FamilyCalendar

The Tempest by William Shakespeare Alabama Shakespeare Theatre, 1 Festival Dr. Montgomery, AL, 36117 Shakespeare’s final play is a story of adventure, magic, music, and forgiveness. Recommended for ages 13+

(334) 271-5353 www.asf.net

Friday February 24

Mann Museum Flashlight Tour / Family Fun Night Event

5:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Museum, 2301 Coliseum Blvd. Montgomery, AL, 36110 Mann Museum Flashlight Tour is an educational program and family fun night with hands-on experience, all sorts of adventure, and lots of fun. It is geared for boys and girls aged 5-12 years old, and their parents. All participants must be registered no later than Friday, February 24 @ 12pm (noon).

(334) 625-4905 www.montgomeryzoo.com/

Saturday February 25

Miles for Smiles ($30)

8:00 AM Downtown YMCA, 761 South Perry St. Montgomery, AL, 36104 Join us for our 3rd Annual “Miles for Smiles” 5K ! Sprint into spring with this fun run! It is for all fitness levels, and ages! Proceeds benefit our Annual Support Campaign; including scholarships for our very own YMCA Camp Chandler. (334) 269-4362 www.ymcamontgomery.org/event/ miles-for-smiles/

Fine Arts is proud to host Body and Form: Diverse Beauty, a panel discussion focusing on depictions of the Black body in art.

(334) 625-4333 www.mmfa.org

The ABBA Tribute

7:00 PM Montgomery Performing Arts Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street Montgomery, AL, 36104 From London’s West End to Las Vegas, MANIA the ABBA tribute remains the world’s NO. 1 touring ABBA tribute show. Visit www.maniatheshow.com.

(334) 481-5100 www.mpaconline.org

Wednesday March 1

Azaleas for Alabama GardensMontgomery County Lunch and Learn (free)

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Montgomery Cultural Arts Center, 1018 Madison Ave Montgomery, AL, 36104 Advanced Master Gardener, David Doggett will discuss azaleas in the Alabama Landscape. This program is FREE and available for everyone. Waters will be provided and bring a sack lunch to enjoy while you listen and learn!

(334) 270-4133

Friday March 3

Alabama Dance Theatre presents Spring Gala

7:00 PM Troy University’s Davis Theatre, 251 Montgomery St Montgomery, AL, 36104 Spring Gala, a celebration of the season.

Sunday March 5

Alabama Dance Theatre presents Spring Gala 2:00 PM Details on March 3.

Saturday March 11

2023 Montgomery Half & 5K

7-11 a.m. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Montgomery Half Marathon presented by Montgomery Multisport and the Enlisted Heritage 5K will take runners through the heart of the capital city of Alabama. For more info, find us on Facebook.

Friday, March 17

2023 SLE Rodeo -- Through March 19

5 p.m. Garrett Coliseum. The rodeo includes buckin’ broncos, barrel racing, burly bulls and family fun for all ages! Kids can enjoy a stick horse rodeo before every performance. The Western Festival on Saturday will feature games and activities like dummy roping, mutton busting and wagon rides to teach you all about the life of a cowboy. For more info, visit https://slerodeo.com/.

Saturday, March 18

Selma to Montgomery Relay and Bike Ride

6:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Pilcher-McBryde Drug Company Rexall Drugs, 101 Broad Street, Selma. Commemorate the 1965 world renowned march led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The race will start in Selma and end at the State Capitol in Montgomery. For more info, e-mail info@ wjrclub.com or visit https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/ AL/Selma/SelmatoMontgomery51MileRelay.

Please check with each venue prior to attending the event to verify the information provided is still ac-

JA: Go for it! Getting started is the most challenging step. However, things come together, and you can always pivot, rebrand and repurpose along the way. Be willing to accept assistance and advice, and never give up. Success takes time, so buckle up and enjoy the journey!

RRP: What’s your favorite thing about being your boss on your terms?

JA: My favorite thing about being my boss is the flexibility to mother my children in the way my heart desires. As a military mom, I always feared leaving my children and missing their school events, sports, and other milestones. Since starting my business, I have been able to show up for them and prioritize motherhood in a way that makes me proud.

RRP: If you had to choose one mom mantra for yourself, what would it be?

JA: “Motherhood has revealed my strengths.” Since becoming a mom, I have learned that I am stronger than I sometimes give myself credit. My children inspire me to forge ahead and work hard because I know they look up to me.

RRP: Your creativity is a gift. Do you have any creative mom hacks to share with mom friends?

JA: Thank you. I believe everyone has talent. Use whatever your talent is and share that with your children. One thing I love to do is save my children’s school and artwork. I’ve created a binder for each child, filled them with document protectors, and I insert report cards, pictures, awards, art projects, letters, etc. It’s a simple and organized way to document their childhood, and I can make it as simple or creative as I’d like.

RRP: What has been the most challenging period of motherhood for you, and how did you deal with it?

JA: The hardest period of motherhood for me was going from one to two children. With my boys being two years apart, balancing new motherhood, being an active-duty military officer, and my own needs was difficult. I’ve since learned to prioritize my well-being because I am no good to my family if I can’t show up as my best self. I prioritize rest, exercise, wellness, and social interactions with my peers to ensure I don’t lose myself in the marathon of motherhood.

RRP: What are fun things that you enjoy doing with your children?

JA: We love to dance! We have several impromptu dance parties while cleaning up after dinner and on the weekends. I also enjoy attending their sporting events and traveling with them. It’s always so much fun introducing them to new things and hearing them laugh!

Jasmine Allen is from Cross, SC, and moved to Montgomery in 2014 to serve in the Air Force. She’s been married to JC Allen for eight years and they have three children: Byron (9), Tyson (7), and Jordyn (3).