, 85

Kreative Moments, 77

Baptist Health, 13

Lakeview Baptist Church, 67

Bell Family Chiropractic, 8

Larry Chapman, ALFA Insurance, 22

Bush Pediatric Dentistry, 62

LEAD Academy, 34

Chapman Orthodontics, 45

Learning Tree Child Care, 68

Children’s Hospital of Alabama, 30

Lil’ Priss Parties, 78

Churchill Academy, 30

Macon East Academy, 7

Dentistry for Children, 20

Mathnasium, 24

Docarmo’s Taekwondo, 21

McBeal Services, 67

Success Unlimited Academy, 39

Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 53

Memorial Presbyterian Childcare, 81

Sylvan Learning Center, 31

Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 42

Montessori @ Mulberry, 19

Sylvan Learing of Prattville, 56

Eastwood Christian School, 32

Montgomery Catholic Schools, 17

Taylor Road Baptist Church, 40

EdTech Academy, 29

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 79

The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover

Edward Jones-Lane Easterling, 93

Montg. Pediatric Dentistry/Ortho, 91

Trinity Presbyterian School, 55

Evangel Christian Academy, 49

Montgomery Zoo Boo, 48

Tru-Cut Lawn Care, 93

Eye Center South, 61

My Kids Attic, 27

United Gymstars & Cheer, 33

Family Guidance Center, 16

New Hope Academy, 37

Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 42

First Baptist of Montgomery, 3

New Park, 71

We Care Therapy Services, 87

Pet Palace Hotel, 50 Pike Road Arts & Crafts Fair, 37 Prattville Christian Academy, 63 Prattville YMCA, 56 Professional Pediatrics, 12 RR Dermatology and Laser, Inside Back Read Write Learning Center, 65 Resurrection Catholic School, 23 Riverview Camp for Girls, 80 Saint James School, 1 Sara Elizabeth Burnham, 53 Sea Dragon Pirate Cruises, 83 Smoothie King Montgomery, 53 Spotless Cleaning Services, 73

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I have learned to allow them to make and, more importantly, own their decisions and their mistakes, to teach them what biblical conflict resolution looks like, and to be available to listen, give advice, and always point them to the Truth of the Word of God. I am blessed to be called their mom; not their friend (although I do hope I am a friendly mom!)

MP: As fall is approaching, what do you look forward to the most this time of year? Sharon: Hands-down, that would be family after-dinner walks when the weather cools down, coupled with pumpkin white chocolate chip scones!! What a combination! Being from England, I love a good scone and as two of my daughters love to bake, I am often treated to the delights of their hard work! So it’s the best of both worlds; I get to enjoy a melt-in-your-mouth scone, and then walk it off whilst crunching through the fallen leaves.

Sharon Hoque

MP: The landscape of technology is ever-changing and is one of the greatest challenges modern parents face. Do you have clear guidelines in place regarding your children and technology?

MP: Sharon, how different was your childhood growing up in England compared to your girls growing up in Montgomery, AL?

Sharon: Absolutely, and our family guidelines have changed as we have faced challenges relating to texting, screen-time, and the positive and negative influence of social media. Ongoing conversations about the effects of social media, what true friendship looks like, and the power of life and death being in our tongues/words helps us navigate what is best for our children as individuals.

Sharon: It was extremely different in so many ways, but mostly because of the much slower pace of life. We certainly had less extra-curricular activities to choose from, and when I was growing up shops were closed on Sundays, and nearly always closed by 5:30 pm during the week, creating more family time opportunities. Living in a medieval market town, I took for granted the living history all around me and felt my home town of Bury St Edmunds to be low-key and unexciting. Now when I return ‘home’ each year, I marvel at the architecture and enjoy the quaintness of town and country life!

MP: What is something you hope your children are learning from watching you?

Sharon: It’s my ongoing prayer that my children will learn from watching me how to praise and worship God both through the valley seasons and the mountaintop highs. I love to fill my home and car with songs that speak of the goodness of God; no matter what life throws at us He remains constant, faithful, and unchanging in His nature. I know that if they can learn to praise and worship God whatever the situation they are facing, His presence will always be with them. I may not be the best singer in the world, but I fully believe that God enjoys my ‘joyful noise!’ MP: What is something you do at home that promotes better family time? Sharon: Without a doubt, it is nightly family dinners. They have always been a huge priority for me; being gathered around the table, looking one another in the eye without the distraction of a phone creates a daily opportunity for us to just ‘be’ the Hoque family. (Even if the meals themselves are not the greatest... I have to admit my husband is the better cook and we ALL enjoy weekend meals more when he’s in charge of the grill!)

MP: Spending time traveling when you got out of high school surely grew you as a person. What positives did you gain from that time?

Sharon: Firstly, a deep appreciation and sense of awe at the astounding beauty of God’s creation! Even to this day, when I travel, I am often overwhelmed by the diversity and detail of different cultures, landscapes, and people. Secondly, traveling at such a young age taught me to be open to possibilities I wouldn’t otherwise have considered; I once filmed a coffee ad in the shadows of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, and navigated my way through Spain with just my backpack and best friend for company! My confidence and ‘can-do’ attitude certainly grew during this period of my life.

MP: With working and homeschooling your daughters while maintaining your household, how do you avoid mom burnout? Sharon: Well, I wish I had the perfect answer to that, but unfortunately I have to admit I get a little ‘burned out’ every day! That’s why my morning quiet time with God is so essential. Creating a peaceful atmosphere in my home helps too; less clutter and clear and organized surfaces help me stay focused on the tasks at hand, and stop me from feeling overwhelmed. In addition, I have a wonderfully supportive husband who encourages me to make time for myself to refresh and renew: oftentimes that just means wandering the aisles of Marshall’s or Target, and other times that means attending a women’s conference or having dinner out with my friends.

MP: How would you describe your parenting style? Sharon: My parenting style has evolved as my girls have grown up and as I have witnessed the development of their wisdom and discernment skills. As young children, I was always very close at hand to guide, help, and navigate my girls’ way through every aspect of life. I was definitely what’s known as an ‘attachment parent’ and wouldn’t change that in any regard. However, as their relationships with God have grown and matured,

River Region Parents I October 2019

Sharon Hoque is the Assistant to Director of Children’s Ministry at St. James UMC in Montgomery. She is married to Anis Hoque (19 years) and they have three beautiful daughters: Jasmeen (15), Lilly (13), and Neela (11).

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