Montgomery Parents September 2018 by KeepSharing

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The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) is a joint research project between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Alabama Department of Public Health. Its purpose is to determine why some babies are born healthy and others are not in order to aid in the development and assessment of programs designed to identify high-risk pregnancies and reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes. New mothers are randomly chosen from the state birth registry to participate in PRAMS. Surveys may be returned by mail or completed over the phone. Let your voice be heard!

“Happy to be part of this survey.”

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Actual comments from survey responses.

Moms who complete the PRAMS survey receive their choice of a cooler bag, diapers, or manicure set! Responses are kept confidential to the extent of the law. For more information, please call us at 334-206-2923 or go to alabamapublichealth.gov/PRAMS ADPH does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, age, religion, disability, genetic information, and other federal, state, or agency regulations and policies. Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies may be directed to Civil Rights Coordinator: ADPH CRC, RSA Tower, 201 Monroe Street, Suite 1010, Montgomery, AL 36104, Tel. 334-206-5226, o r email crcomplaints@adph.state.al.us.

A Complete Education The diverse and creative achievements that Saint James students earn and

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Not only is Jackson Hospital an exceptional place to work, it really delivers on patient care. As a patient, I felt welcomed and knew my health and safety was top priority. Dr. Gregory Jones was there for me every step of the way. I could not be happier with the personalized care I received from Dr. Jones, Dr. Clark, and the nurses in the Family Birth Center. I had an unforgettable pregnancy and delivery experience! As a Jackson Hospital employee and now a patient, I would 100% recommend Jackson Hospital and Clinic for any of your healthcare needs!

Montgomery Parents I September 2018

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September2018

Columns

Volume 23 Number 9

8 Living With Children John Rosemond

12 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Learning Disabilities and ADHD

What you need to know to best advocate for your child.

Special Needs Siblings With the challenges of having a sibling with special needs, the benefits are even greater!

14 Montgomery Education Matters by Dr. Ann Roy Moore, Interim Superintendent

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

42 Autauga Education Matters by Superintendent Spence Agee

48 Elmore Education Matters by Superintendent Richard Dennis

56 Parenting, Media & Everything in Between Common Sense Media

Special Needs Guide

Local and national resources assist in caring for your child.

Meet JUUL

What every parent needs to know now.

58 Parenting Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Teens Mark Gregston

69 A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

On The Cover Silas Estel McFarland is 5 years old and in Kindergarten at Pike Road Elementary School. His parents are Rob and Anita McFarland, and he has three siblings: Ian (14), Lily (11), and Seth (8 months). Silas loves swimming, playing any kind of ball with his brothers and sister, doing Taekwondo, drawing and reading.

87 Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 10 Bits and Pieces 16 School Bits 88 Calendar/Support Groups 100 Mom to Mom www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Editor’sNote We are excited to celebrate special children and their families in this month’s Special Needs Issue! Besides the many helpful articles and resources in this issue, we will continue the celebration at our 3rd Annual Special Needs Expo on September 29, from 10 am to 1 pm, at Frazer Memorial UMC. You’ll find all the details on page 62 and we hope to see you there! Like me, I bet you smiled from ear to ear when you saw this month’s cover kid, Silas McFarland. I asked his mom, Anita, to share some of her journey and her heart with us: I used to be known as Anita McFarland. Now I usually am referred to as “Silas’s Mom”. Being “Silas’s Mom” has changed my life. I used to walk into a room with a quiet anonymity. Now I enter a room chasing a boy who commands the entire room’s attention. Some days that entrance looks like a train wreck and being Silas’s mom is hard. He wriggles out of my arms and runs wild, he yells things I can’t understand, he runs up and hugs random people in a waiting room. He flops himself on the floor and uses the full weight of his body to communicate that he IS NOT moving another step. He runs a fever for no reason, sometimes has a random unexplained bruise, or has a cough that lasts two months, causing me to wonder and worry and have sleepless nights. These are the days that WEAR. ME. OUT. These days are magnified by the responsibility of raising a child with a “special ability” (as my daughter describes special needs). I, daily, feel the weight of showing everyone around me that Silas is just like their children. I want everyone who comes in contact with him to know that having Down syndrome is not strange, scary or all that different than any other typically developing kid. I want them to know that when he acts “rotten” it’s because he is rotten, not because he has Down syndrome. These train wreck days make that difficult, until I remember that I had those same “rotten” days with my other kids. The only difference is that others didn’t excuse their behavior to a disability they could see. Then there are days that I enter a room with him and am reminded of how special it really is to have Silas. These days are filled with kisses, spontaneous “I Love You’s” and reaching goals we have been working on for days, weeks or months. Having Silas in my life makes this life and my family...more. He adds a joy that can not be explained or put into 400 or 4 million words. For all the times that are filled with stress or anxiety, there are 10 more that are filled with excitement, peace, laughter and indescribable love. Silas has made me feel scared, unsure, crazy, scared and worn out. He has turned me into an advocate, made me feel loved, known, more compassionate, patient, joyful, and has shown me strength and determination. These are only needles in a haystack of what this little boy has given me. I would be shirking responsibility if I did not say this to the eyes, full of pity and sorrow, who see a burden or a waste of a life, or even indifference. I want to be clear. Silas, and all those with differences or disabilities, are important, not only to their moms and their families, but to the culture and the world. These people, these individuals, fill this world with love, beauty, grace, and compassion. These are all things we will ALWAYS desperately need. I will gladly give up my name for that. Love, Silas’s Mom

We look forward to meeting you on September 29th when our vendors will share many helpful resources available for your family. Bring the kids for face painting, balloon twisting, inflatables and more! It will be a fun and educational day for all!

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 Kimberly Blaker Richard Dennis Mark Gregston Christa Melnyk Hines Dr. Charles Ledbetter Sarah Lyons Anita McFarland Dr. Ann Roy Moore John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Allen White, MD

Cover Photography Maria Wiggins www.lolafineartphotography.com

Publisher Jason Watson jason@montgomeryparents.com

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 2018

The River Region’s Foremost Parenting Source

Montgomery Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing LLC, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, Alabama, 36123. Montgomery Parents is copyrighted 2018 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

The Marriage Must Come First Q: I am stepfather to my wife’s only child, age 8, from her first marriage. My wife always and in every way puts her son before our marriage. We went through counseling several years ago and things got better for a while, but then began slipping back into child-comes-first mode. Believe me, we have a near-perfect marriage outside of her putting her son first and not supporting me when it comes to discipline. My wife struggles constantly to make him happy and it’s really hurting our relationship. Do you have any advice for me or us? A: You’ve described what is in my estimation the number one reason why the divorce rate is so high (relatively speaking) for marriages where at least one party brings a child or children with them into the union. Specifically, either the male parent cannot shift out of dad and into husband or the female cannot shift out of mom and into wife. Said another way, for

Montgomery Parents I September 2018

the person or people in question, being a parent trumps being a spouse. A parent-child relationship of this sort is defined by the lack of an emotional boundary between the two parties. Your wife experiences her son’s emotions as if they were her own. Any unhappiness on his part makes her anxious and kicks her into high-enabling. Furthermore, his unhappiness is, from her perspective, indication of her failure as a parent. The solution, she thinks, is more enabling. A vicious and mutually destructive cycle has developed. The more she enables, the more helpless he behaves, and the more she enables. And around and around they go. That is, in a word, codependency. Since the prior round of counseling had a positive effect, it makes sense for the two of you to give that another try. Know, however, that this is one of the most intractable problems a counselor will ever encounter. My question, therefore, to you:

Are you prepared to hang in there another ten years or so, in the hope that when said son goes off on his own, the “near-perfect” marriage you now have will realize its full potential? That would certainly be my recommendation. By the way, the problem of one or both spouses putting parenting in front of being husband or wife is not only the single biggest problem in step- and blended families; it is also the single biggest problem in first marriages where there are children. Unfortunately, the child-centric family has become the norm. That’s why so few husbands and wives these days are found on the same parenting page, or even in the same parenting book, or even in some cases in the same parenting library. It may sound counterintuitive, but agreement concerning parenting issues requires being married first, parents second.

Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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Montgomery Zoo’s New Sensory-Friendly Program

Wetumpka Depot Approved for Penguin Project

The Wetumpka Depot Players are partnering with The Penguin Project to bring the collaborative process of creating theatre to children (ages 8-21) in the River Region who live with special needs. The River Region’s award-winning community theatre was elected to be a Penguin Project replication site in July. Young artists with developmental disabilities including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities visual impairment, hearing impairment, and other neurological disorders are invited to participate. They will be joined on stage by a dedicated group of “peer mentors” – children the same age without disabilities who have volunteered to work side-by-side with them through four months of rehearsals and through the final performance. By providing access to community theater, The Penguin Project demonstrates that the special challenges of a disability should not handicap a child’s ability to participate in life’s experiences. Established in 2004, The Penguin Project has evolved into a national program, with chapter sites throughout the U.S. The program is in the planning stages at the Wetumpka Depot theatre. A launch party will be announced in late fall for plans for a spring production. Executive Director Kristy Meanor invites families of children living with special needs and potential volunteers to contact her at (334) 868-1440 or kmeanor@wetumpkadepot.com or to learn about the program. Montgomery Parents I September 2018

The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum are now equipped with sensory bags filled with headphones, fidget toys and weighed lap pads for guests with sensory processing disorders. Quiet zones and headphone zones are located throughout the Zoo. Look for the signs. Our goal is to make the Zoo and Museum a friendlier place for individuals with Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD), such as autism, PTSD, Parkinson’s Disease, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and many others. Sensory bags can be checked out at the Main Zoo Gift Shop and Mann Museum. There is NO CHARGE for their use. For more info, find us on Facebook or visit www.montgomeryzoo.com.

September 8 * Gates open at 9 a.m. with aerial demonstrations featuring the ACC F-22 Raptor Demo Team beginning around 11:30 a.m. at the 187th Fighter Wing, Alabama Air National Guard, 5187 Selma Hwy, Montgomery. Bring the kids for this FREE family-friendly event for all ages. Parking is at several off-site locations, with bus transportation to the base. Visit www.RedTailAirshow. com, or call (334) 394-7157 for more info.

Big Backyard Campout @ Lanark in Millbrook

September 29 * 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The 18th annual Titus Bluegrass Festival allows attendees to relax and enjoy the picking and grinning of live bluegrass music. The Titus Community Center, home of the festival, is a shady grove that is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed day. The Community Center is located approximately 10 miles north of Wetumpka on U.S. Highway 231, then north on County Road 29. Champ’s BBQ will serve scrumptious food for the festival, and booths will be filled with crafts, cook books, and peanuts. On stage this year will be Cottonmouth Creek, Over the Mountain and Crains Nest. Admission is $10 for adults and children under 12 get in free. Bring your favorite lawn chair and your friends. For more info, visit https://www.facebook. com/TCCBluegrassFestival/. 10

September 15-16 Enjoy a night at the Alabama Nature Center with your family making s’mores, watching a movie and taking a glow stick night hike. Guests should bring their own camping supplies, and all camping will be tent only. Campfires allowed in designated areas only. Weekend pass rate of $5 per person ages 4 and up (3 and under get in free). Activities and campsite set-up will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, and campsites must be cleaned up and vacated by 9 a.m. Sunday. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife. org/ or call (800) 822-9453.

October 20 * 9 a.m.-3 p.m. St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, 5941 Main Street, Millbrook Bake sale, silent auction, vendors with unique wares, entertainment, children’s carnival with a hay ride and pumpkin patch, great concessions, family fun and free admission! www.montgomeryparents.com

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Nick Saban Honorary Chair for NAMIWalks

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Alabama (NAMI Alabama) will conduct the fourth NAMIWalks Alabama fundraiser on Saturday, September 22, at the Wynton Blount Cultural Park in Montgomery. Registration for the 5K Walk will begin at 8 a.m. and the Walk will begin at 9. A short program will be held from 8:30-9 with several guest speakers, door prizes, and awards. University of Alabama Head Football Coach Nick Saban is serving as the state honorary chairperson. The purpose of the 5K fundraiser is to support the education (including Crisis Intervention Team trainings (CIT), advocacy, and support programs of NAMI Alabama. NAMIWalks is a joint effort of NAMI, NAMI Alabama, and NAMI Alabama Affiliates. This year’s theme is #StigmaFree. There is no registration fee for the Walk. To serve as a sponsor or join a team, visit www.namiwalks.org or www.namialabama.org.

15th Annual Buddy Walk

The Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group will host its 15th Annual Buddy Walk on Saturday, October 20, at Faulkner University’s John Mark Stallings Football Field. Registration fee is $15 per person until September 21. After September 21, the registration fee goes up to $20 per person. Attendees requesting a XXL T-shirt will be $18 and a 3XL t-shirt will be $20. Event day registration begins at 9 a.m. The walk will begin at 11 with lunch and awards ceremony afterwards. The Buddy Walk was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to bring together friends, family and co-workers to promote awareness and inclusion for people with Down syndrome and to raise money for research and education programs. The program has expanded from 17 walks in 1995 to more than 250 walks around the world today. Nearly 330,000 people participated across the country last year alone. Please e-mail montgomerybuddywalk@gmail.com if you have any questions.

MPAC Presents Paw Patrol Live: Race to the Rescue

October 23 & 24 shows PAW Patrol is on a roll with its hit live tour! For tickets, call (334) 481-5100 or visit www.mpaconline.org/.

be their forever.

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections recruits, prepares, and supports parents adopting waiting children in Alabama’s foster care. Currently, HUNDREDS of children are awaiting their forever families. APAC is ready to partner with your family to begin the adoption process. To find out more about adoption, contact our team or visit our website!

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Head Lice Signs & Treatment Now that school is in session, we have received many calls about head lice. Cleanliness has nothing to do with the six to twelve million cases that occur each year. Head lice spreads by close contact, usually head to head or sharing pillows, hats, brushes or combs.

Signs

Itching of the scalp behind the ears and the back of the neck is the most common sign. The louse bites and injects saliva into the skin to keep blood flowing for dinner, causing intense itching. This wingless six legged parasitic insect is gray or white in color, the size of a sesame seed. You may not see any lice since most children have less than 10 at a time. Their eggs (nits) are tan or white and are glued to the hair shaft near the skin. They look like dandruff which cannot be brushed off and may number in the hundreds.

How do they spread?

Three to twelve year old children are commonly affected, girls more than boys. Lice cling to the hair shafts with specially adapted claws. Most head lice in the U.S. prefer hair with a round shaft and cannot easily cling to hair that is oval in cross section like the curly hair of African-Americans. The opposite is

Montgomery Parents I September 2018

true in Africa where head lice have adapted to curly hair. Dogs and cats cannot spread these pests.

Treatment

Treatments on the internet include smothering these little rascals with olive oil, mayonnaise or petroleum jelly. No studies have shown this to be effective. These hardy little insects can survive for hours without oxygen. OTC medications Rid and Nix containing permethrin, an insecticide, work well. Retreatment is needed in 7-10 days and possibly a third time also. A fine tooth comb should be used to remove the treated nits so you can tell if new ones are deposited by surviving lice. Insecticides are not recommended for children under 2 years old. The glue that holds these nits on is softened and partially dissolved by vinegar. Remove nits by hand with a fine tooth comb on wet hair. Do this every 3-4 days for 2 weeks. Some hair salons offer head lice treatments.

Follow up

Examine the hair and scalp of everyone in the house. Check backs of the neck and behind ears. Lice can live up to 2 days away from body heat so wash sheets, towels and clothes in hot water to kill the lice and eggs. Soak brushes and combs in 130 degree water. Put stuffed animals and pillows in the drier on high heat for 10 minutes. Place clothing or stuffed animals that cannot be washed or dry cleaned in an air tight bag for 2 weeks. Vacuum carpets, furniture, and car seats. A pest control company is not needed for most homes. Recurrences could be from exposure to someone else with head lice as well as a treatment failure. Other medications can be prescribed by doctors. If your child does have lice or nits, one treatment is sufficient to return to school.Emphasize to your child that while having lice can certainly be very embarrassing, anyone can get them and that having lice doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make them dirty. Dr. Allen White earned his medical degree in 1969 from Kentucky Medical School, Lexington, and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. He began his private practice of pediatric medicine with an office in the Goode Medical Building of Jackson Hospital before moving to the Carmichael Road location in 1986. He and his wife, Diana, have 3 sons. For pleasure, Dr. White enjoys reading, gardening and spending time with his grandchildren.

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Staying Involved in Your Child’s Education Using Communication Communication is the key to any relationship. If you don’t believe me, ask Dr. Phil. We all know that parent involvement can make the difference in student success in school. However, without communication that is just not possible. Parents need to keep open lines of communication – both listening and sending information using several communication channels: Children It all starts here. When you first see your child at the end of a school day ask questions. And do not accept the answer “nothing” to the question, “What did you learn in school today?” Show your child that you are

interested in his or her education. And not just grades and homework. It is important to stay informed about relationships with friends and how your child is doing in the school climate. And get the MPS Parent Portal. It allows you to keep up with your child’s grades, attendance and discipline records. Just take your photo ID to your child’s school to get your password. Teachers Ask for teachers’ email addresses. It is difficult for teachers to come to the phone if you call the school, and meeting face-to-face takes schedule coordination. Emails are a quick way to exchange information. We ask our teachers to respond to messages in one school day. Some teachers have 125 or more total students (for those who teach subjects in upper grades) so it might take a little longer to get back to you, but they will. Schools Get the MPS APP from the Play or App stores. Just search for MPS-AL and this free

download can help bring valuable information to your phone or tablet. Also, follow MPSAL on twitter and like our Facebook Page. Just scroll down to the bottom of our homepage – www.EngageEducateInspire.org – and click on the icons to get started. And one of the best ways to stay connected to your child’s school and education is to join the PTA. The meetings give you an opportunity to talk with teachers and other parents. Staying connected and involved is easier today thanks to email, websites, apps and social media. And you can help your child’s school stay connected to you by ensuring that we have your correct phone number and email address on file. If yours has changed, please contact your school. And let’s keep the communication flowing! Dr. Ann Roy Moore is a teacher. For more than four decades, Dr. Moore has educated the children of Alabama. From her first post as a pre-school teacher, to her administrative work as a principal, central office curriculum specialist, superintendent, and her mentoring the next generation of teachers as an adjunct professor at colleges and universities, teaching is her passion. She became MPS interim superintendent in January of 2018 and was named superintendent effective June 1, 2018.

Keep your benefits and save for the future. Enable Savings Plan labama. Enable Savings Plan Alabama provides tax-free savings accounts for eligible individuals with disabilities. You can save for current and future expenses without impacting your resource-based benefits. To find out more about Enable Alabama and to sign up for updates, visit us at EnableAL.com. Investments Are Not FDIC Insured* | No Bank, State or Federal Guarantee | May Lose Value *Except the Bank Savings and Checking Investment Options ©2017 First National Bank of Omaha

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EXTRAORDINARY EDUCATION EXTRAORDINARY ENVIRONMENT EXTRAORDINARY EXPECTATIONS trinitywildcats.com

Trinity is Montgomery’s foremost educational institution, binding academic excellence with Christian values. Providing a challenging college-preparatory education, Trinity offers a rigorous academic program, committed educators, outstanding athletics, and a nurturing family environment. Our extraordinary educators at Trinity strike the perfect balance as they encourage students to strive for excellence, while emphasizing Christ-like character above all else. “The Trinity Experience” produces leaders who possess mental, physical and spiritual strength. 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 is available. Discount offered to our military families. 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.

LOWER SCHOOL

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Montgomery County Schools

STJ Senior Supports Children’s Center

MPS Virtual School Discussion

At right, Montgomery Public Schools District Technology Instructor Steve Blair was invited to tape an episode of Your Community on WNCF channel 32 with Tim Lennox about the work being done in the MPS Virtual School Program.

Saint James senior Hunter Duncan has always had a special place in his heart for the Children’s Center in Montgomery, a school for special needs children. He started in elementary school collecting school supplies and cleaning supplies but he always had a goal to do something really big. When he got older, he began researching music therapy and has volunteered at the Children’s Center playing guitar and singing with the kids that have problems communicating. In the spring, Duncan applied for a grant with the Reid Family Foundation in Michigan, hoping to get a small donation to help with some big items on the school’s wish list. The head of the foundation called the Duncans and was amazed that a 16-year-old was behind this. He was able to present the administrators of Children’s Center a check for $17,500! As a result, the school will be able to build a sensory room, which Duncan hopes will lead to more donations. His goal is to start a movement across the country and encourage people to help at other schools that specialize in kids with special needs. Duncan is shown with Children’s Center Principal Johanna Hubbard.

Helping Booker T. Washington Magnet School

Trinity Paves the Way for Medical School

Trinity Presbyterian School alumni continue to excel in their chosen fields of study. This year, eight graduates are starting their first year of medical school. Recently, four Trinity alumni attended their “White Coat” ceremony at The University of Alabama – Birmingham: Wesley Curles ‘14, Janie Hampton ‘14, Kennon Pouncey Brake ‘13, and James Pate ‘13. Other Trinity alumni also entering medical programs this year include Jason “Blair” Davis ‘13 - VCOM (Auburn University Campus), Regan Goocher ‘14 and Daniel Phillips ‘14 - both University of South Alabama, and Den Trumbull ‘14 - University of Florida. Shown are Wesley Curles ‘14, Janie Hampton ‘14, Kennon Pouncey Brake ‘13, and James Pate ‘13. Montgomery Parents I September 2018

A positive note in the aftermath of Booker T. Washington Magnet High School’s destruction is that there has been an outpouring of money, supplies and time from our community. Calls of support and offers to help have come from around the state. School systems as far away as Tuscaloosa and Florence have already offered to supply desks and other items. Individuals, Montgomery Public Schools employees and citizens are reaching out looking for ways to help. BTW alumni and area churches are also calling with offers of assistance. Former BTW Principal and current Alabama State University President Quintin Ross has offered the university’s support. Mayor Todd Strange has offered to assist. Media outlets have also expressed interest in helping with community efforts to replace items lost in the fire. If you have any questions about volunteering, please e-mail btwmagnethighptsa@gmail.com. Also, local Lowe’s stores donated $5,000 and additional labor to help get Hayneville Road ready for BTW students. MPS Superintendent Dr. Ann Roy Moore was among a group of Central Office administrators who volunteered after hours to pull staples and help prepare walls for painting at the new campus. BTW’s FAME Board continues to collect money and you can donate at https://www.btwfameboard.org/. 16

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Montgomery County Schools

Macon East Academy Students Attend Lions Leadership Forum

Puzzle Time for Montessori @ Hampstead

Puzzle maps... just another way to teach geography in the Montessori world. Learning about the 50 states is all in a day’s work for students at the Montessori School at Hampstead!

Macon East Academy high school students Nate Center, Connor Higbe, Spencer Lindemood and Trent Watson were honored to attend the 9th annual Alabama Lions High School Leadership Forum. Held on the campus of Troy University June 15-17, the event was both fun and educational. Students from around the state gathered to hear from a variety of keynote speakers, participate in group activities, and build leadership and service skills. A highlight of the three-day event was a field trip to Camp Butter and Egg for teambuilding activities. Lions Club International is the world’s largest service club. For years, Lions Club members have sought to volunteer their time and talents in their communities with the motto “We Serve.” The High School Leadership Forum is one way the Lions Club seeks to serve and train civic-minded youth. From left are Spencer Lindemood, Trent Watson, Connor Higbe and Nate Center.

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Growing Independence Behavioral Services

Announcing a new opportunity to access applied behavior analysis services (ABA) in a clinic setting. Growing Independence Behavioral Services is now available in Anniston, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile locations. ABA therapy is available for preschool and school-age children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ABA is a scientifically based process for teaching and changing behavior, proven effective for children with autism. Licensed Behavior Analysts and Registered Behavior Therapists will conduct assessments and manage all aspects of behavioral programming. Assistance with private insurance billing is also available. To inquire about Growing Independence Behavioral Services, mbusick@learning-tree.org or (205) 718-9519.

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SUA Named Blue Ribbon School

Success Unlimited Academy Headmaster Susan Alred and Vice Principal Lauren Morgan attended the annual AISA Headmasters luncheon on July 18, held at the Montgomery Country Club. More than 75 headmasters from state-wide AISA schools were represented. The highlight of the meeting was the announcement of winners in academic excellence and athletic achievement for the previous school year. SUA captured a Blue Ribbon School Award in the 3A classification. Blue Ribbon Schools are schools that excel in academic endeavors with impressive ACT scores, winning local and state academic competitions, being leaders in local and state fine arts competitions and showing significant school improvements that benefit the students that attend that school.

Carver Students Win Awards at National FCCLA Conference

Carver High students Kionna Hooks and Leundria Brooks won two silver medals in the Career investigation/Star Events competition during the 2018 Family, Community and Career Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Leadership Conference. The two had placed in the top two at the state competition, which qualified them for the national competition. Hooks has competed on the state and national levels for the past four years and has earned one gold medal and three silver medals. She is attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham this fall. This was Brooksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first year competing in the junior division. She is a 10th-grader this year.

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Macon East Students Attend HOBY Conference

Churchill Splashes Into New Year

Churchill Academy kicked the new school year off with a splash of fun during the school’s CAPA Back to School Bash. Churchill Academy’s Parent Association sponsored the event as a chance for students and teachers to gather before the start of the school year. New friendships began and old friendships were rekindled as the group celebrated the start of the 2018-19 school year. The end-of-summer cookout, water slides, and bouncy houses were enjoyed by all. Thanks to CAPA for kicking the school year off in such an enjoyable way!

Macon East Academy sophomores Zach Kitchens and Rachel Sargent were selected to attend the HOBY Leadership Seminar at Troy University the last weekend of May. Founded in 1958, HOBY’s mission is to inspire and develop our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation. HOBY State Leadership Seminars are for sophomore students who want to develop their leadership talents and become stronger leaders in their communities. Through engaging and interactive speakers, workshops, fun activities and discussions, HOBY’s dynamic three-day leadership training explores leadership from three perspectives: personal, group and societal. Both participants enjoyed the group activities and were motivated by the speakers to continue growing in their leadership roles at Macon East. Kitchens said the HOBY conference taught him how important it is to be a leader and how to better lead others, while Sargent reflected on the connections made with other students at the conference and the impact the speakers had on her thoughts about leadership among teens. As America’s foremost youth leadership organization, HOBY has a long and impressive history of successfully motivating youth and volunteers to outstanding leadership. Kitchens and Sargent continue to bring these leadership qualities to all of their school activities at Macon East.

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Saint James School Volleyball Starting the Year Off as Winners

Saint James School varsity volleyball attended UAB’s three-day team camp July 2729. The girls went through three days of drills and games that were taught by the UAB volleyball staff and players. The Trojans won all of their pool play games on Saturday night, placing them in the gold bracket for Sunday’s team tournament. The Saint James Trojans won the tournament by eliminating three teams on Sunday. Shown, Coach Lee, Coach Foye and the Saint James varsity volleyball team took the win at the UAB Volleyball Camp tournament this summer.

Welcome Back, Wildcats!

Trinity Presbyterian’s Head of School Kerry Palmer welcomed back the K-12th grades during an all-school assembly. The seniors escorted the kindergarten class into the gym, while the band played and students cheered! The Student Government Association president, Senior Class president, and Missions co-chairs addressed the student body, where they discussed their vision for the upcoming year. They revealed the senior verse for the year and encouraged students to “press on” in all of life’s circumstances. The assembly closed in prayer with gratitude and thankfulness for all God’s blessings on our school. Shown are fourth-grade teacher Christy Cornett with Molly Katherine Chandler and YasharYah Brown.

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Holy Cross Welcomes STEM Lab Instructors

Floyd Bathrooms Get Makeovers

Some helpful parents spent a few afternoons at Floyd Middle Magnet this summer vinyling the bathrooms. “I was honored to be asked to help make the new building ‘ours’ and am looking forward to a great few years at Floyd!” said Diana Young, mother of new Floyd sixth-grader Jacob Young.

Montgomery Parents I September 2018

Holy Cross Episcopal School welcome Holy Cross parents Caleb and Krista Hamilton who will teach the school’s STEM Lab classes this year. Students will explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics during weekly STEM classes. Dr. Hamilton is currently a professor at Troy University in bio chemistry, lung biology, histology, and biological environmental studies. Mrs. Hamilton is a nurse and is excited to be co-instructor with her husband to bring STEM instruction for students in kindergarten through sixth grade as they learn to be problem solvers, critical thinkers and innovators. Dr. and Mrs. Hamilton have plans underway for a challenging course of study which will involve collecting samples of different properties from all areas of the school. Students will then learn the different methods that are involved in how to prepare slides for viewing under the microscope and to document, sketch and label the different components to keep in their STEM lab notebooks.

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Holy Cross Buddy Program Kicks Off for 2018-19 Year

The Holy Cross Episcopal School buddy program is a favorite way for both the older and younger students to learn and enjoy spending time together in their classrooms. Mrs. McDonald’s 5th-grade students visited Ms. Fleming’s pre-K class to get acquainted and do their first activity together. They learned about the color red by making an art project together and by sharing a delicious slice of watermelon! The Holy Cross buddy program instills basic skills such as cutting and pasting, but also life skills, good manners and by being good role models to exemplify how to be successful students. Tomorrow, buddies will join together in the daily morning chapel service to learn how to display best behavior in the service, help them learn the worship songs, listen to the daily lesson from the Bible and participate in the service.

BTW Teacher Named Educator of Distinction

Booker T. Washington Magnet High English teacher John Conway has been selected as a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction, a special program of the National Society of High School Scholars that honors educators internationally. The National Society of High School Scholars was cofounded by the greatnephew of Alfred Nobel. Educators of Distinction are invited to the society’s free member events around the country. Conway will now advance to the Claes Educator of the Year recognition program.

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ECA Basketball Players Sign College Commitments

Evangel Christian Academy seniors Jalen Shine, DeSean Powell and Kory Gaines signed letters of intent on August 15. The signing ceremony was held in ECA’s school library. Shine and Powell will play college basketball at Mississippi University for Women. The college has implemented a first-year D3 men’s basketball program. Gaines will play at Snead State Community College. Each of the players have added to the success of ECA’s basketball team. Shine, a first-year player, averaged 8 pts and 6 rebounds per game. Powell, who had never played organized basketball until he started at Evangel three years ago, averaged 6 points and 7 rebounds a game. Gaines played a big role in the success of the boys’ basketball program the last two years. He was selected to the AISA Class A State Finals All-Tournament team last year as the Lions captured the state championship. He was also selected as an All-State Second Team player, two-time All-Metro player and AISA All-Star player. Chester Pruitt, the school’s first two-time All-State player, will walk on at Snead State Community College. As the 2017 AISA Class A State Finals MVP, he helped the school win its sixth state championship. He was the All-Metro Player of the Year, two-time All-Metro First Team player and AISA All-Star player. Also attending the signing ceremony was Assistant Coach Jay Grice, Tizra Powell, LaTarsha Shine, Alisa Wilson and Head Coach Kerwin Washington.

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Academy Senior Receives Presidental Scholarship at NY School of Visual Arts

Montgomery Academy senior Francie Hill received the Presidential Scholarship for Summer Study at the School of Visual Arts NYC. Over the course of the intensive three-week program, she completed numerous works. Three of her pieces were chosen for the final exhibit. MA AP Studio Art teacher Connie Deal flew to New York just to attend the final student exhibition.

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ACA Holds 5th Annual 7 on 7 Big Man’s Brawl

Alabama Christian Academy hosted the 5th Annual Big Man’s Brawl 7 on 7 Tournament June 29, at the ACA Campus. It was an amazing day of competition with other local private schools. Schools represented in the tournament were: ACA, Saint James School, Trinity Presbyterian School, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, Booker T. Washington High School and Mobile Christian School. The 7 on 7 tournament is a fast-paced game of touch football utilizing throwing and catching. The offense has three downs to get 15 yards and a first down. It is a round robin tournament. There are 15 games total. The Big Man’s Brawl is a lineman challenge where teams of linemen compete against each other in strongman-type contests. Team and individual champions were crowned. Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.

Montgomery Parents I September 2018

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Maddox Represents MEA at Boys State

Trinity’s Change 4 Change Donations Provide Uniforms for Valiant Cross Academy Scholars

Trinity Presbyterian School’s “Change 4 Change” focus project of the 2017-18 year raised money to provide much-needed uniforms for the scholars at Valiant Cross Academy. On behalf of the entire student body, Trinity’s SGA members had the privilege of presenting a check for $9,500 to Kimberly Baker, director of development for Valiant Cross Academy, to help purchase uniforms for their students. Change 4 Change is Trinity’s schoolwide missions project (K3-12) to which students and faculty contribute spare change that is used to support local and international ministries and service endeavors. Trinity students are seeing first hand that even the smallest gesture can make a big impact on the world around us. A total of $111,852 has been donated to charities and ministries over the last five years. Other organizations benefitting from Change 4 Change include: Salvation Army, Montgomery Area Food Bank, Hurricane Irma relief, Crayons for a cure for St. Jude Hospital, Childhood Cancer - Elaine Roberts Foundation, Life On Wheels, The Christmas Clearing House, Toys for Tots, Coaches vs Cancer, Children of the World Choir, Tornado victims in Jacksonville, The Heiffer Project, and the March of Dimes. Shown are SGA Representative Sarah Howe, SGA Representative Mary Ann Pittman, Valiant Cross Director of Development Kimberly Baker and SGA Representative Hannah McDaniel.

Macon East Academy junior Jon Maddox represented Macon East at the 81st annual American Legion Alabama Boys State. Held at the University of Alabama in June, Alabama Boys State is one of the highest honors granted to Alabama students. Students from across the state are chosen based on their demonstration of leadership, hard work, strong morals and motivation in school and community activities. At Boys State, delegates have the opportunity to join interest groups that focus on their individual areas of interest. Maddox was involved in the Engineering and Computer Science interest group where he gained knowledge about current and future technology and the opportunities available in these fields. He said he also enjoyed participating as a member of his city and learning more about the city, state and federal government through the hands-on activities and elections. Boys State has a long-standing and distinguished history of raising up young men to be leaders within our state and nation.

Chapel • Ar t • Music • Spanish • STEM • Librar y • Spor ts Theatre • 21 st Centur y Computing • Accelerated Reader

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Catholic Volleyball Players Achieve on the Court and in the Classroom For the second year in a row, the Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School girls’ volleyball team was recognized for

Montgomery Parents I September 2018

academic achievement. The American Volleyball Coaches Association publishes a list every year of volleyball programs

whose total team grade-point averages are 3.30 or above, and the ladies at Montgomery Catholic made the cut. Each team must maintain this high GPA throughout the entire academic year, not just during the volleyball season. “I am so proud of all the hard work my players put in not only on the court, but in the classroom as well,” said Amy Patterson, head coach of the girls’ volleyball program. “When they leave Montgomery Catholic, I want all of them to be prepared for what the future holds for them and to be well-rounded young ladies. By being both scholars and athletes, I believe they will be successful in everything they do.” Montgomery Catholic is one of only 15 high school girls’ volleyball programs to receive this honor in the state of Alabama and one of 358 nationwide. The ACVA had a record-breaking 977 male and female teams in both high school and college qualify for this award in the 2017-2018 academic year. Photo Credit: Total Image

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SUA Cheer Squad Ready for Inaugural Football Season

Success Unlimited Academy announces its 2018-19 cheer squad. Under the direction of new coach Laken Harris, the squad has been busy preparing for SUA’s inaugural football season as well as basketball season. Coach Harris brings a wealth of expertise to SUA. A former high school and All American cheerleader from Straughn High School, Harris also cheered at the college level at Auburn University in Montgomery. This season she will not only lead the SUA cheerleaders, but she is the AUM cheer coach as well. Cheer team members are, from left, Shamia McDaniel, Shaun ‘Dreal Bibb, Camryn Phifer, Shimya Jones, Kaitlyn Cox, Kimora Williams, Hayden Terrell, Audrey Velasquez and Michaela Standberry.

Baldwin, Bear, LAMP, Lanier Official Alabama Bicentennial Schools

Four Montgomery Public Schools have been named official Alabama Bicentennial Schools. Baldwin Arts and Academics Magnet, Bear Exploration Center, LAMP High and Sidney Lanier High were chosen to help the Alabama Department of Archives and History celebrate the state’s 200th birthday. Each school will receive $2,000 to help strengthen the bond between the school and community. Lanier plans to use the money to help stock its food pantry for needy families. LAMP will use the grant money to build a community garden. In summer of 2019, the schools will issue a report on their projects, and three schools per congressional district will be chosen as Alabama Bicentennial Schools of Excellence.

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Macon East Junior Attends Girls State

Macon East Academy junior Bailey Nyberg, pictured at left, said that attending Girls State at the University of Alabama was one of the most exciting experiences of her life. Expressing her appreciation for the knowledge, as well as friendships, gained during the oneweek event, Nyberg was honored to be selected as Macon East’s 2018 delegate. The American Legion Auxiliary’s Girls State program is one of the most respected and coveted experiential learning programs in the United States. The program’s mission is to honor those who have brought us our freedom through an enduring commitment to develop young women as future leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. The young women become knowledgeable of the democratic process and how our republic form of government works at the state and national levels. Each summer, approximately 20,000 young women participate in week-long ALA Girls State programs across the nation. Every American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program operates with the same patriotic values through a nonpartisan curriculum where students assume the roles of government leaders, campaigning as “Federalists” and “Nationalists” to become mayors and county and state officials of their ALA Girls State. Nyberg said that living and working as a citizen of her “city” was an educational experience beyond anything you can learn in the classroom. Since 1942, Alabama Girls State has provided a unique educational opportunity for young women seeking to develop leaders and provide a better understanding of and pride in our American government and traditions. Montgomery Parents I September 2018

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Montgomery Academy Names 49 AP Scholars

Forty-nine students at The Montgomery Academy have earned the designation of AP Scholar by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the collegelevel Advanced Placement Program (AP) Exams. Students took AP Exams in May 2018 after completing challenging college-level courses in the Upper School. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ performance on AP Exams. Seventeen students were named AP Scholars, which is granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams: Sarah Barnes ‘19, Mary Elizabeth Bullard ‘19, Kevin Doh ‘18, William Hamlett ‘19, Andrew Hosp ‘19, Tara Katz ‘19, Luke Knight ‘18, Margaret Leonard ‘18, Phillip McKenzie ‘18, Sarah Payne ‘18, Victoria Riley ‘18, Thomas Rutland ‘18, Lee Sahlie ‘19, Meg Walker ‘18, Dallon Wallis ‘18, Bradley Westhauser ‘19 and Lee Yelverton ‘18. Sixteen students were named AP Scholars with Honor, which is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams: Taabish Arshad ‘18, Austyn Barnes ‘18, Seth Brand ‘19, Carter Chandler ‘19, Lucy Chapman ‘19, Emma Cleary ‘19, Maylon Davis ‘18, Caroline Deale ‘19, Francie Hill ‘19, Pio Jung ‘18, Ben Marquess ‘18, Lauren Muller ‘18, Isabella Rowland ‘19, Hannah Soloff ‘19, Anne Carlson Sylvest ‘19 and Isabel Trehern ‘18. Sixteen students were named AP Scholars with Distinction which is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams: Bisola Adediji ‘19, Maddie Brazil ‘18, Spencer Campbell ‘18, Will Franklin ‘18, Andrew Harris ‘18, Reese Kelso ‘18, Nathan Pohlman ‘18, Arju Reza ‘18, Mead Robertson ‘19, Martha Glen Sease ‘18, Brown Simmons ‘18, Jason Strickland ‘18, Fred Tippett ‘18, James Torbert ‘19, Catherine Updegraff ‘19 and Gill Walker ‘18. Current Montgomery Academy students are shown.

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New Faculty at Churchill

Churchill Academy welcomes three new teachers to the teaching staff this year. Arlette Mitchell comes all the way from California. Prior to coming to Churchill, Mitchell was a supervisor for Head Start. She also served as a case manager for individuals with disabilities and worked in a selfcontained classroom focused on the learning needs of students with autism. Mitchell is full of enthusiasm and love for her students at Churchill. Alvin Bell brings 26 years of experience with him to Churchill Academy. He has two daughters and three grandsons, and his face glows with pride as he shares about them. His quiet demeanor and positive attitude have set the stage for a successful learning environment in his classroom at Churchill. Brenda Gilmore comes to Churchill Academy well versed in teaching a variety of learning styles. Her ability to quickly adapt to Churchill’s curriculum and instill learning concepts into her students has already been an asset. Montgomery Parents I September 2018

Montgomery Catholic Teachers Learn to Help Military Children Find Their ‘Spark’

This summer, the faculty of Montgomery Catholic had an opportunity to learn about the unique challenges that children of military members sometimes face and how to motivate and inspire students by engaging their interests and being sensitive to their stressors. Shirley Raby and Teresa Hearn of the Military Child Education Coalition conducted a seminar entitled “Helping Military Children Discover Their S.P.A.R.C.,” with S.P.A.R.C. being an acronym for Strength, Potential, Aspirations, Resourcefulness and Confidence. This highly interactive all-day seminar highlighted the different types of stressors that can affect the lives of military families and how educators can identify and react to them. Guided by the books Mindset by Dr. Carol S. Dweck and Sparks by Dr. Peter L. Benson, the faculty learned the importance of adopting a growth mindset, knowing whether a child is just surviving or if she is thriving, and how to nurture “sparks”—passions and interests children have that give their lives meaning and purpose. “My hope is that students at Montgomery Catholic will continue to thrive, experience smooth transitions, and find what brings them true joy in life, besides of course Jesus,” said Raby, who is a retired educator from Texas and has taught this course all over the world. “Although I am not from a military family myself nor did I have much experience with military families when I was teaching, I have discovered that my ‘spark’ is helping these children to succeed. My compassion for these families and their sometimes difficult circumstances gives me a lot of insight into the military life experience.” Montgomery Catholic has been proud to serve the families of our locally stationed military members. The seminar hit close to home for the faculty and staff in attendance, many of whom were either children or spouses of military members or had been in the armed forces themselves. “I have experienced first-hand what it is like to have a spark recognized and nurtured by caring teachers,” said Julie Lopez, Montgomery Catholic director of admissions. “I changed schools often because my dad was in the Air Force, so I was reluctant to participate whenever I entered a new school. I ended up landing the lead role in a school play simply because a kind teacher encouraged me to audition, even though nobody knew who I was.” Founded in 1998, MCEC’s mission is to ensure inclusive, quality educational opportunities for all military connected children affected by mobility, transition, deployments and family separation. They serve communities all over the world, wherever American military families are stationed. They have been recognized for both their service to the military family community for also for creating Montgomery Catholic is the first school in the River Region to host this professional development.

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Success Unlimited Kicks Off School Year

Success Unlimited Academy faculty and students kicked off the 2018-19 academic year with great enthusiasm and a year long theme, “TEAM” (Together Everyone Achieves More). The theme was evident in the campus decor for the day, including bulletin boards and classroom door decorations. Headmaster Susan Alred, along with SUA’s seasoned faculty, welcomed more than 350 students, which is a record enrollment on the first day of school. Prior to the first day, faculty and staff met for three days of professional development to discuss goals and plans. Alred challenged the faculty to “Live Above” and shared her vision for the upcoming year. A special prayer time was dedicated to praying for the school year, students and families. SUA welcomed new faculty members Daniel Ballard, Michelle Beamon, Laken Harris, Marquentin Holland, Marc McDonald, Carlos McGilvery, Karen Smith and Jeremie Williams.

ACA Holds Summer Mini Cheer Camp

The Summer of 2018 was anything but quiet and boring at Alabama Christian Academy. Every week there were different activities and camps for children in the River Region to enjoy. One of our most favorite weeks is our ACA Mini Cheer Camp. It is a great opportunity for the varsity cheerleaders to mentor and train elementary students who want to develop and improve their cheering skills. On the final day of camp, grandparents and parents sat in the audience as the students performed their cheers, routines and received awards.

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Gingerbread Man Loose at Trinity

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Trinity Presbyterian’s K4 students had a great start to school as they read The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School. It was a great way to introduce the students to the layout of the school as they followed the 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.

ACA Students Perform with Southwind Drum & Bugle Corps

It was a magical night under the lights and a perfect way to wrap up the Summer of 2018. Four Alabama Christian Academy students performed as a part of Alabama’s own Southwind Drum & Bugle Corps at Samford University. Southwind truly gave a performance to remember as they performed their rendition of The Guitarist. Congratulations to Katie McDonald, Nicolas Lacy, Elise Jackson and Elizabeth Adornato on an amazing performance.

Montgomery Parents I September 2018

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Floyd Middle Represents State at National Conference

Floyd Middle Magnet was the only Alabama middle school to participate in HOSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 41st Annual International Leadership Conference in Dallas. Floyd sent 13 students to compete with international students in their areas of interest, and several Floyd students won awards. Hannah VanDiver and Hailey Mullins were first-place winners in the category of Health Education. Charlie Lee and Ansley Hinson were top 10 finalists in the categories of Medical Reading and Extemporaneous Health Poster, respectively. Andrea Fyffe, who serves as adviser of the local HOSA chapter, received an Award of Merit for Outstanding HOSA Advisor.

Saint James Starts New School Year

Students at Saint James School, grades pre-K3 through 12, marked the start of their new academic year August 8. Saint James Head of School Dr. Larry McLemore, division level principals and school administrators greeted students as they ushered in the 63rd first day of school at Saint James. The school that was founded in 1955 as a kindergarten has moved locations twice to accommodate the growth and expansion of the school. Shown, first-grade students Kaden Jackson and Elise Dubina stopped for a quick photo.

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Catholic Students Participate in Summer Leadership Programs

Montgomery Catholic high school students always find opportunities for enrichment and professional development throughout the summer. Several students were selected to attend leadership conferences different leadership conferences around the state. Juniors Chris Valencia and Sofia Izer were selected to represent Catholic as Ambassadors for HOBY (Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership) at Troy University, May 27-29. HOBY is the nation’s foremost Youth Leadership Seminar whose mission is to inspire and develop the global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service, and innovation. Senior Isabelle Cochran attended the 31st Alabama Governor’s School, June 17-29 at Samford University. The conference brought together around 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. Senior Austin Collett attended the American Legion Alabama Boys State convention May 27-June 2, shown at left, and senior Melody Taylor attended the American Legion Auxiliary Alabama Girls State convention, June 10-15, at The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Alabama Boys State and Girls State are leadership and government training programs and are among the highest honors granted to high school senior boys and girls. Students from around the state are chosen based on their demonstration of leadership, hard work, strong morals and motivation in school and community activities. These programs enable students to try their hands at politics and community service. Photo credits: Alabama Boys State and Total Image

Montgomery Academy Selected as Alabama Bicentennial School

On August 3, Governor Kay Ivey announced that The Montgomery Academy has been selected as an official Alabama Bicentennial School in a ceremony in the Old House Chamber of the State Capitol. MA is one of 200 schools selected to receive this special designation and receive a grant to fund a community project developed by the school. Launched by Governor Ivey in December 2017, the Alabama Bicentennial Schools Initiative encourages all public, private and homeschool students and teachers to participate in the celebration of Alabama’s 200th anniversary of statehood in 2019. In early 2018, all K-12 schools in Alabama were invited to submit a proposal that engages in outreach and improvement projects to connect their classrooms with their local communities. From a competitive pool of nearly 400 proposals, 200 schools were selected to be official Alabama Bicentennial Schools and receive $2,000 grants to support the implementation of their projects. Additionally, 56 schools received honorable mentions and $500 grants. Schools were chosen through a review process involving committees of local educators, community leaders, and private citizens. Montgomery Academy will use the grant to broaden the reach of its community event, STEAMfest, held in November. STEAMfest is a free hands-on event open to all students and their families in the River Region and focuses on science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. Montgomery Parents I September 2018

Chris Valencia

Sofia Izer

Isabelle Cochran

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ECA Seniors Honored on the First Day of School

When Evangel Christian Academy started school on August 10, the senior class received special recognition. The seniors met before school at the Evangel Church youth room, where they were given gold crowns. The girls were given sashes that said “Senior ‘19.” The boys were given necklaces that said the same. After each student was adorned, the students participated in a “Senior Walk” to the school. The ECA cheerleaders led the other students, parents and faculty in cheers as the senior class entered the building first.

Montessori @ Hampstead Staff Enjoys Teambuilding Day

In preparation for the start of school, faculty at Montessori at Hampstead enjoyed some playtime together.

Trinity’s STEAM Studio Sparks Creativity and Inspires Critical Thinking

The STEAM studio at Trinity Presbyterian School is inspiring critical thinking of Lower School students at Trinity, where they are engaged by stimulating curriculum that increases achievement and creates positive attitudes towards the study of STEAM-related fields. STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics for guiding student inquiry, dialogue and creative thinking. Trinity Lower School students are enjoying the opportunity to become inventors and innovators through the STEAM program that inspires curiosity, active engagement and critical thinking skills necessary for success in the ever-changing landscape of the global community. Recently, K5 students spent time in the STEAM studio, where they carefully measured ingredients to make slime, using food coloring, glue and liquid starch. Students even got to wear goggles “like real scientists!” Second grade students used their imaginations, and a little teamwork, to create “spaghetti and marshmallow towers” in the STEAM Studio. And Mr. Stewart’s fourth-grade classes performed an experiment on the changing effects kinetic energy has on mass. The students added mass (water) to their objects (bottles) and measured how far their objects would push an additional object (plastic cup) down an inclined surface and across a table. Lower School classes at Trinity are moving “full STEAM ahead” in finding creative ways to use our STEAM Studio! Shown, K5 Teacher Denise Allen makes learning fun as K5 students make slime in STEAM studio. 35

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Montgomery County Schools

Macon East Cheerleaders Attend UCA Camp

Macon East Academy’s junior varsity and varsity cheer squads attended UCA’s cheerleading camp for AISA schools the week of July 9-12. The annual camp held at Huntingdon College is always an exciting week of learning new material and stunts for the upcoming season, as well as evaluations from the staff and end of the week competitions. Three Macon East seniors (Annslee Gourlay, Hannah Paik and Sarah Krasnowiecki) were selected as AISA All-Stars and will represent their squad at the all-star football and basketball games. Anne Auston Wright and Abby Wilson received UCA’s coveted “Pin It Forward” honors from the camp staff for their leadership, spirit and motivation. Four Macon East varsity cheerleaders (Kayla Boroff, Spencer Lindemood, Hannah Paik and Taylor Anne Surles) were selected as UCA All-American Cheerleaders and will have the opportunity to participate in the New Year’s Day Parade in London. Throughout the Monday through Thursday camp, the squads learned a variety of cheers, chants and sideline dances to take back to school and cheer on the Knights in the 2018-19 season. The junior varsity squad received blue superior ribbons all week and a trophy for Outstanding Large Squad. Macon East’s varsity excelled in Thursday’s final competitions bringing home first place in Cheer, 2nd place in Sideline Chant, 2nd place in Band Dance, and the Camp Champs Runnerup trophy for medium squads. Under the leadership of Katie Miller and Kathy Loomis, the squads are looking forward to an outstanding year.

Montgomery Parents I September 2018

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We are into a new school year and exciting things are taking place in Pike Road Schools! We have continued to grow and now have 1851 students on three campuses. As we have grown in student numbers and facilities, we have also grown our educational opportunities to students, with Advanced Placement courses and college dual enrollment courses added to the portfolio of options available to our students. We took the brief opportunity we had in the summer to make some upgrades to the Georgia Washington campus. We painted, redid floors, fixed air conditioners, and overall got the building spruced up to be ready for the August beginning of school. Our educators and students have moved in and made it home. However, we

Montgomery Parents I September 2018

arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stopping there. We are currently using 28 classrooms, but there are over 47 classrooms available in the building. This allows us the luxury to do renovation work with minimal disruption to learning, by working in unused classrooms and then swapping spaces for classes. We plan to have the entire campus renovated prior to the 2019-2020 school year. The entire Pike Road Schools family is very grateful to our community for providing us with space to learn and grow! The quality of the teachers in Pike Road is unsurpassed! Another example of that is the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. A national committee will select an awardee from the state finalists. The winner will receive $10,000. There are three Alabama finalists in math, and three Alabama finalists in science. Only Pike Road has a finalist in each category. Britney Fureigh, 4th grade teacher, is a finalist in math, and Maria Alcala-Franco is a finalist in science. We are proud of Ms. Fureigh and Ms. Alcala-Franco, and appreciate their

willingness to represent Pike Road on the national stage. As fall brings the cooler days and the long shadows, so it also brings a new sports year to Pike Road Schools. This year in sports is exciting because it is our first year having varsity competition teams who can compete for play-offs. We encourage you to come see our teams compete this fall in cross country, football, and volleyball. Our students have worked hard to get to this place and your support is appreciated and meaningful. We are excited about the future here at Pike Road Schools! Come see what the Pike Road family is doing today as we think, innovate, and create! #PikeRoadWay #OnePikeRoad Chuck Ledbetter has been an educator for 28 years. He has earned a B.A. in history from Auburn University; a Masters of Education in history from AUM; and a doctorate in educational leadership from Auburn University. Chuck Ledbetter was a history teacher for 11 years, an assistant principal, a middle school principal, a high school principal, assistant superintendent for curriculum and for finance, and is in his ninth year as a superintendent. He is married to Kim and has three daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.

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Pike Road Schools Attend Pioneer Lab Training

Pioneer Lab promotes making learner-centered education available to every child in America. This group includes practitioners, young learners, school and district leaders, and state and national actors from across the country working to bring together and connect learnercentered pioneers as they demonstrate to the nation that learner-centered education can successfully address the most pressing education challenges facing our country: Enabling every single learner, regardless of background or circumstance, to reach their full potential; and Preparing each young person to thrive in the 21st century as self-directed, lifelong learners. Pike Road Assistant Principal Jeremy VanEgmond, Lead Learners (teachers) Brittany Austin and Britney Fureigh and Learner (student) Colby Mills attended the Pioneer Lab Training hosted by Education Reimagined in Burlington, Vt., in July. The two-and-a-half day training included a range of people involved in education from about ten different states who all share the conviction that a learner-centered educational experience should be available to every child. The Pike Road team spent time defining what is meant by a “learnercentered paradigm,” why it matters, and gained tools to advocate for and lead the movement in our local communities, all while building meaningful relationships in this network of passionate people. They were stretched in thinking deeply about how to build capacity and reinvigorated to continue the work of transforming education for children in the 21st century and beyond.

Montgomery Parents I September 2018

First Day Official Day For Pike Road Lead Learners

Dr. Ledbetter, Pike Road Schools (PRS) Superintend and Gordon Stone, Pike Road Mayor, along with Pike Road School Board members, Town Council members and County Commissioner, Doug Singleton welcomed back the PRS Lead Learners and staff with words of appreciation and encouragement. Students, Colby Mills and Vanella Tadjuidje shared testimonies of their positive learning experience at PRS and the importance of having a voice in their education. Dr. Ledbetter concluded with the reminder students learn when they are engaged and charged the PRS team to keep leading the way!

Pike Road Student Pursues His Passion and Career Interest at Summer Camp

Summer break for the kids is about relaxing and adventures with family trips and camps. This summer, at least one kid found something a little different than the norm. Pike Road High School student Blake Carr has, since he was about nine years old, had an interest in becoming a pilot and/or an engineer. A friend from the Pensacola area mentioned to his family a camp that is located on the Pensacola Naval base called the National Flight Academy. After looking up the website and getting a feel for what this was about, Carr and his mother were both 100% on board. Kids from all over the world come to participate in this learning adventure aboard the world’s largest simulated aircraft carrier. This program is for seventh- through twelfth-graders who have an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Where this is certainly the focus, Carr would say that the participants’ main interest better be in flying because that is what you do the majority of the day. For six days, the participants live on a multi-story “carrier” with a pretty rigid schedule for a summer week, with wake-up call at 6:30 a.m. and lights out at 10 pm., but there were no complaints on pick-up day. The students learned that the AXP’s (ambition experimental pilots / participants) were shown how to integrate math and science into their daily lives by measuring, collecting, analyzing and interpreting data. It involved team building skills, as they were separated into squadrons and had to communicate, collaborate and use critical thinking to set up and perform missions daily. Carr’s mother was really impressed with the program and the opportunity for him to participate in immersive “play.” Carr enjoyed the hands-on opportunities, and the interactive flight simulations really solidified his interest in becoming one of our future pilots! It started some great conversations about the future and which direction to go from here. This program is highly recommended by the Carr family. If you would like to check it out for yourself, visit www.nationalflightacademy.com. 40

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So P This is truly one of my favorite times of the year! The excitement of a new school year is hard to beat. Autauga County Schools had a fantastic, energy-filled Institute at Prattville High School on August 1st. Teachers from each school competed in the Autauga County Roll Call giving them a chance to show their spirit. The Marbury Middle School Bulldogs, led by Jerome Barrington, walked away with the 1st place trophy. Donna Finch’s Daniel Pratt Elementary School Eagles captured 2nd place, while Brock Dunn’s Prattville High School Lions took the 3rd place trophy home. That gym was rocking! It was wonderful to see old friends and commence what is sure to be the best school

year yet! I am thrilled to say that our administrators, faculty, and staff members are always up for a new challenge. Every year I encourage them to strive to be the best and to raise the bar; I know they will do just that. Each month I take great pride in spotlighting some of our outstanding educators. This month the spotlight shines on Pine Level Elementary School Principal Christen Harry and Billingsley School Principal Greg Pittman. Each school was selected as an Alabama Bicentennial School! They were selected from a competitive pool of nearly 400 schools. They received $2,000 to support the implementation of their projects and a Bicentennial School Banner to fly at the schools. Keep up the great work! Often, excellence begins with an idea, hope, goal, or dream. Almost twelve years ago we started volleyball at Prattville Junior High School, and I have loved the sport ever since. The following volleyball

coaches will be rallying their teams to continue the winning tradition at their schools: Gwendolyn Todd (Autaugaville), Marisa Magnuson (Billingsley), Juzil Rudolph (Marbury Middle), Brett Easterling and Mallory Durbin (Marbury High), Claire Nikrant (Prattville Junior High), and Kayla White, Laurin Watts, and Jacque Wynn (Prattville High). Good Luck to all the players and coaches. I will give an update later in the season on the teams’ progress. Working together, we can accomplish great things in Autauga County. We have proven this time and time again. We are off to a great school year! I will keep you updated on events and our accomplishments throughout the 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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PCA’s Dryjanski Selected as Girls State Representative, Attends Governor’s School

PJHS Rewards Positive Behavior

Often in school, students think teachers and administrators only notice when they are doing something wrong. However, the Positive Office Referral process at Prattville Junior High shows students they are noticed for doing things RIGHT! When students go above and beyond, teachers can “write them up” and they have to go to the principal’s office. It is a nice surprise when they receive a treat and a good phone call home. Our Cats are working hard!

Kate Dryjanski was selected to represent Prattville Christian Academy at the American Legion Auxiliary Alabama Girls State program in June 2018. 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. “Girls State was a blast,” said Dryjanski. “We walked until our feet felt as if they would fall off, laughed until we cried, and formed bonds to last a lifetime. While it’s nearly impossible to choose a favorite part of the program, the legislative sessions have to be the winner for me.” Girls State gives student delegates the opportunity to create a mock government with elected city, county and state officials. Dryjanski was selected to serve in the House, where she debated proposed legislation with fellow representatives. By the end of the week, through the combined efforts of the House and the Senate, the delegates were able to pass four bills into law. In addition to mock government activities, participants enjoyed hearing from notable Alabama leaders, including Lyn Stuart, Susan Baker, Young Boozer and Governor Kay Ivey. “Girls State was amazing, but what made it extra special for me was the girls themselves,” said Dryjanski. “Through team building activities we bonded deeply in a way that is difficult to describe. The leaders I met during that week are some of the most genuine, caring, intelligent, passionate and loving girls I have ever met. They made Girls State what it was, and I’ll be forever grateful that all of our paths crossed.” Dryjanski was also selected to attend the Alabama Governor’s School (AGS) during the summer. The Alabama Governor’s School is a summer residential honors program held at Samford University. The exclusive program provides academic, creative and leadership experiences for a limited number of rising high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional ability and achievement in their studies. Dryjanski was among 90 students selected from across the state who share a desire to explore academic and intellectual topics and engage in creative projects at a level and pace that’s not always possible during the school year. She took college-style seminars, led by industry experts, in interest areas such as healthcare, research science, magazine writing, and law. In addition to hands-on, experiential learning, participants enjoyed workshops, self-directed studies, projects and service opportunities. The program also included field trips around the Birmingham area, recreational activities, and skits. Shown, PCA’s Kate Dryjanski, bottom right, poses with fellow AGS participants on one of the program’s field trips to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

Marbury Welcomes Former Coach as New Principal

Marbury High School welcomes Lyman Woodfin back to Bulldog country as principal. “Coach” Woodfin taught history and was head baseball coach at Marbury for 11 years before going to Prattville High School as assistant principal. He is now “Mr.” Woodfin and the students and staff look forward to what he has in store as the head Bulldog! Montgomery Parents I September 2018

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Prattville Junior High Cheerleaders and Mascots Prepare for Football Season

Each year, the city of Prattville joins together for Meet the Cats / Meet the Lions to officially kick off football season. This year was spectacular as Prattville High School has a new coach and an outlook to “Restore the Roar.” The cats of Prattville Junior High School work to build a strong foundation, academically and athletically. Our cheerleaders and mascots help pump up school spirit! We love the “boys of fall” and all the associated groups. PJHS is looking forward to a great season!

New Hope Academy Offers Creative Project

Brooke Brown’s U.S. history class has been hard at work designing their own “time machines” for the year. First stop: the 13 original colonies! The whole class has gotten involved, from designing the outside to all the mechanisms. They have also listed everything they HAVE to bring with them, which of course includes a television and a pool. The students can’t wait to show off the final project, as well as all the knowledge they’ve gained!

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Autauga County Schools

Prattville Christian Selected as Bicentennial School

Prattville Jr. High Teachers Kick Off Fun Start to 2018-19 Year

August 1 ushered in the first day of school for teachers for the 2018-19 school year. Prattville Junior High teachers loaded up on buses after our annual Institute (which is a huge pep rally for teachers and staff) to head to staff training for the day. We learned about student engagement, teamwork, RtI, Google Classroom (and gadgets), and enjoyed a great lunch together. Each grade level decorated a bus for travel purposes and even enjoyed a little karaoke along the way. Our theme this year is #pjhsBetterTogether as we celebrate the partnerships that create an excellent school!

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Montgomery Parents I September 2018

On August 3, Governor Kay Ivey announced that Prattville Christian Academy (PCA) has been selected as an official Alabama Bicentennial School in a ceremony in the Old House Chamber of the State Capitol. Prattville Christian Academy is one of 200 schools selected to receive this special designation and receive a grant to fund a community project developed by the school. Launched by Governor Ivey in December 2017, the Alabama Bicentennial Schools Initiative encourages all public, private and homeschool students and teachers to participate in the celebration of Alabama’s 200th anniversary of statehood in 2019. In early 2018, all K-12 schools in Alabama were invited to submit a proposal that engages in outreach and improvement projects to connect their classrooms with their local communities. From a competitive pool of nearly 400 proposals, 200 schools were selected to be official Alabama Bicentennial Schools and receive $2,000 grants to support the implementation of their projects. Additionally, 56 schools received honorable mentions and $500 grants. Schools were chosen through a review process involving committees of local educators, community leaders, and private citizens. Representing all corners of the state, the selected schools have developed a wide variety of projects that will make meaningful contributions to their local communities. Prattville Christian Academy’s Alabama Heritage Giving Garden is an opportunity for elementary students to research and grow native Alabama crops in PCA’s Outdoor Classroom. Once harvested, the crops are donated to local food banks to provide fresh food options to those in need in our community. The Alabama Bicentennial Schools Initiative is presented in partnership by Alabama 200, the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH), and the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE). For a complete list of official Bicentennial Schools or for more info, visit www. alabama200.org. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Student Engagement @ PJHS

Playing a game always makes learning more fun! Dr. Jones, 8th-grade English teacher at Prattville Junior High, recently played a version of the popular game “Spoons” for vocabulary. The students had a blast and learned a great deal in the process. A video would more accurately depict the learning process for these students in advanced English. Hands-on activities and high levels of student engagement can be seen throughout the hallways and classrooms at PJHS. We are working hard to teach our students to be strong learners, not just students who can recite information.

Jackson Graham Selected As PCA’s Boys State Representative

Jackson Graham was selected to represent Prattville Christian Academy at the 2018 session of the American Legion Auxiliary Alabama Boys State during this past summer. Boys State is a premier youth leadership program which offers a one-of-a-kind experience to rising high school senior male students in the State of Alabama. Students are chosen based on demonstration of the following characteristics: leadership, hard work, strong morals and motivation in school and community activities. At Boys State, student delegates become citizens of an imaginary state, taking part in a mock political life through campaigning for and electing officials. In addition to establishing their own government, delegates get the opportunity to hear from state elected officials, business, and civic leaders. During his time, Graham successfully ran for a Senate position. As a senator in the imaginary state, Graham enjoyed writing and debating bills with fellow participants. “I enjoyed the opportunity to learn about how I can impact Alabama’s political system even at my age,” said Graham. “I now understand how seemingly small acts, like voting, can make a huge impact in my community.” Shown, PCA’s Jackson Graham poses with other peer-elected senators at Boys State.

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The recentlyrevised Elmore County Public Schools Strategic Plan is now available for review at www.elmoreco. com. The Strategic Plan is the tool we use to guide all aspects of our school system operations. The plan recently underwent a lengthy review process and included opportunities for input by various stakeholder groups. This input was incorporated into the revised document which has been restructured to address three major goals. The first goal, Leadership, is to build leadership effectiveness to achieve the district’s purpose, “Every Student Empowered – Every Student Succeeds.” Learning is the second goal and it is to ensure rigorous curriculum and meaningful experiences that meet

Montgomery Parents I September 2018

the individual needs of each student. The last goal, Resources, is to allocate resources to meet the needs of stakeholders. Each of these goals is supported by strategies and specific actions we will take to achieve them. The success of our students is paramount, and we will continue to work toward that end in everything we do. The Elmore County Board of Education has recently been granted AdvancED School System Accreditation from the AdvancED Accreditation Commission, the national commission that confers the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) accreditation seal. This means that the system and all its schools are accredited, and that we are recognized across the nation as a quality school system. The accreditation process involves three ongoing components: 1) meeting

high quality standards; 2) implementing a continuous process of improvement; and 3) engaging in quality assurance through internal and external review. The system’s accreditation is for a five-year term with regular monitoring of progress and reporting occurring during the term. This is a significant accomplishment for our school system that required a great deal of work by many dedicated individuals, all of which ultimately benefits our students. Our purpose is “every student empowered – every student succeeds,” and we are committed to helping every child achieve success in the Elmore County School System.

Richard Dennis is the Superintendent of Education for Elmore County Schools. He is a 1983 graduate of Holtville High School. He served 21 years as a high school principal at Holtville High, Wetumpka High and most recently, Prattville High. He and wife, Leslie (also an educator) have three sons and a daughter.

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Elmore County Schools

WMS Class Offers Creativity

Ms. Maushard’s creative writing class at Wetumpka Middle presented their “Getting-to-Know-You” projects which helped introduce characterization as well as prime their public speaking skills! The students decorated and filled boxes/bags with items that symbolized important facts about themselves.

Airport Road Filled with Good Spirit

The Airport Road Intermediate faculty is excited about the 2018-19 school year. ARIS faculty and students have had an outstanding “back to school” experience. The faculty won the spirit banana at the Millbrook Community Breakfast, where all Millbrook schools were in attendance. The faculty also took part in a “team-building” scavenger hunt in downtown Montgomery.

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Stanhope Elmore Sophomore Featured in New York Buddy Walk Video

WHS Theatre Teacher Receives State Honor

Wetumpka High Theatre Guild teacher and director Jeff Glass won the Dorothy Schwartz Outstanding Educator Award by the Alabama Conference of Theatre in August. The Dorothy Schwartz Outstanding Educator Award is presented to an outstanding educator, on any level of academics, who has made meaningful contributions to theatre education in our state.

Montgomery Parents I September 2018

Stanhope Elmore High School sophomore CJ Keeter, who has Down syndrome and autism, is featured in the New York City Times Square video for the New York Buddy Walk. The National Down Syndrome Society established the Buddy Walk in 1995 to promote awareness and inclusion for people with Down syndrome. It is a fun, wonderful, heartwarming event in which thousands of people from coast to coast and around the world participate each year to make a difference in the lives of thousands of families. Your participation in the Buddy Walk helps the Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group provide information and support to families in the Montgomery tri-county area. Keeter, who lives in Millbrook, will appear in the bright lights of Broadway on September 15, as part of the National Down Syndrome Society’s annual Times Square Video presentation. The featured photographs highlight children, teen, and adults with Down syndrome, reminding the world in a very big way about the contributions and milestones of people with Down syndrome. These collective images promote the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. The photo of Keeter was selected from more than 2,400 entries in the NDSS worldwide call for photos. Almost 500 photographs will appear in the video, which will be shown in the heart of Times Square. Keeter is pictured dressing up as a doctor and taking notes in one photo, and with his mom, Paige Keeter, all dressed up in another photo. The Times Square Video presentation kicks off Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October. The video presentation will be followed by the 24th Annual Flagship Buddy Walk in New York City. This year, Buddy Walk events will be held in more than 275 cities across the country, as well as select international locations, in and around October with more than 325,000 people participating around the globe. For info about the NDSS Buddy Walk Program, visit www.buddywalk.org or call (800) 221-4602. 50

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Area Homeschoolers Give to the Community

A few Academy Days Co-op students eagerly donated 210 canned goods to Welcome Inc. in Millbrook recently. The homeschoolers then filled goodie bags with cereal, applesauce, yogurt and crackers to help the food bank, which serves west Elmore County families in need. The homeschoolers represent 50 families who participate in the homeschool co-op in the tri-county area. Held weekly during the school year at Coosada Baptist Church in Millbrook, Academy Days Co-op offers preschool through high school classes in subjects such as science labs, drama, computer programming, foreign languages, creative writing and P.E. Visit www. AcademyDays. com for more info about the co-op or homeschooling. Front from left are Kelsey Abele and Kacy Abele of Elmore, Sutherlin Halbrooks and Dawson Halbrooks of Pike Road, Levi Baughcum of Deatsville; middle row: Noah McAliley of Montgomery, Kellen Halbrooks of Pike Road, Elise Goodwin of Millbrook, Isabelle Baughcum of Deatsville; and back, Meg McAliley of Montgomery, Kyler Abrams of Deatsville, Katie McAliley of Montgomery and Kailey Franklin of Prattville.

FBC Makes Over WMS Bathrooms

A huge THANK YOU to First Baptist Church of Wetumpka for sending an awesome crew out to give the Wetumpka Middle School teacher bathrooms a facelift! We so appreciate your thoughtfulness, time and your heart for serving your community.

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Two Elmore County Schools Named Bicentennial Schools

At a recent Elmore County School Board meeting, Wetumpka Middle School and Elmore County High School were both recognized for being selected as Alabama 200 Bicentennial Schools. Each has received a $2,000 grant to implement proposed Bicentennial projects. Wetumpka Middle’s project will focus on the history of the area’s food and local recipes, including a tasting fair open to the community; ECHS’s project will focus on creative writing, including the publication of a children’s book on the history of Eclectic. Above from left are WMS 7th-grade teacher Amanda Killough, instructional assistant LaToya Davis, Governor Ivey and 6th-grade teacher Sara Stewart. Below are Elmore County High School administrators with Elmore County Schools Superintendent Richard Dennis.

Montgomery Parents I September 2018

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Victory Christian Senior Already Completes Basic Training

Victory Christian Academy welcomes home one of its own from Basic Combat Training (BCT). Joshua Lopez was sworn in to the Alabama Army National Guard in September of last year, as an eleventh-grader. Once the school year ended, he was shipped to Fort Jackson, SC for ten weeks of BCT, which included three phases: the Hammer, Anvil and the Forge. While school started August 13, he was still in SC finishing up his training that was completed August 16. Upon his graduation, Lopez returned home and started his first day of senior year a week later than everyone else. Since he is on a split training program, he still has to attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT) after he graduates this next May. This is a first in Victory Christian Academy’s history.

Distinguished Young Women of Elmore County 2019 Scholarship Recipients

Mary Fran Healey was named the 2018 Distinguished Young Woman of Elmore County, while Emma Grace Coyle was first runner-up and Jaala Hall was the second runner-up. Healey was also the scholarship winner of the “Be Your Best Self” essay. Coyle and Mallory Nichols were the Scholastics winners; Healey and Hall won Interview; Coyle and Hall won Talent; Coyle and Anna Shineflew won Fitness; Camden Zackery and Healey won Self Expression; and Mary Kate Lackey won the Spirit Award.

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Elmore County Schools

ECTC Adds New Programs This School Year

Wetumpka Middle Lays Strong Foundations

Special thanks to Wetumpka Middle School’s Foundations Team: Mr. Ray, Mrs. Payton, Mrs. Hinton and Mrs. Boshell, for helping to get WMS “demo ready!” WMS received a great review from the CHAMPS visitors. Another huge thanks to LaToya Davis, our foundations facilitator, and the members of the Foundations Team for all their hard work!

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

Montgomery Parents I September 2018

The Elmore County Technical Center (ECTC) begins the 2018-19 school year with a record enrollment of 652 students across 12 programs and dual enrollment on our campus! We expanded from ten to twelve programs this school year and are offering more dual enrollment options than ever before. Elmore County has been diligently working to prepare its students to leave high school ready to work and ready for post-secondary education, and we’re excited to now offer this many training and preparedness options on our campus. Students in 10th through 12th grades in Elmore County Public Schools, as well as the virtual school (E.D.G.E.), may take courses at ECTC. Our high school CTE program offerings include: automotive technology, aviation technology, computer technology (IT), construction technology, electrical technology, hospitality & tourism, HVAC, medical sciences, plumbing & pipefitting, pre-engineering, drafting & design, public safety & law and welding technology. Both academic and technical dual enrollment courses are available. These students are gaining high school and college credit at the same time – some even completing short certificates in a program at the end of their senior year of high school! Academic courses include English 101 and 102, English Literature, American Literature, psychology, music appreciation and U.S. History II. Technical courses include four courses in the manufacturing technology program and four courses in welding (once complete, students are able to earn a short certificate in welding from Central Alabama Community College).

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Help Tweens and Teens Clean Up Their Feeds

that bolsters positive social connections, supportive relationships, and validation of their inner qualities. Encouraging your kids to see and appreciate their individual strengths has always been a part of parenting. And learning to stop comparing yourself to others is a part of growing up. By helping kids clean up their feeds, you’re bringing together two critical aspects of raising kids in the digital age. Try these tips:

You know that girl from TV -- the one whose Instagram always looks perfect even with #nofilter? Or what about that amazing singer on musical.ly whom you can’t believe is only 14? And then there’s that kid whose Snapchat stories of Coachella got 500 views. Your kids may be following people like this right now. Obsessing. Over. Every. Detail. And starting to feel kind of crappy about it. Keeping tabs on the rich, famous, and just-plain-cool is nothing new, of course. But social media can take that fixation to a pretty dark place. The feeling is common enough that some doctors are calling it social media anxiety disorder (SMAD) -although what most kids have is more like FOMO … on steroids. While it’s tough to see your kid in despair, there’s a good solution that doesn’t require an all-out social media ban: Just help your kid clean up their feed. Self-comparison is a natural part of the tween and teen years. And for most kids, so is social media. While there are plenty of good things kids get out of their online connections, sometimes the combo can lead to a negative feedback loop that gnaws away at them. Depending on whom they’re following and what’s going on in their lives, their overall self-assessment can cycle from wistful (“I wish I was like that”) to highly critical (“What’s wrong with me that I can’t be like that?”). Even for kids who know when to close their laptops and move on, their selfesteem may take a hit. And for the more self-critical, anxiety and depression are real risks. If your kid mostly enjoys social media but suffers the occasional bout of self-doubt, help them find a healthier balance. Ask if -- or what -- they’re already doing to take care of themselves. They may already be tweaking their social media feeds to limit posts that make them feel bad. Or they may be intentionally trying to curb the endless scrolling through the cool kid’s Insta. Work together to prune out the parts of their social media feeds that trap them into judgy comparisons, and encourage the stuff Montgomery Parents I September 2018

Identify the triggers. Maybe it’s a certain couple who always look happy and in love, when your kid really wants a romantic relationship. Maybe it’s ads from a dog-toy delivery service that makes your kid miss your old mutt. Explore what’s behind their emotions. Sharing your own FOMO-induced feelings will likely get your kid to open up. Once they recognize the cause of their emotions, they can take steps to manage triggers. Fine-tune levels of engagement. All social media offers ways to see and hear less from your contacts -- without totally unfriending them. Check out settings such as these from popular platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter: unfollow (you’re still friends, but their posts won’t show up in your feed); hide post (see fewer posts from someone); snooze (temporarily stop seeing posts); mute (turn them off for a while); and do not disturb (temporarily block the person). Turn off notifications. Most social media apps send updates -- and none of them are life-and-death. To prevent your kid from interruptions -- especially ones that might trigger negative thoughts -- you can encourage your kid to check their social media once or twice at a certain time of day -- say, 4 p.m. That might be a stretch, but you can still encourage them to turn off notifications either in the app itself or on their phone. Follow people who nourish your soul. Kim Kardashian may be all over social media, but there are lots of folks who post uplifting, life-affirming, thoughtful, inspiring things that get kids thinking -- and maybe even behaving -- in ways that make them feel good about themselves. Follow these kinds of people. Suggest apps to help with focus. Just as you can use technology to excess, you can use it to rein yourself in. These productivity apps help keep kids on task, boost concentration, and remind you to stop doing stuff that’s not good for you. 56

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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston

The Power of a Good Question Most parents can agree that talking to a teenager sometimes feels like pulling teeth. You try to engage in conversation with your teen, and all you receive in response are grunts, eye-rolls, or oneword answers. You try everything you can to drag information out of your son or daughter, but the harder you pull, the deeper they dig in their heels. The conversation becomes a stressful game of tug-of-war, and after ten minutes of trying to pull words out of your child’s mouth, you’re exhausted and ready to quit. Can I suggest a different strategy? The power of a good question is remarkably effective in the hands of a parent. Think about it from your own point-of-view. When someone asks for your opinion, you feel valued. You feel appreciated. You feel like you’ll be listened too. When asked in a non-condemning and non-prying way, a good question conveys a sense of worth and relationship that is unparalleled by any other action a parent can make. When you ask your teen what they think, you’re letting them know you have an interest in them and that their opinion has significance to you. A good question can also act like an X-ray into the heart and mind of your teen. Most kids in high school will not voluntary give insights into what they’re thinking or doing, especially if they feel like they’ll be judged or criticized by mom or dad. But ask a question aimed at understanding your teen’s thoughts and feelings about a subject, and you’ll naturally draw out an honest report on where they are spiritually, emotionally, or mentally. As parents, it’s easy to observe what’s happening to our kids on the outside, but to see what’s happening on the inside, we need a good question. If we don’t ask questions, we could be missing serious, hidden situations in the life of their teen. Let me offer a few tips for asking good questions: Montgomery Parents I September 2018

Avoid simple “yes” or “no” questions.

If your teen could answer with “yep”, try to find a way to phrase the question that makes a complete sentence necessary. Try to ask “who, what, when, where, or how” questions that inspire further thought. Find out what your son thinks about an issue, how your daughter would do something differently than you, where he would go, and why she thinks a certain way. Talk about controversial subjects as you would a friend or co-worker for whom you have respect. I can almost guarantee you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what comes out of your child’s mouth.

Ask questions, but don’t give answers until you’re asked yourself. Stop lectur-

ing and start listening. A Sunday school teacher once asked the ten-year-old in her class, “What’s wrong with grown-ups?” A boy responded, “Grown-ups never really listen because they already know what they’re going to answer.” Your teens won’t be ready to listen until they become the initiator of a discussion, so just hush and get out of the way and let them take the lead. As moms and dads, we want our teens to carefully think about their decisions before they act. You can help them along by stimulating their developing minds and hearts. Ask good questions that stoke a teen’s thought process. For example, take the recent trend of young female musicians pushing the envelope. Ask your teen daughter about her thoughts on the issue. Are these young artists simply being creative? What message are they projecting? Do their actions help or hurt them? You’re preparing them to approach situations and ideas with a wise heart and mind.

Watch your body language. Whether

your question succeeds or not depends not only on what you say, but how you say it! What is your face, your hands, your entire demeanor telling your teen? Are you 58

inviting your child to open up, or is your body language shouting, “keep quiet”? A good way to prevent hostile body language is to avoid asking questions when you’re overly angry, disappointed, or upset. When you’re in a bad mood, what comes out are phrases like, “Do you know how stupid that was? What were you thinking? Or “How could you?” Instead, take time to cool down and find a nice, quiet place to engage your teen in conversation. Stay relaxed and aware of the messages you are sending through your tone, posture, and volume of your voice.

Ask questions that develop your kid’s opinions, and not your own. Our job

as parents is not to recreate our minds and beliefs in our children’s lives. While this might be appropriate when they are young, as teenagers we need to train them to start thinking critically, to apply what they have been taught to the situations and circumstances in their own lives. They need to develop their own thoughts and feelings and learn to process them. Sometimes you empower teens to apply the values you taught them just by asking questions. Your questions might also encourage your teens to ask questions of you. And if they do start asking questions, they might be inviting you to a dark and shameful corner of their world. Don’t be afraid to go there! If a teen shares what is on her heart, but you’re more concerned with fixing her problems or telling her how to act than with listening, that teen will eventually quit sharing. Find opportunities to let your teen talk, even if they seem a bit forced at first. Eventually, with diligence on your part, your teen will again learn to trust their dreams, thoughts and questions with you.

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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One thing parents and kids should realize is that those with LDs are often average or above average in intelligence. In fact, it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t uncommon for a child with a learning disability to excel in one subject, while struggling in another. Or perhaps a child does well under certain conditions while in other situations having great difficulty. Though depending on the LD and severity of it, a child might struggle in all areas.

Approximately 10% of American school-age children suffer from a learning disability (LD) and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s estimated

Forms of learning disabilities

that 4% of children have both. But for many

There are several forms of LDs. Some pose input problems, which means a child struggles with either sound or visual input. Information isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t processed correctly or gets stored incorrectly in the brain. This can pose problems with retrieval as well as short or long-term memory. An LD can also cause output problems. This can sometimes be seen in motor skills such as handwriting difficulties. Another common problem is verbal output. This is usually evident in that the child has trouble organizing

children, these disorders go undetected despite ongoing struggles with school work and behavior issues that often accompany these disorders. Montgomery Parents I September 2018

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thoughts either in writing or orally. Punctuation, grammar, and spelling also often suffer.

Visual Processing Disorders (VPD) are also a problem with input. Similarly, they aren’t a vision problem. Rather, VPD is a problem with the brain processing what the eyes see. It can result in a child bumping into things or not being able to distinguish the shapes they see. It can also pose difficulty in identifying letters or numbers or result in problems with visual sequencing among other symptoms.

Dyscalculia is a math learning disability. With this disorder, children have may have difficulty learning to tell time, counting money or counting in general, learning math facts, calculating, understanding measurement, or performing mental math. Dyslexia is a reading disability, though the symptoms are not exclusive to reading. Children with this disorder may have difficulty with spelling, vocabulary, or comprehension. They may read slow, have trouble learning left from right, or have organizational problems both with written and spoken language.

Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD) is similar to Asperger Syndrome and shows up as difficulties with social skills. Academic problems are sometimes present as well but often don’t show up until kids reach higher grade levels. Those with NLD may be afraid of new situations, struggle to make friends, lack common sense, and experience social withdrawal. Academic problems can include reading comprehension and working out math story problems.

Dysgraphia is a writing disability. Poor handwriting and often an awkward style of holding a pencil or even contorting the body while writing are hallmarks. A child may also have trouble drawing lines. With dysgraphia, children can often better express their understanding of material through speech than in writing.

ADHD is marked by attention problems and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity. Girls often have only attention issues while boys are more commonly impulsive or hyperactive. Symptoms can include difficulty staying on task or paying attention yet often hyperfocusing on stimulating activity. Children with ADHD may fidget or have trouble staying seated, interrupt, and act without thinking.

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a problem with input. It isn’t a problem with hearing but rather the brain has difficulty processing sounds. As a result, kids with APD may be distracted by loud noise or have difficulty following conversations. It tends to be especially problematic when there’s a lot of background noise which makes it difficult to distinguish sounds.

The symptoms listed above for each of the LDs aren’t exhaustive. To learn more, visit Learning Disabilities Association of America https://ldaamerica.org/types-of-learning-disabilities/.

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What to do if you suspect your child has an LD or ADHD The first step is to talk with your child’s teacher, and find out what the teacher has observed. Then talk to the school principal, and request an evaluation. Public schools are required by law to provide an evaluation. This should include an IQ test, assessments of math, reading, and writing, and testing processing skills. If your child is in a private school and the private school doesn’t offer this service, you can request it through your public school district. Once your child has received a diagnosis, your school psychologist should be able to recommend and help you set up services or accommodations for your child. Depending on the specific learning disability, your child may qualify for special education services under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or accommodations through Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Bear in mind, you are your child’s best advocate. So read books and articles on your child’s LD and learn how you and your school can help. Talk to your child’s teacher about additional ways the teacher can assist your child. Most teachers are eager to help, though depending on student ratio and school resources, it’s sometimes challenging for teachers to do as much as they’d like because they likely have other children with special needs in the classroom as well. If you feel your child isn’t getting the help he or she needs, talk to the school administrator. mp

Kimberly Blaker is the author of a kid’s STEM book, Horoscopes: Reality or Trickery? containing fun experiments to help kids understand the scientific method and develop critical thinking skills.

Montgomery Parents I September 2018

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Thinking of Getting a Service Dog for Your Child? Here are some things to consider... By Frances McGowin

1. Does your child really need a Service Dog? Service Dogs can be life-changing for children and families who really need them. However, they are not appropriate for some lifestyles. A Service Dog is not a pet. He does his job over everything. A Service Dog is focused on one person and expects to be with that person 24/7. They require continued training. So if you don’t have the extra time or energy to devote to having a Service Dog around all of the time, maybe an “at home use only” Emotional Support Dog trained for tasks but not Public Access would be a better option for you. Other things to consider: Do you have toddlers in the house who drop food on the floor all the time? Are there toys everywhere? Do you travel all the time? Do you have a fenced yard? Can you afford high quality dog food, flea and heartworm preventative, and Veterinary visits? Can your child bathe a dog weekly and keep him clean? Does your child want a Service Dog? Is he/she able to manage a Service Dog on his own and make safety decisions regarding the dog’s well-being (like what to do if a fire alarm goes off OR know if the dog is getting too hot) etc.? 2. Where will you get your dog? Best advice, do extensive research! Everybody can talk a good game, name Montgomery Parents I September 2018

drop trainers and training techniques, and promise whatever you want to hear, but you need to talk directly to several families who have your child’s same disability who have received a Service Dog from the organization that you are considering. Make sure they have a history and experience placing fully-trained Service Dogs. 3. Find out exactly what you get for your money and if there is a 100% guarantee? If they are selling Service Dogs or requiring fundraising, you want to make sure that your investment has lifetime guarantee. 4. Do they provide/ require continued training for the Service Dog and child, or once the dog is placed with your child, is that it? Children need consistent reinforcements. Without continued training, it is likely that the once-trained Service Dog may be on the road to becoming a pet. 5. Is the Service Dog organization available to help problem solve with public access and tasks, especially with schools and hospitals? 6. Does the organization know the American Disabilities Act (ADA Law) and all that it entails? Does the organization know Public Access Protocols and provide this training for dog and recipient? Are they experienced Service Dog “educators” or do they 64

threaten anyone who questions a Service Dog’s legitimacy? 7. Is this the right time to bring a Service Dog into your child’s life? Consider his age and abilities and needs compared to what they will be in another year or two. If you can pinpoint exactly what the dog should be trained to do and where the child will be taking his/her Service Dog for the next few years, it may be a good time. If his/her diagnosis is changing or unstable and your family may be relocating, you may want to wait so you will know exactly what your child needs and how your family will accommodate a Service Dog. Your research has to start somewhere. Service Dogs Alabama (a non-profit organization) has a wealth of information on their website: www.ServiceDogsAlabama.org and they are available to answer questions. Service Dogs are life-changers for children who need them. Make a checklist of pros and cons, talk to your child and your family, and above all, DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Acquiring a Service Dog should not be an emotional decision, but a wellthought-out treatment plan that requires a long-term commitment from your child and your family. Executive Director, Service Dogs Alabama Service Dogs Alabama (SDA) was founded in 2010 by Frances McGowin and Ashley Taylor. They are the largest and oldest Service Dog training organization in Alabama that trains Service Dogs for children with disabilities. SDA is an accepted Candidate member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI), the international standard for excellence in service dog training.

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Having a sibling with special needs is a unique experience that provides both challenges and benefits. While there is no doubt that they love their sibling with special needs, the feelings that can arise during childhood are often complicated. The love, appreciation, and compassion they feel towards their sibling can be mixed up with jealousy, worry, resentment, fear, responsibility, and anger. Parents who are in tune to their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feelings can help them work through the negative emotions and turn these challenges into benefits.

Montgomery Parents I September 2018

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Challenge: Insensitivity of others Unfortunately, kids with special needs are often the target of teasing. Kids, or even adults, that don’t understand other people’s differences may make insensitive comments, ask inappropriate questions, or just make fun of someone who is different from them. Siblings of special needs kids may feel the need to constantly stand up for their sibling, explain their situation to others, or may be the brunt of teasing themselves. “One of the biggest challenges in growing up with my sister was watching her get laughed at.” says Justin Lyons, brother of Kara, who has cerebral palsy. Parents can help their kids work through this challenge by equipping them with the right answers for those awkward questions and teach them how to handle bullying in an appropriate way.

Benefit: Development of dependability, loyalty, and compassion After years of watching someone they love get teased, siblings of special needs kids will naturally develop a strong sense of loyalty to those they care about as well as a strong compassion towards others.

Even though watching Kara get teased was hard for Justin, he also notes, “I think it made me less likely to laugh at or tease other people.” Kids who grow up in a home with a special needs sibling typically become dependable, compassionate, and loyal adults.

Challenge: Jealousy Parents do their best to treat their children fairly and spend equal amounts of time caring for each child. When you have a child with developmental delays or significant medical needs that balance can become extremely difficult to achieve and jealousy can develop. Kids may feel they get less attention or that their parents spend more time caring for the sibling. When these feelings develop it is very common for kids to feel guilty that they have these thoughts, causing them to be more upset and resentful. As a parent, try to be understanding and patient about your child’s jealous feelings. Talking it through and having someone listen and take them seriously will help your child feel loved and included. If possible and appropriate, welcome your child to join you in caring for the sibling, but don’t push the issue.

Benefit: Self control and thoughtfulness First, it is important to remember that sibling rivalry and feelings of jealousy are normal in any sibling relationship. As your child learns to wait for their parent to be free to help them, they will learn patience and self control. They will also learn to put other’s needs before their own.

Challenge: Worry and fear When children are around a sibling with serious medical challenges, lowered immunity, or special needs, kids may feel worried or afraid about the health of their sibling. They may not be able to express their feelings the same way that an adult would. Kids may act out, become overly emotional, or appear aloof to what is going on around them. Parents can help kids by being honest about health concerns in an age appropriate way. By including your child in this discussion, you can reduce their fear of the unknown and reassure them as well.

Benefit: Develop compassion and empathy for others Kids who are exposed to someone with medical and developmental

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challenges naturally become more compassionate and empathetic to those who may have their own struggles. “I attribute my sense of understanding and compassion to group up with my sister.” says Michelle Hupp, sister to Felicia, an adult with Down Syndrome.

help to support your child’s development in a healthy way and encourage an appropriate relationship between your children.

Benefit:

Challenge: Complicated and mixed feelings As each person is different, kids have a variety of feelings related to their sibling with special needs. Some kids may feel pressure to “live up” to their parents’ expectations for themselves and for the sibling that may never reach certain milestones. Kids may also feel resentment, anger, frustration, or like they are “missing out” on activities or experiences because their sibling’s care puts restrictions on certain activities. “Siblings often feel guilty about any negative feeling such as jealousy.” says Hupp. “The

rewards more than outweigh the negatives but sometimes the negatives are hard to talk about.” None of these feelings are fun to talk about and often result in guilt causing the children to feel even more resentment to the sibling because they have these negative feelings. Some of these feelings may be difficult to overcome and a parent may not know exactly what their child is feeling or how to deal with them. If you feel that these feelings are becoming a problem, consider seeking professional

A variety of positive characteristics develop While all of these challenges are realistic, kids also develop a wide variety of wonderful characteristics from their experience such as kindness, patience, compassion, acceptance of differences, helpfulness, and empathy. All of these qualities are wonderful and valued in our society. Being a sibling of a special needs person is a unique and sometimes challenging experience but most people will tell you they have benefitted from the experience. As a parent, it helps to think of the long term benefits and help your child shape their challenges into successes. mp Sarah Lyons is a contributing writer.

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Montgomery Parents I September 2018

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A Page in a Book

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Making art is a privilege that is accessible to everyone, regardless of age, gender, class or inclination. Free from traditional boundaries, artistic expression can emerge from every medium and inhabit any space. The following titles feature women and girls who take their own great strides into the art landscape and erase traditional boundaries by painting their own path forward with the tools at hand.

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Anywhere Artist

by Nikki Slade Robinson (Harcourt / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) As a young artist moves through a variety of environments, she’s not constrained by the absence of paper or paint, of clay or canvas. The forest offers leaves, lichens and twigs that can assemble into wholly new creatures, sprung from her imagination. Likewise, kelp, sand and shells are all she needs at the beach to lay out shapes and shadows for her original creations. Even the sky becomes a canvas as her mind brushes and shapes clouds into shapes and forms that suit her vision. Anywhere she goes, art can happen. Presenting the whole world as an art studio, with nature and imagination as the only mediums needed to create, Anywhere Artist encourages inspiration and resourcefulness when art awaits.

Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines

By Jeanne Walker Harvey, Illustrated by Dow Phumiruk (Henry Holt / Macmillan) As the child of a sculptor and a poet, Maya Lin was raised with the power of shape and words. In 1981, when artists and architects were invited to submit designs for a future memorial to the American soldiers lost in the Vietnam War, Maya Lin was still a college student. Understanding the importance of this memorial to both survivors and a grateful nation, young Maya visited the proposed site to see what her vision would present. Her artist’s eye showed her a cut in the earth, walled with granite to reflect the viewer, and the stone carved with the name of every lost soldier. Considered avant garde at the time, Lin’s design for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. is now regarded as one of the most moving and powerful installations in the country.

Big Machines: The Story of Virginia Lee Burton

by Sherri Duskey Rinker, Illustrated by John Rocco (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) Virginia Lee Burton, ‘Jinnee’ to her friends, is many things. She’s a dancer, she talks to animals, and with magic wands (sticks of charcoal, paint brushes and pens) she creates heroes, dinosaurs and whole new worlds. But for her two sons, Jinnee works the greatest magic of all; she creates big machines! While her boys look on, Jinnee uses her wands to sketch the outlines of trains, steam shovels, and snowplows. As her drawings evolve with color and details, the stories and personalities of the big machines emerge as well. Beloved as the creator of the children’s book classics ‘Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel and ‘Choo Choo’, Burton’s own story is revealed as Big Machines drives a magical, movement-filled view of her artistic process and the mother’s love that drove her most famous creations. Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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sumers. 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

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Alabama Autism & Asperger’s Statewide Info & Support Network

Website offers videos, articles, forums, groups, chats, bulletin board, links and resources. www.alabamaautism.org

ADD/ADHD 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 low-additive 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 22

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

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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). 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

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

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

Camp Frog ad on page 22

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 14-16; Ages 6-18 years and their families. Scholarships available. 205-951-1364

Autism Alabama

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Camps for Special Needs

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Easter Seals Camp ASCCA ad on page 47

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

www.campascca.org

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 www.shoalcreekchurch.org

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 friendships with others on similar journeys. Camp M.A.S.H. is offered at NO COST to our families. (251) 599-5688 campmashmobile@gmail.com www.campmash.org

www.montgomeryparents.com

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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. Camp Seals Harris offers a medically supervised, fun camp experience and family connection to year round support. (205) 402-0415 www.campsealeharris.org

Camp Shocco for the Deaf

1314 Shocco Springs Road, Talladega, AL This 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. 256-761-1100

www.campshocco.org

Camp Smile-a-Mile-Alabama’s Program for Children with Cancer

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-AMile has year round programming including seven annual sessions at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin. 1(205) 323.8427 or 1 (334) 500.7920 www.campsam.org

Camp Sugar Falls & Camp Seale Harris

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. (205) 402.0415

www.southeasterndiabetes.org

Lakeshore Foundation

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. (205) 313.7400

www.lakeshore.org

Cerebral Palsy 4 My Child

Provides provide all families of children of special needs with Help and Hope For Life. 1(800) 692.4453

www.cerebralpalsy.org

United Cerebral Palsy

2520 Fairlane Dr Suite 360, Montgomery, AL Leading service provider and advocate for adults and children with disabilities, including cerebral palsy. (334) 271.2280

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

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. (256) 337.1889 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.ldaalabama.org

Early Intervention Autauga/Western Elmore Arc ad on page 23

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

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Easter Seals of Central Alabama ad on page 67

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 19

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

Montgomery Parents I September 2018

milestones. Early intervention supports and services focus on 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. 800-543-3098 www.rehab.alabama.gov/individuals-andfamilies/early-intervention

Alabama Institute for the Deaf & Blind

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

705 South Street East, Talladega, AL (256) 761.3259

www.aidb.org

Alabama School for the Deaf

referring them to Alabama’s Early Intervention System. (800) 543.3098

Helen Keller School of Alabama

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. 866-532-7660

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 (334) 271.2280 www.ucpmobile.org

205 South Street, Talladega, AL

Epilepsy

Child Find

Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama

(256) 761.3212

www.aidb.org

Child Find is the process used in Alabama for identifying all children who may be eligible for services and

Mission is to educate and support individuals with epilepsy and their families. Provide services and

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programs; educating and increasing awareness about epilepsy; providing leadership in advocacy for epilepsy issues. (800) 626.1582

www.epilepsy.com

Financial Resources Enable Savings Plan Alabama ad on page 14

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 57

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 equip-

ment, 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, Orthopedic 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/

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

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

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

Developmental Disabilities Council

Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities (800) 232.2158

http://acdd.org

Developmental Disabilities, Alabama Department of Mental Health Montgomery, AL (334) 242.3454

1(404) 525.2303

Family Voices of Alabama (FV of AL)

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

Montgomery, AL Alabama State Department of Education (334) 242.9111

www.alsde.edu

Client Assistance Program

Montgomery, AL Department of Rehabilitation Services (800) 228.3231

565 Eastern Blvd., Montgomery, AL Testing for children up to 9th grade with dyslexia. (334) 277.8109

Programs for Children with Disabilities P.O. Box 302101, Montgomery, AL Ages 3-5

American Foundation for the Blind

100 Peachtree Street, Suite 620, Atlanta, GA

Montgomery Scottish Rite Learning Center

www.mh.alabama.gov/

(334) 242.8114 or (800) 392.8020

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.

Protection and Advocacy

The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) (800) 826.1675 www.adap.ua.net

Respite Care

Governor’s Office on Disabilities

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.

(888) 879.3582

Southeast ADA Center

(877) 771-3862 info@familyvoicesal.org http://www.familyvoicesal.org/

1(866).RESTALA

Montgomery, AL Provide information on Disabilities

www.good.alabama.gov

http://alabamarespite.org

1419 Mayson Street, Atlanta, GA

Medicaid Waivers

These waivers help those families who make too much money for Medicaid but “fall through the cracks” of their insurance.

(800) 949.4232 www.facebook.com/southeastadacenter or www.adasoutheast.org

Special Education Services

Montgomery, AL Alabama 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

(800) 392.8020

Mental Health Rep. for Children/Youth, Office of Children’s Services/ Alabama Department of Mental Health

6030 Monticello Drive, Montgomery, AL Alabama Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

(334) 242.3454

www.mh.alabama.gov

www.alsde.edu/

Special Format Library

(800) 392.5671

www.afb.org

LEARN THE WORD. LOVE THE WORD. LIVE THE WORD. A WORSHIP SERIES AND SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE SEPT. 9–OCT. 7 AT FRAZER CHURCH

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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

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)

STAR is a resource to provide Alabamians free access to information, referral services, educational services, educational programs, and publications in accessible format on extensive topics related to disability rights, laws/policies, and funding opportunities for assistive technology. (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. 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

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

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 5147 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL Provides nutritional supplements for children and adults with celiac 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. www.healthwisefoods.com

Lee Silsby, Compound Pharmacy

Compounding Pharmacy focusing on children with Autism (800) 918.8831

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

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

Parks & Recreation

www.ourkidsasd.com

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

1655 Ray Thorington Road, Montgomery, AL “No Limits” Miracle Field Playground and Miracle League Ball Field.

www.montgomeryal.gov

Vaughn Road Park

3620 Vaughn Road , Montgomery, AL Boundless Playground

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

299 Jay Street, Prattville, AL Handicap accessible, swings

Pratt Park Child Place

460 Doster Road, Prattville, AL Handicap accessible, swings

Recreation & Enrichment ad on page 32

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

Spinner’s Park

Dream Court Inc

Therapeutic Recreation Center

Sharing hope, changing lives. Adaptive 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

390 West 6th Street, Prattville, AL Metal slides for cochlear implants 604 Augusta St., Montgomery, AL One of Montgomery’s proudest accomplishments,

ad on page 61

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Health Wise

(334) 277.9925

The Herb Shop

6wks-12yrs available at all locations but Carmichael Rd.

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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

Montgomery Miracle League ad on page 45

The Miracle League provides an opportunity for children and adults with physical and/or cognitive disabilities a chance to play baseball. Facebook under Montgomery Miracle League

Swim Prep ad on page 51

Locations in Prattville & Montgomery Adapted Swim Lessons for those with Special Needs. Lessons are customized to each child’s abilities Contact Jeffrey Nichols. (334) 375.2023

jeffrey@swimprepllc.com

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 www.abrakadoodle.com/al01

sparker@abrakadoodle.com

Access To Recreation

Provides exercise and recreational equipment for people with disabilities (800) 634.4351

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

3067 Carter Hill Rd., Montgomery, AL We provide an educational and social program for boys and young adults. (334) 262.2697

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

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

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

Special Olympics Alabama

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. (334) 242.3383

http://specialolympicsalabama.com/.

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

www.montgomeryal.gov

Schools & Tutoring Churchill Academy ad on page 31

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 believe strongly that early interven-

tion 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 29

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 32

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 www.sylvanlearning.com/montgomery

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

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Speech Therapy Easter Seals of Central Alabama ad on page 67

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

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.

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.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;For I know the plans I have for you,â&#x20AC;? declares the Lord... Jeremiah 29:11

Accredited: ACTS, AISA, SACS, Advanced ED, NCPSA 3975 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36106 ecalions.org 334-272-3882

For a FREE Educational Success Consultation please contact the school office

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 speechlanguage 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.

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Spina Bifida

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.

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 will be held Sept. 30. www.sbaofal.org

(334) 676.3733 www.ServiceDogs Alabama.com

Support & Educational Services

Montgomery Children’s Specialty Center ad on page 19

Easter Seals of Central Alabama 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

Service Dogs Alabama ad on page 65

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

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. (334) 261-3445

www.montgomerychildrenscare.com

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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. “Like” A Parent’s Perspective on Facebook.

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RSA Union Building, 100 N Union St, Montgomery, AL (334) 242.3973 www.acdd.org

addpc@mh.state.al.us.

Dianne Craft – Child Diagnostics

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

http://www.diannecraft.org

March of Dimes Alabama Chapter Birmingham, AL (205) 824.0103

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 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

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

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Alpha

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MPAA Rating: PG 13 Overall: B+ Violence: B Sexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A Alpha is a slow movie. I don’t mean that as a criticism but as a statement of fact. Alpha moves at a deliberate pace, gradually unfolding the plot, carefully building up relationships between the human and animal characters, and lovingly sweeping over its awe-inspiring locations in Canada and Iceland. The story begins 20,000 years ago in Ice Age Europe. Our protagonist, Keda (Kodi Smit-McPhee) is the son of Tau, the chief, played with dignified assurance by Johannes Haukur Johannesson. It is time for the annual buffalo hunt, and Keda is finally old enough to join the other hunters and become a man. Tau’s assurance is tested quickly. Luckily for Keda, aid comes in an unexpected package when he is stalked by wolves and knives one of the creatures in the leg. The teen develops a sense of fellow feeling for the injured animal, who he names Alpha, and nurses it back to health. The relationship that develops between Keda and Alpha is critical to their mutual survival. When it comes to family viewing, Alpha has some unusual considerations. It is almost entirely free of objectionable content, aside from hunting related violence and situations of extreme danger. That being said, this film is not likely to be a smash hit with family audiences. Its biggest drawback for kids and teens comes from its dialogue. Spoken in an invented Cro-Magnon language, the film is subtitled throughout. through a barren (albeit beautiful) landscape. On the flip side, filmgoers of any age who enjoy survival movies, history or nature documentaries, and who are prepared to be patient, will find their niche with Alpha.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: C+ Sexual Content: B+ Profanity: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: BAnimatronic dog meets bullied boy in A.X.L. (pronounced “axel”), a film that attempts a technological upgrade on the old “boy-and-his-dog” premise. A day of dirt biking in the hills leaves Miles (Alex Neustaedter) abandoned by his “friend” Sam (Alex MacNicoll) and his group of cronies. Yet this newkid-in-town and high school senior isn’t nearly as fazed as I would be when this unexpected alone time leads to the discovery of a giant, robotic Rottweiler stashed in an abandoned shipping container. Not smart enough to let sleeping dogs lie, Miles manages to awaken the mechanical mutt who then tears after him, believing the boy to be an enemy. Fortunately, Mile’s driving and stunting abilities are good enough to trick A.X.L. into sailing off a cliff, and landing in a sad mess of twisted metal. Even after having his life endangered, Miles is determined to patch this newfound pooch back together. Using some tools, convenient supplied by A.X.L. himself, the computer-programed pup soon boots up again. Acknowledging the teen’s kindness, A.X.L. moves his rescuer’s profile into the “friend” folder. The best part of this movie is the visual creation of A.X.L. and the concept of designing an artificial animal for the purpose of protection. Also appreciated are the relatively few content concerns. A handful of mild profanities, some physical skirmishes (with brief blood seen) and revealing female clothing round up the greatest issues. If you’re in the 8 to 12-year-old crowd, A.X.L. will likely offer a fun adventure. If not, it may just feel like you’re watching a hybrid hound begging for a sequel.

The Darkest Minds

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: B Sexual Content: AProfanity: B Alcohol / Drug Use: B In the small East Anglian town of Harborough, circa 1959. Florence Green (Emily Mortimer), a middle-aged widow, has decided to fulfill her dream and start her own bookshop. She buys a rundown building and opens for business. Unfortunately for Florence, the local grand dame, Violet Gamart (Patricia Clarkson), has determined that the space would be the perfect site for an arts center. Violet is used to getting what she wants and is not going to let anything stand in her way. The rest of the movie is a battle between these two determined women. Florence, on her side, has courage and two allies: her eleven-year-old shop assistant, Christine Gipping (Honor Kneafsey), and local recluse and bibliophile, Edmund Brundish (Bill Nighy). In comparison, Violet has deep pockets, no moral scruples, connections with local government, and a nephew in parliament. It is disappointing that this conflict fails to generate much excitement. The Bookshop should be better than it is. Adapted from Penelope Fitzgerald’s bestselling novel, it has an excellent cast and enjoys a beautiful setting. However, the pacing is slow and uneven, and the movie is a good 20 minutes too long. On the bright side, this movie has very minor content issues. There are a handful of mild profanities and some smoking and social drinking. This is not a movie for children, who would not be interested in the plot. But there are no reasons why teens or adults shouldn’t watch The Bookshop. Sadly, there just aren’t any reasons why they would want to.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: BViolence: C Sexual Content: CProfanity: B Alcohol / Drug Use: A Teens with special powers. Adults who try to stop them. Sound familiar? That’s because it is. The Darkest Minds isn’t blazing any new trails for Hollywood but it ticks all the boxes for a teenage sci-fi action movie. The beginning of the movie is disturbing, especially when protagonist, Ruby Daly, (played with big-eyed luminosity by Amandla Stenberg) is taken away to the camps at the age of ten, where the inmates are separated by their color-coded gifts. Six years later, Ruby escapes, meets up with three other fugitives - Liam Stewart (Harris Dickinson), Chubs (Peyton Wich), and Zu (Miya Cech). The group goes on the run looking a rumored children’s settlement where they can live without fear. When they find it, they discover that everything isn’t what it seems. Parents will want to be aware of issues around violence and sexual content. These are significant enough that the movie is not suitable for younger children, although teens will likely enjoy it. The most upsetting episodes involve the intersection of mind control and violence. A male teenage character in a position of authority attempts to sexually assault a teenage girl. It isn’t clear if the abuser is inside her mind or is assaulting her physical body. The attack is not graphic, no clothing is removed, and she escapes from him very quickly. The relationship between Ruby and Liam illustrates the most positive messages found in The Darkest Minds. This media portrayal of an adolescent love story is unusually wholesome. 82

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Gift of Life Offers Mom a Ride for Hope

The Gift of Life Foundation (GOL) and Farmers Insurance presented the keys to a car to Montgomery mother Khayla Chambers as part of GOL’s 30th Anniversary Rides of Hope Car Giveaway. During a recent presentation, Chambers, a participant in GOL’s Parents as Teachers home visitation program, received a 2013 dark gray Nissan Sentra, which was restored by Joe Hudson Collision of Tennessee at no cost. More than 15 GOL moms entered the contest by writing an essay explaining why they needed a car and how having reliable transportation would help them achieve their educational, employment or parenting goals. A panel of community partners determined the winner. Chambers, who plans to return to school and study nursing, said she and her family have been without a car for almost a year and it has been difficult. In addition to the car, Chambers and her son Jeremias received six months of free liability insurance from Gift of Life Foundation, a $50 gift card from Millbrook Winn Dixie Manager Dawn Hand, and a $125 Visa gift card for gas and the cost of her title and car tag from area Farmers Insurance agents.

5th Annual Miracle Maker Benefit Pageant

The 5th annual Miracle Maker Pageant, benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, will be held on Saturday, October 6, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church Fellowship Hall in Prattville. The pageant is open to females, ages 12 months to 19 years, with six age categories. The event is hosted by Laura Grace Henry, Miss Quad Cities’ Outstanding Teen 2019. During the pageant, a Kendra Scott necklace will be given away in a drawing to one lucky contestant. Attire for the pageant is formal wear. This is a semi-glitz pageant where age-appropriate makeup and attire are stressed. Registration fee is $50. For more info, visit www. SterlingMiss.org or call (334) 313-5444. 83

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When Julie Urban started going through her son’s belongings in his bedroom, she wasn’t sure what she was looking for. She only knew that her 17-year-old wasn’t acting like himself. “He had been acting strange for several months - staying out late, missing classes, getting in trouble at school,” Urban says. “His personality had changed quite a bit. He had gone from very shy and reserved to active, outgoing and always busy. He was constantly fidgeting and would be caught up in lies from time to time.”

Hidden in a tub of soccer scarves, she and her husband discovered a JUUL, an e-cigarette resembling a flash drive, still in its original packaging. “If it hadn’t been in the box, we would not have known what it was,” Urban says. JUUL (pronounced “jewel”) is all the rage among middle school and high school students. “This product has more than half of the e-cigarette market share and is a large reason that e-cigarette use is the leading tobacco product among kids,” says Erika Sward, National Assistant Vice President for Advocacy, American Lung Association, Washington D.C.

Montgomery Parents I September 2018

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What is JUUL? A JUUL is a slender,

compact e-cigarette that looks like a flash drive. A small, non-refillable liquid nicotine cartridge or pod clicks into the top of the device. JUUL charges in a USB port. The pod’s e-liquid heats up to create a vapor that the user inhales. According to the manufacturer, a single pod contains 59 milligrams of nicotine per milliliter of liquid, which is equivalent to the amount of nicotine in an entire pack of cigarettes.

What’s the attraction? From a teen’s perspective, JUUL is “the perfect storm,” Sward says. The product is sleek and discreet, hidden easily in pockets, sweatshirts and backpacks. It doesn’t produce the vapor cloud associated with other e-cigarettes, making it simple for kids to use even while sitting in class. Candy and fruit flavored e-juices, decorative wraps or “skins,” and social media campaigns add to the appeal. Isn’t it safer than smoking? E-cigarette makers originally marketed their products as smoking cessation devices, which gave these products a halo effect as healthier alternatives to traditional cigarettes. Since they don’t look or smell like traditional cigarettes, many kids fail to see e-cigarettes as the latest evolution in how tobacco companies are peddling their products. “You’ve got a lot of kids who would never in a million years think to pick up a cigarette who are using JUUL,” Sward says. Researchers aren’t sure how harmful e-cigarettes are, but they do know that the products emit chemicals into the lungs, including aldehydes (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein and acetone); volatile organic compounds found in car exhaust; heavy metals like nickel, lead and chromium; and diacetyl, a highly toxic chemical linked to lung disease. Exposure to diacetyl can cause a lifethreatening condition called popcorn lung, or obliterative bronchiolitis. Diacetyl was once used to enhance the buttery flavor of popcorns. Factory workers, who inhaled the chemical, began to experience inflammation in the lungs, leading to scarring and narrowing of the airways and difficulty breathing. Popcorn lung disease is irreversible and can be mistaken for other respiratory ailments like asthma. Symptoms include wheezing, dry cough, shortness of breath, unexplained exhaustion and irritation around the skin, eyes, mouth or nose. “The bottom line is that no e-cigarette has been found to be safe and effective by the FDA for helping smokers quit,” Sward says. 85

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How does nicotine affect brain development? The adolescent brain is

particularly vulnerable to the addictive effects of nicotine. The brain’s cortex, the center of decision making and impulse control, isn’t fully formed until around the age of 25. According to the Surgeon General: “Nicotine changes the way synapses are formed, which can harm the parts of the brain that control attention and learning. Because addiction is a form of learning, adolescents get addicted more easily than adults.” Research suggests that kids who use e-cigarettes are much more likely to turn to traditional cigarettes later.

How are e-cigarettes regulated? State laws vary. Some states have increased the minimum age to purchase nicotine products to 21, but they’re relatively easy for minors to purchase online. Other states have begun taxing e-cigarettes and prohibiting the sale of flavored products. Since e-cigarettes are not regulated by the FDA, there’s no telling exactly how much nicotine is in any of these products, including those that claim to contain zero nicotine. “The Food and Drug Administration has kicked the can down the road on dealing with JUUL and other e-cigarettes. They are asking a lot of questions both directly of JUUL and of the broader public on the issues of flavors and of e-cigarettes more broadly; but when it comes time to taking meaningful action against the sale of these products and protecting kids, the FDA has failed to deliver in a big way,” Sward says.

What can parents do?

• Promote a healthy lifestyle. Talk to your kids about the harmful effects of addictive substances on the body. • Remind your kids that like traditional cigarettes, JUUL and other e-cigs are highly addictive nicotine delivery systems. • Contact your child’s middle school or high school to learn how they are educating staff and students about e-cigarettes. • Familiarize yourself with what JUUL and other e-cigarettes look like. • Contact your state legislators and urge them to protect kids by increasing the minimum age to purchase nicotine products to 21, prohibit the sale of flavored products and put pressure on the FDA to regulate e-cigarettes. mp

Christa Melnyk Hines is a freelance journalist and author. She and her husband are the parents of two middle school age sons. Christa’s latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

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Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

From the moment a baby first strives to pull themselves up to their feet, the desire to ascend is ignited. It’s only a matter of months before toddlers clamor to climb, and so it goes as they grow. For kids, the climb comes with more than just a sense of adventure. Using both arms and legs, as well as the body’s core, the mechanics of climbing are ideal for conditioning muscle, improving coordination and cultivating good balance. The following items bring opportunities to climb closer to home for kids who want to aim high and reach higher.

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Rock Climbing Holds

Triangle Rope Ladder

Transform a sturdy wall surface into a distinctive climb challenge with Squirrel Products’ twenty piece set of Rock Climbing Holds. With just enough protrusion for small hands to grip and little feet to perch, climbing walls offer kids a unique combination of physical and mental challenges with multiple options for ascent. Climbers can choose from simple paths upward or plot more varied journeys from base to summit. Complete with multicolored molded plastic holds and zinc-plated mounting hardware, this kit makes planning and building your own rock wall challenge is fast and easy. Creating a unique rock face for novices, these Rock Climbing Holds are custom made for creative climbing.

Whether you need an ascent to a treehouse or want to add a cool climbing challenge to your play environment, the Triangle Rope Ladder gets high marks. Constructed with heavy duty wooden dowels and thick, black braided rope, this ladder is sturdy with a 155 pound capacity. The single swing hanger attachment allows for slight pivoting action while three ground anchors maintain a secure main position. Offering climbing opportunities on both the outside and the interior of the triangle, the exploratory potential of this climber is doubled as well. Much like navigating up the shifting rigging of a tall ship, the Triangle Rope Ladder from Swing-n-Slide adds a sense of challenge and adventure that will keep kids climbing strong..

Climbing Rope Swing

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Climbing isn’t always an uphill battle. The Rope Tunnel Bridge from Hearthsong puts a horizontal twist into the climb. With a cargo netting surround supported by super strong nylon ropes, the tunnel can be suspended in a variety of angles from level bridging to an inclined climb. Heavy duty ratchets allow for suspension of the eight foot bridge between longer spans of up to seventeen feet. Whether the tunnel is bridging between two destinations or hanging independently as an activity within a play space, the shifting movement and plentiful gripping surfaces ensures that kids navigate in ways that build strength, balance and physical confidence. Hearthsong’s Rope Tunnel Bridge is an exciting gateway to new climbing destinations!

(Jungle Gym Kingdom) Coupled with a disc base for sitting or standing, the Jungle Gym Kingdom’s Climbing Rope Swing offers extra incentive to move up in the world. The strong weather-resistant polyethylene rope offers a strong, non-abrasive core for small hands and legs to navigate. Featuring four-inch textured intervals along its length, kids have tempting holds and grips right at their fingertips to lure them higher. Familiar and simple, the climbing rope remains one of the most deceptively useful items in the play yard tool box as kids bring all their physical strength, coordination and balance to bear on one task - climbing the rope!

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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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FamilyCalendar Saturday, September 1

Big Cat Youth Fishing Tournament at Alabama Nature Center Kick-off is at 7 a.m. and anglers have the opportunity to weigh in their biggest catch every hour, starting at 8 a.m. with the final weigh-in at 11:45 a.m. Anglers must be between the ages of 6 and 15 to be eligible for this tournament. Cost is $25 and this tournament is not to exceed the first 60 registrants. Once participant capacity is reached, registration will close immediately and no further registrations will be accepted. For more info, call (334) 285-4550 or visit www.alabamawildlife.org/. Old Cahawba Canines, Camels, Cats & Critters Wagon Tour 10-11 a.m. Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, 9518 Cahaba Rd, Orrville, Ala. This dog-friendly wagon tour will include some short walks and will transport you and your pooch to places throughout the park associated with Cahawba’s most notable animal ancestors. Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome to join their humans on this one-hour guided tour of Old Cahawba. People without dogs are welcome to attend also. Call (334) 872-8058 for more info or visit www.ahc.alabama.gov or www.facebook.com/oldcahawba. Admission is $10/adults and $8/children.

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.

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/.

Wednesday, September 5

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. Muses at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

Find a listing of Public Library Storytimes and Events at

Home Depot Kids’ Workshop 9 a.m.-noon. All locations. Ages 5-12. Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety. Today’s project is a field goal game. Simply flick or drop-pluck the ball through the goal posts to score a field goal worth three points. Once your project is built, you and your child can decorate it with paint and stickers. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron and an achievement pin. For more info, visit http://workshops.homedepot.com/workshops/kidsworkshops. Michael’s Kids Club -- Also Sept. 8, 15, 22 & 29 10 a.m.-noon. $2 per project. Supplies included. Ages 3-8. Each session is 30 minutes. Parent or guardian must remain on premises. Sept. 1 is Hedgehog; Sept. 8 is Fall Leaves; Sept. 15 is Fall Animal Puppet; Sept. 22 is Klutz Jr. Craft; and Sept. 29 is Paper Owl. For more info, visit www.michaels.com/. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Menopause the Musical -- Through September 16 Four women at a lingerie sale with nothing in common but a black lace bra AND memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more! This hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles! See what millions of women worldwide have been laughing about for 16 years! It’s the Hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change! Recommended ages 13+. For tickets or more info, visit asf.net or call (334) 271-5353. Shoppes at EastChase Farmers Market Saturdays through September 29 7 a.m.-noon. near Dillard’s. Several popular farms with locally grown products, including Aplin Farms, Oakview Farms, Penton Farms, Leatherwood Nursery and many more! For more info, call (334) 2796046 or visit www.theshoppesateastchase.com/ farmersMarket/.

Montgomery Parents I September 2018

Book your tour by calling (334) 595-9243.

Sunday, September 2

Labor Day Weekend Concert Featuring Sister Hazel Grassy Lawn at The AMP on Lake Martin. Gates will open around 5 and the music starts at 7 p.m. with The Bank Walkers and then at 8:30 p.m., as the sun sets, Sister Hazel will take the stage. Tickets are on sale for $20. Kids 6 and under free. They are on The AMP website and will be available at the Company Store at Russell Crossroads and the Russell Lands Corporate Office. Grab your lawn chairs and coolers. For more info, visit www.theamponlakemartin.com/ or call (256) 397-1019. Battle of the Bands 2 p.m. The ASU Stadium. $15 in advance; $20 day of the event. Check back for dates tickets will become available at the ASU Ticket Office. Tickets may be purchased through ASU at http://www.alasu.edu/ alumni/labor-day-classic/index.aspx. For more info, call (334) 229-4483. Nat King Cole Society Jazz Festival 4-8 p.m. Gates open at 3 p.m. River Walk Amphitheatre. Hosted by WVAS. Round out your classic week with an outdoor jazz/blues festival near the banks of the Alabama River. Bring your lawn chairs, and enjoy a relaxing evening of great entertainment. The Festival also will include a variety of food and other vendors as well as fun activities for children. Tickets may be purchased through ASU at http://www.alasu. edu/alumni/labor-day-classic/index.aspx. For more info, call (334) 229-4431. Sunday Fishing at Hampstead Lake Also September 9, 16, 23 & 30 1-5 p.m. Hampstead residents gather to enjoy lazy summer Sunday afternoons at Hampstead Lake. Bring your fishing poles and spend time with other residents fishing lakeside for trout and brim. First Sundays at One -- Also October 7 1-2 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Learn more about the traveling exhibitions as well as the

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MontgomeryParents.com!

2nd Annual Labor Day Classic ASU/ Tuskegee University Football Game 5 p.m. The Alabama State University Stadium Tickets may be purchased through ASU at http://www.alasu.edu/alumni/labor-day-classic/index.aspx. For more info, call (334) 229-4483.

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Also September 19 4 p.m. The Muses is a teen council that enjoys creative experiences and collaborates to help shape the Museum’s teen program offerings and more. Participation allows students to meet professional artists and peers, learn about working in an arts and cultural organization, and gain real-world experience in event-planning, outreach, and project management. To learn how to represent your school and become part of the Muses, contact Elisabeth at epalmer@mmfa.org or call (334) 625-4362. Artful Yoga at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts -- Also September 19 Noon-1 p.m. Does your yoga practice need a little artistic inspiration? Join us for this new program to stretch, reflect and relax. Each Artful Yoga session will draw inspiration from collections and exhibitions of the Museum. Led by instructor Nancy Beale. The class is free and suitable for all levels; beginners are welcome. Bring your yoga mats and wear comfortable clothing. For more info, visit https://mmfa.org/ discover/artful-yoga/ or call (334) 240-4333.

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Thursday, September 6

Capri Theatre Presents The Big Lebowski 7:30 p.m. The cult favorite starring Jeff Bridges as The Dude. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858. Exclusive Preview Screening of Discovering Alabama 6 p.m. The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. In celebration of Alabama’s Bicentennial, Discovering Alabama, the original, Emmywinning documentary public television series, presents a special episode exploring the home of Alabama history, the Department of Archives and History. Hosted by Dr. Doug Phillips, the episode showcases the Archives’ 117-year history of preserving the records and artifacts that tell the story of Alabama. It features staff discussing their work and a behind-the-scenes look at how the Archives makes historical materials available to all Alabamians. Admission to the screening is free. A reception will follow. Call (334) 353-4689 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov.

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Calendar Earth’s Heart: Connecting Cultures -Also September 13, 20 & 27 2:30 p.m. ArtWorks at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Explore the arts of different cultures. ArtWorks Educator Kelly Bazan will introduce young learners to the basic greetings, visual arts, music, clothing, and traditions of the country in focus (this month is Israel). Connections will also be made to works in the Museum’s galleries. Classes are limited to 25 students. First come, first serve. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa.org/.

Friday, September 7

First Friday Cruise-Ins -- Also October 5 5:30-7 p.m. LowerDexter 36 Dexter Ave, Montgomery. Local dealerships will have cars to showcase and a different car club will be featured each month! Check out www.lowerdexter.org for more information and a chance to have YOUR car featured on the lower block. Join us for some family-friendly fun on Lower Dexter! Call (334) 273-0313 for more info. Friday on the Green -- Also Sept. 14 6:30-8:30 p.m. Town Green at Russell Crossroads on Lake Martin. Grab the kids, the pup on a leash, your cooler, etc,. and join us for outdoor live music. Charity Bowden performs Sept. 7; Pierce Edens Duo Sept. 14. For more info, visit www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com/ or call (256) 397-1019. Birmingham-Jefferson Covention Complex Presents Paw Patrol Live: Race to the Rescue Through September 9 All paws on deck! Nickelodeon and VStar Entertainment Group present an all-new action-packed, music-filled production based on the top-rated animated preschool series. Tickets begin at $21. For tickets or more info, visit www.bjcc.org/ or call (205) 458-8400.

Saturday, September 8

Black Jacket Symphony Presents AC/DC Back In Black at MPAC 8 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. The Black Jacket Symphony offers a unique concert experience by recreating classic albums in a live performance setting with a first-class lighting and video production. A selected album is performed in its entirety by a group of hand-picked musicians specifically selected for each album. Following the album and a brief intermission, the Black Jacket Symphony returns to the stage to perform a collection of greatest hits by the evening’s artist. Tickets begin at $25. For more info, visit www. mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100. 10th Annual Family Guidance Center of Alabama Walk/Run 7-11 a.m. Shoppes at EastChase. Your choice of a 5K or 10K track with electronic timing. Race day registration will begin at 6 a.m. Opening ceremony and warm-ups begin at 7 a.m. by the fountain. The event will begin at 7:30 a.m. Afterward, cool down at our post-run street party complete with door prizes and discount shopping passes. Proceeds will benefit the Family Guidance Center of Alabama. Call (334) 270-4100 for more info or visit familyguidancecenter.org/events/familyguidance-center-of-alabama-walk-run-2018. Red Tails Over Montgomery Air Show Gates open starting at 9 a.m. with aerial demonstrations featuring the ACC F-22 Raptor Demo

Team beginning around 11:30 a.m. at the 187th Fighter Wing, Alabama Air National Guard, 5187 Selma Hwy, Montgomery. Bring the kids for this free, family-friendly event that’s fun for all ages. Parking is at several off-site locations, with bus transportation to the base. Visit www.RedTailAirshow.com, or www.187fw.ang.af.mil/AirShow. Free and open to the public! Call (334) 394-7157 for more info. Montgomery Zoo Dino Dig 10 a.m.-noon. Junior explorers get to experience an archaeological dig, discover bones from the past and have a great time while learning about creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago. Dino Dig is geared for boys and girls aged 4-10 years old. It is a combination educational program packed with a classroom lesson plan, real dig time, live animal presentations, and everyone leaves with a take-home, keepsake goody bag. $25 per child (ages 4-12 years old), $18 for Montgomery Zoo members. Accompanying adults (13 years old and older): $15,

Montgomery Zoo members: FREE. Last day to make reservations is September 7 at 9 a.m. Call (334) 6254900 or visit montgomeryzoo.com. Animal Track Casting at Alabama Nature Center 11:30 a.m. Here we will learn about the types of tracks different animals make such as raccoons, foxes, deer, and turkey! Bring the kids and even make your own cast of an animal track to take home. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (800) 822-9453. Whole Foods Second Saturday Kids Club 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Whole Foods, 1450 Taylor Rd., Montgomery. Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Each second Saturday, Whole Foods will host fun, hands-on craft activities to teach kids about healthy eating. It’s totally free, and every participant gets a piece of fruit and whatever they make in the workshop! For more info, call (334) 523-2940 or visit www. wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/montgomery.

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FamilyCalendar 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. AMC Theaters Offers SensoryFriendly Movietimes -- Also September 22 For guests and families living with autism or other special needs, AMC partners with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! 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.

Sunday, September 9

Pike Road Arts Council Series: Art Talk & Afternoon Tea 2-4 p.m. Pike Road Town Hall. Each of these relaxing, Sunday afternoon gatherings will feature a different Pike Road-area artist, classic tea-style refreshments, and time to connect with friends and neighbors. September’s artist will be Elana Hagler. Deadline to purchase tickets is September 5.

Monday, September 10

5K & Pie Run 6-9 p.m. Bibb St. Pizza, 424 Bibb St. Suite 100, Montgomery. Join Montgomery Multisport in downtown Montgomery. Afterward, enjoy pizza & drink specials from Bibb St. Pizza and Common Bond Brewers. This is a family-friendly event. All paces welcome. Call (334) 593-7080 for more info.

Tuesday, September 11

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Presents Annual Senior Citizen Fishing Rodeo 6 a.m.-noon. Montgomery County Ponds (across Hwy 231 from SweetCreek Farm Market). Sheriff Derrick Cunningham and the staff of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office will host this free event providing a great social outing for our seniors who give so much of themselves to help others. For more info, call Lisa Crenshaw at (334) 832-1339.

Wednesday, September 12

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

Montgomery Parents I September 2018

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 13

Capri Theatre Presents A Streetcar Named Desire 7:30 p.m. The classic tale written by Tennessee Williams and starring Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858. Montgomery Zoobilation 6-10 p.m. Dance to the groove, delight in drinks and food samplings from the finest eateries in the River Region, try your luck at the vast collection of auction items and rub elbows with the area’s finest animal lovers. Zoobilation is a fundraiser geared for adults only. All guests must be 21 years old or older to attend. Tickets are $50 per person. Buy tickets at montgomeryzoo.com or at the Zoo Admission Office. For more info, call (334) 240-4900. Harper Lee—In Her Own Words: An Evening with Wayne Flynt and Nancy Anderson 7:30 p.m. Cloverdale Playhouse, 960 Cloverdale Rd., Montgomery. Flynt is professor emeritus in the Department of History at Auburn University, author of 13 books and one of the most honored scholars of Southern history, politics and religion. Nancy Anderson taught English for 42 years at Auburn University at Montgomery, where she continues to serve as the campus liaison for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. She also taught many summer institutes on To Kill a Mockingbird and authored the Encyclopedia of Alabama article on Harper Lee. The evening is free admission and will be followed by a book signing. Please RSVP if you plan to attend. For more info, call (334) 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org/. Millbrook Community Theatre Presents Bad Seed Through September 23 7:30 performances except for 2 p.m. matinees September 16 & 23. Written by Maxwell Anderson, from William March’s novel; directed by Joe Nolin Jr. Recommended for ages 13 and up. Call (334) 7827317 or visit www.millbrooktheater.com/.

Friday, September 14

Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets Also September 28 Elmore County Homeschool Organization is a nonprofit 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.

Saturday, September 15

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/.

French & Indian War and War of 1812 Re-enactment Fort Toulouse/Fort Jackson Park, Wetumpka. Admission is $2/adult & $1/child. For more info, call (334) 567-3002. Tread Red Walk & Fun Run 7-10 a.m. Union Station, 300 Water Street, Montgomery. This event is presented by the Medical AIDS Outreach of Alabama (MAO) which provides community prevention education, quality services and compassionate care to those affected by HIV/ AIDS and Hepatitis C. Registration & packet pickup begins at 7 a.m.; Opening Ceremony at 8:15; Walk/Run begins at 8:30. For more info, call (334) 280-3349 or visit maoi.org/support-mao-save-a-lifetoday/tread-red-walk-fun-run/. Big Backyard Campout -- Also September 16 Come spend the night with us at the Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook for our 4th annual backyard campout! Enjoy a night with your family under the stars with activities that include making s’mores, a movie, and a glow stick night hike! The kids will even get to make their own glow stick lantern to take home! Guests will need to bring their own camping supplies, and all camping will be tent only. Campfires only 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 set up will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday; campsites must be cleaned up and vacated by 9 am. Sunday. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife. org/ or call (800) 822-9453. Montgomery Alabama Militaria Show Also September 16 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. Multiplex at the Cramton Bowl, 220 Hall St, Montgomery. Alabama’s Largest Militaria show will have world militaria throughout the ages to buy/ trade and sell. General admission is $10; Vets/LEO/ firefighters $9; children under 12 free. If you bring an item to trade or sell, you will get a $1 off general admission as well. Call Matt (405-503-3665) for more info or visit heartlandmilitariashow.com/. Prattville Artist Market -- Also October 20 and November 17 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Local artists gather to sell their work at the Prattville Creative Arts Center and Gallery on third Saturdays through November. Enjoy music and hands-on art projects while you shop for one-of-akind pieces for your collection or for those on your gift list! For more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit facebook.com/prattaugaartguild.

Monday, September 17

“Hope & Healing” Suicide Symposium 6-7 p.m. The Grove at Stone Park, 160 Stone Park Blvd., Pike Road. Free event sponsored by the Pike Road Ladies Auxiliary. Speakers include Alice Farricker, Sandie Cox and others. We will take a multidisciplinary approach to covering the most important aspects of suicidal behavior and its prevention and a dynamic platform for interactions and discussions. It is our goal to reach out, support and inform people help is available. The Suicide Symposium will also promote public awareness of mental health concerns, the prevalence of suicide and substance abuse in our communities—as well as inform about Hope, Empowerment and Recovery. For more info, call (334) 300-4791 or e-mail debbiegreen1107@gmail.com.

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Calendar Taste of Eclectic 2018 at Elmore County High 7-8 p.m. Elmore County High School, 155 N College Ave., Eclectic. Tickets are available now! Leave a message on www.facebook.com/ events/2255084854720835/ and one of us will make sure you get a ticket. Only 350 tickets are available. Once they are gone, no more will be sold, so you better get them quick! $10 adults; $5 children (124). Free for age 3 and below. NO TAKE OUTS. FOOD MUST BE EATEN IN THE CAFETERIA. Cloverdale Playhouse School Fall Term Through November 8 The Playhouse School offers affordable, professionally taught classes for acting students in grades K-12. Join us to explore the fun, challenging, delightful world of theater! Classes meet once a week for 8 weeks, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Mondays-Grades K-3; TuesdaysGrades 4-7; and Thursdays-Grades 8-12. To register a student or learn more, call (334) 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org.

Tuesday, September 18

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.

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See Me: Exploring Self-Portraits at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 1 p.m. This exciting new program designed for students with special needs includes an exploration of portraits in the galleries followed by a visit to ArtWorks, where we will see ourselves in the mirrors of a giant kaleidoscope and the Tannenbaum digital screen. Afterward, participants will create mixed-media self-portraits. This program is free and designed for ages 6 and older. To register, please contact Brandy Morrison at edsecy@mmfa.org.

Thursday, September 20

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 “Nott, Our Doctor: How Medicine, Race, Religion and Evolution Collide,” presented by Erik Peterson. Call (334) 3534726 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov. Wetumpka Depot Presents Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean Through October 6 7:30 p.m. performances except one 2 p.m. matinee Sept. 30. Written by Ed Graczyk and directed by Tom Salter. In a small-town dime store in West Texas, the “Disciples of James Dean” gather for their twentieth reunion. Now middle-aged women, they were teenagers when Dean filmed Giant two decades ago in nearby Marfa. One of them, an extra in the film, has a child whom she says was conceived with Dean during the shoot. The ladies’ congenial reminiscences mingle with flashbacks to their youth; then the arrival of a stunning-but-familiar stranger sets off a series of confrontations that smash their delusions and expose bitter disappointments. For tickets, call (334) 8681440 or visit wetumpkadepot.com. Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre Presents Blithe Spirit -- Through October 7 Written by Noël Coward and directed by Matthew Givens, by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. This hilarious play will keep you laughing as Charles is haunted by the ghost of Elvira, his first wife, who tries to undermine his life with his new wife. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door

(if available) and can be purchased by calling (334) 595-0854 or online at cc.prattvilleal.gov.

Friday, September 21

Ballet and the Beasts at the Montgomery Zoo 6-10 p.m. Enjoy the Montgomery Ballet in a FREE performance under the stars. Fun for all ages, boys and girls. Admission is FREE, picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and coolers are welcome. Side show performers will be performing prior to the main show. Also, there will be a live animal presentation held during intermission. Gates open at 6 p.m. Pre-event performance at 6:45 with youth ballet performers from Prattville, Wetumpka, Opelika and Auburn. Montgomery Ballet performance begins at dusk. For more info, call (334) 625-4900 or visit montgomeryzoo.com.

Prattville Fall Art Show -- Also September 22 The Prattauga Art Guild will accept submissions for its annual Fall Art Show on September 21, from 3-6 p.m., and September 22, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. An opening reception will be held on October 7, from 2-4 pm. The show is open to member and nonmember artists ages 18 and above and no longer in high school. For more info, call (334) 595-0854.

Saturday, September 22

NAMIWalks Alabama Fundraiser Wynton Blount Cultural Park in Montgomery. Registration for the 5K Walk will begin at 8 a.m. and the Walk will begin at 9. A short program will be held from 8:30-9 with several guest speakers, door prizes, and awards. The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Alabama (NAMI Alabama) will conduct the fundraiser, with University of Alabama Head Football Coach Nick Saban serving as the state honorary chairperson. The purpose of the 5K fundraiser is to support the education (including Crisis Intervention Team trainings (CIT), advocacy, and support programs of

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FamilyCalendar NAMI Alabama. There is no registration fee for the Walk. To serve as a sponsor or join a team, visit www. namiwalks.org or www.namialabama.org. Bowling for Babies Meet & Greet Bowl-A-Thon 1-5 p.m. Bama Lanes Bowling Alley, 3020 Atlanta Hwy, Montgomery. Fundraiser to raise awareness for premature births and money for the March of Dimes and Birmingham Children’s Hospital of Alabama. We will have former houseguests from CBS reality TV show Big Brother. Cost is $30 per person and includes shoes, all you bowl, and charitable donation to listed charities.Tickets need to be prepurchased through PayPal. Call (334) 272-5423 for more information. Maxwell Club Hosts Parent-Child Dance 5-9 p.m. 42 FSS Maxwell Club, Montgomery. Military families can enjoy some good food, fun crafts, and a memorable night of dancing. Cost is only $20 per parent-child pair plus $10 for each additional child. Must be at least 5 years old to attend. Be sure to register by September 21! For more info, call (334)953-7820. Aquatic Invertebrate Round Up at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook 11:30 a.m. During this program we will get hands on and possibly dirty as we take a look at the insects and other organisms (without backbones) that inhabit our waterways! Grab a net (provided) and come on a journey through the waterbodies at Lanark as we search for things you normally don’t see under water! General admission applies: $5/ person with a $20 maximum per family. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (800) 822-9453. Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Visit Old Alabama Town for free. One ticket is permitted per e-mail address. Visitors who present a Museum Day ticket will gain free entrance for two on September 22, 2018 only. Visit www.landmarksfoundation.com/events/upcoming-events/ for instructions. Cloverdale Playhouse Cabaret 7:30 p.m. Join us for an evening of songs from Broadway and beyond! Director Randy Foster leads a cast of talented local performers singing for arts education in the Elizabeth Crump Theatre. Tickets are $15 and all proceeds will go to the rebuilding fund for Booker T. Washington Magnet High School. For more info, call (334) 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse. org/special. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Sometimes…Patsy Cline -- Also September 23 Originally premiering in New York with rave reviews, Jacqueline Petroccia’s show-stopping performance with full band features powerhouse tunes made famous by Patsy Cline, Bette Midler, Rosemary Clooney, The Carpenters and more, along with stories of Jacquie’s adventures as an actor and Patsy Cline tribute artist. After each performance, there will be a meet-andgreet in the Grand Lobby. For tickets or more info, visit asf.net or call (334) 271-5353.

Monday, September 24

Fall Auditions at Millbrook Community Theatre Also September 25 7 p.m. both nights. Interested in being a part of It’s a Wonderful Life or our 2019 Season? Be sure to

Montgomery Parents I September 2018

attend fall auditions. For more info, call (334) 7827317 or visit www.millbrooktheater.com/.

Tuesday, September 25

Prattville High School Wrestling, Prattville Takedown Club Host Inaugural Prattville Homecoming Food Truck Festival 5-10 p.m. Pratt Park, 460 Doster Rd., Prattville. Celebrate the Prattville High Homecoming Parade and enjoy our unique small-town charm. Support the Prattville wrestlers by sampling fantastic food from a variety of vendors and stay for live music from Shackelford Lane! Admission $2! For more info, contact Prattville High School.

Thursday, September 27

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. The topic will be “Getting To Know You.” It’s all about YOU (and fellow Newcomers)! Our marvelous membership chairs, Cathy Donald and Camille Ross, will present a program to help us become better acquainted and learn some interesting things about each other. Cost is $18 and reservations must be made by noon Monday, September 24, to Suzanne Lowry at (334) 396-5368 or zanzuzan@charter.net. Visit www. newcomersmontgomery.com for more info. ARTtalk at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 6-8 p.m. Join this bi-monthly program for Museum members during which artists share one artwork apiece and receive feedback from their peers. Get an up-close look at artists, their work, and the creative process in this unique program designed for artists in the area as well as those interested in art. Small fee for the remainder of sessions. Participants are invited to bring one work of art to each ARTtalk session for discussion. Enjoy light refreshments and networking with other professionals in this unique program whether or not you choose to bring artwork. To register, please contact Brandy Morrison at edsecy@ mmfa.org or call (334) 625-4365.

Friday, September 28

Moonlight Movies on The Green 7-9 p.m. Shoppes at EastChase, adjacent to Pies and Pints. This free family-friendly event features an outdoor showing of Mary Poppins, beginning at sunset. Enjoy food and drinks from a variety of different local vendors. Bring your chairs, blankets, and even pups out. 9th Annual Oktoberfest at The Tipping Point 6-11 p.m. The Tipping Point, Hampstead High St., Montgomery. With more craft breweries than you could shake a stick at, traditional German fare, and live music, you’re guaranteed to have a good time! Prost! Tickets for sale at the door; proceeds go to the Montessori School at Hampstead. 2018 Montgomery Zombie Walk and Prom 7-10 p.m. Irish Bred Restaurant & Pub, 78 Dexter Ave., Montgomery. Benefits the Montgomery Area Food Bank. Zombies will follow the Haunted Hearse to the Zombie Prom block party on Tallapoosa St. Live music, food & beverage vendors, costume contests and more! Costume contest with prizes for king & queen, prince & princess and group award so wear

your best Zombie costume. Admission is a nonperishable or monetary donation to Montgomery Area Food Bank. For more info, call (334) 625-2100 or find us on Facebook. Alabama National Fair -- Through October 8 Garrett Coliseum & Fairgrounds, 1555 Federal Dr., Montgomery. Enjoy more than 60 thrilling rides, food, information and commercial booths, livestock competitions and more. Check out our daily schedule, including information on entertainment, discounts and vendors. For more info, call (334) 272-6831 or visit https://alnationalfair.org/.

Saturday, September 29

Titus Bluegrass Festival 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Titus Community Center, located approximately 10 miles north of Wetumpka on U.S. Highway 231, then north on County Road 29. On stage this year will be Cottonmouth Creek, Over the Mountain and Crains Nest. Admission is $10 for adults and children under 12 get in free. Champ’s BBQ will serve scrumptious food for the festival, and booths will be filled with crafts, cook books, and peanuts. Bring your favorite lawn chair and your friends. For more info, visit https://www.facebook. com/TCCBluegrassFestival/. Fifth Annual WYLD in the WOODS 5K Trail Run 8 a.m. Grandview Family YMCA-Millbrook. Free childcare is provided for participating runners! This challenging 5K will have uneven terrain (with rocks, roots and sand) and will feature beautiful fields and lakes through Grandview’s wooded area. This run is for all fitness levels. Proceeds benefit the Grandview YMCA Annual Support Campaign. $25 if you register before Sept. 12; $30 if you register after Sep. 1. For more info, contact Bill at (334) 290-9622 or bmyers@ymcamontgomery.org. Mustache Run 5K 8-11 a.m. Common Bond Brewers, 424 Bibb Street, Suite #150, Montgomery. Jackson Hospital and Common Bond Brewers are raising awareness of the importance of men’s health with this fun, mustache-themed 5K run! Join us on the streets of downtown Montgomery for this family-friendly fun and of course...mustaches! Registration is $25. For more info, e-mail cwyatt@ate-timing.com or visit montgomerymustacherun.com. Tickled Pink Women’s Expo 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Multiplex at Cramton Bowl, 220 Hall Street, Montgomery. Join Alabama News Network as we kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month. All ticket sales benefit the Joy to Life Foundation and will go on sale September 1. $10 on the day of the event/$8 in advance/$8 military discount with ID/$5 for groups of 10 or more in advance/children age 10 or under get in free. More beauty, more fitness, more food and even more fun! To be a vendor, call (334) 271-8888 or visit the Facebook page for more information. GO Fishing at the Alabama Nature Center 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook. Get Outdoors and fish (catch and release) 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. $5/person with a $20 maximum per family. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (800) 822-9453.

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Calendar Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Every Brilliant Thing -- Through October 20 Written by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe; directed by Rick Dildine. Imagine a list of everything that’s brilliant about the world—all of the reasons a 7-year-old would want to live: ice cream, the color yellow, laughing so hard you shoot milk out of your nose. A refreshingly intimate and collaborative performance that celebrates the lengths we will go to for those we love. The audience will be seated on the Festival Stage for this exclusive performance. Recommended ages 13+. For tickets or more info, visit asf.net or call (334) 271-5353.

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CURE

Sunday, September 30

Jamey Johnson’s 7th Annual Homecoming Benefit Concert Gates open at 4 p.m., show starts at 5 p.m. Cottonwood Golf Club, 7160 Byron Nelson Blvd., Montgomery. The all-day fundraising event is hosted by Grammy-nominated country music artist Jamey Johnson in his hometown of Montgomery. In a day filled with golf and music to raise awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer patients, proceeds benefit both the Nikki Mitchell Foundation and the U.S. Marine Toys for Tots. There is a sponsored private golf tournament in the morning, followed by an outdoor concert open to the public. Tickets are $20 at the door or $10 with a new, unused toy of at least a $10 value for the Toys for Tots Foundation. Tickets also available online. Bring lawn chairs and your ID. There will be food, drinks and alcohol for sale. For more info, visit www.facebook.com/ JameyJohnsonGolf/. Family Art Affair and Jazz Jams at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Noon-3 p.m. Get creative when you and your family visit the art studios to complete a make-and-take art project. This free docent-led program has specific themes related to Museum exhibitions and is sure to be fun and engaging for the whole family. Help us celebrate the opening of our beautiful sculpture garden and education courtyard during this special garden-themed Family Art Affair. For more info, visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333.

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THE ALABAMA CENTER FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER AND BLOOD DISORDERS is committed to finding a cure for Ben and the more than 1,500 children each year who come to us for care. At our Center, more than 300 dedicated pediatric healthcare professionals provide exceptional patient care, education and research. We are a founding member of the Children’s Oncology Group * — a worldwide clinical trials organization supported by the National Cancer Institute. PROGRESS IN THE FIGHT FOR A CURE l 84% of children diagnosed with cancer in 2018 will be cured. l State-of-the-art screenings have reduced the rate of stroke in sickle cell patients by 90%. (Sickle cell disease is the leading cause of stroke in children). l Expanded programs help children re-enter school and normal life. l We are limiting the late effects of treatments and developing innovative therapies — making real progress in the fight against childhood cancer and blood disorders. We are COMMITTED to a CURE for all children — down the street and around the world.

Garden Public Opening at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Noon-3 p.m. Help us celebrate the opening of our beautiful Sculpture Garden and education courtyard. Come to the Museum on this special day, stroll through the Garden while enjoying music from a special alfresco Jazz Jams, then stop by the outdoor studio for a bubble painting and a garden-themed Family Art Affair with a make-and-take art project. E.A.T. South will be on hand with sustainable agriculture activities. Food vendors provide a variety of treats for visitors and families. Plus, enjoy yard games, a garden hat contest, and face painting, too! For more info, visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333.

Center, 201 Tallapoosa St. Blair will bring his broad local appeal and international experience on current issues to the River Region for what will be an exciting night. Blair served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007, becoming the only Labour leader in the party’s 100-year history to win three consecutive elections. General admission is $150. Call (800) 879-9816 for more info or visit www.faulkner.edu/.

Wednesday, October 3

Friday, October 5

Capri Theatre Presents Mean Girls 7:30 p.m. Directed by Mark Waters, this film stars Lindsey Lohan and Tina Fey. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858.

Thursday, October 4

2018 Faulkner University Benefit Dinner Featuring The Rt. Hon. Tony Blair 5:30-9 p.m. Renaissance Hotel and Convention

*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.

Harry Potter Night at the Zoo 7-10 p.m. Calling all witches, wizards and muggles. Grab your wand, robes and broomsticks as you enter the world of Harry Potter at the Montgomery Zoo. Enjoy a peaceful ride on the Hogwarts Express. Attend Care of Magical Creatures, and learn about all the animals found in the muggle and magical world. Talk a walk down to the Quidditch field and try your hand at being a chaser or keeper. There is even a costume contest. $50 per person; $45 for Montgomery Zoo

members. Register online now. All reservations must be received by October 1 at noon. For more info, call (334) 625-4900 or visit montgomeryzoo.com.

Saturday, October 6

5th Annual Miracle Maker Benefit Pageant St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Fellowship Hall in Prattville. This pageant benefits Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and is open to females, age 12 month to 19 years, with six age categories. Attire for the pageant: formal wear. Baby and Tiny Miss contestants wear short pageant gowns. Petite Miss wear a long or short pageant dress of choice. For Little Miss and up, attire is a long pageant gown. Applications may be downloaded at www.SterlingMiss.org. For more info, you may also call 313-5444. Tour of Lanark Hike at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook Hike some of Lanark’s 5 miles of trails with an experienced ANC naturalist by your side. S aturday

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SupportGroups programs are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Guests encouraged to arrive by 10 a.m. to enjoy the first of the day’s activities. Take a look around the hands-on Discovery Hall, enjoy the movie specials in the theater, and explore the trails. General admission applies: $5/ person with a $20 maximum per family. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (800) 822-9453.

Sunday, October 7

Food Truck Takeover at Hampstead Also November 4 Noon-3 p.m. Hampstead Town Center. A variety of local trucks may include Wharf Casual Seafood Montgomery, Smokin’ Wells BBQ, Taqueria El Campesino, Fire Meats Wood LLC, Frios Gourmet Pops - River Region, That’s My Dog Montgomery, Alabama Sweet Tea Co., Cheesecake Empori-Yum, and Dynamite Dogs. Enjoy craft beer, wine and cocktails at our Town Center businesses including The Tipping Point (open for drinks and snacks - food truck food may be brought in) and TASTE serving Sunday Brunch. Live music. Great for all ages. Parking located on Long Acre, Mercer Street and in two large Hampstead Parking Lots. No rain date.

Wednesday, October 10

Junior League of Montgomery’s 30th Annual Holiday Market -- Through October 13 Multiplex at Cramton Bowl, 220 Hall St., Montgomery. Online advanced ticket aales available after September 5. Advanced general admission tickets are $5. Tickets will also be on sale at the door! General admission ticket $10; Prancer’s Preview Party ticket $40; 3-Day Multi-Day Passes $15. Military with ID and Senior Tickets (65+) $5 general admission ticket. For more info, call (334) 288-8816 or visit www.jlmontgomery.org/.

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

Montgomery Parents I September 2018

infant behavior, appearance and sleep patterns. Class fee: $20. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Childbirth Basics Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose to have pain relief during labor and delivery. Sessions are taught throughout the year at Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $25. Call 293-8497 by your 4th month of pregnancy to register. Childbirth Preparation (Four Sessions on Monday Nights) This four-session class is taught by Registered Labor and Delivery Nurses on the campus of Baptist South. This class for new mothers covers topics ranging from how your body changes during pregnancy to signs of labor to the benefits of breastfeeding and what to expect during your birth experience. This class is complimentary. To register, call (334) 2863466. 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. The one-hour weekly courses are provided free-of-charge as a service to the community. For more info or to register, contact April Ma at 2443018 or ama@aum.edu. Cloverdale Playhouse Rep Class Series First Mondays every month from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Cloverdale Playhouse Rehearsal Hall. This is a safe space to work on your craft, develop your audition skills, share your newest piece, or just get feedback on your latest artistic endeavor. Guest panels and rotating faculty ensure constant growth and a variety of insight. Even if you don’t perform every time - you can learn a lot by observing! There will be a sign-up sheet if you would like to work. Call (334) 262-1530 with questions. CPR & First Aid The American Red Cross offers classes in adult and infant/child CPR as well as first aid and babysitting classes monthly. Call 260-3980.

Diabetes Education --Prattville Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available Wednesdays by appointment at Prattville Medical Park. Call 747-7700 Option # for more information. Diabetes Education --Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available weekdays by appointment. Call 747-7700 Option # for more info.

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Family Nutrition Classes Fun, hands-on 3 or 6-week in-person or online course developed by well-known pediatrician Dr William Sears. Classes focused towards parents of children age 3-12. The goal is to learn simple ways to improve the health of your child through lifestyle, exercise, attitude, and nutrition. Fee includes materials, activities and a snack. A 2-hour preview class is available. For more info, contact alissabethtaylor@ gmail.com or visit www.Facebook.com/LeaninCentralAL.

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Foster Parent Training Classes Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries sponsors foster care training classes in the Tri-County Area. For more information on foster care or to register for the classes, please contact Bobbi Olson, Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, at 334-430-7569 or e-mail bolson@ alabamachild.org.

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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.

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Fee: $10 per person. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Maternity Area Tour Only Baptist Medical Center East maternity area tour for expectant mothers and families not attending Childbirth Preparation Class or Boot Camp. This tour is complimentary and is offered on select Saturdays of each month. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst. org for more info.

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Support 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 well-known pediatrician Dr. William Sears. Classes focus on lifestyle choices, attitude, and exercise at any stage of pregnancy; optimal nutrition before, during and after pregnancy; transition from pregnancy to motherhood. Courses can be taken separately or as a series. Jump in any time! Materials and snack provided with fee. For more info, contact alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or visit www.Facebook. com/LeaninCentralAL. Prepared Childbirth Class (Understanding Birth) Jackson Hospital. Preregistration required. Topics include: pregnancy, labor, birth, options for pain management, medical procedures, cesarean birth. Note: This class is a basic overview of the labor and delivery process and does not prepare someone for “natural” or unmedicated childbirth. Cost: $25 (covers mother and support person). Class size is limited. Please try to register by the 5th month of pregnancy for the best selection of available class dates. Call (334) 293-8497 or e-mail: liz.owen@jackson.org. Preparing For A Natural Birth (One Time Class) Baptist Medical Center East. Please bring two bed pillows and a floor mat to class for breathing and relaxation exercise. This class equips expectant parents with natural childbirth options providing them with tools, techniques and coping skills for their labor and delivery experience. Participants will practice breathing and relaxation exercises along with other comfort measures. This class is most beneficial when your support person attends. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Class fee: $20 (couple or single) payable at class by cash or check. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org or call 273-4445. 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. 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 19 from 10:30-11 a.m., and 11-11:30 a.m. Call 240-4365 or visit www.mmfa.org for more info. Wetumpka Line Dance Classes held at A Chance to Dance, 68 Queen Ann Road, Wetumpka. Country and Non-Country Music for All Ages! CURRENT CLASS SCHEDULE: Mon. Beginner 7:15 p.m.; Wed. Beginner 10 a.m.; Wed. Senior 2 p.m.; Wed. Intermediate 7 p.m.; Fri. High Beginner/ Intermediate 7 p.m. *Open Dance to follow class. For more info, call (334) 452-0293 or find us on Facebook.

Support Groups Adoption Support

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., at Vaughn Forest Church. For more info, contact Jill Sexton at 409-9477 or jsexton@ childrensaid.org. Birth Parent and Adult Adoptee Support Group Children’s Aid Society hosts a free support group for adult adoptees and birth parents. This group provides emotional support for people at all stages of the 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.

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.

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.

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SupportGroups 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 Me-

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

Gambling Support

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

Grief Support

Bereaved Spouses Support Group A new ministry of Cornerstone Christian Church, USA (Unavoidably Single Again) Ministries is designed to offer ongoing support, social events and fellowship to those who have lost their spouses to death. The group is open to ALL widowed individuals, regardless of age, religious beliefs, or length of marriage or widowhood. Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays at the church’s building, 301 Dalraida Road. Please e-mail farauthor@aol.com. 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 info, call 279-6677.

morial UMC, 2nd Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Room 8114. Provides education, awareness and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family or friends. For more info, call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net.

Divorce Support

DivorceCare meets Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. at Frazer Memorial UMC. Come to the Library area. This group will provide support & guidance to assist you in working through the issues, pain & pressures surrounding divorce. For more info, call 495-6350 or e-mail jan@ frazerumc.org. DivorceCare meets at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. It fosters a weekly supportive and caring environment to heal the hurt of separation and divorce. The DivorceCare experience involves a dynamic video presentation, group share time, and personal workbook exercises. Facilitators for DivorceCare are Todd Smith, Wendy Timbie and Becki Harrison. To register or for more info, call 279-5433. DivorceCare and DivorceCare 4 Kids First Baptist Church Montgomery, Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $15 (scholarships available). Contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@montgomeryfbc.org or 241-5125.

Montgomery Parents I September 2018

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 nondenominational 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. Call 279-5433.

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.

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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.

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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 495-6350. Alzheimer’s and Memory Loss Support Group Meets at 6 p.m. third Wednesdays starting in October at Trinity Episcopal Church in Wetumpka. Group is for those living with or caring for someone with memory loss. This will be a monthly event that will provide information, a time to share and listen to others experiencing what you are, a time to be supported in your struggles and to share your victories. All are invited. Sometimes caregivers just need to talk with those that understand their struggles. For more info, call (334) 235-4151 or visit The Gathering Place Community Respite on Facebook. 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 2796677. Topics include: Lifestyle Changes, A Heart Healthy Diet, Proper Fluid Intake, Importance of Daily Weights and Exercise Tolerance.

GriefShare will meet in the parlor of FUMC Prattville at 6pm for a 13-week session. Led by Michael Beatty. For more info, call the church office at 365-5977 to sign up.

Christians Against Substance Abuse (CASA) is a 12-step 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.

Grieving With Hope, St. Mark UMC, meeting weekly on Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m. The group offers a place to share, care and heal from the losses of life. Facilitated by Dr. Lennie Howard and Marie Parma. Contact the church at 272-0009.

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.

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SupportGroups NAMI Montgomery (National Alliance on Mental Illness) 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. NAMI Connection (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a support group for individuals with mental illness. It meets every Thursday from 6-7:30 p.m. in room 3103 at Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Call Mary Jo Logan at 271-2280 for more info. 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 moe info. Ostomy Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Highway. Meets every other month on 2nd Sundays at 1:30 p.m. in Room 3101. 2018 meetings are in June, August, October and December. Call 495-6350 for more info. Overeaters Anonymous, Unity of Montgomery, 1922 Walnut St., Saturdays from 3-4 p.m. Contact Misty at 324-9568 or Carol at 467-5742. Parkinson’s Support, Frazer UMC Activity Bldg. Room 8114, on 4th Thursdays at 6 p.m. Group is for Parkinson’s patients and their family members. For more info, call 495-6350.

Parent Support

D.A.D.S. (Dad and Daughter Saturdays) Second Saturdays at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Library in downtown Montgomery at 11 a.m. D.A.D.S. gives fathers and daughters an opportunity to read together to create fun, educational memories. This free event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Montgomery CityCounty Public Library and Dreamland Barbeque. For more info, call Ron Simmons at (334) 777-8596. La Leche League of Montgomery Area has served local mothers since 1984. Women who are pregnant, interested in breastfeeding and nursing mothers are invited to attend our free mother-to-mother support meetings or e-mail with breastfeeding questions. Join us with your babies. Children of all ages are welcome. We currently have morning and evening meetings. For more info, e-mail LLL.Montgomery.AL@gmail.com or visit http:// www.llli.org/groups/@llli*group*montgomery or “like” us on Facebook. Mom2Mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of children ages birth-5 years at Frazer United 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 in Prayer International is a Christ-centered interdenominational prayer ministry made up of moms, grandmothers, aunts or any woman who wants to gather to pray for their children and schools. Meets every Sunday afternoon from 3-4 p.m. at St. James UMC, 9045 Vauhgn Road. Call Annette Jones at (850) 529-4730 or e-mail Montgomerymipac@gmail.com for more info on joining us or training to start your own group. 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, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Moms, need a little break? We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Visit www.montgomeryfbc.org/MOPS or contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165. 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. 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. 2018 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. D.A.T.S. M.O.M. (Disability as an Ability Toward Success: Moms on the Move), a free online parent empowerment network for parents of children on the autism spectrum (or with related special needs challenges) that focuses on inspiring, equipping and motivating parents to move their child’s disability to an ability. Follow DATS MOM on Facebook, Twitter and Periscope for live sessions and discussion. E-mail datsmom@yahoo.com for more information. 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. Traumatic Brain Injury Support, cafeteria at HealthSouth on Narrow Lane in Montgomery. 2nd Thursdays at 6 p.m. Sponsored by Alabama Head Injury Foundation for anyone with a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or related disability. For more info, contact Holli at (334) 290-0646 or e-mail: ahif_montgomery_auburn@yahoo. com. Visit www.ahif.org.

Teens/Families Support

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

Please send calendar info to editor@montgomeryparents.com. www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Alabama Dance Theatre Wraps Up Stars on the Riverfront Performances

Alabama Dance Theatre opened its 2018-19 Once Upon a Season with two successful FREE performances of Stars on the Riverfront July 29 and 30 at the Riverwalk Amphitheatre. The performances were the culmination of a two-week summer intensive seminar with Master Teachers Shawn Black, former American Ballet Theatre soloist; ADT alumni Wendy White Sasser, formerly with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Complexions Contemporary Ballet; Betsy McMillan, former principle dancer with Ballet Magnificat! and founder and Artistic Director of Ballet Hartford and Hartford Youth Ballet; and Juan Rodriguez, formerly of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Charles Jinright, Montgomery City Council president and Emcee Olivia Deas, news anchor at WAKA, welcomed the audience both nights, acknowledged the City of Montgomery for the lovely venue, noted the dancers’ hard work and thanked the sponsors. Performances featured the beautiful and dramatic classical ballet, “Paquita,” staged by McMillan and coached by Black, Rodriguez and Sasser. “Paquita” was danced by ADT Senior Company member Savannah Golden with guest srtist Rorey Fraser, along with Abigail Barr, Emily Efferson, Ahsha Gray, Clover Hardin, Karen Licari, Maya Pegues and Abigail Perkinson. The more contemporary portion of the evening followed a pause: Rodriguez choreographed a striking piece, “Through & Through,” for the advanced dancers; “Revolting Children,” choreographed by Sara Sanford and danced by the Intermediate level dancers, delighted and amused the audience and “September,” an energetic jazz piece choreographed by resident choreographer Janie Alford, dazzled everyone. The exciting evening closed with the premiere of Sanford’s “Summer’s End,” a sophisticated and challenging ballet danced by the advanced level. The performances also featured the talent of the company in “Etudes,” under the direction of Kitty Seale and assisted by Valari Lagrone and Amelia Felder. Each night an audience of hundreds loved seeing the young and talented dancers exhibiting their expert training. Prior to the Sunday and Monday evening performances, beautifully packaged picnic sponsor bags were prepared by Development Director Pamela Swan and Laura Leigh Wright. After the two-week long summer intensive seminar and two performances, the dancers enjoyed a cast party under the pavilion at the splash pad. The party was coordinated by Dana Parkman with the help of ADT parents who brought desserts and assisted in setting up. ADT is now registering for fall classes. Call (334) 625-2590 or visit www.alabamadancetheatre.com for more info.

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Montgomery Ice Skater Chosen for International Honor

K Lynn Ice Skating School student Emily Magda was a selected winner of the Ice Skating Institute Education Foundation Scholarship 2018. She was one of two skaters choose for this honor internationally. The Ice Skating Industry organization recognizes skaters that show dedication, commitment, sportsmanship and generosity to fellow competitors. Magda is the second skater from K Lynn Skating School to receive this honor. K Lynn team skaters are required to maintain an A/B average to compete. Magda was also awarded a full scholarship from UAB.

En Montgomery Parents I September 2018

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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.

m! t; r

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Redland Baptist Church MMO, 53

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The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover

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would have to go a couple hundred miles. My husband Ronald and I shared with him that we had been trying for three years, we had prayed for her and she was a blessing from God. We were not prepared, but we had faith in God. She spent the first 109 days of her life in the hospital, which consisted of several surgeries. Abi had a floppy larynx which led to noisy breathing and feeding difficulties. Later this was corrected with surgery. She also had large whole in her heart and a narrow pulmonary artery. In April 2013 she had a successful heart surgery. A G-tube was later placed in her stomach so she could receive the necessary nutrients because she did not eat by mouth.

Aleatha Williams

MP: How has having her changed you as a person? Aleatha: My outlook on life is different. I cherish the life I have with my family more now than ever. There are some things in life now that I deal with differently. Because of God’s grace towards me and Abi, it has helped increase my faith and my patience. I celebrate the small things and having Abi has showed me that God is in control...not me.

MP: Aleatha, you have two wonderful children. What is the difference in their ages, and why such a large difference?

MP: Share with our readers some of the therapy, support groups, etc. that have been essential in your journey with Abigail.

Aleatha: Yes, they are 14 years apart. Our son, RJ, is 19 and in Navy boot camp. Abigail is 5 years old and in Kindergarten this year. When RJ was around 10 years old we decided we wanted another child. I think we put it off for so long because we felt like kids were a lot of responsibility. Then the thought of him living in this world without a sibling bothered me. So, for three years we tried, and nothing happened until we stopped trying and gave it over to God.

Aleatha: We did Early Intervention and the program provided Abi with Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Special Instructions free of charge until she was three years old. Abi has a great group of friends at MADSOG (Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group). This support group is for families and individuals with Down syndrome. They provide educational speakers during our monthly meetings, host play dates, group outings and so much more. Each year we participate in the Buddy Walk, which will be held on October 20 at Faulkner University this year. Our families and friends walk to promote Down syndrome awareness. MP: Some would say that our relationship with our children is the single biggest influence on them. How do you hope to influence your kids?

MP: Since RJ is 14 years older than Abigail, how are you a different mom for each of them?

Aleatha: I hope to influence my kids to be a hard worker, honest, loving and polite with anyone they encounter. And to have a relationship with God.

Aleatha: Because of the age difference and Abi’s special needs, they both need me in different ways. I’ve heard people say that they love their kids all the same. I believe I love mine differently, but equally. RJ is in place in life now that he’s making his own decisions. We pray that they are right decisions. He was raised in the Lord with good morals and values. Currently, I’m trying to get used to the idea of being on the outside looking in. But he knows I’m always here to listen, encourage and cheer him on in his adult life. Abi requires my full attention. I’m her advocate and I speak because she can’t speak for herself.

MP: As mothers, we can see qualities in our children that others may not recognize immediately. What qualities do you enjoy most about each of your children? Aleatha: They both have humble, caring and gentle souls. Abi knows just when you need that hug and RJ has that special way of making you laugh.

MP: Share with our readers what your journey has been since Abigail came into your life.

MP: If you could go back and tell yourself one thing when you first started your parenting journey, what would it be?

Aleatha: I was around 22 weeks pregnant when I went in for an ultrasound and found out that she had heart issues and a thick nuchal fold (back of neck). The doctor told us that these two issues are usually linked to Down syndrome. They sent us to a specialist and he said that Abi may not walk or talk, and we would have to take care of her for the rest of her life. He also told us that if we were interested in abortion we

Aleatha: It is okay. You don’t have to be perfect and we all make mistakes. Children are going to love you just as you are.

Montgomery Parents I September 2018

Aleatha Williams is married to Ronald, Sr. (20 years). Their children are RJ (19) and Abigail (5).

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