Every day someone suffers in silence Although the warning signs may be hard to recognize, they are there. Recognize the signs. Know how to start the conversation. Know where to get help. Talking about suicidal thoughts can save a life.
Call 1-800-2 73-8255 Available 24 hours every day alabamapublichealth.gov/suicide
Discovering the World Right from the Classroom Visit our state-of-the-art campus and you will see first-hand how your child’s education is enriched through experiential science, art, music, and world language labs from Pre-K3 through 12th grade.
Saint James School FOR PRE-K3 THROUGH 12TH GRADE ADMISSIONS
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Leading the Way Since 1955 S T J w e b . o r g Ask us about our Financial Assistance Program. Academic support for English Language Learners available. Saint James School admits students of any religion, race, gender, creed, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.
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SJ01-39774 Parent's Ad Sept. 2017.indd 1
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A T T O R N E Y S A T L AW
P LAN FOR HER FUTURE. SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING
At Capell & Howard, our attorneys understand the fear of not knowing how your special needs child will be financially and physically cared for once you’re gone. We understand those fears because everyday, we talk and work with parents who are afraid for the futures of their special needs children — afraid the children will lose their government benefits, afraid they’ll make a poor medical decision, afraid they’ll one day be without a caretaker. We understand because we listen, and we listen because we want to help. That’s why we offer you a solid legal plan for your child’s future, one that’s sculpted to address your concerns and meet your child’s many needs. With your input, we develop a plan that provides for the financial and physical well-being of your special needs child — today and every day that follows. Our special needs planning attorneys: April D. Wise (334) 241-8096 April.Wise@chlaw.com
Lee “Russ” M. Russell, Jr. (334) 241-8012 Russ.Russell@chlaw.com
Sarah S. Johnston (334) 241-8030 Sarah.Johnston@chlaw.com
MONTGOMERY (334) 241-8000 | OPELIKA 3 (334) 501-1540 | CAPELLHOWARD.COM
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No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
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Volume 22 Number 9
8 Living With Children John Rosemond
12 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Professional Pediatrics
14 Montgomery Education Matters
7 Qualities of Helpful Parents
The middle ground between helicopter & absentee parenting.
Talking to Kids About Disabilities
Conversation starters and answers to their questions.
by Superintendent Reginald Eggleston, Ed.D.
40 Pike Road Education Matters by Superintendent Charles Ledbetter, Ed.D.
44 Autauga Education Matters by Superintendent Spence Agee
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48 Elmore Education Matters by Superintendent Richard Dennis
54 The College Years by Lee Gonet
60 Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs
Caring for Caretakers How to support the parents of special needs children.
Special Needs Guide Local and national resources assist in caring for your child.
62 Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston
66 Get This! Gerry Paige Smith
82 A Page in a Book
On The Cover Jack Trulove (18) attends Churchill Academy and is on the autism spectrum. He is the son of Tim and Bonnie Trulove and brother to Brock Trulove (20) and Gracie Trulove (19). Jack loves Dream Court, “Miss Jessica” and her volunteers. Jessica Weyreuter has a gift for knowing how to share tennis with people of all ages who most likely would never have believed they could learn how to play. Jack is very proud of what he’s learned at Dream Court.
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Gerry Paige Smith
Departments 10 Bits and Pieces 16 School Bits 86 Calendar/Support Groups 96 Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents
Editor’sNote It’s an exciting month for all of us here at Montgomery Parents! We are hosting our 2nd Annual Special Needs Expo on September 16th and we want to meet you there! Numerous exhibitors will be present to share about their products, support groups, recreational activities, therapies and other services for your child or loved one with special needs. This year’s Expo will be held in the Atrium at Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Highway, from 10 am to 1 pm. You don’t need to leave the kids at home either! We will have face painting, balloon twisting and open play on the indoor playground right inside the Atrium. Make plans to come and connect with our sponsors and exhibitors whose greatest desire is to support you in raising your special needs child. Please turn to page 45 for information on having a booth at the event or email jason@montgomeryparents.com with any other questions about this very special day! September’s issue of Montgomery Parents is always devoted to special needs families in our community. Our Special Needs Resource Guide is filled with well over 100 different resources including support groups, educational support, financial resources, recreational opportunities and much more! Sarah Lyons article, Talking to Kids About
Disabilities, offers a fresh perspective on helping your children understand and approach those who are different from themselves. In Caring for the Caretaker, Christa Hines shares specific ways we can come alongside our friends or family members who are raising a child with special needs. These parents deal with many extra challenges on any given day and often put their own needs last. This is where we can come in and provide a need for them, whether babysitting so they can have a few hours to relax at a coffee shop, running
The River Region’s Foremost Parenting Source Montgomery Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Montgomery Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.
Founder Marty Watson (1950-2006) Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@montgomeryparents.com Associate Editor Alison Rouse Research Editor Wendy McCollum Contributing Writers Spence Agee Robert Coggin, M.D. Richard Dennis Reginald Eggleston, Ed.D. Lee Gonet Mark Gregston Christa Melnyk Hines Carolyn Jabs Christina Katz Dr. Charles Ledbetter Sarah Lyons John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith
Cover Photography Lori Mercer
a few of their errands to relieve their schedule a bit, or simply suggesting resources we are aware of that can aid them in caring for their child. A great way to help a caretaker in your life this month is to hand them this issue of Montgomery Parents and offer to attend our Special Needs Expo with them. You can keep an eye on the kids so Mom and Dad can soak up all the information and support our exhibitors and sponsors will be there to provide. Let me draw your attention to a few other articles in this month’s issue that you won’t want to miss. Mark Gregston offers A Crash Course in Teen Drug Use in Parenting Today’s Teens, Carolyn Jabs asks “Is Your Family Using Technology Wisely” in Growing Up Online, and Christina Katz helps us find the middle ground between helicopter and absentee parenting in 7 Qualities of Helpful Parents. As you can see, this month’s issue is chock full of advice and ideas for the various seasons of your parenting journey. We are blessed to travel this road with you each month and with each new issue of Montgomery Parents. We look forward to meeting many of you on September 16th!
Associate Publisher Gena Hill Digital Manager Scott Davis Advertising Opportunities Stephanie Parsons, VP of Client Services (334) 213-7940 ext. 703 ads@montgomeryparents.com Ad Design Tim Welch Distribution Manager Chris Mitchell
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Member
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Montgomery Parents I September 2017
Publisher Jason Watson jason@montgomeryparents.com
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Montgomery Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing LLC, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, Alabama, 36123. Montgomery Parents is copyrighted 2017 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. opinions expressed in Montgomery Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.
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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond
Survey Rates Parenting Mental Health Do you need a parent-nanny? Not a nanny for your child, mind you, but one for YOU! I recently introduced my readers to what I call “upside-down, inside-out and turned around backwards parent-view disorder” (the column in question is currently posted on johnrosemond. com). The symptoms of this ubiquitous malady include pervasive and persistent parenting stress, worry, anxiety, guilt, anger, resentment, and then, more guilt. When all is said and done, these poor souls are in never-ending confusion over, “Who’s in charge around here?” Many of the folks who suffer from UDIOTABPVD are in denial—clueless, in the vernacular. So, to help these suffering souls self-identify, I am rolling out the “Am I Or Am I Not a Raving Parenting Lunatic Scientific Rating Scale.” Here’s how it works: Simply write T (for True) or F (for False) to the left of each of the following 20 questions. Don’t think too much about any answer. Go with your initial inclination.
Montgomery Parents I September 2017
1. I think more about my children than I think about anything else. 2. I believe parents should pay as much attention to their children as they possibly can. 3. I want to be involved in every aspect of my kids’ lives. 4. My relationships with my children are the most important relationships in my life. 5. I want my children to like me. 6. When a decision of mine upsets one of my children, I usually secondguess myself. 7. It’s a parent’s responsibility to help a child get good grades in school. 8. Bullying is anything done to my child by another child that upsets my child. 9. Other adults often fail to understand and treat my child properly. 10. When my child feels upset, I feel upset as well. 11. I usually finish an instruction to my child with the word “Okay?” 12. One of my children is very argumentative.
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13. One of my children seems to be very needy of my attention. 14. One of my children often interrupts me when I’m talking to someone else. 15. Raising a child (or children) is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. 16. Worrying about one or another of my kids causes me frequent sleep deprivation. 17. One of my children is very demanding and disrespectful. 18. One of my children cannot take “no” for an answer. 19. I feel guilty about sometimes wanting my children to leave me alone. 20. I must be doing something wrong. If you answered “True” to between zero and 5 questions, inclusive of 5, you’re okay. Remain calm and stay the course. If you answered True to between 6 and 10 questions, inclusive, you are shaky but hanging in there. If you answered True to between 11 and 15 questions, your parenting mental health is over the edge. If you answered True to more than 15 questions, you are a certified parenting wreck. You need a live-in parenting expert—a parent-nanny, if you will. Call me. Anything is negotiable. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.
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Lowder New Homes is now building in New Park. Lowder New Homes and New Park are teaming together for the first time. The trusted and well-known Montgomery builder will soon have a presence in this growing neighborhood in east Montgomery. Initial plans include the construction of 55 quality homes inside this family-friendly community with a
sparkling lake, beautiful landscaping, a neighborhood pool and wide sidewalks that lead to the city’s newest schools. Plus there are new amenities to come! This partnership is big news for those interested in building out east. And now, it is one more reason families are choosing New Park.
New Park Home to East Montgomery
9430 PARK CROSSING | 334.215.9215 | NEWPARKLIVING.COM
Between Ray Thorington Road and Taylor Road A J I M W I L S O N & A S S O C I AT E S D E V E L O P M E N T
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MPAC Presents
For tickets, visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100. The Black Jacket Symphony Presents The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band September 16 * 8 p.m. Tickets begin at $30.
Holiday Children’s Theatre Auditions
at Wetumpka Depot and Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Peppa Pig’s Surprise September 22 * 6 p.m. Come join Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and more in an all-singing, all-dancing adventure full of songs, games and surprises. Tickets begin at $15.
Fall Tennis for Kids and Adults with Special Needs
Dream Court, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides adaptive tennis programs for individuals with special needs. The organization will begin its fall tennis session on Sunday, September 9, at Edward Thompson Park, 1655 Ray Thorington Rd., Pike Road. Our mission is to teach the lifetime sport of tennis and life skills to children and adults of varying ability levels. For more info, contact Jessica Weyreuter at (334) 414-1980 or dreamcourtinc@gmail.com.
31st Annual Broadway Under the Stars
September 7 * 7:30 p.m. The Montgomery Symphony performs Broadway classics as attendees relax on blankets and lawn chairs at this yearly concert celebration. Picnic baskets and coolers are welcome at this FREE concert performed lakeside at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Gates open at 5 p.m for picnicking. For more info, visit www. montgomerysymphony.org/pops-concerts/.
Disney on Ice: Follow Your Heart
Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome Awareness
October 7 * 9 a.m.-noon. John Mark Stallings Football Field, Faulkner University. Your participation in the Buddy Walk helps the Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group provide information and support to families in the Montgomery Tri-County area. Registration fee is $15 per person until Sept. 10. After Sept. 10, the registration fee goes up to $20 per person. For more info, visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com/. Montgomery Parents I September 2017
Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center September 22-24 Legacy Arena. Tickets start at $15. Costumes are not permitted for guests 14 years & older. Please purchase tickets from Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800) 745-3000.
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Auditions for A Christmas Story will be held at the Wetumpka Depot September 16-17. Youth auditions begin at 2 p.m.; adults at 4 p.m. This play is written by Philip Grecian and directed by Kristy Meanor. Performance dates are November 27-December 2. Performances include weekdays, evenings and weekends. Seeking 6 men age 20+, 4 women age 20+, 10 boys age 6-14, and 4 girls age 8-13. All parts are speaking parts and require good confidence and projection. All ages are based on appearance and demeanor rather than calendar age. Those auditioning will be asked to read selections from the script. For more info, contact Kristy Meanor at kmeanor@wetumpkadepot.com. Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre holds auditions for A Charlie Brown Christmas September 17-18 from 6:308:30 p.m. at the Prattville Cultural Arts Building, 203 West 4th Street. Written by Charles M. Schulz, based on the television special by Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson, and directed by Pamela Trammell. Performance dates are December 6-17. Parts are available for five boys/youth and five girls/youth as well as a boy or girl to play the part of Snoopy. Actors can range from 6 to 18 years old and should be able to sing at least with a group. Some parts for adults are available as well. For more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit wobt.prattvilleal.gov. www.montgomeryparents.com
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Easy, Peasy Back to School Snacks!
Montgomery Ballet Presents Ballet and the Beasts
September 22 * 6-10 p.m. Enjoy the Montgomery Ballet in a FREE performance under the stars at the Montgomery Zoo. Fun for all ages. Picnic blankets, lawn chairs and coolers are welcome. Face painting will be available and door prize drawings will be held at intermission. For more info, call (334) 625-4900 or visit montgomeryzoo.com.
Sept. 16 * 9-11 a.m. EAT South, 485 Molton Street, Montgomery. Bring the kids for this fun morning of snack making and tasting. Inspired by Japanese Bento and 1970s cookbooks we found at Goodwill, we’ll make snacks that are fun, tasty and healthy. $25 per family. Purchase tickets at Eventbrite. For more info, call (334) 422-9331 or find us on Facebook.
Backyard Campout at Millbrook’s Lanark September 16-17
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Dream Court Hosts ‘A Knight to Shine’
Mothers and sons, join us Friday, September 22, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Montgomery Country Club. Dress to the nines and celebrate at this Mother/Son ball hosted by Drem Court. Tickets will sell out quickly and are available at www. eventbrite.com. Thank you for supporting Dream Court Montgomery!
Enjoy a night with your family under the stars making s’mores, watching a movie and taking a glow stick night hike! Guests need to bring their own camping supplies, and all camping will be tent only. Activities and setup will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, and campsites must be vacated by 11 a.m. Sunday. To RSVP for this event, call (334) 285-4550!
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AMC Theaters Offer Sensory-Friendly Movietimes
For guests and families living with autism or other special needs... AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory-Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. Please check your local theater listings for specific showtimes, and don’t forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly. Upcoming movies: September 9: Leap! and September 23: Lego Ninjago.
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KidsHealthWatch
Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics
Urinary Tract Infections in Kids Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common condition in children and one of the most frequently under diagnosed and misdiagnosed problems encountered. Although they are commonly called “urinary tract infections�, the infection is usually really in the bladder and more accurately called cystitis. An infection that is really in the kidney itself is called pyelonephritis and usually causes a more serious illness that sometimes requires hospitalization. By far most UTIs occur in girls especially after 1-2 years of age. The reason is obviously just the anatomy of girls. These infections usually start due to bacteria from the intestine getting on the skin and migrating into the genital area and moving into the bladder. Boys less than one year of age who are uncircumcised are at a higher risk of infection although it can still occur when they are older. The common symptoms of these infections are burning with urination, frequent urination, and sometimes fever. The urine may or may not have an odor so this is not always a reliable indication of infection. These infections can only be accurately diagnosed with a urinalysis and urine culture. The urine needs to be obtained so the possibility of contamination is minimized. The genitalia should be cleansed and the
Montgomery Parents I September 2017
urine collected in a sterile container. The urinalysis and culture need to be done as soon as possible after collection to be reliable. A UTI cannot always be diagnosed with a urinalysis alone. The urinalysis is helpful to give an indication that there is or is not an infection, but even if there is blood or protein or white blood cells in the urine, that does not mean that there really is an infection. Also, the urine may look almost entirely normal, but an infection may still be present. This is because different bacteria that cause the infection cause different inflammatory responses in the wall of the bladder, therefore, causing the urine to look different. It is essential that a urine culture be done to diagnose the infection. The culture can be done overnight to know if it is positive or negative. If it is positive it will need to be sent to a hospital lab or reference lab. This is done to identify the organism causing the infection and more importantly identify which specific antibiotics will treat the infection. Occasionally the initial antibiotic prescribed will have to be changed to one that is more effective. It is normal that girls may have one or two infections when they are older. You have to be concerned if they start having frequent, recurrent infections. Also, you have to be concerned if girls have an infec-
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tion less than one year of age or anytime a boy has an infection. The concern in these instances is that there may be an abnormality of the bladder or kidney causing the infections. Sometimes it is necessary to have x-rays or ultrasounds done to evaluate the problem. There is a real danger of serious, permanent kidney damage if they continue to have recurrent infections that are not diagnosed and evaluated properly. In girls, these infections frequently occur when proper hygiene is not observed after urinating or having bowel movements. Cleaning carefully from front to back can minimize the risk of infections. Also avoiding bubble baths can be a helpful preventive measure. Circumcision in boys can reduce the likelihood of infections. Of course, any time you have a suspicion of this type of problem, even if it does not seem to be severe, it is always a good idea to see your pediatrician. Dr. Coggin received his medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and did his pediatric residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. He began private practice in Mississippi and has been in Montgomery since 1983. He has two married daughters, one in Montgomery and one in Orlando, Florida. He enjoys college sports with his wife Cathy who is an attorney.
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Alumnus holding MIT Degree \ Science Olympiad \ Character Building Programs \ Music and Art
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You want your child to be given the opportunity to explore the world around them. You want them to have an excellent guide. One who can inspire them to follow their natural curiosities. And spark the difference that will set them on their journey of academic success. This is Catholic. Montgomer y C atholic Preparator y S cho ol
Grades K4 - 12
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Consider Career & Technical The Career and Technical programs in Montgomery Public Schools provide students will specific training in a variety of fields. Most of our programs allow students to earn certification that can put a new graduate into a great job with a good salary right out of high school. The crown jewel of our CT program is MPACT – Montgomery Precatory Academy for Career Technology. MPACT offers students nearly a dozen different programs ranging from traditional programs like HVAC, building science and welding, to less traditional paths
Montgomery Parents I September 2017
like advertising design, fire science and law and public safety. All students who successfully complete the program at MPACT will graduate with certification and credentials for their area of study. They can earn two per year. The National Center for Construction Education Research trade certification is also available for students. It allows graduates national employment opportunities in traditional skilled areas. But MPACT is not the only source of pride for our CT programs. All of our traditional high schools and Brewbaker Technology Magnet School offers professional training and certifications. Park Crossing has an Agra science and health science components. Carver has hospitality, tourism, culinary arts and advanced manufacturing. Lee boasts and IT academy as does Brewbaker. Lanier has a communication academy with a working TV studio. Jefferson Davis has health science classes for their students to help
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prepare our next generation of doctors, nurses and healthcare workers. Students also have the opportunity to earn college credits while enrolled in high school with our dual enrollment program. Leaving high school with nationally recognized industry certification and college credit is a win – win – win for our students. Giving them a step above others applying for jobs and even the competitive programs in colleges. If you have a child in middle school, he or she will have an opportunity to find out more about the specific programs available to MPS students. Talk with your child and your school’s counselor to discover more about our CT programs and the wonderful professional possibilities for your child upon graduation. Dr. Reginald Eggleston was recently named the new Superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools. He served as an assistant superintendent in Mobile for the last 10 years, and is happy to be back in Montgomery to serve its schools.
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ALABAMA’S HIGH SCHOOL Succeed at a high school where learning comes first. Find out how the Alabama School of Math and Science can lead you on a path to success. ASMS is our state’s only fully public, residential high school for highly motivated sophomores, juniors, and seniors seeking advanced studies in math, science, and the humanities.
Many people ask, “Do I have to be a ‘genius’ to be accepted to ASMS?” Answer: Absolutely NOT! ASMS is made up of students who are intelligent and work hard for academic success. The 2017 senior class earned $13 million in merit-based scholarships and scored a composite 29.5 on the ACT, the highest in the school’s history. More than half of the graduates scored above 30.
Applying to ASMS is FREE – and so are tuition, room, and board if you are admitted! Start your online application September 1, 2017 at www.asms.net.
Current Alabama 9th or 10th graders can apply. Questions? Email admissions@asms.net or call 251.441.3250.
Alabama School of Mathematics and Science 1255 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 36604 251.441.2100 - www.asms.net admissions@asms.net 15
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Montgomery County Schools
Carver Senior Wins Third Medal at Leadership Conference
Carver High senior Kionna Hooks has won her third straight medal at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America National Leadership Conference. Hooks has attended each of the last three FCCLA National Leadership Conferences. During the 2015 conference in Washington, D.C., she won the silver medal in the Career Investigation event. At last year’s conference in San Diego, she won the gold medal in the entrepreneurship event. This year, at the conference in Nashville, she won yet again, this time taking a silver medal in the Hospital, Tourism and Recreation event. She was one of more than 4,200 participants in that event. Her project at this year’s conference involved using her knowledge of the hospitality, tourism and recreation industries and translating it into a realistic business. She researched existing businesses and developed a basic business plan, gathered client information and created a website to highlight the business. Hooks, who is enrolled in Carver’s Hospitality and Tourism program, also completed the FCCLA Leadership Academy during the conference. She and other participants had the opportunity to attend leadership training, hear national speakers, meet the National Executive Council and explore colleges and careers.
Holy Cross Sixth-Graders Receive Flag Protocol
Connie MacDonald’s sixth-grade class at Holy Cross Episcopal School was very fortunate to have a very special distinguished visitor come to speak about the proper protocol involved in folding and flying the flag–Colonel Todd Westhauser, USAF Retired, Air University Headquarters at Maxwell Air Force Base, Director of Strategy and Concepts. Colonel Westhauser taught the class how to hold the flag, position it to be folded and how to tuck it in and create the iconic triangular shape ready to display. Colonel Westhauser allowed each student to have a turn participating in the proper position to begin folding and instructed the students that a third person is required in this important process to make certain that the flag never touches the ground. When properly folded, the flag should display the stars and be tucked in the shape of a triangle that represents the hats our forefathers wore when our country gained its independence from England during the American Revolutionary War.
ACA Holds Father/Son Football Retreat
Alabama Christian Academy held its first father/son retreat for the junior and senior football players. The retreat centered around growing the bond between father and son, lifting each other up, and truly getting face to face. Ronnie Peacock, father of ACA Coach Daysh Sanford, was the keynote speaker for the event.
Macon East Holds Summer Art Camp
Macon East Academy held Art Camp for lower and middle school students July 17-21. The camp brought together some creative minds and a plethora of exciting and fun projects. Art instructor Tiffany Ala and camp participants worked on seahorses, large birds, active sculptures, salt paintings, abstract painting and even slime. Montgomery Parents I September 2017
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Montgomery County Schools
Gingerbread Man Loose at Trinity!
Trinity Presbyterian School’s K4 students had a great start to the new school year as they read The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School. It was a great way to introduce them to the layout of the school as they followed clues around campus, which were left by the “Gingerbread Man.” The last clue sent them back to their classroom where they enjoyed eating a giant Gingerbread Man cookie. K4 teacher Julie Bethea is shown with her K4 students.
Cornerstone Kicks Off New Year
A new school year has begun at Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy. All students and their families were welcomed by Headmaster Jon English Lee during the opening chapel service, shown here. The administration at CCCA is very thankful to all of its faculty and families for coming together to make a wonderful start to the 2017-2018 school year.
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Montgomery Academy Junior Attends Leadership Program
U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (RTX-32) announced that Montgomery Academy junior Hannah Hale recently completed successful participation in the 2017 Pete Sessions Leadership and Growth Program (PSLGP). Congressman Sessions, who represents the Thirty-Second Congressional District, hosts the Leadership and Growth Program in Washington, DC every summer during the months of June and July. Students at the high school level participate and are given the opportunity to get an inside look into how our government works. “My summer leadership program provides students with the opportunity to expand their horizons and prepares them to consider, challenge and thoughtfully articulate the issues currently facing our nation,” Sessions said. “PSLGP participants see Washington firsthand by observing House Committee hearings, attending program forums with government officials and Washington leaders, and touring various historical sites, memorials, and monuments around the district.” During her week in Washington, Hale visited a number of historical sites including educational tours of the National Portrait Gallery, the Library of Congress, and the Supreme Court. In addition, she had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities, from visiting the Arlington National Cemetery and the Holocaust Museum to researching and discussing policy issues. She was also able to interact with other leaders in Washington, including Bill Shuster (R-PA-9), Doug Andres (Press Secretary for Speaker Paul Ryan) and Greg Walden (R-OR-2). “Each year I am delighted to welcome students to our nation’s capital,” concluded Sessions. “Hannah is a young leader who will undoubtedly be one of the future pillars of our communities and I look forward to seeing her grow and achieve her goals.” Hale is shown with Congressman Pete Sessions.
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Montgomery County Schools
Success Unlimited’s Administrative Staff Attends RenWeb Power Conference
Lee Cadets Honored For Completing Leadership Forum
Lee High’s Air Force Junior Officer Training Corps cadets were among those honored recently at a Montgomery Lions Club function. In June, the cadets completed the threeday Alabama Lions High School Leadership Forum at Troy University. At the luncheon, each student gave a short speech on his experience at the Leadership Forum. Shown here are Arron Holmes, Isaiah Trammel and Darrian Williams. Alexia Murry also attended the forum, but she was not able to attend the luncheon.
Success Unlimited Academy sent five administrative staff members to the 2017 RenWeb Power Conference held in Dallas, Texas July 10-13. RenWeb is the school’s online student management system. Classes were held daily with a record-breaking crowd of more than 1,200 educators. SUA has been using this online software program for seven years to monitor student performance and facilitate daily communication, along with a myriad of other applications. “This year the company instituted a new version of the program that our faculty and staff will need to use this fall,” said Headmaster Susan Alred. “It was imperative we took the classes necessary to enable our team to utilize the most up-to-date technology and new offerings.” Pam Johnson, school director of finance, said she looks forward to integrating the school’s Facts Tuition Management program with RenWeb to streamline payments, enable online applications and enrollment, and combine the databases to cut down on duplicate data entry. “I know our families will be thrilled with the new online admissions component,” said Johnson. “This alone will be a great timesaver for the parents and the school.” The trip ended with group sessions to complete summer assignments as the school prepares for the 2017-2018 school year.
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MIT Recognizes Saint James Teacher
For one very special teacher, her commitment to education has inspired her students with a lifelong love of learning for more than three decades. One such student was given the rare opportunity to publicly thank a teacher who made a difference in her life. This summer, the new Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) freshman Gyuna Kim, Saint James Class of 2017, was asked to nominate one teacher who had influenced her education like no other. For Kim, there was only one teacher to consider, Vicky Eichelberg. Eichelberg taught Kim in her advanced math courses while also serving as the Saint James High School Mathematical Department Chair. The mutual respect they had for each other’s talents was always evident. Kim’s high school accomplishments were extraordinary and so many of her achievements were derived from the education she received from Eichelberg. In the letter MIT sent to Saint James recognizing Eichelberg, it notes, “Most importantly, thank you for your time, patience, expertise, love, discipline and the other qualities which have made such an important impact on your students. All of society benefits from the wonderful work you do. We at MIT are deeply grateful.” “I know I speak for the hundreds of students Mrs. Eichelberg has taught at Saint James School when I say we are all as deeply grateful as Gyuna and MIT for the work she does every day,” stated Dr. Larry McLemore, Saint James Head of School. “Mrs. Eichelberg’s devotion to assisting our students in discovering their own capabilities in math and in so many other areas of their education is a true gift – a gift she shares with each student, and every class, year after year at Saint James School.” Shown, Eichelberg and Kim shared a special moment in 2015 when Kim was named the top scorer for Saint James when the school was named the Alabama Louisiana Mississippi Math League Competition High School Mathematics Regional Champion.
GOD HAS A PLAN AND A PURPOSE FOR ME
Evangel Christian Academy Evangel Christian Academy exists to partner with Christian parents to provide their child with a Christ-centered education. Our desire is to help each child achieve their God-given potential through providing activities designed to foster spiritual, academic and social growth.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord... Jeremiah 29:11
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Forest Avenue Academic Magnet School welcomed students back to school with a special photo booth. Parents were encouraged to post their “first day” photos on Instagram and Facebook using the hashtags #FAAMILY or #FAAMROCKS. The school’s PTA also hosted its annual “Boo Hoo” (or, for some, “WHOO-HOO”) breakfast for parents of kindergartners and new students. Attendance for the event was better than ever before. Parents had a great time getting to know each other as they began the school year!
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Holy Cross Observes Historic Eclipse of 2017
At Holy Cross Episcopal School, parents joined their children to share the experience of watching the solar eclipse together and teachers used the day for scientific extended studies. The next total eclipse will be in 2024, so we will have another opportunity to experience it as it returns to North America once again. It will cross Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, New York and Vermont and will last for 3 minutes and 49 seconds.
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Catholic Track Coach Receives Coach of the Year
Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Coach Ed Wright has been named the 2017 State of Alabama Girls’ High School Track & Field Coach of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). According to the USTFCCCA, “the honor is based upon the performance of Montgomery Catholic’s Girls’ Track and Field team throughout the 2017 season and is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the student athletes, the coaching staff and the administration of the school.” Montgomery Catholic’s Athletic Director Daniel Veres said of Wright, “After 11 years leading the Montgomery Catholic Racing Knights, and with a new Girls’ State title, this honor is well deserved. Coach Ed Wright will continue to encourage his team to be stronger and faster, and Montgomery Catholic athletes can look forward to continuing success under his leadership.” Coach Wright said, “We had a great year, but it would not have been possible without the dedication of our assistant coaches Kevin Madden, Coy Hunter and Hollis Johnson and of course the determination of our athletes. They all make my job easy. This is an award for our entire team!” Wright is shown with his 2017 Outdoor Track & Field State Championship team.
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Junior League’s 33rd Annual College And Career Night
College and Career Night, scheduled September 18 from 6-8 p.m. at Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center, is designed for high school junior and senior students, parents, guidance counselors and administrators in the tri-county area to explore college and career possibilities, gather scholarship information, and find out about financial aid opportunities. FREE to the public! In addition to financial aid seminars, a comprehensive booklet, “A Guide To Scholarships Loans and Grants,” published by the Junior League, is distributed free at the event and includes information on federal, state and local scholarships, grants and loans. For more info, call (334) 288-8816 or visit www.jlmontgomery.org/.
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Two Macon East Athletes Named Player of the Year
Macon East Academy baseball and softball teams ended their seasons as the AISA AA State Champions and State Runner-up. Leading the teams were catcher Drew Baker and short stop Madisyn Kennedy, recently named the AISA All Metro Player of the Year for baseball and softball. Baker’s state champion team finished the season 33-13 with him behind the plate as catcher. In six appearances on the mound, Drew was 3 and 1 with a 2.15 ERA. At the plate, he hit an impressive .396 with a .455 on base percentage and 37 RBIs. The dynamic catcher/pitcher has earned himself a spot on the Chipola College team for the 2019 season. Baker was also named to the AISA All State 2nd team. Benched due to a knee injury, he was a member of the Macon East state champion basketball team. Going into his senior season, he plans to lead the Knights back to the state playoffs working behind the plate and on the mound. Kennedy enters her junior year committed to play in the SEC at Mississippi State in 2020. Also named 1st team in AISA All-State, she hit .486 in the 2017 season including 10 home runs and a .540 on base percentage. She knocked in 77 runs and scored 69 in the Knights 63 game season. Finishing the year 51-12, the Lady Knights lost the state championship game to Autauga after a five-year reign as the state title holders. A star on the volleyball and basketball court as well as the softball field, Kennedy is an all-around outstanding athlete and scholar in the classroom. This junior powerhouse has two more seasons with the Knights before becoming a Bulldog, and she intends to add to her state champion ring collection. Montgomery Parents I September 2017
Montgomery Academy Students Place Fourth In National Judicial Competition
Eight Montgomery Academy students spent the first week of August in Chicago participating in the National Judicial Competition. Recent graduates Ford Cleveland, Lindsey Ferraro, Ellen Park and Caroline Sellers attended this mock trial competition for the fourth year in a row, together with new senior Fred Tippett, who attended for his third year, and junior and first-time NJC participants Carter Chandler, Hannah Hale and James Torbert. Government Club sponsor Stephanie Hill traveled to Chicago with the students. The team placed fourth in the national competition, out of forty other teams, and Park received a Best Attorney nod. The Alabama YMCA Youth in Government program (ALYIG) hosts a statewide mock trial tournament each November and this Montgomery Academy team participated in the final trial as the top defense team in Alabama in 2016, which led to its selection for the national competition. Students from all over the U.S. spend the summer working on trying both sides of a case; this year’s case was civil and the Montgomery Academy team was ready to argue vociferously for both the plaintiff and defense. High school mock trial cases are generally based on current events of interest to teenagers. This year’s case involved parasite-tainted water and the death of a young adult with an already compromised immune system. “It’s heartening to see high schoolers work so hard to memorize things like opening and closing statements and Federal Rules of Evidence or to sort through confusing exhibits in order to put on the best case they can,” said Hill. The desire and ability to master the law and witness roles is what helps a mock trial team rise to the top.” Park stated, “Four years of NJC has helped me discover a passion for the law and has equipped me with the skills necessary for handling myself in the public forum. I’m so fortunate to have been able to represent Montgomery Academy alongside my close friends for four years.” Last year, while in Chicago for the competition, students also toured the University of Chicago. This year, the students chose to tour Northwestern University and also took advantage of the opportunity to see Hamilton. But each team member knew he was there for business and spent the better part of the week in trials at the Chicago Bar Association or DePaul University School of Law. A team of Montgomery Academy’s mock trial students will travel to the Empire National Mock Trial Competition in September and is already working to master the case. From left are: senior Fred Tippett, junior Hannah Hale, junior James Torbert, Ellen Park (Class of 2017), Ford Cleveland (Class of 2017), Caroline Sellers (Class of 2017), junior Carter Chandler and Lindsey Ferraro (Class of 2017).
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Maxwell Helps Morris Get Ready for School Year Maxwell volunteers helped beautify T.S. Morris before the start of school.
Cornerstone Grammar Students Experience Eclipse
The Grammar School students of Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy experienced the “Great American Eclipse” with a fun-filled day beginning with Krispy Kreme eclipse doughnuts and various classroom activities, and concluded with watching NASA’s live stream coverage of the monumental event. In particular, the fifth-grade students made their own pinhole projector boxes to view the eclipse, and then they were able to follow up with safety viewing glasses to compare the different venues of seeing the eclipse. It was a wonderful day of experiencing firsthand the glory of God through His sovereignty of the universe.
4 Star Leadership is an international leadership camp, held on Okalahoma Christian University’s campus, put on by Four Star General Tommy Franks. It focuses on the four C’s of leadership: caring, community, communication and common vision. Throughout the week students take part in many activities, ethics bowls, give speeches and listen to world-renowned speakers such as Colonel Allen West. ACA student Colby Rives was awarded the “Four Star Leader Award,” which is voted on by all campers, counselors, and Mr. and Mrs. Franks. It is given to the camper who best exemplified leadership qualities throughout the week.
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Holy Cross Episcopal School is accredited by AdvancED (formerly SACS) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools We are a proud member of the National Association of Episcopal Schools
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BTW Freshman Wins Second Place in National Waterski Championship
Kate White might just be wading into the world of high school, but she has already conquered the water. The freshman at Booker T. Washington Magnet High School won second place in her division in the U.S. Waterski National Championships. She competed in the Girls 2 Slalom Division, which consists of girls 10-13. The competitors were 13 as of Dec. 31, 2016. The tournament, held Aug. 8-12 in San Marcos, Texas, was the last of the year and was restricted to Level 8 skiers -- the very highest level. White competed against 26 skiers in her division from all over the country.
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Alfa Insurance Donates Supplies to Forest Avenue
On August 7, Alfa Insurance announced Forest Avenue Academic Magnet Elementary School as the winner of its “Back to School Giveaway� Facebook contest. Representatives of Alfa delivered school supplies worth more than $400 to school on August 10, the first day of school for Forest Avenue students.
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ECA Receives Blue Ribbon Award Again
Evangel Christian Academy was recently named an AISA Blue Ribbon School. The Alabama Independent School Association awards this top honor to schools that excel in instruction, staff development, academic performance, student life, leadership and community interaction. ECA excelled in all areas. The school hosted several community service and outreach programs. The students were also given the opportunity to compete in many extracurricular activities and academic competitions with several students advancing to compete in both the district and state levels. The boys’ basketball teams excelled by winning a state championship in both the junior varsity and varsity league. The teams were honored by the mayor for their outstanding leadership. ECA has received the blue ribbon award for several years and looks forward to continuing to excel both inside and outside of the classroom.
Cornerstone Kindergartners Enjoy First Day
The 2017-2018 kindergarten class of Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy enjoyed meeting teacher Angie Martin and new fellow classmates at its annual Cookies in the Classroom event. Martin was joined by CCCA Headmaster Lee in welcoming the new students and their parents. After juice and cookies, the students explored the classroom, toured the school and visited with other parents.
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Catholic Senior Attends Governor’s School
Montgomery Catholic senior Chloe Newell attended the 30th Alabama Governor’s School over the summer. Held June 18-30 at Samford University, the conference brought together approximately 90 gifted Alabama high school seniors to learn about various professions and majors and provided a variety of academic, creative and leadership experiences to attendees. Newell took classes centered on health care at UAB and photography. “It was so great! I learned so much about what I want to do in college, as well as made a lot of new friends,” she said.
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Samford President Kicks Off Trinity Leadership Series
Samford University President Dr. Andrew Westmoreland was the speaker for the first installment of Trinity Presbyterian School’s 2017-18 Leadership Program Series on August 16. The Leadership Program Series offers “leadership speakers” throughout the year to Trinity students (grades 6-12) and parents. The series features distinguished, Christ-like leaders from around the Southeast. When asked about his vision for Trinity, Head of School Kerry Palmer said, “My vision is simply this: to have a Biblical world view be woven throughout the fabric of this school, inside and out.” His vision is becoming a reality with the kickoff of Trinity’s Leadership Program Series. Palmer wants to bring a more up-close and personal view of leadership to Trinity, allowing his students to interact and be inspired by various leaders, stating that “I know for a fact, that the leaders of tomorrow are walking the very halls of this school today.” A brief reception, allowing students and parents to interact with the speaker, follows each program in the Middle/Upper School Library. As Samford’s 18th president, Dr. Andrew Westmoreland led the university to embrace a vision to enrich and expand its service to students and further inspire their desire to meet the needs of the world. To advance this vision, the university is committed to a challenging strategic plan with three priorities: to provide an enriched and more vibrant university experience; to engage the global community in learning, faith and service; and to inspire imagination. In the boldest effort in its history, Samford raised $200 million by 2014 advancing the mission of Christ-centered higher education among the nation’s most respected universities. Above, Trinity SGA President Zoe Portis visits with Dr. Westmoreland at the reception following in the Middle/Upper School Library. Montgomery Parents I September 2017
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Montgomery Academy Volleyball Team Earns Academic Award
Montgomery Academy’s 2016-17 varsity volleyball team is a recipient of the American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award. This award honors teams who have matched their dedication to the sport of volleyball with excellence in the classroom. It was initiated in the 1992-93 academic year and honors collegiate and high school volleyball teams that display excellence in the classroom during the school year by maintaining at least a 3.30 cumulative team grade-point average on a 4.0 scale or a 4.10 cumulative team GPA on a 5.0 scale. Montgomery Academy’s team is coached by Julie Gordon and 2016-17 members were: Emma Cleary, Emily Ernest, Emma Franklin, Darry Elizabeth Freeman, Lulu Herrick, Morgan Karst, Caroline Kirkham, Sydney Kohn, Lucie Longshore, Victoria Riley, Ann Vivian Spencer, Mary Ren Stevenson, Anne Carlson Sylvest, Catherine Updegraff and Kayla White.
Five MPS Schools Host Power of 10 Men
For the second year, five Montgomery Public Schools hosted the Power of 10 Men to welcome students back to school. Men from various entities such as fraternities, church congregations, the police and fire departments, business and community leaders, and colleges and universities were invited to spend one hour greeting students upon their arrival with high fives on the first day of school. The power of 10 represents the number of times 10 is multiplied by itself. Therefore, the goal was to have at least 100 men at each of the five sites standing alongside the sidewalks and in the hallways cheering the students on as they walked into the building and their classrooms. The schools were Davis, Floyd, and ED Nixon elementary schools and Bellingrath and Capitol Heights middle schools. Men are powerful influences on students and can be very impactful in inspiring and empowering students to achieve success. If interested in volunteering at any MPS school, sign up at www.volunteersignup.org/94MHC.
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STJ Quad Covered by Solar Eclipse
Monday, August 21, 2017 is a day many students at Saint James School will remember years from now. Parents were invited to join their children as everyone gathered on the Quad to view the eclipse just after lunch in central Alabama. The Saint James elementary school students attended a safety assembly Monday morning, learning how to properly hold their viewing glasses in place later in the day and they were taught how long and in what intervals they would be permitted to look at the sun. The middle school students enjoyed a few treats symbolic of the day, Sunny D and Moon Pies. Then they took their pinhole projects outside where they met their parents and experienced the eclipse as a family. The high school students spent time in class understanding how a solar eclipse occurs, how and why it can be harmful to look directly into the sun during an eclipse, and then many of them gathered on the Quad with their viewing glasses to experience this rare opportunity with their friends and teachers.
Cornerstone Students View Eclipse
God’s faithfulness was made known on August 21, 2017 to the Logic and Rhetoric students of Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy through the “Great American Eclipse” Mike Kessler from the math and science department of Cornerstone spoke to the students about how the eclipse was a wondrous analogy for not only God’s sovereignty, but His love for us as humans, whom He created from His own image.
Send Your School News by the 12th of the month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.
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Catholic Girls’ Track Team Named State Champions
The Montgomery Catholic girls’ track team has been pushing all year. During the indoor season, these athletes brought home the runner-up trophy, but have since become the first girls’ track team in Montgomery Catholic school history to bring home the state championship. The team is young, and members worked hard to be stronger and faster this year. Coaches are Ed Wright, Hollis Johnson, Coy Hunter and Kevin Madden. The 2017 AHSAA State Outdoor Track meet will go down in the record books with the following accomplishments by the MCPS girls’ team: Isabelle Coachran–won the Long Jump, a member of the outdoor winning 4X800M relay and placed second in the 300 meter hurdles; Katie Galvin–member of the outdoor winning 4X800M relay; Katelyn Stark–member of the outdoor winning 4X800M relay; Amaris Tyynismaa–won both the 1600M and 3200M, and as a member of the outdoor winning 4X800M relay, placed second in the 800 meter. Adding to the points that day were: Tamrah Tucker–second in the 100 meter dash, third in the 200 meter dash and Grace Leslie, Jimmiah Fenderson and Morgan Yorton. Mayor Strange congratulated the team and its coaches at the June 2017 City Council meeting. From left, Coach Ed Wright, Coach Daniel Veres, center, and Coach Kevin Madden, right, are pictured with the 2017 Outdoor Track & Field State Championship team.
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Holy Cross families gathered together on the first day of school for Opening Chapel, which officially began the new 2017-18 school year. Episcopal priests from area parishes celebrated Holy Eucharist and pronounced an individual blessing over teachers, families and students in preparation for the new school year. Rev. David Peeples delivered the homily which encouraged students, teachers and families to embrace and celebrate new challenges, explore new opportunities, and encourage each other to grow with the gifts and talents that have been given to each one of us. After the service, parents met their children’s teachers and visited in the classrooms. Representatives for after-school extracurricular activities were available to provide parents an opportunity to register their children to participate. From left are Gabe Krause, Will Alexander and Aiden Blum.
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ACA Senior Class Hold Devotional
The Alabama Christian Academy senior class held a devotional and cookout the night before the first day of school. This was a special time of prayer and fellowship for senior students and their families. ACA seniors are ready to kick off their last year of high school!
Montgomery Academy Math Teacher Attends Klingenstein Institute
Montgomery Academy sixth-grade mathematics teacher Sarah Bryan ‘11 was one of 75 educators from across the country to attend the Klingenstein Summer Institute in June. This two-week program gave her the opportunity to deep dive with other early career teachers in the areas of curriculum and instruction, diversity, collaboration and innovation. “The Klingenstein Summer Institute is an experience I will never forget,” Bryan said. “The two weeks I spent in New Jersey on the Lawrenceville School campus were full of in-depth discussions with fellow teachers from around the world, wonderfully challenging assignments alongside math teachers, and readings and writings based on diversity, curriculum, methodology, and much more. While my takeaways do not stop here, one of the most profound statements that resonated with me revolved around the following quote from the director of Klingenstein: ‘Excellence in teaching is a lifelong pursuit.’ Although that may sound simple, KSI taught me that even when I feel good about what I’m doing in the classroom, that doesn’t mean I should stop exploring ways to do it better. I am very appreciative of this opportunity and for the professional relationships I formed with educators around the world. It is an experience I will continue to reflect on for many years to come.” Above, Bryan is shown with her classmates at Klingenstein Summer Institute. Montgomery Parents I September 2017
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Montgomery Catholic’s First Day of School
Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School began its 144th school year on August 21. Founded in 1873, the school was started by the Sisters of Loretto and has continued to not only educate children but teach them to serve their community. On the first day of the 2017-18 school year, students were welcomed by Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School President Anne Ceasar, who is shown with the Class of 2031 at the St. Bede campus. This all-girl K4 class includes: Elizabeth Gatz, Reagan Banks, Cecilia Wallock, Mira Hardwick, Anna Haigler Benante, Lorelei Johnson and Gabrielle Davis.
Holy Cross Buddy Program Partnership For Success
Holy Cross Episcopal School’s preK students enjoyed a very special treat recently – a visit from their fifth-grade buddies with whom they will work in partnership for the year. Holy Cross upper grade students enjoy mentoring and working with new pre-K students to help them master skills such as learning how to cut with scissors, color, sort, complete sequence activities and introduce them to early reading comprehension skills. Pre-K student Zoiegrace Landrum is shown with her buddy, fifth-grader Izzy Priori.
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Eastwood Christian Students Celebrate First Day of School
Eastwood lower school students assembled in the sanctuary on the first day of school to begin the year with prayer and hear a word from headmaster, John Geiger and principal, Susan Gaines. High fives and cheers were heard after sixth graders were dismissed first but stayed in the hallway to surprise and welcome students from other grades as they were dismissed.
Saint James Seniors Start the Year
Saint James School started its 63rd first day of school on August 9, 2017. Students in pre-K3 through grade 12 began their academic year together, greeted by Head of School Dr. Larry McLemore, Academic Dean Susan Atkins, division level principals and scores of faculty and staff on campus. A group of senior parents hosted a breakfast for the Class of 2018 to gather as a group and celebrate their exciting year ahead, together. Throughout the years, several traditions have marked the first day of school at Saint James for seniors including wearing tiaras and crowns. The students had a great time posing for photos and catching up with one another before starting their school day.
THE FACE OF A CURE ChildrensAL.org/committedtoacure
The Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders is committed to finding a cure for Meah, Carson and the more than 1,500 children who come to us for care each year. As a founding member of the Children’s Oncology Group,* Children’s of Alabama and UAB combine research and innovative therapies to help save the lives of children down the street and around the world. *The Children’s Oncology group is a clinical - translational trials organization with more than 9,000 experts worldwide dedicated to finding better cures and improving the outcomes for all children with cancer.
Montgomery Parents I September 2017
Although the cancer cure rate has risen from 50 to 84 percent and strokes in patients with sickle cell disease have decreased by 90 percent, we are actively working toward a CURE for children like Meah and Carson.
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Macon East Cheerleaders Attend UCA Camp The Macon East Academy varsity and junior varsity cheerleading squads attended the AISA East UCA cheer camp the week of July 10-13 at Huntingdon College. The week began with home pom competition, where the squads performed a routine they had perfected throughout summer practice. Both squads worked tirelessly during the week learning new cheers, chants and sideline dances. Ten MEA cheerleaders were selected as UCA All-Americans and will have the opportunity to participate in the Walt Disney World Thanksgiving Day Parade or the London New Year’s Day Parade. Kayla Boroff, Isabella Fagan, Annslie Gourlay, Spencer Lindemood, Caitlin Martin, Taylor Anne Surles, Anne Auston Wright (Varsity), Georgia Blaze, Breann Morrison and Mary Hunter Wright (JV) were honored as All-Americans. On Thursday, the gym was filled to capacity for the final competitions of camp and awards ceremony. Macon East varsity received first place for the Xtreme Routine, third for Home Pom, and third for Sideline Cheer. The JV squad was awarded second place in Xtreme Routine. UCA Pin It Forward recipients were Georgia Blaze, Spencer Lindemood and Mary Hunter Wright. The Pin It Forward Award is given to cheerleaders who
show outstanding leadership, communication, and maturity at camp. These cheerleaders go above and beyond to help their team. In turn, these girls had the opportunity to award this honor to cheerleaders from other schools the next day. The Macon East cheer squads are under the leadership of Coach Erica Hammonds.
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Teaching Series Sundays Sept. 10–Oct. 1
Contemporary & Traditional Sunday Worship 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m. A family of faith for everyone • Spanish, Korean & Chinese Services 6000 Atlanta Hwy. in Montgomery 334.272.8622 www.frazer.church 35
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Trinity Girls’ Golf Team Receives State Championship Rings
Members of the 2017 girls’ golf team from Trinity Presbyterian School received their State Championship rings at the Back to School Blast. The girls made history earlier this year by becoming the first girls’ golf team in Montgomery to win a state championship! Sophie Burks, who is attending Middle Tennessee State University on a golf scholarship, won low medalist shooting under par for the state tournament, while Trinity tenth-grader Emma Pittman placed fifth overall. The Lady Wildcats finished with a 17-stroke win over UMS Wright, 28 strokes over twotime defending state champion White Plains, and 43 strokes over fourth-placed Arab. Burks shot 71 both days, while Pittman finished with a 78. Mary Grace Etheredge and Tatum Willis had clutch shots during the playoffs and helped seal the state championship for the team. Elizabeth Ann Stewart, playing in her first year of competition, cheered her teammates on for the win. 2017 Girls’ Golf Team State Champions front row from left, Sophie Burks, Mary Grace Etheredge, Emma Pittman, Elizabeth Ann Stewart, Tatum Willis and Head Coach Tim Bethea. Back row: Assistant Athletic Director Jessica Lassiter, Head of School Kerry Palmer and Athletic Director Harold Hilliard.
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Holy Cross Celebrates Back to School With a Splash
Families had so much fun at Holy Cross Episcopal School’s annual “Back To School Swimming Party” held recently at the Bell Road Y Good Times Center outdoor fun pool and splash park. It was a very warm Saturday afternoon, but that made the water activities just that much more fun as everyone enjoyed fellowship, lots of splashing, swimming and delicious pizza and refreshments.
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Churchill Academy Hires New Staff
Churchill Academy had a productive summer in preparation for the 2017-18 school year. The campus was busy with upgrades being made to the school computer room, expansion of Churchill’s high school, and additional administrative office space being created. In addition to the physical changes in the school campus, the school welcomed new staff members and transitioned other staff members into new roles in line with the school’s vision and growth over the years. In the administrative staff, Kathy Farquhar now serves as the coordinator of student services, and Jason Strickland is stepping into the newly established role of business manager for the school. Kaye Pair has been named director of Churchill Academy, and Lisa Hanlon Schroeder is serving as the school’s executive director. In new teaching staff, Churchill welcomes Coach Mike McCluskie, Gale Daniels and Jen Tuck. Joining our High School, Coach McCluskie is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a degree in special education. He has taught for 26 years in secondary education, and has experience with students inside the classroom and on the football field with 18 years as an athletic director. Gale Daniels joins the Churchill family through her work with Classroom C students in the afternoon. Daniels has more than 34 years of experience in the teaching field and a degree in early childhood education from Alabama State University. Daniels has experience teaching a variety of subjects, but has an avid interest in language arts through her experience tutoring students with dyslexia. Jen Tuck is the new classroom G teacher. She is a graduate of Faulkner University where she majored in elementary education. She has classroom and one-on-one tutoring experience, and is very active in the Tukabatchee Boy Scout Council. 37
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Montgomery County Schools
Eastwood Students Enjoy the Solar Eclipse
A few of Eastwood’s upper school students enjoyed the solar eclipse. Some viewed it using a colander, some a box and others looked through solar glasses. Pictured are teachers, Meribeth Minshew and Dawn Geiger with students, Joy Harmon, Catherine Cowden and Elizabeth Cowden. Eastwood lower school students enjoyed an eclipse party indoors while eating Moon Pies, Starbursts and raisins. Some of the third grade students made up a solar eclipse dance and performed it for the other students. Pictured are Harper Thomas, Charlie Coon, Ansley Quallio, and Jeremiah Johnson.
SUA Celebrates Eclipse
The fifth-grade class at Success Unlimited Academy experienced an awesome day thanks to the cosmos. With August 21, 2017 being promoted for a total solar eclipse that could be seen in Montgomery, the excitement was already building in the students. With that in mind, their teacher, Ms. Clinton, prepared accordingly. Each student received a bright yellow sun badge to wear as we all settled in to view a video, “What is a Solar Eclipse?” This answered many questions in an understandable way remembering that these fifth-graders had never experienced anything like this in their lifetimes. Each made a movable model of the three components of the eclipse: sun, earth and moon. We also enjoyed “moon cookies” and kept our eyes on the screen of the NASA live feed. To end the day, Clinton introduced some products that took their names from space. Each student was given a black space bag filled with a SUNkist soda, a MILKY WAY bar, ORBIT chewing gum, STARburst candy and a MOON pie.
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ACCREDITED K4 THROUGH 12TH GRADE INDEPENDENT COLLEGE-PREPARATORY SCHOOL
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INVESTING IN A LIFETIME
Shaping Leaders that Change the World If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Director of Admission Jenny McClinton at 334.213.2213 or jmcclinton@trinitywildcats.com Tuition assistance available. Discount offered to military families.
trinitywildcats.com M O N T G O M E R Y, A L A B A M A |
LOWER SCHOOL
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n Trinity graduates have received over $35 million in merit-based scholarships over the last 5 years n The vast majority of Trinity’s AP students score between a 3 and a 5 on their exams, with many students nearly completing their freshman college studies before graduating from Trinity n Trinity’s EnviroBowl Team won the 2016 State Championship—Trinity’s 10th EnviroBowl championship since 2001 n Partnering with a local elementary school, Trinity students serve as “Study Buddies,” as well as provide food to 85 children weekly through “Feeding America’s BackPack Program” n Trinity’s Change 4 Change project has donated over $70,000 in the past three years to charitable organizations in Montgomery and throughout the world Trinity admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origins to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Trinity does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origins in any of the educational policies, scholarship programs and athletics, and other school-administered programs.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
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The Pike Road School System is off to a great start for the 2017-2018 school year! We continue to see steady growth in the school system, with over 1600 students enrolled for the new school year. This year we have grades Pre-K through 10th grade, and we are growing up a grade each year. With that growth, we have opened a new (old) school facility, Pike Road Historic School, which now houses 7th through 10th grades. The unique restoration has a modern, industrial look that combines with the old, historical feel to create a place where our students truly can “understand what has been, create what should be”.
Montgomery Parents I September 2017
Along with the new school building, there is new leadership. David Sikes joins Pike Road as the principal of Pike Road Historic School. Mr. Sikes has successfully served as a principal in central and east Alabama for many years, and Pike Road Schools welcomes his experience to our new school. Pike Road Elementary School is also off to a great start! The new school has reduced the student load on the elementary school, which has been a noticeable change for our school. Principal Ryan Kendall led his team through his first school year opening as principal with great success. PRES is continuing to build its reputation as the best elementary school around! Pike Road Schools are working collaboratively with our students, teachers, parents, and community toward our goal of producing the best prepared students in the state, for further academic challenges and for life. This includes meeting
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our students learning needs wherever they may be and providing the structures they need to ensure their successes. Our community’s unique commitment to building the best school system in Alabama is producing results, as our students excel academically, athletically, and in the arts. As we work to serve our students and our community, we invite you to be a part and support our schools through volunteering, donating, or just keeping up with us and exhorting us to greater things. Go Patriots! Chuck Ledbetter became Superintendent of Pike Road City Schools on June 1, 2017, and has been an educator for 28 years. He has earned a B.A. in history from Auburn University; a Masters of Education in history from AUM; and a doctorate in educational leadership from Auburn University. Chuck Ledbetter was a history teacher for 11 years, an assistant principal, a middle school principal, a high school principal, assistant superintendent for curriculum and for finance, and is in his ninth year as a superintendent. He served on the boards of the Council for Leaders of Alabama Schools, Georgia School Superintendents Association and the Georgia Charter Advisory Committee. He is married to Kim and has three daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.
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Welcome Back, Pike Road Schools Students! Mayor Gordon Stone joined Pike Road Schools lead learners, administrators and Board of Education members to welcome students on the first day of school. This is the third year of “new” public schools in Pike Road, with this year including the re-opening of the Historic Pike Road School a century after its initial construction. New Pike Road Schools Superintendent Dr. Chuck Ledbetter joins new high school principal David Sikes, as well as 44 new teachers to the system. The school near the Waters neighborhood began with grades kindergarten through eighth grade and has added a grade or community each year. Now, with a new community 10 class and more than 275 new students among 1,550 total learners, the completion of the Historic Pike Road School in July came just in time. The Historic Pike Road School is a milestone for the town by “meshing” the area’s 100-year-old history to state-of-the-art advancements, Stone said. The original construction began on the building in 1917, and
it served Pike Road School students until 1970. For a number of years the building was used for a church camp and other purposes. Original exposed red brick still makes up the outside facade and can also be seen inside many downstairs classrooms as accent walls. There are still no lockers and no bells. Antique wooden floors, now shining with polish and modern drywall and fresh yellow and white paints, give original high ceilings and wide open windows a modern look. Yet despite the nostalgia, there are several contemporary touches, new furniture and Macbooks for every student. About 480 students will be studying at the new renovated high school, while 1,100 students will be at the elementary campus. Superintendent Ledbetter is shown raising the flag on the first day at the Historic Pike Road School.
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Historic Pike Road School Alumni: Share Your Stories with Us!
This August, the Historic Pike Road School reopened as part of the Pike Road Schools system. This year marks 100 years after the school’s initial construction, and the Town of Pike Road is excited to bring new life and purpose to the historic school, as well as the Historic District it occupies. This October, the Town of Pike Road will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its incorporation. As part of its week of Founders Day activities, the Town will host an open house at the Historic Pike Road School. This event, open to the entire community, will focus on sharing the history of the building, memories and memorabilia of alumni, and the modern touch of renovations. If you have any memories or items you would like to share as part of this celebration, please reach out to Liz at Liz@PikeRoad.us! This photo courtesy of WSFA-12.
B A P T I S T FA M I LY M E D I C I N E The physicians and staff at Baptist Family Medicine are honored to meet the healthcare needs of our central Alabama communities. From routine needs to urgent concerns, we look forward to building a warm, dependable and lasting relationship with you and your entire family.
Accepting new patients. • Treating all ages • Same-day appointments • Medicare accepted • Most insurances accepted • Patient education • Physical exams/check-ups
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Call (334) 613-3680 to schedule your appointment today.
BAPTIST FAMILY MEDICINE Got news? Send us your school bits by the 12th of each month to: editor@ montgomeryparents.com.
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Support Pike Road With Fan Gear
School is in session, and Pike Road Schools athletics teams are practicing every day! PRS athletics teams encourage healthy, active lifestyles in our community. Now, you can show your support with Patriot gear from the Fan Store! Follow this link to check it out: http://bit.ly/PikeRoadPatriots
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Autauga County Schools Off to a Great Start It’s hard to believe the first month of a new school year is already in the books! I hope everyone had a restful Labor Day weekend. We have had a great beginning to the school year, and I have made it around to check on the progress of all 9,040 students in Autauga County. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than watching our young people excel. Each month I take pride in spotlighting some of our outstanding educators. I would like to congratulate Blair Dyson for a job well done with the Prattville High School theatre department’s presentation of The Belle of Amherst. The cast re-
Montgomery Parents I September 2017
hearsed diligently for most of the summer. Mr. Dyson’s theatre department will produce five more first-class plays this year. You can remain updated on upcoming productions by liking us on Facebook at Autauga County School System. Another educator who deserves the spot light is Donna Hoomes, assistant principal at Pine Level Elementary School. She was selected as a member of the Alabama Pr-K-3 Leadership Academy 2017-2018 cohort. Also being recognized is Angela Landry, principal at Prattville Intermediate School, who recently received the prestigious Certified Instructional Leader credential at the CLAS Convention Awards Luncheon in June. She does a wonderful job! Our outstanding educators and leaders provide the students of Autauga County with the opportunity to achieve true academic success. Our students shine both inside of the classroom and outside of the classroom! The Prattville Junior High School archery team traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, to participate in the National Archery Tournament. The Cats placed in the top 25%
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in the country. Jacob Hollis was the top male shooter for the team with an impressive 280 out of 300 points. At 272, Riley Calhoun was the top female shooter for the team. The Prattville High School archery team also competed at nationals. James Ladd shot a 295 and is ranked #4 for 12th grade boys nationally. Kelby Wilson shot a 288 and is in the top 3% for 10th grade boys. Alex Rocha scored a 285 and is ranked in the top 6% of 9th grade girls. Over 16,000 students competed. Congratulations to both outstanding teams for their accomplishments and representing our county. Being part of such an excellent school system is an honor. I look forward to reporting the many achievements of our students and staff members throughout the school year! Spence Agee is the Superintendent of Education for Autauga County Schools. He is a third generation educator with an ED.S. in Educational Leadership. He has 20 years of experience in the education field as well as 29 years of military experience. Agee is an active member at First Baptist Church in Prattville. He and his wife, Cesily, who is also an educator, have two daughters, Abby and Addison.
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Autauga County Schools
PCA Honored with AHSAA Sportsmanship Award
Prattville Christian Academy was one of only 110 schools honored at the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Sportsmanship Luncheon recently. To be honored, schools must not receive a fine from AHSAA or have a coach ejected from a game during the 2016-17 school year. “We are honored to have received this award,” said Ron Mitchell, PCA president. “The AHSAA Sportsmanship Award is the culmination of the hard work and dedication by so many in the PCA community, including student athletes, coaches, fans and Coach Tara Osborne, PCA’s athletic director.” Coach Osborne added, “I am proud to lead PCA’s first-class coaches and student athletes. Each of them consistently represents Christ and our school well on and off the playing field.”
Prattville Junior High Wins Second Place in Institute Contest
The Prattville Junior High School Cat team won second place in the annual Institute competition for Autauga County Schools. This year, the school had its own version of FEAR FACTOR! Coach Washington and Ms. Luker competed in the physical competition while Coach Sandlin buzzed in 100% correct responses in the brainiac challenge. Mrs. Brown finished out the competition by eating a bowl of “delectable” food items mere seconds after the Billingsley Bears. This feat won PJHS $5,000 in technology money for the upcoming year. Thanks to Mr. Agee and our Board members for supporting a little friendly competition, camaraderie and for constantly supporting our schools.
Prattville Christian Students Attend National Leadership Program
Prattville Christian Academy juniors Lydia Brackins, Kendyl Crooks, Jackson Graham, Jonathan Johnson, Ethan Jones, and Mary Grace Story represented the school at the Presidential Leadership Institute in York, Nebraska during the summer. The Presidential Leadership Institute (PLI) is a leadership development program among Christian high schools, specifically designed for high achieving students in grades 10-12. The weeklong program is dedicated to leadership development and character building through interactive programs, discussions and leadership industry expert speakers. “PLI is an amazing program that taught our students how to become a servant leader in the school and community,” said Julie Warlick, PCA’s student affairs director. “I believe this experience has given them tools they can use now and in the future to listen, communicate, work together, and build strong relationships with others.” The students returned from their experience energized to become change agents at PCA and within the community. “Every aspect of PLI was incredible,” said student Jackson Graham. “The students and staff were so welcoming, including Steve Eckman, York College president. I made many new friends from all over the country and learned what true leadership is.”
Prattville Jr. High Faculty Serves Community
EMCA Students Begin College Careers
East Memorial Christian Academy recent graduates Emily McBrien and Kate Brewton will be cheering at the college level in the River Region. McBrien is a Huntingdon Hawk cheerleader and Brewton is an AUM Warhawk cheerleader. Montgomery Parents I September 2017
Each year, the faculty and staff of Prattville Junior High School participate in a team-building activity during Inservice days. This year, we took a little different approach. Over the years, we ask various agencies and businesses to partner with us to help make school a success for our students. We decided to flip the script and partner with area agencies and provide a little sweat equity for those who work hard to make our community great! We worked together to accomplish eight different service projects in #operationCATSgiveback. We served at the Autauga Prattville Public Library, the Smith Center, the Humane Shelter, local feeder schools, Hickory Hill Assisted Living, City of Prattville Parks & Rec, Prattville Baptist Hospital, and Prattville Health & Rehab. We made patient packets, played Bingo, assembled goodie bags, played a game of trivia, enjoyed games with day-campers, walked the animals, read at storytime, and rearranged shelves. It was an honor to partner with our community and learn about other agencies and those who give tirelessly of themselves for our citizens. 46
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Griffin, Jorgensen Represent PCA
Current senior Savana Griffin was selected to represent Prattville Christian Academy at the American Legion Auxiliary Alabama Girls State program in June 2017, while Trent Jorgensen represented the school at Boys State. Girls State is an 80-year-old program designed to develop leadership skills, confidence and an action-based understanding of our state’s governmental processes. Boys State is the counterpart for male students. “Girls State was an almost indescribable experience for me,” said Griffin. “It was incredible hearing from some of Alabama’s most influential people. Getting the chance to talk with Alabama’s political and business leaders helped me realize that the future is ours.” Girls and Boys State give student delegates the opportunity to create a mock government with elected city, county, and state officials. Griffin campaigned for the position of Lieutenant Governor, the secondhighest position in their imaginary government. While she won in her primary, she was narrowly defeated in the state’s general election. Jorgensen successfully campaigned for and was elected to the office of Chief Justice, the presiding judge of their supreme court system. In addition to establishing their own government, delegates got the opportunity to hear from state elected officials, business and civic leaders. “This opportunity gave me the chance to meet new people and make many connections that will last a lifetime,” said Jorgensen. “I enjoyed competing in the various debates, sporting events and community service projects.” Above, Griffin, front left, is shown surrounded by fellow student delegates. Jorgensen, below center, is shown hanging out with new friends and fellow Boys State representatives.
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Social media in its various forms is an integral part of our society. Seventy percent of the U.S. population has at least one social networking profile, and the average social medial user maintains five accounts. Social media can be an effective communication tool for parents, teachers, and students. It is our collective responsibility to help our students be good “digital citizens” by teaching them appropriate, responsible technology use as well as the consequences of inappropriate use. All of our 11,000 plus students received a Social Media Fact Sheet designed to inform parents and students about social media use and cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is defined as harassing acts committed via electronic devices or communications, including texts, social networking site posts, Instagrams, Tumblr feeds, blogs, email, or any other electronic or social media. First and foremost, we want to make sure that all of our families understand that cyberbullying is against the law in the state of Alabama and is punishable by prison time, a
fine, or both. Examples of cyberbullying include sending someone mean texts, altering pictures to embarrass someone, creating a fake profile to post defamatory information or images, posting fight videos online to embarrass the person who “lost,” spreading rumors and gossip online, and/or sending threatening or harassing comments. Students and parents are encouraged to report any type of bullying immediately to an adult staff member, on a school bullying report form, or on the school system website at www.elmoreco.com. Parents can help prevent cyberbullying by keeping their home computer in a busy area of their house. Parents should learn how various social networking websites work and become familiar with Facebook, Twitter, Snap Chat, etc. Ask your children to show you their profile pages. Talk regularly and specifically with your children about online issues. Tell your children not to respond to any cyberbullying threats or comments online. Don’t overreact by blaming your children; be supportive and understanding. On the other hand, don’t underreact by telling your children to “shrug it off” or just deal with it. Don’t tease them or respond with a “kids will be kids” attitude. Talk to your school’s guidance counselor. And finally, if there are threats of physical violence or the bullying
continues to escalate, get law enforcement involved. Students can stop cyberbullying by not responding to any online or text messages sent by cyberbullies. They should never become an accomplice by forwarding any of the messages to other kids. Students should save and print out all the messages as proof and evidence of cyberbullying. Lastly, if a student is being bullied, he/she should tell an adult immediately to get help solving the problem. Our goal in Elmore County Public Schools is to provide a technology-rich environment where our students can cultivate the skills they need to be successful in the workplace or college. At the same time, we want all of our students and families to understand the seriousness of misusing technology for any reason. We invite you to partner with us as we empower our students to succeed in their college or career plans after high school. Richard Dennis is the Superintendent of Education for Elmore County Schools. He is a 1983 graduate of Holtville High School. He completed his undergraduate degree in English and History Education at The University of Alabama, his Master’s degree in English at Troy University and his Administrative Certification at AUM. He served 21 years as a high school principal at Holtville High, Wetumpka High and most recently, Prattville High. He and wife, Leslie (also an educator) have three sons and a daughter.
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Elmore County Schools
Elmore County Hosts Healthy Cuisine for Kids Culinary Training Elmore County’s Child Nutrition Program hosted approximately 50 school nutrition professionals from across Alabama to complete Healthy Cuisine for Kids Culinary Training. The Child Nutrition Program at the Alabama State Department of Education provided this opportunity of training for cafeteria managers. Presented by The Institute of Child Nutrition, the training provided managers with skills and knowledge to address the challenges of serving appealing meals to children while remaining compliant with USDA guidelines. Two Healthy Cuisine for Kids Culinary training sessions were held at Redland Elementary School in July. Although Healthy Cuisine for Kids is about preparing healthy and safe food, it is much more. It is about working as a team to produce quality food; learning to use tested recipes; developing an understanding of mise en place or getting organized for each task; learning and applying culinary techniques of preparing, cooking, presenting and evaluating healthy and appealing food; and applying the nutrition principles of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in preparing food. Participants interacted with a professional chef for the hands-on portion of the training. A registered dietician conducted classroom-style activities related to the nutrition principles in preparing fruits and vegetables, whole grain-rich foods, and meat/meat alternate items which meet the National School Lunch Program meal pattern. For questions about the Healthy Cuisine for Kids Culinary Training, contact Cacyce Davis, Child Nutrition Director, at (334) 567-1222.
Montgomery Parents I September 2017
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Airport Road Faculty Wins Institute Day Competition
The Airport Road Intermediate School faculty, along with other schools in Elmore County, competed to win money to help increase academic achievement in their schools. The competition was held during the annual teacher institute day. Many participants reported that this was the best institute day ever. ARIS faculty worked together and won $1,000 for our school!
Wetumpka Entertains Special Guests
Many special visitors visited Wetumpka Elementary School for the first day of school August 9. We appreciate State Superintendent Michael Sentance, Elmore County Superintendent Richard Dennis, and Assistant State Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Langham for coming to WES!
Holtville Community Teams Up for School Pride Chant
This year at the county’s annual Institute Day, the schools were challenged to create a chant to show their school pride. The Holtville community decided to compete as one large group with the theme “One Community, One Purpose” with the shared vision of “Every Student Empowered, Every Student Succeeds.” During the chant, the Bulldog Nation showed its spirit while being led by the cheerleaders. The Bulldog Nation brought home the second place title and is ready to begin a great 2017-18 school year. Go Bulldogs! 50
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Holtville Elementary Back to School
Holtville Elementary School students are back to school in full swing. The students have started the new school year very eager to learn and participate in activities prepared by their teachers.
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Redland Turns Solar Eclipse Event Into an Outdoor Classroom
Some teachers at Redland Elementary turned the solar eclipse event into an outdoor classroom, teaching kids how to create their own safe viewing boxes, or having them wear approved safety glasses. Redland Elementary School Principal Chad Walls trusted teachers’ judgment on safety in taking students out to observe the solar eclipse. The children did have to have signed permission slips from their parents. Third-grade teachers Charlene Orsi and Erika Tice had their students make pinhole viewers to safely witness this phenomenal event. Leslie Mattox, who teaches 5th and 6th grade GATE students, took students out with ISO approved glasses to witness the eclipse. Students went in intervals to observe the changes in the sun, temperature and darkness. A walk on the school’s nature trail gave students the opportunity to see the differences in shadows. Many families took advantage of the excused absence/check out to experience the event at home with their children. Some parents came to join their children at school and share in the experience. Many teachers opted to livestream the solar eclipse in their classroom and have indoor activities. Orsi provided staff with multiple resources that allowed them to educate the students and have a memorable day. Safe viewing was a top priority. 51
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Elmore County Schools
Airport Road Kicks Off New Year with Special Guests
Airport Road Intermediate School was honored with many special visitors on the first day of school. Around 600 of the best third- and fourth-graders in Elmore County were welcomed by an excited ARIS staff, the Coosada police, and Judge Bill Lewis (19th Circuit Court Judge for Chilton, Autauga and Elmore Counties). We look forward to a great 2017-18 school year.
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Holtville Participates In Teambuilding
To get the year started, Holtville Elementary staff members participated in a teambuilding activity that required them to build a tower using only marshmallows and toothpicks. The teachers competed to see which group could build the tallest tower. School Principal Chris Holley, along with several staff members, is shown waiting to see how tall his group’s tower measured.
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Wetumpka Elementary Kindergarten Classes Receive $15,000 Grant
Three Wetumpka Elementary School kindergarten classrooms received a $15,000 grant for a play-based learning classroom. Playbased instruction is driven by the children’s interest. Teachers guide learning through the facilitation of center play and questioning. Students are assessed through a teacher observation and work samples. We love to make learning fun at Wetumpka!
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Alabama Dance Theatre
Wetumpka High Junior Chosen for State Honor
Wetumpka High School junior Michael Armstrong has been chosen as a State Theatre Officer of the International Thespian Society, an honorary organization that has inducted more than two million theatre students since its founding in 1929. Thespians is sponsored by the Alabama Educational Theatre Association. Armstrong has most recently starred as “Link” in Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre’s summer production of Hairspray: The Musical and as “Sam” in Wetumpka High School’s spring production of Ghost: The Musical. He is also a Wetumpka Indians cheerleader.
Fall Dance Classes Monday, August 21st, 2017 Kitty Seale, Artistic Director
Now Accepting Registrations Age 3 to Professional Level 1018 Madison Avenue
at the Armory Learning Arts Center
www.alabamadancetheatre.com
334-625-2590
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TheCollegeYears Preparing Teens for Life Outside the Nest
by Lee Gonet
Necessary Skills for Training Up Your Child Adolescence should be a time of preparation. Parents need to change gears and spend less time protecting and providing and more time teaching their children how to protect and provide for themselves. In other words, adulthood is just around the corner, but unfortunately, many children leave for college ill-prepared for the challenges that will face them.
Study Skills In the January 2017 Hechinger Report, David Steiner stated that “No state right now is close to equating its high school graduation standard with…a college-career-starting standard.” A consequence of this failure is that over half a million entering freshmen are required to take remedial college classes each year. Several new challenges face teens in college. Classes meet less often, but much more reading is required. Exams are less often, but more information is tested. Students are provided a syllabus for the entire semester, and missed assignments or exams receive a zero. No reminders, no late points, no excuses in college. Thankfully, you can neutralize these trials by teaching your child good study habits now. To begin, always have your child complete homework without distractions in a central location. Second, students should never have access to cell phones or social media while working. To be successful, students must learn to concentrate on one task at a time with focused attention. Third, instill consequences for late or poor work. Until students demonstrate that they can complete their work in a timely and successful manner, they should not be allowed to work alone in their rooms. Montgomery Parents I September 2017
Time-Management Skills Teens must also be held responsible for setting their own alarms, getting up by themselves, and managing their own work schedules. Remember that repercussions are more effective than constant reminders. Teach your child to keep a daily calendar of timed tasks. In other words, Tuesday afternoon’s schedule might look like this: 3:30-5:00 soccer practice, drive home, shower; 5:30-6:00 Math: chapter 10, problems 1-5; 6:00-7:00 evening chores; 7:00-8:00 dinner and family time; 8:00-8:30 English: finish essay due in two days and give to mom to edit; 8:30-9:00 Science: chapter 9 notes; 9:00-10:00 relax (read, family time, social media, etc). Appointment calendars are also excellent tools for managing large assignments because students can create study plans and schedule times to work over longer periods.
Life Skills
Many parents love serving their children; however, teenagers can become self-centered, unappreciative, and unskilled when too much is done for them. By the time young adults head to college, they should be able to cook, clean, wash clothes, and preform simple maintenance tasks such as hanging pictures, replacing lightbulbs, or changing tires. In addition, children should plan and cook the family dinner once per week. They should do all their own laundry, and yes, they should even be responsible for completely cleaning a bathroom! 54
Being a part of the family means responsibly contributing to its success, and requiring your children to do so, teaches them to work independently for the good of the whole.
Financial Skills In addition to household responsibilities, children should learn to manage their own bank accounts, debit cards, checkbooks, and credit cards at a young age. Dave Ramsey reports that “kids learn that debt is just a way of life” and as a result “19% of bankruptcy filers are college students.” To avoid this pitfall, provide your child with a personal allowance per month, teach them to budget their money, and hold them accountable for their budgets. The allowance should include all personal items: clothing, shoes, hygiene products, school supplies, entertainment, etc. For this system to work, however, you must follow three rules: 1. Every month, review performance, praising, advising, and correcting as necessary, 2. Never buy any budgeted item for your child, and 3. NEVER provide extra money if your child runs short. If teenagers suffer consequences for poor financial planning while still at home, they will become more cautious before creating unnecessary debt later. Remember that God holds parents responsible to train our children, and not to provoke them to wrath. Rather than remind and nag, set the rules and follow through with consequences, lovingly applied, and you will raise efficient scholars as well as independent adults.
Lee Gonet is an avid learner, speaker, educator, and world traveler. She loves challenging teenagers to excel beyond what society considers possible by teaching young people to think deeply, learn intensely, and act purposefully outside the classroom box. For example, her daughter worked abroad by 16 and her son earned his Engineering Master’s by 20. Dreams do come true.
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Reports in the media about helicopter parents have been skyrocketing over the past decade. The consensus from college counselors and entry-level employers is that parents are going too far making sure their kids get ahead in high school, college and beyond. Instead of being helpful, parents are hovering. Rather than supporting tweens and teens, parents are swooping in and negotiating outcomes for them. But when kids don’t learn to trust their ability to navigate their own experiences, they become more helpless, which leads to shirking responsibilities and assuming mom and dad will pick up the slack on their behalf. 56
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On the opposite end of the parenting spectrum is a type of parent who is not discussed as much in the media as the helicopter parent--the absentee parent. These parents are too busy, distracted and pre-occupied to meet the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of their children. Absentee parents may be physically present but struggle to pay enough attention to their children for many reasons, which may include job demands, marital distress, divorce, addiction, mental illness, financial problems, domestic violence or unhealed wounds from childhood. As the name implies, absentee parents may either be elsewhere permanently or frequently away from home. Despite suggestions in the media that parents should back off, checking out is not the antidote to helicopter parenting. Kids need parents to be present, engaged and involved in their lives. In the middle of the two parenting extremes, helicopter and absentee, is the happy medium kids crave--the present, self-aware parent who possesses healthy boundaries and wants children to learn them, too. Helpful parents practice benign neglect, where they step out of the way on purpose to give a child chances to stretch and grow.
Most parents want the best for their kids and are doing as well as they can, but helpful parenting skills may require a little extra study and practice because they are not always instinctive. Let’s take a closer look at the qualities of helpful parents.
1. Available to listen. Kids don’t always
need parents to fix everything for them. More often, they just need to be listened to and heard. Parents are older and wiser and will usually be able to discern solutions to problems more swiftly than kids. But if parents always assert their advantage in problem solving, kids won’t get the opportunity to figure things out for themselves. The solution is to listen to kids and ask questions. Help your child discover that she has good instincts and can use your family values to deduct possible solutions to challenging situations.
2. Emotionally detached. Above all,
parents need to refrain from swooping in and taking over whenever a problem presents itself. The more parents intervene, the more they deprive kids of valuable learning experiences. I have just as strong a mama bear instincts as the next mom, and if I perceive that my daughter is being treated poorly, my blood pressure can
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surge. The instinct to protect is a natural one and must be regulated. The more often you react emotionally to information your child shares, the less likely your kids will want to share with you in the future. So get in the habit of saying things like, “I am sorry to hear that you were treated that way. How did that make you feel?” It’s helpful for kids to be able to name and own their feelings, and this can buy you a bit of time to calm down.
3. Willing to discuss.
Sometimes, when you are talking to your kids about challenging situations in their lives, they may ask you if you had a similar experience when you were their age. If you are the kind of parent who can come up with personal anecdotes on the fly, your kids will appreciate knowing they are not the only ones to struggle. If like me, you are not as quick to scan your memory files and come up with a relatable story, that’s okay, too. Even if you think of something two hours after the conversation is over, chime in the next time the opportunity arises. Our children need to see us as the fallible people we were and not just as the all-knowing adults we seem to have become. Let your kids connect to a younger, less savvy version of you and you’ll feel more connected.
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4. Prepared to help.
Sometimes it’s hard for parents to relinquish control when they can envision a perfect future for their kids. But their vision may interfere with their teen’s ability to imagine a life they are excited to lead.
Once you are done listening and discussing a situation with a degree of emotional detachment, it may be time to offer assistance. But if your child rebuffs your offer, try not to take it personally. The key is to communicate that your door is always open. “Just let me know if you want to talk about this more,” is a good way to let kids know that help is available if they decide they want it. Or you can simply ask, “Do you want to discuss this with anyone else or do some research on the topic?” Don’t be afraid to bring more people into the discussion. You might say, “You know who might have some insights on this topic? Dad.” Pushing for immediate solutions may make kids feel more anxious. You don’t have to have all of the answers, every time. Children need to process information in their own way and at their own pace.
5. Supportive from the back seat. Kids
need to learn how to advocate for themselves and parents can assist with this process without taking over. At the end of my daughter’s first year of middle school, she wanted to try out for the talent show. She had sung a song in the elementary school talent show and the experience had been empowering. So when she auditioned in middle school and didn’t make the cut, she was disappointed, but trying hard to pretend she wasn’t. I encouraged
Montgomery Parents I September 2017
her to go speak to her choir teacher about it. “Why not ask her what you might do differently next time?” I suggested. My daughter said she would talk to her, and then dragged her feet, while continuing to feel badly. After a few days, I sent the teacher a quick email asking her to initiate a conversation, which she did. As my daughter relayed their discussion to me in the car after school, she burst into tears, finally releasing the sadness underneath the disappointment. The next year, she picked a more upbeat song, and happily made the cut.
6. Conscious of boundaries.
Sometimes it’s hard for parents to relinquish control when they can envision a perfect future for their kids. But their vision may interfere with their teen’s ability to imagine a life they are excited to lead. The goal of helpful parenting is healthy boundaries. You are not your child and your child is not you. If you don’t have appropriate limits as a parent, you
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won’t be able to model them for your child. Parents who habitually overstep teach their kids that their own opinions are not important. Cultivating solid boundaries is everything when it comes to raising kids who can think and act for themselves. Kids with poor boundaries will likely have difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships in the future.
7. Accessible in a crisis.
If you want to be the first person your child calls in a genuine crisis, you have to earn that role by being cool, calm and considerate in the face of whatever goes down. If your kids don’t believe you can hold it together, they will look elsewhere for help. If you are not your child’s go-to person in a crisis, don’t be mad at them. Look at your parenting history, and consider what adjustments you need to make to become a caring, supportive space for your children. Make sure your children know you are not perfect, and remember they are not perfect, either. When you let your kids be imperfect, you encourage them to take risks, make mistakes, and figure things out as they mature, just like you. mp Author, journalist and writing coach Christina Katz tries to be a helpful parent to the best of her ability, while making plenty of mistakes along the way.
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Is Your Family Using Technology Wisely? Not long ago, a search engine company called ReportLinker surveyed 670 families with children under fifteen to better understand the relationship between American kids and their devices. The results are a snapshot of how technology has been integrated into American families. In many ways, parents are following recommendations from experts including the American Academy of Pediatrics. But in a few key areas, parents seem to be ignoring best practice and following the path of least resistance. To get an idea of where your family falls, answer the following questions and compare your family’s tech habits to those of other families as well as recommendations from AAP. How many screens do you have at home? When you count TVs, computers, tablets, smartphones and game consoles, the average number of screens per family is 7.3. Most households own a TV (94%), and about half have a video game console. Just over three quarters of the families had at least one smartphone in the household, and 62% of parents said their kids spent 3 to 5 hours a day using a smartphone. The average age when kids get their own phone is 13 and a half. For computing, families are more likely to use laptops (78%) than desktops (63%). The researchers also noted that among families with kids under ten, tablets are very popular—58% of children under 5 use them--and they may eventually rival television as the device of choice. Perhaps the most interesting statistic is about technology in bedrooms. The AAP recommends that bedrooms be device free and children “avoid exposure to devices or screens for one hour before bedtime.” Despite that advice, about two thirds of the families with five or more Montgomery Parents I September 2017
devices allow kids to have one in the bedroom and, not surprisingly, those kids are more likely to use devices before they sleep. How many hours per day do your kids interact with technology? Having more devices in the household also increased the amount of time kids spend with technology. Half the parents said they limit “plug in” time to less than two hours a day, but that rule is more likely to be enforced in families that have fewer devices and keep them out of bedrooms. The AAP recently revised its guidelines to say that “parents must develop personalized media use plans” based on each child’s age, health, temperament and developmental stage. They also point out that parents must be sure technology doesn’t squeeze out other healthy activities including sleep, physical play and time away from media. When do your kids use technology? Over 80% of families said kids used devices during their spare time; only 6% allowed them to be used at mealtime. That’s consistent with the AAP recommendation that mealtimes be media-free. Is technology a positive or negative influence on your kids? Experts continue to argue about whether technology is changing childhood, but three quarters of parents believe devices are good for kids. Half say technology creates more benefits than risks, and 25% believe being comfortable with technology is essential for kids in the 21st century. For the 25% who feel technology has a negative impact on children, 11% believe technology creates more harms than benefits and 14% feel that technology “ruins the essence of childhood.” What are the main disadvantages of using tech devices? Twenty percent of parents couldn’t think of any disadvantages. 60
A third worried that technology kept children from more traditional childhood activities such as playing, going outside or reading. Thirty one percent were concerned that time with devices made kids more isolated and less social. Only 10 percent worried about kids being less creative and 4% were concerned about increased aggression. To those concerns, AAP adds sleep disruption, the risk of obesity because of too much sedentary time and problematic Internet use including online bullying. What are the main advantages? When asked about benefits of technology, parents were clear: 40% felt technology promotes cognitive development and school readiness. About a quarter agreed that technology expands a child’s horizons, and another quarter thought access to devices makes kids more savvy about using technology of all kinds. Only 7% admitted using tech gadgets to amuse kids so they could do something else. AAP guidelines also note the social benefits of devices, including the opportunity to interact with distant friends and family members. Do your children manage their own tech time? Over half of parents (58%) believe their kids can manage their own time on electronic devices. Ironically, in the households where children use screens more than five hours a day, 43% of parents think kids are doing a perfectly good job of time management. On the other hand, if you sometimes find it difficult to manage screen time, you’re not alone; 42% of parents admitted they feel the same way. How often do you know what content your kids are watching? Even though parents vary a lot in how much access they give kids to technology, they agree with the AAP on one thing—it’s important to monitor what kids are consuming. Eighty three percent say they keep an eye on what kids watch, and 71% claim to have activated parental controls. Of course, one survey isn’t definitive, but it does reveal places where parents are on the right track—and improvement is possible. In the end, every family has to devise a device policy that works for them. To help, the AAP offers an interactive tool called Create Your Family Media Plan. Find it by looking for Media Plan at healthychildren.org. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing the Growing Up Online column for ten year. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart. Available at Amazon and Cooperative Wisdom.org. @ Copyright, 2017, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.
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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston
A Crash Course in Teen Drug Use Maybe you saw the title of this article, and thought, “Well, this is one I don’t need to read. My kid would never do drugs!” I’m not here to frighten you, but if you believe your son or daughter will never be tempted to use harmful substances, you’re only setting yourself up for disappointment. We might like to think it’s the other kids who are using, and not our own. But according to recent studies, 1 out of every 5 teens is abusing alcohol, illegal, or legal drugs on a regular basis. Even high school students who aren’t presently using are telling researchers that they get offered prescription narcotics at least twice a day! In a world that increasingly embraces drug and alcohol use, moms and dads need to understand that this issue will come up in their child’s life. Parents also need to learn how to identify and discuss with their teens the many social pressures they will face to participate in substance abuse.
What’s Out There?
What would you say is the number one drug abused by teenagers today? Marijuana? Nicotine? In reality, more common than both of these are prescription drugs! Narcotics like Vicodin, Oxycotin, Ativan, Valium, Ambien, Adderall, and even Ritalin are popular medications being used recreationally among today’s adolescents. There is a huge market for sedatives, painkillers, and anti-depressants, so keep a tight lid on your medicine cabinet, and realize that those bottles on the shelf can be just as damaging as the dealers on the corner. Next to prescription drugs, marijuana is the second most common drug abused among teens. And you can’t turn on the television, listen to music, or read the newspaper without seeing prominent people coming out in support of legalizing this drug. As pot use becomes more common, teens who’ve never tried it may start to think, “Well, it can’t be too bad if that person is promoting it!” Parents, it’s not enough anymore to say, “It’s illegal!” We need to learn how to engage in a conversation about the dangers of marijuana in a different way. Another growing trend in narcotics is designer drugs. These are fairly common subMontgomery Parents I September 2017
stances that have had their chemical structure altered in order to create a new product. These drugs are often sold in powder form, including LSD, PCP, Ecstasy, and Ketamine. This list of drugs and narcotics is not an exhaustive collection by any stretch of the imagination. But it’s a crash course for the uninformed on what’s being offered, pushed, and abused in our culture. The more you know about what is out there, the better prepared you will be to handle a teen who is caught in addiction, or tempted to experiment.
What Are the Signs?
Here are telltale signs to keep watch for: Constant use of eye drops. Smoking pot dries out the sinuses and causes bloodshot eyes. If your teen is going through bottles of eye drops, it might be a sign that they are using marijuana. Use of Goldenseal vitamins. Goldenseal is an herb that aids in fighting in the common cold and may help with digestive disorders, as well. But this herb is commonly believed to mask the presence of illegal drugs in urine. Overuse of air fresheners or incense. If you get into your teen’s car, or walk into their room, and it’s perfumed with heavy aromas, it may be a sign your child is trying to hide the smell of smoke. Drinking vinegar. Many people use vinegar for medicinal reasons, but for a teen using drugs, consuming vinegar could be an attempt to mask the smell of drugs on their breath, or hide the presence of narcotics in their urine. Small burns on their fingers. If you regularly notice small burns on a teen’s forefinger and thumb, that’s a strong indicator of drug use. Rapid weight loss, lack of energy, heavy perspiration, or small bruises on the arms, legs, or feet, are also signs of drug use. Emotional changes. Does your son seem to be depressed or angry? Is your daughter avoiding her friends or seem listless all the time? While these are signs of normal adolescence, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Wild swings in your child’s emotions could be a sign that they are turning to drugs or alcohol to cope.
What Do I Do?
If you’ve discovered that your teen has a problem with drugs, your next question is, “Now what do I do?” 62
First, if you’ve had a history with drugs in your past, don’t be afraid to share that with your son or daughter. Many parents are extremely hesitant to volunteer that kind of information to their kids, in fear that acknowledging mistakes gives kids license to repeat history. But that is simply not the case. Admitting why mom and dad know what they’re talking about actually adds credence and value to their words. Don’t glorify your past, but rather share the mistakes and regrets you have in this particular area. Second, don’t engage in an argument about the morality of using of drugs. Yes, marijuana is an herb; yes it’s been successfully used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Yes, many people want to legalize it. And yes, many successful and prominent people in society openly admit to smoking pot. But these are not the arguments that matter. What’s important is your son or daughter’s relationship to drugs. Always bring the discussion back to that personal level. The fact is, all drugs are addictive and can be destructive. Explain that you care for your teen, and don’t want them to be held captive to any substance. Narcotics are designed to dull our senses and trick our minds into feeling a certain way. Drugs don’t improve our lives in any way. Their purpose is simply to alter our emotions, and eventually they hold us prisoner. Many teens have told me that after using drugs for awhile, it got to the point where they needed those crutches to go to school, deal with their family, or relax. As you talk to your teens about drugs, put yourself in the same scenario. What would your teen say if you needed a couple of beers for breakfast before going to work? Or you needed to pop a pill in order to sit down at the dinner table and relax? Wouldn’t they be concerned for you? Lastly, seek help. Drugs have the capability to sink their claws into our kids so deep that it can be extremely difficult to pry them loose. If your child is caught in the snare of drugs, enlist some allies to help you free them. Find sponsors or programs that give them tools to overcome cravings and addictions. Read books or articles that delve deeper into counseling teenagers dealing with drugs. You don’t have to face this alone. Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.
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“Why do you talk like that?” I heard the question come from behind me as I helped another child in the Sunday school class.
answer, “It’s just the way I am,” after years of questions about her differences. Our kids have grown up around their beloved Aunt Kara and accept her as she is but there came a time when each of them have asked about Kara’s disability and why it makes her different. Chances are, at some point, your child will meet someone at school or in the community that has disabilities. It is normal for children to have questions about people who are different, which means parents should be prepared to answer their questions in an intelligent and appropriate way. Here are some tips to get the conversation started:
“It’s just the way I am.” I heard my sister-in-law wisely answer the curious boy. My sister-in-law, Kara, was born with Cerebral Palsy. She was helping me in the classroom that day when one of the kids noticed her speech is different. Kara has been taught to
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Everyone is different but the same
All of us have unique gifts, personalities, and challenges. No two people are the same and this is a great thing because diversity makes life interesting and fun. While we are all different, everyone has things in common too. All people, including people with disabilities, want to have friends, be shown respect, and have the desire to be accepted. Encourage your child to embrace the differences of others and find common ground, as well. If your child is interested in a popular television show, book, toy, or game, chances are a person with special needs is too. Ask them what they love to do, I would guess they will be happy to tell you.
Types of disabilities
Some disabilities are obvious and some are not. Some people may need a walker or wheelchair to help them move around. Others may have a cognitive (thinking) disability that is not as visible. Explain in simple terms that people struggle with different things and may need a little extra help from a physical tool (like a wheelchair) or help from others. People can have impairments with sight, hearing, walking, speech, cognitive, or a variety of other things. It is important to note that just because someone is in a wheelchair, it does not mean they have a cognitive disability. Also, disabilities are not contagious and children are not going to “catch” the disability. These things may sound obvious to adults, but children process things differently and many have these questions.
Name calling is never okay
Emphasize that people with disabilities have feelings too. Name calling is hurtful, disrespectful, and is a form of bullying. People with disabilities need others to stand up for them when they cannot stand up for themselves. Encourage your child to tell an adult if kids are teasing another child. Your child can be an example to others by being kind and respectful. Parents can set an example by using positive language and behavior towards others, as well.
A note about “rude” comments
Kids are curious and love to ask questions. Many times they will speak exactly what is on their mind, without thinking about whether the comments will be hurtful. This can be very embarrassing to parents. So what do you do if your child blurts out a rude and embarrassing comment? Start by answering calmly and matter of factly. If, for example, your child says, “Why is that boy in a wheelchair?” simply answer, “He needs it to move around. Why don’t you say hello?” If the child is reluctant, say hello to him yourself along with something like, “John likes trains. Do you like trains too?” If the person accompanying the child responds, follow their lead. It is always better to treat others as you would like to be treated than to hurry away in an embarrassing situation. Later, when you are at home, you can ask your child if they have any other questions about others with disabilities and reinforce the value of treating everyone equally. My sister-in-law, now 38 years old, has been asked many questions over the years, some rude and some just curious. She has learned to handle them well because she knows that, just like anyone else, she has challenges to overcome and successes to celebrate. Kara loves watching movies, dancing to music, and taking care of animals. She loves eating candy, pizza, and tacos. She is fun to be around and loves to get out and explore new places. People with disabilities are just people. Sometimes that simple fact is all kids need to know. mp Sarah Lyons is a contributing writer and has been published in more than 100 parenting publications.
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Getting All the Colors in Play
Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids
From the earliest age we surround our children with bright primary colors and strong contrasting shades to engage their senses. It’s believed that newborns discern black and white, only developing the ability to see color around three months. Once babies notice and differentiate color, parents begin to use everyday moments to introduce the youngest eyes to red, green, yellow, blue and more. When toddlers’ eyesight refines so does their interest in colorful objects and this fascination continues to evolve as they grow. As we age we discover broader palettes, even cultivating our favorite colors that accompany us into adulthood. Celebrating the exploration of color in variety of engaging ways, the following items offer a rainbow of resourceful color play.
by Gerry Paige Smith
Rainbow Counting Bears and Cups
Think & Learn Smart Scan Color Chameleon
Just the right size for little hands, this bright brigade of bears leads the way for small children exploring a colorful range of teachable moments. Featuring 60 small bears in six colors, six matching color cups, a storage container and an activity book available as download, this collection has endless educational outcomes to explore. These boldly colored bears stimulate open-ended play and learning activities that can help develop kids’ fine motor skills, cognitive understanding and visual perception. Color matching, cup stacking, sorting and early number sense enjoy a great beginning with these bears. Ideal for supporting counting games, Montessori math as well as autism therapy, Rainbow Counting Bears and Cups offer a broad spectrum of tactile color experience as part of every day play.
The Smart Scan Color Chameleon climbs to the top of learning electronics with innovative games and goals that get kids up and moving on the hunt for color. Kids use the hand-held chameleon scanner to learn colors and numbers associated with the included paint chips before being directed to seek out other specific chips. The color hunt can also expand into the larger house setting with additional games that challenge kids to find and scan other colors. Children are soon scrambling around their surroundings seeking new colors to scan. This kind of open-ended discovery is ideal for keeping kids engaged and learning. Just as versatile and colorful as its namesake, the Think & Learn Smart Scan Color Chameleon packs a lot of learning into one fun resource.
(Fisher-Price)
(Skoolzy)
Square Up!
Color-Changing Lab Putty
(Mindware)
Reminiscent of a flat Rubik’s Cube, this color-driven game places two players in a head-to-head race to see who can sort and manipulate color tiles the fastest. Equipped with their own lidded tile board and individual color cube shaker, the game play starts when the players shake their cubes and slam them down together. What follows is a vivid, lightning-fast race of color tiles on each players game board as they strive to duplicate the color pattern revealed in their shaker cube. The first to match the pattern with their tiles wins the round by quickly closing the clear lid down on their board, framing their colorful victory. Challenging spatial cognition and strategy, color sorting is just the beginning of this invigorating game as two players race to Square Up!
(Lab Putty)
In its resting (cool) state, the putty is dark violet. But when fingers begin to explore the thermosensitive putty surface, touch points begin to warm up into a bright pink. When the whole of the putty color has morphed to pink, placing the putty in a chilly spot (refrigerator or cool water) for a moment recharges the color-change exploration. Stretching, twisting, and shaping the putty provides an additional tactile stimulation that offers a degree of stress-relief and creative play. Non-toxic, non-drying and residuefree, this little bit of color science is also a perfect portable for travel entertainment. Putting the power of color-change in your grasp, this morphing lab putty is easy to pick up and hard to put down!
Gerry Paige Smith is a syndicated columnist recommending the best products for kids and their families. Discover more at www.PageBookMedia.com
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When Tracy Glock’s 13-month-old daughter Kira was hospitalized with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, she was touched by the outpouring of support she and her husband received. During those eight difficult months, the community rallied around the family. Friends and acquaintances babysat Kira in the hospital while her mom and dad worked, and many others helped by delivering meals and even mowing the family’s lawn. “Words cannot express the gratitude you feel when someone you barely know does so much for you,” Glock says, who was also pregnant at the time with Kira’s sister, Allina. Montgomery Parents I September 2017
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Although Kira, now seven, has recovered from the frightening ordeal, she still faces many daily challenges. As a child with Down syndrome and autism, learning and development takes longer and requires more patience compared to the typically developing child. Like many parents who have children with special needs, Glock says finding time for herself is difficult. While many of us know how to help a family in crisis, how do we support parents who often put their own needs last as they focus on the daily challenges of caring for special needs youngsters?
Offer to babysit. Finding trustworthy, alternate caretakers is a huge relief for parents who regularly juggle doctor’s appointments, school issues and therapy, not to mention jobs and other children. “Every special needs parent’s needs are different, but most just love a little rest,” Glock says. Because special needs children require more attention from their parents, healthcare providers and therapists, other youngsters in the family may feel slighted. “Children always struggle and this is the case whether they’re special needs or not,” says Nancy Masannat, mom to two children, including Emy, 16, and Kyle, 14, who is on the autism spectrum. “There’s going to be sibling jealousies.” When her children were younger, Masannat would often schedule her son’s appointments during times when her daughter was in preschool. “In my daughter’s mind, it wasn’t fair that someone was coming to the house and playing with her brother and not her.” Having access to a qualified babysitter you can trust with your special needs child, can give you an opportunity to spend much-needed, one-on-one time with your other children too. Listen. Ask your friend how she’s doing and then simply listen. Avoid offering platitudes or suggestions to help her fix problems. “We all just like to be heard. Everybody likes to vent,” Masannat says. “Just listen to what the issues are without judgment. That’s a huge help for everybody, but primarily when you’re dealing with something that someone else might not understand.” Educate yourself. Get to know your friend’s child, including her disability, her personality quirks and her individual needs. And ask your friend about her specific parenting challenges. 69
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“It shows that you care and will help you provide more effective support,” says Heather Trammell, mom to two special needs children, including Beth, 14, who has Down syndrome and Marie, 11, who has high-functioning autism. Both girls also have a connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Suggest resources. Support
groups help parents feel less alone and provide valuable resources for assistance in childcare, school issues and navigating healthcare. “The biggest thing for me was to know that I wasn’t in this by myself--that I wasn’t the only person who had a child who didn’t sleep well; that I wasn’t the only one with a child who was now three and not talking,” Masannat says. To find support groups in your area, consult with the therapists and teachers your child already works with, your library, your church and online. For example, www.autismspeaks.org, which includes resources for families or the National Down Syndrome Society, www.ndss.org. Also check out Facebook and MeetUp. com for local support groups. (Also, find Support Groups in this month’s Special Needs Guide immediately following this article.)
Other ideas to brighten your friend’s day: • Purchase a gift certificate for a massage or manicure. • If you plan to have the family over, ask your friend if you should be aware of any food sensitivities or specific ground rules to ensure a successful visit. • Offer to babysit and/or help with siblings. • Help with getting kids to practices. • Deliver a meal. • Mow their lawn. • Send a bouquet of cheerful flowers. • Arrange for a house cleaning crew. • Ask if you can pick up anything while running errands/ • Mail an encouraging card. mp
Freelance journalist, Christa Melnyk Hines, and her husband are the parents of two sons. She is the author of Confidently Connected: A Mom’s Guide to a Satisfying Social Life.
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Autism Society of America
4340 East-West Hwy., Ste. 350, Bethesda, MD Provides services in the areas of advocacy, education, awareness and research. (800) 328.8476
www.autism-society.org
Autism Spot
AutismSpot seeks to provide a free and unbiased resource for the Autism Community, including best practices, therapies, various education opportunities, resources, tools and home program ideas from around the world. AutismSpot offers support, hope and encouragement through expert advice and community. In addition, tools such as blogs and forums are provided to give individuals a place to have a voice and share their story. www.autismspot.com
TACA (Talk About Curing Autism)
TACA is a not-for-profit foundation of families helping families affected by autism. TACA Alabama Chapter meets in Birmingham/Huntsville/Tuscaloosa area. TACA aims to speed up the cycle from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments. (855) 726.7810
www.tacanow.org
Camps for Special Needs Camp Frog
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (C.H.A.D.D)
Provides education, advocacy and support for individuals with AD/HD. CHADD publishes a variety of printed materials to keep members and professionals current on research advances, medications and treatments affecting individuals with AD/HD. (800) 233.4050
www.chadd.org
Feingold Association of the United States
Provides informational materials, online/telephone support, and resources. Helps families introduce lowadditive dietary programs for children with learning/ behavior problems and chemically sensitive adults (631) 369.9340
www.feingold.org
Learning Disabilities Association of America
Support programs for parents, an information and referral network, legislation, school program development. (412) 341.1515
Www.ldaamerica.org
Autism Autism Society of Alabama ad on page 18
4217 Dolly Ridge Road, Birmingham, AL Provides a resource list of services that have been recommended by families and professionals, support groups, lending library, newsletter and Education & Awareness. (205) 951.1364
www.autism-alabama.org
Easter Seals of Central Alabama
ad on page 73
2125 East South Blvd, Montgomery, AL Our goal is to provide quality life enhancing programs Montgomery Parents I September 2017
and services to meet the individual needs of our consumers. ESCA offers the following programs; Rotary Work Center, Project Search, Speech Therapy, Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic, Vocational Evaluation, Job Placement, CNA Certification, Learning Disabilities Evaluation, and CARE. (334) 288.0240
www.eastersealsca.org
Alabama Autism & Asperger’s Statewide Info & Support Network
Website offers videos, articles, forums, groups, chats, bulletin board, links and resources. www.alabamaautism.org
Autism Alabama
An initiative of Special Education Services, Alabama Department of Education, to provide on-line training resources for parents and educational professionals on autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). (334) 242.8114
www.alex.state.al.us/autismAL
Autism Hope Center
3 Bradley Park Ct, Suite D, Columbus, GA The Autism Hope Center is a free resource to both families and professionals throughout the Chattahoochee Valley. Since 2005, we have been instrumental in bringing programs, services, and support to individuals and their families in our area. We host a monthly support group and monthly inclusive events. (706) 604 6333
www.autismhopecenter.com
Autism Internet Modules
(AIM) project is designed to provide comprehensive information to assist those working and living with individuals with Autism Spectrum. The AIM project will develop a series of 60 modules by the time the project is complete on topics including assessment and identification, characteristics, evidence-based practices and interventions, transition to adulthood, and employment. Currently some of the modules are complete and some are under development. www.autisminternetmodules.org/index.php
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5278 Camp ASCCA Road, Jackson’s Gap, AL ASA hosts 35+ families at the annual September Family Camp ASCCA, Camp FROG. Children on the autism spectrum enjoy traditional camp activities in a supportive environment with their families.The Autism Society of Alabama. Camp ASCCA, Jackson’s Gap. September 15-17; Ages 6-18 years and their families. Scholarships available. 205-951-1364
www.autism-alabama.org
Easter Seals Camp ASCCA ad on page 65
5278 Camp ASCCA Road, Jackson’s Gap, AL Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults. ASCCA is a nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation for children and adults with both physical and mental disabilities. Providing weekend and week sessions, open year-round. Located in Alabama on Lake Martin, offers campers a wide variety of recreational and educational activities. Activities include horseback riding, fishing, tubing, swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, canoeing, a “splash pad”, outdoor adventure elements like the zip-line, and much more. 256-825-9226
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Camp AMIGOS Day Camp
Camp AMIGOS (Amazingly Made In God’s Own Spirit) is a ministry of Shoal Creek Baptist Church started in June 2013. Camp AMIGOS is a day camp for K-6th grade special needs children. Camp AMIGOS not only provides special needs children a place to play and have a fun time, but also gives the parents a time to relax and complete tasks that can be difficult with their child around. At our Camp AMIGOS Day Camp, we will provide a safe, fun and loving atmosphere for your child. There will be music, arts & crafts, and games. Also, lunch is provided. Call Traci Culverhouse at 301.0872 or Jessica Jewell at 569.2482
Camp Mash
P.O. Box 850548, Mobile, AL 36685 Camp M.A.S.H. is a weeklong recreational program for children ages 7 to 17 with a form of juvenile arthritis or a related autoimmune disease. Our camp is planned specifically for the needs of our campers in order to empower them to live life to the fullest and to build
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Lakeshore Foundation
(251) 599-5688 campmashmobile@gmail.com www.campmash.org
Camp Seale Harris
Southern Diabetes Education Services camps and local community programs provide diabetes education, encouragement, and friendships for children with diabetes and their families. (205) 402-0415 www.campsealeharris.org
1314 Shocco Springs Road, Talladega, AL his camp gives every hearing impaired student, ages 8-high school, an opportunity to have an unforgettable week of fun, games, and spiritual growth. Not only that, they learn the essence of teamwork, while also developing their own unique abilities. www.campshocco.org
Camp Smile-a-Mile-Alabama’s Program for Children with Cancer
www.lakeshore.org
Cerebal Palsy Provides provide all families of children of special needs with Help and Hope For Life. 1(800) 692.4453
1(205) 323.8427 or 1 (334) 500.7920 www.campsam.org
2520 Fairlane Dr Suite 360, Montgomery, AL Leading service provider and advocate for adults and children with disabilities, including cerebral palsy.
Provides our kids with the chance to learn about effective diabetes management, while at the same time allowing them to interact with other children living with this same illness. www.southeasterndiabetes.org
www.ucpmobile.org
Down Syndrome Down Syndrome Alabama
1929 Canyon Road, Birmingham, AL Promote awareness and acceptance, and advocacy for individuals. Offers education and support for individuals. (205) 988.0810
Camp Sugar Falls & Camp Seale Harris
www.cerebralpalsy.org
United Cerebral Palsy
(334) 271.2280
Camp Smile-A-Mile’s mission is to provide year round challenging, unforgettable recreational and educational experiences for young cancer patients, their families as well as young adult survivors from Alabama at not cost to the families. Camp Smile-A-Mile has year round programming including seven annual sessions at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin.
(205) 402.0415
(205) 313.7400
4 My Child
Camp Shocco for the Deaf
256-761-1100
Offers a wide range of fitness, recreation, athletic and education programs to children and adults who experience diagnostic conditions including spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, amputation, and visual impairment.
www.downsyndromealabama.org
F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
Montgomery, AL Local organization for families, friends and advocates who love an individual with Down Syndrome. www.downsyndromefriends.org
Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group
Montgomery, AL Provides family support, education, links and social opportunities. www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com
Dyslexia Alabama Branch of the International Dyslexia Association
280 Marwood Drive, Birmingham, AL 35244 We are here to help improve the lives of individuals with dyslexia through education, legislation and services. (855) 247.1381 info@idaalabama.org www.idaalabama.org
Learning Disabilities Association of Alabama
Non-profit grassroots organization whose members are individuals with learning disabilities, their families, and the professionals who work with them. www.ldaal.org.
Early Intervention Autauga/Western Elmore Arc ad on page 28
Is your child not growing as expected physically and/or mentally? We offer free and voluntary family-focused resources, supports and services for eligible infants and toddlers, birth to three years, who have developmental delays. Serving Autauga, Chilton, Elmore and Montgomery counties. (334) 361.6008 or (334) 324.7472 carla.darby@awearc.org www.awearc.org
10•21•17 9:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M.
••••••••••••••
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Prattville YMCA
Willis Bradford Branch ••••••••••••••
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• Grits Cookoff • Door Prizes • Contests • Giveaways • Arts & Crafts • Bounce Houses • Live Music
The TY 5K NITTY GRIT ••••••••••••
for or
Prattville YMCA
Festivities include:
,
5K begins at 8:00 A.M. Register online at active.com or call Cecily Darby at 334-361-0268.
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Easter Seals of Central Alabama ad on page 73
2125 East South Blvd, Montgomery, AL Our goal is to provide quality life enhancing programs and services to meet the individual needs of our consumers. ESCA offers the following programs: Janice Capilouto Center for the Deaf, Speech Therapy, Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic, Vocational Evaluation, PACE Program, Job Placement, CAN Certification, Learning Disabilities Evaluation, and CARE. (334) 288.0240
www.eastersealsca.org
Montgomery Children’s Specialty Center ad on page 21
2853 Forbes Drive, Montgomery, AL We are Montgomery’s preferred, five star rated children’s nursing and rehabilitation facility. In our caring and nurturing environment, we provide services to children with severe developmental disabilities that require on-going nursing care. Our dedicated team of health care professionals understands that each family has an individual set of circumstances, needs and preferences. At Montgomery Children’s we are inspired by you to work together creating a plan of care that promotes a nurturing environment of respect, growth and healing. (334) 261.3445
www.montgomerybytutera.com
Alabama’s Early Intervention System
602 South Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL Provides supports and services for infants and toddlers birth through age 2 (0 to 36 months of age) who have a medical diagnosis that can delay normal development or who have a developmental delay causing the child to not meet developmental milestones. Early intervention supports and services focus on
Montgomery Parents I September 2017
teaching the parents and other caregivers ways to help the child learn and participate in everyday activities. AEIS also prepares infants and toddlers with disabilities and developmental delays for transition to the Alabama State Department of Education’s and local school systems’ preschool program for 3- to 5-year-olds by providing specialized instruction; physical, occupational, and speech-language therapies; service coordination; and parent and family education. Additionally, AEIS provides training to local school system teachers to ensure a smooth, seamless transition to school for infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities.
Helen Keller School of Alabama
Alabama Institute for the Deaf & Blind
866-532-7660
800-543-3098 www.rehab.alabama.gov/individuals-andfamilies/early-intervention
205 South Street, Talladega, AL AIDB is the most comprehensive education, rehabilitation and service system serving children and adults who are deaf, blind and multi-disabled. Children ages 3 to 21 are served through the Alabama School for the Deaf, the Alabama School for the Blind and the Helen Keller School of Alabama. (256) 761.3200
www.aidb.org
Alabama School for the Blind
1101 Fort Lashley Avenue, Talladega, AL (256) 761.3377
www.aidb.org
Parent Training and Information Center / Early Intervention Family Alliance- (APEC)
10520 US Highway 231, Wetumpka, AL Formed to provide parents with training and information to help them become meaningful participants in their children’s education. We operate projects such as the Alabama Parent Training & Information Network for Children with Disabilities (AL PTI NCD) and provide Youth Transition Services, School Improvement Services, Cooperative Parenting assistance and work with Imagination Library. www.alabamaparentcenter.com
The Children’s Center of Montgomery
310 North Madison Terrace, Montgomery, AL Montgomery Public School for Special Needs. Offer services for cognitive delayed or multi-handicapped. (334) 262.4850
www.children.mps-al.org/
United Cerebral of Central Alabama: Horizon EI Program 2739 Office Park Circle, Montgomery, AL
705 South Street East, Talladega, AL
(334) 271.2280
Alabama School for the Deaf
Epilepsy
(256) 761.3259
www.aidb.org
205 South Street, Talladega, AL (256) 761.3212
www.aidb.org
Child Find
Child Find is the process used in Alabama for identifying all children who may be eligible for services and referring them to Alabama’s Early Intervention System. (800) 543.3098
Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama
Mission is to educate and support individuals with epilepsy and their families. Provide services and programs; educating and increasing awareness about epilepsy; providing leadership in advocacy for epilepsy issues. (800) 626.1582
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Enable Savings Plan Alabama ad on page 20
Enable Savings Plan Alabama provides tax-free savings accounts for eligible individuals with disabilities. Keep your disability benefits and save for your future. Features include: An individual with an eligible disability can open one account. The owner and beneficiary are the same; Any person can contribute to the account; Three risk-based investment options, an FDIC-insured bank savings option and FDIC-insured check writing option with a debit card; Created in partnership with the Alabama State Treasurer’s Office, the State of Nebraska Treasurer’s Office and First National Bank of Omaha. (866) 833-7949
www.EnableAL.com
General Resources Baptist Health Care
ad on page 43 and 67
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The Comprehensive Therapy Center at Baptist Medical Center East is the only facility offering families and the communities of central Alabama comprehensive rehabilitation services. Individualized treatment is provided by experienced and licensed occupational, physical and speech therapists. In an outpatient setting, we use proven therapeutic methods and state-of-the-art equipment, while emphasizing patient education to prevent recurring physical or developmental problems. Our goal is to help individuals, both adult and pediatric, reach their maximum potential and return to the workforce or society as contributing members. Includes: Assessment for adaptive equipment needs, Early intervention,
Feeding/swallowing evaluation and treatment, Sensory integration therapy, Hand therapy by a certified hand therapist. Speech therapy program evaluates and treats communication and swallowing disorders. Our services help with development and medically related disorders. Communication disorders we treat include: Articulation, Cleft palate, Comprehensive and expressive disorders, Deficiency in understanding language or expressing thoughts, Dysarthria, Hearing problems, Language (adult and child), Oral motor/feeding dysfunction, Stuttering, Swallowing problems/disorders. Neonatal and Pediatric Therapy--Our pediatric physical, occupational, and speech therapists provide specialized treatment for neonates, infants, children and adolescents. They are dedicated to restoring function, preventing disability and helping patients achieve independence in daily living. They are beneficial for: Autism, Assessment for special equipment needs, Congenital disorders, Developmental disorders, Neuromuscular disorders, Orthopaedic injuries, Traumarelated disabilities. AmTrykes Demo Site--The Baptist Medical Center East Comprehensive Therapy Center is an Ambucs AmTrykes demo site. Therapists are able to fit disabled children and adults on these special tricycles. For more information about AmTrykes, visit www.montgomeryambucs.org. Appointments--Patients must have a physician’s referral for treatment. Services are by appointment only and the Comprehensive Therapy Center staff will make every effort to service all patients. To make an appointment, call (334) 244-8345. The Comprehensive Therapy Center is located on the first floor of the Medical Office Building, inside Baptist Medical Center East, 400 Taylor Rd., Montgomery, AL 36117. (334) 244-8345 www.baptistfirst.org/services/ comprehensive-therapy-center/
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Alabama Alliance for the Mentally Ill
1401 I-85 Parkway Suite A, Montgomery, AL (334) 396.4797
www.namialabama.org
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (334) 293.7500 or (800) 441.7607 (Montgomery office); (800) 205.9986 (Alabama’s Toll Free Hotline for ADA Information) www.rehab.state.al.us/ada
Alabama Family Trust
A nonprofit special needs trust that holds and administers money for the disabled so they are able to become eligible and maintain government benefits for which they would otherwise be financially ineligible. (205) 313-3915
www.alabamafamilytrust.com
Alabama Parent Education Center (APEC)
10520 US Highway 231, Wetumpka, AL A non-profit 501c3, organized in 2002 by Alabama parents, educators, and professionals serving families. APEC provides services and supports to assist families particularly those underserved including minority, lowincome, and those with children with disabilities. APEC provides parents with training, information, and support to help them become meaningful participants in their children’s education and lives. (334) 567-2252
alabamaparentcenter.com
Alabama PTA
470 S. Union St., Montgomery, AL (334) 834.2501
www.alabamapta.org
Alabama’s Early Intervention System and Department of Rehabilitation Services
602 South Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL Birth-3 years. Programs for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities (334) 293.7500
www.rehab.alabama.gov
www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents
American Foundation for the Blind
100 Peachtree Street, Suite 620, Atlanta, GA 1(404) 525.2303
www.afb.org
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Committed to ensuring that all people with speech, language, and hearing disorders receive services to help them communicate effectively. (800) 638.8255
http://www.asha.org/public/
Arc of Alabama
557 South Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL Advocates for people with disabilities. (334) 262.7688
www.thearcofal.org
Blind or Visually Impaired, Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind (251) 432.7777
www.AIDB.org
Career & Technical Education
Family Voices of Alabama (FV of AL)
1050 Government Street, Mobile Aims to achieve family-centered care for all children and youth with special health care needs and/or disabilities. Through our national network, we provide families tools to make informed decisions, advocate for improved public and private policies, build partnerships among professionals and families, and serve as a trusted resource on health care. (877) 771-3862 info@familyvoicesal.org http://www.familyvoicesal.org/
Governor’s Office on Disabilities Montgomery, AL Provide information on Disabilities (888) 879.3582
www.good.alabama.gov
Medicaid Waivers
These waivers help those families who make too much money for Medicaid but “fall through the cracks” of their insurance.
Montgomery, AL Alabama State Department of Education
Alabama Department of Public Services, (334) 293-7160, Ask for sail waiver program.State of Alabama of Independent living waiver – (800) 441.7607
Client Assistance Program
Montgomery, AL Department of Rehabilitation Services
Mental Health Rep. for Children/Youth, Office of Children’s Services/ Alabama Department of Mental Health
(800) 228.3231
(334) 242.3454
Developmental Disabilities Council
Montgomery Scottish Rite Learning Center
(334) 242.9111
www.alsde.edu
Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities (800) 232.2158
http://acdd.org
www.mh.alabama.gov
565 Eastern Blvd., Montgomery, AL Testing for children up to 9th grade with dyslexia. (334) 277.8109
Developmental Disabilities, Alabama Department of Mental Health
Programs for Children with Disabilities
(334) 242.3454
(334) 242.8114 or (800) 392.8020
Montgomery, AL
www.mh.alabama.gov/
P.O. Box 302101, Montgomery, AL Ages 3-5
Protection and Advocacy
The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) (800) 826.1675
www.adap.net
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Birmingham, AL Temporary short-term relief for caregivers of individuals with special needs such as: developmental and physical disabilities or other chronic illnesses that are related to health concerns, medical fragility, or for those at risk of abuse and neglect.
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Southeast ADA Center
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1(866).RESTALA
http://alabamarespite.org
1419 Mayson Street, Atlanta, GA
(800) 949.4232 www.facebook.com/southeastadacenter or www.adasoutheast.org
Special Education Services
Montgomery, AL Alabama Department of Education
(800) 392.8020
www.alsde.edu/
Special Format Library
6030 Monticello Drive, Montgomery, AL Alabama Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. (800) 392.5671
www.afb.org
Special Health Care Needs
602 South Lawrence Street , Montgomery, AL Serving children and teens from birth to 21. CRS provides services for children and adolescents from birth to age 21 with special health-care needs and their families. Every county in Alabama is served through a network of 14 community-based offices. Staff members work closely with local school systems to enable children with disabilities to participate fully in school. (800) 441.7607
www.rehab.alabama.gov/crs
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State Department of Education: Special Education P.O. Box 302101, Montgomery, AL (334) 242.8114 or (800) 392.8020.
State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency
602 South Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL (334) 293.7500
www.rehab.alabama.gov
Technology- STAR (Statewide Technology Access and Response for Alabamians with Disabilities) (800) 782.7656
www.rehab.alabama.gov/star
Triumph Services
600 S. Court St, Ste 326, Montgomery, AL 36104 Triumph Services provides a holistic approach to support people who have developmental disabilities. The Individual is in the center as the expert on his/ her dreams and goals. The LIVE program provides independent living skills. The WORK program provides competitive employment and purpose in life. The PLAY program provides community integration and healthy relationships. The COUNSELING program addresses depression and anxiety and builds self-esteem. (334) 323-9478
www.triumphservices.org
University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Civitan International Research Center-University of Alabama at Birmingham (800) 822.2472
www.circ.uab.edu
Legal Services Capell & Howard, P.C. ad on page 3
At Capell & Howard, our special needs attorneys understand the fear of not knowing how your child will be financially and physically cared for once you’re gone. We understand those fears because everyday, we talk and work with parents who are afraid for the futures of their special needs children — afraid the children will lose their government benefits, afraid they’ll make a poor medical decision, afraid they’ll one day be without a caretaker. That’s why we offer you a solid legal plan for your child’s future, one that’s sculpted to address your concerns and meet your child’s many needs. With your input, we develop a plan that provides for the financial and physical well-being of your special needs child — today and every day that follows. (334) 241.8000
www.capellhoward.com
Muscular Dystrophy Muscular Dystrophy Association
700 Century Park South #225, Birmingham, AL Provides informational materials, networking, referrals to local resources, summer camps and an equipment loan program. (205) 823.8191
www.mdausa.org
Nutrition Health Wise
5147 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL Provides nutritional supplements for children and adults with ciliac disease, autism, ADD/ADHD and other learning disabilities. We offer a wide variety organic, egg free, gluten free food products for individuals with celiac disease and autism. (334) 277.9925
www.healthwisefoods.com
Lee Silsby, Compound Pharmacy
Parks & Recreation
(800) 918.8831
Ida Belle Young Park
Compounding Pharmacy focusing on children with Autism www.leesilsby.com
Our Kids
Our Kids was founded as the result of the joy Lee Silsby Compounding Pharmacy experiences in working with Autistic children. Our Kids focuses 100% of their product line exclusively on supplements for Autistic children and designing innovative, high quality products. (877) 533.7457
www.ourkidsasd.com
The Herb Shop
8151 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery, AL We have a whole section dedicated to special needs and learning disabilities. Please visit our store for individual supplement recommendations. (334) 271.2882
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5400 Vaughn Road , Montgomery, AL Sight Impaired Playground www.montgomeryal.gov
Montgomery Zoo
2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, AL The Montgomery Zoo is handicap accessible. Wheelchairs are available for rental at the Zoofari Gift Shop. The play area does have handicap accessible swings. (334) 240.4900
www.montgomeryal.gov
Overlook Memorial
299 Jay Street, Prattville, AL Handicap accessible, swings
www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents
Pratt Park Child Place
460 Doster Road, Prattville, AL Handicap accessible, swings
Spinner’s Park
390 West 6th Street, Prattville, AL Metal slides for cochlear implants
Therapeutic Recreation Center
604 Augusta St., Montgomery, AL One of Montgomery’s proudest accomplishments, makes recreation accessible to our city’s special population. The center offers a 26,000 square foot facility that is barrier free, and features a large gymnasium, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, weight room, game rooms, meeting rooms, locker rooms and a kitchen. Spring Prom and Special Olympic competitions are held here. (334) 240.4595
Thompson Park
1655 Ray Thorington Road, Montgomery, AL “No Limits” Miracle Field Playground and Miracle League Ball Field.
Vaughn Road Park
3620 Vaughn Road , Montgomery, AL Boundless Playground www.montgomeryal.gov
Recreation & Enrichment Alabama Shakespeare Festial: Spotlight Players ad on page 51
1 Festival Drive, Montgomery, AL We are very excited to announce the creation of a new acting class this fall. Spotlight Players will serve as a
home for actors and artists on the Autism Spectrum and will meet on Tuesday nights starting on September 19, 2017. The first “semester” will run through December 19, 2017 and, because of this longer time frame, Spotlight Players can and will be structured to function more as a company than some of our other classes. Week to week we will offer training, workshops, guest artists and teachers, and also begin rehearsing a showcase. We will encourage exploration into all aspects of theatre, acting, directing, playwriting, design, etc. The cost is $300 for the 4 month class. Education department via phone at 334-271-5393 clawson@asf.net or glambert@asf.net www.asf.net
Armory Athletics Center ad on page 38
1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, AL Classes offered and combined. Case to case basis upon the need of extra coaches. Please call for information. (334) 241.2789
Dream Court Inc ad on page 48
Sharing hope, changing lives. Aadaptive tennis program in Montgomery, AL for children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. Dream Court provides an opportunity for individuals with intellectual and/ physical disabilities a chance to play the lifetime sport of tennis. Dream Court focuses on inclusion, active lifestyle, positive self esteem, appropriate social behavior, and having fun while learning the sport of tennis. (334) 414-1980
www.dreamcourt.org
Lessons are customized to each child’s abilities Contact Jeffrey Nichols.
(334) 375.2023
jeffrey@swimprepllc.com
Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection ad on page 75
3370 Harrison Road, Montgomery, AL Offering a variety of classes for special needs children beginning this fall. (334) 277.1098 or on Facebook
Abrakadoodle
Offer several enrichment programs in Montgomery’s public and private school settings as well as daycares. We offer autism and special needs classes. Susan Parker (334) 265.5758 sparker@abrakadoodle. com www.abrakadoodle.com/al01
Provides exercise and recreational equipment for people with disabilities www.accesstr.com
Alabama Angels Pageant
The Alabama Angels Pageant is a pageant specifically for individuals with special needs, both male and female of any age. Participation is free and it is free to come and watch. Anyone with a medically diagnosed physical or intellectual impairment is invited to participate. Participants will receive free hair and makeup and then enjoy a short rider in a limo before being dropped off at the red carpet premier. Renee Lantz (334) 300.9238
www.alabamaangels.org
Boy Scouts of America
Swim Prep ad on page 23
Locations in Prattville & Montgomery Adapted Swim Lessons for those with Special Needs.
3067 Carter Hill Rd., Montgomery, AL We provide an educational and social program for boys and young adults. (334) 262.2697
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Montgomery Parents I September 2017
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Captains for Kids
Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Florida Fun activities on the water for kids with special needs and illness. We offer fishing charters, dolphin cruises, pirate cruises, sailing charters, parasailing, banana boat rides, airboat rides and more. (850) 438-5555 or (850) 377-6422 spotate@aol.com www.captainsforkids.com
Children’s Harbor Family Center & Camp
1600 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233 Children’s Harbor provides children with serious illnesses and their families a place to be themselves – to have fun and relax – while also receiving no-cost services that make life a bit easier for the whole family. (205) 638-6123 information@childrensharbor.com www.childrensharbor.com
Disabled Sports USA
Disabled Sports USA’s mission is to provide national opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through community sports, recreation and educational programs. Disabilities include those with visual impairments, amputations, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, head injury, cerebral palsy, other neuromuscular/orthopedic conditions, autism and related intellectual disabilities. (301) 217-0960 info@dsusa.org www.disabledsportsusa.org
Family Karate Center
8159 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL Next door to Jalapenos, Peppertree Shopping Center. Only karate center that specializes in teaching special needs students- autistic, Asperger’s Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder, ADHD, Down Syndrome, Hearing and Visually impaired, all wheel chairs welcome. There is no extra cost for the special needs child. Carole Coker, (334) 277.4911
Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama
145 Coliseum Boulevard, Montgomery, AL Helps girls self value, social and volunteering skills through troop service. (334) 272.9164
Huntingdon College Ability Sport Network
1500 E. Fairview Ave., Montgomery, AL The Ability Sport Network (ASN) at Huntingdon College serves youth and young adults with physical disabilities, ages 6-21, in the River Region who have a desire to participate in sport and adapted activity. Dr. Lisa Dorman, Director, (334) 833-4465 Dr. Jared Rehm, Asst. Director, (334) 833-4073 ldorman@hawks.huntingdon.edu or jrehm@hawks.huntingdon.edu www.asn.huntingdon.edu
M.A.N.E.
3699 Wallahatchie Rd, Pike Road, AL The Montgomery Area Non-traditional Equestrians is dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with a wide range of disabilities through safe and effective therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, and equine-assisted learning activities. (334) 213.0909
http://maneweb.org
Montgomery Miracle League
Storybook Farms
300 Cusseta Road, Opelika, AL The year-round equine assisted activities are tailored to serve children ages 2 years to young adults who are challenged with life-threatening illnesses, disabilities, mental and/or emotional trauma, and grief. The gentle nature of our horses provides hope and healing. In addition to our “hope on horseback” riding programs, Storybook Farm also provides weekly Enrichment Classes for local school system’s inclusive special education classes, “Forever Families” quarterly events for families created by adoption or fostering, as well as annual events. (334) 444.5966
www.hopeonhorseback.org
Therapeutic Recreation Center
604 Augusta St, Montgomery, AL One of Montgomery’s proudest accomplishments, makes recreation accessible to our city’s special population. The center offers a 26,000 square foot facility that is barrier free, and features a large gymnasium, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, weight room, game rooms, meeting rooms, locker rooms and a kitchen. Spring Prom and Special Olympic competitions are held here. (334) 240.4575
The Miracle League provides an opportunity for children and adults with physical and/or cognitive disabilities a chance to play baseball.
Schools & Tutoring
Special Olympics Alabama
Churchill Academy
(334) 242.3383
395 Ray Thorington Rd, Montgomery, AL Churchill Academy was founded in 1996 to educate the many children in Montgomery and surrounding areas with unique learning differences that range from Attention Deficit Disorder to Learning Disabled to Gifted. We
Facebook under Montgomery Miracle League
880 South Court Street, Montgomery, AL Offers year-round sports training and athletic competitions in 18 individual and team Olympictype sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
http://specialolympicsalabama.com/.
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ad on page 7
www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents
believe strongly that early intervention is essential to maximize the success of every child with special learning needs. Our youngest classroom, classroom A, identifies areas of strength and weakness in our 6 & 7 year olds and provides appropriate remedial instruction. (334) 270.4225 www.churchillacademymontgomery.com
Success Unlimited ad on page 22
2328 Fairlane Campus and 4500 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL Success Unlimited Academy is dedicated to teaching all children. In our Special Education Achievement Class, we have provided a special place of learning for those who need more one-on-one instruction and individualized lesson plans. (334) 213.0803
www.suacademy.com
Sylvan Learning Center ad on page 23
2640 Zelda Rd, Montgomery, AL One on one or small group for children with learning disabilities. Study skills, (courses for credit) writing/ grammar, reading, math and SAT/ACT college preparation. Also individualized tutoring. Diagnostic evaluation and tests. Students improve skills, becoming more motivated and gaining in self-confidence. Certified teachers. (334) 262.0043 https://locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/ montgomery-al
Huntington Learning Center
3251 Malcolm Drive, Montgomery, AL Several teachers on staff with Special Education needs. Tutoring in reading, study skills, writing, phonics, spelling, math and ACT/SAT prep, GED and exit exam. (334) 277.1108
Montgomery Parents I September 2017
Speech Therapy Easter Seals of Central Alabama ad on page 73
2125 East South Blvd., Montgomery, AL Our goal is to provide quality life enhancing programs and services to meet the individual needs of our consumers. ESCA offers the following programs; Janice Capilouto Center for the Deaf, Speech Therapy, Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic, Vocational Evaluation, PACE Program, Job Placement, CAN Certification, Learning Disabilities Evaluation, and CARE. (334) 288.0240
www.eastersealsca.org
AUM Speech and Hearing Clinic
7177 Halcyon Summit Drive, Montgomery, AL AUMSHC is a full-service speech and hearing clinic. We have been in operation since 1975. We offer speech and hearing diagnostic testing and rehabilitative therapy, as well as hearing aid services. We are a non-profit research/teaching organization, associated with the university. We train students in communication disorders and supervise doctoral level students from main campus that do clinical rotations here with us in their second year. (334) 244.3408
www.facebook.com/aumshc
Comprehensive Therapy Center Baptist Speech and Hearing Clinic Baptist East Hospital, 400 Taylor Rd, Montgomery, AL Provide speech, hearing, OT and physical therapy department and swallow and feeding therapy. We see patients from birth to geriatric. Only facility offering families and the communities of central Alabama comprehensive rehabilitation services. Individualized treatment is provided by experienced and licensed occupational, physical and speech therapists. (334) 244.8345
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Montgomery County Public School System
1153 South Lawrence St, Montgomery, AL 36104 Offers speech-language evaluations and therapy (if eligible) for children ages 3 and up. This service is available to children by law regardless of if they attend private, public or are homeschooled. Disabilities recognized include Autism, Deaf-Blindness, Developmental Delay, Emotional Disability, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disabilities, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech or Language Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury and Visual Impairment.
Sharron Tomlinson, Preschool Special Education Facilitator (334) 269.3808 sharron.tomlinson@mps.k12.al.us
Prattville Baptist Speech and Hearing Clinic
635 McQueen Smith Road, Suite D, Prattville, AL Center for Advanced Therapy. Provide speech, hearing, OT and physical therapy department. (334) 358.6501
Speech and Hearing, Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama (256) 325.8885 Info@AlabamaSHAA.org www.alabamashaa.org
The Alabama Public school systems offer speech-language evaluations and therapy (if eligible) for children 3 and up. This is available to children, by law, regardless of if they go to private, public or are homeschooled.
Spina Bifida Spina Bifida Association of Alabama
Strives to provide families affected by Spina Bifida with the most up-to-date medical and social information related to this birth defect. The 2017 Walk-N-Roll for SBA of AL at the Montgomery Zoo
www.montgomeryparents.com
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support through shared experiences and coordinated by a trained facilitator. “Like” A Parent’s Perspective on Facebook. (334) 310.1649
Support & Educational Services
Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities
Easter Seals of Central Alabama
Dianne Craft – Child Diagnostics
ad on page 73
2125 East South Boulevard, Montgomery, AL Consists of eight community rehabilitation program sites and the world’s largest barrier free recreational camp Camp ASCCA. Easter Seals Alabama services include: Medical Rehabilitation, Early Intervention, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Hearing Therapy, Job Training and Employment, Child Care & Camping and Recreation. (334) 288.0240
(334) 242.3973 addpc@mh.state.al.us. www.acdd.org
Wonderful website filled with information, articles, resources for learning disabilities, dyslexia, auditory processing, right/left brain learning. Nutritional therapy and supplement recommendations. You can purchase Dianne’s DVDs, CDs, Books, vitamins, and other various products through her online store. (303) 694.0532
ad on page 21
2853 Forbes Drive, Montgomery, AL We are Montgomery’s preferred children’s nursing and rehabilitation facility. Providing services to children with severe developmental disabilities that require on-going nursing care. Our team of professionals will create a plan of care that promotes a nurturing environment of respect, growth and healing. www.montgomerychildrenscare.com
A Parent’s Perspective
A therapeutic and educational group for parents of children with physical/emotional needs that provides direct
http://www.diannecraft.org
March of Dimes Alabama Chapter Birmingham, AL (205) 824.0103
Montgomery Children’s Specialty Center
(334) 261-3445
RSA Union Building, 100 N Union St, Montgomery, AL
www.marchofdimes.com
Partners in Policymaking of Alabama
100 N Union Street, Montgomery, AL To support independence, advocacy, productivity, and inclusion for Alabamians with developmental disabilities. ACDD is dedicated to the vision that all Alabamians, regardless of disability, will live, learn, work, and play in inclusive communities. (800) 846-3735
www.acdd.org
Rooftop Friends
Disabilities ministry of Young Meadows Presbyterian Church, seeking to share the love of Christ with families and individuals who are involved with loved ones, or even themselves who struggle with a physical, cognitive or behavioral disability. While the programs are a great deal of fun and a wonderful way for members and
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friends of YMPC to get to work together, but the most important aspect is those personal relationships with parents, those with disabilities, seeing that we are all people created in the image of God.
(334) 244.1385
Service Dogs Alabama
8365 Mobile Hwy., Montgomery, AL Service Dogs Alabama is a multi-functional Service Dog training organization including K-9s 4 Kids. We are the only non-profit organization in Alabama who trains Service Dogs a child’s specific needs and gives them to their families free of charge. We train Service Dogs for Asperger’s Syndrome, wheelchair assistance, balance and mobility, Diabetic Alert, and seizure assistance. (334) 676.3733
www.ServiceDogsAlabama.com
The Listening Program
A music listening therapy that provides engaging brain stimulation to improve performance in school, work and life. It gently trains the auditory system to accurately process sound. Auditory processing problems can lead to academic, emotional, cognitive and social challenges, including problems with ADD, Listening, Speech & language, memory, communication, Social skills, reading, Sensory Integration, Balance and coordination and self regulation. Auditory processing problems are often found in children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD, dyslexia and learning disabilities. (888) 228.1798
www.thelisteningprogram.com
The Southeast ADA Center
Atlanta, GA The Center provides information, training, and guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and disability access. The Center serves eight states in the Southeast Region including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. (800) 949.4232
www.adasoutheast.org mp
www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents
A Page in a Book Books That Make a Splash While there are a few holdouts who don’t like bath time, most kids find a unique delight in water. The same parents who first struggled to lure their toddlers into a bath, quickly discover the challenges of calling kids in from the rain, pulling them away from the museum fountain, and convincing them its time to get out of the pool. From bathtubs and beaches to soapy sinks and mud puddles, the tactile exploration of water draws on kids’ imaginations like the pull of the tides. The following titles celebrate the joys of soggy moments, wet weather and the wonders of water through the eyes of children.
Rain
by Sam Usher (Templar / Candlewick) Waking up to a rainstorm instead of a rising sun puts a young boy’s outside plans on hold. While he insists he likes to play in the rain, his Granddad counsels waiting until the worst precipitation has passed. Trapped inside and impatient to venture out, the boy extols the various watery marvels that he’d like to encounter. Subtle references to underwater beasts, canals and watercraft abound indoors while the boy and his Granddad wait out the deluge. As the rain ends and the duo prepare to explore its remnants, the boy’s earlier imaginings of adventure begin to emerge in watery reflections. Celebrating both the comfort of a stormy day indoors, as well as the pleasure of emerging later into a freshly washed world, Rain is perfect for rainy day reading.
Wet
by Carey Sookocheff (Godwin Books / Henry Holt & Co.) Making time to really think about all the moments he gets wet every day, a young boy takes a deeper dive into the waters that touch his daily life. With brief language, he notes his wet footprints on the deck of a pool. He recognizes the variety of ways he enters the water, sometime inch-byinch, other times with an exuberant cannonball. His tears are wet, as is his father’s shoulder as they embrace. From the bottom of the playground slide to his dog’s tongue, the boy’s keen observations highlight all the ways he can experience the watery parts of his day. Whether it flows as a trickle or a splash, Wet is a peaceful paean to the water that wends through our lives.
Worm Weather
by Jean Taft, Illustrated by Matt Hunt (Grossett & Dunlap / Penguin Random House) Closer to the ground than most adults, our observant children are often the ones who draw our eyes back to the earth when they first spy worms emerging from the ground after a soaking rain. Using very simple pre-reader words, this title follows a boy and girl as they experience a soggy day from its drizzly beginnings, through the deluge, to the tapering close of a rainstorm. Equipped with boots and ponchos, the young pair fearlessly embrace and explore the precipitation. Throughout the watery journey, worms are peeking out from the soil at the kid’s feet. Echoing the limited viewing of the emerging worms, the adults are likewise viewed only in part as their hands reach out to rush kids out of the rain or to pull them from puddles. When the rain ends and the worms retreat, the reader’s view expands to encompass a wider vision of a refreshed world.
Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.
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Service Dog Heroes Service Dogs change the lives of children with disabilities and their families!
In the middle of the night Madison had a seizure. Buck ran down the hall barking frantically alerting her parents to come quickly! At two years old, Madison started having seizures. Her parents watched their daughter fight back from 7 to 9 seizures every day. Terri, Madison’s mother, said, “When we found out Madison had a seizure disorder that was incurable, we felt paralyzed. We wanted to fix it but there was nothing we could do.” Madison was excluded from activities with other children because they were afraid of her seizures. She had to have someone watching her at all times. It was not until her mother started researching service dogs and found Service Dogs Alabama that Terri said, “The veil of hopelessness was lifted and the whole dynamic of our family changed from fear and sadness to happiness and laughter.”
Buck, a white labradoodle, was a perfect fit for Madison. She was secure and felt happy again. She no longer had to have her parents watching her every move. Buck gave Madison and her family freedom and security knowing that he would alert them if she had a seizure anytime day or night. Madison became active and was able to participate in activities that her Montgomery Parents I September 2017
parents did not think were possible before Buck came into her life. “He restored her confidence to be independent,” Terri said. Madison was on the homecoming court, went to her senior prom, and graduated high school with Buck by her side. Madison’s life has completely changed thanks to Buck. He gives Madison and her parents a peace of mind that she is always safe. Many children with diabetes, seizures, mobility issues, and autism can be helped by service dogs that are specifically trained to assist them. However, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is usually associated with veterans, not children. But Lauren was only 16 years old when she was diagnosed with debilitating PTSD. From the age of three years old until her eighth birthday Lauren was molested by her biological father. This would occur when she went to visit him every other weekend. Lauren was forced to do adult things and when she resisted him or cried, he would hold a gun to her head and threaten to kill her. Lauren said, “I felt so alone.” She was afraid to tell anyone. Lauren’s father was finally arrested when she was eight years old and was sentenced to eight years in prison. Lauren said, “During those eight years, I felt somewhat content with my life. I knew that he could not hurt me.” But when her father was released from prison when Lauren was 16 years old, the nightmare started again. She started having symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder and began isolating herself from everyone, including her own family. She kept all of her pain inside until it all exploded. Lauren was put in a mental hospital. “I was put on medications that made me feel like a zombie,” said Lauren. Nothing the doctors or counselors did seemed to help. As a last resort, Lauren 84
applied for a service dog from Service Dogs Alabama. Lauren was paired with Tessa, a golden retriever trained for PTSD.
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Lauren said, “When I got Tessa, my whole life changed. I am no longer worried all of the time or have to watch over my shoulder.” If Lauren gets anxious, she buries her head in Tessa’s fur and holds on to her tightly. Lauren’s anxiety quickly subsides and she knows that everything is okay. When Lauren has nightmares, Tessa wakes her and puts her head on Lauren to reassure her that she can no longer be harmed. The security that Tessa brings Lauren gives her the confidence to enjoy life and combat the anxiety attacks or flashbacks. Lauren says “Tessa is a true miracle worker and has changed everything.” Heroes are classified in many different ways. These heroes just happen to be four legged, with a warm heart and cold, wet nose. Trained service dogs change lives every day and give people the ability to live securely and confidently with their physical or mental disabilities. For more information about professionally trained service dogs and how your child can benefit from them, please visit the Service Dogs Alabama website at www.servicedogsalabama.org. Contributed by Anne Parker Stanford. www.montgomeryparents.com
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Tonya Speed Offers Special Needs Dance Class
Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection is offering a dance class for special needs of all ages beginning this fall. Find more info in this month’s Special Needs Resource Guide under Recreation. Tonya is shown here with Bethany Fisher, a dancer for many years at Dance Connection. She took ballet, jazz and tap and loved to perform on stage! Bethany is now a dancing angel and was a joy to teach! (1990-2016)
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Tie And Doll Selects New Teen Board For 2017-18
Tie and Doll, Incorporated is a nonprofit organization located in Montgomery to mentor youth to build their self-esteem and empower them to lead courageously, give generously, and enrich themselves culturally so that they can make intelligent choices and become positive influences in their respective communities. The organization has three main goals: charitable giving through gifts, grants, contributions, scholarships, or otherwise; create a platform where the youth can collaborate with industry professionals to create meaningful projects within their community; and identify opportunities that support the evolving needs of today’s youth and provide them with the skills needed to become tomorrow’s leaders. The Tie and Doll Teen Board is a program dedicated to community service, fashion and leadership. Membership includes volunteer opportunities, runway and print modeling classes and opportunities, public relations, career building classes, life skills classes and most importantly, a chance to build confidence in themselves for future use in their lives! The Tie and Doll Teen Board consists of high school teenagers ages 15-18 from various public and private schools in Montgomery and surrounding areas. Members of the 2017-18 Teen Board are Camrynne Berry (Sidney Lanier), Asha Dalling (BTW Magnet), Courtney Davis (Brew Tech), Jenilyn Davis (BTW Magnet), Xavier Davis (Jeff Davis), Jordan Donegan (BTW Magnet), Alyssa Feggins (Wetumpka High), Mariah Gardner (Carver), Issacah Houston (Park Crossing), Christian Jackson (BTW Magnet), Niya Jefferson (Park Crossing), Ariel McGhee (Brew Tech), Jailyn Miller (Park Crossing), Ka’Lony Palmer (Jeff Davis), Aziah Seals (Pike Road), Jordan Stewart (Jeff Davis), Malik Stinson (BTW Magnet), Michaiah Stinson (BTW Magnet), Hannah Thomas (Park Crossing), Micah Thompson (Park Crossing) and Mekia Tolliver (Jeff Davis).
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Specializing in experiences • • • • •
Family & Multi-Generation Couples & Honeymooners Culturally Immersive Travel Luxury Cruises Golf & Other Groups 2225 Taylor Road awtinc.com
In today’s fast paced society, is our . Don’t scroll through reviews. Alabama World Travel has with the search results and all over the globe. . 85
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with locally grown products, including Aplin Farms, Oakview Farms, Penton Farms and Leatherwood Nursery. For more info, call (334) 279-6046 or visit www.theshoppesateastchase.com/farmersMarket/.
Friday, September 1
Clay Classes in Prattville with Anna Bastida Also September 8, 15 & 22 10:30 a.m.-noon. Master potter and artist Anna Bastida teaches students to hand build and throw on a wheel. Classes are for ages 15 and up and are good for all skill levels. Cost is $60 plus a $35 supply fee for the four classes. To register or for more info, visit artguild. prattvilleal.gov or call (334) 595-0854.
Sunday, September 3
Friday on the Green -- Also September 8 & 15 6:30 p.m. Russell Crossroads at Lake Martin. Great outdoor event during the spring and summer months. Bring your family and friends – even your pup on a leash for a great time with lawn games and music. It’s free! So, pack your cooler and picnic basket, or stop by nearby Catherine’s Market. For more info, call (256) 496-4232 or visit www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com/ blog/events/.
First Sundays at One -- Also October 1 1-2 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Learn more about the traveling exhibitions as well as the Museum’s Permanent Collection in these FREE docent-led tours the FIRST Sunday of each month. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa.org/.
Labor Day Weekend Concert The AMP at Lake Martin. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m. Bring everyone and enjoy the last big blowout of summer on the grassy Lawn at The AMP! For more info, visit www.theamponlakemartin. com/events.
Shakespeare Festival. Come early and bring your lawn chairs, coolers and blankets for this family-friendly event. Gates open at 5 p.m for picnicking. For more information, visit www.montgomerysymphony.org/ pops-concerts/. Montgomery’s Best Dressed Ball Announcement Party 5:30 p.m. Pine Bar, 501 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery. Nominees for Montgomery’s Best Dressed Man and Woman will be announced, with 25% of proceeds from beverage sales going to the American Cancer Society. For ticket or sponsorship information to the second annual Montgomery’s Best Dressed Ball, visit http:// montgomerysbestdressed.org or call (334) 612-8177. Capri Theatre Presents Men in Black 7:30 p.m. There really IS an organization that keeps track of alien life on Earth and keeps it covered up. Referred to as MiB, the agency has only the best agents, and it’s recruiting. A flying saucer has crashed, and the alien inside is willing to destroy the world. The Earth’s
Find a listing of Public Library Storytimes and Events at MontgomeryParents.com!
Friday Night Hoops -- Friday nights through November 9 p.m.-midnight. Bell Road YMCA. For students in 5th through 12th grades. Students must be dropped off by 10 p.m. and cannot leave without being picked up by parent or guardian (unless students drove themselves). Must be playing basketball to be involved. Participants must have a photo ID (i.e. School ID). $3 for members; $7 for non-members. For more info, contact James Garvin at (334) 271-4343 or jgarvin@ymcamontgomery.org.
Saturday, September 2
Michael’s Kids Club -- Also September 9, 16, 23 & 30 10 a.m.-noon. $2 per project. Supplies included. Ages 3 and up. Each session is 30 minutes. Parent or guardian must remain on premises. Sept. 2 is Sprout Alien Windsock; Sept. 9 is Clay Pot Critters; Sept. 16 is Fall Leaf Sign; Sept. 23 is Craft Stick Characters and Sept. 30 is Pom-Pom Pumpkin Banner. For more info, visit www.michaels.com/. AUM Offers Free Mandarin Classes -Every Saturday Auburn Montgomery’s Confucius Institute continues to offer free Mandarin classes to the community. To register, send the student’s name, age and contact information to ama@aum.edu. Civil Rights Walking Tours -- Every Saturday and Sunday 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. start times. Tours start from The Village Gallery. Come explore Montgomery’s history walking from different historical sties and engage in profound moments from slavery, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement. This tour highlights pioneers and unsung heroes who contributed to a new era. Cost: Adults - $10; 12 & under - $5; 4 & under FREE. Book your tour by calling (334) 595-9243. Prattville/Autauga Farmers Market -- Saturdays through September 16 7 a.m.-noon. At the grove on Doster Road across from Gillespie Senior Center and Pratt Park. Featuring fruits and vegetables from local growers, fresh baked goods, honey, handmade soaps, music and a chef creating something tasty from products from the local growers. For more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit www. prattvilleal.gov/. Farmers Market at the Shoppes at EastChase Saturdays through October 7 a.m.-noon. Several popular farms make their return
Montgomery Parents I September 2017
Monday, September 4
Deadline for Athletes and Volunteers to Enroll in Dream Court Adaptive Tennis Program 1655 Ray Thorington Rd., Pike Road. Dream Court offers tennis sessions for special needs children and adults every Sunday afternoon in September and October starting after Labor Day weekend. For more info, visit www.dreamcourt.org or find us on Facebook. If you are a new participant, please call (334) 414-1980.
Wednesday, September 6
Book Talk at the Alabama Dept. of Archives & History Noon. 624 Washington Ave. Today’s topic is A Mind to Stay: White Plantation, Black Homeland, presented by Sydney Nathans. It is the rare story of one Alabama plantation, Cameron Place, located near Greensboro, that was bought in the 1870s by emancipated African Americans who once worked there in bondage. During this book talk, Nathans will discuss how he used thousands of letters and interviews to tell this remarkable story. For more info, call 353-4689 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov. Capital City Master Gardener Association Lunch and Learn Series Open to the Public The first Wednesday of each month, noon to 1 p.m. Sessions are held at the Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, next to the Curb Market. Related handouts from the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service are provided each session at no cost. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunches to each event. Iced tea and water will be provided.
Thursday, September 7
31st Annual Broadway Under the Stars 7:30 p.m. The Montgomery Symphony will perform Broadway classics as attendees relax on blankets and lawn chairs at this free yearly concert celebration. Picnic baskets and coolers are welcome at this FREE concert performed lakeside at the Alabama
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best bet is retirement-age K and his rookie partner, J. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858. Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre Presents Deathtrap -- Through September 24 Broadway’s longest-running comedy thriller, directed by Matthew Givens, will run Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance/$12 at the door and can be purchased at cc.wobt.prattvilleal.gov, by calling (334) 595-0854 or by visiting the Special Events Office in the Cultural Arts Building at 203 West 4th Street in Prattville. For more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit wobt.prattvilleal.gov.
Friday, September 8
Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets Also September 22 Elmore County Homeschool Organization is a non-profit support group for homeschooling families. We provide a positive socialization environment for homeschooled children & support and encourage their parents in the homeschooling process. We typically meet the second and fourth Friday of every month year-round from 10 a.m. to noon at Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. Membership is free and is open to all homeschoolers in the tri-county area. For details, visit http://www.onlineecho.com. Moonlight Movies on the Green 7 p.m. Located on The EastChase Green, adjacent to Pies and Pints. This FREE family-friendly event features an outdoor showing of Moana. Bring the entire family (including pets) and a blanket or chair for this family night out at The Shoppes. Vendors will be on site for food and beverages, as well as a free photobooth! For more info, visit theshoppesateastchase.com.
Saturday, September 9
AMC Theaters Offers Sensory-Friendly Movietimes -- Also September 23 For guests and families living with autism or other special needs, AMC partners with the Autism Society
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FamilyCalendar to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! This program is available on second and fourth Saturdays (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes, and don’t forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly. Upcoming movies: September 9: Leap! and September 23: Lego Ninjago. Montgomery’s Dream Court Begins Fall Tennis Session Edward Thompson Park, 1655 Ray Thorington Rd., Pike Road. Dream Court, Inc. is a non profit organization that provides adaptive tennis programs for individuals with special needs. Our mission is to teach the lifetime sport of tennis and life skills to children and adults of varying ability levels. We focus on promoting active lifestyles, teaching appropriate social behaviors, and developing self-esteem. For more info, contact Jessica Weyreuter at (334) 414-1980 or dreamcourtinc@gmail.com. 9th Annual Family Guidance Center Walk Run 6:30-10:30 a.m. Proceeds will benefit the Family Guidance Center of Alabama. Our full range of services includes counseling, parenting education, marriage enrichment, mentoring, services for business and industry, child care support services, senior services, specialized services for fathers, early learning services, career development, job training and other therapeutic services for families. For more info, call (334) 270-4100 or find us on Facebook. Transporter Triathlon 8 a.m.-noon. The Waters 55 Bridge Street, Pike Road. 300-yard swim, 12-mile bike ride, and 3-mile run. Registration includes “tech” shirt, finishers medal, post race food, and beverages. Field is limited to first 175 entries. Registration is $60 until September 7. For more info, call (205) 978-1001 or visit isignedup.com. Dads and Daughters Saturday (D.A.D.S) Calling ALL Fathers and Daughters for storytimes, fun and laughs, 11 a.m.-noon every 2nd Saturday at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Memorial Library. There will be singing, dancing and arts & crafts. So come visit us and have an enjoyable time! For more info, visit www.facebook.com/events/1374454692792666 /?source=1. Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women Montgomery Country Club, Azalea Room, 3800 Narrow Lane Road. 9 a.m.-noon. 3-hour workshop that is offered monthly, designed to help participants explore the legal, financial, and emotional issues of divorce and gain a greater understanding of the process. Cost to attend is $20 per person and preregistration required. For more info, please call or e-mail Sommer Morris at (334) 612-1086 or sommer. morris@morganstanley.com. You may also visit www. secondsaturday.com.
Sunday, September 10
2017 Alabama Remembers 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb 8 a.m.-2 p.m. RSA Tower, 201 Monoroe St. The Alabama Remembers 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is a way to honor and remember the FDNY firefighters who selflessly gave their lives so that others might live on 9-11-2001. Each participant pays tribute to an FDNY firefighter by climbing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. Registration is $30 until Aug. 15; $40 Aug. 16-Sept. 10. For more info, visit http:// events.firehero.org/site/TR?fr_id=1787&pg=entry.
Wednesday, September 13
Central Alabama Master Gardener (CAMGA) Lunch & Learn Program Noon-1 p.m. Held at the Elmore County Extension (ACES) facility on Queen Ann Road in Wetumpka, these free events for the public are held on the second Wednesday of each month. Attendees are invited to bring their lunch and learn. Beverages are provided by CAMGA. For more info, call 567-6301 or visit www. aces.edu/counties/Elmore/.
Thursday, September 14
Capri Theatre Presents The Big Lebowski 7:30 p.m. When “The Dude” Lebowski is mistaken for a millionaire Lebowski, two thugs try to coerce him into paying a debt he knows nothing about. He enlists the help of his bowling buddy, Walter, a gun-toting Jewish convert with anger issues. Deception leads to more trouble, and it soon seems that everyone wants something from The Dude. For more info, visit www. capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858. Brantwood Children’s Home’s Fore The Love of Our Children Golf Tournament Noon-8 p.m. Robert Trent Jones at Capitol Hill, Prattville. Registration is $150 per person/$600 per team. Brantwood Children’s Home provides a safe, stable, structured environment for abused, neglected and other “at-risk” children. Currently Brantwood serves children and youth ages 10-21. This golf tournament benefits their care. For more info, call 265-0784 or visit www.brantwoodchildrenshome.org. Millbrook Community Theatre Presents The Diary of Anne Frank -- Through September 24 7:30 p.m. performances except for 2 p.m. Sept. 17 & 24. Adapted from Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, edited by Otto Frank. Winner of the 1956 Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award and Critics Circle Award. For tickets or more info, visit www.millbrooktheater.com or call (334) 782-7317. Wetumpka Depot Presents I Do! I Do! Through September 30 7:30 p.m. performances except for 2 p.m. matinee Sept. 24. Directed by Kristy Meanor with musical direction by Marilyn Swears, I Do! I Do! tells the story of the marriage of a man and woman. The show begins with Michael and Agnes on their wedding day. Their vows behind them, they look forward to spending the rest of their lives together. We watch as they go through their wedding night jitters, raise a family and negotiate midlife crises. After 50 years of marriage, the couple leaves their house to the next pair of newlyweds. For tickets, call (334) 868-1440 or visit wetumpkadepot.com. ‘All About Prints’ Homeschool Workshop at the Art Museum -- Also September 21 & 28 1-3 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Homeschool students of all ages are encouraged to register for a three-part workshop that introduces a more in-depth understanding about printmaking. Students will get to experiment with different techniques. Younger and older students will be divided and work on age-appropriate lessons and art projects. Elementary and middle/high school sessions are held concurrently. Everyone will go home with several handmade prints. Cost: $10 members/ $15 non-members for the series of three classes. Visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333.
Saturday, September 16
Third Saturday @ Art Museum 1-2 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Learn more about the works of art on view at the Museum in these FREE docent-led tours offered the third Saturday of each month. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa.org/.
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Easy, Peasy and Not Too Cheesy Back To School Snacks! 9-11 a.m. EAT South, 485 Molton Street, Montgomery. Bring the kids for this fun morning of snack making and tasting. Inspired by Japanese Bento and treasured 1970s cookbooks we found at Good Will, we’ll make snacks that are fun, tasty, healthy and maybe even cute. $25 per family. Purchase tickets at Eventbrite. For more info, call (334) 422-9331 or find us on Facebook. Fountain City Flyers Giant RC Model Fun Fly 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free family fun featuring giant-scale RC models performing extreme maneuvers. The pilots call them 3D aerobatic flying and will perform intense techniques such as hovering, torque rolls, and snaps rolls. All maneuvers are performed with remotecontrolled airplanes that have nine foot wingspans and 150CC engines. To reach the field, take Hwy 14 west to Country Road 21 South, about 3 or 4 miles east of Autaugaville. For more info, visit http://fcflyers.com/. Fort Toulouse/Fort Jackson Reenact French & Indian War of 1812 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission charged: $2/adult & $1/child. For more information, call (334) 567-3002. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Black Jacket Symphony’s Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band 8 p.m. The Black Jacket Symphony returns to Montgomery for its most ambitious show yet—a celebration of the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band!” Released in June 1967, “Sgt. Pepper” is still widely referred to as the most influential rock album of all time. Tickets begin at $30. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100. Backyard Campout at Lanark -- Through September 17 Enjoy a night at the Alabama Nature Center with your family under the stars! Activities include making s’mores, a movie and a glow stick night hike! Guests need to bring their own camping supplies, and all camping will be tent only. Campfires will only be allowed in designated areas. The fee for this event will be a weekend pass rate of $5 per person ages 4 and up (3 and under get in free). Activities and campsite setup begin at 2 p.m. Saturday; campsites must be cleaned up and vacated by 11 a.m. Sunday. To make reservations for this event, please call (334) 285-4550! Auditions for A Christmas Story at the Wetumpka Depot -- Also September 17 2 p.m. youth auditions; 4 p.m. adult auditions. Written by Philip Grecian, directed by Kristy Meanor. Auditions will be held at Wetumpka Depot Players Theatre, 300 S Main Street. Performance dates are November 27-December 2. Performances include weekdays, evenings and weekends. Seeking 6 men age 20+, 4 women age 20+, 10 boys age 6-14, and 4 girls age 8-13. All parts are speaking parts and require good confidence and projection. All ages are based on appearance and demeanor rather than calendar age. Those auditioning will be asked to read selections from the script. For more info contact Kristy Meanor at kmeanor@wetumpkadepot.com.
Sunday, September 17
Humane Society of Elmore County’s Bark in the Park 1-5 p.m. Fort Toulouse Park, Wetumpka. $5 admission for ages 13 and up. Microchip clinic from 1:30-3 p.m.
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FamilyCalendar includes chip, implant & registration for $25. There will also be a “Blessing of the Pets” at 2:15 and a pet parade beginning at 2:30. Other activities include children’s games, interactive demonstrations featuring the Wetumpka Police K-9s, pet photography, Mulder Church puppet ministry, refreshments and numerous pet items for sale. Most importantly, adoptable Humane Society dogs will be available! For more info, visit www. elmorehumane.org/ or call (334) 567-3377. Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre Holds Auditions for A Charlie Brown Christmas -- Also September 18 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Prattville Cultural Arts Building, 203 West 4th Street. Written by Charles M. Schulz, based on the television special by Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson, and directed by Pamela Trammell. Performance dates are December 6-17. Parts are available for five boys/youth and five girls/youth as well as a boy or girl to play the part of Snoopy. Actors can range from 6 to 18 years old and should be able to sing at least with a group. Some parts for adults are available as well. For more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit wobt.prattvilleal.gov.
Monday, September 18
Basic Photography Class in Prattville with Keith Farrar -- Also September 19 6-8 p.m. at the Prattville Creative Arts Center at 342 Chestnut Street behind City Hall. An award-winning photographer, Keith Farrar has been working with many different processes and a variety of cameras for many years. His classes cover any type of camera, whether it is completely manual, digital, smart phone or tablet. Price is $30 for two classes. To register or for more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit artguild.prattvilleal. gov. Junior League’s 33rd Annual College And Career Night 6-8 p.m. Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street. College and Career Night is designed for high school junior and senior students, parents, guidance counselors and administrators in the tri-county area to explore college and career possibilities, gather scholarship information, and find out about financial aid opportunities. FREE to the public! In addition to financial aid seminars, a comprehensive booklet, “A Guide To Scholarships Loans and Grants.” published by the Junior League, is distributed free at the event and includes information on federal, state and local scholarships, grants and loans. For more info, call (334) 288-8816 or visit www. jlmontgomery.org/.
Tuesday, September 19
Joe Thomas, Jr. 3rd Tuesday Guitar Pull 7-9 p.m. Three or four regional songwriters perform original music on the Cloverdale Playhouse’s intimate stage. Tickets are $10 at the door. Call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org.
Thursday, September 21
Big Church Night Out Featuring the Newsboys 7 p.m. Garrett Coliseum. Tickets start at $18. For more info, visit bigchurchnightout.com or premierproductions.com. Food For Thought Noon-1 p.m. The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. Bring lunch and and join us every third Thursday for these FREE lectures sponsored by Friends of the Alabama Archives. Drinks are complimentary. Today’s topic is “Before Alabama: The Mississippi Territory,” presented by Clay Williams. Call 353-4726 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov. 51st Annual Montgomery Art Guild and Regions Bank Art Show -- Through October 12 RSA Regions Bank, 100 Monroe Street. Public reception
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from 5-7 p.m. on Sept 21 in the bank’s second floor lobby. $3,000 in cash prizes will be announced and awarded in six art categories during the juried exhibit’s opening reception. For more info, visit https://51stannu alregionsbankexhibit.artcall.org.
Friday, September 22
MPAC Presents Peppa Pig’s Surprise 6 p.m. Peppa Pig, the #1 Family show of 2016, is back with an action-packed live show featuring your favorite characters as life-size puppets and costume characters in Peppa Pig’s Surprise! Come join Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and more in an all-singing, alldancing adventure full of songs, games and surprises! Tickets begin at $19. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100. Montgomery Ballet Presents Ballet and the Beasts 6-10 p.m. Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery. Enjoy the Montgomery Ballet in a FREE performance under the stars at the Montgomery Zoo. Fun for all ages, boys and girls. Picnic blankets, lawn chairs and coolers are welcome. Face painting will be available and door prize drawings will be held during intermission. For more info, call (334) 625-4900 or visit montgomeryzoo.com Dream Court Hosts ‘Knight to Shine’ 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Montgomery Country Club. Dress to the nines and celebrate at this Mother/Son Ball hosted by Dream Court. Tickets will sell out quickly and are available at www.eventbrite.com. Old Alabama Town Tavern Fest 2017 5:57 p.m. Historic North Hull Street. Southern hospitality meets Old World tradition! A variety of regional craft beers, local fare and live musicians will bring the streets of Old Alabama Town to life. The communitywide celebration draws crowds downtown for an evening of fun and fellowship, while serving as the biggest annual fundraiser for Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery. $7 advance tickets, $10 at the door. Beer and wine may be purchased for $5 each at Tavern Fest. Local vendors will be on site and will have food available for purchase. Rain or shine event! For more info, visit www.landmarksfoundation.com/ or call (334) 240-4617. 8th Annual Oktoberfest at The Tipping Point 6-9 p.m. The Tipping Point, 5015 Hampstead High St., Montgomery. With more craft breweries than you could shake a stick at, traditional German fare, and live music from Live at 5. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Proceeds go to the Montessori School at Hampstead. Tickets may be purchased at Freshtix. For more info, call (334) 260-9110.
Disney on Ice: Follow Your Heart at BirminghamJefferson Civic Center -- Through September 24 Legacy Arena. Tickets start at $15. See Ticketmaster pricing and availability. Ages 2 and older require ticket. For groups of 15+, call 888-305-9550 or e-mail birmingham@groupticketsplus.com. *Note: Costumes are not permitted for guests 14 years & older. Please purchase verified tickets from Ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000.
Saturday, September 23
Montgomery Mustache 5K Run 8 a.m. Starts & Ends at Common Bond Brewers, 424
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Bibb Street. Raising awareness of the importance of men’s health. Chip-timed; all entrants receive a T-shirt; no mustache required. Race open to all (walkers welcome). Prize for best mustache! Early registration $25. For more info, visit www.montgomerymustacherun. com/. Landmarks Foundation Walking Tour: Trekking Through the Past 8:30 a.m. Historic Monroe Street with Mary Ann Neeley and Dr. Richard Bailey. Meet at the corner of Hull and Monroe Streets. Free to Landmarks members, $10 for non-members. Stroll down one of Montgomery’s most historic thoroughfares, where once upon a time a future presidential assassin performed, famous actors strode the ‘boards, and the aroma of fried fish sandwiches competed with those of indoor restaurants, the stables of the police and fire departments and the vegetables from the market under City Hall (which burned in 1932). Wear comfortable clothes, walking shoes and bring water bottles. Call (334) 240-4500 or visit www.landmarksfoundation.com/ for details and information. Fall Equinox Festival 1-9 p.m. Union Station Train Shed, 300 Water Street, Montgomery. Charity event sponsored by Druids Charity Club benefitting Hogs for the Cause and their quest to support families struggling with the effects of pediatric brain cancer. The Druids BBQ team has joined forces with Moe’s Original BBQ, creating both Alabama and Central Texas BBQ styles. Three bands will perform featuring blues & Americana style music, including Band of Heathens, Big A & the Allstars and the Montgomery-rooted Family Reunion Trio. A Kids’ Zone will be provided in addition to a college football viewing station. Three different ticket options range from $17 to $75 in advance and $25 to $80 day of show. For more info, visit www.liveandlisten.com. Fido Fest
4-7 p.m. Shoppes at EastChase. Benefits the Montgomery Humane Society and will include a wide array of vendors, doggy activities, great food from local food trucks, K9 splash zone and much more! The Mulligan Brothers out of Mobile will be here to rock your paws off. FREE event presented by Wind Creek Montgomery and The Barkery. Bring your dog, kids, a chair and enjoy all of the fun at The Shoppes at EastChase! For more info, call (334) 279-6046 or find us on Facebook.
Sunday, September 24
Family Art Affair and Jazz Jams 2-4 p.m. Bring the whole family to this FREE Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts program and listen to the best jazz artists from the River Region perform or bring an instrument of your own and join in with the band! Seating is limited, so arrive early for this great afternoon of live music. Drop in the studios between 2 and 4 p.m. and create art projects with your children designed around exhibitions in the Museum’s Temporary Galleries. Thanks to the Alabama Roots Society for making Jazz Jams possible. No reservations necessary. For more info, visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333. Junior League’s Taste of the River Region 6-8 p.m. Union Station Train Shed, 300 Water Street, Montgomery. Sample food and beverages from local establishments, dance to live entertainment and win fabulous door prizes! General admission tickets are $25 or you can purchase a table of 10 for $500, which includes 10 tickets reserved seating and signage recog-
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Monday, September 25
Film Photography Class in Prattville with Keith Farrar -- Also September 26 6-8 p.m. Join this class to learn more about your camera and how to take amazing photos on film. Keith Farrar has been a photographer for many years and works with a variety of processes. Class fee is $30. To register or for more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit artguild.prattvilleal.gov.
Wednesday, September 27
Book Talk at the Alabama Dept. of Archives & History Noon. 624 Washington Ave. Today’s topic is Southside: Eufaula’s Cotton Mill Village and Its People, 1890-1945, presented by David Alsobrook. For more info, call 3534726 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Chonda Pierce 7 p.m. A stand-up comedian, television hostess, author and now actress, Pierce has channeled her life experiences into positivity, bringing laughter to audiences around the country. Tickets begin at $24. Visit www. mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100.
Thursday, September 28
Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Buddy Guy and Blackfoot Gypsies 7:30 p.m. At age 80, Buddy Guy is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, a major influence on rock titans like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan, a pioneer of Chicago’s fabled West Side sound, and a living link to the city’s halcyon days of electric blues. Rolling Stone Magazine ranked him #23 in its “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.” Tickets begin at $27. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100. Newcomers Club of Montgomery Monthly Luncheon The Newcomers Club of Montgomery invites all women of the River Region to attend our monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Arrowhead Country Club. Cost is $18 and reservations must be made by noon Monday, September 25, to Suzanne Lowry at (334) 396-5368 or zanzuzan@charter.net. Visit www.newcomersmontgomery.com. ARTtalk at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 6-8 p.m. This unique program, designed for artists and art lovers alike, has been celebrating the work of Montgomery area artists for more than 25 years. Sign up for a new season of opportunities to view outstanding artwork and receive feedback about your own work. ARTtalk meets on select Thursday evenings in the Museum Library. Annual dues: $20 for Museum or Art Guild members; $35 for non-members. E-mail edsecy@ mmfa.org or call (334) 240-4365 for reservations or visit www.mmfa.org.
Friday, September 29
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Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents St. Paul and the Broken Bones 8 p.m. Sea of Noise, the second full-length album by St. Paul and the Broken Bones, marks a quantum leap in sound and style for the high-voltage Birminghambased band. Recorded at Nashville’s Sound Emporium, the group’s sophomore effort features an expanded eight-piece lineup of the widely praised soulbased rock unit. Tickets begin at $25. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100.
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United Gymstars & Cheer Parents’ Night Out 6:30-10:30 p.m. $25 for the first child/ $15 for each additional sibling. Pizza and drinks provided. Fun games, trampolines, rope swing, tumble tracks, foam
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pits and more! Call (334) 284-2244 to reserve your spot. Walk-ins welcome (until maximum capacity is reached). All participants must have waiver signed by parent. Visit www.unitedgymstarsandcheer.com for more info. Tickled Pink Women’s Expo 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Multiplex At Cramton Bowl 220 Hall Street, Montgomery. All ticket sales benefit the Joy to Life Foundation and are $10 at the door, $8 for military. Groups of 10 or more are $5. Includes more beauty, more fitness, more food, and even more fun than last year. Visit www.alabamanews. net for more info. Montgomery Zombie Walk and Prom VII 6-10 p.m. Irish Bred Restaurant & Pub, 78 Dexter Ave., Montgomery. All participants are asked to bring nonperishable food items as a donation to the Montgomery Area Food Bank. Walk begins on Dexter Avenue and moves up to Commerce Street and the Alley. For more info, call (334) 625-2100 or find us on Facebook.
Saturday, September 30
GO Fishing at Millbrook’s Lanark 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook. Get Outdoors and fish for catfish and bream in one of ANC’s bountiful ponds. From bass to catfish, the ponds are stocked and ready for your line! A limited number of fishing poles will be available for $2 a day as well as a limited amount of bait for a small fee. Upper Pond is open for catch & release fishing every Saturday. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (334) 285-4550. Riverwalk Arts & Crafts Festival 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Montgomery’s Riverfront Park. Admission is free. More info on Facebook. Titus Bluegrass Festival 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Titus Community Center, approximately 10 miles north of Wetumpka on Highway 231, then six miles north on County Road 29. Down-home music will kick off the annual Titus Bluegrass Festival, which features regional as well as local talent. Family-oriented fun and entertainment as banjos, mandolins and guitars take center stage. An arts and crafts show will also be held during the festival. Other activities include: kids’ stuff, barbecue and beverages. Booths are available for $20 each and each vendor receives entry to the festival. Admission will be $5 for age 12 and over, and free to children. Proceeds will be used for the restoration and maintenance of the Community Center. For more info, find us on Facebook.
Sunday, October 1
Fall Food Truck Takeover @ Hampstead Noon-3 p.m. Hampstead Town Center. Visit a rotating group of Montgomery food trucks on the first Sundays each month of fall. Local food trucks may include: NYC Gyro, Southern Smokeshack, On A Roll, El Campesino’s Taqueria, Fire Meats Wood, Frios Pops and more. Plenty of outdoor park seating and live music to keep the party going. This is a free event open to the public. Parking is available on Long Acre Street, Mercer Street, and in the two large Hampstead parking lots. For more info, call (334) 270-6730 or find us on Facebook. Jamey Johnson’s 6th Annual Benefit Concert Gates open at 4 p.m.; concert at 5. Cottonwood Golf Course, 7160 Bryon Nelson Blvd., Montgomery. (The same-day private golf tournament is sold out and available to the teams only.) Cost for the concert is $20 (door option: $10 plus a new toy donation for Toys
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for Tots); parking: $5. Bring a lawn chair, no coolers. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit www. nikkimitchellfoundation.org/.
Wednesday, October 4
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Presents Battle of the Smithsonian 1-3 p.m. As a followup to Night at the Museum shown over the summer, we hope your family will join us for further Museum adventures with Ben Stiller, this time on a mission in the Smithsonian. Assistant Curator of Education Kaci Norman will introduce the film and lead a fun discussion afterwards. The Museum will provide complimentary popcorn, and beverages will be available for purchase. Cash only please. For more info, visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333.
Thursday, October 5
Flower Crown Workshop 6-8 p.m. The Shoppes at Eastchase. You’ll be surrounded by champagne, music and of course, flowers. This is an all-materials-included workshop where you’ll learn how to create your own crown, the basics of floral arranging and you’ll have the opportunity to snap some *very* instagram-able pictures with your besties. For tickets, visit Eventbrite. For more info, call (334) 279-6046 or find us on Facebook.
Saturday, October 7
Wetumpka First United Methodist Church House of Holidays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 306 West Tuskeena St., Wetumpka. Arts and crafts, handmade gifts and food for sale, tag sale and much more. Lunch will be served for $5. Something for everyone. Rain or shine. For more info, e-mail rhqmgb@gmail.com. Russian Grand Ballet Presents Swan Lake 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. This full-length classical production includes the rarely seen “Waltz of the Black Swans,” and features Russia’s brightest ballet stars. Odette, a beautiful princess, falls under the spell of an evil sorcerer. Only Prince Siegfried’s devotion can save her. Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake combines pure romanticism and tragedy, in a magical tale of love and deception. Tickets begin at $24. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100. Montgomery Buddy Walk Celebrates National Down Syndrome Awareness Month 9 a.m.-noon. John Mark Stallings Football Field, Faulkner University. Your participation in the Buddy Walk helps the Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group provide information and support to families in the Montgomery Tri-County area. Registration fee is $15 per person until Sept. 10. After Sept. 10, the registration fee goes up to $20 per person. For info, visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com/. Montgomery Out of the Darkness Walk Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.; walk is from 9:3011:30 a.m. Buddy Watson Baseball Park, 1748 Halcyon Blvd., Montgomery. Join the effort with others to raise awareness and funds that allow the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss. For more info, call (334) 435-5802 or e-mail felishiafranklin@gmail.com.
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FamilyCalendar Ongoing Ala. Dept. of Archives & History Exhibit galleries include a children’s gallery and a reference room for genealogical and historical research. In Grandma’s Attic, kids can try on clothes, try an old typewriter, sit at an old school desk or experience making a quilt square. Also visit our History at Home web page to print off fun activities to do at home. Follow us on Facebook, call 242-4435 or visit www.archives. alabama.gov. Alabama River Region Arts Center in Wetumpka has weekly after-school Arts Clubs meeting on Thursdays from 4-5 & 5-6 p.m. There are three clubs: Guitar (acoustic), Clay (polymer, ie “sculpy”) and Painting/ Drawing. Each club is $20 a month. Students for Guitar Club must be 10 years old, but 7-year-olds are welcome for the other two. Clubs are limited to the first 10 students, for one month. The Pottery Studio is available to ARRAC members trained on the wheel. First Saturday of every month is a free Sit & Sew, from 9 a.m.-noon. (Bluegrass Jam is going on at the same time in another room.) 300 W. Tallassee St. (former Wetumpka Jr. High building). Visit www.arrac.org or see us on Facebook: Alabama River Region Arts Center, or call 578-9485 for more information. Artists In Action: 1st Wednesday and 3rd Saturday of EVERY month at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts from noon-2 p.m.. Local and regional artists at work. For more info, call 240-4333. “Artworks,” a hands-on children’s exhibit. FREE. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Blount Cultural Park. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Open until 9 p.m. Thursdays. Closed Mondays. For more info, call 240-4333. Brain Pump is a group exercise class, targeting children 4-12 years old. The class is the collaboration of a physical therapist and a kinesiology professor combining traditional therapy and exercise concepts with the latest cutting edge research on movement and the brain. This is all done in a fun, energetic setting, that seems much more like playing than exercising. Brain Pump is taught at Metro Fitness on Saturdays from 11-11:45 a.m. Contact Tiffany Higginbotham at Body Logic PT & Wellness (334-3805920) 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. For event info, call Ernie Rains, CATA Community Coordinator, at 3241406 or e-mail www.centralalabama.usta.com. Civil Rights Memorial A monument to those who died and/or risked death in the struggle for civil rights. 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery. For information, call 264-0286. Cloverdale Playhouse “Third Tuesdays” Montgomery’s singers and songwriters perform in our intimate theater space each month on the third Tuesday. Join us for a musical evening in Old Cloverdale. For details, call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse. org. Also contact us about volunteer opportunities, auditions, and the Playhouse School! First White House of the Confederacy Open on Saturdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The First White
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House of the Confederacy played a significant role during the Civil War and served as Jefferson Davis’ family residence from February-May 1861. Located at 644 Washington Avenue in downtown Montgomery, neighboring the Ala. Dept. of Archives and History. For more info or to tour the museum, call 242-1861 or visit www.firstwhitehouse.org. Fountain City BMX Track 802 County Rd 4, Prattville. Friday practice $3. Free 1-day trial, fun for any age. Race on most Sundays. For more info, visit Fountain City BMX on Facebook or www.fountaincitybmx.com. You can also e-mail: info@ fountaincitybmx.com or call (334)300-4328. Friday Night Hoops Students in 5th through 12th grades get together with friends for pick-up games of basketball every 1st and 3rd Friday at the Bell Road YMCA from 9 p.m.midnight. Students must be dropped off by 10 p.m. and cannot leave without being picked up by parent or guardian (unless students drove themselves). Must play basketball to be involved. Participants must have a photo ID (i.e. School ID). $3 for members; $7 for nonmembers. For more info, contact James Garvin at (334) 271-4343 or jgarvin@ymcamontgomery.org. Friday Night Open Volleyball Students in 5th through 12th grades get together every 1st and 3rd Friday at the Bell Road YMCA from 6-9 p.m. Students cannot leave without being picked up by parent or guardian (unless students drove themselves). Free for members; $3 for non-members. For more info, contact James Garvin at (334) 271-4343 or jgarvin@ ymcamontgomery.org. W. A. Gayle Planetarium Public Shows offered Mon.-Thurs. at 4 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. and first & third Saturdays at 2 p.m. Admission $6.50/person, children under 5 free, seniors $5.50/ person. 1010 Forest Ave. in Oak Park. Call 625-4799 or visit http://www.troy.edu/planetarium/.
Harriott II Riverboat Cruises Seasonal. Typical hours are 6:30-9 p.m. Live entertainment, cash bar and concessions available. For more info and available dates, visit www.funinmontgomery. com, call (334) 625-2100 or visit the Riverwalk Box Office at 200 Coosa Street. Montgomery Women’s Newcomers Group: Moving On After Moving In Thursdays from 9:15-11 a.m. beginning September 15. St. James UMC Cafe, Vaughn Rd. Childcare available. For more info, please contact pam.zavada@gmail. com or (256) 541-7888. Montgomery’s Freedom Rides Museum 468 South Perry Street. Learn how 21 young people helped change our nation’s history using nonviolent protest. Black and white, male and female, none of them were older than 21. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, noon -4 p.m. For more info, visit www.freedomridesmuseum.org or call (334) 242-3184. MOOseum, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Children’s educational center featuring past, present and future in agriculture and the cattle industry. Free. Group tours should be pre-scheduled. Mon.Fri. 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Last scheduled tour of the day starts at 3:30 p.m. 201 Bainbridge St., Montgomery. For info, call 265-1867 or visit www.bamabeef.org. Old Alabama Town 19th and early 20th century outdoor history museum. Tours Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: $8 for adults, $4 for students ages 6-18. Under 6 free. 301 Columbus St., Montgomery. For information, call 240-4500 or vist www.landmarksfoundation.com/.
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Prattville-Millbrook Newcomers Club A non-affiliated social club geared to new people moving into the area AND to those looking to form new friendships or just learn more about the area and help new residents do the same. Meets every third Thursday (except special events, holidays) throughout the year at the Willis Bradford Branch of the YMCA on McQueen Smith Road in Prattville. For more info, contact Nancy Schrull at (334) 414-8185 or nschrull@knology.net. Prattville Movie Club (for Teens) Meeting twice a month on Fridays, current Prattville Movie Club members range from 14-18 years old and meet at the Carmike Promenade 12 on Cobbs Ford Road. There are no GPA requirements and no class requirements. We are friends who enjoy moviegoing and want to meet others who also enjoy watching movies. For more info, call (334) 224-7811 or e-mail brandonperdue12@gmail.com. Rosa Parks Museum 252 Montgomery Street. Hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays and holidays, closed. Admission 12 years and under-$5.50/Over 12$7.50. Alabama college students with a valid student ID: $6.50; discount price for both Museum & Children’s Wing: adults: $14, children $10. For more info, call 241-8615 or visit www.troy.edu/rosaparks/. Tales for Tots Join us for this FREE introduction to art in storybooks and in the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts galleries for young children and their families. Each time a different work of art and special story will be presented. Next classes are September 20 from 10:30-11 a.m., and 11-11:30 a.m. Call 240-4365 or visit www.mmfa.org for more info. YMCA 7 to 11 Club Calling all children ages 7 to 11 for this fun, free event. While Mom and Dad are working out, join us for games, arts & crafts, service projects and more. Earn special beads for participation and try to break records for superior achievements. Monthly special events will be hosted as well. Check with your YMCA center or visit ymcamontgomery.org for more details.
Classes
Breastfeeding Class Designed to prepare the expectant mother for breastfeeding her newborn. Also includes troubleshooting common problems to establish a successful breastfeeding experience. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $15. Class schedule is subject to change, so please call 293-8497 or e-mail liz.owen@jackson.org to register or for more info. Breastfeeding Class This one-time class at Baptist Health provides expectant mothers with information about breastfeeding including various factors influencing lactation, advantages of breastfeeding, basic anatomy and physiology of milk production, specific techniques to promote a successful breastfeeding experience and breastfeeding equipment and supplies. Classes are taught by IBLCE instructors. Partners are encouraged to participate. Class fee: $20. Registration is required. E-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Caring For Your Newborn Taught by Baptist Health Newborn Nursery nurses, this one-time class helps new families become familiar with the basics of caring for your infant in the first six weeks after birth. This interactive class covers routine hospital newborn procedures along with bathing, diapering, swaddling and soothing, normal infant behavior, appearance and sleep patterns. Class fee:
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Area. For more information on foster care or to register for the classes, please contact Bobbi Olson, Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, at 334430-7569 or e-mail bolson@abchome.org.
Childbirth Basics Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose to have pain relief during labor and delivery. Sessions are taught throughout the year at Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $25. Call 293-8497 by your 4th month of pregnancy to register.
Infant Safety/CPR This one-time class sponsored by Baptist Health will teach parents and grandparents the American Heart Association’s Family and Friends CPR for infants and children including care of the choking infant, infant rescue and breathing with hands on practice using ACTAR CPR dolls for class participants. This class will also help parents with creating a safe environment for their child. Classes are taught by certified CPR Instructors. This class is not a certification class. Fee: $10 per person. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military.
Childbirth Preparation (Four Sessions on Monday Nights) This foursession class is taught by Registered Labor and Delivery Nurses on the campus of Baptist South. This class for new mothers covers topics ranging from how your body changes during pregnancy to signs of labor to the benefits of breastfeeding and what to expect during your birth experience. This class is complimentary. To register, call (334) 286-3466. Childbirth Preparation Boot Camp (One Day Saturday Class) This fast-paced one day class taught by Baptist Health’s experienced Labor and Delivery Registered Nurses prepares families to welcome their new addition. All aspects of Labor and Delivery from our hospital admission process through postpartum care are covered during class. Additional topics include Cesarean sections, medication and anesthesia options along with coping and comfort measures. Breathing and relaxation techniques are also introduced. Maternity Area Tour is included as a part of this class. Class offered select Saturdays of each month. Fee: $60 per couple and includes lunch. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. ID required. Chinese Language Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Office of Far Eastern Initiatives offers Saturday classes for children and adults. For more info or to register, contact April Ma at 244-3018 or ama@aum.edu. CPR & First Aid The American Red Cross offers classes in adult and infant/child CPR as well as first aid and babysitting classes monthly. Call 260-3980. Diabetes Education --Prattville Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available Wednesdays by appointment at Prattville Medical Park. Call 213-6360 for more information. Diabetes Education --Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available weekdays by appointment. Call 213-6360 for more info. Family Nutrition Classes Fun, hands-on 3 or 6-week in-person or online course developed by well-known pediatrician Dr William Sears. Classes focused towards parents of children age 3-12. The goal is to learn simple ways to improve the health of your child through lifestyle, exercise, attitude, and nutrition. For info, contact alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or visit www.Facebook.com/LeaninCentralAL. Foster Parent Training Classes Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries sponsors foster care training classes in the Tri-County
Maternity Area Tour Only Baptist Medical Center East maternity area tour for expectant mothers and families not attending Childbirth Preparation Class or Boot Camp. This tour is complimentary and is offered on select Saturdays of each month. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. Maternity Area Tour Baptist Health’s Maternity Area Tour is for parents not attending Childbirth Preparation Boot Camp. Tour is offered on select Saturdays of each month and is complimentary. Tour is for adults only. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@ baptistfirst.org for more info. Pre- and Post-natal Fitness Classes Includes water aerobics, step-floor aerobics and strength training. SportsFirst. Call 277-7130. Pregnancy Nutrition Classes Interactive 3-week series of classes developed by wellknown pediatrician Dr. William Sears. Classes focus on lifestyle choices, attitude, and exercise at any stage of pregnancy; optimal nutrition before, during and after pregnancy; transition from pregnancy to motherhood. Courses can be taken separately or as a series. Jump in any time! Materials and snack provided with fee. For more info, contact alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or visit www.Facebook.com/LeaninCentralAL. Prepared Childbirth Class (Understanding Birth) Jackson Hospital. Preregistration required. Topics include: pregnancy, labor, birth, options for pain management, medical procedures, cesarean birth. Note: This class is a basic overview of the labor and delivery process and does not prepare someone for “natural” or unmedicated childbirth. Cost: $25 (covers mother and support person). Class size is limited. Call (334) 2938497 or e-mail: liz.owen@jackson.org. Sibling Preparation Class One-hour class is designed for expectant “big brothers and sisters” ages 3 to 8. They will learn about the arrival of their new baby through an introduction to the hospital experience and the early days at home. Parents should plan to attend with their child. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@ baptistfirst.org. Slow Flow Yoga Classes are held at Old Alabama Town on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 11:30-12:15, and 12:30-1:15. Beginners welcome! No registration needed; just come to Molton South Building. Enter through the Rose House, located on Columbus St. between N. Hull and Decatur. Parking is available along Decatur and N. Hull. Drop in fee: $12; 5-class pass: $50 (exp. 60 days). Monthly unlimited: $65. Mat rental: $1. For more info, call (334) 240-4500 or (334) 207-0909 or e-mail juliet. yoga@icloud.com.
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Services
American Cancer Society Seeks Volunteers for Road to Recovery This program is designed to ensure that cancer patients have transportation to and from medical facilities for treatment. Anyone who has a driver’s license, a safe driving record, personal automobile insurance, owns a car or has access to one, and can spare as little as one morning or afternoon a month is encouraged to volunteer. For more info, or to volunteer, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Baptist Hospice Volunteers There are many ways to help, such as special projects and events or providing administrative support for the staff, that are essential. Volunteers often have special talents and innovative ideas that add to our program. Please call Gloria @395-5018 to join our dynamic team. Baptist Hospital Volunteers Volunteers are needed at Baptist Medical Center East, Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville Baptist Hospital. Duties vary by facility but include delivering mail and flowers, transporting patients, staffing waiting rooms and information desks, and furnishing coffee for visitors. Volunteers work one four-hour shift per week. For more info, call 286-2977. Baptist Sleep Disorders Centers Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville. Both centers have the ability to diagnose up to 84 different sleep disorders. There are four board-certified physicians and a clinical psychologist on staff between the two centers. For more info, call (334) 286-3252 for Baptist Medical Center South and (334) 361-4335 for Prattville Baptist Hospital. Hospice of Montgomery Volunteer Opportunities 1111 Holloway Park, Montgomery. There is a current need for Patient Care and Family Support volunteers, Clerical volunteers, and Outreach/Fundraising volunteers. For more info, call (334) 279-6677 or e-mail kjones@hospiceofmontgomery.org. Jackson Hospital Animal Therapy Program Jackson Hospital’s Animal Therapy Program is a vital part of its patient care. Animals in the program are limited to dogs, and no other animals are allowed to participate. Currently, there are 10 dogs in the program. Their handlers have undergone extensive training and orientation, and visit the hospital weekly. For more information, please call 293-8894. Jackson Hospital Volunteer Services Jackson Hospital information desk volunteers are needed for the evening shift, 5-8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Volunteers must be friendly and eager to offer information to those visiting the hospital. With this position, a free meal will be given as well as a parking spot next to the lobby. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and are asked to work 4 hours a week. Call 293-8967 or visit www.jackson.org/patients_volunteers.html. River Region Association of Doulas Doulas Traci Weafer, Rebekah Hawkins and Christina Clark provide prenatal counseling, labor and postpartum doula services, breastfeeding education, events and support groups. Contact rradoulas@gmail.com or visit rradoulas. weebly.com or https://www.facebook.com/RRADoulas/.
Support Groups Adoption Support
Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer Memorial UMC. For more info, call Sonia Martin at 409-9477 or at smartin@childrensaid.org.
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SupportGroups Birth Parent and Adult Adoptee Support Group Children’s Aid Society hosts a free support group for adult adoptees and birth parents. This group provides emotional support for people at all stages of the lifelong adoption process. Meetings held at Children’s Aid Society, 2141 14th Avenue South in Birmingham. For class dates and times, call Kathy King at (205) 9435331 or e-mail kking@childrensaid.org.
DivorceCare meets at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. It fosters a weekly supportive and caring environment to heal the hurt of separation and divorce. The DivorceCare experience involves a dynamic video presentation, group share time, and personal workbook exercises. Facilitators for DivorceCare are Todd Smith, Wendy Timbie and Becki Harrison. To register or for more info, call 279-5433.
Panda Pals is a support group for families who have adopted or in the process of adopting children from China. We have playdates, family nights and gettogethers to talk about raising our children from China. If you would like to join our group, just e-mail PandaPals2005@yahoogroups.com or call Tracie Singleton at 395-8215.
DivorceCare and DivorceCare 4 Kids First Baptist Church Montgomery, Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $15 (scholarships available). Contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@montgomeryfbc.org or 241-5125.
Cancer Support
American Cancer Society, including Montgomery, Elmore & Autauga Counties: **To access or sign up for these programs, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Look Good…Feel Better is an American Cancer Society program in which trained volunteer cosmetologists help female cancer patients deal with the side effects of treatment. Patients are taught beauty techniques to enhance their appearance and self image during or after treatments, including ways to disguise hair loss and skin changes. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 for more info. OTHER PROGRAMS/SERVICES OFFERED BY THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: Reach to Recovery matches newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors on a one on one basis. Free wigs and other supplies for cancer patients Free rides to treatment through our Road To Recovery program (where volunteer drivers use their cars and time to take in need cancer patients to treatment) Free lodging through the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge in Birmingham (if patients are sent to Birmingham for treatment) On-line cancer information classes and support group through cancer.org. Information anytime and trained specialists at 1-800ACS-2345. Cancer Patient and Caregiver Support Group 1-2 p.m., Tuesdays, Montgomery Cancer Center, 4145 Carmichael Road. The group is facilitated by professionally trained health care providers and other members of the support care team. It’s free and open to all cancer patients and their caregivers. Call (334) 273-7000. General Cancer Support Group held at Christ Church, 8800 Vaughn Road, Tuesday afternoons at 1 p.m. This is an open group. For more information, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie Diemayer at 467-4578. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 2nd Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Room 8114. Provides education, awareness and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family or friends. For more info, call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@ charter.net.
Divorce Support
DivorceCare meets Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. at Frazer Memorial UMC. Join us for thirteen weeks of guidance and purpose as you move forward with life after divorce. For more info, call 495-6350 or e-mail jan@frazerumc.org. Divorce Care for Kids meets Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. at Frazer Memorial UMC. Children of divorce or separation find hope, help, and healing. Call 495-6350 or e-mail jan@frazerumc.org for more info.
Montgomery Parents I September 2017
Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women Montgomery Country Club, Azalea Room, 3800 Narrow Lane Road. 9 a.m.-noon. This is a 3-hour workshop that is offered monthly, designed to help participants explore the legal, financial, and emotional issues of divorce and gain a greater understanding of the process. The cost to attend is $20 per person and pre-registration is required. For more info, please call or e-mail Sommer Morris at (334) 612-1086 or sommer. morris@morganstanley.com. You may also visit www. secondsaturday.com.
Gambling Support
Gamblers Anonymous meetings in the River Region Area: Saturdays @ 7 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, 5375 U.S. Hwy. 231 (Directly across from the Winn-Dixie shopping center), Wetumpka. Call (334) 567-7534. Sundays @ 5 p.m., Mental Health Association, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Mondays @ 6 p.m., St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 4475 Atlanta Hwy., Montgomery. Gamblers Anonymous Hotline: 334-541-5420
Grief Support
Bereaved Spouses Support Group A new ministry of Cornerstone Christian Church, USA (Unavoidably Single Again) Ministries is designed to offer ongoing support, social events and fellowship to those who have lost their spouses to death. The group is open to ALL widowed individuals, regardless of age, religious beliefs, or length of marriage or widowhood. Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays at the church’s building, 301 Dalraida Road. Please e-mail farauthor@aol.com for more info. Bereavement Group, Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is intended to address those affected by a recent loss (0-12 months after death). Through meeting with others who are walking a similar journey, you will be encouraged to work through the complications of your loss, understand your pain, and adjust to your new reality. For more info, call 279-6677. Compassionate Friends, Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Hwy, first Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child. For more information about the group, call (334) 284-2721. Grief Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Rm. 3105. Call 495-6350 for more info. GriefShare meets weekly at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. This program is non-denominational and features biblical concepts for healing your grief. Three key parts make up your GriefShare experience: video seminar; support group time; and workbook study. GriefShare will be led by Howard and Carol Payne and Jim Williams. To register or for more info, call 279-5433. 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
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by Dr. Lennie Howard and Marie Parma. Contact the church at 272-0009. Honoring Angels Like Owen, Inc. (HALO) offers family-oriented, Christian-based grief support groups that meet monthly. These groups are for families who have lost a child from 20 weeks gestation up to the age of 2 years old. Our parents’ group is for mothers and fathers. Our siblings’ group is for children ages 6-15. Both groups meet at the same time and place. HALO also offers free professional photography for families facing the loss of a child up to the age of 2 years old and needs-based financial assistance for burial. Visit www. honoringangelslikeowen.org or call (334) 328-1202. Mourning to Morning is a Christian growth group for mothers who have lost a child, from before birth through adulthood. We normally meet the last Thursday night of each month at Grace Baptist Church in Wetumpka, 304 Old Montgomery Highway. For more info, contact Alice Scarborough at (334) 462-4775 or Gwen Ellis at (334) 567-8754 or e-mail us at mourningtomorning@gmail. com. Join us on Facebook--Mourning to Morning Group. River Region Survivors of Suicide Loss meets on second and fourth Thursdays (excluding holidays) at Cornerstone Christian Church, 301 Dalraida Road in Montgomery from 6:30-8 p.m. This is an open group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide and welcomes anyone regardless of religious beliefs. Contact Cheryl Vinson at riverregionsos@gmail.com with questions or for more information.
Homeschool Support
ECHO (Elmore County Homeschool Organization), Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. 2nd and 4th Fridays year-round from 10 a.m. to noon. This is a support group for homeschooling families in the tri-county area. Membership is free. For more info, please visit http://www.onlineecho.com
Illness Support
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers Support Group meets 1st Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in room 3103 at Frazer Memorial UMC. For more info, call 272-8622. Cardiolife, a FREE educational series for congestive heart failure patients and their caregivers, meets 4th Thursdays of each month, 10-11 a.m. Diabetes Center classroom, Jackson Hospital. For more info, call 279-6677. Topics include: Lifestyle Changes, A Heart Healthy Diet, Proper Fluid Intake, Importance of Daily Weights and Exercise Tolerance. Celebrate Recovery is a 12-step-Christian process to help you cope with hurts, hang-ups, and habits on a weekly basis. Meets at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. You will experience hope and strength for each day. “Celebrate Recovery” is led by Jeff McFarland. To register or for more info, call 279-5433. Christians Against Substance Abuse (CASA) is a 12step spiritual recovery program for overcoming addictions. Using the steps and the Bible, we help build self-esteem, responsible behavior, learning to make amends for destructive behavior, then fill the void in our hearts by developing a loving relationship with God. Class begins each Wednesday evening @ 6:30 p.m. Please contact the Prattville Church of Christ office, 344 East Main St. in Prattville (334-365-4201), for additional information. Diabetes Support Group Noon-1 p.m. and 4-5 p.m., fourth Thursdays, Jackson Hospital Park Place Building Suite 302. Are you interested in learning how to better manage your Type 2 diabetes? Would you like support from others as you work to control your diabetes? Sponsored by inpatient diabetes educator Michelle Carothers, this group offers clinical information, advice and tips to make living with
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Gluten Intolerance Group (www.gluten.net) is a nonprofit organization with the mission to provide support to those with any form of gluten intolerance. Guidelines are provided on how to eat safely both at home and eating out. Another objective is to facilitate more effective communication between the local gluten-free community and stores, restaurants and the medical community. Meets 2nd Thursdays, 6-7 p.m., at Taylor Road Baptist Church, Fellowship Suite (Turn on Berryhill Rd. by EastChase). Check the blog for special “alternate site” meetings (www.glutenfreemontgomery.blogspot.com) For more info, you may also e-mail dr.hetrick@charter.net or visit the group’s Facebook page. Montgomery Area Mended Hearts, First floor of Montgomery Cardiovascular Institute on the campus of Baptist Medical Center South. For anyone who has experienced cardiac illness. Third Mondays, alternates between 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Call 286-3410 for more info. NAMI Montgomery (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) provides understanding, education and information to family members and friends of those who suffer mental illness. The NAMI Montgomery Family Member Support Group meets second Mondays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in room 7205 at Frazer Memorial UMC. Call Mary Jo Logan (271-2280) for details. NAMI also presents a 12-week series of free classes on mental illness. These classes are for family members living with or supporting individuals with mental illness. To register, call Mary Jo at 271-2280 or e-mail classicmjl@hotmail.com. OCD Support Group (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) Long showers, multiple hand-washing, rituals, checking the stove, hoarding and symmetry. This support group is open to anyone who has struggled with OCD. You’re not alone anymore. Meetings are held at 5500 Ash Grove Circle, Montgomery. Call Donald at 220-7555 for more info. Overeaters Anonymous, Unity of Montgomery, 1922 Walnut St., Saturdays from 3-4 p.m. Contact Misty at 3249568 or Carol at 467-5742.
Parent Support
D.A.D.S. (Dad and Daughter Saturdays) Second Saturdays at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Library in downtown Montgomery at 11 a.m. D.A.D.S. gives fathers and daughters an opportunity to read together to create fun, educational memories. This free event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Montgomery City-County Public Library and Dreamland Barbeque. For more info, call Ron Simmons at (334) 777-8596. La Leche League of Montgomery Area has served local mothers since 1984. Women who are pregnant, interested in breastfeeding and nursing mothers are invited to attend our free mother-to-mother support meetings or e-mail with breastfeeding questions. Join us with your babies. Children of all ages are welcome. We currently have morning and evening meetings. For more info, email LLL.Montgomery.AL@gmail.com or visit http://www. llli.org/groups/@llli*group*montgomery or “like” us on Facebook. Mom2Mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of children ages birth-5 years at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. E-mail Mom2mom@frazerumc. org for more information.
Moms’ LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) First Baptist Church, Prattville. Meets twice monthly from 8:30-11:45 a.m. in the chapel at First Baptist Church in Prattville August through May. For moms of all stages and ages of life. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guests, special guest speakers and a lot of fun! Cost is $5 per meeting. Childcare provided by reservation. For more info and to reserve your spot, call Kelley Manning at 361-7919. The Montgomery Multiples Club is a non-profit organization offering support to the mothers and families of twins, triplets, and more in the Central Alabama region. They have a mom’s night out with dinner once a month. They also have a yard sale twice a year, in the spring and again in the fall. For more info, visit https://sites.google.com/site/montgomerymultiples/home. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry St., Montgomery. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:3011:30 a.m., September through May. Moms, need a little break? We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Visit www. montgomeryfbc.org/MOPS or contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Vaughn Forest Baptist Church, 8660 Vaughn Road, Montgomery. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Are you in need of a time-out? MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. Childcare is provided. For more info, e-mail vaughnforestmops@gmail.com or visit http:// vfcmops.weebly.com/.
Pregnancy Loss/Infertility
Hannah’s Prayer, Prattville First United Methodist Church, 2nd Thursdays and 3rd Sundays. Support group for women dealing with pregnancy loss/infertility issues. Call (334) 365-5977. Post-abortion Support Group, Saint James United Methodist Church. Do you have a secret you have promised yourself “you are taking to the grave?” Come and listen to stories of others who were scared to surrender their secret. Come and find healing and peace that you never even knew you needed. Come and learn about the One who came to set you free. Join us in a study of “Surrendering the Secret” by Pat Layton and know that you are not alone! (Learner guide and digital download sessions.) For more info, e-mail annpemberton@charter.net. Sav-A-Life conducts a HOPE GROUP for women who have experienced the emotional aftermath of an abortion. Groups meet eight consecutive Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. and are facilitated by women who have experienced abortion. The “Forgiven and Set Free” Bible study is used. Confidientiality is assured. Please call Kathy at 260-8010 for information. “Take Heart,” Room 116 at Eastmont Baptist Church, first Mondays of each month at 6 p.m. Support group for women dealing with infertility and/or miscarriage. Contact Melissa at (205) 913-2667 for more information.
Single Parents Support
God Will Make a Way, Frazer UMC, Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. Learn to follow God’s principles to thrive relationally, emotionally, and spiritually in 12 key areas of life and use God’s wisdom to cope with your most difficult problems. Call 495-6368 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org for more info.
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Single Moms Support Group, Landmark Church of Christ, Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in Classroom 118. For more information call 277-5800. Single Moms’ Care and Support Group, Perry Hill United Methodist Church, 910 Perry Hill Road (corner of Perry Hill and Harrison Roads). Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:15-8 p.m. Free snack supper provided to moms and children. Child care for infants-16 years. Call 272-3174 for more info. SWAK (Single with Amazing Kids), Maxwell / Maxwell Gunter AFB. This network is connecting and empowering single parents and their families through information, encouragement, and many family-oriented events throughout the year. We meet the last Wednesday or Thursday of each month. For more info, e-mail t2763@aol.com. Join us on Facebook for daily restaurant specials, area kid-friendly events, and tips/ideas for families on a budget.
Special Needs Support
Alabama Angels Pageant, a nonprofit pageant for males and females of any age with special needs. Participation is free. 2016 pageant date TBA. Visit www. alabamaangels.org and look for us on Facebook! Central Alabama Autism Support Team (C.A.A.S.T.), St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Hwy. 31 in Prattville from 6-8 p.m. 3rd Thursdays quarterly (Feb., May, Aug., Nov.). Visit www.easysite.com/caast or e-mail casst50@yahoo. com for more info. Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach, Vaughn Park Church of Christ, 2nd Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. We have activities, speakers and special events throughout the year for the parents, siblings and children with Down Syndrome. Childcare provided. Visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com or visit our Facebook page (MADSOG) for more information. Contact MADSOG at montgomeryareadownsyndrome@gmail.com for more info. Montgomery Area Hearing Loss Support Group meets monthly at the Wesley Building of the First Methodist Church in Montgomery on 2nd Thursdays at 4 p.m. It is affiliated with the nationally recognized non-profit advocacy group, Hearing Loss Association of America. The purpose is to bring together all adults and parents of children who would like to know more about hearing losses, its causes and its possible corrections. Refreshments at each meeting. For more info, contact HearingInfo@earthlink.net. A Parent’s Perspective A therapeutic and educational group for parents of children with physical/emotional needs that provides direct support through shared experiences and coordinated by a trained facilitator. For more info and a free consultation, contact Julie Cox, LMSW at (334) 310-1649 or juliecox.sw@ gmail.com. You can also “like” A Parent’s Perspective on Facebook. Traumatic Brain Injury Support, cafeteria at HealthSouth on Narrow Lane in Montgomery. 2nd Thursdays at 6 p.m. Sponsored by Alabama Head Injury Foundation for anyone with a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or related disability. For more info, contact Holli at (334) 2900646 or e-mail: ahif_montgomery_auburn@yahoo.com. Visit www.ahif.org.
Teens/Families Support
Call Family Guidance Center of Alabama at 270-4100 for information about current classes. Support Group for Teens with difficulties communicating with parents and friends. Contact Felicia Pressley at Pressley Counseling by leaving a message at (334) 625-0159.
Please send calendar info to editor@montgomeryparents.com. www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents
Pink and Pearls Holds Royal Court
Pink and Pearls for Girls recently held its Royal Court 2017. Five princesses were crowned as well as the 2017 queen at the 6th Annual Dedication Ball and Awards Night: Miss Jaisha (Little Pearl Princess), Miss Lyric Green (Pearl Drop Princess), Miss Kamiyah (Sugar Plum Princess), Miss Reyla Green (Sapphire Princess), and Miss Na’Shiya (Teen Diamond Princess). 2017 Pearl Queen is Miss Raiven Mayes. Stay positive, stay focused and remember to always keep Jesus Christ at the center of everything. For more info about Pink and Pearls, please call (334) 561-5091.
Shivalaya Dancers Perform at Art Museum
The dancers of Shivalaya School of Dance pose for a group photograph after their recital at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts on July 30.
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Ruff Ruffman Returns to PBS Kids
This fall, the animated canine star of the classic PBS Kids series Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman is back with an all-new short-form digital series, The Ruff Ruffman Show! Ruff and his friends will help kids ages 4-8 explore physical science concepts through video, gaming, an app and offline activities for families to do together. Produced by WGBH Boston and designed to help kids learn through new formats and interactive content, The Ruff Ruffman Show is a multiplatform media experience that will be available September 28 on PBS Kids digital platforms, including the free PBS Kids Video App and pbskids. org. The videos will roll out on the PBS Kids YouTube channel starting on September 28, and segments from the series will air on the new PBS Kids 24/7 channel and live stream this fall. Related games to help children further explore STEM skills will also be available on the free PBS Kids Games App and pbskids.org.
Business Card Directory
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AdvertiserDirectory We know that readers consider our advertisers as valuable a resource as the editorial content in Montgomery Parents. We hope this directory saves you time as you refer to the magazine throughout the month. Page numbers follow the advertiser’s name.
Dream Court, 48
Montgomery Uniforms Plus, 37
Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 79
Montgomery YMCA, 42
E & S Hobbies, 94
Moody Learning, 94
ACE of the River Region, 32
Easter Seals of Central Alabama, 73
My Kids Attic, The Shoppes of, 19, 27
Adventure Sports II,76
Eastwood Christian School, 41
New Park, 9
Alabama Christian Academy, 29
Edward Jones-Lane Easterling, 80
OB/GYN Montgomery, Dr. Desautels, 47
Alabama Dance Theatre, 53
Enable Alabama Savings Plan, 20
O’Connor Tennis Lessons, 79
AL Dept. of Public Health, Inside Front & Back
Evangel Christian Academy, 21
Pet Palace Hotels, 40
Alabama School of Math & Science, 15
Families of the Year, 71
Prattville YMCA, 73
Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 51
First Baptist Church, 59
Professional Pediatrics, 12
Alabama World Travel, 85
Frazer Memorial UMC, 35
Pump It Up Party, 28
Armory Athletics, 38
Health Services, Inc., 63
River Bank & Trust, 19
ASKIN/Synergy House, 94
Herron Dermatology & Laser, 74
River Region TV, 44
AUM Early Childhood Center, 8
Holy Cross Episcopal School, 25
Riverview Camp for Girls, 52
Autauga/Western Elmore Arc, 28
Hooper Academy, 47
Rockin’ Jump, 70
Autism Society of Alabama, 18
Inflatables of Montgomery, 38
Saint James School, 1
Baptist Health, 43, 67
Jenilyn’s Creations, 57
Sea Dragon Pirate Cruises, 83
Beth’s Heirloom Sewing, 32
K Lynn Ice Skating School, 80
Shane’s Rib Shack, 14
Bradford Health Services, 4
Kids Carousel, 43
Spacewalker, The, 53
Camp ASCCA, 65
Kingry Orthodontics, 14
Spotless Cleaning Services, 11
Capell & Howard PC, 3
Learning Tree Child Care, 78
Success Unlimited Academy, 22
Capital Chevrolet, 2, 31
Macon East Academy, 49
Swim Prep, 23
Cellar Door Wine Club, 94
Mathnasium, 36
Sylvan Learning Center, 23
Chapman Orthodontics, 33
MEOW Academy, 69
Taylor Road Baptist Church, 26
Child Evangelism Fellowship, 77
Memorial Presbyterian Childcare, 26
The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover
Chidren’s Clothing Exchange, 33
Montessori @ Mulberry, 17
Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection, 75
Children’s Hospital of Alabama, 34
Montgomery Catholic Schools, 13
Trinity Presbyterian School, 39
Churchill Academy, 7
Montgomery Children’s Specialty Ctr, 21
Tru-Cut Lawn Care, 81
Dentistry for Children, 42
Montgomery Dermatology, 18
United Gymstars & Cheer, 69
Docarmo’s Taekwondo Center, 55
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 75
Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 81
Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 65
Montg. Pediatric Dentistry/Ortho, 61
Vaughn Road Preschool, 30
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The Dark Tower
The Nut Job 2:
MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C+ Violence: D+ Sexual Content: AProfanity: BAlcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated The Dark Tower PG-13 for thematic material including sequences of gun violence and action. Jake Chambers (Tom Taylor) is the classic “Chosen One” in The Dark Tower, but parents don’t assume a teen protagonist equals a movie suitable for all your kids. First clue: It’s based on a Stephen King novel... an author known for thriller and horror stories, not fun family romps. This sci-fi has a kill rate that’s right up there with R-raters. It just doesn’t have as much blood or explicit details. Our young hero has this tough task. His serial nightmares feature a messed-up sorcerer, known as the Man in Black (Matthew McConaughey), who is strapping kids to a funky chair and sucking their mental powers to send energy impulses toward a dark tower with the goal of eventually knocking it down. (I’m guessing they were out of TNT at the local dynamite shop...) Fighting back is a guy known as The Gunslinger (Idris Elba), a cool dude whose pistol loading techniques even left me wanting to play with guns. To be fair, The Dark Tower intrigued me enough to want to know what will happen next. Another plus is this bid-to-save-all-life-from-extermination is a serious tale and leaves no time for sexual soirées. Other than some references to deity and a couple of scatological curses, there’s little else for parental concern (except for those many bullets). I’m sensing there may be a positive moral message coming in the next episode, but will it also offer some glue to hold the plot together? If not, this tower could fall without the help of a madman.
MPAA Rating: PG Overall: C+ Violence: BSexual Content: B+ Profanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature PG for action and some rude humor. The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature is a more-than-nutty sequel that foregoes many of the usual concerns about sex and profanity, but does provide a generous helping of slapstick animated violence. It also presents a mixed assortment of some of the most ingrained stereotypes promoted by media, wrapped up in a painfully ridiculous package and sent gift-wrapped to a young unsuspecting audience. This little guy vs big guy story includes all the usual elements you might expect. The critters do their best to chew through electrical cables (with much animated shock value) and jam up the equipment and amusement rides. They engage in silly antics to break jail and sabotage the enemy. They also bridge the gap between the opposing forces with two canines -- Heather’s servile French bulldog Frankie and Precious, a pug that was owned by two crooks in the first Nut Job movie and has since joined forces with the park animals. At first glance this film’s biggest crime happened when you paid to see it. Yet even if families hold out against the enticing advertising and their kids’ pleas until the home video release, parents should remember the power of repeated messages. The aforementioned stereotypes, and Andie’s role as a female who is helpless to do anything without Surly’s approval, may be reason enough to say, “nuts to this” and find something better to watch.
Logan Lucky
All Saints
MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C Violence: C+ Sexual Content: B+ Profanity: CAlcohol / Drug Use: CThe MPAA has rated Logan Lucky PG-13 for language and some crude comments. Instead of suave and sophisticated George Clooney heading up the large cast of thieves, this time we have Channing Tatum playing war vet Jimmy Logan. Left with a leg injury from service in Iraq, Jimmy is fired from his earth moving job at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in the opening minutes of the film after an HR minion noticed he walks with a limp. The cruel and heartless termination is the perfect setup for us to root for this blue-collar boy when he hatches an idea: return to his former workplace and steal a truckload of cash from a central depository buried under the raceway. Next, we need a team. Jimmy’s brother Clyde (Adam Driver) is an obvious first choice, and their sister Mellie (Riley Keough) is game to help too. Recognizing they need someone who has “professional” experience, the siblings seek out an old buddy in their small Virginia community who happens to be in prison. Joe Bang (Daniel Craig) is an explosive safecracker and even though he says he’s not interested, Jimmy quickly convinces him. This PG-13 film has numerous profanities yet, in other areas doesn’t push the limits of its rating. But parental concerns in media aren’t always about sex and violence. Logan Lucky is a fun film to view and offers an interesting portrait of life in the south without exploiting harmful stereotypes too much. Yet the stylized, creative camera work and precise editing are a thin veneer covering a message that lying, cheating and stealing are the basis of good luck.
MPAA Rating: PG Overall: AViolence: B Sexual Content: AProfanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated All Saints PG for thematic elements. The script is based on the true story of Michael Spurlock (John Corbett), a former salesman turned Episcopalian minister who has been assigned to his first church. However, instead of being asked to build up a congregation, his calling is to disband the small group of parishioners who regularly attend All Saints Episcopalian Church in Smyrna, Tennessee. Refugees from Southeast Asia, known as the Karen people, have settled within the small community. Escaping from the violence of political and religious persecution in their homeland, the legal immigrants were taught Christian principles by Anglican missionaries in Burma (Myanmar). In need of financial and spiritual support, the newcomers believe they can find both within the church community. Not surprisingly, Michael doesn’t see how their tiny contingent, who can’t even cover their own expenses, can possibly support the struggling exiles. However, he discovers a higher authority has different plans. Shot at the actual church that’s the centerpiece of the story and casting as extras many of the Karen people who have settled in the area, All Saints is a sincere effort that enlightens and inspires. It illustrates what a community of people can achieve if they are willing to sacrifice and work together. It’s also a gentle reminder for church goers to deeply consider the purpose of their beliefs -- especially when the call to serve others seems too inconvenient or uncomfortable.
Montgomery Parents I September 2017
Nutty by Nature
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