River Region Parents December 2019 by KeepSharing

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

For more information visit AlabamaHealthyTeens.com

EDUCATION is more than YO U K N OW

Experiences in the classroom, moments in the spotlight, and lessons on the field work together at Saint James to educate the whole child, develop young men and women of character, and prepare students for life.

Please join us Sunday, January 26th! Our Open House program begins at 1:30pm and is full of fun events that will help you and your child experience the complete education offered at Saint James School. We also invite rising 6th-12th grade students and parents to visit our Pop-Up Shop at 3:00pm where families will have the opportunity to learn more about our award-winning extracurricular programs and electives and individually meet the teachers, coaches, and sponsors of those groups.

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

Open House SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 AT 1:30PM SAINT JAMES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

RISING 6TH-12TH GRADE

STJ Pop-Up Shop SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 AT 3:00PM SAINT JAMES SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS BUILDING

Pre-K3â&#x2C6;&#x2019;12th Grade

Saint James School

334-273-3021 or STJweb.org

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

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

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

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PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES ARE INVITED TO JOIN US FOR THESE SPECIAL EVENTS

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

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

One World. One School. One Family. River Region Parents I December 2019

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Y O U R H E A LT H OUR MISSION

“We are eternally grateful to them.”

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Daphne, NICU Mother BAPTIST HEALTH MATERNITY PATIENT

When Daphne had to walk away from her baby in the hospital, we stepped in with compassion and expert care. As the NICU became her daughter’s temporary home, the nurses became her lifelong friends. And as they celebrated every tiny milestone together, she was reminded that she was never alone on this journey.

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December2019

Columns

Volume 24 Number 12

8 Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

12 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Potty Training Hacks

5 tools for your arsenal to make potty training run more smoothly.

Holiday Survival Guide Eliminate holiday stress by following these tips.

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

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

54 Autauga Education Matters by Superintendent Spence Agee

60 Elmore Education Matters by Superintendent Richard Dennis

Holiday Happenings Holiday parades, lights, musicals and more!

Our Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Brains on Video Games

68 Parenting, Media & Everything in Between Common Sense Media

Do they change brain chemistry? 80 Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

On The Cover

Departments

Michael Bosco (4) and Susana Joy (5) Resende are excited for Christmas with parents Bruno and Brooke Resende of Montgomery. Susana is homeschooled and enjoys dance and gymnastics. Michael attends GracePointe Child Development Center, plays soccer and loves to build with Legos.

14 Teacher of the Month

18 School Bits 88 Calendar/Support Groups 96 Mom to Mom

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Editor’sNote I am so proud of myself! I’ve earned bragging rights with this one. Ready for it? This year I began my Christmas shopping in November! Early November even! Amazing, right? Well, not really, of course. I know many of you shop throughout the year for your Christmas list and even more of you begin at least by October, but for me, starting anytime before mid-December is quite the accomplishment. And I have to say I’m feeling very low stress about the upcoming holiday just by having some of the gifts already thought through and purchased. Now I can relax in December and enjoy my family and the traditions that make this time of year so special. While Christmas time is joyful, it can be a stressful time if we aren’t careful to plan well, allow others to help us with preparations, budget realistically, etc. Luckily, Kimberly Blaker offers us great advice in this month’s feature, Survival Guide for a Stress-Free Holiday Season. Setting up a gift-wrapping station in your home, keeping meals simple for the month, and tips for easier traveling with the kids are just a few of the helpful ideas she offers to keep stress at bay this year! Speaking of stress, do you struggle with managing video gaming in your home? Maybe you are filled with excitement, but also a little bit of dread, as you wrap up that new gaming system he’s been asking for all year. You want your child to enjoy gaming, but you don’t want it to dominate his life. More and more research is being done on the effects of excessive gaming, and Christa Hines shares some of the latest findings in her article, Our Kids Brains’ On Video Games. You’ll discover how gaming can change brain chemistry in children, signs of addiction, and tips for establishing a healthy media plan in your home. Other not to miss articles in this month’s issue are Cheryl Maguire’s 5 Potty Training Hacks, Common Sense Media’s look at Kids’ Internet Safety and our feature highlighting the Family Guidance Center’s 2019 Families of the Year. Also, check out the Holiday Happenings Guide for a variety of December outings to enjoy with your family throughout the River Region and nearby! From our family to yours, here’s wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! See you in 2020!

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 Spence Agee Kimberly Blaker Richard Dennis Christa Hines Dr. Charles Ledbetter Cheryl Maguire Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Dr. Ann Roy Moore Gerry Paige Smith Allen White, MD

Cover Photography Judy Barranco www.judybarrancophotography.com

Publisher Jason Watson jason@riverregionparents.com

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

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

River Region Parents I December 2019

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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

The Hard Road of Parenting I think there is some unspoken expectation that exists when you author a monthly parenting column. An expectation that the author’s own children will be positively delightful at all hours of the day, that the children spend their free time tutoring each other in Latin, and they work toward peace in the Middle East in their free time instead of playing video games. Well, let me just implode that perception for you right now. Just last week I had the (ahem) privilege of finding out that one of my precious darlings said something incredibly hurtful and ugly to another child. And it is hard. And it is frustrating. And it is maddening and embarrassing. I had ALL the feelings that day. It reminded me of a day a few years ago when I ran into a friend in a grocery store and, in the midst of friendly small talk and catching up, I asked her how her kids were and she immediately burst into ugly cry tears. Turns out, she was on her way to the school – the principal had just called and she had been holding it in trying to just get through the checkout line.

River Region Parents I December 2019

I tell you all of this to say – I get it. We all get it. Rarely does a parent walk this hard road of parenting and arrive at Destination Adulthood completely unscathed by something that happened with their child. Maybe it’s a teenager who crashed his car into an ambulance within the first six months of driving (personal true story), maybe it’s the middle schooler who skipped first period to go hang out with friends instead of doing Algebra (personal true story), maybe it’s the toddler that had to be carried out of the store kicking and screaming after breaking every last pickle jar in the aisle. Whatever it is we have all either been there – or we are headed there. So it is my encouragement to you, fellow parenting warriors, that we all realize our children are going to screw it up, they are going to get things wrong, they are going to do or say things they should not. And oddly, that’s ok. That’s the process of childhood. It is our role as their parents to love and lead and guide and disciple

and train and teach them in the way they should go. So often we think we should be “good enough” to prevent them from making mistakes in the first place, and I would encourage you to challenge that line of thinking. You are good enough. But predicting and mitigating every last mistake your kids are going to make before they happen is just unrealistic and tends to do little else than heap coals of shame and guilt upon our heads. So in the words of Taylor Swift, shake it off. Be available to your children, be their soft place to land in this world of hard, be thoughtful and intentional in your response to their mistakes, and always remember that you have a crowd of other parents cheering you on. And hey, if you have to cry in the middle of the grocery store, cry. They have a whole aisle of tissues just waiting for you. Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the brain in behavior and how to adopt therapeutic parenting techniques to mitigate negative behaviors. She is the Director of Central Alabama for Lifeline Children’s Services and is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of which were internationally adopted and she is a foster parent.

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Family Holiday Theatre

Alabama River Region Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

December 6-8 * 7 p.m. Friday & Saturday 2 p.m. Sunday. Davis Theatre. A 10% discount is offered for students K-College, military and seniors. Saturday is Military Appreciation Night where all members of the military and their families can attend for 50% off. For tickets or more info, call (334) 3565460 or visit riverregionballet.com.

Winter Wonderfest

December 8 * 2-4 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Find inspiration in the festive decor, music and treats as you make your way through the galleries. Create your own winter-themed art projects and enjoy making a memory in our merry photo booth. The Museum Store will be open for seasonal shopping. For more info, call (334) 625-4333 or visit https://mmfa.org/.

Capri Theatre Presents It’s a Wonderful Life December 7 * 7:30 p.m. The Mid-Alabama Coalition for the Homeless is partnering with the Capri Theatre for the Fourth Annual Sockball fight! Please bring a pair of clean, unused socks and join in our sockball fight before the show. All socks will be collected by MACH and given to the homeless in the Montgomery area. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858.

Sensory Santa @ Shoppes at EastChase December 11-12 * 1-6 p.m. The Shoppes at EastChase provide a Sensory Santa experience for families with special needs children. It offers the opportunity to take photos with no background music or spotlights, no waiting lines, and additional time with Santa. Places are limited and reservations are essential. Book online at www.theshoppesateastchase.com/ event/sensory-santa/. For more info, call (334) 279-6046.

River Region Parents I December 2019

Prattville Community Chorus/Pops Christmas Concert

December 13 * 7 p.m. Doster Center. This concert is FREE and open to the public. The Community Chorus and Pops are non-audition volunteer organizations and welcome new members. For more info, call (334) 595-0850. 10

Millbrook Community Theatre presents A Christmas Carol December 5-15, with 7:30 p.m. performances Thursday through Saturdays and 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays. The beloved tale of the penny-pinching miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, and the awakening of his long-forgotten festive spirit is a seasonal tradition for many. The Millbrook Theatre will revisit Charles Dickens’ ghostly tale of the Past, Present, and Future when they present Brian Way’s faithful adaptation of Dickens’ timeless classic. Call (334) 7827317 or visit www.millbrooktheatre.com/. Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre presents Elf: The Musical December 5-15, including matinees Dec. 7, 8, 14 & 15. Based on the film written by David Berenbaum; directed by Pamela Trammell. For tickets and more info, visit cc.prattvilleal.gov or call (334) 595-0850. Alabama Shakespeare Festival presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever December 5-29. Written by Barbara Robinson; directed by Greta Lambert. What happens when the rowdiest kids in town find out there are free snacks at Sunday school? They decide to audition for the annual Christmas pageant! Recommended ages 7+. ASF’s other holiday option is All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914. Showing December 6-29, written by Peter Rothstein and directed by Melissa Rain Anderson, All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 relives an astounding moment in history when Allied troops and German soldiers laid down their arms to celebrate the holiday together, sharing food and drink, playing soccer, and singing carols. This dramatic re-telling weaves together firsthand accounts of 30 World War I soldiers with patriotic tunes, trench songs, and Christmas carols. Recommended ages 13+. For tickets or more info, visit asf.net/ or call (334) 271-5353. Wetumpka Depot Players present A Little House Christmas, with public performances December 12, 13, 15, 19 & 20. 7:30 p.m. public performances except matinees at 2 and 4 p.m. Dec. 15. Adapted by James DeVita; directed by Kristy Meanor. For tickets or more info, visit wetumpkadepot.com or call (334) 868-1440. www.riverregionparents.com

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Parents’ Night Out at Alabama Nature Center

December 13 * 5-9 p.m. 3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook. Need to do some last-minute shopping for Christmas or wrap some presents? Let us watch the kids! We will make Christmas crafts, enjoy an exciting live animal encounter, have a Chick Fil A dinner, watch a movie, and much more! Registration: $25 per child and space limited to first 25 registrants. Ages 6-12. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (334) 285-4550.

Wetumpka Celebrates Christmas on the Coosa

December 14 * Downtown Wetumpka The day begins with annual Character Breakfast sessions at 7:30 and 9 a.m. at the Wetumpka Civic Center. Tickets must be purchased and picked up at the City Admin Building, 408 S. Main St. Children: $3; Adults: $6. Arts & crafts vendors and food vendors will be set up from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. around Gold Star Park, with a car show from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The parade will begin at 2 p.m. and the wakeboarding show at 4 p.m. At last, Santa will ski across the Coosa River at 6 p.m. with fireworks following. For more info, call (334) 567-5147.

The Pike Road Tree Lighting will be held December 5. Everyone is invited to this free, family-friendly evening of holiday cheer. The event will feature holiday music from the Pike Road Schools Show Choir, a Christmas story read by Mayor Gordon Stone, hot chocolate, and snow! You can also visit www.pikeroad.us.

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Alabama’s 200th Birthday Celebration

Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m. From Court Square Fountain, a cavalcade of marching bands, city floats, elected officials, cute kids, beauty queens, and special Alabama Notables will travel Dexter Avenue toward the State Capitol. Celebrate the finale of Alabama’s bicentennial year and enjoy a day of parades, dedications and concerts. The Archives will host reenactments, educational activities, and bands. Admission is free! For more info, call (334) 242-4537 or visit https://alabama200.org/alabama200-birthday-celebration/.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Screen Time Alters Childrens’ Brains Before portable devices, the TV was watched in one room. Now, the screens literally go everywhere with kids. A study published in the November 2019 issue of JAMA-Pediatrics shows the effects of screen time on young children and their brains. The conclusions should trouble parents. MRIs showed that children between ages 3-5 with less screen time have more physical connections in the brain that govern language and reading. Also, the brains of children who have more screen time showed less development in those same areas. When the children were tested on their objective abilities, the results backed up what the MRIs had shown. The study shows strong connections between more screen use and less expressive language, reading skills, and ability to name objects quickly. More use also showed less framework integrity of white matter in the brain, like the formation of an insulating myelin sheath around nerves to help speed nerve impulses through the brain. Those with less than two hours of screen time showed more developed brain wiring and stronger connections between different parts of their brains. The lowered brain development could be due to screen time replacing important real-world experiences. Other studies from different research groups are coming to similar conclusions.

River Region Parents I December 2019

While brains of any age can be rewired, childrens’ brains are much more responsive and easier to stimulate. The concern is that under-stimulated brains in early childhood could develop less efficient connections and be harder to reinforce or change as they age. Many experts are concerned that heavy media use may interfere with developing language, imagination and play. This sample of 47 subjects may not generalize to all children or families and does not prove that screen exposure causes these measures of the brain to be lower. It gives us a little insight into what is happening in the brains and shows an association which needs further study. Parents should not be so anxious that every little thing they do is going damage their child’s brain. Everything a child does or experiences will change the brain for good or bad. Other factors affect brain development, including hunger, familial stress, parental mental health, play opportunities, and exposure to language. None of these were studied. We know parent-child activities help childrens’ development such as reading, singing, emotional connection, being creative, or taking a walk. Just dedicate some time in your busy days to be together.

Key Recommendations: 1. Delay screen time as long as possible; wait until 2 years old. 2. Limit children 2 to 5 years of age to less than 2 hours per day. 3. No screen time for the hour before bedtime. 4. No TV in the bedroom or at meal times. 5. Have daily activity times and locations without screens, preferably outside. 6. Choose high-quality programming and watch with your child during screen time so you can explain to them what they are seeing and answer questions. No parent will regret keeping kids away from screens as much as possible. Give them the opportunity to play with physical objects like blocks, cars, trucks, dolls, and teddy bears. Let them play with pets and interact with siblings and families. These activities will always be valuable and good for their brains. Dr. Allen White earned his medical degree in 1969 from Kentucky Medical School, Lexington, and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. He began his private practice of pediatric medicine with an office in the Goode Medical Building of Jackson Hospital before moving to the Carmichael Road location in 1986. He and his wife, Diana, have 3 sons. For pleasure, Dr. White enjoys reading, gardening and spending time with his grandchildren.

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A K4 - 12 College Preparatory School

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Join us for Open House and experience how we prepare students to become persons of faith, virtue, and wisdom. ADMISSIONS QUESTIONS? Contact Admissions Director Julie Lopez Call 334-318-3777 or email jlopez@montgomerycatholic.org

HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUS, GRADES 9-12 5350 Vaughn Road 36116 334-272-7220

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Gabe Balda Holtville Elementary School

A parent of one of his students says, “My son says his day gets 100x better when he gets into Coach Balda’s class every day. He allows students to have debates and discussions regarding material. Allowing them to be inquisitive not only keeps their brains active, but keeps their love for learning alive! Hands down a great mentor for all the children he teaches!” Balda says, “By making these connections and building relationships, students will take more risks and not be afraid to ask me questions.” And in a world of social media/technology, students need to be learning how to relate and build relationships with others. Although teaching and coaching can be demanding and sometimes discouraging work, Coach Balda says that the moments when the lightbulb comes on or you see the confidence grow in your students and players “makes it all worth it.” What advice does he have for new teachers? “You will have rough days, but it’s about those students that walk into your room and players that walk onto the field that need YOU the most. Be the light for them.”

Husband, father, coach, teacher, team bus driver...this month’s winner of Teacher of the Month wears many proverbial hats. Gabe Balda is in his 4th year of teaching, and when asked what inspired him to take this career direction, he says, “I get a lot of enjoyment from helping students and players achieve their goals. I know that I occasionally struggled in school and had difficulty with focusing and various concepts. This made me want to be there for those students and players who are like me.” His strengths of creativity and enthusiasm for teaching and having the ability to connect with his students makes him a great candidate for this award. Being a facilitator in an interactive classroom helps his students to develop critical thinking skills. His style of teaching allows students to take control of their own learning and allow them to find answers and solutions through exploration. Balda explains, “I motivate my students and players by developing meaningful and respectful relationships with them. When I am willing to share personally and become vulnerable, my students are more willing to do the same. By making these connections and building relationships, students will take more risks and not be afraid to ask me questions.”

River Region Parents I December 2019

Gabe Balda teaches 6th grade science and social studies AND coaches middle school football and baseball. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with his wife and children.

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Let us be your

Holiday Helper MyGuardianCU.com

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We Gather Together The holiday season is when many of us join together to celebrate our blessings. We gather with our family and friends. We eat and open gifts and then eat some more. But there are those who find this time of year the most difficult for a variety of reasons. There are families who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the resources to celebrate. Many are struggling to simply gather the minimum necessities of life â&#x20AC;&#x201C; shelter, clothing and food. There are religious organizations and several charitable groups that work to help these families,

River Region Parents I December 2019

but this time of year there is always a shortage of volunteers and resources. I hope your family has established traditions that teach your children that is it certainly better to give than to receive. Providing food, necessities and toys to needy families or those groups who help them shows your children the importance of helping the less fortunate. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to have money or resources to help others. Take your family to volunteer to serve at a house of worship or another group that is serving a meal to the less fortunate. Talk with your neighbors or co-workers about sponsoring a family during the holidays. Just a few dollars each can make a difference when you work together to help someone else. If your family gathers, and you have space for one or two more at your

table, ask someone who will be alone this year to join your family for a meal or a celebration. Sometimes a person has plenty of everything except family and friends. This time of year is tough for those who are alone or who have recently lost a loved one. Your time is often much more appreciated than your money. Teaching our children how to give and share is one of the best gifts we can give them. So as we gather to open gifts and to celebrate, reach out to those in need. As we help others, we will surely feel the blessings of the season. Happy Holidays!

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

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Montgomery County Schools

Macon East Celebrates Homecoming

Macon East Academy celebrated homecoming November 1 with an exciting football game versus Abbeville Christian and the announcement of this year’s homecoming court. Kayla Boroff was elected homecoming queen. She is the daughter of John and Jessica Boroff, captain of the varsity cheerleading squad, vice president of the SGA, and a leader is many other school organizations. Other members of this year’s court were Mary Taylor May (7th grade), Sara Cochran (8th grade), Madison May (9th grade), Ali Churchwell (10th grade), Maddie Ross (10th grade), Kathryn Barker (11th grade), Kerry Straw (11th grade), Mary Hunter Wright (11th grade), Emily Brooks (12th grade), Spencer Lindemood (12th grade) and Ally Matthews (12th grade). Homecoming week also included themed dress-up days, a boys’ volleyball tournament, tailgating, a parade, and Saturday’s homecoming dance. The Knights ended the 2019 football season with a win over Abbeville and went on to host the first round playoff game the following week. From left are Mary Taylor May, Madison May, Maddie Ross, Kerry Straw, Spencer Lindemood, Queen Kayla Boroff, Emily Brooks, Ally Matthews, Mary Hunter Wright, Ali Churchwell, Kathryn Barker and Sara Cochran.

Accelerated Reader Store Opens at T.S. Morris Elementary

Reading is paying off for third-graders at T.S. Morris Elementary, where they are now using their first in-class Accelerated Reader store, More for Less. Each student has the opportunity to use points earned from reading books throughout the year to purchase items from the store. The store allows students to apply skills learned in class in a real world setting and be rewarded for all of their hard work at the same time.

LAMP Youth Judicial Team Headed to Chicago

The Loveless Academic Magnet Program Mock Trial team once again had an outstanding performance in the YMCA Youth Judicial competition. For the second time in four years, the team won the premier division and will compete in the National Youth Judicial tournament in Chicago. Overall, 30 LAMP students took part in the competition. Pictured here is the firstplace team of Zoe Dryjanski, Halla Elmore, Leah Grace Borders, Demya Williams, Teri Kim and Adela Sheng. Bringing home a thirdplace finish was the team of Hallie Foster, Madalyn Dye, Fraser Higbe, Patrick Cain, Ester Shon and Rachael Yun.

River Region Parents I December 2019

Eastwood Kindergarten Presents The Three Piggy Opera

Kindergarten students at Eastwood Christian School recently treated parents, students and faculty with a performance of The Three Piggy Opera. These young thespians delivered lines, sang songs, and recited verses. The theme of the story spotlighted the principle of working hard unto the Lord as taught in Colossians 3:23.

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Montgomery County Schools

BTW Student Wins Filmmaker Challenge

Booker T. Washington Magnet High student Lelah Oliver won first place in the Flight of Arts 2019 Filmmakers Challenge. Her film is titled Saturday Nights. The Flight of Arts festival is presented each year at Blount Cultural Park by the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, the Junior Executive Board of the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, SHE Agency and 21 Dreams Arts & Culture.

River Region Parents I December 2019

Academy Seventh-Graders Explore Lanark

Montgomery Academy seventh-graders recently enjoyed a field trip to Lanark, home of the Alabama Wildlife Federation. The students explored creeks and the forest, recorded their observations in their nature journals, fished in the ponds and enjoyed archery on a beautiful fall day!

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Cornerstone Classical Honors Veterans

One of the traditions at Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy is its annual Veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Chapel. This special chapel provides Cornerstone Classical students the opportunity to thank family, friends and commu-nity members for their service to our nation. This year Cornerstone Classical welcomed Lt Col Nathan McClure as the guest speaker. Lt Col McClure is a Leader Development Course for Squadron Command (LDC) Instructor at Maxwell AFB. In this capacity, he instructs future USAF squadron commanders in the art and science of leading Airmen. He also holds a command pilot aeronautical rating with over 3,600 flying hours. Cornerstone Classical students enjoyed hearing Lt Col McClure share about his service and even had the opportunity to gather around for some show and tell.

ACA Golf Tournament

The Alabama Christian Academy Athletic Boosters hosted a golf tournament to raise money for the ACA Athletic Department. This annual event was held at Arrowhead Golf Club and was the perfect excuse to enjoy the weather and enjoy a round of golf while supporting the ACA Eagles! Tour-nament winners were Chris Nolan, Jeremy Nolan, Graham Mullins and Scott Barranco. We look forward to this event again next year.

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Montgomery County Schools

Saint James School AMP’d about Math!

Churchill Fall Festival

Churchill Academy wrapped up October with the school’s annual Fall Festival. Lower School students dressed up in their favorite seasonal costumes while High School students served as guides for the students through a maze of fun games and prizes. Churchill’s Parent Association (CAPA) hosts the annual event for students, educators and families.

The Saint James School math team that competed in the Auburn Mathematical Puzzle Challenge, otherwise known as AMP’d, included, from left, Jack Branham, Ellie Kim, Jun Choi, Selina Sun, Trevor Otis, Isabelle Goulet, Andrew Kellum and Su Yun. The Saint James team won second place in the competition which included 20 schools from the state of Alabama and west Georgia. Saint James also won the Pentominoes Prodigy Award for being the first team to solve all five pentomino puzzles—only a few schools were able to solve all five. AMP’d provides students an opportunity to engage in real-world problem solving and critical thinking situations while using practical mathematics applications to solve challenging puzzles.

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Christmas Musical Sunday, December 15 10:30 a.m. | Sanctuary

Macon East’s Cleveland Honored at QB Club

A heart stirring presentation featuring the Chancel Choir, Youth Choir and Orchestra with narrator Stephan Turnipseed

Cephus Cleveland returned to the football field following an injury last season to lead the Macon East Academy Knights in a winning season and the first round of the AISA 3A playoffs. At quarterback, Cleveland was honored many times this season with player of the week nominations and Fever Star athlete of the week honors. But it was an invitation to be recognized as the Montgomery Quarterback Club’s private school player of the week that meant the most to the humble quarterback. Cleveland is shown at center with former Auburn quarterback Charlie Trotman and former Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson. Both served as keynote speakers at the final season meeting of the Quarterback Club.

Contemporary Christmas Service Sunday, December 22 | 5:00 p.m. in the Christian Activity Center

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Tuesday, December 24 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. | Sanctuary Candlelight, Communion and Carols

SUA Artists Chosen For Art Alliance Exhibit Five talented Success Unlimited Academy art students were chosen to be featured in the Alabama Art Alliance Pop Up Art competition exhibition. The Alabama Art Alliance chose approximately 150 pieces from statewide entries to be on display. SUA art teacher Barbara Grimes submitted twelve students’ artwork for the competition. Connor Haigler, Selena Knighton, Jaylan Nelson, Keshun Oates (work shown) and Jayla Ponder’s works were selected to be hung for the exhibition, and all were a celebration of Alabama’s 200th birthday!

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Montgomery County Schools

Cornerstone Visits Jasmine Hill

Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy 7th- and 10th-graders recently visited Jasmine Hill Gardens as a capstone to their study of ancient civilizations. Students were able to see replicas of Greek statuary they had studied. While at the gardens, the students divided into teams based upon their Houses to participate in a scavenger hunt. Esther House won house points for speed and accuracy. This field trip enabled students to bask in the glory of this beautiful garden and see their history and literature come alive.

Special Olympics Alabama Presents ACA with Award

The Special Olympics Alabama hosted its 36th annual awards luncheon and presented Alabama Christian Academy with the Chairman’s Appreciation Award. Dr. Misty Overman, Don Gilliam and JL Dockins received this award on behalf of ACA. Through the program, “We Serve,” ACA hosted the Special Olympics basketball championship for the state as well as provided an opportunity for students to volunteer for the Miracle League. This new partnership has been an extreme honor for not only the ACA staff but also for students.

River Region Parents I December 2019

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MA Volleyball Wins Class 3A State Championship The Montgomery Academy volleyball team won its second consecutive Class 3A state championship! MA (47-6) Volleyball now has six state championships and has reached state 33 times in 36 years. Coach Julie Gordon, in her 41st season, ups her record to 1,438-399. This was the Eagles’ third straight year in the title game.

Trinity Artists Chosen for Humane Society Contest

Trinity Presbyterian School seventh-grader Stuart Edwards was selected as the GRAND PRIZE WINNER for her artwork in the Montgomery Humane Society’s Holiday Card Contest. Her art will be used as the Humane Society’s card this year! Cameron Stanley’s artwork won Honorable Mention in the contest! Both girls are students in Mrs. Bricken’s Mixed Media class. This is the second year in a row that one of Bricken’s students has won the Grand Prize.

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

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Montgomery County Schools

Macon East Athletes Sign College Commitments

Catholic Gets Gold in World Martial Arts Games Siblings Heather and Peter Walski competed for Team USA in the World Martial Arts Games in London in late October and brought home some serious hardware. Both Walskis competed in and won gold in their age groups in Traditional Japanese Weapons. Peter went on to also take home gold in Creative Weapons while Heather took home bronze. Both also performed well in Open Hand and came in fourth. The 12th World Martial Arts Games took place in London October 25-27. Around 500 athletes of different ages and martial arts disciplines from 20 countries around the world competed in kata and weapons demonstrations, grappling, sparring, and wood and brick breaking. The 13th World Martial Arts Games will be held in 2021 in Acapulco, Mexico.

Two Macon East Academy senior athletes signed to continue their athletic careers next year at the collegiate level. Emily Brooks, top right, will play volleyball at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth. Her career prep stats include 2,096 assists, along with 793 kills and 421 aces. Brooks was named to the NAAPS All-American team and the Under Armor All-American team. She led her Knights team to the AISA AA semifinals where they fell to Glenwood School and relinquished the AA state title to the Edgewood Wildcats. Caroline Capps, bottom right, signed her letter of intent to play softball at Wallace Dothan. She transferred to Macon East from ACA, where she has led the Lady Knights as a powerful pitcher for the past three seasons. Putting in extra work in the off season with her travel team, Capps’s hard work ethic and determination caught the eye of the Wallace coaches. At pitcher for Macon East, Capps has a 1.22 ERA and a .376 batting average.

Montgomery Catholic Performs Alabama Stories

Dalraida Student Places in MHS Card Contest Dalraida Elementary School 4th-grader Emma Johnson was a winner in the Montgomery Humane Society’s Christmas Howli-day Card Contest. She received a medal and a certificate. River Region Parents I December 2019

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s drama department put on an epic show to commemorate 200 years of Alabama history. Set on a train bound for Huntsville, a house in Tuscumbia, a public library in downtown Montgomery, the fictional town of Maycomb, and a child’s bedroom right before bedtime, Alabama Stories is a vignette depicting different aspects of Alabama culture and history from all over the state. Borrowing scenes from various plays, Alabama Stories featured actors from elementary through high school. Snippets from Alabama Story, Zelda at the Oasis, The Miracle Worker, To Kill a Mockingbird, Rocket City, Alabam and Big Fish took the audience through high, low and revolutionary moments set throughout the state. The students worked hard to overcome several logistical challenges and successfully pulled off the production. Rehearsals often ran late into the evening several days a week, and sometimes football playoffs, cross country meets, and robotics competitions conflicted with play practice. Additionally, many of the actors had never been in a high school production before and had to learn principles of stage presence and voice projection. “I am so proud of all of these students,” said Drama Department Director Kate Berry. “It was an ambitious production, but they pulled it off beautifully.” The spring drama production will be Thoroughly Modern Millie, a story about a smalltown girl who moves to New York and gets swept up in the big city lifestyle. 26

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Firefighters visit Resurrection Catholic School

Montgomery firefighters visited Resurrection Catholic School recently. The firemen discussed with the kids the importance of fire safety and provided them with safety materials. In addition, they brought “Sparky” the fire dog, and allowed each student and teachers the experience of going through the fire house. The entire school enjoyed the activities of learning fire safety along with interacting with the firemen.

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Montgomery County Schools

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Saint James Announces National Fair Art & Photography Awards Saint James high school art and photography teacher Evelyn Shoults announced the STJ high school students who were awarded recognition in the Alabama National Fair competition this fall. In VISUAL ART // Printmaking, 2nd Place was awarded to Nayoon Kang and 3rd Place to Eric Lee. Black and White Drawing, 2nd Place went to Najla Ibrahim and Honorable Mention to Isabelle Goulet. Watercolor, 1st Place was awarded to Nayoon Kang. Opaque Painting, 3rd Place went to Maddie Shields. For PHOTOGRAPHY // Still-life/Foliage/Macro, two Honorable Mention awards were given to Trinity Goff and Gracie Sullivan. Architectural/Commercial, 1st Place was awarded to Trinity Goff. Landscape/Scenic, 1st Place and 2nd Place both went to Sarah Rice.

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Eastwood/Cornerstone Robotics Team Takes Top Prize at BEST

Macon East Honor Society Welcomes New Members The Macon East Academy chapter of the National Honor Society inducted ten outstanding high school students at a ceremony held November 5. NHS officers Trent Watson, Jake Wyrosdick, Nicholas Marshall, Will Desmarais and Rachel Sargent presented the four ideals of the organization. Candidates must possess these ideals of scholarship, service, leadership, and character to be considered for membership. Following the recitation of the National Honor Society pledge, the new members received certificates from NHS advisor and science teacher Raymond Clinton. NHS members and special guests enjoyed a reception following the ceremony.

Montgomery Catholic Student Performs at Wetumpka Depot

Montgomery Catholic elementary student Olivia Harbin will be playing young Laura Ingalls, the child who would eventually become Laura Ingalls Wilder, the author of the autobiographical Little House on the Prairie book series, at the Wetumpka Depot in December. Harbin is a fifth-grader at the Montgomery Catholic St. Bede campus. The Wetumpka Depot Players, a community theater group in downtown Wetumpka, is putting on A Little House Christmas, a heartwarming holiday story set on the prairie. In this adaptation of a Laura Ingalls Wilder story, the Ingalls family has invited friends and family to their house for Christmas. Not everything goes according to plan and the adults and children must come up with creative ways to make Christmas special for each other. Harbin said she was inspired to audition because of her family’s love of the Little House on the Prairie books and television series. When she found out that the Wetumpka Depot Players were putting on a Little House production, she immediately asked her mother if she could try out. Having taken part in many school plays, Harbin discovered that she loved being on the stage and wanted an opportunity to perform in a bigger venue. “I’ve always wanted to be in a big production,” said Harbin. “I love acting so much.”

The Eastwood Christian School/ Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy GEARS Robotics team recently competed in the Montgomery BEST Robotics Competition. The team, composed of students from the River Region’s two Classical Christian Schools—Eastwood and Cornerstone —as well as homeschool students, won first place overall and will now compete in the South’s BEST Competition at Auburn University. The theme of this year’s competition was “Off the Grid.” Students had to design a robot which could help clean up and help restore power after a major disaster. The competition is not limited to building a robot. Teams also create a marketing presentation and a booth related to the theme. Points are also awarded for T-shirt design and fan support. The Eastwood/ Cornerstone Team is also known for its hospitality. Members regularly arrive at competitions with a lending cart full of tools so that other teams who need to make lastminute repairs to their robots or booths can do so. The BEST Robotics program, which stands for “Boosting Engineering Science and Technology,” seeks to inspire students to pursue careers in engineering, science, and mathematics through robotics design.

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

3975 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36106 ecalions.org 334-272-3882

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

Macon East Students Honored by Duke TIP

The following Macon East Academy seventh-grade students were honored to be recognized by the Duke Talent Identification Program based on their performance in the 95th percentile on national standardized achievement testing: Jacob Caddell, Chase Lashlee, Addison Little, Julia Mathis, Marisa Robledo, and Hunter Wren. Seventh-grade students selected as Duke TIP scholars are eligible to take the ACT or SAT college entrance exam as a measure of their academic excellence. The Duke University Talent Identification Program is a gifted education program based at Duke University. Founded in 1980 as one of the first pre-collegiate studies programs offered by an American university, the program aims to identify gifted students and provide advanced educational opportunities. Front row from left are Julia Mathis, Addison Little and Marisa Robledo; back row, Jacob Caddell, Chase Lashlee and Hunter Wren.

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

River Region Parents I December 2019

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TEA Academy Visits Alabama State Campus

The students at Talent Education & Art (TEA) Christian Academy, Inc. are always on a mission, with a packed schedule usually filled with learning, having fun and many opportunities that serve as teachable moments. For the last nine years, TEA Academy’s students have been looking forward to attending various events and productions which take place at Alabama State University (ASU), and this year was no different. The students at TEA Academy waited patiently for ASU’s Dance Production Concert to take place. After arriving back on campus, the students were so excited to tell Prof. McElroyWashington, the school’s principal, what a great time they had.

Montgomery Academy Students Travel to Jekyll Island Montgomery Academy sixth-graders recently returned from their annual trip to Jekyll Island, Georgia. During the three-day trip, students studied the geology and ecology of barrier islands by slogging through marshes, catching fish in the ocean, dissecting sharks and climbing driftwood trees on the beach. Students also visited the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, where they learned about the many kinds of sea turtles, the life cycles of the turtles and about their nesting sites. This trip has been a long-standing favorite tradition for many students.

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TEA Academy Celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness

Talent Education & Art Christian Academy, Inc. celebrated its fifth Breast Cancer Awareness Program and WAKA Channel 8-32 was on location to provide coverage. The program focused on the purpose of the pink ribbon, which represents the symbol of breast cancer awareness. It is usually worn to honor those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The pink ribbon is also associated with kindness, faith and the tremendous scientific progress that has been made in cancer research. The pink ribbon puts the mindset in an optimistic “can-do” attitude; it encourages individuals to focus on the passionate vision of a cure for breast cancer.

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MA Cheer Places Second in Regional Competition

Montgomery Academy’s competitive cheer team, led by Coaches Luv DuBose and Amy Williams, placed second in the 3A Division of the AHSAA South Super Regional Cheer Competition in Mobile. In addition to placing second in their division, the girls qualified to compete in the State Competition on December 14!

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River Region Parents I December 2019

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ACA Softball Star Signs With University of Florida Haley Pittman, Alabama Christian Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s softball pitcher, signed her letter of intent with the University of Florida. Pittman has set and broken many ACA school records; she pitched for the Lady Eagles last year to help her team bring home the State Title and was also recognized as MVP for the State of Alabama.

ECA Enjoys Fall Festival

Evangel Christian Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elementary students enjoyed a fun fall day. The senior class volunteered to help with the in house carnival. The students were excited to ride in a wagon pulled by a tractor. The hayride ended at a pumpkin patch where each child got to pick out their own pumpkin. After the hayride, the students enjoyed carnival type games and were excited when they won candy.

Eastwood Recognizes 2019 Duke TIP Scholars

The following fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students from Eastwood Christian School are eligible for Duke University Talent Identification Program: Albert Christensen, Rivers DeHuff, Sophia MacLeod, Judah Pierce, Marlee Smith, Dana Swedenburg, Lucy Whatley, Lena Boak, Charlie Coon, Kate Hankins, Will Franklin Mauney, Ansley Quallio, Harper Thomas, Mae Champion, Knox DeHuff, Lily Givens, Nate Higginbotham, Matt Hodges, Porter Johnson, Seonwoo Lee, John Bennett Lester, Caroline MacLeod, Evelyn Williams, and Jacob Worley. This program is an opportunity for gifted students, who score in the 95th or above percentile on a nationally normed or state criterion-referenced test, to receive special motivation and support. Students who participate have the opportunity to compete for national recognition of their achievements.

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Montgomery County Schools

Thirty-nine Montgomery Academy Students Participate in Youth Judicial Thirty-nine Montgomery Academy Upper School students participated in the YMCA Youth Judicial competition. Fifteen students participated in their first mock trial competition ever and twenty participated in their first Youth Judicial competition. The Prosecution team of Ruston Bassett, Chandler Brazil, Ellie Stevens, William Dillon, Robert Huffaker, Gabe Watrous and Zoe Zink earned Third Place Prosecution Team in the Premier Competition. The Major Prosecution team of Sofie Behr, William Robertson, Easton Strickler, Charlie Hill, Maggie Kinney and Mac Main earned Second Place in the Major Competition. Sofie Behr won Best Prosecution Attorney. Cyprian Dumas and Martha Ernest served as Judges while Wilson Butler and Margaret Chandler served as Bailiffs. The MA Youth in Government program is sponsored by Stephanie Hill.

River Region Parents I December 2019

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Trinity Senior Signs with Lee University

Trinity Presbyterian School senior Emma Pittman signed a golf scholarship with Lee University November 20 in the school’s gym. Pittman has been the number-one player on the Trinity golf team for the last three years, playing the numbe-two position while in grades 7-9. She was a member of the AHSAA North-South All-Star golf Team, and was chosen to the Montgomery Advertiser All Metro Golf Team at the end of her sophomore and junior years. Pittman was on the State Championship Golf Team in 2017, taking fifth place individually. She is currently ranked by the Alabama Golf Association (AGA) as the sixth-ranked junior girls’ golfer in the state. She was selected her junior year to the AGA Junior Girls’ All-State (Second Team) and her sophomore year to the AGA Junior Girls’ All-State (Third Team). Top row from left are Interim Head of School Merle Henkel, Luke Pittman, Mary Ann Pittman, Athletic Director Jessica Lassiter and Coach Tim Bethea; seated are Rebekah Pittman, Emma Pittman and Greg Pittman.

Lee AFJROTC Unit Named Outstanding The Air Force Association recently named the Lee High Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps its 2019 Outstanding AFJROTC Unit of the Year for Alabama. The Lee High AFJROTC unit is led by retired CMSgt Kent Davis and retired SMSgt Aubrey Cameron. The Air Force Association is a volunteer-led organization with more than 200 chapters across the country. Part of its mission is to support aerospace education.

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Saint James School Honors High Achievement

On November 6, Saint James School came together to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of several high school students. The students honored in the Saint James Fall Recognition Assembly achieved extraordinary excellence on national tests and exams in the past year. From National Merit recognition to perfect scores on Advanced Placement exams and sections of the ACT and SAT tests, these students are exemplars of what blending talent, effort, and drive can accomplish. In September, STJ senior Trevor Otis was named a National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalist. Otis now participates in a process to advance semifinalists to finalist status and subsequently compete for college scholarships that are announced in the spring. Additionally, senior Andrew Kellum was named a National Merit Program Commended Student. Scoring a perfect score of 36 on a section of the ACT or SAT test (ie: English, Reading, Math, etc) were juniors Paige Hemmer and Jihyun (Ellie) Kim, and seniors Jack Branham, Turner Davis, Najla Ibrahim, Nayoon Kang, Andrew Kellum and Trevor Otis. Notably, Hemmer scored a perfect 36 on both the English and reading ACT tests; Branham scored a perfect 36 on both the science and STEM ACT tests; and Davis scored a perfect 36 on the science ACT test twice. Twelve students scored a perfect 5 on an Advanced Placement exam. These scholars included Paige Hemmer and Ella Taylor for AP European History; Trevor Otis for AP U.S. History; Turner Davis, Najla Ibrahim and Trevor Otis for AP Language and Composition; Najla Ibrahim for AP Human Geography; Jack Branham, Gayeon Paek and Suhyoun Yun for AB Calculus; Najla Ibrahim for AP Biology; and Gayeon Paek for AP Chemistry. Eight students were honored by the College Board as AP Scholars â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which means they earned an average grade of three or higher on three or more Advanced Placement exams. The AP Scholar designation was awarded to these eight students who are still in high school: Jack Branham, Sam Festoso, Trevor Otis, Gayeon Paek, Gabe Robbins, Katie Leigh Smith, Alexander Whisenhunt and Suhyoun Yun. Senior Najla Ibrahim was named an AP Scholar with Honors after taking at least four AP exams with an overall average of 3.25 or higher. And, after taking the AP exams in May 2019, several 2019 Saint James alumni were also designated AP Scholars and three 2019 alumni who were named AP Scholars with Distinction for a total of 22 Saint James students named AP Scholars for 2019. Annually, Saint James School hosts an Awards Day assembly in the spring to recognize a myriad of student achievements ranging from individual college scholarship announcements to the Yale Book Award to the highest average in a subject. And each fall, school administration honors each student individually who has achieved extraordinary excellence with national recognition. Standing from left: Ella Taylor, Gabe Robbins, Alexander Whisenhunt, Jack Branham, Turner Davis, Trevor Otis, Andrew Kellum and Paige Hemmer; seated from left: Suhyoun Yun, Jihyun (Ellie) Kim, Katie Leigh Smith, Nayoon Kang and Gayeon Paek. Not pictured: Sam Festoso and Najla Ibrahim. River Region Parents I December 2019

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Catholic Senior Marches In Macy’s Parade

Montgomery Catholic senior Bobby Crawford performed in the show of a lifetime when he was chosen to be one of 185 musicians and 40 auxiliary marching in the Macy’s Great American Marching Band in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Led by Auburn University’s Dr. Richard Good, the band is comprised of the country’s most talented high school musicians, flag-bearers, and dancers. Crawford currently serves at the drum major for the Montgomery Catholic Marching Knights, but his primary concert and marching instrument is the trombone. Inspired by Montgomery Catholic graduate and Great American Marching Band alumna Anna Catherine Barranco, Crawford submitted his application earlier in the fall and was quickly accepted to take part in the Macy’s parade. “They required a video application,” he said. “I had to demonstrate musical ability, marching, and various horn positions. It was pretty intense.” Crawford traveled to New York City on Saturday, November 23, and rehearsed with the rest of the band every day leading up to the parade on Thanksgiving Day. While there were a lot of fun activities built into the week, the practice schedule was demanding and required a high level of dedication from each performer. The Great American Marching Band is the last band on the parade route and serves as a lead-in for Santa Claus. The Marching Knights have won several “Best in Class” awards this season, including top drum major. Crawford himself is an accomplished musician, earning the first chair spot in the All-State Red Band in 2019 and many solo and ensemble accolades. He plans to continue with marching after graduation and intends to audition for the Cavaliers drum and bugle corps. More information about the Great American Marching Band is available at www.macys.com/social/parade. 37

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Trinity 7th-graders Qualify for Duke TIP

Churchill Students Hold Day of Service Churchill Academy High School students kicked off the fall season with the school’s annual Day of Service. Many students served Lower School students as guides at the school Fall Festival, while other students served at the Montgomery Humane Shelter providing volunteer help to the shelter staff. Churchill Academy believes that the leaders of tomorrow are built by learning to serve others effectively.

Thirty-two Trinity Presbyterian School seventh-grade students were selected to participate in the Duke TIP Talent Search. To qualify, these students scored at or above the 95th percentile in at least one ERB qualifying subtest. Qualifying students are given the unique opportunity to preview and take either the ACT or SAT this year. They are also invited to participate in various accelerated educational programs based on their ACT or SAT scores. The following Trinity students qualified: Alex Addison, Samantha Bell, Brady Bennett, Persson Clements, Stuart Edwards, Bearden Ellis, Abbie Ensminger, Charlie Franklin, Caroline Gould, Anna Tyler Hedges, Maddy Holliday, Anne Rollins Howe, Peyton Lowe, John Thomas Mathison, Sarah Bell McClinton, Carson McCulloch, Webb McGregor, Chase Parker, Payne Pittman, Paul Renner, Caroline Rogers, Matthew Schroll, Maddie Smith, Delaney Stanley, Cameron Stanley, Bo Stewart, James Treadwell, Holland Williams, Philip Wilson, Zach Wilson, Matthew Worthington and Collette Zavada.

STJ Youth Judicial Ranks Statewide

SUA Fifth-Graders Win Awards at STEAMfest

Success Unlimited Academy fifthgrade students Angela Yoon and Kasy Mejia won awards in The Montgomery Academy’s STEAMfest November 2. Both of these talented students entered original artwork in the Mini Art Show. Yoon won first place and Mejia won honorable mention. The festival was held at The Montgomery Academy’s elementary campus and was open to the public. STEAMfest celebrates educational opportunities and activities in science, technology, engineering, art and math. Yoon is shown here. River Region Parents I December 2019

Saint James School faculty representative Kiki Hughes praised her students for their achievements at Alabama’s YMCA Youth in Government/Youth Judicial program held in early November. Youth Judicial is a three-day mock trial competition for high school students in grades 9-12. “Saint James participants skillfully competed with more than 600 students from across the state,” Hughes said. “I am so proud of all their hard work and the commitment they made to be prepared and effective in their arguments and positions. Youth Judicial is a wonderful program that provides students the opportunity to develop and grow so many life skills they will use throughout their future careers.” This year’s case was a criminal case involving vehicular homicide and the use of a cell phone. The witnesses had to learn their parts and be prepared for any question. The lawyers prepared questions for their witnesses and the witnesses on the opposing team. The Saint James Major League team of Ryan Barranco, Jeffery Ford, Cole Armagost, Makenzie Corley, Hannah Grace Griggs and Morgan Parish placed in the top ten. The Major League team of Joe Higgins, Lucy Edwards. Alex Whisenhunt, Mary Julian Setzer, Jake Yohn and Seanna Brooks placed in the top twenty. The 9th grade Premiere Team of GeorgeAnn Killough, Brooke Bender, Anna Dickey, Sophie Caradori, Taylor Potts, Preston Phillips and Jarret Simpson made a significant impact and gained valuable experience throughout the competition. Saint James freshman Anna Dickey won the award for Best Witness in the Premier competition, and Saint James sophomore Taylor Schofield participated as a deputy in the competition. 38

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BTW Students Receive Honors at Annual DOOT Festival

Visual arts and photography students from Booker T. Washington Magnet High racked up awards at the annual DOOT (Doing Our Own Thing) festival. The festival was sponsored by the Montgomery Council on the Arts and Armory Learning Arts Center and included art workshops and exhibitions along with a sidewalk chalk art competition. Sixteen schools were represented, with more than 380 works submitted for judging for the exhibition. Judges represent diverse backgrounds, from university settings to private artist studios. BTW visual arts students Kaitlyn Campbell, Emily Beaudry, and Annie Xia won first place in the sidewalk chalk competition. Natalie Magee, Madelin Morgan and Ebaa Habashtook took honorable mention in the contest. In Mixed Media, Baylie Tullo won first place, Ana Cervantes took third place, and Kennedi Kemp received honorable mention. In Black and White Photography, Jaylin Jones won first, Phoebe Miller took second, and Erica Luckie was third. In Color Photography, Aubrey Askew won second place and Jazmyne Isaac won third. In color drawing, Heaven Harper took second place, Zoe Davis won third, and Emily Beaudry received honorable mention. In watercolor painting, Zoe Davis came in first. In painting, Yaelyn Ha took third place.

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Montgomery County Schools

Little Free Library Dedicated to MA Librarian

On November 9, The Cottage Hill Foundation dedicated a Little Free Library in honor of Montgomery Academy Lower School Librarian Frances Smith. Students from the Class of 2025 came together to give this gift in Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s honor. The Little Free Library movement seeks to inspire a love of reading, builds community, and sparks creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world. The Frances Smith Little Free Library stands on the corner of Whitman and Martha Street on the city median. Stop by and pick up (or donate!) a book!

Trinity Senior Signs with SMU

With friends, family and coaches in attendance, Trinity Presbyterian School senior Prather Anne Hargrove signed her Letter of Intent to swim at Southern Methodist University. Hargrove won the individual state championship in the 100 fly in 2017 and placed second in 2018. At State, she placed second in the 200 free in 2017 and 2018. She is an All-American swimmer (2016-19) and will compete in the Junior National qualifier in Atlanta in December.

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BTW Students Have Artworks Chosen for Bill Traylor Exhibition

Several Booker T. Washington Magnet High Visual Arts and Photography students had work selected for the Bill Traylor and My World exhibition at Kress on Dexter. The exhibition was sponsored by the Montgomery Arts Project in partnership with the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and Montgomery Builds. The work was on display until late November. BTW students who were recognized for their contributions were Kennedi Kemp (Honorable Mention), Makayla Ballard (Honorable Mention), Gia Paolini, Liz Rodriguez, Erica Luckie, Ana Cervantes, Baylie Tullo, Jazmyne Isaac, Hannah Johnson, Desi Senn, Mackenzie Donaldson, Aubrey Askew, Kylee Christianson, Karen Cousins, Amir Robinson, Jaylin Jones, Phoebe Miller, Morriah Gordon, Amy Parker, Destini Wilson, Zoe Davis, Emily Beaudry, Yaelyn Ha, Kaitlyn Campbell, Ashley Luna Mendez, Ashlee Glass, Da’Nadia Ross, Heaven Harper, Josiah King, Christa Murray, Jasmine Shirosky and Sierra Lawrence.

ANC Visits Dalraida’s QUEST Classes Alabama Nature Center visited Dalraida Elementary School’s third through fifth grade QUEST classes and gave the students handson practice with cleaning up an oil spill and taught them how pollution affects their environment and what they can do to help. Got news? Send us your school bits by the 12th of each month to: editor@riverregionparents.com.

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TEA Celebrates First Nine Weeks Awards

Talent Education & Art (TEA) Christian Academy, Inc., celebrated its first nine weeks awards program in October, and retired Alabama High School Athletics Associate Director Joe E. Evans served as the motivational speaker. Evans encouraged the students to always strive to do their best and to be respectful, helpful, kind and caring, but most importantly, he encouraged them to always put God first. Evans is a former assistant coach for The University of Alabama in Birmingham; the athletics director for Lawson State Community College; and he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Evans has served as a board member for TEA Academy, Inc. and he is one of the school mentors.

Academy Students Teach Pumpkin Carving

Middle School students from The Montgomery Academy got into the Halloween spirit while carving pumpkins. They were joined by international officers who are students at ACSC (Air Command and Staff College) located at Maxwell Air Force Base. The international officers represented twelve different countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Chad, Nigeria, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Mali and South Korea. MA students gave a brief presentation on the history of jack oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lanterns and various Halloween traditions. The officers then shared with the students about their home country and some interesting facts about their culture.

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

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Success Unlimited Students Visit Governor’s Mansion

Success Unlimited Academy middle school students in Pam Watson’s class, along with chaperones, visited the Governor’s Mansion recently as part of their studies of Alabama history. A mansion guide greeted the group and shared interesting and historical information concerning the stately mansion on South Perry Street in historic downtown Montgomery. Students learned that the Classical Revival style home was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in July 1972. The guided tour allowed Watson’s class to visit the official rooms used for state business, which are located on the first floor.

Cornerstone Third Grade Holds Egyptian Feast

To celebrate their study of ancient Egypt, Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy third-graders held an Egyptian Feast. The students created Nemes (headdresses worn by pharoahs in ancient Egypt) and decorated their own Egyptian necklaces. The feast included delicacies which would have been eaten by ancient Egyptian royalty, such as olives, dates, honey, flat bread and cheese. As a classical Christian school, Cornerstone’s curriculum is integrated across disciplines. Therefore, the study of an ancient civilization is not just a study in history, but incorporates art, literature and theology.

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Lee High Theatre Club Debuts At District Trumbauer Festival

The Lee High Theatre Club competed in its first Walter Trumbauer Secondary Theatre Festival in Opelika, and each member received a medal for earning “excellent” ratings. The festival consists of 30 individual events for high school students. It also includes scholarship auditions and college screening for high school seniors.

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Resurrection Catholic School Participates in Alzheimer’s Walk

Resurrection Catholic School’s Student Council participated in the Alzheimer’s Walk to end Alzheimer’s, and raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

Churchill Takes Tannehill Field Trip

High School students from Churchill Academy took an off-site November adventure to the Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park near Birmingham. The Tannehill Furnace is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, giving students a wealth of history to discover. Churchill students spent the day receiving a hands-on history lesson that paired well with their in-class history teachings. Churchill believes in creating interactive learning opportunities and Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park provided the perfect venue.

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Eastwood Sixth-Grade Girls Lead Food Drive

MEA Students Honored at AISA Spelling Bee

Macon East Academy spelling bee winners in fourth through eighth grades represented their school at the Alabama Independent School Association district spelling bee on November 13. Fifth-grader Madison Vocino and eighth-grader Kaiden Byrom won 1st place at the district event. This was Byromâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fifth time winning the district spelling bee at each grade level and advancing to the state competition. Chase Lashlee was also honored for his third-place finish in the 7th-grade bee. Other students representing Macon East at the event were Adam Fitch (4th grade) and Jackson Todd (6th grade). From left are Madison Vocino, Kaiden Byrom and Chase Lashlee.

At the beginning of the school year, the sixth-grade girls approached Susan Gaines, Eastwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lower School principal and interim Head of School, and shared their interest in coming up with a service project in which to lead the Eastwood Lower School. After much thinking and discussion, the girls decided to coordinate a food drive to benefit Mercy House, a local day shelter serving the residents of West Montgomery. After visiting Mercy House to learn what items were most needed, the girls developed a flyer and visited every class in the Lower School to raise awareness of the food/toiletry drive. As a result, throughout the month of October, Lower School students brought in dry goods, canned goods, travel-size toiletries, and water bottles. On November 1, the girls delivered roughly 25 bags of dry and canned goods and three boxes of toiletries to Mercy House.

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Jeff Davis Wins Broadcast Media Awards at J-Day

Alabama Christian Sophomores Serve

The Alabama Christian Academy sophomore class made quite an impression on the Montgomery Food Bank and our local Salvation Army as they served recently. The students organized clothes and packaged a tremendous amount of food. “It’s exciting to watch our student body be the hands and feet of Jesus,” said ACA “We Serve” Director Don Gilliam.

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The Jeff Davis High broadcast media program brought home two awards from Troy University’s annual J-Day Journalism Workshop and Competition. JDTv won first place in Best Television Feature Story and Best Television News Story. Schools from around the region gather at Troy’s J-Day each year for workshops and competitions in categories such as multimedia, yearbook and broadcast journalism. Ornesha Whatley and J’kai Foster of JDTv are shown. Other team members are Nakiya Pitts, Rejaiya Lewis, Daquon Allen, Bre’shannia Burts and Detravean Williams.

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

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LAMP Runner Finishes First in State Meet

The Loveless Academic Magnet Program high school cross country team had a stellar performance at the State Cross Country Meet, led by Kathy Hammond, who came in first overall in 4A. Hammond also set a new LAMP record with a time of 19:20 in the 5K, which is about 3.1 miles. Not long after her big win at the state meet, Hammond signed with Mississippi College to run track and cross country. On the boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; side, Seba Bayoyema finished fourth and also set a new LAMP record. The LAMP boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; team finished fifth and the girls finished seventh among 4A schools.

MEA Students Play in All-Star Volleyball Game

Macon East Academy seniors Emily Brooks, left, and Emi Lott represented the Knights in the AISA All-Star Volleyball game at Cramton Bowl on November 2. Their East squad defeated the West at the event honoring senior all-star athletes. Together Brooks and Lott led their Macon East team into the AA Final Four this season, but they relinquished their title as the reigning 2018 state champions. Brooks will continue her volleyball career next year at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth. 47

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BTW Principal Joins Other Notable Women In Raising Cancer Awareness

Booker T. Washington Magnet High Principal Quesha Starks recently joined other notable women in the Montgomery community for an inspirational Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon at Embassy Suites sponsored by the organization Women of Hope. Other attendees included County Commissioner Ronda Walker, herself a cancer survivor, and Public Service Commission President Twinkle Cavanaugh. Starks said this “life-changing” event gave families hope and let them know they are not alone in the fight against breast cancer.

MacMillan, Brewbaker Primary Receive Be Healthy School Grants

MacMillan International Academy and Brewbaker Primary have more money for keeping kids healthy after receiving $10,000 apiece from Blue Cross Blue Shield. Blue Cross awarded both schools Be Healthy School Grants as part of an initiative to encourage more exercise, nutrition education and parental involvement in Alabama public schools. Each school held parties sponsored by Blue Cross to celebrate the announcements.

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

Alabama Christian Students Hold Nikki Haley Leadership Session

Alabama Christian Academy students enjoyed a special leadership session with Faulkner Benefit Dinner speaker, former South Carolina governor and UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. Shown are are Megan Davis, Lynleigh Stephen, Rose Costanza, Mary Reagan Hilyer, Laura Bailey, Bailey DiNunzio, Savannah Fonville and Emily Thornton.

Trinity Participates in Naturalization Ceremony

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Trinity Presbyterian School’s third-grade students had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem and lead the Pledge of Allegiance during a moving naturalization ceremony for our very own Lower School choir director, Wendy Cho. Before taking her Oath of Citizenship, Cho even directed the choir as they performed. River Region Parents I December 2019

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December is such a fun time in Pike Road Schools, for our students are all abuzz with the excitement of gifts, time off with family, and the joy that comes with it all. However, the activities of the District remain in full speed. With a few short weeks until the end of the first semester, our focus is on what our students need from us in order to have the best possible experience when they return in January. To that end, we are focused on our district goals in our strategic plan, as well as the priorities and organizational infrastructures required to achieve these goals on behalf of every student. At the November Board meeting, each of our principals presented academic data that provided input into our progress as well as identified areas of focus. Strong strategic plans were presented as to how these areas of focus will be met. It has been an excellent first half to the 2019-2020 school year, with outstanding stu-

dents receiving recognition for their academic, athletic and community achievements, and PRS teachers being recognized as leaders in their profession by state and national education organizations. I am incredibly proud of our district and of what we accomplish every day. The Youth Judicial team had a very successful learning experience as they recently participated in YMCA Youth Judicial. Our Youth legislature group is preparing for their upcoming event after the new year. Our dual enrollment students are completing their fall semester courses at their colleges and universities, and our Advanced Placement program has also been highly successful. We want to ensure all of our graduates have a foot in the door for their next endeavor, so they have a clear understanding that high school graduation is a step toward success, not the goal. Pike Road Schools has a vibrant and growing arts program through all grades. PRS learners are participating in visual arts and performing arts from elementary through high school. Our band program has begun a jazz band to complement the marching band and concert band. Our drama team, choir, and show choir are all practicing and performing several community events.

Pike Road High School has had a very successful athletic season this fall with cross country, volleyball, and football all representing our school well! Our cross country team had two boys and two girls qualify to run at the state meet. Our Varsity Football team won the region and won our first home playoff game. Construction on our schools is continuing and going well. We are on schedule to be ready to occupy the gym at the Georgia Washington Campus by January, and our classroom renovation on the section that is underway is progressing apace. The new addition to the Historic Campus is moving along quickly. Progress is also being made to have the baseball and softball fields ready for the upcoming season. As we anticipate the holidays with excitement and joy, I wish you and your families a happy and healthy holiday season! Chuck Ledbetter has been an educator for 28 years. He has earned a B.A. in history from Auburn University; a Masters of Education in history from AUM; and a doctorate in educational leadership from Auburn University. Chuck Ledbetter was a history teacher for 11 years, an assistant principal, a middle school principal, a high school principal, assistant superintendent for curriculum and for finance, and is in his ninth year as a superintendent. He is married to Kim and has three daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.

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Pike Road Freshman Math Team Competes In Auburn AMPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d

In October, the Pike Road High School freshman math team spent a Saturday on the Plains, participating in AMPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d, the Auburn Mathematical Puzzle Challenge! Students showed great collaborative and problem-solving skills as they solved mathematical puzzles together.

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

PRS Cross Country Athletes Compete in State Meet

Pike Road Patriot cross country runners Andrew Kenny, Naomi Valentine, Isabel Balmaceda and Chris Mackey qualified to compete in the State Cross Country Meet. Each of them broke personal records.

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PRS Holds Senior Night

Another first for Pike Road Schools happened October 24 when we recognized our seniors that have participated in fall extracurricular activities before a home varsity football game. This was such a special event honoring our very first senior class. There will be many more firsts to come with this first PRS graduating class. So far, students have been able to paint senior parking spots, decorate homecoming halls and create float decorations, as well as enjoy the new football stadium. Seniors who take part in spring extracurricular activities will be honored at a later date.

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PRS Cheer Team Headed to State Competition

The Pike Road High School Competition Cheer Team placed second in the AHSAA Cheerleading Super-Regional Championship, and these Lady Patriots will now advance to the state competition! The team is made up of 23 cheerleaders in grades 8-12. They are coached by Keshia Burrow and Amber Stevens.

PRMS Learners Hear From Veterans

PRS Students Compete in Youth Judicial Competition

Pike Road Schools took four teams to the Youth Judicial Competition. Two of the teams were in the Major League and the other two were in the Premier League. We also took our first judge (Justin Martin) and bailiff (Jack Martin).One of the PRS Premier Teams placed in the top 10 and one of the PRS Major teams placed in the top 20.

Sixth-graders at Pike Road Middle School recently had the privilege of hearing from amazing guest speakers. One veteran granddad and three active duty Air Force parents spoke to students about the importance of Veteransâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Day and answered questions about the military. Thank you all for taking the time to come and speak and thank you to all of our Pike Road military parents for your service!

PRS Learners Hear From Barn Hill Preserve

Pike Road Elementary learners had a visit from Barn Hill Preserveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Animal Ambassadors. The special program offered PRES learners a unique experience to get up close and personal with animals they may have never seen before. Learners participated by asking questions, getting involved in demonstrations, and responding to the speakers. The program was both educational and entertaining! River Region Parents I December 2019

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PRS Robotics Teams Compete in Auburn

In October, seven Pike Road Schools robotics teams kicked off the competition season at the “Spooky on the Plains” tournament in Auburn. The teams scored well throughout the tournament, maintaining top 10 rankings in a variety of areas, including driver and skills matches.

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

Pike Road High School Named National PTA School of Excellence

Pike Road High School was recently recognized as a 2019-2021 National PTA School of Excellence. National PTA’s School of Excellence program supports and celebrates partnerships between PTAs and schools that work to improve the educational experience and school environment for every child. Pike Road High School and the Pike Road High School PTSA have worked hard to strengthen their family-school partnership and their efforts are making a positive impact on student success and school improvement.

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It is important to set goals in life. Some goals can certainly seem daunting, but through hard work and dedication, most can be attained. The Autauga County School System is always setting new goals for our faculty and students. Striving to reach new heights and better ourselves is simply part of who we are, so it is with great pride that I share news of our latest achievements. Autauga County Schools’ state report card grade increased from 86% to 88% this year. I am very proud of our schools, our students, our teachers and our principals. The 2018-19 scores from our schools are listed here. All schools demonstrated solid academic growth. With our community, schools, and parents working together, every student can be successful!

Daniel Pratt Elementary, 93/A Prattville Junior High, 92/A Pine Level Elementary, 91/A Prattville Primary, 90/A Prattville Elementary, 89/B Prattville Kindergarten, 89/B Marbury High, 84/B Prattville Intermediate, 83/B Prattville High, 82/B Marbury Middle, 81/B Billingsley, 79/C Autaugaville, 75/C

Prattville High School Theatre, led by Blair Dyson, started their 25th season this school year. They kicked-off the year with their annual Short Play Festival on October 17-21. Every year, they debut four to five one-act plays, most of which are completely original scripts that are student directed. This year’s festival featured four shows: Five-Minute Fairytales, a parody of well-known children’s stories (written and directed by Senior Draven Gonzales), The Sibbelings, a play about a brother and sister who learn to grow apart while still staying close (written by Program Alum Mackenzie Martin and directed by Senior Sebastian

Younts), Muted, a unique and bold account of a series of kidnappings (written by Junior Katie Callahan and directed by Junior Caleb Quick), and their 2019 competition show, Broken, which centers around a murder investigation in New York City, 1938 (written and directed by Theatre Director Blair Dyson). The festival was a big success, featuring some very bold work that pushed many of the students out of their comfort zone as actors. Next up for the theatre program is State Competition which runs December 5-7 in Troy. We are very lucky to have such a great theatre program at Prattville High School. Great job! Schools will be closed for the holidaysDecember 23rd-January 6th with students returning January 7th. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Spence Agee is the Superintendent of Education for Autauga County Schools. He is a third generation educator with an ED.S. in Educational Leadership. He has 20 years of experience in the education field as well as 29 years of military experience. Agee is an active member at First Baptist Church in Prattville. He and his wife, Cesily, who is also an educator, have two daughters, Abby and Addison.

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Join the Prattville YMCA during our 12 Days to a Better You promotion from January 1-12, and pay only $1 joining fee on the 1st, $2 joining fee on the 2nd, and so on. Also ask about our special deals for our current Members!

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2600 Bell Road • Montgomery, Alabama • 334.277.6690 460 McQueen Smith Road • Prattville, Alabama • 334.358.6411 www. SmilesFromUs.com Dr. John H. Payne IV • Dr. J. David Stanley • Dr. R. Davis Denney • Dr. Robert H. Owen 55

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Going Green with ASMS Student May Jung

The State of Alabama is going to “turn green” with environmental sustainability because of Alabama School of Mathematics and Science (ASMS) junior May Jung, who is originally from Prattville. Jung recently collaborated with the Alabama Environmental Council (AEC) to create the Alabama Environmental Youth Council (AEYC). She is the founder of the ASMS Greenpeace Club. Her leadership with this club inspired her to dream bigger than just her school campus. “My time at ASMS gave me the opportunity to discover my passion for environmental sustainability and put it into action,” Jung says. “Youth should be motivated to lead the way. I am thankful for the AEC and their partnership which has made my dream a reality.” The AEYC is a group of high school ambassadors who will promote environmental sustainability across the state through volunteerism and education.

Education Grant Allows for New Technology In Prattville Elementary Schools

Mayor Bill Gillespie, Jr. proudly presented 26 new technology devices to the elementary schools in the City of Prattville. A generous $10,000 grant from former District 88 Representative Paul Beckman and the State Executive Commission on Community Services Grant allowed us to purchase eight iPads for Prattville Elementary School, eight iPad minis for Prattville Primary School, and 10 Dell Chromebooks for Daniel Pratt Elementary School.

Marbury High Cheerleaders Donate to Cancer Center On Friday, October 11, the Marbury High School cheerleaders raised funds to donate to the Montgomery Cancer Center for breast cancer awareness. Funds were raised through a T-shirt sale and through donations from community members that were collected at the football game that night. Additionally, funds were donated by our students, faculty and staff. Cheer coach Spring Bruner presented the Montgomery Cancer Center with a donation of $665. The donation was given on behalf of MHS basketball coach Reginald Brown, who lost his mother to breast cancer.

PJHS Encourages Community Service

Seventh-grade civics teacher Kyle Sandlin sponsors a class project called “For the Common Good.” Students partner up and participate in local activities that promote community involvement and service. Students collect stuffed animals, food for the local AICC food pantry, recycling, etc. This project teaches students first hand the benefits of community service! River Region Parents I December 2019

Billingsley Competes at Shelton State Billingsley Engineering and Robotics (BEAR) Team participated in the Shelton State Robotics Competition, where they came in 3rd Place Overall. Other awards include Website: 1st place, Team Exhibit: 2nd place, Team Video: 2nd place, Spirit and Sportsmanship: 3rd place, Marketing: 3rd place and Robot: 7th place. Ashley Brock is the team sponsor. 56

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Pine Level Elementary STEAM Room

A group of teachers at Pine Level Elementary School has recently designed and organized a room specifically for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) activities for all students to utilize. This hands-on approach to learning allows students to take thoughtful risks, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process. Ultimately, this room will better equip teachers at PLES as they prepare students to be the innovators, educators and leaders of the 21st century.

Daniel Pratt Students Hold Poetry Contest

Daniel Pratt held a Drug Awareness Poetry Contest during Red Ribbon Week. Students were invited to submit a poem that encourages and promotes a positive, healthy lifestyle. They also made a pledge to be drug free and bully free. One winner was selected from each grade level.

PKS Celebrates Veterans Day

On November 8, classes of Mrs. Cannon, Ms. Brown, Mrs. Fales and Ms. Archie came together at Prattville Kindergarten School to perform a program to honor our veterans. They sang songs for the audience, and the Prattville High School ROTC came to perform a flag folding ceremony. It was a great way to honor our veterans while students learned more about our military and country.

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

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PKS Barnyard Bash

On October 24, Prattville Kindergarten School held its Annual Barnyard Bash. After studying about the farm during the month of October, students, parents, friends, faculty and staff came together to celebrate fall and lots of great learning. There were games, a hayride, a bouncy house and lots of great food. Everyone came dressed in their farm attire and had a great time!

Autaugaville Celebrates Homecoming, Crowns Queen and King

Autaugaville School hosted its 2019-2020 homecoming week! Mr. and Miss AS were required to have the highest grade-point average with no behavioral infractions. Their accomplishments prompted Miss Alabama State University Jhaianne Cooper to attend the inaugural ceremony and proudly crown both students. In addition, homecoming queen and king were selected by peers and also required to display positive behavior for candidacy. Little Mr. and Miss Autagaville raised the most funds with all proceeds benefiting the school. The entire week included festive activities and a parade. The 2019 homecoming celebration historically commemorated the 50th anniversary of the first homecoming (also played against Billingsley) after integration was implemented during the 1969-70 school year.

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PPS Celebrates Veterans

Prattville Primary School celebrated veterans with some awesome programs. Students shared patriotic songs and student leaders spoke about why veterans are so important. We were recognized by Probate Judge Kim Kervin for our citizenship. Thanks to Woodmen of the World for our flags.

Prattville Intermediate Honors Veterans

On November 7, Prattville Intermediate School held its Veterans’ Day Program to honor our nation’s service men and women. This was an entirely student-led event by our 5th- and 6th-graders. Our guest speaker was Chris Puckett, who is a retired member of the United States Air Force.

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PES Enjoys Enrichment Students at Prattville Elementary School receive a variety of enrichment opportunities during our Discovery Daze after school program. Parents and students are able to choose which activities they will participate in throughout the week. Students enjoy STEM, art, robotics, the great adventure club, and much more.

DPES Spreads Kindness

Daniel Pratt Elementary School celebrated World Kindness Day on November 13. Students wore cardigans to honor Mr. Fred Rogers and his legacy of kindness. Mrs. McKinley’s sixthgrade students created donut posters and placed them throughout the building to “sprinkle kindness.” They also wrote letters to everyone in the school, from the custodians to the administrators. Students had an opportunity to pose for a photo to be the “I” in KIND. River Region Parents I December 2019

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

Prattville Primary School teachers Debbie Langham and Denise Syslo were both awarded grants from the Autauga County Retired Teachers Association. Grants will be used for books, STEM materials and other items to support their classroom instruction.

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Billingsley Preps For Competition

The Billingsley Engineering and Robotics (BEAR) Marketing Team includes Caleb McGowin, Lena Wilson, Alexis McLean, Mariah Arnold and Brent Fontenot. BEAR will compete in the South BEST Robotics Competition in Auburn in December.

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PJHS Resource Officer Joins Band

PJHS Resource Officer Rusty Jacksland showed us he has skills far beyond the Police Academy. As a former member of the Auburn University Marching Band, he dusted off a trombone and joined in the festivities preparing for the upcoming Christmas Concert. 59

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The Alabama Department of Education Report Cards were released recently, and I am happy to report that Elmore County earned an 88, a 6-point increase over 2017-2018, on our 2018-2019 report card. Most of our schools also raised their scores from the 2017-2018 school year. At the elementary level, Eclectic Elementary improved from 88 to 92, Holtville Elementary improved from 89 to 92, and Wetumpka Elementary improved from 84 to 87. All our middle schools improved their scores: Eclectic Middle improved from 85 to 86, Holtville Middle increased from 86 to 89, Millbrook Middle increased from 85 to 87, and Wetumpka Middle improved from 78 to 83. Wetumpka High School made significant gains, increasing its score from 82 to 88, and Holtville High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s score improved from 82 to 83. I am proud

of the hard work and commitment of all our schools to help our students reach their academic potential and prepare them for college or the workforce. We have just completed our school and district 2020-2021 Teacher of the Year selection process and I am pleased to recognize these individuals! The following teachers were honored by their respective campuses: Stacey Black, Eclectic Elementary; Donna Pilgrim and Jennifer Taylor, Eclectic Middle; Marlana Snelick, Elmore County High; Jessica Flowers, Holtville Elementary; Staci Godwin and Marcus Holmes, Holtville Middle; Michael Collins, Holtville High; Pam Veazey, Coosada Elementary; Theresa Nelson, Airport Road Intermediate; Spencer Wade and Carrie Alvarenga, Millbrook Middle; Lisa Smith, Stanhope Elmore High; Meredith Mitchell, Redland Elementary; Laurie Hutchinson, Wetumpka Elementary; Sara Stewart and Melanie Powell-Williams, Wetumpka Middle; and Sheena Chandler, Wetumpka High. The Elementary Teacher of the Year for the district is Meredith Mitchell,

Redland Elementary, and the Secondary Teacher of the Year is Sheena Chandler, Wetumpka High. Each schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teacher of the year was selected by their peers and participated in a rigorous interview process from which the elementary and secondary teachers of the year were chosen. The elementary and secondary teachers of the year will advance to the state teacher of the year selection process in January 2020 and will serve their terms during the 20202021 school year. Recognizing our remarkable staff is a fantastic way to close out 2019! Elmore County is blessed to have a wonderful, caring staff working with over 11,000 students every day. We consider it a privilege to teach and take care of our students, and we look forward to a positive, productive 2020! 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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4:00 and 5:30 PM

Series starting December 1 9:30 - Traditional Service 11:00 - Contemporary Service

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Elmore County Schools

ECHS Seniors Get Budget ‘Reality Check’

Elmore County High School seniors in Economics/Career Prep B participated in the budgeting simulation “Reality Check” hosted by their career coach. Students each had a mock real-world career, family and salary on which they had to navigate a monthly budget of expenses.

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ECTC Tours Job Site

Seven students from the Elmore County Technical Center were hosted by Stallings and Sons Inc for a job shadow at the construction site of the new River Region Medical Center in Wetumpka, where they were able to speak with contractors in various construction industries about career and training opportunities.

Firefighter Visits Holtville Classes

Mrs. Wright and Mrs. Conner’s classes at Holtville Elementary School had the opportunity to receive a lesson on pumpkin carving. Josh Wright, Mrs. Wright’s son and a Montgomery firefighter, came and spoke to the children about pumpkin carving, safety and what is like to be a firefighter. The children had a blast and learned about safety.

County Freshmen Tour ECTC

Ninth-grade students in Elmore County Schools toured the Elmore County Technical Center in November to help them prepare to select their courses for 10th grade when they have the opportunity to begin taking one of the twelve career tech programs at ECTC.

Adullam House Students Build Raised Garden Beds

Adullam House Christian Academy high school students are creating a “Farm to Table” concept within their home economics, life skills, and nutrition classes. Under the direction of Sandra Newsome and Alissabeth Taylor, students have begun to utilize funds donated from the community to build raised beds. Future plans include a vineyard, orchard and pollinator beds, as well as chickens for egg production. Student leadership is a huge part of our classes and select students helped design the garden concept and layout. A mentorship program with elementary students will begin in the spring. All foods grown will be utilized within the classes and excess will be donated to the Adullam House in Wetumpka. 61

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Elmore County Schools

Wetumpka Student Wins MLK Essay Contest

Marcellus Davis, a fourth-grader at Wetumpka Elementary School, is the winner of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest. For winning, Davis was presented with a check for $100 by the Elmore County African-American Heritage Association. Next year, Davis will read his essay at the MLK Memorial Service at 9 a.m. on Jan. 20 at Rodgers Chapel AME Zion Church, 609 W Bridge St., Wetumpka. He will also be on WAKA/ CBS 8 at noon Feb. 6, with Winfred Wise of the ECAAHA. In addition, Davis will read his essay at the Wetumpka Black History Program at 2 p.m. Feb. 16 at New Beginning Holiness Church, 865 Crenshaw Road, Wetumpka.

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Eclectic Elementary October Students of the Month

Eclectic Elementary Students of the Month for October include: Kindergarten: Kinsley Gullatte, Jaydence Bowman, Sadie Jones, Mylei Walker, Ryleigh Calloway and Clayton McDonald 1st Grade: Kathleen Lamar, Dani Sanford, Damion Amacker, Isabelle Bridgman and Margaret Andrews 2nd Grade: Cayden McKenzie, Elliott Kennedy, Dillan Quinn, Saylor McDonald and Taylor Hoyle 3rd Grade: Madalyne Dutton, Daisy Thomas, Hunter Griffith, Marlee Spear and Aaron Wilkinson 4th Grade: Graysen Gober, Kannon Morrison, Joshua Lett and Kimber Thornton

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Homeschoolers Celebrate Alabama’s Bicentennial

Native Americans, explorers, pioneers and pirates set aside their differences to celebrate Alabama’s bicentennial at Academy Days Homeschool Co-op recently. Shown are the male and female costume contest winners from each history class. During the feast, the homeschoolers and their parents sampled a vast assortment of dishes featuring ingredients available in Alabama before it became a state in 1819. The Academy Days Co-op, held weekly during the school year at Coosada Baptist Church, is designed for preschool through high school students to learn subjects difficult to teach at home or best taught in group settings. Visit www.AcademyDays.com for more information.

Career Coach Leads Communication Scenarios at HHS

Culinary Arts and Hospitality & Tourism students at Holtville High School took part in communication scenarios hosted by their career coach. One group member was blindfolded and had to rely on teammates to navigate him/her through a series of tasks successfully.

Airport Road Inducts New Student Council Members On November 15, Airport Road Intermediate School held its annual Student Council induction. ARIS Student Council’s mission is to Go, Lead and Serve. These third- and fourth-graders have begun their mission by hosting an annual food drive which will be donated to Millbrook’s Welcome Center.

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Elmore County Schools

Redland Fifth-Graders Sorted into Houses

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In the style of Harry Potter, fifth-grade students at Redland Elementary School were sorted into different houses for the school year. They will be working hard to earn points for their houses by achieving excellence in academics and character.

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Airport Road Rocks the School

On September 19, Airport Road Intermediate School participated in the national event, “Rock Your School Day.” Teachers could get their “Teach On” by trying something different in their classrooms. They captured students’ attention by teaching outside of the box, and delivered ordinary content in extraordinary ways. Faculty, staff and students also dressed like rock stars or dressed as the theme of their classroom to capture the entire experience.

EMS Teacher Thinks Outside the Box

Seventh-grade English teacher La’Brandon Tyre’s students read a nonfiction text called Written in Bone: Buried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland. Death is a theme. To connect to real life, his students conducted a short research project on different cultures, religions, or people groups and their funerary practices. They were assigned either Chinese, Hindu, Catholic, Egyptian, or African practices. They were given some articles (most of them were college level) to conduct research. To differentiate and encourage independency, Tyre did not assign a specific final project type. He told them to present their findings in a way that they wanted to present it but to be creative. Products included silent films, infographics, Google slide presentations, tri-fold posters, public service announcements and more. River Region Parents I December 2019

RES Class Meets Johnny Appleseed

Laurie Lynch’s kindergarten class at Redland Elementary School had a very special visitor recently. Johnny Appleseed came to read to the class in celebration of his birthday.

Eclectic Attends Elmore County Law Day

Eclectic Elementary School second grade attended Law Day at the Elmore County Courthouse. Students learned about the court system by watching Goldilocks on trial. They were able to climb in police cars, rescue boats, fire trucks, and see a demonstration from the dive team. 64

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Newtopia Rewards Students with School Champion Program

This November, Newtopia Indoor Fun Park hosted another successful School Champion program for extraordinary elementary school students from all over Montgomery and surrounding cities. The School Champion program was created to recognize and reward students who are excelling in academics, conduct and in their community. Students are nominated by their teachers or parents for selection and receive a fun-filled night at Newtopia! All School Champions receive free admission to Newtopia, free Papa John’s pizza and drinks, and a school champion certificate. They are also entered to win the Newtopia scholarship, which helps students with extra funds to pay for school-related fees, supplies and any academic tools they may need. The goal of the School Champion program is to motivate students to keep up their hard work in school. Newtopia believes in giving back to the community and serving its customers, neighbors and local business partners as faithful friends and servants of God. Newtopia hosts events for several holidays and special occasions all year round. To nominate your

extraordinary child as a school champion nominee, visit bit.ly/schoolchampion. To read about other upcoming events, special holiday festivals and monthly promotions, visit Newtopia’s Facebook page at Newtopia Fun Park today!

To share news about your group’s events, e-mail editor@riverregionparents.com by the 12th of each month.

A great program for K-1st repeaters

Call 334-549-8955

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M I’m a Germophobe. The last thing I wanted to do was toilet train, not one, but two kids at the same time. Yes, I’m the proud mother of twins. I was fully prepared to let them wear diapers until they figured it out themselves. I definitely didn’t want to clean up urine from the floor or use public restrooms. They didn’t exactly train themselves, but they started taking off their diapers and throwing them at one another. At this point, cleaning an accident up seemed more appealing than allowing my children to throw dirty diapers at each other. It was time for me to intervene.

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After toilet training twins, I consider myself an expert on the topic. And yes it was worse than I could have possibly anticipated. I would like to pass along some tips and tricks so, hopefully, you will have better initial success than I did.

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River Region Parents I December 2019

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Get Toilet Training DVDs/Books Go to the library with your aspiring toilet user and check out every DVD and picture book regarding the topic. The idea behind this is to create some exciting anticipation along with learning some actual training tips. You might also find it entertaining as well; some of the DVDs could be an SNL skit.

Ditch ALL the Diapers This is probably one of the most difficult tasks and yet the most important one. You need to get rid of all the diapers in your house, even the overnight ones. If you use diapers occasionally, which is tempting to do for a long car ride or other similar situation, it will confuse your child and create bad habits because it’s easier to just go in a diaper than hold it and find a bathroom. The more chances your child has to use the toilet the more it will become a habit. At first, I allowed my twins to still wear overnight diapers. I noticed every morning my son would have a full diaper. I didn’t think he would ever be trained during the night. One day, I put waterproof bedding underneath him and he wore underwear. Guess what happened? He didn’t wet the bed; instead he got up and used the toilet. It was easier for him to just use the diaper so I was allowing him to create bad habits.

Make it Fun If you don’t want to toilet train them, they won’t want to do it. If you make it a fun event, it will encourage them to try and keep trying. On the potty training DVDs from the library, you will find a lot of the shows have songs. Start singing the songs with them before and while they are in the bathroom. Also let them drink lemonade, juice or drinks you might not normally allow—which will also create a fun atmosphere.

Be Prepared One of the most difficult aspects of toilet training is leaving the house, since often you will not have much warning before they tell you they need to go. First, I always asked if they needed to use the bathroom before we left the house. Then I packed at least two changes of clothes along with some wipes and trash bags, in case they had an accident. I ended up purchasing a small portable toilet for the car, which was helpful for long car rides or when visiting places without a public restroom, like a playground.

Be Patient You child is going to have accidents. It is part of the learning process. The more patient you are about this process, the easier it will be for both you and your child. At times you might think your child is fully trained since they will go without an accident for weeks, and then they will have one. This is normal. Often young children are so involved with their play that they may not realize they need to use the bathroom or they might not plan enough time to get there. Don’t worry, there will come a time when they are fully trained... it just might take a little while. rrp Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, Upworthy, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessing and Your Teen Magazine. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05.

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5 Myths and Truths About Kids’ Internet Safety

Myth: Social media alienates kids. Truth: Most kids say social media strengthens their relationships. Most kids want to have fun, hang out, and socialize normally online -- and in fact, according to our research, that’s what the majority is doing. Check out these comforting stats: • Most teens say social media has a positive effect on them. • Social media is an important avenue of creative expression. • The quality of kids’ online relationships has a big impact on their well-being.

If you believe everything you hear about kids online, you might think pedophiles and cyberbullies are around every cybercorner. Yes, there is bad stuff out there. But the truth is, there’s a lot of good, and some experts are arguing against a “technopanic mindset” that worries parents unnecessarily. The bottom line is that we can’t keep our kids safe if we don’t know the facts. Here are the five most popular myths about Internet safety -- and the truths that can set your worries free.

Myth: It’s dangerous to post pictures of your kids online. Truth: If you use privacy settings, limit your audience, and don’t ID your kids, it can be done fairly safely. Although it’s true that posting anything online invites some risks, there are ways to limit them if you’re smart about how you do it. Use privacy settings. Make sure your privacy settings are set so only the closest people in your network can view your posts. Limit your audience. Only share posts with close family and friends. Or use photo-sharing sites such as Google Photos that require a log-in to see pics. Don’t rush your kids into social media. Obey the rules about keeping kids under 13 off social media. Once your kids have an online profile, they can be tagged in photos, which magnifies their online presence. If you’re going to upload photos of them, don’t identify them and don’t tag them -- that way the photo can’t be traced back to them.

Myth: Social media turns kids into cyberbullies. Truth: There are many reasons why a kid might cyberbully, and social media is just a convenient way to do the dirty work. The reality is that kids who engage in this behavior typically have something else going on that compels them to act out. They might be in crisis -- at home, at school, or otherwise socially. They may also be bullying in person, or they may have an underdeveloped sense of empathy. Awareness of a cyberbully’s circumstances -- though not excusing the behavior -- can help parents and educators recognize the warning signs and potentially intervene before it goes too far. Myth: Teaching kids not to talk to strangers is the best way to keep them safe online. Truth: Teaching kids to recognize predatory behavior will help them avoid unwelcome advances. In today’s world, where kids as young as 8 are interacting with people online, they need to know the boundary between appropriate and inappropriate conversation. Kids are often pressured by their own friends to talk about sex, so they need to know it’s OK to tell peers to back off. Go beyond “stranger danger” and teach them what kind of questions are not OK (for example, not OK: “Are you a boy or a girl?”; “Where do you live?”; “What are you wearing?”; “Do you want to have a private conversation?”). Also, teach kids to not go looking for thrills online. Risky online relationships more frequently evolve in chat rooms when teens willingly seek out or engage in sexual conversation. River Region Parents I December 2019

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Myth: Parental controls are the best way to monitor my kids’ online activities. Truth: Focusing on only one Internet safety method lulls you into a false sense of security. To keep your kids safe online -- and to raise them to be responsible, respectful digital citizens -- it takes more than installing parental controls. For starters, parental controls can be defeated by determined kids. They also often catch too much in their filters, rendering any Internet search useless, and they set up a “parent vs. kid” dynamic that could backfire. By all means, use parental controls to help prevent exposure to age-inappropriate material and to manage time limits. But don’t think they get you off the hook. Continue to discuss responsible, respectful online behavior, set rules and consequences for misbehavior, and train your kid to manage his or her own usage. 68

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Do you dread the hustle and bustle of another holiday season? Between shopping, wrapping, baking, holiday cards, parties, and many other obligations and tasks, surviving the season can be a feat, let alone finding the time to enjoy it with your family. This year, why not make a pact to eliminate stress by following these tips? River Region Parents I December 2019

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Early planning

Holiday time-and-energy savers

First, close your eyes and think back to the previous couple years and how hectic and stressful they felt. What percentage of holiday activities and tasks would you need to eliminate to make the season truly enjoyable and relatively stress-free? During this process, don’t think about what you can’t eliminate. Just determine the percentage of reduction you need to make. Next, make a list of everything you need to do during the holiday season, to which parties you’ll be invited, and how much money you’ll spend. Now cross off the least important, least necessary, and least desirable events and tasks. Then review the list, and calculate how much time and expense you’ve shaved off. If you haven’t reached your predetermined reduction, go through your list again. Once you’ve decided which parties you’ll attend and the commitments you’ll make, plan how you’ll say ‘no’ to all the others, so you’re not caught off guard.

Save time in gift-wrapping by setting up a station in a spare room or the basement. Or stock a large box or basket with wrapping paper, ribbon, bows, tags, tape, scissors, and pens, so everything is stored in one place. Have extras of everything on hand. Keep cleaning to a minimum during the holidays. Dismiss unused areas guests won’t see or use, and clean only the obvious in rooms that will be seen. The barely-visible layer of dust on your baseboards is unlikely to be noticed with all the holiday decorations and festivities. Make everyday meals quick and simple throughout the season. Soups, sandwiches, fresh fruit and vegetables, cottage cheese, pre-cut veggies and dip, and other prepared or semiprepared healthy foods will suffice for one month of the year. Do your holiday shopping early in the day on weekdays while your energy is high and crowds are small. Shop online or by catalog. If an item lacks details, search for a manufacturer’s website to get the information you need. Give gift cards. Hard-to-shop-for recipients will appreciate something practical. Gift cards to restaurants, department stores, sporting good outlets, and specialty shops, or for a massage, pedicure, or round of golf make great gifts. Don’t overdo the baking. Your guests will likely have had their fill of holiday treats long before your gathering arrives. As for the warm gesture of taking a plate of baked goodies to friends or neighbors, instead, show they’re in your thoughts by visiting or calling them to wish them a happy holiday season.

Share in the preparation

Enlist your family to help prepare for the holidays, and divvy up the tasks. Don’t expect perfection from yourself or your family. Remember, you probably don’t notice or mind the imperfections in others’ holiday gatherings. They’re just as unlikely to see any in yours. Also, keep in mind the holiday season isn’t the time to be head cook. Plan potluck gatherings. Then, either suggest what each person should bring or, to avoid duplicates, ask guests to let you know what they’ll bring.

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Money saver

foods and the lack of healthy meals can lead to tiredness and stress. Keep goodies stored in the freezer where they’ll be less of a temptation. Have plenty of convenient, healthy snacks such as raw vegetables and nuts on hand. Prepare low-fat meals that won’t bog you down. Pace yourself, and don’t try to do everything in one day. Finally, give yourself a break. Get plenty of exercise such as a brisk walk in the fresh air, and set aside time for relaxation, like a long bubble bath.

Does your gift list grow each year? Decide with whom it’s essential or important to exchange gifts. Then talk to extended family, friends, coworkers, and others about forgoing gift exchanges, putting a cap on the price, or doing a drawing instead. You’ll likely learn many feel the same as you do.

Holidays with children

Allow kids to spend the day they open their gifts at home. It’s hardly fair and often stressful for children to leave their gifts behind that they’ve patiently waited to open. In turn, this causes stress for parents. Plan family get-togethers either on Christmas Eve or on the weekends before or after the holiday. If there’s no way around it, have an early celebration with your kids the day or weekend before. Traveling and holiday visiting is also stressful for young children caused by changes in their routine and unfamiliar faces. Have your kids help with packing before you leave, even if it’s only for the day, to make sure their favorite toys aren’t left behind. A security blanket or stuffed animal can also reduce stress for your young child in strange surroundings. Don’t forget to leave yourself plenty of time for rest stops as well. Avoid taking children shopping during the holidays. Ask your partner or an older child to babysit; trade babysitting with a neighbor or friend, or hire a babysitter. This will not only reduce stress, but it’ll also likely cut your shopping time in half.

Things to do for next year

Start your shopping early. Create a new tradition with a friend or family member and set a monthly shopping date for the upcoming year. By making a scheduled commitment, you’ll be more likely to follow through. Keep the early holiday shopping fun and choose a different town or shopping center for each trip, focusing on unique malls or trendy towns. Also, get a label printing software program or app early in the year and enter all of the addresses on your holiday card list. When the holidays roll around, you can print the labels and eliminate the most time-consuming aspect of sending out holiday greetings. Finally, remember the holiday season should be a joyful time for everyone, including yourself, to join in the good cheer with family and friends. Maximize ways to ease your stress to keep the ‘happy’ in your holidays! rrp

Care for yourself

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Kimberly Blaker is a freelance lifestyle writer. She also writes content, blog posts, and more for businesses in a variety of industries and is an expert in on-page SEO. Find her at kimberlyblaker.com.

Enjoy holiday treats in moderation. High fat and sugary

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Armory Sends Two Gymnasts to the Regional Championships Armory Athletics of Montgomery sent two gymnasts to the 2019 Men’s Regional Future Stars Championships, Sailor Olsen (9 years old) of Montgomery and Cordell Carter (10 years old) of Birmingham. The Future Stars competition, held in Sarasota, Fla., on October 12, tested the most elite male gymnasts on nine routines as part of the USA Gymnastics Junior National Developmental Team Program. The tests include routines on the six Olympic apparatuses: Floor Exercise, Pommel Horse, Still Rings, Vault, Parallel Bars, and High Bar. In addition to these routines, the boys had to learn routines in Flexibility, Strength and Trampoline. The competition consisted of qualifying gymnasts from around Region 8, which included other southeastern states: Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina. These gymnasts competed in their designated age group with hopes to qualify on to a Regional Developmental Team or on to Future Stars Nationals, depending on their ages. For a second consecutive season, Sailor Olsen represented Armory Athletics at Future Stars. Like last year, he was

able to qualify in the top six and earn a spot on the 9-year-old Regional Developmental Team. This marks the highest and final Future Stars competition for his age group this year. Cordell Carter made his first appearance as a gymnast for Armory Athletics at Future Stars Regionals, which coincidentally was his first time attending this event as well. Competing in the 10-year-old division, Carter made history by becoming the first gymnast from Alabama to qualify for Future Stars Nationals. With a spot on the line for the USA Gymnastics National Developmental Team, he will compete the same nine routines again at the National Future Stars Championships, in November in Colorado Springs, Colo. Meanwhile, Olsen is enjoying some down time in the gym, learning new skills and prepping for the upcoming season, while Carter continues to prep for Future Stars Nationals. Both boys are looking

forward to and continuing to train for this year’s upcoming USAG Junior Olympic season with their teammates under the guidance of coaches Hunter King and Jim Ellis. Armory Athletics Head Men’s Gymnastics Coach Hunter King is working as the Alabama Men’s State Chair to promote and expand men’s gymnastics in Alabama. Olsen and Carter are doing an outstanding job of representing the City of Montgomery and the State of Alabama on both a regional and national level. For updates on gymnastics in the area, like and follow Armory Athletics and Alabama Men’s Gymnastics on Facebook and Instagram. Competition results and new events are posted regularly. For information on how to get your child involved in gymnastics classes, visit armoryathletics.com, e-mail armoryathletics1@gmail.com, or call (334) 625-2789 . The Armory is located at 1018 Madison Ave, in Montgomery. Shown, Sailor Olsen and Cordell Carter during awards after the meet.

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Tonya Speed’s DC Strutters Prep for Spring Competitions

The dance team members at Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection, known as the DC Strutters, attended a workshop weekend to prepare for their Disco Production, which will compete in the spring at regional competitions. Guest instructor Kylee Montgomery, along with Meredith Peden, Quan Littleton and Tonya Speed, did choreography for this eight-minute piece.

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Montgomery Alabama Shakespeare Festival presents, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” ad on page 67

December 5-29 1 Festival Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 What happens when the rowdiest kids in town find out there are free snacks at Sunday school? They decide to audition for the annual Christmas pageant! The Herdman kids take over the church’s holiday production and insist on playing all the good parts. They’ve never heard the nativity story, and have no idea who Mary, Joseph, or the wise men are. It’s disgraceful! Silent night? Not a chance, but sometimes a little joyful noise is just what Christmastime needs. (334) 271.5353 boxoffice@asf.net asf.net

Annual Holiday Light Festival The Montgomery Zoo ad on page 43

December 5-8, December 12-24 2301 Coliseum Blvd. Montgomery, AL 36110 5:30- 9:30 p.m. each night. Thousands of Holiday Lights illuminate The Montgomery Zoo in shapes of animals and Christmas themes. See the Zoo transformed into a Winter Wonderland sparkling with thousands of festive lights and decorations. Stroll the many pathways or enjoy a brisk ride on the Santaland Express train ride. Visit with Santa nightly; enjoy live entertainment, food, gifts and more. (334) 240.4900

montgomeryzoo.com

Frazer Memorial UMC “Candlelight Worship” ad on page 7

December 22 and December 24 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Montgomery, AL 36117 Sunday, December 22 at 5:30 or Tuesday, December 24 at 3:30 for Contemporary or 5:30 for Traditional. (334) 272.8622 frazerumc.org

River Region Parents I December 2019

Frazer Memorial UMC’s Christmas Musical: Glorious Carols of Christmas

Holiday Open House @ Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

ad on page 7

ad on page 93

December 8 @ Wesley Hall 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Montgomery, AL 36117 4 and 6:30 p.m. From glorious arrangements of classic Holiday Hymns from our full choir and orchestra, to Classic Carols for the whole family to sing along with, this event will be the musical highlight of your Season! (334) 272.8622

frazerumc.org

Frazer Memorial UMC Women’s Christmas Brunch ad on page 7

December 7 @ Wesley Hall 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Montgomery, AL 36117 9-11 A.M. in the Fellowship Hall. Women and girls of all ages are invited to our annual Women’s Christmas Brunch featuring tables beautifully decorated by the ladies of the church and a special message entitled “Setting Another Place” from Donna Oliphint. Tickets are $10 and available in the Atrium beginning on November 3.

(334) 495.6391 ktmixon315@aol.com frazerumc.org

Alabama Shakespeare Festival presents “ALL IS CALM: The Christmas Truce of 1914” ad on page 67

December 7-29 1 Festival Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 A remarkable true story from the Western Front, Christmas, 1914. In a silence amid the combat, a soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Silent Night.” All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 relives an astounding moment in history when Allied troops and German soldiers laid down their arms to celebrate the holiday together, sharing food and drink, playing soccer, and singing carols. (334) 271.5353 boxoffice@asf.net asf.net

December 8 @ MMFA 1 Museum Drive Montgomery, AL 2 to 4 p.m.; The festivities for the event include musical performances by local school choirs and performance groups, holiday art projects, cookies and lemonade, and horse and carriage rides in the park. Holiday Open House is free and open to the public, so invite your friends and family and spend the afternoon at MFA celebrating the season. (334) 625.4333 mmfa.org

Saint James UMC Christmas Musical ad on page 45

December 8 9045 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36117 6 p.m. in the Worship Center. The service will feature the Chancel Choir. We hope you can join us for this marvelous musical event. (334) 277.3037 sjlife.com

Newtopia Christmas Party ad on page 3

December 13 @ Newtopia Fun Park 3731 Malcolm Drive Montgomery, AL 36116 5-7 p.m. Join us for a night of fun. Free pictures with Santa, gift for all children and a special gift for a lucky winner. (334) 356.4518 newtopiafunpark.com

Aldersgate UMC: Christmas Musical and Christmas Eve Services ad on page 23

December 15 & 24 6610 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36116 Christmas Song Musical and Live Nativity Aldersgate Sanctuary, Sunday, December 15 at10:30 a.m. The Christmas Song Musical by the

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world’s endearing holiday customs, and how they involve lighting up the winter season, from the burning Yule log and sparkling Christmas tree lights, to the lighting of the Menorah and luminaries. St. Nicholas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus all drop by as well.

Aldersgate Chancel Choir, Orchestra and Drama Team Featuring a Live Nativity with the Actors and Animals (camel, donkeys, alpaca and sheep) on the front lawn of the Church after the worship service. Tuesday, December 24, 3 and 7 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (334) 272.6152 office@aldersgateumc.org aldersgateumc.org

(334) 241.4799 montgomery.troy.edu/planetarium

Planetarium presents: Season of Light and The Alien Who Stole Christmas

Eastdale Mall - Photos with Santa

Through December 24 @ Eastdale Mall 1000 Eastdale Mall Montgomery, AL Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday’s, 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. Come have your photo made with Santa on the big green sleigh! Packages and Digital Files are available to purchase! (334) 277.7380 rholman@spinosoreg.com or bsims@spinosoreg.com eastdale-mall.com

The Shoppes at EastChase Pet Photos with Santa

Through December 24 7274 Eastchase Pkwy Montgomery, AL 36117 Santa’s Whimsical Wonderland is located adjacent to Express and across from H&M. Both families and pets are invited to visit santa, and while appointments are not necessary, we offer the opportunity to book your spot in advance to avoid the line! (334) 279.6046 suzanna@crawfordsq.com theshoppesateastchase.com

The Shoppes at EastChase #SantaatEastchase

Through December 24 7274 Eastchase Pkwy Montgomery, AL 36117 Santa returns to his tiny home at The Shop-

pes for a dose of Christmas magic this holiday season beginning on Black Friday! Santa’s Whimsical Wonderland is located adjacent to Express and across from H&M. Photo packages provided by Studio Panache, start at $20 and while visits with Santa are complimentary, no cell phone photography is allowed. (334) 279.6046 suzanna@crawfordsq.com theshoppesateastchase.com

Planetarium presents: “Tis the Season!”

December 1 - 18 @ Planetarium 1010 Forrest Avenue Montgomery, AL 36106 This great traces the development of many of the

December 1 - 18 @ Planetarium 1010 Forrest Avenue Montgomery, AL 36106 The Alien Who Stole Christmas--Ride along with Santa as he is abducted by a flying saucer on Christmas Eve. The UFO takes Santa on a tour of the solar system and shows him some unearthly children who were left off his list. December 3-17. Season of Light--This traditional Christmas offering is narrated by NPR’s Noah Adams. This show covers the various celebrations around the world which occur on or around the Winter Solstice. Extensive time devoted to the traditional Christmas story. December 4-18. Cost is $6.50 for ages 5 and above. (334) 241.4799 m01planet@troy.edu montgomery.troy.edu/planetarium

First Baptist presents The Joy Singers Christmas Program

December 1 @ First Baptist Church 305 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36104 6:15 p.m. Stakely Sanctuary Come join us as the JOY Adult Choir leads us in worship celebrating the birth of Christ. (334) 241.5156 montgomeryfbc.org

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www.facebook.com/RiverRegionParents

Governor’s Mansion Candlelight Tour Open House

December 2, 9 and 16 1142 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36104 5:30 -7:30 P.M. The 1907 Governor’s Mansion will be aglow with lights and filled with the spirit of the season. (334) 834.3022

governor.alabama.gov

14th Annual Light the World: Interfaith Christmas Nativity Exhibit

December 4-8 @ Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 3460 Carter Hill Road Montgomery, AL 36111 1:00-8:00 p.m. Help your family keep the true meaning of Christmas in your heart from the start by attending this Community Celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ. This spectacular event features nativities from around the world and special music by local performers. This magnificent display is sure to warm the hearts of young and old alike. 3460 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery. Open to all. FREE Admission. MontgomeryNativity.com

Christchurch presents Candlelit Service of Lessons and Carols

December 5 @ Christchurch 8800 Vaughn Rd. Montgomery, AL 36116 6:30 p.m. Candlelit Service of Lessons and Carols featuring Madrigal Voices of Montgomery, Montgomery Brassworks, and conductor Thomas Hinds. (334) 387.0566 info@christchurchmgm.net christchurchxp.net

Huntingdon Offers Annual Christmas Celebration

December 5 @ Huntingdon College College Street Montgomery, AL 36106 Share some holiday cheer at Huntingdon College’s annual Community Christmas Celebration on the Huntingdon Campus. The celebration includes: 6:30 p.m., the Arrival of Saint Nicholas, in front of Flowers Hall; 6:45 p.m., Tree-lighting Ceremony and caroling, in front of Flowers Hall; and 7:00 p.m., (334) 833.4515 huntingdon.edu

The Montgomery Chorale Holiday Performances December 5 @ Church of the Ascension 315 Clanton Ave Montgomery, AL 36104 7 p.m., Messiah Sing Along

(334) 265.3737 info@montgomerychorale.org montgomerychorale.org

Cloverdale Playhouse presents “Dancing at Lughnasa“

December 5-15 @ Cloverdale Playhouse 960 Cloverdale Road Montgomery, AL 36106 This extraordinary play is the story of five unmarried sisters eking out their lives in a small village in Ireland in 1936. Brian Friel’s multi award-winning play is a masterpiece and a tribute to the spirit and valor of the past. It is a haunting and beautiful portrait of the strength and bravery of five sisters who dance wildly in a celebration of their lives... before they change forever. (334) 262.1530 boxoffice@cloverdaleplayhouse.org cloverdaleplayhouse.org

River Region Parents I December 2019

2019 Capital City Governors Tree Lighting

December 6 @ Capital 1142 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36104 TBA. Come enjoy the National Guard Band 30 minutes prior to tree lighting. - Governor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Capitol. (334) 242.7150 montgomeryal.gov

The Montgomery Ballet presents “The Great Montgomery Nutcracker”

December 6-7 @ The Davis Theatre 251 Montgomery St Montgomery, AL 36104 Performances will be Friday, December 6th at 7:00pm, Saturday, December 7th at 7:00pm, and Sunday, December 8th at 2:00pm. “The Great Montgomery Nutcracker”, choreographed by Stevan Grebel and set to music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, will thrill the audience with the prodigious dancing of the Youth Ballet Company and students from the school. (334) 409.0522

montgomeryballet.org

Holiday Dinner Cruise

December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 @ Downtown Riverwalk Montgomery, AL 36106 Cruise the Alabama River with Santa on the Harriott II Riverboat, Downtown Riverwalk. (334) 625.2100 montgomeryal.gov

Free Movie Holiday Food Drive The Polar Express at New Vision Chantilly December 7 @ New Vision Chantilly 10477 Chantilly Pkwy, Montgomery, AL 36117 Bring your whole family because admission this year is just a single canned good per ticket (one non-perishable food item per person). Tickets must be purchased at the box office the day of the event. Donations will go to the local food bank. What better way to spend time with Tom Hanks! So bring the kids, and enjoy a holiday treat - $5 combos so everyone can eat!” (334) 819.1638

newvisiontheatres.com

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis

December 7 @ First United Methodist Church Huntingdon College Montgomery, AL 36106 7:30 a.m. Be a part of the FUMC Oxygen team for this year’s Jingle Bell Run, supporting the Arthritis Foundation! Whether you are a runner or a walker (pet friendly), join our team for fun and exercise as we help raise money to beat arthritis. Register before November 1st and receive a $5 discount! Go to https://events.arthritis.org/ team/18008, or click the link below, to register for the FUMC Oxygen team. We can’t wait to run together for this great cause! (334) 219.8707 jbrMontgomery.kintera.org

The Shoppes at Eastchase Kids Cookie Devcorating Class

December 7 7274 Eastchase Pkwy Montgomery, AL 36117 5 p.m. Fun-filled cookie decorating. This event is perfect for kids ages 6 and older. Come dressed in your tackiest and best holiday attire! Kids will also receive a cute Christmas kid-sized apron for participating as a take-home gift. Kids will decorate six cookies with excellent hand-on teaching for $35, and learn the best techniques using butter cream icing. (334) 279.6046 suzanna@crawfordsq.com theshoppesateastchase.com

The Shoppes at Eastchase Bedtime Stories with Santa

December 9 7274 Eastchase Pkwy Montgomery, AL 36117 The little ones can wear their pajamas and enjoy a night they won’t soon forget! Santa Claus will be reading favorite Christmas Stories at Books-AMillion at The Shoppes at EastChase, complete with milk & cookies, Christmas songs of cheer, and more! This event is come and go from 4 – 7 PM.Children are encouraged to bring a donation for the Montgomery Humane Society Adoptable Pets! Needs include: blankets, dog and cat treats, shredded or plain copy paper, hard dog toys, cat toys. (334) 279.6046 suzanna@crawfordsq.coms theshoppesateastchase.com

The Shoppes at Eastchase Sensory Santa

December 11-12 7274 Eastchase Pkwy Montgomery, AL 36117 The Sensory Santa Experience will be on Wednesday, December 11 and Thursday, December 12 and will offer families the opportunity to take photos with the following: – no background music or spotlights – no lines and additional time with Santa – outside of normal Santa photo hours Photo packages range from $20 – $45. Please visit our website to book your appt. (334) 279.6046 suzanna@crawfordsq.com theshoppesateastchase.com

21st Annual Lights of Love

December 12 @ Jackson Hospital 1725 Pine St Montgomery, AL 36106 6 p.m. For a contribution of $15 or more to the Jackson Hospital Foundation, a light will be placed on the Lights of Love tree inside of Jackson Hospital in front lobby in honor, or in memory, of someone special to you. For contributions of $100 or more Moravian stars will be placed on the tree. For contributions of $500 or more a decorative angel will be placed on the tree. Christian music will be presented. An invitation to the ceremony will be sent to those honored or to the family of those memorialized. (334) 293.6940 jackson.org

First Baptist presents The Living Christmas Tree

December 13-15 @ First Baptist Church 305 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36104 Come joins us for the “Living Christmas Tree”. Performers will delight you atop the 40 ft. set resembling a Christmas tree on stage.

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Eastdale Mall - Breakfast with Santa

December 14 @ Eastdale Mall 1000 Eastdale Mall Montgomery, AL 36109 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Santa always starts his day off with a good breakfast, and this year Eastdale Mall invites you to join him! Reservations required. (334) 277.7380 rholman@spinosoreg.com or bsims@spinosoreg.com eastdale-mall.com

Eastdale Mall - WLWI Giveaway

December 14 @ Eastdale Mall 1000 Eastdale Mall Montgomery, AL 36109 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. WLWI and Eastdale Mall are giving you the chance to win a $2,500 Shopping Spree! Listen to 92.3 for a chance to win. (334) 277.7359 rholman@spinosoreg.com or bsims@spinosoreg.com eastdale-mall.com

www.riverregionparents.com

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Eastdale Mall - Jessica Muse concert

December 14 @ Eastdale Mall 1000 Eastdale Mall Montgomery, AL 36109 5 p.m. Former American Idol Star Jessica Muse in concert, Please check our website for more details. (334) 277.7380 rholman@spinosoreg.com or bsims@spinosoreg.com eastdale-mall.com

F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum Christmas Open House December 14 919 Felder Avenue Montgomery, AL 36106 10:30-11:30 a.m. Come join us as we celebrate Christmas with our Christmas Open House. (334) 264.4222 thefitzgeraldmuseum.org

Thomas Event Innovations Presents its 1st Annual Masquerade Ball

December 14 2815 Forbes Drive Montgomery, AL 36110 Tickets are $25 for tickets. Must be 25 or older to attend. Come in your best Masquerade. Prizes for Best Dressed Male and Female. (334) 231.4990

Vaughn Forest Church Christmas Party

December 14 @ Vaughn Forest Church 2019 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36117 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., Come join us for a live nativity, horse-drawn carriage rides, food trucks, pictures and meet n greet time with all your kids’ favorite characters, a pony carousel, inflatables, rock climbing wall, Christmas story hayride, face painting, balloon making, live music, Christmas games with big prizes, photo booths, and tons more! (334) 279.5433

vaughnforest.com

Holiday Pops Concert

December 19 @ MPAC 201 Tallapoosa Street Montgomery, AL 7:30 p.m. at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center. Join the MSO for an evening of everyone’s seasonal favorites. (334) 240.4004

The Shoppes at Eastchase Christmas Canvas Workshop

December 19 7274 Eastchase Pkwy Montgomery, AL 36117 Kids and adults alike will love to join in on an awesome night of canvas painting at The Shoppes at EastChase on Thursday, Dec. 19, 6-7 PM. We will be painting a gingerbread house! Located at the local Holiday Pop Up Shoppe by Claire’s (334) 279.6046 suzanna@crawfordsq.com theshoppesateastchase.com

2019 Capital City Christmas Parade

December 20 @ Downtown Montgomery, AL 6 p.m. The City of Montgomery would like to invite you to the Christmas Parade. Depart from Cramton Bowl and Parade downtown from Capitol Steps to the Court Street Fountain. A limited number of parade entries will be accepted. (334) 625.2118

montgomeryal.gov

Christmas Eve “Bumble Rumble Fun Run”

December 24 @ Montgomery Multi Sport 8107 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36116 Join us Christmas Eve morning for our group run of 3.5 miles with sweet treats to greet you upon your finish. Don’t forget to bring and wear your best Christmas spirit. Anxious to the run the route? Join us every Tuesday night at 6 p.m. for our weekly group runs from the MMS Run Shop. (334) 356.7271 Facebook/Montgomery Multi Sport Group Runs

Old Alabama Town Holiday Open House

301 Columbus Street Montgomery, AL 36104 Join Old Alabama Town in December to celebrate the holiday season. Our house museums will be authentically decorated for the holidays. Early December. (334) 240.4500

F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum Roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve Party

December 31 @ F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum 919 Felder Avenue Montgomery, AL 36106 Once in a lifetime event to ring in the 20’s at the Fitzgerald home. The party will feature a tent with a dance floor on the lawn with heaters. Music in the Piano room, professional photo booth, Hors D’Oeuvres and drinks and a champagne toast at midnight. (334) 264.4222 thefitzgeraldmuseum.org

Pike Road Annual Town Tree Lighting

December 6 @ Town Hall 9575 Pike Road Pike Road, AL 36064 5:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to this free, familyfriendly evening of holiday cheer. The event will feature holiday tunes from the Pike Road Schools Choir & Patriot Band, a Christmas story read by Town of Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone, hot chocolate served by volunteers from the Pike Road Lions Club, and a snowy treat! The Christmas Tree Lighting will also kick off the Town of Pike Road’s Annual Season of Giving Holiday Collections Drive. Donations will be accepted at the Dec. 6 Christmas Tree Lighting, as well as at Town Hall during regular business hours (8 a.m. 5 p.m., Mon. - Fri.) through noon on Dec. 19. (334) 272.9883 info@pikeroad.us Pikeroad.us

Prattville First Baptist Church ad on page 60

138 South Washington St. December 14 & 15 The Carols of Christmas, 5 pm December 24 Christmas Eve Service, Time TBA (334) 365.0606

Taylor Road Baptist Church Presents “The Longest Night” December 21 @ Taylor Road Baptist Church 1685 Taylor Road Montgomery, AL 36117 7 p.m. A service of remembrance and hope for those grieving the loss of loved ones.

(334) 271.3363 trbc@taylorroad.org taylorroad.org

oldalabamatown.com

www.fbcprattville.org

City of Prattville’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration

December 5 @ Grassy area near the Fountain at Court and Third Streets The annual Christmas Tree Lighting will be held in the grassy area near the Fountain at Court and

Third Streets. Festivities will begin at 5:30 pm, we will flip the switch to turn on the lights on the Christmas tree at 7 pm and Santa will arrive. This event is FREE and open to the public. (334) 595.0854

prattvilleal.gov

City of Prattville’s Annual Christmas Parade

December 6 @ Autauga County Courthouse Prattville, AL 36067 The parade will start at 7pm at the Autauga County Courthouse at 4th and Court Streets. It will follow Main Street, turn right on Northington, then left on Doster Road to Stanley Jensen Stadium. (334) 595.0854

prattvilleal.gov

City of Prattville Holiday Art Workshops

December 7 @ Prattville Creative Arts Center and Gallery 342 South Chestnut Street Prattville, AL 36067 10 am – 1:30 pm. The Prattville Creative Arts Center will host a free holiday art workshop for children to create handmade Christmas cards with a printmaking technique. Children can drop in between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and create holiday cards. The workshop is free and all supplies are furnished. (334) 595.0854

prattvilleal.gov

Annual Christmas Concert by Prattville Community Chorus and Prattville Pops

December 13 @ Doster Community Center 424 South Northington St Prattville, AL 36067 Enjoy a Christmas Concert featuring the Community Chorus and the Prattville Pops at 7 p.m. This annual concert will delight the entire family with Christmas songs and sing-a-longs. The concert will be held at Doster Community Center on South Northington in Prattville. 334-595-0854 pops.prattvilleal.gov

Camellia Candy Cane Market

December 14 @ Camellia Baptist Church 201 Woodvale Road Prattville, AL 36067 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Crafts, food, home and business vendors. Come and knock out some Christmas shopping and find some great gifts for teachers, co-workers and friends. (334) 365.0231 cbdprattville.org

The Prattville Ballet’s “The Nutcracker Ballet”

December 14 @ Jeff State Performing Arts Theatre Clanton, AL 35045 2 p.m. Dancing the role of Clara in is an aspiration of many young ballerinas. Eleven-year-old, Campbell Elizabeth Webb’s commitment and passion for ballet landed her the role in Prattville’s Nutcracker Ballet! She is the daughter of Denise Tracy Webb and Michael Webb and attends Daniel Pratt Elementary School. Campbell, who has danced since she was three years old says, “The honor of dancing the role of Clara in the Nutcracker is a dream come true!” (334) 467.8603 ballerinasrule@msn.com cjsdancefactory.com

City of Prattville’s A Main Street Christmas

December 17 @ Downtown Prattville 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Enjoy the lights and decorations, visit with Santa, and have fun while you shop Downtown Prattville for gifts for all the special people on your Christmas list. There will be caroling, children’s projects, hot chocolate, and

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more. Participate in the Chamber of Commerce Cash Mob for prizes when you shop downtown. Bring your family and friends and stroll through the lights of downtown and enjoy the dancing lights on the spillway and the 30’ Christmas Tree. (334) 595.0854

prattvilleal.gov

Wetumpka City of Wetumpka Christmas on the Coosa ad on page 34

December 14 Wetumpka, AL 36092 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Christmas extravaganza with Breakfast with Santa, arts & crafts, car show, parade, food, classic car show, entertainment and activities on the Coosa River culminating with a spectacular fireworks exhibition at dusk.

Millbrook Christmas Music and Tree Lighting

December 5 @ Millbrook Village Green Stage 6:00 p.m. on the Village Green. There will be caroling, a live Nativity, refreshments for sale, the Tree Lighting and the Christmas Lights and Music show. (334) 285.6428 cityofmillbrook.org

Millbrook Spirit of Christmas Parade, “A Musical Millbrook Christmas”

December 7 @ Sports Complex behind Smokehouse BBQ and ends at intersection at City Hall Parade is at 2 p.m. Millbrook’s Annual Christmas Parade will begin at the Sports Complex behind Smokehouse Bar-B-Q and will end at the intersection at City Hall. Vendors will be set up at Village Green Park from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; there will be arts, crafts, and food. (334) 285.7232 cityofmillbrook.org

(334) 567.4811 wetumpkachamber.com

Wetumpka Depot presents: “One Christmas Carol”

December 5-6 @ Wetumpka Depot 300 S Main Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 Please call or visit our website for ticket information and pricing.

(334) 868.1440 kmeanor@wetumpkadepot.com wetumpkadepot.com

Downtown Dickens Christmas and Tree Lighting

December 6-7 @ Downtown Wetumpka 5-8 p.m. Downtown Wetumpka will be transformed into a magical Dickens Christmas village. Friday night the “lamplighter” will walk through town and touch the business doors and the stores will magically light up. There will be goodies and a professional photographer all of which are free of charge. There will be: carriages, a pop-up artists holiday market, a pop-up yarn shop, wood carvers, blacksmiths, a Christmas tree walk in the snow with pages from the Legend of the Christmas tree on signs to lead visitors thru town, luminaries, Victorian dancers, carolers, candle-making and EVERYONE will be in Dickens costume! (334) 567.5147 wetumpkachamber.com

Wetumpka Depot presents: “A Little House Christmas”

December 12-20 @ Wetumpka Depot 300 S Main Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 It’s eight days before Christmas and everyone is coming to the Ingalls to celebrate. When the rising creek washes away the bridge, it seems like Santa won’t be able to make it! But… Christmas is a times for miracles, and as the storm rages on, the Ingalls come together and discover the true meaning of Christmas. Based on the Little House on the Prairie book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. (334) 868.1440 kmeanor@wetumpkadepot.com wetumpkadepot.com

City of Wetumpka Christmas Decoration Contest

December 12 Wetumpka, AL 36092 6:00 p.m. Businesses and residential. There will be judging to those who have submitted applications. Prizes will be awarded. (334) 567.5147 cityofwetumpka.com

River Region Parents I December 2019

Tallassee Christmas Tree Lighting December 6 @ Veterans Park 5:30 p.m. at Veterans Park.

(334) 283.5151 tallassee-al.gov

times. Through the dark night, the magical train speeds to the top of the world! Upon arrival at the brilliantly decorated North Pole, Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves board the train to visit with everyone, so be sure to bring your camera! You’ll enjoy chocolate milk and cookies and sing Christmas carols along with the live musician, Mr. Jim. 1(800) 943.4490

hodrrm.org

Santa Claus Special Train Ride

December 7 and 14 @ The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum 1919 9th Street Calera, AL 35040 Santa rides the train with you! Tell him what you would like for Christmas as he poses for photos. Each child will receive a Christmas gift! 1(800)943.4490

hodrrm.org

Eclectic Christmas Begins With Christ: An Eclectic Christmas

December 1 - 8 1733 Claud Road Eclectic, AL 36024 Come join us in December to experience the true story of the first Christmas. Time slots are scheduled in 15 minute increments. If registering through the website, your reservation will be confirmed as soon as possible. Admission is free, and donations are accepted and appreciated to help with expenses.

Holiday Market

(334) 578.4846 reservations@anelecticministry.org www.aneclecticministry.org

(334) 283.5151 tallassee-al.gov

Just for Kids

December 6-7 @ Veterans Park Holiday Market will be from 11:30-7 on Friday and 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday.

YMCA Camp Chandler Holiday Camps

Holiday Parade

December 7 10 a.m. Begins at Tallassee Church of Christ and goes thru Central Blvd down to Barnette Blvd. and end at Tallassee High school. (334) 283.5151 tallassee-al.gov

Birmingham

December 20 - 22 1240 Jordan Dam Road Wetumpka, AL 36092 Arriving on Dec 20th at 4-5 p.m. and departing Dec. 22nd at 4-5 p.m. This adventure is for old and new campers (ages 5-14), old and new staff, friends and relatives. Fee: $115 (members) and $130 (nonmembers), which includes t-shirt and camp store. (334) 229.0035 jikner@ymcamontgomery.org ymcamontgomery.org

Christmas at the Falls

December 1-23 & December 26-January 5 @ Gadsden’s Noccalula Falls Park 1500 Noccalula Road Gadsden, AL 35904 Come see the millions of lights and amazing views from the park’s walking trails. In addition to light displays, several activities are offered at this attraction, including cookie decorating and petting zoo. (256) 549.4663 noccalulafallspark.com

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December 21, 26-28 and January 2-4 2325 Mill Ridge Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 Program will run everyday except Thanksgiving Day or the day after. 7:00 a.m. thru 6 p.m. Please call for more information.

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December 6-7 & 21-22 @ McWane Science Center 200 19th Street N Birmingham, AL 35203 Join us for a journey beyond your imagination aboard the Polar Express! Slip on your PJs and visit with Santa over a cup of hot cocoa and cookies. Then it’s time to “believe” as you experience Polar Express on the IMAX Dome. A special keepsake will be given to all children 12 and under who wear their pajamas.

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North Pole Express Train Rides

December 1, 6-8 @ Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum 1919 9th Street Calera, AL 35040 Please visit our website www.hodrrm.org for

MP Ov Vio Se Pro Alc

YMCA Goodtimes Holiday Childcare

McWane Science Polar Express P.J. Party

(205) 714.8300

www.riverregionparents.com

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Frozen 2

Last Christmas

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: AViolence: BSexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A The turbulent events of Frozen behind them, Queen Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel) is ruling Arendelle with the support of her loyal sister Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell). Kristoff is bumbling through his attempts to propose to Anna, to the despair of his reindeer, Sven. And thanks to Elsa’s magic permafrost, Olaf the snowman (voiced by Josh Gad) is free to bask in the sunshine and meditate aloud on his growing maturity. Then Elsa starts hearing voices. When Elsa answers the voices, the power of the elemental spirits of earth, air, fire, and water is unleashed. Windstorms batter Arendelle and the earth heaves, forcing an evacuation of the kingdom. Desperate to save their people, Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff head north to a mist-encircled magical forest, home of the Northuldra people, where Elsa believes she will find a way to appease the elements. Frozen II is a very different movie from the 2013 blockbuster hit; darker and more complex. It’s less about following your heart and more about following moral imperatives, however agonizing the consequences. “Do the next right thing”, King Runeard told his daughters before his death, and that maxim guides the conduct of both girls, now powerful young women, in their perilous quest. The film isn’t all dark; Kristoff’s inept romantic efforts provide some comic relief and Olaf provides one laugh after another. The light moments are needed because the film’s story is fraught with peril. This really isn’t a movie for preschoolers, especially if they cry easily. For kids who won’t be scared by the dangers inherent in the story, Frozen II, has a lot to offer. Far from being frozen in a fairy tale formula, this movie has a lot to say in our world.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B Violence: ASexual Content: BProfanity: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C Despite working in a Christmas shop in Covent Garden, Kate (Emilia Clarke) has lost any festive spirit she might have had. Spiraling into full fledged grinch-iness, she is losing herself in alcohol, casual sex, and a bottomless well of self-absorption. She’s run out of friends who are willing to lend her couch-space, she’s in a state of constant conflict with her mother and sister, and she can’t get over the emotional aftereffects of a serious health crisis. Then she meets Tom (Henry Golding), a handsome stranger who treats her with empathy instead of judgment. “Look up,” he tells her. As she takes his advice, she begins to rise above her despair. Last Christmas is a difficult film to review because it turns on a plot twist I can’t describe without ruining the show for you. I also can’t share my reaction to it for the same reason. Suffice it to say, that even though this movie sounds like a typical rom-com, it’s anything but... Compared to standard genre fare, Last Christmas stacks up well. It’s blessed with some outstanding actors. Along with good acting, this movie is packed full of positive messages tied up in sparkling ribbon. The biggest gift this film gives parents is its relative lack of negative content. Although Kate drinks heavily to deal with her painful emotions, her alcohol use is not glamorized. Most surprisingly for a rom-com, there is no explicit nudity or sexual content. Although Kate has some one night stands, no sexual activity is seen, only implied. Good points aside, this isn’t a flawless film. The pacing drags at times, there are some cheesy moments. Still, while Last Christmas might not be the perfect gift under the tree, it’s far better than a lump of coal.

Arctic Dogs

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: B Sexual Content: A Profanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A Mail room clerk Swifty (voiced by Jeremy Renner) has a dream: to become a Top Dog, a star courier with the Arctic Blast Delivery Service. There’s just one problem: Swifty is a fox, not a dog. Feeling trapped in his dead end job, Swifty decides to prove his mettle so he steals a sled and heads out to develop a package. But this delivery is more than Swifty bargained for, as he learns when he winds up in the sights of evil villain Otto Von Walrus (voiced by John Cleese). Can a little fox defeat a supervillain whose dastardly plan will destroy the earth as we know it? There’s not much doubt about the answer to this question. Of course, Swifty and his friends will triumph. This is a kids’ movie, after all. The critters aren’t going to wind up dead in a snowy wasteland. The real question is whether the journey to this happy ending is worth taking. For adults, the answer is no. The predictable story line feels like a great first draft that needed a bit more polish and the jokes are aimed at the under-twelve crowd. Arctic Dogs is the kind of film that leaves adults longing for their phones and a round of Candy Crush to fend off the boredom. For young audiences, Arctic Dogs is lots of fun. I brought two of my sons to the movie and they laughed out loud at the corny jokes and slapstick physical comedy. And, on the bright side, this production serves up some positive themes along with the cheesy jokes. The movie is pleasant and harmless but not worth the ticket price at the local multiplex. Wait until it comes out online or on DVD and enjoy it from your couch. If you’re going to nap during a movie, you might as well do it in the comfort of your home.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: A Violence: BSexual Content: A Profanity: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C+ A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is not the movie I expected. It is not a biopic of Fred Rogers, it’s not a happy little movie for kids, it’s not a tribute to children’s television. Instead, it uses the format of an episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood to introduce us to Lloyd Vogel. I was skeptical that setting up a television episode as a narrative frame for a feature film would work, but it does. Mr. Rogers (played by Tom Hanks) sings his welcome song, puts on his running shoes, shows a picture of his friend, Lloyd, and then plays a clip about magazines on Picture Picture. When the story changes locations, the camera zooms around model buildings as toy cars and planes move from set to set. It sounds odd, but it is strangely effective in moving us from Lloyd’s world to Mr. Rogers’ world. The journey between their worlds is not just physical. The power of this film comes from Vogel’s voyage into Mr. Rogers’ life. The cynical writer is initially convinced that Fred Rogers can’t really be as good as he seems; he must be hiding something. He is bemused by the man’s all-encompassing empathy, his patient acceptance of others, and his sincere humility. Given the emotional issues in this movie, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is not a movie for children. Not because of content issues – there are no serious problems here – but because this is a movie aimed at adults. There’s an emotional depth that adults will find deeply moving, not just in the ability of one man to change, but in the power of another man’s example and legacy. 79

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The Positive Impact of Pounding Toys

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

From the moment they begin tapping their toys on the edge of their crib or stroller, kids are letting us know that they like the sensation of pounding things. It’s no surprise when you consider the flood of stimuli, physical and auditory that this action produces. Toys that encourage pounding support gross motor control, increased concentration, instinctive measurement, and hand-eye coordination. Pounding games also help safely release stress and tension through play. Among the host of toys that support kids’ natural inclination to tap and pound their toys, the following recommended items are guaranteed to be the biggest hit of all.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Hammering and Pounding Wooden House

Ninja Punching Bag (Atlasonix)

A big step up from the standard inflatable bop bag, the Ninja Punching Bag is ready to take the big hits. Perfect for channeling excess energy in a limited space, punching bags offer kids an ideal opportunity to improve their gross motor coordination, physical stamina and athletic concentration. Weighed at the bottom with sand or water, this inflatable bag quickly returns to its upright and ready state after each strike. The ninja graphic and muted color scheme encourage focus as opposed to other novelty-themed bop bags. Standing tall at 5’3” this bag makes a versatile striking target for both kids and adults. It’s also easy to deflate and empty for storage or travel. Get your punches in with this smart target for kicks, hits and sweeps!

(Rolimate)

It’s hammer time in the house, with Rolimate’s versatile pound play palace. Perfectly sized openings in the roof support four balls, until a strike from the hammer launches them into the interior. A raised threshold keeps the balls contained until they’re retrieved for the next round of percussive play. Hand-eye coordination is enhanced with the house’s additional features which include colored spin beads, a sliding button, and a clock with movable hands. Crafted from thick rubber wood, the Hammering and Pounding Wooden House boasts bright graphics, smooth edges and durable construction. Combining activity learning with safe pounding play, this little house is a striking addition to the energetic toy box.

Musical Light Hammer

Pound, Tap and Shake!

The Musical Light Hammer combines the best elements of a rattle with those of the most familiar item in the toolbox. This colorful hammer features charming graphics and a clear rattle bead bubble at its base. Powered by two AAA batteries, an easy access switch moves the hammer between two play settings. The entertainment mode lets the tool display lights as well as play music and funny sounds. The learning mode introduces numbers and counting with each strike. Toddlers will especially enjoy the animated eyes that alternate expression with each pound of the hammer head. Ideal for a baby’s first tool, the Musical Light Hammer is an instant hit!

While there’s an undeniable physical satisfaction found by kinetic pounding, the Hape Pound, Tap and Shake toy adds musical elements that hit the eardrum just right. Featuring pound-through balls (with mallet), a removable xylophone and a real tambourine, this toy is designed to keep resulting in volumes entertaining for children while maintaining a reasonable decibel level for audience members. Crafted with eco-friendly bamboo wood and finished with safe, scentless, water-based paint this collection is durable, sustainable, and built to withstand years of percussive play. Hape’s Pound, Tap and Shake hits all the right notes as it combines the satisfying sense of pounding with the sound results that are music to a kid’s ears.

(StyleCarry)

(Hape)

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

River Region Parents I December 2019

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When it comes to video games, Donna Volpitta’s 5th grade son is like many boys his age. If kids aren’t coming over to his house to play video games, he’s going to their homes, or he’s joining them online. “Just like phones are not evil, video games are not evil. [Digital media] is part of our kids’ world and their social life,” says Volpitta, Ed.D., who is also mom to three other children, ages 12, 14 and 16, and the author of The Resilience Formula: A Guide to Proactive-Not Reactive-Parenting. River Region Parents I December 2019

“But, it’s important to teach them mindful use and what video games do to your brain,” she adds. Why a healthy balance matters. Balancing your kids’ electronics-use with both organized activities and unstructured free time to dream and engage in creative pursuits, not only helps them become more conscientious users of technology, but also supports healthy brain development. Too much screen time starves the cortex of the brain, which is in charge of long-term decision-making, and 82

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overfeeds the limbic system, which is the emotional fight-or-flight part of the brain. Over time, "The trouble with screens is that they this wires the brain for a short attention span, impulsive behavior, and an inability to pick up on mesmerize children, and they override social cues. their natural instincts to be social, While video gaming can provide a positive way for peers to connect and enhance skills like to go explore the world, to be hand-eye coordination and problem-solving, it physically active." doesn’t help kids build resilience in the same way that solving a more complex problem can. Dr. Hilary Cash Suppose your child is trying to assemble a paper airplane that flies across the room instead of nosediving the minute it hits the air. He “It’s almost like having a chocolate chip as opposed to a looks up ideas online, tries different techniques, folds, refolds, Hershey bar,” Volpitta explains. experiments and tries again. With a pile of frustrated attempts The desire for more quick, pleasurable hits of dopamine and balled up around him, he finally experiences the sweet thrill of serotonin and unlimited access to gaming ultimately primes the success as he tosses a plane into the air and watches it glide brain for addiction. gracefully across the room. When we pursue and achieve a hard-won goal, the brain is Choose games wisely. Just as wholesome foods flooded with dopamine, the reward neurochemical, and senourish your body, the content we feed the brain influences how rotonin, the self-confidence neurochemical. Furthermore, our we respond to the world. persistence and creative problem-solving builds self-esteem “Continued and excessive exposure to violence puts the and resilience, a skill that will be invaluable as problems crop up child into a reality where violence is an acceptable way of solvthroughout life. ing different problems,” says pediatrician Raun Melmed, MD, “It’s not that video games don’t offer some level of persisauthor of the children’s book Timmy’s Monster Diary: Screen tence, but there’s a very straight and narrow path towards that Time Stress. “Kids who are exposed to violence are more anxnext goal,” Volpitta says. ious, more fearful and very likely, more prone to violence.” Unlike more complicated projects that delay gratification, Hilary Cash, Ph.D., agrees. She is the chief clinical officer of video games offer users short bursts of reward chemicals that reSTART Life, a Seattle-area internet and digital technology adoften leave the player wanting more.

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diction residential treatment program for adolescents and young adults. She notes research indicating that the levels of empathy among college students has dropped by nearly 40 percent in recent years. “A lot of that is attributed to video games and the antisocial environment of the internet. People are becoming inured to antisocial behavior and not developing the good emotional and social intelligence needed to promote empathy,” Cash says. Research games your child wants to play before you buy, and play or watch them together. Seek prosocial games and those that encourage creative problem solving. Check out CommonSenseMedia.org for ratings and reviews.

Establish a media plan. Melmed suggests coming up with a media plan as a family, outlining rules that both parents and kids agree to follow. For example, consider how much video game time is appropriate each day and when electronics will be powered down each evening to ensure a good night’s sleep. For her family, Volpitta doesn’t allow screen time behind closed doors and limits video games to one hour a day once homework and chores are complete. You might decide to have a digital free day once a week or ban electronic devices in the car or during meal time. “Then you have to make sure meal time is an interesting time as well-a time for sharing and time for interacting,” Melmed advises. By creating realistic limits and understanding how video games impact the brain, as a parent you will feel more in control despite the rapidly changing digital landscape. While your kids probably won’t express appreciation for vigilance, they will feel safer too. “The brain needs to feel safe and it feels safe with those limits, with knowing that somebody is in control,” Volpitta says. “When we’re afraid of setting those limits- when we’re afraid of technology-it actually makes their brains feel unsafe.” rrp

Signs of trouble. Gaming becomes problematic if it is all your child seems to think or talk about, and if he exhibits agitation or anger when you try to set limits. “The similarities between kids who play too many video games for long periods of time and those who are addicted to anything else, from drugs or alcohol or cigarettes, is equivalent,” Melmed. Signs of gaming abuse and addiction include: • Digital media use for extended periods of time • Problems with school work • Trouble sleeping or sleepiness • Physically overweight or underweight • Infrequent face-to-face interactions with peers • Depression, anxiety or anger

Christa Melnyk Hines is a nationally published freelance writer. As the mother of two adolescent sons who love video gaming, she understands the challenges and the importance of striking a healthy balance. She is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

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Meet the 2019

Families of the Year The Willie & Terrie Durham Family

For 31 years, the Family Guidance Center of Alabama has sponsored Families of the Year Awards, recognizing outstanding families nominated for exceptional family teamwork, individual growth and family involvement. This year five families from Alabama’s River Region were honored at a special ceremony at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts on November 10. In addition to the Family Guidance Center and River Region Parents magazine, sponsors of the program include: WSFA-TV, Aronov, Synovus, Cumulus Broadcasting, the J.K. Lowder Family Foundation and Minuteman Press. For more information about the awards selection or the Family Guidance Center, please call (334) 270-4100 or visit www.familyguidancecenter.org.

Pike Road’s Willie Durham and his wife Terrie, both 54, were nominated by Jimmy Hill from the River Region United Way. Retired from the U.S. Marine Corps, Willie has been a member of the Montgomery Sunrise Rotary Club and an independent State Farm insurance agent since 2005. He is a Rotary Leadership Institute graduate, a Paul Harris Fellow and past president of the club (2016-17). As a small business owner and a Rotarian, Willie lives out the Rotary International four-way test: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and better friendships? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? In addition to his work with Rotary, Willie sits on the board of commissioners for the Montgomery Housing Authority, the board of directors for Child Protect and is chair of the board of directors for the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce. He was recognized in 2014 as a Point of Light Award winner, an honor reserved for outstanding minority- and female-owned businesses for their achievement and contributions to the community. Willie’s office manager is Terrie, his wife of 35 years. Their son, Kolby, attends a local university. The Durhams are active members of New Home Missionary Baptist Church, where Willie serves on the board of deacons. They volunteer with many local non-profits and Willie spends considerable time working with youth and others in the community. Terrie is chair of the board of directors for the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce.

The Ashley Ball Family Nominated by Debbie Carroll, Ashley Ball, 32, of Montgomery and her son Jaxson Jordan got a challenging start in life, beginning with Jaxson’s birth at 28 weeks. Now three years old, he is on the autism spectrum. Ashley’s response to her son’s diagnosis has been to research and learn what she can so that she can be an advocate not only for her son, but also the autism and preemie communities. She works with DATS (Disability as an Ability Toward Success) Moms so that others can benefit from her knowledge and expertise. DATS Moms is a non-profit, state-sponsored program that provides training for parents to learn how to be an advocate and to help them discover available resources to set up their child for success and a bright future. Recently Ashley shared Jaxson’s story with the State Legislature to request funding for early intervention. She also shares Jaxson’s journey at parent leadership training sessions with DATS Moms. Additionally, Ashley works with children in public housing to assist with after-school and summer programs. Ashley and Jaxson attend Rigby Street Baptist Church, where Ashley teaches Sunday school and directs the nursery. She is also a member of the nursery and decorating committees and the Women’s Missionary Association. River Region Parents I December 2019

The Chris & Rita Harman Family Opelika residents Chris Harman, 55, his wife Rita, 54, and their children have been nominated by Edward and Barbara Clark of Opelika. As foster parents, they at times have up to 13 and 14 people in their home at once. They have adopted several of their foster children and helped with putting not only their biological children through college, but also some of their foster 86

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and adopted children. Daughter Megan, 28, is a functional quadriplegic, and her grandmother with dementia also lives in the home. With so many people in the household, it takes great organizational skills to cook, keep house and transport children back and forth. Every person is assigned chores and works together since both Chris and Rita have full-time jobs. Megan graduated from Auburn in 2014 and is head of the household when her parents are working. Oldest son, Ben, 27, is married and lives next door with his wife, so they are able to assist as needed. To help the Harmans be able to take in more foster children, they built a 1,600-square-foot addition to their home. They also operate Harman Family Farm as an extra source of income. Goats, turkeys, pigs, chickens, dogs and a variety of other animals live on the farm. Each child helps care for the animals, as well as the hydroponic tomatoes grown in a greenhouse. All children from 7th grade through high school are in the youth choir at Providence Baptist Church. Several play sports, including volleyball, football, baseball and softball. Ben Harman works with the local volunteer fire department and recently won the Volunteer of the Year Award.

as a leader for family judges has motivated a number of judges to take the time to develop character recognition programs that have students teaming with teachers by promoting the positive attributes of good character. The Johnson family is active at Hayneville Baptist Church, where Adrian serves as a deacon. The family enjoys singing together and has performed at churches and events across Lowndes County. Other family activities include hunting, fishing, gardening and attending Auburn football games.

The Tim & Kim Tormey Family Tim Tormey and his wife Kim of Pike Road, parents of 13 children including different ethnicities and some with special needs, were nominated by Nancy Burtron. Actively involved in Young Meadows Presbyterian Church, the Tormeys also belong to the Officers’ Christian Fellowship and the Classical Conversations Homeschool Program. They have opened their home to churchwide family events, pool parties, campouts, meetings and dinners. They have served in disability ministries to include weeklong camps as buddies to children with disabilities under the Rooftop Friends Family Retreat and the Hope Heals Family Retreat organizations. In addition to running their household, the Tormeys work together to care for about 20 chickens, a cow, three dogs, two cats and a rabbit. Kim is the director of their homeschool program, leading nearly 20 families of other homeschooled children (more than 40 students). Each child in the Tormey family excels in their studies, with some of the older ones assisting in drills for the younger ones. Riley, the oldest son, recently graduated and was accepted to the Honors program at Auburn University Montgomery, where he was awarded an academic scholarship that pays most of his freshman year expenses. Two of the Tormeys’ adopted children—Zaid and Maime— have physical disabilities that might have discouraged some families. Yet the Tormeys have rallied around Zaid’s many reconstructive surgeries, therapy appointments and fittings for prosthetics. In response, he has grown in physical abilities, love and grace, because of his family’s love and devotion to him. Prior to Maime’s adoption, each of the Tormey children were given the opportunity to voice any concerns about adopting another special-needs child, and they decided unanimously that welcoming Maime into their family was the right decision. Following the example led by their parents, the Tormeys agreed that they individually would strive to help Maime become all that the Lord had designed her to become.

The Adrian & Amanda Johnson Family The Johnson family of Hope Hull, nominated by Mary Anne Martin, is comprised of Lowndes County District Judge Adrian Johnson, 44, his wife Amanda, 35, and daughter Harper, 7. Prior to his appointment as a judge in 2010, Adrian was a Montgomery attorney and served as president of the advisory council for the Family Service Center of Lowndes County. Amanda is an assistant district attorney in the 19th Judicial Circuit, including Elmore, Autauga and Chilton counties, where she serves as chief of staff for District Attorney Randall Houston. Harper is a first-grader at Lowndes Academy and is on the competition dance team for Mann Dance Studio in Prattville. Judge Johnson serves as chairman of Lowndes Children’s Policy Council, whose members donate items to help needy children throughout the year. He was honored as the Community Partner of the Year by Lowndes County Public Schools in 2016 and 2019. Johnson also helps coordinate the Lowndes Character in Action program that focuses positive community attention on students with good character. His influence

Congratulations, Families! Edited by Alison K. Rouse 87

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FamilyCalendar Sunday, December 1

Main Street Wetumpka Hosts A Storybook Walk Through Historic Wetumpka -- Through December 31 Begins at 10 a.m. all month. Main Street Wetumpka at 114 Company Street. As part of the Wetumpka Chamber’s A Downtown Dickens Christmas and the City’s Christmas on the Coosa, this month-long storybook walk will invite visitors to stroll through downtown while reading each page of “The Legend of the Christmas Tree” displayed at downtown businesses and paired perfectly with decorated Christmas trees. Maps to come!

Monday, December 2

Ala. Dept. of Archives & History Presents We the People: Alabama’s Defining Documents, An Exhibition of Alabama’s Six Constitutions -- Through December 31 Admission is always free. This exhibition will explore how these documents, some of the most important in state history, reflect their framers’ values, hopes and fears. During the exhibition, the Museum of Alabama will offer extended hours on Tuesday and Thursday evenings through December 12. ADAH staff will offer gallery talks on these evenings beginning at 6 p.m. The ADAH’s Museum Store will also be open. For more info, visit www.wethepeoplealabama. org or call (334) 353-3312.

Wednesday, December 4

Capital City Master Gardener Association Lunch and Learn Series Open to the Public Noon-1 p.m. The first Wednesday of each month. Sessions are held at the Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, next to the Curb Market. Related handouts from the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service are provided at no cost. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunches to each event. Iced tea and water provided. Artful Yoga at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts -- Also December 18 Noon-1 p.m. Each Artful Yoga session will draw inspiration from collections and exhibitions of the Museum. Led by instructor Nancy Beale, the class is free and suitable for all levels; beginners are welcome. Bring your yoga mats and wear comfortable clothing. For more info, visit https://mmfa.org/discover/artfulyoga/ or call (334) 240-4333.

Thursday, December 5

Pike Road Arts Center Christmas Open House 5-8 p.m., Pike Road Arts Center, 944 Wallahatchie Rd, Pike Rd. Check out the ongoing “Favorite Things” Art Show and discover one-of-a-kind gifts at the PRAC’s Water House Gallery, create holiday crafts with family & friends, and more! Refreshments will be provided. For details, call (334) 272-9883 or e-mail info@pikeroad.us. You can also visit www. pikeroad.us. Earth’s Heart: Connecting Cultures -Also Dec. 12, 19 & 26 2:30-3 p.m. ArtWorks at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Explore the arts of different cultures. ArtWorks Educator Kelly Bazan will introduce young learners to the basic greetings, visual arts, music, clothing, and traditions of the country in focus (this month is Kenya). Connections will also be made to works in the Museum’s galleries. Classes are limited to 25 students. First come, first serve. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa.org/.

River Region Parents I December 2019

Union Springs Red Door Theatre Presents A Double-Wide, Texas Christmas -- Through December 8 7:30 p.m. performances except for 2:30 p.m. matinee Dec. 8. Written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope & James Wooten; directed by Kim Mason. In this outrageously funny comedy, it’s Christmastime in the newest—and tiniest—town in Texas. Not only are the trailer park residents dealing with the stress of the holiday season, but they’ve just discovered that Doublewide is being doubled-crossed by the county. Double-size your Christmas spirit because there’s no place like a Texas-sized mobile home for the holidays! Tickets are $15 and may be ordered at (334) 738-8687 or www.reddoortheatre.org. Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre Presents Elf: The Musical -- Through December 15 7:30 p.m. performances most days and 2 p.m. matinees Dec. 7, 8, 14 & 15. Based on the film written by David Berenbaum; directed by Pamela Trammell. For tickets and more info, visit cc.prattvilleal.gov or call (334) 595-0850. Cloverdale Playhouse Presents Dancing at Lughnasa -- Through December 15 7:30 p.m. performances Thursday through Saturday; 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays. Written by Brian Friel; directed by Sarah Walker Thornton. The story of five unmarried sisters eking out their lives in a small village in Ireland in 1936. We meet them at the time of the Festival of Lughnasa, which celebrates the pagan god of the harvest with drunken revelry and dancing. The story is told through the eyes of the son of one of the sisters as he remembers the five women who raised him. It is a haunting and beautiful portrait of the strength and bravery of five sisters who dance wildly in a celebration of their lives… before they change forever. For more info, call (334) 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org/. Millbrook Community Theatre Presents A Christmas Carol -- Through December 15 7:30 p.m. performances Thursday through Saturdays; 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays. The beloved tale of the penny-pinching miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, and the awakening of his long-forgotten festive spirit is a seasonal tradition for many. The Millbrook Theatre will revisit Charles Dickens’ ghostly tale of the Past, Present, and Future when they present Brian Way’s faithful adaptation of Dickens’ timeless classic.Call (334) 782-7317 or visit www.millbrooktheatre.com/.

Friday, December 6

Capri Theatre Presents Die Hard 7:30 p.m. A heartwarming tale of Christmas, family, and not letting the bad guys win, Die Hard is just the thing to get you in the mood for the season of giving! For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858. Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce Presents A Downtown Dickens Christmas -Also December 7 5-8 p.m. Streets of Downtown Wetumpka. Wetumpka Depot Players Present One Christmas Carol -- Through December 7 7 p.m. performances both nights; 4 p.m. matinee Dec. 7. For tickets or more info, visit wetumpkadepot.com or call (334) 868-1440.

Saturday, December 7

Capri Theatre Presents It’s a Wonderful Life 7:30 p.m. The Mid-Alabama Coalition for the Homeless is partnering with the Capri Theatre for the Fourth Annual Sockball fight! Please bring a pair of clean, unused socks and join in our sockball fight before the show. All the socks will be collected by MACH and given to the homeless in the Montgomery area. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858. Breakfast with Santa at Grandview Family YMCA 8 a.m. 4700 Camp Grandview, Millbrook. Join us for a delicious breakfast with Santa and enjoy fun, seasonal crafts for the whole family! Children will receive time with Santa and a keepsake photograph! Tickets are only $5 and include breakfast, an ornament craft, and a picture with Santa. For more info, call (334) 290-9622. Holiday Art Workshop 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Creative Arts Center, Prattville. Free workshop for children to drop in and create handmade Christmas cards with a printmaking technique. All supplies are furnished. For more info, call (334) 595-0850. Christmas at Alabama Nature Center’s Lanark 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. 3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook. Enjoy hayrides, Christmas crafts, decorating cookies, a movie special and much more! Learn how to create your own nature ornament and get pictures with Santa. We will have hot chocolate for sale and plenty of activities to keep you warm. General admission applies and includes awesome events throughout the day! Daily admission is $5/person with a $20 maximum per family. For more info, visit www. alabamawildlife.org/ or call (334) 285-4550. Old Cahawba: Happy Birthday Alabama Presentation 10-11 a.m. Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, 9518 Cahaba Rd, Orrville, Ala. Celebrate Alabama’s birthday at the site of its first permanent state capital. Gain new insight into Capital-era Cahawba and early statehood while we sort bicentennial facts from fiction. After the presentation, you are invited to enjoy birthday cake in honor of our state, and then explore the ghost town of Old Cahawba! Call (334) 872-8058 for more info or visit www.ahc.alabama.gov or www. facebook.com/oldcahawba. Admission is $8/person. Pink & Pearls for Girls Inc. Hosts ‘Family Fun Fest’ 9-11:30 a.m. Chisholm Community Center, 245 Vandiver Blvd., Montgomery. Includes music, refreshments, vendors, parent resource area and kids’ fashion show. In conjunction with Alabama Partnership for Children Smart Start, to celebrate and strengthen families through hands-on activities. For more info, please call Grace Harvey at (334) 561-5091. Home Depot Kids’ Workshop 9 a.m.-noon. All locations. Ages 5-12. Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety. Dec. 7 project is a Christmas Countdown Calendar. Kids develop hands-on skills with sanding, nailing and applying stickers. Each child also receives a kid-sized orange apron and an achievement pin. For more info, visit http://homedepot.com/workshops/ kids-workshops.

Sunday, December 8

Alabama Farmers Federation Presents Clay Walker 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Walker first topped the Billboard country singles chart in 1993 with “What’s It to You” and followed with “Live Until I Die.” Since then he’s placed 31

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FamilyCalendar titles on Billboard’s singles chart including such additional chart toppers as “Dreaming with my Eyes Open,” “If I Could Make Living,” “This Woman and This Man,” and “Rumor Has It.” Tickets begin at $27. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Monday, December 9

Bedtime Stories with Santa 4-7 p.m. Books-A-Million, 7074 East Chase Parkway. The little ones can wear their pajamas as Santa Claus reads favorite Christmas stories, complete with milk and cookies, Christmas songs of cheer, and more! Children are encouraged to bring a donation for the Montgomery Humane Society Adoptable Pets. Needs include: blankets, dog and cat treats, shredded or plain copy paper, hard dog toys, cat toys. For more info, call (334) 279-6046.

Wednesday, December 11

Central Alabama Master Gardener (CAMGA) Lunch & Learn Program Noon-1 p.m. Held at the Elmore County Extension (ACES) facility on Queen Ann Road in Wetumpka, these free events for the public are held on the second Wednesday of each month. Attendees are invited to bring their lunch and learn. Beverages are provided by CAMGA. For more info, call 567-6301 or visit www.aces.edu/counties/Elmore/.

Thursday, December 12

Newcomers Club of Montgomery Monthly Luncheon All women of the River Region are invited to attend our monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Arrowhead Country Club. It will be a Holiday Celebration Luncheon. As we listen to songs to celebrate the season, we will assemble gift bags for the residents of John Knox Manor Nursing Home. Luncheon cost is $18 and reservations must be made by noon Monday, December 9, to Janie Kennett at (813) 309-0300 or JMKennett12@yahoo. com. Visit www.newcomersmontgomery.com for more info. Capri Theatre Presents Big Fish 6:30 p.m. A 16th anniversary showing. Re-live and celebrate the movie by submitting photos and stories

of your Big Fish experience to fishfotos@capritheatre.org. We’ll post them on our FishFotos Facebook page, along with your story. There will be a montage of submitted photos on the Capri screen before the presentation of Big Fish. A members reception will be held at 6 p.m., featuring hors d’oeuvres and a gift basket raffle. For more info, visit www.capritheatre. org or call (334) 262-4858. Wetumpka Depot Players Present A Little House Christmas -- Through December 20 7:30 p.m. public performances Dec. 12, 13, 19 and 20; 2 & 4 p.m. matinee Dec. 15. Adapted by James DeVita; directed by Kristy Meanor. For tickets or more info, visit wetumpkadepot.com or call (334) 868-1440.

Friday, December 13

to the public. The Community Chorus and Pops are non-audition volunteer organizations and welcome new members. For more info, call (334) 595-0850. Parents’ Night Out at United Gymstars & Cheer 6-10 p.m. 6100 Brewbaker Blvd, Montgomery. $25 for the first child / $20 for each additional sibling. Ages 5-12. Pizza and drinks provided. Fun games, trampolines, rope swing, tumble tracks, foam pits and more. For more info, call (334) 284-2244 or visit http://unitedgymstarsandcheer.com/. Walk-ins welcome (until maximum capacity is reached). Parents’ Night Out at Alabama Nature Center 5-9 p.m. 3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook. Need to do some last-minute shopping for Christmas or wrap some presents? Let us watch the kids! We will make Christmas crafts, enjoy an exciting live animal encounter, have a Chick Fil A dinner, watch a movie, and much more! Registration: $25 per child and space limited to first 25 registrants. Ages 6-12. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (334) 285-4550.

Saturday, December 14

Capri Theatre Presents Music of the South: A Concert Evening with Bobby Horton Big Fish 7:30 p.m. General admission $12; members $10. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858.

AMC Theaters Offers SensoryFriendly Movietimes -- Also December 28 For guests and families living with autism or other special needs, AMC partners with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! This program is available on second and fourth Saturdays (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes, and don’t forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly.

Prattville Community Chorus And Prattville Pops Annual Christmas Concert 7 p.m. Doster Center. This concert is FREE and open

Wetumpka Family YMCA Candy Cane 5K 8 a.m. For more info, contact Jacolby Chatman at (334) 567-8282 or jchatman@ymcamontgomery.org.

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

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FamilyCalendar Alabama’s 200th Birthday Celebration 10 a.m. From Court Square Fountain, a cavalcade of marching bands, city floats, elected officials, cute kids, beauty queens, and special Alabama Notables will travel Dexter Avenue toward the State Capitol. Celebrate the finale of Alabama’s bicentennial year and enjoy a day of parades, dedications and concerts. The Archives will host reenactments, educational activities, and bands. Admission is free! For more info, call (334) 242-4537 or visit https://alabama200.org/alabama-200birthday-celebration/. Gator Tails at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook 10 a.m. Join us as we delve into the swamp to take a look at one of its top predators! During this program you will get to learn about these prehistoric looking creatures as well as get to meet our baby alligator “Delta.” General admission applies: $5/person with a $20 maximum per family. For more info, visit www. alabamawildlife.org/ or call (334) 285-4550. SonoCon -- Also December 15 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Garrett Coliseum. Alabama’s Premier Fan Convention celebrating ALL THINGS GEEK! Industry guests, comics, anime, gaming, cosplay, wrestling, concerts, artists, vendors & so much more! Come Get Your GEEK ON! For more info, visit https://sonocon.org/ Whole Foods Second Saturday Kids’ Club 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Whole Foods, 1450 Taylor Rd., Montgomery. Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Each second Saturday, Whole Foods will host fun, hands-on craft activities to teach kids about healthy eating. It’s totally free, and every participant gets a piece of fruit and whatever they make in the workshop! For more info, call (334) 523-2940 or visit www.wholefoodsmarket. com/stores/montgomery. Dads and Daughters Saturday (D.A.D.S) Calling ALL Fathers and Daughters for storytimes, fun and laughs, 11 a.m.-noon every 2nd Saturday at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Memorial Library. There will be singing, dancing and arts & crafts. So come visit us and have an enjoyable time! For more info, visit www.facebook.com/events/1374454692792666 /?source=1. Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women Montgomery Country Club, Azalea Room, 3800 Narrow Lane Road. 9 a.m.-noon. 3-hour workshop that is offered monthly, designed to help participants explore the legal, financial, and emotional issues of divorce and gain a greater understanding of the process. Cost to attend is $20 per person and preregistration required. For more info, please call or e-mail Sommer Morris at (334) 612-1086 or sommer. morris@morganstanley.com. You may also visit www. secondsaturday.com. Second Saturdays at Old Alabama Town 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. Second Saturdays bring special programs for the whole family including crafts, music and lectures! This month we celebrate

River Region Parents I December 2019

Montgomery’s Bicentennial with blacksmiths, artists, children’s crafts and homemade products. For more info, call (334) 240-4500 or visit www.oldalabamatown.com/.

follow Dexter Ave. to the fountain at Court Square. The deadline for registration is December 13 and is limited to 80 entries. For more info, call (334) 625-2100.

Tuesday, December 17

Saturday, December 21

A Main Street Christmas 5:30-7:30 p.m. Downtown Main Street, Prattville. Enjoy the lights and decorations, visit with Santa, and have fun while you visit the shops of Downtown Prattville. There will be caroling, children’s projects, hot chocolate, prizes, and more. For more info, call (334) 595-0854.

Wednesday, December 18

See Me: Exploring Landscapes at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 1 p.m. Led by ArtWorks Educator Kelly Bazan, individuals with special needs (ages 6 and older) will explore landscapes in the galleries and then create their own landscapes. Free but registration required. Call (334) 625-4365.

Thursday, December 19

Food For Thought Noon-1 p.m. The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. Bring lunch and and join us every third Thursday for these FREE lectures sponsored by Friends of the Alabama Archives. Drinks are complimentary. Today’s topic is “Historic Tower Clocks and Bells of Alabama,” presented by Thomas Kaufmann. Call (334) 353-4726 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov. ARTtalk at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 6-8 p.m. Join this monthly program for Museum members during which artists share one artwork apiece and receive feedback from their peers. Enjoy light refreshments and networking with other professionals in this unique program whether or not you choose to bring artwork. To register, please contact Brandy Morrison at bmorrison@mmfa.org or call (334) 625-4365. Cost: $50 for the series of 12 meetings or $5 drop-in fee for single meetings. Montgomery Symphony Presents Holiday Pops Concert 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Montgomery Symphony Orchestra presents the annual Joyce Caddell Holiday Pops Concert. Join the Orchestra as they plays everyone’s holiday favorites, featuring the Montgomery Chorale. Bring your whole family for this symphony tradition. Tickets begin at $30. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100. Friends and Newcomers Club of Prattville/ Millbrook 9:30 a.m. at the Bradford Branch YMCA, 972 McQueen Smith Rd., Prattville. General meeting every third Thursday. All ladies welcome. For more info, contact Nancy at (334) 414-8185 or nschrull@ knology.net.

Friday, December 20

Christmas at Alabama Nature Center 9:30 a.m.-noon. 3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook. Admission is $10. Feel free to bring a lunch. Come join Santa for a fun-filled day of outdoor Christmas activities! Enjoy a sleigh ride, campfire storytime, make a festive craft, a nature activity, and take a photo with Santa after telling him about your holiday wishes. Outdoor activities will be moved indoors in case of bad weather. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (334) 285-4550. Capital City Christmas/Camellia Bowl Parade 6:15. p.m. The parade will start at the Capitol and

Highlight Tours 1-2 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Learn more about the works of art on view and latest exhibitions at the Museum with docent-led tours offered the third Saturday of each month. These tours are free and open to the public, no reservations required. For more info, visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333.

Monday, December 31

City of Wetumpka New Year’s Eve Celebration 9 p.m. POW/MIA Recognition. Old Elmore County Courthouse; 9:30 p.m. Shawn Singleton DJG Entertainment; and 11:59 p.m. Countdown, Meteor Strike and Fireworks. For more info, call (334) 567-5147.

Saturday, January 4

The Black Jacket Symphony Presents Led Zeppelin IV 8 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Tickets begin at $30. For more info, visit www.mpaconline. org/ or call (334) 481-5100. Guided Nature Hike at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook 10 a.m. Hike some of Lanark’s 5 miles of trails with an experienced ANC naturalist by your side. Learn how to bird or ID plants and animals, splash through the creek, or catch insects in the meadow! General admission applies: $5/person with a $20 maximum per family. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife. org/ or call (334) 285-4550.

Classes

Adoptive Parent Training Classes Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections recruits, prepares, and supports parents adopting waiting children in Alabama’s foster care. For information on adoptive parent classes or to register for classes in Alabama, contact our team at (866) 803-2722 or visit apac@childrensaid.org. Baptist East Maternity Area Virtual Tour We invite you to visit our hospital from the comfort of wherever you are. A personal tour of Baptist Medical Center East’s Maternity Area is now just a click away. This virtual tour is designed to answer any questions you may have regarding our “familycentered maternity care.” Receive an inside look at our Labor and Delivery Suites, Newborn Nursery, Post-Partum and NICU units. From admission to discharge, this video provides all of the information you and your family needs to know. Visit www. baptistfirst.org/. Breastfeeding Class Designed to prepare the expectant mother for breastfeeding her newborn. Also includes troubleshooting common problems to establish a successful breastfeeding experience. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $15. Class schedule is subject to change, so please call 293-8497 or e-mail liz. owen@jackson.org to register or for more info. Breastfeeding Class This one-time class at Baptist Health provides expectant mothers with information about breastfeeding including various factors influencing lactation, advantages of breastfeeding, basic anatomy and physiology of milk production, specific techniques to promote a successful breastfeeding

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FamilyCalendar experience and breastfeeding equipment and supplies. Classes are taught by IBLCE instructors. Partners are encouraged to participate. Class fee: $20. Registration is required. E-mail smallwonders@ baptistfirst.org. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Caring For Your Newborn Taught by Baptist Health Newborn Nursery nurses, this one-time class helps new families become familiar with the basics of caring for your infant in the first six weeks after birth. This interactive class covers routine hospital newborn procedures along with bathing, diapering, swaddling and soothing, normal infant behavior, appearance and sleep patterns. Class fee: $20. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Childbirth Preparation (Four Sessions on Monday Nights) This four-session class is taught by Registered Labor and Delivery Nurses on the campus of Baptist South. This class for new mothers covers topics ranging from how your body changes during pregnancy to signs of labor to the benefits of breastfeeding and what to expect during your birth experience. This class is complimentary. To register, call (334) 2863466. Childbirth Preparation Boot Camp (One Day Saturday Class) This fast-paced one day class taught by Baptist Health’s experienced Labor and Delivery Registered Nurses prepares families to welcome their new addition. All aspects of Labor and Delivery from our hospital admission process through postpartum care are covered during class. Additional topics include Cesarean sections, medication and anesthesia options along with coping and comfort measures. Breathing and relaxation techniques are also introduced. Maternity Area Tour is included as a part of this class. Class offered select Saturdays of each month. Fee: $60 per couple and includes lunch. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. ID required.

Cloverdale Playhouse Rep Class Series Remaining 2019 dates are: December 2 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Cloverdale Playhouse Rehearsal Hall. This is a safe space to work on your craft, develop your audition skills, share your newest piece, or just get feedback on your latest artistic endeavor. Guest panels and rotating faculty ensure constant growth and a variety of insight. Even if you don’t perform every time - you can learn a lot by observing! There will be a sign-up sheet if you would like to work. Call (334) 262-1530 with questions. CPR & First Aid The American Red Cross offers classes in adult and infant/child CPR as well as first aid and babysitting classes monthly. Call 260-3980. Diabetes Education --Prattville Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available Wednesdays by appointment at Prattville Medical Park. Call 747-7700 Option # for more information. Diabetes Education --Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available weekdays by appointment. Call 747-7700 Option # for more info. Family Nutrition Classes Fun, hands-on 3 or 6-week in-person or online course developed by well-known pediatrician Dr William Sears. Classes focused towards parents of children age 3-12. The goal is to learn simple ways to improve the health of your child through lifestyle, exercise, attitude, and nutrition. Fee includes materials, activities and a snack. A 2-hour preview class is available. For more info, contact alissabethtaylor@ gmail.com or visit www.Facebook. com/LeaninCentralAL.

classes, please contact Bobbi Olson, Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, at 334-4307569 or e-mail bolson@alabamachild.org. Infant Car Seat Safety Inspection Baptist Health’s Certified Car Seat Safety Technician will help set your mind at ease. Expectant parents can register for a one-on-one car seat installation session tailored to your vehicle. Our goal is to ensure your confidence in a safe ride home from the hospital. Space is limited. Pre-registration required Must provide your own car seat! $10 per car seat payable at the time of inspection by cash or check. Visit www.baptistfirst.org/ or e-mail smallwonders@ baptistfirst.org. Infant Safety/CPR This one-time class sponsored by Baptist Health will teach parents and grandparents the American Heart Association’s Family and Friends CPR for infants and children including care of the choking infant, infant rescue and breathing with hands on practice using ACTAR CPR dolls for class participants. This class will also help parents with creating a safe environment for their child. Classes are taught by certified CPR Instructors. This class is not a certification class. Fee: $10 per person. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military.

Foster Parent Training Classes Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries sponsors foster care training classes in the TriCounty Area. For more information on foster care or to register for the

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FamilyCalendar Maternity Area Tour Only Baptist Medical Center East maternity area tour for expectant mothers and families not attending Childbirth Preparation Class or Boot Camp. This tour is complimentary and is offered on select Saturdays of each month. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst. org for more info. Pre- and Post-natal Fitness Classes Includes water aerobics, step-floor aerobics and strength training. SportsFirst. Call 277-7130. Pregnancy Nutrition Classes Interactive 3-week series of classes developed by well-known pediatrician Dr. William Sears. Classes focus on lifestyle choices, attitude, and exercise at any stage of pregnancy; optimal nutrition before, during and after pregnancy; transition from pregnancy to motherhood. Courses can be taken separately or as a series. Jump in any time! Materials and snack provided with fee. For more info, contact alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or visit www.Facebook. com/LeaninCentralAL.

Prepared Childbirth Class (Understanding Birth) Jackson Hospital. Preregistration required. Topics include: pregnancy, labor, birth, options for pain management, medical procedures, cesarean birth. Note: This class is a basic overview of the labor and delivery process and does not prepare someone for “natural” or unmedicated childbirth. Cost: $25 (covers mother and support person). Class size is limited. Please try to register by the 5th month of pregnancy for the best selection of available class dates. Call (334) 293-8497 or e-mail: liz.owen@jackson.org. Preparing For A Natural Birth (One Time Class) Baptist Medical Center East. Please bring two bed pillows and a floor mat to class for breathing and relaxation exercise. This class equips expectant parents with natural childbirth options providing them with tools, techniques and coping skills for their labor and delivery experience. Participants will practice breathing and relaxation exercises along with other comfort measures. This class is most beneficial when your support person attends. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Class fee: $20 (couple or single) payable at class by cash or check. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org or call 273-4445. Tales for Tots Join us for this FREE introduction to art in storybooks and in the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts galleries for young children and their families. Each time a different work of art and special story will be

River Region Parents I December 2019

presented. Next classes are December 18 from 10:30-11 a.m., and 11-11:30 a.m. Call 240-4365 or visit www.mmfa.org for more info. Wetumpka Line Dance Classes held at A Chance to Dance, 68 Queen Ann Road, Wetumpka. Country and Non-Country Music for All Ages! CURRENT CLASS SCHEDULE: Mon. Beginner 7:15 p.m.; Wed. Beginner 10 a.m.; Wed. Senior 2 p.m.; Wed. Intermediate 7 p.m.; Fri. High Beginner/ Intermediate 7 p.m. *Open Dance to follow class. For more info, call (334) 452-0293 or find us on Facebook.

Support Groups Adoption Support

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Our Adoptive Family Group will start back Thursday, August 8, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Rd. We will be starting a three-part series based off the book From Fear to Love by Bryan Post. RSVP is required for this event no later than August 5. Please include number of adults attending and NAMES AND AGES OF ANY CHILDREN. Full dinner, childcare and CEU’s will be provided! For more info, contact Jill Sexton at 409-9477 or jsexton@childrensaid.org. Birth Parent and Adult Adoptee Support Group Children’s Aid Society hosts a free support group for adult adoptees and birth parents. This group provides emotional support for people at all stages of the life-long adoption process. Meetings held at Children’s Aid Society, 2141 14th Avenue South in Birmingham. For class dates and times, call Kathy King at (205) 9435331 or e-mail kking@childrensaid.org. Panda Pals is a support group for families who have adopted or in the process of adopting children from China. We have playdates, family nights and get-togethers to talk about raising our children from China. If you would like to join our group, just e-mail PandaPals2005@yahoogroups.com or call Tracie Singleton at 395-8215.

Cancer Support

American Cancer Society, including Montgomery, Elmore & Autauga Counties: **To access or sign up for these programs, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Look Good…Feel Better is an American Cancer Society program in which trained volunteer cosmetologists help female cancer patients deal with the side effects of treatment. Patients are taught beauty techniques to enhance their appearance and self image during or after treatments, including ways to disguise hair loss and skin changes. Call 1-800-ACS2345 for more info. OTHER PROGRAMS/SERVICES OFFERED BY THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: Reach to Recovery matches newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors on a one on one basis.

Free wigs and other supplies for cancer patients Free rides to treatment through our Road To Recovery program (where volunteer drivers use their cars and time to take in need cancer patients to treatment) Free lodging through the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge in Birmingham (if patients are sent to Birmingham for treatment) On-line cancer information classes and support group through cancer.org. Information anytime and trained specialists at 1-800-ACS-2345.

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Cancer Patient and Caregiver Support Group 1-2 p.m., Tuesdays, Montgomery Cancer Center, 4145 Carmichael Road. The group is facilitated by professionally trained health care providers and other members of the support care team. It’s free and open to all cancer patients and their caregivers. Call (334) 273-7000.

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General Cancer Support Group held at Christ Church, 8800 Vaughn Road, Tuesday afternoons at 1 p.m. This is an open group. For more information, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie Diemayer at 467-4578.

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

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Divorce Support

DivorceCare meets Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. at Frazer Memorial UMC. Come to the Library area. This group will provide support & guidance to assist you in working through the issues, pain & pressures surrounding divorce. For more info, call 495-6350 or e-mail jan@frazerumc.org. DivorceCare and DivorceCare 4 Kids First Baptist Church Montgomery, Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $15 (scholarships available). Contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@montgomeryfbc. org or 241-5125. Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women Montgomery Country Club, Azalea Room, 3800 Narrow Lane Road. 9 a.m.-noon. This is a 3-hour workshop that is offered monthly, designed to help participants explore the legal, financial, and emotional issues of divorce and gain a greater understanding of the process. The cost to attend is $20 per person and pre-registration is required. For more info, please call or e-mail Sommer Morris at (334) 612-1086 or sommer.morris@morganstanley. com. You may also visit www.secondsaturday.com.

Grief Support

Bereaved Spouses Support Group A new ministry of Cornerstone Christian Church, USA (Unavoidably Single Again) Ministries is designed to offer ongoing support, social events and fellowship to those who have lost their spouses to death. The group is open to ALL widowed individuals, regardless of age, religious beliefs, or length of marriage or widowhood. Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays at the church’s building, 301 Dalraida Road. Please e-mail farauthor@aol.com for more info. Bereavement Group, Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is intended to address those affected by a recent loss (0-12 months after death). Through meeting with others who are walking a similar journey, you will be encouraged to work through the complications of your loss, understand your pain, and adjust to your new reality. For more info, call 2796677.

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FamilyCalendar Compassionate Friends, Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Hwy, first Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child. For more information about the group, call (334) 284-2721. GriefShare meets on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in the parlor of First United Methodist Church Prattville. Led by Michael Beatty. For more info, call the church office at (334) 365-5977. GriefShare meets weekly at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. This program is nondenominational and features biblical concepts for healing your grief. Three key parts make up your GriefShare experience: video seminar; support group time; and workbook study. GriefShare will be led by Howard and Carol Payne and Jim Williams. To register or for more info, call 279-5433. Grieving With Hope, St. Mark UMC, meeting weekly on Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m. The group offers a place to share, care and heal from the losses of life. Facilitated by Dr. Lennie Howard and Marie Parma. Contact the church at 272-0009. Honoring Angels Like Owen, Inc. (HALO) offers family-oriented, Christian-based grief support groups that meet monthly. These groups are for families who have lost a child from 20 weeks gestation up to the age of 2 years old. Our parents’ group is for mothers and fathers. Our siblings’ group is for children ages 6-15. Both groups meet at the same time and place. HALO also offers free professional photography for families facing the loss of a child up to the age of 2 years old and needs-based financial assistance for burial. Visit www.honoringangelslikeowen.org or call (334) 328-1202. Mourning to Morning is a Christian growth group for mothers who have lost a child, from before birth through adulthood. We normally meet the last Thursday night of each month at Grace Baptist Church in Wetumpka, 304 Old Montgomery Highway. For more info, contact Alice Scarborough at (334) 462-4775 or Gwen Ellis at (334) 567-8754 or e-mail us at mourningtomorning@gmail. com. Join us on Facebook--Mourning to Morning Group. River Region Survivors of Suicide Loss meets on second and fourth Thursdays (excluding holidays) at

Cornerstone Christian Church, 301 Dalraida Road in Montgomery from 6:30-8 p.m. This is an open group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide and welcomes anyone regardless of religious beliefs. Contact Cheryl Vinson at riverregionsos@gmail.com with questions or for more information.

Homeschool Support

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

Parent Support

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

on Facebook. Mom2Mom is a Bible study community for moms of preschoolers. It is a Frazer United Methodist Churchsupported ministry to reach moms of the community through encouragment and prayer during these early years of raising our kids. Join us for weekly Bible studies focusing on parenting, marriage, women’s studies and more. Childcare provided for newborn-K5. For more info, e-mail Mom2mom@frazerumc.org. Moms in Prayer International is a Christ-centered interdenominational prayer ministry made up of moms, grandmothers, aunts or any woman who wants to gather to pray for their children and schools. Meets every Sunday afternoon from 3-4 p.m. at St. James UMC, 9045 Vauhgn Road. Call Annette Jones at (850) 529-4730 or e-mail Montgomerymipac@gmail.com for more info on joining us or training to start your own group. Moms’ LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) First Baptist Church, Prattville. Meets twice monthly from 8:30-11:45 a.m. in the chapel at First Baptist Church in Prattville August through May. For moms of all stages and ages of life. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guests, special guest speakers and a lot of fun! Cost is $5 per meeting. Childcare provided by reservation. For more info and to reserve your spot, call Kelley Manning at 361-7919. The Montgomery Multiples Club is a non-profit organization offering support to the mothers and families of twins, triplets, and more in the Central Alabama region. They have a mom’s night out with dinner once a month. They also have a yard sale twice a year, in the spring and again in the fall. For more info, visit https:// sites.google.com/site/montgomerymultiples/home. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry St., Montgomery. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Moms, need a little break? We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Visit www.montgomeryfbc.org/MOPS or contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165.

Pregnancy Loss/Infertility

First Choice Women’s Medical Center conducts a HOPE GROUP for women who have experienced the emotional aftermath of an abortion. Groups meet for

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

Single Parents Support

Single Moms Support Group, Landmark Church of Christ, Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in Classroom 118. For more information call 277-5800. Single Moms’ Care and Support Group, Perry Hill United Methodist Church, 910 Perry Hill Road (corner of Perry Hill and Harrison Roads). Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:15-8 p.m. Free snack supper provided to moms and children. Child care for infants-16 years. Call 272-3174 for more info. SWAK (Single with Amazing Kids), Maxwell / Maxwell Gunter AFB. This network is connecting and empowering single parents and their families through

information, encouragement, and many familyoriented events throughout the year. We meet the last Wednesday or Thursday of each month. For more info, e-mail t2763@aol.com. Join us on Facebook for daily restaurant specials, area kid-friendly events, and tips/ ideas for families on a budget.

Special Needs Support

Alabama Angels Pageant, a nonprofit pageant for males and females of any age with special needs. Participation is free. Visit www.alabamaangels.org and look for us on Facebook! Central Alabama Autism Support Team (C.A.A.S.T.), St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Hwy. 31 in Prattville from 6-8 p.m. 3rd Thursdays quarterly (Feb., May, Aug., Nov.). Visit www.easysite.com/caast or e-mail casst50@yahoo.com for more info. D.A.T.S. M.O.M. (Disability as an Ability Toward Success: Moms on the Move), a non-profit parent empowerment organization for parents of children on the autism spectrum (or with related special needs challenges) that focuses on inspiring, equipping and motivating parents to move their child’s disability to an ability. Follow DATS MOM on Facebook, Twitter and Periscope for live sessions and discussion. E-mail datsmom@yahoo.com for more information. Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach, Vaughn Park Church of Christ, 2nd Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. We have activities, speakers and special events throughout the year for the parents, siblings and children with Down Syndrome. Childcare provided. Visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com or visit our Facebook page (MADSOG) for more information. Contact MADSOG at montgomeryareadownsyndrome@ gmail.com for more info.

Montgomery Area Hearing Loss Support Group meets monthly at the Wesley Building of the First Methodist Church in Montgomery on 2nd Thursdays at 4 p.m. It is affiliated with the nationally recognized non-profit advocacy group, Hearing Loss Association of America. The purpose is to bring together all adults and parents of children who would like to know more about hearing losses, its causes and its possible corrections. Refreshments at each meeting. For more info, contact HearingInfo@earthlink.net. Traumatic Brain Injury Support, cafeteria at HealthSouth on Narrow Lane in Montgomery. 2nd Thursdays at 6 p.m. Sponsored by Alabama Head Injury Foundation for anyone with a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or related disability. For more info, contact Holli at (334) 290-0646 or e-mail: ahif_montgomery_auburn@ yahoo.com. Visit www.ahif.org.

Teens/Families Support

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

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Fir River Region Parents I December 2019

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AdvertiserDirectory

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nisley )

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slowly faded, as scheduling and other family commitments have altered that tradition. We have tried to create a “new tradition” in my immediate family as the children have gotten older. We started going out to dinner on Christmas Eve for hibachi at a local Japanese restaurant, followed by going to the Montgomery Zoo for the Zoo lights. The tradition continues to evolve, and as the kids get older, I look forward to just being together more than any other aspect. MP: Moms are busy year-round, but it seems as if things kick into overdrive this time of year. What self-care routines do you follow to make sure you stay at your best?

Ashley Rives

Ashley: I make sure I stay active. Prior to having children I enjoyed teaching exercise classes on a regular basis at several different locations in the tri-county area. When the children were little, I would get out and walk or jog, pushing a stroller. That eventually evolved into my daily routine of getting out first thing in the morning and walking or running. I absolutely love the outdoors, and I actually prefer exercising outdoors to being inside. I also like to eat healthy and clean. I mentioned earlier that I enjoy cooking, and that also carries over into my preparation of healthy foods for both myself and my family. The nutrition that we give ourselves plays a vital part of our health. Thankfully, I enjoy healthy food, so this is not difficult for me. I am a “foodie” and enjoy preparing healthy meals that appeal to the palate.

MP: Ashley, besides being a wife and mother, you work as an attorney and are involved in several ministries at your church. How do you prioritize all that you do?

MP: Ashley, you always have time for a laugh. What is your secret to being joyful? Ashley: Laughter truly is the best medicine. I love people, and laughter can connect people emotionally, create a positive climate, and relax us in this stressful world. Laughter is free and easy. Laughter brings joy to all ages. I want to bring positive energy to whoever I am with, and laughter is a good way to do that.

Ashley: Family time is extremely valuable to me. The older two children have gone off to college, and so my youngest is the only one still at home. It is a rare occasion that we are all five together, but when that happens, that is certainly priority time set aside to enjoy each other. I am extremely blessed to work for a law firm that recognizes the importance and priority of family. I try to be extremely responsible and make sure I have my work done while I am at the office and during regular school hours. I enjoy getting to take part in a ministry that provides meals to families both in joyous and difficult times. I enjoy cooking, so this is an opportunity for me to be able to use my joy of cooking to serve others. I also enjoy being able to take part in working in different aspects with our youth at church, whether it means serving in the nursery, teaching class, or working with our teens in the youth ministry. Often time the youth ministry involvement centers around providing food for events or simply being present at functions.

MP: What is something you hope your children are learning from watching you? Ashley: I hope they see that kindness matters. I hope they see that taking time for others and being genuinely interested in people matters. I hope they see that looking out for the better good of others is important. MP: If you could relive one stage of your children’s lives, just for one day, what would it be? Why? Ashley: It would be a time where all three of my children lived at home, back when things weren’t so rushed. It would be during a time that we snuggled and read together, and we all sat down and ate together as a family every single night. I enjoy being with my people, and there is something so heartwarming about sitting around a table together enjoying a meal and hearing about each other’s day that fills my cup.

MP: How would you describe your parenting style? Ashley: I am naturally pretty laid back and easy going. I am a “helper” by nature, and sometimes I may be guilty of what I would consider nurturing my kids too much. Ultimately, I want to see them excel and “launch” as independent individuals who can be capable of leading productive lives. As easy going as I tend to be, I do expect my children to put their best effort into all they do.

MP: What advice can you share to our readers who are beginning their parenting journey? Ashley: Love well, love often, and speak life. Be an encourager. Listen to their dreams and try to foster those dreams. Take the time to sit and read with your children. The housework can wait. They are only little once. Enjoy your days with them. It is all too fleeting.

MP: Does your family enjoy any particular holiday traditions? Ashley: Growing up, my extended family always got together on Christmas Eve to enjoy festivities and be together as a large family. As time has gone on, my extended family has grown so large, and that tradition has

River Region Parents I December 2019

Ashley Rives has been married to Bobby for 28 years. They have three children: Caroline (22), Colby (19), and Emma (15). Ashley is an attorney with Hill Hill Carter.

www.riverregionparents.com

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