River Region Parents (November 2023) by KeepSharing

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River Region Parents I November 2023

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December 8 // 7 pm December 9 & 10 // 4 pm For tickets: 334.241.5156 or

thelivingchristmastree.org No offering will be taken during the presentation. $5 per ticket suggested.

305 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36104 River Region Parents I November 2023

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November2023 46

Volume 28 Number 12

Columns 6 Editor’s Note DeAnne Watson

8 Meeting Kids Where They Are

The Hidden Power of Laughter

All the benefits and how to laugh more!

How to Grow a Thankful Family

Teach kids the fine art of having enough.

Works of Wonder Therapy

14 Montgomery Education Matters by Superintendent Dr. Melvin Brown

34 Autauga Education Matters by Lyman Woodfin

40 Elmore Education Matters by Superintendent Richard Dennis

44 Teens, Tweens & Screens by Kristi Bush, LSW

Holiday Happenings The holiday fun begins and our guide tells you where to go!

Taking the Lead in Sportsmanship

It all begins with you...the parent.

50 Dinner’s Ready by Kimberley Carter Spivey

Departments On The Cover Chance Wilson and Camille Snead are seniors at The Montgomery Academy. They are pictured with MA’s mascot, Swoops. Chance is the son of Trecia and Lovell Wilson. Camille is the daughter of Lela and Mark Snead.

12 Teacher of the Month 16 School Bits 66 Family Calendar 68 Mom to Mom

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Editor’sNote

Parents

When I was growing up, Thanksgiving Day looked about the same each year. While we would alternate between my grandmother’s, aunt’s, and our home, the day would consist of similar ingredients. The grown-ups prepared our family’s beloved and so delicious cornbread dressing, plus sweet potato casserole (pecans, not marshmallows), butter beans, turkey with giblet gravy, ham, and cranberry sauce. Cousins played in the backyard before being called in to eat at the “kids’ table.” After stuffing ourselves, we would retire to the living room to talk, watch football, and fall into a postturkey coma on the floor. For the past ten years or so, Jason and I have been more adventurous in our Thanksgiving plans, even spending one on a major road trip and several at the beach, including this year. Yep, we have rented a house that sleeps 15 and will head to the coast with Jason’s side of the family. We will all share the kitchen and cook a big meal on Thanksgiving Day for sure, so that tradition will remain. However, the rest of our time will be spent riding bikes, walking on the beach, playing poker, and talking late into the night. There will be plenty of lively debate with this crew and an abundance of laughter! Wouldn’t it be nice to add a little more laughter into the regular days? Kailyn Rhinehart’s article, The Power of Laughter, shares the short and long-term benefits of giggling and even smiling, plus how we can incorporate more of it into our daily lives. She even shares a list of specific ways we can laugh more with our kids! Family time almost always means laughter, so check our 2023 Holiday Happenings Guide for fun events and activities around the River Region and beyond in November and December. You’ll find parades, Santa sightings, Christmas light tours, and much more! Finally, what would Thanksgiving be if we didn’t spend some time considering thankfulness? Jan Pierce offers advice for planting, watering, and reaping grateful children in Growing a Thankful Family in a Want-More World. She includes a list of Projects for Your Generous Family, so I invite you to pick one or two and let them become part of your Thanksgiving tradition this year! I hope your November overflows with love, laughter, and grateful hearts!

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

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

Research Editor Wendy McCollum Contributing Writers Kimberly Blaker Dr. Melvin Brown Kristi Bush, LSW Richard Dennis Jan Pierce, M. Ed. Kailyn Rhinehart Kimberley Carter Spivey Lyman Woodfin Works of Wonder Therapy Cover Photography Lisa Smith www.studiopanache.net

Publisher Jason Watson jason@riverregionparents.com

Advertising Department (334) 213-7940 ext. 703 adservices@keepsharing.com or Text 334.328.5189

DeAnne

Digital Manager Scott Davis Ad Design Tim Welch

deanne@riverregionparents.com River Region Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing LLC, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, Alabama, 36123. River Region Parents is copyrighted 2023 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. opinions expressed in River Region Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

River Region Parents I November 2023

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by Works of Wonder Therapy www.worksofwondertherapy.com

Processing Positive Emotions Recently, my counselor explained to me that I do not process positive emotions. This realization has been life changing for me. When I experience a negative feeling, I think through it and process it. I attempt to understand why I am having it, assess what I can learn from it, and address anything that needs to change. However, when I experience positive emotions, I just let my brain rest. How has this impacted my parenting? As a mother, I gave my time, energy, and attention to my negative feelings of fear and anger without ever pausing to appreciate the moments that I felt excited and happy. I experienced happiness when my children were kind or excelled at something, but I did not spend time processing that happiness. I just enjoyed it in the moment without thinking through what made me happy, what I could learn from it, and how we could keep doing things that brought on that feeling.

River Region Parents I November 2023

How did this make my children feel? They never felt like I spent time appreciating their successes, what brought them joy, or enjoying things that went well. I am an optimist by nature and a very encouraging person. So, when my children pointed out that I was not enjoying what was good, I never understood what they were saying until my counselor explained this to me. How can we build a habit of processing positive emotions? 1. Take time to notice the positive emotions you feel during the day and write them down. For example, you may feel elated when a task takes less time than you anticipated or proud when your daughter eats her green beans without complaining. Do not make the mistake I did and let your brain “rest” when these moments take place. Instead, stop and take note.

2. At one point in the day, stop and list three times that you felt positive emotions in the last 24 hours. 3. Choose one positive emotion and find ways to build on it. Exercise your positive emotions in the same way that you do your body. If you want to feel proud, make lists of all the little things you accomplished that day instead of focusing on what did not get done on your to do list. If you want to feel more joy, purposefully look for things that bring on that feeling and intentionally practice them daily. 4. Practice gratitude. Go out of your way to make a habit of giving thanks for every little thing you take for granted. Be grateful for your home even when it is dirty, your friends even when they annoy you, and your family even when they are frustrating. 5. Keep physical reminders of positive experiences. I have a friend who has a beautiful display of glass bottles with sand from all the beaches she has visited. She takes time weekly to look at those bottles and reflect on joyful memories from each place. You can keep cards, photos, journal entries, and memorabilia of good times. As you begin to better recognize and process your positive emotions, teach your children how to do the same. They will be thankful you gave them this gift early in life!

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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ANC Fall Family Weekend

River Region Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”

December 1-3 @ Davis Theatre December 1 & 2 at 7 p.m. and December 2 & 3 at 2 p.m. “The Nutcracker,” choreographed by Stevan Grebel and set to music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, will thrill the audience with the prodigious dancing of the Youth Ballet Company and students from the school. With spectacular backdrops, scenery and a growing Christmas tree, this ballet is truly magical! Visit www.alabamariverregionballet.com for details.

November 18 & 19 * Alabama Nature Center, Millbrook Fall is in the air and it is a perfect time to come to the ANC for a great camping experience! Come spend the night with us at the Alabama Nature Center for our Fall Family Campout! Enjoy a night with your family under the stars with activities that include roasting marshmellows, a movie, a night hike, fishing and more! Guests will need to bring their own camping supplies, and all camping will be Tent Only. Campfires will only be allowed in designated areas. Cost is $5. Visit alalbamawildlife.org.

Food Truck Mash-Up

November 24 * Riverwalk Stadium Presented by Wind Creek Montgomery from 3 to 8 pm. Experience the BEST Food Trucks from all over Alabama and Georgia! Inflatables, including a 20’ Slide SANTA is in the house! Hot air balloon rides hosted by Wind Creek Montgomery. Micro Brews, Music, Artist Autograph Signing, Photo with Mascots, Free Shirts for Early Attendees, Vote for your Favorite Truck! Awesome Tailgate Atmosphere: Wear your Team Jersey! Ticket Cost: $5

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Tuesday, November 21 * MPAC CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE lights up the stage in this awe-inspiring and eye-popping family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family. Tickets start at $29. Show runs 7-10 p.m. Tickets at mpaconline.org.

River Region Parents I November 2023

Charis Crafters Annual Christmas Show

“Home for the Holidays” & Tasting Fair November 9-11 @ Wetumpka Civic Center November 9th from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Friday, November 10th from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and November 11th from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Annual show features baked goods, canned goods and crafts from more than 20 artisans. Door prizes every hour. Tickets available at the door. Come taste foods prepared by members from our recipe cookbooks which will also be on sale.

Girls on the Run 5K

November 11 * Montgomery Whitewater At the 5K celebration presented by Baptist Health, we gather as a community to celebrate the accomplishments of every GOTR girl. On this day, teams unite to recognize how far participants have come and how far they will continue to go. So register early, lace up your sneakers and get ready to witness greatness. It all starts with one deep breath. 5K starts 8:00am. Register at https://www.gotrsouthcentralal.org/5k.

Alabama Dance Theater presents “Mistletoe”

November 9-12 @ The Davis Theatre Novembery 9: A Special School Performance of Mistleto featuring Miss Kitty’s Favorite Dances of Christmas at 10 a.m. Special Ticket Prices for $7 on this day. November 10-12: Regular Performances open to the general public. Get ready to be swept away into a winter wonderland of enchantment and merriment as we present our upcoming holiday dance show, “Mistletoe,” featuring “Miss Kitty’s Favorite Dances of Christmas.” Step into a world where the magic of the season comes alive through the artistry of dance, captivating audiences of all ages. Call (334) 625.2800 or visit alabamadancetheatre.com. Photo by David Robertson Jr. 10

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Santa Drop Community Event

Saturday, December 2 * Willis Bradford YMCA in Prattville Join us from 11 am to 2 pm for a heartwarming and joy-filled experience that the whole family will cherish. Shopping spree giveaway, local vendors, food trucks, Santa Village, and more! Please bring a toy to donate! The highlight of the event is Santa and the Grinch making a grand entrance by skydiving around noon! Witness their thrilling descent and then get the chance to take photos with these iconic holiday characters. They’ll also be giving away lots of wonderful surprises. Admission to the event is completely free, and so are the Santa pictures. It’s a day of joy and celebration, and we encourage you to invite your friends and neighbors to join in the festive spirit.

Pre-Turkey Day Blues Show

November 22 * MPAC Presented by AEG featuring Tucka, Uncle Daddy/Erealist, Cupid, Fat Daddy $ DJ Trucker with a special birthday celebration and guest Angel Faye Russell. Begins at 8 PM. Visit mpaconline.org for tickets.

Millbrook Christmas Candyland Tree Lighting

November 30 * Village Green Park Millbrook’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting...there will be caroling, food, City Tree Lighting and Christmas Lights & Music show. Bring lawn chairs & blankets. SNOW IS PREDICTED!

City of Prattville Ice Skating Rink

November 30-December 31 @ Creekwalk (near Heritage Park) Enjoy Ice Skating wityh your family and friends on the banks of the Autauga Creek under the lights of the Christmas Tree at Heritage Park. Cost is $5 per person for 30 minutes and includes skates.

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Freida Gatewood Montgomery Christian School

After retiring from teaching for the state for three decades, Freida Gatewood was searching for her next career. Her niece, familiar with Montgomery Christian School, suggested she contact the director/principal there. Now, Ms. Gatewood is in her fifth year of teaching kindergarten with MCS. She shares,” It’s been an opportunity to give back to the city where I grew up. I love the mission of providing an academically challenging Christian education to families with limited school choice.” Freida Gatewood graduated from Auburn University with a degree in early childhood education. Her mother was a Pre-K teacher and co-director of Frazer Kindergarten. Being a teacher of young children means developing a lot of patience and perseverance. It’s also similar to the role of a parent, as the children spend multiple hours with their teachers. As a teacher, you care for their physical needs while instructing and helping to shape their lives for the future. Ms. Gatewood shares, “I wish more people understood the tremendous amount of time and

River Region Parents I November 2023

effort that goes into teaching, and it doesn’t end at 3 p.m. when the students go home. It’s a job that most teachers take home with them every evening, on weekends, and during June and July when students are out of school.” Regarding success in her classroom, Ms. Gatewood ensures her professional goals are achieved to reach every student. Three of her goals have been to stay informed about the best practices in education and always continue to learn and grow as an educator. She also strives to make learning fun and engaging. Finally, she makes it a point to show God’s love to the children because so many need love and nurturing. When Ms. Gatewood finally departs from the classroom, she would like to continue working with children through tutoring small groups in reading. And additionally, training or mentoring new teachers in early childhood education.

Freida Gatewood currently lives in Auburn with her Golden Retriever, Samford, who’s 11 years old. In her free time, she enjoys camping, hiking, and practicing yoga.

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Community Comes Together to Paint Portrait of a Graduate Montgomery Public Schools is committed to making 21st century learning a reality for all students. To achieve that goal, we are actively engaging staff, students and the broader community to create a collective vision of our aspirations for every student. We are building a diverse team to create a Portrait of a Graduate that reflects the hopes and expectations we as a community have for our young people. With the Portrait of a Graduate project, we are working with stakeholders to create a set of competencies that will show what is desired from each of our students when they graduate from our schools. The Portrait

River Region Parents I November 2023

Design Team includes students, educators, families, school leaders, policy makers, social service agencies, higher education, business and community leaders, and communities of faith. Together, we will work to determine our collective aspirations for students, the skills and mindsets children need in a rapidly changing world, and the implications for the learning experiences we provide. This is a pre-K through 12th grade initiative for which we will also create metrics to measure our students’ progress and success. To provide a 21st century education, we have to do more than simply require the acquisition of rigorous academic content. We must incorporate aspects of deeper learning, including adaptability, communication, critical thinking and global citizenship. We want all our students to have learning experiences that prepare them to be lifelong learners and contributors today and in the future. Our work on our Portrait of a Graduate is nearing its completion and involved four

Design Team meetings with stakeholders actively involved in creating the Portrait. We are excited about our progress in this endeavor and look forward to sharing it with families and the community, including at district and school-sponsored events. We also will create opportunities for community feedback to inform ongoing implementation. The Portrait of a Graduate is the first step in framing a new vision for Montgomery Public Schools. This work will have an enduring impact on students at every level. Each of us will play an important role in making our Portrait of a Graduate a reality for every student as we continue to create meaningful learning experiences every day. Once we complete our Portrait, the exciting work of implementing this new vision begins.

Melvin J. Brown, Ed.D., is the superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools and previously served as superintendent of Reynoldsburg City Schools in Ohio. He has 24 years of school administrative experience.

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Math Honor Society Inductees at Macon East Academy Macon East recently inducted 14 new members into their chapter of the Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society: Hannah Ray Hubbard, Pressley Graham, Livi Robinson, Berkley Harris, Kacy Rutland, Casey Stengell, Addison Little, Julia Mathis, Tiffany Marshall, Braiden Watkins, Jamya Powell, Jackson Todd, Cole Streetman, and Hunter Wren. Mu Alpha Theta is a national organization that promotes the knowledge, enjoyment, and understanding of mathematics among high school and 2-year college students.

Trinity Collects Funds for Women of Hope Trinity SGA’s presented a $3,000 check to Women of Hope, thanks to the funds collected from their Change 4 Change Mondays. Students bring change each week to support local charities in our community.

Montgomery Catholic Celebrates 150 Years of Faith in Education Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School celebrated 150 years of Faith in education on Tuesday, October 10. This is a historic milestone not only for the Montgomery Catholic community but for the entire city of Montgomery. Montgomery Catholic was opened in 1873 by the Sisters of Loretto from Louisville, Kentucky. Originally named St. Mary of Loretto, our school has been renovated, relocated, and now rededicated as it continues to faithfully serve nearly 800 students and more than 500 families across four campuses in grades K3-12. The Chamber of Montgomery Ribbon Cutting Ceremony featured beautiful speeches and testimonies about Montgomery Catholic from former MCPS President Anne Ceasar, the Most Reverend Thomas J. Rodi, Superintendent of Catholic Schools Chad Barwick, and current MCPS President Justin Castanza. Student Council Representatives from our Elementary and Middle School campuses, the entire High School student body and many parents, alumni, and supporters were present for the momentous occasion. Following the speeches, Archbishop Rodi rededicated the school through a blessing and prayer and the ribbon was officially cut. We are so grateful to all those who attended and continue to support Montgomery Catholic’s mission as we form students of faith, virtue, and wisdom for many years to come.

MA Middle School and JV Volleyball Teams Win CCC Tournament

It was an exciting time at the Dozier Elementary STEM Lab when three eggs that were incubating hatched. Once the chicks are older, they will be moved to a chicken coop assembled by Ms. Taylor and Coach Wade. This is the first time students and teachers have had a chance to keep chicks and watch them grow past a couple of weeks. MPS offers thanks to Panda Express for funding the chicken coop.

Congratulations to The Montgomery Academy Middle School and Junior Varsity Volleyball squads on closing out their respective seasons as both CCC regular season champions and CCC Tournament Champions! This year’s CCC win makes this a four-peat for the Middle School volleyball team! Led by Coaches Ginger Lowe and Rob Goerke, each team also had members recognized for All-Tournament and MVP honors: MSVB CCC All-Tournament: Emma Grace Thomas and Caroline Wood; MSVB CCC MVP: Ella Gaines Thomas; JVVB CCC All-Tournament: Addison Kitchens and Bennett Britt; and JVVB CCC MVP: Elinor Grace Hines.

River Region Parents I November 2023

Dozier STEM Eggs Hatch

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ECA Establishes Elementary Cross Country Running Club

River Region Academy Seniors Enjoy Breakfast

Evangel Christian Academy’s elementary students had the opportunity to join ECA’s Cross Country Running Club. The elementary students trained two days a week during PE. The team recently competed at the Warrior Classic at Gateway Park in Montgomery Alabama. The race was one mile in distance and had 41 participants in first through fifth grades. Even though ECA did not take home top honors, the elementary students did extremely well for their first time competing in a Cross Country Event. Chase Kendrick lead the ECA boys with a time of 10 minutes and 11 seconds. Ella Lewis lead the ECA girls with a time of 11 minutes and 45 seconds. The ECA Elementary Cross Country Running Club members were MaKyrick Smith, Major Taylor, Evangeline Brown, Ella Lewis, Morris Brown, Kameron Morgan, Lucas Rosa, Athena Osburn, Chase Kendrick, Kameron Green, Gabby McLemore, Reese Anderson, Akyra Johnson, and Aiden Thomas.

The River Region Academy Senior Class of 2024 enjoyed each other’s company and a delicious breakfast at Chappy’s Deli. There is a genuine camaraderie among these students, and it is a privilege to witness this harmony and unity.

Trinity Congratulates 2023 Homecoming Court Congratulations to the 2023 Trinity Homecoming Court. The attendants were Micaiah Shelton (7th), Kate Hale (8th), Sarah Jessie Avant (9th), Carsyn Kerr and Maggie Stephens (10th), Elsie Hufham (11th), Bentley Harris, Erin Mitchell, and Mary Blake Pemberton (12th). Erin Mitchell was crowned the 2023 Trinity Homecoming Queen.

MISTLETOE Alabama Dance Theatre presents

KATE SEALE SMITH, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR FEATURING FEATURING

“Miss Kitty’s Favorite Dances of Christmas

NOVEMBER 10-12

TH - 7 PM / SAT. 11TH TH - 2 PM & 7 PM FRI. 10TH TH - 2:00 PM SUN. 12TH

Troy University’s Davis Theatre

TICKETS: alabamadancetheatre.com

Info: 334.625.2590

Sponsored by Montgomery County Commission • The Daniel Foundation Poarch Band of Creek Indians • Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama • Baptist Health WSFA • Montgomery Advertiser • Cumulus Broadcasting This performance is made possible by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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TEA Christian Academy Holds Pink-Out Celebration

Montgomery Academy Students Inducted Into Cum Laude Society Since 1969, The Montgomery Academy has honored academic excellence by awarding membership in Cum Laude Society to its highestachieving students. The Montgomery Academy Chapter of the Cum Laude Society was chartered in 1969 and remains as one of only three chapters in the state of Alabama. The Cum Laude Society recognizes academic achievement in secondary schools for the purpose of promoting excellence (arete), justice (dike), and honor (time). The major objective is to recognize the highest levels of academic excellence based on grade-point average and level of academic courses taken. The number of students chosen for membership in Cum Laude cannot exceed the top 10% of the senior class based on work completed through the junior year, and the top 20% based on work completed in the senior year. In addition to a student’s average for the five core classes and all AP classes, the Cum Laude Faculty Committee also considers the rigor of the student’s academic load and his or her scholarship and intellectual curiosity. Students inducted this fall include Adrianne Lin, Ellery Link, Rick McBride, Anna Powell, and Luis Rubio.

River Region Parents I November 2023

TEA Christian Academy, Inc. paused to acknowledge breast cancer awareness on October 19, 2023. The school has been celebrating this event for the past eleven years. The Pink-Out Celebration is T.E.A.’s opportunity to recognize local breast cancer survivors and celebrate life, health, and love with them. The pink ribbon is a symbol of breast cancer awareness, and is usually worn to honor those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The pink ribbon is also associated with kindness, faith, and the tremendous scientific progress being made in cancer research. The pink ribbon puts the mindset in an optimistic, “can-do” attitude, encouraging individuals to focus on the passionate vision of a cure for breast cancer. Many of us have family members battling this disease and fighting to live on, and there are many who have succumbed. To ALL the Angels, TEA Academy, Inc. says, “Stay strong! Be encouraged! Be empowered!” and always know in the words of the legendary artist Michael Jackson, “You are Not Alone.” We love you, and never stop believing.

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Montgomery Catholic Sophomore Escape Day

Montgomery Catholic 10th graders had their annual Sophomore Escape Day at Skate Zone 2000 for a day of class bonding, friendship building, and community outside the classroom. They began the day by celebrating Mass in the High School chapel, followed by breakfast and icebreakers. From there, students and teachers went to Jackson Lake Island where “Big Fish” was filmed. While there, they participated in various service projects such as clearing logs, tree limbs, and debris from the goat area. Skate Zone 2000 was a big hit for the students as they were able to play pool against teachers, rollerblade, play laser tag, and all kinds of arcade games. Escaping the classroom allows for students to interact in a more casual environment and foster deeper community with one another and their teachers.

Forest Avenue Fourth Graders Enjoy Novel Project Fourth graders at Forest Avenue enjoyed recreating the class picture scene from the novel Frindle by Andrew Clements. They are finishing up this novel with a project on character traits of different characters. Some may even use a frindle to complete the project!

Grandparents Day at Trinity School Trinity second graders welcomed their grandparents to campus to celebrate Grandparent’s Day. After a special performance, students led Grandparents on an exciting scavenger hunt of lower school to see where all the learning and fun take place!

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Montgomery Catholic Hosted 150 Minutes of Service Day Montgomery Catholic held a 150 Minutes of Service work day to honor our Sesquicentennial Celebration marking 150 years of Catholic Education this year. Community volunteers including students, parents, and faculty came armed with smiles and work gloves to tackle projects big and small around the Middle and High School campuses to help prepare the campus for our 150th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting Celebration on October 10th. Volunteers worked to spread pine straw, prune crepe myrtles, spruce up flower beds, eliminate debris, clear the breezeway between the Student Center and high school building, and clean air conditioning units. Fresh paint revamped signs, posts, and windows; workers also built storage shelves and new science lab tables. All these efforts came together to brighten and refresh our spaces to help us better welcome guests and alumni home as we kick off our 2 year celebration for the 150th Anniversary of Montgomery Catholic and Excellence in Education.

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Forest Avenue Fourth Grade Visits Museum The fourth grade students from Forest Avenue had an amazing time on a field trip to the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts this week. They got to view art from different times in Alabama, create a skyline of Montgomery, participate in a play explaining a Creek Indian myth, and learn about a mural depicting the night Stars Fell on Alabama. A wonderful time was had by everyone!

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BTW Students Perform at Little Amal Event

Booker T. Washington Magnet High strings students had a performance to remember when a giant puppet visited Montgomery with a message of hope. The students performed as part of the Little Amal event that took place in Montgomery’s Cottage Hill neighborhood. Little Amal is a 12-foot tall puppet of a 10-year-old girl from Syria who has been driven from her home by war. Amal brings a message of human connection and hope for all displaced people. The day before Little Amal’s walk through Cottage Hill, she walked from the state Capitol to the Court Square fountain, meeting civil rights leaders such as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks along the way.

Trinity Senior Breaks School Record Trinity senior volleyball player, Isabel Hill, broke the school record for career digs with 1,569. Drue Walker previously held the record with 1,559 career digs.

International Dot Day at River Region Academy Students of all ages at River Region Academy joined together as they celebrated International Dot Day, a global celebration of creativity, courage, and collaboration, based on Peter H. Reynolds’ book, The Dot. Students participated in a myriad of activities using dots, including drawing, graphing, listening, writing, building, painting, community outreach, and discovery. Shout-outs to Ms. Johnson, Mrs. Bonner, and all the participants for making this celebration a success!

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Bear Students Display Art at Museum

MA Welcomes President of The University of Alabama Montgomery Academy was once again ecstatic to welcome Dr. Stuart Bell, president of The University of Alabama, to our Upper School last week. Dr. Bell started his visit with a group of MA seniors in our College Advising office, followed by stops in a number of classrooms with Head of School, John McWilliams. It’s always a joy to host Dr. Bell when he’s in town!

MCS Kindergarten Pumpkin Patch Field Trip Montgomery Christian School Kindergarten classes were excited to go on their first field trip of the school year to the Penton Farms pumpkin patch in Verbena, Alabama on Thursday, October 12, 2023. The kindergartens had a fantastic time while picking pumpkins, petting farm animals, riding on the wagon, climbing the hay mountain, and sliding down the super slide.

Several Bear Exploration Center students currently have their art on display at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts in the “Master Works” Corridor Exhibition. Mrs. Berney’s 4th grade class created a work based on Matisse’s Icarus. Mrs. Norred’s 4th grade class created a work based on Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. Fifth graders Samuel Galicia, William Guyette, and Matthew McGaughey created a sculpture, also based on Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Kennedy Walker designed a shoe in the style of Mondrian. Their art will be on display through January 7th.

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Saint James Marching Trojans Earn Superior Ratings The Saint James Marching Trojans performed on Saturday, September 30th in the 3rd Annual Camellia Marching Band Festival held at Marbury High School. Bands from all over Central Alabama competed for top honors. The Saint James Marching Trojans gave an outstanding performance. The band received all superior ratings (1st Place) for band, percussion, and drum major.

River Region Academy Learns About Elections Elementary students at River Region Academy learned about elections and voting, while gaining an appreciation of the process of voting and participating in an election. Congratulations to the winning candidates and to all who voted! Every voice matters! Every vote counts!

In the little moments and major milestones of childhood, we are here for our patients and their families – helping, healing, teaching and discovering.

ChildrensAL •org

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Dalraida Gifted Receives Grant Alabama State Representative Reed Ingram awarded a grant to Mrs. Misty Trussell’s Dalraida Elementary School Gifted Classes! We appreciate ALL that he does for our teachers and students. Thank you Mr. Ingram! 23

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a N LAMP Students Artworks Chosen for Exhibit

Saint James Choir Works with Huntingdon College During the first week of October, the Saint James School High School Choir received a visit from Huntingdon College’s Director of Choral Activities. Dr. Scott Sexton discussed the many choral opportunities at the collegiate level. He also worked with the students on a few of their upcoming pieces, leading them in warm-ups and providing critiques on how students can improve their skills.

Several LAMP High students had their artworks selected in the “Master” Works exhibition at the Montgomery Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. The exhibition will be on display until January 7, 2024. The students and their families were invited to an open reception at the museum on Oct. 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The students who had artworks selected were Sydney An, Sophia Holmes, Ella McCrory, Jimin Lee, Londyn Anderson, Lily Stypinski and Andy Tran.

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MA Engineering Class Visits Construction Sites

As part of Dinah McLemore’s Upper School Engineering Disciplines course at The Montgomery Academy, students visited two construction sites with Kenneth White, Jr. of Flowers & White Engineering. In their study of civil engineering, students have been learning about watersheds and watershed delineation. Part of a civil engineer’s job is to anticipate, and sometimes alter, where water will flow on a project. Thanks to Flowers & White for letting our students experience this type of work in a real-world workspace!

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FAAM Student Wins at Alabama National Fair Forest Avenue Fourth Grader Eddie Park won first place in the Youth Art Division of the Alabama National Fair. His acrylic painting is titled “Blueberry Cheesecake.” Congratulations to Eddie!

Principals Learn About Student Experience MPS principals are gaining firsthand experience of the student’ perspectives with their new student shadowing initiative. Principals followed students throughout their school day, from small group instruction to PE to math classes to lunch. Pictured is Park Crossing High Principal Cheryl Fountain who accompanied a student to a career technical education class at Montgomery Preparatory Academy for Career Technologies (MPACT).

Dalraida Parent Wins Excellence Award

GOD HAS A PLAN AND A PURPOSE FOR ME

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

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

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

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

Dalraida Elementary School parent Ms. Marquetta Johnson was awarded the 2023 AAGC Gifted Conference Gifted Parent Advocate Excellence Award in Birmingham. She was nominated by Dalraida Elementary gifted teacher Mrs. Misty Trussell. Congratulations! 25

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Montgomery Catholic Seniors Visit Camp Chandler for Senior Retreat The Montgomery Catholic Senior Class enjoyed their Senior Retreat together at Camp Chandler September 23-25 as they reminisced on years of memories with one another. This retreat served to allow the seniors to unplug and dive into friendship with each other for a few days without the distractions of technology and their normal obligations. They were encouraged to forge new friendships, grow in old ones, and cement a class identity that they will remember forever. Most importantly, they focused on centering their lives and their minds around faith to prepare themselves for senior year and the next steps in their lives. This weekend consisted of prayer, Mass, recreation, team building, a campfire, and so much more. Father Connor Plessala offered Mass and provided a beautiful reflection for the seniors to consider as they finish high school and make strides toward the professional world. Members of the faculty and staff provided talks and shared wisdom to help our seniors become men and women of faith, virtue, and wisdom in their communities, both during senior year and beyond.

Evangel Christian Academy’s Elementary students recently enjoyed a trip to Cornfield County Farms in Wetumpka, Alabama. Each student enjoyed a hayride to the pumpkin patch where each child picked a pumpkin to take home. In addition, the students enjoyed various other activities including a zip line, several slides, various swings, a corn crib, construction play area, and hay jump just to name a few.

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MCS Plants Hydroponic Tower Garden

Future Trinity Wildcats Enjoy Homecoming

Montgomery Christian School third graders in Mrs. Williams studio theme class are getting hands on by planting many different types of vegetables in their hydroponic tower garden. Mrs. Williams’ students are super excited to have planted parsley, cilantro, arugula, mini red cabbage, chives, and four different types of lettuce. Soon the MCS third graders will be able to enjoy a delicious salad that they grew from seedlings.

The future is bright, and the Wildcat pride runs deep! Future Wildcats joined in on the Homecoming parade roaring with school spirit.

Caught Being Good Winners at Forest Avenue Academic Magnet Forest Avenue’s Caught Being Good Winners for the month of September are Kaleb Jordan, Kamari Smith, Max Koo, Wiley Willis, Ryan Kim, and Noah Cortner. There were many others who received Caught Being Good tickets! Congratulations to all who were “caught.”

Carver Students Test Green Thumbs Carver Elementary students in Mrs. Smith’s third-grade class and Ms. Avera’s fourth-grade class brought more beauty to the school’s campus while learning all about gardening and plants. Fourth-grade students reviewed life cycles and the greenhouse effect while learning how to care for indoor plants. Meanwhile, the third graders reinforced the life cycle of a plant and learned how to transplant and care for outdoor plants.

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M Fifty-Eight Montgomery Academy Students Named AP Scholars Fifty-eight students at The Montgomery Academy have earned AP Scholar Awards by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) Exams. Students took AP Exams in May 2022 after completing challenging college-level courses in the Upper School. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ performance on AP Exams. Twenty students were named AP Scholars with Distinction which is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams: Will Hardin ‘24, Adrianne Lin ‘24, Ellery Link ‘24, Megan Link ‘24, Sophia Link ‘24, Rick McBride ‘24, Susannah Miller ‘24, Anna Powell ‘24, Luis Rubio ‘24, Katie Brown ‘23, Forrest Dockery ‘23, Claire Gary ‘23, Holden Habermacher ‘23, Ted Lee ‘23, Charles Norris ‘23, Elizabeth Ray ‘23, Katherine Sinco ‘23, Kareena Singh ‘23, Carson Springer ‘23, and Laura Stanton Strickler ‘23. Seven students were named AP Scholars with Honor, which is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams: Ann Wilkes Cavanaugh ‘25, Jocelyn Gleason ‘25, Christopher Obenhaus ‘25, Isabella Johnson ‘24, Molly Selman ‘24, Allie Fitzpatrick ‘23, and Charlie Hill ‘23. Thirty-one students were named AP Scholars, which is granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams: Nathan Applegate ‘25, Anna Brown ‘25, Ways Holloway ‘25, Arden Horne ‘25, Marianna Lassner ‘25, Price McLemore ‘25, Frank Williford ‘25, Edwin Wu ‘25, Ethan Yi ‘25, Layne Beaver ‘24, Emma Brinkman ‘24, Josh Hollister ‘24, Sarah Kate Ingram ‘24, Eli Jernigan ‘24, Ron Sharma ‘24, Holt Speir ‘24, Ava Thomas ‘24, Killian White ‘24, Jane Abbie Alford ‘23, Picasso Avezzano ‘23, Frannie Brazil ‘23, Carlyle Chandler ‘23, Fionah Desautels ‘23, Norah Desautels ‘23, Campbell Long ‘23, Claire Moore ‘23, Isabella Navidad ‘23, Cydney Pepple ‘23, Jai Ivy Raines ‘23, Emory Roth ‘23, and Brett Westhauser ‘23. Eleven students earned AP Capstone Diplomas which are granted to students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP Exams of their choosing: Layne Beaver ‘24, Will Hardin ‘24, Ellery Link ‘24, Megan Link ‘24, Sophia Link ‘24, Susannah Miller ‘24, Anna Powell ‘24, Killian White ‘24, Charlie Hill ‘23, Elizabeth Ray ‘23, and Laura Stanton Strickler ‘23. An AP Seminar and Research Certificate was given to a student who earn scored of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research: Holt Spier ‘24.

Saint James Track Hosts 2nd Annual Trojan Trot

Montgomery Catholic Freshman Escape to Camp Butter & Egg

Saint James School Cross Country program hosted its second annual Trojan Trot on Saturday, September 22nd at the Alabama Shakespeare Park. Runners from the Montgomery community and surrounding area participated in the day’s events. Medals were presented to first, second, and third place runners in each age group for boys and girls of the 5k and 1-mile fun run. There were also face painting and an inflatable bounce house during both races. This year’s event had 175 runners and raised over $7,000 for the Saint James Cross Country team. Runners of all ages participated in the fun! The overall winner was Jakob Nikolajsen in the 5k, and overall winner in the 1-mile fun run was Benton Offord.

Montgomery Catholic 9th graders had their annual Freshman Escape Day at Camp Butter & Egg on September 7. It was a wonderful day of class bonding, friendship building, and community. Their day began by celebrating Mass in the High School chapel. From there, they headed off to Camp Butter & Egg where they participated in all sorts of fun activities such as laser tag, rock climbing, and Gaga ball. Freshman Escape Day is a day for Freshman to be outside the classroom building bonds with each other and their faculty in a fun, casual atmosphere. This year’s Freshman Escape Day was a major success, and we are so excited about what next year has to offer. River Region Parents I November 2023

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Saint James Celebrates Military Appreciation Night

On Friday, October 13th, Saint James School celebrated Military Appreciation Night as part of the school’s matchup against Trinity. Saint James School is honored to have more than 90 military families, representing both the United States and its international allies, as part the Trojan family this year. The evening’s festivities began with a tailgate specifically for military members and their families, hosted by the Saint James Parent Association in the Community Garden. Military families were treated to free game tickets. Pre-game activities began as all U. S. and International Military families who are a part of the Saint James family were recognized on the field. Soloist, Tatyana Webb, C’13, then performed “America the Beautiful.” Tatyana is currently a contracting officer at Maxwell Air Force Base. Saint James junior Campbell Wright (daughter of Retired Colonel Jason Wright) lead the invocation. Air Force ROTC Detachment 19 from Alabama State University presented the colors as the Marching Trojans, along with the Trinity Wildcat Pride Marching Band, performed the national anthem. Senior cheer parents, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Dex McCain, USAF, and Captain Tom Wojak, USAF, were announced as the honorary captains for the coin toss. In further recognition of the sacrifices and dedication of our military families, the Saint James football team players added an American flag decal on their helmets.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School

Christ’s Light in the River Region for 150 Years.

This is Catholic. Thank you for voting us the 2023 Best Private School in the River Region! montgomerycatholic.org

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Studying Fossils at River Region Academy Middle schoolers in Mrs. Lawley’s class at River Region Academy dig for evidence of fossils and rocks, as part of their investigative study of rocks and minerals. 29

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Senior Fun at RR Academy

Our Senior Class of 2024 is confused! Seniors – definition 1 – older or more experienced people; senior citizens, elderly people. Seniors – definition 2 – students in their final year of high school or college.

Lunch with a Champion at ACA

In an effort to foster a sense of community and provide valuable life lessons, ACA has continued the heartwarming program where lower school students are paired with mentors from the upper school. This initiative not only connects students from different age groups, but also creates a platform for sharing experiences and discussing the challenges they’ve faced in their lives. The ACA program is a testament to the power of bridging gaps between different age groups within a school. Lower school students often look up to their older counterparts, and these mentorship lunches create a unique opportunity for both to connect on a personal level. Through these interactions, students build lasting bonds and learn that they have more in common than they might have initially thought.

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Saint James Competes Well At Youth Judicial On Saturday, October 7, Saint James School students participated in the YMCA’s Youth Judicial Regional Competition. Twenty-one teams from the local area competed for invitations to the state competition in November. Saint James seniors Amolika Mishra and Austin Oh served as judges. The rest of the Saint James students participated in a mock trial as attorneys or witnesses during 3 rounds. Mrs. Beth Poe, Mr. Andy Donaldson, Caitlin Cobb, and Sydney Brasfield served as advising attorneys. Saint James had two teams place 1st and 9th making them eligible for the state competition in November. The winning team was comprised of Ava Donaldson (lawyer), Will Alexander (lawyer), Jaden Rossell (witness), Jordan Rossell (witness), Alex Ruona (lawyer), Carter Miller (witness), Madison Walton (alternate/witness), and Michael Phan (witness). The team placing 9th was made up of Charlotte Brown (lawyer), Margaret Hornsby (witness), Jenny Johnson (lawyer), Aashvi Patel (witness), Virginia Driver (alternate/witness), and Bailey Woods (lawyer). Other participating students included Chloe Taylor (witness), Maddy Chames (lawyer), Izzy Pappas (lawyer), Haley Hust (lawyer), Karly Bailey (witness), Stella Sponseller (bailiff), and Elaine Vo (bailiff).

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TRINITY CHAMPIONS FOR CHRIST

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RESPONSIBILITY “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, and not for men.” Colossians 3:23 1700 E. Trinity Blvd. Montgomery, AL 36106 31

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Proper Noun Parade at Macon East

Walk Ons Awards Pike Road Football Player

Macon East third graders have been learning about nouns in their language class. They now know there are different types of nouns. Mrs. Gilmore’s class had a proper noun parade to help other students understand them too. Each student chose a proper noun to dress up as and then they learned a fact about it. They “paraded” from class to class in the Lower School building to share what they learned. The lower school had all kinds of special people and things visit them from Barbie, TRex, Coach Saban, and even the Waffle House. There were also some Macon East “celebrities” tooCoach Lott, Miss Leigh, and Miss Summer just to name a few!

Congrats to Quinton Robinson for winning the Pike Road Passion award for tremendous attitude and effort. Thank you Walk Ons for sponsoring Pike Road Football!

PRES Celebrates Remarkable Students Congratulations to our PRES September Admin’s Cabinet! These remarkable students have been nominated by their teachers for showcasing exceptional leadership and being role models for all. Well done, your dedication shines bright!

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Macon East Sixth Graders Lead Chapel Mrs. Phillips’s 6th grade at Macon East Academy class led September Chapel for lower school. Mrs. Brooke Freeman, the guest speaker, spoke about loving the Lord, living for Him, and loving your neighbor as yourself. She talked about how our character, actions, and words bear witness to living for Him and obeying His commandments. Chapel is a special time for Macon East students to engage in worship and heed God’s word.

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Another amazing performance at the Heart of Dixie Marching Competition! The Pike Road Band showed up and showed out! These kids truly are THE PIKE ROAD WAY!

Science Fun at PRIS A fun day in 5th grade science! Mrs. Allen’s class talked about the engineering process today and students were tasked with producing a model parachute to create the softest landing.

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For those who know me, know that I am an avid sports fan! I make sports references because I think a great deal can be learned about the tenacity, passion, and perseverance of some of our favorite players. Professional athletes don’t rise to the top of their industry without overcoming challenges and making sacrifices. I recently shared a quote with district employees from Mike Tyson: “In order to succeed greatly, you have to be prepared to fail greatly. If you can’t do both of them, you’ve got a problem.” Simply put, we can’t let the fear of failure keep us from future success! I’m challenging everyone to be open to change. The easiest thing for anyone to do is to keep up the “like we have always done it” mindset because we know the process

and can predict the result; however, organizations rarely move forward when they are stuck in this cycle. We must be willing to step out on a limb to try something new if it has the potential to improve the educational experience in Autauga County Schools. Since taking this role, I have been a student of the district’s programs, processes, people, and policies. I immediately began analyzing the cost, efficiency, and educational impact of every program and contract so that I could confidently share that we are getting the most of every dollar spent. While this arduous process is ongoing, we’ve made some changes, and I expect more to come. We are just a few weeks into the district’s new fiscal year, and the numbers don’t lie! I’ve come toe-to-toe with the financial challenges we face and the wholesale changes on the horizon if we don’t address them in the next 12-18 months. As one of the lowest-funded school systems in Alabama, nearing the end of federal COVID funding, excessive bond debt,

and the increased costs of goods and services are crippling us. It’s no secret that I’m a strong advocate for securing new funding sources. I see all challenges as opportunities, so we will continue to work to flip these into something that will position us for future success while focusing on student growth and development across the district. I encourage you to connect with the district through social media and register to receive district news and events by visiting ACBOE.net/communitycounts. These platforms are the best places to stay up-to-date on everything going on in the district as we begin this adventure together.

Lyman Woodfin is a 17-year veteran of the school system having served as a classroom teacher, coach, and school administrator. Most recently, Lyman Woodfin was the Marbury High School principal, serving the 560-student school since 2018. During his tenure, he was credited with overhauling the curriculum offerings to meet all students’ educational needs, including adding new vocational classes in broadcasting, business, agriculture, and construction. He is married to Staci and they have five children who attend school in the district.

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Multiplication Bakery at PES At Prattville Elementary School Mrs. Tia Ferguson’s Third Grade class created a Multiplication Bakery! The students were adorned with baker’s aprons and their own baker’s cap. Their math rotations were full of bakery themed activities that centered around multiplication concepts and standards. Some of these activities included identifying the commutative property among baked goods, applying the distributive property to cupcake sprinkles and creating fact family from triangles of pie. The students even enjoyed taking a “cake and color break”, along with building arrays using m&m’s and eating the products. After all of that practice, these kiddos find multiplication to be a piece of cake!

PCA Volleyball Player Makes School History

PCA Gets a Visit From Fire Department

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Unit 4 from the Prattville Fire Department visited campus to teach our students about fire safety! They loved getting to see the fire truck and learn from those who sacrifice so much to protect us.

Dot Day at Pine Level Elementary

PCA sophomore setter Baylee Rogers recorded her 2,000th varsity career assist. This makes her the first volleyball player in PCA history to achieve this record!

Daniel Pratt Third Graders Celebrate Constitution Day Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by thirty-nine brave men on September 17, 1787, recognizing all who are born in the U.S. or by naturalization, have become citizens. Students in Mrs. Broadway’s 3rd grade class created patriotic masterpieces on Constitution Day using a marble paint technique.

Red Ribbon Week at PCA

Johnny Appleseed S.T.E.M. at Daniel Pratt

PCA had Red Ribbon Week from October 10-13. This school-wide celebration brings awareness about the importance of living a drug and alcohol-free life.

Second grade students at Daniel Pratt Elementary participated in a STEM activity to accompany their Johnny Appleseed unit. Groups had to create a raft from apple chunks and toothpicks that would safely float a toy bear. River Region Parents I November 2023

Pine Level Elementary Students participated in National Dot Day on September 15. Dot Day is celebrated by adults and children for boosting courage so that their creative potential is released. It is a great day to connect and collaborate, and also to celebrate self-expression. Every student received their copy of The Dot book by Peter H. Reynolds. They were instructed to take it home along with a blank canvas and a set of water colors. They were to read their book with their parents and then use their self-expression to create a masterpiece. Here we have a class of 1st grade students making their mark.

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Congratulations to Six Autauga County Students Six elementary students from Autaugaville School, Prattville Primary School, and Daniel Pratt Elementary School, along with Libby Frankel, Coordinator of Elementary Curriculum & Instruction, were recognized with an Autauga Children’s Policy Council “On a Positive Note” award for their hard work during the district’s summer camp program.

Send School News to: deanne@riverregionparents.com.

Pine Level Students Help Unveil Initiative PCA Wins at Cross Country PCA Cross Country Team won 1st place in the CoED MAin event hosted by Montgomery Academy.

Pine Level Elementary and Dr. Eric Mackey, Alabama Department of Education Superintendent helped Alabama State Treasurer Young Boozer unveil the state’s First Grade Folders initiative that encourages families to save for future educational experiences through the CollegeCounts - Alabama’s 529 Fund. The more than 60,000 donated folders were distributed to all first-grade students in the district and across the state.

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PES Participates in Unity Day Students in Mrs. Ferguson’s homeroom at Prattville Elementary School participated in Unity Day by wearing orange to show their support for kindness, inclusion and acceptance.

House Picnics at Prattville Elementary Prattville Elementary School had their first House Picnics where the whole school got to picnic all together. Each of the four houses, Amistad, Isibindi, Reveur, and Altruismo, had their own section on campus and they were able to have lunch and build relationships with members of their houses that they don’t typically get to see during the school day. Four Houses, One Family.

Prattville High Welcomes New Basketball Coach Congratulations to JR Myers, Prattville High School’s new Head Baseball Coach. Coach Myers is returning “home” to lead the Lion’s program and is already generating excitement for the upcoming baseball season.

Send School News to: deanne@riverregionparents.com.

River Region Parents I November 2023

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Prattville Schools Connect Creating connections between district schools is an integral part of building community! Prattville High School recently welcomed Prattville Intermediate School students to school with a band performance and high fives. Prattville Junior High School students visited the newly expanded Autauga County Technology Center to learn more about the career tech programs available as incoming high school students.

Daniel Pratt Earth Has Some Science Fun

Halloween Learning at Daniel Pratt Elementary

Ms. Hall’s Earth Science class investigated wind erosion, water erosion, plate tectonics, and volcanism as well as their effects on the landscape. This hands-on lesson had students so engaged and excited to learn!

Mrs. Whitaker’s 1st graders did a Halloween graphing activity with animal cookies to go along with their Envision graphing unit. This was a great hands-on activity to wrap up their learning. The students also got to enjoy a treat after they graphed.

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Fall is here, cooler weather has finally arrived, and we are over halfway through the first semester of the 20232024 school year. We have had a very busy fall in Elmore County with sporting events, homecoming festivities, and other extracurricular activities. With Thanksgiving approaching, I have many reasons to be thankful for the Elmore County Public School System. First, I am thankful for the parents who send us their children daily, trusting that we will teach them as well as care for and nurture them while they are with us. I am thankful for parents who continue to seek ways to participate in their child(ren)’s school activities. I am thankful for parents who offer a word of encouragement to a teacher or other school staff member or send additional supplies to a classroom during the school year. I am

River Region Parents I November 2023

truly thankful for parents who communicate their high expectations and the value of education to their children. Second, I am so thankful for our students! We have a diverse population of 11,334 students with approximately 30 languages spoken by our English learners. Our students participate in a wide variety of sports and other extracurricular activities that help them grow personally and equip them with skills to be better students and future workers. I firmly believe in the value of these activities, and I appreciate the time and effort our staff members devote to working with students outside the regular school day. Our 2023 graduates earned a combined total of over $18 million in scholarships which is evidence of their personal determination and commitment to achieving their academic goals. Third, I am thankful for the community spirit that is evident in all our attendance areas. The support of local businesses, churches, and other organizations is a tremendous benefit to our schools.

Finally, I am thankful for our employees. Every employee plays an important role in fulfilling our purpose: Every Student Empowered – Every Student Succeeds. Every single employee contributes in some way to ensuring that we educate our children to the best of our ability in a clean, safe environment with sufficient resources. As the largest employer in Elmore County, I am thankful for the talented, dedicated, resourceful employees who do what they do for our students. Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude for those things for which we are thankful, and I am thankful for everyone in the Elmore County School System. Happy Thanksgiving! Richard Dennis is the Superintendent of Education for Elmore County Schools. He is a 1983 graduate of Holtville High School. He served 21 years as a high school principal at Holtville High, Wetumpka High and most recently, Prattville High. He and wife, Leslie (also an educator) have three sons and a daughter.

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Homeschoolers Go Out of This World Several homeschoolers from Academy Days Co-op enjoy a special tour and show at the W.A. Gayle Planetarium recently as they learn more about our planet and the stars around us. This is one of four field trips this year to be hosted by the 5th and 6th grade science class, Earthcraft: God’s Earthly Design, but open to all families in the homeschool co-op. The Academy Days Co-op, held weekly during the school year at Eastmont Baptist Church in Montgomery, is designed for preschool through high school students to take science labs, art, creative writing, foreign languages, history and P.E. Visit AcademyDays.com for more information.

800 seniors in Elmore County attended the annual College + Career Day event at the Wetumpka Civic Center learning about educational and career opportunities from more than 65 participating organizations.

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ECTC Students Enjoy Cooking in New Kitchen

Culinary Arts + Hospitality & Tourism students are already preparing food in the new kitchen at ECTC with a recent set of lessons on spring rolls and fried rice.

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HHS Freshman Grow Goal Setting

Victory Christian Academy Enjoys Visit from Meteorologist

Elmore County Career Coaches led a goal-setting session for all 9th graders at Holtville High School during their Freshman Grow retreat. Students write their goals on a banner that hangs in the hallway through their graduation year.

Chief Meteorologist Sean Butler, from the Alabama News Network, visited the third grade class at Victory Christian Academy. Students have been studying about the weather in science, and Mr. Butler’s visit gave the class the opportunity to ask questions. His knowledge of the weather piqued their interest in meteorology.

College Application Week Across Elmore County Seniors across Elmore County Schools applied to a variety of colleges during College Application Week October 16-20 with many students participating in themed dress-up days and participating in drawings for prizes.

Medical Sciences Students Donning PPE at ECTC

Homeschoolers Experience Early Alabama

Medical Sciences students at ECTC dressed as Superheroes of Safety as they learned the proper way to protect themselves and others while working in the field of healthcare by donning appropriate PPE during class.

Imagining themselves as early Alabamians—Native Americans, explorers, pioneers and pirates—local homeschoolers celebrate Alabama’s statehood at Academy Days Co-op recently. Pictured are the male and female costume contest winners from the history classes. Each winner receives a $10 gift card. During the Alabama History Feast, the homeschoolers and their parents enjoyed a buffet featuring dishes and ingredients plentiful in Alabama before 1819, such as venison, turkey, corn, beans and squash. The history feast was the mid-point of their Alabama history studies this school year. The Academy Days Co-op, held weekly during the school year at Eastmont Baptist Church in Montgomery, is designed for preschool through high school students to take science labs, art, creative writing, foreign languages, history and P.E. Visit AcademyDays.com for more information.

Celebrating Elmore County Career Coaches Katie Jackson (left) joins the Elmore County Career Coach team alongside existing career coach, Lindsay Jordan, to provide career development services to the students in Elmore County Schools. River Region Parents I November 2023

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Unwrapping the Debate: The Pros and Cons of Gifting Your Child a Device and Social Media

The holiday season is upon us, and I don’t know about you, but I find myself missing the good old days of toy cars and Barbies as Christmas gifts. They were simple, less stress-inducing gifts. Instead, we face the common question: Should we give our child a device and social media for Christmas? Giving them social media as a “gift” may sound strange, but I have spoken with many kids asking for access to social media as their “gift.” And while the allure of the latest gadgets and online connectivity is undeniable, it’s essential to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks before deciding. On one hand, providing your child with a device and access to social media can open up a world of opportunities. I discuss negatives frequently here, but let me mention some positives. In today’s digital age, children and teens must develop technological literacy and familiarity with online platforms. With the proper guidance and supervision, social media can serve as a tool for learning, creativity, and social interaction. There are some devices and social media that can offer educational benefits. Numerous apps, websites, and online resources are designed specifically to enhance children’s learning experiences. The digital realm can foster intellectual growth and expand kids’ knowledge base, from River Region Parents I November 2023

interactive educational games to virtual museums and art platforms. Social media platforms can also facilitate connections and friendships. They allow children to communicate with their peers, express their thoughts, and share their accomplishments. In an increasingly globalized world, social media can help children develop a sense of community and cultural understanding, building bridges across geographical boundaries. These connections need to be monitored to ensure that your child connects in a positive, appropriate manner. Positives aside, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential drawbacks of gifting your child a device or social media. One of the main concerns is the risk of excessive screen time and its impact on physical and mental health. Spending extended hours glued to screens can lead to sedentary behavior, poor sleep patterns, and even behavioral issues. Parents must establish healthy boundaries and ensure their child engages in a balanced lifestyle. Another concern is online safety. The internet is a vast and unpredictable space, and children can be vulnerable to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators. As parents, we are responsible for educating our children about online safety measures, monitoring their online activities, and establishing parental controls to mitigate these risks. 44

Social media can sometimes foster unrealistic expectations and a sense of constant comparison. The curated nature of social media feeds can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, particularly among impressionable young minds. Parents need to foster open conversations about self-worth, critical thinking, and the importance of distinguishing between online life and real-life experiences. In other words, the 30-second clips or quick images they see do not indicate everyday, all-day real life. So, should you give your child a device and social media for Christmas? Ultimately, it depends on several factors, including your child’s age, maturity level, and your ability to establish healthy boundaries and provide adequate guidance. If you decide to proceed, consider setting clear rules and limitations on screen time, promoting a healthy balance between online and offline activities. Engage in open discussions with your child about online safety, responsible digital citizenship, and maintaining a positive and authentic online presence. By being proactive and involved in your child’s digital journey, you can help them navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

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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River Region Parents I November 2023

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Some studies show that laughing has real health benefits. These benefits include increasing the circulation of antibodies in the bloodstream, reducing stress hormones and pain, as well as improving general mood. We could all use an extra dose of laughter!

The benefits of laughter

Yes, cardio and a good workout will help your heart. But did you know that when you laugh, your heart rate increases? Heavier laughter causes deeper breaths. Taking deeper breaths increases your heart rate even more. It might not be a rigorous 7-mile run, but it’s something! A few boisterous laughs to help prevent heart disease? Yes, please. The benefits of laughter aren’t just limited to heart health, though. Laughing can help keep us healthy in many ways. According to the Mayo Clinic’s article “Stress relief from laughter? It’s no joke,” laughter has both long-term and short-term benefits.

Short-term benefits of laughter:

Relieves tension. Activates and relieves your stress response. Stimulates organs.

Laughter is beneficial to us right now, so get to it! Laughing in your day-to-day activities can help relieve your stress and tension. It can even help in relationships and in the workplace.

easy to forget to laugh and have fun with our kids. We’re all guilty of it. Let’s make some intentional time to laugh with them every day. Check out these helpful ways to gear up the giggles.

Long-term benefits of laughter:

Ways to laugh more with our kids:

Improves your mood. Helps heart health. Helps with pain relief. Increases satisfaction. Benefits mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.

The long-term benefits of laughing are impactful. Laughing more benefits us not just physically, but mentally too. It helps us live in a more fulfilling way and truly helps contribute to a better quality of life.

Kids and benefits of laughter

Kids are always laughing. And we parents can facilitate even more of it. It’s easy to get caught up in the mundane of parenthood—work, chores, errands, cleaning, maintaining a house and family—and forget how important having fun and letting loose with our kids is. Even though it’s the most basic practice, laughter doesn’t always come as easily to parents as it does to kids. It’s

Buy a joke book. Try silly challenges. See who can make the silliest faces. Play tickle monster. See who can make the best accent. Guess that sound/smell. Watch a funny video. See who can keep a straight face the longest. Play charades. Do some silly tongue-twisters. Take silly pictures.

In the age of technology, we have plenty of access to filters and ways to alter pictures. Kids usually think silly phone filters are pretty hilarious. Adults, too. Can you lick your elbow? Or figure out what someone is saying with a mouth full of marshmallows? These things may sound silly, but that’s the point! Let loose. Make funny faces or noises. Don’t be afraid to be silly with your kids. After all, it’s good for you!

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Does laughter have to be genuine to be beneficial?

check in with each other on how your goal to laugh more is going. Maybe even make a plan to do your laughing together.

Studies show even fake laughing can bring the benefits of actually laughing. In fact, more often than not, fake laughing leads to genuine smiles. Even if you’re just being supportive of a cheesy joke. The muscles used to smile or laugh tell our brain to feel those things. So much so that even a forced smile can trick our brains. Even if our brain doesn’t realize we’re just pretending, it still reaps the health benefits of actual laughter. In this case, fake it till you make it, right?

Start with a smile

Are you getting dressed for the morning? Do it smiling. In the grocery store? Smile at three people. Waiting for the microwave? Smile at your reflection. It may feel silly, but smiling is the gateway to laughter— and you have to start somewhere!

Spend some time watching other people being funny

Instead of just scrolling your social media feed, try watching a funny video. Search for some stand-up comedy routines and watch those. Some people make a living being funny so that you’ll laugh more.

How to laugh more

By now, you know that laughter is really some excellent medicine. You know ways we can laugh more with our kids, and that laughter really has some power to make us feel happier, healthier and more at ease. But especially on days we don’t want to, how can we laugh more?

Be more present

Most of the time, there are funny things happening around us. Maybe we just miss them. So put down your phone. Take some deep breaths. Dinner and chores will still be there waiting. Enjoy where you’re at and be ready and willing to laugh—with your kids, at your dog, over a stranger (Just maybe don’t tell them you’re laughing at them—that’d be embarrassing!). The world is full of things that make us smile. Notice those things. They could even make you healthier in more ways than one! rrp

Be intentional

Tell yourself that you’re going to laugh out loud at least once a day then make it happen. And remember, even if you have to fake it, that still counts.

Ask a friend to help

Chances are you’re not alone in your struggle to laugh more. Don’t feel silly! Make a plan or a pact with a friend to

River Region Parents I November 2023

Kailyn Rhinehart writes from Warrensburg, Missouri. She lives with her husband and two small children and could definitely stand to laugh a little more.

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by Kimberley Carter Spivey

As a busy parent, Kelsey Friesen shares one of her delicious dishes, which has always been a family favorite. While motherhood brings Kelsey endless joy, her schedule tends to be laboring, fulfilling duties as a homeschool mom to five children. She shares, “I love being home with my children and getting a front-row seat to watch them learn and grow.” Kelsey has been married to her husband, Josh, for 14 years, and their children are Zoe (10), Miles (9), Piper (7), Charlie (5), and Henry (3). The family enjoys camping, gardening, fishing, and working on projects as a family. Kelsey’s love for family and desire to gather everyone around the table inspires her to cook. In this season of life, she focuses on bringing everyone to the table

1 tsp dried parsley Salt and pepper to taste Directions Preheat oven to 375. Roll out pie crust to about 1/4 thickness and place in a pie pan. In a mixing bowl, mix eggs, milk, and seasonings. Pour the mixture into the pie crust. Sprinkle ham and cheese evenly throughout the mixture. Bake at 375 for 45-55 minutes.

Homemade Pie Crust least one thing that everyone in the family will eat/enjoy. I try to cook nourishing food and incorporate food from our garden when possible,” she shares. Kelsey learned to cook by watching her mom. She still enjoys cooking with her and others to prepare meals for the whole family. “Even if it’s a simple meal, I love our conversations together in the kitchen.” Some of Kelsey’s favorite simple meals are burrito bowls because they’re easy, and everyone can customize their bowl. Also, chicken noodle soup with Dutch oven bread, as the ingredients are simple but delicious. Kelsey says, “We like to do homemade pizza every Friday night. Pizzas are quick, delicious and fun to bring in the weekend.” The recipe Kelsey shares today is a “breakfast for dinner” favorite around the Friesen household.

Ham and Cheese Quiche

and feeding her family a meal most of them will enjoy. “I try to ensure every meal has at River Region Parents I November 2023

Ingredients 1 unbaked pie crust (recipe below) 10 eggs 1 cup half and half 1 cup chopped ham 1 cup shredded cheese 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp garlic powder 50

Ingredients 2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 1 tsp salt 1 Tbsp sugar 1 cup cold butter, cubed 4-8 Tbsp ice water Directions Add 1 1/2 cups flour, salt, and sugar to mixing bowl. Mix with a fork. Scatter butter over the flour mixture. Use your hands or a fork to mix until a paste forms. Add remaining flour. Mix with your hands or a fork until flour is partially combined. Sprinkle with ice water, a little at a time. Mix until it holds together. Divide in half. Flatten into a disc shape. Cover and chill until ready to use. Makes two pie crusts.

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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Grading Family Movies: Streaming, Digital Rentals, and Theatrical Releases The Creator

Theaters

Rating PG-13

Overall B-

Violence C-

Sex A

Profanity C-

Alcohol/Drugs A-

The US is at war with artificial life forms and those countries that refuse to ban them. An American secret agent is tasked with finding “The Creator”, an unknown individual responsible for covertly developing new types of Artificial Intelligence. When the Creator turns out to be a child, big questions about technology, ethics, and militarism come to the fore. This is a thoughtful, immersive sci-fi flick with an intriguing story. Violence is frequent with a high body count and little blood; there is also a fair bit of moderate profanity. Photo ©20th Century Studios

Spy Kids: Armageddon

On Fire

Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie

Violence B

Sex A

Profanity A

Alcohol/Drugs A

Theaters

Rating PG-13

Overall B-

Violence B-

Sex A

Profanity C-

Alcohol/Drugs B-

Theaters

Rating PG

Overall A-

Violence A-

Sex A

Profanity A

Alcohol/Drugs A

Long dedicated to protecting the people of Adventure City, the pups of PAW Patrol have new abilities – superpowers caused by a meteor’s crystals. Now they must prevent an evil scientist and corrupt mayor from using the crystals to become supervillains. This film is exactly what pint-sized fans of the TV series want. The jokes are pre-school friendly, the peril is minor, and the plot is easy to follow. The simple messages about self-worth, teamwork, and resilience are aimed directly at the target audience and will be appreciated by parents. Photo ©Paramount Pictures

pe.

Overall B

When a wildfire unexpectedly jumps a nearby canyon, the Laughlins find their evacuation route blocked by flames. It’s going to take courage, ingenuity, loyalty, and determined first responders to save this family. Given the unpredictable path of the fire, it’s disappointing that there are so few surprises in the family’s emotional journey: the only real surprise is that a movie with a Christian vibe features profanity in the script. The cinematography is good, but overall this movie fails to rise above being merely adequate. Photo ©Cineverse

me.

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Rating PG

Breaking the family rules, Tony downloads an unapproved video game, thereby giving an evil game developer access to his parents’ systems. They are spies so their computer contains vital information, including a secret code called Armageddon that permits access to any device on the planet. Now Tony and his sister Patty must save the world’s technology. This movie is less well written than others in the franchise but young-viewers will still enjoy the fun gadgets and kid-based action. Parents, on the other hand, can use it as a sleep aid. Photo ©Netflix

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Netflix

The Blind

Theaters

Rating PG-13

Overall B

Violence B-

Sex A-

Profanity B-

Alcohol/Drugs D

After a hardscrabble childhood in rural Louisiana, Phil Robertson has married a supportive wife and graduated from college. Then he starts drinking and nearly loses everything he values. Only religious conversion and his lifelong tie to the woods and rivers can bring him back to a life of sobriety and, ultimately, financial success as the patriarch of the Duck Dynasty family. This Christian film is better than most of the genre and offers universal messages about the dangers of addiction and the power of family, faith, love, and hope. Photo ©Fathom Events Detailed reviews available at www.parentpreviews.com 51

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River Region Parents I November 2023

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One of my favorite childhood stories is Laura Ingalls Wilder’s account of the Christmas when Mr. Edwards braved a snowstorm to bring gifts to the family. He had sweet potatoes for Ma in one pocket, and gifts for Laura and Mary in another—a tin cup for each of them, plus a penny and a peppermint stick. The girls were thrilled. Would our children be content with such simple gifts today? Not likely. It’s a challenge to raise thankful children in our consumer-driven culture, but it’s a challenge we can meet. We can train our children in the fine art of having enough.

Plant the Seeds: Teach your values

Agree on the values you wish to teach your children and encourage them in everyday living—in work and play and how you spend your time. Those lessons begin in the nursery and continue to adulthood. In the book Just Moms, Conveying Justice in an Unjust World, Marta Oti Sears writes about a project her seven-year-old daugh-

Projects for Your Generous Family Allow children to do chores to earn money for the purpose of giving to a worthy cause. Adopt a needy family through a local agency and meet their holiday needs. Work as a family to earn money to donate to a specific family-selected charity. Make the decision to sort through old clothing, toys and other possessions to “pare down” possessions and live with less. Take the entire family to a shelter or group home and help serve a meal. Choose to provide a snack or meal to a homeless person you pass on the roadways each day. Decide how to spend vacation time with an emphasis on enjoying one another without excess financial drain. Regularly plan family fun times including games, music, food, work projects and other intergenerational or extended family activities. At meal times make it a point to discuss the “fine art of having enough.” What does it look like in real life? What are the distinctions between wants and needs?

ter took on one Christmas. The year before, she’d participated in a project to give a farm animal to a needy community overseas but this year, said her daughter, “I want to give the whole farm!” The whole farm was a group of animals costing in excess of $2000. Marta outlines her family’s journey through, “Can we really do it?” to “Yes, we did it with the help of friends and family.” You can bet the family had planted those seeds in their daughter’s heart at an early age and as a result they’ll all treasure the memory forever.

Water: Tell Your Stories

Most of us have stories from our family’s history documenting a much simpler lifestyle. My father received only one gift his entire childhood. It was a sled made by his father. His was a North Dakota farm family working hard to make a simple living, and gifts were not expected. Knowing his father took the time to make the sled for him made it more than special.

Dynam te Magic and Balloons

Magician Balloon artist Balloon decorating Stilt walking Clowns Yard card Messages

Entertainment for all ages

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When my own children had questions about the concepts of rich and poor we came up with a saying that covered our philosophy of family life. It was, “We’re rich in love.” The children knew we gave gifts to those less fortunate. They knew we had enough to share with others in times of need. The message they received was the truth––we had all we needed and enough left over to be generous. We were content. What true stories of simpler times do you have to share with your kids?

Feed and Prune: Model a Thankful Lifestyle

Children may learn by hearing stories, but they’ll take to heart the things they see with their own eyes and actually experience. Have a family meeting and talk about the choices you make. Explain why you make certain purchases, what you give to others and why you shop for bargains. Why do you choose certain family activities and not others? When do you refrain from spending? Does fun always require spending a lot of money? Are there opportunities for your family to give time or money to help others? Model the decision-making process and include the children.

Reap the Reward: A Thankful Family in Action

The benefit of careful planting, watering and pruning is a healthy family with thankful children. You’ll have kids who understand life beyond their own wants and needs. A thankful heart doesn’t just happen, it’s taught over time. Living out the values of a thankful heart in day to day family life isn’t easy in our consumer-driven world. We have to say no to the wantmore, have-more cycles so many families embrace. But we can do it, because it’s the right thing to do. So go ahead and plant, water, feed and prune. Your family will thrive when you teach them to have thankful hearts. rrp

Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a freelance writer and retired teacher. She specializes in education and family life articles. Jan is the author of Homegrown Readers: Simple Ways to Help Your Child Learn to Read available online at Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Find her at www.janpierce.net.

River Region Parents I November 2023

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Montgomery Alabama Dance Theater presents “Mistletoe” ad on page 17

November 9-12 @ The Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts 251 Montgomery Street Montgomery, AL 36104 Novembery 9: A Special School Performance of Mistleto featuring Miss Kitty’s Favorite Dances of Christmas at 10 a.m. Special Ticket Prices for $7 on this day. November 10-12: Regular Performances open to the general public. Get ready to be swept away into a winter wonderland of enchantment and merriment as we present our upcoming holiday dance show, “Mistletoe,” featuring “Miss Kitty’s Favorite Dances of Christmas.” Step into a world where the magic of the season comes alive through the artistry of dance, captivating audiences of all ages. (334) 625.2800 alabamadancetheatre.com

River Region Ballet “The Nutcracker” ad on page 49

December 1-3 @ Davis Theatre 7981 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36117 December 1 & 2 at 7 p.m. and December 2 & 3 at 2 p.m. “The Nutcracker,” choreographed by Stevan Grebel and set to music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, will thrill the audience with the prodigious dancing of the Youth Ballet Company and students from the school. With spectacular backdrops, scenery and a growing Christmas tree, this ballet is truly magical! (334) 356.5460

alabamariverregionballet.com

First Baptist presents The Living Christmas Tree ad on page 4

December 8-10 @ First Baptist Church 305 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36104 Enjoy this long-time Montgomery tradition on Friday at 7 PM; Saturday and Sunday at 4 PM Come experience the splendor of Christmas in Main Sanctuary as the FBC choir and orchestra present, The Living Christmas Tree, a musical presentation that celebrates the birth of Jesus and the hope He brings. (334) 834.6310 montgomeryfbc.org

River Region Parents I November 2023

Frazer Church Christmas Eve “Candlelight Worship” ad on page 55

December 24 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Montgomery, AL 36117 Invite a friend, bring the whole family, and make Candlelight Worship a part of your plans on Christmas Eve at 4 p.m. (334) 272.8622 frazer.church

Frazer Church presents

Christmas Lessons & Carols ad on page 55

December 10 @ Wesley Hall 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Montgomery, AL 36117 4 p.m. A fusion of ancient and fresh worship traditions for the whole family featuring the reading of scripture (“lessons”) and the singing Christmas carols, arranged to tell the story of the prophesied coming and birth of the Savior. Childcare available (birth to 4 years). Children are welcome to the service. (334) 272.8622

frazer.church

Holiday Open House @

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts ad on page 65

December 1 @ Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 1 Museum Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 4-7:30 p.m.; The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner! Mixed Media is a new series of events that plays on the art term of the same name: everyone in the community coming together to make a unique and special celebration of creativity. The first is the Holiday Bazaar-themed event, where visitors will have the chance to create their own patterned candle, follow along with a demo artist while they make a winter-themed holiday centerpiece, and purchase seasonal art from a pop-up shop of local artisans, all while enjoying live music and sipping on festive cider and cocktails. (334) 625.4333 mmfa.org

Newtopia’s Annual Christmas Party ad on page 9

December 8 3731 Malcolm Drive Montgomery, AL 36116 5-7 p.m. Admissions $10 for 2 and under and $15 for ages 3-12. Come dressed in your ugly sweater for a competition and prizes. Dance party with Minnie and Mickey Mouse. Pictures and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus! (334) 356.4518 newtopiafunpark.com

Santa Fest ad on page 11

December 2 and 3 @ Our Santa, LLC 901 South Hull Street Montgomery, AL 36014 Photos with Santas Slate, inflatables, food truck, face painting, balloon artists and more. Reservation only. Please visit our website for more information on booking times. (334) 544.0141 findoursanta.com

18th Annual Light the World: Virtual Interfaith Christmas Nativity Exhibit

November 29- December 3 @ Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 3460 Carter Hill Road Montgomery, AL 36111 Open daily from 1 pm to 8 pm. There will be live music each evening, with a Seniors and Veterans Concert on Thursday, December 1 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. In honor of our theme, “We are All God’s Children,” international groups will provide several of the concerts. We are accepting nonperishable food donations for the Montgomery Area Food Bank. MontgomeryNativity.com

25th Annual Lights of Love

December 7 @ Jackson Hospital 1725 Pine St Montgomery, AL 36106 Remember a loved one or honor someone special during the holiday season by purchasing a light on the Jackson Hospital Lights of Love tree. For each contribution of $25, a symbolic light will be placed on the tree. A generous gift of $100 or more will purchase a miniature Moravian star. for a donation of $500 or more, an honoree will be remembered as an angel. (334) 293.6940 jackson.org

Aldersgate UMC Christmas Carol Service:

Silence and the Sound Christmas

December 10 6610 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36116 Lessons and Carols Service at 10:30 a.m. The Christmas Song Musical by the Aldersgate Chancel Choir and Orchestra and Drama Team. (334) 272.6152

aldersgateumc.org

Capital City Christmas Parade

December 8 @ Downtown Montgomery, AL 36104 6:15 p.m. The City of Montgomery would like to invite you to the Christmas Parade. Depart from Cramton Bowl and Parade downtown from Capitol Steps to the Court Street Fountain. A limited number of parade entries will be accepted. (334) 625.2100

montgomeryal.gov

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Capital City Governors Tree Lighting

December 1 @ Capital 1142 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36104 5 p.m., Come enjoy the National Guard Band 30 minutes prior to tree lighting. - Governor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Capitol. (334) 834.3022 ext. 4 montgomeryal.gov

Capital City Tree Lighting

@ Riverfront 100 Commerce Street Montgomery, AL 36104 6 p.m. – Located at the Riverfront (334) 625.2100 montgomeryal.gov

Alabama Shakespeare presents, “A Christmas Carol”

November 16-December 24 1 Festival Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 ASF returns to a full production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol on the Festival Stage. When miserly Ebenezer Scrooge receives an unwanted visit from the ghost of his former business partner on Christmas Eve, an overnight voyage of epic proportions begins. Journey with Scrooge as he learns from his ghosts (and Bob, Tiny Tim, and the Cratchits) a heartwarming lesson in forgiveness and the change we can make around us. This play is a joyful Christmas tradition for the entire family! (334) 271.5353

asf.net

Annual Holiday Light Festival The Montgomery Zoo

December 1-25 @ Montgomery Zoo 2301 Coliseum Blvd. Montgomery, AL 36110 6- 9 p.m. each night. Remember a loved one or honor someone special during the holiday season by purchasing a light on the Jackson Hospital Lights of Love tree. (334) 240.4900

montgomeryzoo.com

Christmas on Madison Holiday Open House

December 4 Madison Avenue Montgomery, AL 10-4 p.m. Join us for our 4th annual Holiday Open House. This year we are celebrating the joy of the season with Karen Pruess from Fennel & Figs and some of our Madison Ave. neighbors, The Montgomery Curb Market, Armory Learning Arts Center and Crave Cafe Food Truck. The Montgomery Curb Market will be open 8-12, Armory Learning Arts Center will be open 10-2, Crave Cafe Food Truck will be open 10:30-2:30 and we will be open 10-4. Can not wait to see you there southernartmakers.com

Cloverdale Playhouse presents “Civil War Christmas “

December 7-17 @ Cloverdale Playhouse 960 Cloverdale Road Montgomery, AL 36106 It’s 1864, and Washington, D.C. is settling down to the coldest Christmas Eve in years. In the White House, President and Mrs. Lincoln plot their gift-giving. On the banks of the Potomac, a young rebel challenges a Union blacksmith’s mercy. In the alleys downtown, an escaped slave loses her daughter just before finding freedom. This musical by Pulitzer Prize-winner Paula Vogel intertwines many lives, showing us that the gladness of one’s heart is the best gift of all. (334) 262.1530 boxoffice@cloverdaleplayhouse.org cloverdaleplayhouse.org

Eastdale Mall - Photos with Santa

December 1-24 @ Eastdale Mall 1000 Eastdale Mall Montgomery, AL 36117 Monday-Sunday, 11a.m. to 7 p.m. Christmas Eve from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Come have your photo made with Santa on the big green sleigh! Packages and Digital Files are available to purchase! (334) 277.7380

eastdale-mall.com

Eastdale Mall - Santa’s Magical Arrival December 1 @ Eastdale Mall 1000 Eastdale Mall Montgomery, AL 36117 11 a.m. Santa Claus will arrive in his magical sleigh. The Eastdale Express will be up and running, so make sure and catch a ride! (334) 277.7380 eastdale-mall.com

F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum Christmas Open House

December 9 919 Felder Avenue Montgomery, AL 36106 Join us for our annual Christmas Open House. Free and Open to the Public from 10 am to 3pm. Author Maire Martello will be signing copies of her new guide book Stepping Out with Scott and Zelda. (334) 264.4222 thefitzgeraldmuseum.org

First UMC Announces Gift Hope

November 29 2416 W. Cloverdale Park Montgomery, AL 36106 4:30-6:30 p.m. Gift Hope will offer people in the River Region an opportunity to rethink the traditional holiday gift by honoring friends and family with specific gift donations to local non-profits.

(334) 834.8990 fumcmontgomery.org/gifthope

Glenn Miller Holiday Concert featuring Airmen of Note

December 14 @ Davis Theatre 251 Montgomery Street Montgomery, AL 36104 Annual Glenn Miller Holiday Concert. This year’s performance is free to the public. Will be accepting canned food donations for the Montgomery Area Food Bank. This performance will be held at the Davis Theatre. Featuring The United States Air force Band, Airmen of Note, premier jazz ensemble, will perform holiday and Glenn Miller favorites. The Airmen of Note ensemble was created in 1950 to carry on the style and tradition of the Glenn Miller Army Air Forces Dance Band.

(334) 241.9567 troy.edu/davistheatre

Governor’s Mansion Candlelight Tour Open House

December 11 and 18 1142 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36104 5:30 -7:30 P.M. The 1907 Governor’s Mansion will be aglow with lights and filled with the spirit of the season.

(334) 834.3022, ext. 4

governor.alabama.gov

His Vessel Ministries Open House December 12 300 Water Street Montgomery, AL 36104 4-6 p.m. Refreshments served. Live Music

(334) 356.4478 hisvessel.org

Holiday Dinner Cruise

December 1-2, 8-9 15 @ Downtown Riverwalk Montgomery, AL 36106 Cruise the Alabama River with Santa on the Harriott II Riverboat, Downtown Riverwalk. (334) 625.2100 funinmontgomery.com

Holiday Pops Concert

Southern Homes & Gardens Christmas Open House

November 2-5 8820 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36117 Enjoy storewide specials and shop new and exciting decor, trees, ornaments and more at our favorite event of the year! (334)387.0440

southernhomesandgardens.com

The Montgomery Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”

December 10 @ MPAC 201 Tallapoosa Street Montgomery, AL 36104 2:30 p.m. One night only at the MPAC. LEAP (Linking Education Arts Performance) Step into a world of enchantment as the timeless tale of Clara and her Nutcracker prince unfolds on stage. Join us for an afternoon filled with dazzling costumes, breathtaking choreography, and the beloved Tchaikovsky score that will transport you to a land of sugarplum fairies and dancing snowflakes. (334) 409.0522

montgomeryballet.org

The Montgomery Chorale Messiah Sing Along

December 19 @ Church of the Ascension 315 Clanton Ave Montgomery, AL 36104 7 p.m., Messiah Sing Along FREE Community Event and Reception to benefit the Montgomery Area Food Bank

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

The Shoppes at EastChase All is Bright Christmas Parade

November 17 7274 Eastchase Pkwy Montgomery, AL 36117 6-8 p.m. Come rock around the tree with us, Montgomery! The MAGIC is returning this holiday season with The Shoppes at EastChase All is Bright Parade presented by MAX Credit Union!?? Bring the entire family out on Friday, November 18 at 6 PM to help us welcome Santa to The Shoppes + enjoy a tree lighting ceremony! (334) 279.6046

theshoppesateastchase.com

The Shoppes at EastChase Brunch with Santa

December 2 & 16 7274 Eastchase Pkwy Montgomery, AL 36117 Saturday, December 2nd and 16th from 9-10:30 AM!Brunch with Santa: Join us at Bonefish Grill for Brunch with Santa! Tickets will be available soon. (334) 279.6046

theshoppesateastchase.com

The Shoppes at EastChase Moonlight Movies

November 9 7274 Eastchase Pkwy Montgomery, AL 36117 Holiday Edition! Bring the family out for Moonlight Movies on Thursday, November 9th at 6:30 PM for a jolly good time! (334) 279.6046

theshoppesateastchase.com

December 15 @ Montgomery Performing Arts Center 201 Tallapoosa Street Montgomery, AL 36104 7:30 p.m. at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center. Join the MSO for an evening of everyone’s seasonal favorites.

The Shoppes at EastChase Santa Arrives at the Shoppes

Old Alabama Town Holiday Open House

(334) 279.6046

(334) 240.4004 montgomerychorale.org

December 2 301 Columbus Street Montgomery, AL 36104 Join Old Alabama Town in December to celebrate the holiday season. Our house museums will be authentically decorated for the holidays. Early December. (334) 240.4500

November 25 7274 Eastchase Pkwy Montgomery, AL 36117 Santa arrives at The Shoppes: Mark your calendars for November 25th for Santa’s arrival to The Shoppes! theshoppesateastchase.com

YMCA Goodtimes Holiday Childcare

December-January 2325 Mill Ridge Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 Program will run everyday except Thanksgiving Day or the day after. 7:00 a.m. thru 6 p.m. (334) 279.8666

www.facebook.com/RiverRegionParents

Prattville First Baptist Church Christmas Eve Service ad on page 37

December 24 @ Christmas Services 138 South Washington Street Prattville, AL 36067 Christmas Eve Service, Sunday, December 24 at 3 and 5 p.m. (334) 365.0606 fbcprattville.org

Annual Christmas Concert by Prattville Chorus Prattville Pops

December 8 @ Doster Community Center 424 South Northington Street Prattville, AL 36067 Enjoy a Christmas Concert featuring the Prattville Pops at 7 p.m. This annual concert will delight the entire family with Christmas songs and sing-a-longs. The concert will be held at Doster Community Center on South Northington in Prattville. (334) 595-0854 pops.prattvilleal.gov

Autauga Creek Christmas Tree Trail

November 30-January 1 @ Autauga Creek Trail Prattville, AL, 36067

The most wonderful time of year is almost here! Reserve your tree today to be a part of this awesome event! The trees will be on display the month of December along the Autauga Creek Trail.

Christmas at East Memorial

December 10 @ East Memorial Baptist Church 1320 Old Ridge Road Prattville, AL 36067 10:30 a.m. Our Celebration Choir, Orchestra, and Drama Team will present “The Humble King” an East Memorial Christmas Favorite. (334) 365.7500

eastmemorial.org

Christmas Variety Show

December 14 @ Doster Community Center 424 South Northington Street Prattville, AL 36067 7 p.m. Local and regional performers and entertainers—music, dancers, singers, and more (334) 595.0854 artguild.prattvilleal.gov

City of Prattville Holiday Art Workshop November 18 @ Prattville Creative Arts Center and Gallery 342 South Chestnut Street Prattville, AL 36067 Free and Open to the public. Limited space. (334) 595.0854

facebook.com/prattaugaartguild

City of Prattville Ice Skating Rink

Novebmer 30-December 31 @ Creekwalk (near Heritage Park) Prattville, AL 36067 Enjoy Ice Skating wityh your family and friends on the banks of the Autauga Creek under the lights of the Christmas Tree at Heritage Park. Cost is $5 per person for 30 minutes and includes skates. (334) 595.0800 prattvilleal.gov

City of Prattville Main Street Christmas

December 12 @ Downtown Prattville Prattville, AL 36067 5 – 7:30 pm. Skating, Carriage Rides, Shops open late, photo opportunities, prizes, beautiful lights and decorations). (334) 595.0854

prattvilleal.gov

City of Prattville’s Christmas Parade

December 1 @ Autauga County Courthouse Prattville, AL 36067 The parade will start at 7pm at the Autauga County Courthouse at 4th and Court Streets. It will follow Main Street, turn right on Northington, then left on Doster Road to Stanley Jensen Stadium. (334) 595.0854

prattvilleal.gov

River Region Parents I November 2023

City of Prattville’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration

November 30 @ Grassy area near the Fountain at Court and Third Streets. Prattville, AL 36067 6-8 p.m. Heritage Park by the Fountain and Autauga Creek Dam. DJ starts at 6 p.m. Tree lighting, music, visits with Santa, and more. No charge for tree lighting event (334) 595.0854

prattvilleal.gov

First Presbyterian Church

December 17 and 24 @ Christmas Services 220 South Chestnut Street Prattville, AL 36067 Lessons and Carols Service, December 17 at 10:30 a.m. and Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service at 5 p.m.

(334) 365.6387 firstpresbyteriachurchofprattville.com

Prattauga Art Guild Holiday Open House November 19 @ Prattville Creative Arts Center and Gallery 342 South Chestnut Street Prattville, AL 36067 1-4 p.m. The Prattville Creative Arts Center and Gallery will be decorated for the holiday season and open for shopping. Stop by for light refreshments and find unique items for those special people on your Christmas shopping list! (334) 595.0854

artguild.prattvilleal.gov

Prattauga Art Guild Holiday Open House and Last Minute Gift Shop

December 16 @ Prattville Creative Arts Center and Gallery 342 South Chestnut Street Prattville, AL 36067 1-4 p.m. The Prattville Creative Arts Center and Gallery will be decorated for the holiday season and open for shopping. Stop by for light refreshments and find unique items for those special people on your Christmas shopping list! (334) 595.0854

artguild.prattvilleal.gov

Prattvilles Way Off Broadway presents “A Christmas Eve Chaos” December 7-17 @ Prattville Way Off Broadway Theatre Cultural Arts Building 203 West 4th Street Prattville, AL 36067 Way Off Broadway Theatre Opening night Christmas Eve Chaos, by Angela Blount, directed by Bre Gentry Tickets $12 in advance/$14 at the door if available (runs Thursday-Sunday through December 17). (334) 595.0854 artguild.prattvilleal.gov

Millbrook ANC Fall Family Campout

November 18-19 @ Alabama Nature Center 3050 Lanark Road Millbrook, AL 36054 Fall is in the air and it is a perfect time to come to the ANC for a great camping experience! Come spend the night with us at the Alabama Nature Center for our Fall Family Campout! Enjoy a night with your family under the stars with activities that include roasting marshmallows, a movie, a night hike, fishing and more! The kids will even get to make their own glow stick lantern to take home! Guests will need to bring their own camping supplies, and all camping will be Tent Only. The fee for this event will be a weekend pass rate of $5 per person, the weekend pass will be good for specified event dates only. Activities and Campsite set up will begin at 2pm Saturday, campsites must be cleaned up and vacated by 9am Sunday. We allow setup starting at 2pm on that Saturday and activities will start at 3pm. Guests will need to bring their own camping gear. We will have food for sale for dinner but you can also bring your own food if you prefer. We will have restrooms available but do not have any shower facilities onsite. (334) 285.4550 alabamawildlife.org

Christmas at the ANC

December 2 @ Alabama Nature Center 3050 Lanark Road Millbrook, AL 36054 Make plans to come join us for a wintery Christmas on December 2nd here at the ANC! We will have lots of fun activities and some hot chocolate to keep you warm! There will cookie decorating, hayrides, and Christmas crafts, hikes for candy canes and more! Don’t forgety to visit with Santa while you are here! Activities will be from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and admission is our normal $5 per person for ages 4 and up. We hope you will join us. (334) 285.4550 alabamawildlife.org/thanksgivingday-camp

Christmas Music and Tree Lighting

November 30 @ Millbrook Village Green Stage Millbrook, AL 36054 6:00 p.m. on the Village Green. There will be caroling, a live Nativity, refreshments for sale, the Tree Lighting and the Christmas Lights and Music show. (334) 300.1064 cityofmillbrook.org

Millbrook Spirit of Christmas Parade, “A Whoville Christmas”

December 2 @ Sports Complex behind Smokehouse Bar-B-Q and end at intersection at City Hall Millbrook, AL 36054 Parade is at 2 p.m. Millbrook’s Annual Christmas Parade will begin at the Sports Complex behind Smokehouse Bar-B-Q and will end at the intersection at City Hall. Vendors will be set up at Village Green Park from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; there will be arts, crafts, and food. This is one of the great things about living in a small community - family fun, not too crowded and loads of excitement for everyone. No admission fee. (334) 300.1064 cityofmillbrook.org

Millbrook Theatre presents “Old Fashioned Christmas”

November 30-December 10 @ Millbrook Theatre 5720 Main Street, Millbrook, AL, 36054 Hayden Stewart’s wife, Judith, and her sisters, Carla and Beth, are worried about their parents. When she mentions this to Hayden, he casually suggests maybe the women could spend some time with Jack and Arlene, their parents, and squelch any such arguments. The next thing Hayden knows, Judith is planning a huge Christmas party with the whole family. “And it was all Hayden’s idea!” she boasts. This doesn’t set well with his brothers-in-law, who have a hard time getting along with Jack. However, as time gets short and the party draws near, suddenly everyone is on their best behavior. The husbands, the wives, even the kids. Everybody is being good... too good. Is it possible to be TOO good? Cost: $15

millbrooktheatre.com (334) 782-7317

River Region Harp Ensemble Christmas Carol Concert

December 18 @ Millbrook Presbyterian Church 3480 Main Street Millbrook, AL 36054 7 p.m. River Region Harp Ensemble will be presenting the 1st Christmas Carols Concert. FREE! (423) 779.7674

Wetumpka City of Wetumpka Christmas on the Coosa ad on page 47

December 9 Wetumpka, AL 36092 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. We will begin the morning with our annual Character Breakfast of two sessions.

www.riverregionparents.com

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The first session at 7:30 am and the second session at 9:30 am. Food, Arts & Crafts vendors will be an all day setup starting at 12 noon. The Antique Car Show will also begin at 12 noon and ending at 3 pm. We are excited to bring back the night parade which will start at 6 pm. At last, Santa will ski across the Coosa River at 7pm and we will end our night with the fireworks show.

Wetumpka Depot presents: “The Candy Cane Cabaret”

4th Annual ABB Holiday Market

Pike Road

(334) 567.5147 cityofwetumpka.com

November 18 @ Wetumpka Sports Complex

Wetumpka, AL, 36092 10AM - 4PM, Come & shop for Homemade crafts,

Christmas gifts, Christmas decorations, Vintage items, Local Jewelry, Food trucks and many more. Santa and The Grinch will be available between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. cityofwetumpka.com (360) 922-7485

Charis Crafters Annual Christmas Show

“Home for the Holidays” & Tasting Fair

November 9-11 @ Wetumpka Civic Center 410 South Main Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 November 9th from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Friday, November 10th from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and November 11th from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Annual show features baked goods, canned goods and crafts from more than 20 artisans. Door prizes every hour. Tickets available at the door. Come taste foods prepared by members from our recipe cookbooks which will also be on sale. (334) 567.3594

Facebook/ Charis Crafters

City of Wetumpka Christmas Decoration Contest

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

Downtown Dickens Christmas and Tree Lighting

December 1 @ Downtown Wetumpka Wetumpka, AL 36092 5-8 p.m. The Annual Tree lighting will take place on Friday, December 1 from 6-6:30 p.m. Join the Wetumpka Chamber in collaboration with the City of Wetumpka, and Main Street Wetumpka for a two-night community event as we celebrate the annual Christmas tree lighting and enjoy a Victorian Christmas in historic downtown Wetumpka! This is the perfect time to walk around our whimsical historic business district and complete your holiday shopping. (334) 567.4811 wetumpkachamber.com

Wetumpka Griswold Christmas

December 2 100 S. Main St. Wetumpka, AL, 36092 Mark your calendars, here’s the Wetumpka Griswold 2023 location and schedule! The Griswolds are always going on vacation, so this year we will be in the beautiful downtown Wetumpka. Come see the twinkling lights, cars, and characters at the iconic Bibb Graves bridge. 6pm to 8 pm wetumpkagriswoldchristmas.com

Wetumpka Depot presents: “Once Upon a Christmas”

November 30 and December 2-3 @ Wetumpka Depot 300 S Main Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 It’s December, and all the creatures on the river and in the Wild Wood are excited about Christmas…except Badger. Badger hates Christmas. Nothing but a bother, as far as he’s concerned, and he’s determined to enjoy a quiet holiday with Ratty and Mole. (334) 868.1440 wetumpkadepot.com

December 15-16 @ Wetumpka Depot 300 S Main Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 Presented by our Penguin Project ensemble of special needs artists, this production will usher in the holiday spirit ! (334) 868.1440

wetumpkadepot.com

Merry Market at Local and Bloom

localandbloom.com (334) 333-3262

Pike Road Dance Academy: Holly Jolly Christmas Performance

December 9 @ Saint James Church 9045 Vaugn Road Montgomery, AL 36117 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.. A Christmas Performance with studio. Christmas routines to ignite the Christmas spirit. Visit Santa between shows. (334) 782.9200 pikeroaddance.com

The Montgomery Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”

November 21 @ The Chapel at the Waters 1 Chapel Hill Street Pike Road, AL 36064 6 p.m. Come join us as we perform the II Act only at the Chapel in the Waters. montgomeryballet.org

Tallassee Christmas Tree Lighting

December 1 @ Veterans Park Tallassee, AL 6 p.m. at Veterans Park. Santa will arrive. (334) 283.5151 tallassee-al.gov

Holiday Market

December 1-2 @ Veterans Park Tallassee, AL Vendors selling crafts and food.

(334) 283.5151 tallassee-al.gov

Holiday Parade

December 2 Tallassee, AL 10 a.m. Begins at Tallassee Church of Christ and goes thru Central Blvd down to Barnette Blvd. and end at Tallassee High school. Holiday activities after parade in downtown Tallassee for children. Trains ride, Santa and more. (334) 283.5151 tallassee-al.gov

Eclectic

TBA @ Main Street Alexander City, AL 35010 Downtown Christmas from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. (256) 596.1846 mainstreetalexandercity.org

TBA @ Main Street Alexander City, AL 35010 Holiday Market from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

(256) 596.1846 mainstreetalexandercity.org

Alexander City Holiday Open House

November 12 @ Main Street Alexander City, AL 35010 1-4 P.M. Mark your calendars now and make plans to visit many of Alexander City’s local retailers during our Annual Holiday Open House. This local tradition is the perfect opportunity to get a jump on your holiday shopping! Complete list of participants coming soon! (256) 234.3461 alexcitychamber.com

Alexander City Parade

December 4 @ Downtown Alexander City Alexander City, AL 35010 6 p.m., Join us as we light up the night when the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade winds its way through the streets of Alexander City on the first Monday of each December. Spectators are invited to line the parade route to watch bands and dancers perform, see the festively decorated floats, and wait for the much anticipated arrival of Jolly Old St. Nick himself. (256)234.3461 alexcitychamber.com

Christmas at Crossroads

November 24 @ Russell Crossroads 19 Russell Farms Road Lake Martin, AL 35010 10a.m. until 2 p.m. The turkey and dressing have all disappeared, we hope you had a great Thanksgiving! Now, it’s time to start thinking about Christmas! Your first stop on the Friday after Thanksgiving should be Russell Crossroads for Christmas at Crossroads! Make sure your kids have their lists ready for Santa, we know they have been really good this year! The Jolly Elf will make his way from the North Pole to the Green Stage at 10am. And, as in the past, he will arrive by carriage and will be in place on the Green Stage until around 2. On the Town Green, in addition to the Holiday Bazaar, there will be tons of arts and crafts for the children to make and games for them to play! Come spend Black Friday at Russell Crossroads with Santa and a whole lot more! (256) 397.1019 russelllandsonlakemartin.com

Holiday Bazaar

November 24 @ Russell Crossroads 19 Russell Farms Road Lake Martin, AL 35010 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Artisans and patrons from all over gather for this vast annual display of handmade goods. Artisans feature everything from jewelry, soaps, paintings, pottery, woodwork, lotions, furniture, and much more! (256) 397.1019

Christmas Begins With Christ: An Eclectic Christmas

December 1-7 1733 Claud Road Eclectic, AL 36024 Come join us in December to experience the true story of the first Christmas. Time slots are scheduled in 15 minute increments. If registering through the website, your reservation will be confirmed as soon as possible. Admission is free, and donations are accepted and appreciated to help with expenses. (334) 580.7990

Alexander City Downtown Christmas

Alexander City Holiday Market

November 26 @ Local & Bloom 569 Pike Road Pike Road, AL, 36064 12PM - 4PM. Please join us for our 4th annual Christmas market. We fill our warehouse and parking lot with the BEST local vendors. You don’t want to miss our biggest event of the year.

(334) 409.0522

Lake Martin/Alex City

www.aneclecticministry.org

russelllandsonlakemartin.com

Auburn/Opelika Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

Big Band Holidays

December 7 @ Gogue Performing Arts Center 910 S. College Street Auburn, AL 36830 7 p.m. Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra! With soulful, big band arrange-

www.facebook.com/RiverRegionParents

ments of songs both sacred and secular, Big Band Holidays is an uplifting tradition enjoyed by audiences of all ages and backgrounds. In addition to some swinging JLCO instrumentals, special guest vocalist Ashley Pezzotti joins the band for imaginative new versions of classic holiday tunes. (334) 844.8497 goguecenter.auburn.edu

Christmas at Chocotafaula

December 10 929 County Road 14 Auburn, AL 36830 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Family Games and activities, Café, Adult Refreshments, Horse Drawn Carriage, Santa Claus visits with printed pictures, Inflatable slides and bounce houses, Inflatable pillow, Petting zoo, Live music and food, Pony rides, Rock Climbing wall and much more. (334) 209.1777 visitchoctafaula.com

The 17th Annual Holiday Art Sale

November 18 @ Frank Brown Recreation Center 235 Opelika Road Auburn, AL, 36830 Auburn Parks and Recreation and The Auburn Arts Association are happy to announce that the 17th annual Holiday Art Sale will take place on Saturday, November 18th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Harris Center and the Frank Brown Recreation Center. The Holiday Art Sale is a wonderful opportunity to get you and your family in the holiday spirit and get ahead on some Christmas shopping. Local artists will be selling their own unique work and admission is free and open to the public. auburnalabama.org (334) 501-2962

Birmingham and North 4th Annual Christmas on the Farm November 18 @ Medders Family Farm 6306 Highway 25 Montevallo, AL, 35115

FREE event for the community! 9 am to 3 pm. 60+ craft vendors, 9 food trucks/treat vendors. SANTA will be here and professional photos are available!

Alabama Ballet presents George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker”

December 17-23 @ BJCC Concert Hall 1 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd Birmingham, AL 35203 Alabama Ballet is proud to present George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® as one of only eight companies in the world licensed by The Balanchine Trust to perform this holiday masterpiece. Tchaikovsky’s beloved melodies transport the young and young at heart to a magical world where mischievous mice besiege a battalion of toy soldiers, and an onstage blizzard leads to an enchanted Land of Sweets. (205) 322.4300 alabamaballet.org

Christmas Craft Show

November 10-11 @ Gardendale Civic Center 857 Main St. Gardendale, AL 35071 60 booths. Only handmade, hand crafted items. Pictures with Santa too!

McWane Science Center Magic of Model Trains

November 18-January 1 @ McWane Science Center 200 19th Street N Birmingham, AL 35203 Magic of Model Trains will return to spread some holiday cheer and amaze guests. Discover trains of every shape and size inside this popular exhibit of train displays. Every set in the exhibit is designed to scale with the size of the trains. The meticulous detail of the scenery includes covered bridges, downtown storefronts and, of course, several train stations that will keep your family entertained for hours.Sponsored by Royal Cup (205) 714.8300 wane.org

December 2, 9 and 16 @ The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum 1919 9th Street Calera, AL 35040 Christmas at the Station 2020 Logo Graphic ‘Tis the season to be jolly! Get your tickets and bring the whole family to celebrate the holiday together with a 30-minute daytime ride on the seasonally decorated Calera & Shelby train; visit Santa for a festive photo opportunity on the Museum grounds; board the narrow-gauge steam train for a quick trip down Candy Cane Lane on the Shelby & Southern Railroad; and enjoy all the activities on the museum grounds. It’s all included with your Christmas Experience tickets! 1(205) 757.8383 hodrrm.org

North Pole Express Train Rides

November 19, 25-26, 25-27, December 1-2, 8-10, and 15-17 @ Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum 1919 9th Street Calera, AL 35040 Please visit our website www.hodrrm.org for times. “All Aboard” says the conductor, and your journey begins. Through the dark night, the magical train speeds to the top of the world! Upon arrival at the brilliantly decorated North Pole, Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves board the train to visit with everyone, so be sure to bring your camera! You’ll enjoy chocolate milk and cookies and sing Christmas carols along with the live musician, Mr. Jim. Listen to a special Christmas story and receive a Christmas gift. 1(205) 757.8383 hodrrm.org

Eufaula Christmas Tour of Homes

TBA @ McWane Science Center 200 19th Street N Birmingham, AL 35203 Polar Express and The Grinch, Newly renovated IMAX. Showings at 11 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. both days. (205) 714.8300 mcwane.org

River Region Parents I November 2023

December 2 Eufaula, AL 36027 Stroll through history and witness the magnificence of Eufaula’s finest homes all aglow in holiday splendor. Enjoy a seated luncheon or an elegant dinner at the grand historical Shorter Mansion. (334) 687.3793 eufaulapilgrimage.com

Victorian Christmas

December 10 @ Landmark Park 430 Landmark Drive Dothan, AL 36303 1-4 p.m., Sample turn-of-the-century desserts, sip hot chocolate or mulled cider and try your hand at making traditional Christmas decorations. Free. (334) 794.3452 landmarkparkdothan.com

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Christmas at the Station

Christmas Village Festival

McWane Science Center Christmas Movies in IMAX

December 14-23 @ Springer Theatre 103 Tenth Street Columbus, GA 31901 “It just wouldn’t be Christmas without A Tuna Christmas.” No, that’s not a line from the play but

Calera

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(205) 836.7178 christmasvillagefestival.com

“A Tuna Christmas”

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(205) 683.0354 northartscouncil.webs.com

November 2-5 @ Jefferson Convention Complex 2100 Richard Arrington Blvd. Birmingham, AL 35210 The largest indoor arts, crafts, and gifts show in the south, this show draws exhibitors from over 30 states with products like clothing, jewelry, food, decorations and much, much more.

Out of State/Georgia

it is a common remark from the 50,000 people who have seen Columbus’ most popular show over the past twenty years. The annual Yard Display Contest is once again threatened by the Christmas Phantom but Vera Carp intends to take home the trophy with a gaudy display that features the Wise Men and Shepherds, Bing Crosby, the Grinch Who Stole Christmas and Natalie Wood. She faces stiff competition from Didi Snavely – owner of Didi’s Used Weapons – as well as Inita Goodwin and Helen Bedd – the cowboy-loving Tastee Kreme waitresses. Aunt Pearl Burrus ain’t sayin’ a word. (706) 327.3688 springeroperahouse.org

“Elf the Musical”

December 1-23 @ Springer Theatre 103 Tenth Street Columbus, GA 31901 The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear! Based on the cherished 2003 Hollywood hit, Elf the Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities eventually forces him to face the truth. He then embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New Yorkers discover the true meaning of Christmas. This modernday holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. (706) 327.3688 springeroperahouse.org

Annual Fantasy In Lights

November 17-January 1 @ Callaway Gardens 17800 US Hwy 27 Pine Mountain, GA 31822 Nestled amidst wooded landscape of Callaway Gardens, Fantasy In Lights is the Southeast’s most spectacular holiday light and sound show with more than eight million twinkling lights celebrating the holiday season. Drive your car or ride the Jolly Trolley to experience scenes like Magical Field of Lights, March of the Toy Soldiers and Snowflake Valley. At Robin Lake Beach, enjoy ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ and ‘The Nativity’, light and sound shows enticing passers-by to stop, reflect and enjoy. (844) 512.3826 callawaygardens.com

www.riverregionparents.com

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Lanier Islands Snow Island

November 4-December 31 @ Lake Lanier 7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy. Buford, GA 30518 Take the crew snow tubing, get your skates on and practice your figure eights at the ice rink, hop on the carnival rides, make snow angels, warm up with s’ mores and hot cocoa, and shop in Santa’s Workshop. Don’t forget to stop in and let the little ones tell Jolly Ole St. Nick what they hope to find under the tree. (470) 323.3440 lanierislands.com

Margaritaville’s Lakeside Lights Spectacular

November 22 – January 15 @ Lake Lanier 7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy. Buford, GA 30518 Visit Margaritaville’s Lakeside Lights Spectacular for a night of nostalgic wintry fun. The Lakeside Lights Spectacular will take you on a magical walk through an amazing lighting extravaganza with festive seasonal music. Great for the whole family! (470) 323.3440 lakelanierislands.com

River Center for Performing Arts Presents: Celtic Angels Christmas

December 19 @ River Center for Performing Arts 900 Broadway Columbus, GA 31901 Celtic Angels Christmas is a joyous celebration from start to finish, encompassing vocal and instrumental Holiday and Irish favorites. Paired with show-stopping world class champion Irish dancing and a fully live band, Celtic Angels Christmas captivates audiences of all ages with the magic of the season. (706) 256.3612 rivercenter.org

River Center for Performing Arts Presents:

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

November 25 @ River Center for Performing Arts 900 Broadway Columbus, GA 31901 7:30 MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 35 years! Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program celebrates the group’s recent anniversary of 35 years since the first Christmas album and includes dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. Experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller. (706) 256.3612 rivercenter.org

River Center for Performing Arts Presents:

The Columbus Ballet performing The Nutcracker

December 16-17 @ River Center for Performing Arts 900 Broadway Columbus, GA 31901 The Columbus Ballet presents their annual tradition, The Nutcracker. Come and celebrate the season of love, light and miracles in a splendid world. Fall back in love with this quintessential ballet for the holiday season! (706) 256.3612 rivercenter.org

Stone Mountain Christmas

November 11 - January 2 @ Stone Mountain Park 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd. Stone Mountain, GA 30083 There is nothing like the Christmas season that magically transforms Stone Mountain Park into a land of enchantment. Within the glow of more than two million twinkling lights, you can watch live entertainment, engage in fun attractions and reconnect with friends and family during this special time of year. Make a Stone Mountain Christmas a part of your holiday tradition. Events include Wonderland Walkway, Snow Angel Castle, Holly Jolly Cabaret, The Polar Express 4D Experience, Snow Angel Fireworks and Snowfall Celebration, Sleigh Ride, Simply Christmas, Christmas Parade, Visit with Santa, great food and holiday shopping! (800) 401.2407 stonemountainpark.com rrp

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American Heritage Girls Storm Through The Meteorology Badge!

AHG girls from Troop AL0236 recently completed the Meteorology badge. The girls learned about weather and how it affects their lives. They observed weather and collected data related to wind, temperature, and precipitation in their environment. Several meteorologists visited the troop to teach the girls more about weather, meteorology as a career, and tips on staying safe and being prepared for various weather events. Shane Butler from WAKA brought the Thunder Truck, which has a fully-equipped mobile weather station and live broadcasting on board. The girls had lots of fun learning about weather! AHG Troop AL0236, chartered by Frazer Church in Montgomery, is a Christ-centered character and leadership development program for girls aged 5-18. For more information, visit the website at www.al0236.org/ahg.

PRIS C6 Band Students Perform Christmas Concert Congratulations to our C6 band students on a concert well played last night. We are so proud of you and the incredible progress you’ve made this year!

Prattville Dancer to Perform on Season Nine of Dance Moms Congratulations are in store for Charlee Kidd who will be performing with Abby Lee’s Season Nine of Dance Moms. Charlee’s mother sent a video of her solo routine to Abby in response to a call searching for new talent. Charlee Kidd is a talented student from Mann Dance Studio in Prattville, and we know she will thrive with this new dance adventure. Charlee is already a very busy girl and now she will be a little bit busier! We are allSend so proud and will enjoy to: getting to watch Your News editor@ her as she performs in the upcoming production riverregionparents.com. of “Leave It On the Floor.”

American Heritage Girls Serve in the Community Girls from AHG Troop AL0236 participated in the AHG National Day of Service by organizing a service project with First Choice Women’s Medical Center in Montgomery. This year’s national service spotlight – Respect Life - was chosen to live out the life-affirming truth taught in scripture. The girls collected baby wipes and donated them to First Choice. They also bundled and packaged diapers, created thank you notes with encouraging words and scripture, cleaned the grounds and removed weeds. The purpose of this service day was to give back to the local community through gifts of service. AHG Troop AL0236, chartered by Frazer Church in Montgomery, is a Christ-centered character and leadership development program for girls aged 5-18. For more information, visit the website at www.al0236.org/ahg.

Clara a Dream Come True for Two Prattville Dancers Every little girl who studies ballet dreams of one day landing the part of Clara in The Nutcracker. This year two Clara‘s were chosen at Prattville‘s Nutcracker Ballet audition! Nine-year-old Cecily West (1st Act) and 10-year-old Addie Paulene (2nd Act) are “over the moon” excited about dancing the dream role. They have studied ballet in Prattville at CJ‘s Dance Factory for more than six years. When: Saturday, December 9th, 2 pm matinee Where: Jeff State Performing Arts Theatre in Clanton, Alabama. Tickets can be found at shovation.com. River Region Parents I November 2023

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Mann Dance Student Wins Top Award in National Competition

Alabama Dance Theatre’s “Hometown Heroes”

A NightMacon to HonorEast ActiveStudents Duty and Veteran Military, Participate in AISA First Responders, Healthcare All-Star Football Providers, and Educators

We all want to congratulate Shay Howard on her top awards Eight Macon student-athletes Alabama Dance TheatreEast (ADT) is proud in the Platinum National Comwere honored to participate to announce its cherished tradition, in the petition in Washington D.C. 2022 AISA All-Star Football “Hometown Heroes,” an annual event game She had a personal invitation held December 2 at Cramton that honors and appreciates the unwav- Bowl. to compete at the national level Deonte Powell, Sanders ering commitment of our active duty Manand brought home the Artist of ning, Gabe Spencer and Hunter and veteran Military, First Responders, the Year Award for Improv and alland represented Macon HealthcareTillman providers, Educators. Interview. Shay is a talented East18 foryears, the East Gabe Spencer was honored as Most Outstanding Offensive Back For the past ADTteam. has been student at Mann Dance Studio Macon East Fourth for the East team. Madison May, Ar’monni Payne, Hannah Kate Hodges andfamilies, Mikalah dedicating a full FREE performance each season to these exceptional individuals and their in Prattville. She has a big love Belser cheered the East team on from the sidelines as part of the all-star cheerleading recognizing their outstanding service to our community and our nation. Enjoy Field Trip ofGraders dance and being kind to evsquad. The participants enjoyed few days of practice with their fellow AISA teammates. Ms. Johnson’s fourth grade class enjoyed On Thursday, Mistletoe promises to delight audiences November 9 at 7 pm. at the aDavis Theatre, eryone. Congratulations, Shay! The East team beat the West team this year 36-22. an educational field trip this past Friday of all ages with its dynamic choreography by the late founding Artistic Director Kitty Seale, We look forward to seeing you that goesyour alongdance with their study of Alabama Assistant Director Sara Elyse Sanford, Resident Choreographer Janie Alford, and continue education! State History. The students were able to tour ADT Professional Dancer Shannon McGaughey. Alabama’s historic Capitol. They were able As part of the “Hometown Heroes” event, a pre-performance party is held to honor the Military and to view the beautiful rotunda, the spiral stair- First Responder VIPs, along with the generous sponsors who contribute to making this initiative Road High case, the Avenue of Flags, and the portraits possible. For more information about Alabama Dance Theatre and Pike the “Hometown Heroes” tradiof the former governors. The students also School Leo Club tion, please visit www.alabamadancetheatre.com or contact 334-625-2590. enjoyed touring The First White House of the Mistletoe public performances are Friday, November 10 at 7 PM, Saturday, November 11 at Collects Chrismtas Confederacy and The Alabama Department 2 PM and 7 PM and Sunday, November 12 at 2 PM. *Meet Santa and ADT dancers of Archives and History. Their special treat Toys On Stage Party after 2:00 PM performances for only $10.00 per for child.Kids added to an already fun-filled day was eating Our Leo on club did Saturday a great job *ADT presents a special treat for attendees at the matinee performances both and lunch at Chris’ Famous Hot Dogs. collecting toys to helplap. make Sunday. Bring your camera to capture the image of your child sitting on Santa’s Special thanks to Mrs. Custard and her Christmas merry and bright for daughter for taking time to guide us and give Tickets for Mistletoe are available online https://www.alabamadancetheatre.com/about-3-1. of Olivia children! (Photo by David Robertson Jr. Dancers are Jonathan Chapman andlots Mary Dudley.) their expertise at all these historic places.

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We’ve all seen it—the parent standing on the sidelines criticizing the decisions made by coaches and officials, yelling at his own child for making a mistake, hurling rude remarks at the opposing team, or always placing blame. In some cases, these parents have even gotten into brawls. River Region Parents I November 2023

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There’s no question, winning is rewarding and boosts self-esteem. However, well-meaning parents are sometimes so caught up in the competition that they lose sight of the real value of sports. Winning is not just being the victor of a game. It’s becoming the best allaround person one can be. Children who carry this with them will be the ones to prevail. What’s in losing? Plenty. It teaches lessons in perseverance, humility, respect, and acceptance of defeat. What does losing mean? It means to come out second best. Defeat is not a failure. A child or parent who walks away satisfied, whether victorious or not, is the real winner. What else do sports offer? Opportunities to build friendships, lessons on the importance of rules, fairness and honesty, anger management and leadership skills, and how to work as a team. In short, sports teach valuable life principles that will be of immense value in the years to come.

12 Tips For Supporting Your Child 1) Make the most of your child’s involvement by showing your support and what it means to be a good sport.

manship that took place to show the difference between being a good sport and a poor one.

2) Avoid pointing out your child’s mistakes or criticizing them. This only serves to make kids feel worse. Your child is most likely already aware of the error. 3) Practice with your child, but don’t push. Offer pointers and demonstrate proper techniques, but allow mistakes to go without frequent correction. 4) Praise your child’s efforts. 5) Allow coaches and officials to do their jobs. If you feel an error was made, remember it’s a tough job, and we all make mistakes. Realize it’ll probably come out in the wash.

9) If your child isn’t enjoying the sport, don’t force him to stay in it. For many children, team sports aren’t the answer. Help find another activity or a solo sport that is more suited to him. 10) Set up a sportsmanship recognition program for your child’s team offering Certificates of Outstanding Sportsmanship to players who set examples of being a good sport. If a child is struggling with sportsmanship, look for opportunities to help her brush up on her skills, and reward accordingly as reinforcement. 11) Acknowledge and show interest in team members whose abilities don’t stand out.

6) Cheer on your child and her team. 12) Don’t place blame when the team loses. 7) Don’t put down the other team’s players, and be courteous and respectful of the other team’s fans. 8) When talking with your child about a game, point out specific displays of sports-

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.

ArtWorks Interactive Gallery Open Tuesday–Sunday Free Entry

ArtWorks is an engaging space where visitors can connect with art through interactive elements that explore art’s materials, ideas, and techniques or enjoy the areas set aside for quiet reading and imaginative play. RN LEA RE MO

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FamilyCalendar November 1-4

Alabama Frontier Days ($10+) Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park, 2521 W Fort Toulouse Rd Wetumpka, AL, 36093 Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park, a historic property of the Alabama Historical Commission, and the Friends of the FortsFort Toulouse Foundation are pleased to announce the 28th annual Alabama Frontier Days taking place November 1-4, 2023, at Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park near Wetumpka. Experience one of the largest and most authentic living history events in Alabama! forttoulouse.com (334) 567-3002

November 2-5

Indian Festival & Pow-Wow ($15+) Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd Stone Mountain Park, GA, 30083 Experience Native American culture through dance & drum competitions, music, authentic craft demonstrations, cooking samples and storytelling activities. Learn about primitive skills such as flint-napping, bow making, fire starting, open fire cooking and pottery. stonemountainpark.com (800) 401-2407

November 3-12

2023 National Peanut Festival ($25+) located 5622 U.S. Hwy. 231 S Dothan , AL, 36301 Headliners Megan Moroney, Kameron Marlowe, Ernest, plus more. Livestock exhibits, competitions, demolition derby, crafts, food preservation, recipe contests, entertainment, carnival rides, sea lion show, and much more! nationalpeanutfestival.com (334) 793-4323

Friday, November 3

National Blood Appeal Blood Drive (FREE) 11AM - 3PM, Montgomery Art Center, 450 N Hull Street Montgomery, AL, 36104 The Montgomery Art Center and the Montgomery Lions Club are hosting a blood drive benefitting the American Red Cross. We hope you will join us in this important drive to save lives. montgomeryartscenter.com

Saturday, November 4

56th Annual Pike Road Arts and Crafts Fair ($5 ) 9AM - 4PM, Old Marks House, 890 Old Carter Hill Road Pike Road, AL, 36064 Fun for the whole family; great arts and crafts shopping; over 150 artists and crafts exhibitors, food for sale! pikeroadartsandcraftsfair.com Downtown Holiday Open House (FREE) 10AM - 4PM, Downtown Wetumpka, Wetumpka, AL, 36092 Deals & seasonal specials will be a-plenty in downtown Wetumpka at the Downtown Holiday Open House. We look forward to kicking off the holiday season with you! Please check with individual businesses for specific times & promotions. mainstreetwetumpka.org (334) 478-3926 Patriots on the Hunt Kick Off Event 1PM - 4PM, John E Hall & Son, 15668 Vaughn Road Cecil, AL, 36013 Patriots on the Hunt is the first annual fundraising event put on by Pike Road Patriot Fund, benefiting Pike Road Schools. Patriots on the Hunt is a hunting fundraiser where individuals can purchase tags for hogs ($50), does ($75) and bucks ($100) and participants compete for for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place

River Region Parents I November 2023

for highest weight and antler score. Participants have from Saturday, November 4, 2023 - Friday, December 8, 2023 to hunt and submit kills for the competition. The Kick-Off event will be Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 1-4 PM and John Hall Store. There will be food, music and a cash bar to kick off this fun event! Tags can also be purchased starting that day. The main event will be Saturday, December 9, from 2-5 PM at John Hall Store with food, music and a cash bar. Tickets for this event are $50 and the proceeds will go to benefit Pike Road Schools. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner from each category will be announced and raffle prizes. prpatriotfund.com (334) 270-7772 River Region Walk to end Alzheimer’s 2023 10AM - 12PM, Riverwalk Amphitheatre, Downtown Riverfront Montgomery, AL, 36104 Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease. funinmontgomery.com (334) 241-2129

veterans, active duty military personnel, and their dependent family members receive a 50% DISCOUNT on REGULAR DAYTIME admission to the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. montgomeryzoo.net (334) 625-4900

November 10-11

Meet the Maker and the Vendor Vicki’s Amish Traditions, 2865 Hwy 14 Millbrook, AL, 36054 WE ARE BEYOND EXCITED to share this news with you! We are hosting our second annual Meet the Maker Event! Join us on November 10th @ 10:00am for a chance to meet the actual Amish builders who build the beautiful furniture for Vicki’s Amish Traditions! This will be anything but normal, as several of our AMISH craftsmen and their wives will be traveling all the way from Shipshewana, IN just to meet you! vickisamishttraditions.com (334) 399-5563

Saturday, November 11

Encanto - Sing Along Film Concert at the BJCC

($20 ) 6PM - 9PM, BJCC, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr.

Blvd N Birmingham, AL, 35203 Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award®-winning film comes to life in a one-of-a-kind concert event, featuring the entire feature-length film and an on-stage band celebrating all the record-breaking hit songs from the beloved soundtrack. (205) 458-8400

STEAMfest (FREE) 10AM - 1PM, The Montgomery Academy, 1550 Perry Hill Rd Montgomery, AL, 36106 FREE community event open to the public! STEAMFest is designed to engage children Pre-K to 6th grade with over 40 hands-on science and art activities. Activities include art projects, engineering and design challenges, and demonstrations from community partners montgomeryacademy.org (334) 272-8210

Handprint Ornament Event 11AM - 5PM, Sunrise & Sheridan, 744 S Memorial Drive Prattville, AL, 36067 Bring your Babies to see me to make a special handprint wooden ornament keepsake just in time for the holiday season! Several other vendors will be at this event from cookies to a LIVE Santa, you don’t want to miss this. sunriseandsheridan.com (334) 730-0381

Super Hero 5K and Fun Run 7:30AM - 10AM, Riverwalk Stadium, 200 Coosa Street Montgomery, AL, 36104 Run, Walk or Fly… It’s the MOST fun in the galaxy! This is an all ages event. Dress up as your favorite superhero or invent a new one and be sure to bring your really fast shoes. CASAsuperherorunmgm.itsyourrace.com

Guided Nature Tour ($10 ) 8AM - 11AM, Wilson Road Trailhead, Wilson Road Alexander City, AL, 35010 Start your day with our Naturalist in Russell Forest as you wander the woods identifying a variety of plant and animal life discoveries. This energetic hike will offer both learning and exercise. Insect repellent will be provided – bring your own drinking water and comfortable shoes. Appropriate for participants ages 5 – 105. russelllands.com (256) 496-2710

The Water’s Neighborhood Yard Sale (FREE) 7AM - 12PM, The Waters, 201 Waters View Drive Pike Road, AL, 36064 Come one, come all to The Waters Neighborhood Yard Sale at Town Square! thewatersal.com (334) 277-5551

Sunday, November 5

Holiday Artsy Market (FREE) 12PM - 6PM, The Artsy Bean Studio, 1465 7th St Clanton, AL, 36045 Calling all Artists and Artisans!!! The Artsy Bean Studio presents the Holiday Artist Market. This event is FREE to Vendors and FREE to the Public! theartsybeanstudio.com (334) 306-6756

November 5-11

Montgomery Zoo Veteran’s Appreciation Week Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Blvd. Montgomery, AL, 36110 Please join the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum in thanking the proud men and women of the United States Armed Forces. During Veteran’s Appreciation Week, all

Let’s Talk Turkey - Naturalist Cabin (FREE) 10AM - 2PM, Naturalist Cabin, Russell Farms Road Alexander City, AL, 35010 Meet the one critter that’s on everyone’s Thanksgiving guest list. LIVE TURKEYS of the domestic variety will be at the Naturalist’s Cabin for some serious turkey talk. In addition to the birds of honor, an assortment of items left behind by the Eastern Wild Turkey will be available for handling and instruction. russelllands.com Capri Classics “To Kill a Mockingbird” ($4-$12) 7PM - 10PM, Capri Theatre, 1045 East Fairview Ave. Montgomery, AL, 36106 To Kill a Mockingbird is a powerful 1962 film adaptation of Harper Lee’s classic novel. capritheatre.org (334) 262-4858

Thursday, November 16

Friendsgiving 6PM - 8PM, Montgomery Humane Society, 1150 John Overton Dr Montgomery, AL, 36110 Join us for some good food, drinks and special time with our fellow animal advocates! Please RSVP so we can get a head count! montgomeryhumane.com (334) 409-0622

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FamilyCalendar Handprint Ornament Event (FREE) 5PM - 8PM, Flare Candle, 3462 Wetumpka Hwy Wetumpka, AL, 36110 HandPrint Ornament Event ONLY Bring your Babies to see me to make a special handprint wooden ornament keepsake just in time for the holiday season! Several other vendors will be at this event from cookies to a LIVE Santa, you don’t want to miss this flarecandle.com (334) 224-2028

November 17-January 15

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 an educational program with hands-on experience and fun. It is geared for boys and girls aged 4-10 years old. montgomeryzoo.net zooinfo@montgomeryal.gov (334) 625-4900

November 18-19

Brush Poppers Cowboy Church Pro Rodeo ($20 ) Brush Poppers Cowboy Church Arena, 46 Sanford Lane Wetumpka, AL, 36092 4 & under free, GATES OPEN AT 6PM, RODEO AT 8PM. Lots of vendors! rodeoticket.com

ANC Fall Family Weekend ($5 ) ANC, 3050 Lanark Road Millbrook, AL, 36054 Come spend the night with us at the Alabama Nature Center for our Fall Family Campout! Enjoy a night with your family under the stars with activities that include roasting marshmellows, a movie, a night hike, fishing and more! The kids will even get to make their own glow stick lantern to take home! Guests will need to bring their own camping supplies, and all camping will be Tent Only. alalbamawildlife.org (334) 285-4550

Saturday, November 18

Glow Wild 2023 - An Animal Lantern Celebration Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Rd Birmingham, AL, 35223 This extraordinary event will be held on select nights from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. during the months of November, December, and January. Watch the Zoo come alive with larger-than-life, jaw-dropping wild animal and sea life lantern creations brilliantly lighting up the night! birminghamzoo.com (205) 879-0409

November 17-19

Gigantic Flea Market 7AM - 12PM, Doster Community Center, 424 S. Northington Street Prattville , AL, 36067 As they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. There are 31 booths to shop from with lots of used and good items. No businesses such as Scentsy, Avon, or Tupperware, there must be household items in your booth. Limited space is available so register today! prattevilleal.gov Handprint Ornament Event (FREE) 11AM - 7PM, Prattville Pickers, 616 Highway 82 bypass West Prattville , AL, 36067 Bring your Babies to see me to make a special handprint wooden ornament keepsake just in time for the holiday season! Several other vendors will be at this event from cookies to a LIVE Santa, you don’t want to miss this. shopprattvillepickers.com (334) 730-0266

November 18-19

Montgomery Zoo Dino Dig ($28 ) 10AM - 12PM, Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Blvd. Montgomery, AL, 36110 Are you ready to get a little dirty? Then Dino Dig is perfect for you. Our junior

Father/Child Weekend YMCA Camp Chandler, 1240 Jordan Dam Road Wetumpka, AL, 36092 Children and Fathers will participate in traditional camp activities over the course of this weekend getaway including a campfire w/ s’mores! Check-in is from I-2pm on Saturday, November 18th and we will conclude with lunch on Sunday. campchandler.org (334) 452-6183

birthday! Bouncy house, food truck, music, prizes, Cotten candy, face painting, festival hair braiding, photo ops, exclusive drinks and snacks, and more! (334) 517-4648

Sunday, December 3

Holiday Home Tours at The Waters ($25 ) 1:30PM - 3:30PM, The Waters, 2239 Marler Road Pike Road, AL, 36064 The Greater Montgomery Home Builders and New Waters Realty cordially invite you to experience the magic of the season with a tour of 6 beautifully decorated holiday homes at The Waters on Sunday, December 3 from 1:30-3:30 PM. Join us for a chance to win the GRAND PRIZE: a complete Christmas light installation in 2024, sponsored by Sure-Pro Exteriors! thewatersal.com

Second and Fourth Sundays

Leaders at Heart (Free) 2:30PM - 4:30PM, Juliette Hampton Morgan Memorial Library 245 High Street Montgomery, AL, 36104 Free Leadership classes. Parents if you are interested in giving your child the opportunity to build their leadership skills, confidence, and self esteem, learn conflict resolutions, public speaking and so much more in a Christian environment then please contact me. leadersatheart@yahoo.com (334) 799-4530

Tuesday, November 21

Cirque Dreams Holidaze ($29+) 7PM - 10PM, Montgomery Performing Arts Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street Montgomery, AL, 36104 CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE lights up the stage in this aweinspiring and eye-popping family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadwaystyle musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family. mpaconline.org (334) 481-5100

Sunday, November 26

Fizz Fest 12PM - 3PM, The Fizz Co., 43 Wisteria Place Millbrook, AL, 36054 Come celebrate with us for Fizz Cos first

Please check with each venue prior to attending the event to verify the information provided is still accurate and up to date.

Please send calendar info to editor@riverregionparents.com.

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RRP: How do you handle the challenges of raising children with different personalities? JA: I remind myself that no two children are the same. They have taught me this over and over. What worked for one may not work for the other. I try not to compare them to each other in front of them so they don’t think any aspect of their personalities is undesirable. RRP: What have been the most helpful books, podcasts, or websites for you as a mother?

Jennifer Allen

JA: My list is too long to include here. Most recently, Michelle Kenney of Peace and Parenting and Big Life Journal for parenting; Dr. Elana Roumell for wellness; Bobby Parrish AKA FlavCity for grocery store and cooking tips; and Scary Mommy wins for comedy and relatable content. RRP: How do you stay connected with your partner of five years while being a mother?

RRP: How do you balance being a mom and working fulltime at the Alabama Department of Health?

JA: We don’t stop communicating our needs, and spending time apart and together is a priority. We are fortunate to have my mom and a wonderful babysitter who spends time with the girls, so we can have date nights at least every other month and take child-free trips at least twice a year.

JA: Work-life balance is something I struggle with. It’s mostly the guilt. Guilty of not being at work or not being with the girls for an appointment or event, etc. It is getting better. I am learning to give myself grace in both situations.

RRP: Your children are involved in several extracurricular activities. How do you encourage them to pursue their passions and interests? JA: We encourage them by providing opportunities to try new activities and revisit previously attempted activities. My oldest has tried out t-ball, soccer, basketball, and piano. She has stuck with dance, gymnastics, art club, and chess club the longest.

RRP: As a former gym owner, health and fitness are important to you. In what ways do you teach your children about self-care?

RRP: One of your hobbies is travel. What advice would you give to other moms desiring to travel with young children? JA: Have low expectations and be flexible. Most of our trips are less than four hours. I’d recommend visiting family and friends, whether they live close or far away. It allows your children to see how others are familiar with life and gives you a support system at your base.

JA: I talk to the girls about self-care and try to be a good role model. I am teaching them how to eat and cook whole foods at home. We walk around our neighborhood and do yoga together. Once or twice a month, we each have our own bath time with a bath bomb while listening to meditation music. We also discuss the importance of relieving stress through breathing properly, relaxation techniques, attending therapy, and doing things they enjoy.

RRP: How do you create a positive and supportive community for your family?

RRP: You advocate being a student for life. How do you continue to improve and learn throughout motherhood?

JA: I frequently talk about how life is a blessing while validating our moments of sadness, anger, jealousy, etc. My husband and I spend a lot of time with our kids as a family, and we try to spend oneon-one time with the kids, which further fosters connectedness. As a family, we often discuss what we are grateful for. We have conversation cards that we read at our table while eating. These cards facilitate meaningful conversations where we learn more about each other and allow the kids to express themselves. These conversations build trust, encourage openness, and provide a lot of laughter. The four-year-old has some doozies for answers.

JA: I am always seeking to learn and improve myself as a human and a mom through attending church, reading books, listening to podcasts, surfing Instagram, sharing and seeking advice from my mom friends, and being open to what motherhood has to teach me. RRP: Raising two young girls, nine-years-old and four-years-old, how do you handle co-parenting? JA: My ex-husband and I put our daughters first. We are on the same wavelength when it comes to parenting decisions. I am blessed to have a husband who is supportive of our co-parenting. We are all flexible with our schedules and help one another when needed. All of our families are very understanding and supportive as well.

River Region Parents I November 2023

Jennifer Allen has been married to Scott Allen for almost five years. They have two daughters, Olivia (9) and Hayden (4), and the family lives in Montgomery.

www.riverregionparents.com

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NAMED

BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL IN MONTGOMERY FOR 2024 by Niche, the nation’s leading school ranking organization

We’re proud to announce that Montgomery Academy has been recognized as the #1 Best Private School in Montgomery by Niche! This year, we ranked in the following categories: #1 Best Private K-12 Schools in Montgomery Area #1 Best Private High Schools in Montgomery Area #3 Best Private K-12 Schools in Alabama #6 Best Private High Schools in Alabama We’ve earned this ranking by scoring highly in many different factors including SAT/ACT scores, the quality of colleges that students consider, student-teacher ratio, student culture and diversity, and parent and student experiences. See all the rankings at Niche.com. Discover the MA difference at MontgomeryAcademy.org.

The Pursuit of Excellence in K-12 Education Contact Rachael Gallagher, admissions@montgomeryacademy.org 334.272.8210 | montgomeryacademy.org