Wiregrass Parents May 2022 by KeepSharing

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You Hold The Key To Protect With 3! Tdap

HPV

MCV4

As parents, it is up to you to ensure your children remain up to date with their vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) recommend the following vaccines for adolescents: • Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis • Human papillomavirus • Meningococcal disease • Influenza

Protect your children against vaccine preventable diseases. Vaccine:

7-10 Years

11-12 Years

13-18 Years

Tdap

Childhood Catch-up

Recommended

Catch-up

HPV

>9 Years

Recommended

Catch-up

MCV4

High Risk

Recommended

Flu

Recommended

For more information, please visit alabamapublichealth.gov/imm

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May2022 16

Volume 4 Number 9

Columns

From the Publisher Ashton Wright

Tweens, Teens and Screens

What’s good about the internet.

Ways Kids Can Cash-In Summer money-making ideas for your tween and teen.

The Early Years Kishia Saffold

Kids Health Watch

by Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network

16 Tweens, Teens and

Screens

Kristi Bush, LSW

Summer Fun Guide

Local and nearby activities offer your kids a summer to remember.

8 Great Mom Apps

Simplify your life with one or more of these free apps.

Departments 5

Teacher of the Month

On The Cover Alexis is the 7-year-old daughter of Christopher and Ashton Wright. She enjoys art, reading, and gymnastics. Alexis also loves being outside, riding her bicycle or scooter, and playing with her dog, Jackson, and cat, Cooper.

Bits & Pieces 9

School Bits 28

Mom to Mom

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FromThePublisher The Area’s Go-To Resource for Families

Raise your hand if you’re ready for summer. I, myself, am ready for a break from the alarm clock. No surprise there. It’s no secret I’m not a morning person! I remember the first summer I really got to spend with Alexis. It was the summer of 2019 - my first with the magazine and her last before starting school. It was the first summer in 10 years I wasn’t tied to an office for nine hours each day, and I was really excited to be able to do all the summer things with Alexis that year. Then 2020 happened and summer was pretty much not a thing. We returned to some semblance of normal last year, and Alexis was able to participate in her first camps and get some overdue swimming lessons under her belt. She even got to go on a little mini-vacation with her grandparents down to the beach. This year, everything looks like it’s back in full swing, and Alexis has planned a summer full of art. From classes to camps, she’ll be painting, drawing, and crafting her way through this summer, and she couldn’t be more excited. I, on the other hand, am wondering if I’ve lost my mind for signing her up for so many things. I mean, someone has to take her to and from all these activities! (It’s me. I’m the designated chauffeur.) Summer is a great time to introduce your older kids to the idea of working for their own money. This month’s feature article, Ways Kids Can Cash-in – Money Making Ideas for Tweens & Teens, has more than a dozen ideas. I got my first part-time job around my 16th birthday. Over the next four years, I worked at two grocery stores, a sandwich shop, and a pizza parlor. I liked having my own money to spend at school break, and I wanted to be able to put gas in my car on my own (I could fill up for about $8 a tank back then!). The busier our kids get, the easier it is to put ourselves on the back burner. This month’s Living Well with Valerie column has some great advice about how to make sure we’re getting what we want out of summer, too, not just our kids. And our feature article, 8 Great Mom Apps That Can Make Your Life A Little Bit Easier, can help with everything from meal planning to scheduling and even a better way to keep track of your kids’ artwork. Summer should be fun for everyone, and I took that to heart when putting together our Summer Fun Guide. In it you’ll find a little bit of everything from arts and crafts to indoor and outdoor activities, summer reading programs, farmers’ markets, swimming, VBS, and fun day trip destinations. I hope it helps you and your family plan the perfect summer of fun this year!

Ashton

Publisher Ashton Wright ashton@wiregrassparents.com (334) 714-7831 Editor DeAnne Watson editor@wiregrassparents.com Contributing Writers Kimberly Blaker Kristi Bush, LSW Tanni Haas, Ph.D. Meredith Hitch, MD Kishia Saffold Cover Photography Lauren Poss www.lollypossphotography.com

President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Ashton Wright ads@wiregrassparents.com (334) 714-7831 Ad Design Tim Welch

Visit us at www.wiregrassparents.com Wiregrass Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: PO Box 1882, Dothan AL 36302. The phone number for voice is (334) 714-7831. Wiregrass Parents is copyrighted 2022 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Wiregrass 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.

ashton@wiregrassparents.com

Wiregrass Parents I May 2022

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

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TheEarlyYears Childcare Insights from Kishia Saffold

Practical, Fun Activities for Summer Every summer we contemplate what to do with the kids. Are you going to enroll them in a local summer camp, ship them off to a family member, or can you stay home with them? Many families have a big summer trip planned, but I’m here to discuss little fun activities you can do with your kids to get them off their devices, calm anxiety, and create fun memories together spending time outside in nature. How fun would it be to go camping in your backyard? When my daughter was small, sometimes we would just lay a blanket in the backyard and stargaze. I’m not much of an astrologer but it was fun trying to find the Big and Small Dippers. Not only is this a great learning opportunity, it’s also a fun way to relax, get grounded, and wind the kids down at the end of a long week. You can also create a fort or tent inside and let your imagination run wild!

Wiregrass Parents I May 2022

How about a game of water balloon baseball or water balloon tennis? Not only are you moving, you get to cool off with a splash AND the kids are having a ball (pun intended)! If you don’t like the mess, you can just blow up a regular balloon to hit in the house with a paper plate tennis racket. Other physical stress-relieving activities include taking bike rides on the weekends or at the end of a long day. You can ride near the house or at a bike trail if you’re feeling real adventurous! One last idea I’d like to mention is being intentional about teaching your children how to be grounded and connecting with the earth as a means of healing. When you are grounded to the earth, you feel centered, strong, solid, balanced, stable, less tense and less stressed. Something as simple as being barefoot outside, running through a sprinkler, making old-fashioned

mud pies, or hclimbing a tree is healing. Create a DIY bird feeder or plant a butterfly garden for endless opportunities to engage with nature. All activities don’t have to involve spending lots of money. The healing power of nature is immense and the benefits of the outdoors are incredible for physical and mental health for both you and your children. Tap into your inner child and create wonderful memories for your family!

Kishia Saffold is the owner of Kiddie Care Learning Center in Dothan and Enterprise. She has a Masters of Business Administration from Troy University and a B.A. in Communication from Alabama State University. She is a wife to Jeffery and mother to daughter, Kiera.

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Kaide Moman Rehobeth Elementary School

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“My students are my why and what keeps me motivated. I love seeing my students excited about learning and wanting to learn!” Kaide Moman is Chase Traylor’s second grade teacher at Rehobeth Elementary School. Chase’s mom, Amber, says Moman is “the most understanding and caring teacher!” Traylor nominated Moman for the Wiregrass Parents Teacher of the Month contest, and Moman was chosen as the May winner. “It is a wonderful feeling to know that my job is appreciated and valued,” Moman says. Moman has been teaching for five years. She says her mom and second grade teacher inspired her to pursue a career in the classroom. “I saw all the hard work my mom put into teaching,” Moman says. “She made sure her students had fun learning, all while making a difference and lasting impact on their lives.” Traylor says Moman is following in her mother’s footsteps. “Chase came home so excited the other day because they practiced their spelling words using shaving cream! What a fun way to learn.” Moman says she keeps her students motivated by setting daily expectations, using

hands-on learning, and giving them responsibility and control in their learning. “The most rewarding part to me about being a teacher is the ability to make a difference in my students’ lives,” she says. “I love the priceless “aha” moments when a student says “I get it” or “I did it!”” Moman says her students have taught her how important it is to understand they all learn in different ways. “My favorite teaching moment has to be when I see it click,” she explains. “When my students are working hard learning and say that they understand it is the most rewarding feeling as a teacher.” Moman wants her students to leave her classroom each day knowing they are loved and that they matter. “No matter how different each child is, they help me become a better teacher by seeing the best in each and everyone of them.”

Kaide Moman received her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Auburn University. She and her husband, Parker, have one daughter, Lottie (8 months), and a goldendoodle, Wilson.

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Festival in the Park

Studio Class: Exploring Mixed Media

Saturday, May 7, 3:00-8:00 p.m. Johnny Henderson Family Park 300 Hwy. 167 N., Enterprise AL Join us for a free fun-filled day! From 3PM - 8PM enjoy many inflatables, pony rides, train rides, arts & crafts, food trucks, multiple game and prize booths, fireworks, and so much more! From 6PM - 8PM Jason Harlow Media and “The Rock Mob” will be joining us for the first time to perform live music - rock anthems and popular covers from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. At 8PM we will close out our event with a fireworks show over the lake!

May 10, 17, & 24, 4:00-5:30 p.m. Wiregrass Museum of Art, 126 Museum Ave., Dothan www.wiregrassmuseum.org; (334) 794-3871 Ages 8-17 * Members $45; Non-Members $55 Let’s explore color and texture as we move through a variety of mixed media projects inspired by the natural world! This series will have your kiddo taking a closer look at plants and animals and using materials like paint, textiles, paper, and more in creative ways. Let your imagination run wild. Register online or by phone.

ALF Liver Life Walk

Wednesday, May 11, 11:00 a.m. Dothan-Houston Co. Library All Locations * www.dhcls.org Tweens and Teens! Need to learn how to crochet or brush up on your skills? If so, stop by any location beginning May 11, 2022, and grab your crochet kit. These kits will teach you how to crochet at your own pace. All supplies will be provided. Registration is not required, but supplies are limited. One per person, please.

Wiregrass Children’s Home Benefit Color Fun Run/Walk

A Night at the Park

Saturday, May 7, 9:00 a.m. Kiwanis Park, 1715 Whatley Dr., Dothan AL 36303 Come join us in our 2nd year with the most colorful fundraiser around! All proceeds will go directly to Wiregrass Children’s Home in memory of a special volunteer in our hearts, CW2 Daniel Prial. $25 a runner will include an opening ceremony color packet to start the festivities off, a logo white t-shirt to show off all your color, and a medal at the end! The first 100 registered are guaranteed a tshirt & medal. Walk, run, jog, and stroll the 5k (3 mile) track around Kiwanis Park in Dothan. Every mile you will have even more color thrown on you! Arrive starting at 8:00 a.m. The run/walk will start at 9:00 a.m. Business Sponsorships needed! $500 sponsor will have your logo on our tshirt, and signage at the event! Please email to become a sponsor! ashley@wiregrasschildrenshome.org Register online at www.eventbrite.com

Friday, May 27, 4:30 p.m. Landmark Park 430 Landmark Dr., Dothan AL www.landmarkparkdothan.com Cost: Members $20; Non-Members $25 Landmark Park invites you and your family to experience the Park in a unique way with our 9th annual Night at the Park event. This camping adventure for families features a night walk through the Park, hay rides, s’mores, Nerf War, Water Balloon Battleship, and of course camping in tents. Your adventure begins at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 27 and concludes at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 29. The fee for the campout is $20 per person for Park members and $25 per person for nonmembers. A hamburger and hotdog dinner, s’mores, and breakfast are all included. Families are responsible for their own tents, sleeping bags, and camping gear. Space for the campout is limited and taken on a first come, first serve basis. Registration with payment is required to secure your spot. Wiregrass Parents I May 2022

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Crochet Koala Kits

Saturday, May 14, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Dothan Area Botanical Gardens 5130 Headland Ave., Dothan AL Mark it down on your calendars, our Liver Life Walk is headed to Dothan! Come out and join other members of the liver community as we support each other and walk to end liver disease! Funds raised through the Liver Life Walk allow ALF to provide valuable resources to liver patients and their families. Together, we are moving closer to a world without liver disease. Register today! https://liver.news/ALFWalkAL

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Touch a Truck and Car Show

Saturday, May 21, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Landmark Park 430 Landmark Dr., Dothan Cost: $7 Adults; $5 Kids; Free Members and Children 2 & Under www.landmarkparkdothan.com Visit the park and experience two great shows! On one side of the park, the Landmark Park Car Show. Juried show with trophies and prizes available. On the other side of the park, Touch A Truck! Kids of all ages can see big trucks and equipment up-close and learn about their uses. A “quiet hour” will be held from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. (no horns honking) for kids who are sensitive to loud noises.

Balloon-Powered Boat Kits

Wednesday, May 18, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dothan-Houston Co. Library www.dhcls.org Make a splash with this balloonpowered wooden boat kit. After you paint your boat, let air from its balloon power it in the water! Boats will be available at all locations for kids ages 5-12, beginning May 18. Registration is not required, but supplies are limited. One per family, please.

Crafty Teen: Hand-Painted Plant Pots

Thursday, May 12, 4:00-4:30 p.m. Westgate Library, 535 Recreation Rd., Dothan www.dhcls.org Hey Teens! Drop by the Westgate Branch to make this month’s project. This month, we will make hand-painted plant pots. All supplies will be provided for this class. Registration is not required, but supplies are limited. Any leftover kits will be available for pickup the following day, while supplies last. This program is for teens ages 13-18.

Teen Recharge

Tuesdays @ Dothan-Houston Co. Library Main Location, 3:00-5:00 p.m.; www.dhcls.org A place for tweens and teens (12-18) to hang out, mess around, and geek out with others their age. S.T.E.A.M. based activities such as robotics, 3Dpens, crafts, computer coding, art, video games, etc. will be available.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network

Gut Feelings - Food Safety Suns out, buns out. Hot dog and hamburger buns that is. With warmer days ahead, outdoor gatherings and cookouts are around the corner. Summertime always brings the risk of significant illness from poorly-cooked foods or foods left to the heat of the sun and flies. Foodborne illnesses are preventable. The onset of symptoms may occur within minutes to weeks and are often flu-like - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. More significant symptoms are severe dehydration (decreased urine output), weakness, and even bloody vomit or diarrhea. Because symptoms are often flu-like, people may not recognize the illness is caused by harmful bacteria in food. By the time more worrisome symptoms have begun, the individual is often very ill. Everyone can get sick from a foodborne illness. How sick you get can vary. Some people become ill after ingesting only a few harmful bacteria; others remain symptom free after ingesting thousands, a.k.a. the iron stomach.

Bacteria and viruses are the most common cause of food poisoning. We all consume a little bit daily, but our stomach acid and immune systems fight back. Bacteria or viruses may be present on food at the time of purchase, which is why cleaning produce and meat is important. To prevent illness, follow these food safety steps: Clean - Wash hands and surfaces often. Separate - Don’t cross-contaminate. Cook - to proper temperatures, checking with a food thermometer. Chill - Refrigerate promptly. Bacteria are an important part of our environment and bodies, but when they are in the wrong place at the wrong time in the wrong amount, chaos can ensue. Even safely-cooked and prepared food can become cross-contaminated with pathogens transferred from raw egg products and raw meat, poultry, seafood products and their juices, other contaminated products, or from food handlers with poor personal hygiene. Most cases of foodborne illness can be prevented with proper cooking or processing of food which destroys pathogens.

Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep food out of this “Danger Zone,” keep cold food cold and hot food hot. If you experience a foodborne illness, follow these general guidelines. Preserve the evidence. Wrap the suspect food securely, mark “DANGER,” and freeze it. Save all the packaging materials. Next, seek treatment as necessary. Call the local health department if the suspect food was served at a large gathering, was from a restaurant, or if it is a commercial product.

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Dr. Meredith Hitch is a Pediatric Gastroenterologist licensed by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and certified by the Pediatric Gastroenterology Medical Board of the American Board of Pediatrics. In November 2019, Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network welcomed Dr. Hitch as a physician at Dothan Pediatric Subspecialty Clinic.

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Autauga County Schools Enterprise Early Education Center Rockstar Awards

The Enterprise Early Education Center recognized prize winners who displayed characteristics of an exemplary student, friend, classmate and/or leader. Also pictured are our celebrity drawers that came to honor students caught being good! Our staff wrote over 2000 good slipsRockstar Slips! We awarded the top 3 staff members who wrote rockstar slips. Thomas Chadwick - 141 Kathy Bruce - 139 Shavonne Burrows - 137 Among the prize winners was Glenn Davis, who won a prize and donated it back so someone else could enjoy i! This in itself was a great display of human kindness and selflessness! So proud of all of our EEEC students!

Send Your School News to: schoolnews@wiregrassparents.com.

Rucker Boulevard Runners Win Rucker Track Meet

Congratulations to Rucker Boulevard Elementary School’s Darrian Beauford and Coleman Rodgers for participating in Ft. Rucker Youth Sports track & field meet. Coleman won 2nd place in the 9/10 year old boys 800m and 1600m run. Darrian won first place in the 11/12 year old boys 50m, 100m, 200m and shot put.

Houston Academy Boys Tennis Wins State

Congratulations to our boys tennis team for winning the state championship! 4-peat! On top of our Raider Boys winning the 1A-3A State Championship, we also had an individual state winner. Coming in at number 3, Kenza Bilbeisi! HA proud!

Highlands Quiz Bowl Team Performs Well

Highlands Elementary School participated in Quiz Bowl on Thursday, April 14th. A small group of 5th and 6th grade students competed. Chynna Clark was the 5th grade captain. Lilly Mathis was the 6th grade captain. The teams consisted of LinC students and students who have been participating in Trivia Club throughout the year. They had to answer 100 timed questions about various topics. Fifth grade had about 80% accuracy and sixth grade had 93% accuracy. They competed against teams nationwide. 9

Houston Academy Students Design Dream Homes

Third grade math students develop their own “Dream House” by designing rooms that best describe their hobbies/personalities. When designing each room, students must use their prior knowledge to find the area of each room and in the end, the area of the entire house. Relating academics to everyday life, allows students to become more creative, perform with critical thinking, and also proves a road to mastery of problemsolving skills. www.facebook.com/wiregrassparents

Autauga County Schools Dothan Tech Adulting Day Enterprise Students Get Today was a GREAT day for Dothan High Hands-On STEM Experience School seniors as Liberty Learning Foundation Citizen Promise offered the inaugural Adulting Day! Students had the opportunity to learn about basic automotive maintenance, simple and easy meal prep solutions, how to care for their clothing, and what to do during a traffic stop or after an accident. We hope these are the skills our students will carry with them throughout their life.

Researchers and engineers from the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory participated in a USAACE and Fort Rucker STEM event held at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum. Coppinville Junior High School and Dauphin Junior High School students explored the applications of functional near-infrared spectroscopy, virtual reality, operator state monitoring, and cognitive performance in aviation research to reinforce concepts they are learning in their Flight and Space class.

Holly Hill Students Start Treat Business to Help Animal Shelter

D.A. Smith Students Place at State Science Fair

Under the direction of Ms. Amanda Melby, D.A. Smith students did an exceptional job at the Greater Eastern Alabama and Engineering Fair in March and had a celebration to honor all students that participated. Ava Biretz and Ivan Ibarra represented Ozark City Schools at Auburn University on March 3rd and each brought home an award. Ava placed 3rd in Earth and Environmental Science and advanced to the state Science Fair! Ivan won the Auburn University Talent in Mathematics and Statistics Award! We are proud of our D.A. Smith Students and teachers! 1st Place - Ava Biretz 2nd Place - Riley Evans 3rd Place - Ivan Ibarra

The SOS Animal Shelter was thrilled to meet these two entrepreneurs. These two young ladies, ages 11 and 12, started a business making dog biscuits and selling them to help raise money to buy supplies for the SOS Animal Shelter. They got some recipes online and baked the dog treats, packaged them and sold them. They even designed their own business cards. A couple of months ago, one of their parents dropped some of the treats so the dogs at the shelter could taste the product. The dogs gave them two paws up. “We had asked to meet them but you know how crazy things can be when starting up your business,” shelter staff said. “They were finally able to stop by and are just as sweet and adorable as their products. Keep up the great work girls!!”

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PCS Senior Wins Scholar Athlete Award

Congratulations to Providence Christian School Senior, Conner Patterson, for winning the BryantJordan Student Athlete Scholar Award. The scholarship program is for the state’s top achievers who excel in both academics and athletics. Conner was recognized for his achievements in the classroom and on the cross country course, as wel as for his service to his community. Conner is a two-time individual cross country champion and fivetime individual indoor/outdoor track champion. Congratulations, Conner!

Wiregrass Parents I May 2022

Highlands 5th Graders Practice Spanish

Highlands Elementary 5th graders practiced their Spanish skills by ordering a meal using only the Spanish language. Mrs. Daugherty, the Spanish teacher, has been teaching them words they could use, and this week they applied the skill. It was a fun, educational event! www.wiregrassparents.com

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Selma Students Win at State Science Fair

Our Sixth Grade Scholars did it AGAIN! Congratulations to Delroy Williams and Peyton Danley for their special recognition of awards in the Junior Division at the virtual Alabama Science and Engineering Fair. Our Selma Street Crew is incredibly proud of their accomplishments! Williams and Danley received the Auburn University Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Young Innovator Award (Certificate and $50 Cash Award) as well as the Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Achievement Award (Certificate for Excellence in Science or Engineering).

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Beverlye Families Fly a Kite

The Third Grade Parent Kite Picnic Day was a SOARING success at Beverlye Intermediate School for the Arts. The laughter, smiles and fun made our hearts burst with joy. Thank you to all who joined our BISA family for the day.

Please email news: schoolnews@ wiregrassparents.com!

Enterprise Early Ed Students Give to Classmates

Congratulations Kindergarten and 1st grade classes for “giving back” during state assessments to some of our teachers. Willette and Kelley’s students gifted items to start the day for Mrs. Burrows, Mrs. Jakubecz, and Mr. Whittaker for testing on April 11. Thank you to the parents and students that were able to participate- we appreciate you! 11

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Autauga County Schools Math is Sweet at Mixon Intermediate

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Mrs. McDaniel’s Students are reviewing Line Plots, Bar Graphs and Pictographs with SKITTLES. The students also worked with fractions of a unit to collect and display data with their skittles.

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DHS Students Get First Responder Training

Dothan High School students participated in First Responder Safety Training at the Wiregrass Public Safety Center on April 18-19. The two-day hands-on training was a collaboration project funded through a micro-grant from the Wiregrass Foundation. Students were trained in First Aid, CPR, Stop-the-Bleed, and Critical Incident Stress Management. The training involved classroom instruction and practical application exercises that were designed to prepare students for intense situations that could occur during an emergency event. The training was provided by members of the Dothan Fire and Police Departments as well as Wiregrass Public Safety Center personnel. The initiative is part of Active Shooter Hostile Event Response (ASHER). The overall goal is to prepare students to assist emergency responders in the event there is a crisis at a school.

Lakeside School Track Team Wins State

Our girls track team won the 2A state championship and were runners up for the entire AISA state track meet in Orange Beach. Sophie Seaborn, 8th grade, was named MVP of the girls tournament. Pictured (L-R): Dylin White, Sophie Seaborn, Coach Allison Coates, Graylin Pomeroy, Addysen Eriksen, Ellie Haney, Mackenzie Eriksen, Chloe Helms, Eliza Eriksen, Zoe Andrews, Carlee Davis, Addy Helms, Hannah Buchan, Rebecca Neville Coaches: Ryan Langford and Allison Coates

Rehobeth Teen Named Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year

Maddie K. Fisher was named the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Wiregrass’s Youth of the Year. Fisher was selected from among 425 youth from BGCW’s five clubs. The title is given to a young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. Fisher will go on to compete for the Alabama Youth of the Year title and a $2,500 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Fisher has been a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Wiregrass since she was 10 years old. She has accumulated more than 4,500 volunteer hours working at the Rehobeth club after school and at the Dothan club during the summer. Wiregrass Parents I May 2022

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Highlands Science Duo Rank 3rd in State

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Congratulations to Evan Dunn and Ethan Pemberton from Highlands Elementary School for placing 3rd in the Alabama State Science Fair! They worked many hours to gather data and prepare for the event.

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Houston Academy Girls Basketball Coach Honored

We’d like to congratulate our Women’s Basketball Coach, Leigh Griffin, on earning 1A-7A Coach of the year! This was Leigh’s 4th season as the Varsity Coach and her team went 20-7. After 23 years, Leigh led her squad to the Sweet 16. Congratulations!

Lisenby Music Teacher Finalist for State Teacher of the Year

Lisenby Primary School is so extremely proud and excited for Mrs. Meagan Johnson for being chosen as the District 2 Elementary Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Johnson has been chosen as the Lisenby Primary School Teacher of the Year and Ozark Citch Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year, and now she has been chosen as one of the top 16 finalists for the State Teacher of the Year! This is her fifth year as the music teacher at Joseph W. Lisenby Primary School. Mrs. Johnson is a graduate of Troy University with a MS degree in Vocal/Choral Music Education and has always been passionate about music and learning. From an early age, she wanted to be a teacher and was inspired by the great teachers that have poured into her life. Mrs. Johnson decided to become a music teacher to create musical experiences and share opportunities with students that she did not have as a child. She continues to share her love of music and learning with students of all ages. Congratulations, Mrs. Johnson! 13

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Autauga County Schools

Miss Alabama Gets Social with Beverlye Girls

A healthy lifestyle includes a healthy perspective using technology. Thank you, Lauren Bradford, Miss Alabama, for coming to Beverlye Intermediate School for the Arts. Lauren spoke to all the ladies at BISA about making smart choices with digital devices and social media. She gave us all a challenge:TAKE A BREAK from our screens.

Dothan High Welcomes New Head Boys Basketball Coach

Jeremy Bynum has been named the new head boys basketball coach for Dothan High School. Bynum comes to Dothan High School from Mae Jemison High School in Huntsville, Alabama where he served as the Varsity Head Coach. Bynum’s resume includes his time at Jacksonville State University (JSU) where he was a four-year starter, 4th All-Time Leading Scorer in D1 History, All-Time Leader in Three Points Made, and voted Top 15 Player in JSU’s D1 History. Bynum brings professional playing experience from his time with the Croatia Premier League (Avg. 15 Points), Russian Super League (Avg. 17 Points), Austrian Super League (Avg. 16.5 Points), Top Division - Republic of Georgia (Avg. 17 Points, All-Star), 2nd Division – Republic of Georgia Champions MVP, and Top Division - Lisbon, Portugal (Avg. 15 Points/ 3-PT Percentage 40%), and Croatia Premier. Bynum has served as the head varsity assistant coach for Jacksonville High School and Oxford High School. He recently served as the head boys basketball coach at Mae Jemison last year and led his team to the Elite 8 where they upset the number two ranked team in 5A, Wenonah, at the regional tournament.

Rucker Boulevard Bowling Fundraiser Supplies Classrooms

Mrs.Christy Heard’s class held a fundraiser during all PE classes from April 4-8. The students could pay $1 for 2 chances to bowl. The funds raised will be used for purchasing classroom supplies and going on field trips. The top three bowlers were awarded a summertime goody bucket. 1st place- Denson Helms (bowled 225) 2nd place-Andrew Talley (bowled 149) 3rd place-Mikey Jerkins (bowled 88) Thank you to everybody who participated!

Wiregrass Parents I May 2022

Enterprise FFA Teacher Fulfills Bet

Ms. Dunn promised her students that if they won an FFA banner at district that she would have her picture taken with Ronald McWeevil. Here is the proof that she held up her end of the bargain! Congratulations to the Enterprise High FFA and especially to Ms. Dunn who has worked hard preparing her students for success.

Lisenby Announces Poster Winners

Our Music Month Poster Winners are: 1st place: Kahleesie Augerot 2nd place: Stephen Nance 3rd place: Jack Gorriz People’s Choice: Madison Terry Congratulations to our winners!! Great job to all of our students on being so creative with their posters! We have enjoyed celebrating Music in March with Mrs. Johnson!

Lakeside Teacher Recognized

Mr. John Savage was named the AISA 2A Secondary Teacher of the Year. Pictured (L-R): John Mehaffey, John Savage, Tucker Stephenson www.wiregrassparents.com

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Carroll High Student Awarded Bryant Jordan Scholarship

Riley Jordan is the Bryant Jordan 5A Region 2 Scholarship Winner! A-Club Scholarship Winner Received $15,000 Riley, we are proud of you!

Mixon Intermediate Students Exceed Reading Goal

At the beginning of the year, Mrs. Barefield’s class set a goal. That goal was to read 7 novels before our state testing, which begins next week. These students met their goal, but didn’t stop there. They now plan to read 2 more before Summer Break! Great job by all!!

Four Dothan High Band Members Selected for Honor Band

Students auditioned and were selected to participate in the Alabama Bandmasters Association District 8 Honor Band held at Enterprise High School. Conductor was Dr Sean P. Murray from UAB. Pictured (L-R) are Andrew McKinley, Amir Thompson, G.G. Whiting, & Daegan Benjamin. Congratulations!!

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The Internet is Not All Bad Wait for it... The internet is not all bad. Yes, even for your teens. I know you are thinking, wait a minute, you have told us ALL of the bad things. All of the disturbing things our kids have access to. How it can effect the rest of their lives. How it can shift their thought processes. How it can create irrevocable changes. So let’s reframe this for a minute. What if I told you that, yes, it absolutely can do all of those things, but in a positive way. I often feel like chicken little when I speak or write on this subject. Most days it does feel like the sky is falling, especially with so many kids floating freely through an unmonitored, unrestricted space. However, I think we can all agree there are beautiful stories to be found online. We see them everyday. But in the mess of it all, they sometimes get overlooked. The headline of “a teen helps an elderly stranger” never seems as interesting as the news that the sky is falling. But, the reality is, we can help gently move our children into this positive space by teaching them what to look for. I frequently ask kids during conferences if they are tired of hearing what they can NOT do online. I am always met with a resounding, YES! Then I ask if anyone ever takes the time to tell them what they CAN do. And I am told, NO. If our kids are going to be in this space, let’s show them the wonderful, beautiful, helpful side of online. I often use the analogy that our kids are a lot like puppies. A puppy will chew on your furniture or chew on a bone. They are going to chew, but we can decide what they get to chew on. Also, if we are being honest, kids have the attention span of a puppy. So while the bone is fun for a while, they will inevitably want to go back to the furniture. This is where we come in with constant guidance and re-direction. Wiregrass Parents I May 2022

Case in point, my son and I were hanging on the couch the other day. We were watching his TikTok. Yes, he has TikTok. He turned 17 this month. There is a whole conversation around this that I will address another time, but he does have it. And I do monitor it. That day he was looking at random junk. Nothing “bad” mind you. Just junk. So I said to him we should spend some time looking at the colleges he is interested in and do it through his social media accounts. He looked at me and said, “Huh?” I reminded him that he can look at schools or baseball programs through Instagram, TikTok and even Snap Chat. I was met with another, “Huh?” Now, I realize that this story may not be painting my parenting/social media education skills in the best light. Shouldn’t he already know these things. I have said them. A lot. Does he even LIVE with me? He is incredibly smart, but this is a perfect example of how kids have to be reminded of the positive, uplifting, wonderful things they CAN do with their social media. He knew he could do it…just all of the other junk gets in the way. Today, and in the weeks to come, remind your kids what they CAN do. Show them how to access positive stories, how they can build their own business, how they can look up the college they have always wanted to attend, how they can use it to apply for their dream job. 16

If your children love to travel, show them all of the amazing places in the world they may visit. Show them apps that support their mental health either through meditation or simply moving their bodies. Find groups or activists that have the same goals and teach them how to get involved and use their voices in a positive manner that will create lasting change. And puppies. Teach them how to look up videos of all the puppies doing silly things. Because it brings joy. So let’s go back for a second to the beginning when we started this discussion and reframe those statements from a positive mindset. Did you know that social media can effect your children (positively) for the rest of their lives? It can (positively) shift their thought processes. It can create (positive) irrevocable change. We become what we focus on. Let’s help our kids focus on what will support them most. Sometimes it’s just a matter of finding them a new bone to chew.

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L 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.

www.wiregrassparents.com

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Living Well with Valerie Mom, What Do YOU Want for Summer? When my kids were at home, I never asked myself this. I was too busy planning and scheduling the perfect summer full of pool time, camps, and Vacation Bible School. It looked great in theory, but summer came, and I found myself counting down to the beginning of a new school year. Summers were messy, and the lack of schedule made me feel disorganized. Messy house. Kids that always wanted to do something. Don’t get me wrong; I love my boys. They know I would tackle a bear to save them from harm. But summer with my precious baby angels was stress filled. Why? Because I was a perfectionist. I had no boundaries. How can you bring yourself a little more peace for this summer?

Set your boundaries.

How much am I willing to be in the car this summer driving my people around? What do I need bedtimes to look like (not for them but for myself)? How am I going to spend quality time with my significant other?

Ask for help.

Schedule playdates with neighbors and friends. Carpool. Send them to see aunts or grandparents if they will take them. Giving your kids time away from you will make you appreciate yourself more. I know it’s hard to let go of control.

Let go of perfection.

Let go of comparison. Compare yourself to no one. Not to your mom, not to that neighbor who never seems to yell at her kids or has all the perfect snacks. Comparison is the death of joy. Let it go.

Keep your schedule.

The workout routine that has worked well, the Bible study you have found, your eating plan. Try to stay with those things that bring you joy. Keep yourself grounded. When you feel grounded you are less likely to blow up at your kids or spouse or notice the messiness of your house.

Don’t try to reason with your kids.

Your child’s prefrontal cortex - the part that controls impulse control, reasoning and comprehension - does not fully develop until their 20s. You have to be the voice of reason. That’s why knowing your boundaries is so important.

Give yourself grace.

yourself say how busy or stressed you are, take a step back. Evaluate. You are the only one that controls your schedule. Sounds easy right? Just follow the steps and you are on your way to perfect Motherhood. Well, it isn’t. You will doubt yourself and feel like you’re failing. You are not. You are doing the best you can with the knowledge you have. That’s it. Your kids love you. They may not always show it, but they are depending on you to be their rock. Motherhood is NOT a sprint. It is a marathon. These summer days are precious, it’s up to you to change the way you look at them and find your joy. Take a deep breath in, relax your jaw and know that you got this.

Lots of it. You are not superwoman. You don’t have to do it all. You are in charge of your schedule. If you keep hearing

Valerie Thompson is a health coach, yoga instructor, meditator, breath instructor, and mom of two grown boys.

Book a Consultation valerieshealthandwellness.com | 334.790.1569 17

www.facebook.com/wiregrassparents

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Teaching kids the value and rewards of hard work and earning their own money is an integral part of helping them develop into responsible adults. Through this, they gain self-esteem, learn the real value of a dollar, and develop better saving and spending habits. So share the list of jobs below with your pre-teens or teens for a variety of ways they can cash-in this summer. [or school-year] Wiregrass Parents I May 2022

www.wiregrassparents.com

The grass is always greener – What better way to soak

that keep their children busy. Also, don’t forget to clean up and wash dirty dishes.

up the sun, get fit, and make spare cash than mowing lawns? Create some fliers, and be sure to mention you live in the neighborhood. Include your fees based on yard size. But try to keep the rates below the cost of professional services. Also, don’t forget to include your phone number. Then deliver the fliers to the homes in your neighborhood. You can lodge them between doorknobs or tuck them under doormats. Just don’t place anything in mailboxes because it’s illegal.

A little dirt never hurt – Garage cleaning is a big chore,

especially for the elderly, or anyone who just doesn’t have the time. So offer your services to relatives and neighbors. When you get a job, be thorough. Move everything into the driveway or yard before you begin. Remove cobwebs with a broom. Sweep ledges and the garage floor. Then hose the garage concrete (with permission) to loosen ground-in dirt. When it’s dry, neatly arrange everything back into the garage.

Young entrepreneur – Make the most of your neighbors’

garage sales by setting up a refreshment stand in your own front yard. You’ll need a small table and a handmade sign: “Cookies and Lemonade - 50 cents each.” Set out a pitcher of lemonade or Koolaid, disposable cups, and wrapped cookies. At the end of the sale, add up your profits, and divide them with your partners.

Fence finishing – Wood fencing requires ongoing mainte-

nance. So offer to assist your neighbors in sprucing up their yard by painting or staining their fences. The homeowner should supply the paint or stain and the necessary tools. Be sure to follow directions. Also, take your time and do a careful job.

Too old for toys and games? – If so, clean out those you’ve

Window washing – Offering your services for this dreaded

outgrown, and hold a sale. Make a cardboard or wooden sign to attract neighborhood kids and passersby. Then lay out blankets in your front yard, and spread out your goods. Keep your prices reasonable. And don’t forget a 25-cent box filled with odds and ends.

task is sure to be a success. If you get the job, make sure your parents know the homeowner and approve of you going inside. Clean the interior of all windows, including doors. Also, don’t forget to open the windows and clean the ledges and tracks. Offer to do exterior windows if you’re tall enough to reach them without a ladder. Ask permission to hose them down to remove loose dirt. Then wash and dry them by hand.

Kiddie care – Are you old enough to stay home alone? If so,

you may be ready to babysit for other children. Spread the word through family, friends, and neighbors. Once you’ve gained experience, post fliers on the library, grocery, or laundromat bulletin boards. When babysitting, play games, and do activities with the kids. Avoid talking on the phone or watching TV. Parents love sitters

Life’s a zoo – Pet owners who don’t like to kennel their pets are often in a dilemma at vacation time. Pass out flyers in your neigh

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borhood offering to pet sit. Do the sitting in your home, if your parents agree. Otherwise, make regular visits to the pet’s home. Be responsible, and do precisely as the pet owner instructs, for the safety of both you and the pet.

And if the dog starts panting or doesn’t want to run, never push it. Dogs can quickly overheat, which can kill them.

Make it shine – Round up your friends, and get ready for

some cold, wet fun! Hold a car wash in your driveway or a parking lot with permission from the property owner. Make a large colorful “Car Wash” sign. Include your cost (hint: set it no more than your local car wash charges). Have your supplies handy: a bucket of soapy water, rags or sponge, a hose, and plenty of dry towels.

Weeds away – Are weeds taking over your neighbors’ flower-

beds? Then offer to get them back into shape. Before you get started, find out which ones are plants versus flowers that haven’t yet bloomed. When in doubt, ask before you pull them. Wear gloves to protect your hands and hose the ground lightly to loosen roots. Pull weeds from rock beds, shrubbery, and cement cracks. Then dispose of them properly.

Old McDonald had a farm - You don’t have to be raised on a farm to make a good farmhand. Although it’s certainly a bonus. Visit area farms, and offer your help. Work may include laboring in fields to feeding and caring for livestock.

Dollars for duds– Have you hit another growth spurt? Ask

your parents if you can consign your clothing and split the profits. Search online for local consignment shops by using “resale,” “used clothing,” or “consignment” in your search terms. Find out the shops’ policies. Then get your clothing ready. Wash and dewrinkle, then hang or fold them neatly. Don’t forget shoes, jackets, and pajamas, too.

At your service – Offer home cleaning services to your neighbors. Plan to do the following tasks, unless other arrangements are made: dust furniture and window ledges; vacuum carpet and stairs; sweep and mop tile, linoleum, and wooden floors; scour sinks, bathtubs, and toilets; shake out rugs; vacuum upholstered furniture; and make beds. Ask if straightening up is expected.

Errands for the elderly – Are there handicapped, disabled,

Pool patrol – If sunbathing is your thing, then this is the job for

or elderly persons in your neighborhood? If so, they’re apt to need some help. Offer to run errands within walking or biking distance. Attach a basket to your bike, or carry a backpack for easy transporting. If you have your driver’s license, offer to do more distantruns.

you! Find out the age and certification requirements for lifeguard duty. Then apply at your community pool, YMCA, or nearby beach. While keeping an eye on swimmers and soaking up the sun, keep your skin safe by using a good sunscreen. WP

Who’s walking who? – If you’re looking for a new summer

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at sagerarebooks.com.

pal, why not make it man’s best friend? Pass out fliers to offer your pet walking services. Never run a dog unless the owner agrees.

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United Gymstars and Cheer ad on page 7

210 Graceland Dr. Dothan, AL 36303 Campers will enjoy relays, fitness activities, organized games, trampoline, open gym time, outside water play, arts and crafts, movie time, and much more! Each camp week will introduce campers to different members of our community who are working hard to make a difference in the world around us. Space is limited. 5-12 years. $150 per week Dates: June 8-July 31

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Wiregrass Museum of Art Camps ad on page 7

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Arts & Crafts Wiregrass Museum of Art ad on page 7

126 Museum Ave. Dothan, AL 36303 First Saturday Family Day: Free art activities on the first Saturday of every month for all ages. Art Pants on Toddler Tuesdays (Tuesdays in June): Your little one will enjoy creating art in different ways in these special hands classes designed for parents and toddlers. Using your powerful imagination, each day we will explore a new book and medium to create your very own messterpieces! (334) 794-3871 info@wiregrassmuseum.org www.wiregrassmuseum.org

All About Art Studio 102 S. Main St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Cookies and Canvas: 2nd Saturday of the Month, 1-3 PM. Toddler Tales: 1st Saturday of the Month, 10-11 AM. Donuts and Door Hangers: 3rd Saturday of the Month, 9 AM. Ages tween & up. (334) 348-2738

www.allaboutartstudio.com

Ft. Rucker Arts & Crafts Center 212 5th Ave. Ft. Rucker, AL 36362 A wide variety of hobbies and skill classes are offered monthly, such as sewing, quilting, stained glass, mosaics, drawing and painting, wood burning, and framing classes for adults. We also offer pick and paint for children ages 4 and older. (334) 255-9020

rucker.armymwr.com

Summer Art Classes Cultural Arts Center - 909 S. Saint Andrews St. Dothan, AL 36301 Young or old, big or small- there is a class for you all! Check our website for dates, times, and other information. (334) 699-2787

www.theculturalartscenter.org

Southern Strokes Art 102 S. Cherokee St. Dothan, AL 36301 Painting classes in shop or on the go!

(334) 750-3319 southern-strokes-art.myshopify.com/

Camps Bent Oak Horsemanship ad on page 25

1210 Lucy Grade Rd. Dothan, AL 36301 Camps are for all levels! So, if you have never ridden, sign up! Or if you are an experienced showman and looking to learn more, sign up! Camps will be Led by Professional Horse Trainer and Performer Analise Granger!

Day Camp : June 6-8 & 14-16 (Ages 6 & up) Overnight Camp: July 11-15 & 18-22 (Ages 6 & up)

(334) 791-5215 bentoakhorsemanship828@yahoo.com facebook.com/bentoakhorsemanship1

Connect Camps ad on page 13

Hillcrest Baptist Church - 500 Alberta St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Connect Camps is a one-week, day camp for K-6th graders, filled with non-stop fun, engaging activities, daily faith-based lessons, and the chance to make lasting friendships. Your campers are sure to have an unbelievable week that they’ll never forget! K-6th Grade Dates: July 25-29 (334) 347-2516

children@hbce.org

www.hbce.org

Landmark Park Summer Camps ad on page 25

430 Landmark Dr. Dothan, AL 36303 Creepy Crawly Critters: June 6-10 (Ages 4-5) Secrets of the Kitchen Garden: June 6-10 (Ages 4-5) Ecology Camp (Overnight): June 13-15, June 1617, July 18-20, July 21-22 (Ages 6-8) Myths & Legends (Overnight): June 13-15, June 16-17 (Ages 9-12) Aerospace Expedition (Overnight): June 20-22, June 23-24 (Ages 9-12) Pioneer Farm (Overnight): June 20-22, June 23-24 (Ages 6-8) Discovery Days: June 27-July 1 (Ages 4-5) Adventure Days: June 27-29, July 25-27 (Ages 9-12) Tall Tales and Fairy Tales: July 11-15 (Ages 4-5) Earth Art: July 11-15 (Ages 6-8) Big Wide Wilderness (Overnight): July 18-20, July 21-22 (Ages 9-12) Farm and Forest Fun: July 25-29 (Ages 4-5) (334) 794-3452

www.landmarkparkdothan.com

Riverview Camp for Girls ad on page 23

757 Co. Rd. 614 Mentone, AL 35984 Short-Term Sessions $2175 / Long-Term Sessions $3990 Dates: June & July

(256) 634-4043

www.riverviewcamp.net

SEACT Summer Theater Camps ad on Back Cover

Elba High School, Dothan Cultural Arts Center, Graceville High School, Early Co Elementary (Blakely, GA), Enterprise State Community College, Headland High School June & July; Join SEACT for a week of theatre learning about how a show comes together and your child’s important role. (334) 794-0400 seact@seact.com

www.seact.com

126 Musuem Ave. Dothan, AL 36303 Art Explorations: July 11-15 (K-2) - Learn about different artists and mediums, as well as pieces in the museum’s collection. Book Arts: July 25-29 (Grades 3-8) - Explore the various materials and techniques of Book Arts. Collage College: July 1822 (Grades 3-6) - Learn about the different styles of collage and artists who work in this artform. Mixed Media Mayhem: The Next Dimension: June 13-17 (Grades 3-6) - An exploration of mixed media and 3D sculpture! Mixed Media Mayhem: June 20-24 (K-2) - An exploration and celebration of different media and styles including watercolor, pastels, color pencils, and graphite! Read a Little, Art a LOT!: June 6-10 (K-2) - Read a book each day and create a project inspired by that story. Dates: info@wiregrassmuseum.org (334) 794-3871

www.wiregrassmuseum.org

Farmers Markets & U-Pick Farms Aplin Farms 2729 N. Co. Rd. 49 Dothan, AL 36305 Dates: May-October Times: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (334) 726-5104

japlin4863@gmail.com

Enterprise Farmers Market 525 N. Main St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Dates: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays YearRound Times: 7:00-11:00 a.m. (334) 348-2668

bbriggs@enterpriseal.gov

Ozark Farmers Market Court Square - Ozark, AL 36360 Dates: Tuesdays, May 24-July 26 Times: 2:30-5:30 p.m. (334) 774-9321

info@ozarkalchamber.com

Poplar Head Farmers Market 610 N. Foster St. Dothan, AL 36303 Dates: Saturdays May 14-July 31 Times: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (334) 278-4420

donna_balzaratti@yahoo.com

Wiregrass Farmers Market Houston Co. Farm Center Parking Lot 1699 Ross Clark Cir. Dothan, AL 36302 Dates: Tuesdays, & Fridays June-August Times: 7:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (334) 798-4508

davidabell@gmail.com

Indoor Fun AdventureLand Theme Park 3738 W. Main St. Dothan, AL 36305 Mini golf, bumper boats, go karts, batting cages, and a large arcade filled with exciting games. (334) 793-9100

www.adventurelandthemepark.com

Axtion Air Jump & Sports Northside Mall - 3525 Ross Clark Cir., Dothan, AL Jump, climb, play. Trampolines, climbing walls, ropes course, laser tag, ninja course, dodgeball, foam pits, and much more. (334) 446-5175

www.axtionair.com

www.facebook.com/wiregrassparents

Boll Weevil Lanes & Amusements 1505 E. Park Ave. Enterprise, AL 36330 Local Family owned for over 40yrs. We offer 24 lanes, 2 private party rooms, large arcade, pool table, snack bar, cold drinks, & lots of fun! (334) 347-8953

Brain Busters Escape Rooms 518 N. Daleville Ave. Daleville, AL 36322 Escape Dothan and Come to Daleville to Play Brain Busters Escape Room. Military, First Responder, Teacher, and Large Group Discounts. Family Friendly. (334) 494-5996

Chuck E. Cheese 1001 Commons Dr. Dothan, AL 36303 A wide selection of entertainment for kids and adults alike. Diverse menu options, skill-level arcade games, and in-store performances. (334) 702-2340

chuckecheese.com

Dothan Lanes 5727 Montgomery Hwy. Dothan, AL 36303 24 lanes with automatic scoring. Pool tables. Arcade. (334) 983-1585

www.dothanlanes.com

Escape Dothan 3759 Ross Clark Cir. Dothan, AL 36303 Work together to find the clues, crack the codes and solve your way out--but hurry, the clock is ticking and 60 minutes goes faster than you think! (334) 446-7135

www.escapedothan.com

Escape Enterprise 1018 Rucker Blvd. Enterprise, AL 36330 We offer an immersive escape room experience that rotates on a two-month basis to keep your senses honed and the experience always different. (334) 400-2076

www.escapeenterprise.com

Wiregrass Parents I May 2022

Fun Zone Skate Center 465 Westgate Pkwy. Dothan, AL 36303 Skating, Laser Tag, Rock Climb, Arcade Games!

drugstore and soda fountain, country store, and turn-of-the-century church. Nature trails, interpretive center and planetarium.

Kiss My Axe 256 N. Foster St. Dothan, AL 36303 Dothan’s premier axe throwing venue. Patrons can book public or private sessions, celebrate special occasions, and join our house league!

AdventureLand Theme Park 3738 W. Main St. Dothan, AL 36305 Mini golf, bumper boats, go karts, batting cages, and a large arcade filled with exciting games.

(334) 678-7529

www.funzoneskatecenterdothan.com

(334) 699-5629 www.kmaxe.com

Patricia Lanes 2208 Ross Clark Cir. Dothan, AL 36301 Galaxy Bowling Friday & Saturday nights. Leagues for men, women & children. (334) 794-6636 patricialanes.net

Rucker Lanes 9227 5th Ave., Bldg 9227 Ft. Rucker, AL 36362 20 Bowling Lanes, Annual Locker Rental, Snack Bar, Bingo Corner and a Pro-Shop. (334) 255-9503

rucker.armymwr.com

Xtreme Air Mega Park 441 Nypro Lane Dothan, AL 36305 Ninja Course, Battle Bus, Foam Pits, Dodgeball, Volleyball, Basketball, Kids Court, Inflatable Park, Zipline, Super Tramps! (334) 798-5867 xtremeairtrampolinepark.com

Outdoor Fun Landmark Park ad on page 25

430 Landmark Dr. Dothan, AL 36303 1890’s living history farm, complete with an old farmhouse, smokehouse, cane mill, syrup shed, and farm animals. One-room schoolhouse,

(334) 794-3452

(334) 793-9100

www.landmarkparkdothan.com

www.adventurelandthemepark.com

Backroad 288 Outdoor Park and Range 4875 Co. Rd. 4 Gordon, AL 36343 Outdoor park with 24 ranges. There are 6 Rifle, 6 Shotgun, 6 pistol and 6 archery ranges. (352) 446-0043

uspsagm@gmail.com

Brothers in Arms Paintball 4197 Hwy 84 W. Enterprise, AL 36330 Area’s only regulation-sized tournament turf field. Play on either our airball field or woodsball field. (334) 475-3058

www.biappark.com

Circle City BMX 100 Recreation Rd. Dothan, AL 36303 The biggest and fastest downhill BMX track in Alabama. 1,137 feet long. Unique “crossover.” (334) 714-0212

www.circlecitybmxracing.com

Dothan Area Botanical Gardens 5130 Headland Ave. Dothan, AL 36303 Enjoy butterflies, flowing fountains, a peaceful pond, playground, Koi fish, gazebo, tropical house, meditation areas, outdoor classroom, boardwalk, wedding pavilion, and Lock Gate! (334) 793-3224

www.dabg.com

Dothan Survival Games 386 Cowarts Rd. Dothan, AL 36301 (334) 793-8202

dsgpaintball.com

www.wiregrassparents.com

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Enterprise Miniature Golf 1304 E. Park Ave. Enterprise, AL 36330 Putt-putt courses with water features, bridges, two signature waterfalls, beautifully landscaped surroundings, and relaxing outdoor audio. (334) 406-3651

Doug Tew Therapeutic Recreation Center 300 Garland St. Dothan, AL 36301 (334) 615-3720

Enterprise YMCA 904 Hwy. 27 Enterprise, AL 36330

www.enterpriseminigolf.com

(334) 347-4513

Enterprise Skate Park 600 E. Lee St. Enterprise, AL 36330 A safe and convenient location for skating complete with obstacles and rails, sidewalks and spectator seating.

www.enterpriseal.gov

(334) 774-2523

(334) 255-4305

(334) 435-2038 www.facebook.com/headlandmeadowbrookpool

www.twobytwofarms.com

Ozark Community Swimming Pool 453 Martin St. Ozark, AL 36360

Swimming Pools/ Splash Pads

(334) 774-2523

www.ozarkalabama.us

SPLASH! Pool/Spray Park 113 Novosel St. Ft. Rucker, AL 36362 (334) 255-2096

Andrew Belle Community Center 1270 Lake St. Dothan, AL 36303

rucker.armymwr.com

Taylor Splash Pad 1469 County Rd. 59 Taylor, AL 36301

www.dothanleisureservices.org

(334) 677-5079

Azalea Swim & Tennis Club 1210 N. Pontiac Ave. Dothan, AL 36303 (334) 793-6410

rucker.armymwr.com

Meadowbrook Pool 103 Walden Pond Rd. Headland, AL 36345

Two by Two Petting Zoo 231 Co. Rd. 540 Enterprise, AL 36330 The petting zoo gives the opportunity to learn about farm animals and “feathered friends.”

(334) 615-4720

www.ozarkalabama.us

Lake Tholocco Ft. Rucker, AL 36362

www.dothan.org

www.cityoftaylor.org

Walton Park Recreation Center 122 Walton Park Dr. Dothan, AL 36303 (334) 615-4710

www.facebook.com/azaleadothan

(334) 615-3750

www.dothanleisureservices.org

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www.waterworlddothan.com

Westgate Indoor Pool Westgate Recreation Center - 501 Recreation Rd. Dothan, AL 36303 (334) 615-3760

www.dothanleisureservices.org

Wiregrass Recreation Center 620 Sixth Ave. Dothan, AL 36303 (334) 615-4740

KidZone Play Area & Splash Pad Steagall Park - 523 Faust Ave. Ozark, AL 36360

Forever Wild Trails 384 Narcisse Dr. Dothan, AL 36305 10-mi. trail system with 6 linked loops & bike repair stations, plus changing rooms & a pump track.

(334) 464-0543

www.enymca.org

Enterprise Splash Pad Johnny Henderson Family Park 1901 Neal Metcalf Rd. Enterprise, AL 36330

www.enterpriseal.gov

(334) 615-3700

www.dothanleisureservices.org

Water World 401 Recreation Rd. Dothan, AL 36303

www.dothanleisureservices.org

VBS Hillcrest Baptist Church Vacation Bible School ad on page 13

500 Alberta St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Dates: June 13-17 (334) 347-2516

www.hbce.org

Bethel Baptist Church 3257 E. Cottonwood Rd. Dothan, AL 36301 Dates: June 13-17 (334) 792-5908

bbcdothan.org

Calvary Baptist Church 901 Montezuma Ave. Dothan, AL 36303 Dates: June 13-17 (334) 792-5159

calvarydothan.com

First Presbyterian Church 3012 W. Main St. Dothan, AL 36305 Dates: June 13-16 (334) 794-3128

www.firstpresdothan.com WP

• Riding - English, Western, and Jumping • Swimming • Heated Pool • Ropes Course • Climbing Tower • Outdoor Nature Skills • Sports • Soccer • Basketball

ward-winning, a n a n o t u o s is Don’t m p for your m ca d re te n ce ts Chri mmer! daughter this Su Best of Parenting WINNER 10

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On Top of Lookout Mountain in Historic Mentone, Alabama !

Susan & Larry Hooks, Owners & Directors Donna Bares, Assistant Director

800-882-0722 www.riverviewcamp.com 23

• Beach Volleyball • Tennis • Canoeing • Golf • Archery • Gymnastics • Cheerleading • Dance • Chorus • Drama • Arts & Crafts • CIT Program • Campfires every night • Optional trips & more!

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Great Mom Apps

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That Can Make Your Life

A Little Bit Easier Tanni Haas, Ph.D.

Allrecipes Dinner Spinner

Mother’s Day is on May 9, the perfect opportunity to take care of yourself and other moms that you know. There are a lot of

Available at: Amazon Apps; Apple Appstore; Google Play We’ve all been in this situation many times: It’s 5 pm, dinner time, you’ve got to make a meal for the family but all that comes to mind is the same things you always make. How about trying Allrecipes Dinner Spinner, the world’s largest and most popular social app for food? You can find user-generated and reviewed recipes from 30 million other home cooks like yourself. You can search by keyword, key ingredients that you want

apps out there dedicated to making a mom’s life a little bit easier, whether you’re looking for ideas on what to serve for dinner or kid-friendly travel advice. Here’s a list of some of the very best mom apps.

They’re free, so download an app... or 3! Wiregrass Parents I May 2022

www.wiregrassparents.com

Find My Kids

to include or exclude, special dietary needs, and cooking time. You can also see which ingredients are on sale in local stores, and watch more than 1000 step-by-step cooking videos with easy-to-follow instructions.

Available at: Amazon Appstore; Apple Appstore; Google Play One of the most stressful experiences is not knowing where your kids are at any given moment. Nowadays, almost all kids have cell phones, which helps minimize the stress. Find My Kids, a GPS-based location app, lets you to track your kids quickly and easily. Once registered, each family member appears as a unique icon on a navigational map so you know exactly where your kids are at all times. The app sends out automatic alerts when your kids arrive at school or go home, and monitors their cell phone battery levels letting you when they’re low so you can send out reminders to charge the phones.

Artkive

Available at: Apple Appstore; Google Play Like in most families, I imagine, my kid’s artwork is anywhere you look and don’t look: on the living room walls, in my bedroom, and stashed away in various cabinets and drawers. But there’s an alternative. Artkive is a great app for storing, sharing, and printing your kid’s artwork. You can search uploaded images by which of your kids created the piece, what grade they were in, and when it was made. You can also make high-quality, actual books to give as gifts to family and friends, and turn images into keepsake items like t-shirts, mugs, and cell phone covers.

Scholly

Available at: Amazon App; Apple Appstore; Google Play The time may be around the corner or far off into the future, but when it does arrive we’re all going to need it: money for college. Wouldn’t it be nice if at least some of that money is scholarships that you won’t have to pay back? Developed by a former Drexel University student by the name of Christopher Gray who amassed $1.3 million in scholarship funds, Scholly is a database with more than 20.000 scholarship opportunities across the U.S that is continuously expanded and updated. You can look at each scholarship to learn more about eligibility requirements, the application process, important deadlines, and the amount of money offered.

Cozi Family Organizer

Available at: Amazon Appstore; Apple Appstore; Google Play As the name implies, Cozi Family Organizer is an organizer. It has a shared calendar where you can track everyone’s schedules both individually and as a group, and a shared shopping list where you can see when items are added to the list or purchased by other family members in real-time. You can also use the app to send automated daily or weekly agenda emails to other family members, create specialized to-do lists, such as emergency supplies or vacation packaging, and organize receipts in one place that’s accessible to everybody.

Landmark Park Summer Day Camps run for one week each in June and July for ages 4-11. 334-794-3452 • www.landmarkparkdothan.com

out

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Squat or Not

We work tirelessly to help kids get well because Hugh has a long list of stuff he wants to do. W E D O W H AT W E D O B E C A U S E C H I L D R E N H AV E D R E A M S .

Available at: Apple Appstore; Google Play When travelling with kids, especially toddlers, there are few things more frustrating than not being able to find a public restroom when you really need one. SitOrSquat is a location-based app that lets you to find bathrooms in your location. The app contains a user-generated list of more than 100,000 public restrooms throughout the U.S. You can get the travel time to the nearest bathroom, and search by specific features like changing tables or handicap accessible, and you are encouraged to post pictures and rate the restrooms as either “Sit” (good) or “Squat” (not good) to help other app users.

Trekaroo Family Travel

Available at: Apple Appstore I can’t count how many times on vacation with my 15-year-old son that he shouted in frustration: “Another museum?!” It doesn’t have to be that way. Trekaroo Family Travel, known informally as the TripAdvisor for kid-friendly travel, is an app that includes user-generated reviews of activities, hotels, and restaurants that kids will enjoy throughout the U.S. and Canada. The app includes a price slider that makes it easy to find things to do that are either low-cost or free, and offers suggestions for kid-friendly day trips.

1 6 0 0 7 TH AVENUE S OU T H B I R MI N G H AM , AL 35233 ( 2 0 5 ) 6 3 8 - 9100 C h i l d re n s AL . org

7 Minute Workout

Available at: Apple Appstore; Google Play Let’s be honest: no matter how enjoyable it is, parenting is also exhausting. Physically exhausting. While it can be difficult to find time to work out, we all have seven minutes a day to spare. Wahoo 7 Minute Workout is one of the most popular short-interval fitness apps available. The routine is divided into 12 high-intensity exercises that last for 30 seconds, with 10 second of rest intervals. The exercises train your chest, abs, arms and legs through body weight training, push-ups, sit-ups, and squats. You don’t need any equipment so you can do the exercises wherever and whenever. WP

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

Wiregrass Parents I May 2022

www.wiregrassparents.com

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FamilyCalendar Friday May 6

Heroes vs. Villains (General Admission $10) 7:30 p.m. Cultural Arts Center, 909 S. St. Andrews St. Dothan, AL, 36301 Our spring concert promises to be an adventure as we play music of iconic heroes and villains. From Batman to Pirates of the Caribbean, from Avengers to Phantom of the Opera, you are sure to find this evening of music entertaining for the whole family! heroes-and-villains.cheddarup.com

Saturday May 7

Derby Day at the Clubhouse 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Ft. Rucker Riding Stables, Hatch Road Ft. Rucker, AL, 36362 Come out to the Riding Stables and celebrate the Run for The Roses! Its a Derby Day Celebration! Races on the Big Screen, Food, Drinks, and Fancy Fun! Get your Derby Hat Ready! (334) 255-0021 Home Run Derby 10:00 a.m. Eastgate Park, 1949 Sanitary Dairy Rd. Dothan, AL, 36301 Players participate in single elimination during three rounds where they try to score as many homeruns as possible without getting out. (334) 615-3730 Festival in the Park 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Johnny Henderson Family Park, 300 Hwy 167 N. Enterprise, AL, 36330 Inflatables, pony rides, train rides, arts & crafts, food trucks, multiple game and prize booths, live music, fireworks, and so much more! kreese@enterpriseal.gov Wiregrass Children’s Home Benefit Color Fun Run/Walk ($25 per runner) 9:00 a.m. Kiwanis Park, 1715 Whatley Dr. Dothan, AL, 36303 Walk, run, jog, and stroll the 5k (3 mile) track around Kiwanis Park in Dothan. Every mile you will have even more color thrown on you! ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO DIRECTLY TO THE WIREGRASS CHILDREN’S HOME! In Memory of a special volunteer in our hearts, CW2 Daniel Prial. wiregrasschildrenshome.org Yatta Abba Day Festival 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Downtown, Abbeville, AL, 36310 Yatta Abba Day Festival will host a musical act and several vendors! The festival vendors will be selling arts & crafts, food, cool treats, jewelry, kids toys, make-up, clothing, decorative items, door hangers, t-shirts and more!

Saturday May 14

Boutique Crawl: A Fashion Event 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Downtown, Enterprise, AL, 36330 Visit Downtown Enterprise for a fashion-filled day! Pickin in the Park (Adults $4, Kids $3) 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Landmark Park, 430 Landmark Dr. Dothan, AL, 36303 Musicians are invited to bring their instruments and join in an instrumental jam session featuring bluegrass, gospel and country music. All skill levels and ages are welcome. Free admission with instrument. www.landmarkparkdothan.com

Saturday May 21

Day at the Lake 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Lake Tholocco, Ft. Rucker, AL Spend the day on the lake with your friends, families, neighbors! Outdoor recreation rentals will be free while available including kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards and more! Swimming area will be open and there will be hot dogs and ice cream provided while supplies last. (334) 255-4305

Spartan Fest 2022 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Culpepper Park, Highway 85 Daleville, AL, 36322 The 1/223rd Aviation Regiment (Spartans), our sister battalion located at Cairnes Army Airfield, and a team from Daleville, will compete for a trophy and bragging rights for a year. There will also be a “Spartan Run” for the kids, face painting, food, music, and lots of fun! Come out and root for your team! Touch A Truck and Car Show ($7 Adults; $5 Kids; Free Members and Children 2 & Under)

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Landmark Park, 430 Landmark Dr. Dothan, AL, 36303 Visit the park and experience two great shows! On one side of the park, the Landmark Park Car Show. Juried show with trophies and prizes available. On the other side of the park, Touch A Truck! Kids of all ages can see big trucks and equipment up-close and learn about their uses. A “quiet hour” will be held from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. (no horns honking) for kids who are sensitive to loud noises. www.landmarkparkdothan.com

Friday May 27

A Night at the Park (Members $20; Non-Members $25) 4:30 p.m. - 9:00 a.m., Landmark Park, 430 Landmark Dr. Dothan, AL, 36303 Landmark Park invites you and your family to experience the Park in a unique way with our 9th annual Night at the Park event. This camping adventure for families features a night walk through the Park, hay rides, s’mores, Nerf War, Water Balloon Battleship, and of course camping in tents. Your adventure begins at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 27 and concludes at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 29. The fee for the campout is $20 per person for Park members and $25 per person for nonmembers. A hamburger and hotdog dinner, s’mores, and breakfast are all included. Families are responsible for their own tents, sleeping bags, and camping gear. Space for the campout is limited and taken on a first come, first serve basis. Registration with payment is required to secure your spot. www.landmarkparkdothan.com

Friday June 3-Sunday June 5

Dothan Balloon Festival National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds, 5622 US 231 S. Dothan, AL, 36301 Hot air balloons return to Dothan! Come and join us with food vendors, retail vendors and activities for the whole family!

Saturday June 4

Ozark Street Festival 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Downtown, Ozark, AL, 36360 Corn Hole Tournament, Patriotic Kids Parade, Live Music, Food Trucks

Every Monday

Preschool Craft Time 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Dothan-Houston Co. Library Main, Crafts will be available for pickup beginning each week on Mondays at all three libraries (Main, Westgate, and Ashford - while supplies last, one per child, no large groups or daycare pick-ups, please). www.dhcls.org

4-H Sewing Club 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Simplicity of Life, 222 S. Main St. Enterprise, AL, 36330 Learn basic sewing, terms, techniques, and more. Ages 9 and up. (334)-406-3527 Teen Recharge 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Dothan-Houston Co. Library Main, 445 N. Oates St. Dothan, AL, 36303 A place for tweens and teens (12-18) to hang out, mess around, and geek out with others their age. S.T.E.A.M. based activities such as robotics, 3D-pens, crafts, computer coding, art, video games, etc. will be available to all at no charge. Although we ask that no parent participate, we do require a parent or guardian name and contact. www.dhcls.org

Every Wednesday

Artist Escape (Free) 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Rudd Art Center, 144 E. Broad St. Ozark, AL, 36360 Stop by the Rudd Art Center any Wednesday and create art with us. Artist come and go 11am-3pm. There is no cost and all skill levels are welcome. So pack up your latest project and join us!

Every Thursday

Story Time Ozark Dale Co. Library, 416 James St. Ozark, AL, 36360 10:30 a.m. & 4:00 p.m. We will read a good book together, learn some stuff, and make a craft for you to take home! (334) 774-5480

Friday, Saturday, & Sunday

Planetarium Shows ($3 per person) Landmark Park, 430 Landmark Dr. Dothan, AL, 36303 Fridays at 3:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.; Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.; and Mondays at 3:30 p.m. Seating is limited and is based on first come, first served. www.landmarkparkdothan.com

Every Saturday

Free Computer Class 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., Ozark Dale Co. Library, 416 James St. Ozark, AL, 36360 A one-hour class with Mr. Darnell that provides instruction on basic computer, internet, and Microsoft Office skills. By appointment only - Call or register at the Front Desk. (334) 774-5480

Every Saturday

Pokemon League 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Ozark Dale Co. Library, 416 James St. Ozark, AL, 36360 Trainers of all ages and skill levels are invited to battle and trade with other trainers in this exciting trading card game and video game! (334) 774-5480

Find More Local Events at WiregrassParents.com!

Virtual Story Time 12:30 p.m. Headland Public Library, 17 Park St. Headland, AL, 36345 Join us every Monday on Facebook for a live reading of your favorite book! (334) 693-2706

Every Tuesday

Ballroom Dance Lessons ($2 per person) 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Cultural Arts Center, 909 S. St. Andrews St. Dothan, AL, 36301 (501) 766-4845

www.facebook.com/wiregrassparents

WP: What are some mental health habits you hope to pass down to your kids? SC: I hope that I can pass down to Brylee and Elijah the importance of mental health and making it a top priority. So far, Brylee and Elijah practice breathing techniques during times of stress or frustration as well as understanding the importance of alone time to “refill their cups.” We practice positive affirmations every morning together to reinforce how special and unique they both are.

Sara Carlisle

WP: Self-care is a big part of mental health. How do you ensure you’re at your best? What does self-care look like for you? SC: Self-care will look different for each person. For me, alone time is an important part of self-care. Bubble baths, skin care, reading, listening to music, and dancing are activities that bring me joy daily. Sometimes binge watching a new series on Netflix is self-care, and that is okay! Over time, I also had to learn the importance of saying “no.” Recovering people pleaser over here! Committing to any and everything asked of you can become extremely draining. Saying “no” is important in creating boundaries, maintaining your mental health, and allowing time to pour back into your own cup. I also ensure that I keep my monthly appointments with my personal therapist. Just like routine visits to a doctor for a person’s physical health, I firmly believe every person needs a therapist for mental health maintenance.

WP: How long have you been a mental health therapist? What made you want to enter this field? SC: Five years. I graduated with my Bachelors in Social Work in 2017 and my Masters in Social Work in 2018, both from Troy University. I entered this field because of my passion to help other people and change lives. There is a tremendous stigma surrounding mental illness, and I am dedicated to doing my part to help stop the stigma surrounding both mental illness and substance use disorders.

WP: What would you say to a mom (or dad) who is struggling with their mental health? SC: Truly the hardest part is the first step... asking for help. Do not be ashamed of struggling with your mental health. A few tips: talk to a friend or a loved one about how you are feeling, schedule an appointment with your PCP to receive a referral for a therapist, and last, but certainly not least, show yourself grace during times of struggle. Try to take at least 30 minutes to yourself daily to do something you enjoy and decompress. Personally, during times of struggle, I follow the rule of not going to bed until I do something that makes me smile. Watch a funny show, vent to someone you trust, send funny memes to a friend, or whatever will put a smile on your face at the end of a hard day.

WP: You work as a therapist at Southeast Intervention Group. Tell me a little about the program and your role. SC: Southeast Intervention Group is a transitional living facility. We offer 10 beds for women through Herring Houses and 20 beds for men through Step by Step recovery. We offer a wide array of services to our clients such as therapy, case management, peer support, groups, meetings, and sponsorship. My personal role is to provide both group and individual therapy sessions to the clients on my caseload.

WP: The countdown to summer is on! Does your family have any plans? SC: We love to travel! We have a few new travel spots on our agenda for the summer. Instead of birthday parties, I do birthday “vacations” for the kiddos. In May, for Elijah’s birthday, we will travel to the destination of his choice to celebrate! When we are not traveling, the kids will be attending Wiregrass Museum of Arts summer camps, which they greatly enjoy.

WP: What type of impact do you think your work in this field has had on your family, especially your kids? SC: Throughout my career, I believe that my work in this field has had a significantly positive impact on my children. Brylee and Elijah have been privy to viewing humanity through a different lens by becoming more aware that people struggling with mental illness or substance use disorders are sick people on a journey to becoming well. I have taught my kids that people need to be shown grace, kindness, and forgiveness because no one truly knows what burdens another person carries.

WP: If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? SC: Stop caring so much about what other people think! Over the years, I have learned that no matter what you are doing, someone will have something negative to say. Why not do what brings you joy and just be happy! I spent many years seeking the approval of others which is a hard mindset to navigate out of. I have learned with age if Brylee, Elijah, and myself are happy, healthy, kind to others, and enjoying life, that is truly all that matters.

WP: Do you have a personal struggle with mental health? SC: I personally have always struggled with anxiety, which became exacerbated after becoming a mother. There was a period that my anxiety became debilitating, and I personally had to embark on my own journey of coping and mental wellbeing. I had to learn that seeking help did not make me “weak” but instead made me strong for realizing I needed help in navigating my personal struggles with anxiety. Wiregrass Parents I May 2022

Sara Carlisle is a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Therapist at Southeast Intervention Group. She has two children, Brylee (9) and Elijah (7).

www.wiregrassparents.com

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April 1st - June 30th

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Family Friendly

Jun. 2-4 Cultural Arts Center Tickets on sale 5/16 SEACT.com

OPEN REGISTRATION Summer Classes Available Dothan ~ Headland ~ Enterprise ~ Graceville ~ Elba ~ Blakely 1

SEACT.com www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents