May 21 River Region Parents by KeepSharing

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• It’s safe, simple, and free of charge. • It could keep you from getting COVID-19. If you still get COVID-19, it could keep you from becoming seriously ill. • It will help you do your part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of your family, your friends and your community. • It’s an mRNA vaccine. These types of vaccines have been studied for more than two decades to evaluate their safety and effectiveness. • It’s the first step toward life returning to normal.

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May2021 52

Volume 26 Number 5

Columns

14 Kids Say the Wisest Things Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

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

Moms! Make You a Priority

Find out why and how to do it!

Create a Summer of Magic

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

Fun ideas your kids will love! 46 Elmore Education Matters

by Superintendent Richard Dennis

50 Unleashing Your Potential by Keon Addison

56 Dinner’s Ready by Kimberley Carter Spivey

Summer Fun Guide

Sign your children up for fun activities in our area and beyond.

Relationship Help

Learn this technique to drastically improve your communication.

61 Parenting, Media & Everything in Between Common Sense Media

Departments On The Cover Margaret Roby (10th grade) has been playing tennis for three years. She attends Trinity Presbyterian School and plays on the varsity tennis team. Margaret also loves playing at O’Connor Tennis Center with her friends. In her spare time, she enjoys fishing, hunting and baking. Margaret’s parents are Martha and Riley Roby and she has one brother, George. Trevor Wilson (7th grade) started playing tennis at age 7. He plays on the junior varsity team at Trinity Presbyterian School and trains and plays at O’Connor Tennis Center. Trevor’s other hobbies include motor cross, cooking, fishing and biking. His parents are Katrina and Murray Wilson.

18 Teacher of the Month 22 School Bits 68 Grading the Movies 76 Mom to Mom

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Editor’sNote

Parents

Happy Mother’s Day, Moms! I can’t think of a more rewarding, or more difficult, job in the world. It kicks off with the early and exhausting years of getting little sleep and chasing toddlers, while savoring every giggle and all the “firsts”. Then it’s on to the emotional teen years, when hormones are raging but conversations grow deeper and a true friendship with our kids begins to bloom. No matter what stage of motherhood you find yourself in, each season presents its own unique joys and challenges. I’ve always believed that we are better mothers when we take time for self care. When my kids were still crawling I would drop them off at the YMCA child care room so I could have an hour alone to workout. And Jason and I have taken regular date nights (and weekends away) throughout our 27 year marriage. Sometimes I’ll even make myself a dinner of cheese and crackers and spend a couple hours watching a favorite Netflix show. I joke with the kids and call it a “Me Party”. It’s easy to get swept away in the busy days of being Mom and forget that we are also friends, wives, sisters, daughters, neighbors and co-workers. When we fill our own tanks and make sure we are meeting our own needs, I believe we will be better moms and thrive in our other roles as well. Sarah Lyons expands on this idea in her article, Moms! Make YOU a Priority, where you’ll be encouraged to find your tribe, take up a hobby, treat yourself and more! The start of May means the school year is ending soon and summer is almost here. I don’t know about you, but I’m excited to rebound from the “almost EVERYTHING is canceled” summer of 2020 and have some fun! Outdoor concerts and family events are back, as well as camps and other enrichment activities specifically for our children. This month we’ve included our 2021 Summer Fun Guide where you’ll find details on sports clinics and day camps, plus ideas for road trips, and much more! And to make the days and nights even more memorable, check out Colleen Wright’s amazing ideas in Create a Summer of Magic on page 58. As we head into the last days of this very challenging and unique school year, we want to first say Congratulation, Seniors! You made it...and under some pretty strange circumstances that are sure to make you more resilient moving forward. Also, thank you to all the teachers and school staff for helping our kids survive and thrive this year. We truly appreciate all the extra devotion, time and love you gave our children. Now let’s all get ready for a well-deserved break and make some Summer 2021 memories our families will forever cherish!

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

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

Associate Editor Alison Rouse Research Editor Wendy McCollum Contributing Writers Keon Addison Katie Blair Kimberly Blaker Richard Dennis Dr. Charles Ledbetter Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA Sarah Lyons Dr. Ann Roy Moore Kimberley Carter Spivey Colleen Wright

Cover Photography Judy Barranco www.judybarrancophotography.com

Publisher Jason Watson jason@riverregionparents.com

Advertising Department (334) 213-7940 ext. 703 adservices@keepsharing.com Digital Manager Scott Davis Ad Design Tim Welch

DeAnne

Member

editor@riverregionparents.com River Region Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing LLC, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, Alabama, 36123. River Region Parents is copyrighted 2021 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. opinions expressed in River Region Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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Congratulations to the CLASS OF 2021! An education that opens doors and turns dreams into reality. Saint James graduates will enter universities and colleges this fall—from coast to coast—pursuing their life-long goals with a true foundation for success. ...We are committed to challenging and assisting students in realizing their individual potential and preparing them for lives of responsibility, service, and achievement. – Saint James School Mission

Pre-K3−12th Grade

Saint James School

334-273-3021 or STJweb.org

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR LIFE Call today for more information on tuition assistance and affording a Saint James education for your child. Academic support for English Language Learners available. Saint James School admits students of any religion, race, gender, creed, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

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able to their son, they go out of their way to give him various social experiences, they make sure he is not sitting in front of a video game living a virtual social life, they make sure he knows how to talk to people of all ages in a variety of settings, they help him find a job that expects him to be social, etc. How can you stop parenting from fear and start being proactive? by Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

1. Stay present in the moment. If your child is crying over something silly, do not let it become anything more than a momentary heart break.

“Mom, You Worry Too Much” A mother and her adorable 4-year-old son recently came in for counseling. The mother and I spoke about how to help him transition away from his favorite activities without having tantrums. As we continued talking, I spoke with her about the importance of taking her own thoughts captive. I told her, “Just because he has tantrums at 4 does not mean he is going to become an emotionally troubled adult. This is all just part of the developmental process.” The sweet boy started nodding his head and said, “Please listen to her, you worry too much.” We both laughed and marveled at his wisdom. If you sometimes create a tragic mental story when your child misbehaves, you are a normal parent. Our fear of who they might become helps us handle difficult situations. When your child takes a piece of candy from the checkout line, your fear of him becoming a thief forces you to walk him to the cashier to give back the candy. When your daughter is disrespectful to adults, you make her write an apology note so that she thinks twice about how she speaks to people. Helping our children take the time to correct their mistakes is one of the most important experi-

River Region Parents I May 2021

ences in the learning process. Having a little fear of who our children will become is not a problem. However, parenting from fear is detrimental to the emotional health of our children and ourselves. The problem with parenting from fear is that you define their future by their current actions. For example, your teenage son may not have a lot of friends. If you are parenting FROM fear, you take this behavior and begin to think your son is antisocial or has emotional problems. You may even begin to imagine your son is on the path to becoming a felon. Let’s be honest, your son may simply be an introvert, or he may simply prefer different activities than most of his peers. If you let your fear drive you as a parent, you risk becoming a consistently nagging parent riddled with anxiety and dissatisfaction. Instead, become a proactive parent that truly finds joy in the highs and lows of the process. Proactive parenting is when you help your children learn all the skills they need to be successful in life. Proactive parenting is noticing that your child may not have the confidence to engage socially. Proactive parents find social activities that are enjoy-

2. Observe, listen, and encourage them to share the thoughts behind their actions. Do not worry if there is not thought, their frontal lobes are not formed and sometimes it is simply an inability to control their impulses. Sometimes though, their thoughts may be appropriate even if their actions are not. 3. Learn to appreciate who God created them to be. Help them discover their unique personality, gifts, strengths, and weaknesses. Do not waste a moment worrying about who they are not when you could be enjoying who they are. 4. To help you fully understand what is developmentally appropriate, surround yourself with families in a similar age and stage. You will be surprised at the number of things you fear that are completely normal.

Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Beth has worked in six unique clinical environments across the country and currently owns Works of Wonder Therapy in Montgomery. Beth utilizes the knowledge from a variety of different disciplines to give her patients the best care possible. To learn more visit www. worksofwondertherapy.com.

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4 REASONS TO HAVE YOUR CHILD TESTED FOR LEAD AT AGES 1 AND 2:

1. Lead is often found in 3. Lead can cause commonly used items. permanent disabilities in young children. 2. Young children frequently put toys 4. Lead poisoning can and non-food items be prevented with in their mouths. early detection.

For more information, visit By testing for lead at an early age, lead exposure can be identified and lead poisoning alabamapublichealth.gov/aclppp prevented through simple at-home strategies.15 or call 1-833-667-1495. www.facebook.com/RiverRegionParents

Opening Night for the Montgomery Biscuits

May 11 * 6:35 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium. Opening Night presented by Chick-fil-A is your first chance to see the Biscuits in action this year! Stick around after the game for a MAX Fireworks Show. Other events this month include May 12: Military Wednesday; May 13: RecordBreaking Night; May 15: Healthcare Appreciation Night; and May 16: Monty Night Light Giveaway. For more info, visit https://www.milb.com/montgomery/ or call (334) 819-7483.

Run for a Mom 10K, 5K, Fun Run 2021

May 8 at 7:30 a.m.-May 10 at 8 p.m. 3800 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery Support Agape moms and children in your community by choosing to Run for a Mom on our certified course or virtually wherever you are! The in-person race will have a staggered start beginning at 7:30 a.m. Start your 5K or 10K race anytime between 7:30 and 8 a.m. Virtual runners have until May 10 to turn in times by sending a picture of timing device. Everyone registers at runforamom.org. For more info, contact agunn@agapeforchildren.org.

Farmers Market at The Shoppes at EastChase

Opens on Saturday, May 15 7 a.m.-noon * Saturdays through Sept. One of the top five largest markets in Alabama, the Shoppes at EastChase Farmers Market is back for its 17th year. Guests will enjoy goods from more than 40 vendors featuring homemade breads, jams, baked goods, Wagyu beef, local honey and more! Visit theshoppesateastchase.com or follow The Shoppes on Facebook and Instagram.

Hot Dogs and Heroes

Thursday, May 6 * 6:30 p.m. Union Station Train Shed. Annual fundraiser to provide support for That’s My Child, while honoring community leaders. Free food from 10 of the best restaurants here in the city! Special guest, Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, will share some huge news. For more info, find us on Facebook.

42nd Jubilee 8K and 2M Runs

Saturday, May 15 7:30 a.m. 301 Columbus St, Montgomery. USATF certified courses from Montgomery’s Old Alabama Town. For more info, find us on Facebook.

Pike Road Patriot Fund Crawfish Boil

Saturday, May 15 * 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Century Church, 1001 Marler Rd. Purchase your tickets online through May 8. Adults are $30 and kids ages 13-18 are $10. Prices will go up if purchased the day of the event at the gate! Live music will be performed. Visit https://pikeroadpatriotfund.com/ for more info. River Region Parents I May 2021

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Farmily Day

RXR FEST

May 28 & 29 * 6:30-9:30 pm Russell Crossroads, 19 Russell Farms Road, Alexander City. Free music and entertainment, featuring The Bank Walkers and The Big Stitch on Friday and Carolina Story and Adam Hood on Saturday. For more info, call (256) 3971019 or visit www.russelllands.com/. Also, Friday on the Green -- May 21 & June 4. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free music and entertainment.

8th Annual River Bend Brewfest -

May 8 * 11 a.m.-1 p.m. EAT South, 485 Molton St., Montgomery Farmily Days are designed for the whole family to engage in food and farming activities together. FREE. Masks required. Parents must accompany children. Please sign up for a time slot for a tour with a farmer. 11 a.m.-noon OR noon-1 p.m. Activities include: bunny feeding, chicken feeding, farm fresh salad making, free play and exploration on the farm. We are located behind the Montgomery Advertiser. Plenty of parking space. Or walk down the steps from Wright Brothers Overlook Park on Maxwell. FYI: Port-o-potty on site, cleaned daily. Masks will be provided if you don’t bring your own. Hand sanitizer on site. Please do not come if you are feeling unwell or have had contact with someone who is feeling ill. Come prepared. Wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. Bring water and snack. Space is limited. Find us on Facebook and fill out the Google reservation form.

Newsboys in Concert with Adam Agee

Blues and Brews Festival

Friday, May 14, 6-9 p.m. Union Station Train Shed, 300 Water St., Montgomery. $25 per person (includes a commemorative tasting glass). Food vendors will be available. Live music by The King Bee Band. Purchase tickets at www. montgomeryal.gov/ or at Derk’s Filet and Vine. Benefits the Family Sunshine Center.

May 22* 7 p.m. Lake Martin Amphitheater in Russell Lands on Lake Martin Newsboys are a Christian rock band founded in 1985 in Australia. The band has released 17 studio albums, six of which have been certified gold. Pod seating is individual seats sold in required groupings of five seats. Purchaser is required to buy all seats in the pod to allow for social distancing between parties. *Venue has no seats; must bring chairs or blankets. For more info, visit www. theamponlakemartin.com/.

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Michelle Roark Saint James School

This beloved teacher continues to be a class act. Listen to what parent Kelly Julian had to say. “She is our daughter’s teacher, and Michelle is an exceptionally gifted person. This year at school has been anything but standard, but Michelle has done an amazing job of motivating her class and creating a new normal that still lets the children grow and evolve as individual students.” Ms. Roark wants her students to know that she believes in them, that she will always be their number one fan, and that they are loved and respected. Ms. Roark shares, “Being a teacher means having an ever-growing family. And I love seeing my former students and all that they have accomplished.” Though she can’t fathom herself not teaching right now—after retirement, she can envision herself in a hammock overlooking the water and reading a good book.

“I always knew I wanted to work with young children.” These are the words of Michelle Roark, a first-grade teacher at Saint James School in Montgomery. Though being a teacher is not for the faint of heart—but rather a calling— Michelle has gained a plethora of experience through her 20-year teaching journey. Ms. Roark recalls growing up and playing school with her dolls. As she progressed through elementary school, she became fond of reading. Her bedroom looked like a small library. During high school, she enjoyed tutoring children and it was her college years that solidified her love for teaching. “My sorority’s philanthropy was based on literacy, and I would tutor children during the after-school program,” she adds. Being an avid lover of reading, she thoroughly enjoys the reading component. The first-grade educator always has her students’ best interests at heart. She looks for ways to make her lessons more challenging and meaningful each day. Not only does she challenge her students, but she challenges herself as a teacher. Here are some ways Ms. Roark does just that. She listens to education podcasts, attends professional development, and voluntarily spent two weeks in the state of Georgia learning more about dyslexia and how she could provide that training in her classroom.

River Region Parents I May 2021

Michelle Roark has two children Abigail (11) and Will (9). She received her undergraduate degree from LSU in Early Childhood and her Masters from UWG in Elementary Education. She has taken classes in GA for her gifted and reading endorsements. Also, she’s trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach through The Dyslexia Resource at The Schenck School in Atlanta, GA.

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Salute to the Class of 2021 This is a heady time for graduating seniors. They are reaching the end of a long journey and entering the next phase of their lives. My hope for this particular senior class is that they feel a great sense of accomplishment when they are handed their diplomas. Every class has its trials and tribulations, but the Class of 2021 has had more than its share. COVID-19 has cast a shadow on the entire school year. All students had to adjust to new methods of learning. They and their families have had their lives disrupted in so many ways. Some have lost loved ones. More than ever, we have had to lean on one another for support during hard times.

River Region Parents I May 2021

Seniors have not been able to enjoy many of the activities that they would usually be able to participate in, and they have not been able to spend as much time with their classmates. The spirit of comradery is still there, but they have not been able to express it in the same ways. These seniors have persevered through all of this, completing all of the hard work necessary to don that cap and gown and raise your diploma high. I have immense pride for this senior class and all they have accomplished. Every young person crossing that stage has their own story, their own personal struggles and achievements. As always, we have graduates who have received generous scholarship offers, including from prestigious universities. Some have excelled in the classroom, others have shined in athletics, and many have done both. Some students will go on to attend community college, while others plan to go directly into the workforce. We

have students who are going to serve in the military after graduation. We have others who are the first in their family to graduate. I am beaming with pride for all of them. I want to thank all the parents, teachers, support staff, community members, and everyone else who has helped our seniors along the way. We have had to pull together like never before, and I’m grateful to everyone has lent support and encouragement to our students. I especially want to thank our graduating seniors who have hung in there despite all the obstacles. Enjoy your moment. You’ve earned it.

For more than four decades, Dr. Moore has educated the children of Alabama. From her first post as a pre-school teacher, to her administrative work as a principal, central office curriculum specialist, superintendent, and her mentoring the next generation of teachers as an adjunct professor at colleges and universities, teaching is her passion.

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Does Your Bright Child Struggle with Reading, Writing, and Spelling?

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Montgomery County Schools

BTW Places in State Program

Several Booker T. Washington Magnet High students placed in the State PTA Reflections Program. The theme for the 2020-2021 program year is “I Matter Because...” All those who won first place will move on to compete at the national level. Kristopher Roton won first place in Photography, Gaia Moore won first place in Dance Choreography, Erica Luckie won second place in Photography, Christin Watson won third place in Literature, and Devin Harper won honorable mention in Visual Art. Shown here is BTW junior Kristopher Roton’s first-place winning photograph.

MEA Holds Virtual NJHS Induction

The Macon East Academy chapter of the National Junior Honor Society recently held its annual induction ceremony. The National Junior Honor Society is a worldwide organization that consists of middle and junior high school students from around the country. The selection of members is based on five criteria: citizenship, service, leadership, scholarship and character. Each member is expected to maintain a high academic standard while being active in his or her community through volunteer service projects. The goal of NJHS is to recognize academic achievement and to develop the characteristics of leadership and service. Under the advisement of Erica Hammonds, the 2020-2021 NJHS is led by Kaiden Byrom (president), Anna Watson (vice president), Kacy Rutland (secretary) and Barrett Spaeth (chaplain). Shown, the following students were inducted this year: Cole Streetman, Braiden Watkins, Peyton Baggott, Jackson Todd, Elliot Fitch, Jacob Caddell and Mattie Pugh.

Academy Student Wins Essay Contest

Montgomery Academy fifth-grader Ella Claire Corsino won the Montgomery Humane Society Writing Contest. Mary Hughes, the education coordinator of the Montgomery Humane Society Adoptable Pets, presented Corsino with a medal and a check for her winning essay entitled “Woodie Carl,” who made a special appearance.

Eastwood Studies Printing Press

As a part of their study of the printing press and its inventor, Johannes Gutenberg, the fourth-grade class at Eastwood Christian School read a biography of Gutenberg entitled Ink on His Fingers. Students then made shadow boxes depicting a favorite scene from the story and wrote a summary of what was taking place in that scene. River Region Parents I May 2021

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Montgomery County Schools

MPS Students Receive MAX4Kids Scholarships

ACA Dedicates Goodman Pavilion

Coach Goodman is a name that holds a lot of weight when said around Alabama Christian Academy, the River Region area and beyond. Chris Goodman has been a coach at ACA for more than 30 years so when the pavilion of champions was built, it was decided to dedicate it to him. Coach Goodman was surrounded by friends, family and alumni of all the sports he has coached and is currently still coaching. He was humbled by the outpouring of support and love. A retirement reception in honor of Coach Goodman is set for May.

Two Montgomery Public Schools students have received MAX4Kids Foundation Scholarships worth $5,000 each. Jeff Davis High student Shakira Thomas, shown here, is the first JD student ever to receive this scholarship. She plans to attend Troy University to study nursing. Jaylene Badani of Booker T. Washington Magnet High also received the scholarship. This fall, she will begin her major in pre-physical therapy at the University of Alabama with the eventual goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.

Enrollment for the 2021 - 2022 school year is open!

maconeast.net Join us at Macon East Academy, where we will partner with your family to help your child reach their fullest potential. Thousands of families have trusted Macon East Academy and we hope your family will too. You are always welcome, so please get in touch with our Admissions Office and schedule a campus tour. We would love to show you around! Dual enrollment and financial aid are available.

15396 Vaughn Road • Cecil, Alabama 36013 • 334.277.6566

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We work tirelessly to help kids get well because the world needs to see what Natalie dreams up. WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

Catholic Robotics Team Wins State Tournament

For the fifth year in a row, the Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School RoboKnights represented our school at the VEX Robotics State Competition. For the second year in a row, one high school team, “Happy Little Accidents” competed and won the title of State Tournament Champion. Coach Vicki Petters credits their success to methodical building, testing and programming. “This team has been focused on testing and adjusting all season long,” said Petters of the team who won one of only two in-person tournaments in the River Region this year. “They began this season not knowing if there would be a state tournament, but prepared themselves for every opportunity to compete.” The VEX Robotics challenge this year is called “Change Up,” and like in previous challenges, two alliances of two robots face each other on the playing field. The teams are tasked with using their robots to either shoot blue or red balls into the tops of goals or pull balls out of the bottoms of the goals to change which color ball is on top. Like in previous challenges, robots can score additional points by demonstrating autonomous programs in the first 15 seconds of each round. The remaining minute and 45 seconds are driver-controlled and allow the teams to demonstrate not only their designs but also their skills at operating their robots. Unlike in previous years, the COVID pandemic challenged the Vex Game Design Committee to develop a way for teams to compete remotely. “Happy Little Accidents” quickly mastered this remote format, helping them win the State Tournament from their home field. Happy Little Accidents is comprised of senior and VEX Worlds alumni Aidan Cochran and freshman Hunter Dailey. The team will compete in the Worlds tournament in this remote format May 20-22.

1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 | ChildrensAL.org

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Montgomery County Schools

STJ Wins Awards at DOOT Competition Saint James High School students participated in the “Doing Our Own Thing” (DOOT) 2021 Art Competition. Five schools submitted artwork with 69 total entries. DOOT’s Best of Show winner receives a $150 voucher to be used for supplies, lessons, etc. All other winners are awarded ribbons in their categories. The exhibit of artwork was open for viewing March 23 through April 23 at the Arts Council of Montgomery’s gallery. Teachers Evelyn Shoults and Bethany Davis are incredibly proud of the talent and hard work of these students. Saint James student winners are as follows: Best of Show, Luke Beasley; Black & White Drawing 3rd Place, Aijah Robinson; Mixed Media 2nd Place, Jordan Wesley and honorable mentions, Junseo Oh and Logann Dean; Black & White Photography 1st Place, Cole Williams and 2nd Place, Sierra Boles; Color Photography honorable mentions, Kate Rees and Chelsea Johnson; Painting 1st Place, Izabella Janush Hernandez and 2nd Place, Sydney Eng; Printmaking 1st Place, Natalie Magee and honorable mention, Chaeyoon Chung; and Watercolor Painting 2nd Place, Aroa Jung. Students who were presented with awards for their submissions to the 2021 DOOT Art Competition include, front row from left: Aroa Jung, Kate Rees and Logann Dean; second row: Aijah Robinson, Izabella Janush Hernandez and Sydney Eng; third row: Natalie Magee, Chelsea Johnson and Chaeyoon Chung; fourth row: Junseo Oh, Jordan Wesley and Sierra Boles; and back row: Cole Williams and Luke Beasley.

River Region Parents I May 2021

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ACA Student Wins Golf Championship

Alabama Christian Academy 7thgrader Julie Waldo has been playing golf since she was three years old and has been regularly competing since the age of five. Every year she competes all over the United States in various tournaments where she has won multiple titles including her most recent win at the Peachtree Junior Open Championship. One of her biggest achievements in golf was qualifying to play at the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship Finals at the Masters in Augusta, Georgia, in 2018. Julie is the daughter of Kerri and Stuart Waldo of Prattville and comes from a family of golfers, including her late Aunt Julie, for whom she is named and who played on the LPGA tour. Waldo is currently enjoying her time on the ACA Varsity Golf Team under the coaching leadership of Rick Solar. In the future, she plans to study medicine and would love to play collegiate golf for a Division 1 college. She is a huge fan of Rory McIlroy.

GOD HAS A PLAN AND A PURPOSE FOR ME

Evangel Christian Academy Encouraging each child to achieve their God-given potential

AISA Blue Ribbon School “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord... Jeremiah 29:11

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Accredited: ACTS, AISA, SACS, Advanced ED, NCPSA

Eastwood Unlocks King Tut’s Tomb

The second-grade students at Eastwood Christian School recently completed their study of the Early New Kingdom in Egypt. They worked together in groups to solve clues that unlocked King Tut’s tomb. This activity concluded their reading of Judy Donnelly’s book, Tut’s Mummy Lost... and Found. 27

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Montgomery County Schools

BTW Releases Book About Newtown

The Booker T. Washington Magnet High creative writing Magnet has completed a momentous project with the publication of “Sketches of Newtown,” a collection of historical sketches about the Newtown community in north Montgomery. The book includes a photo insert by the BTW photography magnet. The project, led by Creative Writing teacher Foster Dickson, received enormous help from Martha Johnson, state Rep. Isaiah Sankey, and members of the Newtown Community. In February 2019, the Alabama Bicentennial Commission funded an oral history collection event in the historically black community of Newtown and later provided the money to print the book as well. BTW creative writing students delved into the history of Newtown through historical research, recorded oral histories, photographs of Jim Peppler, historical documents from state and local archives, images from the Montgomery Advertiser, and scanned photographs from the community. Newtown portraits by the BTW photography magnet are included to help document and tell the story of this vibrant community in Montgomery. The limited-edition book was distributed free to members of the Newtown Community, students, supporters of the project, and archival institutions. No more physical copies of “Sketches of Newtown” are available, but it exists in ebook form on the BTW Magnet Creative Writing blog.

River Region Parents I May 2021

Evangel Holds Annual Art Show

Evangel Christian Academy recently held its annual art show under the direction of art teacher LaDonna LeMaster. The art show highlighted the artwork of students from K4 through 12th grade. Each class was invited to see the various pieces from an array of categories. The art show was also videoed and placed on the school’s website so parents and other family members could enjoy the event virtually.

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Macon East Holds Art Show

The following students placed in the 2021 Macon East Academy Art Show! First- and second-place winners will advance their artwork to the AISA District Art Show. K5-1st-Grade Winners: Painting: Cooper Cannon (1st place), Lizzie Kate Dorsey (2nd place) and Keenan Cenidoza (3rd place); Printmaking: Dorsey (Best of Show and 1st place), Case Sanford (2nd place), Thomas Eubank (3rd place), and Allie Jane Meadows, Rylen Jones and Luke Davis (honorable mention); Drawing Color: Holden Robinson (1st place), Hunter Battle (2nd place), Coats Newell (3rd place) and Jack Davis (honorable mention); and Collage/ Mixed Media: Noah Mathis (1st place), Newell (2nd place) Walker Pickett (3rd place) and Meadows, S.J. Jemison, Lathan Glass, Luke Davis, Bryson Hood, Cash Longcrier and Logan Jucknies (honorable mention). 2nd – 3rd-Grade Winners: Drawing Color: Rory Girdner (1st place), Sladen Meadows (2nd place), Zola Ward (3rd place) and Brynlee Sconyers, Huck Ellison and Halyn Wren (honorable mention); and Collage/ Mixed Media: Ashtyn Clayton (Best of Show and 1st place), Wren (2nd place), Maddy Thornton (3rd place) and Ella Loughridge, Hayden Herring, Ty Sanford and Ward (honorable mention). 4th – 6th-Grade Winners: Painting: Avery Kyser (1st place); Water base: Ava Noffsinger (1st place), Matthew Simpson (2nd place) and Kyser (3rd place); Printmaking: Austin Lashlee (1st place), Campbell Loughridge (2nd place) and Brandon Fitch (3rd place); Drawing Color: Fitch (1st place), Noffsinger (2nd place) and Kwesi Jernigan (3rd place); Collage/ Mixed Media: Brody McGinty (Best of Show and 1st place), Addison Longcrier (2nd place), Bentley Graham (3rd place) and Gracie Strickland and Lucy Brown (honorable mention); and Drawing Non-Color: Christian McGalliard (1st and 2nd place). 7th – 9th-Grade Winners: Painting: Sydney Phelps (1st place), Collin Blount (2nd place) and Will Dekle (3rd place); Printmaking: Jacob Simpson (1st place), Pressley Graham (2nd place) and Hagan Owens (3rd place); Drawing Non-Color: Ethan Jones (1st place, 2nd place and Honorable Mention) and Gunner Justice (3rd place); Drawing Color: Kacy Rutland (1st and 3rd place) and Jameson Byrom (2nd place); 3-D Arts/ Crafts: Jones (1st and 2nd place) and Elise Logan (3rd place); Collage/ Mixed Media: Dekle (1st place), Jordan Rossell (2nd place) and Elliot Fitch (3rd place); Photography: Jones (1st and 3rd place), and Simpson (2nd place); and Best of Show: Ethan Jones. 10th – 12th-Grade Winners: Drawing Color: Luke Noffsinger (1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place and honorable mention), and Ali Churchwell and Allison Magda (honorable mention); Collage/ Mixed Media: Noffsinger (1st place and 2nd place), and Abby Ledlow (3rd place); Drawing Non-Color: Noffsinger (1st and 3rd place) and Magda (2nd place); Painting: Sydney Sullivan (1st place), Anna Dickson Beck (2nd place) and Alyssa Clark (3rd place); 3-D Art/ Crafts: Noffsinger (1st place) and Magda (2nd and 3rd place); Photography: Noffsinger (1st and 2nd place); and Best of Show: Noffsinger. Overall BEST OF SHOW: Luke Noffsinger, shown.

Homeschoolers Learn Survival Skills

Homeschooler Michaela Dannelley takes a break from building a shelter during the Survival Skills class at Academy Days Homeschool Co-op recently while her fellow students discuss the next steps on their shelter in the background. After a remote school year of learning at home through online classes, the homeschoolers met once to practice some of their new skills, such as building a shelter and making a fire. For the 2021-22 school year, the students will learn even more survival skills, but in person this time, as the co-op makes plans for resuming classes this fall. In addition to Survival Skills class, Academy Days Co-op will offer more than 30 homeschool classes in creative writing, literature, art, history, science and PE for preschool through high school. Visit www. AcademyDays.com for more information.

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Montgomery County Schools

TEA Survives School Year with Innovation

Like every other school in the world, TEA Christian Academy experienced obstacles heightened by the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Schools were closed, and school administrators and staff were forced to collaborate on how the 2019-2020 school term would end, along with strategizing on what the next school term would look like; it most definitely was going to be a “new normal.” Yet here we are nearing the end of the 2020-2021 school term. This has been a challenging year, but like the quote by Joseph P. Kennedy says, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” and TEA Academy has endured. This school has survived a difficult year due to innovation, creativity and determination. Thanks to advances in technology and the use of accessible resources already being used, TEA Academy hit the road running. The administrator and staff took full advantage of every opportunity to receive innovative training that was then tailored to meet the needs of the students. Being creative using the virtual platforms, the teachers were able to teach the students, to include formative and summative assessments, as well as host enriching programs, field trips, assemblies, chapel, and more. TEA Academy is humbled by the assistance that has been provided for the school to continue to maintain its standards and looks forward to what the future holds for the next school term.

MA Speech & Debate Wins Championship

The Alabama Speech & Debate Association held the annual State of Alabama State Tournament for Speech & Debate in April. After three days of competition, The Montgomery Academy won the 2021 State Title. This is the 18th State Championship for Montgomery Academy in Speech & Debate and the most any school in Alabama has won since the tournament began in 1956. Individual awards went to: Varsity Congressional Debate – House Presiding Officer – Gianna Foti, 5th place – Alisha Singh, 2nd place – Tristan Dumas and State Champion – Alex Brewbaker; Varsity Congressional Debate – Senate Presiding Officer – Will Ray, 6th place – Jones Corley, 5th place – Easton Strickler and 4th place – Charlie Hill; Big Questions Debate 4th place – Isabella Hosein, 3rd place – Elizabeth Ray and 2nd place – Brewbaker; Varsity Public Forum Debate 3rd place – Singh & Strickler; After-Dinner Speaking 6th place – Will Ashworth, 3rd place - Hosein and 2nd place - Brewbaker; United States Extemporaneous Speaking 2nd place - Singh and State Champion - Hill; Dramatic Interpretation 5th place - Brewbaker and State Champion – Sarah Kate Barton; Duo Interpretation 5th place – Foti & Ashworth and State Champion – Bryant McClendon & Cole Mozingo; Humorous Interpretation 3rd place – Norah Desautels and 2nd place – Mozingo; Impromptu Speaking 6th place - Dumas and 4th place – Hosein; International Extemporaneous Speaking 6th place – Phipps Fiore; Original Oratory State Champion – Brewbaker; Poetry Interpretation 3rd place – Susannah Miller and 2nd place – Mozingo; Program Oral Interpretation 5th place – Dumas and 2nd place – Desautels; Prose Interpretation 6th place – McClendon and State Champion – Barton. The Alabama Speech & Debate Association annually names the Student of the Year. This award is given to the individual student that scores the most points of any student at the State Tournament. The 2021 ASDA Student of the Year is Alex Brewbaker. The Montgomery Academy Speech & Debate team is coached by Jay Rye and Chris Colvin.

Four Macon East Academy Seniors Recognized by AISA

Macon East Academy celebrated four of our amazing seniors who were recently recognized by the Alabama Independent School Association. Senior Will Desmarais, topr left, was named to the AISA 2020-2021 All-State Academic team. Seniors Tanner Moore, top right; Aidan Steyer, bottom left; and Hannah Parker were chosen as 2020-2021 Student-Athlete Winners.

River Region Parents I May 2021

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BTW Student Photos Featured at MMFA

ACA Continues Spiritual Emphasis Day

Booker T. Washington Magnet High students expressed the feeling of what it is like to live through a pandemic in a series of photos featured at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. The nine photography students had their artworks displayed in an exhibition titled “Community Togetherness Project: Student Response to the Global Pandemic.” The photographs included here were featured in the exhibit. From left, they are “When” by 10th-grader Darlyn Bravo, “Trapped in the Media” by junior J. Amir Robinson, and “The Glow” by junior Phoebe Miller. Photography students Erica Luckie, Mia Johnston, Hannah Johnson, Desiree Senn, Lyric Perkins and Arial Miller also had their works featured in the exhibit.

Alabama Christian Academy held its second annual “2nd Friday” in April. The theme of the day was “airplane mode” and was centered on the topic of prayer. Students were encouraged to block out other distractions and take time to concentrate on the power of prayer, the path of prayer and the promise of prayer. When prayer goes up, power comes down as mentioned by Andrew Itson, the keynote guest speaker from Robertsdale, Ala. A number of local youth ministers helped with serving lunch and had opportunities to visit with the students.

2021Youth Baseball Camps (ages 5-17)

Sessons 1

June 14-17, 2021

Sessons 2

June 21-24, 2021

Each session will have two different groups essentially two different camps one for young campers (age 5-11) and one for older campers (age 12-17). The age groups will have age appropriate and skill level appropriate instruction taught.

$150.00 per player

All registration is online at:

Patrick McCarthy Head Baseball Coach Faulkner University

www.faulknerbaseballcamps.com 31

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Montgomery County Schools

ASMS Becomes Cognia STEM-Certified

Montgomery Academy Senior Signs with Sewanee Montgomery Academy senior Stewart Miller has signed a national letter of intent to continue his soccer career at Sewanee: University of the South.

The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science (ASMS) is now one of the only STEM-certified high schools in Alabama. ASMS has been preparing for Cognia STEM Certification since the fall of 2020, and in March a Cognia review team completed an official evaluation of the school. According to Cognia, STEM Certification facilitates “organizational improvement that results in future readiness for all learners” and is based on research and evidence-based practices. ASMS had to demonstrate its performance in 16 standards within separate Cognia frameworks. In the final feedback meeting with the school, Scott Davidson, the Cognia director of STEM services who oversees the national STEM Certification program, noted that he had reviewed 80+ schools throughout his career, and ASMS is a school that will always stand out in his mind as high performing with approaches that other schools or systems can incorporate to benefit their own educational objectives.

Catholic Track Team Sets New Records

At the TR Miller Track & Field meet April 8, the Montgomery Catholic High School Knights track team set two new school records and placed in several events. Sophomore Jeremiah Cobb, top left, came in first place in the Boys’ 100m dash and set a new school record with a time of 10.96. Cobb also placed first in the Boys’ 200m dash. Sophomore Matthew Galvin, bottom left, set another school record in the Boys’ Triple Jump with a distance of 40-09.50, which was good for second place. Other top finishers for the boys’ team were Titus Franklin, who placed second in the 400m dash; Sam Leslie, fifth in the 400m dash and second in the 1600m; Andres Lemuz, fourth in the 800m; Kylon Griffin, fourth in the 110m hurdles; and Shawn Sponsler placed first in high jump and second in javelin. Our top Girls’ finisher was Ann Cobb, who finished fifth in the 100m dash, third in the 200m dash, and first in the 400m dash.

River Region Parents I May 2021

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A DVA N C I N G STUDENTS TO THEIR FULLEST POTENTIAL

ACA Senior Signs Volleyball Scholarship with Bishop State

Alabama Christian Academy senior Jordan Smithee signed with Bishop State Community College volleyball team on March 30. She is the very first signee of the inaugural season for the Lady Wildcats coming up in 2021-2022. Coach Guice said Smithee is an extremely hard worker who has spent hours in the gym whether it was for ACA’s season or for club volleyball.

$40.4M in Scholarships

Churchill Academy Announces Wilkinson as Valedictorian

over the past 5 years

Numerous Ministries

Caleb Wilkinson has been named as valedictorian of Churchill Academy’s Class of 2021. While serving as the Student Council president at Churchill, Wilkinson has helped lead many service projects, such as a recycling program he initiated in 2019 that continues at the school today. He also accompanied students from the school recently in an effort to support healthcare heroes at Baptist Medical Center East. Wilkinson is also very active in his church youth group at Bethel Worship Center in Wetumpka. Before COVID-19, Wilkinson kept trash bags and gloves in his car to help alleviate litter issues along roadside and parking areas where he traveled. He also likes to keep Bibles and $10 McDonald gift cards in his car to give to those experiencing homelessness. Once COVID restrictions are lifted, he plans to go on a mission trip to serve others and share his faith. Wilkinson is an excellent student and enjoyed academic life at Churchill Academy. Some of his favorite classes were Personal Finance and Earth Science with Mark Zienart. His favorite independent study class was French. He first started at Churchill Academy in 2014, and he is grateful for the time spent learning from instructors and gaining friendships at the school. This fall, Wilkinson will attend Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, Ala.

supported worldwide, from the River Region to Guatemala and Uganda 2 Jimmy Hitchcock Award Winners

for Christian leadership in athletics in the past 3 years

36 All-State Honor Band Members

and 86 All-District Honor Band members in the past 5 years

1 World Robotics Competition Team,

1 State Finalist team, and 8 State Competition teams in the past 3 years

APPLY ONLINE NOW

montgomerycatholic.org/admissions

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Montgomery County Schools

Churchill Holds Senior Banquet Churchill Academy held the school’s first-ever Senior Banquet on April 24 at Dalraida Baptist Church on Wares Ferry Road. The banquet took the place of this year’s prom, allowing students to gather in

Academy Students Explore Lanark

family groups and still with their classmates while honoring COVID-19 safety recommendations. The Class of 2021 was also honored with the school’s “Survivor” cords, which were created for this class and will be retired after this class. The cords indicate the perseverance of these seniors during COVID-19 as well as the individual battles that they have fought and won. The resilience of this class has been remarka-ble, and the school honored each student accordingly. Seniors were also honored with cords for their own individual achievements, and High School Coordinator Patsy Lockwood spoke about each student giving insight into characteristics of why they were selected to receive each honor cord. Director Kaye Pair presented the school’s valedictorian cord to Caleb Wilkinson, along with Eagle Scout cord honors to Alex Young, and closed the evening out by thanking parents and students for a magnificent journey. River Region Parents I May 2021

The Montgomery Academy Middle School students trekked outdoors for a fun-filled day at the Alabama Nature Center & NaturePlex testing their fire building and compass skills, discovering a variety of aquatic organisms, and learning about Alabama’s unique wildlife and biodiversity. Students and faculty alike enjoyed all of nature’s beauty and bounty and the time spent with one another!

ECA Seniors Update Memorial Garden

Evangel Christian Academy’s Family Living Class, made up of seniors, graciously donated funds and labor to clean and update the Dena Bittle Memorial Garden, located on the ECA school grounds between the lunchroom and the school office. Mrs. Bittle was a former elementary teacher at ECA, who sadly passed away on April 15, 2012. The participating seven students worked very hard to clear, plant and refresh the garden on an unseasonably hot, sunny day. The garden took three hours to overhaul and looks pristine once again. www.riverregionparents.com

Retired Teacher Leads TEA Workshop

A recent workshop held at TEA Academy provided staff with information and strategies that will help identify and service students with learning gaps. Participants shared their experiences regarding teaching struggling students as well as shared how they collected data, and combined their knowledge with the knowledge obtained from professional development and other research on students’ performance to guide instruction. The workshop also focused on the following: analysis of data to make instructional decisions, and using data to strategize on how to improve student performance in general. The staff at TEA Christian Academy are very optimistic about their students, and the passion that comes with being able to identify factors that contribute to gaps in learning, which will allow them to bridge those gaps with various instructional strategies to meet the needs of students with learning gaps. Professor Charlene McCall-Jackson, who led the workshop, is a retired teacher with the Demopolis, Ala., Public School System after more than 25 years. During her tenure, she served as the department chair for language arts, as well as chaired numerous other committees; additionally, she served as a professor with The University of West Alabama, is a community leader, the mother of three children and the wife of Dr. Clarence Jackson, also an educator. The Jacksons are both ministers and founders of Word of Truth Ministries.

ACA Senior Signs Swimming Scholarship

Alabama Christian Academy senior Jalen McDade has signed with Birmingham Southern College for swimming. McDade started his swimming career at the YMCA and has won several awards and broken personal records at swim meets during the year.

STJ Students Attend Space/Aviation Camp

Four Saint James School students were selected as scholarship winners for the 2021 Gathering of Eagles Foundation Space / Aviation combination camp held March 20-22 in Huntsville. Annabelle Wise, 6th grade; Luke McLendon, 6th grade; Andrew Sellers, 5th grade; and Jamison Cantrell, 4th grade, all attended the camp during their spring break. The opportunity to apply for these scholarships was sent to Saint James Educational Technology Specialist Deborah Otis from TechMGM (which she shared with parents) and is sponsored by the Gathering of Eagles Foundation. Each student was required to submit an essay on how he or she would use the experience to impact the air and space industry, and 36 students from the Montgomery area were selected from the applications. Students were able to experience the best of two of Space Camp’s most popular programs. Space Camp offerings included training just like an astronaut for a shuttle mission. Students were able to have handson experience with simulators such as the Multi Axis Trainer, which simulates the feel of a tumble spin during re-entry and the 1/6th Chair, which simulates a walk on the Moon’s surface. During the Aviation Challenge, students were able to train to be a fighter pilot: learning to fly a supersonic jet, survive in enemy territory, and feel the force of military grade centrifuge. Students were divided into three age groups which helped facilitate age-appropriate experience for all campers. The Gathering of Eagles Foundation is committed to helping students pursue their STEM aspirations. The GOE Foundation works with community leaders to promote educational opportunities for River Region youth and support community initiatives such as Civilian Air Patrol and Starbase. The Foundation also provides annual scholarships to ROTC cadets and River Region youth interested in aviation and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Shown, as part of the Aviation Challenge, Andrew Sellers works to build a fort using only toothpicks and gumdrops. His fort must be able to hold four toy army soldiers.

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Montgomery County Schools

MPS Students Win Literary Awards

Dalraida Student Wins Essay Contest

Dalraida Elementary School QUEST fourthgrade student Aniyah Coleman was a winner in the Montgomery Humane Society essay-writing contest. She wrote a story about a day in the life of her pet hamster “Oreo.” Misty Trussell is her QUEST teacher.

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STUDY SKILLS

M AT H

S AT / AC T P R E P

WRITING

Several Booker T. Washington Magnet and Loveless Academic Magnet Program students were recognized in this year’s High School Literary Arts Awards. The Alabama Writers’ Forum, which is the literary arm of the State Council on the Arts, holds this competition every year, and it is open to students statewide. Shown is BTW student Christin Watson, who received the Alabama Writers’ Forum Senior Portfolio Scholarship. Emily Meyers of BTW won the Ruth & Jay Ott Senior Portfolio Scholarship. Watson and Meyers of BTW also both received Creative Nonfiction Certificates of Merit, as did Kennedi Hawkins, Kemariya Davis and Kaya Hernandez of LAMP. Lee Gaines of BTW won first place in the Creative Nonfiction Long Essay category. Arlyssea Thomas of LAMP received the Creative Nonfiction Judge’s Special Recognition. Kathryn King of LAMP and Mia Rose of BTW received a cash award in the Creative Nonfiction Short Essay category. Marchayla Youngblood and Abby Lunsford of BTW received the Creative Nonfiction Judge’s Special Recognition. Lillian Dennison, Emily Meyers and Nykerea Reese of BTW and Joseph Barnes of LAMP received the Fiction Judge’s Special Recognition. Jamia Jackson and Christin Watson of BTW received Fiction Certificates of Merit. Lee Gaines of BTW received the Poetry Judge’s Special Recognition. Jamia Jackson, Lillian Dennison, Joan Mathew, Joshua Stout and Mia Rose of BTW received Poetry Certificates of Merit, as did Kenady Manigo of LAMP.

READING

HOMEWORK HELP

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River Region Parents I May 2021

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Eastwood Holds Olympic Field Day

The lower school students at Eastwood Christian School were happy to gather and compete in the 2021 Spring Olympic Field Day, which was modified from previous years to allow for COVID safety. Each grade was captained by a pair of sixth-grade students. The students composed cheers and had a cheer competition, followed by fun games played outside in the beautiful spring weather. After the games, students enjoyed refreshing Nancy’s Ice.

Montgomery Academy Inducts Students Into Spanish Honor Society

Founded in August 1953 by the Executive Council of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, the Spanish Honor Society’s objective is to recognize outstanding achievement by American secondary school students in their pursuit of Spanish language proficiency. The Marcelino Chapter was founded at The Montgomery Academy in 1975. Since the chapter’s foundation, each year it inducts a select group of students into its ranks. On March 10, the Spanish Honor Society inducted its newest members: Anna Elizabeth Floyd, Virginia Meacham, Claire Moore, Isabella Navidad, Sanders Pierce, Katherine Sinco, Kareena Singh and Carson Springer. The induction ceremony was conducted by this year’s officers: President Alisha Singh; Vice President Anaya Thomas and Secretary/Treasurer Leighton Robertson.

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Montgomery County Schools

ASMS Opens New Makerspace on West Campus

The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science (ASMS) Remote Learning Center and Makerspace is officially OPEN! A facility that began as a school storage building was renovated to become a Remote Learning Center and Makerspace – one of the only innovation spaces on a school campus in the state of Alabama. The project was funded through a $350,000 appropriation from the state CARES Act as well as funding from the Daniel Foundation, J.L. Bedsole Foundation, Ben May Charitable Trust, and individual donors to ASMS. The school held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on its West Campus with students, families and stakeholders present to celebrate the occasion. They look forward to seeing what students learn, innovate, create, build and discover in this space.

Churchill Senior Chosen for Unique UA Program

Churchill Academy senior Alex Young has been chosen as one of only six students to participate in the CrossingPoints Certificate of Occupational Studies program at The University of Alabama (UA) this fall. The program enables students with intellectual disabilities to participate in post-secondary education. Students in the program gain practical work experiences through internships both on and off campus, complete coursework modified to best fit their learning styles, and learn skills that facilitate independent living. Students enrolled in the program live in traditional on-campus housing and have access to most of the university’s leisure and extracurricular activities as well. Young will join the UA family in May, when he will attend the Summer Bridge program also facilitated by CrossingPoints. This program will prepare him to begin college life successfully in the fall. Young notes that he will miss his peers and teachers at Churchill Academy, where he has been a student since 2011. While crediting them and his family for making his acceptance at UA possible, he looks forward to the road ahead and thanks everyone for their encouragement and support.

Carver Student Receives Bryant-Jordan Award

Carver High senior Josiah King-Rogers added to a long list of accomplishments when he was named a BryantJordan Scholar Athlete! Rogers received $3,000 from the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Program. He also was awarded the University of Alabama “A” Club Educational and Charitable Foundation Scholarship worth $12,000 per year for four years. Rogers was also elected both the 2020 Homecoming King and the senior class president at Carver. He is a member of the 2020-2021 Yearbook staff, Mu Alpha Theta National Math Honor Society, National Honor Society, track and basketball teams. He plans to attend the University of Alabama. River Region Parents I May 2021

Evangel Holds Annual Walk-a-thon Event

The students at Evangel Christian Academy recently participated in a schoolwide walk-athon, which is a yearly fundraiser event. After the students walked the required amount of laps, the entire school enjoyed a fun field day. Elementary classes played games and high school students continued with a “Color Walk.” Students also enjoyed a “Bunny Hay Ride,” Easter egg hunt and a visit from real Easter chicks.

MA Math Classes Learn New System

Montgomery Academy fifth-grade math classes use a hands-on learning system that introduces basic algebraic expressions. Each student has a “balance” sheet, pawns that represent x (or variables being solved for), and number cubes. Students combine like terms first, remove pawns from both ends, and then work with subtracting numbers. Eventually, the students will work with negative variables and numbers using this method. 38

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MEA Basketball Players, Coach Chosen for All-State

The Alabama Sports Writers’ Association prep basketball committee chose three Macon East Academy student-athletes for the 2020-2021 squads. Chase Dumas was selected for the AISA Second Team All-State and Tyler Daniels was awarded honorable mention. Maddie Ross was awarded honorable mention on the AISA All-State girls’ team. Coach Glynn Lott was selected Coach of the Year for the AISA All-State boys’ team.

Chase Dumas

Maddie Ross

MA Students Awarded in Art Contest

Tyler Daniels

The following Montgomery Academy Upper School art students received awards for their art submissions in the Doing Our Own Thing Art Competition: Black & White Drawing 1st Place – Lukas Yi and 2nd Place – Isabella Capouya; Color Drawing 2nd Place – Abby Baird; Graphic Design/Digital Art 1st & 2nd Place – Laine Martin and honorable mention – Ellie Jihyun Kim; Mixed Media 1st Place – Garrett Scott and 3rd Place – Capouya; Color Photography 1st Place – Zoe Zink and 3rd Place – Yi; Painting honorable mention – Ann Cobern Chapman; Printmaking 2nd Place – Kareena Singh; and Sculpture 1st Place – Pierson Hartley and honorable mention – Ben Thackston.

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Coach Glynn Lott

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The month of May brings sunshine, warmer days, the sweet sound of birds chirping, and the beauty of blooming flowers. May also signifies that the end of the school year is approaching. We welcome the summer season with trips to the beach, the lake, the neighborhood pool, and by grilling with friends and family. At Pike Road Schools (PRS), we do boundless work in the summer. We plan extensively for the upcoming year and participate in meaningful professional development. Our administrators and teachers are involved in a wide range of learning experiences that include: conferences and workshops, new teacher orientation, and self-guided professional development to strengthen their craft. Our students are involved in a myriad of educational and

River Region Parents I May 2021

athletic activities. We are a learning community. Life-long learning is an essential part of the PRS commitment to continuous improvement. Of course, this summer, there will be continued work to renovate and create more learning spaces for our students to utilize as our total district enrollment is forecasted to increase by 25% between 2021-2026. Summers at Pike Road Schools are a busy and productive time of year. In this final stretch of the school year, we see the fruits of our labor. We have a variety of spring events, concerts, plays, athletics, honor days, awards, and championships. We see how our teachers have made remarkable strides with students. We see growth in all parts of our school system. There are touchpoints throughout the spring that remind us why we love the Pike Road community and our schools. In the School Bits section of this edition, you can read a sampling of these reasons. As we wrap up this school year, we look ahead with anticipation to the 2021-2022 school year with fewer COVID restrictions and challenges. This year has been like no other.

Despite the challenges our teachers and administrators have shown, outstanding leadership and innovation in ensuring that the learning at PRS never stops. We celebrate the PRS team for their continued commitment to our students and commend them for the central role they have played and continue to play in responding to and recovering from this pandemic. We are incredibly proud of the achievements our learners, lead learners, administrators, parents, and community have accomplished this school year. The future is bright for Pike Road Schools! Keep an eye on us as we continue to lead the way in education and make our district the best it can be. Wishing you all an enjoyable and safe summer!

Chuck Ledbetter has been an educator for 30 years. He 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. 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 11th year as a superintendent. He is married to Kim and has three daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren.

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PRES Holds ‘Egg’stravaganza for Assistant Principal

Ms. Beck and Ms. Etheridge’s kindergarten school families celebrated Pike Road Elementary Assistant Principal Mr. Van Egmond recently. Van Egmond goes above and beyond for the lead learners and learners at school. He is always willing to come into the classroom to read or help facilitate a special project. He is also always encouraging lead learners to overestimate kids and is willing to support them in whatever they need to make that happen. The two teachers planned an “Egg”stravaganza for Van Egmond to show him how much they care. Learners were given the challenge to build a contraption that could hold an egg and keep it from breaking when dropped from a ladder. Learners were split into groups and given a bag of materials, an egg, and ten minutes to see what they could come up with. Everyone was full of great ideas and eager to get to work. After ten minutes, each team took a turn bringing their egg to Van Egmond to see if it could survive the drop. Three contraptions saved their egg and everyone was so excited to see that those contraptions worked! After everyone enjoyed the egg drop excitement, they celebrated with doughnuts since they “doughnut” know what they would do without Van Egmond!

Pete Taylor Award Presented to PRS School Board

Our Maxwell partners presented PRS Superintendent Dr. Chuck Ledbetter and the PRS School Board with the Pete Taylor Partnership of Excellence award during the school board meeting in March. The Pete Taylor award is a national award that signifies outstanding community partnerships. We are honored to work alongside Maxwell Air Force Base to give our military families excellent educational opportunities. This partnership has given us a greater understanding of how we can meet the needs of our military families. It has allowed us to build a stable and consistent relationship between PRS and military communities throughout the world.

River Region Parents I May 2021

PRIS Raises Funds For Heart Association

Under the leadership of coaches Josh Clark and Kelly Sanders, Pike Road Intermediate School students raised $12,078.27 through the recent Kids Heart Challenge (KHC)/American Heart Challenge event. Their efforts will make a tremendous impact and help millions of Americans through increased awareness of cardiovascular disease, lifesaving scientific research, and critically needed education efforts.

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

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Pike Road Celebrates Military Students Each year, April is set aside as a military child appreciation month, officially known as the Month of the Military Child. With its creation in the mid-1980s, the Pentagon and other military support organizations and agencies use the month to recognize military kids for their sacrifices and bravery on the home front. Military children deal with separations, deployments, frequent moves and even their parents’ injuries as part of the life they were born into or entered with their families. Their strength and resiliency are inspirational, as many of them are facing new learning from home adventures, extended separations from a parent and delayed PCSes. Pike Road Schools (PRS) serves more than 160 military-connected learners. When parents serve in the military, their children also serve and are our heroes. These children are a source of pride and honor to PRS, and it is only fitting that we take time to recognize their contributions, celebrate their spirit, and let our men and women in uniform know that while they are taking care of us, we are caring for their children. Throughout the month of April, Pike Road Schools paid tribute to these special students for their commitment, struggles and unconditional support of our troops. We displayed posters and banners in our schools thanking them and each of our military-connected learners was recognized and honored on our district Facebook page. To view, visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pikeroadschools. Additionally, on April 15, we encouraged our students, teachers and the community to wear purple for “Purple Up for Military Kids.” This is a national annual observance that allows all Americans to celebrate military kids. Purple references the joint environment of the military – encompassing all service branches, Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard and veterans, and encourages everyone to wear purple.

Pike Road Offers Vaccine Clinic

Pike Road Schools recently partnered with Dr. David Herrick at the Center for Pain to offer a COVID-19 vaccine clinic to staff and their adult family members. The drive-through clinic was offered after school hours at our Pike Road Elementary campus.

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Autauga County Schools

Prattville Primary Enjoys Egg Hunt

Prattville Primary School leaders reached their classroom PAWS goal and enjoyed an egg hunt with prizes. Way to work as a team and reach your goals!

PCA Band Students Compete

Prattville Christian Academy’s Panther Band participated in the District 5 Band Solo and Ensemble Contest at Prattville High School recently. Andrew Minton ’23, MyKala Pichea ‘22, Nikolas LaFrance ’22, Julia Smith ‘24 and Anna Lantz ’26 earned a Superior Rating (the highest award possible) for their solo performances as well as the two ensembles, trio and duet performances that were entered in the competition.

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

PCA Group Cleans Pratt Park

Prattville Christian Academy’s Junior Civitan International Club spent part of their weekend cleaning up the City of Prattville’s Pratt Park! Sophomore Sarah Williams and juniors Alyssa Birchmeier and Maddie Jef-fery picked up trash and other discarded items beautifying the area for fellow citizens.

PPS Rewards Reader Leaders

Check out these READER LEADERS! Prattville Primary School celebrated our students who met their Accelerated Reader Goals. River Region Parents I May 2021

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PCA Junior Chosen For All-Star Game

Prattville Christian Academy Honors Senior Tennis Girls

Prattville Christian Academy Junior Ella Jane Connell was selected to play in the AHSAA’s North/South All-Star Basketball Game this summer! This muchanticipated game invites only the 30 best juniors in the entire state regardless of classification. Connell is just the fourth PCA basketball player selected for this game. Connell was also named the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s 3A Player of the Year. Among the classifications statewide, she was the only junior named in this prestigious listing of student-athletes.

During a recent match, Prattville Christian Academy’s tennis team honored seniors Sydney Jorgensen, Lilli Edwards and Emily Kamykowski for their contributions to the program.

PPS Student Receives Leadership Award

Judge Joy Booth presented an award to Emily from Mrs. Messick’s classroom at Prattville Primary School. Emily was nominated for this award from the Autauga County Children’s Policy Council for making a positive contribution that is beyond normal expectations. Emily is a leader in all that she does and reminds us all that we can overcome odds to achieve results.

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The 2020-2021 school year ends May 24, just over a month away! Thankfully, it seems the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us, and we have begun planning for summer programs to help our students overcome the learning loss experienced due to quarantines and illnesses. Several face-to-face programs will be available for K-12 students at no cost to families. Kindergarten through 3rd grade students will be eligible to attend Summer Literacy Camp on their school campus beginning Tuesday, June 1, and ending Thursday, July 1. Literacy Camp will operate Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Breakfast, lunch, and supper will be provided and there is no cost to participate. This camp is based on the Alabama Literacy Act which requires students to be able to read on grade level by the end of 3rd grade to be promoted to 4th grade.

River Region Parents I May 2021

Students will receive literacy instruction to address learning gaps, and enrichment activities in STEM, art, and music will also be provided. STAR Reading proficiency data is being used to identify eligible students. Summer school will be offered for middle and high school students utilizing the Edgenuity/Pathblazer platform on their respective campuses. Middle and high school summer school programs will operate June 1 through July 21, Monday – Thursday each week. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for middle schools, and 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for high schools. All programs will be closed July 5-8. Breakfast and lunch will be provided and there is no cost to participate. Middle school students in grades 5 – 8 will be offered standards recovery courses for non-credit bearing courses. Students will work on the critical standards they were not able to master during this school year so they will be prepared with the knowledge they need for the next grade level. High school students will be offered credit recovery courses or full courses, depending

upon their final yearly average in that course. Students may take up to two courses unless granted permission by school administration. Credit advancement will also be offered to high school students for $200 per course and will be facilitated through The EDGE, Elmore County’s virtual school. Finally, our 21st Century Community Learning Center summer enrichment program will operate face-to-face on five campuses: Eclectic Middle, Holtville Middle, Airport Road Intermediate, Millbrook Middle, and Wetumpka Middle Schools. Please contact your child’s school for more information. We encourage our students and families to take advantage of these summer opportunities in preparation for an exciting 2021-2022 school year. Every student empowered – every student succeeds! 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

Two Elmore County Athletes Win Bryant-Jordan Awards

Elmore County athletes have been chosen as winners for the 5A and 6A divisions of the prestigious Bryant-Jordan Scholar Athlete Awards. They join 12 other student-athletes from across the state in receiving this honor. Wetumpka High senior (and soon-to-be freshman at Louisiana State University) Morgan Causey has been recognized as the winner for Class 6A. Causey is a three-sport student athlete who excels at volleyball, basketball and track and field. She currently is president of her class, carries a 4.316 GPA and scored a 30 on her ACT. Her father Christopher was a 1990 Bryant-Jordan Award recipient. Sam Bartlet, the 5A Scholar Athlete winner from Elmore County High School, plans to attend Vanderbilt University this fall and was joined at the ceremony by Student-Achievement Regional Winner Kelley Green. Pulling into the homestretch of his senior year in Eclectic, Bartlet has a 4.3 GPA and is a member of the ECHS Student Government Association. He also ran track and played soccer. The scholarship program, named in honor of the late coaches Paul “Bear” Bryant of Alabama and Ralph “Shug” Jordan of Auburn, recognized 52 regional scholar-athlete winners selected for their excellence in athletics and academics and 52 achievement winners chosen for their ability to overcome major obstacles during their high school careers. Each of the 104 regional winners received a $3,000 scholarship; the 14 Class Winners received an additional $3,500; and for each overall state winner, the additional stipend received was $4,000.

ECTC Graduate Helps Build Expansion

Elmore County Technical Center has a third former student who has been working on its new expansion on campus. Braxton took all three years of the Electrical Technology program at ECTC and returned with his employer Garner Electric to work on the new building construction.

WHS Senior Receives APT Scholarship

Each year, APT selects five Alabama high school students for Young Heroes scholarships. They are selected on the basis of academics, school participation, community service and having overcome some sort of adversity or hardship. Jazmin Faulkner, a senior at Wetumpka High School, maintains a 3.5 GPA, has been a majorette for the Wetumpka High School band for four years, and was named the Elmore County Sports Medicine Student of the Year in 2020. She has served as historian and treasurer for FCCLA and vice president and president for the weREAD Book Club. Faulkner was also selected to represent her school at the Hugh O’Brien Youth (HOBY) Leadership Conference, Alabama Girls State and the Alabama Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. Last summer Faulkner volunteered as an intern at Phoenix Rehabilitation and Health Services, Inc. She is an active member of her church youth group and often participates in local missions. Among her many endeavors, she volunteers with the Elmore County Food Pantry, The Shepherd’s Staff, the Montgomery Area Food Bank, the Christmas Clearing House, Toys for Tots and DHR. She recently received the President’s Volunteer Service Award Gold Level through HOBY for completing more than 400 community service hours from 2019 to 2020. At the age of 1, Faulkner lost both parents, her unborn baby brother and her grandfather in a car accident. She lived with her grandmother in a trailer outside New Orleans following the accident. When Hurricane Katrina hit, they lost everything. After the hurricane, she and her grandmother moved several times before ending up in Alabama where they often found themselves homeless. Eventually, Faulkner’s grandmother was no longer able to care for her, and she was placed in foster care at the age of 7. She lived in four foster homes in one year and attended seven schools by third grade. Her foster parents adopted her at the age of 10. For her perseverance in the face of multiple adversities, her generosity of spirit, and her dedication to the welfare of others, Faulkner is recognized by her school and our state as one of the five 2021 Young Heroes of Alabama. River Region Parents I May 2021

WHS Senior Signs Softball Scholarship

Wetumpka senior Kaylyn Richardson has joined the 2021 Martin Methodist College 2021 signing class! Richardson will come in and work the outfield for the RedHawks. www.riverregionparents.com

College and Career Week @ Coosada

ECTC Students Decorate Cakes

Recently, Coosada Elementary students and teachers took part in their annual College and Career Week. Students participated in dress-up days, a career poster contest, and career Zooms throughout the week. Career Zooms included: a firefighter, a construction worker, a fire marshal, a marine scientist, a police of-ficer, a cake artist, an account manager, a senior human resources generalist, an insurance agent, a medical assistant, an environmental scientist, the Elmore County Technical Center career coach, and WSFA meteorologists Lee Southwick and Amanda Curran (pictured). Students had a wonderful week exploring the many options for their futures!

Elmore County Technical Center’s Hospitality & Tourism students put their icing and piping skills to the test during a recent workshop where they each decorated their own cakes in class.

Wetumpka Sophomore Places in FFA Contest

Wetumpka High sophomore Jackson Hill placed first in the Future Farmers of America Central District Extemporaneous Public Speaking competition in Clanton recently.

Please send Your School News to: editor@riverregionparents.com.

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with Coach K

Diet is Not a Bad Word! I know what you’re saying...”Oh, yes, it is!” More often than not, when people talk about diets or dieting, it is because they are trying to lose weight. The truth is, whether your goal is to lose weight or not, you are on a diet. I took the liberty to look up the definition of diet, which has two meanings: 1. the kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats. 2. a special course of food to which one restricts oneself, either to lose weight or for medical reasons. We tend to lean more towards the second meaning than the first. When people say ‘I’m on a diet’ it usually means they are restricting themselves from what they normally eat, but the reality is we are all on a diet. YES, YOU ARE ON A DIET. The idea of a diet being only for weight loss has a lot to do with marketing practices of food companies, gyms, and even personal trainers. One of the most often-asked questions I get as a trainer is: “Can you write me a diet plan?” My response is, “You’re already on a diet.” We connect diet with words/phrases such as low carbs, low fat or no sugar. When you see those words, I also River Region Parents I May 2021

want you to extend your connection by adding words like “short-term, unsustainable, and moody.” If you are being honest, you know that when your food choices are low in carbs, fat, and sugar over a period of time, although you may see results, it’s not long-lasting and some people have cranky attitudes. I want to be very transparent here. I’ve tried a few diets: Atkins, Keto, and Intermittent Fasting. Guess what, I lost weight! However, there was a light bulb moment for me. Going ON a diet would eventually mean I would have to come OFF the diet. So I saw my body weight constantly going up and down. What was the problem? The problem was I made short term changes instead of lifestyle changes. So Coach K, what type of ‘diet’ works? I’m so glad you asked. Here are 3 keys to having a healthy diet.

1. Find a pace that works for YOU.

There is no one-size-fits-all diet. You have to find what works for you! Get rid of the microwave mindset of 30 day fixes. You’re in it for the long haul. Making lifestyle changes instead short50

term goals gives you permission to eat a cookie or two...or three. It’s much more rewarding when you find a pace you can stick to.

2. Bring the family along.

Your family needs to understand the meaning of diet as well, and it will create an easier path for them to join in. Your children will have so much fun with creating meal ideas and cooking meals. Your family diet will be the example of balance and structure. In addition, your healthy lifestyle changes will promote healthier relationships in your home.

3. Still set goals.

Yes, this is a lifestyle journey, but you can still set goals you want your body to reach. If you want to eat healthy, set a goal to put more veggies on your plate. If you want to change how you snack, pack more fruits and keep lots of water with you. Believe it or not, everyone does not want to lose weight. Some people want to feel good about themselves and live a healthy lifestyle. So remember, diet is not a dirty word. Let’s continue to build habits and patterns that allow us to have a healthy relationship with food. Change your mindset. Change your life. I’m rooting and praying for you!

Keon Addison is a 5th grade teacher of 19 years at Wares Ferry Road Elementary. He and his wife, Jennifer, have two beautiful girls, Ashlyn and Keona. Keon is the visionary/coach of Unleashed Potential Fitness where he hosts bootcamps, group training, and personal training. He is also a lifestyle coach for the Wellness Coalition teaching people how to delay and/or prevent type 2 diabetes. Find out more at www.unleashedpotentialfitness.org.

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Raising kids is one of the most life-changing and rewarding times of your life, but it can also be the most exhausting and draining. While moms typically make their kids their top priority, putting them above their own needs and wants, moms need to make time for themselves so they can continue to be at their best when it comes to supporting and taking care of their families. Moms, it’s time to make you a priority. River Region Parents I May 2021

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visits to make time for their families but routine check-ups can prevent issues before they arise.

Why Make Yourself a Priority? Your mental health is a important Being a mother has its emotional highs and lows. Your body goes through amazing changes both physically and mentally during pregnancy, birth, and the years that follow. It is important for moms to make their mental health a priority. Ask your significant other or a trusted friend to help you monitor when you are struggling. Ask for help if you feel you are not at your best emotionally. Taking care of your family on a day-to-day basis can be draining on your emotional reserves, but when you have participated in activities that make you feel happy and healthy, it is easier to be attentive and supportive to those around you.

How to Make Yourself a Priority? Find your tribe Having a group of friends that understand what it’s like to raise children, work, maintain a healthy lifestyle,and commit to a loving marriage is important for moms to feel “normal” and supported. Moms groups (like MOPS), online meetups or groups, book clubs, or church groups are great places to meet other moms that you

Your physical health is a priority If you are physically exhausted, it is hard to be patient with your kids or get anything productive accomplished at home or work. Getting good rest, exercising, and eating healthy are important for moms to feel at their best. It’s also important for moms to make their health important by visiting the doctor, dentist, and other appointments to maintain health on a regular basis. So often moms will delay their own scheduled doctor

have things in common with and connect.

Set aside time Between running errands, extracurricular activities, housework, and spending time with your kids it can be hard to set aside time for yourself. Spending time alone, with your spouse (without your kids), and with friends is so important for moms to

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feel energized for another day. Add time for you to the family calendar to assure that it happens on a regular basis and any child care needs are met.

Ask for help Moms are used to helping others and many of us have a hard time reaching out and asking for help. However, when a friend asks, we are the first to offer assistance. Give others a chance to help you. Set up a carpool so you are not always the one playing taxi with the kids for their after school activities, accept help when offered, or trade babysitting with a friend so you can have a much needed date night. If your significant other offers to help out around the house, let them, even if it isn’t exactly the way you would have done it. Accepting help can be a big relief and can give moms the chance for some much needed time to focus on themselves.

Exercise A good exercise routine not only keeps you healthy and fit, but it can also help you feel better about yourself as well as give you an extra energy boost for the long days of mothering. Taking time for exercise can also give you a chance to be alone and listen to a podcast, audiobook, or music you enjoy while working out. If your exercise takes you outside, you also get an added boost of Vitamin D which has been proven to help you feel happier too.

Take up a hobby Treat yourself

What do you love to do? Many moms find they have forgotten the hobbies they used to enjoy prior to kids. Make time for yourself and your interests. Seek out an old hobby or find a new one - reading, running, sewing, scrapbooking - whatever activity gets you excited is what you need to make time for. Whether you do your hobby with a group of friends or on your own, you will not regret making time for something that is important to you. It’s not possible to put yourself first all the time when you are a busy mom but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t set aside time when you are the priority. It’s important for your mental and physical health and well-being and will make you a better mom overall. rrp

Moms work hard. Allow yourself a treat such as a coffee, a new outfit, a fresh haircut, pedicure, or a sweet treat on occasion. Giving yourself permission to treat yourself can boost your mood and acknowledge that you work hard and deserve something special. You don’t have to spend a lot of time or money, it’s more about putting yourself first on occasion.

Talk to someone Sometimes we just need someone to talk to about our feelings, what is going on in our lives, and share the details of everyday life. One way moms make themselves a priority is to find a friend or family member you can chat with on a regular basis. Some may find it helpful to talk to a counselor if you have a lot to work through and have dealt with depression or feel like you could use some unbiased advice.

Sarah Lyons writes for numerous parenting magazines throughout the U.S.

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by Kimberley Carter Spivey

“Cooking is how I unwind for the day,” says Grayson Deal, a Pike Road resident. And we couldn’t be more excited to share what dish helps him relax after a long day at work. This month we’re featuring our first dad and his family’s favorite meal in the Deal household. Married to Megan Deal, the couple has two boys, Gray (4) and Bo (2). With two young toddlers, it’s fair to say that being in the kitchen and cooking qualifies as downtime for this loving family man. When he’s not in the kitchen at home, Grayson dedicates his time to his career at Alfa Insurance as a Research Analyst. His wife, Megan, teaches kindergarten at St. James School in Montgomery. In sitting down with Grayson, we learned what inspires him to cook and how his passion emerged. He explains, “It’s so fun to me, whether I’m making something I’ve made hundreds of times or trying something new for the first time.” Throughout his childhood he remembers watching the Food Network and also watching his mother cook, and credits both with helping him hone his skills. As his sons get older, Grayson’s goal is to try and get them involved. Many people enjoy a particular cooking tool or cooking style of sorts. In Grayson’s case, he likes to grill and smoke different foods on his Big Green Egg, a versatile cooking device with a River Region Parents I May 2021

ceramic kamado-style charcoal grill, oven, and smoker. As he tries new recipes and techniques, Grayson enjoys sharing on his Facebook page— The Cookin’ Dad and Instagram, @thecookindad. As we talked, Grayson gave us the inside scoop on his favorite quick and simple meals. “I love a sheet pan meal. Almost every week, we have a sheet pan of Conecuh sausage, potatoes or sweet potatoes, and either broccoli or green beans. It’s so easy to make and never seems to last long because everyone loves it. We also make different tacos or Mexican meals. Another dinner we like is grilling chicken and having it on top of a salad. It’s great to have a meal we can cook at the beginning of the week and have a few lunches/ dinners out of it.” One of Grayson’s favorite recipes is Cheesy Bacon Rotel Cups. He shares, “This is a recipe I have been making for years. Whether it’s football season and I’m bringing it to a tailgate or if I’m taking it as an appetizer for a dinner party... these are always a hit!”

Cheesy Bacon Rotel Cups Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients: 3 boxes (1.9 ounces, each) frozen Mini Phyllo (Fillo) Shells (15 per box) 1 cup mayonnaise 56

1 can (10 ounces) mild Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles), drained 1/2 cup cooked chopped bacon OR 1 bag (2.8 ounces) Oscar Meyer Real Bacon pieces 1 ½ cups shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the phyllo shells carefully from their boxes. No need to thaw. Place shells onto a large baking sheet. In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Rotel tomatoes, and bacon pieces. Once combined, stir in the cheese. Scoop one tablespoon of filling into each phyllo shell. Repeat with all filling and shells. Bake for 15- 20 minutes or until golden and cheese melted. Serve as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side salad. Enjoy!

Kimberley Carter Spivey is a freelance writer, blogger, author, and entrepreneur. When she’s not working as an Instructional Systems Designer and copy-editor on Maxwell AFB, she’s busy freelancing, blogging, or toiling away at her next book. Her debut book Bloom: How to Get from Good Enough to a Life You Love can be purchased on Amazon and girlyouwrite.com.

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I wish I could see the board instead of trying to read through your vape cloud. - Sarah, 8th Grade

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Would you like to infuse your childrens’ summer with the same magic from your childhood? Make the season stand out by doing the joyfully unexpected, whether it’s throwing a well-established rule out the window or granting one another’s fanciful wishes. Here are a few unique ways that your family can spend time together and create unforgettable memories in the process. River Region Parents I May 2021

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Grant-a-Wish Challenge

Can your family make one another’s wishes come true? Start this project by asking older children and adults to each make a list of what they’d like to do before summer ends, no matter how small, big or crazy the wishes may be. Help younger children by providing a few ideas to get them started, and then writing down their items. Once you’ve shared the lists, ask each person to choose their top two wishes. Write one final family wish list that includes everyone’s top wishes, and then have some fun. Can your family figure out how to make them come true? You may be surprised at how many fanciful wishes you’re able to grant. If it truly is impossible, you may need to get creative and do the next best thing. Instead of climbing Mount Everest, perhaps the family can take Dad on the nearest hiking trail. Giving your preschooler a visit with a unicorn isn’t possible, but a toy unicorn is. Or perhaps there’s an equestrian center or zoo nearby, where she can see horses or other exotic animals.

Memorable Summer Activities Star Show: Find as many constellations as you can. With phone apps such as Skyview, you can point your phone at the sky for help identifying constellations, planets and more. Doorstep Surprise: Turn the wildflowers they pick into miniature bouquets placed in small $1 vases from the craft store. Supervise younger children as they ring neighbors’ doorbells and leave their surprise gifts.

transform rocks into toy figures. This, too, can become an annual tradition.

What Rules?

Summer vacation is a great time to shake things up and step away from the rulebook. Firefly Nightlight: Let your children bring nature home Surprise and for a night by keeping a few caught fireflies in their excite your chilrooms, in jars with air holes. They can release the dren with fun and fireflies the next morning. creative activities that break the Evening Glide: Take a family walk before or after rules. How about dinner each evening, paying attention to any flowers, starting a meal birds or other summer sights. with dessert first, Old School: Introduce your children to one of your instead of last? childhood favorites, whether it’s hosting a lemonade Imagine their stand, making a fort, or another activity. glee at seeing desserts placed on their lunch melon.org. Do this often, and your children plates. Or, hold a will look forward to seeing the carvings contest that requires everyone to play with throughout the summer–and for many their food. Make extra servings of broccoli, summers after. As your children grow, Establish Traditions mashed potatoes or another side, and the fruit will bring to mind all of their good Traditions can be as big as an annual challenge family members to make the summer memories. trip to Disney, but it’s often the simple most creative creature from the leftovers. If you’re planning to spend time at the activities that stick with us. Seemingly If bedtime is always at 7pm, take beach, encourage your childrens’ love of small treats and pleasures loom large in advantage of school vacation and grant collecting natural treasures by providing memory. special “late nights” when your family special “treasure chest” containers for Instead of cutting watermelon slices spends extra time together collecting their finds. When you return home, spend as expected, make a few diagonal cuts fireflies, enjoying an outdoor fire or savortime together turning those shells and and turn the melon into a canoe or other ing another fun activity. Tell them in the driftwood into wind chimes, or use paint to carving like those shared at www.water-

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morning that they’ll have a special night, so their excitement and anticipation builds throughout the day.

Share a Special Place

Does your family have a favorite picnic spot, or another outdoor space where you like to spend time together? If not, think about what everyone enjoys doing, and take a drive through the region. Search for a park, bike trail, swimming nook or other place that isn’t too crowded. Once you’ve found it, bring your family and a “Fun Kit” filled with simple items, such as a Frisbee, ball, books and playing cards. Leave the phones and other electrical devices at home so that you can share downtime together, relaxing, talking and creating your own fun.

Host Your Own “Parent Trap” Everyone enjoys a good role reversal. Instead of packing every day with plans, scatter unscheduled days throughout the summer. These are great opportunities to let your children become the “parents” and direct the day. Where do they want to go? What do they want to do? This is often a great chance to see if your summer has fallen out of balance. If your days are packed with plans, they may ask for a simple weekend at home. If they’ve spent a lot of laid-back time in the backyard, they may ask to hop from one place to another all day. Children will relish the role of parent and some will assume it completely. How far they take it is up to you. You may wish to set limits based on your family’s needs, how far you’re willing to travel, or how long the role reversal will last. With a little thought and flexibility, your family can spend unique time together creating memories that your children will remember, and even pass on to kids of their own, someday. rrp

Colleen Wright is a freelance writer and mom of a spirited tween who inherited her love of the beach and annual traditions.

River Region Parents I May 2021

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Practical Tips for Easing Kids’ Social Media Anxiety Teens text, tweet, snap, and post like crazy. In fact, about half of teens use social media every day, and for some, this means checking Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat dozens (or hundreds!) of times a day. While many teens find connecting with friends online a positive experience, social media can affect kids’ mental health -- especially tween girls. The tricky part for parents is identifying the tipping point between a healthy relationship to social media and its negative effects. You can do this by understanding how your kid uses various platforms, helping them learn to recognize their own limits, and supporting them in finding a healthy balance of online and offline socializing. Though fear of missing out (FOMO) is a classic sign of social media distress, it’s hard to know what’s natural teen angst and what’s cause for concern. Many parents have observed their previously outgoing teen grow increasingly withdrawn as they become more immersed in social media. But research into a potential link between increased smartphone and social media use and teen mental health diagnoses has yet to pinpoint a direct cause. Still, the correlation is strong enough to suggest parents approach social media with care, especially if your kids are in a high-risk group. Simply being aware of what your kids are doing, what kinds of experiences they’re having, and how they feel about their interactions can go a long way toward protecting your kid. If you see your kids struggling -- maybe they’re always stressed out after being on the phone or

they’re staying up too late texting -- step in. Here’s what you can do:

Listen. It can be easy to dismiss social

media stress as superficial, but for many tweens and teens, social media is social life.

Don’t judge. Snapchat seems a little dumb, doesn’t it? But for tweens and teens, connecting with their peers is a normal part of child development. For you, it meant hours on the phone. For them, it means lots and lots of rainbow vomit. Accept that this is important to them. Encourage their

offline lives. FOMO can chip away at kids’ self-esteem, but the best defense is a strong sense of what makes kids unique, worthy, and valuable. Help kids participate in sports, clubs, drama, volunteer work, or even online hobbies to help them weather the ups and downs of social media anxiety. Set limits. Listening and validating are

important, but parents also need to set some basic limits around when and where the phone or computer can be used. Start with turning phones off an hour before bedtime and storing them in your room to help kids resist the temptation to stay up late texting. You can suggest they tell their friends they’ll be signing off at a specific time, so they won’t be expecting a response.

Shift the focus. If kids are feeling overwhelmed by keeping up with all the online social stuff, encourage them to focus on doing something. Maybe they can create 61

their own memes, choreograph their own dances, or design their own games. Encouraging kids to use the creative side of social media tools can shift their focus to a sense of accomplishment.

Use social media settings. All apps

have settings to help you keep a lower profile. You can turn off your status so friends don’t know that you’re online, mute people to disengage for a while, and go into “ghost mode” so your friends can’t find you. Some apps even have features that limit your time or remind you to take a break. Using these settings lets you take some control over your use, which can help relieve anxiety.

Ask open-ended questions. You don’t need to solve their problems for them. But you can help them think about what is and isn’t working for them. Here are some questions to try: • Are there any habits you might want to change? (Such as not checking your phone before bed.) • What would happen if you turned off your phone? For an hour? A day? • Have you thought about rewarding yourself for not checking your phone or social media for a certain amount of time? (Make a game of it!) • What are the pros and cons of using Instagram and other social-networking apps? • What would happen if you unfollowed or unfriended someone who was making you feel bad on social media? • Do you notice that you have better or worse reactions to posts or messages depending on how you feel that day? The Child Mind Institute contributed to this article. Learn more at childmind.org.

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be offering summer classes in Classical Ballet (pre-ballet to the professional level), Modern, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Composition/Choreography and Broadway. Highlights of summer classes include a new class Broadway, classical ballet training and creative movement classes open to ages 3 and up. Tutus and Tiaras Camp for ages 3-8 on June 1-4 from 9:30-12:30. Classes will include pre-ballet, creative movement, crafts, and story time. Stars on the Riverfront at the Amphitheater will be July 25-26 at 7:30. Free to the public. Please feel free to bring a picnic.

(334) 241.2590 www.alabamadancetheatre.com

Alabama River Region Ballet ad on page 2

Art/Music/Theater Montgomery Catholic Prep School Art & Drama Camps ad on page 33

5350 Vaughn Road Montgomery Children’s Drama Camp. Dates to be announced. (334) 272.7221

www.montgomerycatholic.org

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts ad on page 65

1 Museum Drive Montgomery This year, parents can choose between our saferat-home summer camp lessons or attend summer camp in person at the Museum. For those attending in person, camp will be held in the outdoor studio durning the morning hours. Most exciting is that summer art camp is free for all this year! Junior Camp: June 7-11 from 8-11 a.m., ages 5-8; Youth Camp 1: June 7-11 from 8-11 a.m., ages 9-12; Youth Camp 2: June 14-18 from 8-11 a.m., ages 9-12; Youth Camp 3: June 14-18 from 8-11 a.m., ages 9-12; Youth Camp 4: June 21-25 from 8-11 a.m., ages 9-12; Teen Camp: June 21-25 from 8-11 a.m., ages 13-18. Virtual and in person camps have online registration. (334) 240.4333

www.mmfa.org

Armory Learning Arts Center 1018 Madison Ave. Montgomery Summer 2021 Classes have been updated on our webpage. Check our our 17 new offerings including a FREE outdoor summer movie night. We offer kids summer art classes, adult art classes, music, dance, fitness and acting classes.

(334) 625.ARTS (2787) www.funinmontgomery.com/ parks-items/Armory or Facebook under Armory Learning Arts Center

ASU Tonea Stewart’s Performing Arts Camp 915 S. Jackson Street Montgomery June 7-July 16, Ages 6-18, All camps combined. (334) 229.6755

toneastewartcamps.com

Barb’s Summer Art Camp 1923 Mulberry Street Montgomery Summer ART with Barb Grimes at Nancy’s Ice Paint a canvas - for ages 3 and up, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; May 25 to July 29; 10:30 am; $15 includes Free Ice Treat (334) 546-2233 www.barbsonmulberry.com www.facebook.com/barbsonmulberry.com

River Region Parents I May 2021

Montgomery Music Project Summer Camp 2416 West Cloverdale Park Montgomery Date to be decided; Montgomery Music Project (MMP) offers an enriching day camp full of engaging music activities and classes for children of a variety of ages and abilities. Daily orchestra lessons are supplemented with group drumming, musicianship class, singing and more.

(901) 603.0420 montgomerymusicproject@gmail.com www.montgomerymusicproject.org

P’zazz Art Studio 138 W. Main St. Prattville Variety of summer camps offered from June 2-July 27. Please visit our website for Art Camps and times. (334) 354.1975

www.pzazzart.com

Paint & Clay 4319 Atlanta Hwy., Montgomery Montgomery Paint your own pottery or canvas. Full and half day Summer camps. First week of June until school starts. (334) 819.4450

Facebook under Paint & Clay

Bowling BAMA Lanes 3020 Atlanta Highway Montgomery EAT ‘n’ BOWL, while lane availability lasts, until 8 p.m. daily. (Includes 3 games, shoe rental, and meal). Prices vary upon day and time (334) 272.5423

BAMA Lanes in Prattville 1734 East Main Street Prattville EAT ‘n’ BOWL, (includes 2 games, shoe rental, and meal) Prices and times vary upon day. (334) 358.8600

www.bamalanesprattville.com

Bowlero 1661 Eastern Blvd. Montgomery Special summer deals. 819.7171

www.bowlbrunswick.com

Dance/Gymnastics/ Cheer Alabama Dance Theatre ad on page 32

1018 Madison Avenue (The Armory Learning Arts Center) Montgomery June 7-July 8; The Alabama Dance Theatre will

7981 Vaughn Road Montgomery Fairytale Ballet Camp: June 7-11, July 12-16, 9am – 12pm. Register now for the most exciting event for young dancers, ages 3 – 7 years old! Each week, the dancers will learn about one fairytale ballet, meet the princess ballerina, and participate in themed crafts and activities. Week 1 will be “Coppelia” and Week 2 will be “Cinderella”. Snacks will also be served daily. Both weeks will end with an in-studio performance for family of the dancers. Dancers should wear pink tights, pink ballet slippers and leotard of choice. The cost for one week is $125 per child. ARRB Summer Dance Camp (Ages 8-10): June 7-11 and July 12-16, Monday – Friday, 1-4 p.m. Two-week Summer Dance Camp for dancers, ages 8 – 10. Dancers will take daily classes in Ballet and Jazz, taught by ARRB’s School Director, Kyana Goodyear and ARRB Associate Artistic Director, Curran Tellalian. The dancers will also get to learn about Ballet History, Terminology, and learn about different classical ballets. Snacks will be provided. The cost for one week is $125 per child. ARRB Summer Intensive Seminar: June 21-July 2, Monday – Friday, 10 am – 2:30 a.m. A two-week Intensive Summer Seminar for intermediate and advanced students, ages 11 – 18 with a minimum one year of experience on pointe. Dancers will take daily classes in Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Jazz, Modern and Contemporary taught by some of the most talented guest artists and ARRB teachers. The Summer Intensive will include a repertory of classes that focuses on improving the dancers’ technique, as well as the opportunity to learn new choreography, and choreography from the classical repertory. At the end of the two-week seminar, family and friends are invited to attend a performance showcasing the dancers and the choreography of the guest artists. A 10% discount for early registration on our summer programs through the month of April. The cost for one week is $375 per child. (334) 356-5460 riverregionballet@gmail.com www.alabamariverregionballet.com

Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection ad on page 34

3370 Harrison Rd. Montgomery Make plans for fun summer camps ! All day week long. Camps offered the week of June 7 through the week of July 19 from 8-5 p.m. Activities, arts and crafts, various styles of dance, talent shows, fashion shows, reading time, dress up, movies & more! Ages 3 & up. (334) 277.1098 Facebook under Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection

www.riverregionparents.com

United Gymstars & Cheer Camp ad on page 39

6100 Brewbaker Blvd. Montgomery June 8- July 31 - 8 week Summer Camp, Weekly themed activities, gymnastics, trampoline, rope climbing, crafts and more. Time: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ages: 5-13. Half Day offered for 4 year olds. Afternoon snack provided. Please bring a sack lunch. Build your own schedule. Flexible days and times. Call for rates. (334) 284.2244

www.unitedgymstarsandcheer.com

C.J.’S Dance Factory (home of the Prattville Ballet) 145 South Court Street Prattville June 17th-July 22nd including: Princess Ballerina Camp- Ages 3-8, princess dance activities with a different princess each week! Power TumbleAges 5 and up, polish your tumble skills! Classical Ballet Technique- Intermediate/Advanced level. Camps end with a performance! (334) 467.8603

www.cjsdancefactory.com

Dance Generation 65 Ashburton Dr Montgomery Tap, ballet, jazz, baton, lyrical, hip hop and gymnastics. Ages 3-adult, Beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Cost depending on class. Call for more information. (334) 395.4300

www.dancegenerationstudio.com

Lisa’s Dance Dimensions 2981 Main St. Millbrook Please visit our website for our Summer classes being offered. Classes will be running 7 weeks beginning June 1st. Day and Evening classes available. (334) 285.5515 www.lisasdancedimensions.com

Mann Dance Studio 422 Pratt St. Prattville Classes begin June 1st and will run through July.

We will be offering: Tuesday’s from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. for 3-5 years. Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. Offered for 6 years and up and divided according to age. This is a combination class, which includes ballet, gym, jazz/hip hop. (334) 365.5154

www.manndancestudio.net

Montgomery Ballet 2101 Eastern Blvd. Suite 223 Montgomery Summer Intensive, June 21-July 16 We will be offering our intensive for two different levels; intermediate and intermediate advanced. Each level will participate in class daily in Ballet, variations or pointe, followed by a break. After the break student can enjoy a variety of alternating classes (e.g. jazz, contemporary, dance conditioning, etc.) At the end of each week students can invite their families to an end of week informal performance. Zoom programs are offered for each week. (334) 409.0522

www.montgomeryballet.org

Next Dimensions Gymnastics 101 Penser Blvd. Millbrook Please visit our website for our Summer classes being offered. Classes will be running 7 weeks beginning June 1st. Day and Evening classes available. (334) 285.5515 www.lisasdancedimensions.com

Pike Road Dance Academy 890 Old Carter Hill Road (The Old Mark’s House), Pike Road Princess Ballet Camp, June 21-24; Cost: $75 2/3 year old from 9-10:30 a.m.; 4/5 year old from 10:30-12p.m.; Kidz Bop Dance Jamz Jazz and Hip Hop Camp, June 21-24 from 1-3 p.m.; Cost: $125 Ages: 6-12 (334) 782.9200 pikeroaddance@gmail.com pikeroaddance.com

Day Camps Alabama Christian Academy Camp Eagle ad on page 37

4700 Wares Ferry Road Montgomery Seven One-week sessions from May 31-July 30. Camp Eagle is a FUN-tastic first class Christian day camp for ALL kids ages 5-completed 5th grade. Come experience a summer of fun at Camp Eagle. Every single day is filled with an exciting variety of activities. Your child will participate daily in recreational and cooperative games, arts and crafts, sports activities, academic components, praise time, swimming, free time field trips and more. (334) 277-1985 dsanford@alabamachristian.org www.acacampeagle.org

4-H Day Camps 340 Queen Ann Road Wetumpka Elmore and Autauga 4-H Summer Camp 4-H Center on Lay Lake, June 9-11 Ages: 9-14; Cost: $150 (334) 567.6301

laurie.weldon@auburn.edu

Alabama Wildlife Federation 3050 Lanark Road Millbrook ANC Summer Camp: Camp dates and sessions offered from June 1st through August 6th. Please visit our website for session dates and descriptions for each camp. All camp sessions are co-ed and full day, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; with the exception of Tadpole Camp. Lunch is included and extended care is available. (334) 285.455

www.alabamawildife.org

ASU SKYCAP/IMSET 2019 1030 W. University Drive Montgomery To be decided. Half and full-day programs. Aca-

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ship skills. Teens will be involved in enrichment activities for the younger campers, service projects, fun excursions, a camp day with other YMCA Leadership Leagues and a trip to North Carolina to participate in the Junior High Christian Values Conference. Ages: Ages 12-14 (334) 279.8666

www.ymcamontgomery.org

YMCA Kershaw 2225 West Fairveiw Ave. Montgomery Summer Camp Dates, May 31 until August 6. (334) 265.1433

demics, computers, arts and fitness. A variety of courses to expand and peak your child’s imagination, sharpen academic skills and introduce them to physical fitness activities.

(334) 229.4686 www.alasu.edu/continuingeducation

Boys & Girls Clubs of the River Region Chisholm, 2612 Lower Wetumpka, West End, 220 Crenshaw St, and Wetumpka, 399 North Alabama Street Montgomery Focus on 5 core program areas: Education, Arts, Sports & Recreation, Health & Life Skills and Citizenship Leadership Development. Cost: $5 per child per year. Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Please call for school term schedule. (334) 832.4288

www.Bgcmala.org

Camp Grandview — YMCA 4700 Camp Grandview Road Millbrook Dates: May 25 - August 6 Length: Weekly basis; Located on 190-wooded acres, YMCA Camp Grandview includes two beautiful lakes, a waterpark, horse barn, athletic fields, hiking trails, mud pits, disc golf, archery, riflery, Re Hall, and historic lodge. Transportation is available from Montgomery at no extra cost. (334) 290.9622

www.ymcamontgomery.org

Camp Sunshine for Boys 3067 Carter Hill Road Montgomery TBD; Other: Outreach program for less advantaged youth with a variety of outdoor activities. No cost but invitation only camp; may call for application. Ages: Ages 6-11 (334) 262.2697

with some of the Educational animals at the Montgomery Zoo; enjoy scavenger hunts; craft time; classroom time; playtime, train, and sky lift rides; participate in animal encounters with the giraffes, river otters, parakeets and our collection of petting zoo animals; see behind the scene tours and visits with our zookeepers, and other staff members. Camps and Dates: June 7-11: Junior Zookeeper Week, 11-12 year olds; June 14-18: 9-10 year olds June 21-25: 9-10 year olds; June 28 - July 2: 7-8 year olds; July 12-16: 7-8 year olds; July 19-23: 5-6 year olds; July 26-30: 5-6 year olds (334) 240.9400

Prattville Parks & Recreation Summer Youth Program Weekly Field Trips, Games, Crafts and Swimming Begins May 30 until the Friday before school starts, 7a.m. until 6 p.m.; Ages 5 going into K-6th grade. Registration begins April 1st at the Doster Center. Parent Orientation Date: May 23 Registration Fee – Non-refundable $75 registration per child; $75/week. Prattville Parks & Recreation Summer Sports Doster Center, 424 S. Northington St. Prattville The Parks and Recreation Department provides a wide range of activities that appeal to all ages. Information and registration forms are all sports are provided on our website. (334) 361.3640

(334) 265.0566

Gross Out Camp takes Science Outdoors Alabama Nature Center (Lanark) Millbrook July 26-30; Cost: $200. Yuck...if it’s gross we’ve got it! This award-winning science camp focuses on hands-on biology. The camp combines science experiments, exploring, journaling, and natureinspired arts and crafts to address a variety of learning styles. Ages 6-9.

(334) 272.3390

www.camptuk.org

(205) 540-6642 www.alabamawildlife.org or www. GrossOutCamp.org

Montgomery Zoo Summer Camps 2301 Coliseum Parkway Montgomery Make summer vacation a wildlife adventure that you will never forget. Join kids of similar ages and interests for a fun-packed, educational experience themed around ZOOLYMPICS. See daily live animal presentations; get up close and personal River Region Parents I May 2021

www.prattvilleal.gov

YMCA Cleveland Branch 1201 Rosa L. Parks Avenue Montgomery 10 weeks of Youth Specialty Camps, May 31 until August 6.

Camp Tukabatchee 3067 Carter Hill Road Montgomery Boy Scout Day and resident camps. Week 1: June 13-19; Week 2: June 20-26 (800) 977.2688

www.montgomeryzoo.com

www.ymcamontgomery.org

YMCA East Branch 3407 Pelzer Ave. Montgomery 10 weeks of Youth Specialty Camps, May 31 until August 6. www.ymcamontgomery.org

YMCA Goodtimes 3407 Pelzer Ave. Montgomery Summer Camp Dates, May 31 until August 6. This is the premier summer facility with a teaching pool, indoor gym, inflatables, and a water park. In addition, the center features a cooperative reading program and a premier computer lab to help combat summer learning loss. Academic enrichment classes taught by a certified teacher are programmed into your child’s day along with recreational swim at the water park. Ages 5-14 (334) 279-8833

www.ymcamontgomery.org

YMCA Junior High Teen Leadership May 31 until August 6 A new program designed to teach teens leader-

www.ymcamontgomery.org

YMCA Prattville 600 E. Main Street (Smith Branch) and 972 McQueen Smith Road (Bradford Branch) Prattville Summer Day Camp, girls and boys ages 6-12. Begins June 7-July 30. Mon. – Friday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Summer Day Camps are available at the Daniel Pratt, Main and Pine Level locations. For more information contact the YMCA Childcare Branch 358-1446 Outdoor Adventure Camp: Boys & Girls, ages 9-16. Members and Non-Members. Dates will be available May 1 Camp 2:22 (Jr. High): Begins June 7. Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Boys and Girls entering 7th-9th grades. For more information Please contact the YMCA Bradford Branch at 358-9622 Smith Branch, (334) 365.8852 East Bradford Branch, (334) 358.9622 www.prattvilleymca.org

YMCA Southeast Branch 3455 Carter Hill Road Montgomery May 31 until August 6. Ages 5-15 (334) 262-6411

www.ymcamontgomery.org

YMCA Wetumpka 200 Red Eagle Road Wetumpka Summer Camp Dates, May 28- August 13. Please call for more information on times and fees. (334) 567-8282

www.ymcamontgomery.org

Day Trips/Regional Fun Alabama Safari Park 1664 Venable Rd Hope Hull, AL 36043 View animals from around the world from the comfort of your own vehicle! (334) 288-2105

www.alabamasafaripark.com

Callaway Gardens US Hwy 18 Pine Mountain Summer hours- 9:00 am-6:00 pm daily. Your family will love hiking in our gardens, swimming in Robin Lake, exploring the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, golf, spa and more. Callaway Gardens partners with the Florida State University Flying High Circus, whose members lead guests ages 3-17 in a variety of exciting day-camp activities. Adults have their own eclectic lineup of offerings, and late afternoons and evenings reunite families to enjoy beach parties and competitions, bingo and trivia games, educational shows and outings, and much more. 1-800-Callaway

www.callawaygardens.com

Chewacla State Park 124 Shell Toomer Pkwy. Auburn 696 scenic acres are a delightful pause from nearby interstate traffic. Facilities include a 26-acre lake, swimming area, playgrounds, hiking trails, a modern campground, picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters, and newly renovated cabins. (334) 887.5621

www.alapark.com/Chewacla/

Coosa River Adventures 415 Company Street Wetumpka Available all days (weather permitting). Scheduling is required. Cost is $59 per two-person canoe, $55 per sit-on-top, two person kayak and $29 per

www.riverregionparents.com

sit-on-top, one-person kayak. Stand-up paddleboards rental is $39. Cost includes transportation to the launch site, paddles and life jackets. Shuttle rate for those owning their own equipment is $15 per kayak or canoe. Try out tote-n-float Program. Simply tote one of our boats and float your favorite waters. Canoes are $59 a day. add tax to prices listed. Call for appointment and scheduling. (334) 514.0279

www.coosariveradventures.com

DeSoto State Park 13883 County Road 89, Fort Payne, AL Nestled atop beautiful scenic Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama, this 3,502-acre park provides Mountain Chalets, Log & Rustic Cabins, Motel Rooms, Meeting Rooms, and also has both Improved & Primitive campgrounds. Also features a picnic area with playground, Olympic-size swimming pool, nature center with interpretive programs and live animals, & over 19 miles of hiking & mountain biking trails. (256) 845.0051

www.alapark.com/DeSotoResort

Georgia Aquarium 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta, GA With more than eight million gallons of fresh and marine water and more aquatic life than found in any other aquarium, you are sure to see things you’ve never seen before! Please check our website for rates and specials. Annual, premium, combo, and group rates available. (404) 581.4000

www.georgiaaquarium.org

Horseshoe Bend Military Park 11288 Horseshoe Bend Rd. Daviston Monday-Sunday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Tour the free museum and view the 22 minute film, “The Battle of Horseshoe Bend”. Then enjoy hiking the trails, a picnic, canoe the Tallapoosa River, and go fishing. the Visitor Center. (256) 234.7111

https://www.nps.gov/hobe/index.htm

COME ON OUT ENJOY ART + ACTIVITIES

Imagine It! Children’s Hands on Museum 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW. Atlanta Atlanta’s only children’s museum, is the perfect place for children age eight and under and their families to learn and explore together in a safe and fun hands-on environment. (404) 659.KIDS [5437] www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org

McWane Science Center 200 19th Street North Birmingham Rates range $8.00-$20.00; Children under 2 Free; Monday-Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am- 6:00 pm, Sunday 12:00-6:00 (205) 714.8300

www.mcwane.org

Stone Mountain U.S. Highway 78 East, Exit 8 Stone Mountain Memorial Day Weekend and Fantastic Fourth Celebration. Toddlers 2 and under Free, Discounts and annual passes available; Please visit our website for tickets options and pricing. 1- 800-401-2407

www.stonemountainpark.com

Swayback Bridge Trail Jordan Dam Road in Elmore County Wetumpka Hiking/Biking approximate 8-mile trail with arrows and 1/4-mile markers so you can turn back when you reach your limit. Or the looping nature of the trail allows for crossover at several points to shorten your trip. Trail has views of creek and the Swayback Bridge, which is part of the old Hwy. 231. No charge, but do accept donations to help maintain the trail. No motorized vehicles or horses allowed. (334) 567.9090

http://www.trailoflegends.org/

Windcreek State Park 4325 Alabama Highway 128 Alexander City This park spans 1,445 acres along the shores of

scenic Lake Martin, that is a 41,000-acre clearwater reservoir perfect for fishing, swimming and boating. Park facilities include the largest stateoperated campground in the United States with 626 sites. (256) 329.0845

www.alapark.com/WindCreek

Educational/Training/ Miscellaneous Churchill Academy ad on page 60

395 Ray Thorington Road Montgomery Tutoring available for summer. Grades K-12. One-on-one tutoring. Call for rates. Times at parents’ convenience. (334) 270.4225

www.churchillacademy.net

Mathnasium Summer Power Math Workout Programs ad on page 40

3453 Malcolm Drive (Taylor Road at Billingsley Place Promenade) Montgomery Mathnasium in the Summertime Solidify foundations, improve understanding, and get ahead on next year’s concepts in a fun, low-pressure environment. Hours : Sunday 2-4; Monday and Wednesday 3:30-7:30 Tuesday and Thursday 11:30-4:30; Friday and Saturday Closed (334) 356.1570 montgomery

www.mathnasium.com/east

Sylvan Individualized Tutoring ad on page 36

4240 Lomac Street Montgomery 5 Week Summer Session, June 1-29; Choose your 5 week session or come for the whole

Families are invited to enjoy outdoor games and art activities in the Caddell Sculpture Garden—Thursday through Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM until May 29. Learn more and plan your visit at mmfa.org. Activities weather permitting; Above: Jamey Grimes (American, born 1976), Taraxacum, 2020, aluminum, Lent by the artist

Blount Cultural Park One Museum Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 65

Open Tuesday–Sunday Free Entry + Parking mmfa.org | @MontgomeryMFA

www.facebook.com/RiverRegionParents

Skating K Lynn’s Skating School ad on page 42

Eastdale Mall Montgomery Students receive 30 minutes of group class instruction and the remaining Eastdale Mall Ice Palace session time to practice. The 4-week class is $68.Times: 6-6:30 from ages 7-12 and 6:30-7 for ages 4-6. Private lessons and group lessons available. Call KLynn’s Skating School after 5 p.m. for lesson rates and schedules. (334) 272.7225

www.klynnice.com

2211 Ultimate Playzone 3541 McGehee Road Montgomery Please call for Summer hours and rates. You can visit us under 2211 The Ulitmate Playzone on Facebook. (334) 593.7180

summer. 2 hour session twice a week. MondayThursday from 9:30-11:30, 1:30-3:30 and 4:306:30. $130 per week with a $95 Registration fee and 50% Assessment Testing for New Students. (334) 262.0043 gomery

www.sylvanlearning.com/mont-

Horseback Riding 4-H Horse Club Iron HorseMeet the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:30. (334) 567.6301

MANE’s Unified Summer Camp 3699 Wallahatchie Roady Montgomery MANE’s Unified Summer Camp will be announced soon. Riders must be between the ages of 4-14. (334) 213.0909

www.maneweb.org

Summer Reading Autauga Prattville Public Library 254 Doster Street Prattville Preregister at any Autauga Prattville Public Library Branch Today! The Summer Reading Program

is to encourage reading throughout the summer months. Children going into grades preschool6th grade are invited to participate. Registration begins May 1st. June 14-July 16. (334) 365.3396 www.appl.info

applkids@bellsouth.net

Millbrook Library 3650 Grandview Road Millbrook Summer Reading Program for Ages 4-12; The Summer Reading Programs is to encourage reading though out the summer months and enjoy different adventures and travel to exciting places. Sign ups begin in May. (334) 285.6688

Montgomery Library Check with local branches or check the library page in each month’s issue of Montgomery Parents for story time and video listings. Sign up for summer reading program. Wetumpka Library 212 S. Main Street, Wetumpka Summer program offered for grades 1 – 6. Meeting at Wetumpka Civic Center. Registration starts in May. Summer program offered for grades 7-12. (334) 567.1308

Advice for the expected and unexpected.

2211ultimateplayzone.com

Skate Zone Wetumpka 88 Red Eagle Pkwy. Wetumpka Please call for Summer hours and rates. Please visit us on Facebook under Skate Zone 2000. (334) 567.4434

Facebook Skate Zone Wetumpka

Sports Clinics Faulkner Baseball Camps ad on page 31

Faulkner University, Atlanta Highway Montgomery Youth Baseball Camp Session I: June 14-17. 9am -2 pm; Youth Baseball Camp Session II (same as session I): June 21-24 9 am- 2:00 pm. $150 per player. All registration is online. Patrick McCarthy, Head Baseball Coach, Faulkner University. faulknerbaseballcamps.com

FC Montgomery Soccer Futsal ad on page 69

Capital City Sportsplex, 1555 Eastern Blvd Montgomery (Indoor/air conditioned) Coach Bruno (Former pro & College coach - Masters Phy. Ed.) (All ages) Dates to be decided. (334) 207.5442 brunomr@fcmontgomery.com www.fcmontgomery.com

LLC

Cindy Cornette,

CFP®, CRPC®

Financial Advisor

334.279.1174

Cindy.Cornette@ampf.com

River Region Parents I May 2021

www.riverregionparents.com

Macon East Academy Sports Camps ad on page 24

15396 Vaughn Road Cecil Please check back for dates and times. Camps include Elementary baseball, soccer, volleyball, basketball and football. All camps open to the public. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 277.6566

www.maconeast.net

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory Summer Camps ad on page 33

5350 Vaughn Road Montgomery Dates to be decided. Wrestling Camp (Boys, 6-11 years); Tennis Camp (Rising 4th-8th grade); Baseball Camp (Boys, ages 6-12); Soccer Camp (6-11 years old); Basketball Camp (K-6th grade); Softball Camp (Girls, 6-12 yrs.); Football Camp (Boys, 6-12 yrs.); Volleyball Camp (Girls, rising4th-8th); Cheer Camp (Girls, 4-12 yrs.) (334) 272.7221

www.montgomerycatholic.org

O’Connor Tennis Camps ad on page 54

500 Anderson Street Montgomery Summer Camps: Monday - Thursday, Age 4-6 9:00-10:00 AM. $50 per day with advance registration or $60 per week, $15 per day drop in. Age 7-16: 9:00-11:00 AM, $100 per week with advance registration or $120 per week, $30 per day drop in. June 7-10, June 14-17, June 21-24, June 28-July 1, July 12-15, July 19-22, July 26-29 (334) 240.4884 bbradshaw10s@gmail.com www.oconnortenniscenter.com

Saint James Sports Camps ad on page 8

6010 Vaughn Road Montgomery Saint James School will continue its summer tradition of providing a variety of sports and cheerleader camps for young people. Printed information will be available soon and will include cost, age groups and other pertinent information. Call Jerry Browning, athletic director, or the individual coaches at (334) 277.8033, ext. 145. Keith Luckey Baseball Camp: 1st -5th grade, June 7-9 from 9 a.m.-11:30. and 6th grade-9th, June 7-9 from 1-3:30 p.m. Baseball Pitching Clinic for 5th grade and up, June 10, 9a.m. - 11:30. Katie Barton Girls Basketball Camp for 2nd – 4th, June 1-3, 9 a.m. -Noon; June 7-10 (5th-8th grade), 9 a.m.-Noon Nigel Card Boys Basketball Camp for 4th – 8th grade, June 14-17, 9 a.m.-Noon Mark Hall Softball Camp for 2nd – 8th grade, June 21-24, 5:30-7:30 a.m.; Jeff Corley Wrestling Camp for 3rd – 5th grade, June 22-24, 8-10 a.m. and 6th-12th, June 22-24, 10 a.m.-Noon. Karen Lee Volleyball Camp for 3rd - 8th grade, July 5-7, 9 a.m.-Noon; Saint James Youth Cheerleader Camp for Pre-K3 – 6th grade, July 19-22, 9 a.m.-Noon Jimmy Perry Boys Football Camp, Ages 5-13, July 26-28, 8:30-11:30 a.m. (334) 277.8033, ext. 145

www.stjweb.org

Trinity Sports Camps ad on page 23

1700 E. Trinity Blvd Montgomery Baseball (6 yrs-7th Grade): May 24-26, 4-6 p.m. Girls Basketball (1st-7th Grade): June 1-3, 1:30-4 p.m. Boys Basketball (Rising 3rd-8th Grade): June 28-July 1, 9 a.m.-Noon Softball (1st-7th Grade): May 24-26, 8:30-11 a.m. Football (K5-6th Grade): June 3-4, 8-11 a.m.

Dance (K4-5th Grade): July 28-30, 8:30 a.m.-Noon; Cheer (K4-5th Grade): July 26-27, 9 a.m.-Noon Volleyball 1 (1st-3rd Grade): May 24-26, 9 a.m.-noon Volleyball 2 (4th-6th graders): May 24-26, 1-3 p.m. (334) 213.2100

www.trinitywildcats.com

Faulkner Sports Camps 5345 Atlanta Hwy. Montgomery Hal Wynn, 386.7285, softball camp; Dates TBA Patrick McCarthy, 386.7980, Baseball: Youth Camp (ages 5-17), June 14-17 and June 21-24 Scott Sanderson, 386.7159, basketball camp; Session I: June 21-24; Session II: June 28-July 1 Shayne Wasden, 386.7671, Football Camp; TBA Kyle Beard, 386.7162, Men’s soccer; June 21 Reed Sutton, 386.7509, Women’s Basketball; Basic Training, June 14-17 and Basketball University, June 18-19. (334) 386.7148

www.faulkner.edu

YMCA Montgomery Soccer Complex 300 Brown Springs Road Montgomery FC Barcelona Camp: TBA Principles of Soccer Camp:TBA Power 30 (ACL Prevention):TBA

(334) 396.9754 msanchez@ymcamontgomery.org www.ymcamontgomery.org

Young Meadows Sports Camp 5780 Vaughn Road Montgomery Sports Camp is our Vacation Bible School held June 7-11 from 9 a.m. until noon for children ages K5 through 6th grade. Activities include sports activities, Bible studies, snacks and fun! Sports Camp encourages participation from children in the community and the greater neighborhood area as well as members and their friends and relatives. (334) 312.1732

www.youngmeadows.org

Swim Adventure Sports

what we treat

ad on page 63

1546 East Ann St. Montgomery Have your child swimming before Summer. Private swim lessons offered for ages 2 years to adult YEAR round. Indoor and outdoor pool available. Heated indoor pool for year round lessons. Pool parties offered. (334) 269.(3483)

http://www.adventuresports2.com

Pratt Park, Prattville 460 Doster Road Prattville Swimming lessons. Ages 6 months to 36 months and 3 and up. Please call for rates and session dates. Maximum of 20 kids. No makeup days due to weather unless the whole session is canceled. Check with your local branch for times and costs. (334) 361.3640

www.prattvilleal.gov

Swim Prep Montgomery and Prattville Private One-o-one swim lessons starting at 6 months. Maintenance and group classes offered after student has graduated our program. Please visit our website for information and to register. (334) 375.2023 jeffrey@swimprepllc.com www.swimprepllc.com

YMCA Branches Summer Swim Leagues Registration: Now until August 1st. YMCA Goodtimes Center 279.8878, 2325 Mill Ridge Drive, Montgomery. East YMCA, 3407 Pelzer Ave., 272.3390 Southeast YMCA, 3455 Carter Hill Rd.,262.6411 Kershaw YMCA, 2225 W. Fairview Ave., 265.1433 Bell Road YMCA, 2435 Bell Rd., 271.4343 Cleveland Avenue YMCA, 1201 Rosa Parks, 265.0566 Prattville YMCA, 600 Main Street, 365.8852 Wetumpka YMCA, Red Eagle Dr., 567.8282. rrp

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Grading Family Movies: Streaming, Digital Rentals, and DVDs Arlo the Alligator Boy

Netflix

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

TV-PG

A-

Abandoned as a baby, half-human, half-alligator Arlo has spent his life living in a swamp with his adoptive mom. Now in his teens, Arlo learns that his father lives in New York City. Determined to meet him, Arlo sets off for the metropolis. On his journey, he meets new friends and learn some life lessons. This is a weird film but with its charming animation, memorable soundtrack, and strong emphasis on accepting people for who they are, it’s a good choice for young viewers. Photo ©Netflix

SpiderMable

Digital on Demand

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

Unrated

A+

Diagnosed with cancer at age four, young Mable Tooke becomes fascinated with Spider-Man because he has radioactive blood – just like her. When Make-A-Wish gives her a day fighting crime with Spider-Man, Mable becomes a national celebrity and eventually a talented fundraiser for cancer-related causes. This joyful documentary carries moving messages about courage, kindness, generosity, and goodness. It also teaches the importance of giving back to our communities. Photo ©Leven Creative

Into the Beat

Netflix

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

TV-14

C-

Daughter of a famous ballet dancer, Katya has spent her life training to become a ballerina. With an audition looming for a prestigious ballet school, Katya is focused single-mindedly on her practice sessions. Then she meets a group of hip hop dancers and finds her passion. Her father is resolutely opposed to her new interest and she faces some painful choices. Better than the average dance flick, this German movie features solid acting and strong messages about the importance of family love and support. Photo ©Netflix

Gunda

Digital on Demand

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

A-

This documentary explores the daily life of Gunda the pig and her rowdy piglets, along with a one-legged chicken and two cows. Shot in stunning black and white film on a Norwegian farm, this film will intrigue cinema aficionados but its lack of plot, dialogue, or action will not appeal to most viewers. Watching the movie is a vaguely hypnotic experience and it will leave audiences with lots of questions about the inner lives of animals and their treatment at our hands. Photo © Neon Grades range from: A= absence of content concerns to D= excess of content concerns Detailed reviews available at www.parentpreviews.com River Region Parents I May 2021

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Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection Scores Big! TSDC has 32 current members of the competition team DC Strutters. They were able to compete at the Inspire & Fusion National Dance Competitions. The team scored Platinum Elites, Platinums & High Golds with several overall placements out of the entire competition! We were honored with judges awards also! TSDC celebrated our 7 seniors with a beautiful contemporary piece entitled I Lived. Seniors include: Carsyn Jones, Destiny Curtis, Christiana Taylor, Debbie Preston, Allie Berg, Ashlyn Jennings & Gaia Moore. Come join us this summer with technique classes & classes for all ages!

ing unrealistic beliefs about marriage, low commitment levels, and difficulties working as a team. Of particular note, negative communication styles, poor communication skills for handling disagreements, and attitude differences regarding important issues can also be overcome.

Couples split up for numerous different reasons, ranging from lack of common interests and significant life changes to money issues, cheating, and sex. But one of the top reasons couples don’t survive that’s commonly cited by therapists is communication problems. So it’s essential couples understand the role communication styles play in marital discord. Throughout their relationship, many couples alienate each other as they try to communicate their needs. As misunderstandings escalate, even minor issues can turn into major ordeals. The reason for these serious disputes usually has more to do with the way couples communicate than what they are trying to say. Fortunately, some factors can be changed if couples put forth the effort, explain Stanley and Howard Markman, coauthors of Fighting for Your Marriage: Positive Steps for Preventing Divorce and Preserving a Lasting Love. These include improvRiver Region Parents I May 2021

Communication Styles There are five communication styles, according to Ronald B. Adler and George Rodman in Understanding Human Communication. Many of these patterns are devastating to relationships. Nonassertive communicators tend not to express their thoughts or feelings when conflict arises. They avoid issues or accommodate their partner instead. While nonassertiveness can be used to protect oneself from more harm or embarrassment, this style is often the result of low self-esteem. Alternatively, it may be an inability to communicate one’s own needs. 70

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Two more styles of ineffective communication are direct and passive aggression. A person who uses direct aggression attacks the other through criticism and name-calling. Passive aggression is harder to recognize but equally troubling. A passive-aggressive partner might agree to comply with a request but with no intent to follow through. He may also use guilt, jokes, and withholding as weapons against his spouse. The indirect approach is another style of communication. A partner may offer subtle hints rather than discussing the issue directly. Sometimes this effectively gets the point across while preventing hurt feelings or a negative response. But it also leads to misunderstandings and the opportunity for the receiver to avoid or ignore the message. Assertive communicators, according to Adler and Rodman, are the most effective because they are direct and clear about their feelings. They don’t try to control or hurt the other person. Assertive partners may not look forward to some discussions. But they’re able to handle these in a manner that ends positively and leaves couples feeling good about each other. If you see yourself or your partner in any of the first four styles, you’ve probably experienced many of the problems these styles often create. Quarreling, escaping, and resentment often result. If these problems become too frequent, they can ultimately destroy your relationship.

only do couples learn to communicate more effectively, but they may also develop deeper bonds and intimacy. This can have a lasting effect on your relationship. This technique sometimes referred to as Intentional Dialogue, is used in Imago Relationship Therapy. Through this technique, couples learn how to talk to their partner, share feelings, and really hear and understand each other. Also referred to as Couple’s Dialogue, it uses a speakerlistener approach and consists of four steps. Imago Therapist Eleanor Payson A.C.S.W. shares this process in her handout, Making the IMAGO Conscious. But before getting started, there are essential “ground rules” couples must follow. First, explains Payson, the person who needs to have a discussion must initiate it by making a request for a specific time. Couples often jump into important discussions without making sure it’s convenient for their partner. If the time requested isn’t convenient, your partner should schedule a time better suited to both of you. The discussion should be held within twenty-four hours. Also, when making your request for a dialogue, don’t disclose the details. Tell your partner only the topic to avoid undue worry. When the scheduled time arrives, the person making the request is responsible for reminding the other. During your dialogue, stick to the topic, and if other issues arise, save them for later. Finally, your dialog should consist of four steps: mirroring, summarizing, validating, and empathizing. After you complete these steps, switch roles so that each of you has the opportunity to share your thoughts and feelings.

A Better Approach Changing old patterns isn’t easy and requires work. But learning to communicate with your partner effectively can be achieved. One method of communication therapists teach clients can make arguing, yelling, and avoidance a thing of the past. Not

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Getting Started

Taking Care Now

To begin your dialogue, sit close and facing each other. The first speaker is the person who requested the dialog. During the four-step process, as explained by Payson, the receiver should not interrupt, except to check his understanding of his partner. Furthermore, he should not discuss his feelings, perspective, or anything else until the roles are switched. The first step is to mirror. After the sender describes her concern, the receiver will mirror what his partner said and then ask if he understood correctly. If he has, he then asks if there’s more. This exchange continues until the speaker has finished. Next, the receiver summarizes his partner’s discussion and what he believes she’s trying to say. He should then ask if he got it all. If not, the mirroring process continues until he has received all of the important details. Now the receiver needs to validate his partner by explaining that he understands her feelings and why. If the receiving partner does not yet understand his spouse’s feelings, the mirroring process continues. Once the mirroring spouse understands his partner’s feelings, it is time to empathize. This means to be able to experience the thoughts and feelings of his partner. Empathy is vital to any relationship as it “allows both partners to transcend, perhaps for a moment, their separateness and to experience a genuine ‘meeting,’” says Payson. “Such an experience has remarkable healing power.” Therefore, during this step, your partner should indicate he empathizes with your specific feelings. Finally, switch roles and begin the process again.

River Region Parents I May 2021

If communication problems are impairing your relationship, don’t wait for irreparable damage. Other effective speakerlistener techniques are available, as well. In Fighting for Your Marriage, Markman, Stanley, and Susan L. Blumberg teach similar communication skills through the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) approach. Look for other good books as well. Keep in mind that for some couples, therapy may be required. In her recent book, The Wizard of Oz and other Narcissists, Payson describes the narcissistic personality. Individuals with this disorder may not be capable of empathy, a vital element of these recommended forms of communication. If this may be a problem in your relationship, or for other reasons you and your partner can’t work through this process on your own, look for an Imago or similar type therapist. Finally, remember, as Markman, Stanley, and Blumberg point out, “Good marriages take work. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not how much you love each other that can best predict the future of your relationship, but how conflicts and disagreements are handled.” So learn these techniques early in your relationship, or before misunderstandings escalate— and you’ll dramatically increase your chance for a successful, long-lasting relationship. rrp

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance lifestyle writer. She’s also founder and director of KB Creative Digital Services, an internet marketing agency, at kbcreativedigital.com.

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FamilyCalendar Saturday, May 1

Flimp Festival: Chalk Celebration 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Come celebrate Flimp in the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Caddell Sculpture Garden, where National Competition Chalk artist, Jennifer Richardson, will be demonstrating her talents. Families will be able to enjoy a live performance of whimsical songs and poems by Calliope Pettis, play outdoor yard games, and take part in other art activities. For more info, visit mmfa.org or call (334) 625-4333. The Millbrook Community Players Present The Glass Menagerie -- Through May 9 7:30 p.m. except for 2 p.m. matinees May 2 & 9. Written by Tennessee Williams. Tickets available online at www. millbrooktheater.com. Cloverdale Playhouse Presents Sweat -Through May 9 7:30 p.m. except for 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Performances will be outdoors on the Courtyard Stage. Written by Lynn Nottage; directed by Georgette Norman. When layoffs and picket lines begin to chip away at their trust, a group of friends finds themselves pitted against each other in a heart-wrenching fight to stay afloat. *Due to strong adult content, this play is recommended for audiences ages 16 and up.* Call (334) 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org/ for more info. Wetumpka Depot Players Present The Outrageous Adventures of Sheldon and Mrs. Levine Through May 9 7:30 p.m. May 1, 7 & 8; 2 p.m. May 9. Written by Julie Stein & Sam Bobrick; directed by Tony Davison. Just in time for Mother’s Day is the exchange of outrageous and hilarious letters between an overbearing mother and her 31-year-old runaway son. For tickets or more info, visit wetumpkadepot.com or call (334) 868-1440. Garden Fun at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts -- Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays through May 30 10 a.m.-2 p.m. This spring, families can enjoy outdoor games and art activities in the Garden. Visitors can play with giant building blocks, Connect Four, and cornhole on the lawn, read children’s art books under the trees, play make-believe with our puppet stage, and create colorful patterns with our weaving wall. Families will also be able to take part in art activities in our outdoor Education Courtyard. For more info, call (334) 625-4333 or visit https://mmfa.org/.

Sunday, May 2

Music in May at The Waters -- Also May 16 & 23 5-7 p.m. 201 Waters View Drive, Pike Road. Live music at the Pike Road Town Square. Grab your lawn chairs and friends! May 2: Wes Darnell, May 16: Cameron DuBois and May 23: Jonathan Lynch. For more info, call (334) 277-5551 or visit TheWatersAL.com.

Tuesday, May 4

Kids Club Online Craft Classes --Other projects available May 6, 11, 13, 18 & 27; June 3 4 p.m. For more info or to sign up, visit https://www. michaels.com/onlineclasses.

Thursday, May 6

Cultural Crossroads: Reconstruction in Alabama and its Legacies 6 p.m. Join the Landmarks foundation for a digital event and conversation with historians Bertis English, Daniel

River Region Parents I May 2021

Cone, Elijah Gaddis and Sedric Wytch. We will discuss black politicians in Alabama during Reconstruction and their impacts on politics in Alabama. Register at www. oldalabamatown.com/events for the free digital event. National Day of Prayer 6-7 p.m. service at Frazer United Methodist Church. Our chapel will also be open beginning at 7 a.m. for those who wish to pray throughout the day. For more info, visit https://frazer.church/ or call (334) 272-8622. Hot Dogs & Heroes 6:30 p.m. Union Station Train Shed. Annual fundraiser to provide support for That’s My Child, while honoring community leaders. Free food from 10 of the best restaurants here in the city! Special guest, Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, will share some huge news. For more info, find us on Facebook. Red Door Theatre in Union Springs Presents In Her Own Fashion -- Through May 9 Dream Field Farms, 6376 US Hwy. 82, Fitzpatrick. The true story of Ninette Griffith, fashion coordinator for Loveman’s Department Store in Birmingham, in the 1950s and 1960s. Actress and storyteller Dolores Hydock brings her funny, tender, surprising story to life on the stage. For tickets or more info, call (334) 738-8687 or visit www.reddoortheatre.org. Prattville High School Presents Godspell -Through May 11 7 p.m. Prattville High School Gym. A musical based on the Gospel of Matthew. Book by John-Michael Tebelak, music & new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing. For more info, find us on Facebook. MPAC Presents The Junkyard -- Also June 10 6-10 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. The Junkyard is an open mic events for friends to decompress from stress and pressures of life through music and love. It provides people the opportunity to express themselves musically and others to enjoy the camaraderie and entertainment at no charge. For tickets or more info, visit mpaconline.org/events/ or call (334) 481-5100. Community Market in Wetumpka -- First Thursdays through November 5-8 p.m. Merchant Alley, Downtown Wetumpka. Join us in Merchants Alley (along the riverwalk behind Hill Street) first Thursdays through November and enjoy shopping local from community merchants! If you’d like to be a vendor, e-mail market@mainstreetwetumpka. org. Pike Road 5x7 Art Show & Sale 5-7 p.m., Pike Road Arts Center, 944 Wallahatchie Rd. All 5”x7” art submitted for this show will be priced at $57. For each piece of art sold, the Town of Pike Road will collect 15% commission. Payment for sold artwork will be mailed to artists within 14 days of close of show. Works not sold on May 7 may remain available in the Water House Gallery. For more info, call (334) 221-9004 or e-mail Patty@pikeroad.us.

Friday, May 7

Mingle in May 6-8 p.m. The Shoppes of Downtown Prattville, Downtown Historic District. Enjoy refreshments, sales and specials, and musical entertainment from Prattville’s

own Jessie Lynn. Not to mention $100 cash giveaway from Julianne Hansen Fine Art & Pottery! For more info, find us on Facebook.

Saturday, May 8

Zoo Volunteer Serve Day 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Volunteer groups gather to accomplish several tasks, including landscaping, trimming bushes, planting flowers, raking leaves, painting, and overall prepping the Zoo for upcoming events. Volunteers can be adults, teens, civic groups, school groups, church groups, businesses, military squadrons, and families. Volunteers ages 12-16 must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian or designated group chaperone. Volunteers under the age of 19 must obtain parent or legal guardian permission to volunteer. For more info, call (334) 625-4900 or visit www.montgomeryzoo.com/. Old Alabama Town Market Day 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Lucas Tavern, 310 N. Hull Street, Montgomery. Market Day is filled with music, vendors, food and fun! Admission is $10. More info on Facebook. Montgomery Ballet Presents Le Conservatoire 6 p.m. EastChase shopping plaza near Books A Million. Tickets cost $15 and can purchased at montgomeryballet.org. Second Saturday Curbside Cinema 7:30 p.m. Autauga-Prattville Public Library parking lot. All ages. Join us in the parking lot for a curbside screening of Home (2015), weather permitting. Parking spots are limited on a first-come, first-served basis. For more info, visit www.appl.info or call (334) 365-3396. Shop Galore “Mother’s Day Edition” Noon-4 p.m. Eastdale Mall. Vendors will be allowed to sell their products for Mother’s Day. For more info, find us on Facebook. Run for a Mom 10K, 5K, Fun Run 2021 May 8 at 7:30 a.m.-May 10 at 8 p.m. 3800 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery. Support Agape moms and children in your community by choosing to Run for a Mom on our certified course or virtually wherever you are! The in-person race will have a staggered start beginning at 7:30 a.m. Start your 5K or 10K race anytime between 7:30 and 8 a.m. Virtual runners have until May 10 to turn in times by sending a picture of timing device. Everyone registers at runforamom.org. For more info, contact agunn@ agapeforchildren.org. Farmily Day 11 a.m.-1 p.m. EAT South, 485 Molton St., Montgomery. The whole family can engage in food and farming activities together. FREE. Masks required. Parents must accompany children. Please sign up for a time slot for a tour with a farmer. 11 a.m.-noon OR noon-1 p.m. Find us on Facebook and fill out the Google reservation form.

Sunday, May 9

Mother’s Day at the Montgomery Zoo 9 a.m.-4 p.m. All moms receive free admission today! For more info, call (334) 625-4900.

Tuesday, May 11

Opening Night for the Montgomery Biscuits Minor League Baseball Team 6:35 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium. Opening Night presented by Chick-fil-A is your first chance to see the Biscuits in action this year! Stick around after the game for a MAX

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FamilyCalendar Fireworks Show. For more info, visit https://www.milb. com/montgomery/ or call (334) 819-7483.

Wednesday, May 12

Military Wednesday at the Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Game -- Also June 2 & 9 6:35 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium. We thank all the members of our Armed Forces on Wednesdays by offering ticket, drink and food specials and discounts! For more info, visit https://www.milb.com/montgomery/ or call (334) 819-7483.

Thursday, May 13

is back for its 17th year. Guests will enjoy goods from more than 40 vendors featuring homemade breads, jams, baked goods, Wagyu beef, local honey and more. Everything is grown or made in the state of Alabama! Visit theshoppesateastchase.com or follow The Shoppes on Facebook and Instagram. Pike Road Patriot Fund Crawfish Boil 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Century Church, 1001 Marler Rd. Purchase your tickets online through May 8. Adults are $30 and kids ages 13-18 are $10. Prices will go up if purchased the day of the event at the gate! Live music will be performed. Visit https://pikeroadpatriotfund.com/ for more info.

Story Time in the Montgomery Museum of Art Galleries: What Do You Do with an Idea? 10-10:30 a.m. Observe the beautiful illustrations as you listen to the story by Kobi Yamada. Visit https://www. youtube.com/user/MontgomeryMFA.

Le Conservatoire by the Montgomery Ballet 6 p.m., Pike Road’s Chapel at The Waters. Tickets are $15. For more info, visit https://montgomeryballet.org/.

Sip & Shop Celebration 4-8 p.m. Market Shoppes, 211 Hill Street, Wetumpka. To celebrate five years in business, we are throwing our biggest ladies’ night out yet! To thank you for your faithful patronage and support, we will be serving free wine & appetizers for you to enjoy while you shop a storewide sale. For more info, find us on Facebook.

Monty Night Light Giveaway at the Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Game 3:33 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium. No need to be afraid of the dark anymore! The first 500 kids age 14 & under can snag a Monty Night Light presented by Little Caesars Pizza. Don’t forget to join the Lil’ Crumbs Kids Club pres. by Go Fish Alabama, offering complimentary Sunday game tickets along with a variety of other perks! For more info, visit https://www.milb.com/montgomery/ or call (334) 819-7483.

Record Breaking Night at the Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Game -- Also June 3 6:35 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium. Biscuits coach Gary Redus holds a MiLB record by posting a .462 batting average in 1978. The first 1,000 fans 15 & older through the gates will go home with a T-shirt presented by ALFA Insurance celebrating this incredible feat. For more info, visit https://www.milb.com/montgomery/ or call (334) 819-7483.

Friday, May 14

8th Annual River Bend Brewfest Blues and Brews Festival 6-9 p.m. Union Station Train Shed, 300 Water St., Montgomery. $25 per person (includes a commemorative tasting glass). Food vendors will be available. Live music by The King Bee Band. Purchase tickets at www.montgomeryal.gov/ or at Derk’s Filet and Vine. Benefiting the Family Sunshine Center. Friday on the Green -- Also May 21 & June 4 6:30-8:30 p.m. Town Green at Russell Crossroads, 19 Russell Farms Road, Alexander City. Free music and entertainment. For more info, visit www.russelllands. com/ or call (256) 397-1019.

Saturday, May 15

Healthcare Appreciation Night at the Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Game 6:05 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium. This is our chance to say THANK YOU to all the health care professionals in our community who have endured so much this past year and continue to keep us safe and healthy. Stick around after the game for a MAX Fireworks Show! For more info, visit https://www.milb.com/montgomery/ or call (334) 819-7483. 42nd Jubilee 8K and 2M Runs 7:30 a.m. 301 Columbus St, Montgomery. USATF certified courses from Montgomery’s Old Alabama Town. For more info, find us on Facebook. Shoppes at EastChase Farmers Market Saturdays through September 25 7 a.m.-noon. One of the top five largest markets in Alabama, the Shoppes at EastChase Farmers Market

Sunday, May 16

Monday, May 17

ACT Test Prep Classes at AUM -- Thru June 10 Students can choose to attend class in-person or online using the Zoom web application. Masks are required for attending in-class sessions. Classes will meet Mondays through Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. Books will be provided at the first class meeting. Language is available May 17-20, Math is available May 24-27 and Science is available June 7-10. Each course costs $119 or the complete review is $309. Call (334) 244-3804 or visit https:// learning.aum.edu/.

Thursday, May 20

2021 Lunchtime Lecture Series: Food For Thought Third Thursdays at noon. Fascinating hour-long lectures on the history of Alabama presented by the Alabama Department of Archives & History. Today’s topic is “Gone with the Land: The Environmental History of the Civil War in Alabama,” presented by Erin Mauldin.

Saturday, May 22

Newsboys in Concert with Adam Agee 7 p.m. Lake Martin Amphitheater located in Russell Lands on Lake Martin. Newsboys are a Christian rock band founded in 1985 in Australia. *Venue has no seats; must bring chairs or blankets. For more info, visit www. theamponlakemartin.com/.

Sunday, May 23

Electric Blue Yonder Spring Concert 4-7:30 p.m. Cloverdale Bottom Park, 3100-3124 Cloverdale Rd, Montgomery. This free, family-friendly event is put on by the Cloverdale Idlewild Association and their sponsors. Bring a blanket and/or some lawn furniture, a cooler full of snacks and beverages. For more info, find us on Facebook.

Thursday, May 27

Wetumpka Depot Players Present Miss Abigail’s Guide to Dating, Mating and Marriage - Through June 6 7:30 p.m. May 27, 28, June 3-5; 2 p.m. June 6. Written by Ken Davenport & Sarah Saltzberg; directed by Kristy Meanor. It’s Loveline meets Dr. Ruth as Miss Abigail shares her vast knowledge of every piece of relationship literature known to mankind. The audience participates

in this hilarious variety show, and Miss Abigail’s strapping assistant is there to provide for her every need. For tickets or more info, visit wetumpkadepot.com or call (334) 868-1440. ArtTalk at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 6-8 p.m. Free. For more than two decades, the Museum’s ArtTalk has offered local artists constructive feedback and camaraderie. Through its current virtual format, artists from beyond the River Region are able to enjoy the artful discussion too! Participants are invited to submit a work of art or just join the inspiring conversation. Free via Zoom. For more info, call (334) 625-4333 or visit mmfa.org. Alabama Nature Center Presents Early Explorers: Bees’ Knees 10 a.m. 3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook. Early Explorers is a program that ANC offers to the public monthly that is best for children 8 and under. Includes various theme-related activities! All materials provided. Cost is $5 per participating child; adults are free. Due to COVID, space is limited to 12 participants (not including parents) per program. Please purchase your program ticket in advance at www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (334) 285-4550. The Newcomers Club of Montgomery Monthly Luncheon 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Our monthly luncheon will be returning to the Arrowhead Country Club, 50 Ocala Drive, Montgomery. The May luncheon will feature our annual “Mad Hatter” event and Installation of Officers. Prizes will be awarded for Best Original, Whimsical and Vintage hats! Please contact our Membership Co-Chair Irene Wetzel at (661) 972-1334 or ijwetzel@msn.com for reservation and payment info BEFORE May 24. Our group is open to all women in the Montgomery area and outlying communities looking for opportunities to meet and share fun and friendship. For more info about upcoming events and activities, please visit our Facebook Page.

Friday, May 28

RXR FEST -Also May 29 6:30-9:30 p.m. Russell Crossroads, 19 Russell Farms Road, Alexander City. Free music and entertainment, featuring The Bank Walkers and The Big Stitch on Friday and Carolina Story and Adam Hood on Saturday. For more info, call (256) 397-1019 or visit www.russelllands.com/.

Thursday, June 3

Summer Nights at The Shoppes – every Thursday in June 7-9 p.m., located near H&M at EastChase. This free, live music series, formerly known as Sounds of Summer, brings the best of local music and beyond to the Shoppes for a fun summer night to remember! Visit theshoppesateastchase.com or follow The Shoppes on Facebook and Instagram.

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

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

EH: Please understand that even with a special need such as autism, people are beautifully and divinely created, and they should be admired for their abilities and strengths instead of their perceived weaknesses. If more people took the opportunity to understand the stereotypical autistic “literal” personalities, people would be more blessed to also learn about the loving hearts behind our babies. I have often heard that parents of special needs children are special to handle their needs. I would not be the person or the mother that I am without the amazingness of my Isaiah. RRP: Parenting/motherhood is so rewarding, but also, it can be challenging at times. What are three things you would do differently, if you could do it all over again, and why?

Ebony Horton

EH: I am thankful to have pursued my dream career as a journalist right out of college. But I probably would have looked at the reality of income before building a family, as well as reevaluated the number of student loans I needed for education. Second, I would have taken more time to learn and experience my relationship before marrying and divorcing. Third, I would have taken more time to explain transitions in our life to my children, rather than internalizing the brunt of the changes to “be strong” because children sense what we are going through. Sometimes, they may be more confused when they know something is wrong or right. But if we fail to express the situation, they are not granted an opportunity to understand it.

RRP: One might call you the “Jane of all trades.” What advice would you give other moms trying to find balance and juggle it all, or on an aspiring path like yours?

RRP: Becoming a mother doesn’t come with a user’s manual. And some things are trial and error. What do you wish you knew when you first became a mom that you know now?

EH: Give yourself grace. We often hear that we should never give up, but each situation grants its thought process of what “giving up” looks like for some individuals. Know that some of the desires of your heart may take longer to reach than others. So believe that hard things are possible and grant yourself grace in times it seems impossible. Also, remember that you are more than a mother. Each of the hats you wear—as a daughter, mother, wife, friend, worker, business owner, or volunteer— requires attention, and your children are a captive audience to how well you handle it all.

EH: Most moms probably purchased What to Expect When You’re Expecting when we found out about our first bundle of joy. I wish I knew more about what to expect in different age transitions emotionally and spiritually, more so than just physically and academically. Thankfully, we have a beautifully transparent household where my children feel comfortable expressing themselves at home and are bold and involved in our community; however, there are some elevated moments of discussion we’ve had that could have been better served by me taking the time to understand their perspective.

RRP: Being a mom is one of your proudest accomplishments. And you enjoy pouring into your children. What does being a mom mean to you?

RRP: Understandably, your three children keep you busy along with your career. What do you do when you want to have “me” time?

EH: I am honored God entrusted me with my children to nurture, develop and prepare for this world and eternity alongside the village we have in our families, friends, and mentors.

EH: Taking naps, jogs, and showers are my happy places when I’m not spending time with my kids. I also love creating, whether it be one of my blogs at ebonyhorton.com or looking at a simple design illustrating a quote. I love flowers, so a trip to a boutique to smell roses, carnations, and tulips is special to me.

RRP: Your son, Isaiah (11), is diagnosed as autistic. Born at 23 weeks, he was a miracle baby—as the doctors did not expect him to make it. You also credit your inspiration behind the book you wrote, Isaiah’s Chapter, A Mother’s First Year Journey With a Baby Born at 23 Weeks, from your experience. If there was one thing you wished people understood about children with autism, what would it be?

River Region Parents I May 2021

Ebony Horton is a working mom of three (ages 6, 11, and 15) and a communications specialist for 24 community colleges in Alabama. She’s also a former reporter, an author, editor, and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

www.riverregionparents.com

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