River Region Parents - March 2022 by KeepSharing

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River Region Parents I March 2022

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March2022 60

Volume 27 Number 3

Columns 6 Editor’s Note DeAnne Watson

8 Kids Say the Wisest Things

Why Summer Camp is Great for Parents

Enjoy your time while they’re away.

What Type of Camp Will Your Child Like?

Choose based on their personality.

Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

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

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

48 Elmore Education Matters

by Superintendent Richard Dennis

54 Teens, Tweens & Screens by Kristi Bush, LSW

Summer Camp Guide

Find the perfect camp for your child in our extensive listing.

Avoid Parent Burnout Advice for making it through the often difficult teen years.

58 Dinner’s Ready by Kimberley Carter Spivey

Departments On The Cover Caleb Iyegha (7) is the son of Dr. Joshua and Mrs. Sophia Iyegha. He attends MacMillan Magnet School along with his sister, Brooke (9). Caleb also has two younger sisters, Natalie and Pauline and they attend Bee Smart Childcare Developement Center. Caleb loves running track for the YMCA and also enjoys skateboarding, riding his bike, basketball, helping his dad barbecue, and playing with friends.

12 Teacher of the Month 16 School Bits 76 Family Calendar 80 Mom to Mom

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Editor’sNote

Parents

Spring is almost here and, though hard to believe, school will be out in just a couple of months. Have you started making plans for summer break? Sure, we all enjoy some downtime in the summer, including lazy afternoons by the pool, letting our teens sleep late and allowing for days with absolutely nothing on the schedule. However, we also want our kids to thrive during summer by keeping active, making new friends, growing in independence or maybe even learning a brand new skill or sport. Our goal each March is to share with your family the many wonderful opportunities that await you in our Annual Summer Camp Issue! Over the years, our three children have participated in a variety of summer camps from sports to computer to overnight camps, and more. Last year was a big milestone for our youngest, Grace, as she attended a two-week residential camp in north Alabama. We knew it was a big step for her, but also felt sure she would have a blast making new friends and participating in activities and social events all day, every day. We were right! The camp she attended posted pictures daily of campers riding horses, climbing ropes courses, participating in skits, swimming in the lake and so much more. Grace’s face was lit up with a bright smile in every single one. My 10-year-old who had asked that we write her every day, and told us how much she would miss us, actually never wrote a single letter back. Thank goodness for the pictures or we might have been worried! When we picked her up and asked why she never wrote us she simply said, “I didn’t have time.” What more could parents ask for than for their child to have technologyfree days filled with outdoor fun and new friends, while making memories that will last a lifetime. Grace is headed back to the same camp this year, and though she is a little nervous all over again, she can’t wait! Jason and I are pretty excited about it ourselves, and not just for Grace, but for us. While she is away we plan to do a little traveling and reconnecting as a couple, savoring the time away from the responsibilities and distractions children bring to each day. If that sounds good to you, check out Tanni Haas’ article, Why Camp is Great For...PARENTS. If your child isn’t quite ready for overnight camp, there are many other types of camps to choose from right here in our area and in nearby communities. A good first step is to sit down with your child and discover what he or she would most enjoy. Cheryl Maguire’s article, What Type of Camp Will Your Child Like, breaks down the different types of camps most often available, including sports, art/music, traditional day camps and more. Next, flip to our Summer Camp Guide for details on hundreds of camps, including session dates, activities included, costs and contact information. You and your children may want to peruse the guide with highlighter in hand, marking their favorite options, then start narrowing down from there. Whatever your schedule or budget, you’ll find a camp to fit your family’s needs and desires. Let’s start planning a summer to remember for our kids, keeping in mind the added benefit of some extra time to ourselves, with friends or with the one we love. Happy Camping!

DeAnne

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

Associate Editor Alison Rouse Research Editor Wendy McCollum Contributing Writers Kristi Bush, LSW Richard Dennis Tanni Haas, Ph.D. Dr. Charles Ledbetter Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA Dr. Ann Roy Moore Cheryl Maguire Kimberley Carter Spivey Cover Photography Judy Barranco www.judybarrancophotography.com

Publisher Jason Watson jason@riverregionparents.com

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

Member

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River Region Parents I March 2022

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.

River Region Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing LLC, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, Alabama, 36123. River Region Parents is copyrighted 2022 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. opinions expressed in River Region Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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by Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

“Who Made Communication So Hard?” (Part 3: Teens) A wise and heartbroken teen asked, “Who made communication so hard?” She said this after having a difficult week attempting to advocate for herself. As parents of children over the age of 11, our most important role is to model effective and appropriate communication. To do this well, we have to be quiet, be self-aware, accept responsibility when we fail, ask for forgiveness, and model what we want to see. Talk less and listen more. Let’s be honest, children between the ages of 11 and 18 can be ridiculous. At times, they are overly impulsive, selfish, and talk without thinking. Most of this is because their brains and bodies are hijacked by hormones. Despite their irrationality, it is vital for parents to listen without interrupting. Believe it or not, simply listening to their foolish complaints and outlandish opinions does not equate to agreeing with them. When we al-

River Region Parents I March 2022

low teens to talk without correction, they are often able to hear the childishness in their own words and amend their own thinking. This is something I see over and over again. It is interesting to see their facial expressions when they realize what they are saying! If you want your children to listen, you must be a listener. Model what you want to see. Become fully selfaware. Are you full of fear? Do you treat everyone fairly? Do you always tell the truth? Are you always kind? The old saying, “behavior is caught not taught” is true. You have to model what you want to see. To do this, you have to be fully honest with yourself about your own behavior. Take time to truly reflect. You may want to ask your spouse or a close friend how you come across to others. Make sure you are modeling what you want to see. Ask for forgiveness. Sadly, we all make huge mistakes with the people we love

most. We yell when we should remain calm, we punish when we should give grace, we interrupt when we should be listening. You will fail during at least one interaction with your child. When you do, sincerely apologize. Use this interaction to demonstrate how you should have responded. Model what you want to see. At this stage of development, children tend to withdraw emotionally from their parents. It is natural for them to begin subconsciously valuing the opinions/advice of friends and other adults. I know it is hard, but it is vital for parents to resist the urge to drown out these voices by becoming louder. You do not want your child to become an argumentative, angry, loud, critical, and frustrated person, so do not model that behavior. Instead, pray for your children’s friends to teach them to be effective communicators. Pray for your children to gain wisdom from every adult. Children learn valuable lessons from both good and bad examples. If possible, surround your child with adults who are modeling what you want to see. Despite what the situation looks like, do not lose hope. Always remind yourself that you are not your teenage self. Your child will also mature past these years.

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

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Savannah Bananas at Riverwalk Stadium

2022 Montgomery Half Marathon & 5K

ADT Presents Beauty & the Beast

March 12 * 7-11 a.m. 200 Coosa Street, Montgomery Sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. The route unfolds through several of the city’s historic sites and districts and brings runners past the State Capitol building in the home stretch. For more info, find us on Facebook.

March 4-6 * Troy University’s Davis Theatre It’s a “tale as old as time,” a story of love and failed first impressions. For more info, call (334) 625-2590 or visit www.alabamadancetheatre.com.

Wetumpka Community Market

March 26-27 * 9 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. The weekend will be filled with great music, live entertainment, animal presentations and programs, games, prizes, rides, tons of yummy concessions and fun. For more info, call (334) 625-4900 or visit www.montgomeryzoo.com/.

April 7 * 4-7 p.m. First Thursdays Merchant’s Ally in Downtown Wetumpka The Community Market showcases a variety of handmade, homemade and homegrown products created by local artisans and farmers. It features more than 40 unique booths and vendors and one-of a-kind items each month. Market favorites include: fresh locally grown produce, honey, jams, jellies, salsa, pottery, art, leather products, fresh baked goods, wood items, wreaths, plants and more. Open to the public; no charge for admission. Visit www.facebook.com/Mainstreet communityMarketWetumpka.

Down to Earth Day

March 31 * 4-6:30 p.m. Pike Road Agricultural, Recreation and Performing Arts Center, 6281 Trotman Road, Pike Road. Familyfriendly farm-related activities and displays, food and media competitions, giveaways and more. Visit www.downtoearthal.com/down-to-earth-day. River Region Parents I March 2022

March 25 & 26 (March 25 is sold out) The Savannah Bananas are a circus-like baseball team who have sold out every game since 2016. This is the most FUN you’ll ever have at a baseball game! Visit www.thesavannahbananas.com for tickets.

Local Live Theatre

Millbrook Community Players present Deliver Us from Mama March 3-6. Directed by Stephanie McGuire. Tickets are $15. For tickets, visit www.millbrooktheater.com/ or call (334) 782-7317. Wetumpka Depot Players present A Storm Came Up March 3-12. Written and directed by Kristy Meanor, based on Alabama sports journalist Doug Segrest’s electrifying novel of the same title. For tickets or more info on these shows, call (334) 868-1440 or visit www. wetumpkadepot.com. Alabama Shakespeare Festival presents Little Shop of Horrors March 3-April 3. Music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman; directed by Rick Dildine. Recommended for ages 15+. For tickets or more info, visit https://asf.net/ or call (334) 271-5353. A Stage Combat Workshop for Teens will be offered March 12 from 10 a.m.noon at Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre. James Henry (MFA in Acting) will conduct the FREE workshop for ages 13-18, but registration is required. For info, call (334) 595-0850 or find us on Facebook.

Upcoming Events at the MPAC

Sammy Kershaw & Collin Raye March 4 @ 8 p.m. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band March 6 @ 7:30 p.m. Paul Thorn March 13 @ 6 p.m. Bob Dylan March 21 @ 8 p.m. The Oak Ridge Boys March 24 @ 7 p.m. Jim Gaffigan March 28 @ 7 p.m. Sawyer Brown April 2 @ 7:30 p.m. For tickets or more info, visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100. 10

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Wilson Pickett Music and Arts Festival

April 2 * 10 a.m.-5 p.m. art 10 a.m.-9 p.m. music. Annual event held at Pratt Park in downtown Prattville, celebrating the arts and the legacy of Wilson Pickett, a Prattville native. Festivities include an entertainment stage, food vendors, children’s activities and an artist village, featuring local and regional artists representing a variety of media. For info, visit https://www.wilsonpickettfestival.com/ or call (334) 595-0850.

Chalk Art Festival

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts April 1 * 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Come and see what talented artists can do with a simple parking space. This year’s theme is journeys and travel inspired by the exhibition, Pairs and Partners: The Road Less Traveled. The event will feature traveling chalk artists who will be working alongside students, individuals and community members. Participation is free and all chalking materials will be provided. We are inviting both individuals and groups of 4 or less of all ages to participate. Schools are also encouraged to register to bring their students to create chalk art in the Museum’s parking lot. For more info, call (334) 625-4333 or visit https://mmfa.org/event/chalk-artfestival/.

Prattville Pops Spring Concert

2022 Southeastern Live Expo Rodeo

March 18-20 * 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/.

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March 13 * 3 p.m. Doster Center, Prattville Free admission. This year the Pops will present a concert that features musical milestones, such as pieces that are achieving a special anniversary, or that were featured in recent movie remakes. For more info, visit www.prattvilleal.gov or call (334) 595-0850.

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Misty Trussell Dalraida Elementary School

Being a teacher is something that Misty doesn’t take lightly. She strives to help her students learn life and character skills that can help them in all stages of life. She implemented a project called the “Kindness Cups” in her classroom. Each student gets the opportunity to give a heart if they have done or said something kind. The cups receive hearts all year long, and at the end of the year, students take them home to share with their families. Mistry Trussell has three goals for her classroom. First, to be flexible to work in different ways. Second, to have insight and learn the strengths and weaknesses of her students. And third, to have excellent communication skills with parents as a partnership. Misty plans to continue working with gifted students for many years to come. After retirement, she plans to continue helping in education and mentoring other teachers who are just starting on the journey in teaching.

For 26 years, Misty Trussell has dedicated her professional career to molding children into future leaders. She graduated from Auburn University at Montgomery with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. Misty also completed a gifted certification from Troy State University. She’s served 23 years in general education, and this year marks her third year as a gifted teacher. Misty shares why she chose Dalraida Elementary School, “Dalraida is a wonderful school full of outstanding students, teachers, and parents. There is such a family atmosphere at Dalraida, and everyone is always willing to help each other during the good times and difficult times.” Deciding to become a gifted teacher was a calling that Misty accepted graciously. Over the years, she has always worked with gifted children in her general education classroom. And her co-workers encouraged her to become a gifted teacher, and when the opportunity presented itself, Misty knew it was the right fit for her. “Working with gifted students who are quick thinkers requires a teacher who knows how to meet them where they are and recognize their strengths and capabilities,” she shares.

Misty has been married to her husband Joe for 16 years. They live in Wetumpka, with their fur babies Jesse, a German Shepherd (11 years old), and Jackie Bell, a Border Collie/Golden Retriever (12 years old).

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Educators Prepare Students to Meet Literacy Act Standards Starting this year, third-grade students must prove they have mastered basic reading skills before being promoted to fourth grade. MPS educators are working hard to ensure that our third-grade students are prepared to meet these standards. The Alabama Legislature passed the Alabama Literacy Act in 2019, and this new law takes effect for the 2021-2022 school year. The goal is for every child in the state to be able to read by the end of third grade. Reading is indeed an absolutely essential skill for all students, and we have developed strategies for improving literacy among elementary students.

There are several ways for students to demonstrate their ability to read at a sufficient level, and some students may be able to receive a Good Cause Exemption. Those who may qualify for exemptions include certain students with disabilities, certain English language learners, and those who have received intensive reading intervention and were previously retained for a total of two years. This law has created a new challenge for our third-grade teachers, reading specialists and other education professionals. The good news is that they are up to the challenge. There are several strategies in place to help our third-graders meet standards. First and foremost, we use our formative assessment data to identify deficit areas for each student. We use this information to determine specific intervention methods that will best help students learn what they have not yet mastered. We frequently monitor their progress, providing data that helps us determine whether strategies are working, and make adjustments as needed. Being aware of the essential skills and standards third-grade students must master,

we document each third-grader’s mastery of the required standards and provide targeted support as needed. A primary goal of every third-grade student is to pass the reading section of the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program, or ACAP, which they will be taking this spring. Teachers are helping students with both content knowledge and test-taking skills. Students take tests throughout the year with a similar format to the one they will encounter in the ACAP. This way, students will be less likely to have a lower score simply because they did not understand how the test works. I believe using these strategies will help ensure as many of our third-graders as possible are ready to meet and exceed the standards set forth by the state.

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

Saint James Announces Winners in High School Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

The following Saint James students are winners in the High School Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Gold Keys were awarded to Carter Miller in the category of Drawing & Illustration and Aroa Jung in the Painting category. Jung was also awarded Honorable Mention in the Drawing & Illustration category. Silver Key winners were Sierra Boles in Photography and Wendy Stombaugh in Painting. Luke Beasley was awarded Honorable Mention in Drawing & Illustration. Cole Williams was awarded Honorable Mention in Digital Art, and Bandgi Patel also received Honorable Mention in Photography. The two Gold Key winners will move on to the second round of judging for National Recognition and Awards. The national award winners will be announced March 23. The winners listed here represent the classes of Art 1, Art 2, Art 3, Photography, Graphic Design, AP Drawing, and AP 2D Design. These classes are taught by Evelyn Shoults. Front row from left are Wendy Stombaugh, Aroa Jung and Bandgi Patel; back row: Luke Beasley, Carter Miller, Cole Williams and Sierra Boles.

Capitol Heights, Carr Middle Robotics Teams Place in Tournament

The robotics teams from Capitol Heights and Carr middle schools had a great debut on the state stage, with both placing in the top six at the state robotics tournament at Auburn University. The Capitol Heights team finished in fifth place and one of the Carr teams finished in sixth place out of 31 teams. This is the first year that every school in the Montgomery Public Schools system has a robotics team.

Eastwood Grammar School Handwriting Competition Winners BrewTech Plays Host to Korean Teaching Students

Brewbaker Technology Magnet High had the privilege of hosting a delegation of graduate students from Korea. The Rambassadors, BrewTech’s official student hosts, also welcomed Korean professors and gave them a tour of the school’s STEM-certified program. The Korean graduate students are pursuing education degrees at Global Teachers University through the Alabama-Korea Education and Economic Partnership, or A-KEEP, one of MPS’ cherished community partners. The BrewTech family made lasting ties with the special guests during their time in Alabama. Pictured are Rambassadors, Korean students and BrewTech Principal April Lee. River Region Parents I March 2022

The following Eastwood Christian School students have been selected as school winners in the annual grammar school handwriting competition. The winners in grades one through five represent the school in the state-level competition for the Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Competition: kindergarten, J.J. Miller; first grade, Jace Allen; second grade, Jesse Beaver; third grade, Sadler McClure; fourth grade, Emmie Jones; and fifth grade, Amy Kate Coon. www.riverregionparents.com

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Montgomery County Schools

Bear Celebrates Black History Month

Bear Exploration Center third-grade students brought history to life in celebration of Black History Month with oral and written presentations about famous inventors, scientists and mathematicians. Students pictured represent Otis Boykin, Bessie Coleman and Thomas Jennings.

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Dr. Dunn and the Tooth Fairy Visit ACA’s 2nd Grade The staff from Dr. Dunn’s office at Just for Grins comes each year to visit the Alabama Christian Academy second-graders during February for dental health month. Dr. Dunn and her assistant, Sparkle the tooth fairy, discussed the importance of taking good care of your teeth. They presented a magic show that the classes thoroughly enjoyed!

River Region Parents I March 2022

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STJ Students Participate in Junior Youth Legislature

On January 28, Saint James 7th- and 8th-grade students visited the Alabama State Capitol to participate in Junior Youth Legislature. This program is part of Youth in Government and is an introduction to the legislative process. Students participated in workshops on the bill writing process and parliamentary procedure. Seventh-graders who participated were Kaci Armistead, Sloan Ledford, Natali McCord, Conrad Miller, Zachary Rains, Abigail Roark, Aidan Saldanha, Anne Kingsley Shaul and Grace Smith. Eighth-graders who attended were MaryEllis Killough, Macy Potts and Jessica Tran. The team works under the guidance of 7th-grade teacher Diane Gilliland. Students are shown at the Alabama State Capitol.

Montgomery Catholic 4th-Grader Wins Regional Spelling Bee

Justin Lee, a fourth-grader at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, won the Montgomery Regional Spelling Bee on February 7. He successfully spelled 44 words correctly during the competition. He will move on to the Statewide competition on March 26 in Birmingham. Lee is an avid reader and currently holds the national record for the most Accelerated Reader points earned in a nine-month period with 2,718.6 points.

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Montgomery County Schools

Montgomery Christian Forms First Basketball Team

Montgomery Christian School had the opportunity to field its very first Hoops League Basketball team. Made possible by generous donors, nine boys in grades 4 and 5 were able to compete in eight regular season games and one tournament game. The team practiced two times a week at Holy Spirit Elementary School plus the players received a basketball to practice on their own at home. Our team would not have been possible without so many people in the community willing to give their time—especially Coaches Ben Lott, Ken Moates and Carlos Smith. The school celebrated the team with a pep rally before the last game, a first also for MCS students.

Montgomery Academy Students Create Book Advertisements

In Kelsey Reagan’s classroom, Montgomery Academy fifthgrade students were challenged to choose any fiction book to read over the winter break. Instead of a traditional book report, students were tasked to plan, design and create a T-shirt advertisement for their book. Students proudly wore their shirt creations to school and gave a two-minute book talk pitch trying to persuade their classmates to read their book.

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TEA Christian Academy Holds Awards Program

TEA (Talent, Education and Arts) Christian Academy held its second nine weeks awards program which included acknowledging Black History Month. The program was held on site as well as virtually, and parents who joined virtually truly enjoyed the program. On-site and hybrid students participated and shared with devotion and the Black history portion of the program. Honor students (A and A-B), the Bridge Builder Student (Jamari Davis), and the Leadership Student of the Month (Jakkobi Black) all received Certificates of Excellence. TEA’s school motto was the theme for the program—Taking an Extra Step Towards Educational Excellence—which highlighted four foundational tools (Empower, Encourage, Inspire and Motivate). During the month of February, as a project, all students were responsible for spotlighting a Black history maker each school day. This gave them an opportunity to learn even more about the contributions of Blacks in history. The knowledge about the past enabled students to better understand the struggles, life-changing inventions, and notable accomplishments of those who paved the way for all of us to freely embrace the present, with a renewed hope for a future where there is liberty and justice for all.

100 Days at Evangel Christian Academy

Evangel Christian Academy’s Elementary classes recently celebrated the 100th day of school. The children participated in several activities that highlighted the number 100. Many students dressed up to look like they were 100 years old. 21

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Macon East Academy Competes in AISA State Math Competitions

Macon East Academy recently competed in the AISA State Middle School and High School math competition. Middle School participants were: Madison Vocino, Braiden Watkins, Sarah Davis, Parker Ruskin, Chrissy Cooper and Cole Streetman. High School participants were: Luke Noffsinger, Ethan Jones, Rachel Major, Jack Jones, Alison Magda and Matthew Kitchens.

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MA Students Make Rose Windows

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

As they prepared for this year’s Culture Study featuring Germany, Montgomery Academy Lower School students learned about stained glass and specifically “rose windows” in BeeLee Tullos’s art class. Students then created their own German rose window pieces from black fadeless paper and colored cellophane. On a sun-ny day, they add a delightful pop of color to the campus hallways!

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BTW Students Place in Reflections Competition

Several Booker T. Washington Magnet High Photography and Creative Writing students placed in the Montgomery County PTSA Reflections competition. Arial Miller won first place in Photography, and Jayden Amir Robinson won second place. Alyah Dunbar won first place in Literature, and Jamesyn Williams won third place. Pictured is Arial Miller’s winning photograph.

ACA Seniors Visit Alabama Shakespeare Festival

Alabama Christian Academy seniors have been studying Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. They were privileged to be able to visit Alabama Shakespeare Festival to watch the live performance. Our theater class also attended the play with them. It is always fun to be able to take a field trip to see a play that you have been studying.

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Montgomery Academy Students Dissect Brains

Sometimes, science requires you to get out of your comfort zone and get a little messy! In Marlee Winn’s Anatomy & Physiology class at Montgomery Academy, students expanded their knowledge of the nervous system by dissecting a preserved sheep brain. The class identified the specific lobes and structures that are responsible for the different processes in the brain. As the students wrapped up this chapter of their studies, it was exciting for them to locate the structures that coordinate with the content they had been studying.

River Region Parents I March 2022

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ACA Upper School Pancakes for Valentine’s

Valentine’s Day is a special day for most, but the faculty and staff of Alabama Christian Academy’s Upper School wanted to make sure it was a special day for all. The faculty and staff arrived at school early that Monday morning to prepare and have pancakes ready for the masses by 7:15 a.m.

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Saint James Middle School and JV Basketball Teams Win CCC Championships Saint James middle school and junior varsity basketball teams competed and won the Capital City Conference championships. For the Middle School girls’ team, the championship game was a defensive struggle between Saint James and Catholic, with Saint James winning 59-25. Saint James won its 6th MS girls’ CCC championship and third since 2016. Natalie Barton led the way in the championship

game with 19 points as she was named Tournament MVP. Also named to the All-Tournament Team were Marley Beard, who added 18 points in the finals, and Lily

Stanford. Saint James finished the season 13-1, only losing a regular season game at Prattville Christian. In the junior varsity tournament, Saint James girls met up in the championship against Catholic and won 26-20. Saint James won its 10th JV girls’ CCC championship since the yearly tournament began in 1994, its third in a row, and sixth overall since 2012. Saint James finished the season 11-1 with only a regular season loss to Catholic. Kaylin Corley led the Lady Trojans with 12 points as she was named Tournament MVP. Also named to the All-Tournament Team were Katie Irving, Sydney Johnston and Hope McCain for Saint James. For the junior varsity boys’ tournament, Saint James played Trinity and defeated them 70-38. Saint James won its 7th JV boys’ CCC championship. They are back-to-back championships repeating from last season. Paxton Wingard and Dylan Stokes were named to the All-Tournament team, and Matt Middleton was named Tournament MVP.

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Montgomery County Schools

MA Student Work on Display at MMFA

At the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts you’ll find a number of incredible pieces created by Montgomery Academy Upper and Lower School students in an exhibition entitled “Home.” Their instructors include Connie Deal, Ivey Scott and BeeLee Tullos. Students are: Mary Weldon Armstrong, Thomas Barker, Ruston Bassett, Emily Rose Benefield, Anna Kate Blissitte, Chandler Brazil, Lela Davidson, Davis Hartley, Pierson Hartley, Emma Hernandez, Kathleen Johnson, Ellery Link, Mary Evelyn McLemore, Reese Parker, Sadie Sease, Caroline Sullivan, Jayne Townsend, Journey Ward, Miriam Wooten and Lukas Yi.

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River Region Parents I March 2022

Camp Grandview, Camp Chandler, and Summer Goodtimes Day Camp

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Saint James School Wrestling Team Wins Piedmont Dogfight Invitational

Saint James Wrestling Team competed in the Piedmont Dogfight Invitational January 29. The Trojans finished in first place as a team. Numerous individual team members placed as well. In their individual weight classes, Granger Hicks scored first place while Braylen Corley and Clayton Craft placed second. Logan Hartson, Pruitt Conner and Jake Streeton placed third in their individual events. The team is coached by Head Coach Jeff Corley, and Assistant Coaches Wes Smith and Darin Boyd. From left are Granger Hicks, Coach Darin Boyd, Clayton Craft, Ariel July, Coach Wes Smith and Coach Jeff Corley.

BrewTech Sends Seven Teams To State Robotics Tournament

After a busy weekend, Brewbaker Technology Magnet High ended up with seven teams qualified for the Alabama VEX Robotics State Championship. BrewTech sent five robots to compete at a tournament at Montgomery Catholic and two robots to a tournament at Wallace State Community College in one weekend. The two teams that competed at Wallace did very well. One team won the overall skills competition and the Excellence Award, the highest award given to a team during a tournament. The other team won one of two Tournament Champions Awards. In addition, one of the teams that competed at Catholic brought home the Design Award. BrewTech robotics students and their parents are shown.

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Montgomery Academy Kindergartners Celebrate 100th Day Wedding At the Lower School campus, Montgomery Academy kindergartners celebrated the 100th Day of School with the annual wedding ceremony of Zero the Hero to Miss Ten. This special day is an exciting mathematical milestone for our littlest learners.

Booker T. Washington Students Place in Scholastics Competition

Several BTW Photography and Visual Arts students placed in the 2022 Scholastics Art & Writing Southeastern Art Region-atLarge Competition. BTW received five Gold Keys, five Silver Keys, and seven Honorable Mentions. Students who received a Gold Key will move on to the National Competition. Pictured are the winners and some of their artwork.

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ACA Appoints New Middle School Coach

Alabama Christian Academy Football has named Danny Madison the Middle School football head coach. As an ACA alum, Madison is excited to get to work and have the opportunity to build a program that all alumni can be proud of. “Coach Madison loves our students, and he loves teaching football. He is an exceptional coach, and he will prepare our middle school athletes to excel as they grow smarter, stronger and more focused under his leadership,” said ACA Football Head Coach Michael Summer. He is the exact kind of coach that I want to have an impact on our students.”

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Eastwood Competes in State Bible Competition

Under the guidance of Reverend Lee Bloodworth, Eastwood Christian School students competed in the Alabama Christian Education Association State Bible Competition. In the Junior High Bible Expository Preaching category, Knox DeHuff won 1st place, and Jack Leathers won 2nd place. In the Junior High Bible Topical Preaching category, Owen Strickland won 1st place, and Bronner Swicord won 2nd place. The winners presented their sermons at chapel to the sixth- through ninth-grade students, as well as parents and guests. 29

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Montgomery County Schools

Montgomery Academy’s Lee Wins App Challenge

Montgomery Academy Upper School student Ted Lee participated in the 2021 Congressional App Challenge and won first place in Alabama’s Second Congressional District for his app titled “PC Builder.” Lee’s app is designed to help individuals build their own PC that meets their needs and budgets; the app will be featured in an exhibition at the U.S. Capitol this year. The U.S. House of Representatives officially launched the Challenge in 2015 to help inspire innovation and learning in computer science and coding. The Challenge is a nationwide effort that allows students to compete against their peers by creating an application or “app” for mobile, tablet or computer devices. Student teams compete against each other by congressional district, and the winning apps are showcased at the U.S. Capitol each year.

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Macon East Cheerleaders Showed Up to Shine

The Macon East cheerleaders joyfully participated in the Night to Shine “Shine thru.” They were cheerleaders, dance partners, smile makers, red carpet walkers and they brought energy and spirit as they encouraged each participant to shine bright at this event. Front row from left are: Hendley Culpepper, Ali Churchwell, Madison May, Katie Kitchens, Alexis Davis and Rachel Major. Back row are: Hannah Kate Hodges, Coach Summer Kyser, Lathan Johnson, Kacy Rutland, Payton Underwood, Anna Watson and Kaiden Byrom.

BTW Student Wins At Piano Festival

Booker T. Washington Magnet High senior Marcus Daniels won his category at the Boykin Piano Festival Honors Recital. His performance piece was Khachaturian’s “Toccata.” He also received a scholarship. Fellow BTW student Kai Lavender received a rating of Outstanding in performance and theory and an Honorable Mention. BTW student Cari Payne also received a rating of Outstanding in performance and theory. River Region Parents I March 2022

Two Teams from LAMP Qualify for VEX Robotics World Championship

LAMP High had 11 teams compete in the Alabama State Vex Robotics Championship, and two of them have qualified for the World Championship in May. Team 81218G with Andy Lim, Ian Kim, Jaehee Koo, Ian Shin, Wonjun Lee, Paul Choi, Injun Lee and Sunho Kim were tournament semi-finalists and qualified for worlds. Team 81218J with Daniel Vallejo, Rhea Arya, Leah Kwon, Brandon Zumba, Alma Muñoz, Elizabeth Lee, Emily Baek, and Alisha Zarin qualified for worlds from the robot skills list. Team 81218K with Jessica Lee, James Hong, Kaiya Patel, Gicelle Lopez, Lindsay Levy, and Siyun Kim also won the Whataburger What-A-Bot award at the state competition. 30

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STJ Performing Arts Guild Presents Annual Cabaret

Saint James School Performing Arts Guild presented the 2022 Cabaret on February 10-12. This year’s theme of “Road Trip” took the audience on a musical journey featuring country tunes, rock and roll, and pop music. Students in grades 2-12 performed as part of the production which delighted audiences and had them singing along. The show featured 24 musical numbers beginning with “Life is a Highway” and ending with “Dancing in the Streets.” Small group numbers including the elementary choir, Rising Stars, were featured as well as numbers designed for the full cast. Rising Stars is an elementary choir for grades 2-5. Choreography was directed by Simbiti Wright, a major in Choral Music Education at Huntingdon College. Student choreographers who contributed were Anna Colson, Dodge Prim, Emma Sherlin, Taylor Potts, Kassidy Thompson, Lizzy Dickens, Nicole Jung, Macy Potts, Sophie Shoults and Abigail Huynh. The program was orchestrated by Director Lonny Harrison and Musical Director Sallye York. Dr. York (piano and synthesizer) and Band Director Andy Martin (percussion) provided musical accompaniment, along with Saint James junior Kaelyn Morgan on guitar. Matt King was the bassist. Cabaret is an annual event at Saint James which brings together all division levels. This year’s production featured 42 members of Rising Stars, 52 middle school and high school cast members, and 27 crew members. For a significant number of seniors, it was their 10th cabaret! All students who wish to participate may do so in any of the following capacities: production, house crew, backstage crew, lighting, sound crew, publicity, costume crew, or onstage performance.

Park Crossing Senior Receives $1.3 Million In Scholarships

Park Crossing High senior Omarion Calloway is a storyteller with a passion for shining a light on important issues through the medium of film. He will have the chance to refine his craft after receiving a $320,000 scholarship to New York University. Overall, Calloway has been accepted to 21 schools and received a total of $1.3 million in scholarship offers. Other schools that made offers included Emerson College, Pace University and Michigan State. Calloway said he has dreamed of being a filmmaker since he was 10 years old and has wanted to attend New York University for just as long. He is pictured here with his mother.

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ECA Kindergarten Enjoys Valentine’s Tea Party

Evangel Christian Academy’s kindergarten class recently held a special tea party in honor of Valentine’s Day. The students had recently learned about mealtime etiquette. The party gave them a chance to display their good manners. The students dressed in formal attire during the luncheon. Everyone had a great time and displayed wonderful manners!

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Hyundai Donates $78,800 to Montgomery Public Schools for Robotics Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@ riverregionparents.com.

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama presented Montgomery Public Schools with a check for $78,800 to expand robotics programs at all eight high schools! Hyundai is working with Auburn University to provide ongoing training and support for robotics at MPS. The presentation was made during a robotics tournament featuring teams from every MPS middle school. The tournament itself was possible because of a grant from Hyundai two years ago.

FEAST YOUR EYES SOMETHING NEW IS ALWAYS ON VIEW

Explore works by American artists from the 18th to the 21st centuries and enjoy changing exhibitions and year-round programming. Childe Hassam (American, 1859–1935), Fruit Still Life (detail), 1930, oil on wood panel, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, The Blount Collection, 1989.2.16.

Blount Cultural Park One Museum Drive Montgomery, AL 36117

River Region Parents I March 2022

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

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Montgomery Academy Participates In Alabama Stock Market Game

The Alabama Stock Market Game (SMG) is an exciting 10week, online trading experience sponsored by the Alabama Council on Economic Education. Students begin with $100,000 and may purchase stocks, bonds and mutual funds and make any number of trades with their available funds. The teams with the most valuable portfolios at the end of the 10 weeks win their division. Led by Scott Morris, the Montgomery Academy Upper School Team performed brilliantly, placing in the Top Ten in the South Alabama Region, with individual top rankings in a field of more than 200 other entrants! From left are Coleman Bell (6th place), Chandler Brazil (7th place), Weldon Sorrell (1st place) and Sanders Pierce (2nd place).

Montgomery Christian Students Study Art of Jacob Lawrence

Montgomery Christian School students learned about American artist Jacob Lawrence, a painter known for his portrayal of African-American historical subjects and contemporary life. The art created by the students was done similarly to Lawrence’s work with the highlighted background and bright colors. The elements of art focused on in Lawrence’s work were line, shape, color and his use of overlapping objects. During their time at MCS, the students study more than 46 classical artists, their lives, their paintings and their inspirations.

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Montgomery County Schools

Feel Good Friday Reaches Beyond Alabama Christian Academy

Ken Flemming is a 4th-grader in Mrs. Weed’s homeroom. Every Friday, the 4th-grade classes have “Feel Good Friday” and do something to encourage someone else. One such Friday they all wrote sticky notes and put them on the windows of cars. Well, this gentleman, Mr. Jeff Phelps, Mississippi State DL coach, happened to be the recipient of Flemming’s little note of encouragement. Little did he know how impactful that would be. Mr. Phelps was running a half marathon the next day that he was feeling a little nervous about. So, after running the race he came back through town recruiting and wanted to meet Flemming. Thank you, Coach Phelps, for making Ken’s day!

Montgomery Academy Football Player Signs with Dartmouth

Jamal Cooper, a senior at Montgomery Academy, signed a letter of intent to continue his football career at Dartmouth College.

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Eastwood Holds Bake Sale for Zana Missions

The Eastwood Christian School fourthgrade and sixth-grade girls hosted a bake sale to support Zana School in Uganda. The girls baked delicious treats to offer for sale just in time for Valentines Day. Their labor of love raised $639.43.

If you have thirty minutes or more to listen, ask Antonio what he dreams of being in ten years. WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

MEA Scholars Bowl Competes at District

Macon East Academy High School Scholars Bowl Team traveled to Edgewood Academy to compete in the AISA district competition. Our Knight team made it to the Final Four! Team members are: Ethan Jones (10th grade), Bryant Rascoll (senior), McKinnon Hammonds (senior) and Jack Jones (junior). McKinnon was top scorer and team captain.

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

STJ Students Selected for District Honor Band

On January 29, several members of the Saint James School band auditioned for All State and District Honor Bands with the Alabama Bandmasters Association. Four of the Marching Trojans were selected to the District VI Honor Band: 8th-grader Matthew Baker (baritone saxophone), sophomore Alex Clenney (French horn), and juniors Matthew Ohliger (alto saxophone) and Rose Statam (bass clarinet). These students traveled to perform in Auburn February 18-19. 35

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Montgomery County Schools

JD Cheerleaders Receive Bid to National Competition

The Jeff Davis High cheerleaders received a bid to the national cheerleading competition in Orlando, Fla., after finishing third of eight in the national qualifying regional competition. However, due to COVID-19, the squad did not travel to Orlando. Pictured here are the seniors with their UCA third-place flag.

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Macon East Features Reading Buddies

Mrs. Keeble’s 6th grade Macon East Academy class enjoys participating in a reading program with the kindergarten class. The reading buddies program helps model good reading and students improve their skills. The older students gain the opportunity to develop fluency as well as a sense of pride in their accomplishments. In addition, they often come to see the value and love of reading as well as gaining self-esteem. Kindergartners build a relationship with the older students and improve their reading skills as well.

STJ Student Places in County Spelling Bee

After winning the local school spelling bee held at Saint James, seventh-grader Nandita Nagarad represented Saint James at the Montgomery County Spelling Bee. She won second place, spelling 42 words correctly. She and the winner battled it out for fourteen rounds before the winner was decided. Her prize was $200. The bee is sponsored and managed by Smith-Wynn Post 96, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

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EXPERIENCE a new program like ARTventure. LEARN the basics of bee keeping at Busy Bee Camp. SEARCH for tadpoles, frogs, fish, salamanders and other aquatic insects. EXPLORE Still Creek and catch some of the 98 different species of crayfish found in Alabama. CHECK OUT our interactive hands-on Discovery Hall. GET HANDS-ON with some of our educational animals such as our baby alligator, eastern indigo snake, gopher tortoise, and more.

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e EaglFITT Fearless in Temple Training

“For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” ~ I Corinthians 3:17

ACA Starts New Schoolwide Program

Alabama Christian Academy has launched a new program called Eagle FITT. Eagle FITT stands for Eagles Fearless in Temple Training. At ACA we want to invest in each student holistically: we want to develop you in mind, body and spirit. We are taking a special interest in all these areas but with this program we are really focused on clubs and classes to help you learn how to take care of your body in the correct way. To really get this program going, Coach Dockins, director of Eagle FITT, and Coach Guice, director of Student Life, have planned an event, a 5K Fun Run/Walk, to help promote our program and engage all the students, faculty and staff in this new program. This 5K event will be hosted on April 30 on ACA’s campus and will be open to all the community. We want all our students, faculty and staff to participate. We will also have a 1 Mile Fun Run for Lower School students.

Send Your School News and Photos to: editor@river regionparents.com.

MPS Students Named Presidential Scholar Candidates

Seven Montgomery Public Schools students were chosen as candidates in the U.S. Presidential Scholars program. Being a Presidential Scholar is one of the highest honors a high school senior can receive. The MPS students chosen as Presidential Scholar candidates are Zoe D. Dryjanski, Hariaksha Gunda, Saad M. Khan, Yeachan Park and Cheyeon Yun of LAMP High; Hailey Mullins of Brewbaker Technology Magnet High; and Jayden Amir Robinson of Booker T. Washington Magnet High. Mullins is also a candidate for Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education, and Robinson is one of only 60 candidates in the nation to be a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts. 37

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It is said March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb, but in Alabama the lion days and the lamb days seem to often take turns showing up! Yet, March does usher in the spring and a welcome time change allows more afternoon daylight to enjoy. The Pike Road School System is always busy this time of year. We currently are wrapping up the third quarter of the academic year and heading into the final stretch working to finish strong. Our students are continuing to have “wow” moments where they really show their abilities. We were excited to have four of our robotics teams qualify for Vex Robotics World Competition to be held

River Region Parents I March 2022

in Dallas, Texas in May. We are also very proud that our Gifted teacher and robotics coach Catherine Kenny was selected the Vex Robotics Alabama Mantor of the Year! Congratulations to Mrs. Kenny on an honor that is well deserved! March also means we are very involved in spring sports, with teams competing in baseball, boys golf, boys soccer, boys tennis, boys track, girls golf, girls soccer, girls tennis, and girls track. Pike Road offers athletic opportunities to engage a broad array of student interests. Our arts department is currently working to prepare for drama productions and music competitions as well, as we continue to grow one of the strongest arts programs in the River Region. The planning and design process is underway and progressing for the future Pike Road High School. We also are planning to handle growth in Pike Road Schools between now and when the new high school is completed. Pike Road is the

fastest growing school system in the state, and we continue to meet the growth needs while improving academically as measured by state and national testing results and by tracking the successful college acceptance and college achievement of our first two graduating classes. We know this year’s seniors are continuing to build on that tradition! As always, we encourage you to be like our educational family and think, innovate, and create! Pike Road Schools is continuing to ensure educational quality and continued improvement. Come visit us and see for yourself. Have a wonderful March! 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 Varsity Girls’ Basketball Wins Championship Pike Road High School varsity girls’ basketball won the 5A area championship. In addition to the victory, three players were selected for the All-Tournament team: Jada Roberts, Jazlyn Johnson and Gracie Branham. Sophomore Jazlyn Johnson was also named the tournament MVP.

PRHS Sophomore’s Art Chosen for Exhibit

Pike Road High School sophomore Emily Restad has won Secondary Best in Show at the 2022 Alabama State Superintendents Visual Arts Exhibit. Her artwork titled, A Mermaid’s Home, is on exhibit at the Old Supreme Court Library at the State Capitol.

ACA CAMP EAGLE 2022 gle camp ea

Come join us this summer for 8 weeks filled with fun activities for your children! Camp Eagle is for children entering into grades 1st-6th! River Region Parents I March 2022

Come join us this summer for 10 weeks filled with fun activities for your children! The NEST Summer Camp is for children entering into grades K3-K5!

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Pike Road Robotics Competes at State Pike Road was proud to cheer on its VEX robotics team members as they moved to the VEX robotics state championship on February 18. The team did an amazing job this year from early morning to late afternoon practices preparing for this competition.

PRHS Cheer Teams Compete in Orlando at Nationals

The Pike Road junior varsity and varsity cheerleading state champions competed in Orlando. Fla. at Nationals. The varsity team came in 7th place out of 47 teams who competed.

Pike Road Wrestlers Reach State Qualifier Status

Four Pike Road wrestlers moved on to state competition in Huntsville: George Coley, Jack Fuhrman, Hinds Duncan and Myers Duncan.

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Macon East Senior Organizes Valentine Treat for Nursing Home

Parent Participation @ Pike Road High

Thank you to our Parent Teacher Student Association board for the job they do in making sure our school stakeholders are engaged in our activities and events! Thank you to our faculty and staff for 100% participation and our parent members for their support!

dents from middle and high school designed and created special messages to send to the senior citizens.

Macon East Academy senior class vice president Ali Churchwell organized a Valentine distribution for Southern Springs Nursing Home located in Union Springs. Stu-

Pre-K Valentine Party Fun at Pike Road Pike Road’s Pre-K classes enjoyed a carnival-themed Valentine party. They engaged in a cake walk, crafts, photo booth, dancing and many more fun activities.

Macon East Celebrates 100th Day

PreK and K5 students celebrated the 100th day of school recently. K5 enjoyed making 100’s Day necklaces, having a candy hunt for 100 pieces of candy in the library, playing “Race to 100” partner games in the classroom, and having a special 100’s Day snack. All students had a great time celebrating being 100 days smarter! Thank you to our teachers, Ms. Lawrence, Ms. Taylor, Ms. Jordan, Ms. Bruce and Ms. Mills.

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Autauga County Schools

PJHS Classes Build STEM Towers

Ms. Martin’s STEM classes at Prattville Junior High used their skills and knowledge to build super-strong towers.

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Pine Level Visits STEAM Lab

Pine Level second-graders visited the STEAM Lab to practice the design process. Students were tasked with designing a functional mouse carrier based on Rob Scotton’s Splat the Cat.

Send School News to: editor@riverregio nparents.com.

Pine Level Pre-K Germs Science Experiment

One Pre-K class at Pine Level used lotion and glitter to show how easily germs can be spread. After students got all glittered up, they went on about their day as normal. As they touched playground equipment, their clothes, their water bottles, and even the soap dispenser, they were able to visually see how things are so easily spread when we touch them. In just a matter of minutes, it was evident that germs are everywhere, showing the importance of washing our hands.

PJHS Drama Classes Make Puppets

Mrs. Strickland’s drama classes at Prattvlle Junior High assembled creative puppetry projects. River Region Parents I March 2022

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Marbury Musicians Make All-State/All-District Honors

Prattville Elementary Celebrates Valentine’s Prattville Elementary Bobcats got creative as we celebrated Valentine’s Day! Students had the opportunity to make a Valentine’s Box for their Valentines.

On January 29, thirteen musicians from Marbury Middle and High schools tried out for the Alabama All-State and All-District Band. Students had to perform musical scales, musical études, and sight read a piece of music for the audition process. Every student that auditioned that day either made All-State and/or All-District Band. In addition to those 13 instrumental musicians from Marbury Middle/High School, Marbury High had its first-ever All-State musician selected to the All-State choir. Marbury had a 100% success rate on students auditioning. All-State Choir is held in Birmingham and All-State Band is held in Mobile. This is the list of musicians selected from Marbury: Amelia WellsAll State Choir, Jada Hicks- All District & All State Flute, Mary Beth Hall- All District & All State Oboe, Sydney Cook- All District & All State Clarinet, Jamie Boyer-All District & All State Clarinet, Carlie Wingard- All District & All State Clarinet, Carter Ingram- All District & All State Alternate Alto Sax, Malik Johnson- All District Trumpet, Ava Larkin- All District & All State French Horn, Cadence Ewell- All District Baritone, Bethany Luster- All District Baritone, Adam Williamson- All District & All State Alternate Percussion, Madeline Moseley- All District Percussion and Eden Lynn Terry- All District Percussion

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Autauga County Schools

Autauga Academy Senior Accepts Scholarship with Delta State University

Autauga Academy senior Anden Hilyer accepted a scholarship offer to Delta State University, joining eight other players who announced their intentions to continue playing collegiately on National Signing Day. Hilyer, the second leading tackler for the Generals this season, was recruited by Delta State to play linebacker. “The Gulf South Conference is really good football,” his coach, Bobby Carr, said. “That’s a perfect fit for him. I kind of liked him on the offensive side because I’m an offensive guy, but the thing about him is he brings so much to the table it was a no brainer for them. He could, eventually, move to the offensive side of the ball.” Hilyer was the second leading tackler on the defense this season with 85 tackles, including five for loss and three sacks, an impressive number considering he played sparingly in the second half of most games as the Generals built big leads by halftime. On offense, he had 25 receptions for 374 yards and six touchdowns. Material for this article courtesy of Elmore Autauga News.

P C PLES Delivers Valentines To Local Nursing Homes Pine Level Elementary School’s Student Service Project to make and deliver Valentine cards to local nursing homes was a huge success! We collected more than 400 cards to drop off at local nursing homes.

Passion for Women’s Health Established in 1991, OB-GYN Associates of Montgomery provides comprehensive obstetrics and gynecologic services. The practice also offers gynecological surgical services and the most innovative up-to-date Robotic Davinci Surgeries. The OB-GYN team of physicians, midwives, and nurse practitioners strive to provide excellence in women’s healthcare and are welcoming new patients.

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We Have Five Locations to Serve You Montgomery (334) 279-9333 • 495 Taylor Rd. Troy (334) 770-4801 • 1320 Highway 231 South, Suite 2 Prattville (334) 365-6088 • 630 McQueen Smith Road Wetumpka (334) 279-9333 • 277 Huntress Street Midwife Office (334) 395-6969 • 7020 Sydney Curve, Montgomery

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Gregory Waller M.D. Allen Dupre M.D. Keith Martin M.D. Joseph Desautels M.D. Matthew Phillips M.D. Benjamin Griggs M.D. Paula Sullivan D.O. Dana Moorer CNM Charla Smith CNM Hayley Carnes CNM Della Fuller CRNP Brittney Mount CRNP Tracey Mendelsohn CRNP Michelle Aplin CRNP Terri Singletary CRNP Fran Rutledge CRNP www.riverregionparents.com

S a w c C e th s u d fr e in

PJHS Holds Career Day Prattville Junior High School students participated in Career Day and were able to speak with representatives from community businesses and organizations.

PJHS Career Prep Classes Prepare for Career Expo Pine Level Enjoys Clay Project Second-graders at Pine Level worked hard to create “Modeling Clay Masterpieces” that showed their amazing art skills and their understanding of different emotions from our social emotional learning lesson.

PJHS Theater Students at Mardi Gras

Way Off Broadway Theater students from Prattville Junior High School marched in the annual Mardi Gras parade.

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March promises to be another eventful month in Elmore County Schools! We have just completed our spelling bees and science fairs, and I am proud to share the results of these important events for our students. Each of our elementary and middle schools held their spelling bees in January and the school winners competed in the county spelling bee in February. Slade Staton, 7th grader at Holtville Middle School, won first place, and Addison Hatcher, 8th grader at Wetumpka Middle School, won second place. Congratulations, Slade and Addison! School science fairs were held last fall, and the school winners advanced to the district science fair that was held recently. Each of these Junior Division (grades 6-8) students placed first in their respective categories: Kira Lafevre, WMS; Jack Nash, MMS; Matthew

Hudson, WMS; Hunter Denham, EMS; Edwin Westbrook, MMS; Joseph Lafevre, WMS; Aubrey Hess & Olivia Hilliard, RES; Emily Colquitt, RES; and Makayla McCullers, WMS. The Junior Division also had eight second place winners and eight third place winners. Senior Division (grades 9-12) first place winners in their respective categories were Rhett Pinkston, WHS; Adrianna Orsi, WHS; Jasmine Anderson, WHS; Julian Vilardi, WHS; Judson Wood, WHS; Jackson Rodriguez, WHS; Shemai’ya Peak, SEHS; Wyatt Hardee, WHS; Chloe Naquin, SEHS; Logan Bracknell & Nathan Currier, WHS; and Lily Vilardi, WHS. The Senior Division also had eight second place winners and three third place winners. A total of 41 science fair projects will be entered in the Greater East Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair (GEARSEF) at Auburn University this month! Participating in science fairs can open doors to career opportunities and increase scientific knowledge as well as help students learn critical thinking and problem-solving skills they can use throughout their lifetime.

Pre-registration has begun for the First Class Pre-K random selection process for the 2022-2023 school year. Children must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2022 to be eligible for the drawing. More information is available at www.elmoreco.com. We are in the planning stages for our summer literacy and summer enrichment programs for elementary students as well as 21st Century Community Learning Center programs in our middle schools. Summer programs help our students improve and grow academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Spring break is March 21-25. Enjoy the warmer weather and take some time to relax, recharge, and return ready to finish the 2021-2022 school year strong! Every student empowered ~ every student succeeds! Richard Dennis is the Superintendent of Education for Elmore County Schools. He is a 1983 graduate of Holtville High School. He served 21 years as a high school principal at Holtville High, Wetumpka High and most recently, Prattville High. He and wife, Leslie (also an educator) have three sons and a daughter.

Fu Ch se Its River Region Parents I March 2022

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Elmore County Schools

ECTC Medical Sciences Student Training

Medical Sciences students at Elmore County Tech Center are training in Mental Health First Aid with Elmore County School-Based Mental Health Supervisor Rashawn Blassingame. Through this national program (that our students volunteered to take because of the needs they see in their own communities), participants are taught the skills to respond to the signs of mental illness and substance use.

Eclectic Elementary Celebrates 100 Days

Eclectic Elementary School celebrated the 100th Day of School with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) activities. Students flew airplanes and rockets across 100 inches in the Library, made chain reactions with 100 dominos, used Play-doh to create 100, made glasses in the shape of 100, built structures with 100 Legos and more.

SEHS Lady Mustangs Soccer Wins Tournament

The Stanhope Elmore High School Lady Mustangs soccer team won four games in two days during the Capital of Dreams soccer tournament held in Montgomery. The Mustangs competed in the Classic Division, which featured SEHS, West Point High, Booker T. Washington, and Park Crossing. The Lady Mustangs took home the trophy for the Classic Division, and each player was given a medal with the tournament logo. SEHS JV Boys placed second that day as well!

River Region Parents I March 2022

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Burdette Named Athletic Director At New Life Christian Academy

ECTC Names Student of the Month

Zach Burdette was recently named the athletic director at New Life Christian Academy in Millbrook. Burdette, a 2008 graduate of New Life, stressed the importance of each student athlete taking ownership and taking pride in the activities and their school. He believes that is key to the students finding success on not just the playing field, but also in academics. Burdette himself knows New Life well, playing quarterback for the Eagles during his time at the school. He comes to New Life after several years as an assistant football and basketball coach at Stanhope Elmore. New Life competes in Division 2 of the Alabama Christian Athletic Association (ACAA). The football team competes in 8-man football. With approximately 220 students from K-12, competing in 8-man football is much more reasonable just from a numbers perspective. The school is also competitive in girls’ and boys’ basketball, baseball and softball. Burdette is actually coaching the girls’ softball team this spring. Former softball coach Sharon Wilkes has agreed to provide her expertise in the dugout while Burdette leads the team. Material for this article courtesy of Elmore Autauga News

Michael from Holtville High School has been named the Elmore County Technical Center Student of the Month for January. He’s pictured with Career Technical Education Director Emilie Johnson and his Public Safety & Law program instructor, Chief Kelly Gordon.

College Student Pays Visit to ECTC Students Natalie Harris, an education major at Huntingdon College, came to talk to Elmore County Technical Center Teaching 1 students. They learned about what is required for entry into the college of education, what to expect in their education classes, how to apply for grants and scholarships to help pay for their degrees, and more.

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Holtville’s Kyle Futral Named Alabama Principal of the Year

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Child issue Care

Are you enrolling new students? Advertise your center to fill up your roster! (334) 328-5189 | jason@riverregionparents.com River Region Parents I March 2022

Kyle Futral, principal of Holtville High School, has been named 2022 Alabama High School Principal of the Year by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP). Futral has served a total of 15 years in education with the last seven in administration. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Huntingdon College in 2007. In 2014, he received a master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from Auburn University. The High School Principal of the Year award was presented to Futral on January 28 at Holtville High School at a schoolwide assembly. Elmore County Superintendent Richard Dennis was in attendance for the presentation. American Fidelity Assurance sponsors this award annually and Interior Elements grants an office makeover to the winner. As principal of Holtville High, Futral has transformed the school culture from that of a school struggling with low morale, achievement and attendance, to a school that strives for excellence. Futral’s leadership style of listening, encouraging, supporting, organizing and challenging the staff and students, caused the school culture to shift in a positive direction. Futral was chosen from three district finalists. The finalists interviewed with a panel of judges at the AASSP/AAMSP Fall Conference in November where the winner was determined. The other finalists were Terina Gantt of Demopolis High School in Demopolis City Schools and Seth Taylor of Pleasant Valley High School in Calhoun County Schools. An overall winner will be chosen from the High School and Middle School Principals of the Year and will be recognized as Alabama’s Principal of the Year. Futral will be recognized at the Awards Luncheon during the CLAS Convention on June 14, at the BJCC in Birmingham. The CLAS Convention is the largest gathering of school leaders in the state of Alabama. He will also be recognized at the AASSP/AAMSP Fall Conference in November 2022. www.riverregionparents.com

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Baptist East Delivers Postpartum & Women’s Services Expansion Now

Open

Because we continue to be the provider of choice for women’s services in the River Region, Baptist Medical Center East has expanded! We’ve added another 26 luxury, state-of-the-art rooms that provide an exceptional, patient-centered atmosphere. And our team of respected and experienced physicians, together with a professional and knowledgeable staff, provide the highest level of clinical care and expertise for women. Maybe it’s why we have received the Women’s Choice Award for Obstetrics six years in a row.

East BaptistDelivers.com

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What’s Your Favorite Memory? We all have them! Favorite memories. Certain times in our lives that bring us joy when we remember. Moments that live rent free in our heads. They can lift us up when we are feeling down, or make good days even better. It is hard for me to pick one favorite memory. Mine are a culmination of being raised on Lake Martin. To me, it is the most beautiful lake in the world. A little piece of heaven. I remember never ending summer days floating aimlessly for hours in front of the house. Paddling for five minutes to get to the perfect spot, only to have the waves push me back down into our little slough…and then doing it all over again. For hours. Summer after summer. Friends always coming over, most of whom I taught to ski. So many days and nights spent cruising the lake, either trolling for fish, hanging with family, or riding around with friends. Waking up early on Saturdays to a beautiful, sunny day, and on the boat by 8 a.m. Returning around 8 p.m. tired and sunburned, and ready to do it all again Sunday. Some of my most favorite memories that hold an incredibly special place in my heart are skiing after my dad would get home from work. At 5:30 I would be standing at the door with boat keys in hand and we would take off. This was River Region Parents I March 2022

about the time that summer started to turn into fall, and while it was still warm, all of the vacationers had left to go to other homes. The water would be like glass. Not a ripple or wave. It was heaven. I would ski until the sun went down. Just me, the water, and sunsets. I will never forget those days. Why do I share this with you? Because when I speak with students at schools or in small groups, I always ask them, “What is your favorite memory?” I then ask them to share. Now the sharing with groups usually stops around 8th grade…which I always respect. But I can say that, in the eight years of asking this question, NO ONE has ever started the story of their favorite memory with, “When I had my phone…” Or, “When I had my computer…” Their memories ALWAYS include being with someone they love and enjoy spending time with. And what they were doing together. No phones. No computers. And THIS is how we are meant to be. It is how we are made. For face to face connec54

tions. Together. Sharing space, time and creating memories. Sometimes kids just have to be reminded that, while they THINK the phone is what is going bring them joy, their REAL joy comes from spending time with the people they love. If you will notice, there was not a phone anywhere in my favorite memories. Not because there weren’t phones then (thank goodness), but because my happy place, my joy, came from what I was doing, where I was and, most importantly, who I was with. Ask your kids about their favorite memory tonight. You just might be surprised. While they are revisiting their memories, do the same for yourself. Allow it to bring you a bit of joy. Sharing mine with you sure has brought me joy. May we all take our eyes away from technology as often as possible, be in the moment, and make memories!

Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.

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Most parents know that kids benefit tremendously from going to summer camp. But have you ever thought about how sending your kids to camp can benefit you - the parent? Based on my own experiences as a seasoned parent of summer campers, as well as conversations with other parents, I can assure you that camp is great for you too.

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River Region Parents I March 2022

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Parents are used to always putting their kids first. From the moment they wake up in the morning until the time they go to bed at night, our children are constantly on our minds. What do they need? What can we do for them? Imagine what happens when they go off to summer camp and the house is suddenly quiet. Here’s what happens: slowly, but surely, you begin to relax in a whole different way. Suddenly, you can hear your own thoughts, and that’ll give you the mental space to reflect on what YOU would like to do - to put yourself first for once. Use that mental space to do things you’ve been wanting and meaning to do all year. Perhaps there’s a hobby you’d like to pursue. While the kids are at camp, you have the time to take that yoga or painting class, and you get to choose - all by yourself - whether you’d like to do it after work or on the weekend. Get together with some friends you haven’t seen for a while. If they have kids at camp, too, chances are that they’re available and eager to spend some time with you. Go on a romantic date or two with your partner. The possibilities are endless. Being able to focus on yourself, your partner, and other people in your life who mean a lot to you is no small matter. As parents, we’re used to being responsible providers and caregivers. However, there’s so much more to a person: we’re also partners and friends. These are important parts of our identities that we need to remember to cultivate. Sending your kids to summer camp may bring out your more playful side that you haven’t shown for a while.

Another great thing about sending your kids to summer camp is that it’ll give them an opportunity to develop and reach important developmental milestones without you being there every step of the way. They’ll become more independent, more mature, and much better at solving problems on their own. Trust me: Every time my now-teenage son came home from camp, I could tell that he’d grown in leaps and bounds. Seeing how your kids grow also makes you trust them more: you realize that they’re able to develop new skills and take care of themselves even when they’re not under your watchful eye. Ultimately, summer camp is great preparation for the day that all parents will face: the day when their kids move out and they become empty-nesters. You will miss them - a lot - and they’ll miss you too. But, if you’ve done your job well and you have developed deep and meaningful relationships with them, your kids will always come back home to visit. Just like they will always come back home after a trip to summer camp. 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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by Kimberley Carter Spivey

This month we’re excited to share a recipe from local Montgomery mom, Crystal Walker. Crystal is an Interior Designer and has been in the business for 30 years. For the past 20 years, she has worked in industrial, commercial, and residential construction. Currently, she works for CBE, Inc. on commercial projects across the country. Her son is a senior at Pike Road High School and plans to attend Sewanee in the fall. Crystal was exposed to cooking at an early age. Her mother loved to cook. The holidays were a special time to enjoy a feast. With five kids in the family bringing guests home, it wasn’t unusual to have 20 to 25 people at various tables throughout the house. In addition, they had favorite restaurants they frequented, and as a result, she learned to appreciate food and cooking that was unique and tasty. Crystal shares, “We started with pizza kits that my mother bought from a local shop. After the pizza shop closed, we learned to make omelets and pretty much lived on ham and cheese omelets and frozen meals. During this time, I developed a sweet tooth and formed the habit of walking to the Price’s Doughnuts on Norman Bridge Road or A&P on Court Street whenever I got the urge. My mother subscribed to Southern Living’s Annual Cookbook, and we had about 20 of them. I started digging through these books to find a recipe for what I wanted River Region Parents I March 2022

on any given day. Because I didn’t know this was an advanced recipe, I dove in, and at about age twelve, I made choux paste, pastry cream, and chocolate ganache into eclairs.” After attending a party where a young chef was preparing dishes, Crystal became inspired to make a dish that her family enjoys. Having dinner together is a staple in the Walker home. Preparing breakfast is a daily routine, and designated nights are for wings, pizza, and steak. Crystal admits, “We have our favorite ways of preparing each one, but it seems like we tweak them a little every time.” This Chicken Stir Fry recipe is also a go-to for the Walker family. We hope your family will enjoy it too!

Cook the rice. Cut up broccoli, peppers, and yellow onion into bite-size pieces. Drain the chicken, reserving the marinade. In a hot wok sauté 1/3 to 1/2 of the chicken in a few tablespoons of the reserved oil from the dressing. Cook the chicken in batches so it doesn’t overcrowd the wok. When all of the chicken is cooked, set aside in a bowl and sauté the onions and peppers in two or three tablespoons of the dressing oil. Sauté until soft and remove to the bowl of chicken. Sauté the broccoli in a tablespoon of dressing oil for two minutes. Add the broccoli to the chicken bowl. Return the wok to

Chicken Stir Fry Ingredients 4 boneless chicken breasts Paul Newman’s Classic Oil and Vinegar Dressing White rice Broccoli Red, yellow, and orange peppers Yellow onion

Instructions

Cut the chicken breasts in 1-inch chunks. Pour the oil off the top of the dressing and save it for later. Put the chicken and the remainder of the dressing in a large storage bag and let marinate overnight. 58

heat and pour in the rest of the marinade. Bring the marinade to a simmer and let it reduce for a few minutes. Carefully return all the ingredients to the wok and stir until everything is coated. Serve over rice. 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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When I was younger, I only had one choice for summer camp—the town camp. The town camp was a traditional all-day camp with a heavy emphasis on sports. I was more of a bookworm than an athlete so this type of camp was not a good match for my personality.

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I remember coming home every day whining to my mom, “It was so hot and all we did was play (fill in a sport). Do I have to go to camp tomorrow?” By the end of the summer I’m sure my mom wished there were other options for me. Now there are so many choices that it can be overwhelming to figure out what type of camp would be a good fit for your child. Hopefully, the following descriptions will help you to match your child with the correct camp so you hear your child tell you, “Camp was so much fun today,” instead of what my poor mother dealt with daily.

Traditional Day

A traditional day camp is usually 6-8 hours (half-day options may be available) and offers a variety of activities such as sports, swimming, art, and music. These camps are located at YMCAs, public schools, or private settings.

Is this a good fit for your child? Most of the activities are outside so if your child loves the outdoors and playing sports or team building activities then this would be a good type of camp for them. Since there are a variety of activities this would also be a good fit for a child who likes to try different things.

Sports

Specialty sports camps usually involve one sport, such as baseball or soccer, that the child plays anywhere from 3 to 6 hours. Depending on where you live there may even be an option for tennis, golf, surfing, or sailing camp. This type of camp is typically owned by private organizations. Some towns may have town operated sports camps.

Is this a good fit for your child? If your child loves a specific sport and would like to improve their skills, this would be a great option. It could even be a way for your child to try a sport when they might not otherwise have exposure to it.

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Art/Musical Theater

Specialty art or musical theater camps focus solely on the arts. Musical theater camps typically showcase a production such as “Beauty and the Beast,” whereas in an art camp a child would use a variety of art mediums like painting or drawing. These types of camps are located in public schools or private organizations. In the public school setting the drama teacher usually runs the camp, and it isn’t widely advertised but it is available for anyone to participate. Check with your local art museum and theaters for camp offerings.

Is this a good fit for your child? If

your child is creative and prefers the indoors, then these types of camps would be worth looking into. It may be a good way to introduce the arts to your child since most of these camps are timelimited for one week.

Educational Camps

An educational camp focuses on learning a new skill or subject matter. Since it is camp, and not school, these types of camps tend to be hands-on with an emphasis on fun. These camps are located at public schools, museums, and colleges.

Is this a good fit for your child? If your child is curious and always asking questions about how/why things work, this may be a good match for them. If a child is interested in learning a new 61

what we treat Minor Illnesses and Injuries Such as: Fever Allergies Cough and Colds Sprains and Strains Vomiting Sore Throat And Other Non-life-threatening Injuries

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skill such as computer programming or speaking Spanish, some educational camps offer that as well.

Sleepaway

Overnight camp is when your child lives at the camp for either a week or longer period. There are Boy/Girl Scout camps and private residential camps. These camps tend to offer options such as sailing, boating, archery, horseback riding, and other activities that may not be available close to your home.

Is this a good fit for your child?

An overnight camp gives your child the chance to meet other kids from different states and countries. There is also more time to do activities and foster independence compared to traditional day camps.

Travel

There are two types of travel camps. One type is when your child goes on day trips and the other type, sometimes referred to as “teen tours”, is when your child travels with a group for an extended period (usually a few weeks or a month). This type of camp is with religious or private organizations.

Is this a good fit for your child?

The Little Prince by BalletX Saturday, March 26 ³ 7:30 p.m.

Some of these camps travel to places by plane so it would give your child the chance to travel to a place that you might not have gone to as a family. If your child enjoys experiencing new destinations, then this would be a great fit for them.

How Can I Find These Camps?

A great place to start is by referring to the Summer Camp Guide immediately following this article. Also, ask friends and family where they sent their child to camp and if it was a positive experience for them. Finally, private camps usually offer an open house during the year to allow your child to visit before signing up. Happy Camping! rrp

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA. You can find her at Twitter @ CherylMaguire05.

River Region Parents I March 2022

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Art, Theatre & Music Abrakadoodle Summer Art Camps

Montgomery, AL Abrakadoodle Summer Art Camps 2022 9:00 am- 12:00 pm; Preschool Camp (3-5) & Elementary Camp (6-12) $160 (Including all materials and registration) Ages: Age varies by camp mcornwell@abrakadoodle.com abrakadoodle.com/al-montgomery

Art Buzz Kids Camp

Wine & Design, 7732 Eastchase Parkway, Montgomery, AL 36117 Love Where You Live, June 13-16 Ages: Age varies by camp

(334) 245.3387 montgomery.al@wineanddesign.com wineanddesign.com/montgomeryal

Stringfellows Summer Music Seminar

507 Columbus Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 Stringfellows Summer Music Seminar, Dates to be decided Ages: 7th-9th Grade (334) 240-4004 MontgomerySymphony.org

Dance, Gymnastics & Cheer Alabama Dance Theatre ad on page 8

Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104 June 6-July 8; The Alabama Dance Theatre will be offering summer classes in Classical Ballet (pre-ballet to the professional level), Modern, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Composition/Choreography and Broadway. Highlights of summer classes include a new class Broadway, classical ballet training and creative movement classes open to ages 3 and up. Tutus and Tiaras Camp for ages 3-8 on May 31June 3 from 9:30-12:30. Classes will include preRiver Region Parents I March 2022

ballet, creative movement, crafts, and story time. July 11-25: Summer Intensive: This two week intensive allows dancers to attend classes with master teachers. They will also perform in Alabama Dance Theatre’s annual performance of Stars on the Riverfront. Free to the public. Please feel free to bring a picnic. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 625.2590 alabamadancetheatre.com

Alabama River Region Ballet ad on page 43

Festival Plaza, 7981 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116 Fairytale Ballet Camp: June 6-10, 9am – 12pm Register now for the most exciting event for young dancers, ages 3 – 7 years old! Each week, the dancers will learn about one fairytale ballet, meet the princess ballerina, and participate in themed crafts and activities. ARRB Summer Dance Camp (Ages 8-11): June 5-10, Monday – Friday, 1-4 p.m. Alabama River Region Ballet School is excited to offer a twoweek Summer Dance Camp for dancers, ages 8 – 11. Dancers will take daily classes in Ballet and Jazz, taught by ARRB’s School Director, Kyana Goodyear and ARRB Associate Artistic Director, Curran Tellalian. The dancers will also get to learn about Ballet History, Terminology, and learn about different classical ballets. Snacks will be provided. ARRB Summer Intensive Seminar: June 20-July 1, Monday – Friday, 10 am – 2:30 p.m. Alabama River Region Ballet School is excited to offer a two-week Intensive Summer Seminar for intermediate and advanced students, ages 12 – 18 with a minimum one year of experience on pointe. Dancers will take daily classes in Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Jazz, Modern and Contemporary taught by some of the most talented guest artists and ARRB teachers. The Summer Intensive will include a repertory of classes that focuses on improving the dancers’ technique, as well as the opportunity to learn new choreography, and choreography from the classical repertory. Please call for pricing. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 356-5460 riverregionballet@gmail.com alabamariverregionballet.com

Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection

ad on page 14

3370 Harrison Rd, Montgomery, AL 36109 Make plans for fun summer camps! All day week long. We hope to offer June & July camps! Activities, arts and crafts, various styles of dance, talent shows, fashion shows, reading time, dress up, movies & more! Ages 3 & up. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 277.1098 Facebook: Tonya-Speeds-Dance-Connection

United Gymstars & Cheer ad on page 65

6100 Brewbaker Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36116 June 6- July 29 - 8 week Summer Camp, Weekly themed activities, gymnastics, trampoline, rope climbing, crafts and more. Time: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ages: 5-13. Half Day offered for 4 year olds. Afternoon snack provided. Please bring a sack lunch. Build your own schedule. Flexible days and times. Call for rates. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 284.2244 unitedgymstarsandcheer.com

C.J.’S Dance Factory (home of the Prattville Ballet)

Prattville Ballet, 145 S. Court St, Prattville, AL 36067 June 23rd-July 21st - Thursdays! PRINCESS BALLERINA CAMP features a different princess each week with enchanted activities. (3-8 year olds) at 2 p.m. POWER TUMBLE CAMP (5 and up) at 5:30 p.m. CLASSICAL BALLET TECHNIQUE/POINTE 6:30 p.m. Camp ends with a performance! Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 467.8603 ballerinasrule@msn.com cjsdancefactory.com

Montgomery Ballet

1062 Woodley Road, Montgomery, AL 36106 Information on Summer Camps coming soon. Pleases check back for details. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 409.0522 montgomeryballet.org

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Pike Road Dance Academy

The Marks House, 890 Old Carter Hill Road, Pike Road, AL 36064 Flipping for Summer ACRO Camp, July 26-29; Summer Elite Intensive, June 7-10; TIKTOK (ages 9+), July 26-29; Frozen Ballet Dance Camp (ages 2/3 and 4/5) July 12-15; Super Hero Dance Camp (ages 5-10), July 12-15; Kidz Bop (ages 6-12), June 21-24; Princess Ballet Camp (ages 2/3 and 4/5), June 21-24 Ages: Varies by camp (334) 782.9200 pikeroaddance@gmail.com pikeroaddance.com

Tutu School Montgomery

2960G Zelda Road, Montgomery, AL 36106 Sleeping Beauty Ballet Camp: 5 days starting June 27, 9a.m. until 2 p.m. No prior ballet experience necessary. Camp includes a daily ballet class, craft, ballet story time and lunch. $290 Nutcracker Camp: 4 days starting July 5 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Camp includes a daily ballet class, craft, ballet story time, and lunch. $240 Ages: 3-8 years (334) 363.3360 tutuschool.com

Day Camps Alabama Christian Academy Camp Eagle ad on page 40

4700 Wares Ferry Road, Montgomery, AL 36109 Starts May 31st -July 29th (off the week of 4th of July) $235.00 weekly Every day at Camp Eagle is filled with exciting activities - and LOTS of them!! Your child will be placed in age-appropriate groups and get to participate in recreational and team building activities. We would love for you to join us as we soar into a summer of fun!! Ages: 1st-5th Grade (334) 277-1985 dsanford@alabamachristian.org acacampeagle.org

Alabama Christian Academy NEST ad on page 40

4700 Wares Ferry Road, Montgomery, AL 36109 Starts May 23rd- August 5th $210.00 weekly

We would love for you to join us as we soar into a summer of fun!! Ages: K3-K5 Grades

(334) 277-1985 dsanford@alabamachristian.org acacampeagle.org

Alabama Wildlife Federation Expedition Lanark ad on page 36

3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook, AL 36054 ANC Summer Camp: Camp dates and sessions offered from May 31 through August 5th. Please visit our website for session dates and descriptions for each camp. All camp sessions are co-ed and full day, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; with the exception of Tadpole Camp. Lunch is included and extended care is available. Tadpole Camp for ages 5 years. Nature Navigators for ages 6-7 years. Trail Blazers 4-day camp for ages 8-9. Heritage Explorers for ages 10-11. High Adventure for ages 12-15. Counselors in Training for ages 12-15. ARTventure for ages 8-12. Boys in Action (BIA) for boys ages 10-15. Fishing Fundamentals for ages 10-15. Gross Out Camp Sponsored by Fresh Air Family for ages 6-9. Busy Bee Camp for ages 10-15 Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 285.4550 alabamawildlife.org

Trinity School Day Camps ad on page 17

Trinity Presbyterian School, 1700 East Trinity Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36106 Camp Dates and ages to be announced soon. Please refer to Trinity Presbyterian School website for more information at www.trinitywildcats.com/ summercamps. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 213.2100 trinitywildcats.com

YMCA Prattville ad on page 45

Smith Branch and East Bradford Branch, 600 East Main St and 972 McQueen Smith Rd. S, Prattville , AL 36067 *Prattville YMCA Summer Day Camp, girls and boys ages 6-12. Begins May 31 – August 9. Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Summer Day

Camps are available at Daniel Pratt Elementary School, Main and Pine Level Elementary School. For more information contact the YMCA Childcare Branch at (334) 358-1446. Online registration available at prattvilleymca.org. Financial assistance available for those who qualify. * Gymnastics and Cheer Camp, Ages 5 ½ and up. Dates to be announced. For more information call YMCA Don M. Smith Branch, 365.8852. * Super Summer Sport Camps, Mon-Thurs, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. YMCA Bradford Branch – 358-9622 Sports Camp Dates will be available May 1. Girls’ Volleyball Camp, Ages 8-12 Girls’ Basketball Camp, Ages 6-12 Boys’ Basketball Camp, Ages 6-12 Fishing Camp, Ages 8-16 Boys’ Baseball Camp, Ages 6-12 Girls Softball Camp, Ages 6-12 Soccer Camp, Ages 6-12 Outdoor Adventure Camp: Boys & Girls, ages 9-16. Members and Non-Members. Dates will be available May 1. * Prattville YMCA Camp 2:22 Teen Camp, rising 7th graders – rising 9th graders, girls and boys. Begins May 31 – August 9. Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Camp 2:22 is held at the Bradford Branch on McQueen Smith Road. For more information contact the YMCA Bradford Branch at (334) 358-9622. Online registration available at prattvilleymca.org. Financial assistance available for those who qualify. Ages: Age varies by camp Smith Branch, (334) 365.8852 East Bradford Branch, (334) 358.9622 prattvilleymca.org

4-H Day Clubs

340 Queen Ann Road, Wetumpka, AL Summer Day Camps, Dates to be decided (334) 567.6301 laurie.weldon@auburn.edu Facebook: Elmore County 4-H

Alabama State University SKYCAP/ ReImagined 2022

Ralph David Abernathy Auditorium, 915 S. Jackson Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 Alabama State University’s Division of Continuing Education is bringing their Summer Youth/ Kids College Adventure Program (SKYCAP) back with online and face-to-face options! SKYCAP Reimagined, a newly designed program, is a funfilled college learning adventure for children and youth in grades 2 - 9. SKYCAP Reimagined will support students in their journey to academic and

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personal success. While participating in the SKYCAP Reimagined program participants will enhance their academic skills, explore natural and social sciences, focus on creative expression, learn health and physical fitness, and reinforce STEAM skills. SKYCAP Reimagined’s weekly camps will begin on July 5th and end on August 5th. Contact the Division of Continuing Education at 334-229-4788 for specific details on weekly camp locations, dates and times. Visit our website at www.alasucontinuinged.com for more information on our Youth Programs and ASU’s Kids Academy offerings. Ages: 1st-12th Grade (334) 229.4686 or (334) 229.4317 alasu.edu/continuingeducation

AUM Summer Enrichment Camps

75 TechnaCenter Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 Camps offered from June through July. The College of Education offers a variety of educational enrichment programs for children of all ages including Summer Youth Camps, Math & Reading Programs, and an Accelerated Program. These programs instill children with an excitement for learning, prepare them for the upcoming school year, and even equip them with necessary skills for the college entrance exam. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 244.3413 aum.edu/summercamps

Camp Grandview — YMCA

4700 Camp Grandview Road, Millbrook, AL 36054 Dates: May 24 - August 5 Grandview Family YMCA Summer Day Camp is an action-packed outdoor experience led by highly trained and imaginative YMCA staff, located on 190 wooded acres with two beautiful lakes. As a Day Camp, our facilities are unmatched; a water park, lap pool, an airnasium, fishing pond, athletic fields, hiking trails, mud pit, disc golf, ga-ga pits, an archery range, art and game room, and a gymnasium. This camp is for children that have completed kindergarten through 8th grade. Find more info at ymcamontgomery.org. Ages: Ages 5-15 (334) 290.9622 ymcamontgomery.org

Camp Sunshine for Boys

3067 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery, AL 36111 June 6-10 Ages: Ages 6-11 (334) 262.2697 tukabatcheebsa.org

Camp Tukabatchee

YMCA Goodtimes

2325 Mill Ridge Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 Summer Goodtimes Day Camp: At the Y this summer, children ages 5 to 14 can do everything from learning how to swim improving their reading skills. Every day your child will participate in learning enrichment activities that stretch their mind, daily devotions that will teach them character through skits and songs, and health and nutrition through the daily snack and lunch program. Summer Goodtimes Day Camp will be offered at Cleveland YMCA, East YMCA, Goodtimes Center, and Wetumpka YMCA. www.ymcamontgomery.org Ages: Ages 5-14 (334) 279-8666 ymcamontgomery.org

YMCA Kershaw

2225 West Fairview Ave, Montgomery, AL 36108 Summer Camp Dates, May 31 until August 5. Ages: Ages 5-12 (334) 265.1433 ymcamontgomery.org

YMCA Montgomery Emory Folmar Soccer Complex

300 Brown Springs Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 The YMCA of Greater Montgomery is inspiring youth by teaching the fundamentals of the game of soccer. These skills will assist in the overall development of the youth that are participating. They will learn how to pass, shoot, one-touch, throw -in, free kick, penalty kick, goal keeping, offense and defense. Participants will have comprehension of the rules and terminology of the game of soccer. Please check our website for Soccer Camp dates and details. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 396.9754 ymcamontgomery.org

200 Red Eagle Road, Wetumpka, AL 36092 Summer Camp Dates, May 24- August 1. Please call for more information on times and fees. Ages: Ages 5-12 (334) 567-8282 ymcamontgomery.org

YMCA Wilson

1445 New Park Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 Summer Camp Dates, May 31- August 5. Please call for more information on times and fees. Ages: Ages 5-12 (334) 356.8471 ymcamontgomery.org

Education, Science & Technology

Montgomery Zoo

Alabama School of Math and Science

2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, AL 36110 Make summer vacation a wildlife adventure that you will never forget. Join kids of similar ages and interests for a fun-packed, educational experience themed around ZOOFARI WORLD QUEST. See daily live animal presentations; get up close and personal with some of the Educational animals at the Montgomery Zoo; enjoy scavenger hunts; craft time; classroom time; playtime, train, sky lift rides and animal encounters. Camps are available for ages 5-12 years old; full-day camps. Ages: Age varies by camp

STEM Leadership Academy Summer Camp

YMCA Cleveland Branch

Mathnasium Summer Power Math Workout Programs

(334) 240.4900

montgomeryzoo.com

1201 Rosa L. Parks Ave, Montgomery, AL 36108 10 weeks of Youth Specialty Camps, May 31 until August 5. Ages: Ages 3-12 (334) 265.0566 ymcamontgomery.org

YMCA East Branch

3407 Pelzer Ave, Montgomery, AL 36109 10 weeks of Youth Specialty Camps, May 31 until August 5. Ages: Ages 5-13 (334) 272.3390 ymcamontgomery.org

River Region Parents I March 2022

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(334) 356.1570 mathnasium.com/eastmontgomery

ad on page 15

4240 Lomac Street, Montgomery, AL 36106 Individualized Tutoring Camp: Go back to school powered by a summer of learning! Dates are May 31st through August 4th. 2 hour sessions twice a week, Monday through Thursday, Times: 9:30 – 11:30, 1:30 - 3:30, 4:30-6:30. $130 a week; $95 Registration fee and $49 per assessment for new students. (334) 262.0043 CD@montgomerysylvan.com sylvanlearning.com/Montgomery

ad on page 28

1255 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36604 Dates: June 6 - 10, and June 13 - 17, 2022 for rising 7th - 9th graders. Registration Cost: $430. All campers reside overnight for the week and meals and lodging are included in the cost. Camp Registration Deadline is May 1, 2022. 251-441-2100 admissions@asms.net www.asms.net

ad on page 27

3453 Malcolm Drive (Taylor Road at Billingsley Place Promenade), Montgomery, AL 36117 Mathnasium in the Summertime! Solidify foundation, improve understanding, and get ahead on next year’s concepts in a fun, low-pressure environment. Hours: Sunday 2-4; Monday and

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ACT Bootcamp

Gracepoint Church, 1565 Ray Thorington Road (Gracepoint Church), Montgomery , AL 36116 June 6-9 and July 11-14. Lee Gonet’s unique method of having students take multiple practice tests, individually rework missed problems, and then review error types in group settings improves students’ scores dramatically, increasing ACT composites from 2 to 12 points in just a week’s time. This intensive prep class is Monday through Thursday 8-5, and includes book, practice tests, handouts, water, snacks, and 40 hours of testing and instruction. Cost: $250, New Student and 20% discount, returning student. Ages: Ages 14 to adult (334) 524.7371 Link on website leestestprep.com

Science Matters Camp

YMCA Wetumpka

3067 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery, AL 36111 Boy Scout Day and resident camps. Week 1: June 12-18 Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 262.2697 tukabatcheebsa.org

Wednesday 3:30-7:30, Tuesday and Thursday 11:30-4:30. Friday and Saturday Closed Ages: 2nd-12th Grade

Auburn University, 249 Sciences Center, Auburn, AL 36849 June 13-July 22. Science Matters is a summer enrichment program for elementary students offering a supercharged science experience. Camp sessions broken down by 1st/2nd, 3rd/4th, 5th/6th and 7th/8th graders. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 844.5769 auburn.edu/cosam/departments/ outreach/programs

SCORE 2022

Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 Nine 1-week camps offered between June 13July 15. SCORE Summer camps are hosted by the Southeastern Center of Robotics Education at Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliesum. With years of experience and success with summer camps, SCORE offers an investment in your child’s future. We hire certified teachers to ensure your camper is getting the best experience while we immerse them in the robotics world. SCORE’s mission serves to inspire and prepare future generations of STEM professionals by developing and delivering student robotics programs, online robotics resources, and professional development for educators. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 844.8125 jss007@auburn.edu scoreau.org

Horseback Riding/ Equestrian Camps Riverview Camp for Girls ad on page 63

757 County Road 614, Mentone, AL 35984 Details can be found under Overnight Camps. Ages: Ages 6-16, varies by camp (800) 882.0722 riverviewcamp.com

MANE’s Unified Summer Camp

3699 Wallahatchie Road, Pike Road, AL 36064 4 weekly Camp sessions. Cost $250 per week.

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Family Karate Center

Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp for Girls

(334) 220.9319

(334) 213.0909 maneweb.org

Lookout Mountain, 606 Valley View Ranch Road, Cloudland, GA 30731 A’top Lookout Mountain, for 50 girls, 8-17; 2 week sessions, 600 acres, English, Western, Barrels, Vaulting, and Trails. CHA instructors teach beginner to advanced riders. Spend 4-6 hours daily with your OWN camp horse. The Jones family are third generation horse lovers, camp administrators, and equine educators making girls dreams come true! Ages: Girls, 8-17 (706) 862-2231 info@valleyviewranch.com valleyviewranch.com

Martial Arts

Peppertree Shopping Center, 8159 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116 Kids Karate camp for summer program offered every day. Ages:Ages 2+

Overnight Camps Alabama School of Math and Science

STEM Leadership Academy Summer Camp ad on page 28

Camp NextGen at NextGen Martial Arts in Prattville 698 Old Farm Lane, Prattville , AL 36066 Dates to be announced. Ages :Age varies by camp

(334) 590-3759 todd@nextgenmartialarts.com nextgenmartialarts.com

Docarmo’s Summer Karate Camp

3447 Malcolm Drive, Montgomery, AL 36116 Summer Day Camp Dates: May 31-June 3, June 6-10, June 13-17, July 20-24, June 27-July 1, July 11-15, July 18-20, July 25-29 and August 1-5. Please visit our website or call for information. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 220.5835 trytkdfree.com

Camp Chandler - YMCA ad on page 26

1240 Jordan Dam Road, Wetumpka, AL 36092 YMCA Camp Chandler provides youth the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, develop new skills, and create memories that last a lifetime. Campers have an opportunity to attend day or overnight camp and enjoy amazing camp activities such as Swimming, Blobbing, Horseback Riding, Canoeing, Archery, Air Rifles, Sailing, Fishing, Skiing, and so much more. Visit our camp website and explore the many summer options we have for campers ages 5-15. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 269.4362 campchandler@mcamontgomery.org campchandler.org

Camp Victory ad on page 52

363 Victory Circle, Samson, AL 36477 Weekly sessions beginning, June 6 – July 29; coed camp. Air conditioned cabins. Activities include Giant Swing, Zipline, Swimming Pool, Volleyball, Bunker Ball, Riflery & Archery, Tetherball, Mini Golf, Canoes, Kayaks, Pedal Boats, Basketball, Crafts, Carpetball, Ping Pong, Foosball, Fishing, Low Ropes Challenge Course, Indoor Climbing Wall, Bible Classes, Outdoor Education, Missionary Presentations, Chapel Services and Cabin Devotions; Trained Christian staff who live in cabins with campers; evening chapel. Affiliated with the Children’s Bible Mission. Ages: 2nd-12th Grade (334) 898.7948 office@campvictoryal.org campvictoryal.org

Riverview Camp for Girls ad on page 63

757 County Road 614, Mentone, AL 35984 June 10 - July 31 Short Term 1-week sessions Long Term 2-week sessions Customized Combination of 2-9 weeks. Other: ACA accredited. Free video and catalog. Non-denominational Christian camp. More than 15 activity choices available, including horseback riding, climbing tower and ropes course. New pool and new tennis courts. Ages: Ages 6-16, varies by camp (800) 882.0722 riverviewcamp.com

Adventure Treks

1899 Berea Church Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28739 Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, Yellowstone, California, Ultimate Northwest, Alaska, and Leadership Summit. Each 13–30 day Adventure includes a wide variety of exciting wilderness

N O W E N R O L L I N G F O R 2022 2011

TH E LEARNING TREE C H I L D D E V E L O P M E N T C E N T E R S , I N C . Your children deserve the best, why not give it to them. We pride ourselves at The Learning Tree in having the best child care program for ages 6 wks. to 12 yrs. We are D.H.R. Licensed and provide transportation to and from public school. Full Day Care and Half day (morning or afternoon).

ENROLL NOW, CALL TODAY!

3 Convenient Locations:

1816 Glynwood Dr. Prattville - 365-1451

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

3335 Woodley Rd. - 284-5560 I 4120 Carmichael Rd. - 271-4733

SPECIAL OFFER

FREE REGISTRATION With this coupon and new enrollment only. Up to $85 Value!

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time campers), 2, 3, 4, & 5 weeks. Ages: Grades 1st-11th, Boys

activities such as rock climbing, whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, mountain biking, canoeing, mountaineering, and backpacking in some of the most breathtaking scenery in western. Ages: Ages 12-18

(828) 669.8766 info@camptimberlake.com camptimberlake.com

Camp Trico

315 Trico Drive, Guntersville, AL 35967 3 Resident Camp sessions: July 10-15, July 17-22 and July 24-29. Ages: Grades 1st-11th

(888) 954.5555 info@adventuretreks.com adventuretreks.com

(800) 734.4541 girlscoutsnca.org

Camp Walkabout

All Arts & Sciences Camp

171 Baylor School Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405 Camp Walkabout begins June 5-16. Discoverers (Ages 8-11),4 sessions; Adventurers (Ages 12-13) and Expeditioners(Ages 14-16), 2 sessions and Rivers (Ages 12-16), 1 session Ages: Ages 8-16

5900 Summit Ave. Greensboro, NC 27214 Get in-depth, hands on instruction in the arts, sciences, and technology, Details and Dates to be decided. Please check back in March. Ages: Ages 7-15 (866) 334.2255 allarts@uncg.edu allarts.uncg.edu

Alpine Camp for Boys

P. O. Box 297, Mentone, AL 35984 Call for CD-ROM with video; Junior Camp: (Grades 1-5) May 31-June 8; (Grades 2-9) First Term: June 10-July 5; (Grades 2-9) Second Term: July 8-Aug 2. Ages: Age varies by camp (256) 634.4404 summer@alpinecamp.com alpinecamp.com

Camp Alamisco

1771 Camp Alamisco, Dadeville, AL 36853 Aquatics Camp, June 5-12, ages 13-17 Adventure Camp, June5-12, ages 7-9. Junior Camp, June 12-19, ages 10-12. Teen Camp, June 19-26, ages 13-17. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 272.7493 Alamiscocamp@gmail.com campalamisco.org

Camp Coleman

4010 Camp Coleman Rd, Camp Coleman, AL 35173 Various camps offered between May 31-July29. Please visit our website for themes and dates. Ages: Age varies by camp (256) 365.2970 or (800) 734.4541 girlscoutsnca.org

Camp Cosby - Birmingham YMCA

2290 Paul Bear Bryant Road, Alpine, AL 35014 Eight different sessions ranging in many different age groups. Camp dates begin on Sunday, June 5 -July 30. Ages 6-16. Ages: Ages 6-16 (800) 852.6729 cinfo@campcosby.org www.campcosby.org

Camp Hollymont for Girls

339 Nacoochee Drive, Rabun Gap, GA 30568 Length: 6,13, 20 or 27 days; Camps Dates begin June 12-July 22. Ages: Ages 7-15, Girls

(828) 686.5343 4info@hollymont.com hollymont.com

Camp Juliette Low

321 Camp Juliette Low Rd, Cloudland, GA 30731 Dates: 6/5 – 7/30; 1, 2, & 3 weeks; Girls only. Ages: Ages 7-17, Girls (770) 862.2169 info@cjl.org cjl.org

Camp Kiwanis

2365 Camp Kiwanis Road, Eclectic, AL 36024 2 Sessions available: July 10-15 or July 17-22. Ages: 2nd-12th Grade (800) 239.6636 girlscoutssa.org

Camp Laney

916 West River Road, Mentone, AL 35984 4- 2 Week sessions. Sessions June 5-July 31. Ages: Ages 7-15, Boys

(256) 634.4066 info@camplaney.com camplaney.com

River Region Parents I March 2022

(423) 267.8506, Ext. 827 admission@baylorschool.org baylorschool.org

Camp Mac Summer Camp for Boys and Girls

2671 Cheaha Road, Munford, AL 36268 6 Day Mini Terms, Grades 1st-4th grade; 11 day Junior Terms, Grades 2nd-6th grade; Senior Terms, 3rd-8th Grade. Camp Sessions: May 31July 31 Ages: 1st-8th Grade

(256) 362.7449 office@campmac.com campmac.com

Camp Marannook

10425 Veterans Memorial Pkwy., Lafayette, AL 36862 June 5-July 21; Residential and Day Camps. From sunrise to after sunset, every camp day is packed with fun. Campers will swim, shoot archery, make crafts, eat s’mores around the campfire, and play games on the game field. They explore a huge maze, ride the cable car and crazy swing and are challenged by various rope and climbing activities. And there is a one-ofa-kind Bible Time with skits and drama. When the campers arrive, the counselors are ready to build relationships and to share the love of Christ through these relationships. Ages: 1st-10th Grade

Camp Widjiwagan

3088 Smith Springs Road, Antioch, TN 37013 Dates: 6/5-8/6: Nine sessions. Summer Camp for Boys and Girls. Ages: Ages 7-15

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381 Moonlight Drive, Cloudland, GA 30731 Dates: 5/29-7/29: Three one-week sessions and Three 2-week sessions. Summer Camp for Boys and Girls. Ages: Ages 6-14

Cub Camp

3067 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery, AL 36111 Session 1: June 11-12 Ages: Grades 1st-5th (800) 977.2688 tukabatcheebsa.org

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(334) 864.7504 marannook.org

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Camp Merri Mac

Experiment in International Living

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1123 Montreat Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711 June 6-August 11; Length:1 (starter camp for first time campers), 2, 3, 4, & 5 weeks. Ages: Grades 1st-11th, Girls

(828) 669.8766 mail@merri-mac.com merri-mac.com

Camp Scoutshire Woods, Girl Scout Camp

6051 Scoutshire Camp, Citronelle, AL 36522 Summer sessions available. Sessions begin June 12-17 or June 19-24, Ages: Age varies by camp (800) 239.6636 girlscoutssa.org

Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer

218 Sea Gull Landing, Arapahoe, NC 28510 6/12 – 8/12; Length: 1, 2, & 4 week session. Ages: Ages 6-16

(252) 249.1111 or (252) 249.1212 seagull-seafarer.org

Camp Skyline Ranch

4888 Alabama Hwy 117, Mentone, AL 35984 June 5-July 31; Four 2 wk. sessions; Three 1 wk. Sessions. Ages: Ages 6-16, Girls (800) 448.9279 info@campskyline.com campskyline.com

Camp Stanislaus

304 South Beach Blvd., Bay St. Louis, MS 39520 Dates: May 30-July 15; Length: 1, 2, 3 and 4 week sessions. Ages: Ages 8-15, Boys (228) 467.9057 camp@ststan.com campstanislaus.com

1015 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 July 1-31. Must have completed 9th grade. 3, 4 or 5-week programs. Foreign language studies a prerequisite for most sessions. Ages: 10th-12th Grade

1123 Montreat Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711 May 20-August 11; Length:1 (starter camp for first

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Falling Creek Camp for Boys

(828) 692.0262 fallingcreek.com

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P.O. Box 98, Tuxedo, NC 28784 One week to 4 week sessions Camp Dates: June 5-August 12. Ages: 1st-12th Grade, Boys

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Lake Forest Ranch

5326 Lake Forest Road, Macon, MS 39341 Sessions beginning May 28 through July 31. Summer camp experience for children (ages 7-12) and teenagers (ages 11-18). There are twelve exciting camp sessions available from which to choose. Ages: Age varies by camp (662) 726.5052 info@lakeforestranch.com lakeforestranch.com

McWane Science Center Summer Camp

200 19th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203 Dates and details coming soon. Students entering 1st through 7th grade will be full day camps. Pre K-Kindergarten will remain half day camps. Ages: Age varies by camp (205) 714.8300 mcwane.org

Moondance Adventures

Camp Timberlake

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209 10th Ave. S, Ste. 322, Nashville, TN 37203 Dates: 6/7 - 7/331; Length: 14, 17, 21, 23 and 24

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Museum Expedition Archaeology Camp

P.O. Box 870340, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Discover Alabama’s diverse natural history by participating in the Annual Museum Expedition Camp! Dates TBA Ages: Grades 6th-12th, Varies by camp (205) 348.7550 museum.expedition@ua.edu amnh.ua.edu

North Carolina Outward Bound

2582 Riceville Road, Asheville, NC 28805 Year Round Programs; Length: 4-78 days; Ages: Ages 14+

Sports Camps Alabama Christian Academy Basketball Camp ad on page 40

4700 Wares ferry Road, Montgomery, AL 36109 Dates: TBA; Please call for more information. (334) 277.1985 alabamachristian.org

Faulkner University Baseball Camp ad on page 24

Rising Star, Savannah College of Art & Design

Faulkner University, 5345 Atlanta Hwy., Montgomery, AL 36109 Whether you are a youth player looking to receive top instruction from a college coach, or you are a high school player hoping to hone your skills to reach the next level, we have something to offer you! All players must bring their own baseball equipment including sneakers/turf shoes in case of inclement weather. Youth Session I: June 13-16 Youth Session II: June 20-23 Morning Youth Fundamentals Session III: June 27-29

(800) 869.7223 and Atlanta, GA; (877) 722.3285 contact@scad.edu scad.edu/risingstar

Macon East Academy Sports Camps

(888) 756.2627 challenge@ncobs.org ncoutwardbound.com

Ponderosa Bible Camp

1018 County Road, Mentone, AL 35984 Dates: 6/12- 7/8; Length: One week; and Leadership Training Program for 11th and 12th graders. Ages: Age varies by camp (256) 634.4397 ponderosabiblecamp.com

P.O. Box 2072, Savannah, GA 31402 Virtual Dates: June 19-July 22. Open to students who completed junior year of high school. Ages: Rising 12th Grade

Sail Caribbean

256 Main Street, STE# 1203, Northport, NY 11768 June 1-August 22. Length: Programs range from 14 to 36 days. Ages:11-18+ (800) 321.0994 bvi_office1@sailcaribbean.com sailcaribbean.com

Twin Lakes Camp

155 Milner Road, Florence, MS 39073 Eight one-week sessions available from June 6-July 23. Ages: Ages 6-12 (601) 845.6858 twinlakescamp.org

U.S. Space Camp and Aviation Challenge

One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805 Dates: Runs year round; Summer Program is May -August, call for pricing. Ages: Ages 9 and up (800) 637.7223 spacecamp.com

YMCA Camp Ocoee

111 YMCA Drive, Ocoee, TN 37361 June 5-July 30. Ages: Ranger 7-15; Teen Leadership and Specialty Camps, 16-17. Ages: Age varies by camp

(423) 338.5588 ocoee@ix.netcom.com campocoee.com

Special Needs Camp ASCCA-Easter Seals

Camp ASCCA, 5278 Camp ASCCA Drive, Jackson Gap, AL 36861 Six 1-week sessions. Ages 6 and up. Camp dates will be July 3-August 12. Ages: Age varies by camp (256) 825.9226 info@campascca.org campascca.org

Camp Seale Harris

Camp ASCCA, 5278 Camp ASCCA Drive, Jackson Gap, AL 36861 Junior Camp (ages 6 - 13), June 12-17; Senior Camp (ages 12 - 18),June 4-10; Coastal Camp (ages 10-18), July 24-29. Ages: Age varies by camp (205) 402.0415 info@campsealeharris.org campsealeharris.org

(334) 386.7980 pmmccarthy@faulkner.edu faulknerbaseballcamps.com

ad on page 23

15396 Vaughn Road, Cecil, AL 36013 Dates to be announced. Camps include Elementary baseball, soccer, volleyball, basketball and football. All camps open to the public. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 277.6566 maconeast.net

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory Summer Camps ad on page 37

5350 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116 Baseball, Wrestling, Soccer, Basketbal, Volleyball, Softball, Tennis, Football, Cheer. Dates TBA. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 272.7221 montgomerycatholic.org

O’Connor Tennis Camps ad on page 57

500 Anderson Street, Montgomery, AL 36107 Summer Camps Monday - Thursday, Age 4-6 9:00-10:00 AM. $50 per day with advance registration or $60 per week, $15 per day drop in. Age 7-16, 9:00-11:00 AM. $100 per week with advance registration or $120 per week, $30 per day drop in. June 6-9, June 13-16, June 20-23, June 27-30, July 11-14, July 18-21, July 25-28 Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 240.4884 bbradshaw10s@gmail.com oconnortenniscenter.com

Saint James School Sports Camps ad on page 1

6010 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116 Saint James School will continue its summer tradition of providing a variety of sports and cheerleader camps for young people. Printed information will be available soon and will include cost, age groups and other pertinent information. Call Katie Barton, Athletic director, or the individual coaches at (334) 277.8033, ext. 145. Keith Luckey Baseball Camp; 1st -5th grade, TBA Keith Luckey Baseball Camp; 6th grade and up, TBA Baseball Pitching Clinic for 5th grade and up, TBA Katie Barton Girls Basketball for 2nd – 8th, TBA

Nigel Card Boys Basketball for 4th – 8th grade, TBA Jeff Corley Wrestling Camp for 1st-5th grade and 6th-12th grade, TBA Ms. Theresa Straughn Volleyball Camp for 3rd - 8th grade, TBA Saint James Youth Cheerleader Camp for Pre-K3 – 6th grade, TBA Jimmy Perry Boys Football Camp, Ages 5-13, TBA (334) 277.8033, ext. 145 stjweb.org

Trinity Sports Camps ad on page 17

1700 E. Trinity Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36106 Baseball Camp, TBD; Kindergarten through 6th Lady Wildcats Basketball; TBD / 2nd-5th grade Basketball Camp (boys): TBD/ 3rd-8th grade Dance Camp, TBD/ K3-5th grade Cheer Camp, TBD/ K3-5th grade Softball Camp: Date TBD/ 1st-8th grade Football Camp, Dates: TBD ***more to come Please refer to Trinity Presbyterian School website for more information at www.trinitywildcats.com/ summercamps. (334) 213.2100 trinitywildcats.com

Auburn Tiger Football Camps

Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 High School Elite Camp : June 3, 6 or 10th; High School OL/DL Camp: June 8 and 15; High School Specialist Camp : June 15; High School 7 on 7 Camp: June 16 and 23; Tigers Youth Camp (Grades 3rd-8th): June 20. Please check our website for details. Ages: Grades 3rd-12th, Age varies by camp auburnfootballcamps.com

Auburn Tiger Junior Golf Camp

Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 TBA; This camp will benefit all ages and all skill levels from beginner to advanced. Ages: Ages 9-18 (334) 844.9657 auburntigergolfcamps.com

Auburn Tiger Softball Camp

Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 Dates to be announced. Ages: Ages 12-19 (334) 844.9515 auburntigers.com

Auburn Tiger Swim Camp

Auburn University, Auburn, AL 26849 Technique/Training Camp: June 5-9 and June 12-16; Starts/Turns Camp: June 10-12 and June 17-19. Please visit our website for more details. Ages: Ages 10-18 auswimcamps@gmail.com auburnwareagleswimcamps.com

Auburn University Baseball Camps

Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 Team Camp, TBA; Pitcher/Catching/Infield Camp, TBA; Youth Camp, (ages 7-12) TBA; High school Showcase Camp, TBA. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 844.4975 auburntigersbaseballcamp.com

Auburn Volleyball Camp

Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 Please check our website for dates and details to be announced. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 844.9637 auburntigers.com

Auburn Women’s Soccer Camps

Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 June ID Camp: June 4-5; June Day Camp: June 6-9 ; Auburn Soccer Goalkeeper Academy: June 11-12; Skills Academy: June 11-12; July Day Camp: July 11-14; July Elite ID Camp: July 9-10 and July ID Camp: July 16-17 Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 844.9637 auburnsoccercamps.com

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AUM Sports Camps

University of Alabama Softball Camp

(334) 244.3000 aumathletics.com

(800) 933.BAMA alabamasoftballcamp.com

7400 East Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 Dates to be announced in the spring. Please check our website for Camp information. Ages: Age varies by camp

FC Montgomery Soccer Futsal

Capital City Sportsplex, 1555 Eastern Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36117 (indoor/air conditioned) Coach Bruno (Former pro & College coach - Masters Phy. Ed.) Camp dates to be decided. Ages: Ages 7-14 (334) 207.5442 brunomr@fcmontgomery.com fcmontgomery.com

Huntingdon College Baseball Camps

1500 East Fairview Ave., Montgomery, AL 36106 High School Showcase Skills Camp, Grades 9-12; May 21 Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 833.4501 huntingdonhawks.com

Huntingdon College Basketball Camps

1500 East Fairview Ave., Montgomery, AL 36106 Variety of Basketball Camps, Dates to be announced. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 833.4399 huntingdonhawks.com

Huntingdon College Soccer I.D. Camp

1500 East Fairview Ave., Montgomery, AL 36106 Soccer I.D. Camp (Grades 9th-12th) Dates and times to be announced. Ages: Grades 9th-12th (334) 833.4316 hchawkssoccercamps.com

Huntingdon College Summer Youth Academy for Soccer

1500 East Fairview Ave., Montgomery, AL 36106 Summer Youth Academy (Ages 5-13) Dates and times to be announced. Ages: Ages 5-13 (334) 833-4316 hchawkssoccercamps.com

McCallie Sports Camp

500 Dodds Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404 Length: Three 2-week sessions MSC Session I: Monday, June 13-25; MSC Session II: Monday, June 27 - July 9; MSC Session III: Monday, July 11-23. Ages: Ages 9-15 (800) 672.2267 mccallie.org

University of Alabama Baseball Camp

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Dates to be announced. Four themed sessions. Age ranges for these camps are K-12th grade. 1,2,3 and overnight camps available. Ages:Age varies by camp (205) 348.8849 rolltide.com

University of Alabama Football Camp

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 The University of Alabama has a wide selection of Football camps during the months of June and July. Age ranges for these camps are K-12th. Ages: Age varies by camp (205) 348.0808 rolltide.com

University of Alabama Men’s Basketball Camp University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 TBA. Wide selection of Basketball camps. Ages: Age varies by camp

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Two Summer Camp Sessions: June 13-15 and June15-17. Camp will cover all defensive positions. Ages: Age varies by camp

University of Alabama Women’s Basketball Camp

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 June 8, 24 and 25. Camp is open to any and all entrants and only limited by number, age, grade level and/or gender. Ages: Grades 9th-12th (205) 348.6164 rolltide.com

BONUS:

Spring Break Camps Camp Chandler Spring Fling ad on page 26

1240 Jordan Dam road, Wetumpka, AL 36092 March 25-March 27 Ages: Ages 5-14 (334) 229.0035 ymcamontgomery.org

Expedition Lanark Spring Break Camp ad on page 36

3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook, AL 36054 ANC Spring Break Camp March 21-25 | March 28-April 1 8:00 am- 3:30 pm (early drop-off & aftercare available) We always have lots of fun activities planned and with our NaturePlex facility we are prepared to have fun in any type of weather! Some activities include fishing, canoeing, birding with binoculars, track casting and even dissecting owl pellets! We will get hands on with some of our educational animals such as our baby alligator, eastern indigo snake, and gopher tortoise during our animal encounters! AGES: 6-12 | COST: $125.00/week Aftercare available for $25.00/week (7:30am8:00am drop-off & 4:00pm-6:00pm pick-up) (334) 285.4550 awf@alabamawildlife.org alabamawildlife.org

United Gymstars and Cheer

(800) 933.BAMA rolltide.com

River Region Parents I March 2022

(334) 245.3387 montgomery.al@wineanddesign.com wineanddesign.com/montgomeryal

Docarmo’s Spring Break Camp

3447 Malcolm Drive, Montgomery, AL 36116 March 21-25; At Docarmo’s Taekwondo, all of our camp students are not only learning great character benefits, but also have fun obstacle courses, great camp theme challenges, and awesome games to be involved in. Camp helps children build self-confidence and self-esteem by removing the kind of academic, athletic and social competition that shapes their lives at school. With its noncompetitive activities and diverse opportunities to succeed, day camp is a real boost for young people. There are accomplishment every day. Ages: 6 years and up (334) 220.5835 docarmotkd@yahoo.com trytkdfree.com

Family Karate Center Spring Break Camp

Peppertree Shopping Center, 8159 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 Through the months of March and April. The camp will teach Stranger Danger Child Abduction Prevention and Awareness Programs, The Ask Mom First Program (Child Molestation Prevention), Bully Busters program and tips to teach children about lures child abductors use. Also included in the Kids Karate Camp will be beginning and advanced karate skills and drills, relay races, Samurai Pool Noodle Challenge, Karate Freeze Tag, Ninja Dodge Frisbee, Power Ranger Relay Race, and many other fun games that make children test their coordination and balancing skills. Ages: 2 years and up (334) 277.4911

FC Montgomery Soccer Futsal

(334) 207.5442 brunomr@fcmontgomery.com fcmontgomery.com

YMCA Branches and Goodtimes Center

McWane Science Center Spring Break Camp

Montgomery, AL March 21-25, Goodtimes and East YMCA March 28-April 1, Grandview YMCA and Wetumpka. Ages: Age varies by camp

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Spring Break Camp

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Three sessions based on skill.TBA. Ages: Age varies by camp

Wine & Design, 7732 Eastchase Parkway, Montgomery, AL 36117 Celebrate Our World: March 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25. One day is $45 and All days $200 Ages: Age varies by camp

(334) 284.2244 gym@unitedgymstarsandcheer.com unitedgymstarsandcheer.com

University of Alabama Men’s Golf Camp

University of Alabama Soccer Camp

Art Buzz Kids Camp

6100 Brewbaker Blvd. , Montgomery, AL 36116 March 21-25; 7:30-5:30 p.m. Please call for pricing. Please bring a snack and a lunch. Ages: 5-12 years

ymcamontgomery.org

(662) 418.4442 rolltide.com

(334) 271.5353 info@asf.net asf.net

Capital City Sportsplex, 1555 Eastern Boulevard, Montgomery, AL 36117 March 21-25; Most Advanced Youth Development Methodology Worldwide! Come improve your technique and have fun the Brazilian way! Sign up now! Ages: All ages

ad on page 65

(205) 348.4111 rolltide.com

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 TBA; Teaches campers the proper fundamentals through golf instruction. Ages: Ages 10-18

camp, students will devise their own play based on the beloved Grimm’s fairytale, Snow White. All students will work together to write, design, and star in their new interpretation of the classic story. At the end of the week, campers will present their play in a final performance for friends and family. Ages: Age varies by camp

1 Festival Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 Grades 4-7; March 16-20 from 9 a.m.-4p.m.; $300 During this week long camp, students will devise their own play based on the beloved Grimm’s fairytale, Snow White. All students will work together to write, design, and star in their new interpretation of the classic story. At the end of the week, campers will present their play in a final performance for friends and family. Grades 8-12; March 16-20 from 9a.m.-4p.m.; $300 During this week long

200 19th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203 March 28-April 1st; Spring Break Campers will explore and learn about their favorite science subjects, from dinosaurs and space to animals and engineering. Ages: All ages (205) 714.8351 pchwoning@mcwane.org mcwane.org

Spring Break Art with Barb Grimes at Nancy’s Ice

Nancy’s Italian Ice March 21-24; Paint a canvas and enjoy a free ice cream treat! Monday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. $15 each class per child or $50 for all 4 days per child. Ages: 3 years and up (334) 546.2233 barb2shop@yahoo.com

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APRIL

H O LY W E E K E V E N T S

These days, it can feel like all we hear is “no.” Sadly, too many of us picture God only in terms of what He is against. The Easter Season reminds us that God says “Yes”—Yes to life, Yes to joy, Yes to second chances, and Yes to you. We invite you to join us on a journey through Holy Week, marking the steps of Jesus that led him to the cross, through death, and out the other side into resurrection life. At Frazer, we believe that Jesus not only lives, but also that in his life you can discover God’s “Yes” to your new life today.

10 APRIL

13 APRIL

14 APRIL

15 APR

Palm Sunday Worship Stations of the Cross Interactive Prayer Journey Maundy Thursday Communion Good Friday Worship Easter Sunday Celebration

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Grading Family Movies: Streaming, Digital Rentals, and Theatrical Releases Marry Me

Theaters

Rating PG-13

Overall B

Violence A-

Sex B

Profanity B-

Alcohol/Drugs B-

Global superstar Kat Valdez is planning to marry her celebrity boyfriend in front of an audience of 20 million people – until she sees a video clip seconds before the ceremony that shows him cheating on her. Heartbroken but determined to “change the narrative” she proposes to a random guy in the crowd. Despite its ludicrous premise, this is a sweet rom-com with little sexual content, aside from suggestive dance moves and revealing costumes. The movie is suitable for most teens and has messges about hope, kindness, and self respect. Photo ©Universal Pictures

Death on the Nile

Theaters

Rating PG-13

Overall B-

Violence C+

Sex B-

Profanity B+

Alcohol/Drugs B

Glamorous Linnet Doyle and her husband Simon are being stalked on their honeymoon by Jacqueline de Bellefort, Linnet’s erstwhile friend and Simon’s former fiancée. When passion bursts into murder on a luxury cruise down the Nile, it’s fortunate that Hercule Poirot is one of the party. The sanitized violence is not unexpected given the genre, but the very steamy kissing and fondling are a surprise. Suitable for adult and teen mystery fans, this is a very loose adaptation of the novel on which it’s based and might displease hardcore Agatha Christie fans looking for a script that hews closer to the book. Photo © 20th Century Studios

Blacklight

Theaters

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

PG-13

C-

In this cookie cutter Liam Neeson movie, he stars as Travis Block, a government operative responsible for getting a deep-cover agent out of prison. In the process, he discovers a deadly conspiracy within the government – but exposing it will come at a cost. With painfully flat characters, excruciatingly bad dialogue, and Australian filming locations that look nothing like Washington D.C., this is one of Neeson’s worst films. Negative content is lighter than other movies in the genre, but it’s still not worth watching. Photo © Open Road Films

The Sky Is Everywhere

Apple TV+

Rating PG-13

Overall B-

Violence A

Sex B-

Profanity C+

Alcohol/Drugs D+

Reeling after her sister’s unexpected death, Lennie is unable to play her clarinet and spends her time grieving in Bailey’s closet and writing letters on tree trunks. She unexpectedly becomes involved with two guys: Toby, Bailey’s ex-boyfriend, and Joe, a fellow musician in the school band. Now she has to choose between moving forward or holding on to the past. This movie’s take on grief is distinctive thanks to vivid sets and scenes of magical realism which sometimes work and often don’t. The story’s messages about family and love are nonetheless valuable. Photo ©Apple TV+

Tall Girl 2

Netflix

Rating TV-PG

Overall B-

Violence A

Sex A

Profanity B

Alcohol/Drugs A

Finally comfortable with her height, Jodi has found the confidence to win the lead in the school play. Under these pressures, new insecurities emerge, which threaten her relationships. Formulaic, trite, and clearly filmed on a low budget, this production has little negative content, but not much else to recommend it. Sadly, the valuable storylines on self-doubt and anxiety – that will benefit young viewers - are overwhelmed by layers of unnecessary side plots. Photo ©Netflix River Region Parents

Grades range from: A= absence of content concerns to D= excess of content concerns Detailed reviews available at www.parentpreviews.com www.riverregionparents.com I March 2022 72

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Wetumpka Scout Earns Eagle Rank

Hayes Pieper, a senior at Wetumpka High School and a member of Wetumpka Boy Scout Troop 13, has achieved Eagle rank. Pieper is 18 years old and got his start in Scouting as a member of Cub Scout Pack 8 in 2010, chartered by Saint James Methodist Church in Montgomery. Two years later, he transferred to Pack 429 in Wetumpka after moving there. While at Pack 429, he earned the God and Me religious award and his Arrow of Light, the highest level of achievement in Cub Scouts. In 2015, Pieper joined Troop 13, where he held a variety of leadership positions through the years, including senior patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, troop librarian, quartermaster and chaplain aide. He also served as a den chief for Wetumpka Cub Scout Pack 50 in 2019-20. He is a member of Order of the Arrow (National Scouting Honor Society), Alibamu Lodge 179. In summer 2019, Pieper’s favorite Scout experience was when he traveled with members of his troop to Florida Sea Base near Key West, where he completed a weeklong deep-sea fishing adventure in the waters of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. He also enjoyed several summers at Camp Tukabatchee. For his Eagle project, Pieper and members of his troop erected a large United States flag at Flagg Mountain, a property of the Alabama Forestry Commission. He did this so visitors hiking and camping there can enjoy the flag. He also wanted other Scouts to enjoy meeting around the flag when they camp at Flagg Mountain. At school, Pieper has been or currently is involved in the JROTC program, the Wetumpka High wrestling team, robotics, the Chess Club and the A/B Honor Roll in college preparatory classes. He has also spent the last two summers working for the Retirement Systems of Alabama. After graduating from Wetumpka this May, Pieper plans to attend Auburn University at Montgomery on academic scholarship, where he will major in pre-engineering for two years. Then he will transfer to Auburn University to earn a degree in civil engineering.

2022

Child Care issue

Are you enrolling new students? Advertise your center to fill up your roster! (334) 328-5189 | jason@riverregionparents.com 73

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Jennifer first noticed feeling burned out when her daughter hit puberty. She said she felt, “emotionally and physically drained and that I’m absolutely failing as a parent in every way.” At her worst, she remembers thinking, “I’m doing it all here, giving it all of me, why isn’t everything perfect here? It must be me.” Her feelings of being overwhelmed and exhausted became so severe that she met with a counselor. River Region Parents I March 2022

www.riverregionparents.com

“I see parent burnout more with parents of teenagers than with parents of toddlers. When you are a new parent, it’s early in your parenthood, so you still feel like you are learning things. It’s not burnout until you feel like you’ve been doing this over and over and keep getting the same results. Parents think, ‘I’m ineffective, they don’t listen to me and I’ve lost myself,’” says Dr. Sheryl Ziegler, psychologist, and author of Mommy Burnout. Parents of teenagers tend to have fewer support systems like mom clubs that are offered to parents with toddlers. A research study found that parents of middle-schoolage children reported the highest levels of stress and loneliness compared to parents of other age groups. Another recent research study found that parental burnout strongly increases neglectful and violent behaviors towards their children. According to experts Dr. Ziegler and Dr. Carla Naumburg, a clinical social worker and author of parenting books including How To Stop Losing Your Sh*t With Your Kids, some ways that parents can cope with burnout are:

Spend time with friends or community

“My number one tip to overcome parent burnout is connecting with friends. That is something that goes by the wayside when parents are struggling. When you are working and raising children you feel like there is no time. And your friendships tend to be the first things that go,” says Dr. Ziegler. She explains that most parents don’t realize how important friendships are to their emotional health. She discusses a research study that showed that when you spend time with friends the hormone oxytocin is released causing you to feel good. Friends can also provide a support system.

Focus on what works best for your family

Dr. Ziegler explains that some people think more options are better, so parents spend hours researching the best camp or school. But she found that more options led to parents feeling burned out. “Whatever a parent picks they feel like maybe the other option would have been better,” says Dr. Ziegler. “They can also get paralyzed in fear and either don’t make a decision or make a poor decision based out of fear.” She recommends prioritizing what is necessary by differentiating between wants and needs. She suggests shifting your mindset from “the best” to what works for your family.

Focus on doing just one thing at a time

Dr. Naumburg stresses the importance of avoiding multitasking. She offers the example of the more balls you have in the air the more likely you are to drop one. She says, “Multitasking is a primary driver of burnout.” She suggests that you accept that you will not get everything done and encourage your kids to help with chores.

Remember you aren’t responsible for your kids’ happiness

Dr. Naumburg explains that taking responsibility for someone else’s emotions is an unwinnable challenge, and it will wear you out. “This is also related to helicoptering, snowplowing, and all of those hypervigilant behaviors. As parents spend their time and energy working to remove any obstacles in their kids’ way, the parents burn themselves out,” says Dr. Naumburg.

Parents today are overly concerned with their children’s happiness. Naumburg goes on to say, “Our whole society has become obsessed with happiness. The message from researchers, clinicians, social media, and advertisers is that happiness is the goal, and if we’re not happy, we must be doing something wrong.” She explains that parents have internalized this message, so they think it’s their job to ensure their children’s happiness, which is problematic. “Emotions aren’t something we can create or control, rather they’re something we experience, sometimes because of the choices we make, or what happens to us, or for no clear reason at all.” She says that when parents hyper-focus on their children’s happiness, the children learn (often inadvertently) that it’s not okay to be unhappy, and that’s confusing. “We’re also missing out on an opportunity to teach our kids (and ourselves) how to deal with unpleasant or uncomfortable emotions,” says Dr. Naumburg.

If necessary, seek counseling

“My counselor was incredibly helpful in guiding me and my husband as a parenting team to help get my son through his issue and in getting our family back on track,” says Jennifer. “Thanks to my therapist, I’m able to manage the stress and get through it on my own in healthy ways.” Jennifer explains that because she went to counseling her family is happier and healthier. She also feels that she is better equipped to help her children manage their own stress and be a role model for them. rrp Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She has been published in numerous parenting publications.

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FamilyCalendar Tuesday, March 1

Archives Announces New Exhibition Changing The Course: Art by the Currently and Formerly Incarcerated -- Through April 15 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH), 624 Washington Avenue. Exhibition features works of art created by individuals in Alabama’s prisons, transitional homes and reporting centers. Admission is free. For more info, call (334) 272-9883 or visit www.pikeroad.us/pikeroadartscouncil. Kids Club Online at Michael’s -Also March 4, 8, 15, 18 & 25 2 p.m. Free fun events with no registration required. Each day is a different project that kids can enjoy making for themselves, or gifting to others! For more info, visit https://www.michaels.com/.

Wednesday, March 2

Painting Portraits Workshop with Julia Wallace Through March 4 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Pike Road Arts Center, 944 Wallahatchie Rd. For more info, call (334) 272-9883 or visit www. pikeroad.us/pikeroadartscouncil.

Thursday, March 3

Millbrook Community Players Present Deliver Us from Mama -- Also March 4-6 7:30 p.m. except for 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Directed by Stephanie McGuire. Tickets are $15. For tickets or more info, visit www.millbrooktheater.com/ or call (334) 782-7317. Wetumpka Depot Players Present A Storm Came Up -- Through March 12 Written and directed by Kristy Meanor, based on Alabama sports journalist Doug Segrest’s electrifying novel of the same title. For tickets or more info, call (334) 868-1440 or visit www.wetumpkadepot.com. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Little Shop of Horrors -- Through April 3 Music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman; directed by Rick Dildine. Recommended for ages 15+. For tickets or more info, visit https://asf.net/ or call (334) 271-5353.

Friday, March 4

Alabama Dance Theatre Presents Beauty & the Beast -- Through March 6 Troy University’s Davis Theatre. It’s a “tale as old as time,” a story of love and failed first impressions. For more info, call (334) 6252590 or visit www.alabamadancetheatre.com. Woodland UMC Annual Indoor Yard Sale Also March 5 6-9 p.m. Friday; 7 a.m.-noon Saturday. Woodland Family Life Center, 4428 Wallahatchie Rd. For more info, call (334) 272-7230 or e-mail woodlandprograms@gmail.com.

local makers and vintage dealers in the area! We are shooting to make this a monthly event in hopes for it to grow! This is an indoor event with room for outdoor vendors as well. For more info, find us on Facebeook or e-mail WolfandMercury@yahoo.com.

Sunday, March 6

MPAC Live Presents Nitty Gritty Dirt Band 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. With a refreshed lineup and newfound energy, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band remains one of the most accomplished bands in American roots music. Tickets begin at $22. For tickets or more info, visit mpaconline. org/events/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Monday, March 7

ACT Test Prep Classes at AUM -- Thru March 31 Prepare for the ACT exam and improve your test scores! Students can choose to attend class in-person or online using the Zoom web application. Masks are required for attending in-class sessions. Classes will meet Mondays through Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. Books will be provided at the first class meeting. Language is available March 7-10; Math is available March 14-17; and Science March 28-31. Each course costs $119 or the complete review is $309. Call (334) 244-3804 or visit https://learning.aum.edu/.

Tuesday, March 8

Art After Five: Pieces of History 5:30-7:30 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Tell your story over drinks. Guests are invited to bring a small work of art or another object that speaks to your history during a discussion moderated by Senior Curator Margaret Lynne Ausfeld. Food provided by Vintage Year. For info, call (334) 625-4333 or visit https://mmfa.org/. Artmaking 6-8 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Find inspiration in Pieces of History and then join us in the studios to design and build a room from your own imagination on a miniature scale using paper and other mixed-media materials. For more info, call (334) 625-4333 or visit https://mmfa.org/.

Thursday, March 10

Celebrating Arbor Day 2 p.m. Gold Star Park, Downtown Wetumpka. The City of Wetumpka will celebrate its 35th year as an official “Tree City” with a tree-planting ceremony to commemorate community members who have passed away. Along with the memorial tree planting, the annual event will include an award presentation in honor of the city’s accomplishments of participating in the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program, which began in 1976. For more info, call (334) 567-5147 or visit https:// wetumpkaal.gov/.

MPAC Presents Sammy Kershaw & Collin Raye 8 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Tickets begin at $49. For tickets or more info, visit mpaconline. org/events/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Words and Music 7 p.m. Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre. The Prattville Creative and Performing Arts Council, in partnership with echo7studio, will present this event featuring musician/songwriters Alex Walker, Britt Johnson and Cameron DuBois. This annual event promotes talented River Region singer/songwriters. Admission is $5 and tickets can be purchased by calling (334) 595-0850 or visiting the Prattville Cultural Arts and Special Events Office.

Saturday, March 5

Saturday, March 12

Vintage Market & Local Makers 10 a.m. 428 E. Jefferson St., Montgomery. We bring out all the funk, the artistic and creatives…we want the

River Region Parents I March 2022

Montgomery Zoo Animal Enrichment Day 10 a.m.-4 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/. Stage Combat Workshop for Teens 10 a.m.-noon. Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre. Instructor James Henry (MFA in Acting) will conduct a FREE Stage Combat and Movement Workshop for ages 13-18, but registration is required. For more info, call (334) 5950850 or find us on Facebook. 2022 Montgomery Half & 5K 7-11 a.m. 200 Coosa Street, Montgomery. Sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. The route unfolds through several of the city’s historic sites and districts and brings runners past the State Capitol building in the home stretch. For more info, find us on Facebook.

Sunday, March 13

MPAC Live Presents Paul Thorn 6 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. The son of a preacher man, an accomplished painter, former professional boxer and seasoned skydiver. Paul has opened up for Sting, Huey Lewis and the News, John Prine, Bonnie Raitt, Toby Keith and Jeff Beck. He brings his keen songwriting ability and talent for this intimate evening of songs and stories.Tickets begin at $20. For tickets or more info, visit mpaconline.org/events/ or call (334) 481-5100. Prattville Pops Spring Concert 3 p.m. Doster Center, Prattville. Free admission. This year the Pops will present a concert that features musical milestones, such as pieces that are achieving a special anniversary, or that were featured in recent movie remakes. For more info, visit www.prattvilleal.gov or call (334) 595-0850.

Monday, March 14

Pike Road Lions Yard Sale Booths Available 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Pike Road Town Hall. Spaces will be sold for the Yard Sale which will be held April 9. Spaces are $25 and sell quickly!

Tuesday, March 15

The Joe Thomas, Jr. Third Tuesday Guitar Pull 7 p.m. Our Singer/Songwriter Series is a great night of original music and songwriters talking about how they craft their music and performing original works on the Playhouse’s intimate stage. For more info, call (334) 262-1530 or visit http://www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org/.

Thursday, March 17

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. In-person lectures are held in the ADAH’s Joseph M. Farley Alabama Power Auditorium. They are also livestreamed through the ADAH’s social media channels (Facebook and YouTube). Visit archives.alabama.gov for more info about upcoming programs. Today’s topic is “Leila Seton Wilder Edmundson: ‘Cotton Queen’ and Politician,” presented by John Allison.

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FamilyCalendar Friends and Newcomers Club of Prattville/Millbrook 9:30 a.m. at the Bradford branch YMCA in Prattville. We will have a Teacup (silent) Auction for the program this month. All ladies welcome. Come see what the Friends and Newcomers Club offers all during the month, from lunches, Game Day, a Book Club, Chat & Craft and much more. Visit www.friendsandnewcomers. org for info. Or contact Nancy at (334) 414-8185 or nschrull47@gmail.com.

Friday, March 18

2022 SLE Rodeo -- Through March 20 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 19

Selma to Montgomery 51 Mile Relay 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. Cornerstone Handcraft Market Spring 2022 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Cornerstone Christian Church, 301 Dalraida Rd. Support local handcraft vendors at this outside family-friendly event! Pick up seasonal items as well as unique gifts for family, friends, teachers and

coworkers! FREE to attend. Complete details on the Cornerstone Handcraft Market page, private message Angie Brailsford or e-mail n2ink2@gmail.com.

Monday, March 21

MPAC Presents Bob Dylan Live! 8 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Tickets begin at $66. For tickets or more info, visit mpaconline. org/events/ or call (334) 481-5100.

both rehabilitation massage therapists. Kristi is the director of Montgomery Bodyworks School of Massage and is nationally known in the field. Mary Rogers, RN, will speak about the research and science of massage therapy. Cost of lunch is $18. For reservations, contact Irene at (661) 972-1334 or ijwetzel@msn.com no later than Monday, March 21, at noon. Also, visit http:// newcomersmontgomery.com/.

Tuesday, March 22

Friday, March 25

Auburn vs. South Alabama Baseball 6 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium, 200 Coosa Street. More info on Facebook.

Thursday, March 24

MPAC Presents The Oak Ridge Boys 7 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Tickets begin at $19. For tickets or more info, visit mpaconline.org/events/ or call (334) 481-5100. Alabama Nature Center Presents Early Explorers: Birds and Eggs 10-11 a.m. last Thursday of each month. 3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook. This is a preschool program for children 8 and under. Includes various themerelated activities! All materials provided. Cost is $5 per participating child; adults free. Space is limited, so call ahead or e-mail mvines@alabamawildlife.org. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (334) 285-4550. Newcomers’ Club of Montgomery, Inc. Luncheon 11:30 a.m. at Arrowhead Country Club, 50 Ocala Dr., Montgomery. Meet Kristi Duncan and Mary Rogers,

YMCA Camp Chandler Spring Fling Camp Through March 27 2-3 p.m. check-in. Experience camp before camp! Our spring fling camp offers the opportunity to experience our resident camp for the weekend. Check-out is Sunday, March 27, from 4-5 p.m. Cost: $135 for members and $150 for non-members. To register or for more info, call (334) 269-4362 or visit https:// ymcamontgomery.org/. Banana Ball World Tour 8:30 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium, 200 Coosa Street. The world’s fastest and most entertaining game of baseball! The Bananas Premier Team and the Party Animals will face off in Banana Ball but get ready for the show of a lifetime along with it! For more info, find us on Facebook.

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FamilyCalendar Saturday, March 26

Zoo Weekend at the Montgomery Zoo -Also March 27 9 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. The weekend will be filled with great music, live entertainment, animal presentations and programs, games, prizes, rides, tons of yummy concessions and fun. For more info, call (334) 625-4900 or visit www. montgomeryzoo.com/.

Monday, March 28

MPAC Presents Jim Gaffigan: The Fun Tour 7 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Tickets begin at $57. For tickets or more info, visit mpaconline. org/events/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Thursday, March 31

Way Off Broadway (Prattville) Presents Proof Through April 16 Written by David Auburn; directed by Xandria Hataway. This is the Pulitzer Prize-winning story of Catherine, who inherited her late father’s mathematical genius, and likely his debilitating mental illness. Caught between a new-found connection with Hal, one of her father’s former students, and the reappearance of her sister, Claire, Catherine finds both her world and her mind growing increasingly unstable. For more info or tickets, call (334) 595-0850 or visit http://wobt.prattvilleal.gov/. Down to Earth Day 4-6:30 p.m. Pike Road Agricultural, Recreation and Performing Arts Center, 6281 Trotman Road, Pike Road. Family-friendly farm-related activities and displays, food and media competitions, giveaways and more. Visit www.downtoearthal.com/down-to-earth-day. Family Sunshine Center’s 2022 Ranch RoundUp 6-9 p.m. Kick Back Ranch, 414 Union Academy Ada Road, Ramer. Your ticket includes a delicious dinner catered by Mark ‘Smoke’ Johnson of Top Shelf Catering, live music by River Dan, and a chance to win cash or prizes in our $10,000 drawdown. Event tickets are $125 and include the drawdown entry. If you can’t attend

River Region Parents I March 2022

but want to support Family Sunshine Center, drawdown ONLY tickets are available for $50 each. For more info, visit https://ranchroundup.swell.gives/.

Friday, April 1

Chalk Art Festival at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Come and see what talented artists can do with a simple parking space. This year’s theme is journeys and travel inspired by the exhibition, Pairs and Partners: The Road Less Traveled. The event will feature traveling chalk artists who will be working alongside students, individuals and community members. Participation is free and all chalking materials will be provided. We are inviting both individuals and groups of 4 or less of all ages to participate. Schools are also encouraged to register to bring their students to create chalk art in the Museum’s parking lot. For more info, call (334) 625-4333 or visit https://mmfa.org/event/chalk-art-festival/.

Saturday, April 2

Alabama State Lodge & MPAC Live Presents Sawyer Brown 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Tickets begin at $37. For tickets or more info, visit mpaconline. org/events/ or call (334) 481-5100. Easter Eggstravaganza Alabama Nature Center, Millbrook. Activities include three different age group egg hunts, Easter games, egg race, bunny pictures, and more! Hotdogs will be for sale from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the pavilion outpost. For ages 1-12. NaturePlex General Admission applies: (kids 3 & under FREE; $5/person with a $20 maximum per family). Price includes visiting the NaturePlex Discovery Hall, theater and this awesome Eggstravaganza event! For more info, call (334) 285-4550 or visit www.alabamawildlife.org/. Dino Dig Education Program 10 a.m.-noon. Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Museum. Our junior explorers get to experience an archaeological dig, discover bones from the past and have a great time while learning about creatures that roamed

the earth millions of years ago. Dino Dig is geared for boys and girls aged 4-10 years old. Advanced reservations required. All participants must be registered no later than April 1 @ noon. For more info, call (334) 625-4900 or visit www.montgomeryzoo.com/. Wilson Pickett Music and Arts Festival 10 a.m.-5 p.m. art and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. music. Annual event held at Pratt Park in downtown Prattville, celebrating the arts and the legacy of Wilson Pickett, a Prattville native. Festivities include an entertainment stage, food vendors, children’s activities and an artist village, featuring local and regional artists representing a variety of media. For more info, visit https://www. wilsonpickettfestival.com/ or call (334) 595-0850.

Thursday, April 7

Wetumpka Community Market 4-7 p.m. First Thursdays through November. Merchant’s Ally in Downtown Wetumpka. The Community Market showcases a variety of handmade, homemade and homegrown products created by local artisans and farmers. It features more than 40 unique booths and vendors and one-of a-kind items each month. Market favorite include: fresh locally grown produce, honey, jams, jellies, salsa, pottery, art, leather products, fresh baked goods, wood items, wreaths, plants and more. Open to the public; no charge for admission. Visit www.facebook.com /Mainstreet communityMarketWetumpka.

Friday, April 8

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Freedom Rider -- Through April 24 Written and directed by Ricardo Khan. World premiere. In May 1961, four young students joined others aboard a southbound bus in Washington, DC, to challenge segregated spaces in interstate travel. Inspired by real events, this powerful play celebrates the watershed journey of these young people. Recommended for ages 15+. For tickets or more info, visit https://asf.net/ or call (334) 271-5353.

Please send calendar info to editor@riverregionparents.com.

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WH: I am not sure. I want to say everything. But I think the biggest thing may be traveling to and from all of the kids’ activities. I joke about living in my vehicle. I spend more time in my truck than I do at home. RRP: Being a military mom and wife is not for the faint of heart. How do you adjust to finding the right neighborhood and schools for your children? WH: Well said. It’s not, but this is my reality for our family. We try to do as much research as possible regarding the areas and schools. Safety and education have always been paramount and at the forefront of our minds for our family, and it appears we have been fortunate and blessed to have found a good fit for us. Our children are thriving, and we’ve developed some good neighborhood relationships.

Wase Holtzclaw

RRP: You’re a fitness guru, and so much so that you started a fitness club with a circle of friends. How has that impacted your self-care as a mom?

RRP: You’ve been married for 18 years to your military spouse, Damion, and moved across the country seven times. How has being separated throughout deployments made you a stronger mom?

WH: Wow! Where to begin? I realized that I was losing focus in that area. Fortunately, I reunited with what centered me. Like most people who are physically active, you find that not only does it aid you physically, but mentally. RRP: You and your husband are natives of Georgia. How has it been living near family for the first time?

WH: You learn that you are much stronger than you think. Because in the real world of life, I have three small children who depend on me to get it done. When Damion leaves, I know it’s just me, and I am the one that the kids look to for all things. I am no Superwoman, but I try to be the best mom and spouse I can be.

WH: It has been a blessing to have grandparents involved in our children’s lives. As both sets of grandparents grow older, it has a way of reminding you that time is shifting, and you are becoming an instrumental part of providing for them as well. I’m so happy to have them near, to help them as much as they help me. RRP: What is one aspiration you have for yourself in the future? WH: To keep exploring and finding ways to be the best version of Wase. I’ve spent many years catering to the needs of everyone else. My future goal is to work on myself in every aspect of life and make myself proud. I am open to figuring out what’s the next thing I want to accomplish.

RRP: What are some mom hacks to keep you organized with your three children—Elias (13), Elisa (10), and Elena (7) as they all attend school and are active in extracurricular activities?

RRP: Where does your source of strength come from to endure the military lifestyle?

WH: Being prepared early is a big help in navigating with the children. I have learned to cook dinner early after my morning runs and errands. I typically have it prepared by 11 a.m. This allows me to have dinners packed and in the car. My girls can eat after gymnastics practice which ends at 8 p.m. And I try my best to prep for school the night before.

WH: My strength comes from God. I am on my knees daily praying for wisdom and guidance. As mothers, we always have that little voice telling us we could be better, but I know that I am how God wants me to be.

RRP: Understandably, being a military wife comes with rewards, but also change and challenges. How do you navigate being a “single parent” when your husband is on duty assignments?

RRP: To all of the new military moms and wives, what piece of advice would you like to offer?

WH: I’ve felt like a single parent since my oldest was born. Deployments are hard for any military family, but we also have to navigate temporary duty assignments where the military spouse leaves for days or weeks and often late-night shifts or flights. So essentially, you are doing the bulk of parenting alone. I have learned over the years that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but strength.

WH: Always stay true to yourself and follow your dreams. I would tell anyone to always keep in mind that you are just as important as everyone else in your family. Find yourself a great group of supportive people willing to help, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. I want military moms to remember to support themselves the same way they support their husbands.

RRP: Currently, your husband is on deployment for one year. Since he’s not home right now, is there one thing you wish you could delegate in your home and why?

Wase Holtzclaw has been married to her husband, Damion, for 18 years, and they have three children: Elias (13), Elisa (10), and Elena (7). Although they have busy lives, they enjoy focusing on their family and adjusting to military life.

River Region Parents I March 2022

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