Montgomery Parents October 2012 by KeepSharing

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Montgomery Parents I October 2012

Contents October 2012

Volume 17 Number 10

Features 54 Fright Night

Learn eight ways to help your child beat nightmares and get a better nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep.

60 10 Ways to Enjoy Autumn Outside

After a hot Southern summer, autumn is the perfect time of year to head back outdoors and get active. Find new ideas for fall outdoor fun, along with some old favorites!

62 Fall Festivities and Halloween Fun

Our listing leads you to terrific activities and events in the River Region and beyond!

Columns 6 From One Parent to Another DeAnne Watson

74 Tips for Success on the Stepmother Journey

Being a stepparent is no easy task and the transition into becoming a new family can take quite a while. Discover insight on why your role is important, how to ease into it and what you can look forward to in the future.

8 Living With Children John Rosemond

12 Kids Health Watch

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Are You a Nit Picker? Uh-oh! You might cringe if your child comes home with head lice. Not to worry. Arm yourself with a few helpful facts and a fine-tooth comb, and you’ll get through this common childhood occurrence.

Head lice are parasites and eat blood. After biting they inject saliva under the skin to keep the blood flowing for dinner. This saliva causes intense itching on the scalp.

Signs

Treatments on the internet advise smothering these little rascals with olive oil, mayonnaise or petroleum jelly. Research has not shown these to be effective. These hardy little insects can survive for hours without oxygen. Over-the-counter medications like Rid and Nix contain permethrin, an insecticide. These work well, but retreatment may be needed in 7-10 days. Fine-tooth combs are often included with these treatments and should be used to remove the treated nits. Call your doctor for prescription medication if two treatments don’t work. Insecticides are not recommended for children under two years old. For toddlers this age, remove nits by hand, using a fine-tooth comb on wet hair. The glue that holds the nits on is softened by water and partially dissolved by vinegar. Do this every 3-4 days for two weeks.

If the scalp itches, look behind the ears and back of the neck; you might see the insects or their eggs. Gray or white in color, lice are wingless and the size of a sesame seed. Most children have less than ten, so it’s more common to see the eggs (“nits”). These are tan or white and are glued to the hair shaft near the skin. They may number in the hundreds and look like dandruff which cannot be brushed off.

How do they spread?

With 6 to 12 million cases a year, head lice are too prevalent to have anything to do with cleanliness. It’s spread by close contact, usually from head to head or through sharing pillows, hats, brushes or combs. Children from 3 to 12 years old are more commonly affected, and girls more than boys. Children’s hair has thin shafts making it easier for lice to cling to the hair. Head lice in the United States prefer straight hair with a round shaft. They cannot easily cling to hair where the shaft is oval in cross section, like the curly hair of African-Americans. The opposite is true in Africa where head lice have adapted to curly hair. Dogs and cats cannot catch or spread these pests.

Treatment

Preventing reinfestation

Lice can live up to two days away from body heat, so they could survive and reinfest. Examine the hair and scalp of everyone in the house, as well as the back of the neck and behind the ears. Wash sheets, towels and clothes in hot water with the water heater thermostat

at 130 to 140 degrees to kill the lice and eggs. Soak brushes and combs at the same temperature, and put all stuffed animals in the drier on high heat for 10 minutes. Stuffed animals or clothes that cannot be washed should be placed in an air tight bag for two weeks. Be sure to vacuum carpets, furniture, and car seats. Pest control companies are not needed.

It’ll be okay

If your child does have lice or nits, contact the school nurse or childcare center director to let them know. Usually one treatment is sufficient for return to class. Emphasize to your child that although having lice can certainly be embarrassing, anyone can get them. Assure them that they haven’t done anything wrong and that having lice doesn’t make them dirty. Dr. Allen White earned his medical degree in 1969 from Kentucky Medical School, Lexington, and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. He began his private practice of pediatric medicine with an office in the Goode Medical Building of Jackson Hospital before moving to the Carmichael Road location in 1986. He and his wife, Diana, have 3 sons. For pleasure, Dr. White enjoys reading, gardening and spending time with his grandchildren.

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Many of you who are now parents and grandparents remember your early school days where chalk still reigned supreme in the classroom. As an elementary student many of us remember the most advanced technology in our school room was a film strip or perhaps on rare occasions a 16mm projector that worked about half the time. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians recently donated $1 million to Montgomery Public Schools. We decided to use this generous donation to purchase technology. We researched various possibilities. We have been exploring adopting EBooks – textbooks that are loaded on iPads, Kindles or other electronic readers. While it seems that these would save the district money, the cost of both the readers and the

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licenses for the books is prohibitive at this point. It would have cost more than $4 million to serve just our middle school students. We continue to look for ways to collaborate with companies, the state Department of Education and to work with vendors to make this technology affordable. Our system already had an excellent tool in some classrooms in the form of SmartBoards. These are amazing devices allow teachers to do everything from show streaming video, involve all children as they explore websites, and have students dissect their own “virtual” frog. It can even be used as a “chalk” board by writing on the board with special markers. The problem – MPS had nearly 300 classrooms without SmartBoards. Using the Tribe’s donation, we are now able to have these wonderful educational tools in every classroom. Technology continues to improve the way our students learn, and it also allows us to make our schools safer. The district has implemented Video Insight – a system that allows me to monitor our schools, classrooms and hallways without leaving my desk. In cases of emergency, fireman, police and other

first responders can tap into our system and see exactly what is happening in a school before they enter. The best way to help students learn still is to ensure there is a highly qualified and caring teacher in the classroom. Technology is here to stay and it is an excellent way to engage students who have different learning styles. Times have changed! Today’s student is tech savvy and not impressed with pink and yellow chalk. Our teachers use iPads and other technology to work with our children – including special programs that help students with disabilities learn. Our libraries are now media centers using computers, video and books to help students with research. We’ve come a long way from overhead projectors and yellow chalk.

Barbara W. Thompson is Montgomery County Schools’ superintendent. She has served children as a teacher, curriculum leader, elementary principal, and supervisor of secondary alternative and at-risk programs. Superintendent Thompson’s skill as an educator has garnered her several professional honors. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American Association of School Administrators and the Board of the School Superintendents of Alabama.

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Local Homeschoolers Reign in the Classroom

SUA Athletics Expand To Include Girls’ Teams

Success Unlimited Academy has expanded its athletic department to include girls’ teams for 2012-2013. With the inspiration of the United States Olympic Ladies’ Volleyball team this summer, our Lady Mustangs have begun their charter season with fierce serving and strong volleying. Under the leadership of SUA Athletic Director Jack Moody and Head Volleyball Coach Jacqui Virgil, the teams include junior varsity and varsity squads. The girls are wearing the school colors of blue and yellow as they focus on academic, sports and spiritual goals. Shown are junior high team members Trinity Mays, Sarah Moody and Dia Smith.

Eastwood Class Holds Greek Feast

Third-grade students at Eastwood Christian School imagined they were in Greece when they had a feast recently. The children enjoyed traditional and modern Greek delicacies including grapes, bread dipped in olive oil, baklava, olives, apricots and pita chips. The classes have been studying ancient Greek culture. Shown are teacher Karen Lee, Gianna Foti, Jay Copeland, Charlie Schroeder, Lani Moore, Lily Grace Pene, teacher Beth Owen, Josie Powe and George Coley. www.montgomeryparents.com

During a three-week study of Ancient Egypt, local homeschoolers wore Egyptian headdresses and pendants in their world history class at Academy Days Homeschool Co-op. Reigning as pharaohs and queens of the first- and second-grade class are Natalie Lantz of Millbrook, Abby White of Lapine, Ada Colburn of Montgomery, Bella Barnett of Deatsville, Lily Legleiter of Wetumpka, Cole Murphy of Millbrook, and Drew Dawe of Montgomery. The Academy Days Homeschool Co-op, held weekly during the school year at Coosada Baptist Church in Coosada, is designed for pre-school through high school students to learn subjects difficult to teach at home or best taught in group settings. For more information about the co-op, visit www.AcademyDays.com.

Huntingdon Signs Unity Partnership with Carver

Students at Huntingdon College and Carver High School will soon share more than Fairview Avenue, thanks to a unique partnership aimed at promoting unity. Carver High School Principal Gary Hall and Huntingdon College President J. Cameron West have signed the “Creating Unity in the Community” partnership agreement, which will create opportunities for students of both schools to interact and learn from one another through track and field. “I’m pleased that these schools are connecting in a meaningful way,” said Superintendent Barbara Thompson. “It’s an opportunity for students at both schools to show our community that unity can be achieved by getting to know one another, sharing what makes us unique, celebrating our diversity and working together to create lifelong learners.” Under the terms of the agreement, Huntingdon College will lease the Carver High track for $50,000 for two years. Principal Hall said the agreement goes beyond a simple rental contract. It offers real opportunities for students of the two schools to connect. “We’ve always had a good relationship with Huntingdon and have shared facilities in the past, but this is the first time we’ve connected around the theme of unity,” said Hall. “This partnership goes beyond the track and will include mentoring student athletes and possibly tutoring in the future. It is my hope that this agreement will unite both our schools and expose our young people to experiences that will enrich their lives.” Shown from left are Huntingdon College track coach Howard Johnson, Montgomery County Board of Education District 6 Representative Robert Porterfield, Superintendent Barbara Thompson, Carver High Principal Gary Hall, Carver High athletic director and track coach Yvonne Simmons, and Huntingdon College President J. Cameron West. 16

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Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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New STJ International Students Represent 13 Countries!

ECA Updates High School Computer Lab

Evangel Christian Academy’s high school students were very excited to find that their computer lab had been updated. The new classroom sported an updated look as well as new equipment. The students were eager to put the new classroom and technology to good use.

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

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To provide a smoother transition for Saint James’s international families, the school hosted its first-ever International Parent Orientation on August 28, giving foreignborn moms and dads insight into the many opportunities and exciting technology tools available to facilitate their children’s experience at Saint James School. Organized and developed by Academic Dean Susan Atkins, the international parents had a technology session with the school’s 21st Century Learning Coordinator, Jason Bostic, and met in small groups with staff ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher Natalie King (shown, left, here with Col. and Mrs. Carlos Silva from Brazil, Birgit Hiller from Germany, Mr. and Mrs. Jarle Nergard from Norway and Mr. and Mrs. Bader Alhazeem from Kuwait.) The parents received information about translation programs available for their children’s use as well as valuable support their students receive through their school-sponsored ESL classes.

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Holy Cross Celebrates Founding of School

Holy Cross Day is celebrated each year for the founding of the school more than 14 years ago. The founders of Holy Cross Episcopal School appropriately named this the day to celebrate those individuals who saw a need for an Episcopal school in the Montgomery area. On September 14, the school held a special service of Morning Worship in the Chapel of Annunciation to say prayers of thanks and blessings for those who founded the school. Later, a schoolwide service was held in the Great Hall. This year, The Rev. Richmond Webster of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church officiated the service. During the service, the Holy Cross Show Choir performed beautiful songs to the friends and family who attended this very special event. After the service, a balloon release was held on campus grounds with all students, staff, faculty and supporters participating. Attached to each balloon was a special message of God’s love and hope. Balloons in past years have traveled as far as Georgia and South Carolina. This year, a lady from Florida called to say she found a balloon in her back yard the next day. A reception in the school’s library followed the balloon release for Holy Cross parents, grandparents, supporters, board members and clergy. At the end of the day, students were treated to a sweet, cold treat - yummy popsicles. From left, Olivia Cato, Kendall Rice and Emily Holston get ready to release their balloons for Holy Cross Day.

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

Academy Offers Mandarin Chinese Language Classes Last spring, The Montgomery Academy offered students a new after-school program in Mandarin Chinese. This exciting opportunity was offered in partnership with the Learning Express Center which is affiliated with the Central Alabama Association for Chinese. After a well-received first semester of classes, the Academy is happy to bring the Mandarin Chinese after-school program back for the 2012-13 school year. The classes will continue to be offered once a week to Academy lower, middle and upper school students. “We are very excited about this program,” said Associate Head of School Vivian Barfoot. “It generated a lot of interest last year, and I’m excited to see the program continue to grow.”

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Bethany Christian Students Construct Edible Cells

Fifth- and sixth-graders in Mrs. Williams’s class at Bethany Christian Academy received a memorable lesson about the structure of a human cell recently. All materials were set and ready to be used. The students learned the function of each cell structure as they used the following items to represent each one: snickerdoodle cookie (cell), colored gel frosting (cell wall), cake frosting (cytoplasm), round cake sprinkles (ribosomes), hot tamale (mitochondria), gum ball (nucleus), and green jelly bean (chloroplast). The students had a blast! The next day, the lesson was reinforced as they illustrated animal cells and plant cells. “To this day, I can ask them what the cake frosting on the cookie represented and all together they will resoundingly say, ‘Cytoplasm!’” said Mrs. Williams.

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BrewTech Students Build And Paint Picnic Tables BrewTech teacher Wayne Walters’s first period architecture, construction and maintenance class recently painted picnic tables for the school’s courtyard area. The tables were constructed by the building science classes. Shown from left are Summer Smith, Laquaisha Wilson, Maegan Huebner and Da’djah Sanders.

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Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Former Missionaries Join ECA’s Staff

Rev. Kelly Darabaris and Rev. Jeremy Darabaris recently joined the faculty of Evangel Christian Academy. The couple graduated from Auburn University in 2002. In 2003 they married and moved to Montgomery where they became members of Evangel Church. The couple felt God’s call to become missionaries and moved to El Salvador where they worked with the Master’s Commission through King’s Castle Ministries. While there, they taught English to students, worked with feeding programs, hosted mission teams, and performed evangelistic outreaches to children in different communities. The couple later went to Guatemala where they were involved in Teen Challenge Ministries, evangelistic outreaches, and local church ministries. Upon returning to the United States, they worked with Auburn University’s Chi Alpha which is a Christian outreach for college students. The couple and their twin daughters are excited to be back in Montgomery and be part of ECA. Rev. Kelly Darabaris teaches Bible and art to high school students. Rev. Jeremy Darabaris teaches government, economics, history and Spanish. Both enjoy the opportunity to minister to high school students.

As Central Alabama’s 21st Century Technology School, Saint James is proud to be on the cutting edge once again... bringing innovation to your child’s learning experience. Tour our campus to see the impact of technology in our classrooms. Digital tools engage our students, from online textbooks to specialized apps, from personal MacBooks® assigned to high school students to personal iPads® for all middle schoolers. Preschool and elementary learners have daily access to iPods®, iPads®, MacBooks®, used under the skillful guidance of their classroom teacher. Schedule a visit today and picture your child soaring to new heights – right from the classroom!

for pre k3-12th grade admissions info call

334.273.3000

6010 Vaughn Road, Montgomery

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

Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@ montgomeryparents.com. It’s FREE! Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Ac SUA Science Teacher Back for New Year

Lissa Blankinship is happy to return to Success Unlimited Academy for her second year teaching high school science. Her approach to teaching science is very hands on, minds on. “I am excited to return to SUA this year,” Blankinship said. “I assisted in several curriculum revisions over the summer, so it will be exciting to work through those changes and see how the students thrive as they approach all their subjects from a new angle.”

Catholic’s Newest Campus Receives Gift from Baptist

The Baptist Health Care Foundation donated a defibrillator to Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s newest elementary campus, Holy Spirit, on August 22. Russ Tyner, Baptist Health President and CEO, and Ben F. Kelley, Jr., Baptist Health Care Foundation Vice President, presented the defibrillator to Montgomery Catholic President Anne Ceasar and Holy Spirit administrative team members, Mary Kelley and Ken Klinger. Anne Ceasar commented on the gift, saying, “We are so appreciative to the Baptist Health Care Foundation for the very generous donation of the defibrillator to our Holy Spirit elementary campus; we appreciate their support of our community.” From left are Ken Klinger, Ben Kelley, Jr., Anne Ceasar, Russ Tyner and Mary Kelley at Montgomery Catholic’s Holy Spirit Campus. www.montgomeryparents.com

ECA Students Support Children in Latin America

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Each year the elementary classes at Evangel Christian Academy adopt children to sponsor through the Latin American Child Care program. The school has participated in the program for more than 11 years. Students bring money each month to donate to this worthy cause. The money that is given provides the impoverished children with a hot meal each day, medical supplies, clothes and the chance to attend a Christian school. The program also provides the opportunity to share the love, hope and salvation of Christ with the Latin children.

Southside Middle School Band Performs at First Two Home Games

The Southside Middle School eighth-grade band has been performing at the middle school football games and pep rallies for the past decade. Former band director Robby Glasscock began the tradition. “I try to give the students as many performance opportunities as possible to get them accustomed to playing in front of an audience,” said Michael Bird, current band director. “That’s why we perform at these games and pep rallies, for school assemblies, and put on programs such as JazzFest.” Schools around the River Region have picked up on the idea, and now several middle schools in Montgomery have begun middle school pep bands. However, middle school marching bands are “rare,” said Bird. The middle school band members basically learn junior versions of many of the songs played by the Tallassee High School Band, now led by Glasscock. Future performances include the SMS home games on October 1 and 15. The band and cheerleaders may perform at Trade Day again this year if given the opportunity. The Southside Tigers won their first two home games handily. “Coach Baynes and Coach Jones were happy with us,” Bird said, “and if the football coaches are happy, that is usually a good sign that they appreciate the band’s support.” Photo courtesy of Trista Slaughter

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Academy Announces Director of the Arts

The Montgomery Academy has appointed Damion Womack Director of the Arts. A member of the faculty since 2001, Womack has significant academic and leadership experience at the Academy, where he has led the Upper School Chorus, and has taught music theory and AP music theory since 2001. Womack is also a past recipient of the Price McLemore Award for Excellence in Teaching at The Montgomery Academy. Womack received a bachelor’s degree in music education from Alabama A&M University, a master’s degree in music education from Alabama State University and is a doctoral of musical arts candidate in choral conducting at the University of South Carolina. Womack has held leadership roles in various organizations including the past president of The Alabama Vocal Association, former board of directors member of The Alabama Music Educators Association, and the State Repertoire and Standards Chair for High School Choirs in the Alabama Choral Directors Association. He has also been invited to conduct Honor Choir Festivals in Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, Illinois, Arkansas and Louisiana. “The arts at The Montgomery Academy have long been an important part of our student experience, and Damion Womack has led the choral music program to its greatest height,” said Associate Head of School Vivian Barfoot. “With passion he inspires students in a remarkable way, and I think he will bring that passion to being a champion for all the arts in his new role as Director of the Arts.” During Womack’s tenure at the Academy, the Upper School Chorus has garnered numerous accolades including Superior Ratings at State and National Competitions; performing for State Conventions of The American Choral Director’s Association; and performing for National Conventions of The Music Educator’s National Conference. The chorus has also had successful choir tours in South Carolina, Louisiana, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, New York, California, Florida, and Illinois; and participated in a performance of Mozart’s Missa Brevis in B-flat Major and Haydn’s Te Deum with The New England Symphonic Orchestra at Carnegie Hall.

Holy Cross Students Get Reading ‘Tent’

Holy Cross Episcopal School students love to read. And, now they get to enjoy it with a little more adventure. The secondgrade class of Mrs. Cynthia Echols recently began reading the book, Henry and Mudge and the Starry Night. To get the children into the setting of the story, students returned to school on a Monday and found a tent in their room, complete with camping chairs. Reading time will be a lot more exciting from inside the tent. Shown, Jai Ivey Raines, Gerrod Green and Shye von Gal enjoy the reading tent at Holy Cross. Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Trinity Senior Named Nat’l Merit Semifinalist

Trinity Presbyterian School senior Nina Smith was named a National Merit Semifinalist in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program. She is among an elite group that represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. In addition to being named a National Merit Semifinalist, Smith was recently selected as an AP Scholar with Honor. Se has been awarded numerous accolades during her years at Trinity, including the Awards for the Highest Grade Point Average in AP Biology, AP U.S. History, Honors Anatomy and Physiology, and French III. In addition, she is the recipient of the Henry C. Meader Academic Scholarship, Harvard Book Award, and the Sewanee Book Award. Smith has also placed first in many areas of Alabama’s State and Regional Science Olympiad, the Scholar’s Bowl, and the Regional EnvironBowl, serving as team captain. She is a member of the National Honor Society, National French Honor Society, National Forensics League, and Key Club. She has also participated in Trinity’s spring musical productions, Anything Goes and Crazy for You. As a senior, Smith is taking five Advanced Placement courses. The AP Art History class she is currently taking is actually offered off-campus at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Smith is very active in the Prattville First Presbyterian Church and has been a teacher’s assistant in teaching English as a second language at the church and on the mission field in El Paso, Texas. www.montgomeryparents.com

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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STJ’s Waller Selected Favorite Teacher for Montgomery County

Ann Waller was awarded $500 for use in her classroom on September 6 when Pam Martin, president of Peaches ‘n Clean of America, Inc., presented the second-grade teacher with the designation of “Favorite Teacher of Montgomery County,” as determined by the company’s customers during a contest held over the summer months. Peaches ‘n Clean conducted the Teacher Appreciation Contest among customers calling in for service and requested they vote for their favorite teacher in Montgomery based on the contribution a teacher made to their own or their children’s lives. “Thank you so much for the recognition and the cash award,” Waller said. “I am so thrilled and proud of the honor. We’ll have to put this money to good use in our classroom, won’t we, students?” Waller remarked to her class of sevenyear-olds. Peaches n’ Clean owner Pam Martin said she and her company understand the challenge teachers often face in funding the extra supplies and activities needed for their students, and how those items enhance the learning experience. As a result, Martin said, the Teacher Appreciation Contest was developed as a way for her company to give back to the communities they serve. Peaches ‘n Clean conducted the Teacher Appreciation Contest in five counties in Alabama: Montgomery, Autauga, Elmore, Jefferson and Shelby counties. Teachers in each of the fiver counties have received cash appreciation awards totaling $2,000. Back row from left are the Peaches n’ Clean mascot, company president Pam Martin and STJ second-grade teacher Ann Waller, surrounded by the students in her class. Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Catholic Junior Ranks No.1 Recruit in the Nation

ECA Welcomes ‘NED Show’ Representative

Recently the students at Evangel Christian Academy welcomed Leah Alford from the NED Show. Ms. Alford demonstrated several challenging yo-yo tricks. The students were amazed by the world-class champion. In addition, the students were inspired to follow the NED principle. This life-impacting idea includes: Never give up, Encourage others and Do your best.

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Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School junior James Sherman ranks as the number-one kicking recruit in the nation for the Class of 2014 by three separate kicking camps in 2012. In July, Sherman attended Kohl’s Kicking National Scholarship Camp in Wisconsin, who ranked him as a five-star kicker and the number-one recruit for the class of 2014; there were 430 athletes at the camp, 142 in his class. At Chris Sailer’s Kicking Camp in Tuscaloosa, Sherman made the “All Saban” team for the second year in a row. While attending Chicago’s Chris Sailer Camp this summer, Sherman was named as one of four camp MVPs and ranked number one in the nation for the class of 2014 out of the 130 student athletes that attended. James also worked with Team Jackson Kicking in Dothan, and earned another number-one ranking. Sherman has also trained with Coach Mike McCabe at One-on-One Kicking in Prattville and with John Carney, former kicker of the New Orleans’ Saints, who encouraged Sherman to continue kicking. Montgomery Catholic’s varsity football coach, Mike Shatzer, called third-year letterman Sherman “ a good team player and one of the hardest-working kids in the school. James is committed to success in all areas, not just athletics.” James is the son of Craig and Diane Sherman. He is looking forward to kicking for the Knights all season, followed by recruiting season.

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Trinity’s Volleyball Teams Win Inaugural Mayor’s Cup

Both Trinity Presbyterian School’s varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams won the first Capital City Mayor’s Cup in their respective divisions August 25 at the new multipurpose facility at Cramton Bowl. The varsity volleyball team had wins over Gulf Shores, Alabama Christian, Tallassee and UMS-Wright to reach the championship game, where they defeated G.W. Carver 25-21, 25-23 to earn a trophy and congratulations from Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange. Dawson Williams led the Wildcats with 22 kills in six games. Leeanne Phillips and Ellen Rogers Trotman had 14 kills each, while Jacqueline Morris had 12 kills. Ashley Ann Adams and Mary Grace Burks combined for 71 assists. The junior varsity volleyball team defeated St. James, UMS, Jeff Davis and Tallasee in pool play. In the semi-final game, Trinity beat ACA to advance to the championship game. They defeated St. James again to win the championship. The team combined for 52 aces led by Elisabeth Bowman with 17. Trinity had 58 kills-Elizabeth Poundstone with 15 and Elisabeth Bowman with 12. Parker Reynolds had 24 assists followed by Anna Lee Curles with 19 and Mary Baker Jones with 13. Above is the Junior Varsity Volleyball Team after winning the Capital City Mayor’s Cup; and left, the Varsity Volleyball Team pictured with Mayor Todd Strange after winning the Capital City Mayor’s Cup.

Fifty-five MA Students Qualify for Duke TIP

Fifty-five students from the seventh-grade class at Montgomery Academy qualified to participate in the 33rd Annual Scholastic Talent Search sponsored by the Duke University Talent Identification Program. Eligible students must have scored at the 95th percentile or higher on a grade-level standardized achievement test, such as the Educational Records Bureau Comprehensive Testing Program (ERB). Students who qualified are: Gabby Balestrieri, Austyn Barnes, Anna Bennett, Austin Bradshaw, Maddie Brazil, Carter Burwell, Will Cousins, Maylon Ruth Davis, Anne Miles DeMott, Kevin Doh, Jaz Dozier, Spangler Edwards, Wylie Edwards, Ryan Ford, Will Franklin, Kelsey Grant, Stephen Guerrero, Juliana Han, Andrew Harris, Kate Harris, Pio Jung, Morgan Karst, Robert Kelly, Reese Kelso, Luke Knight, Sydney Kohn, Margaret Leonard, Ben Marquess, Phillip McKenzie, Karrington McTier, Lauren Muller, Parker Norris, Katy Pass, Sarah Payne, Will Peeples, Claire Phillips, Sai Reddy, Arju Reza, Caroline Rhyne, Hunter Rives, Martha Glen Sease, Mary Stewart Shegon, Brown Simmons, Camryn Smith, Jason Strickland, Jake Sylvest, Isabel Trehern, John Wakefield, Katherine Walcott, Meg Walker, Gill Walker, Dallon Wallis, Sidney Ward, Emma Whaley, Cayla Williams, David Wilson, Lee Yelverton and Max Zink. Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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What Our Parents Say

Katie Boyt

“Katie was miserable in public school and was floundering. When she was diagnosed with ADHD in first grade, my husband immediately started researching schools and talking to people. We heard nothing but good things about Churchill Academy. She has been there for two years now. It has been wonderful! Katie has blossomed socially and academically- even more than we had hoped. I volunteer at Churchill several times a week and I've never met a more caring and patient group of teachers and staff. They truly want our children to excel and be the best that they can be." Brenda Boyt (Daughter: Katie Boyt)

286-9156 or 286-1056 www.montgomeryparents.com

Montgomery Academy Stresses Sportsmanship

Sportsmanship is more than just a concept at The Montgomery Academy; it’s an ideal that is embraced wholeheartedly by the athletes and athletic staff. Athletic Director Anthony McCall has made sportsmanship a priority at the Academy by including a section in the Athletic Handbook that stresses its importance. In addition, The Montgomery Academy Sportsmanship Statement is read prior to each varsity football game. This statement urges all the participants including fans, coaches, officials and athletes, to place a premium on practicing good sportsmanship by demonstrating respect, fairness, civility and honesty. This statement has been adopted by several other area schools since being established at the Academy in 2008. While emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship for the Academy community, Coach McCall recently took some time to ensure that the Lower School students understand why having good sportsmanship matters at an assembly for K-4 students. He discussed why good sportsmanship is so important in every day occasions and that one should always be respectful, fair and courteous. “There is an innate desire within all of us to win,” says Anthony McCall. “The pursuit to win must never be suppressed, but it must always be honorable.” Front row from left are: Suyeon Kim, Linley McNew, Chance Wilson and Win Berry; and back row: Sterling Anderson, Coach Anthony McCall and Grayson Anzalone Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Dont Miss It! The 24th Annual

Holiday Market October 18-20, 2012

Presented by the Junior League of Montgomery

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Premier Investor: Baptist Health

JLM Kicks-Off Montgomery’s 2012 Holiday Shopping Season! Holiday Market begins October 18th, 2012 at an EXCITING NEW VENUE!

Wednesday, October 17 ~ 6-9pm Mistletoe and Martinis: Preview Party & Silent Auction - $35

Montgomery’s Multiplex at Cramton Bowl!

Beverage tickets, hors d'oeuvres and entertainment

Thursday, October 18 Shopping Hours ~ 9am-9pm

TICKETS: Advance - $5 • Daily - $10

Friday, October 19 Shopping Hours ~ 9am-9pm Girls Night Out 6-9pm

Valet Parking will be available for $5

Saturday, October 20 Shopping Hours ~ 9am-5pm

Military & Seniors - $5 Children 10 & under - FREE

Advance Ticket Outlets: Junior League Office, River Bank and Trust (Montgomery, Wetumpka & Prattville locations), Eastdale Mall, My Kid's Attic, and Barb's on Mulberry

Kids! Help the Elves in Santa’s Workshop for Holiday Fun! $10 ~ 10-11:30am Santa is in Town! - Stop by and have your picture taken with Santa ~ 12-5pm

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For More Information and Advance Tickets: Call 334-288-8816 or visit JLMontgomery.org

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Eastwood Christian School’s Summer Reading

Holy Cross Buddies Learn ‘W’ Stands for Walrus Holy Cross Episcopal School fifth-grade students met with their pre-K buddies recently to help them work on the letter “W.” They helped cut and paste construction paper to form a walrus. The pre-K students enjoyed getting help and making new friends.

Eastwood Christian School students in grades one through six enjoyed reading during the summer. The students read more than 176,000 pages. First-grade top readers were: Anna Beth Coon, M.E. Grace Shuemake, Molly Katherine Mauney, Samuel Treadwell and Jack Lanthrip. Second-grade top readers were: William Givens, Rose Lucas, Gracie Phillips, Abbie Roach, Rosemary Parker and Jacob Wilson. Thirdgrade top readers were: Parker Ensminger, James Hodges, Meritt W. Lee, Benjamin DeBoer, and Josie Powe. Fourth-grade top readers were: Rachel White, Anna Grace Estes, Trey Hawkins, Abby Duggar and Zach Golden. Fifth-grade top readers were: Rebecca Copeland, Zada Lee, Clara Slawson, Millie Hodge and Emily Gwin. Top readers for sixth grade were: Mark White, Elizabeth Claxton, Claire Segura, Gracie Kocher and Ashlyn Lovelady. Fourth grade received the award of being the top reading grade with 44, 596 pages. Rachel White took the top prize for the overall school top reader with 8, 648 pages (144 books). Pictured are all top readers and honorable mentions.

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

EVANGEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Proverbs 22:6

C hallenging a CademiC a tmosphere in a C hristian e nvironment Accredited AISA Blue Ribbon School Evangel Christian Academy is a ministry of Evangel Church in Montgomery, Alabama.

334-272-3882 ecalions.org Evangel Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, gender and national or ethnic origin.

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Montgomery Parents I October 2012

STJ Class of 2025 Enjoys Late Summer Fun

New and returning students admitted to Saint James School’s five-year-old kindergarten program attended a special party organized especially for them July 29 on the elementary lawn of the school campus. Students, along with their parents, gathered to meet the students’ soon-to-be best friends and classmates, as well as their new teachers. Only minutes after their arrival, the children were squealing with excitement as they slid down the Aqua Tunnel and ran through the Wild Splash. High school cheerleaders and football players joined the activities, giving the young students a taste of future STJ fun and excitement. Delicious hot dogs and hamburgers, prepared by Al Steineker, were on the menu, along with ice cream bars that each child personally selected from “Mr. Al’s” ice cream cart. The K5 students were also given favor bags filled-to-the-brim with exciting goodies. As they left for home, many of the children were already so excited they could hardly wait for that all-important first day of school! On hand to greet the kindergarten students were Head of School Melba Richardson (attending with husband Bill) and Elementary School Principal Jim Terry and his wife Susan, STJ’s elementary art instructor. Assistant Principal Clare Simon also greeted families, along with Aimee Steineker, director of admissions, and Walton Skelly, admissions assistant. To be sure these wonderful memories were recorded for future fun, STJ parent Suellen Young snapped photos of the happy five-year-olds at play. Here, K5er Brinkley Long jumps on to one of the several inflatable water slides at the party.

Computer Class at SUA Teaches Needed Skills

Ms. Vandervort’s Computer Technology class at Success Unlimited Academy aims to prepare students for the increasingly technological workforce. Students are coached in the use of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Class time is spent at computer stations, learning text formatting, headers and footers, margins, and other aspects of Word. The students are also taught how to properly format essays and research papers. Pictured here are Zac Ziegler, Ashlyn Persons, Davis Kirkland and William Webb.

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Catholic Middle Names Knight Ambassadors

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory Middle School has named Knight Ambassadors for 2012-2013. These students serve as role models, show leadership, good judgment, maturity, honesty and integrity while upholding their responsibilities of being a student. The 2012-2013 Montgomery Catholic Middle School Ambassadors are Mya Averett, Cheyenne Hayes, Elizabeth Londell, Anna Nutting, Michael O’Connor, Antwan Parker, Lauren Smith, Jordan Steele and Maggie Tippett.

Firefighters Explain Fire Safety To STJ Kindergartners

Kindergarteners at Saint James School were in for a special treat in early September when several City of Montgomery firefighters visited the school’s K5 classes. The five-year-olds were all ears as the firemen told the youngsters how to stay safe, and what to do if they were ever involved in a fire or needed the fire department. As a special surprise, the firefighters brought along a real fire truck and various pieces of firefighting equipment -- giving the students a close-up look at the tools these community helpers use when trying to put out a fire. The K-5ers even had an opportunity to inspect the inside of the fire truck, and were thrilled when the firefighters activated a familiar sound, the truck’s siren.

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Lighthouse Kids Spend Quality Time Together

The pre-schoolers at Lighthouse Christian Academy love spending time getting to know each other on the playground. They spend the morning learning Bible verses, phonics, numbers, language development and much more. For info on the school, call 271-4200.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13

CELEBRATING 12 YEARS OF SUCCESS!

Thirty Academy Students Earn AP Scholar Awards

Thirty students at The Montgomery Academy have earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP Exams. The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. About 18 percent of the more than 1.9 million students worldwide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to also earn an AP Scholar Award. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ performance on AP Exams. Six students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning 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. These students are Erin Katz, Rosalind O’Connor, Rachel O’Meara, Sophie Odom, Stephen Scott and Ryan Zienert. Seven students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by 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. These students are Caroline Elliott, Carter Goodwyn, Nichole Green, Won Jin, Anne Saunders, Bo Starke and Henry Toohey. Seventeen students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams with scores of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars are Hendrick Adams, Addison Anthony, Meredith Bear, Will Canary, Clayton Crenshaw, Layne Doctson, Elizabeth Franklin, Julian Freeman, Rachel Heavlin, Andrea Grey Jones, Sawyer Knowles, Caroline Rickard, Anna Strickland, Corrie Tankersley, Hannah Trachy, Parker Turner and Audrey Woika. Through 34 different college-level courses and exams, AP provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to earn college credit or advanced placement and stand out in the college admission process. Each exam is developed by a committee of college and university faculty and AP teachers, ensuring that AP Exams are aligned with the same high standards expected by college faculty at some of the nation’s leading liberal arts and research institutions. More than 3,800 colleges and universities annually receive AP scores. Most four-year colleges in the United States provide credit and/or advanced placement for qualifying exam scores. Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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(334) 213-0803 • SACS Accredited 2328 Fairlane Drive • Montgomery, AL 36116 www.suacademy.com • K-12 33

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Duke TIP Selects Trinity Seventh-Graders

SUA Teachers Dress Alike for First Day

At Success Unlimited Academy, students wear navy blue or yellow shirts with several style choices. To complete the look, khaki pants, skirts, skorts, and knee-length shorts are worn. Although the faculty follows a professional code for dressing each day, they are not required to wear a “uniform” look. This year, junior high teachers Sue James and Recenah Clinton decided to turn the tables on their students to try to lessen the “worries” that often accompany the first day of school. These two teachers are both short, have brown hair, summer tans, love shoes and jewelry, and are friends outside of the classroom. Together they planned to wear the same outfits to school on Monday, August 20. Highlighting the rules and regulations in the handbook that day took on a new meaning when “wear your uniform to school daily” was discussed. Clinton and James took the “dress code” to another level by dressing identical on the first day of school.

More than fifty Trinity Presbyterian School seventh- graders were selected to participate in the Duke TIP Talent Search based on their scores in the 95th percentile or higher on one or more of the subtests on either of their two most recent standardized achievement, aptitude, or mental ability tests. The 7th Grade Talent Search helps educators and families find out how advanced their students’ abilities truly are and what level of educational challenge is appropriate. Eligible seventh-graders are invited to take either the ACT or SAT college entrance exams, which allows them greater insight into their abilities and also provided them with valuable benefits and resources. First row from left are: Forrest Faulkner, Collier Wilson, Emmalyne Phillips, Charlie Ward, Wallace Bryan and Katie Scott; second row: Jack Jones, Daniel Sellers, Trace Patterson, Echols Jones, Lauren Hemmings, Meredith Kingry, Ellie Crawford and Mary Pruitt Mantel; third row: Wells Rutland, Christopher Howard, Weldon Willis, Myra Rivers Dorey, Maria Stevenson, Jessica Wilson and Madison Johnston; fourth row: Dawson Oliver, Tucker Bryan, Will Holmes, Joy Bishop, Miller Johnson, Ashlynn Turenne, Madison Bowen and Katherine Albrecht; fifth row: John Alan Darden, Jonathon Green, Jack Yohn, Mary Emily Taylor, Caroline Chapman, Thomas Amster and Ben Pope; and sixth row: Jackson Davis, Bradon Kuhl, Luke Hufham, Jackson Younger, Chase Lee, Reed Henderson, Ethan Fekete, Samuel Henderson and Henry Britton. Not pictured: Sage Clingan, Ensley Craven, Sam Farris, Ben Loftis, Will Merrill and Turner Sims.

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Holy Cross Class Begins Science Experiment

The Holy Cross Episcopal School second-grade class of Mrs. Cynthia Echols is studying a science unit on “Living and Non-Living” things. The first experiment is to see if they can grow a living organism. The class took a trip through the school — stopping at the lunchroom, an outside picnic table and bench. The children were split into four groups. Each group had a slice of bread that they wiped over various surfaces, then sealed the bread in a plastic bag and placed it in a warm environment. Students will have to patiently wait for the results of the experiment. From left are Callan Gadilhe, Mary Margaret Bass and Youngjae Kim with their pieces of bread. www.montgomeryparents.com

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Catholic Kindergarten Family Treasures Project

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s St. Bede campus kindergarten students are working on a yearlong Family Treasures project. Each month the students work on a special project with parents and family members. Teacher Debbie Redden encouraged the families to have fun while creating a Treasure Book Binder and Book Nook to get the project started. A Book Nook is a special spot at home designed for students to read with family members or read independently. The Treasure Binder will be filled weekly with books the students make in class. By the end of kindergarten, the children will have quite a library of books that they will treasure and read repeatedly and independently. Each student receives a key to the treasure binder to be kept with it. This is meant to remind them that the “key to reading success” is to practice reading every day, at home and at school! Top from left are: Cameron Livingston, Lucas Macchia, Harrison Rogers, Avery Langan, Amedeus Kayisavera, Ben Chitlik, Anya Motelara, Ryan Coker, Maddie Sanderson, George Allison, Cooper Beesley, Sydney Bass, Maggie Sasser and Jackson Wright (on floor in front). Harper Howell was absent.

Eastwood Students Taste Foods from Different Places

Eastwood Christian School secondgrade students recently completed reading and discussing a story about California and the foods which are grown in that state. The discussion led to what children eat in other countries, which led to a taste-testing party! Foods sampled included carrots from California, pineapple from Hawaii, chocolate from Switzerland, pasta from Italy, hummus from the Middle East, tea from England, Korean dumplings, chips and salsa from Mexico and fried rice from China. What a fun time for the students at the Eastwood picnic tables! Shown are Audrey Mays, Nettie Cantey, Kaylee Gill and Riley Caver

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Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Trinity Math Classes ‘Flip Out!’

ECA’s Elementary Students Enjoy Art Class

Evangel Christian Academy’s elementary students are enjoying art class. Once a week students from kindergarten through sixth grade attend the enrichment class. LaDonna LeMaster enjoys teaching the children artistic concepts and watching the students create unique masterpieces. In addition, LeMaster teaches character education to the students each week.

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The seventh-grade math classes at Trinity Presbyterian School have “flipped out!” In the flipped classroom, Trinity seventh-graders watch the teacher’s lecture each evening as homework on their MacBook laptops, take notes and prepare questions for the teacher. The following day during class, students work problems while the teacher circulates among the students and gives individualized instruction. This method of instruction offers many advantages: students can watch the videos numerous times, small groups can be conducted in class for those who need additional help, and advanced students can be challenged with problems that are more difficult. Thus, the “flipped classroom” offers a student instruction according to his/her needs. “The idea of a ‘flipped classroom’ is so simple; I cannot believe I have taught this long without having access to this instructional tool!” said seventh-grade teacher Kelly Long. “The ‘flipped classroom’ allows students to learn at their own pace,” said Middle School Principal Kerry Palmer. “If a student doesn’t understand a concept, they are able to review a video as many times as necessary. Homework is now done in school, thus allowing for greater individual attention from the teacher. Flipping the classroom promises to revolutionize education. We are excited to be leading the way with this innovation at Trinity.”

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Grandparents’ Donation Makes More Technology Available at STJ

Involved grandparents Pat and Garnet Turner want their favorite four-year-old (and his Saint James School classmates) to have plenty of access to the new technology tools that are an integral part of STJ’s 21st Century Learning Initiative. As a result, the generous Turners dedicated the elementary computer lab classroom in honor of their grandson, Grayson Eaves. Mrs. Turner, who has a strong background in science and technology, says she believes in promoting these areas of education for the younger generation. The Turners’ donation to Saint James School helped provide additional carts of iPads, MacBooks, and iPod Touches at Saint James Elementary, so teachers and students will have daily access to the high-tech tools. Teachers are able to check the devices out each day and use them to complement their classroom instruction. Additionally, the Turners’ donation has helped the school implement a “green room” enabling elementary students to take advantage of wonderful learning opportunities using the green screen technology for special effects, when creating dynamic multi-media reports for their classes. A plaque outside the elementary school computer lab commemorates the fact that the Turners donated the room and digital tools in honor of grandson Grayson. “We are so very grateful to the Turners,” said STJ Development Director Kim Hendrix. “They are a wonderful example of how grandparents make a difference in helping to shape the lives and education of their grandchildren.” Shown, STJ grandparents, right, Garnet and Pat Turner stand proudly with grandson Grayson Eaves and his mom (the Turners’ daughter) Adrianne, as Grayson shows off an iPad, one of the new digital technology tools used at STJ.

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

Eastwood Students Make Elephant Toothpaste!

What could be more fun in fourth grade than making elephant toothpaste? Students in Miss Blackmon’s and Miss Reeves’s classes at Eastwood Christian School have been studying chemistry as a unit in science. Enrichment labs, led by Mrs. Cindy Peavy, have included hands-on activities exploring the states and properties of matter, endo-and exothermic chemical reactions, acids and bases, and physical vs. chemical changes. The highlight of the unit was making “‘elephant toothpaste.” Shown are students Cole Segura and John Stephen Hinrichs with teacher Mary Jo Blackmon.

www.montgomeryparents.com

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Montgomery Catholic Students Shine Onstage

Two current Montgomery Catholic students and a recent graduate took to the stage in Oliver! the Musical at the Faulkner Dinner Theatre, landing two of the leading roles. Alicia Ruth Jackson, MCPS class of 2011 and a sophomore at Faulkner University, played Nancy; Matthew Klinger, a sixth-grader at Montgomery Catholic, played Oliver Twist; and his sister, Emily, a third-grader, played an orphan and gang member. Rehearsals began at the end of June. The students were in a total of 12 performances, Thursday–Saturday, each week in August. From left are Emily Klinger, third-grader; Alicia Ruth Jackson, Class of 2011; and Matthew Klinger, sixth-grader.

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Bethany Christian Students Spread Joy to Community

The Bethany Christian Academy fifth- and sixth-grade class was happy to spread joy to Capital Heights Nursing Home recently. The students eagerly and artistically wrote texts of encouragement to give to patients. They prepared “Bags of Joy,” which included several tasty treats, cupcakes and a devotional book. Both students and parents contributed to this worthy cause. Patients were nearly overwhelmed with joy as the students sang, prayed and visited with them. Special thanks to Coordinator Gloria Burton, who assisted the group with this very special trip.

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Kindergartners’ Teddy Bears Spend the Night at Trinity The Trinity Presbyterian School kindergarten class invited their teddy bears to spend the night at school. After a special day of reading bear books, the children tucked their bears in for a good night’s rest in their classrooms. The students came in Friday morning to find that the bears did not sleep at all! The bears had a great time playing in the rooms, and even made a few messes. Some bears were found playing with legos, working on the MacBook laptops, diving into toy bins, and even hanging from the Smartboard projectors! The teachers explained the classroom rules to the bears and they were on their “beary” best behavior for the rest of the day. Teddy Bear Day was filled with counting, sorting and graphing the teddy bears and some fun gummy bear patterning. Each class rewarded its bears for good behavior by taking them on a teddy bear picnic and a little playground fun. Each class concluded its day by making a class book of the bears’ great adventure! All students and bears had a “beary” good time! Shown are Mrs. Denise Allen’s kindergarten students.

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

SUA Holds School’s First Club Fair

Students at Success Unlimited Academy attended the school’s first club fair on September 5. The auditorium was adorned with club posters and memorabilia to encourage students to make a club selection. Clubs offered this year at SUA are FCA, FCS, Spanish Club, SUA Theater, American Sign Language, Consumer Science, Key Club, and Bridge Builders. Clubs are sponsored by teachers and will meet monthly. Community service projects will be the focus of the first club meetings. Caleb Womack is shown here.

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STJ Freshmen Bond at Camp Chandler

To acclimate Saint James’ Class of 2013 to their first year of high school, Saint James freshmen took a classwide field trip to Camp Chandler on August 17, meeting with fellow classmates, senior peer leaders and faculty advisors. The day-long Camp Chandler event emphasized the importance of student team building and bonding, through a series of activities aimed at developing mutual support, commitment and trust between members of the same advisory groups. “The day really helps the ninth grade bond as a class and learn about each other in different ways,” said STJ Counselor Samantha Pieper. “Students work together, challenge each other, and learn about communication and leadership,” added Pieper’s co-counselor Larry McLemore. “STJ students often look back on the Freshman Retreat as a favorite memory of their high school days.” At Saint James, students are assigned to an advisory group as freshmen. This group of ten students remain in the same advisory throughout their high school career, meeting weekly with their faculty advisors to talk about school events and issues relevant to teenagers. In addition, freshmen benefit from the experience of senior peer leaders who attend the advisory sessions. The peer leader program, now in its sixth year at Saint James, is an effort to provide upper class friends and role models for the new high school students. During their advisory classes, the senior peer leaders meet with freshman students and provide a setting where the ninth-graders can talk about subjects ranging from homework and grades to making good decisions in a variety of social situations. “The relationships developed make for a positive transition to high school as these senior leaders pass on to our freshmen the tradition of excellence that makes Saint James High School an exceptional place to learn and grow,” McLemore said. Shown, Saint James freshman Hannah Taylor is pulled up a wooden wall by her classmates in an exercise to teach students the importance of teamwork, trust-building, and cooperation during STJ’s Freshman Retreat.

Children’s Author Visits Catholic Campuses

Michelle Nelson-Schmidt, artist and best-selling author/illustrator of Dogs, Dogs!, Cats, Cats! and Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster, visited K4 through sixth-graders at Montgomery Catholic’s St. Bede and Holy Spirit elementary campuses. Nelson-Schmidt gave an energetic and entertaining presentation that featured reading her books, showing her art, and inspiring children and adults alike to persevere and follow whatever dream is in their hearts. The students were able to ask questions and share their own dreams with their classmates.

ECA’s Elementary Students Learn Spanish

The elementary students at Evangel Christian Academy are excited about learning Spanish. Once a week students from the kindergarten classes through sixth grade enjoy attending Spanish Class. Martha Blount is the teacher for this special enrichment class. Blount lived abroad in Mexico and is excited about the opportunity to share the language and culture with the eager elementary students. In addition to Spanish, the students enjoy art, character education, computer, library, and music each week. www.montgomeryparents.com

New Clubs and Outreach Available at SUA

Students at Success Unlimited Academy started back to school on August 20. Activities Director Julie Beard and Vice Principal Janice Nunnelly, pictured here, spent the summer preparing club and outreach opportunities for the students based on their interests and needs of the community. Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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MA Remembers September 11, 2001

The Montgomery Academy held three separate assemblies on September 11, for middle and upper school students and faculty to reflect and observe the eleventh anniversary of 9/11. Fifth- and sixth-grade students and teachers gathered in Wilson Theater for the program, Heroes Among Us, which was presented by the non-profit organization, Hands On River Region. The program began with a few words from Leslie Martorana, project director of the organization, and was followed by Greg Thornton, artistic director of the Cloverdale Playhouse, reading his account of that day. Even though he was not in New York on September 11, Thornton was directly affected by the horrific act: his brother was a firefighter in New Jersey and Thornton’s family lived in New York. He relayed his desperate attempts to reach his brother on the phone during the hours following the event. He told the audience of finally speaking with his brother after he had worked at Ground Zero and the reactions his brother experienced. Lastly, two true Heroes Among Us - members of the Alabama Forestry Commission - spoke about their firefighting efforts and natural disaster assistance in Alabama and others across the country. They also shared preventive measures everyone can take in case of a wildfire. The same presentation was repeated for the seventh- and eighth-grade assembly, this time with Thornton reading an account of a New York firefighter. Upper School students and faculty gathered for a program that began with Academy students Sarah Catherine Hook and William Haynes performing two acts of The Guys, a play written by Anne Nelson shortly after 9/11. The play tells the story of a firefighter and a writer working together to compose the first of many eulogies that would be written for the firefighters in his platoon who lost their lives. An ensemble from the Upper School Chorus followed and performed “Amazing Grace” and “America the Beautiful.” The program concluded with Randy Foster, executive director of the Alabama Institute for Education in the Arts, sharing his memories of his trip to New York one month after the attack and how he was impacted by what he heard and saw. Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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ACA Seniors Participate in Youth Tour 2012

Lighthouse Twos Learn Colors

The K2 class at Lighthouse Christian Academy has been studying the colors blue and green. They are enjoying the feel of the paint on their fingers as they review their colors and make a new masterpiece for Mom and Dad.

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Alabama Christian Academy seniors, from left, Dalton Beasley and Randal Porterfield, were selected to participate in Youth Tour 2012, sponsored by Dixie Electric Cooperative. This once-in-a lifetime experience provides opportunities for students to learn about the history of Alabama and the United States. They also learned about the cooperative form of business and the legislative process. In order to be eligible, students had to complete the application and interview process and must live in one of the eight counties served by Dixie Electric Cooperative. The 2012 Montgomery Youth Tour was held March 6-8. At this event, more than 150 students toured many sites around Montgomery and participated in a variety of leadership programs. Beasley and Porterfield were then chosen to represent Dixie Electric Cooperative at the 2012 Washington Youth Tour, which is sponsored in conjunction with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. This week-long event brought more than 1,400 high school students across the nation to Washington, D.C. to tour various sites and meet members of the legislature. The Washington Youth Tour was June 15-21.

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Trinity’s Lower School Facilitates Learning Through Technology

One of the steps to keeping the “digital” generation on the right path to success is to immerse our little ones in a technology rich environment. Trinity Presbyterian’s Lower School has done just that. The faculty members have participated in ongoing professional development so that they can deliver the most effective instruction as they integrate technology across the curriculum. As Trinity’s Upper School has become 1:1, the Lower School has steadily moved in that same direction. Trinity’s Lower School currently has two Mac Lab Carts (affectionately called “apple carts”) which house 25 computers. This is enough to accommodate a full class of students. Additionally, they have an iPad cart and an iPod cart that house classroom sets of these devices. Both of these are used extensively in the primary grades. Not only are the students using these devices, but the teachers also use Smartboards daily to deliver instruction. Trinity is the first school in the region to have every class equipped with this incredibly valuable piece of technology! Trinity has used technology to enhance instruction in a variety of ways. By implementing what we call a “flipped classroom,” teachers use podcasts/webcasts for students to access at home and then continue the instruction/practice during the school day. They have included project-based learning in their day-to-day instruction causing students to research and tap into their own curiosity. Students also create podcasts/webcasts each day as the fifth-grade students script, cast, and record the morning announcements for the rest of the lower school. In addition, apps, games, learning websites, skype, and online testing programs are just a few of the many ways that Trinity’s Lower School is incorporating technology to continue down that path to academic success. LIFEGUARD TRAINING Shown, Trinity kindergarten students using iPads in class.

Eastwood Visits with Farmyard Friends

Recently, third-grade students in Mrs. Beth Owen’s and Mrs. Karen Lee’s classes had a surprise visit from Mona the Pig and Wendy the Warrior. Karen Penn, Eastwood mom to upper school student Martha Ladner and aunt to third-grader Elaina Ladner, brought the animals. The children enjoyed watching Mona do tricks. Wendy the Warrior was actually hatched at Eastwood when the students were in second grade and they were amazed at how she has grown. Shown are Lani Moore, Chandler Weaver, Benjamin DeBoer, George Coley, Thomas Lester, Cole Schlemmer, Claude Newsome, Henry MacDonald, Luke Duggar, Parker Ensminger, Ginny Herndon and Jack Fuhrman with Mona the Pig.

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STJ Grandparents Donate Music Technology Lab

Saint James grandparents Larry and JoAnne Hughes are providing the necessary tools to assure their grandchild – along with all her schoolmates -- have state-of-the-art music technology tools to augment their learning. The Hugheses are providing the hightech equipment needed to offer one of STJ’s new high school electives, the Music Technology course. The course teaches creativity and music production using the same digital equipment and programs used in professional recording studios. The course will focus on music composition for all styles and genres, including the use of music in the production film, video and broadcast projects. The Hugheses donated the funds necessary to create the Music Technology lab in honor of their granddaughter Erin Hughes, a Saint James third-grader. A plaque outside the High School Music Technology lab commemorates both the Hugheses and Erin.

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“How thrilling that grandparents are making it possible for students to step into technology used in professional recording studios!” Development Director Kim Hendrix said. STJ’s high-tech state of the art Music Technology lab includes 15 iMac computer stations, Blue Yeti microphones (which produce CD quality voice and instrument recordings), Axiom 49 Musical Keyboard Controllers with percussion pads, Sennheiser HD280 Pro closed-back headphones, and 7200 RPM external hard drives allowing accurate recording and editing of audio and video. Software purchased for the new lab includes Garage Band (for looping and recording audio), Master Writer (a songwriter’s lyric program), Band in a Box (for musical arrangements), Finale (used for notation and sound), and Final Cut Pro (professional editing software). “What a wonderful and generous donation for the benefit of our Saint

James students!” said Band Director Susan Smith. “This is a unique classroom, both for the excellent equipment that is available for student use as well as the unequalled opportunity it provides students who are interested in a music-related career.” Grandparents, center, Larry and Joanne made the music technology donation in honor of granddaughter Erin Hughes, an STJ third-grader. Erin’s parents are Jay and Ashley Hughes.

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The 2012-2013 school year is off to a great start. Our system enrollment is hovering around 9,700 students. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re experiencing new beginnings at all of our schools with positive changes in administration, principals, teachers, or staff at each campus. One of the most exciting changes to take place in the Autauga County School System this year involves the new Freshman Academy at Prattville High School. Transition to high school can prove to be quite difficult for some students and their parents. The expectations in both academics and behavior are vastly different than what most students become accustomed to during their middle school years. The Freshman Academy is a transition program for all first time (non-repeating) ninth graders. It creates a caring and supportive environment that eases

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

the transition into high school while encouraging students to value their education. There are many advantages to having this new program in place. First of all, the Freshman Academy provides a smaller learning community which enables core classes to be localized. There are consistent academic and behavioral expectations with a cooperative discipline approach. The more personal atmosphere allows for increased student support and tutoring as well as allowing for team teaching and collaboration among the faculty. There are several goals of the Freshman Academy which target specific needs at Prattville High School. The first objective is to reduce failures and retentions in the 9th grade. Students will develop and strengthen critical life skills which will improve confidence and independence. These skills will follow them throughout the remainder of their high school term. With the more rigorous standards in place, there will be improved academic performance. As a result, we will see an increase in the number of graduates in 2016. As the school year opened, I personally visited each ninth grade classroom at Prattville

High School and was very impressed with my observations. The Freshman Academy has its own assistant principal and counselor. All freshman classes are housed in one building. Students only leave the ninth grade hall for band, physical education, or elective classes at the Autauga County Technology Center. Parental encouragement and support has been overwhelming. This new concept is providing a positive experience for the faculty, the school, and the entire student body. As one of the cornerstones in the foundation of our Autauga County School System, Prattville High School is continuing its history of academic and athletic excellence. We look forward to reaping the rewards of our new Freshman Academy and offering it as a dynamic example to other school systems. Spence Agee is the Superintendent of Education for Autauga County Schools. He is a third generation educator with an ED.S. in Educational Leadership. He has 16 years of experience in the education field as well as 25 years of military experience. Agee is an active member at First Baptist Church in Prattville. He and his wife, Cesily, who is also an educator, have two daughters, Abby and Addison.

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PHS Group Holds Prayer Walk Before New School Year

A group of students representing Prattville High School’s Fellowship of Christian Students held a prayer walk the Friday before school started, walking throughout the school to pray for students, administrators, counselors, teachers and support staff.

Prattville Lion Walk Promotes School Spirit

Prattville High School held a “Lion Walk” in the school on Friday afternoon before their football game. The band and cheerleaders led the way for the football players to parade down the hall and be cheered on and recognized by fellow students. The Junior Varsity team held its “Lion Walk” for the Freshman Academy before their Tuesday game. The activities were a great opportunity to promote school spirit.

Prattville High Spanish Club Holds Shoe Drive

The Prattville High School Spanish Club held a Shoe Drive to collect old tennis shoes to be sent to under-privileged countries around the world. The project also helped to promote recycling. From top left are Machel Thompson, Gabby Morales, Senor Marlin Harris (club sponsor) and Stephanie Perdomo; bottom, Alex Ramirez, Amanda Stout and Edgar Perez.

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New Hope Academy Takes Park Field Trip

Prattville Hosts College & Career Day

New Hope Academy students enjoyed an afternoon in the park during their weekly P.E. time. Students played a friendly game of football or walked around the paved track, as the younger students climbed the jungle gym.

Prattville High School held a College and Career Day on September 10. Public and private schools from throughout Autauga County were invited to participate. There were approximately 30 different college and military recruiters available to provide information and answer questions. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Montgomery Parents I October 2012

Prattville Cross Country Teams Place Well in Meet

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PHS Students Work on Helicopter Experiment

Prattville High School AP Statistics students are shown working in small groups on a helicopter experiment to introduce a new chapter on experimental design.

Bulger, 12th place Overall in varsity 5K. The PHS cross country girls’ team took third place at the Dothan meet. From left are: Ginger Cervantes, 6th place Overall in junior high 2 mile race; Megan Hawkins, 3rd place Overall in varsity 5K; Courtney Cooper, 18th place Overall in varsity 5K; Cat Lucas, 13th place Overall in varsity 5K; Amber Harris, 10th place Overall in varsity 5K; and Delaney Uttermark, 24th place Overall in varsity 5K.

For the first time in school history, Prattville High School’s cross country boys’ team won a first-place trophy in the meet in Dothan September 8. The team trains by running five to eight miles every day and is coached by Rachel Batts. From left are: Lucas Culpepper, 2nd place Overall in varsity 5K; Mike Bulger, 3rd place Overall in varsity 5K; Dozier Atwell, 6th place Overall in varsity 5K; Stone Counsell, 9th place Overall in varsity 5K; and Brandon

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Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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The cost of utilities is the second largest budget line item for the Elmore County School System, and the prices for electricity, natural gas, heating oil and water have been steadily increasing. This is a sobering fact for our organization and our taxpayers. When we consider that every dollar spent on energy is a dollar that never finds its way into the classroom, this challenge becomes very personal and worthy of focused attention. Our system is not backing away from this challenge; we are meeting it head-on through an energy conservation program and it’s working. Our successful conservation efforts were recently recognized by the Department of Energy and its ENERGY STAR Program. Fifteen of fifteen eligible buildings in our district have earned ENERGY STAR certification, meaning

they are rated in the top 25 percent of buildings of their type nationwide for energy efficiency. This national recognition and our conservation success do not come easily or immediately. Through the leadership and commitment of our board, our Elmore County School District began implementing a serious and aggressive energy conservation program nearly four years ago. We partnered with the nation’s leading organizational behavior-based energy conservation company, Energy Education, to analyze hundreds and hundreds of ways we use energy in our buildings. The analysis revealed how we can better conserve energy while ensuring comfort during class time and scheduled activities. Today, with Energy Education’s assistance and technical support, we are implementing many energy conservation changes uncovered by ongoing comprehensive analysis. From big changes (how to operate exhaust systems) to small (how to save money in computer labs), we are realizing impressive and award-winning conservation savings. Since our efforts began, our system has saved a total of $2,378,379. This translates to around 35 teaching positions in 2011-2012. We

have literally cut our energy consumption by 28.07% , and we expect these savings to grow as we further perfect our program. Additionally, we are achieving more than financial savings. We are helping preserve the environment. According to the EPA, our decrease in energy use is the equivalent of taking 1,995 cars off our local roads or planting 284,251 trees throughout our community. Our students, faculty and staff members are all participating in our energy conservation program. They are learning how to save energy here and then often practicing the same saving habits at home. That’s a win-win! We are honored by ENERGY STAR’s recognition of our conservation success. Our sense of accomplishment is gratifying. Our efforts will continue throughout the future because our taxpayers, faculty and staff members, parents and students deserve to see every dollar possible sent to the classroom. Dr. Jeff Langham is the Superintendent of Education for Elmore County Schools. Now in his eighth year as the system’s leader, he has a total of 27 years of experience in the field of education. Langham is an active member at Landmark Church in Montgomery. He and his wife, Ginny, a nurse educator, have one daughter, Weldon.

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Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Wetumpka High Tribal Council Serves as Student Ambassadors

The Wetumpka High School Tribal Council, instituted this past spring, is the student ambassador group at WHS. So far this year, council members have helped issue textbooks prior to school starting, gave school tours to new students, and will assist the Quarterback Club with hospitality tents at home football games. For selection as a council member, a student must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, recommendation from a teacher, good attendance and be the subject of an interview. Teri Thompson is the faculty advisor. This year’s officers include: Chief, Karen Teel; Vice-Chief, Joel Levins; Secretary, Olivia Garnette; and Treasurer, Tanner Knight. Chairpersons for committees are Richard King, Community relations; Tori Hyatt, Faculty relations, Jamie Thrasher, Booster relations; and Will Thompson, Event Chairperson. Members include Katie Aitken, Taylor Hopper, Brittany Johnston, Aundrea Harrison, Anna Weeks, Wade Mattox, Drew Miller, Johnathan Albert, Adriana Humphrey, Ashley Dixon, Tabitha Hines, Jared Baggett, Alexis Akers, Thomas Ulrich, Jonothon Segars and Emeral Sanders.

Elmore County Spanish Clubs Volunteer at Food Bank

The Spanish Honor Society at Wetumpka High School, in conjunction with Stanhope-Elmore Spanish Club and Holtville High Spanish Club, volunteered recently at the Elmore County Food Bank run by Richard Deem. Twenty students, accompanied by teachers, stocked shelves as part of the National Day of Service on September 11.

Elmore County Earns EPA’s Energy Star Elmore County Board of Education has announced that 15 buildings have earned EPA’s Energy Star certification. This recognition is presented to the most energy-efficient buildings in the country. “We are extremely pleased to receive this recognition from Energy Star,” said Superintendent Jeff Langham. “Our energy conservation efforts are saving taxpayer dollars while also helping protect our local environment. Since we began partnering with Energy Education on a serious energy conservation program we have saved $2,378,379 and the environmental impact is equal to taking 1995 cars off the street or planting 284,251 trees in our community.” Earning the Energy Star certification include Eclectic Elementary, Eclectic Middle, Elmore County High, Holtville Elementary, Holtville Middle, Wetumpka Elementary, Wetumpka Middle, Wetumpka High, Redland Elementary, Coosada Elementary, Airport Road Intermediate, Millbrook Middle, Stanhope Elmore High and the Central Office. To earn Energy Star certification, buildings must rate in the top 25 percent nationwide for energy efficiency. The cost of utilities is the second-largest budget line-item for Elmore County Board of Education, and the prices for electricity, natural gas, heating oil and water have been steadily increasing. To combat these rising energy and utility costs, Elmore County Board of Education entered into a partnership with Energy Education to implement a comprehensive organizational behaviordriven energy conservation program throughout all its buildings and campuses. Since the program was first implemented, Elmore County Board of Education has saved 28.07% on its energy and utility costs. Energy Education earned the 2011 and 2012 Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and was named Energy Star Partner of the Year for 2009 and 2010, validation at the highest level of their efforts in energy conservation and efficiency.

Redland Celebrates Grandparents Day

Friday, September 7, was a special day for some classes at Redland Elementary. Grandparents were invited to join their grandchildren for lunch while local musician Stace Bottiger from Mulder Church entertained the crowd with his piano-playing. Shown here, Bill and Kaye Little enjoyed lunch with their grandson, Cameron Little, a student in Misty Trussell’s third-grade classroom.

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Friends of Redland Group Holds Fundraising Golf Tournament The Friends of Redland Elementary (F.O.R.E.) had many sponsors for its 2012 Eagles Open Golf Tournament which took place September 14 at the Emerald Mountain Golf Club. The successful endeavor cleared $15,000, which will go directly to Redland Elementary for additional library books and computers. GOLD sponsors ($1,000) included: Alabama Senator Dick Brewbaker, Alabama Representative Barry Mask, Central Alabama Metal & Roofing, Emerald Mountain Toll Bridge, Lifetouch National School Portraits, Performance Sealants and Waterproofing, LLC and Redland Community Association. SILVER sponsors ($500) included: Jones Heating & Air, Romeos and Wetumpka Tire and Auto. TEAM sponsors ($300) included: Alabama AG Credit, Joey Hutto, Cousins Insurance Agency, Prime South Bank, Willie Barrow, Richard Kennamer, Riverside Chevrolet, Joe Fureigh and Sanford Bell & Associates. TEE sponsors ($100) included: Redland Baptist Church (2 tees), River

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Bank & Trust, Alabama State Employees’ Credit Union, Dan and Tawanna Aude, Alabama Representative Greg Wren, Willie and Brenda Barrow, Capital City Gastroenterology, P.C. (2 tees), Central Alabama Electric Coop, Jackson Thornton & Co, P.C. (2 tees), Ron and Jennifer Creel, Jenilyn’s Creations, Janet Cox, Larry Ray Insurance Agency, Lee’s Auto Repair, Oakview Farms, Al & Melita Watson, Mulder Memorial (2 tees), Westbrook Wonders, Mark’s Service Center & Body Shop, and Don and Jenny Westbrook. PRIZE, SNACK AND DRINK sponsors included: Blue Ridge Mountain Water, Pepperidge Farms, Camo Country, Riverside Chevrolet, Fresh Market, Texas Roadhouse, Coca Cola, WSFA’s Judd Davis, Kellogg’s, John Enslen, Marquirette’s Exquisite Jewelry and Granville Home Furnishings.

There were also 72 child sponsors at $25 each. Winning teams were: 1st Place: Charles Rodgers, Jamie Blackwell, Undra Jones and Brett Weldon; 2nd Place: John Ross, Donald Barron,

Robby Spaeth and Jeff Fennel; 3rd Place: Ben Elliott, Scott McCall, Justin Barrett and Brian Barrett. Shown above is the John Enslen team. Enslen served as this year’s golf chair.

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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What’s Knot to Love?

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

The milestone of tying their own shoes marks a turning point toward independence for kids. Learning the process of manipulating string, mastering the dexterity of making knots usually leads to a big confidence boost. Keep the self-confidence building with these projects and gadgets that help kids tie things together with great results. Manipulating string, yarn, fabric and cord into useable gifts and gear opens the door for children and teens to develop new skill sets while sharpening their manual dexterity. From hand-made blankets to hats and scarves, what’s not to love about knotted crafts!

by Paige Gardner Smith

Harrisville Pegloom

Knot a Quilt Kit (Alex Toys)

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The simplest of working with yarn is weaving, with an over-and-under matrix that kids quickly understand once they put their hands to it. A hardwood loom with nylon pegs is easily threaded with the ‘woof’ yarn and then it’s a simple routine of weaving the ‘weft’ yarn over and under the vertical lines on the loom to create a ‘fabric’ of woven material (100% wool yarns are included). The resulting designs are colorful, sturdy and can used as potholders, coasters, bookmarks, computer pads or stitched together into beautiful textile wall hangings that any child (and adult) can take pride in. It’s ‘knot’ hard at all for kids to quickly weave a work of art!

Making fleece quilts on their own is “knot” a problem for little hands. No needles, sewing or padding is required for small fingers to tie simple knots in rows, adding squares one-by-one into their quiltwork masterpiece. The kit includes 48 nine-inch fleece squares that are pre-cut with tie fringed edges. Children tie the edges together on each side and watch their quilt grow with each new row. Self-contained with no other tools needed, the Knot-A-Quilt kit is ideal for camping, travel and quiet time. And when the project is complete, the master quilter can wrap themselves in a hand-knotted fleece quilt and a sense of accomplishment.

Alex Granny Squares

Knifty Knitter Loom Set

One of the easiest ‘craft’ knot stitches is crochet, making it ideal for kids to learn and master. With a simple repeated twist and hook, kids can produce ‘granny’ squares of crocheted yarn that can assemble into all kinds of wearable and shareable art. Because the craft produces units (squares), the final project can be determined by how many squares the young crafter is inclined to crochet (kids with shorter attention spans may opt to produce a short scarf or doll blanket while dedicated crochet square makers may envision an afghan or shawl). This award-winning kit comes with a crochet hook, plastic needle, plus 300 yards of richly colored yarn so the possibilities are “knot” limited. .

For kids and adults who’d like to fast-track creating knitted accessories, Knity Knitter builds on a set of round looms in graduated sizes will have you knitting in no time. Looping the yarn in patterns on the loom produces circular or flat knits that can be finished with a few stitches into hats, scarves and more. The littlest loom is best for doll-sized projects while the largest rolls out adult-sized hats and more. Easy enough for elementary-school age kids and addictive for its versatility to adult crafters, there are also additional Knifty Knitter projects and patterns online for young crafters to expand their knitting portfolio.

(Boye)

(Alex Toys)

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

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Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Fright Night Eight Ways to Beat Nightmares

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by Malia Jacobson

Bad news for parents of school-age kids: the early school years are a prime time for nightmares. For many children, nightmares peak between ages 5 and 8, thanks to an increasingly active imagination, fantasy play, and newly acquired social awareness. Nightmares are a near-universal childhood experience, and up to half of young children experience recurring nightmares at some point. That’s not necessarily a bad thing; according to clinical psychologist Matt Woolley, Ph.D., of the University of Utah Department of Psychiatry, nightmares may serve a developmental role. “Parents want to rid their child of nightmares entirely,” he says. “But that’s not necessarily possible www.montgomeryparents.com

or desirable. Occasional nightmares are a normal experience.” While nightmares are normal, some children seem to get more than their share, and their sleep can suffer as a result. Kids who experience excessive nightmares (more than two per week) can become sleep-avoidant, sullen, irritable, and show signs of depression. Thankfully, experts say that some nightmares can be prevented or minimized. Parents can pave the way for sweeter dreams by learning about the top “nightmare triggers:” events or situations likely to bring on bad dreams. Nightmare triggers run the gamut from social (adjusting to a new school) to physical (having a high fever) to experiential (riding a roller coaster for the first time), and they may surprise you. 54

Tricky transitions

Starting a new school or daycare, beginning a new class or sport, or being away from a parent or other caregiver can contribute to a child feeling a temporally helpless. These feelings can bring on nightmares, says Woolley. “When children have a lot of nightmares, it’s not uncommon that there are a lot of changes going on at home,” he says. How to help: Discuss life transitions with your child, preferably in advance. Encourage your child to talk about things that may be bothering him or her.

Dream danger

Scary or unsettling experiences like car accidents, injuries, or other real-life traumas can be nightmare fodder for Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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New places, new faces

A trip on the amusement park ride; a long-awaited airplane trip; a longed-for visit with faraway cousins—new experiences, even enjoyable ones, can trigger nightmares. “The first time a child does something, it’s nearly always stressful,” says Woolley. “The brain reprocesses that stress at night in the form of a nightmare.” How to help: Limit new-experience stress by following an exciting “first” with a familiar, comforting activity—af-

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Music or dance recitals, tests at school, and sports games can bring on excitement, worry—and nightmares. Dreams are often an opportunity to relieve pressures of the day, says Drucker. When there are big demands placed on a child, dreams become a time to replay anxiety or stress over the event. How to help: Any time your child is facing a transition, special challenge, or new experience, stick to an earlier bedtime and spend extra time winding down and relaxing before bed.

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Media research firm Nielsen reports that elementary-school age children watch 28 hours of television per week. All of those hours clocked in front of the boob tube can contribute to nightmares, especially if kids watch intense or troubling content. “The central themes of many children’s stories—separation from or loss of parents and friends, or evil people hurting innocent ones—are very commonly upsetting,” says Jan Drucker, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Sarah Lawrence College. How to help: Don’t allow your child to view troubling, intense scenes on television, particularly before bedtime.

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children. The death or a relative of pet or a divorce in the family can also cause emotional distress that plays out in the form of bad dreams. How to help: After scary or traumatic experiences, encourage creative expression in the form of journaling or drawing. Art and creative play can help children communicate and process troubling emotions, says Woolley.

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ter a child’s first roller-coaster ride, wind down with a leisurely walk or relaxing tunes.

Late-bedtime boogeyman

When kids stay up too late, nightmares can come calling. That’s because sleep deprivation results in the fitful, poor quality sleep that can trigger bad dreams. How to help: Ensure that your child gets enough sleep—most children aged 5-8 need between 9 and 11 hours per night.

Pills and chills

Parents are often surprised to learn that medications intended to improve their child’s health can have a detrimental effect on sleep. Mood altering medications, including anti-depressants and medications for ADHD, can negatively impact sleep or trigger nightmares, particularly when taken over a long period of time. How to help: Talk to your doctor about any medications your child takes and ask how you can minimize any negative effects on sleep.

Discomfort drama

When kids toss and turn because of a too-hot bedroom, ill-fitting PJs, or an old, saggy mattress, bad dreams are more likely to happen, says Woolley. Fortunately, the most common discomfortrelated nightmare trigger—sleeping too hot—is easily remedied by removing a child’s socks, switching to lighter-weight pajamas, or removing a heavy blanket. How to help: Keep the bedroom quiet, dark, and cool—between 60 and 68 degrees is ideal. During warner months, switch to lighter-weight pajamas and remove heavy blankets. If your child has more than two nightmares a week for over a month, a visit to a doctor or psychologist is in order. And take heart: like teddy bears and footie pajamas, bad dreams are often a passing childhood phase. In the meantime, healthy sleep habits mean sweeter dreams, fewer nightmares, and happier mornings. mp Malia Jacobson is a freelance writer and mom of two who specializes in children’s sleep and health topics.

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Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Common Pet Myths Regardless of whether you own a pet that barks or purrs, you still have probably heard a myth or two about them. Below are some truths, facts and falsehoods about some common myths about dogs and cats.

CATS

MYTH: Cats are independent and do not need much attention. FACT: Although grown cats tend to sleep long hours each day, they still need daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy. Pet stores have an array of options to fill this need. However, I have also found, a wadded sheet of paper rolling across the floor can provide ample stimulation and exercise without the added expense. Other attention cats need is with daily grooming. Although cats are “self bathers” it is impossible for them to remove all excess hair. For this reason, brushing your cat is helpful with removing the hair. It can also help with problems associated with hairballs. MYTH: Cats rarely get sick. FACT: Cats do get sick, they just have a keen instinctual ability to “mask” pain. The genetic instinct to “protect” themselves from becoming a “predator” is much stronger in cats than dogs and many times it takes a well trained eye from someone who daily deals with common feline illness to notice the change.

DOGS

MYTH: Happy dogs always wag their tails. FACT: Dogs do wag their tails when they are happy, but they also wag their tails when they are upset or challenged. There are several physical body motions and cues that help dogs communicate their intent. A wagging tail can mean either agitation or excitement. A dog that wags his tail slowly and moves his entire rear end or crouches down in the classic “play bow” position is usually demonstrating a friendly wag. Tails that are wagged when held higher, tails that “twitch,” or a wagging tail held over the back may be associated with aggression. MYTH: Dogs like tasty food like table scraps. FACT: Dogs have very poor taste buds and eat primarily based on their sense of smell. This being said, what dogs are primarily enjoying from the table scrap provision is the attention they are getting. Unfortunately, “fatty” scraps can cause digestive problems such as pancreatitis, while chunks of bone

can obstruct the intestines. Cooked bones are brittle and when they are chewed they can break up into sharp fragments that can pierce the intestines, which can cause a lifethreatening emergency. Instead of giving that piece of left over steak or chicken bone, sneak in a carrot stick or a veterinarian approved treat. MYTH: Dogs eat grass when they are sick. FACT: Dogs descended from wild wolves, and foxes that ate every part of their “kill”, including the stomach contents, which included berries, grass, and other vegetation. Many scientists believe grass was once part of dog’s normal diet and eating small amounts of grass is normal and can provide roughage to the diet. Occasionally, dogs do eat things that upset their stomachs. In this case, eating grass rapidly will induce vomiting. However, there is no sound evidence that suggest dogs eat grass primarily because they are sick. Dr. Philip Mitchell, one of the owners of Taylor Crossing Animal Hospital, graduated from Auburn University’s School of Veterinary Medicine and has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 25 years.

MYTH: Cats have clean mouths. FACT: Cats can harbor over 300 species of bacteria in their mouths and can be a source of severe infection if humans and other animals if bitten. This is why cat bites are painful and should be treated to avoid infection. This bacteria also gives cats their on set of oral health problems which have a direct link to diabetes and kidney disease. To avoid problems caused by these bacteria, have your cats teeth cleaned.

MYTH: Cats purr because they are happy. FACT: It is true that most cats purr in the presence of their owners or when being petted. It is this association that founded this myth. However, cats also purr when they are sick, stressed, injured, frightened, or in pain. In fact, I have even heard them purring while giving birth and before death. Many veterinarians believe purring is an expression of a strong emotion--whether positive or negative--than it is an expression of just one particular emotion like happiness. Purring can be compared to a human humming or whistling. Most common, we hum

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or whistle when we are happy. However, their are times humans whistle or hum as a response to stress, fright, or discomfort.

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A Page in a Book

by Paige Gardner Smith

Best Hair

Almost every child gets one of these: a full head of hair. For some, their hair’s an easily managed affair, tame and controllable. For others (and their parents), their crown is capped with a wonderful mop of trials and tribulations. Teaching kids how to take care of their hair, how to be still for their first haircuts (or at least not scream) is a rite of passage just like learning to tie shoes. The following books feature hair, and the taming of same, through stories new and old. Comb through these titles and take a little (book) off the top.

Even Monsters Need Haircuts

by Matthew McElligott When the full moon rises and most kids are settling into bed, one young son of a barber slips out of bed and into his Dad’s shop to care for the hair of a distinctly different clientele. Once a month, and with some help, the barbershop is redecorated and re-stocked to service monsters of every sort who, after all, have their own hair care needs. Just like his father’s regular customers, some customers always want the same thing (Frankenstein’s flat-top), while some heads of hair (or reasonable facsimile of) are more of a coiffure challenge. With dry humor and brightly-rendered monsters, the illustrations offer up smart details that a sharp reader will pick up and enjoy with repeat readings.

I Won’t Comb My Hair!

by Annette Langan, Illustrated by Frauke Bahr Tanya has several things she sometimes doesn’t like to do (don’t we all?). Maybe she sometimes doesn’t want to wear boots when her sandals are so much prettier, or go home, or go shopping. But Tanya knows one thing ALL the time: She doesn’t want to comb her hair…ever. Her exasperated parents (and neighbors) get a regular earful of Tanya’s “I WON’T comb my hair!” So her mane grows and froths, becoming a jungle of hair that soon looks very inviting to wildlife, who quickly take up residence among the roots of her tresses. She can’t see what’s living up there, but she can hear them. The more sound they make, the more Tanya realizes that taming her hair is the best solution to her fear of the jungle that her head has become. Readers will enjoy Tanya’s promotion from jungle guide to (hair) landscape management!

Rapunzel

Retold and Illustraeted by Rachel Isadora Adhering closely to the story’s origins, Rachel Isadora takes Rapunzel to the lush surroundings of Africa in this rich re-telling of the story that centers around a captive girl locked in a tower with only her long locks of hair to connect her to the rest of the world – for good or ill. Africa’s warm color palette and distinctive wildlife set the stage for Rapunzel’s flower-laced dreadlocks to tumble from the tower toward a young African prince on the savannah below. Illustrated with earthen colors, and a collage of printed and palette papers, the patchworks of color render the story into baser shapes that allow the reader to flesh out the images and story with their imagination. Perfect for fairy-tale fans who want to take a broader journey in the fairy-tale landscape. Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

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10 Ways to Enjoy

by Katie Beltramo

At our house, something happens in the fall. As the days get cooler, children migrate inside. Even on sunny days, my daughters burrow into our basement playroom as instinctively as squirrels gather nuts. It makes me crazy, especially since kids who play outside are healthier, happier, and do better in school. Luckily, there are plenty of activities beyond jumping into a leaf pile that will lure kids outside to enjoy the great outdoors. Build a campfire in the evening. Being outside after dark is magical, and with sunset arriving earlier each day, you won’t have to stay up past bedtime like you would have during the summer. Roast marshmallows, tell stories, or just bask in the cozy warmth on a cool night. Go letterboxing or geocaching. Kids love a treasure hunt, and both activities will give you a workout for www.montgomeryparents.com

Autumn Outside

body and brains. Letterboxing involves landmark-based clues that lead to a unique, often hand-made stamp, while geocaching focuses on using a compass or GPS to find a hidden cache. Check letterboxing.org, atlasquest.com, or geocaching.com for more information.

animals move, draw pictures, and look for characteristics to distinguish individuals from each other. Find great tips from handbookofnaturestudy.blogspot. com or check out books on your quarry from the library.

Walk or bike to school. Studies show that kids who walk to school cope with stress better, and built-in daily activity is great for the whole family. Join with neighbors and adults can take turns chaperoning if you’re concerned about kids on their own. If the route between home and school is not safe, consider dropping kids at a nearby walk-friendly location.

Let kids loose in the garden. Autumn is time for garden pruning, and it’s difficult to do too much damage to plants at this stage. You can teach kids to use pruning shears properly and assign them a task, or have them help you gather gorgeous plants like hydrangea and let them dry naturally to bring the outdoors inside during the winter. Harvesting seeds will teach kids about nature and the seasons.

Observe creatures around you as they prepare for winter. Take young naturalists outside with binoculars and a clipboard to observe birds, squirrels, or other animals. Experiment by leaving out foods, observe how and where

Pick apples. It’s a classic for a reason. Looking for a great orchard? Ask if cider and donuts are made on-site, what sort of spraying policy is in place (fully organic orchards are fairly rare), and if there are additional activities for the kids.

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Our family loves a local orchard that allows visitors to climb their ladders. If you don’t know of an orchard near you, check pickyourown.org for help. Go on a playground tour. School playgrounds are often spruced up for the new academic year, so this is a perfect opportunity to try fresh destinations. Make a list of places to visit. You can even rank the playgrounds or ponder awards in different categories, like Best Climbing or Fastest Slide. Document the changing landscape. Take photographs and draw pictures of any local natural landscape, whether it’s your favorite hiking spot or your front lawn. Come back to the same spot every week to observe and document the changes. Kids can even make a seasonal landscape scrapbook or write a picture book based on the changing setting. Enjoy fall sports. Even if you’re child isn’t registered to play, take in a game and root for your neighbors or your local high school. It’s a great community builder, and the older role models might inspire your kids to try something new. Grab a playground ball and teach kids classic games like 4-square. Build a fort or fairy house. With a little push of inspiration, you’ll be surprised how engrossed kids get. As they build, kids learn creativity, engineering, and negotiating skills with their fellow builders. Find a spot with plenty of raw materials, and if you need ideas to get you started, check out fairyhouses.com or search on Pinterest for images. Finally, all of these activities are great ways to start outdoor play, but if your kids get excited about playing something else outside, step back. By guiding your kids outdoors, you’ve already taken the first step to happier, healthier kids. Give them space to play independently, and you’ll be amazed by what they come up with next. mp

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Katie Beltramo, a mother of two, blogs at www. capitaldistrictfun.com and is editor at KidsOutAndAbout.com.

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A ballet to die for!

Saturday, October 27 @7:30 p.m. Sunday, October 28 @ 2:30 p.m. at Alabama Shakespeare Festival Tickets: 1.800.841.4273 (ASF Box Office) Information: 334.241.2800, www.alabamadancetheatre.com This performance is made possible by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Fall Festivities & Halloween Fun 59th Alabama National Fair

October 5-14, Garrett Coliseum and Alabama Agricultural Center and Fairgrounds in Montgomery. Midway rides, main stage entertainment, food, information and commercial booths, kids area, livestock and other competition, family faith day and lots more. Visit www.alnationalfair.org or call 272-6831 for more information.

Eastchase October Happenings

Go Pink Fashion Show at Dillard’s- Sunday October 6; The Shoppes at EastChase to host the Joy to Life, Women of Hope Fashion Show at Dillard’s Dine Pink at The Shoppes at EastChaseTuesday, October 8; Various participating restaurants and mention “Go Pink.” A percentage of the proceeds will benefit The Joy to Life Foundation. Visit The Shoppes at EastChase website at www. theshoppesateastchase.com for a list of particitpating restaurants. Trick or Pink at The Shoppes at EastChase-Saturday, October 20; A family event, kids can enjoy the Pumpkin Patch, inflatables, interact with “Go Pink” characters and fairies, and take part in the costume contest at The Shoppes at EastChase from 6-8 p.m. Come together at the end to form two Human Pink Ribbons and a balloon release. All proceeds will benefit Joy to Life.

Halloween Candy Walk

Tuesday, October 30th at 4 p.m.- 6 p.m. . Downtown Prattville. Free admission. Children up to 2nd grade are encouraged to dress up and come get lots of candy. Call 361-3640 or visit www.prattville. com.

Harvest Time at Old Alabama Town

Montgomery. October 1-31. Come down to Old Alabama Town as we feature Harvest Time in the 1800’s. Join us for tours of the cotton gin and grist mill, and get a first hand look at farming in the 19th century. Individual self-guided tours offered Monday through Saturday from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Guided tours available by reservation only, for www.montgomeryparents.com

groups of 10 or more. Call 1-888-240-1850 for more information or visit our website at www. oldalabamatown.com.

Haunted Hearse Tours of Montgomery

334-514-4457; Come along with us on a ride through Montgomery’s dark history. You will visit places of those souls who according to legend won’t or can’t rest. Listen to our ghostly tales of events, some long past, that happened along the quiet streets of the Capitol City. You will tour Montgomery’s most macabre locations in a real hearse. She is a licensed taxi, but not like any other cab you’ve encountered. She has been modified to accommodate 6 living passengers. The hearse “Hilda” is a 1988 rare Chevrolet Caprice built by Eureka of Canada. Only a handful of these cars were ever built. 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. The cost is $15.00 per person, cash only please. Some descriptions of death and graphic descriptions of actual events are discussed in grave detail. Haunted Hearse Tours might not be suitable for everyone. www.hauntedhearsemgm.com/

Haunting On The Harriott

Friday October 27; Adult Cruise; Boards at 8:00 p.m., Cruises 8:30p-10:30p, $20 per adult. Cash bar and Concessions available, musical entertainment provided and costumes required. Adult only cruise.

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wineries. Admission is $25 per person and will include: Etched wine glass, discounted wine purchases from participating local wine shoppes, food samples, live music, picnic baskets and coolers are welcome, discounted tickets for a special Harriott II Wine Cruise. Please visit us at http://riverwalkwinefestival.com for more information.

YMCA Fall Festivals

Camp Chandler Halloween Carnival, October 20 from 5-8 p.m. Admission is $5.00 per child. Come out and join us for a night of carnival games, raffle tickets, inflatables, Little Pumpkin Playhouse in Lions Lodge, facer painting, hayrides to Waterfront for Marshmallow Roasting, Concessions and cake walk, Haunted House and a costume contest. Call 567-4933. Please check with your local YMCA for other Fall festivals.

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Zoo Boo

Montgomery Zoo; October 12-14, 19-21, 25-31 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. 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. For more information call 240-4900 or visit www.montgomeryzoo.com.

School Festivals Autauga Academy PTA Fall Festival

Saturday, October 20, Autauga Academy Gymnasium. Dinner, Games, Haunted Trail. Times to be announced. Come join us for an evening of fun! Call 334-365-4343.

Edgewood Academy Fall Festival Riverwalk Wine Festival

Saturday, October 13, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Montgomery Riverfront in Downtown Montgomery. Event will include wine tasting from 11 different distributors representing over 100 62

5475 Elmore Road, Elmore, AL Thursday, October 25, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Carnival, games, cake walk, hayride, inflatables, Haunted Trail and much more. Costume contest divided by age group. Ticket prices at the door. Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Fall Family FunFest at Bear Exploration Center

Tuesday, October 16th , 3:40 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., At the Bear Exploration Center sporting field. Preschool age children and parents are free. Wristbands are available for purchase at the gate. Concessions available for purchase. Fun activities for all ages will include Pony Rides and Hay Rides, Inflatable’s, Karaoke, Face Painting, Bead Art, games and so much more. Come join the fun! Everyone is welcome. 2525 Churchill Dr. near the intersection of Woodley Road and McGehee Road. Call 284-8014.

Fall Festival at Alabama Christian Academy

Thursday, November 8th, from 3- 7 p.m. Inflatables, Pony rides, games and more. They will have a silent auction and Country Kitchen and chili cook off. Each class sponsors games for children of all ages. Concessions will be available. Admission is $5. Please call 277-1985 for more information.

Fall Festival at Montessori Academy

1025 South Hull Street Friday, October 26 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. Pony rides, Inflatables, Magic Balloon Man, Face Painting, Cup Cake Walk, Games and Prizes. Admission fee charged. Alumni and Grandparents are always welcome. Call 262-8685 for information.

Wetumpka Middle School PTO Fall Bazaar

October 6, 2012 from 6 a.m. – 12 p.m. We will have vendors, crafters, artists, bakers and much more. Located on Wetumpka Middle School Trak.

Arts & Crafts Festivals 28th Annual Oktoberfest Festival

Charles E Bailey, Sr. Sportsplex, Alexander City, Al. October 13; Day long celebration features local arts and crafts, great food, entertainment, Kidfest children’s activities sports programs, antique car show and much more. Admission free. www. alexandercityonline.com

31st Annual Eufaula Indian Summer Arts and Crafts Show

Eufaula, Al. October 13-14. Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday, 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. 1.800.524.7529; Fine arts and handmade crafts, children’s activities, lice entertainment and more. Visit www.eufaulachamber.com.

46th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival Marks House Pike Road

November 3 from 9:00am-4:00pm. Shop the arts and crafts and eat BBQ, sweets, and more! This year children can experience special activities in

the “Kids Korral”- face painting, rides, free “make and take crafts” from Home Depot and other activities sure to please kids of all ages. Before they leave the fair all kids should tour the Pike road Fire Department’s Mobile Fire Safety House Admission is $5 at the gate with children under age 8 admitted for free. Visit www.pikeroadartsandcraftsfair.com.

Alabama Cotton Festival

October 13. 7:00am-until. Eclectic, Al. Arts and crafts, flea market items, concession, etc. Booth spaces are free. Alabama Cotton Pageant, Alabama Cotton Run (5K), Alabama Championship Rook Tournament, The Tri-County Mustang Club Antique and Classic Car Show, Photo and Art Contest, Pet Parade, Sweet Treats Contest, Kids Zone with Human Hamster Water Balls, pony rides, trains, inflatable bounce castles, and games, Cotton Exhibit. Performances by Clint Darby, Laurel Taylor, Shiloh Spirituals and Keith Moody Band.

Great Pumpkin Roll

Alexander City, Al. October 27. Time to be announced. 256-329-9227. www.mainstreetac. org. Free--Bring you own pumpkin or get one at the Farmer’s Market. Rolling begins at the top of Alabama Street at Strand Park.

FUMC Fall Bazaar 2011

Wednesday, October 10th; Silent Auction, Barbecue, and Preview Party 5:00-7:30 Thursday, October 11th Bazaar 10:00-1:30 Luncheon 11:001:00. The Fall Bazaar will offer heavenly baked

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goodies, delicious frozen casseroles and soups, pre-loved children’s clothing, and a gift shop with items for every occasion. Please call 834-8990 for more information. Tickets can be purchased for $10 by calling the church.

2012 National Peanut Festival

334-793-4323, Dothan, Al. November 2-11. Please check our website for times and events. www. nationalpeanutfestival.com. 5622 U.S. Hwy. 231 S.--Livestock exhibits, competitions, crafts, food preservation, recipe contests, entertainment, carnival rides and much more!

Spinner’s 31st Annual “Pumpkin Patch” Arts and Crafts Show

Saturday, October 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, October 28, 11a.m. to 4 p.m. Spinners Park, 390 West Sixth Street, Prattville, Alabama Exhibitors of original art and crafts from throughout the southeast will display their wares under the shade of pine and magnolia trees at Spinners Park, near the Autauga County Courthouse and historic downtown Prattville. Food vendors will provide a wide variety of tasty treats. Baked goods homemade by Spinner members will be available. The show will feature free entertainment both Saturday and Sunday. There will be games, a coloring contest, pony rides, inflatable’s and many other activities for children and youth. Door prizes will be given at intervals during the show. Special 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. More information call 334-365-7195, visit Spinners web site at www. spinnersprattville.com or contact Spinners at spinners@knology.net. All profits from the show go to Spinners’ Community projects.

Holiday Shopping 24th Annual Montgomery Junior League 2012 Holiday Market

Wednesday, October 17 for the Preview Party from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., Thursday, October 18 - Friday, October 19 9:00 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Saturday, October 20 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Montgomery’s Brand New Multiplex at Cramton Bowl. The Junior League’s annual shopping extravaganza. You’ll find gifts, items for the home, food for gift baskets, gifts for children and more. Admission is $5 in advance and $10 at the door. You may purchase tickets at the Junior League office, 3570 Carter Hill Rd. For more information, call 288-8816.

Mistletoe Market

Friday, November 2, from 9 a.m. to 8p.m., and on Saturday, November 3, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mistletoe Market, a merchant’s market held at the Doster Memorial Community Center in Prattville, AL., is a great opportunity to begin your holiday

shopping. Great holiday gift ideas including home décor, clothing, jewelry, bed & bath, gift baskets, food gifts and more. 40 vendors. Visit www.visithistoricprattville.com or call 365-7058 for more information.

Church Events Annual BBQ Aldersgate UMC

Saturday, October 13th Aldersgate United Methodist Church’s United Methodist Men Organization. Slow cooked over a wood burning open pit grill all night, making some of the best, mouth watering BBQ pork and chicken around. Each plate includes chopped pork and a chicken quarter, coleslaw, baked beans and BBQ bread. Tickets are $8 per plate with ALL of the proceeds going to support local area and international mission’s projects. Pre-ordered tickets are available in the church office at 6610 Vaughn Road between 8:30 a.m. and 2p.m., from any member of the Aldersgate UMC, or by calling the church office at 272-6152. On the day of the BBQ you may enjoy the convenience of our drive through line, come in and pick up your order to go, or come in and dine with us.

Aldersgate UMC Fall Festival

6610 Vaughn Road; Wednesday, October 31st from 5 until 7:15 p.m. Trunk or Treat, Games, prizes, crafts, hayride, inflatables. A fun-filled family night open to everyone free of charge. For information call 272-6152.

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Christ Community Fall Festival

Christ Community Church, 8285 Ryan Rd. October 28, 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Join us as we come together to enjoy some great food, fun, and fellowship at our annual fall festival. There will be games, a hayride, and sure to be plenty of candy! Free and open to the entire public. Kids are welcome to dress up, if they would like...not scary.

Annual Family Fall Festival Dalraida Baptist Church

Sunday, October 28, 5:00 until 7:30 p.m.. 3838 Wares Ferry Road; Games, Prizes, Food, Hayride, Inflatables and More! Call 272-2412.

Fall Festival Dalraida UMC

Saturday, October 27, 6:00 until 7:30 p.m.. 3817 Atlanta Highway; Games, food, prizes, costume contest and other surprises. Call 272.2190.

Family Fun Fall Festival East Memorial Baptist Church

Wednesday, October 31st, 5-7 p.m. 1320 Old Ridge Road, Prattville, AL Join us for our annual Family Fun Fall Festival. Games, Candy, Balloon Animals, and all sorts of fun for the whole family! For info call 334.365.7500 or visit www.eastmemorial.org.

Fall Family Festival Eastern Hills Baptist Church

Wednesday, October 31st, 5:30-7:30 p.m. 3604 Pleasant Ridge Road; Trunk or Treat in back parking lot. Candy, free popcorn and games, games, games! Hot dog supper for $1.50. Please, no scary costumes. Call 272.0604.

First Baptist Church Fall Family Fest

Sunday, October 28, 4:30-6:30 pm Perry Street Lot, FREE! Games, fun and prizes. Hot dog dinner with chips and drink for $3 per person. Call 834.6310 for info. 305 S. Perry Street

Family Fall Festival First Baptist Church, Prattville

Thurs, October 30, 5:00-7:00 p.m. 138 S. Washington Street Candy, prizes, games, rides, live entertainment and more. Fun for the whole family. No scary costumes, please. Free admission. Ages preschool through 6th grade. Call Julie Palmer at 365.0606.

Frazer Trunk or Treat

October 28 from 4:30-6:30pm. Frazer Parking Lot and Soccer Fields Trunk or Treat is free and open to the public. Inflatables and games will add to the fun.

Hallow-Him Festivities First UMC, Wetumpka

Sunday, October 28, 4p.m.until 7 p.m. 306 W. Tuskeena Street; Contest, games, concessions, inflatables, dunking booth and treats for all ages. Tasteful, non-scary costumes are optional. Call 567-7865 or visit www.fumcwetumpka.com. Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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FUMC Fall Bazaar

Wednesday, October 10th Silent Auction, Barbecue, and Preview Party 5:007:30 and Thursday, October 11th Bazaar 10:00-1:30 Luncheon 11:00-1:00 Fall Barbeque at FUMC October 10 5:00 - 7:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, Montgomery. Fun for the whole family! A real picnic with great barbeque and all the fixins. Jazz music, Pony rides, rock wall, dunking booth and moonwalks for the kids. Bring family and friends for food, fun and fellowship! For more information call 834-8990.

Fall Family Festival Gateway Baptist Church

3300 Bell Road; Wednesday, October 31st from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Free admission. Games, inflatables and Trunk or treat. Little bit of something for everyone. Call 272-9494 for information.

Fall Festival at Heritage Baptist

Wednesday, October 31st, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Inflatables, Face Painting, Trunk A Treat, Music & More, Free Admission, Concessions Available. 1849 Perry Hill Rd; Call 279-9976.

Judgement House

After being packed away for the past few years, Judgement House is coming back and now it is The River Region Judgement House. The location is on Atlanta Highway in the shopping center with Marco’s Pizza and Sunday Dinner, behind

Hardee’s. Judgement House is on the far end, right next door to Sunday Dinner. The dates are Wednesday, Oct. 17th, 6-9pm; Saturday, Oct. 27, 6-10 pm; Sunday, Oct. 28, 6-9pm; Monday, Oct. 29 and Tuesday 30, 6-9 pm; Halloween night, Oct. 31, 6-10 pm and Thursday, Nov. 1st, 6-9 pm. Many churches have taken part in R.R. Judgement House to make it a success. Visit this Christian alternative to a haunted house.

Fall Festivities Mulder UMC

Trunk or Treat, Wednesday, October 31, 5 - 7 p.m. 3454 Firetower Road, Wetumpka; Fun for the whole family. Free hot dog supper, hayrides, inflatable’s, games with prizes, candy and face painting. For more info call 567-4225.

New Testament Christian Center Annual Fall Festival

Saturday, October 20 at 2 pm Activities include hay rides, games, food, inflatables, chili cook-off and much more. Located at 10300 Hwy 80 next to Jenkins Brick Co. and Buckmasters. For more info call 215-7215.

Fall Festival Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist

October 21, TBA. 1436 East Washington Street Family fun: We welcome the entire family to come and enjoy the fun. Call 265.1807.

Saint James 7th Annual Majesty Market Christ Centered Market

Thursday, November 15th from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Family Life Worship Center. Choose from unique, one of a kind gifts for the holidays.

Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat Saint James UMC

9045 Vaughn Road; Sunday, October 28th, 5 until 6:30 p.m. Inflatables, candy, hayride and much, much more. For info, call Jennifer at 277-3037.

Taylor Road Baptist Church Treats the Town

Wednesday, October 31, from 6-8 p.m. 1685 Taylor Road, next to Shoppes at Eastchase. Inflatables, face painting, games, candy, balloons, free food. Kids will love walking down TREAT STREET. Call 271-3363.

Fall Festival Thorington Road Baptist Sunday, October 21st, 4-6 p.m. 450 Ray Thorington Road Come join us for Inflatables, games, and fun for the entire family. Free! Call 396.9376.

Out of Town/State Fun Christmas Village Festival

Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham. October 31-November 4; Thursday-Saturday 10:00am- 8:00pm; Sunday 12:00 noon-5:00pm.

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The largest indoor arts, crafts, and gifts show in the south, this show draws exhibitors from over 30 states with products like clothing, jewelry, food, decorations and much, much more. www.christmasvillagefestival.com

Creepy Wonderful Critters ‘Wolves’ The Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. October 13. 10:00am. Come learn about wolves! Snakes, spiders, lizards, and other creepy critters will be on display. www.auburn.edu/preserve

Country Living Fair

Stone Mountain, Ga. October 26-28. Meet the editors of Country Living Magazine, Seminars & How-to’s, Artisan Demonstrations, Harvest & Gourmet Market, Children’s’ Activities & Fall Festivities. 1-866-500-FAIR or www. stonemountianpark.com for tickets.

Dream Field Farms

6376 Highway 82, Union Springs Open October 1-31st. Monday – Wednesday 9a.m. until 2 p.m.; Thursday – Saturday 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.; Sundays 1 a.m. until 6 p.m. Pumpkin patch-pick in the field, train rides, corn maze, child-sized haybale maze, corn cannon, tractor-pulled hay rides, inflatables, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, farm animals and more. Group rates available. Dream Field Farms is 25 minutes east of Montgomery on Highway 82. Call 334-534-6976 or visit www.dreamfieldfarms.com for information.

Farmer in the Dell Pumpkin Patch

Lee Country Road 61, Auburn. 334-750-3792. Pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, corn maze, child-sized haybale maze, tractor-pulled hay rides and more. October 4-30. www.farmerinthedellpumpkinpatch.com

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

Ghosts on the Mountain Spookapalooza

DeSoto State Park, October 26-27. Fun for the entire family…snacks, treats, costumes, and excellent slap-your-knee-&-shiver storytelling! Join us here at DeSoto State Park for a weekend of fun events guaranteed to run shivers up and down your spine! Movies, treats, games, storytelling & more are in store during this popular annual event. Grab your favorite costume, bring the family, & come stay with us! All events are free to the public & great for all ages! Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov or call 256.997.5025 for more details.

Grand Ole Pumpkin Patch

Opens October 1-31; Monday thru Thursday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. ; Friday & Saturday from 8 a.m. until dark, Sunday, 1 p.m. until dark. Located 35 miles north of Montgomery in Clanton. Exit I-65 at the Clanton-Lay Dam Exit (212). Travel 3/4 of a mile west on Hwy. 145. Acres of fresh-off-the-vine pumpkins, covered wagon rides, pony rides, face painting and hay rides, helicopter rides, twacter train, petting zoo, inflatable park, concessions, and more. Schools, child care centers and church groups are encouraged to reserve for fall field trips! Call 205-755-4553 or visit www. alabamagrandolepumpkinpatch.com.

Haunted History Tours- Old Cahawba,

Sturdivant Hall, Old Live Oak Cemetery, Selma, Al. October 19-20. 5-10:30 p.m. On Friday night join Central Alabama Paranormal Investigation (a local paranormal team) on an investigation of Old Cahawba. The past will come back to haunt you as we tour magnificent antebellum Sturdivant Hall and some “spirited” characters of Old Live Oak Cemetery. www.selmaalabama.com.

Indian Festival & Pow-Wow

Antebellum Plantation & Farmyard inside Stone Mountain Park, Ga. November 1-4; 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-a-kind holiday gift in our artists’ marketplace, where world-renowned Native artists and crafters demonstrate their skills and offer items for purchase. stonemountainpark.com

Jack-O-Lantern Lane at The Oaks

18151 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Lafayette, Al. 334-864-0713. www.jackolanternlane.com 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. Open October 1-31. Friday, 1 p.m. until 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.; Sunday 1:00pm-6 p.m... Also available by reservation Monday-Friday for school, church, daycare field trips and more.

Paradise Pumpkin Patch

910 County Road 79 South, Eufaula, Al. Craig Hawkins 334-695-2258. www.paradisepumpkinpatch.com. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, sunflower and cotton fields, giant inflatable park, petting zoo, playground, cow train, hay rides, pony rides, covered wagon rides pulled by a team of mules, giant corn box and hay bale mazes, concessions, and gift shop. September 22 – Nov. Saturdays 9:00am6:00pm and Sundays 12:00-6:00 pm. Special event dates and field trips available Monday-Friday.

17th Annual Pioneer Days

Troy, Al. October 12-13, 9:00am-5:00pm. 334566-3597. www.pioneer-museum.org. Pioneer Museum of Alabama—Horse and wagon rides, trips on the Pioneer Express, Native American camps with demonstrations of candlemaking, spinning, weaving, quiltmaking, blacksmithing, drum, dance, etc. Friday is School Day.

www.montgomeryparents.com

Pirates of the Chattahoochee: Southern Pirate Festival

The National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus. October 20; Times to be announced. This is a family-friendly event for all ages, featuring pirate-themed activities for kids and adults alike, cannon firings, demonstrations, games and of course, lots of Pirates! www.portcolumbus.org or www.southernpiratefestival.com.

Pope’s Haunted Farm

450 Lee Rd 724,Salem, Al. (706) 566-7766. October 5-6, 12-13, 19-21, 26-27 and 30-31. Friday-Saturday 7:30-11:30pm; Sunday 7:3010:00pm. Pope’s Haunted Farm has three different events to experience and scare you. The Haunted Barn made as a mock of the Saw movies, the Haunted Hayride that many have claimed to see the infamous evil specter Jasper, and lastly you can experience the Haunted Forest that’s an unguided tour that includes a graveyard deep in the woods. Tickets: $12.00-$25.00. (some experiences not recommended for young children). Coupons on the website; www.popeshayride.com

Pumpkin Patch Express at the Heart of Dixie Railroad

Calera, Al. www.hodrrm.org. October 6-28; Every Saturday and Sunday. Train 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.At the Pumpkin Patch, riders

will deboard to enjoy a hayride. (all activities are included in the price of your ticket). Snacks and soft drinks are available for purchase. Pick the perfect pumpkin from the patch for an additional fee. For more info, call (205) 668-3435. Reservations recommended.

10th Annual Pumpkin Festival

Stone Mountain State Park, Ga. September 28 - October 28. Weekends only; Fridays & Sundays10:30am-5:00pm; Saturdays- 10:30am-7:00pm with laser show at 8:00pm Event Highlights include: Dress Your Own Scarecrow, Trick or Treat Scavenger Hunt, The Great Pumpkin Puppet Parade, Costume Contest, Storytelling, Pie Eating Contest, Pumpkin Party Patch, and more. www. stonemountainpark.com

Spooktacular Sleepover

McWane Center, Birmingham, Al. October 19, 6:00pm-9:00am. Spend the night inside the haunted museum and enjoy spooktacular science experiments from Frankenstein’s lighting show to mixing up crazy concoctions in a cauldron! This spooky celebration is fun for all ages. Event includes dinner, breakfast, midnight snack, an IMAX® film, and all activities. Tickets: $40.00 Kids, $20.00 Adults (Members get $5 OFF). Reservations (205) 714-8414. www.mcwane.org

Syrup Sopping and Historical Fair

Loachapoka, Al. October 20. 6:00am-4:00pm. Weaving and cloth-making demonstrations, musical entertainment featuring hammered and mountain dulcimers, banjos and guitars, a doctor’s

beautiful herb garden and crops garden, bread making, soap making, period pottery, fireplace and outdoor cooking, and other old time crafts. Food includes famous sweet potato biscuits made on site, camp stew, beans, collards, BBQ, and homemade ice cream Tour the two-story 140 year old Trade Center museum, watch the blacksmiths at work, visit the Log Cabin, and the Taylor Whatley agricultural implement collection. www.syrupsopping.org

21st Annual Halloween Fairyland, Tannehill State Park

October 27th. 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. Campground site decorations and lights are extensive, creative and surreal. www.tannehill.org

27th Annual Tour of Southern Ghosts

Stone Moutain State Park, Ga. October 11-28, 2012. Thursdays, Sundays and Mondays from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. at the Antebellum Plantation. Join the Atlanta family tradition and meet professional storytellers spinning their tales of famous Southern Ghosts. Tickets can be purchased in advance off of www.festivals.stonemountainpark. com. For more information visit our website. mp

We don’t wonder anymore how it happened, that one summer could bring such happy memories.

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New friends are now best friends. New experiences are now the best times ever. No wonder it’s so easy to tell others about it and include them in the fun.

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

We’ve do put Itogether everything you’re looking for in a perfect“I saw camp onemy of Why choose Riverview each summer? mysetting! first river Recognized on a mountain,as I rode Golf,times Dance, Dance, Outdoor Sports, Soccer,use Beach Volleyball, Basketball, “As go,Stomp it was one of the BEST.”Skills AndClass, what child couldn’t some of that these days?

Riverview Reﬁnement, Program, Campﬁres night,Recognized optional trips and more! We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16... Mother-Daughter Weekends1are also! Registeredfor Nurses and6 Physician on Staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid andand CPRFall Certified. Camper/Counselor Ratio 5:1 Spring Mother-Daughter Weekends...

waiting lists start early...sign up soon!... Waitingwww.riverviewcamp.com! lists start early...sign up soon!... 1

Call for FREE DVD and catalog 1-800-882-0722 Accredited by American Camping Association • Members of Christian Camping International

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Only 1 /Mountain 2 hours from Huntsville Located on top of Lookout in Mentone, AL. Only a 3 hr drive.

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www.montgomeryparents.com

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Wouldn’t you like to find an extra hour to your day and not lose any sleep to do it? I think I have found a way to accomplish this! Recently it was brought to my attention that, on an average, people spend 55 minutes each day looking for lost items! Just think about what you have looked for today. I have been asking folks all day about what they have been searching for. Some of the answers were typical: flip flops, shoes, socks, the remote, bills, keys, sunglasses, glasses, phone, birth certificate and the most popular “My Mind”! If the truth be told, whenever you lose anything your mind is the first thing to go! The stress and guilt of losing something again causes us to not think logically. I wish we had an acronym to help us FIND things. I may not have that acronym, but I do have a plan! Let’s go back in time and stop ourselves from losing things in the first place. My grandmother always said, “Everything has a place and everything in its place!” Just think about how this little saying can put an extra hour in our day. If we took the time to pick up after ourselves instead of stashing things like a crazy person then we may actually be able to find those items when we need them. But the problem is that we don’t have a place picked out for that item. The reason we don’t have a place is because clutter has taken over all of our storage areas and flat surfaces. We buy houses with lots of closets, kitchen cabinets and drawers, yet each one is filled to capacity with miscellaneous items. There is no true organization to our homes because we can’t seem to get rid of our clutter. In order to find a place for everything we have to begin the process of decluttering. We can set our timers for 15 minutes and sort through those cluttered recesses, one drawer Montgomery Parents I October 2012

or one shelf at a time. Sort the clutter into three bins: Give away, put away, and throw away! I know that in your “Want it now” mentality that you are determined to get your house organized as fast as you can. The problem with this is that you will crash and burn! When we take baby steps to release the clutter and use our zones to work our way around our homes, we can determine places for the things we love and use. As you eliminate the clutter, you are going to find that you have several like items. One time we got a testimonial in which a lady said she found seven pairs of scissors in her

home as she decluttered. We know how that happens. When we can’t find a pair of scissors we go out and buy another pair. Isn’t it funny that we spend more time buying a new pair than searching for the old one? Once the clutter is gone you can determine a place for everything and with more time on your hands, you can put things back where they belong! For more help getting rid of your CHAOS, see her website and join her free mentoring group at www. FlyLady.net. Also check out her books, Sink Reflections, published by Random House, and her New York Times Best Selling book, Body Clutter, published by Simon and Schuster. Copyright 2012 Marla Cilley. Used by permission in this publication.

www.montgomeryparents.com

Public Library Events October 16 Bears Too Tight, Benito! Old Bear and His Cub Bear Puppets

MONTGOMERY CITY-COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Slam Poetry Contest October 18 @ 11 a.m. Contestants will read their own poetry and be judged on a number scale of 1 to 10. The winner will receive a prize.

October 23 Silly Scarecrows Day A special guest will read The Scarecrows Dance and Pumpkin Patch Scarecrows, followed by a craft.

Juliette Hampton Morgan Memorial Library (Main Branch) 245 High Street 240-4991 Preschool Storytime Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. in the auditorium

Coliseum Branch 840 Coliseum Boulevard 271-7005 Preschool Storytime Thursdays, 10 a.m.

October 30 Jack-O-Lantern Movie Day Movie: Max and Ruby: Perfect Pumpkin Special treats

October 4 It’s fun being with friends! We’re Going on a Picnic Once There Was a Bull…(frog) Craft – Caps

Hampstead Branch Library 5251 Hampstead High St., Ste. 107 244-5770

Storytimes

October 4 I Love It When You Smile Smiley Shark We will have a craft. October 11 Movie Day/All about Fall! We will have a craft.

October 11 Everyone belongs to someone! Honk! A Mother for Choco Craft – Bird masks

October 18 Halloween Night 10 Trick-or-Treaters: a Halloween Counting Book We will have a craft.

October 18 Dogs are my friends! Dogs The Dog Who Cried Wolf

October 25 Halloween… or Bust! Movie Day/Happy Halloween Trick or Treat? We will have a treat! Morgan’s Young Adult Department Morgan Teen Book Club October 1 @ 3 p.m. The Quality of Mercy by Anne Schraff. Who is targeting Mr. Buckingham, a particularly tough and aloof science teacher? Teen Advisory Board October 1 @ 4 p.m. Come out and join our Teen Advisory Board to help plan teen programs, displays and other activities. Poetry Reading October 18 @ 10 a.m. Barbara Wiedemann, AUM. Poetry is an important part of American Literature. Through few words, rhythm and meaning, people can express emotions and creativity through writing, reading and sharing their poetry with others.

www.montgomeryparents.com

October 23 Monkeys Kiki’s Blankie The One and Only Marigold Monkey masks

Baby & Toddler Time Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. An early learning & literacy program designed for children ages 6 months to 3 years

October 25 Halloween is near! Wear Halloween costumes today. Curious George Goes to a Costume Party Goodnight Goon Craft – Flying Halloween creatures. Governor’s Square Branch 2885-B E. South Blvd. 284-7929 Preschool Storytime Tuesdays, 10 a.m.

October 3 ABCs of Halloween Alpha Oops! H is for Halloween Let’s Make some Fall Bookmarks

October 10 Nursery Rhymes: “What Are Little Boys Made Of?”; “The Itsy-Bitsy Spider” Signing “light”

October 10 There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat! Ollie’s Halloween Let’s Make Ghost Windsocks

October 17 Nursery Rhymes: “Little Polly Flinders”; “Hickory, Dickory, Dock” Signing “hot”

October 17 Very Scary Scary, Scary Halloween Halloween Coloring Pages

October 24 Nursery Rhymes: “Seesaw, Margery Daw”; “Star Light, Star Bright” Signing “cold”

October 24 Fancy Nancy Halloween…or Bust! Bats at the Library Let’s Make Halloween Bags for Next Week’s Treats October 31 Fun with the Talking Tree Trick or Treat with the Rufus A. Lewis Library Staff Costumes are Welcome

Pre-School Story Time Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. Children 3 and up

October 9 Spinning Spiders Day Sing “Eency Weency Spider” Hear The Adventures of the Itty Bitty Spider and the Itty Bitty Mouse and Miss Spider Activity: spider craft

Storytime with Ms. Stringer MON: Southlawn Middle School Special Ed. 10 a.m. WED: Y.M.C.A. /Teen Book Club (3rd Wed) 4 p.m. THUR: Cultural Arts Head Start Center 10 a.m.

October 2 Animal Fun Dooby Dooby Moo Doodle Bites Plank Puzzles October 9 Bullying Prevention Month Bullies Never Win Fancy Nancy and the Mean Girl Make friendship cards.

October 16 Watch Out for Black Cats Day! Hi Cat! Puss in Boots Coloring page activity 70

Rufus A. Lewis Branch 3095 Mobile Hwy. 240-4848 Preschool Storytime

October 3 Nursery Rhymes: “Pease Porridge Hot”; “Sing a Song of Sixpence” Signing “father”

October 31 Nursery Rhymes: “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush” Signing “book”

October 2 Child Safety Day Special guests Deputy Dave, robot dog, and his friend Cpl. Cedric Leonard, Montgomery County Sheriffs’ Dept., will present their “Stranger Danger” program.

October 30 Halloween Hush, Baby Ghostling Olivia and the Haunted Hotel Decorate Paper Treat Bags

October 1, 3 & 4 Paper Bag Princess Katy No Pocket You Are My Sunshine Activity: Make Paper Bag Puppets Make Felt Kangaroo

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October 10 & 11 The Ginger Bread Man Harry the Dirty Dog Clifford’s Family Activity: Make Dog Puppets October 15 & 18 We’re Back: A Dinosaur Story Dinosaurs Dancing Dinos at the Beach October 22, 24 & 25 GHOST TALES Wednesday, Oct. 17 @ 4 p.m. Teen Read Week Rufus A. Lewis Teen Book Club presents Ghost Tales @ Your Library E.L. Lowder Branch 2590 Bell Road 244-5717 Preschool Storytime Fridays, 10:15 a.m. October 5 No Sleep for the Sheep! Arts and Craft ideas October 12 Our friends at Station 13 have invited us to visit them! Meet us at the Fire Station as we learn how to be a fire fighter and take a tour! 2685 Bell Road, Montgomery October 19 Penelope and the Monsters Arts and Craft ideas October 26 Costume Party Hey, Irma! This is Halloween Wear your favorite costume! Arts and Craft ideas Teen Read Week @ Lowder October 18 from 3:30-6 p.m. The Hunger Games Young Adult Gaming Event Second Tuesday of each Month Ages 13 to 18 are invited to join us 3:30-5 p.m. to play games on the PlayStation 3, the Wii, and the X-Box. Likewise, we invite ages 8 to 12 to join us on the second Thursday of the month. Must have a permission slip on file signed by parents at Lowder before being able to play. Call Stacie at 244-5717 for more info.

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Bertha Pleasant Williams Library (formerly Rosa L. Parks Branch) 1276 Rosa L. Parks Ave./240-4979 Pre-School Story Time Tuesdays, 10 a.m.

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

October 2 Come meet the Bully Bug and find out why bullying is never O.K.

iRead With Expression The Bertha Pleasant Williams Library has a reading group for tweens and teens on Facebook! Books are tween- and teen-centered, but adults are welcome! Book discussions will begin on the first day of each month. October’s book is Liar by Justine Larbalestier. Send a message to or post on the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ MCLMCCPL for more information or to join.

October 9 Library friend Doris Davis will read to us at story time! October 16 Do you know the months of the year? Come and learn them! October 23 Can you name Dem Bones in a skeleton? Let’s name them!

Pike Road Branch 9585 Pike Rd. / 244-8679 Story Time for ages 3-7 Mondays at 4:15 p.m.

October 30 It’s Halloween at Story Time! Grade School Story Time Thursdays, 1 p.m.

October 8 Library closed in observance of Columbus Day.

October 4 Come meet the Bully Bug and find out why bullying is never O.K.

October 15 Jumpy Jack and Googily If You’re a Monster and You Know It

October 11 Poor Senor Calvera has a very big problem. It’s Grandma Beetle’s birthday and he can’t decide what gift will please her most! Come find out what he decides to give her!

October 22 No story time today. Instead, go to the Farm/City Festival from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at the Bartlett Ranch, here in Pike Road!

October 18 What’s your letter? Come find out with Kim Crosby!

October 29 Wear your costumes! Inside a House That is Haunted Leonardo the Terrible Monster

October 25 It’s Halloween at Story Time!

Family Movie Time Thursday, Oct. 11, at 4 p.m. Hey, kids and grown-ups, come on over to enjoy a movie and some popcorn. The best part is the admission cost: FREE!

Fun For All Ages! Friday, Oct. 12, at 10 a.m. Storytelling with Cynthia Jancaterino – A time of remembering old stories and sharing new ones. Monday, Oct. 15, 22 & 29 @ 3:30 p.m. “Art in the Afternoon” class with the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. All ages are welcome, but young children should be accompanied by an adult. Permission slips are required for participation.

October 2 Arthur’s Halloween October 9 Hallo-Wiener October 16 Hoodwinked October 23 On Halloween Night October 30 Clifford’s Halloween

AutaugaPrattville Library 254 Doster Street, Prattville Call 365-3396 or visit http://www.appl.info

Preschool Storytime Tuesdays at 10 a.m. P.A.W.S. dogs Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Reading Clubs for 1st-6th grades Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Millbrook

Pine Level Branch 20 Kohn Dr., Pine Level 584-7144 Pintlala Branch 255 Federal Rd., Hope Hull 281-8069

Wetumpka

October 11 @ 11:15 Pre-K Bear Flies High Craft: Decorate Paper Bears

Writing Group The Bertha Pleasant Williams Library has started a writing group on Facebook! “Writing Out Loud” provides a safe environment for self expression with positive feedback and encouragement. Send a message to or post on our Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/MCLMCCPL for more information or to join.

Ramer Branch Library 5444 State Highway 94 (334) 562-3364 Preschool Storytimes Tuesdays, 10 a.m.

3650 Grandview Road Call 285-6688 or visit http://library.cityofmillbrook.org/ Pre-school Storyhour Thursdays at 10 a.m.

October 2 @ 11:25 Kindergarten When I Grow Up Craft: Color Sheet

TEEN READ WEEK Join us Thursday, Oct. 18, @ 4 p.m. for a Monster Make-over and make Edible Books to take home and enjoy!

Parade Craft: Halloween Treats

212 S. Main St. (next to Wetumpka Depot) Call 567-1308 or visit www.wetumpkalibrary.com Preschool storytimes Tuesdays & Fridays at 10 a.m. Oct. 2 & 5: Apples

October 16 @ 11:25 Kindergarten The Big White Ghost Craft: We will do a Dance

Oct. 9 & 12: Scarecrows

October 25 @ 11:15 Pre-K Bats at the Ballgame Craft: Make Candy Necklaces October 30 @ 11:25 Kindergarten Clifford and the Halloween

Oct. 23 & 26: Halloween

Oct. 16 & 19: Bats

Oct. 30: Trick or Treat City Hall www.montgomeryparents.com

Huntingdon Girls Host Party at Tonya Speed’s

Chi Omegas at Huntingdon College celebrated their Bid Day 2012 with a “Peace Love and Chi O” party at Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection with Andrew Preston teaching some fun hip hop moves. Emily Taylor, Zumba instructor, also visited as they enjoyed a few Zumba fitness moves. The sorority invited 14 new girls, now having 45 members.

Capital City Streaks U9 Boys Win Championship

So You Think Your Teen Is Not Gambling? Don’t Bet On It!

A recent poll of parents with adolescent teenagers indicated minimal concerns when the subject was gambling. The lowest on the scale was, “I’m worried that my teenager may have a gambling problem.” The availability of gambling on the Internet is growing at an alarming rate. Many teenagers are becoming addicted to gambling. Some Internet sites do not enforce any rules or regulations. As long as the teen gambler has the means, he or she can gamble. Teenagers do not have the same brain development as adults, and they don’t always see the negative consequences of their actions. What starts out as a harmless game of cards on Facebook can turn into a full-blown addiction elsewhere on the Internet. Once it gets out of control, it can lead to devastating financial hardship for the entire family. If you feel your teenager might have a gambling problem, please call “The Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling” at 277-5100. We will put your teenager (and family) in touch with one of our trained counselors. Visit our website at www.alccg.org for more information.

Make a Difference Day at Family Karate

The students, instructors and parents at Family Karate Center are very involved in Make a Difference Day each year, showing others how many ways they can work as a team to make a difference in someone’s life for something positive and creative. “Our students just love seeing the smile on anyone’s face when we volunteer to help them through a challenging time or because they have had some hard circumstances to deal with,” said Master Carole Smith, chief instructor. “We get calls from older citizens who may have fallen and broken their hip and just need their grass cut or yard raked up. There are seniors in nursing homes that just need a hug, a handwritten card or some flowers to brighten up their room. Please take our number and call us if you know someone who may need help or just someone to listen when they need a kind friend!” Ten-year-old Braden took his dog to an assisted living facility and said that the residents had so many interesting stories to tell, and just needed someone to listen! He and his sister have become “adopted grandchildren” for the residents when they visit now. “We are a Christian martial arts school and will use the hands God gave us to help each other every day, not just on Make a Difference Day,” said Master Smith. If you are interested in how you can join the Family Karate Center in making a difference in our area, call 467-5762 or 277-4911 today! The Family Karate Center is located at 8159 Vaughn Rd. in the Peppertree Shopping Center. www.montgomeryparents.com

The Montgomery YMCA Capital City Streaks U9 Boys earned the championship trophy at the Thunder Road Classic in Auburn recently. The tournament opened August 25 with a 9-1 win over the EFC Invaders. The night game was another win, 10-3 over the AC Fire ’04 boys. The Sunday morning game was a 12-2 win over Auburn Thunder U9 Boys and clinched the bracket win for the Streaks. The championship game was the closest match for the boys, with a 6-3 win over the Auburn Thunder U9 Boys. This tournament win is the first for this young team with only two veterans. Eli McCrory is coach. Shown are Robert Huffaker, Dawson Emerson, Will Ray, Will Beringer, David Michael Lieux, Jordan Julian, Bobby Eskridge and Coach Eli McCrory. Southeastern Diabetes Education Services & River Regions Lions Clubs present

River Region’s Fall Family Fun Day

Sunday, October 21, from 2-5 p.m. Lanark Park, Millbrook Come join us for a fun day event for children living with diabetes and their families. Included in the event will be food, fishing, a treetop walk, team building activities, diabetes education and fun for the whole family! Cost: $10 for immediate family of child with diabetes; $5 each for an extended family members or friend. Scholarships available if needed. Please register in advance before October 17. Call (205) 402-0415 or e-mail info@southeasterndiabetes.org. Send payments in advance to: SDES, 500 Chase Park South, Suite 104, Hoover, AL 35244. Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Leaning close to me, the counselor quietly began to speak. I expected encouraging comments and wise counsel on how to cope with the constant struggle of stepmothering. Instead I heard words that didn’t make sense to me. “I know it’s difficult at times, but you might consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to be part of raising your stepchildren.” What? Is he crazy? My thoughts took over and I couldn’t respond for fear of what might come out of my mouth. Was he listening to my heartfelt cry for help? Parenting stepchildren can feel more like a burden than a privilege at times. We have the responsibility of a parent with few www.montgomeryparents.com

parental rights. Fold the laundry. Cook dinner. Run the carpool. Despite our efforts toward mundane parenting tasks, we get little regard as a parent, or appreciation for our help. So, how do we learn to embrace our role as a stepmother? A few key steps can help us thrive and gain confidence with the expectations placed on us.

1. Be your own person.

Don’t try to replace the biological mom. Don’t compete with her either. It’s okay to be different. When my stepdaughter was young, she thought I was weird because I didn’t know how to french braid hair. Spending a lot of time styling hair wasn’t important to me, but she hurt my 74

feelings with her comments. Her biological mom was a wonderful hairstylist and I felt inferior to her. I now recognize the importance of accepting my differentness and being comfortable with who I am.

2. Work harder at being a friend rather than a parent, particularly in the beginning.

Developing a relationship with your stepchild is the primary goal for a new stepparent. Find common ground that allows time together comfortably. Let the biological parent take the lead in disciplining during the relationship-building period. Moving into a parental role too soon results in anger and resentment. Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Continuously strive for love and acceptance of one another, but don’t expect harmony overnight. The average stepfamily takes seven years to integrate. 3. Forgive yourself when you fail.

You will mess up as a stepparent. During our early years of marriage, I was easily irritated with the shortcomings of my stepchildren. I reacted in favor of my biological children during times of conflict and was frustrated with my lack of patience and fairness toward my stepchildren. As I sought to forgive myself for my mistakes and learn from my failures, I could pick myself up and begin again with positive strides in my stepparenting role.

4. Make your marriage a priority.

It’s easy to allow struggles with the kids to interfere with your marital relationship. Stay connected in tough times by taking intentional steps to work through conflict and create a united front. Recognize the challenge of blending a family and seek professional help if you reach an impasse in your relationships.

5. Allow plenty of time for new relationships to develop.

Continuously strive for love and acceptance of one another, but don’t expect harmony overnight. The average stepfamily takes seven years to integrate. Complex stepfamilies (when both parents bring children to the marriage) can take longer. But there are rewards on the stepmothering journey as we learn to love and be loved by our stepchildren. After more than 17 years as a stepmother, I experience far more rewards than burdens. I can honestly say, “It’s been a privilege to take part in raising my stepchildren.” I’m thankful for the healing that has occurred in our relationships and look forward to the years ahead as our family continues to grow and mature, embracing my role as a stepmother. mp

Gayla Grace is a wife and mom to five children in her blended family. She ministers to stepfamilies through her website at http://www.stepparentingwithgrace.com/.

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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It’s Your Move!

Relocating with Kids

Relocating a Child with Food Allergies Britta Thomas, age 7, loves to trickor-treat. Her mom, Ingrid, says that Britta will go all night happily filling bags full of Halloween candy. But Mrs. Thomas has to be careful because Britta can’t eat foods that many of us enjoy daily -- wheat, red meat and peanuts to name a few. So when Britta’s family relocated this year, they took a few extra steps to make sure she would be safe and comfortable – just like they do on Halloween evening. Check out these expert tips so you can do the same.

Educate Your Child.

Relocation brings unfamiliar territory. Your child will attend a different school, be exposed to new extra-curricular activities and visit the homes of new friends. Educate your child about his food allergy so that he is equipped to care for himself when you’re not around. ‘Teach your child to advocate for themselves by speaking up if they need help and saying no to any food they aren’t sure about,” says Jenny Kales, creator of The Nut-Free Mom blog and author of the e-book The New NutFree Mom: A Crash Course in Caring for Your Child with Nut Allergies. Mrs. Thomas helps Britta know how to react by talking to her about different scenarios she is sure to encounter. “I have taught [Britta] not to try new foods away from home, not to share drinks with other people, not to eat at a table that www.montgomeryparents.com

looks contaminated with crumbs or sticky substances, and to bring home [in a plastic bag I provide] birthday/holiday treats with allergens to [share] with her siblings . . . educating her to be responsible for her own safety is very important.”

Communicate With The School.

Before your child attends a new school, schedule a meeting with administrators and teachers to discuss his allergies and his specific needs. Ask questions about the school’s emergency procedures, and make sure staff members understand the scope of your child’s allergy. “You must have an Individual Health Plan or a 504 Plan that addresses how the school will handle your child’s health, both from a preventative stance and also in case of emergency,” says Kales. “Always make sure epinephrine is readily accessible for your child, not in a locked cabinet. Know your state’s laws about food allergies and medication. These are basic measures that need to be implemented for your child’s safety.”

Find A Babysitter and Emergency Contact.

If your child has special medical needs, it’s imperative you have caregivers who are willing and able to handle medical emergencies. “My advice about finding an emergency contact is: don’t be shy!” says Mrs. Thomas. “From your first day in your new home, get to know your neighbors and people in your community. After a few conversations, it will be clear who is the best person to ask to be your emergency contact.” As for babysitters, you can train one to handle emergencies for your child, or 76

you can use a professional babysitting service. Among the ranks of sitters available through Sittercity are nursing students, nursing assistants and other medically trained caregivers. “Once you join Sittercity (free for military families), the best way to find exactly what you are looking for is to post a job tailored to what you need,” says Mary Schwartz, Director of Public Relations for Sittercity, Inc. Qualified candidates will then contact you about the job.

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Pack and Organize Safe Foods.

Favorite foods can be hard to come by during or immediately after relocation. Mrs. Thomas suggests purchasing a month’s worth of favorite non-perishable safe foods before moving. “It may take a while to find stores that carry the same products in your new neighborhood, and ordering an item online can take some time before it is received.” Mrs. Thomas also selects a single pantry shelf in each new home for Britta’s snacks. “When I bring home groceries, I show her what she can have and what to avoid. If she is unsure, she always asks me first.”

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Support Group

Food Allergy Support of East Alabama (foodallergysupporteastal.org) shares information and resources among members while striving to increase public awareness about food allergies. The group meets several times a year in Auburn.

Julie Steed is an Air Force spouse with 10 moves under her belt. Her children have attended 4 schools in the last 4 years.

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Archives Holds Family Research Workshop

Monday, October 15 Back by popular demand! Once again, archivist Nancy Dupree will present a family history research workshop, Finding Your Alabama Ancestors in Cyberspace, on Monday, October 15, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The workshop will be held at the Alabama Department of Archives and History. The $40 registration fee covers the cost of materials, refreshments, and a box lunch. Members of the Friends of the Archives can register at a discounted rate of $30. To register, visit www.archives.alabama.gov. In this workshop Dupree will demonstrate the best websites and on-line resources and focus on the most effective search strategies. She will devote special attention to Alabama records available at Ancestry.com, FamilySearch. org, the ADAH digital archives, and other on-line resources. Dupree will help researchers sort through the multitude of family history sites and provide tips on how to find Alabama ancestors in cyberspace.

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

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

FC Torjager U16 Boys Win Soccer Tournament

The FC Torjager U16 Boys soccer team recently won the Auburn Thunder Road Classic August 24-26. FC Torjager U16 beat Opelika U16 Friday night 6-0. Saturday FC Torjager U16 beat Troop Titans 4-0 and Saturday afternoon, beat NAU Madison 3-1, advancing the team to the championship game Sunday afternoon. In the final, FC Torjager U16 beat Bay United U17 with a score of 2-0. Coming in second place were FC Torjager U12, FC Torjager U12 Coed and FC Torjager U15 teams.

River Region Pageants Set for October 20

The annual River Region Pageants will be held Saturday, October 20, at Prattville Doster Center. The pageants are open to young girls and ladies from Alabama, age 1 month to 30 years. Applications are due by October 10. Attire is casual and formal wear. Optional categories and Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice titles will also be awarded. Applications may be found at www.MissRiverRegion.com or at the Bridal Boutique & Tux Shoppe, located at 127 W. Main Street, in downtown Prattville. Montgomery Parents I October 2012

Dr. R. Lawson Bryan Senior Minister

www.montgomeryparents.com

United Gymstars Compete at Season Opener Meet

The United Gymstars Level 2s, 3s and 4s got off to an exciting start at the compulsory level’s gymnastics season opener meet August 25-26. In downtown Montgomery, the judges hosted their annual Judges Cup, where United Gymstars won first place in the team awards. The United team also had several individual first-place finishes. The weekend started with the Level 2s competing on Saturday morning. Gymstars’ Level 2s competing were Claire Cross, Alexia Garman, Camryn Garrett, Ines Gonzalez-Ansaldi, Hanna Ray Hubbard, Brianna Langford, Emma Rose Meldrum, Shanna Moss, Kaylee Peevy, Houston Potter, Tiarra Smith and Tinsley Vaughn. Taking first All-Around were Hanna Ray Hubbard, Tiarra Smith and Tinsley Vaughn. The Level 3s competed next. Competing for United were Ansley Claire Addison, Zoe Barker, Shelby Bircheat, Morgan Bolen, Kaila Boyd, Rebecca Copeland, Makenzie Corley, Mary Collins Cross, Kaitlyn Glover, Abigail Hancock, Virginia Anne Holmes, Emma Krasnowiecki, Anna McMillan, Breann Morrison, Emma Claire Moulton, Katherine Sinco, Kennedy Thompson and Taylor Vaughn. Level 3 AllAround winners were Ansley Claire Addison, Taylor Vaughn and Shelby Bircheat. August 26, the Level 4s had their chance at the gold and they took it. The Level 4 United Gymstars competing were Bailey Anderson, Elizabeth Brockett, Lacy Brown, Cameryn Cool, Anna Worth Craven, Caroline Hemmings, Alana Jones, Ana Jones, Mattie Moulton, Katie Pope, Tynia Rogers, Mary Alice Sasser, Madeline Sinco, Cate Stewart, Avery Tucker, Olivia Woodham, and Kelly Yoon. All-Around winners for United were Elizabeth Brockett, Ana Jones, Madeline Sinco and Kelly Yoon. Coaching these gymnasts for United Gymstars were Rudi Gaddis, Meg Henry, Sarah Pugh and Michael Wheat. Rudi Gaddis and Sarah Pugh took the girls’ Level 4 team down to Mobile on September 8, where they competed in the Bama Bounders’ Beach Bash. United took first place in the team competition. They had three first-place All-Around winners in their age divisions. Kelly Yoon, Mary Alice Sasser and Mattie Moulton were the winners taking the gold for United Gymstars and Cheer.

Alabama Dance Theatre Opens 2012-2013 Season

The Alabama Dance Theatre opened its 2012-2013 with two successful free performances of “Stars on the Riverfront” in early August and will continue its tradition of excellence in the 2012-2013 Season. Alabama Dance Theatre continues to achieve regional recognition and has established a reputation as a strong training ground for pre-professional dancers. The 2012-2013 Senior Company members include Kaitlin Bundy, Angelica Burgher, Anna Gentry, Haley Gentry, Hope Gilmore, Safiya Haque, Taylor Jordan, Ke’Yana Robinson, and McKenzie Middlebrooks. Junior company members are Aariona Boswell, Amari Boswell, Anita Burgher, Baylee Clark, Catherine Cobb, Amelia Felder, Phoebe Hall, Makenzie Kilpatrick, Maya Pegues, Jessica Russell, Lauren Taylor, Allyson Trimble and Ana Clare Wolfe. Apprentices for the 2012-2013 Season include Aloria Adams, Ta’Myia Cousar, Katie Dean, Heidi Gilmore, Francie Hill, Haley Hodges, Rebekah Norwood, Isabella Saxe, Sarah Scott Sellers, Anna Kathryn Shineflew and Isabella Snowden. In addition to public performances, ADT offers three special school performances of “Dracula” and “Celebration of the Season” for more than 2,000 area students. ADT’s outreach program includes performances at Blue-Gray Colonels Ball, and demonstrations and readings at area schools and libraries. ADT’s annual spring performance will have a “Princess Theme” and will feature “The Little Princess” March 1-3, 2013. Tickets range in price from $10- $25 for “Dracula” and “Celebration of the Season” and can be purchased three weeks prior to each performance date. Visit www.alabamadancetheatre. com for information on tickets. Kitty Seale is Artistic Director and Foye DuBose is Ballet Master of the Alabama Dance Theatre and its ballet school, located at the Armory Learning Arts Center. Call 241-2590 for information on classes or visit www.alabamadancetheatre.com. www.montgomeryparents.com

Area Youth Invited to Audition for ‘Russian Nutcracker’

Critically acclaimed Moscow Ballet and Montgomery’s Heart of Dance announce a casting call October 22 to perform in the 20th Anniversary production of Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at Montgomery’s PAC November 19 at 7:30 p.m. Heart of Dance, established in 1965 and operated by Vicki Oliver-Baker, will be the host school for Moscow Ballet student dancers in Montgomery. Moscow Ballet Costume Designer Arthur Oliver, who traveled to Russia to oversee the creation of 200 new costumes for the 20th Anniversary production, is the son of Oliver-Baker. Children’s roles include Party Guest Children, Mice, Angels, Butterflies, Snowflakes and more. Dance students from all area dance studios are invited to audition Monday, October 22, at 6 p.m. at Heart of Dance, 4718 Upper River Road in Tallassee. Applicants must be 7 to 16 years old, have one year of ballet training, dress in dance attire and may bring Pointe shoes. Moscow Ballet soloist and Audition Director Svetlana Todinova is in town especially to conduct the auditions and looks for dancers with ballet training and poise. She will also work one-on-one with students in rehearsal after the auditions. Register online at www.nutcracker. com/auditionsor contact Vicki OliverBaker 334-283-4313. Tickets are now on sale and start at $27.50. Call 800745-3000 or go to www.nutcracker. com. Group rates are available for ten or more. Call 800-320-1733 x15. To share news about your group’s events, e-mail editor@montgomeryparents.com by the 15th of each month. Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Family Calendar Ongoing Ala. Dept. of Archives & History

Exhibit galleries include children’s gallery and a reference room for genealogical and historical research. Hands-On Gallery includes Granny’s Attic where you can try on clothes, uniforms, shoes, try an old typewriter, sit at an old school desk or experience making a quilt square. Discovery Boxes are filled with all kinds of Alabama history. Numerous handouts, videos on Selma to Montgomery March, Helen Keller, Mardi Gras and more. Photographs of Helen Keller on display. The Archives museum galleries are FREE to the public. Hours are Mon.-Sat., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Please note: The Research Room is only open the 2nd Saturday of each month. 624 Washington Ave., Montgomery. Call 242-4435 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov. Alabama River Region Arts Center in Wetumpka has weekly after-school Arts Clubs which meet on Thursdays from 4-5 & 5-6 p.m. There are three clubs: Guitar (acoustic), Clay (polymer, ie “sculpy”) and Painting/Drawing. Each Club is $20 a month. Students for Guitar Club must be 10 years old, but 7-year-olds are welcome for the other two. Clubs are limited to the first 10 students, for one month. While children are in Arts Clubs, parents are welcome to stay and browse our Gallery or Resource Library, or just wait in the kitchen with a soda! Studio space is also available on a lease basis. The Pottery Studio is available to ARRAC members trained on the wheel. First Saturday of every month is a free Sit & Sew, from 9 a.m.-noon. Bring your hand-sewing project or sewing machine for a morning of sewing with the ladies. (Bluegrass Jam is going on at the same time in another room.) 300 W. Tallassee St. (former Wetumpka Jr. High building), Wetumpka, AL 36092. Visit www.arrac.org or see us on Facebook: Alabama River Region Arts Center, or call 578-9485 for more information. Artists In Action: 1st Wednesday and 3rd Saturday of EVERY month at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts from noon-2 p.m.. Local and regional artists at work. For more info, call 240-4333. “Artworks,” a hands-on children’s exhibit. FREE. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Blount Cultural Park. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Open until 9 p.m. Thursdays. Closed Mondays. For more info, call 240-4333. Bama Brushstrokes Art Club Meets 9 a.m., 2nd Saturdays of each month, Messiah Lutheran Church, 6670 Vaughn Road, Montgomery. Club members include beginners, intermediate and advanced skill levels. Activities include seminars with well-known artists. Classes are taught by our members or guest artists. We share our talents with our community in various programs, such as the Memory Box Project for hospice patients through sponsorship by the Society of Decorative Painters. Our chapter creates finished paint projects and murals for various hospitals, libraries, and community-based organizations. For more info, contact Diana French, president, at garnet2@bellsouth.net. Celtic Dance Classes Fridays at Montgomery Ballet from 4-5 p.m. We welcome boys and girls ages 6 to adult. Call Amanda at (706) 457-9254 or e-mail Celtic.traditions@gmail.com for more info. The Central Alabama Tennis Association (CATA) is a volunteer-based tennis organization formed to provide programs which promote and develop the growth of tennis throughout central Alabama. The CATA has four essential charitable and educational purposes: (1) to promote and develop the growth of tennis in central Alabama area by providing a variety of educational and charitable tennis programs and services; (2) to educate the community concerning the importance or tennis and the benefits that can be derived from tennis; (3) to expand the opportunities in the community for learning tennis and to offer opportunities for learning tennis to individu-

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October 2012

als who do not have access to tennis; and (4) to provide programs and services in the community that teach participants scholarship and fair play and that permit access to volunteers and instructors who can serve as positive role models and mentors. For event info, call Ernie Rains, CATA Community Coordinator, at 324-1406 or e-mail www.centralalabama.usta.com. Civil Rights Memorial A monument to those who died and/or risked death in the struggle for civil rights. 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery. For information, call 264-0286. Cloverdale Playhouse “Third Tuesdays” Montgomery’s singers and songwriters perform in our intimate theater space each month on the third Tuesday. Join us for a musical evening in Old Cloverdale. For details, call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org. Also contact us about volunteer opportunities, auditions, and the Playhouse School! Cool Kids Cook is a faith-based ministry with classes offered at different locations. Please call 220-3651 if you’d like to attend or volunteer with this ministry. First White House of the Confederacy Open on Saturdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This year begins the commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. The First White House of the Confederacy played a significant role during the war and served as Jefferson Davis’ family residence from February-May 1861. Located at 644 Washington Avenue in downtown Montgomery, neighboring the Alabama Department of Archives and History. For more info or to tour the museum, call 242-1861 or visit www.firstwhitehouse.org. Garden Tours Local gardens include Southern Homes and Gardens, Blount Cultural Park’s Shakespearean Garden at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Grace Episcopal Church, Prattville’s historic gardens in Old Pratt Village and the Wilderness Park, and Wetumpka’s arboretum at Ft. Toulouse. For more info in Montgomery, call 1-800-240-9452 or visit www.VisitingMontgomery.com. In Prattville, call 361-0961 or visit www.prattville.com/visitor/history. In Wetumpka, call 567-3002 or visit www.wetumpka.al.us/features. Other numbers are: Blount Cultural Park (274-0062 or www. blountculturalpark.org); Grace Episcopal Church (2151422); Old Alabama Town (240-4005 or www.oldalabamatown.com); and Alabama Garden Trail (1-800-ALABAMA or www.touralabama.org). W. A. Gayle Planetarium Public Shows offered Mon.-Thurs. and Sun. Admission $3.50/person, children under 5 free, seniors $2.50/person. Mon-Thurs. at 3 p.m.; Sun. at 2 p.m. 1010 Forest Ave. in Oak Park. Call 241-4799. Montgomery’s Freedom Rides Museum Road to Equality: The 1961 Freedom Rides yearlong exhibit features works of art from top Alabama artists and offers unique interpretations of one of the most pivotal desegregation events in the nation’s history. Located in the capital city’s recently restored 1951 Greyhound Bus Station, the exhibit will remain open every Friday and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. or by appointment throughout the year. For more info, visit www.freedomridesmuseum.org or www.montgomerybusstation.org MOOseum, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Children’s educational center featuring past, present and future in agriculture and the cattle industry. Free. Group tours should be pre-scheduled. Mon.- Fri. 9 a.m. -noon and 1-4 p.m. Last scheduled tour of the day starts at 3:30 p.m. 201 Bainbridge St., Montgomery. For info, call 265-1867 or visit www.bamabeef.org. Old Alabama Town 19th and early 20th century outdoor history museum. Tours Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: $8 for adults, $4 for students ages 6-18. Under 6 free. 301 Columbus St., Montgomery. For information, call 240-4500.

Rosa Parks Museum 252 Montgomery Street, 241-8615. Hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. -3 p.m. Sundays and holidays, closed. Admission 12 years and under-$5.50/Over 12-$7.50. Alabama college students with a valid student ID: $6.50; discount price for both Museum & Children’s Wing: adults: $14, children $10 Tales for Tots 10:30-11 a.m. October 10. Join us for this FREE introduction to art in storybooks and in the Museum galleries for young children and their families. Each time a different work of art and special story will be presented. Call 2404365 or visit www.mmfa.org for more info.

Classes Bradley Method Natural Childbirth Classes

Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Zink Chiropractic Clinic, Course includes pregnancy exercise and nutrition, body changes during pregnancy, the coach’s role in pregnancy and natural birth, the stages of labor, breathing and relaxation for labor, common interventions and how to avoid them, breastfeeding, basic newborn care, and more. Contact Lanette Tyler, 450-4605 or lanette.tyler@gmail.com; or visit www.bradleybirth.com Breastfeeding Class Designed to prepare the expectant mother for breastfeeding her newborn. Also includes troubleshooting common problems to establish a successful breast-feeding experience. Usually the first Saturday of the month, from 9-11 a.m. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. FREE. Class schedule is subject to change, so please call 293-8497 to register or for more info. Childbirth Basics Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose to have pain relief during labor and delivery. Sessions are taught throughout the year but are often held on the first Saturday of the month, from noon-2 p.m.. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $25. Call 293-8497 by your 4th month of pregnancy to register. Childbirth Preparation Class Comprehensive four-week series covers all aspects of the labor and delivery experience, admission process, medication and anesthesia options including epidurals, cesarean sections, coping and comfort measures including breathing and relaxation techniques. Postpartum care and baby care basics are also included. A maternity area tour is also included as a part of this class. All of our classes are taught by registered nurses certified in childbirth education.Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule your class. Childbirth Preparation Boot Camp An abbreviated version of Childbirth Preparation Class offered in a one-day format. A maternity area tour is also included as a part of this class. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule your class. Chinese Language Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Office of Far Eastern Initiatives offers Saturday classes for children and adults. The one-hour weekly courses are provided free-of-charge as a service to the community. For more information or to register, contact April Ma at 244-3018 or ama@aum.edu CPR & First Aid The American Red Cross offers classes in adult and infant/ child CPR as well as first aid and babysitting classes monthly. Call 260-3980. Diabetes Education --Prattville Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available Wednesdays by appointment at Prattville Medical Park. Call 213-6360 for more information. Diabetes Education --Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available weekdays by appointment. Call 213-6360 for more info.

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Grandparent Class This program presents new concepts in newborn care to grandparents who need a refresher course. Usually one Tuesday per month. FREE. Call for schedule. Jackson Hospital. Call 293-8497. Infant Safety/CPR Class Teaches parents and grandparents American Heart Association’s Family and Friends CPR for infants and children, including care of the choking infant, infant rescue and breathing with hands-on practice using ACTAR CPR dolls for class participants. Class will also help parents with creating a safe environment for their child. Classes are taught by certified CPR instructors. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule. Maternity Area Tour Maternity area tour for expectant mothers and families not attending Childbirth Preparation Class/Boot Camp. Baptist Medical Center East. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule. Pre- and Post-natal Fitness Classes Includes water aerobics, step-floor aerobics and strength training. SportsFirst. Call 277-7130. Prenatal Breastfeeding Class Provides expectant mothers information about breastfeeding including various factors influencing lactation, advantages of breastfeeding, basic anatomy and physiology of milk production, specific techniques to promote a successful breastfeeding experience and breastfeeding equipment and supplies. Classes are taught by IBCLC instructors. Partners are encouraged to participate in this class. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule your class. Sibling Preparation Class Fun one-hour class is designed for expectant “big

brothers and sisters” ages 3 to 8. They will learn about the arrival of their new baby through an introduction to the hospital experience and the early days at home. Parents should plan to attend with their child. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@ baptistfirst.org to schedule. Your Amazing Newborn One-night class taught by a pediatrician and nursing staff usually one Tuesday a month. This class presents new concepts in newborn care and helps alleviate parenting jitters often experienced by soon-to-be parents. Grandparents also welcome. Jackson Hospital. FREE. For more info, call 293-8497.

Services American Cancer Society seeks Volunteers for Road

to Recovery This program is designed to ensure that cancer patients have transportation to and from medical facilities for treatment. Road to Recovery volunteers can be individual drivers with time to help others or even local companies who allow employees to provide transportation on company time in company cars. Anyone who has a driver’s license, a safe driving record, personal automobile insurance, owns a car or has access to one, and can spare as little as one morning or afternoon a month is encouraged to volunteer. For more information, or to volunteer, please call Luella Giles at 612-8162. Hospital Volunteers Volunteers are needed at Baptist Medical Center East, Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville Baptist Hospital. Duties vary by facility but include delivering mail and flowers, transporting patients, staffing waiting rooms and information desks, and furnishing coffee for visitors. Volunteers work one four-hour shift per week. For more info, call 286-2977.

Hospice Volunteers Through volunteering at Baptist Hospice, the opportunities to help are endless. Our volunteers are an important part of the patient’s care and are the heart of the hospice family. There are many other ways to help, such as special projects and events or providing administrative support for the staff, that are essential. Volunteers often have special talents and innovative ideas that add so much to our program. Please call Gloria @395-5018 to join our dynamic team. Volunteer Services Jackson Hospital is looking for volunteers to work in key areas of the hospital. Volunteers provide an invaluable service to the hospital while making new friends and experiencing a fulfilling activity. Volunteers must be at least 19 years old and are asked to work 4 hours a week. They must complete an application and pass a background check and health screening. If you are interested in volunteering, call Linda Dean, Dir. of Volunteer Services, 293-8967. Baptist Sleep Disorders Centers Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville. Both centers have the ability to diagnose up to 84 different sleep disorders. There are four board-certified physicians and a clinical psychologist on staff between the two centers. For more information, call 286-3252 for Baptist Medical Center South and 361-4335 for Prattville Baptist Hospital. Jackson Sleep Disorders Center Jackson Hospital houses a sleep disorders center on the third floor of the Goode Medical Building to monitor those who are suffering from sleep disorders. For more information, contact your physician or the Sleep Center at 293-8168. Jackson Hospital Offers Animal Therapy Program to Pediatric Unit Jackson Hospital’s Animal Therapy Program is a vital part of its patient care. Animals in the program are limited

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Family Calendar to dogs, and no other animals are allowed to participate. Currently, there are 10 dogs in the program. Their handlers have undergone extensive training and orientation, and visit the hospital weekly. For more information, please call 293-8894. Nolan Research Pays Kids for Toy Testing Nolan Research, 2569 Bell Road in Montgomery, conducts toy tests that pay $20 in cash to each child ages 4-12 that participates. Testing takes place usually between 5 and 7 p.m. and only takes about 30-45 minutes. Results are used to help toy manufacturers decide whether or not to bring new toys out on the market. Please call 284-4164 to sign your child up and spread the word to any other families who may be interested.

Support Groups Adoption Support

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC), This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer Memorial UMC. For more information, call 409-9477 or 272-8622. Autauga/Elmore Group meets 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Glynwood Baptist Church, Prattville. Childcare, children’s group and dinner provided. For more info, call 409-9477 or e-mail apac2@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.

October 2012

Cancer Support

American Cancer Society, including Montgomery, Elmore, Autauga, & Macon Counties: **To access or sign up for these programs, call the American Cancer Society’s Montgomery office at 6128162 or call 1-800-ACS-2345 and you will be connected to the Montgomery office. Look Good…Feel Better is an American Cancer Society program in which trained volunteer cosmetologists help female cancer patients deal with the side effects of treatment. Patients are taught beauty techniques to enhance their appearance and self image during or after treatments, including ways to disguise hair loss and skin changes. Call Luella Giles at 612-8162 for more info. Man to Man is an American Cancer Society support group for men who are battling or have survived prostate cancer. It offers them education, discussion and support. Please call for next meeting dates at the American Cancer Society Office in Montgomery. OTHER PROGRAMS/SERVICES OFFERED BY THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: Reach to Recovery matches newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors on a one on one basis. College scholarships to cancer survivors Free wigs and other supplies for cancer patients Free rides to treatment through our Road To Recovery program (where volunteer drivers use their cars and time to take in need cancer patients to treatment) Free lodging through the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge in Birmingham (if patients are sent to Birmingham for treatment) On-line cancer information classes and support group through www.cancer.org. Information anytime and trained specialists at 1-800ACS-2345

General Cancer Support Group held at Christ Church, 8800 Vaughn Road, Tuesday afternoons at 1 p.m. This is an open group. For more information, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie Diemayer at 467-4578. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 2nd Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Room 8114. Provides education, awareness and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family or friends. For more info, call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter. net. Plus, join us at our Signature Luncheon October 4 at 11:30 a.m. in Frazer UMC’s Wesley Hall. Tickets are $30 each ($25 is tax deductible) and include tasty cuisine from Carrabba’s Italian Grill, modeling fashions from Focus on Fashion and guest speaker Rosie Butler (breast cancer survivor and former Ebony Fashion model). For more info, call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net. Visit us at www.thewomenofhope.org.

Divorce Support

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

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

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who have lost their spouses to death. The group is open to ALL widowed individuals, regardless of age, religious beliefs, or length of marriage or widowhood. Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at the church’s building, 301 Dalraida Road. Please e-mail Lynda Coats at farauthor@aol.com for more information. “Big Leap!” Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m., Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is designed to meet the needs of children who have experienced the recent loss of a loved one. This group will provide a hands-on, safe space for age-appropriate expression of grief. These sessions will aim to increase feeling identification, decrease self-blame or guilt, and build coping skills. Through music, art, and play we will meet your child or grandchild on their level. We will encourage your children to hold tight to their memories as they make a “big leap” into their new future. This group is open to children ages 7-11. Space is limited to 6 participants so call 279-6677. Start date will be determined once reservations are confirmed. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW “Comfort and Conversation,” Wednesdays at 11 a.m., Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is intended to address those affected by a recent loss (0-12 months after death). Through meeting with others who are walking a similar journey, you will be encouraged to work through the complications of your loss, understand your pain, and adjust to your new reality. Space is limited, so please call 279-6677. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW Compassionate Friends, Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Hwy, first Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child. Please call 284-2721 for more info. “Connect,” Fridays at 11 a.m., biweekly, Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is for those who have already walked through the initial grieving process but still desire to connect with others who share similar experiences. This group will allow you to meet new people, stay active in the community, and look ahead to a bright future. We will share lunch, visit museums, volunteer, attend movies, and participate in area events. We even have a fishing trip on the agenda! This group is ongoing and does not have a participation limit. It’s time to have fun again, come join us! For more info, call 279-6677. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW Grief Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622 for more info. Grief Recovery After Suicide, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., first Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Room 3102. This group is open to family members and friends who have lost a loved one as the result of suicide. Group offers a confidential environment in which to receive support, hope and information. Contact Rev. Susan Beeson, 272-8622. Grieving With Hope, St. Mark UMC, meeting weekly on Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m. The group offers a place to share, care and heal from the losses of life. Facilitated by Dr. Lennie Howard and Marie Parma. Contact the church at 272-0009. HALO organization offers grief counseling for parents and siblings suffering the loss of a child from 20 weeks gestation up to the age of 2. Not only do they offer counseling, but also offer free photography services and help with funeral expenses as well as many other things. More information is available at www.honoringangelslikeowen.org. This faith-based organization was started by two parents grieving the loss of their own child.

Homeschool Support

ECHO (Elmore County Homeschool Organization), Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. 2nd and 4th Fridays year-round from 10 a.m. to noon. This is a support group for homeschooling families in the tri-county area. Membership is free. For more info, please visit http://www.onlineecho.com

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Family Calendar PEAK of Montgomery Homeschool Group Parent Educators and Kids (PEAK) of Montgomery is an inclusive, member-led group of homeschooling families who meet regularly for field trips, park days and other social and educational activities. We welcome all local home educators who enjoy sharing and learning within a diverse community. To join us, visit us at www.peaknetwork.org/montgomery

Illness Support

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Day Care, Frazer Memorial UMC, Thursdays, in Room 3101, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. There is no charge, but registration is required. For more information, call the Congregational Care office at 272-8622. On the first Thursday of each month, the hours are extended to 12:30 p.m. while the Caregivers’ Support Group meets in Room 3103 beginning at 11 a.m. Only during this time will each participant need to bring a sack lunch. For the support group, call the church at 272-8622. This new series is for all patients with congestive heart failure and their caregivers. This series is FREE for all participants. Below is the information: Cardiolife, a new educational series for congestive heart failure patients and their caregivers, meets 4th Thursdays of each month, 10-11 a.m. Diabetes Center classroom, Jackson Hospital. For more info, call 279-6677. Topics include: Lifestyle Changes, A Heart Healthy Diet, Proper Fluid Intake, Importance of Daily Weights and Exercise Tolerance. Support for this program provided by River Region Supportive Care – a Division of Hospice of Montgomery. Facilitated by Arla Chandler, RN, BSN, MBA. Depression/Bipolar Support Alliance, Room 3101 at Frazer UMC, 1st Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. This group is for those with depression and bipolar illness

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October 2012

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

NAMI Montgomery is offering “Family to Family,” a FREE 12-week education course open to all caregivers of adults with mental illness. Classes meet weekly from 6-8:30 p.m. at Montgomery Public Library’s Lowder Branch, 2590 Bell Road. Registration required. Call Mary Jo Logan, 271-2280, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Overeaters Anonymous, Unity of Montgomery, 1922 Walnut St., Saturdays from 3-4 p.m. Contact Misty at 324-9568 or Carol at 467-5742. Parkinson’s Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 4th Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in Room 8114. Group is for Parkinson’s patients and their family members. For more info, call 272-8622. Sjogren’s Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, meets 3rd Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. in room 3104. This group is for those with Sjogren’s disease and the family members of those affected by this disease. For more info, call 272-8622. Veterans OEF/OIF Caregivers Support Group meets 3rd Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 3108 at Frazer Memorial UMC. This group provides support and understanding to those caring for OEF/ OIF Veterans. For more information, contact Joy Germanos, LCSW, PIP, Caregiver Support Coordinator at CAVHCS, (334) 725-2542.

Parent Support

D.A.D.S. (Dad and Daughter Saturdays) Second Saturdays at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Library in downtown Montgomery at 11 a.m. D.A.D.S. is the vision of local resident and Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce staff member Ron Simmons and his five-year-old daughter Erin. It gives fathers and daughters an opportunity to read together to create fun, educational memories. All fathers in the River Region are invited to bring their daughters to the

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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library to read, laugh and have fun. This free event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Montgomery City-County Public Library and Dreamland Barbeque. For more information on this event, call Ron Simmons at 334-777-8596. iConnect, Frazer Memorial UMC, 3rd Thursdays from 9-11:30 a.m. in the Parlor. Share life, encourage and be encouraged by other women. We meet for breakfast, fellowship and a speaker. Advance reservations are necessary for breakfast and preschool nursery. Cost is $5 per meeting. For more info or to make reservations, call Frazer’s Women’s Ministry at 495-6391 or e-mail Sandy Boswell at sandy@frazerumc.org La Leche League of Montgomery, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 2810 Atlanta Hwy., 3rd Fridays, 10 a.m. Leaders are experienced breastfeeding mothers who have completed an accreditation program and are familiar with breastfeeding management techniques as well as current research. Meetings are free and open to all women. Expecting moms, babies and children also welcome. If you need information before the next scheduled meeting, please call or e-mail Bridgit (569-1500 or bridgitbroom@gmail.com) Moms’ LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) First Baptist Church, Prattville. Meets twice monthly from 8:30-11:45 a.m. in the chapel at First Baptist Church in Prattville August through May. For moms of all stages and ages of life. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guests, special guest speakers and a lot of fun! Cost is $5 per meeting. Childcare provided by reservation. For more info and to reserve your spot, call Kelley Manning at 361-7919. The Montgomery Multiples Club is a non-profit organization offering support to the mothers and families of twins, triplets, and more in the Central Alabama region. They have a mom’s night out with dinner once a month. They also have a yard sale twice a year, in the spring and

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

again in the fall. For more info, visit http://montgomerymultiplesclub.org. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry St., Montgomery. Moms, are you looking for a good excuse to get out of the house? MOPS is a great opportunity to hone your mothering skills, meet new friends, and learn new things while deepening your relationship with God. Free childcare is provided. Meetings are 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Oct. 3 & 17) Call Kristi Gay at (334) 233-8989. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Vaughn Forest Baptist Church, 8660 Vaughn Road, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Are you in need of a time-out? Then have we got the place for you! MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. Childcare is provided. For more info, e-mail VFCMOPS@gmail.com.

Pregnancy Loss/Infertility

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

Single Parents Support

Singles’ Small Groups, Frazer Memorial UMC, Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622 for more info. TNT (Tuesday Night Together) for Singles, Frazer Memorial UMC, Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. in the Fellowship

Hall, Bldg. 7000. A meal ($5) and program are provided. For reservations, call 272-8622.

Special Needs Support

Central Alabama Autism Support Team (C.A.A.S.T.), St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Hwy. 31 in Prattville from 6-8 p.m. 3rd Thursdays quarterly (Feb., May, Aug., Nov.). Visit www.easysite.com/caast or e-mail casst50@ yahoo.com for more info. Down Syndrome Support, Vaughn Park Church of Christ, 1st Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Childcare provided. Call 356-9048 or visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com for information. Montgomery Area Hearing Loss Support Group meets monthly at the Wesley Building of the First Methodist Church in Montgomery on 2nd Thursdays at 4 p.m. It is affiliated with the nationally recognized non-profit advocacy group, Hearing Loss Association of America. The purpose is to bring together all adults and parents of children who would like to know more about hearing losses, its causes and its possible corrections. Licensed audiologists make brief presentations explaining their local programs, their offices and the availability of hearing tests, of possible medical corrections, and/of hearing aids and cochlear implants. Refreshments at each meeting. For more info, contact HearingInfo@earthlink.net Parents of Special Needs Children, Saint James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road, 1st Sundays, 5-6:30 p.m. Please notify Chris Henderson if you plan to come. (Home: 215-0427; e-mail: chenderson41@yahoo.com River Region Autism Support Group, Cafe Louisa (in Old Cloverdale), 1036 E. Fairview Ave. We meet on 1st Saturdays from 4-6 p.m. This group is comprised of parents whose children are on the autism spectrum. We also welcome others involved with autistic children, such as grandparents, friends, teachers, therapists, etc. For more info about how to join the group, or if you plan to attend, e-mail Lyra Stephens at LyraStephens@yahoo.com.

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Family Calendar Teens/Families Support

Life is Fun Together (LIFT): A FREE Relationship and Marriage Enrichment Program providing different educational and fun-filled seminars to individuals and families. The LIFT Program is provided through Family Guidance Center of Alabama in partnership with the Alabama Community Healthy Marriage Initiative. Call Tonya Rogers at 270-4100 for class start dates or more info! “Relationship Smarts Plus” teaches teens in grades 7-12 about healthy relationships in a fun, interactive way. Six-week sessions are available throughout the year on Mondays from 4–6 p.m. “Smart Steps for Stepfamilies” is a six-week session that helps stepfamilies learn strategies to strengthen and stabilize their families. Parents and children ages 8 and up meet in their own groups, then meet up at the end of each session for a fun family activity! “Together We Can” gives non-married parents the skills they need to maintain healthy relationships between themselves and their children. “How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk (or Jerkette)” teaches single adults how to get the most out of dating. “Mastering the Magic of Love” is a communication class for all couples. Bring your spouse, fiancé, or that special someone in your life with you to learn new communication techniques and enhance your skills as a team of two. All adults are welcome, including graduates looking for a refresher! Also…. LIFT has a brand-new program just for parents of teens!!! “Bridging the Great Divide: Parents and Teens Communicating About Healthy Relationships” is perfect for parents or guardians who want open lines of communication with their teen. Topics include “Principles of Dating & Healthy Relationships,” “Sensitive Topics,” “Rules &

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October 2012

Boundaries,” and more!!! Building D of Family Guidance Center, 2358 Fairlane Drive. This workshop lasts only three weeks, so call TODAY to reserve your spot! You can look at a calendar of LIFT classes & events online by visiting our LIFT web page: http://www. familyguidancecenter.org/ Remember, LIFT has FREE programs for singles, couples, stepfamilies, parents, teens, and now parents of teens! Call 270-4100 or e-mail trogers@familyguidancecenter.org if you didn’t see your class listed so we can contact you when the next one starts. Support Group for Teens with difficulties communicating with parents. This group began March 29 using the life skills training. Contact Felicia Pressley at Total Life Connection, 244-5061.

This Month Monday, October 1

Old Alabama Town Presents “Alabama Illustrated” Through October 20 “Alabama Illustrated” is an exhibition of 19th century era engraved newspaper illustrations from the Permanent Collection of the Birmingham Public Library Archives. In the 19th century, Americans received news and learned about the world by reading illustrated newspapers such as Harper’s Weekly, Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, and Ballou’s Pictorial as well as other international publications. Publishers employed artists to draw and engrave impressively detailed images of places, events and people. From the 1850s to the 1890s, more than 250 engraved images of Alabama were published in national and international illustrated newspapers. More than 40 of these are included in the book Alabama Illustrated. The images of Alabama included here are typical of those published

for many places and include portraits of political leaders, landscapes, cityscapes and events such as storms, parades, sports and work. Stop by to view this exhibit Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 301 Columbus Street. This exhibit provided by the Birmingham Public Library Archives. For more info, visit www.oldalabamatown.com or call 240-4500. MainStreet Alexander City Farmers’ Market Through October 29 At the Fountain on Broad Street, Alex City. Local farmers, craftsmen and craftswomen present fruits, vegetables, honey, butters, plants, bird houses and more. 7-11:30 a.m. Call (256) 329-9227 or visit www.mainstreetac.org for details. The Paul Jones Collection: A Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Exhibition -- Through October 31 Troy University Rosa Parks Museum. The Paul R. Jones Collection is counted among the world’s oldest, largest and most complete holdings of works by African American artists. Known for his keen eye for quality art, Jones collected works by luminaries such as Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett and Henry Ossawa Tanner, amassing 2,000 works and placing him in Art and Antiques magazine’s top 100 U.S. collectors. In September 2008, Jones generously donated 40 pieces from his collection to Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and it is from those pieces that this exhibit was created. For more info, contact museum curator Viola Moten at (334) 271-8701 or vmoten@troy.edu.

Thursday, October 4

Women of Hope Signature Luncheon 11:30 a.m. in Frazer UMC’s Wesley Hall. Tickets are $30 each ($25 is tax deductible) and include tasty cuisine from Carrabba’s Italian Grill, modeling fashions from Focus on Fashion and guest speaker Rosie Butler (breast cancer

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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survivor and former Ebony Fashion model). For more info, call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net. Visit us at www.thewomenofhope.org. Alabama State University Fall 2012 Career Fair 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Dunn-Oliver Acadome, Alabama State University. A terrific opportunity to recruit, interview, and interact with well-qualified job applicants from a variety of disciplines. Reserve your booth today! To register, contact us at 229-4156/4140. Wetumpka Depot Presents Seeing Stars in Dixie Through October 6; also 11-14; and 18-20 This charming Southern comedy is set in 1956 Natchez, Miss., where Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift have arrived to film “Raintree County.” Meanwhile at Clemmie’s, a Natchez tea room, the widowed proprietor who has a fascination with movies and a secret admirer, oversees her own cast of characters.Competition for a small role in the movie brings out the best and worst of the town’s colorful characters. Written by Ron Osborne and directed by Kim Mason. For tickets, visit www. wetumpkadepot.com or call 868-1440.

Friday, October 5

Late Night with YMCA Goodtimes Also October 12, 19 & 26 A weekly Parents’ Night Out program for parents of five-to 12-year-olds offered at the YMCA Goodtimes Center on Bell Road. Time is 6:30-11:30 p.m. and supper is included. Cost is $15 per child and no reservations are required. Child to staff ratio is 15:1. Call 279-8878 for more info. Live Glass Blowing Demonstrations with Stephen Rolfe Powell at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 5-8 p.m. In conjunction with the exhibition Psychedelic Mania: Stephen Rolfe Powell’s Dance with Glass, the Museum is hosting an evening of glass performance and artist demonstrations. Join us on the Museum’s lawn to witness the fire and excitement of Stephen Rolfe Powell’s

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

dance with glass in a mobile glass studio provided by Janke Studios of Atlanta; visit with other artists as they demonstrate their art making, and participate in creating your own art project all while enjoying the music of Southern Gentleman and a cash bar. Visit www.mmfa.org or call 240-4333. 2012 Blue Jean Ball Silent and Live Auctions A fundraiser for the Auburn University and Auburn University at Montgomery Schools of Nursing, set at Coach Pat Dye’s home in Notasulga. The Schools of Nursing will bid “happy trails” to Dye’s Crooked Oaks Hunting Lodge this year, as it is the final time the event will take place at this location. Bidding on silent auction items will be underway from 5-8 p.m., while Coach Dye and former Auburn quarterback Randy Campbell will emcee an entertaining live auction. In addition to tours of Dye’s home, festivities include mule-drawn carriage rides, live music and dancing under the stars, a seafood dinner provided by the Organized Seafood Association of Alabama, and photo opportunities with AU mascot Aubie, AUM mascot Curtiss and birds of prey from the Southeastern Raptor Center. Since 2001, more than 400 nursing students from Auburn and Auburn Montgomery have received scholarships from funds raised at the ball. For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Shelley Grider at (334) 844-6753 or gridesw@auburn.edu. Individuals and companies may also make tax-deductible gifts in support of scholarships to the Schools of Nursing through the Auburn University Foundation. Learn more at www.auburn.edu/giving. Harvest Moon Festival at Callaway Gardens, Ga. Also October 6 Enjoy a two-day festival focused on great music, fresh food and outdoor active living in the beautiful setting of autumn at Callaway Gardens. Call (706) 663-6799 or visit www.callawaygardens.com Alabama National Fair -- Through October 14 Admission charged. Garrett Coliseum. Midway rides,

main stage entertainment, food, information and commercial booths, kids’ area, livestock and other competition, family faith day, etc. Call 272-6831 or visit www. alnationalfair.org for details. Jasmine Hill Gardens and Outdoor Museums Open in Wetumpka -- Weekends Through October 27 Japanese cherries, bulbs and many flowering shrubs are in bloom when the 20-acre Jasmine Hill Gardens opens for the season. Stroll through Greek statuary and enjoy the outdoors. Fri. & Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. Call 567-6463 or visit www.jasminehill.org for more info. Pumpkin Patch and Hayride at Barber Berry Farm in Millbrook -- Weekends Through October 28 Ride to the patch, pick a pumpkin and visit the corn pit. Admission charged. Fri., 2-6 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 1-6 p.m. Call (334) 322-2118 or visit www.barberberryfarm.com

Saturday, October 6

Prepared Childbirth Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose to have pain relief during labor and delivery. Topics include stages of labor, breathing and relaxation techniques, the role of the coach, and proper care of mother and baby after delivery. Sessions are taught throughout the year, from 10 a.m.-noon. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $25. Call 293-8497 or e-mail liz.owen@jackson.org. 2012 Montgomery Half Marathon, Capital City 5K and Mayor’s Mile Presented By Hyundai Executed by Montgomery MultiSport. Registration for Half Marathon and 5K will be held until Friday, October 5, at noon. Half Marathon Relay registration will be held until Thursday, October 4. For details, visit http://montgomerymarathon.com “Go Pink” Fashion Show at Dillard’s The Shoppes at EastChase will host the Joy to Life, Women of Hope Fashion Show at Dillard’s.

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Family Calendar Oakwood in the Morning at Old Alabama Town 9-11 a.m. Spend what, hopefully, will be a beautiful early fall morning in Oakwood’s Scott’s Free Burying Ground, Confederate Cemetery and the ”Land of Peace” with Mary Ann Neeley. The tour will be a relaxed stroll through mostly flat portions of the City’s oldest cemetery. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a bottle of water. FREE to Landmarks members and children under 12; $5 for General Public. Call 240-4518 or 240 4500. Santuck Flea Market An outdoor flea market with more than 450 booths featuring arts, crafts, antiques, novelties, imports, food, and more. The Santuck Flea Market is open the first Saturday of each month from March - December from daylight until 2 p.m. RAIN OR SHINE. Free admission, free parking available. Call 567-7400. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents The Adventures of Tom Sawyer -- Saturdays through October 20 By Laura Eason, adapted from the novel by Mark Twain. Tom and Huck are just one step ahead of evil Injun Joe. Treasure, murder and their own funeral bring them to the edge of disaster. From the greatest American humorist of all time comes this tale of danger and adventure, rich with unforgettable images of life on the Mississippi. Recommended for ages 6+. Visit www.asf.net or call 271-5353. Etiquette, Manners & More -- Saturdays through October 27 10–11:30 a.m. Upper Kingston Community Center, Prattville. For grades 1-6. Class taught by Felicia Tyus. $30 per month. Sessions include: Etiquette in Public Places, Proper Introductions, Social and Communication Skills, Posture, Dining Do’s and Don’ts, Place setting, Communicating 101 & More. Class session ends with a field trip to a restaurant, a certificate and picture in the newspaper. Min./ Max.: 10/25. Registration at the Doster Community Center. Call (334) 361-3640.

October 2012

Sunday, October 7

Thursday, October 11

ARMSchair Concert at Kiwanis Park Guy Davis at 7 p.m. Visit www.oldalabamatown.com or call 240-4500. 2012 Taste of the River Region Renaissance Montgomery. Sponsored by the Alabama Restaurant Association and the Junior League of Montgomery. Come and enjoy many of the delicious dishes of the River Region’s best restaurants! Sample food and beverages from more than 35 local establishments, dance to live entertainment and win fabulous door prizes! Tickets are $30 or sponsor a table for $500 (includes 10 tickets reserved seating and signage recognition) Callaway Gardens Fitness Series: Triathlon This event is ranked as one of the best triathlons in the nation and is the longest-running triathlon in the continental United States. Participants compete in a 1k swim, 30k bike ride and 8k run in a beautiful setting. Register at www.active.com. This is the fourth of six events in the annual Callaway Gardens Fitness Series.

Cloverdale Playhouse Presents Opus -- Through October 14; also October 18-21 Written by Michael Hollinger. A world-renowned string quartet follows their world tour with a new recording contract amid rumors of a breakup and the search for a replacement just before a performance at the White House. Extraordinary music joins with dynamic language as the play explores the inner workings and lively relationships of a once tightly-knit ensemble. For tickets or more info, call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org Faulkner Dinner Theatre Presents Pirates of Penzance --Through October 13; 18-20; and 25-27 Theatre doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner is served from 6:15 until 7. The show begins promptly at 7:30. Tickets are $25 and include dinner and the show. Members of the military can purchase tickets for just $20. Reservations must be paid in advance. Make reservations or for more information, call 386-7190 or e-mail boxoffice@faulkner.edu.

Monday, October 8

Friday, October 12

Dine Pink at The Shoppes at EastChase Visit participating restaurants and mention “Go Pink.” A percentage of the proceeds will benefit The Joy to Life Foundation. Visit The Shoppes at EastChase at www. theshoppesateastchase.com for a list of restaurants.

Tuesday, October 9

Air Supply in Concert Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. The talented, multi-platinum group will be in Montgomery for one night only to kick off the Subscriber Series with an evening filled with their romantic hit songs.www.airsupplymusic.com

Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets -- Also October 26 Elmore County Homeschool Organization is a non-profit support group for homeschooling families. We provide a positive socialization environment for homeschooled children & support and encourage their parents in the homeschooling process. We meet the second and fourth Friday of every month year-round from 10 a.m. to noon at Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. Membership is free and is open to all homeschoolers in the tri-county area. ECHO has field trips, park days, holiday parties, enrichment activities, and a yearly awards ceremony. For details, visit http://www. onlineecho.com

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Think Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness The City of Prattville is asking all cancer survivors to join in a celebration of survival! In conjunction with the national campaign for breast cancer awareness, the City of Prattville will be gathering around the Historical Fountain at Heritage Park at 7 a.m., to “turn the fountain pink” in acknowledgment of local breast cancer survivors. Local survivors will release pink balloons as a symbol of “letting go” of the cancer, as Mayor Bill Gillespie, Jr. and survivors turn the water in the fountain pink. This will be the 4th annual event and the City of Prattville is hoping for an even bigger turnout. This date is also being promoted as “Wear Pink Day.” For more information, or if you are a local breast cancer survivor and would like to participate in the event, please call the City of Prattville’s Special Events office at 334-358-0297. Montgomery Ballet Presents Ballet on the Green Maxwell Air Force Base. For active and deployed military and their families. Visit www.montgomeryballet.org The 34th Alabama Tale-Tellin’ Festival in Selma Also October 13 Carneal Arts Revive, 3 Church St., Selma. Enjoy storytelling for the whole family that begins at 7 each evening with The Dill Pickers, Delores Hydock and Carmen Agra Deedy. Come early for concessions and the Swappin’ Ground at 5:30. Tickets are $15 for adults ($25/both nights) and $10 for children 12 and under ($15 both nights). Call 334-878-ARTS for more info or visit www. artsrevive.com. E-mail info@artsrevive.com. ZooBoo at the Montgomery Zoo -- Through October 14; also October 19-21 & 25-31 6-9 p.m. nightly. Enjoy the horror-filled Haunted Hay Ride thrill ride (scary ride) or for the kiddies or weak at heart, enjoy the Pumpkin Pull, a fall festival-like wagon hay ride (non-scary ride). Also, the Zoo is filled with assorted Halloween-themed games and rides, including bouncy houses, slides and horse trail rides. The Creatures of the Night live animal presentations are held at the Overlook Cafe. Win prizes and treats; concessions are available for purchase. Admission: $12 for ages 3 years and older. Admission includes one ride ticket (either to the Haunted Hay Ride or the Pumpkin Pull) and 10 game tickets (one sheet). FREE for ages 2 years and younger. Montgomery Zoo members receive a 50% discount. For info, call 240-4900 or visit www.montgomeryzoo.com. The Montgomery Zoo is friends on facebook, twitter, myspace, youtube and flickr.

Saturday, October 13

Riverwalk Wine Festival 1-4 p.m. Admission into the festival is $25. Event will include wine tasting from 10 different distributors representing over 100 wineries. For more information, visit RiverwalkWineFestival.com. Parents’ Night Out at the Wetumpka Family YMCA A monthly Parents’ Night Out program for parents of kids 12 years and under offered the 2nd Friday of each month from 6-10 p.m. Games, arts and crafts, a movie and hot dogs are offered. Cost is $10 per child for members and $15 per child for non-members. You must register by the Thursday prior. Call 567-8282 for more info. Pike Road Lions Club Pancake Breakfast 7:30-10:30 a.m. at Saint James United Methodist Church on Vaughn Road. Tickets are available now. E-mail eathompson85@gmail.com for more information. Coosa River Challenge X 3-6 hours of mountain biking, trail running, and river paddling with lots of special tests throughout. The format is 2-person teams: male/female/co-ed or individual, and the course is friendly enough to be finished by the novice racer, while challenging enough for the veteran adventure racer. We expect the top teams to finish in about 3.5 hours with the majority of racers to have finished in 5 hours. The route incorporates the last of the whitewater of Alabama’s major river systems and finishes in historic downtown Wetumpka. This year’s race will be managed by About-Time-Events.com. For more information, contact info@coosariverchallenge.com.

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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Calendar Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Join the American Cancer Society in the fight to end breast cancer at its 3rd Annual “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” of Montgomery. By participating in this inspiring 5K walk, you not only honor and celebrate those impacted by breast cancer, but every step you take and every dollar raised helps save lives. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.; program and walk begins at 8:30 a.m. Huntingdon College. For more information or to register a team, call 288-3432 or visit makingstridesmontgomery.org. Aldersgate Holds Annual Barbecue The 28th Annual Aldersgate Church BBQ benefits local and international missions and ministries. Boxes are $8 and include both pulled pork and a chicken quarter, plus beans, slaw and bread. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the church, or boxes can be bought the day of sale. Drive-thru service is provided at the front of the church on Vaughn Road.

Monday, October 15

Family History Research Workshop at the Alabama Department of Archives and History Once again, archivist Nancy Dupree will present a family history research workshop, “Finding Your Alabama Ancestors in Cyberspace,” from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The $40 registration fee covers the cost of materials, refreshments and a box lunch. Members of the Friends of the Archives can register at a discounted rate of $30. To register, visit www.archives.alabama.gov. In this workshop, Dupree will demonstrate the best websites and on-line resources and focus on the most effective search strategies. She will devote special attention to Alabama records available at Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, the ADAH digital archives, and other on-line resources. Dupree will help researchers sort through the multitude of family history sites and provide tips on how to find Alabama ancestors in cyberspace.

Wednesday, October 17

AUM Writes! 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. AUM will celebrate the National Day of Writing with numerous writing-themed events and activities taking place throughout the day on the first floor of Goodwyn Hall. The event is free and open to the public. For more info, call 244-3376. Junior League Holiday Market -Through October 20 MultiPlex @ Cramton Bowl in downtown Montgomery. Be prepared to shop ‘til you drop with more than 100 merchants! Preview Party October 17 ~ 6-9 p.m.’ Market ~ October 18-19 ~ 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Market ~ October 20 ~ 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Thursday, October 18

ArchiTreats: Food For Thought The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. Noon-1 p.m. Bring lunch and a drink and join us every third Thursday for these FREE lectures sponsored by Friends of the Alabama Archives. Today’s topic is “The Space Race in Alabama in the 1950s and 1960s,” presented by Andrew J. Dunar. Call 353-4726 or visit www.archives. alabama.gov. Millbrook Community Players Present Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play -- Through October 21 Special presentation dinner theatre; four shows only! Written by Joe Landry and directed by Chris Perry. October 18-20 at 7:30 p.m.; October 21 at 2 p.m. Spies, murder, love and other trademarks of Alfred Hitchcock come to life in the style of a 1940s radio broadcast of the master of suspense’s earlier films. With The Lodger, Sabotage and The 39 Steps, Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play is a triple feature, complete with vintage commercials, that recreates a daring train chase, a serial killer’s ominous presence, and a devastating explosion

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October 2012 through the magic of live sound effects and musical underscoring. Call 334-782-7317 or visit www.millbrooktheatre.com for ticket information. Tickets are $22 and include dinner.

Friday, October 19

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Late Nite Catechism -- Through October 21 Uproariously funny play that takes the audience back to their youth. The irrepressible Sister teaches class to a roomful of “students.” Throughout the course of the class the benevolent instructor rewards the “students” for correct answers with glow-in-the-dark rosaries and other nifty prizes. Naughty students may well find themselves on stage sitting in a corner reflecting their actions. However, even the most reluctant “students” will be clamoring to get into this Sister’s class. Now in its 14th year, Late Nite Catechism has brought its nostalgic kick to every state in the U.S. as well as to Canada, the U.K., and Australia. For ticket info, visit www.asf.net or call 271-5353. Tavern Fest at Old Alabama Town 7-9 p.m. Celebrate history with live music, food, dancing & craft beer! Visit www.oldalabamatown.com or call 240-4500.

Saturday, October 20

2012 Lions Club Chili Cook-off Riverwalk Stadium from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family-friendly event open to all ages! All proceeds will benefit various Montgomery Lions Club charities. Admission is $20/person. Visit MontgomeryLionsClub. com or call (334) 356-1180. Good Ole Days at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook -- Also October 21 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Stressed out? Take a step back in time and enjoy life when things were a lot simpler. Activities will include quilters, historic tours, dulcimers, hayrides, herding dog demonstrations, wood carving, goat cheese making, bee keeping, corn meal grinding, flint knapping, and period arts and crafts, just to name a few. Visit www. alabamawildlife.org or call 800-822-9453. Trick or Pink at The Shoppes at EastChase A family event, kids can enjoy the Pumpkin Patch, inflatables, interact with “Go Pink” characters and fairies, and take part in the costume contest at The Shoppes at EastChase from 6-8 p.m. Come together at the end to form two Human Pink Ribbons and a balloon release. All proceeds will benefit Joy to Life Annual Little, Teen & Miss/Mrs. River Region Pageants The annual River Region Pageants will be held at Prattville Doster Center. This pageant is open to young girls and ladies from Alabama, age 1 month to 30 years. Applications are due by October 10. Attire for the pageant is casual and formal wear. Optional categories and People’s Choice titles will also be awarded. There will be two pageant start times. Babies through Petite Miss will compete at 10 a.m. and Little Miss through Miss/Mrs. will compete at 2:45 p.m. The Little Miss River Region Pageant is a popular pageant where the winners in each age division enjoy activities and appearances throughout their reigning year including several area parades, pageant appearances and other events. Applications may be found online at www.MissRiverRegion.com or at the Bridal Boutique & Tux Shoppe, located at 127 W. Main Street, in downtown Prattville. For more information, visit the website or call (334) 313-5444.

Sunday, October 21

Southeastern Diabetes Education Services & River Regions Lions Clubs present River Region’s Fall Family Fun Day 2-5 p.m. Lanark Park, 3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook. Come join us for a fun day event for children living with diabetes and their families. Included in the event will be food, fishing, a treetop walk, team building activities,

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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diabetes education and fun for the whole family! Cost: $10 for immediate family of child with diabetes; $5 each for extended family members or friends. Scholarships available if needed. Please register in advance before October 17. E-mail info@southeasterndiabetes.org or call 205-402-0415. Send payments in advance to: SDES, 500 Chase Park South, Suite 104, Hoover, AL 35244. Dining in the Dark Alley Station. Come join the Emerge Torchbearers for a visionary experience...in the dark! This event will benefit and raise awareness for the family, friends, advocates and members of the visually impaired community. Visit www.dininginthedark.weebly.com. Family Day & Jazz Jams at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 2-4 p.m. Join us for Jazz Jams held in the orientation circle and the opportunity to make sculptures with recycled materials.Visit www.mmfa.org or call 240-4333. Spike Graham Band presents: Rolling Stones Tribute 7-9 p.m. Kiwanis Park. Spike Graham Band presents a tribute to the Rolling Stones’ 50th Anniversary. Visit www.oldalabamatown.com or call 240-4500.

Thursday, October 25

The Newcomers Club of Montgomery Monthly Luncheon The Newcomers Club of the Greater Montgomery Area invites women who are new residents in the area to attend our monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Arrowhead Country Club. This month’s luncheon will feature Corporal Yulanda Nichols from the Crime Prevention Unit of the Montgomery Police Department. Cost is $15 and reservations must be made by noon Monday, Oct. 22, to russell.cynthia98@yahoo.com or call 300-4949. Visit www.newcomersmontgomery.com Prattville Library 3rd Annual Silent Auction & Bake Sale Beginning at 9 a.m. Proceeds from this fundraiser will be used for capital improvements to the Prattville building and Autaugaville library building. We must install an HVAC system at Autaugaville to reopen the library and Prattville has leaky windows! Please check the attic for that antique table or bake some of your wonderful pound cake for our bake sale.

Friday, October 26

Alabama Dance Theatre Presents a Special School Performance of Dracula 9:30-11 a.m. and noon-1 p.m. Limited space available at Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Special ticket prices: $7. Contact Brenda Dennis at 241-2590. The Black Jacket Symphony presents Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” at MPAC 8 p.m. Tickets: $34, $29. For tickets or more info, visit www.mpaconline.org or call 481-5100.

Saturday, October 27

Alabama Dance Theatre Presents Dracula Also October 28 Sink your teeth into this thrilling vampire drama and see Alabama Dance Theatre’s dramatic adaptation of Bram Stoker’s gothic masterpiece “Dracula.” Choreographed by ADT’s own award-winning Sara Sanford, performances will be held October 27 at 7:30 p.m., and October 28 at 2:30 p.m. at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Call 241-2590 for information or visit www.alabamadancetheatre.com. Mystery Dinner Theater at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Ga. Bring your detective skills and appetite for a Zombiethemed Mystery Dinner Theater. For those who have been missing the fun, a Mystery Dinner Theater includes a little detective work while you dine on delicious cuisine prepared by Callaway Gardens’ culinary team. The mystery will include opportunities for guests to interact with the cast. Guests selected just before the show will receive reading parts and will be cued to deliver their award-winning performances. Expect a few surprises

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

and activities to add to the fun, and solving the mystery comes with token prizes for the winning team. Reserve at least 48 hours in advance, by calling 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292). Registration is limited, so make your reservation soon. Spinners 31st Annual “Pumpkin Patch” Arts and Crafts Show -- Also October 28 9 a.m.-5 p.m. October 27; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. October 28. Spinners Park, Prattville. Free parking. Artists and craftsmen from throughout the Southeast with original work for sale, entertainment, food alley, activities, 5K/8K run, antique car show and more.Visit www.spinnersprattville. com Haunting on the Harriott Join us for this year’s Haunting on the Harriott! Halloween-themed cruise boarding at 8 p.m. Cruising from 8:30-10:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $20/person. Adult-only cruise. Cash bar and concessions available. Musicial entertainment provided. Costumes required. To

purchase tickets, call 625-2100 or visit the Box Office at 200 Coosa Street.

Sunday, October 28

Where, When, How And Why: Landmarks’ Moving Experiences 2-4:30 p.m. 301 Columbus St. A first of its kind, this tour, led by Bob Gamble, senior architectural historian with the Alabma Historical Commission, and historian Mary Ann Neeley will discuss the “Wheres, Whens, Hows and Whys” of a select few of the fifty structures that Landmarks Foundation restored in Old Alabama Town. Where did they come from, when did they come, how did they get here and, significantly, WHY? Mary Ann will talk about finding old buildings, their conditions and the excitement and terror of moving a structure; Bob will discuss the architectural styles and why it was important to spend time, energy and funds to save them for posterity. Refreshments and further discussion will follow the

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Family Calendar walk. Tour begins at 301 Columbus Street. Because of its nature, this tour will be limited to 25 people. Please make reservations by calling 240-4518. The tour will be $10 per person. Wetumpka Candy Walk Toddlers-4th grade. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Behind the Wetumpka City Administrative Building. Please bring a canned good for donation to the Elmore County Food Pantry. For more info, call 567-5147.

Wednesday, October 31

Hiroshima/Nagasaki: The Aftermath and Legacy Also November 1 6 p.m., Moore Hall 106N at Auburn Montgomery. AUM’s Office of International Affairs will present a two-day event exploring the aftermath and legacy of the nuclear bombings of two Japanese cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, during World War II. On Oct. 31, there will be a screening of the documentary “White Light/Black Rain: The Destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki,” followed by a panel discussion. On Nov. 1, there will be a live telecast with a survivor of the Hiroshima bombing. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, call 244-3375. Disney on Ice: Treasure Trove at Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center -- Through November 4 For ticket information, visit www.bjcc.org or call (205) 458-8400.

Thursday, November 1

An Evening of One Acts with Theatre AUM Through November 3; also Nov. 7-10 Theatre AUM is located in the Taylor Center at AUM, 7440 East Drive. $10 general admission; $5 senior citizen, student and military (with military ID); and AUM students, faculty, staff and alumni are free with ID. For

October 2012

reservations or more information please contact Katie Pearson, 244-3632 or e-mail kpearso2@aum.edu.

Saturday, November 3

Pike Road Arts & Crafts Fair Hosted by the Pike Road Civic and Community Club at the historic Marks House on Pike Road from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $2; children under eight are free. For more info, visit www.pikeroadfair.org. Breastfeeding Class Breastfeeding and lactation education designed for expectant mothers, fathers, and/or support persons. Class includes benefits, basic breastfeeding techniques, and prevention of common problems. 10 a.m.-noon. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. $15 covers mother and support person. Pre-registration required. Call 293-8497 or visit www.jackson.org/events to register or for more info. The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Ga. Enjoy spectacular horse racing, beautiful Fall weather and a day of fun with friends at The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens. Benefiting the arts, the event features top riders in their sport. Terrier races, art displays, music and stylish picnicking round out this annual event. For more information, please call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) or visit www.callawaygardens.com. Callaway Gardens Fitness Series: Twilight 10K Run through beautiful Callaway Gardens at twilight in the 10K, one part of the Callaway Gardens Fitness Series. Register at www.active.com. This is the fifth of six events for the annual Callaway Gardens Fitness Series. It is certified by US Track and Field and is a qualifier for Atlanta’s Peachtree Road Race.

Sunday, November 4

Callaway Gardens Fitness Series: Mountain Bike Competition Mountain bike enthusiasts of all skill levels test themselves on Callaway’s Mountain Bike course at the Steeplechase site. Register at www.active.com. This is the final event for the annual Callaway Gardens Fitness Series.

Tuesday, November 6

Founders’ Day at Callaway Gardens The public is invited to visit Callaway Gardens with free admission to pay tribute to Gardens’ founder Cason Callaway. Special organ concerts will be featured in the Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel. For more information, please call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) or visit www.callawaygardens.com.

Wednesday, November 7

Alabama Frontier Days -- Through November 11 Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson State Historic Site, Wetumpka. Reenactment of Alabama’s frontier days from French Colonial times to the Early American period. Includes Native American reenactors, period traders, merchants and entertainers, pottery making, dugout canoe construction, hide tanning and Creek Indian hunting camp. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Call (334) 567-3002 or visit www.fttoulousejackson.org

Calendar information due by the 15th of each month. Send an email to editor@montgomeryparents.com.

Business Card Directory Amber Holley Owner/Operator

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Home Based Business Directory CapitalCitySingles

Does your child need extra help with reading and math skills? I’m an experienced school teacher of more than 15 years and work with patience and understanding. I work with children from pre-K through 3rd grade. Call Cynthia Henderson at 334.201.9524 or 334.239.9630 or email cynthiaahenderson@gmail.com.

Piano Lessons

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Beginners, Intermediate, or Advanced. Experienced Teacher & Adjudicator. MTNA and Nationally Certified. Summer lessons available. Call now for information at 334-265-8154.

Knitting & Crocheting Lessons

Mommy, Milk, & Me, Inc.

Need a “Phenomenal” Independent Beauty Consultant?

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Without Detergent or Fabric Softeners / No Hot Water Average family saves about $500/per year Call Judi for details at 334-220-7229.

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

MaryCare Adult Day Care Home

Services for persons with Learning Disabilities, Memory Loss, Dementia, or Alzheimer’s. Care provided in my home at and affordable daily rate. 7:00 to 5:30 Mon-Fri. Call now for information at 334-320-5108.

Kiddie Kat Parties Party Planner for Kids & Teens Amazing Parties for Amazing Prices; Party Package only $60! Call or email today at partygirlahmanimurray@gmail. com or (334)-324-3970.

Lucky Lawns

Top quality lawn care for your home and business! Dependable tri-county service. Call James today at 424-2974 for a free estimate. 20% off for referrals!

Chemistry Tutor

(current LAMP teacher) Clarence Hann IV 334-315-7070 channiv@yahoo.com

For all people, all ages. Contact Katie Garner at 334-322-7791 or krgarner1@yahoo.com

Advanced Placement Chemistry Honors Chemistry General Chemistry

Saxon Lawn Service

You grow it, we mow it Affordable pricing

Contact Kesha D Shaw at 334-538-8643 or visit www.marykay.com/kdshaw01 e-mail: kdshaw01@marykay.com

Please call 274-0324

Williams Carpentry

BJ’s Cleaning Service

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

“We Clean When You Don’t Want To” Move In/Move Out, Residential and Commercial, Construction Sites Quality and Reasonable Rates Call Betty Dennis, Cleaning Specialist, at 334.303.2585 for a free estimate.

Birthday Parties

Hand-n-Hand Teaching Materials is offering Birthday Parties for children from birth to age 8. Plan a summer party for your child with Melissa & Doug Products. Call (334) 651-1292.

Sherrie’s House Cleaning

Independent, Professional, Experienced, Excellent References, Reasonable Rates and Free Estimates Call 334-782-7859

Work From Home

Need 10 people to join our team. Full training provided. You will need internet and phone with long distance. Call 334.245.4196 or email martinaperry@mail.com

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

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Introducing Jamberry NailShields, heat activated-simply use your hair dryer. No chipping, No Peeling, No fumes, Fun For All Ages. Over 250 Designs to Choose From. Order Online or In-home parties. Have a Parent and Children nail fun day with friends. Go to www. simplyfunnails.com or call: Peggy 334-568-9260. Email: simplyfunnails@gmail.com

Home Childcare Experienced childcare in my Prattville home. Will keep children before and after school. Efficient rates. Any age. Call Patricia Thomas at 901-395 7285. Provides breastfeeding education, antepartum doula services, childbirth education, and Happiest Baby on the Block classes. Handmade breastfeeding greeting cards and breast pump rental services also available. For more info please contact Tangela Boyd at 334-782-9816. Email: Tangela@mommymilkandmeinc.com Website: www.mommymilkandmeinc.com

Piano Teacher

Tutoring Services

Image consulting firm that specializes in helping singles mothers or persons who want to enhance their lives. We offer self-esteem, self-assertiveness, and self-worth training. In addition, we specialize in hair and makeup makeovers. For a consultation, please call Kimberly Parker at 334-421-9293 or email me at capitalcitysinglesmixer@gmail.com. Visit our website www.capitalcitysingles.com.

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Montgomery Parents I October 2012

Fir

HELPFUL

Advertising Information

RESOURCES M o n t g o m e r y P a r e n t s ’ Advertiser Directory

Welcome to the Montgomery Parents’ Advertiser Directory. This section was created to help our readers easily access advertising information in our magazine. We know that readers consider our advertisers as valuable a resource as the editorial content in Montgomery Parents. We hope this directory saves you time as you refer to the magazine throughout the month. Page numbers follow the advertiser’s name. A Great Start Learning Academy, 44

First UMC Montgomery, 77

Ace Bowling Center, 2

First UMC Prattville, 56

Paradise Pumpkin Patch, 66 Party Ponies by Renfroe & Daughters, 92

Adventure Sports II, 43

Fleming’s Martial Arts, 48

Pediatric Cardiology, 48

Alabama Army National Guard, 91

Frazer Memorial UMC, 51

Pediatric Nephrology of Alabama, 84

Alabama Christian Academy, 25

Grand Ole Pumpkin Patch, 59

Petrunic Orthodontics, 47

Alabama Dance Theater, 61

Handwriting for Kids, 93

Pike Road Community Arts Festival, 63

Arts in Motion, 86

Heart of Dixie Railroad, 61

Professional Pediatrics, 12

ASKIN/Synergy House, 92

Holiday Market, Junior League, 29

Pump It Up Party, 56

Auditory/Visual Enhancement, 27

Holy Cross Episcopal School, 26

River Region Straw, 91

Baptist Health, 9

Hooper Academy, 32

Riverview Camp, 68

Barrington Place, 86

Huntington Learning Center, 31

Rolling Video Games of AL, 21

Bradford Health Services, 79

Jenna Ann Photography, 93

Saint James School, 21

Brandi McNew-Counselor, 39

KLynn Ice Skating School, 84

Savannah L. Bowden Photography, 69

Cancer Care Center, 4

Kazoo Toys, 31

Schlotzsky’s, 20

Carver Arts After School Program, 35

Kingry Orthodontics, 83

Shade Tree Riding Academy, 43

Catoma Baptist Church Preschool, 47

Kumon East, 15

Smart Smiles, 41

Chapman Orthodontics, 91

Kumon Central, 41

Smiles Galore Parties, 18

Children’s Hospital of Ala, Inside Front Cover

Learning Tree Child Care, 82

Southlawn Childcare Center, 28

Chris Neil Guitar Lessons, 87

Legacy Environmental Education, Inside Back

Spacewalk of Montgomery, 90

Churchill Academy, 28

Lil Pea Pod Boutique, 25

Spacewalker, The, 55

Clean America, 90

Macon East Montgomery Academy, 23

Spotless Cleaning Services, 11

Cottage Rental Agency, 73

Mathnasium, 38

St. Bede Child Development Center, 14

Dancewear, Etc., 92

Metro Fitness Zumba, 88

Success Unlimited Academy, 33

Dentistry for Children, 44

Mistletoe Market, 64

Sunny Side Child Care, 89

Disney on Ice, 3

Montessori @ Hampstead, 17

Sylvan Learning Center, 24

Docarmo’s Taekwondo Center, 1

Montessori @ Mulberry, 65

Taylor Crossing Animal Hospital, 57

Doodlebugs, 14

Montessori Academy, 75

Taylor Made Gaming, 85

Dr. Bradley Willis-Dentist, 24

Montgomery Ballet, 42

Taylor Road Baptist Church, 50

Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 50

Montgomery Humane Society, 67

The Big Green Bus, 92

Dreamfield Farms, 8

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 89

The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover

Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 37

Montgomery Pediatric Dentistry/Orthodontics, 32

Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection, 93

E & S Hobbies, Inc., 93

Montgomery Taekwondo, 93

Tree Theater Company, 18

Eastdale Mall, 13

Montgomery Zoo, 45

Twisted Spur, 85

Edward Jones-Lane Easterling, 87

Mrs. Sandy’s House, 93

United Family Services Outreach, 93

ERA Lake Martin, Mike Langston, 89

My Kids Attic, The Shoppes at, 19

United Gymstars & Cheer, LLC, 63

Evangel Christian Academy, 30

New Park, 53

Vaughn Park Church Upward B’ball, 83

Family Karate Center, 7

New Testament Christian Center, 65

Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 81

First Baptist Church, Montgomery, 36

O’Connor Tennis Lessons, 37

Vaughn Urgent Care, 55

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

www.montgomeryparents.com

House at the End of the Street

Hotel Transylvania MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: C+ Sexual Content: BLanguage: AAlcohol / Drug Use: B+ The MPAA has rated Hotel Transylvania PG for some rude humor, action and scary images. Built high on a rocky cliff, Hotel Transylvania is no tropical retreat. Still, it provides refuge and relaxation for the monsters, zombies and other spooky specters that come there as the clients of the owner Count Dracula (voice by Adam Sandler). But while the ghoulish guests appreciate the respite from human persecution, the Count’s daughter Mavis (voice of Selena Gomez) yearns to break out and see what’s on the other side of the castle walls. As the old familiar faces arrive to celebrate Mavis’ 118th birthday, the young girl resolves to hold her father to his promise to let her flit her tiny bat wings across the countryside on the eve of her party. However after getting the okay to swoop downhill to a nearby human village, Mavis is suddenly surrounded by an angry mob brandishing pitchforks and flaming torches. In a matter of minutes, she believes the world outside the castle to be as horrible and scary as the bedtime stories her father told her. Rushing home, she relinquishes her dreams of ever leaving again. At the same time, the flames from the village attract the attention of a young backpacker named Jonathan (voice of Andy Samberg) who makes his way past the town, up the hill and through the revolving front doors of the hotel. The Count’s discovery of a human in his secluded accommodations sends chills up his lifeless spine. Afraid of losing his guests’ trust and exposing his daughter to this terrible threat, Dracula forces the tousled haired redhead to pretend he is a distant relative of Frankenstein’s (voice by Kevin James). Yet while the Count tries to find a way to successfully remove Jonathan from the premises without revealing his identity and alarming the patrons, the partygoers (voices by Fran Drescher, Steve Buscemi, Molly Shannon, David Spade and CeeLo Green) take a liking to the new arrival that brings an enthusiastic spirit of fun to the usually dreary birthday bashes. Most enthralled by his presence is the guest of honor herself. Employing as much adult oriented humor as kid-aimed cracks, Hotel Transylvania’s script includes some smart one-liners, funny sight gags and rude jokes (often about fecal matter), most of which are more chuckle-worthy than laugh-out-loud. However gruesome images of burning zombies, creatures impaled with pitchforks and skeletons rising from the grave make this animation better suited for a slightly older audience.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: CViolence: CSexual Content: BLanguage: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: D+ The MPAA has rated House at the End of the Street PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and terror, thematic elements, language, some teen partying and brief drug material. After she became a household name in The Hunger Games, Jennifer Lawrence is a hot property for teen targeted titles, and this one fits that bill perfectly. Having just moved from the big city to a house in a wooded, small town neighborhood, Lawrence’s character Elissa and her mom Sarah (Elisabeth Shue) realize they were only able to rent their upscale, sprawling home due to an incident that happened next door. Four years prior to their arrival we see the gruesome event of young Carrie Anne murdering her parents, leaving only her brother to survive the tragedy. There is also the rumor that Carrie Anne’s body was never found and that she’s still roaming the forest. Now Ryan (Max Thieriot) lives in the home by himself and the neighbors are anything but compassionate. They feel the house has eroded property prices and want it destroyed. Elissa however, is developing feelings for the estranged orphan occupant, especially when he offers the only hope for a safe ride home after she’s been hit on by a sexually aggressive senior boy from her school. With her protective mother worried about her daughter’s rescue project, Elissa begins covering her tracks with lies about where she is going and call forwarding the home phone to her cell when her mom checks in on her from work. Of course this, and a myriad of other stupid decisions, will cause problems once the terror begins. Targeting adolescent audiences with its relatively young cast, HATES (the acronym given to this movie’s lengthy title) offers overly dramatic dialogue. Light on gore but heavy on jump scenes, the movie will be effective at convincing youth that the strange person on their street is a deranged killer. Between the all-too-typical script and content issues, there are few reasons to put your money down on this film. From an artistic point of view the plot includes a couple of good twists and there are some capable actors on the screen -- Lawrence being one of them. It’s just unfortunate the performers don’t have any substance to work with, and there is no sense of subtlety to build convincing horror. Good chance you can pass by this house and not miss much.

What Parents Need To Know About House at the End of the Street...

Violence: A child with a knife is shown struggling with a mother and father, eventually murdering both of them. A struggling girl is physically held captive and her neck is broken. A character is stabbed. A girl deliberately burns her arm as part of an escape attempt. Sexual Content: In two different scenes young, unmarried couples are seen kissing passionately. During an argument a teen girl implies that her mother thinks she’s having “unprotected sex.” Language: Infrequent use of mild and moderate profanities, as well as scatological terms. Drugs/Alcohol: Teen drinking and drunkenness is depicted. Adults are shown using recreational drugs. Other: Teen gambling is portrayed. Teens lie to parents about extracurricular activities and their whereabouts.

What Parents need to know about Hotel Transylvania...

Violence: A father scares his daughter with bedtime tales about humans. Scary scenes include graveyards with living dead characters, monsters and other frightening images. Characters are punched, stabbed with a pitchfork, set on fire, squashed, persecuted, chased from their home and killed. A car crashes down the side of a hill with occupants inside. Sexual Content: A woman pulls a child into her bosom. Two bugs are interrupted in their bedroom on their honeymoon. A female skeleton is seen taking a shower. A character pulls down the invisible man’s bathing suit. Men are seen in towels in sauna. A couple kisses. Brief sexual innuendo is included. Language: Brief name-calling is heard. Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters are shown in a bar. www.montgomeryparents.com

Montgomery Parents I October 2012

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