River Region Parents Feb 2021 - Healthy Kids Issue by KeepSharing

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

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PREPARING STUDENTS FOR LIFE 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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River Region Parents I February 2021

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for patient care that requires less patience. In order to be truly helpful to you, healthcare has to be convenient and accessible. That’s why, at Jackson Hospital and Clinic, we offer services designed around your life. Like one-number scheduling for all of our primary care offices, telehealth appointments and JacksonCONNECT, which lets you access your health history, test results and much more anytime. Plus, as we continue to add more primary care locations, getting the care you need will just keep getting easier.

YOUR HOME FOR HEALTH

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Volume 26 Number 2

Columns 8 Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

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

Stop the Food Battles Ideas for expanding your picky eater’s palate.

Tech Fun with Fitness Get your kids excited about fitness with these free apps.

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

35 Elmore Education Matters

by Superintendent Richard Dennis

38 Unleashing Your Potential by Keon Addison

42 Dinner’s Ready by Kimberley Carter Spivey

Healthy Kids Guide

Local resources to keep kids fit and healthy...mind and body.

Kids Worried Sick

Breaking down the anxiety epidemic facing today’s kids.

50 Parenting, Media & Everything in Between Common Sense Media

Departments On The Cover Zoe Harper McGowan is four years old and attends Pre-K at Halcyon Elementary School in Montgomery. She is the daughter of Devin McGowan and Jerika Humphrey, and sister to McKenzie Russell. Zoe favorite things to do are exercising outdoors, drawing and horseback riding.

12 Teacher of the Month 16 School Bits 56 Grading the Movies 64 Mom to Mom

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Editor’sNote

Parents

What comes to your mind first when I write the word “health”? Maybe the word induces a negative thought about dieting-where you feel deprived of the foods you like most. Or maybe you think about being outdoors playing a sport, walking or running... and you actually enjoy it. Then again, your thoughts might turn to mental health and your or your child’s struggle with anxiety. However you think about health, it’s a huge part of our lives...and the lives of our families. Enter this month’s Healthy Kids Issue of River Region Parents, where we’ll cover all of the above and more! First up is Christina Katz’s article, Stop the Food Battles. Whether you are dealing with a preschooler who melts down at dinner time or a tween who only wants pizza or chicken fingers for every meal, you’ll find practical steps toward expanding your picky eater’s palate. Eating healthier foods is only half the battle though. In today’s screen saturated world, many parents worry their kids aren’t getting a proper amount of exercise, or even movement for that matter. Fortunately, Tanni Haas has written an article where screens and health can go hand in hand. In Great Apps That Can Keep Your Kids Physically and Mentally Fit, Tanni reviews eight FREE apps offering your kids fun new ways to move their bodies, eat better and even lessen anxiety or worry. And speaking of anxiety, which is at an all time high for so many after a really rough year, be sure to read Christa Hines’ article, Worried Sick: Breaking Down the Anxiety Epidemic Facing Today’s Kids. You’ll find tips on how to best support your worried child, while also helping move her forward out of chronic anxiety. Our focus on health doesn’t end there! Our Healthy Kids Guide lists local businesses passionate about helping your family up its health game, Keon Addison discusses heart health in his monthly column Unleashing Your Potential, and Common Sense Media reviews numerous Kids’ Mental Health Tech Tools you may want to consider downloading for your tween or teen. Here’s a thought I often share because it motivates me: There are so many things in this world over which we have no control. It can feel really good to exercise control in the areas where we can. For most of us, our health is one of those areas where our decisions and actions can and do make a difference. Let’s choose to think of improving our health as less of an annoyance and more of a privilege!

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

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

Associate Editor Alison Rouse Research Editor Wendy McCollum Contributing Writers Keon Addison Katie Blair Richard Dennis Tanni Haas, Ph.D. Christa Melynk Hines Christina Katz Dr. Charles Ledbetter Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Dr. Ann Roy Moore Kimberley Carter Spivey

Cover Photography Judy Barranco www.judybarrancophotography.com

Publisher Jason Watson jason@riverregionparents.com

Advertising Accounts Manager Savannah Bowden (334) 213-7940 ext. 704 adservices@keepsharing.com Digital Manager Scott Davis Advertising Opportunities (334) 213-7940 ext. 703 ads@riverregionparents.com

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Member

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

River Region Parents I February 2021

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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

A Different Approach to Lying Few behaviors want to make a parent’s head explode more than lying. The very concept of a child standing before you faced with your inquisition, while they simultaneously and unapologetically lie without ceasing, is an affront to our common sense of social decency. So, what do you do? You’ve tried it all. You have threatened, yelled, cajoled, you’ve taken away the PlayStation for the 14th time this month, their iPhone now permanently resides in your pocket, yet still...they lie. Well, let me first assure you that if you have a child with a proclivity towards lying they are not necessarily destined for an orange jumpsuit. Lying is commonly a simple survival tactic that our kids will utilize in an effort to avoid a negative engagement. Their experiences have taught them – when you mess something up, avoid taking responsibility at all costs, because if you do, something will happen to you. It is no wonder they often will instinctively and reflexively lie in an attempt at self-preservation. Due to the immaturity level of our kids they don’t necessarily have that capacity to pause, really think through the situation and be vulnerable enough to admit truth.

River Region Parents I February 2021

So, understanding that, let me give you a couple of tips: First, stop asking questions. If you have a child with a proclivity towards lying, stop phrasing things in the form of a question. For example, if your child has just poured themselves a cup of milk and you notice there is now spilled milk all over the counter, instead of saying something to effect of, “Why did you make such a mess?” or “Why didn’t you clean up that milk after you were done?” which inevitably will provoke a denial from your child; instead try phrasing things in the form of a statement like, “Hey, sweet girl, I need you to grab that rag for me really quick and clean up that milk, thanks for your help!” When your child then comes back at you with, “But it wasn’t my mess!” or “It wasn’t me!” you can respond with an assurance that you are not looking to blame, you are simply looking to address the issue at hand. “No worries, it doesn’t matter who it was, I just appreciate your help,” and move on with your day. Second, since we understand that lying can oftentimes be reflexive - meaning your child hasn’t really processed the entirety of the conversation or the question you are

asking – you can give them an option for an “out”. “Dude, I’m not sure that’s what really happened. Can you try that again for me?” or “Let’s come back around to this later; I would love to know what really happened.” Effectively, when you give them an option for a do-over it prompts them to come out of that survival portion of their brain and re-engage with their frontal cortex, which will allow them to respond much more appropriately to your question. Overall, understand that lying is a common childhood behavior that in no way will define the complete trajectory of a child’s life. Breathe, and remind yourself that your child is in a learning process called childhood. As we love, teach, train, disciple, serve and care for them in every little day to day engagement, we are effectively coloring who they grow up to be...so keep your eye on the long game. You got this!

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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A gift from the heart, for your heart.

February Special $99

Celebrate Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month with the perfect gift—heart health! Book an Advanced Heart Check today for yourself or a loved one. It’s a non-invasive CT scan of your heart that provides our expert cardiologists and radiologists with the best means to diagnose any areas of concern. It’s quick and easy, and can be scheduled around a normal day of activity. You may not be able to avoid Cupid’s arrow this year, but you can take steps to prevent heart disease!

Call (334)747.4450 to schedule or visit BaptistHeartHealth.com

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Local Theatre Updates

Millbrook Mardi Gras February 6

Prattville Encourages Yardi Gras

Keep the good times rolling this Mardi Gras season by joining the Prattville Yardi Gras event! Instead of a traditional parade, citizens are encouraged to decorate their homes and yards to celebrate the season. A “parade” map will be available on the city website (www.prattvilleal.gov/) starting February 10. We may not be able to gather for our usual parade this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still laissez les bons temps rouler! To participate, decorate your yard or home with Mardi Gras-inspired decorations, then sign up to be added to the “parade route.” #YardiGras #MardiGras #PrattvilleStrong

Wetumpka Library Staying Strong

Look for prerecorded Preschool Story Times on Wetumpka Public Library’s Facebook page every Wednesday! River Region Parents I February 2021

The Millbrook Revelers Mardi Gras Festival and Parade will be held February 6. These events are FAMILY FRIENDLY. Alcohol is not permitted on the Festival grounds or on any of the parade floats. The Festival grounds will officially open at 9 a.m. at Village Green in Millbrook. The parade will begin at noon after the staging at Mill Creek Park. The park is located behind The Smokehouse Bar-B-Q restaurant on Main Street. The only “theme” for the parade is “Laissez Les Bons Temp Rouler” or “Let the Good Times Roll.” For more info, visit www.millbrookrevelers.org.

Home Studio: Chinese New Year

2–4 p.m. February 14 Celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts by creating fun art projects at home with the whole family. The Museum will provide free supply kits for families to safely pick up upon request (limit 6 per household). Each kit will come with the materials needed to complete the activity with written instructions. Activities are great for all ages and available while supplies last. Kits will be available for curbside pick-up at the Museum’s gatehouse to the John and Joyce Caddell Sculpture Garden entrance. For more info, call (334) 625-4333 or visit mmfa.org. 10

Get closer to the artistry of playwrights by joining Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s new “Play Club,” part of ASF Insights. Read up to four scripts and participate in a live online seminar for each with an expert (actor/director) and a scholar on the playwright and material. Choose as many as you like. Dates are as follows: The Trip to Bountiful written by Horton Foote Feb. 11 @ 7 p.m. led by Greta Lambert & Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder Jitney written by August Wilson Feb. 25 @ 7 p.m. led by Ron OJ Parson & Ethan Henry Cat On a Hot Tin Roof written by Tennessee Williams Mar. 11 @ 7 p.m. led by Chase Bringardner & Topher Payne Trouble In Mind written by Alice Childress Mar. 25 @ 7 p.m. led by Donnetta Lavinia Grays & Joy Vandervort-Cobb Space is limited to just 40 members for each play, so register today! There is no cost to join, but members must commit to obtaining and reading the scripts. Registration is online and first come, first served. Learn more at asf.net. Wetumpka Depot Players will present It’s a Wonderful Life - Radio Play February 13-14. Due to COVID-19 numbers at the time, this production was recorded in December and now it is being offered as an online production to purchase and watch in the comfort of your own home! Written by Joe Landry and directed by Kristy Meanor with two different casts; choose one or watch both! Visit www.wetumpkadepot.com/ or call (334) 868-1440 to get online access. Millbrook Community Theatre presents The Nerd in person February 25-March 7. This is a side-splitting comedy written by Larry Shue and directed by Stephanie McGuire. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Call (334) 782-7317 or visit www.millbrooktheatre.com/. www.riverregionparents.com

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Valentines for Veterans Card Drive

Mann Museum Flashlight Tour, Education Program & Family Fun

Friday, February 26 * 5:30-8:30 p.m. Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Museum, 2301 Coliseum Parkway A night featuring a flashlight tour of the Mann Museum, with scavenger hunts, games, live animal presentations, and a whole lot more. It is geared for boys and girls aged 5-12 years old, and their parents. Everyone leaves with a take-home, keepsake goody bag. Please do not come to the Zoo’s front gate for this event. Participants can come and go as they like, and may stay as long as they want within the three hours of the event. Tours will be limited, masks/ facial coverings at all times required while inside the Museum and social distancing of six feet will be maintained. $28 per child (ages 5-12 years old), $20 for Montgomery Zoo members. Accompanying adults (13 years old and older) are $17, Montgomery Zoo members: FREE. Advanced reservations required and must be registered no later than Friday, February 26 @ noon. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR ON THE NIGHT OF THE EVENT! For more info, call (334) 625-4909 or e-mail zooinfo@montgomeryal.gov.

Pike Road’s Valentines for Vets card drive has returned! Drop off handmade or store-bought cards with a sweet note at Town Hall (9575 Vaughn Rd.) or Founders Station (4902 Pike Rd.) by noon on Feb. 12 to be delivered to local veterans in time for a Valentine’s surprise! Cards will also be available at these locations for your convenience. Presented in partnership by the Town of Pike Road & the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System. For more info, e-mail Katy Brasfield at katy@pikeroad.us!

Miles for Smiles 5K & 10K

February 27. Run start times: 9 a.m. for the 10K / 9:05 a.m. for the 5K. This fun run is for all fitness levels, with virtual option available! Proceeds benefit the YMCA’s Annual Support Campaign, including scholarships for Camp Chandler. Cost: $35 including race T-shirt. Register at any YMCA branch, online or ATE-timing.com. For more info, contact Lila at (334) 2694362 or lbowers@ymcamontgomery.org.

ADT Presents Live Performance March 5-7

Back by popular demand, the Alabama Dance Theatre presents Ballet’s Greatest Hits and World Premieres on Friday, March 5, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 6, at 2 p.m.; and Sunday, March 7, at 2 p.m. at Troy University’s Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. Performance tickets are $15-$30. Tickets go on sale starting February 8. For more info, call (334) 6252590 or visit alabamadancetheatre.com. Photo by David Robertson, Jr.

HELPING YOU GET HEALTHY IN THE NEW YEAR!

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Brenda Edwards Johnnie Carr Middle School

in accomplishing goals and tasks set before them.” Seeing her students succeed is her biggest reward, she said. “I find the most rewarding thing about being a teacher is seeing the success stories...when my students point out and remind me of something I taught them.” Ms. Edwards admits she is not the only one doing the teaching in her classroom. “My students are constantly teaching me to be lighthearted in some situations and strong willed in others. Both of these qualities are required in order to accomplish my goals for the day.” She goes on to say, “My favorite teaching moment is when my students say ‘I got it!’ I am happy beyond measure.” Edwards, who was nominated by local mom Quanda Rogers-Crosskey, says it is quite the honor to be nominated by a parent and appreciated for the work being done in the classroom.

For Brenda Edwards, watching children grow and learn is a dream come true. Inspired by a former teacher, Edwards, who teaches at Johnnie Carr Middle School, said that it was her high school business teacher who made learning enjoyable for her. “Mrs. Rosetta Ledgyard made learning fun for me. I was fascinated with her method of teaching and how she made learning the hard stuff fun. She inspired me to go to college and someday help others the way she helped me.” Edwards, who teaches Business Technology, Computer Essentials, Technology Education, and Career Cluster Applications, said her aunt was also a big influence in her life. “My Aunt Lelar Wilson was always reading and studying and encouraging me to follow my dream to help others.” Now in her 19th year of teaching, the educator says her motivation comes from her heavenly Father. “I am doing what I have always wanted to do in life, which is to work with children and watch them grow and learn.” As for keeping her students motivated, Edwards says it’s all about meeting her students where they are. “I meet my students where they are and use my love and acquired skills to assist them

River Region Parents I February 2021

Brenda Edwards is a graduate of Alabama State University. She holds her Bachelor’s degree in Management and Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Education. She is the mother to three children: Algia, Angelica, and Alonneshia. She is the proud grandmother to five grandchildren: Alexander, Allen James, August Faith, Autumn Grace, and Austin Noah, who all attend Montgomery Public Schools.

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Our Next Series:

Focusing on Home, Auto, Life & Business Insurance A lunchtime webinar serving up bite-sized financial advice.

Part 1 JAN|21|2021

Part 2 Feb|18|2021

(12:30 – 1pm)

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A Heart Filled February As an elementary teacher, I took pride in introducing the unique features of each month into my classroom’s lesson plans. As we celebrate the month of February, we are able to incorporate unique learning opportunities that expand our students’ imaginations. Although February is a month full of hearts, and often candy, thanks to Valentine’s Day, there are several other topics we can use to create fun and engaging at-home lessons. February is Heart Awareness Month. As we continue to navigate the uncharted waters of COVID-19, it is important for us to remember to practice healthy routines. Teaching our children about the importance of healthy eating habits and exercising will

River Region Parents I February 2021

influence them to lead healthy lifestyles throughout their lives. In fact, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) encourages families to do fun activities together to get everyone active. For example, NHLBI suggests families incorporate physical activity into television time by doing an exercise together during commercials. This is a great way to reinforce healthy habits. Another fun February celebration is Groundhog Day, which is observed on February 2nd. Groundhog Day is traditionally all about what the upcoming weather is going to be like, so it is a good time to introduce children to weather-related activities. Have them make predictions about the weather and then find out whether the famous groundhog has seen its shadow. You could then create a calendar to track the number of days that have winter-like temperatures or spring-like temperatures until the official first day of spring. That way you could determine whether their predictions or the groundhog’s prediction were closer to being correct.

February is also Black History Month. As a classroom teacher, I would have my students research different AfricanAmerican pioneers who have contributed to our country’s success in various ways. Although students are learning in a nontraditional way due to COVID-19, many students will still participate in Black History Month activities. I encourage you to explore the many learning opportunities in the River Region when it comes to the Civil Rights Movement and so much more. Enjoy this month filled with hearts and knowledge! I’d love to hear about some of the activities you have created for your children at home. You can reach me at superintendent@mps.k12.al.us.

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

MEA Students Complete DARE Program

Fifth-graders from Macon East Academy graduated from the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program December 11. Deputy Ivey taught the students strategies to resist peer pressure and stop bullying. Campbell Loughridge and Avery Kyser were awarded medals for the essays they wrote about what they learned. Aubrey Smith was awarded the top student award. Bentley Graham was awarded most improved student. D.A.R.E. is a police officer-led series of classroom lessons that teaches children how to live productive drug- and violencefree lives and is sponsored by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department. The program also gives students the skills they need to avoid involvement in drugs, gangs and violence.

ACA’s Finch Named to All-Metro Cross Country

Alabama Christian Academy ninth-grader Kate Finch was named to the All-Metro Cross Country Team. Finch ranks 413 among the top 500 Freshman Girls in the U.S. in Cross Country.

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

Academy Provides Christmas for Brantwood

Over the past eleven years, Montgomery Academy Middle & Upper School students, faculty and staff have had the joy of providing Christmas presents for residents of Brantwood Children’s Home. This annual service project is led by our Upper School H.E.A.R.T. (Helping Eagles Are Right There) organization. River Region Parents I February 2021

Catholic Names New Head Football Coach

Kirk Johnson has been named the new head football coach at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School. No stranger to the Montgomery Catholic football community, Johnson moves from assistant head coach and defensive coordinator to the head position in his seventh year with the Knights. “Montgomery Catholic has built a football and athletic program that focuses on helping student athletes become the best versions of themselves, both on and off the field. Coach Johnson is committed to our school and our community, not just on the football field, but in all things Montgomery Catholic. We are poised for another championship caliber season as we continue to raise the bar and elevate expectations through a seamless transition,” said Montgomery Catholic President Justin Castanza. “I am extremely honored and blessed to accept the position as head football coach at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School,” said Coach Johnson. “I would like to thank Daniel Veres, Justin Castanza, and Eileen Aaron for this amazing opportunity. I would also like to thank Aubrey Blackwell for his mentorship and the foundation that he helped lay here at Montgomery Catholic. “It’s not often that you get the opportunity in your first head coaching job to take over a State Championship caliber football team. I look forward to the opportunity to expand on what has been built and to continue to lead this program to the next level. My wife, Meghan, and I are extremely grateful to be a part of this MCPS family; we will keep you all in our prayers and ask that you do the same for us.” www.riverregionparents.com

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Churchill Students Experience Work Study With near 25% participation from the 11th- and 12th-grade student body, Churchill Academy students and the community are seeing great rewards from the school’s work study program. Students earn 1/2 credit each semester and are required to work 90 hours. With supervisory evaluations each semester, students receive guidance through their work experience on what it is like to have a job, work with a team, and exude the characteristics of a responsible adult. This month’s featured work study student from Churchill is Katie Bennett. At the beginning of Bennett’s senior year 2020, she began the program with her first job as an office assistant with deGraffenried and Company. The governmental affairs business and lobbyist group works with the state legislature and the opportunity gave Bennett hands-on experience in filing, shredding, organizing, working in Excel, making copies and handling distribution for the organization. She was also able to experience fundraising work along with setting up and selling things for the Political Action Committee (PAC). The first week of October, Bennett began working for Bass Pro Shop in Prattville. Working between 20 to 30 hours per week, she is responsible for keeping product organized, straightened and stocked. She helps direct customers to requested items and answers questions. The work study program at Churchill has been a successful experience for Bennett. Churchill Academy is grateful for our community partners who work with our students. 17

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Montgomery County Schools

MPS Honors Technology Instructors

STJ Runners Earn Spots On All-Metro Team

The Saint James Trojan cross country ladies took two of the five “First Team All-Metro” slots for 2020. Senior Presley Miles, left, earned her sixth consecutive selection and third successive Metro XC Runner of the Year Title. This season Miles won her third straight State Championship in Cross Country, this time in 4A. Sophomore Kendal Wright was honored with the First Team recognition for the second year in a row with another strong season representing the Lady Trojans. Photo by Jake Crandall

The Montgomery County Board of Education honored two education technology instructors for helping teachers throughout the district make the transition to virtual learning. The board named Stephen Walker and Sydney Hampton-Sneed as Employees of the Month for rising to the occasion when COVID-19 forced the district to switch to a virtual environment. They also made things easier for parents by gathering resources and creating web pages to help them understand the technology as well. From left are Director of Professional Development Dr. Debbie Cook, Board President Clare Weil, Walker, Hampton-Sneed, and MPS Superintendent Dr. Ann Roy Moore.

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ACA Head of School Visits Students at Work

Alabama Christian Academy’s new head of school, Greg Glenn, visited with three ACA Eagles working at a local restaurant. They were pleasantly surprised by his visit and served him with great food and the friendliest staff anyone can ask for.

GOD HAS A PLAN AND A PURPOSE FOR ME

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

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

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

BTW Student Featured In Digital Exhibit

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

Booker T. Washington Magnet High visual arts student Annie Xia is featured in the 2020 AP Art and Design Digital Exhibit. She is one of only 51 high school artists from around the world to be featured in this exhibit. Xia’s artwork is titled “The Fool” and is inspired by the complex themes of tarot cards. “This artwork represents a connecting journey with ‘The Fool,’ or in essence any person on the walk of life,” Xia explains in her Student Statement. The girl with her eyes covered represents naivety or blissful ignorance. Xia created the piece entirely with colored pencils, using a classmate as a model. More than 400 College Board AP readers adjudicated the AP Art and Design Exam, reviewing student portfolios in 3-D Design, 2-D Design, and Drawing. 19

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Montgomery County Schools

Montgomery Academy Students Design Toys for Kindergarten Buddies

Montgomery Academy fifth-graders studied simple machines and were asked to go through the design thinking process to make a shoebox-sized toy for their kindergarten buddies. The design process involves designing with the “user” in mind. Fifthgraders had to interview their buddies, which involved learning about both open- and close-ended questions and when or why each might be preferred. They then had to prototype and eventually build a toy for their buddies that incorporated at least two of the six different simple machines: pulley, wheel and axle, lever, screw, inclined plane and wedge. They used materials found in the science classroom. After their toy was finished, they took time to reflect on what went right, what went wrong, and advice they would give someone just starting on the project. Both the gifts and the time spent together brought much joy to everyone involved!

ACA Students Win Money In the Stock Market

Alabama Christian Academy senior students who participated in the Alabama Stock Market Game in Economics won first and third place. Each team started with $100,000 and the game lasted for 10 weeks. First place went to James Davis and Lane Kilpatrick, with a total of $ 145,383.90, and third place went to Braden Alford and Mason Prestage, with a total of $134,412.74. First-place winners received $150 and third place $100. Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@riverregionparents.com.

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8:30am through 12:30pm for all programs

Churchill Scout Inducted Into Order of the Arrow

Churchill Academy honors Andre Underwood for being the first Boy Scout from Troop 20 inducted into Order of the Arrow. The purpose of Order of the Arrow is to recognize Scouts who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives, to develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit, and to crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others. The troop has been led by Scoutmasters Jen Tuck and Tad Davis, along with Underwood as junior assistant scoutmaster and Tacori Searight as senior patrol leader. Other members include: Charles Backus, Blaine Denison, Matthew Dickinson, Gabriel Ewer, Navodney Foster, Isaac Garner, Dawson Mims, Alex Thrasher, Devantrae Webb and Seth Webb. The Troop emblem was designed by Churchill Academy senior and previous troop member, Carter Ratulowski.

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Montgomery County Schools

Montgomery Academy Students Create Soap

ACA’s Jalen Clark CCC Player of the Year

Alabama Christian Academy senior quarterback Jalen Clark was selected as the Capital City Conference Player of the Year. He highlights an all-CCC Team that also includes first-teamers Will Wright, Hayes Hunt and Miller McCarthy. Honorable Mentions include Otasowie Dion, Sanders Manning, Demari Moore, Trey Schlemmer, Avery Stuart, Jack Thomas and Aaron Treubig.

River Region Parents I February 2021

Montgomery Academy Upper School students in Organic Chemistry applied the knowledge they learned in class about organic compounds to create soap in the lab. The saponification reaction is the process students created in the lab to make their soap. Regular saponification includes the conversion of fat (oil) into the soap in the presence of alkali when heated. In order to perform this procedure, students used coconut oil and reacted it with sodium hydroxide (alkali). Since the pH of soap needs to meet a certain range (between 7-10), students repeatedly “washed” their soap in a mixture of hot water followed by adding a saturated warm solution of sodium chloride. Towards the end of the process, the students added several drops of peppermint for a festive fragrance.

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MPS Honors Teacher, Custodian for Service

The Montgomery County Board of Education named Philip Davis of Children’s Center and Tonya Williams of Park Crossing High as two of its Employees of the Month for January. Davis is a classroom teacher, technology coordinator and member of the leadership team at Children’s Center. He has been an indispensable asset to the school, which serves children with significant cognitive and physical delays. Principal Johanna Hubbard said Davis helped the entire school make the transition to virtual learning. “As a classroom teacher, Mr. Davis has created a dynamic environment that creates independent access to our curriculum and opportunities for success physically, emotionally, and academically,” Principal Hubbard said. Williams is custodian at Park Crossing High, and Principal Cheryl Fountain said she goes above and beyond to make sure students and staff are safe and comfortable. Davis and Williams were not in attendance at the board meeting, but Children’s Center Principal Johanna Hubbard and Park Crossing Assistant Principal Pamela AllenIngram accepted certificates on the employees’ behalf. From left are Board President Clare Weil, Hubbard, Allen-Ingram, and MPS Superintendent Dr. Ann Roy Moore.

BTW Student Reads Proclamation at New Year’s Program

Booker T. Washington Magnet High student Princess Flowers was selected to read the Emancipation Proclamation on New Year’s Day at the Montgomery Emancipation Association’s annual program. Flowers, a sophomore in BTW’s Broadcast Media magnet, received a certificate and a check for $100 for her participation.

ECA Celebrates Winnie the Pooh

The five-year-old kindergarten class at Evangel Christian Academy recently celebrated Winnie the Pooh’s birthday. The annual celebration was held on the birthday of A. A. Milne, author and creator of Winnie the Pooh. The children were excited to learn that Christopher Robin was the real-life son of Milne and that the characters in the Hundred Acre Wood were based on stuffed animals Christopher Robin owned. The stories about Pooh and his friends were based on bedtime stories Milne told his son. The students enjoyed several activities including a special Pooh Bear art project.

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Montgomery Academy Donates to Dream Court

For the past eight years, the Montgomery Academy Public Service Committee–comprised of students and faculty members–has selected one community organization to partner with the MA community for fundraising and volunteer efforts throughout the school year. Past partnerships have included: Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, the Montgomery Area Food Bank, River Region Magic Moments, Service Dogs Alabama, Children’s of Alabama, Cancer Wellness Foundation of Central Alabama, and last year, Dream Court. Having a “focus agency” gives students and faculty the opportunity to develop a meaningful relationship with an agency and make a major difference. Dream Court is a non-profit organization that provides an adaptive tennis program for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. Through their mission of serving hope and changing lives, Dream Court touches the lives of more than 150 athletes and 500 volunteers. During the 2019-2020 school year, students volunteered their time with various Dream Court events and led fundraising efforts including dress down days, bake sales and the annual dodgeball tournament, which collected a total of $10,500 in donations. During a “virtual assembly” recently, Upper School students presented a check to Jessica Weyreuter, the founder and director of Dream Court.

River Region Parents I February 2021

ACA Senior Sworn Into Air National Guard

Alabama Christian Academy senior Michael Zanglin was sworn into the Air National Guard during an official ceremony recently. The Air National Guard, also known as the Air Guard, is a federal military reserve force of the United States Air Force.

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Macon East Students Deck the Halls

Macon East Academy first-graders helped deck the halls and make the lower school Christmas tree beautiful. Victoria Smith’s first-graders had a lot of fun making the adorable reindeer ornaments and placing them on the tree. The lower school Christmas tree looked very festive! Coats Newell, Russ Davis and Kwesiona Jernigan are shown.

Four MPS Elementary Schools Receive Reading Grants

The Central Alabama Community Foundation has awarded Mary L. & Eugene Vann Reading Fund Grants to four Montgomery Public Schools. Carver Elementary received $4,000 to purchase four laptops for student testing, non-fiction reading materials, and student incentives in support of its Accelerated Reader program for K-5 grade students. Chisholm Elementary received $4,947.50 to purchase headphones and Finding Evidence Comprehension Kits to improve comprehension reading skills through classroom literacy centers and the online library and reaching 479 students in K-5 grades. E.D. Nixon Elementary received $5,000 to purchase digital electronic books that provide embedded learning tools to support struggling readers and English Language Learners and will be utilized by 460 students in K-5 classrooms. Highland Gardens Elementary received $5,000 to purchase chromebooks, cameras, microphones and ELA manipulatives to provide intense intervention to close gaps in phonics learning with second-grade students. Representatives from each school are shown at the Montgomery County Board of Education meeting along with CACF Community Services Vice President Clare Watson, far left.

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Montgomery Montgomery County Schools

Montgomery Catholic Introduces New Maker Space

MA Students Participate In ‘Recorder Karate’ With the use of special filters, Montgomery Academy third-graders were able to safely participate in Recorder Karate during COVID. Recorder Karate teaches students basic techniques used in wind instruments through nine folk songs. Students receive colored “karate belts” to hang on their recorders for each progressively more difficult tune.

River Region Parents I February 2021

Throughout the last year, Montgomery Catholic discovered the need for a “Maker Space.” With the help of MCPS grandparent Jim Lauridson, we have created a room dedicated to students who see themselves as makers. These are students who get joy and education by working with their imaginations and their hands. They are allowed to be creative in a non-structured and non-competitive setting. The goal of a Maker Space is to be creative, not to win. Our Maker Space allows students to be creative and use the tools and materials on hand to build primarily technical and artistic projects. Currently, our space consists of 3D printers, a laser cutter, soldering stations, electronic measuring instruments, parts, hot glue guns, Arduinos, Raspberry Pi’s, gears, motors and sensors. Presently, the Maker Space is being introduced to Middle School students through an elective which will consist of microprocessor and mechanical projects; radio projects starting with satellite tracking and leading to an amateur radio license; and an aviation project beginning with designing and building a micro-drone or a micro-fixed wing aircraft. The next expansion of our Maker Space will be completed this winter and will include a radio tower on campus. With the addition of the tower, students will be able to accomplish things such as bouncing signals off meteors as they enter the earth, launching high altitude balloons with instrumentation, downloading pictures from the International Space Station, communicating with digital signals, being part of an emergency network, communicating with the Vatican’s amateur radio station (HV5PUL), and representing Montgomery Catholic in international contests.

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TEA Academy’s Lead Teacher

STJ Elementary Holds Young Trojan Tech Fair

The Young Trojan Tech Fair was held January 15. This event helped determine which students will qualify to attend the ACTE Regional 5 Virtual Tech Fair that will take place in February. It was a wonderful experience for Saint James students to work intently on a project, prepare a presentation, and then be able to answer questions about their work. Students were given almost two months to complete the project they chose. All student participants volunteered to participate and are interested in technology. Students chose from the following categories: Animation, Audio, Computer Project Programming, Digital Art, Digital Game Design, Hardware Modification, Internet Applications, Multidimensional Design/3-D Modeling, Multimedia Applications, Productivity Design, Robotics, Technology Test, Team Programming Challenge, Video Production and Website Design. Students in second grade competed in the Beginner Level; third- and fourth-grade students competed in Level 1; and fifth-grade students competed in Level 2. The winners in each category were: Animation Level 1: Zoe Cortell (1st) and Peyton Stewart (2nd) Animation Level 2: Millie Bjoerkum (1st) Audio Level 1: Harper Martin (1st) Multimedia Beginner: Jackson Muller (1st) and Levi Toussaint (2nd) Multimedia Level 1: Alex McIlwain (1st) and Yeriel Kim (2nd) Multimedia Level 2: Ellie Brooke Selbee (1st) and Lacey Carey (2nd) Robotics Level 1: Jesse McNeal (1st) Robotics Level 2: Jackson Clovis (1st) Productivity Design Level 1: Will Huermann (1st) and Lily Smith (2nd) Digital Game Design Level 1: Harper Martin (1st) and Jamison Cantrell (2nd) Digital Game Design Level 2: Hanan Miller (1st) Video Production Beginner: Georgie Crowley (1st) and Sadie York (2nd) Video Production Level 1: Molly Phillips (1st) and Will Roark (2nd) Video Production Level 2: Dina Haigler (1st) and Emily Trock (2nd) This program is promoted by the Saint James Educational Technology Specialist Deborah Otis, and Elementary Technology Teacher Tina Waggoner. Students who placed first and second in each category will compete in the ACTE Regional fair. Shown are Multimedia division winners Yeriel Kim, Ellie Brooke Selbee, Larkin Honea, Lacey Carey, Jackson Muller and Levi Toussaint.

TEA Christian Academy highlights Tiffany Davis, a graduate from Alabama State University with a Bachelor of Science, and a Master’s degree of Education from the University of Phoenix. Prof. Davis serves as the lead teacher, and she also teaches science and reading comprehension. Davis takes pride in working with other teachers and administrators to evaluate and revise school programs in an effort to make sure students are learning on grade level and above. Davis is responsible for maintaining TEA Christian Academy’s parents, students and staff intervention initiatives to assist with (Bridging Gaps in Learning,) as well as making certain the staff are completing lesson plans and following the scopes and sequences. Davis loves to challenge and engage students through in-depth lectures, debates, and discussions on literary subjects. Davis is a true example of TEAMWORK! We are blessed to have her as a part of TEA Christian’s Education Family.

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February is the shortest month of the year and brings the start of the second semester for Pike Road Schools. As always, there is a lot of good news across our district that we are excited to share. We recently announced our Teachers of the Year. The honorees are: Amy McDevitt, Pike Road Elementary School; Laura Rainey, Pike Road Intermediate School; Tara Reid, Pike Road Junior High School; and Erica Dunwoody, Pike Road High School. Teachers of the Year were selected at their schools, and Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year were selected from the school winners. Amy McDevitt (elementary) and Erica Dunwoody (secondary) are the PRS district winners. We are proud of all of our Teacher Of The Year candidates as they

River Region Parents I February 2021

are an impressive group of educators! We have had two Alabama Teacher of the year finalists in the last four years, and we wish our current candidates well in the state consideration. Pike Road High School band director Patrick Darby has been selected to march with other band directors from across the nation in the 2022 Rose Parade. Darby will travel to Pasadena, CA, next New Years’ and will have the opportunity to march with this amazing group. Vicki Davis, principal at Pike Road Intermediate School, was invited to present “Balancing Grade Level Instruction” at the School Superintendents of Alabama Legislative Conference held earlier this month in Montgomery. To further highlight the good news across our district, we are pleased that Jude Trew, a third grade learner in Mrs. Furiegh’s class at Pike Road Elementary School, won the Montgomery Rotary’s “Service Over Self” essay contest! With the start of the second semester, we begin to plan for another successful

school year. Capital planning includes a ten classroom addition to Pike Road Elementary School that we anticipate beginning in May 2021 and completion by June of 2022. Additionally, the second phase of renovations to the Georgia Washington campus will continue. The 2021-2022 school calendar has been board approved and is posted on our website at www.pikeroadschools.org under news and announcements to allow everyone to start planning for next year. It is always a pleasure to share our schools, staff members, and students’ accomplishments. Keep an eye on Pike Road Schools as we continue to think, innovate, and create!

Chuck Ledbetter has been an educator for 30 years. He earned a B.A. in history from Auburn University; a Masters of Education in history from AUM; and a doctorate in educational leadership from Auburn University. Ledbetter was a history teacher for 11 years, an assistant principal, a middle school principal, a high school principal, assistant superintendent for curriculum and for finance, and is in his 11th year as a superintendent. He is married to Kim and has three daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren.

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Pike Road Chemistry Students Make Memories

Pike Road High School chemistry teacher Monette Mottenon finds ways to make the subject “stick.” PRHS uses the Summit Curriculum to implement Project Based Learning (PBL). For the Particle Behavior Project, Mottenon used the wonderful resources from Alabama Science in Motion (ASIM) to introduce Gas Laws. ASIM is a collaboration between the State Department of Education and schools throughout Alabama. It is the High School Science component of the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative, AMSTI. The goals of Science in Motion are to provide high-tech laboratory experiences for students and effective professional development for teachers. While training Mottenon, her ASIM specialist encouraged the creation of memories that help learners remember and have fun. ASIM resources included a shop vac and large leaf garbage bags. Learners were encouraged to get in a bag while Mottenon and another learner tightened the bag around the neck so that no air could escape. Then, the air was sucked out of the bag. The learners laughed and said it felt like a huge hug, something we all need during these trying times. This “hook” will be used throughout the project as a practical application of what many consider complex material. Mottenon said she enjoys doing different activities so that the learners think differently about not only chemistry but school overall. It also keeps her excited about teaching. “My biggest joy and the payoff for teaching, especially now, is watching learners have fun while learning. I live for the ‘light bulb’ moment when learners ‘get it!’”

Jr. High Students Give Classroom Makeover

Ms. Reid’s seventh-grade science learners have been working hard transforming their science room into the biomes of the world. Each section of the room is assigned one biome: rainforest, marine, desert, tundra, grassland, etc. The learners are researching animals, plants, vegetation, biodiversity, natural selection and climates. Facts about arctic biomes, for example, might be written on an iceberg, or penguin. The groups will present their research and information to the class, using their decorated biome area as their visual aid. The hope is to make these parts of the world truly to come to life and enrich learning on a deeper level.

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Pike Road Schools Teacher of the Year

The Alabama Teacher of the Year Program seeks annually to honor and recognize excellence in the teaching profession by identifying outstanding Alabama classroom teachers at local, district and state levels. Amy McDevitt was named Teacher of the Year at Pike Road Elementary; Laura Rainey was named Teacher of the Year at Pike Road Intermediate; Tara Reid was named Teacher of the Year at Pike Road Junior High; and Erica Dunwoody was named Teacher of the Year at Pike Road High School. McDevitt (elementary) and Dunwoody (secondary) are the PRS district winners. These two educators exemplify a sincere desire to create a culture of intellectual curiosity. We wish them the best moving forward in the competition!

Pike Road Teachers Receive Special Handmade Gift

Pike Road Schools typically treat our teachers and staff to a steak lunch prior to releasing for Christmas Break. We were not able to continue the steak lunch tradition this year due to the pandemic, so each teacher was given a letter of appreciation from Pike Road Schools Superintendent Dr. Charles Ledbetter, along with a handmade Christmas ornament created by Pike Road High School students in Mr. Noles’s Agriculture Science class. The message on the ornament was most appropriate given the challenges teachers have had to endure this year.

River Region Parents I February 2021

Pike Road Schools Service Recognition

Upon the return to school after winter break, Pike Road Schools recognized 15 of our employees for their five years of service milestone. Superintendent of Pike Road Schools Dr. Charles Ledbetter presented all employees that reached this service milestone with a token of appreciation. Additionally, we recognized our first-year teachers with certificates of survival. We applaud the determination and effort these employees have demonstrated during their time with us. We look forward to seeing all of the great things we know they will accomplish in upcoming years!

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Pike Road Band Director Selected for Tournament of the Roses Parade

The 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade will host a very special Salute to Band Directors as part of the Michael Sewell Foundation. The foundation is creating one of the iconic Rose Parade floats, as well as developing a Marching Band of Band Directors. Three hundred directors across the United States have been selected for this event, and Pike Road High School Band Director Patrick Darby was selected as one of those directors. Darby will travel to Pasadena, Calif., next New Year’s, and will have the opportunity to march with this amazing group. The Rose Parade is considered the grandfather of all parades, and for anybody who gets to participate, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Darby had that opportunity as a high school student in the 2003 Tournament of Roses Parade, so it is a double honor to return as a band director!

Pike Road Wrestling Team Named Regional Champs

For the first time, the Pike Road wrestling team has brought home the regional championship. Five of our wrestlers were selected for the all-region team and Pike Road Junior High freshman Hinds Duncan was awarded MVP of the tournament. Selected students include: Hinds Duncan, Myers Duncan, Jake Bryant, George Coley and Jack Coley. The Pike Road wrestling team is made up of 8th-12th graders and is coached by Craig Duncan and John Coley. They are preparing for the state duals tournament in which they qualified.

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Autauga County Schools

Pine Level Students Thank Medical Workers

Students at Pine Level Elementary are thankful for all of the medical staff who have spent tireless hours working during the past year. The students designed and made encouraging quotes, statements and thank-you cards for staff at local hospitals.

PCA’S Wrestling Program Makes History

Send Your School News to: editor@montgomery parents.com.

Berry Named PJHS Teacher of the Year

Oscar Berry was named Prattville Junior High School’s Teacher of the Year for the 2020-2021 school year.

On January 7, the Prattville Christian Academy Wrestling Panthers traveled to Montevallo High School to compete in the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s (AHSAA) 1A-4A Region #3 Team Duals, where the team brought home the gold and made PCA history. At the Dual, the Panthers emerged for the first time as the Region #3 Champions after defeating American Christian Academy 42-22, Oak Grove High School 54-30, and Montevallo High School 42-36–all huge wins! Initially, Coach Staggs noted that his wrestlers were “really young” and “were going to have to grow up on the mat and put a ton of work in to get better.” Since then, he has enjoyed watching the growth of the team and relays that he is proudest of “their toughness and seeing them [compete] at a [high] level, to see them really grasp the warrior heart that God has put in them.” Led by senior Ryan Allen and juniors Andrew Allen and Chase Law, the three team captains, this Dual was the time to do some damage. The combined efforts of Ryan Allen, Chase Law, sophomore Patrick Litz, and freshman Aidan Cockrell gained immense victories for the Panthers and really set off the scores. Furthermore, wrestlers Matthew Post, Eli Staggs, Jacob Sabir, Brody Pugh, Alex Annotti, Jace Copeland and Andrew Allen were all undefeated in their three matches, making great contributions to the end result. “Every member of the team will be able to say that they accomplished something that no other team before them did,” Coach Staggs said. “I hope to see this kind of achievement again in future years. I extend thanks to the wrestlers, parents, coaching staff and PCA administration for supporting the program and creating a strong Christian environment that drives the team to become better on and off the mat.” PCA junior journalism student Maddie Jeffery contributed to this article.

PJHS Teacher Kicks Off History Day

The 2020-2021 theme for National History Day is “Communication in History: The Key to Understanding.” Alabama History Day Master Teacher Courtney Leigh Spencer prepared a special kick-off video for her students at Prattville Junior High School. River Region Parents I February 2021

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HEARTS Prattville Intermediate Thanks Health Workers

It’s what we do best.

Prattville Intermediate School students took time out to say thank you to our local healthcare and medical professionals for their continued diligence and hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Prattville Primary Briefly Goes Virtual

Prattville Primary School had to temporarily return to virtual learning. Students and teachers have done an amazing job keeping up with their lessons and learning. PPS is very proud of the commitment from students, parents and teachers.

For Children’s Financial Assistance information, call 1.844.750.8950 or visit www.childrensal.org/financial-assistance

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Autauga County Schools

PJHS Starts Baseball Season

Prattville Junior High School’s seventh- and eighth-grade baseball teams are ready to kick off the 2021 season!

Billingsley Beta Club Holds Induction

In spite of the difficulty in hosting ceremonies and having club events and meetings, the Billingsley Chapter of the National Beta Club was able to plan a safe ceremony to install new chapter officers and induct new members. The National Beta Club is an academic honor society and community service organization that emphasizes academic excellence and moral character. Billingsley Betas sponsored a coat drive this fall and have established a coat closet to benefit Billingsley students in need. These new members took the pledge of membership and joined The Billingsley Chapter of the National Beta Club: Cole Williams, Jenna Simpson, Ada Willis, Amber Johnson, Hope Welch, Addison Spigener, Sam Glass and Gavin Arnold. Officers are President Alexis McLean, Secretary Ashlon Harrison and Chaplain Kayla Alexander.

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February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month® and is a time to celebrate the value of CTE and the achievements and accomplishments of our CTE programs in Elmore County! The Elmore County Technical Center (ECTC) is eagerly anticipating the completion of a new facility on its campus. Due to recent growth, ECTC has outgrown its original facility, and some programs have had to move to other locations in the district. This new building will allow us to bring all programs back onto one campus and improve and expand our programs offerings. In fact, we are excited to announce the addition of the Teaching and Training program for the 2021-2022 school year. Teaching and Training will provide students with knowledge and skills needed for teaching and professional training consultant careers. Students will culminate this two-year program with an internship and the Praxis Core Academic Skills

Test. We also recently added a second Health Sciences instructor to meet the demand for enrollment in this program. Twelve programs are currently offered on the ECTC campus: Automotive Service Technology, Aviation Technology, Computer Technology, Construction Technology, Electrical Technology, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Hospitality & Tourism, Medical Sciences, Plumbing & Pipefitting, Pre-Engineering & Design, Public Safety & Law, and Welding Technology. Each of our four high schools also offer some or all the following CTE programs: Agriconstruction; Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC); Food, Wellness, & Dietetics; Business Management and Administration; Marketing, Sales & Service; Restaurant and Food and Beverage Services; Finance; Advertising Design; General Agriscience; and Sports Medicine. Dual enrollment in technical and academic areas are also offered on the ECTC campus. Spring sports have begun in compliance with AHSAA COVID-19 guidelines, and students are involved in conditioning and practices in preparation to meet their opponents. School and district science fairs were held in

EDUCATION FOR LIFE Experience PCA’s individualized approach to education with a COVID-safe, one-on-one virtual meeting. Meet with PCA’s admissions director, principals, and coaches to learn more about the academic, spiritual, and athletic offerings on campus. 322 Old Farm Ln N, Prattville, AL 36066

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late January. Elementary and middle schools will be conducting their school-level spelling bees, and the district spelling bee will be held this month. We have already begun planning for the 2021-2022 school year, with all departments involved. All activities are planned and held in compliance with COVID-19 guidelines. Ensuring that every aspect of our school system is thoroughly prepared and ready to receive students is always our goal! Some of our staff have begun to receive the COVID-19 vaccinations according to the Alabama COVID-19 Vaccination Allocation Plan. School nurses have already been offered the vaccination, and other staff will soon have the opportunity. Elmore County Schools constantly strives to provide the best possible environment where every student is empowered and every student succeeds!

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

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Elmore County Schools

Holtville High Wins Broadcast Competition

Students in Holtville High’s Internet Marketing class recently won an entertainment broadcast contest and a $1,000 educational grant from Reach and Teach. Reach and Teach is a nonprofit educational program that allows students to plan, promote and execute a real concert on their school campus. But this year, due to COVID-19, the organization introduced a new contest, the Entertainment Broadcast Series. The broadcast series gave students the opportunity to plan, produce and promote an entertainment broadcast. The students were challenged with raking in as many views as possible. Eighteen other schools from across the nation participated, but it was Holtville’s The Slapout Show that emerged victorious with 1,887 views. The show featured two hosts, an introduction segment and four entertainment segments: school duel, girlfriend glow up, trending and challenge accepted. Reach and Teach co-founders Cameron Flener and April Clark visited HHS to deliver a giant check and to chat with students. “They did well adapting the concepts and making it their own,” Flener said. “A lot of schools didn’t really do the marketing aspect of it. Having the local media get involved was a great idea. This was the smallest school that we worked with in terms of enrollment and they got about 500 more views than a school in Arizona with 2,200 students.” After presenting the check, Flener and Clark talked to the students and their teacher, Natalie Perkins, about their challenges and triumphs. If they had it to do over again, the students said they would find ways to improve their camera angles or even designate cameramen. Eleventh-grader Cheyenne Payne, who was the chairperson of the marketing committee, said she would make changes to the creative process by making sure each segment of the show was carefully thought out and planned before moving on to other stages of the process. The students agreed that they excelled at marketing and promotion. They constantly posted on social media about The Slapout Show and were featured in The Wetumpka Herald and two television news broadcasts. “It was awesome to get such great community support,” Perkins said. “That was huge.” Perkins said she plans to use the money to take her students on a field trip once it is safe to do so. The money must be spent by December 2021. “We could do something like tour the CNN Center in Atlanta when it becomes safe to do so, or (the students) might have another idea,” Perkins said. News from this article previously appeared in The Wetumpka Herald.

River Region Parents I February 2021

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

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Airport Road Remembers Teacher’s Legacy

The staff of Airport Road Intermediate School recently wore purple in memory of a third-grade teacher who lost her battle to brain cancer a couple of years ago. She was an integral part of our school family and we loved her so much. We miss Jessica Shelby and her memories will forever be in our hearts.

Wetumpka Volleyball Players Earn Recognition Wetumpka High School senior Morgan Causey, shown, has been named Elmore County’s Volleyball Player of the Year! In addition, WHS senior Yennifer Gomez and junior Erin Douglass were selected as All County First Team members.

$40.4M in Scholarships over the past 5 years

Numerous Ministries

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

for Christian leadership in athletics in the past 3 years

36 All-State Honor Band Members

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

1 World Robotics Competition Team,

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

Elmore County Technical Center Students Get Certified

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Elmore County Technical Center’s Medical Science students are preparing to be our next generation of healthcare heroes by obtaining their Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. 37

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with Coach K

Show Your Heart Some Love It’s no secret that February is all about hearts, but not just the candy kind. In February, we also acknowledge American Heart Month, a time we turn our attention to keeping families and friends from heart disease. Did you know that more than 2,000 Americans die each day from heart disease? In addition, more than 100 million adults have high blood pressure and 6.5 million are living with heart failure. Although genetic factors play a part, unhealthy lifestyle choices have become the main cause hindering progress on fighting heart disease. This means that 80% of cardiovascular disease can be preventable through education and action. So the solution is not the advancing of medicine made in a lab, but the solution is right in our grocery stores, kitchens, and dining rooms. The fight is with our fork! So if this epidemic is present on such a massive scale, yet so preventable, what can we do to show our hearts some love? Here are 5 small changes that can make a big impact when it comes to heart health.

1. Smoke Meats Only: I’m not trying

to make light of smoking, but avoiding tobacco is one of the best ways to protect your heart. In fact, smoking is one of the top controllable risk factors of heart disease. I encourage you to quit because you’ll see not only a difference in your heart, but your overall health too.

2. Eat Heart Healthy Foods: In order to have your heart in super condition, you need “super foods” that reduce the risk of heart disease. There are 5 super foods recommended by The American Heart Association to improve your heart health. River Region Parents I February 2021

Beans – a great source of protein and fiber. Beans contain almost no saturated fat, which is a “bad fat” that can raise cholesterol levels and increase risk of heart disease.

C – carbonated drinks R – refined sugars A – artificial sweeteners P – processed foods

Berries – particularly blueberries and strawberries. These berries are believed to lower blood pressure. Eating blueberries and strawberries at least 3 times a week is great for your heart… and, no, berryflavored goods don’t count. So put down that blueberry muffin!

4. Manage Stress: Stress can lead to

Dark Leafy Greens – packed with nutrients, minerals, and vitamins especially an important B vitamin that is helpful for heart disease prevention. Other benefits of dark leafy greens is that the vitamins found in them prevent many types of cancers and strengthen bones. The most common greens are kale, spinach, broccoli and salad greens. Nuts – I know what you’re saying…”Don’t nuts have too many fat grams?” There are certain fats you may actually want to increase in your diet. The fats found in nuts and seeds can actually improve your cholesterol and prevent heart disease. Oats – a type of whole grain that provides fiber. Fiber is known to help with digestive health, but it can also prevent heart attacks or strokes.

3. Limit C.R.A.P.: Don’t get offended

or upset by this word. When I say crap, I mean junk food, but there’s an acronym that sums up what we need to limit in our diet: 38

weight gain, which is a key risk factor for heart disease. Stress also can lead to unhealthy habits making it harder to stick to a healthy program. Finally, stress can lead to anxiety and even depression. People react to stress differently and some cope with stress more effectively than others. Here are some common ways to reduce stress. • Recognize the things you cannot change. • Daily relaxation such as deep breathing, meditation, and prayer. • Get enough sleep. • Learn to say no to responsibilities that can have you overwhelmed.

5. Get Active: Just as exercise strengthens other muscles in your body, it helps your heart muscle become more efficient and better able to pump blood throughout the body. Begin with 30 minutes a day, whether it’s riding a bike, dancing, or online group classes. When you make exercise a habit, your heart is able to work better under stress and keeps you from getting winded during intense activities. If you haven’t exercised in a long time, be sure to check with your doctor. There is no better time than now to commit to a healthy lifestyle. Make these changes and allow them to lead to a lifetime of heart health. I’m cheering you on! LET’S GO!

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

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Learning, Growing & Belonging

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ALL-SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE DROP-IN TOUR 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Wednesday, February 10

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Please join us at Macon East Academy, where we will partner with your family to help your child reach their fullest potential. Thousands of families have trusted Macon East Academy and we hope your family will too. • • • • • • • • • •

Family atmosphere that provides students with a safe, nurturing environment Integrated Bible curriculum, chapel and encouragement in building faith Engaging teachers and small class sizes that ensure students receive personal attention Apple iPad program equipping every student in Kindergarten through 12th grade with an iPad for classroom and virtual learning during the school year Pre-K and Kindergarten programs teach students readiness skills Located only 10 minutes from Chantilly Parkway, serving the Pike Road and surrounding communities Class of 2020, with 34 students, accumulated over $6.2 Million in scholarships Year-round guidance and support from our College Counselor for students and their families as they go through the college selection and application process 24 student-athletes participating in various sports at the collegiate level Affordable tuition, extended day care, dual enrollment, flexible scheduling and more!

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334.277.6566 or maconeast.net RSVP: Jill Taylor - jtaylor@maconeast.net 39 - RSVPs are not required but are appeciated.

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For parents of picky eaters, finding strategies to employ in the short run that help your child become a better eater in the long run is the name of the game. Try a patient, understanding approach and watch the results. Our daughter actually has a healthy appetite—thank goodness. She is simply more eager to eat certain foods than others. If you are the parent of a picky eater, consider using less judgment and pressure to force your child to eat what you want her to eat, and more understanding and patience in encouraging her to expand her options. The last thing you want is to turn eating into an emotionally charged event. River Region Parents I February 2021

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My husband and I have learned to halt the food wars and work with our daughter to expand her palate over time. Once an extremely picky eater, today she eats a variety of healthy foods, tries new foods all the time, and is continually adding new foods to her diet of her own volition. If you are dealing with food battle frustrations at the kitchen table, call a truce. You may find these tips helpful:

Stick to a family mealtime routine.

So much of a happy mealtime comes from the attitude the people at the table. Life is too short to turn mealtime into a battle zone. Your goal is to create a harmonious relationship with mealtime for life. Let your picky eater set a pretty table and participate in meal preparation.

Offer choices starting at a young age. While it might be tempting to only

offer what you know your picky eater will consume, get in the habit of offering a tiny taste of other foods when your child is hungry, but not so hungry as to be prone to upsets. Even if most offers are rejected, trust that curiosity will catch up with your child’s appetite eventually, so long as tastes are offered in a non-pushy, nonshaming manner.

Make a date to try new foods. My

husband once cajoled my daughter to expect to try a new food on her birthday. The date came, we put the food in front of her, and she ate it. She knew it was coming and she just went with it. Why not try setting a date to try a new food and then making the sampling a little ceremonious. You can introduce lots of new foods this way, one at a time, over time.

Provide balanced choices.

Chances are good that there are certain food groups your child would skip altogether if you let her. Don’t let her. Tell her that she can have the ripe, juicy watermelon she really wants after she eats the protein or veggies she is not as interested in. Go ahead and cut the watermelon and put it in sight. This should be motivation enough. Watch out for carbs, sugar, and junk food. My daughter would eat pasta all day if I let her. As soon as I noticed her mounting enthusiasm for carbs, I started offering her protein first, then veggies, then pasta, and finally fruit to make sure her diet stays balanced. If your child is overly enthusiastic for sugar, try adding more fruit choices as snacks. Dried fruit is remarkably sweet. If junk food is a problem, go to your local whole food store and opt for the healthy snack foods, in measured quantities, instead of typical snack foods which are high in preservatives and salt.

Spend time together cooking. Spark your child’s interest in food in general by checking out over-sized cookbooks from your local library. Leave them lying around on the coffee table or look at the pictures together. This is a great way to spark your child’s imagination about food and create curiosity about how to prepare foods. Tell her you’ll be happy to try some simple recipes, so long as she is willing to taste the results. Break out ingredients from complex recipes. Casserole, soups, or any other

Help Picky Eaters Learn To Love Food • Offer young children imagination toys that allow them to play chef like Melissa & Doug’s Cutting Fruit Set. • Encourage kids to play grocery store or restaurant in your kitchen. • Watch age-appropriate food shows with your child. Chances are you will both be inspired. • Take a pre-dinner walk around the neighborhood. Ask neighborhood kids about their favorite dinner foods. • Keep eating fun by introducing kids to playful food spaces like tea houses, specialty stores, ethnic food markets, and frozen yogurt shops. • Grow food outdoors in a small garden. Plant foods you know your picky eater will enjoy.

complicated recipes are scorned out-ofhand by picky eaters because they can’t tell what’s in there. So, when you are preparing a one-dish meal, leave out a portion of each primary ingredient for your picky eater. Chances are good that she likes many of the ingredients, but prefers not to eat them mashed together. Offer a taste of the finished product at mealtime anyway, and don’t be too surprised if she bites. rrp

Christina Katz loves International cuisine — the more complex flavors, the better. Her daughter, on the other hand, prefers simple, plain foods. Over the years, they have learned to let their tastes rub off on each other with positive results. Her latest book is The Art of Making Time for Yourself, A Collection of Advice for Moms.

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by Kimberley Carter Spivey

Love is in the air! And we couldn’t be more excited to share the month of love with our loyal readers. There’s nothing more timeless or romantic than cooking for the one you love or a cozy family meal on Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re coupled up or not, or you prefer being a homebody on sweetheart day—skip the wait and crowds— stay home and prepare a delicious meal for the entire family to enjoy. They say the way to someone’s heart is through food, and we’re thrilled to share a special Valentine’s Day treat just for you. Meet Laura Unger, a Wetumpka resident who will celebrate being married to her husband Dennis for 25 years this month! After all, spending a quarter of a century in love with one person is to be celebrated. To our amazement, during the interview with Laura—when we discovered that she’d be celebrating her silver wedding anniversary—we were astounded. We realized she was the perfect person to feature this month. The lovely couple shares three children: Joe (22), Jessie (18), and Ray (15). Laura is a Graphic Designer for the Alabama Farmers Federation, and Dennis is a technician for External Networks, a computer and networking provider in Montgomery. During Laura’s downtime, she enjoys watching cooking shows with her husband. One of her favorites is The Great British Bake Off. She humorously admits, “The daily question my children ask is, ‘Mom, what’s for dinner?’ I usually answer ‘something with chicken’ because I rarely plan ahead of time for a meal. I can, however, step into the kitchen and come up River Region Parents I February 2021

with a solid meal—even when some members of the family think we have no food to cook.” She credits her ability to get creative in the kitchen on a whim to the women who raised her and often prepared meals without recipes. “I rarely use recipes, but I’m happy to share them if anyone asks. I will go to the point of making the recipe so I can measure my pinches, dabs, and heaping spoonfuls in order to write it down for someone. I learned to cook by watching my mother, grandmother, and great grandmother in the kitchen from the time I was big enough to stand in a chair. They rarely used measuring cups or teaspoons, and you could say, I’m following that path.” This mom of three also has some cookware favorites. And the one she enjoys the most is her large 12-inch cast-iron skillet (complete with the Boy Scouts of American logo on the bottom). If you’re a Southerner, you know it can change the game in the kitchen. Another staple and versatile tool that she enjoys is Rachael Ray’s orange enameled cast iron pot. It is great for soups, stews, and the color makes her happy. Without further ado, we would like to share one of the Unger family’s favorite dishes. 42

Chicken Pad Thai Ingredients 1 pound chicken, diced 2 Tbs corn starch 3 Tbs oil (I use rice bran oil) 3 -4 cups bean sprouts 1 - 16 oz package flat rice noodles 1 large white onion, sliced (or one bunch of green onions, chopped) 16 oz. Pad Thai sauce 1/4 cup peanuts crushed Red pepper oil, optional (Ottogi brand)

Directions 1. Prepare noodles according to package instruction, cool by running cold water over noodles, drain and set aside. 2. Heat a large pan or wok, add oil. 3. Toss chicken in corn starch and stir fry until about half cooked. 4. Add sliced onions to the pan, cook until clear. 5. Add bean sprouts and sauce to the pan, reduce to medium heat. 6. Add noodles, mix by lifting and turning ingredients gently. 7. Top with crushed peanuts.

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

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Find out how the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science can lead you on a path to success. Applying to ASMS is FREE – and so are tuition, room, and board if you are admitted! Start your online application at www.asms.net. ASMS students have access to hands-on, experiential learning focused on research and collaboration. Students take a variety of college-level courses in Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, History, English, Communication, Physical Education, and Fine Arts. Many people ask, “Do I have to be a ‘genius’ to be accepted to ASMS?” Answer: Absolutely NOT! ASMS is made up of students who are intelligent and work hard for academic success. Current Alabama 9th or 10th graders can apply. Questions? Email admissions@asms.net or call 251.441.2100.

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Do you want to help your kids stay mentally and physically fit in a way that’s both educational and fun? Encourage them to download an app – or three.

Here are some of the very best apps available, and the best part is that they’re all free! River Region Parents I February 2021

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Eat-And-Move-O-Matic

(Available: Apple Appstore; Age range 9-18)

If you want your kids to understand the consequences of their food choices, Eat-And-Move-O-Matic is the right app for them. Created by the Learning Game Lab at New Mexico State University, the app teaches kids to be aware of what they eat or drink. It lets them compare the calories in their food choices with the type and length of time of physical activities like biking, running, or walking needed to burn of those calories.

Monster Heart Medic

(Available at: Apple Appstore; Age range: 9-12)

Monster Heart Medic teaches kids about a topic few other apps cover, namely the cardiovascular system and how to stay heart-healthy. Created by the University of California, Berkeley, the app features a friendly monster named Ragnar who suffers from cardiovascular problems and needs help. Kids help Ragnar by running various diagnostic tests to figure out what’s causing the problems. The app also has tips for leading a healthier life, from reputable organizations like the American Heart Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health.

Nature Melody

(Available at: Apple Appstore, Age range: 5-18)

If there’s one thing kids need to in order to lead healthy lives it’s a good night’s sleep, and the app Nature Melody can help them get that. It functions like an alarm clock and has more than 30 soothing, nature-inspired sounds to wake your kids up slowly and gently in the morning. The

app can be used in the afternoon and evening, too, using the nap and a sleep timer function, for a stress-free end to their day.

NFL Play 60

(Available at: Apple Appstore, Google Play; Age range: 5-18)

If your kids love sports, especially football, but it’s hard to get them to do any actual exercise, NFL Play 60 is just the right app for them. Created by the NFL, in collaboration with the American Heart Association, the app lets kids pretend that they’re professional football players. But instead of simply making their on-screen avatars run and jump, they have to get off the couch and actually run, jump, catch and turn to make their avatars move. The app lets kids count the steps they’ve taken while playing the game.

Space Chef

(Available: Apple Appstore; Age range: 5-12)

If you want your kids to learn to eat well, encourage them to download Space Chef. Created by the Lawrence Hall of Science, maker of the Monster Heart Medic app, Space Chef teaches kids important facts about healthy foods. And it goes one important step further: it has more than 60 easy-to-make and kid-friendly recipes that encourage kids to eat healthily and to take responsibility for their own diets.

Stretch Break for Kids

(Available at: Apple Appstore; Age range: 5-12)

Do your kids spend hours at a time hunched over their laptops or phones without getting up? If so, encourage them to download Stretch Break for Kids. The app has various stretching exercises

designed to relax the neck and back muscles that are most affected by bad posture and repetitive strain. The exercises are demonstrated by other kids, who prompt viewers at intervals to keep moving through the exercises.

Super Stretch Yoga

(Available at: Apple Appstore, Google Play; Age range: 9-18)

Besides meditation, a great way for kids to relax their minds and bodies for optimal health is to practice yoga. Super Stretch Yoga, created by a well-known yoga instructor, Jessica Rosenberg, teaches kids yoga through video demonstrations by other kids, with a focus on breathing and movement. It’s narrated by a character named Super Stretch and features 12 different poses with different skill levels. Kids can use the built-in camera to take pictures of themselves doing the various poses.

Three Good Things: A Happiness Journal

(Available at: Apple Appstore; Age range: 5-18)

It’s a well-known fact that mental health is impacted by a sense of wellbeing. If your kids need a little boost and happen to enjoy writing, encourage them to download Three Good Things: A Happiness Journal. The app helps kids think more positively by writing daily about three good experiences they’ve had. The app has a feature that lets kids upload and share their writings on social media. rrp

Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at the City University of New York – Brooklyn College.

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Active Entertainment

Brain Support

Newtopia

Neurokinetic Solutions

ad on page 57

3731 Malcolm Drive, Montgomery, AL 36116 Indoor playground designed to keep your children happy for hours. (334) 356.4518 newtopiafunpark.com

2211 The Ultimate Play Zone

3541 McGehee Road, Montgomery, AL 36111 Roller-skating Rink. (334) 593.7180 2211ultimateplayzone.com

Eastdale Bumper Cars on Ice

1000 Eastdale Circle, Montgomery, AL 36117 Sunday-Friday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Saturday from 11:30-12:30 and 6-8 p.m. (334) 277.2088 shopeastdale.com

Eastdale Bungee Jump

1000 Eastdale Circle, Montgomery, AL 36117 Open from 12-9, Monday-Saturday (334) 277.2088 shopeastdale.com

Eastdale Ice Palace

1000 Eastdale Circle, Montgomery, AL 36117 Ice-skating on Monday-Sunday (334) 277.2088 shopeastdale.com

Launch

891 Boardroom Drive, Prattville , AL 36066 Multiple trampoline court with different activities. Please visit our website for more details. (334) 568.2041 info@launchprattville.com launchtrampolinepark.com

7150 Halcyon Park Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 A coordinated body is an organized brain. Brain pump classes and Educational Consulting offered. (334) 625.0068 nksolutions007@gmail.com neurokineticsolutions.com

Emotional Health/ Counseling Laurie Mattson Shoemaker, M.S., RPT-S, LPC-S Counseling

2047 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery, AL 36105 Offering services in Child counseling, supervised visitation, Parent coordination and Custody (334) 647.1199 lauriemattsonshoemakermslpc. businesssite

Fundamentally Fit Life Coaching

Montgomery, AL 36116 Helping clients overcome any behaviors, situations, mindsets that are keeping them STUCK in their life! (334) 451.0225 Fundamentally Fit Life Coaching on Facebook

Fitness Gym/ Recreation Center Club Pilates

8143 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116 CP Teen - good class for athletic or inactive teenagers.

(334) 239.2587 rockinjump.com

(334) 603.8055 clubpilates.com

Skatezone Wetumpka

Gunter Pool - Montgomery Parks & Recreation

88 Red Eagle Pkwy., Wetumpka, AL 36092 Roller-skating Rink (334) 567.4434 Facebook - Skatezone Wetumpka

River Region Parents I February 2021

Various Locations, Montgomery, AL Youth sports, Teen programs, Swimming and Fitness classes. Each location will offer unique classes to them. Please call individual locations for more information.

2390 Congress W L Dickinson Drive, Montgomery, AL 36109 funinmontgomery.com

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(334) 271.4343 ymcamontgomery.org

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Prattville YMCA

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Various Locations, Prattville, AL 36067 Youth Fitness programs, Sports and Swimming. (334) 361.0268 prattvilleymca.org

Rebar Performance

8200 Emma Court, Pike Road, AL 36064 Cross Fit Kids is a method for teaching Greg Glassman’s Cross Fit to children ages 7-14.

(334) 224.3946 coachhudson1984@gmail.com rebarperformance.com

Wetumpka YMCA

200 Red Eagle Drive, Wetumpka, AL 36092 Aquatics and Youth Sports. Please call for more programs available. (334) 567.8282 ymcamontgomery.org

WP Cross fit

1555 Eastern Blvd. , Montgomery, AL 36117 Speed and Agility & Strength and Conditioning for ages (7-18) and Performance Training, 7-11 & 12-18. (228) 257.9117 wpcrossfit.com

Rockin Jump

5544 Atlanta Hwy., Montgomery, AL 36117 Where exercising is FUN! Multiple jump arenas.

Montgomery YMCA

Health Food Stores/ Meal Prep Herb Shop Wellness Center ad on page 11

8151 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116 Helping kids be healthier and smarter through specific testing. Vitamins & Supplements, Food Allergy Testing, Nutritional Genetical Testing to maximize your health & Natural Skin Care for Eczema and Psoriasis. (334) 271.2882 herbshopal.com

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Blue Apron

Sun Basket

(646) 891.4349 contact@blueapron.com blueapron.com

(855) 204-7597 sunbasket.com

Delicious, chef designed recipes. Responsibly sourced ingredients.

Fountain City Health Foods

101 S Memorial Dr, #3621, Prattville, AL 36067 Grocery and herbal remedy store. We offer vitamins, supplements, essential oils and more. (334) 361.7550 fountaincityhealthfoods.com

Fresh Market

1635 Perry Hill Road, Montgomery, AL 36106 Organic foods and healthy snacks. (334) 272.8952 thefreshmarket.com

GNC

7966 Vaughn Road, Montgomery , AL 36117 Health- & sports-related vitamins, supplements & herbs, plus drinks & snacks. (334) 213.2462 gnc.org

Healthwise

5147 Atlanta Hwy., Montgomery, AL 36109 Functional foods, Organic Groceries, Children’s Health and Adolescent Health. (334) 277.9925 healthwisefoods.com

Hello Fresh

Chef crafted recipes, ready in under 30 minutes. (646) 846.FOOD hellofresh.com

Natural Healing by Vitamins Plus

407 Coliseum Blvd., Montgomery, AL Natural Healing Clinic specializing in restoring balance and helping the body heal itself. (334) 356.8195 naturalhealingbyvitaminsplus.com

Cook healthy and delicious meals with organic produce + clean ingredients. Paleo, Lean & Clean, Gluten-Free, Vegan, and more

Vitamin Shoppe

7345 Eastchase Pkwy., Montgomery, AL 36117 Vitamins & Supplements, Herbs & Natural Remedies and Natural Beauty & Skin. (334) 279.4061 vitaminshoppe.com

Whole Foods

1450 Taylor Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 Organic whole foods, Supplements, Vitamins & Supplements. Join us to Eat, Read & Make at Whole Foods Kids club, wholekidsfoundation.org. (334) 523.2940 wholefoodsmarket.com

Parent Support Alabama Department of Public Health ad on Inside Front Cover

201 Monroe Street, Montgomery, AL 36116 All Kids Children Health Insurance Program: A low-cost, comprehensive healthcare coverage program for children under age 19. Benefits include regular checkups and immunizations, sick child doctor visits, prescriptions, vision and dental care, hospitalization, mental health and substance abuse services and more. Women, Infants and Children (WIC): supplemental nutrition program for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, women who had a baby within the last 6 months, infants and children under the age of five. 888-737-5437 adph.org

The Parent Assist Line (PALS)

Montgomery, AL A collaborative service of the University of Alabama Child Development Resources and the Alabama Children’s Trust Fund. Call and a parenting resource specialist will answer, listen to you, then offer helpful and supportive information. 1-800-962-3030 apal.ua.edu

Parks/Trails/Natural Areas Audubon

3174 Cloverdale Rd, Montgomery, AL 36106 Located in the Cloverdale neighborhood, Audubon Park is a 1 acre open, grassy area perfect for frisbee, picnics, or walking the dog.

AUM/Ron Nunn Montgomery

250 Brown Springs Rd., Montgomery, AL 36117 Batting cages and a playground

Autauga Creek Canoe Trail

Behind City Hall, Prattville, AL 36067 Historic creek in downtown Prattville. Offers a 13 mile spring fed trail great for kayaking, canoeing or floating down.

Blount Cultural Park

3 Festival Dr., Montgomery, AL 36117 Open play area and miles of walking trails.

Buddy Watson

1801 Taylor Rd, Montgomery, AL 36117 Batting cages, walking trail and playground.

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Lagoon Park

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Memorial Center Park

2855 Lagoon Park Dr., Montgomery, AL 36109 5 miles of biking and walking trails, playgrounds, batting cages and tennis courts. 3168 Park Circle, Millbrook, AL 36054 Walking trails, creek and Kids Kingdom playground. 1010 Forest Ave, Montgomery, AL 36106 Multiple walking trails and horseshoes. 460 Doster Road, Prattville , AL 36067 Walking trails, “A Child’s Place” Playground, Splash pad and community pool.

Riverfront Park

335 Coosa St, Montgomery, AL 36104 Splash Pad.

Swayback Bike Trail

2415 W Cloverdale Park, Montgomery, AL 36106 Playground and open green space

Cloverdale Road Park

3124 Cloverdale Rd, Montgomery, AL 36106 Open green space and walking trail

Coosa River Adventures

415 Company Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 Paddle along the Coosa River for fun. We offer rentals of all types for your adventure. (334) 514.0279 coosariveradventures.com

3415 Carter Hill Rd, Montgomery, AL 36111 Batting cages, open play space and playground.

Jordan Dam Road, Wetumpka, AL On the shores of Lake Jordan and offers 12 miles of biking/hiking. (334) 567.9090 trailoflegends.org

Ida Belle Young Park 5400 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery, AL 36116 Playground, tennis courts and walking trail.

Vaughn Road Park

400 N Hull St, Montgomery, AL 36104 Large playground and open green space.

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Thompson Park

1655 Ray Thorington Rd, Pike Road, AL 36064 Playgrounds and batting cages.

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Cloverdale Park

3620 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery, AL 36106 Boundless playgrounds, tennis courts, walking trails, large open play space and walking trails.

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River Region Parents I February 2021

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Pediatric Dentist & Orthodontics Bush Pediatric Dentistry ad on page 30

4740 Woodmere Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36106 Dr. Samuel Bush (334) 676.2144 bushpediatricdentistry.com

Montgomery Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

2600 Bell Road, Montgomery; 460 McQueen Smith Road, Prattville , Montgomery, AL 36117 Dr. John H. Payne, IV; Dr. J. David Stanley; Dr. Robert H. Owen and Dr. R. Davis Denney (334) 277.6690 Montgomery; (334) 358.6411, Prattville smilesfromus.com

Pike Road Dental

31 Bridge Street, Pike Road, AL 36064 Dr. Victoria Wells

Chapman Orthodontics

(334) 819.7377 smile@pikeroaddental.com pikeroaddental.com

1550 East Trinity Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36106 Dr. Lewis Chapman and Dr. Will Chapman

Smart Smiles

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(334) 272.9447 chapmaortho.com

315 Ray Thorington Rd, Montgomery, AL 36117 Dr. Foch Smart (334) 271.2345 smartsmiles.com

Dentistry for Children

Toothbuds at Lagoon Park

7047 Halcyon Summit Drive, Montgomery and 68 Village Loop, Wetumpka, Montgomery, AL 36117 Dr. Julia Schreiber and Dr. Benjamin Cumbus

(334) 801.9800 toothbudsatlagoonpark.com

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(334) 277.6830 chew-chewtrain.com

Just for Grins Orthodontics ad on page 28

7051 Halcyon Summit, Montgomery; 68 Village Loop, Wetumpka; and 207 Ashton Plaza, Millbrook, Montgomery, AL 36117 Dr. Dunn & Dr. Schreiber. We have locations in Millbrook and Wetumpka.

553 N. Eastern Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36117 Dr. Allie and Dr. Shelby

TW Orthodontics

4635 Woodmere Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36117 Dr. Nick Turner, Dr. Brett Wood and Dr. Jeffrey Shelley (334) 260.8166 twortho.com

East Montgomery Pediatrics

337 St. Lukes Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 Dr. Elmer Roque. (334) 356.1411

Montgomery Pediatric Associates PA

420 Cotton Gin Road, Montgomery; 645 McQueen Smith Rd. N, Montgomery, AL 36117 Danica Taylor, CRNP, Jamie Mathis, CRNP, Melissa Johnson, CRNP, Dr. Allen Newton, MD, Dr. John Sumners, M.D., Dr. James Rabon, M.D. (334) 260.9129, Montgomery and (334) 361.7811, Prattville www.montg-pvillepediatric.com

Partners in Pediatrics

8160 Seaton Place, Montgomery 136 E. Main Street, Prattville Catherine Woods, M.D., Susan Brannon, M.D., Lamenda Blakeney, M.D., Elizabeth Diebel, M.D., Rama Mukkamala, M.D., Melissa S. McNally, M.D., Dr. Danielle Speight, M.D., Dr. True Hooper, and Sabrina Colburn, CRNP (334) 272.1799 www.mykidsdr.com

Pediatric Healthcare

4700 Woodmere Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36106 David Morrison, M.D., Den Trumbell, M.D., and Jeffrey Simon, M.D. (334) 273.9700 www.pedhealthcare.com

Physician’s to Children

(334) 270.1044 justforgrinsortho.com

Alexander Pediatrics

470 Taylor Rd., Ste 210, Montgomery, AL 36117 Dr. Kendra Gillis Colvin, MD, Dr. Cheryl Gardner Fekete, MD, Dr. Alicia Hughes, MD, Dr. Dina Winston, MD, Dr. Olivia C Garcia, MD, Dr. Karen Doles, MD and Dr. Marissa Hoy, MD,

Kingry Orthodontics

(334) 270.8864 alexanderpediatrics.com

Professional Pediatrics

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8101 Seaton Place and 31 Bridge Street, The Waters, Montgomery, AL 36116 Dr. Mark Kingry. Second location in Pike Road. (334)272.4900 kingryorthodontics.com

Dentists 4 Children

7015 Halcyon Park Dr., Montgomery , AL 36117 Dr. Richard K. Vann, Dr. Heather Thornton and Dr. James M. Jenkins (334) 284.1100 dentist4children.com

Pediatrics 356 St. Lukes Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 Dr. Jenny Alexander

All About Kids

2921 Zelda Rd., Montgomery, AL 36106 Dr. Michael Doyle, M.D.; Dr. Nicole Sheffield, M.D. (334) 277.5431 www.zeldapeds.com

Carlile Pediatrics

78 Cambridge Court, Wetumpka, AL 36093 Dr. Carlile (334) 567.6915 www.carlilepediatrics.com

(334) 293.5033 www.childrensal.org

4154 Carmichael Rd., Montgomery, AL 36106 Dr. Robert Coggin, Dr. Ulysses DaVila and Dr. David W. Drennen and Dr. David Scott (334) 271.5959 www.professionalpediatrics.com

Wetumpka Pediatric Clinic

815 Jackson Trace Rd., Wetumpka, AL 36092 Dr. Anne Young, Kasey Emmons, CRNP and Kathleen Calhoun, CRNP

(334) 567.2882 ivycreekhealth.com/primary-care/ wetumpka-pediatrics rrp

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Kids’ Mental Health Tech Tools

thing separate from themselves -- the chimp, the computer, and the happitar -- a psychological method that allows people to deal with negative thoughts at a distance. The company offers two more versions: one for younger kids and one for adults.

Growing up has never lacked challenges, but it seems today’s kids are having an especially rough time. Anxiety, depression, and the youth suicide rate have been on the rise for the last decade, especially for girls and kids of color. With the global coronavirus pandemic pushing kids’ lives even more online, it’s safe to say that the need for easily accessible mental health tech tools that kids can use privately and safely is more critical than ever. While many popular resources are available for adults, we’ve identified a handful designed just for kids that allow for immediate support whenever and wherever they need it. Everyone’s mental health journey will be different. Talking to your kids and getting in-person, professional help is the first and best course of action if you think your kid is struggling. But digital tools can be an added boost to get your kid through a tough time, and are particularly helpful for kids who feel marginalized in the offline world. Depending on your family’s needs, you can find apps and sites for immediate help, ongoing support, information and awareness, and positive focus. If your kid is going to use any of these tools, it’s a good idea to review them yourself to see how they work and to check their privacy policies to learn how they handle sensitive information.

Sanvello. Created with mental health professionals, this app offers an array of therapeutic tools and services. Kids can set goals, schedule time each day to focus on mental health, join community forums, access a new therapist or their own (if their therapist works with the app), use guided meditations, and more. Virtual Hope Box. This tool uses three modes -- Remind Me, Distract Me, and Relax Me -- to help kids stay connected during stressful times. The ability to store images, such as personal photos, and activities, such as songs, quotations, and even games like sudoku, allows kids to comfort themselves when they’re struggling. They can also meditate or use a “coping card” they’ve pre-created. Atlas Co. Atlas Co. helps kids create positive daily routines to maintain their mental health. The app offers a short podcast, encourages self-reflection, and lets kids journal about what’s happening in their lives. They can also set goals and get advice about teen-focused concerns, like college admissions.

Immediate Help for Kids in Crisis

For Information and Awareness

My3. Though no parent wants to think about their kid feeling suicidal, it’s important to talk about it if that’s what’s happening. This app gives kids a powerful tool for those critical moments. It includes a three-person contact list to call for help if they’re in despair (911 and the National Suicide Hotline are automatically included), a selfcreated safety plan, and other resources. Because it was created by mental health professionals, the app uses vetted strategies to help kids avoid suicidal thoughts and suggests positive actions to take when they need more support.

TeensHealth.org. With resources for kids, teens, parents, and educators, this site has information for everyone. And though there’s also information about physical health, relationships, and more, the Mind section covers a range of common concerns, like body image, dating, and dealing with stress.

National Alliance on Mental Illness. The NAMI website offers a wealth of information for kids who want to learn more about mental health disorders, research specific concerns, or even help a friend in crisis.

Calm Harm - Manages Self Harm. For kids who feel compelled to harm themselves in times of distress, this app offers proven methods to derail those impulses under categories like Comfort, Distract, and Breathe. After they choose a method, they set a timer so that they can move on when the urge passes. Over time, they might be able to internalize these strategies. Kids can also save a personal call list so that they can reach out to someone in those moments.

For a Positive Focus

Three Good Things. This teen-created app lets kids write about three positive experiences every day. They can also set a daily reminder and review old entries to remember their positive thoughts. Headspace: Meditation and Sleep. Created by a former Buddhist monk, this app uses common meditation techniques such as breath awareness to establish a serene, aware space for the mind to rest. After a two-week free trial, Headspace costs $12.99 per month. But kids who have Snapchat can access a stripped-down version with mini-meditations for free (just search for “Headspace”).

For Ongoing Support

HappiMe for Young People. Using a kid-friendly approach, this app walks kids through four steps: Learn, Recognize, Deal with Your Emotions, and Replace. It helps kids picture their thoughts as someRiver Region Parents I February 2021

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Like many active 10-year-olds, *Ava is involved in competitive cheerleading, enjoys playing the flute in her school’s band and loves spending time with her group of five close-knit friends. But daily life is a struggle for this fifth grader, who is haunted by debilitating worries about her personal safety, her health and being alone.

River Region Parents I February 2021

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“She’s always had issues with being alone in the house,” her mom says. “If I’m doing laundry, she’s in the laundry room with me. She still sleeps in our bed at night. I make her go to bed in her bed every night, and I sit in her room until she falls asleep. But, by about 1 o’clock, she comes and gets in our bed.” Ever since Ava broke her arm last year during a cheer practice, her anxiety has steadily worsened. “She thinks she’s having heart attacks, and she’ll go to the school nurse saying she can’t breathe and her face is numb,” her mom says. “Before that, she’d never been to the school nurse in the six years she’s been in elementary school.” Ava isn’t alone. Mental health experts say that anxiety is now the number one most common mental health challenge among children. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 31 percent of adolescents, ages 13 to 18, suffer from an anxiety disorder of some kind, with girls at a slightly higher risk. Thanks to increased awareness and understanding of the disorder among healthcare practitioners, more children receive the treatment they need at an earlier age. “I’m seeing kids who in the past would have just white-knuckled their way through life until it got to the point where they couldn’t do it anymore,” says Dr. Jane Sosland, a child and adolescent psychologist. “The stigma of mental health is slowly, slowly being chipped away and that’s a good thing.”

What is anxiety? From your heart slamming against your rib cage before standing up to speak in front of an audience to sweaty palms during a job interview, we’ve all experienced anxiety. Anxiety becomes a problem when it affects quality of life and interferes with the activities you normally enjoy. Some symptoms of anxiety disorder include panic attacks, sleep problems, heart palpitations, chest pain, muscle tension, unexplained uneasiness, dizziness and cold, sweaty, numb or tingling hands or feet. “Usually, anxiety can start in the very young years, but then it can rear its ugly head in the teenage years,” Dr. Sosland says. “It’s something probably do with hormones and puberty and a time in kids’ lives where they are starting to feel more self-conscious.” Left untreated, anxiety can cause kids to miss out on important social experiences and lead to poor performance in school, substance abuse, physical illnesses, depression, self-harm, and suicide. 53

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Causes of anxiety. Anxiety can be a product of genetic wiring

By guiding your child to reframe how they think about a situation, you send the positive message that you believe they have the resolve to cope with their feelings, and they don’t need to rely on external evaluations to feel good about themselves. Since parenting a child with anxiety can be stressful, surround yourself with a strong support network for when you need a break or a compassionate shoulder to lean on.

or a result of a specific stressful or traumatic event. The condition can also be triggered by a combination of factors, ranging from marital and economic distress in the family to overwhelming school pressures, social media and intense news stories. Some experts also worry that “helicopter” style parenting can exacerbate anxiety. So-called “helicopter parents” go to great lengths to protect their children from failure or struggles, resulting in emotionally-fragile young adults who lack the confidence to independently solve their own problems. Without a sense of resilience, trying to manage life’s inevitable ups and downs becomes exceptionally stressful. “Resilience is built by working through adversity and difficult situations. It is difficult to pick yourself up and brush yourself off if you never fall down,” says Dr. Zafar Mahmood, a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

Coping with anxiety. Help your child identify healthy coping mechanisms for when they are anxious. “Having someone who they feel like is actually listening to them is a huge piece of learning how to feel better,” Dr. Sosland says. (See sidebar for additional coping ideas.) As parents, we often think we need to help our kids solve their problems. Dr. Sosland has another suggestion called the 80/20 rule. “Eighty percent of the time kids just want their parent to listen. They don’t want you to fix the problem,” she says. “We are quick to come in and tell them what to do or tell them they shouldn’t feel the way they do. That doesn’t usually make them feel better. It just makes them feel like they’re not being heard.” The other 20 percent of the time they do want your help. Usually, they will ask you directly for advice about how they can solve a problem.

Parenting anxious kids. Although you should maintain the same expectations for your anxious child as you would another child, it’s okay to adjust those expectations during stressful moments. Plan ahead for transitions to ease anxiety and praise small accomplishments, like when your child tries something new. “An anxious child is very difficult to parent sometimes. On the one hand, they’re usually very well-behaved, very much follow the rules, do well in school, but they also can be challenging for a parent because they really want a lot of reassurance,” Dr. Sosland says. “However, they can’t get it enough.” Suppose your child repeatedly asks you: “Do you think I did ok in the concert?” The more you reassure them with statements like “Yes, you did great! Everybody thought you were awesome!” the more you unintentionally reinforce your child’s belief that maybe they aren’t okay. Instead of trying to make them feel better through reassurances, Dr. Sosland recommends acknowledging your child’s worries and then asking how they can best manage their thoughts. For example:

Rising social anxiety. Our hyperconnected children can’t imagine life without technology. Studies are beginning to suggest that too much screen time could correlate to increasing rates of anxiety, depression and loneliness. In her book iGen, psychologist Dr. Jean Twenge studied trends among children born between 1995 to about 2012. Through her research, she discovered disturbing patterns indicating that as smartphones became more commonplace among teens, depression and unhappiness also began to rise. “They are on the forefront of the worst mental health crisis in decades,” Twenge writes. Kids today spend about an hour less per day with their friends than teens did in decades past, preferring online interactions. But the more time spent online, the less happy they feel. “Eighth graders who spend 10 or more hours a week on social media sites are 56% more likely to be unhappy than those who spend less time,” Twenge writes. “There’s not a single excep-

Parent: “It sounds like you are pretty worried about your performance. What can you say to yourself to cope with your worry?” Child: “That was hard for me, but I did my best. I’m proud of myself for hitting that note I’ve been practicing all week. I’ll be ok.”

STORY TIME IN THE GALLERIES Join Museum educator Kaci Norman online for the Story Time in the Galleries. This online read-along is designed specifically to help young children link aspects of art and language. This February we will be reading Seymour Bleu by Catherine Deeter in front of our very own Blue Dog by George Rodrigue. Seymour Bleu, is a frustrated artist—follow along as he finally finds his inspiration! Read-along with us at mmfa.org.

River Region Parents I February 2021

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“If you have an anxious child, what you don’t want to do is push them too far and too fast out of their comfort zone,” Dr. Sosland says. “On the flip side, you don’t want to be overly protective and never expose them to those things that make them anxious.” Instead, she recommends taking baby steps to increase their self-confidence. Also, tap into the activities that your kiddo is already passionate about. Self-confidence in one area can increase self-confidence in other areas of a youngster’s life. “If your child is really anxious in school, but they love to go horseback riding, then let’s do that horseback riding because they feel really good about that. They can learn lessons from that which they can transfer over into school,” Dr. Sosland says. Seek experiences that gently push your child to try new things in a supportive, collaborative atmosphere. Acknowledge and praise those moments when they accomplish something despite the initial uneasiness and discomfort it caused, whether that’s pushing through a mile at cross country, going to their first sleep-away camp with a friend, or trying out for a part in the school play. Day-to-day, look for opportunities where your child can advocate for herself. For example, instead of emailing your child’s teacher about a grade that your child felt was unfair, encourage them to talk to their teacher about it. If they’re struggling in a particular subject, suggest they ask their teacher for extra help. If your child complains about a playground disagreement with a classmate, listen to the problem and if they want advice, offer ideas for how they might manage the situation. Anxiety is highly treatable. If your child continues to struggle, please consult your family physician. rrp

tion: all screen activities are linked to less happiness and all non-screen activities are linked to more happiness.” Why? Biologically, we are designed to spend time with friends face-to-face. When we socialize with friends, our brains release a host of neurochemicals and hormones that reward us with an overall sense of wellbeing, helping us to better manage stress and even buffer us from illness. The brain doesn’t respond in the same way to computer-mediated communication. Over-reliance on screen interactions can interfere with a teen’s ability to develop crucial social skills that help them pick up on emotional cues, manage conflict or build confidence in social situations. “Without developing interpersonal skills and discipline, kids may experience feelings of anxiety anytime they step out of the house and interact with others,” Dr. Mahmood says. Social media can also give kids the impression that everyone else’s world is hunky-dory and that they’re alone in their struggles. And with unhindered 24-7 social media access and multiple messaging platforms, there’s no break from the rest of the world for quiet reflection or relaxing time alone. “In days past, you could leave the bully on the bus. Now bullying follows kids into their bedroom when it is time to go to sleep,” Dr. Mahmood says.

Foster resilience to challenge anxiety. We’d all prefer to avoid situations that make us uncomfortable. The trouble is if we don’t participate in activities because we’re scared of failing or because they make us nervous, we can’t grow more selfconfident and resilient. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), when we avoid stressful situations, we reinforce anxiety and end up feeling more demoralized. Knowing how far to push a child can be tricky and depends on the intensity of their anxiety.

Christa Melnyk Hines is a nationally published freelance writer. She and her husband are the parents of two children, ages 12 and 14.

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Grading Family Movies: Streaming, Digital Rentals, and DVDs News of the World

Digital on Demand

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

PG-13

B-

C-

Civil War vet Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd winds up involved in the life of a young girl who's been found by the Army after a raid on the local native people. With her birth parents and the Kiowa group who raised her both dead, the girl’s only remaining family live on the other side of Texas – a long and dangerous journey which Captain Kidd seems to be the only one willing to make. Raising interesting questions, this movie is a surefire hit for fans of Tom Hanks. Photo ©Universal Pictures

Lena and Snowball

Digital on Demand

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

A-

Having moved to a new town, Lena is lonely and frequently bullied thanks to her stutter. At home, she just wishes she had a friend. One day, she finds a small white lion cub by the side of the road, who she calls Snowball. But Snowball is on the run, and the poachers who hunt him aren't going to give up easily...This movie is mediocre but perfectly fine for kids who love animals and won’t be put off by a predictable story. Photo ©Lionsgate Home Entertainment

MLK/FBI

Digital on Demand

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

Not Rated

B-

This documentary exposes the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s efforts to harass and discredit civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The conflict between King and FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover has been exhaustively researched in primary source documentation and interviews with expert scholars and witnesses. Well produced and filled with fascinating information, this will be a hit with doc fans be they adults or teens. Photo ©IFC Films

Love Sarah

Digital on Demand

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

Not Rated

C+

When Sarah dies, her best friend is left with their unrealized dream – starting a bakery. But Sarah’s daughter isn’t one to give up and she encourages her grandmother to get involved. With grit, determination, and the skills of a very handsome chef, the women struggle to make Sarah’s dream come true. This chick flick has delicious food, charming characters and a reasonably pleasant plot – but it somehow falls flat. Photo ©Samuel Goldwyn Films

The Wake of Light

Digital on Demand

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

Not Rated

B+

A-

Mary has spent years devotedly caring for her housebound father and their aging farm. With demands aplenty and few opportunities to leave, Mary’s experiences are narrow. Then she meets a handsome young man who urges her to travel across the country with him and now Mary has a choice to make. This light-filled film will please genre fans who like their romances clean. Photo ©Axis Pacific Filmworks Grades range from: A= absence of content concerns to D= excess of content concerns Detailed reviews available at www.parentpreviews.com River Region Parents I February 2021

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As we all know, being a parent is the most important job in the world. Our children look up to us for guidance on everything in life, even if we don’t realize it. One way that you can be a positive role model to your kids is in the area of fitness. Staying fit is critical to our health and well-being—including our mental health and happiness. We can help shape our children’s views on exercise by modeling healthy behavior and making fitness a fun part of our family’s daily routine. River Region Parents I February 2021

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Exercise Is Important For Managing Stress and Anxiety Experts have found a clear link between exercise and stress reduction. Harvard scientists concluded that “Regular aerobic exercise has a unique capacity to exhilarate and relax, to provide stimulation and calm, to counter depression and dissipate stress.” According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, some studies show that consistent exercise can be just as effective as medication for some people to reduce symptoms of anxiety. Other research shows that physically active people have lower rates of anxiety than those who do not exercise. In one study, researchers found that those who got regular vigorous exercise were 25 percent less likely to develop depression or an anxiety disorder over the next five years. Here are several ways in which exercise helps reduce stress and anxiety: Produces Endorphins. When we exercise, our body releases feel-good neurotransmitters called endorphins. These chemicals in our brain act as natu-

ral painkillers, making us feel better and less stressed. Endorphins are responsible for the natural high we get from a hard workout. Reduces Stress Hormones. Exercise reduces the level of stress hormones in our body like adrenaline and cortisol, helping us feel calmer. Minimizes Fatigue. Exercise improves blood flow and our body’s ability to use oxygen efficiently. These changes in our brain then reduce fatigue and improve alertness, concentration, and cognitive function. This helps us when we are stressed out because we are depleted and need to return to a more balanced level of energy. When we are stressed, many nerves in our brain and throughout out body are impacted. Scientists conclude, therefore, that if our body feels better, then our mind will also feel better. Improves Self-Esteem. Behavioral factors also contribute to the emotional benefits of exercise. When we gain strength and begin to see a difference in our body, we feel better about ourselves and become happier and more confident.

Feeling better about ourselves shifts our focus to positive thoughts and away from fear and anxiety. Provides A Fun Distraction. One of the best parts about exercise is that it gives us a time to take a fun break from the stresses in our daily lives. Whether you are jogging to your favorite upbeat music or socializing with friends on the tennis court, your mind is distracted and you can just have a good time. Makes Sleeping Easier. According to Mayo Clinic, exercise can also improve how we sleep. This is great news for those suffering from insomnia due to stress and anxiety. Encourages Mindfulness. A great bonus of exercise is that it provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy a mindful moment. While we work out, we can fully engage in the present moment instead of letting our mind run wild with worries. To get the best result, experts suggest doing rhythmic activities that engage the whole body like running, walking, swimming, dancing, rowing, or climbing. Helpguide. org suggests that “as you move, instead

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of continuing to focus on your thoughts, focus on the sensations in your limbs and how your breathing complements your movement. If your mind wanders to other thoughts, gently return to focusing on your breathing and movement. If walking or running, for example, focus on each step—the sensation of your feet touching the ground, the rhythm of your breath while moving, and the feeling of the wind against your face.”

How To Be A Good Fitness Role Model It’s so important that we play actively with our kids from a young age and that we consistently exercise in front of them (and sometimes with them) to show them how importance physical fitness is. From going on family bike rides to coaching one of their sports teams, there are so many helpful ways for you to be a fitness role model to your children throughout their lives. Here are some more ideas to get you moving:

together or pop in a video or load an App so you can do some yoga together in your living room, or better yet in your backyard.

Go for a hike outdoors. Not only are walks and hikes wonderful, safe exercise that the entire family can enjoy, they are also an opportunity to connect to the beauty of nature to bring you a sense of calm. Try adding some fun to your family hikes by turning them into a race or scavenger hunt, and by venturing to new parks and trails in your area and while on vacation. Take a mommy and me yoga class together. Yoga offers so many incredible benefits to both you and our children including balance, strength training, time for inner focus, and an opportunity to connect with our bodies in ways we aren’t used to. Sign up for a yoga class that you can take

Make exercise a priority even in bad weather. Show your kids that you still go on your morning run even if it’s not sunny outside. On days when it’s cold or rainy, set up your fitness routine indoors and get your kids involved. Put on a workout video and have them join in. There are also lots of fun ways to use your indoor space to get everyone moving. Some of the easiest exercises to perform indoors include jumping rope and calisthenics like push-ups, sit ups, and jumping jacks. Or put on some peppy music and play freeze dance or have a hula hoop contest. Give sports-related gifts. Another way to make fitness a priority in your home is to choose gifts like workout clothes, sports equipment, and how to books about sports during birthday and holiday time. You can also choose some tickets for a sporting event and make it a fun family outing to cheer on your team together. rrp Sandi Schwartz is a freelance writer/blogger and mother of two. She has written extensively about parenting, wellness, and environmental issues. You can find her at www.happysciencemom.com and www.sandischwartz.com.

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Two Virtual Martial Arts World Champions

From left, Kyra Washington (forms) and Kayla Quarles (weapons) earned their overall international martial arts championships in the 16- and 17-year-old intermediate divisions for forms and weapons. The two students of Johnson’s Martial Arts Academy happen to be best friends and have been training at JMAA for a year and a half. Washington is a freshman at AUM and Quarles is a senior at BrewTech Magnet High School. This is the first year that the two of them have ever competed in martial arts competions. The Sport Martial Arts organization out of Minnesota sponsored and promoted 10 free virtual martial arts tournaments in 2020, in order to give martial arts athletes all around the world a reason and an opportunity to continue training and competing in live competitions and also to support martial arts instructors and schools. Washington and Quarles are trained by instructors David Johnson and Briana Jackson and are looking forward to their first in-person competition as well as returning to the 2021 Sport Martial Arts Virtual Tour.

Night to Shine 2021

Hosted by Thorington Road Baptist Church on February 12 Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered around God’s love, for peope ages 14 and older with special needs. What does NTS 2021 look like? NIGHT TO SHINE VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE o The virtual experience will be a prerecorded video event. We want to ensure anyone, in any time zone, will be able to view the event from start to finish. o The virtual experience will NOT be a Zoom call or live streaming event. o The virtual experience will be easily accessed via a weblink. o The virtual experience will be compatible on a smartphone, tablet, computer or smartTV. o The virtual experience will be viewable beginning at 6pm EST but will remain available for a period of time following February 12, 2021 to allow every honored guest the opportunity to view it start to finish or even re-watch it! o The virtual experience will include a 3D animation, special message drop-ins from some favorite celebrities, music with words on the screen for guests who want to sing or dance along karaokestyle, a virtual crowning ceremony and more! We are specifically crafting this program to be interesting, exciting, stimulating, and fun for guests with special needs and their families. o Every honored guest will receive their Night to Shine Virtual Experience Gift Kit complete with fun favors and, of course, a crown or tiara!

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FamilyCalendar Monday, February 1

Thursday, February 11

Valentines for Veterans Card Drive Through February 12 Drop off handmade or store-bought cards with a sweet note at Pike Road Town Hall (9575 Vaughn Rd.) or Founders Station (4902 Pike Rd.) by noon on Feb. 12 to be delivered to local veterans in time for a Valentine’s surprise! There will also be cards available at these locations for your convenience. For more info, e-mail Katy Brasfield at katy@pikeroad.us.

Story Time in the Galleries: Seymour Bleu 10–10:30 a.m. Free via youtube link. Join Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts educator Kaci Norman for the first Story Time in the Galleries of the year. This online read-along is designed specifically to help young children link aspects of art and language. This February we will feature the book Seymour Bleu by Catherine Deeter and our very own Blue Dog by George Rodrigue. For more info, call (334) 625-4333 or visit mmfa.org.

Tuesday, February 2

Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s Play Club Also February 25, March 11 & March 25 7 p.m. Read up to four scripts and participate in a live online seminar for each with an expert (actor/director) and a scholar on the playwright and material. Choose as many as you like. Today’s online seminars is on The Trip to Bountiful written by Horton Foote and led by Greta Lambert & Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder; Feb. 25 seminar is on Jitney written by August Wilson and led by Ron OJ Parson & Ethan Henry. Space is limited to just 40 members for each play, so register today! There is no cost to join, but members must commit to obtaining and reading the scripts. Registration is online and first come, first served. Learn more at asf.net.

Kids Club Online: Make Modern “Love Bugs” Other projects available Feb. 4, 9, 11, 16 & 23 4 p.m. In this Valentine-themed craft, Michael’s will be crafting adorable “Love Bugs” made of handmade pom poms, felt and googly eyes. Tie on a cute tag or write a message on the bottom to make these an easy gift on Valentine’s Day. For more info or to sign up, visit https://www.michaels.com/onlineclasses.

Wednesday, February 3

GriefShare Support Group 10 a.m. Frazer Church, room 3101. A thirteen-week support group utilizing the video-based curriculum, “Your Journey from Mourning to Joy,” with discussion concerning stages of grief, the storms that accompany it, and ways of dealing with loss. Join at any time during the 13 weeks. For more info, contact BJ Nave at rnave@frazerumc.org or (334) 495-6343.

Saturday, February 6

Millbrook Mardi Gras Parade & Festival The Festival grounds will officially open at 9 a.m. at Village Green in Millbrook. The parade will begin at noon after the staging at Mill Creek Park. The park is located behind The Smokehouse Bar-BQ restaurant on Main Street. The Millbrook Revelers Mardi Gras Festival and Parade are FAMILY FRIENDLY. Alcohol is not permitted on the Festival grounds or on any of the parade floats. For more info, visit www.millbrookrevelers.org.

Tuesday, February 9

Lunch and Learn with Carolyn Strickland Wilson YMCA, 1445 Wilson Park Drive, Montgomery. Kickstart your health in 2021! Learn the latest nutrition information, enjoy a cooking demonstration and taste healthy delicious dishes. Cost for YMCA members is $5, non-members $10. To register, contact mpeake@ymcamontgomery.org or call (334) 271-4343.

Wednesday, February 10

An Evening with Bethany Collins 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free via Zoom. Join the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Muses Teen Council virtually as they welcome artist Bethany Collins for a Q&A session. Topics will include her career as an artist, her inspiration, her artistic process and more. This event is open to all River Region teens. For more info, call (334) 625-4333 or visit mmfa.org. Art+Letters: I.M. Pei (A Profile in American Architecture Revised Edition) Noon-1 p.m. Come take part in the Museum’s monthly reading group featuring works of art historical fiction and nonfiction. All discussions take place online via Zoom and last about an hour. To join the discussion, follow the link at mmfa.org/event/artletters-i-m-pei/.

River Region Parents I February 2021

Saturday, February 13

Wetumpka Depot Players Present It’s a Wonderful Life - Radio Play -- Also February 14 Written by Joe Landry and directed by Kristy Meanor. Due to COVID19 numbers soaring in our community, we recorded this production in December and now it is being offered as an online production that you may purchase and watch in the comfort of your own home! There are two different casts; choose one or watch both! Visit www.wetumpkadepot.com/ or call (334) 868-1440 to get online access.

and Joyce Caddell Sculpture Garden entrance. For more info, call (334) 625-4333 or visit mmfa.org.

Thursday, February 18

2021 Lunchtime Lecture Series: Food For Thought Third Thursdays at noon. Fascinating hour-long lectures on the history of Alabama presented by the Alabama Department of Archives & History. Admission is always free! *Some of our 2021 programs will be offered virtually only. Visit archives.alabama.gov for the latest information. Today’s topic is “Hallowed Grounds: Race, Slavery, and the University of Alabama,” presented by Hilary Green. Friends and Newcomers Club of Prattville/ Millbrook 9:30 a.m. at Bon Appetit in Millbrook. General meeting every third Thursday. All ladies welcome. Following the meeting we will have our Valentine luncheon/party. Contact Nancy Schrull for details and directions at (334) 414-8185 or Nschrull47@gmail.com. Red Door Theatre in Union Springs Presents Hank Williams: The Lonesome Tour -Through Feb. 21 7:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat.; 2:30 p.m. Sun. Dream Field Farms, 6376 US Hwy. 82, Fitzpatrick. In 2002, Jason Petty began portraying the legend Hank Williams in the critically acclaimed musical biography, Lost Highway, on country music’s biggest stage, the world famous Ryman Auditorium. The show went to New York and made its debut where Jason earned off-Broadway’s highest acting award, The Obie, for his riveting portrayal of this musical genius and tortured soul. An optional dinner will be catered at 6:30 (except on Sunday) with reservations required. Play tickets are $20 per person; dinner is $15 per person. For tickets or more info, call (334) 738-8687 or visit www.reddoortheatre.org.

Montgomery Zoo Animal Enrichment Day 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tour the Zoo and observe how animals respond to an assortment of new creative and behavior-stimulating enrichment items. More than 15 species will take part in the semi-annual event, including the tigers, elephants, chimpanzees, and jaguars. Presented in the form of special toys, unique scents, puzzles, boxed goodies or food treats, the enrichment items provide Zoo animals with both mental and physical exercise. For more info, call (334) 625-4900 or visit www.montgomeryzoo.com/.

Cloverdale Playhouse Presents The Quality of Life -- Through February 28 Written by Jane Anderson and directed by Sarah Walker Thornton, this “magnetic work of theater” is filled with compassion, honesty and humor. Dinah and Bill, a devout, church-going couple from the Midwest, are struggling to keep their lives intact after the loss of their daughter. Dinah is compelled to reconnect with her left-leaning cousins in Berkeley, California who are going through their own trials. The two couples – one solidly on the left, the other resolute in their conservative Christian beliefs – are made to confront their huge dissimilarities. This production will be filmed and made available as a video-on-demand online. Call (334) 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse. org/ for more info.

Sunday, February 14

Thursday, February 25

Home Studio: Chinese New Year 2–4 p.m. Celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts by creating fun art projects at home with the whole family. The Museum will provide free supply kits for families to safely pick up upon request (limit 6 per household). Each kit will come with the materials needed to complete the activity with written instructions. Activities are great for all ages and available while supplies last. Kits will be available for curbside pick-up at the Museum’s gatehouse to the John

Millbrook Community Theatre Presents The Nerd Through March 7 7:30 p.m. performances Thursday through Saturdays; 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays. A side-splitting comedy written by Larry Shue and directed by Stephanie McGuire. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Call (334) 782-7317 or visit www.millbrooktheatre.com/. ArtTalk at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 6-8 p.m. Free. For more than two decades, the Museum’s ArtTalk has offered local artists constructive feedback and camaraderie. Through its current virtual format, artists from beyond the River Region are able to enjoy the artful discussion too! Participants are invited to submit a work of art or just join the inspiring conversation. Free via Zoom. For more info, call (334) 625-4333 or visit mmfa.org.

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Friday, February 26

Mann Museum Flashlight Tour, Education Program and Family Fun 5:30-8:30 p.m. Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Museum, 2301 Coliseum Parkway. A night featuring a flashlight tour of the Mann Museum, scavenger hunts, games, live animal presentations, and a whole lot more. Geared for boys and girls aged 5-12 years old, and their parents. Everyone leaves with a take-home, keepsake goody bag. Advanced reservations required and must be registered no later than Friday, February 26 @ noon. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD ON THE NIGHT OF THE EVENT! For more info, call (334) 625-4909 or e-mail zooinfo@montgomeryal.gov.

Saturday, February 27

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Miles For Smiles 5K &10K Run start times: 9 a.m. 10 K / 9:05 a.m. 5K. This fun run is for all fitness levels, virtual option available! Proceeds benefit our the YMCA’s Annual Support Campaign, including scholarships for Camp Chandler. Cost: $35 including race T-shirt. Professional Chip Timing by About Time Events. Register at any YMCA branch, online or ATE-timing.com. For more info, contact Lila at (334) 269-4362 or lbowers@ymcamontgomery.org. Also, visit ymcamontgomery.org. Zoo Volunteer Serve Day 9 a.m.-4 p.m. We are picking a single day to gather volunteer groups to accomplish several tasks, including landscaping, trimming bushes, planting flowers, raking leaves, painting, and overall prepping the Zoo for upcoming events. Volunteers can be adults, teens, civic groups, school groups, church groups, businesses, military squadrons, and families. Volunteers ages 12-16 must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian or designated group chaperone. Volunteers under the age of 19 must obtain parent / legal guardian permission to volunteer. For more info, call (334) 625-4900 or visit www.montgomeryzoo.com/. 12th Annual Russell Forest Run 7:45-11 a.m. 19 Russell Farms Road, Alexander City. The 10K and 5K runs will still offer runners a chance to join us in person at Russell Crossroads, or you can run on your own virtually. $40 registration fee. For more info, call (256) 397-1019 or visit www.russellforestrun. com/.

Friday, March 5

Alabama Dance Theatre Presents Ballet’s Greatest Hits and World Premieres -Through March 7 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Troy University’s Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. Performance tickets are $15-$30 and go on sale starting February 8. For more info, call (334) 625-2590 or visit alabamadancetheatre.com.

Wednesday, March 10

MPAC Live Presents Mac McAnally 6:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $37. For tickets or more info, call (334) 481-5100 or visit www.mpaconline.org/.

Please send calendar info to editor@riverregionparents.com. 63

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Heather: Finding family activities that everyone enjoys is challenging! On occasion we play board games together -- 7 Wonders is our favorite. We’ve also taken several online cooking classes offered by The Pantry, a cooking school in Seattle. For my oldest son’s birthday last month we made Afghani dumplings together. The pandemic has given us time to explore our own hobbies. My oldest manipulates the code of Gamecube and Wii games, making them widescreen or tweaking other things about them. He’s been doing this for years and has a Youtube channel with about 750 subscribers. My younger son is 15, and like most 15 year olds, he’s obsessed with online gaming. He’s also surprisingly well versed in politics, history and media, and fun to chat with. My husband decided to amp up his biking in the early days of COVID and biked 5000 miles last year. I biked about 200 of those with him. We also started a dorodango project-- aka playing in the mud. Dorodango is a Japanese art form in which water and earth are molded into a sphere with your hands and then dried and polished to a high shine. Sourcing clay from a variety of local spots has been a fun way to take us to out-of-the-way places. I’m also learning to work with sourdough and have managed to bake some pretty fantastic bread.

Heather Coleman

Today we are sitting down with Heather Coleman, who shares with us a glimpse into her life as a mom to two boys, and what life during a pandemic has looked like for her family of four.

RRP: What do you hope your sons will learn from you during this time? Heather: Wear a mask and stay home to protect others. Speak out against injustice or racism or classism or sexism. Practice compassion. Realize that growth is sometimes painful. Learn how to find joy in the details of life. . RRP: What are some tips you have for moms who find themselves balancing work life with mom life?

RRP: You are a mom to a child in college and a child in high school. How would you describe your parenting style now compared to when you were a brand new mom?

Heather: Find your tribe. I think that goes for all moms. It’s important to surround yourself with people who can support you-- be that physical or mental support. Freelancing has allowed me flexibility, but it means sacrificing daily interaction with other adults. Finding women I can commiserate with, go to for advice, or simply talk about random bits of books, art, theatre or music with has helped me feel like I am a person who exists outside of my job and my family. That helps me be able to give my all to both without feeling like I am short changing myself in the process.

Heather: At this stage of my life, I’m less focused on getting everything right. When my kids were small I thought that every choice had to be the perfect one. I cloth diapered, made organic baby food from scratch, worried about where the kids slept and for how long, debated whether Baby Einstein watching counted as TV and a million other details. Life has taught me that for the most part, those details don’t matter. I’ve discovered that a parent’s primary job is to raise confident, kind, adaptable adults, and part of that is letting kids make decisions, even if you know they aren’t ideal.

RRP: What is your favorite meal to share as a family? Heather: Our favorite carryout is from El Taco Shop. Everyone has something that they love, and they have done a fantastic job with curbside during the pandemic. If I am cooking, the family favorite is likely a toss up between short ribs and homemade pizza. For years I’ve stalked forums and websites in search of the perfect pizza dough. My family has deeply enjoyed my attempts, but I’ve always felt like they weren’t quite right. Last spring I started making sourdough bread, and applying some of the skills that I have learned from that is helping me fine tune my pizzas. I’ve actually got pizza dough proofing now-- I’m using my sourdough starter instead of yeast!

RRP: If you could go back to when you first found out you were expecting your oldest son, what advice would you give yourself? Heather: The hardest thing about being a parent for me is letting go, realizing that there are a multitude of things I don’t have control over. My oldest is on the autism spectrum, and I had to learn how to let go of timelines and expectations, and focus on parenting the kid that I had, not the kid that I thought that I’d have. I’d advise an expecting mom to toss out the parenting books and all of those expectations. Look at your kid, figure out what is challenging him and how to help him through that moment, and then teach the skills that will make that challenge a little easier next time.

Heather and her husband,Mark, have been married for 23 years and are parents to Liam (19) and Simon (15). Liam is a sophomore at University of Alabama at Huntsville, majoring in Aerospace Engineering. Simon is a sophomore at LAMP. She is a freelance researcher and writer. She also manages the Montgomery Public Schools Community Board of Education page on Facebook, which currently has over 6,000 community members.

RRP: During the COVID-19 pandemic, what are some family activities that you have enjoyed?

River Region Parents I February 2021

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