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Montgomery Parents I October 2014

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October2014 56

Volume 19 Number 10

Columns

6 Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note DeAnne Watson

8 Living With Children John Rosemond

Five Things Effective Stepparents Know Advice for making the transition years as smooth as possible.

The Trick to a No-Treat Halloween

Fun ways for kids with allergies and other dietary restrictions to enjoy the holiday.

12 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

14 Montgomery Education Matters by Superintendent Margaret Allen

42 Autauga Education Matters by Superintendent Spence Agee

46 Elmore Education Matters by Superintendent Jeffery E. Langham

54 Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

58 Centsibly Southern Chic Laura Handey

2014 Fall Festivities and Halloween Fun Our detailed guide to local and regional outings your family will love.

Teen Health: Social Media Addiction?

Find a healthy balance between online and offline interactions.

On The Cover Katelyn Olivia Glass (age 6) is a very energetic little girl who loves life and who keeps her parents very busy! Katelyn dances ballet & tap, takes violin lessons and also plays softball. Recently, Katelyn placed 1st runner up in Prattvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Little Miss Firecracker Pageant. In her spare time she likes to play princess dress up, have tea parties, ride her bike and play with her Barbies. She is the only child to Albert and Chrisanthia of Montgomery and she attends MacMillan International Baccalaureate Magnet School where she is in first grade. Katelyn Olivia is pictured at Blount Cultural Park in Montgomery.

74 A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 10 Bits and Pieces 16 School Bits 80 Calendar/Support Groups 95 Advertiser Directory 96 Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Editor’sNote October has to be one of the most enjoyable and entertaining months of the year! Not only is the weather beautiful, but football is in full swing, outdoor fall festivities are everywhere you turn and the month peaks with Halloween on the 31st. No matter the age of your kids, there’s something for everyone in October! With that in mind, be sure to peruse our Fall Festivities & Halloween Fun Guide beginning on page 64 . Of course we’ve listed plenty of River Region events, but you’ll also find state and regional events if you are looking for a little family road trip this fall! October probably means one thing to most young children...CANDY! Most kids can’t wait to venture out trick-or-treating in their neighborhoods or celebrate at a church fall festival, only to come home with excessive amounts of sugar to eat (and trade). While this works fine for most families, many others run into a roadblock at Halloween due to their child’s allergies or other food intolerances. If you fall into this category, be sure to read Beth Fornauf’s The Trick to a No-Treat Halloween . She offers ideas for planning a fun-filled Halloween night everyone can enjoy, and one that doesn’t revolve solely around the sweets. This year will be the first that our almost 14-year-old, Anna, won’t be staying home to trick-or-treat with our family. As much as I have tried to convince her that walking around with her 3-year-old sister would be the most fun, she isn’t buying it. She will be spending Halloween with her friends this year, and I’m okay with that. I have a feeling that if she stays home with us, she will wind up on Facebook and Instagram in short order after the trick-or-treating ends. Social media is in full force around the Watson house and we are doing our best to set proper limits and keep a watchful eye. As I’ve told many of my friends, it sometimes feels like a losing battle trying to protect our kids from cyberspace; almost like it’s the unwelcome visitor that continues to show up again and again. Jason and I have definitely learned over the last few years of raising teenagers that technology and social media aren’t going anywhere, so we need to embrace it the best we can and be smart parents...only allowing what we feel is appropriate and making sure the kids stay connected in “face to face” relationships, not just “screen to screen.” If you are in the trenches with us on this topic, be sure to read this month’s article,

Teen Health: Can Social Media Be An Addiction? Other helpful articles in this issue of Montgomery Parents include 5 Things Effective Step Parents Know and Mixing Your Fall and Summer Fashions, plus a packed Family Calendar. Thank you for allowing us to be a resource for your family each month...it is truly our pleasure! Please share your copy of Montgomery Parents with a friend and have a wonderful October!

DeAnne

deanne@montgomeryparents.com

Montgomery Parents I October 2014

The River Region’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

Founder Marty Watson (1950-2006) Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@montgomeryparents.com Associate Editor Alison Rouse Research Editor Wendy McCollum Contributing Writers Spence Agee Margaret Allen Karen Doles, M.D. Beth Fornauf Laura Handey Christa Melnyk Hines Dr. Jeff Langham Laura Reagan-Porras John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography Lori Mercer Photography www.lorimercerphotography.com

Publisher Jason Watson jason@montgomeryparents.com Associate Publisher Savannah Bowden Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson (334) 213-7940 ext. 703 ads@montgomeryparents.com Ad Design Tim Welch Member

Montgomery Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing LLC, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, Alabama, 36123. Montgomery Parents is copyrighted 2014 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. opinions expressed in Montgomery Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

Usually Compliant Son Exhibiting Defiant Behavior at Preschool Q: For the past few months, our usually compliant 4-year-old son has been having problems with defiant behavior at school. He often refuses to do what he is told by the teacher. What concerns us even more, however, is that he has recently had two episodes of aggressive behavior toward other children, both very well-behaved girls, and both during snack time. In the first incident, he stabbed a girl with a plastic fork when she said something he didn’t like. The second incident occurred when he pushed a girl over some minor territorial dispute. When confronted by the teacher or us, he is very aware that these behaviors are not okay. We’re at a loss as to why they have occurred in the first place and not clear on how to handle them. A: Asking why a child is misbehaving in a certain way can be very distracting if not downright confusing. In most cases,

Montgomery Parents I October 2014

any answer is going to be speculative. Furthermore, ten psychologists are going to come up with at least six different speculations, five of which are going to be plausible. That being said, I will speculate. First, boys by nature are more aggressive than girls. Second, boys by nature are impulsive. Third, boys are more likely to respond physically rather than verbally to conflict. Girls talk; boys fight. Add those together and you get a boy who stabs a girl who says something he perceives as provocative and aggressively defends his territory (or what he thinks is his territory) when it is “violated.” Problems in preschool, when there are no such problems elsewhere, can indicate a mismatch between the child and the program. Defiance may be a child’s reaction to an impatient teacher or an overly structured classroom (the rather ubiquitous result of over-regulation). If that’s the case, behavior problems may miraculously disappear with a new school year. But even if the teacher has an authority issue, you should support her ex-

pectations and discipline. Your son needs to see a unity between home and school. Setting that precedent is extremely important to his future classroom success. A simple preventive approach to his aggression would involve having him sit by himself during snack time. If he’s aggressive in some other context, the teacher should immediately remove him from class and call you to come get him and take him home. At home, he should be confined to his room (stripped down, in advance, to bare essentials) for the remainder of the day and sent to bed early. Assuming there’s no more than meets the eye to the problem, that approach usually cures classroom aggression within a few weeks. Where his defiance is concerned, obtain a report from the teacher when you come to take him home. Every defiant incident at school should result in less privilege at home. One can result in no television; two incidents can result in early bedtime; and three can result in room confinement. Calm consistency on the part of both you and the teacher should minimize if not eliminate these problems in fairly short order. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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MPAC Events

Tickets are already on sale for the following shows at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Call 481-5100 or visit www.mpaconline.org.

Alabama Dance Theatre Presents Dracula

Auditions for Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells Wetumpka Depot Players October 5 at 5 p.m. & October 6 at 5 p.m. Casting boys and girls ages 12 and above and four adult roles. Production runs the week of December 8 and those cast must be available for weekday performances. Directed by Kristy Meanor.

Oct. 30; Nov. 1 & 2 This masterpiece production, staged at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival on the Festival Stage, will thrill audiences with special effects, lavish costumes, and breathtaking scenery. Philip Feeney’s score illuminates Bram Stoker’s classic novel with incredible clarity and breathes new life into this timeless story. Performances are Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 1 at 7:30 pm. and Nov. 2 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale October 13 and range in price from $15-$30. Tickets can be purchased online at at ASF.net or at the ASF box office (334) 271-5353. For more info on classes, performances, or tickets visit www.alabamadancetheatre.com or call (334) 241-2590. ** The Alabama Dance Theatre invites military families to attend a special dress rehearsal of Dracula Wednesday, October 29, at 7:30 p.m. ** In addition, a special children’s matinee of Mistletoe will be held Saturday, November 1, at 2:30 p.m. and will feature “Favorite Dances of Christmas.” Following the performance, children will have an opportunity to meet the dancers and take photos.

Haunted Montgomery Walking Tours

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker

Audition to Dance with Moscow Ballet! For ages 7-16 Wednesday, October 8, from 6-9 p.m. Register at Nutcracker.com/audition Tonya Speed Dance Connection 3370 Harrison Rd., Montgomery Call 334-277-1098 or e-mail ucantap2@ charter.net Performance will be held Tuesday, November 25, at 7 p.m. at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Montgomery Parents I October 2014

Fridays & Saturdays beginning at 9 p.m. through October 31 For those interested in the colorful but somewhat hidden history of Montgomery. Quite a few of the stories on this tour include historical elements as well as some of the more famous hauntings downtown. Reservations required. (Please schedule at least 24 hours in advance). All tours are walking tours so please wear comfortable walking shoes. Tours are as weather permits. Afternoon tours are available by request. Admission is $15 per adult and $10 per child under 12. (Cash only; payment is collected at site of start of tour). Please call (334) 595-8243 or e-mail HauntedMontgomeryTours@gmail.com to reserve a tour. More info available on www.hauntedmontgomerytours.com. 10

CHICAGO the Broadway Musical Oct. 13 & 14 @ 7:30 p.m. Winner Of Six 1997 Tony Awards Including Best Musical Revival Alice Cooper October 17 @ 8 p.m. Tickets: $65, $55, $40, $30 Comedy Central Presents BILL COSBY October 24 @ 8 p.m. Tickets begin at $47. Black Jacket Symphony Presents Michael Jackson’s “THRILLER” November 1 @ 8 p.m. Ticket prices begin at $29

Sesame Street “Make a New Friend” Wednesday, November 12 10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $17. Elmo, Grover, Abby Cadabby, and their Sesame Street friends welcome Chamki, Grover’s friend from India, to Sesame Street. Together, they explore the universal fun of friendship and celebrate cultural similarities, from singing and dancing, to sharing cookies! Join the fun and make a memory with your friends and family!

Steven Curtis Chapman December 2 @ 7 p.m. Baptist Health Foundation sponsors this fun, family-oriented Christmas event that benefits Baptist Hospice. Tickets begin at $27. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Sunday Fundays at Hampstead

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October 5 * 2-5 p.m. Bring your kids, friends, pets & picnics & join us every first Sunday in the fall for FREE family fun at the Great Lawn at Hampstead Lake. Enjoy live music & lawn games! For more info, call (334) 2706730 or visit www.hampsteadliving.com.

Capri Classics Presents E.T.

October 16 @ 7:30 p.m. E.T. tells the story of a troubled child who summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape Earth and return to his homeworld. For info, visit www.capritheatre.org.

Montgomery ZooBoo

October 16-31 Enjoy games, bouncy castles, concessions and much more at Zoo Boo. Climb aboard the Haunted Hay Ride or mosey on over to the Pumpkin Pull for a good, ole fashioned, non-scary, traditional hay ride. Gates open nightly at 6 p.m. For details, visit www.montgomeryzoo.com.

Junior League’s 26th Annual Holiday Market

October 16-18 Montgomery Renaissance. Preview Party Oct. 15 from 6-9 p.m. Hours Oct. 16-17 from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Oct. 18 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Ticket outlet locations include: Eastdale Mall Info Desk, My Kids Attic, GiGi’s Cupcakes (Montgomery & Prattville locations), Montgomery Visitor’s Center, Barb’s on Mulberry and Stivers Ford. For more info, call 2888816 or visit www.jlmontgomery.org.

Old Alabama Town Tavern Fest

October 17 @ 6 p.m. The streets come alive at our annual fundraiser, with craft beer, wine tastings, live music, tasty tavern fare by Jennie Weller Catering, a silent auction, dancing and more! Be a volunteer and get in free! Tickets on sale at Old Alabama Town. $10 advance or $15 at the gate. Music by the Courtyard Saints. For more info, call 240-4500 or visit www.oldalabamatown.com.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Flu Shot Season! Did you know every year an average of 20,000 children under the age of five years are hospitalized due to complications of the flu? Flu seasons vary in severity, but some children will die every year from the flu. Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. It can be difficult to distinguish from a cold. In general, flu symptoms tend to be more severe, start abruptly, and include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache,fatigue, and occasionally vomiting and diarrhea. Common cold symptoms are more mild and often come on gradually. Congestion or runny nose tend to be hallmarks of a cold, whereas body aches and fever are more common in flu. Flu is highly contagious. It is spread mainly through respiratory droplets. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, the droplets land in mouths or noses or are inhaled into the lungs of others up to six feet away... Gross, right?! Flu is contagious even

before symptoms develop, so if your child is playing with another apparently healthy child who comes down with the flu the following day, your child was exposed. So, how can we protect our children from getting the flu? The absolute best way to protect against the flu is to get a seasonal flu vaccine every year. The recommendation is now that EVERYONE over the age of six months get a yearly flu shot. It is especially important that children under five and those with chronic illnesses get the vaccine, as these children are at highest risk for complications from the flu. It is recommended to get the vaccine as soon as it is available in your community. Most doctor’s offices receive it in late August and begin vaccinating in early September. There are two types of flu vaccines available for children: traditional flu shots, which contain inactivated or killed viruses and a nasal spray containing live, attenuated (weakened) viruses. For children 2 years and older, the nose spray is the preferred route as long as the child has no chronic medical problems or a history of wheezing. It is NOT possible to get the flu from the flu vaccine. It

takes about two weeks after vaccination to build immunity, so don’t wait! Get the vaccine when it becomes available! Children eight years of age and under who have not had a prior flu vaccine require two doses, given four weeks or more apart. The first dose primes the immune system, while the second dose provides immune protection after two weeks. So, it takes a total of six weeks and two vaccines to build immunity in a young child receiving vaccine for the first time. Receiving only one dose in a child who is recommended to have two leaves the child vulnerable to catching the flu. Infants under six months are not able to receive the flu vaccine. It is our job as a community to protect these young babies by vaccinating everyone around them. Imagine holding a friend’s baby, then coming down with the flu the following day. That baby has now been exposed and is at extremely high risk of hospitalization and flu complications. Anyone who will be around young children and babies needs to be vaccinated to protect our most vulnerable from getting ill. Call your child’s doctor today and schedule the flu vaccine! Dr. Karen Doles is a board certified pediatrician practicing at Professional Pediatrics in Montgomery, Alabama. She completed her medical degree at the University of Tennessee in Memphis, and her residency at State University of New York in Buffalo. She lives in Montgomery with her husband and three children.

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When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking An unknown author wrote a poem entitled “When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking” that is the message at the heart of a new campaign that Montgomery Public Schools will soon present to our community. The Be There campaign emphasizes to parents the truth that they are their child’s first and most important teacher. Children learn through observation of everyday occurrences at home and in the community. When parents add planned and purposeful involvement in family activities, the ordinary can have a phenomenal and positive impact. Whether planned or impromptu, everyday tasks can become

Montgomery Parents I October 2014

learning opportunities to give children practical applications of lessons learned in school, important life skills, and good feelings about being a part of the family. The poem emphasizes the impact parents’ actions and activities can have on a child: When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I leaned that the little things can be the special things in life. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to take care of each other. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don’t. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

The poem continues on and reminds us how even the most ordinary moments provide opportunities for us to have an extraordinary impact on our children’s character and their future. Just imagine the impact of planned and purposeful opportunities. As you see billboards (space donated by Lamar Advertising), TV public service announcements (provided by WSFA), along with posters and articles and other reminders, know that parents and schools are partners in a child’s education. While schools may teach algebra and how to dissect a frog, parents are at the center of a child’s education. We are encouraging parents to look for ways to Be There in a way school teachers can never be – when it counts the most. Allen began working for Montgomery Public Schools as a special education teacher in 1976. She holds administrative certification from Alabama State University, a masters of arts in early childhood, a masters of arts in early childhood/handicapped, and a bachelor’s of science in elementary education and special education – all from Auburn University Montgomery.

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M Montgomery County Schools

Eighteen Trinity Students Earn AP Scholar Awards

STJ Names National Merit Semifinalists

Saint James School seniors Phillip Davis and McLean Stewart have been named National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists, a prestigious honor awarded to only 16,000 students nationwide, from 1,500,000 entrants. These exceptional students join three recent Saint James honorees in as many years. Davis began attending Saint James in third grade. The STJ senior is considering three majors in college: linguistics, political science and philosophy. His college preference is Haverford College in Pennsylvania. An honor student at Saint James, he serves as editor-in-chief for the STJ newspaper and has worked diligently for three summers as a Duke TIP participant. Stewart began attending Saint James as a high school sophomore. His immediate plans include an electrical engineering major and communications or political science minor in college. Stewart’s top three universities are Auburn University, Duke University and Georgia Tech. Also an honor student at Saint James, Stewart is the Student Government vice president, the senior class treasurer, an active member in a variety of campus clubs, and has worked closely with the Saint James technology department for two years as a school tech assistant. Both students are highly decorated competitors on the Saint James Forensics Team. They have traveled the nation representing Saint James in their disciplines – Davis debates the affirmative or negative of a global issue and Stewart speaks extemporaneously on domestic politics and economics. Above from left, McLean Stewart and Phillip Davis are 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists. Montgomery Parents I October 2014

Eighteen Trinity Students have earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP Exams. The AP Program offers several AP Scholar Awards to recognize high school students who have demonstrated college-level achievement through AP course and exams. About 18 percent of the more than 1.9 million students worldwide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to also earn an AP Scholar Award. Recent Trinity graduates Regan Goocher, Hannah Green, Sarah Green and Ali Lincoln were named AP Scholars with Distinction by earning an average score of a least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scored 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. AP Scholar with Honor Awards were given to Trinity graduates Wesley Curles, Rebecca Murdoch and Anne Louise Teel by earning an average score of a least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scored 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. Eleven students earned an AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams with scores of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars are graduates Jack Albritton, Fox Carlson, Mary Elizabeth Newman, Caleb Redden, Jacob Redden and Den Trumbull; and current seniors Anna Gentry, Haley Gentry, Clayton Obarr, Michael Sellers and Emily Stone. Shown are Trinity senior students who qualified as AP Scholars with their AP scores as juniors: Clayton Obarr, Haley Gentry, Emily Stone, Anna Gentry and Michael Sellers.

Holy Cross Celebrates Annual Holy Cross Day

Holy Cross Episcopal School celebrated its 16th anniversary with its annual Holy Cross Day celebration Sept. 12. Students, families and community members gathered for a service followed by students releasing balloons in front of the chapel. Students released balloons with notes attached outside the landmark chapel after the formal celebration. The balloons in the past have traveled to neighboring areas and residents have called in with their findings. The Rt. Rev. John McKee Sloan, the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, presided over the celebration, which included a formal chapel service to recognize the school’s founders and a performance by the school’s show choir during a Holy Eucharist service. “It’s an honor to be here to celebrate Holy Cross Day and the Holy Cross School,” Rt. Rev. Sloan told attendees. “We gather to celebrate Holy Cross Day and this school and all the work that goes into it and all that is yet to be.” The school’s Holy Cross Day is held on or near Sept. 14, which is the churches’ Feast Day celebration of the same name. Benefactors Harold and William Nicrosi gifted the land on Bell Road to the school for its founding in 1998. The Nicrosis attend the annual event every year. Shown, Holy Cross Episcopal School students prepare to release balloons into the sky Sept. 12 for the school’s annual Holy Cross Day celebration. 16

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MA Holds Joint Charity Fundraiser for Children’s

Montgomery Academy Athletic Director Anthony McCall and Eddie Guth, his counterpart at Randolph School in Huntsville, successfully brainstormed a new fundraising event for charity. After a few years of wishing their football teams could play each other, they began planning seriously last spring to make their wish a reality. Once a date and countless other details were settled, and the field at Birmingham Southern College was secured, the plan went in a new direction: why not make the game a fundraiser? On August 29 Randolph and MA did indeed play football together. More importantly, they made a difference inthe lives of the young patients at Childrenʼs Hospital of Alabama. Along with the proceeds from admission charged at the game, Childrenʼs received help with the activities it plans for the patients at the hospital. Students in all three divisions of the Academy gathered crayons, coloring books, bubbles and all sorts of items involving superheroes and boxed them up for the trip to Birmingham. The afternoon of the game, the MA football team delivered the goodies to the hospital. Students toured the facility and learned about its programs and the work the hospital does. Though plans for several players to visit patients fell through, Will Sahlie was able to look in on patient Camp Hughes, the brother of an MA student. At halftime during the game MA Headmaster Dave Farace and Jay Rainey, Randolphʼs headmaster, presented a check to a representative from Childrenʼs of Alabama. The final amount of the donation hasnʼt been determined, but with the proceeds from the gate reaching $3800, and with some other funds to be collected, the total amount of money raised by the game could reach more than $5,000.

Success Unlimited Gets Double Vision!

When school started back at Success Unlimited Academy, students in Ms. Felder’s and Mrs. Watson’s Achiever’s 1 Class thought for a moment they were having “double vision!” Identical twins and sixth-grade students, Kyle and Khalil Jackson, are bringing excitement to the new K-7 Vaughn Road Campus. “Kyle and Khalil are the first set of identical twins I have ever had the privilege to have in my classroom,” exclaimed Ms. Felder. “I have been teaching for 40 years and this is a treat! Kyle and Khalil are a wonderful addition to our SUA family. I know they will bring ‘double blessings’ this year!”

ALL THINGS POSSIBLE A R E

Whether you dream of being a surgeon or a kindergarten teacher, Alabama Christian Academy offers the educational foundation for future success. In addition to top-notch academic programs (including a 2014 National Merit Scholarship Winner), the award-winning fine arts programs, athletic teams and spiritual emphasis, ensure that graduates are ready to both lead and serve. 3 3 4 . 2 7 7. 19 8 5

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Thrive in Wisdom. Serve in Spirit. 17

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Montgomery County Schools

Cornerstone Holds Teambuilding Retreat

With the beginning of the new school year, upper school students at Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy enjoyed a teambuilding retreat organized and supervised by upper school teachers Lee Gonet and Robbie Stewart. The girls enjoyed the day swimming and visiting at Gonet’s home in Tallassee while the guys hiked and swam at Chewacla State Park. Organizer Robbie Stewart explained the rationale behind the retreat. “One of the distinctive features of Cornerstone is the family atmosphere of the school. We attempt to foster this among our families and our students. The retreat is a great opportunity to get to know and enjoy one another outside of a classroom setting. It is wonderful to see our high school students reach out and befriend the middle school students.” In addition to the physical activities and the fellowship, the students participated in a Bible study on Ephesians 4:1-3, this year’s theme verses for Cornerstone.

MLK Staff Member Retires in Style

Students at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary bode a fond farewell to Mr. Jerome McBride, one of the school’s long-time cafeteria workers, after 38 years of service to the school. McBride was known for his strong work ethic, willingness to help others and his compassion toward students and staff. While working at MLK he always used public transportation, but on his last day at the school, he was driven home in a limousine.... retiring with style!

Montgomery Parents I October 2014

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Catholic Seventh-Graders Qualify for Duke TIP

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School had 18 seventh-graders qualify for the the Duke University Talent Identification Program for the 2014-15 academic year. The 7th Grade Talent Search, which focuses on the identification, recognition and support of highability students, offers qualifying seventh-grade students the opportunity to take college entrance exams alongside high school students. Many 7th Grade Talent Search participants go on to earn exceptionally high scores. Those who qualified are: Jack Allen, Tanner Carter, Nathan Downes, Lanie Doyle, Jason Flowers, Sophia Izer, Whitney Jackim, Savannah Johnson, Scott Nation, Katherine O’Connor, Charlie O’Donnell, Katie Rose Perkins, Cole Pierce, Michael Russo, Anna Sadie, Hannah Vaccaro, Patrick Whetstone and Clare Wilson.

Doug Prater has assumed the role of Alabama Christian Academy Secondary Principal effective July 1. Prater graduated from the University of Alabama, where he played football under Coach “Bear” Bryant. He began his career in education at thenAlabama Christian College in the early 1980s as a teacher and head football coach. He taught in public education for several years and returned to Alabama Christian Academy in the mid-1990s to serve as the assistant principal. Prater also served as the principal at Brewton Middle School in Brewton, Alabama for 13 years before retiring from public education. Most recently, he was at Prattville Christian Academy where he taught Bible classes and coached football. Prater is a member of the Landmark Church of Christ.

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Montgomery County Schools

Evangel Christian Academy Hosts ‘Meet the Lions’ Event

Evangel Christian Academy’s Booster Club hosted its annual “Meet the Lions” event in conjunction with Open House. ECA students and parents were invited to meet the fall athletes and coaches for the 2014 – 2015 school year. Guests were introduced to the varsity and junior high girls’ volleyball teams as well as the ECA Lions football team. Also introduced were the cheerleading squad and “Pom Pom” squad.

Trinity Middle School Volleyball Team Wins Mayor’s Cup

The Trinity Middle School Volleyball Team won the 2014 Capital City Mayor’s Cup in their division August 30 at the multipurpose facility at Cramton Bowl. The Lady Wildcats defeated Montgomery Academy 15-25, 25-14, 15-11 in the final round of the tournament to bring home the championship cup.

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Macon East Cheerleaders Earn State Runner-Up

The Macon East Academy varsity and JV cheerleading squads recently participated in the Alabama Independent School Association State Cheer & Dance competition. The annual event took place August 23 at the Montgomery Multiplex and included cheer and dance teams from across the state. Each of the routines included required elements of stunts, tumbling, cheer and dance. The Macon East Junior Varsity squad executed a flawless routine and received the State Runner-up trophy in the 2A division. JV team members shown above, front row from left, are Isabella Fagan, Emily Claire Lott, Ansley Gourlay, Calley Bocchino, Spencer Lindemood and Rachel Sargent; back row, Caitlin Martin, Kayla Boroff and Taylor Ann Surles. Varsity cheer team below includes, front row from left, Rai Pritchett, Carly Boutreis, Paxton Searle and Alex Wyrosdick; and back row, Morgan Long, Kenzie Gourlay, Cameron Redding, Taylor Jackson and Dallas Sanders.

Cornerstone Hosts Back To School Fellowship

Ida Belle Young Park was the site of Cornerstone Classical Christian Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Back to School Fellowship in August. The school welcomed new and returning families with a picnic dinner and games. Many of the families enjoyed a relaxing opportunity to renew friendships after the summer vacation. Anticipating a blessed year, Cornerstone parents and students also gathered for prayer by classes. Fathers of the students led in the prayer time and each family left with a prayer guide listing specific school requests. 21

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STJ Forensics Team On the Road to Success

Eastwood Gets Back to School

Eastwood Christian Upper School students enjoyed a Back to School Bash in August. Shown in front of Braden Lee’s “Doodle Bug” are Katherine Schroeder, Kaylie Williamson, Jan-Mikael Johnson and Brianna Spiers. Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@ montgomeryparents.com. It’s FREE!

Directed by Dr. Ian Turnipseed, the Saint James School Forensics Team continues to perform exceptionally well as the new year begins. The team began the competition season with great success, placing overall 15th out of 60 top-ranked schools in the nation at the Wake Forest University tournament September 12-14. Saint James freshman Mary Catherine Rogers was a semi-finalist in Dramatic Interpretation. Senior Michael Fritz, junior Erika Aho and sophomore Cassidy Duncan each made quarter-finals in Humorous Interpretation. Junior Bradley Wascher was a quarter-finalist in Extemporaneous Speaking and senior Philip Davis was a double-octo-finalist in Lincoln Douglas Debate. Front row from left are freshman Hannah Yost; senior Phillip Davis; sophomore Cassidy Duncan; senior McLean Stewart; freshman Mary Catherine Rogers; senior Michael Fritz; junior Bradley Wascher; junior Erika Aho; senior Pearce Barringer; and back row: senior Rebecca Franckowiak; senior Justin Lee; sophomore Mason Edwards; sophomore Gibeom Kim; and junior Kat Rump.

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Montgomery Parents I October 2014

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MA Students Named Nat’l Merit Semifinalists

Miso Kim, Nora Newcomb and Scott Simmons, all seniors at The Montgomery Academy, have been named Semifinalists in the 2015 National Merit Scholarship competition, a privately funded national academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. Kim, an accomplished artist, is also a committed community volunteer. She was named Most Outstanding Youth Volunteer by Hands on River Region, volunteers with Camp Sunshine, the Humane Shelter, Volunteers in Action and is a part of Bridge Builders of Alabama. She is also a member of the Cum Laude Honor Society and is the founding member of the Academy’s Future Business Leaders of America Club. Newcomb is an active member of The Montgomery Academy’s theater program, having performed in numerous productions and assisted as stage manager and production assistant in others. Combining her love for the arts with community service, Newcomb is a member of the Art of Charity club. Over the summer, Newcomb, who loves science, participated in research at the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s School of Medicine, and was the only high school student in the lab and the only summer intern with her own research project. An honor roll athlete, Simmons has played two varsity sports at Montgomery Academy, is a member of Cum Laude and was recently recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction, having scored a 5 out of 5 on all AP exams taken. Simmons earned the Faculty Character Award in 2014 and was elected President of the Academy’s studentled Honor Council his senior year. He is also a team captain with the Academy’s nationally ranked Speech and Debate team. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and more than half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title. From left are Nora Newcomb, Scott Simmons and Miso Kim.

GOD HAS A PLAN AND A PURPOSE FOR ME

EVANGEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Evangel Christian Academy exists to partner with Christian parents to provide their child with a Christ-centered education. Our desire is to help each child achieve their God-given potential through providing activities designed to foster spiritual, academic and social growth. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord... Jeremiah 29:11

Accredited: AISA, SACS-CASI, & ACTS

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

F o r E v E r y G E n E r at i o n . Prattville First United Methodist Church • 100 E. 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 TRADITIO NAL W O RSH IP 8: 30 AM & 11: 00 A M SUNDAY SCH O O L 9: 45 AM TH E W ELL 11: 00 AM

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SUA’s New Building Open for Business

Macon East Welcomes New Faculty & Staff

Macon East Academy welcomes four new faculty and staff members for the 2014-2015 school year. Serving as IT Director, Marquese Lee lends his expertise to Macon East’s student iPad program. Kelly Newell joins the administrative staff as College & Career Counselor. Newell studied at Auburn University receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Human Development Family Studies and History, as well as a Masters of Education in Administration of Higher Education with a minor in Sports Management Administration. She also brings years of experience in college counseling. Erica Hammonds joins both the athletic staff and upper school faculty as the assistant girls’ basketball and volleyball coach and History, Civics, Geography and Health instructor. Coach Hammonds studied at Huntingdon College and Troy University. Ron Allison brings 23 years of teaching experience to Macon East and is currently teaching Algebra, Bible, and Civics. Allison holds a Bachelor of Science from UCLA, a Master of Education from the University of Southern California, and a Doctorate of Biblical Studies from Bethany Divinity College and Seminary. From left are: Marquese Lee, Kelley Newell, Erica Hammonds and Ron Allison.

Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@ montgomeryparents.com. It’s FREE! Montgomery Parents I October 2014

The Success Unlimited Academy K-7th grade classes are now housed in a newly renovated, state-of-the-art facility on the corner of Vaughn Road and Fairlane Drive. The seventh grade has grown to more than four times its size since the last school year. It is fitting that with so many “new kids” that we would also be on a “new block.” Saying good-bye to summertime activities is never easy, but with such a fine, fresh and newly designed school building to call our own, that transition has been much nicer. The seventh-grade students were asked to respond to the following question: “What do you like about SUA?” Mrs. Clinton’s and Mrs. James’s students were eager to answer. “The teachers connect with you!” said Calvin Martin. “There is no drama or bullying and I feel safe,” said Jaylen Carthen. Success Unlimited is off to a grand start and a great new year!

Catholic Middle Schoolers Win Auburn AMP’ed Challenge

The Montgomery Catholic Middle School participated in the Auburn Mathematical Puzzle Challenge (AMP’ed) September 13 at Auburn University. The MCPS team brought home first place for the third year in a row. The Montgomery Catholic students who competed were eighth-graders Emily Talbot and Isabelle Dubon, and seventh-graders Jason Flowers, Ashley Hayes, Savannah Johnson, Scott Nation, Katie Perkins and Clare Wilson. The team sponsors are Catholic Middle School math teachers Julie Flowers and Tricette Savage.

CCCA’s ‘Life Outside the Box’ Campaign A Success

Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy began the school year with a class competition to assist students and school families in reducing their amount of screen time. For two weeks the students recorded their daily screen time comparing it to their average daily time spent prior to the beginning of the campaign. A pizza lunch was the reward to the class in the elementary and the family group in the upper school that reduced their screen time by the greatest percentage. “We wanted to emphasize in a fun way that students who spend an inordinate amount of time in front of a screen reduce their ability to concentrate, focus and retain information. Our campaign provided a light-hearted way for us to turn our attention toward this critical issue,” said Principal Priscilla Stewart. At the end of the two-week period, students in the third- and fourth-grade classes had tied with a reduction in screen time of 95%. Upper school students in the family group led by senior Joy Scott and freshman Crispin South had reduced their screen time by 85%. “I believe that our families enjoyed the challenge and had an opportunity to examine their own media habits,” Stewart further commented. “One of the great side benefits to our campaign was the opportunity for families to reconnect with one another in productive and meaningful ways.” For a list of creative ways to reduce your family’s screen time and/or use technology in more creative ways, please visit www.ccamontgomery.org for a list of opportunities presented to Cornerstone families. 24

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ACA Alumni Named to Auburn Cheer Squad

Trinity’s Gingerbread Man Runs Loose at School!

Grandparents and grandchildren were invited to the Trinity Lower School Library for a time of storytelling and treats August 26. More than 25 pre-school children attended “Grand Story Hour” with their parents or grandparents. The children completed a special gingerbread craft and enjoyed beautifully decorated Trinitythemed cookies. Afterward, Middle/Upper School Media Center Director and storyteller extraordinaire, Linda Hastey, read The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School to a captivated audience. Each child left with a big smile and a wrapped favor, which included a red, white and blue gingerbread man and a box of crayons. Karlie Henderson is shown creating her gingerbread man.

Two Alabama Christian Academy alumni, Brian Head and Luke Morris, were named to the 2014-2015 Auburn University cheer squad. Head and Morris are both 2013 ACA graduates and had active athletic careers while at ACA. Head played for the Eagles baseball team and was the school’s assistant athletic trainer. He is majoring in Business at Auburn. Morris was a member and captain of the Eagles football team and also played on the school’s soccer team and competed in track & field. He is majoring in Marine Biology at Auburn. As members of the Auburn University cheer squad, Head and Morris will cheer at Auburn football, men’s and women’s basketball, gymnastics and volleyball games in addition to assisting the Auburn Sports marketing department at all home soccer and swimming and diving meets. According to the AU Cheer website, cheerleaders are also active in community service events including reading and helping with pep rallies in local elementary schools and helping in local nursing homes. From left, ACA Alumni Luke Morris and Brian Head are shown here with their Auburn University cheer counterparts and Aubie, the AU Mascot. Pictures shown are courtesy of Auburn University and Auburn Athletics.

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Duke TIP Program Selects 7th Grade Students at Trinity Thirty Trinity School seventh-graders were selected to participate in the Duke TIP Talent Search based on their scores in the 95th percentile or higher on one or more of the subtests on either of their two most recent standardized achievement, aptitude, or mental ability tests. The 7th Grade Talent Search helps educators and families find out how advanced their students’ abilities truly are and what level of educational challenge is appropriate. Eligible 7th-graders are invited to take either the ACT or SAT college entrance exams, which allows them greater insight into their abilities and also provided them with valuable benefits and resources. Seventh-graders selected include: Ivy Bopp, Chase Bulmer, Melanie Beth Cawthon, Scott Chesnutt, Mary Curles, Colton Fuller, Kyle Fuller, Taylor Griggs, Carsyn Hawkins, Tate Holley, Kyle Kyser, Jack Loftis, Patrick Martin, Mat Mathison, Graham Meldrum, Coleman Morris, Georgia Mracek, Chad Norris, Lauren Pace, Caroline Parkman, Annie Roth, Gray Rutland, Griffin Sanders, Anna Grace Scott, Rylee Scully, Riley Sims, Ellie Slawson, Anna Claire Slay, Rylee Tucker and Benton Willis.

McMillan Students Raise Awareness for World Hunger

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As part of their IB component, students at MacMillan International Baccalaureate Magnet school will be helping to raise awareness for world hunger. Throughout the month of October MIB students will be trick-or-treating for Unicef by collecting money for children in need from other countries. To find out more information please go to the website www.unicefusa.org/mission/usa/trick-or-treat.

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RAISE THEIR ACT SCORE! As the competition stiffens for your child to be accepted to the college of their choice, you must prepare them to tackle the ACT test. In our ACT Review courses, your child will learn how to approach standardized tests by learning accuracy, timing, what to study, and how to reduce test anxiety. The review covers mathematics, reading and language arts, and science reasoning. All materials are included.

“This class helped my daughter so much that her overall score went up 5 points! Her sub scores improved from 4-7 points each. The program not only helped her improve but gave her the confidence she needed to tackle this test. She now has scholarship money to major universities. We are so glad we encouraged her to try this course! Thanks again!” - Robin Greenberg Montgomery Parents I October 2014

ACT Complete Review Oct 6-23 : 6-8 p.m. : Mon-Thu : $309 ACT Science Review Oct 6-9 : 6-8 p.m. : Mon-Thu : $109 ACT Math Review Oct 13-16 : 6-8 p.m. : Mon-Thu : $109 ACT Language Review Oct 20-23 : 6-8 p.m. : Mon-Thu : $109

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Saint James Dedicates Press Box to J.R. Brown

The Saint James School community came together September 12 to dedicate the stadium press box to 1980 alumni J.R. Brown. In a half-time ceremony, Head of School Melba Richardson, Board of Director Chair Helena Duncan, Saint James Athletic Director Jerry Browning, and former Saint James board member Frank Woodson presented a Remington bust and plaque to Brown prior to unveiling the new press box signage. The plaque presented to Brown reads, “In recognition and appreciation for your outstanding service and dedication to Saint James Athletics, Saint James School, Montgomery, Alabama.” The Remington bust was donated by the Beasley Allen Law Firm and presented by firm principal Frank Woodson. The new press box signage honors Brown now known as the “J.R. Brown Pressbox.” “In addition to the website J.R. created for reporting the history and stats of STJ athletics, he has also spent numerous hours announcing ballgames, both football and basketball games, operating the clock, and numerous other volunteer jobs for our athletic program,” said Head of School Melba Richardson. “It is simply impossible to calculate the hours J.R. Brown has devoted to Saint James School athletic events.” Brown graduated from Saint James School in 1980 and continued his education at The University of Alabama. Brown returned home to Montgomery after college and for almost 30 years has been a vital part of the Saint James athletic program. From left are Saint James School Athletic Director Jerry Browning, Board of Director Chair Helena Duncan, Honoree J.R. Brown, Head of School Melba Richardson and former Saint James board member Frank Woodson.

Cornerstone Students Participate In Dual Enrollment

Seniors at Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy have the pleasure of attending Faulkner University this fall as part of the school’s dual enrollment program. They are currently enrolled in an American government class. “The dual enrollment program is a natural extension of the learning experience for our older students,” said Cornerstone’s Principal Priscilla Stewart. “We have appreciated our partnership with Faulkner University over the past four years. The classes that our students have taken have been excellent and allowed us to expand our academic offering. Most of our seniors graduate with a minimum of twelve hours of college credit. Our graduates have considered this a blessing as they have pursued college upon leaving Cornerstone.” Cornerstone offers its students a Christ-centered worldview curriculum that presents all subject matter as part of an integrated whole. The class of 2015 graduating in May is Cornerstone’s fourth graduating class. 27

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SUSPECTED CONCUSSION A concussion is an injury caused by a blow to the head in which the brain moves rapidly and may collide with the inside of the skull.

MA’s Athletic Program Nationally Ranked

Following a remarkable year in athletics capturing state titles in boys’ cross country, boys’ tennis, girls’ cross country, girls’ soccer, girls’ track and volleyball, The Montgomery Academy finished in the nation’s Top 25 in the CBS MaxPreps Cup all-sports ranking of athletic programs. MA was ranked number 24 and was one of only two schools in the state of Alabama to be in the Top 25. The rankings are determined by awarding points for finishing first or second at the state level. The number of points received for each championship is determined by multiple factors including the size of the school, the size of the state, and the type of sport. Montgomery Academy accumulated 648 points in the 2013-2014 school year.

Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior. Any athlete with a suspected concussion:

n Should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY n Should be urgently assessed medically n Should not be left alone n Should not drive a motor vehicle

SUA Welcomes New Classroom Assistant

www.ChildrensAL.org/concussion In case of medical emergency, call 911 or go directly to your local ER

Montgomery Parents I October 2014

The eighth-grade class at Success Unlimited Academy is happy to welcome classroom assistant Cadyn Watson. She will be lending a helping hand to students and teacher Sharion Vandervort. Watson graduated from LAMP, attended Auburn University of Montgomery, and graduated from Columbus State University. Her talent of organization has already been very beneficial. She has many artistic gifts that have been showcased as well.

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Alabama Christian Academy fourth-grade students were able to learn about science through an interactive demonstration and from a visit with AUM scientist Dr. Robert Estes. While studying a unit on “Living Things” in science classes, the fourth-grade students at ACA have learned about animal and plant cells, including the cell parts and their function. To encourage students in this task, Allison Sansom’s class used different types of candy and jello to make edible cells. This edible demonstration was supplemented by a visit with AUM professor and scientist, Dr. Robert Estes, who brought replicas and models of cells and their parts to further illustrate the lessons from the unit. Through these demonstrations and interactive lessons, the students incorporated creative thinking skills and learned while having fun. Fourth-graders Zeph Key and Sanders Manning display a model of a cell during the demonstration by Dr. Estes.

Eastwood Celebrates Summer Reading On August 22, Eastwood Christian School students in grades K4 through six celebrated summer reading with a Nancy’s Italian Ice party. The parents joined the first- through sixth-grade students later in the morning for the summer reading awards ceremony. The first-, second- and third-place readers in each grade received Books-A-Million gift cards. First-grade winners were: Caroline MacLeod, Rebekah Lucas and Matt Hodges; second grade were: Abbie Ensminger, Andrew Ensminger and a three-way tie for third place between Andrew Ewald, Johnny Hodges and Emma Hawkins; third grade were: Molly Katherine Mauney, Kathryn Kirkland and a two-way tie for third place between Anna Beth Coon and Emma Sonnichsen; fourth grade were: William Givens, Kaleb Kirkland and Rose Lucas; fifth grade were: Parker Ensminger, Baillie Johnson and Josie Powe; and sixth grade were: Vivian Turnbull, Sarah Johnson and Trey Hawkins.

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Montgomery County Schools

Missionary to Turkey Visits Cornerstone Students

For several years, Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy has had a weekly prayer emphasis for the persecuted church around the world. Recently a visiting missionary from Turkey challenged Cornerstone students to continue that emphasis. The students learned that living in a predominately Muslim country is not without its challenges. The missionary spoke of his particular challenge to learn the language, form relationships with Turkish families and help his own children in their interactions with the Turkish community. The Cornerstone students were particularly motivated to remember the missionary’s children in prayer and other tangible ways. “I left chapel wondering if I would be able to be steadfast in my walk with Christ if I were surrounded by those that did not support my decision or did not understand my choices,” commented one of Cornerstone’s seventh-graders.

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Trinity Students Get Creative with ‘Design Thinking’ Elective

Saint James AP Scores Sail Above State, National Averages

In 2014, Saint James School students’ Advanced Placement exam averages once again sailed far above national, state and even global averages on the same tests. The classes are designed by the College Board as college-level coursework, and the material covered is fast-paced and intensive. All students who take the AP exams are graded with a score ranging from 1-5, with a 5 indicating “extremely well qualified to receive college credit” and a 1 representing “no recommendation to receive college credit.” Over the past five years, Saint James students have far surpassed the national and state AP scores consistently. This year alone, the number of Saint James AP students who scored a three or higher was nearly double the percentage of Alabama students who scored the same. Additionally, that same group of Saint James students soared by the global AP scores with 79% of STJ students scoring a 3 or above. The global results showed only 61.3% scoring a 3 or higher. “Students at Saint James are typically very competitive on the College Board exams, scoring well above the state and national averages,” says Academic Dean Susan Atkins. “We are so proud of these students and their teachers and all their efforts to excel in these challenging courses. Students enrolled in AP classes gain knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to college success.” Saint James School offers Advanced Placement courses in Art History, Art 2D Design, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, European History, Macroeconomics, Studio Art, U.S. History, and U.S. Politics and Government. Dr. Larry McLemore is shown with his 2014 AP U.S. History class. Over the past five years, more than 80% of students in McLemore’s classes have earned a score of 4 or 5 on their AP exams. Back row from left are: Anna Siddiq, Kiley Dunn, Arthur Frawley, Mikal Webb, Harrison Cunningham, Win Woodson, Michael Murphree and Nolan Fields; middle row: Hayden Cavanaugh, Justin Lee, Caitlin Hicks, Dr. Larry McLemore, Sadie Argo, McLean Stewart, Cassie Sadie, Jay Spivey, Blake Sanders and Price Everett; and front row: Daniel Lim, Phillip Davis, Margaret Ann Kreher and Lauren McGlon. Montgomery Parents I October 2014

The new “Design Thinking” elective for Trinity students, sometimes also referred to as “Divergent Thinking,” is all about a process of learning. It uses the DEEP process to produce creative solutions to everyday problems. Ultimately, it prepares students to think in ways they will need to perform successfully in future careers. The DEEP process stands for Discover, Empathize, Experiment, and Produce. During each step, students get closer and closer to a viable solution. Mrs. Whittington Black, along with several other Trinity faculty members and administrators, traveled last spring to Mount Vernon Presbyterian School’s Institute for Innovation in Sandy Springs, Georgia to witness first hand the power of this frame of learning. There she became inspired to develop this elective course for 8th and 9th graders and partnered with outgoing Curriculum Director Donna Siebenthaler and Middle/Upper School Principal Mike Zavada to make the concept a reality. Currently, the DT class is partnering with the school to find a solution to carpool congestion in the afternoons. Dean of Students Dann Cleveland and the class explored the campus, while discussing the current carpool procedures and the difficulties with traffic. The DT class says they are “up for the challenge!” Above, Upper School Dean of Students Dann Cleveland and the Design Thinking Class discussing the challenges of carpool. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Catholic’s Tyynismaa Smashes Racing Record

Success Unlimited Art Offers Creative Outlet

Sharion Vandervort’s eighth-grade students are able to expand their creativity under the leadership of Success Unlimited Academy’s resident art teacher, Maria Freedman. Recently, students showed off their artistic talent by making cave drawings to illustrate the history in the Neolithic age. The cave drawings were colorful and made interesting art pieces. Along with the fun task of drawing, the students also learned that cave dwellers had to be very accurate and skillful marksmen. Above, Jeffrey Flowers, Cole Lewis and Edric Thomas did an outstanding job and are proud of their accomplishments.

At the Providence Christian School Eagle Invitational Cross Country meet in Dothan September 6, Amaris Tyynismaa, an eighth-grader at Montgomery Catholic, shattered the meet and course record en route to leading the Knights to victory. Tyynismaa blazed to a first-place finish over the 5K course in 18:56.80, beating the previous record by almost two minutes. Close behind were teammates Katelyn Stark (22:32.45) in 2nd, Sarah Beth Littrell (23:37.32) in 6th, Carlye Schmidt (23:53.94) in 7th, and Grace Leslie (24:02.52) in 8th to capture the team title (24-50) over 7A power Enterprise and seven other schools. The heat and humidity did not stop the Catholic Boys’ team from taking home a trophy. Although Enterprise won the team title, 34-46, over Montgomery Catholic, the Racing Knights secured the silver token. Patrick Gregorius paced the Knights by finishing fourth in 19:48.77. He was followed by Devin Kelly (20:08.70) and Grant Walker (20:23.83) in 5th and 6th place. Winston Wright (21:12.22) and Hugh Walker (21:17.82) rounded out the team score for Catholic by finishing 15th and 16th. The Montgomery Catholic Cross Country team is coached by John Terino and assistant coach Brianna Lisenby. The Montgomery Catholic Cross Country Team members are: Ann Faulkner, Lacy Herbek, Grace Leslie, Sarah Beth Littrell, Katie Reeves, Carlye Schmidt, Madison Searcy, Chloe Smith, Katelyn Stark, Annabel Starrett, Amaris Tyynismaa, David Barber, Andrew Ellis, Patrick Gregorius, Kyle Hines, Ryan Janson, Devin Kelly, Angel Padilla, Daniel Reeves, Grant Walker, Hugh Walker and Winston Wright.

Knowledge is profitable because wisdom gives life to those who possess it. ECCLESIASTES 7:12

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At Montgomery Catholic, our students flourish in a rigorous academic environment designed to fully develop their individual God-given gifts — while strengthening their lifelong walk in the Christian faith. Enroll now by calling 334-272-7221 ext. 32, or visit www.montgomerycatholic.org. St. Bede Elementary Campus Holy Spirit Elementary Campus Middle School Campus High School Campus

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MA Administrator Explains Importance of Honor Code

Saint James Welcomes International Families Saint James School second-grade students Junghoon Han, Nicole Jung and Kara Kwon practice the order and the sounds of the letters of the English alphabet. To assist in their transition to Saint James, international students in grades PreK3 – 12 are provided one-on-one English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction by Natalie King. Each year, by the December school break, many of the STJ international students are proficient in conversational English.

As Middle School Director John McWilliams addressed the newest class of students to enter into The Montgomery Academy Honor Code system, he raised the question, “Why is the Honor Code important?” McWilliams explained that when students sign the Honor Code, they are “pledging a commitment to abide by the principles of the Honor Code- honor, character, service and leadership.” Although the honor system exists throughout MA’s Lower, Middle, and Upper School campuses, it is not until seventh grade that students are given the opportunity to run for a position on the Honor Council and represent their grade. “One of the core elements of any community is honor and trustworthiness,” McWilliams continued. “As a member of our MA community, each student is expected to live his life in a way that has a positive impact on others around him, holding himself to the highest standards in order to benefit the entire community and earn the respect of his peers.” The MA Honor Council is composed of students elected by their peers to administer the provisions of the Honor Code. Honor Council representatives are: Scott Simmons (president, 12th), Ashley Belcher (advisor), Eric Doh (7th), Hannah Hale (8th), Austyn Barnes and Brown Simmons (9th), Dora Eskridge and Ford Mozingo (10th), Anne Morgan Cousins and Allen Millsap (11th), Danielle Berlin and Ted Park (12th).

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Montgomery Parents I October 2014

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Eastwood Student Named Nat’l Merit Semifinalist

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Macon East Softball Team Receives Championship Rings

The annual Night with the Knights event began with yet another state champion’s ring presentation for the Lady Knights Softball team. The girls earned their third AISA 3A State Title last season. Their ring ceremony is becoming a tradition at the Night with the Knights athletic kick-off celebration. Finishing 47 and 7 on the season, the girls dominated the state tournament winning the championship game against Springwood Academy 11-1 with a grand slam by junior Cameron Redding. The 2014 team graduated just two seniors, Mary Kaylin Veach and Anna Marie Pugh. Both traveled back to MEA from their respective colleges to attend the ring presentation. Front row from left are Abby Adams, Deven Kennedy, Paxton Searle, Mary Kaylin Veach, Anna Marie Pugh, Mari Beth Baker, Meri Kathryn Bright and Susie Johnson; back row, Cameron Redding, Lexi Brantley, Bailey Singleton, Jordan Amerson, Jesi Garrett, Sommer Sears, Sydney Sears, Sarah Margaret Poundstone, Grace Allen and Cady Brown.

Eastwood Christian School’s Andy Russell has qualified as a Semifinalist in the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSP) and will continue in the competition for one of 7,600 scholarships totaling $33 million. As a Semifinalist, Russell is one of 16,000 other seniors who have achieved this honor from the 1.4 million students who took the qualifying test last October. NMSC was established in 1955, and scholarships are underwritten by its own funds and donations of approximately 440 business and higher education institutions that share a common goal of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions while encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.

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Join us for a celebration of God’s goodness through praise and worship, followed by a life-applicable Biblebased teaching by senior pastor John Schmidt via video. Come casual and enjoy our service that starts at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday at the Jim Wilson YMCA at New Park. Nursery and children’s program provided.

For more information contact our office at (334) 356-3076 or visit our website at centeringlives.com

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T Y Montgomery County Schools

ACA’s Bass Fishing Team Wins District Tournament

LAMP Students Serve In Community

Loveless Academic Magnet Program High seniors recently visited the Friendship Mission Women’s Shelter, The Salvation Army, Remount Park Cemetery, EAT South locations, and the E.D. Nixon Urban Garden for a day of service. Each year, LAMP partners with Hands on River Region to give our community four days of service. This year, each grade level has helped thirteen different organizations during September. Here, students Maddy White and Michele Nguyen help clean Remount Park Cemetery.

Alabama Christian Academy’s Bass Fishing Team recently won its first District Qualifying tournament at Lake Mitchell. In this tournament, student angler Justin Glass, below left, won first place with Wes Gallops, below right, bringing in the Big Fish of the Day. In the 2013-2014 school year, ACA joined the Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association (ASABFA) and after only one season, the team received a ticket to the ASBFA State Tournament. ACA is the first school in Montgomery to offer a Bass Fishing team for student athletes grades 7-12. The Bass Fishing Team provides opportunities to promote angler education, excellence in areas of leadership and personal and educational development, while fostering an appreciation of the great outdoors and the love of bass fishing. The team also protects and promotes the preservation of the sport’s natural resources by participating in community conservation projects and initiatives.

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Trinity’s Butler Named Young Music Educator Of The Year

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Trinity’s Director of Bands Gene Butler has been selected as the 2015 Outstanding Young Music Educator by The Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA). The AMEA is honoring Butler for his commitment and support of music education. Rusty Courson, President of the Alabama Bandmasters Association and Director of Bands at Smiths Station High School, nominated Butler for this distinguished award. Butler is in his fifth year at Trinity. Since his arrival as Director of Bands in 2010, the Trinity Band Program has grown from 39 students to 80 students this year. At Trinity, Butler teaches Fifth-Grade Beginning Band, Middle School Beginning Band, Middle School Concert Band, Marching Band, Symphonic Band and Music Technologies. He is currently serving on the Alabama Bandmaster’s Association Board of Directors as the Vice-Chairman for the Alabama Bandmaster’s Association District VI. The award will be presented to Butler at the annual AMEA state conference on January 23, 2015.

CCCA Holds Popsicle Party for Kindergarten

New Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy kindergarten students and their families were treated to a popsicle party on the school playground prior to the beginning of the school year. Under the supervision of Amy Gonzalez, the students and their parents enjoyed meeting one another, taking a tour of the school, spending some time in the kindergarten classroom and reviewing some of the expectations for the school year. “I have had the pleasure of being a Cornerstone parent but this is my first year as a Cornerstone teacher. I think that the popsicle party helped all of us overcome our first-day jitters,” laughed Gonzalez. During the school year the kindergarten students participate in a literature-based program that includes a study of world geography, basic phonics and math training.

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Montgomery County Schools

Forty-two MA Students Earn AP Scholar Awards

Seven ACA Students Awarded AP Scholars

Seven Alabama Christian Academy students qualified for the National AP Scholar Award in recognition of their exceptional achievement on Advanced Placement exams. Two of these seven students, Ivey Best and Steven Evans, were recipients of the AP Scholar with Honor award for scoring a 3 or higher on four or more exams. Best is a 2014 graduate of ACA and is currently a freshman at the University of Alabama. Evans also graduated in 2014 and is at Troy University this year. Both Best and Evans took AP exams in English Literature and Composition, European History, U.S. Government and U.S. History. Mitch Moody, ACAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Class of 2014 salutatorian, earned the recognition of AP Scholar with Distinction for receiving a 3.5 or higher on all AP exams taken, with a 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. Moody was also a National Merit Scholarship recipient and now attends Auburn University. He scored a 5, which is considered the maximum score, on three of his exams - English Literature and Composition, U.S. History and European History. Moody also took exams in U.S. Government and Calculus. Class of 2014 graduates Dalton Turner, Stewart Torode, Marlee Morgan (the 2014 valedictorian) and John Rodgers all received the AP Scholar recognition for scoring a 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. Rodgers and Morgan are both currently attending Auburn University, and Torode and Turner are freshmen at Auburn University - Montgomery. Shown above are Ivey Best and Marlee Morgan. Montgomery Parents I October 2014

A total of forty-two Montgomery Academy students have received recognition for their exceptional achievement on AP Exams. About 22 percent of the 2.2 million students worldwide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to also earn an AP Scholar Award. At The Montgomery Academy two students qualified for the National AP Scholar Award by earning an average score of 4 or higher on a five-point scale on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. These students, at right, are recent graduates William Haynes and John Ahn. Haynes is now a student at Princeton University and Ahn is attending the University of Notre Dame. Sixteen students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning 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. These students are John Ahn, Garrett Barnes, Justin Freeman, Kela Harrington, William Haynes, Ann Hester, Cody Jones, Elizabeth Kelly, Jacqueline Lee, Caroline Lester, Nora Newcomb, Anne Louise Pass, Lillian Roth, Scott Simmons, Rachel Warwick and William West. Eleven students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning 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. These students are Taylor Dockery, Ivey Henderson, Christine Hong, Benton Hughes, Miso Kim, Sam LaPlatney, Gaun Lee, Sarah Paige Massey, Hyun Shin, Patrick Thackston and Jillian Tinglin. Fifteen students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams with scores of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars are Dawson Buettner, Emmie Chambers, Michael Choi, Madeleine Flemming, Lilla Bea Granger, Brenna Katz, Victoria Kim, Elizabeth McGowin, John Thomas Monroe, Ted Park, Emily Pierce, Claire Rickard, Will Spain, Ken Ward and Julie Yoon. Of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award recipients at The Montgomery Academy, 21 are juniors. These students have at least one more year in which to complete collegelevel work and possibly earn a higher-level AP Scholar Award. Front row from left are Dawson Buettner, Nora Newcomb, Brenna Katz and Miso Kim. Second row from left are Christine Hong, Elizabeth McGowin, Jacqueline Lee, Jillian Tinglin and Emily Pierce. Back row are Sam LaPlatney, Cody Jones, Scott Simmons, John Thomas Monroe, Ted Park, Michael Choi, Patrick Thackston, Will Spain and Ken Ward. Not pictured: Taylor Dockery. 36

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Racing Knights Bring Home First Place from Invitational

On the shores of Oxford Lake at the 8th Annual Waffle House/Yellow Jackets Invitational, the Montgomery Catholic Cross Country team ordered up some of its best performances of the season. Eighth-grader Amaris Tyynismaa set a meet record for the third week in a row en route to another victory as she covered the 5000-meter course in a state-leading 18:01.77 time. As a team, the Catholic girls smothered the opposition by a score of 34-82 over host Oxford High School and seven other schools. In addition to Tyynismaa, the Racing Knights placed three other girls in the top ten: Katelyn Stark was fourth in 21:30.86, Sarah Beth Littrell seventh in 22:26.86, and Grace Leslie tenth in 22:53.02. Carlye Schmidt completed the team scoring by taking 12th in 23:08.40. Other Montgomery Catholic finishers were Annabel Starrett (15th), Chloe Smith (20th), Ann Faulkner (31st), Lacy Herbek (44th), and Madison Searcy (52nd). The Catholic Boys covered most of the opposition by finishing second to Gadsden City 34-66. Patrick Gregorius led the team with a fifth-place finish in 18:59.55. Devin Kelly also took home a medal with his eighthplace finish in 19:11.05. The remaining Racing nights to finish were Grant Walker (14th), Winston Wright (15th), Angel Padilla (24th), Hugh Walker (25th), Daniel Reeves (24th), David Barber (40th) and Kyle Hines (74th).

STJ Accepts Cold Water Challenge

On August 20, Head of Saint James School Melba Richardson accepted the ALS ice bucket challenge from STJ junior James Kelly, and in turn raised her ice bucket and challenged other local heads of school including Anne Ceasar of Catholic, Dave Farace of MA, Kerry Palmer of Trinity, and Ronnie Sewell of ACA. In addition to her center-of-campus display of being a GREAT sport, Richardson made a personal donation to the ALS Association.

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Montgomery County Schools

Evangel Students Show School Spirit and Pride

Evangel Christian Academy students recently gathered to form a “Lions Line” to show their pride and support for the school’s football team. Since the team was leaving to play its first game of the season, all of the students from kindergarten through 12th grade joined together to form a spirit line. Amid the shouts and cheers, the Lions proudly walked to their bus.

Success Unlimited Welcomes New Sixth-Grade Teacher

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Success Unlimited Academy welcomes Sharon Turman to the Mustang Family. Turman is teaching sixth grade at the new K-7 Vaughn Road Campus. She is a retired teacher from the Elmore County Public School System and brings a wealth of experience to SUA. “I am excited about my new adventure teaching sixth grade and tutoring at SUA,” Turman said. “The theme of my classroom is ‘Run the Race’ based on the book Running With the Giants by John Maxwell. My students are reminded daily that they need to avoid things that hinder them and get them off track, so they can run their ‘life’ race with perseverance.” Students have been assigned a character education project with the theme “One Person Can Make a Difference.” Turman will give prizes for the most creative, impressive, and inspirational posters.

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Nine Catholic Grads Named AP Scholars

Nine Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School 2014 graduates have earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition for their exceptional achievement on AP Exams while they were seniors at Catholic. The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program provides opportunities for motivated and prepared students to experience college-level courses while in high school, thereby fostering critical thinking and college persistence and success. Daniel Lobello and Maddie O’Mara each earned the title of AP Scholar with Distinction by earning an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and a score of 3 or higher on five or more of the exams. Andrea Hayes, Ryan Norris and Saraelizabeth Parker each earned the title of AP Scholar with Honor by earning 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. Four students earned the title of AP Scholar by completing three or more AP Exams with grades of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars are Alexandrea Micher, Anna Mills, Guillermo Ravelo and Sang Won Seo. Through more than 30 different college-level courses and exams, research has shown that AP students who score a 3 or higher on AP Exams typically experience greater academic success in college than students who do not participate in AP courses.

General Krulak Kicks Off Trinity’s Leadership Series

Gen. Charles “Chuck” Krulak, retired commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, former member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the current president of Birmingham-Southern College, addressed the student body of Trinity on August 20. A five-star General with two tours to Vietnam under his belt, General Krulak constantly surprised the students with his friendly and fun demeanor. He began his address with a story about his second tour to Vietnam. He spoke of a young Marine just seventeen years of age who became like a second son to him. The heart-wrenching story climaxed with the death of the young man. Through his story, General Krulak made the point about the difference anyone can make at a young age. He told the students repeatedly, “Don’t let anyone define you.” He also shared his motto for effective leadership. “If you want to be successful in life, be a man or woman of character.” He spoke of being selfless and having moral courage, and used an example that hit home with all of the students. In assessment of his three employers in the White House, he noted that one in particular was better prepared to lead, but that he had a character flaw that prevented him from reaching his full potential. Krulak was the first speaker in Trinity’s 2014-2015 Leadership Series, and he has set the bar high. A brief reception, allowing students and parents to interact with the speaker, follows each program in the Middle/Upper School Library. Krulak is shown with Trinity Upper School students. 39

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STEM Learning at Montgomery Academy

This year, the science lab at The Montgomery Academy Lower School will emphasize STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) involving hands-on learning and innovative thinking. STEM education â&#x20AC;&#x153;focuses on the four areas together not only because the skills and knowledge in each discipline are essential for student success, but also because these fields are deeply intertwined in the real world and in how students learn most effectively,â&#x20AC;? explains the California STEM Learning Network. At The Montgomery Academy Lower School, curiosity fuels the learning that takes place in the STEM Lab. STEM learning involves a holistic approach to teaching that equips young minds with the skills and thought processes needed in order to make sense of an ever-changing world. Plans for the year include a partnership with E.A.T. South to begin a school garden to help develop an understanding of sustainability and collaboration with the technology department to create a curriculum involving computer coding. Engineering challenges between courses will also be a highlight of the STEM approach. For example, after exploring the advantages of different bird beaks while studying animal adaptation in the classroom and learning that migratory birds must be able to store large amounts of food in order to safely cross large bodies of water, third-grade students will design and construct a bird beak that can hold the most food in a single try. Shown above, Montgomery Academy fourth-graders Kareena Singh and Sujung Kim work on a science experiment with owl pellets in the STEM lab. Montgomery Parents I October 2014

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Saint James Commemorates Penning of National Anthem

CCCA Experiences Record Growth

The Saint James School student body and faculty gathered in the school quad September 15 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the penning of the Star Spangled Banner September 14, 1814. The ceremony was led by Sadie Argo, president of the Student Government Association, and Win Woodson, president of the senior class. Regent Andrea Harris of the Francis Marion Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented written history of this important song from the DAR to each elementary student along with a certificate of recognition to STJ Head of School Melba Richardson. The colors were presented by Color Guard Commander Tom Smith and members of The General Richard Montgomery Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. Rudy Ohme of The Exchange Club of Montgomery donated an American flag to each of the Saint James elementary students in honor of this celebration. The high school chorus, under the direction of Lis Donaldson, led the schoolwide singing of the national anthem, accompanied by the Saint James Band, directed by Susan Smith. The project was organized by elementary music teacher Kay Newman. For the past nine years, Saint James has been named a “National Anthem Project All Star School” in recognition of the school’s annual ceremony to honor the national anthem. All elementary students have studied the history and meaning of the song and continue to practice singing it in their music classes. STJ first-graders are shown with the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard Commander Tom Smith.

With the beginning of the new school year, Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy welcomed two new full-time staff members and a new class of kindergarten students. “We are excited about the new students that we have received into the school family over the past few months. It is a pleasure to meet like-minded parents who desire a Biblical worldview education for their children,” commented Principal Priscilla Stewart. New faculty includes kindergarten teacher Amy Gonzalez and fifth-grade teacher Melissa Price. Joining Cornerstone’s upper school faculty are part-time teachers Lee Sumner, Uduak Afangideh and Caitlyn Barnes. Instrumental in the selection of the new faculty was Cornerstone’s board of directors. “We are grateful for God’s blessing in the life of our school,” said board chairman Irvin Wells. “The addition of these quality faculty members is an opportunity for our school to further the academic program but more importantly provide greater emphasis on the Christian nurture and discipleship of our students. It is a great privilege to offer this opportunity to our school families.”

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We have had a great beginning to the school year, and I have made it around to check on the progress of all 9,600 students in Autauga County. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than watching our young people excel. For the second year in a row, our ACT scores are above the state and national average. Autauga County’s composite ACT score for 2014 was 21.4. With the state average at 20.6 and the national average at 21.0, our students topped both the state ACT average and the national average by almost an entire point! That is truly an amazing feat! This demonstrates the great dedication from all our teachers and administrators on a daily basis because the ACT is an accumulation of 13 years of hard work. Richard Dennis, Prattville High School principal, and his faculty pushed their ACT score to 21.8. All I can say is, “Wow! A school average of almost 22 on the ACT! Great job,

Montgomery Parents I October 2014

Lions!” Last year, Billy Hollon and his faculty at Marbury High School had an average ACT score of 21.4. The Bulldogs achieved above the state and national average for the first time in school history and improved 2 points over the last two years from 19.4 to 21.4! Now that is something to brag about! There are so many new and exciting programs and activities taking place within our schools this year. The new Pre-K classes at Pine Level Elementary School are off to a wonderful start. I am happy to report that all the parents have adjusted well to their four year olds being in school full time. We are piloting a program called Read 180 at Marbury Middle School. This program is designed to help struggling readers. If it proves to be effective and successful, we will look at expanding it to the entire county. I would like to congratulate Blair Dyson for a job well done with the Prattville High School (PHS) theatre department’s presentation of To Kill a Mockingbird. The cast rehearsed diligently for most of the summer. Numerous PHS faculty members showed off their acting talent, including LTC Gary Essary, PHS ROTC Instructor, in the featured role of Atticus Finch. Those faculty members made some lasting memories with

their students! Mr. Dyson’s theatre department will produce five more first-class plays this year. Remain updated on upcoming productions by liking us on Facebook at Autauga County School System. Dedication is the key to Autauga County’s success, even with limited funds. Our board members are dedicated to our students as well. The board passed another balanced budget for FY15 with reserves projected at 3.4 million. This reserve brings us closer to the 5.1 million reserve required by state law. The money we have been saving each year can be directed toward classroom instruction and technology once we meet the state required reserve of 5.1 million. With our academic achievement already above the state and national average, it will only improve when the money we are saving each year is allocated into resources such as textbooks and technology. The future continues to shine bright for children in Autauga County. Spence Agee is the Superintendent of Education for Autauga County Schools. He is a third generation educator with an ED.S. in Educational Leadership. He has 16 years of experience in the education field as well as 25 years of military experience. Agee is an active member at First Baptist Church in Prattville. He and his wife, Cesily, who is also an educator, have two daughters, Abby and Addison.

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Autauga County Schools

Autaugaville Students Chosen for Leadership Camps

Statewide Band Competition in Prattville

The Pride of Prattville Marching Band will host the Heart of Dixie Marching Festival October 11 at Stanley Jensen Stadium in Prattville. Please contact Band Director Chris King at (334) 365-8804 or at prattvillebands.com if you would like your band to participate. Start times will be announced at prattvillebands.com as the date of the festival moves closer.

Autaugaville School juniors Alexis Howard, Jescyka Parker and Breyahna Perry were chosen to participate in entrepreneurship or leadership camps for the summer. Howard and Parker were selected out of students all over the Southeastern region to participate in the University of Alabama in Huntsville Entrepreneurship Camp. They spent a week living on campus learning how to become successful entrepreneurs. Howard and Parker were given a full scholarship for room and board while they stayed on campus. They were the only students from Autauga County who participated in the program. Perry was selected to participate in the 21st Century Leadership Camp in Auburn. Her program was a week filled with creating and developing leadership qualities to prepare her for more leadership roles in her school and community. She was also the only student from Autauga County to participate.

PJHS Holds Back to School Bash

Prattville Junior High School celebrated going back to school in style. All the “CATS” joined forces for a special celebration of school spirit and cat pride by wearing their school T-shirts to wish our sports teams well wishes! Also, the Student Council sponsored a Back to School Bash with a neon paint party. Students had a great time dancing the night away with glow sticks and pizza and great music.

Prattville Jr. High Takes Cold Water Challenge

Prattville Junior High School administrators joined the national movement to raise money for ALS and supported one of our own. We raised money for the Kevin Turner Foundation to support one of the valuable players of the 1984 Prattville High School Football Championship Team, celebrating their 30-year anniversary this year. Prattville Junior High School Principal Janice Stockman is shown accepting the Cold Water Challenge. Thanks to everyone who raised money and participated in the festivities! Montgomery Parents I October 2014

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PCA Prays at the Pole

Prattville Christian Academy students, staff and parents met at the PCA flagpole September 11 to pray for our country. This event was led by senior Adler Hulsey, the SGA chaplain. Groups prayed for families and friends who have lost a loved one, the safety of our country, the safety of American troops, government leaders, those who are persecuted for their beliefs, and that God’s love may be shown to all people. Shown, PCA parent and board member Vernon Taylor prays with his daughter Julie Bell and other students on Thursday morning. 44

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PCA Hosts Military Appreciation Night

Prattville Christian Academy hosted a Military Appreciation Night during the PCA vs. BB Comer football game September 5 at PCA’s home stadium. PCA honored all persons who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard and Coast Guard. Colonel Todd Phinney, a PCA parent, handled the coin toss before the game, and about 50 honorees gathered on the field at half-time to be honored as the respective divisions’ anthems were played. The PCA varsity football players wore red and yellow jerseys with royal blue trim, with the PCA logo on one sleeve and the Marine logo on the other. The back of each jersey displayed the player’s number and the Marine slogan “Semper Fi” above it. Semper Fi means “Always Faithful.” The cheerleaders wore a red and black camouflage shirt with the panther logo, and the coaches wore purple and black camouflage shirts and Air Force hats. Shown, PCA varsity football players took the field wearing Marine-inspired jerseys with the slogan “ Semper Fi” on the back.

PJHS Undergoes Lowe’s Beautification Project

On August 23, a group of volunteers from Lowe’s descended upon Prattville Junior High School to landscape the front of the school. A collaborative effort was held over the summer to remove overgrown shrubs and to build new flower beds. Under the direction of the Prattville Lowe’s Store Manager Troy Rogers, and Department Manager Danielle Ledbetter, new shrubs, crape myrtles and roses were planted and mulched. Appreciation goes out to Lowe’s, as well as several faculty members who helped during the HOT process. PJHS was honored to be the Lowe’s Heroes Project for 2014. 45

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The Future of Public Education Tour Earlier this month, State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Tommy Bice, wrapped up a two month whirlwind tour to schools all across the state for the purpose of talking to parents, teachers, and the community about the future of public education. In covering the state, 12 schools hosted this forum. Several of our Elmore County principals, board members, teachers, parents, and community members enjoyed attending one of these meetings held last month. The Future of Public Education Tour will be remembered as a celebration of preparing our students for the future. PLAN 2020, Alabama’s Strategic Plan for Public Education, served as one of the topics of discussion at this event. According to State Superintendent Bice: “PLAN 2020 is helping to transform our classrooms into learning

Montgomery Parents I October 2014

environments where instruction is individualized and personalized in order to better prepare our students to be college-or career-ready when they graduate from high school. We are no longer preparing children to take a test, rather, we are teaching them how to think and solve problems using real-world application. In essence, we are redefining the high school graduate.” Those of us in attendance also had the opportunity to learn more about the Alabama College and Career Ready Standards, Alabama’s Plan for Accountability; Public School Funding and Priority Needs; as well as avenues for Parental and Community Engagement. The Future of Public Education Tour allowed members of communities in each of the eight State School Board of Education board districts to share first-hand the great work educators and students are doing, and discuss the exciting work taking place in the 2014-2015 school year and beyond. For those of us in attendance it was a thrill to see Dr. Bice joined by business and industry partners, representatives from Alabama’s community colleges, and other education stakeholders during the course of the evening. These stakeholders are all critical connections to the education system and the local and state economy.

On behalf of our school district, I offer a big “thank you” to Dr. Bice and his team at the State Department of Education for bringing the Future of Public Education Tour to our local communities. These meetings serve as the next step in our educational journey here in Alabama to meet our singular goal: “Every Child a Graduate—Every Graduate Prepared for College/Work/Adulthood in the 21st Century.” On another note, we are proud of a remarkable achievement from our Wetumpka High School campus. Two students from Wetumpka High School are Distinguished Young Woman winners (formerly Junior Miss). The Distinguished Young Woman event is a scholarship program that promotes and rewards scholarship, leadership and talent in young women. Audrey Pinkston is our Elmore County Distinguished Young Woman winner and Jessi Freeman is the Macon County Distinguished Young Woman winner. How wonderful to have two of our students honored in this celebrated program! Until next month….. Jeff Langham is the Superintendent of Education for Elmore County Schools. Now in his eighth year as the system’s leader, he has a total of 27 years of experience in the field of education. Langham is an active member at Landmark Church in Montgomery. He and his wife, Ginny, a nurse educator, have one daughter, Weldon.

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Local School Libraries Pilot Reading Program

Coosada and Holtville Elementary schools are piloting the Prime Time Reading Program sponsored by the Alabama Humanities Foundation under the direction of Dionne Clark. This program seeks to strengthen the relationship between families, schools and communities through reading. Thirty-four second-grade families are participating by attending weekly meetings, reading books at home each week, and then returning to discuss what they’ve read at home. Prime Time Family Reading Program is a six-week program that includes reading and discussion of award-winning books. A storyteller shares as many as three stories with the group, then a scholar facilitates a discussion about issues found in the books. Dr. Susan Dubose, Elmore County Secondary Language Arts Supervisor, worked with the Alabama Humanities Foundation to bring the program to Elmore County. Holtville and Millbrook community sessions are currently full and have already begun, and a second program will be offered next semester to interested families who meet program criteria at each school. “At Coosada Elementary, 17 families are participating in the program,” said Gayla McConnell, CES Media Specialist and Prime Time Storyteller. “We provide a snack supper, have reading and discussion time, and give out prizes to students and their siblings.” Local businesses are partnering with the schools to provide snacks and prizes as incentives for continued participation. “We have worked with the Holtville area restaurants, local businesses and the grocery store to provide items that we use for our prizes. We wanted to pull in the community to help support the program,” said Natalie McLemore, HES Media Specialist and Prime Time Storyteller. “Response to our first event was very positive, and parents and students are looking forward to coming back each week.” Glenda Van Ermen, Elmore County English Language Arts Elementary Supervisor, attended the meeting at Holtville Elementary and praised all involved at both locations for their dedication and hard work to make the events successful. “Participants listened to the African Cinderella story Murfaro’s Beautiful Daughters,” Van Ermen said. “Children and their parents engaged in a lively conversation comparing this Cinderella story to other Cinderella stories from around the world. Children and families were awarded door prizes--books, gift cards, and a board game. All students were awarded bookmarks to use while they read their stories. Parents were given three books to read for next week’s discussion.” The program at each school is administered by a small committee which consists of a program coordinator, community organizer, scholar, and storyteller. The Prime Time Committee at HES is Kay Mayfield, community organizer; Natalie McLemore, storyteller; Jamie Fitts, scholar; and Lisa Majerik, teacher liaison. The Prime Time Committee at CES is Tanya Boone, program coordinator; Debbie Murphy, community organizer; Jackie Taylor, scholar; and Gayla McConnell, storyteller.

Montgomery Parents I October 2014

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Holtville Sophomore Earns Art Award at Civic Center

Hannah Roberts was recognized with a Gold Award for artwork in the Sparking the Arts ceremony at the Wetumpka Civic Center August 14. She is currently a tenthgrade student at Holtville High School.

Wetumpka High School Student Wins Distinguished Young Woman

Wetumpka High School senior Jessi Freeman was named Distinguished Young Woman of Macon County. She also won the spirit award, self-expression, and fitness. She will now represent Macon County in the state program in January. Freeman is a member of National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Beta Club, DECA club, Mu Alpha Theta, Key Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and FCCLA. She is on the varsity dance team and the varsity softball team. Freeman also plays travel softball for Radioactive. www.montgomeryparents.com

Tallassee Band Students Participate at Auburn

Seven students from Tallassee High School were chosen for participation in the Auburn University Marching Honor Band, held on September 6 at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The students include Jean Leah Atkins, Emily Buice, Landon DuBose, Andrew Webster, Michael Fulmer, Bailey Mann and Charlcie Hathorn.

Mobile Dairy Classroom Visits Redland Students

Alabama Dairy Farmers mobile classroom came to Wetumpka September 17 to teach Redland kindergarten through third-grade students about cows, milking and life as a dairy farmer. Brittany Brownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first-grade class is shown.

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

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Elmore County Schools

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ECHS Majorettes Visit Elementary Students

The Elmore County High School majorettes visited Eclectic Elementary School recently to demonstrate. The girls also held a majorette clinic in September.

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Holtville Seniors Attend County College Day

Seniors at Holtville High School attended the Elmore County College and Career Day on September 9. During the event, students had the opportunity to visit representatives from several colleges such as University of Alabama, Auburn University, AUM, Stillman, Alabama State University, Huntingdon College, CACC, Trenholm, and UAB to name a few. There were also some local businesses present. Some of these included First Community Bank, Hyundai and Madix, Inc. In addition, all branches of the military were present. The students were able to speak with several college recruiters, fill out admission applications, and figure out the best college for their future area of study.

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Alabama Nature Center Holds First Elmore County Water Festival

The Alabama Nature Center, in collaboration with the Elmore County School System, held the first-ever Elmore County Water Festival at the Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook. This three-day event began August 27 and targeted 1,000 sixth-grade public school students from Elmore County. The program was specifically designed to address an Alabama Course of Study Objective for science: teaching students about the water cycle, the importance and value of clean water, and personal responsibility for our water resources in an educational, fun and engaging atmosphere. Funding partners included International Paper Foundation, Central Elmore Water & Sewer Authority, Elmore Water and Sewer Authority, Wetumpka Water Works & Sewer, Alabama Clean Water Partnership, Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Lake Jordan HOBO and CH2MHILL.

Mother Goose Visits Redland Classes

Mother Goose paid a visit to kindergarten and first-grade classes at Redland Elementary recently. First-grade teacher Brooke Delk is shown with her class.

Eclectic Announces Students of the Month

August Students of the Month for Eclectic Elementary include: kindergartners Desiray Woodard, Keegan Lett, Aubrey Saylor, Nevaeh Mann, Parker Luster, Jaylyn Hill and Tony Mask; first-graders Natalie Moore, Zoe Parr, Sydney Boardwine, Makel Kendrick, Kaley Brown, Cherish Foye and Kale Petty; second-graders Sophie Creamer, Allyson Orr, Natilee Fomby, Alison Bipes, Sarah Lovelady, Dallin Simpson and Emily Pickett; third-graders Ruthie Lee, Anabelle Orr, Abbi Williams, Gracee Stringer and Cadie-Belle Reed; and fourth-graders Chevy Scanlon, Jayson Hines, Jessica Davis, Tori Parsons and Taylor Ann Eason. The first-grade Students of the Month are shown.

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Elmore County Schools

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HHS Culinary Arts Program Caters at County Event

The Culinary Arts Program at Holtville High School was given the opportunity to showcase its skills at the College and Career Day held September 9 in Wetumpka. The Culinary Arts Program is new to Holtville this year, and it is the only program of its kind in Elmore County. The program was made possible by a grant from the State Department of Education’s Career and Technical Education. The program will become fully operational next year, after a major renovation planned for the Summer of 2015 is completed. The students were very excited to participate in their first catering event, and hope that it is the first of many opportunities.

RES Students Remember Proactive Habits with Song

Students from Redland Elementary School performed the “7 Habits” song to the tune of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” at the first Redland PTO meeting for this school year. The 7 Habits are encouraged and taught throughout the school and include: Be Proactive, Begin with the End in Mind, Think Win-Win and Sharpen the Saw, along with others that encourage our students to learn, achieve and be better citizens within the school and society. Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.

Brianna Wallace 205.243.8593 lovethesecrazywraps.myitworks.com

Montgomery Parents I October 2014

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Holtville High Celebrates Academic Excellence

On August 20, Holtville High School celebrated academic excellence in a special ceremony. More than 90 certificates were presented to students for various academic achievements. Students were recognized for three different categories of academic achievement. The first area was the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence. Students who received this award had to have a 3.5 or greater grade-point average last year in their subjects. The second category was for students who made qualifying scores on the Advanced Placement Exams in either language, chemistry, history, or upper level math. These exams were taken in the spring, and scores were sent back to the school during the summer. The third area of student achievement recognized was for students who scored a 27 or higher on the ACT. Shown are sophomore students who received the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence.

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For Kids Who Dig Dinosaurs

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

I’ve not yet met a child who hasn’t had a grand passion for dinosaurs. For some kids it’s a phase, an intense fascination for a few years that they eventually outgrow. For other children, dinosaurs receive an unprecedented level of focus. These kids collect an almost encyclopedic collection of dinosaur facts. They pronounce with authority long and complex names like giganotosaurus and archaeopteryx even before they can remember or recite their own address. The following toys provide hours of prehistoric play that satisfies both the child with an appreciation for the giants of the past as well as the obsessive dinosaur aficionado!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Dinosaur Backpack

Velociraptor & Pterosaur

(Unipak)

Kids are never too young to fall in love with dinosaurs. Finding the best creatures from the Cretaceous for little hands is easy with the Dinosaur Backpack from Unipak. The soft backpack that can double as a playset, houses four small non-allergenic, nontoxic plush dinosaurs (T-Rex, Velociraptor, Stegosaurus and Brontosaurus) that are just the right size for the toddler set. The adjustable-for-size backpack also features small windows that allow the occupants to peek out when they’re on the move or waiting for the next playdate. Get the smallest dinosaur fans started early with something plush, prehistoric and infinitely portable.

(Blocco)

Young dinosaur fans can seize the power to craft their own dinosaurs with the extraordinarily tactile Velociraptor and Pterosaur set from Bloco. With 125 colorful soft foam shapes plus 46 caps and connectors, kids have all the elements they need to recreate Velociraptor and Pterosaur models. While the instruction sheet gets them started on the traditional build, the surplus of colorful foam shapes encourages variation and experimentation as kids discover their power to craft their own mash-up designs. Colorful, easy to assemble and durable, the Bloco Velociraptor and Pterosaur set offers hours of creative play as dino fans invent their own unique contributions to the bestiary that populated the ancient earth!

Elasmosaurus Skeleton Model

Dinosaur Park

(Constructive Playthings)

Everything a kid needs to immerse himself in the age of dinosaurs can be found in the Dinosaur Park. Easily assembled, the park landscape features artfully rendered scenery as well as multi-level platforms that are ideal for staging an endless array of dinosaur encounters. The 3-D element and broad footprint of this set (almost two feet long) also make it a good choice when more pre-school paleontologists arrive from group play. Complete with a dozen dinosaurs ready to roam, a full-scale prehistoric playtime is just moments away with the Dinosaur Park from Constructive Playthings.

(Geoworld)

While the earth shook under the enormous weight of the land giants like Tyrannosaurus Rex and Titanosaurus, another large dinosaur predator was looming just under the surface in the oceans of the late Cretaceous period. For today’s budding paleontologist, a fantastically detailed skeleton of the ancient marine dinosaur Elasmosaurus is lurking just below the surface in a block of gypsum, waiting to be excavated and assembled. Dedicated dinosaur hounds can use the tools included in this model kit to free the skeleton of one of the ancient oceans’ most elegant hunters and reconstruct its bones into a fossil model to marvel over for years to come!

Paige Smith is a freelance writer and syndicated columnist living in Alabama. More on GET THIS! at www.PageBookMedia.com.

Montgomery Parents I October 2014

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“I am glad my stepdad never tried to be a father to me. So, we didn’t have to get into any power struggles. He became an adult friend and mentor. He was generous with his time; he listened a lot and gave love freely,” Dave shared. According to the U.S. Census, over 50% of US families are remarried or re-coupled. Over 1300 new blended families form every day! Fifty percent (50%) of the 60 million children under the age of 13 are currently living with one biological parent and that parent’s current partner. I am a sociologist and work with co-parenting education groups. Divorced or separating parents learn communication and parenting strategies in the group. They also work out parenting agreements about how they will jointly parent their children even though they no longer live together. Many times there are stepparents involved. To help remind group members to remain non-judgmental, we often share, “Kids don’t come with parenting manuals.” If that axiom holds true in most cases, it is certainly true that “Kids don’t come with step-parenting manuals,” either. Step-parenting can be a lonely road. The stepparents in our groups are quick to support each other. The collective wisdom from the experience of generous stepparents and adult stepchildren follows:

1. Understand your stepchild may be grieving about his biological parents’ divorce or remarriage. The child may target the stepparent with that grief. Grief takes many forms and can have many repetitive cycles. Laurie shares, “I have a stepmom whose presence in my life has been an immeasurable blessing. We went through many painful times, especially when I was little, and she was often an unfair scapegoat and dumping ground for my disappointments. We got through it!”

2. As a couple, decide who disciplines. Most teenagers will only respond to discipline by the biological parent whereas younger children may be receptive to the discipline of the stepparent. Be cautious about speaking for the other parent. Monica says, “Let the biological parent be the rule enforcer.” Stepparents may find that life flows more smoothly when the biological parent is the disciplinarian because that parent has known the child longer and has the reference point of how the previous household used to discipline. Montgomery Parents I October 2014

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a.) Cook family meals together. b.) Listen a lot. Then listen some more. c.) Learn about their interests, not in an effort to win them over because that will be seen as a manipulation. Learn about their interests because you genuinely care about who they are. d.) Be generous. Ann said, “I wish I had been less selfish when my step daughter was young. I wish I had given to her more freely. At the end of the day, who cares if we were the ones buying the shoes or school clothes, regardless of what the divorce decree stated.

Sandee may have summarized it best. “The reality is, you love your spouse by loving his/her children. They don’t have to do anything to earn that love. It just is. Isn’t that the bedrock of all parenting anyway? Unconditional love!”

4. Take care of your own needs.

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• Fun for the whole family • Great arts and crafts shopping • Over 250 artists and crafts exhibitors • Enjoy BBQ, fried chicken, chicken salad and more at the historic Marks House (circa 1825) • For directions go to www.pikeroadartsandcraftsfair.com

You cannot give what you don’t have. Taking time for yourself to recharge your batteries in healthy, nurturing ways is critical to giving all you can to your new blended family. Just as parents of young children must guard against burn out, step parents must do the same. Raul shared that he sometimes runs errands by himself and listens to inspiring music in order to recharge his battery on the run. He comes back with a better attitude ready to listen to his stepchildren. “I also try to maintain my friendships by playing softball or watching a game with friends.” Joe says, “My wife and I are careful to make time for each other. We have date nights or even date lunches. We meet during the day for our lunch hour away from our jobs and evening homework chores to talk as adults.”

5. Blending a family takes time. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Many experts believe it takes approximately five years to blend a step family. David L. Brasher, BCSW and family therapist states, “If you decide to be a stepparent, be sure to attend to the needs of your own children also.” Above all, be patient with yourself, your spouse and all the children. There are many helpful resources for stepparents. Sometimes a counselor, pastor or family therapist can lend perspective to the process of blending a family. There are also support groups. Websites that are readily accessible and helpful to stepparenting immediately are: www.RemarriageSuccess.com, www.stepfamily.org and www.helpguide.org/ mental/blended_families_stepfamilies.htm. For faith based support, visit www.stepparentingbygrace.com. Sally shared, “I don’t know if I am a successful stepparent. I just know my adult stepchildren come home for the holidays and bring their children to visit me and their Grandpa. The grandkids even call me Grandma.” mp Laura Reagan-Porras, MS is a parenting journalist and sociologist. She facilitates co-parenting groups and has two daughters.

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Mixing Up Your Summer and Fall Styles It’s almost time for another year of fall and winter must haves as far as fashion! Don’t stress out, because you can have fun with your fall style simply by using some of your summer and spring items. Before you go out and buy a whole new closet of clothes for the colder season, here are some fun ways to turn your summer clothes into fall and winter appropriate attire. Both fall and winter can have those rare days when you can get away with your comfiest oversized sweaters and your favorite summer or spring blouse all in one style, whether you’re starting your holiday shopping or attending your favorite fall event, football game or kids party. These are often our busiest months so let’s not worry about what we need to buy, but just enjoy the simple ways of styling what we have hanging in our wardrobe by mixing all our seasons into one. To help you feel inspired by your seasonal wardrobe, today I am sharing eight of my favorite mixing and matching style ideas that I plan on wearing these next few months...and I encourage you to do the same! Montgomery Parents I October 2014

1- Brighten up and have fun with prints. Layer your favorite printed or bright colored sweaters, blazers, and cardigans with your favorite pants, skirts and winter shoes. Don’t worry about putting bold patterns and colors back into the closet at summer’s end. Instead, mixing a variety of prints and colors can be a clever way to keep the trend fresh. 2- Maxi dress and skirts. Maxi dresses and skirts are my go to item of clothing for spring and summer. A simple way to transform this perfect little wardrobe piece would be to slip on a sweater or a scarf and tie a belt over it at your waist for a fun layered look. It’s all about simple soft layers. 3- T-shirts. Pairing your favorite tee with a fall fabric like your favorite skirt, blazer, cardigan or pant and adding a winter shoe can keep your look fresh and stylish for fall and winter. 4- Summer dresses and skirts. Summer is all about the patterns, so keep your winterized additions subtle. Here, you might want to add opaque tights or leggings paired with your favorite boots or closed toe heels. For the top, add either a leather jacket, long cardigan (belted), denim jacket, or a chunky sweater. You probably have all of these hanging in your closet from last year. 5- Summer handbag. Don’t retire your summer handbag just because the leaves are changing. Carry it with 58

darker, solid separates for a fall-appropriate look. 6- Layering. Clearly this is the key to any fall/winter style. Layering can help transform any summer or spring style into your favorite winter go-to piece of clothing. Keep your layers soft and moveable. 7- Accessorize. Now, this is key for any wardrobe change. Using accessories is a super easy and affordable way to start pulling in fall colors before you make drastic changes in wardrobe. Adding golds, coppers, reds, oranges, and browns in your jewelry, belts, shoes, and bags can help dramatically switch up the way an outfit looks. 8- Summer scarves. I love summer scarves and they are my favorite accessory for the cooler months. This is an item that every woman should own regardless of the season. You can wear them with just about everything from a short-sleeved shirt/blouse to a dress. It can make an entire outfit look a little less casual when you throw one on. They’re stylish and very versatile when it comes to how you wear them. The drop in temperature doesn’t have to mean storing away your favorite spring colors...even on the coldest days. Enjoy saving money and have fun with your style during these busy fall and winter months. Laura Handey is an independent clothing consultant in Pike Road, Alabama. You may reach her by email at laura@ centsiblysouthern. com or visit her website at www. centsiblysouthern. com.

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It all started with a peanut allergy... I was nine years old, trick-or-treating with my best friend Vicki and her brothers, proudly donning my homemade Pippi Longstocking costume. With each house we visited, my pumpkin bucket got heavier and delightfully unwieldy. Vicki and I plotted which candy we would devour first upon our return to her house. But Vicki’s little brother Will was not enjoying himself. As the evening wore on, I noticed his “trick-or-treats” became a little less enthusiastic and a lot more grumbly. I soon learned that Will had a peanut allergy, and nearly everything in his candy bucket was off-limits. His parents kept promising that they had a stash of peanut-free candy at home, but all Will saw was a whole lot of candy that he couldn’t have. Fortunately times have changed, and this means an increased awareness about many types of dietary restrictions. But that doesn’t make holidays like Halloween, with its flashy seasonal Montgomery Parents I October 2014

www.montgomeryparents.com

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More kids than ever deal with food allergies, sensitivities and intolerances. Parents, teachers and caregivers need to take a proactive approach. Take charge, and don’t let fun-sized candy rule your kids’ holiday, because nothing can dampen Halloween spirits like not being able to participate in the sugar fest. packaging and pumpkin-shaped treats, any easier for kids who can’t partake. More kids than ever deal with food allergies, sensitivities and intolerances. Parents, teachers and caregivers need to take a proactive approach. Take charge, and don’t let fun-sized candy rule your kids’ holiday, because nothing can dampen Halloween spirits like not being able to participate in the sugar fest. If you’re the parent of a child with an allergy, sensitivity, or aversion (and even if you aren’t, chances are you know someone who is) here a few ways to celebrate this spook-tacular holiday without the stress – or the sugar rush.

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Celebrate with Movie Madness Here’s some surprising news: just as Halloween doesn’t have to be a sugar-fest, it also doesn’t have to be horrifying. If you have little ones you’re keeping in, and you don’t want to be up all night alleviating ghoulish nightmares, consider cozying down with some not-too-scary Halloween classics. 61

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presented by the Alabama Dance Theatre

Saturday, November 1, 2014 at 2:30 p.m. and

A ballet to die for! Thursday, October 30, 7:30 pm Saturday, November 1, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, November 2, 2:30 p.m. All performances on the Festival Stage at Alabama Shakespeare Festival TICKETS ON SALE OCTOBER 13th

Tickets: 334.271.5353 or 1.800.841.4273 (ASF Box Office) Information: 334.241.2800 • www.alabamadancetheatre.com

This performance is made possible by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

For young children, Halloween flicks don’t get any better than It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Linus stars in this short, sweet movie, as he awaits the elusive “Great Pumpkin.” If that’s too elementary for your kids, try Hocus Pocus, starring Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker, or Disney’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. But be attuned to your audience: even though the latter is an animated Disney movie, it still packs kind of a spooky punch. And of course, the Harry Potter movies, though not technically about Halloween, do provide a good seasonal thrill. Try either Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone or Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets if you want to stick with one of the lighter choices. Once you settle on your movies, set up your theater. Dim the lights, pile on the pillows and blankets, and serve your child’s favorite snack, apple juice, or a spooky looking punch with peeled grapes (um, eyeballs anyone?). Warning: this type of evening may induce some sofa snuggling.

Create a Pumpkin Parade Who doesn’t love pumpkins? The way they look, taste, smell when baking – everything about them evokes autumn and coziness. So if you’re skipping the treats this Halloween, take your kids to a nearby pumpkin patch and have a blast. Many places have pumpkin painting or carving stations set up for little ones, and you just pay for the pumpkin. A lot of grocery stores get into the spirit too, letting you build scarecrows with pumpkin heads (you supply the old clothes), or hosting themed baking classes for kids. Let your child choose a plethora of pumpkins to take home with you, and you can spend the evening carving jack-o-lanterns, roasting pumpkin seeds, or perfecting a pumpkin recipe for Thanksgiving. If you’d rather not deal with carving and seeds, there are plenty of pumpkin crafts that are affordable and kid-friendly. You can easily make construction paper pumpkins to hang as lanterns, or paint paper plates to create pumpkin masks. Just Google “pumpkin crafts for kids” and you’ll have hundreds of fun and easy ideas at your fingertips.

Montgomery Parents I October 2014

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Have a (Costume) Ball Kids love to play pretend, and having a good costume is an essential part of that. Use Halloween as an excuse to go through your closets and create “costumes” for your child to keep in a dress-up bin (bonus: you can also create a pile of things to donate or pack away for summer). Be creative: graduation gowns can become wizard robes, flannel shirts and jeans can outfit the perfect cowboy, and silk scarves make great princess dresses! If your child wants to invite friends to your place, enlist a relative or older sibling to dig through the closets and come up with some cute costumes that the kids can “model” for the grownups. You can even give prizes for categories like scariest, most creative, or silliest. Put on some music as they show off their duds, and have a ball!

Host a Harvest Feast As a parent, the thought of trekking from house to house and collecting candy that will hype up my kids (until I eventually eat it all while they sleep), well, it’s just not that appealing. Chances are, there are other parents you know who feel the same, or whose kids have a dietary restriction that makes them dread Halloween. As it turns out, this is a great excuse to host a potluck. Each guest brings something “safe” for his or her child, and you can even specify foods that are off limits in an email or invitation. This way no one has to stress about feeding their child before the party, and the grown-ups can actually relax and enjoy themselves. You can even give your get-together a “seasonal” theme by asking everyone to feature an autumn ingredient, like apples or squash. Whatever your family decides to do for Halloween this year, remember that it doesn’t have to revolve around candy. There are so many ways to celebrate, and so many kids who want to get into the spirit and try something new. Happy Halloween! mp

Beth Fornauf is a freelance writer and mother of two. Different members of her family suffer from peanut, tree nut, gluten and shellfish allergies. Beth enjoys finding creative recipes and activities to minimize the impact of these restrictions, while also raising awareness about them in the community.

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encouraged to dress up and come get lots of candy. Call (334) 361.3640 or visit www.prattville.com.

Alabama Dance Theatre presents Dracula - A Ballet to Die for

Harvest Time at Old Alabama Town

Sink your teeth into a thrilling drama back by popular demand as Alabama Dance Theatre presents Dracula a ballet to die for Thursday, October 30th at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, November 1st at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 2nd at 2:30 p.m. at Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Performance tickets are $15-$30. Tickets go on sale October 13 and may be purchased at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival box office at (334) 271.5353 or 1 (800) 84.4273 or at asf.net. For more information visit www.alabamadancetheatre.com.

Camp Chandler Halloween Carnival October 18 from 5-8 p.m. Admission is $5.00 per child. Come out and join us for a night of carnival games, raffle tickets, inflatables, Little Pumpkin Playhouse in Lions Lodge, facer painting, hayrides to Waterfront for Marshmallow Roasting, Concessions and cake walk, Haunted House and a costume contest. Call 567.4933. Please check with your local YMCA for other fall festivals.

Fall Harvest Market and Trick or Pink at The Shoppes at EastChase The Fall Harvest Market & Trick or Pink come together for a night of family fun at The Shoppes at EastChase on Saturday, October 25, from 5 – 8 p.m. The event will feature vendors with seasonal fresh produce, a Pink Pumpkin Patch where kids can find their perfect pink pumpkin (which will raise money for breast cancer awareness), hayrides, Zumba, and food samples. There will even be a Halloween costume contest for the kids! Attendees will also be able to enjoy a Fashion Preview of various retailers throughout The Shoppes. Vendors interested in participating in the Fall Harvest Market must submit an application by 6:00 p.m. September 30. For more information, visit www. theshoppesateastchase.com or call 334-279-6046.

Halloween Candy Walk, Prattville Thursday, October 30th at 4 p.m.- 6 p.m. Downtown Prattville. Free admission. Children up to 2nd grade are Montgomery Parents I October 2014

Montgomery. www.oldalabamatown.com; October 1-31. Come down to Old Alabama Town as we feature Harvest Time in the 1800’s. Join us for tours of the cotton gin and grist mill, and get a firsthand look at farming in the 19th century. Individual self-guided tours offered Monday through Saturday from 9:00am3:00pm. Guided tours available by reservation only, for groups of 10 or more.

Haunted Hearse Tours of Montgomery (334) 514.4457 Come along with us on a ride through Montgomery’s dark history. You will visit places of those souls who according to legend won’t or can’t rest. Listen to our ghostly tales of events, some long past, that happened along the quiet streets of the Capitol City. You will tour Montgomery’s most macabre locations in a real hearse. She is a licensed taxi, but not like any other cab you’ve encountered. She has been modified to accommodate 6 living passengers. The hearse “Hilda” is a 1988 rare Chevrolet Caprice built by Eureka of Canada. Only a handful of these cars were ever built. Tours will leave The Alley every hour on the hour beginning each evening in October starting at 7:00pm; the last tour is at midnight each night. Reservations are strongly suggested due to the limited seating capacity. Call us and make your reservation and our “hearsetess” will meet you at the water tank at The Alley and get you prepared for the tour. The cost is $15.00 per person, cash only please. Some descriptions of death and graphic descriptions of actual events are discussed in grave detail. Haunted Hearse Tours might not be suitable for everyone. Please visit us at http://www.hauntedhearsemgm.com/

Haunting on the Harriott II Riverwalk, Montgomery, October 25. (334) 625-2100. Boarding at 8:00pm, Cruises time 8:30-10:30pm. Tickets $25/Adult, Ages 21 and over only. Live entertainment, Cash Bar, Costume Contest with prizes and more!

Scott’s Halloween Bash Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum, Montgomery. www.fitzgeraldmuseum.net; October 31. Featuring a night of music and mayhem.

Zoo Boo: Montgomery Zoo

www.montgomeryzoo.com; October 16-19, 23-26, 29-31. 6:00-9:00pm. A safe alternative to Halloween, ZooBoo provides a fun-filled evening of games, treats, and costumed characters, Enjoy education presentations, and the traditional haunted ride.

Fall Farms Backyard Orchards 6585 Hwy 431 North, Eufaula, AL. (334) 370.6490. U-Pick It Farm with fresh fruits, veggies and pumpkins!

Butts Mill Farm Pine Mountain, Ga. (706) 957.7601. www.buttsmillfarm.com; Pick your own pumpkin, take a hayride, sip some apple cider, and much more.

Corn Dodgers Farm

1555 Knowles Road, Headland, AL. www.corndodgersfarm.com. Corn field maze, pumpkin barn (pick your own), cow train ride, corn cannon, pony rides, corn box, sunflower path, hay rides, pipe maze, farm-sized tic-tac-toe, and more!

Cotton Pickin’ Pumpkin Patch

Lazenby Farm, 11546 Lee Rd 54, Auburn. (334) 321.7946, www.lazenbyfarm.com; Friday and Saturdays, October 2-31; Fridays and Saturdays, 10:00am-6:00pm. Open during the week for field trips. Hayrides, pick a pumpkin/cotton, corn maze, corn crib, pony rides, country store and more. Call to schedule your group, schools, daycare or parties!

Dream Field Farms 6376 Highway 82, Union Springs, Al. (334) 534.6976. www.dreamfieldfarms.com; Pumpkin patch-pick in the field, train rides, corn maze, child-sized haybale maze, corn cannon, tractor-pulled hay rides, inflatables, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, farm animals and more. October 1 -October 31.

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Farmer in the Dell Pumpkin Patch Lee Country Road 61, Auburn. Located 6 miles west of Toomer’s Corner off of Hwy 14 near Loachapoka School. (334) 750.3792. Pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, corn maze, child-sized hay bale maze, tractor-pulled hay rides and more.

Jack-O-Lantern Lane at The Oaks L.L.C.

18151 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Lafayette, Al. (334), 864.0713. Pumpkins, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, tractor-pulled hay rides, wagon rides, petting zoo, inflatable park, train rides, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, face painting, and more. Open September 27 - October 31. Friday 12:00-6:00pm; Saturday 9:00am-6:00pm; Sunday 12:00-6:00pm. Also available by reservation Monday-Friday for school, church, daycare field trips and more. Please visit us at www.jackolanternlane.com.

Paradise Pumpkin Patch

910 County Road 79 South, Eufaula, Al. (334) 695.2258. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, sunflower and cotton fields, giant inflatable park, petting zoo, playground, cow train, hay rides, pony rides, covered wagon rides pulled by a team of mules, giant corn box and hay bale mazes, concessions, and gift shop. September 27 - November 4. Saturdays 9 am-6 pm and Sundays 12-6 pm. Special event dates and field trips available Monday-Friday. Teacher Day- September 27. All teachers with school ID are free! Free Paradise for Special Children- October 6. Free field trip for special needs children. Home School Day- October 13. Please visit us at www.paradisepumpkinpatch.com.

The Pumpkin Patch Express

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera, Al. www.hodrrm.org; October 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26. Train boards and departs Saturdays 10:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm; and Sundays 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Enjoy an autumn train ride aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express that lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours, including our time at the Pumpkin Patch. At the Pumpkin Patch, riders will deboard to enjoy a hayride, jump station, coloring, and temporary tattoos (all activities are included in the price of your ticket). Snacks and soft drinks are available for purchase. Pick the perfect pumpkin from the patch for an additional fee. Reservations recommended.

The Pumpkin Patch at The Farmhouse

a field trip or birthday party or bring a group from church. For more information, contact Angie Yeargan, 334-375.2424 or email angieyeargan@yeargan. com. Please visit www.yeargan.com.

School Festivals Autauga Academy PTA Fall Festival Saturday, October 25 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., Autauga Academy Gymnasium. Dinner, Games, Haunted Trail. Come join us for an evening of fun! Call (334) 365.4343.

Edgewood Academy Fall Festival

469 Farmhouse Road, Ellerslie, Georgia. (706) 561.3435. Hayrides, bonfires, s’mores, crafts, scarecrow contests, music, and more. Jump on the tractor and take a ride to pick out the perfect pumpkin for your family to carve.

(334) 567.5102, 5475 Elmore Road, Elmore, AL Tuesday, October 28 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Carnival, games, cake walk, hayride, inflatables, and much more. Costume contest divided by age group. Ticket prices at the door.

The Pumpkin Patch at Barber Berry Farm

Fall Family FunFest at Bear Exploration Center

2362 Alabama River Parkway, Millbrook, Al. www.barberberryfarm.com; October 11-30. Hayride, pumpkin patch, pick your own pesticide-free fruit and veggies.

Yeargan Farms Pumpkin Patch

(334) 375.2424, Located on Hwy 14 just past the Ocmulgee subdivision, Selma, AL. September 27 through October 31st. Pumpkin patch, corn maze, inflatables, games, country store, hay rides, local arts and crafts vendors and more. Plan

Tuesday, October 21st, 3:40 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., At the Bear Exploration Center sporting field. Preschool age children and parents are free. Wristbands are available for purchase at the gate. Concessions available for purchase. Fun activities for all ages will include Pony Rides and Hay Rides, Inflatable’s, Karaoke, Face Painting, Bead Art, games and so much more. Come join the fun! Everyone is welcome. 2525 Churchill Dr. near the intersection of Woodley Road and McGehee Road. Please call 284.8014.

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Fall Festival at Alabama Christian Academy

a raffle, a pumpkin patch, balloon art, Princesses, Superheroes, and other characters. Families are encouraged to come out to enjoy a time of togetherness and fun. Please no Halloween costumes or pets. Photography mini session appointments are available for a $50 donation and include: a 20 minute session with one of three H.A.L.O professional photographers & a minimum of 5 edited images on disk. All donations are tax deductible and go to H.A.L.O. For more information about H.A.L.O., the event, to schedule a mini session, order a t-shirt, sponsor the event or volunteer please visit the organization’s website www.honoringangelslikeowen.org.

Thursday, November 6th, from 3-6 p.m. Inflatables, Pony rides, games and more. They will have a silent auction and Country Kitchen and chili cook off. Each class sponsors games for children of all ages. Concessions will be available. Admission is $5. Please call 277.1985 for more information.

Fall Festival at Montessori Academy

1025 South Hull Street Friday, October 17, 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. Pony rides, Inflatables, Face Painting, Cup Cake Walk, Games and Prizes. Admission fee charged. Alumni and grandparents are always welcome. Call 262.8685 for information.

5th Annual Riverwalk Wine Festival Riverwalk Park, Montgomery www.funinmontgomery.com; October 11, 2:005:00pm. Includes wine tasting from 10 different distributors representing over 100 wineries. Admission is $25 per person and will include: Etched commemorative wine glass,discounted wine purchases from participating local wine shoppes, food vendors, live music, picnic baskets and coolers are welcome, and more!

Arts & Crafts Festivals/Fall Festivals 3rd Annual Make a Memory Day Free Fall Family Fun Outdoor Event Taking place at the Union Station Train Shed at 300 Water Street in downtown Montgomery on Sunday, October 19th from 1-4 pm. October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, as well as the birth month of Wendy & Nathan’s baby boy, Owen. Continuing H.A.L.O’s goal of educating and raising public awareness regarding such loss, H.A.L.O’s Make A Memory Day is a free event and everyone is welcome. The event will feature live music by Surviving the Fall, JLM_HM2014_MGYparents HlfPg Ad_v2_Layout Andrew McCarter, and Fusion, bounce houses, games,

19th Annual Arts on the River 1100 Block of Broadway, Columbus, Ga. October 18. 10:00am-5:00pm. The fine art show and sale includes paint, photography, hand-thrown pottery, and sculpture, with some artists performing live demonstrations. Free.

22nd Annual Alabama Cotton Festival October 11. 8:00am-til. Eclectic, Al. Arts and crafts, flea items,3:31 concessionbooth 1market 8/26/14 PM Page 1 spaces are free. 5K

Cotton Run, Alabama Rook Tournament, local talent contest, children’s activities, antique cars and tractors, appearance by Ricky Stenhouse Jr’s #17 car, performances by Josh Brannon Band and Nashville duo The Springs and more.

24th Annual Christmas Made in the South

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Columbus Convention & Trade Center, Ga. www.madeinthesouthshows.com; October 31-November 2. Amazing craftspeople, outstanding art, unique gourmet food, and diverse entertainment to whet and satisfy every demanding appetite. Handmade, one-ofa-kind designs populate the booths that fill the festival: silk wearables to fabric bags, glass jewelry to close-up photography of nature’s funniest and fiercest creatures all await and more! Adults $7.00, Children 12 & underFree; admission good for all 3 days.

34th Annual Oktoberfest Charles E. Bailey, Sr. Sportplex, Alexander City, AL. www.alexandercityonline.com; October TBA. Daylong celebration features local arts and crafts, great food, entertainment, Kid-Fest children’s activities, sports programs, antique car show and much more. A Native American Artifact show is our newest showcase.

36th Annual Alabama Tale Tellin’ Festival Presented by ArtsRevive 3 Church Street, Selma, Al. www.artsrevive.com; October 10-11. 5:30 p.m. The performers this year are Suzi “Mama” Whaples, Lyn Ford, Michael Reno Harrell and The Dill Pickers. Art show, StreetFest, Ballet, Market Day, Pilgrimage and more!

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Holiday Market OCTOBER 16-18, 2014

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Presented by Junior League of Montgomery

Montgomery Multiplex at Cramton Bowl

TICKETS: Advance: $5 | Daily: $10 | Military/Seniors: $5 | Children 10 & under: FREE

Preview Party 6-9pm $40/person

Thurs., Oct. 16th: 9am-9pm + Holiday How To’s

Fri., Oct. 17th: 9am-9pm + Girls’ Night Out & Cupcakes with Santa

Sat., Oct. 18th: 9am-5pm + Breakfast with Santa, crafts by Paint and Clay

For Advance Tickets and Event Schedule: Call 334-288-8816 or visit www.JLMontgomery.org Montgomery Parents I October 2014

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51st Annual Bluff Park Art Show

Lion’s Fair Park, 2401 W. Dallas Ave. Selma, Al. www.centralalabamafair.com; September 29- October 1. Fun-filled event offering a midway with rides, entertainment, beauty pageant, agricultural exhibits, livestock judging and a competition for local arts, crafts, canning, sewing, and more!

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Bluff Park Community Center, 517 Cloudland Dr. Hoover, Al. www.bluffparkartassociation.org; October 1. 9:00am-5:00pm. Sponsored by the Bluff Park Art Association and includes more than 130 local and national artists displaying fine art for sale. Bring the kids to enjoy some hands on art fun. Free admission, parking and shuttles.

Historic Marks House, Pike Road, Al. www.pikeroadartsandcraftsfair.com; November 1, 9:00am-4:00pm. Shop the arts and crafts and eat BBQ, sweets, and more! Special activities for the children too- face painting, a tour of the Pike Road Fire Department’s Mobile Fire Safety House and free “make and take” crafts will be provided by Home Depot.

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Loachapoka, Al. www.syrupsopping.org; October 18. 6:00am-4:00pm. Weaving and cloth-making demonstrations, musical entertainment featuring hammered and mountain dulcimers, banjos and guitars, a doctor’s beautiful herb garden and crops garden, bread making, soap making, period pottery, fireplace and outdoor cooking, and other old time crafts. Food includes famous sweet potato biscuits made on site, camp stew, beans, collards, BBQ, and home-made ice cream Tour the two-story 140 year old Trade Center museum, watch the blacksmiths at work, visit the Log Cabin, and the Taylor Whatley agricultural implement collection.

43rd Annual Historical Fair and Syrup Sopping Day

Gulf Shores, Al. October 9-12. Over 300 vendors that offer fine art, arts and crafts, a retail marketplace and of course, SHRIMP!!

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43rd Annual National Shrimp Festival

Headland, Al. www.headlandal.com; October 11. 9am-4pm. Arts and crafts, children’s games and rides, wonderful food and entertainment.

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14764 Alabama 14 - Valley Grande, AL 36701

334-375-2424 - www.yeargan.com

60th Annual Cullman County Fair www.cullmancountyfair.org; September 25-October 4. Thrilling rides, amazing exhibits, and the best in local and regional entertainment.

61st Alabama National Fair Garret Coliseum, Montgomery, Al. www.alnationalfair.org; October 3-13. Midway rides, main stage entertainment including STYX, Kool & The Gang, Easton Corbin and Joe Nichols, food, information and commercial booths, kids area, livestock and other competition, family faith day, and more!

67th Annual Lee County Fair US 431 near Opelika High. 334-749-3353. October. Livestock shows, contests, exhibits, pageants, rides and much more.

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71st Annual National Peanut Festival 5622 U.S. Hwy. 231 S., Dothan, Al. www.nationalpeanutfestival.com; October 31-November 9. Headliners The Pointer Sister, Sanctus Real, Josh Wilson, and Thomas Rhett. Livestock exhibits, competitions, demolition derby, crafts, food preservation, recipe contests, entertainment, carnival rides, sea lion show, and much more!

Alabama Gourd Festival Cullman Civic Center. www.alabamagourdsociety.org; October 18-19. ‘Gourds Take Flight. Annual festival features gourd arts and crafts, such as birdhouses, musical instruments and decorated gourds. Dulcimer band performs.

Alexander City Fall Festival Russell Crossroads, Alexander City, Al. www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com; October 25. Join friends and neighbors for pumpkin painting, a costume contest, wagon rides and more, courtesy of Russell Lands on Lake Martin.

Boll Weevil Festival

Enterprise, Al. www.enterprisedowntown.org; October 18. Arts and crafts vendors, variety of music, food, children’s costume contest and activities, farmers market, car show, family entertainment.

Cotton Pickin’ County Fair Gay, Ga. www.cpfair.org; October 4-5. Return to 1910 where the Farmhouse, the Cotton Gin, and the Cotton Warehouse form a unique backdrop for a great day of 21st century fun. Amidst skilled artisans and antique specialists, the Fair shares remnants of farm life in days gone by. New talent keeps the festival fresh and interesting while returning artists welcome loyal customers seeking to add to individual collections.

Country Living Fair Stone Mountain Park, Ga. October 24-16. A fun, folksy and fabulous show and sale of folk art, antiques, “Made in America” crafts, art, furniture, home decor and more. Meet the editors of Country Living Magazine, attend seminars and how-to’s, artisan demonstrations, Harvest & Gourmet Market, and fall festivities. Please visit us at www.stonemountainpark.com.

Fall Farm Day & Festival Landmark Park, Dothan. www.landmarkpark.com; October 25. Learn how peanuts were harvested in the Wiregrass a half-century ago. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of cane grinding, syrup making, butter churning, basket weaving, soap making and other traditional farm activities. Plus, food, music and antique tractors and farm equipment

Harvest Hoe Down

Christmas Village Festival Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham. www.christmasvillagefestival.com; November 5-9. 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.

Warm Springs, Ga. www.warmspringsga.us; October 11-12. Enjoy this fall celebration with arts, crafts, good food, entertainment and more!

Hummingbird Festival Hogansville, Ga. www.hummingbirdfestival.com

Open for Fall Season September 27th to November 4th

October 18-19. Main Street will be bustling with food, crafts, antiques, music, local artists, open storefronts, rides, and activities for the whole family.

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Indian Festival & Pow-Wow

Antebellum Plantation & Farmyard inside Stone Mountain Park, Ga. October 30-November 2. 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. Find that oneof-a-kind holiday gift in our artists’ marketplace, where world-renowned Native artists and crafters demonstrate their skills and offer items for purchase. Please visit us at www.stonemountainpark.com.

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Indian Summer Arts & Crafts Festival Historic District- Eufaula, Al. www.eufaulachamber. com; October 11-12. Fine arts and handmade crafts, children’s activities, live entertainment and more.

Merry Market Callaway Conference Center, Campus of West Georgia Technical College, LaGrange, Ga. www.merrymarketlagrange.com; October 23-24. Thursday: Preview Party and Silent Auction: Enjoy this kick-off event and first chance to buy a variety of items. Your ticket $25 includes food, beverages, music and admission to the market for the entire time the market is open! Friday-Saturday: General Admission tickets $5.

Oktoberfest at Wind Creek State Park October 18-19, www.outdooralabama.com; Part of the 75th Anniversary of the State Park System, Oktoberfest

Paradise Pumpkin Patch is the perfect place to plan your next Field Trip, Family Outing, Church Function, Birthday Parties or just a day on the farm. Activities Include: • Petting Zoo - Includes camel, zebra, kangaroo and more! • Large Playground • Giant Inflatable Slides • Cow Train and Hay Rides

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Pony Rides Covered Wagon Rides Giant Corn Box Hay Bale Maze & Corn Maze Pumpkin Patch Sunflowers and Cotton fields Conssessions Available www.montgomeryparents.com

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Ole Chipley Town Fair Pine Mountain, Ga. www.pinemountain.org; September 27. Join the crowd of Pine Mountain and enjoy local crafts, quilting, pottery, metalwork, woodwork, food and entertainment.Spend the day strolling down Pine Mountain’s picturesque streets or shopping in downtown Pine Mountain’s and Chipley Village’s shopping centers, each filled with unique shops and boutiques. You’ll find it all—from antiques to fine art to handcrafted birdhouses and other momentos.

Peanut Butter Festival Brundidge, Al. www.piddle.org; October 25-26. A harvest and heritage celebration honoring the town’s proud heritage in the peanut butter industry. The free for all festival features a 5-K Peanut Butter Run, nonstop entertainment, contests, games, exhibits, recipe contest, Peanut Butter Kids Contest and the Nutter Butter Parade and food galore including everything peanut butter.

Pioneer Days

Pioneer Museum of Alabama, Troy, Al. www.pioneer-museum.org; October 10-11, 9:00am5:00pm. Horse and wagon rides, trips on the Pioneer Express, Native American camps with demonstrations of candlemaking, spinning, weaving, quiltmaking, blacksmithing, drum, dance, etc. Friday is School Day.

Spinners 33nd Annual “Pumpkin Patch” Arts & Crafts Show Spinners Park, Prattville, Al. www.spinnersprattville. com; October 25-26. Exhibitors of original art and crafts from throughout the southeast will display their wares. Food vendors, live entertainment, games, a coloring contest and many other activities for children and youth. Door prizes will be given at intervals during the show. Other events include The Great Pumpkin Race, a 5K/8K Race and a one mile Run/Walk, a motorcycle show, jack-o-lantern contest and more. Free admission and free parking.

The Greater Columbus Fair Columbus Civic Center, Columbus, Ga. www.columbusciviccenter.org; Oct 14-19. Celebrate the beginning of autumn in the Chattahoochee Valley. Food, rides, games, pageant and more!

Westville’s Fall Festival 9294 Singer Pond Rd., Lumpkin, Ga. October 30-November 1. 10:00am-5:00pm. Come visit us at Westville as we take care of Autumn chores and have fun while we’re doing it!

Holiday Shopping 26th Annual Montgomery Junior League Holiday Market

Renaissance Hotel, Montgomery. www.jlmontgomery.com; October 16-18. Start the Winter Holiday Season off right with shopping the Jr. League’s Market. Each year, holiday themed booths set up for a great, one-stop-shop for all your Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years items.

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Mistletoe Market Friday, November 7, from 9 a.m. to 8p.m., and on Saturday, November 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mistletoe Market, a merchant’s market held at the Family Life Center at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church at 511 N. Memorial Drive in Prattville, is a great opportunity to begin your holiday shopping. Great holiday gift ideas including home décor, clothing, jewelry, bed & bath, gift baskets, food gifts and more. 40 vendors. Visit www.visithistoricprattville.com or call 365.7058 for more information.

Church Events Annual BBQ Aldersgate UMC Saturday, October 18th Aldersgate United Methodist Church’s United Methodist Men Organization. Slow cooked over a wood burning open pit grill all night, making some of the best, mouth watering BBQ pork and chicken around. Each plate includes chopped pork and a chicken quarter, coleslaw, baked beans and BBQ bread. Tickets are $8 per plate with ALL of the proceeds going to support local area and international mission’s projects. Pre-ordered tickets are available in the church office at 6610 Vaughn Road between 8:30 a.m. and 2p.m., from any member of the Aldersgate UMC, or by calling the church office at 272.6152. On the day of the BBQ you may enjoy the convenience of our drive through line, come in and pick up your order to go, or come in and dine with us.

Aldersgate UMC Fall Festival 6610 Vaughn Road, Friday, October 31st from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Trunk or Treat, Games, prizes, crafts, hayride, inflatables. A fun-filled family night open to everyone free of charge. For information call 272.6152.

Angel Fest October 18 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at St. Michael and All angels Church, 5941 Main Street, Millbrook. We are celebrating 17 years of Angel Fest with a bake sale, silent auction, children’s carnival, great concessions, entertainment, and loads of vendors selling unique wares, and the sale of the best cooked Boston Butts in the River Region. Family fun, no admission charged. Come out and help us celebrate Angel Fest. All proceeds go the outreach program of the church!

Family Fun Fall Festival at East Memorial Baptist Church Friday, October 31st, 6-8 p.m. 1320 Old Ridge Road, Prattville, AL Join us for our annual Family Fun Fall Festival. Games, Blow ups and all sorts of fun for the whole family! For info call (334) 365.7500 or visit www.eastmemorial.org.

Fall Festival at First Baptist Church, Prattville

Thursday, October 30, 5:00-7:00 p.m. 138 South Washington Street Preschool-Sixth Grade; Games, Rides and Prizes! Free admission, popcorn and cotton candy! For more information visit fbcprattville.org or call 365-0606.

Fall Family Festival at Gateway Baptist Church Friday, October 31st, time to be announced 3300 Bell Road, Free admission. Games, popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones and Trunk or treat. Little bit of something for everyone. Call 272-9494 for information.

FUMC Wetumpka Fall Festival Sunday, October 26 from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. 306 W. Tuskeena Street Contest, games, concessions, inflatables, cake walk, dunking booth and treats for all ages. Parents encouraged to attend with child. Call 567-7865, email: sean. eiland@gmail.com or visit www.fumcwetumpka.com.

FUMC Montgomery Fall Bazaar

Wednesday, October 8th from 4:45 – 6:45 p.m. The Fall Bazaar will offer heavenly baked goodies, delicious frozen casseroles and soups, pre-loved children’s clothing, and a gift shop with items for every occasion. Please call 834-8990 for more information. Tickets can be purchased for $10 by calling the church. First United Methodist Church, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, Montgomery.

Fall Barbeque at FUMC

October 8th from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, Montgomery. Fun for the whole family! A real picnic with great barbeque and all the fixins. Jazz music, Pony rides, rock wall, dunking booth and moonwalks for the kids. Bring family and friends for food, fun and fellowship! For more information call 834-8990.

Christ Community Fall Festival

Fall Festivities Mulder UMC

8285 Ryan Rd.; 273-8110 October 26, Times to be announced Join us as we come together to enjoy some great food, fun, and fellowship at our annual fall festival. There will be games, cakewalk and sure to be plenty of candy! Free and open to the entire public. Kids are welcome to dress up, if they would like. No scary costumes.

Trunk or Treat, Thursday, October 30, 6 - 8 p.m. 3454 Firetower Road, Wetumpka Fun for the whole family. Free hot dog supper, hayrides, inflatables, games with prizes, candy and face painting. For more info call 567-4225.

Annual Family Fall Festival at Dalraida Baptist Church Sunday, October 26, 5:00 until 7:30 p.m. 3838 Wares Ferry Road, Games, Prizes, Food, Hayride, Inflatables and More! Please Call 272-2412.

Fall Festival at Dalraida UMC Saturday, October 26, 6:00 until 7:30 p.m.. 3817 Atlanta Highway Games, food, prizes, costume contest and other surprises. Please Call 272.2190. Montgomery Parents I October 2014

Annual Fall Festival at The New Testament Christian Center

10300 Highway 80 East (next to Jenkins Brick Company and Buck Masters) Saturday, October 25 at 2 p.m. We will have Hay Rides, Games, Food, Inflatables, a Potato Pie Contest and much more. For more information, please call 215.7215 or call Ms. McCall at 717.9009.

Fall Festival at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist October 19, 6 p.m. 1436 East Washington Street Family fun: We welcome the entire family to come and enjoy the fun. Call 265.1807.

Fall Festival at Ridgecrest Baptist Sunday, October 26 from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. 5260 Vaughn Rd, There will be food, fun and candy with Trunk or Treat. Activities will be both inside and out. For more info, call 277.0011.

Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat Saint James UMC

9045 Vaughn Road Sunday, October 26th, 5 until 6:30 p.m. Inflatables, candy, hayride, pizza, Nancy’s Italian ice, and much, much more. For more info, call Jennifer at 277-3037.

Taylor Road Baptist Church Treats the Town 1685 Taylor Road, next to Shoppes at Eastchase. Friday, October 31, Gates open at 6 p.m. FREE FOOD. Hot dogs, drinks, popcorn, peanuts, cookies, candy, games, Treat Street, hayrides, and family pictures. Family Atmosphere. NO scary costumes please. Call 271-3363 for more info.

Fall Festival at Thorington Road Baptist Church Sunday, October 12th, 3 p.m. -5 p.m. 450 Ray Thorington Road. Come join us for inflatables, games, and fun for the entire family. Free! Rain or shine! Call 396.9376.

Out of Town/ State Fun

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4th Annual Atlanta’s Day of the Dead

(Dia de los Muertos)-Atlantic Station in Midtown, Atlanta. www.atlantadayofthedead.com; November 1-2. 12:00-5:00pm. A traditional Mexican celebration that remembers the life of family members and friends who have passed away. Altars are built in their honor, that include photos of the loved one, food they enjoyed, activities they participated in, and other special items. Free.

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6th Annual Agape Adoption Celebration Saturday, November 1, at the DeSoto Caverns Family Fun Park in Childersburg, Ala. The community event provides an opportunity for adoptive families to come together, build relationships and celebrate God’s unique plan for their family. To register your family for the event, please email info@ agapeforchildren.org or call (334) 272.9466.

11th Annual Pumpkin Festival Stone Mountain Park, Ga. September 26-October 26 (Fridays-Sundays). Take in all of the splendor that autumn provides with attractions, fun-filled games, shows and more. Follow the life sized telling of The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin as you wind your way through Spookley’s A-MAZE-ING Adventure. Join Spookley the Square Pumpkin and lift his friends into the air for a Dance-A-Long Party Parade that dances through Crossroads, and then meet him at Spookley’s Pumpkin Patch Meet & Greet.

23rd Annual Halloween Fairyland Tannehill State Park. www.tannehill.org; October 25. The Tannehill Halloween Festival, a non-scary fun-filled holiday event focused on the campgrounds, annually attracts over 6,000 visitors, most of them

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children. Begun in 1992, the event features parksponsored programs during the afternoon and traditional Halloween candy “trick or treat” stops at more than 200 campsites during the evening. Park events include a moon walk, clowns, face painting, pony rides and sand art. A special tradition is the festival’s annual Halloween Festival tee shirt. Campground site decorations and lights are extensive, creative and surreal.

28th Annual Indian Summer Arts and Crafts Festival Eufaula, Al. www.eufaulachamber.com; October 11-12. The district will be lined with handmade arts art crafts, perfect for the home, garden or holiday gift giving. Food and all types of games and activities featured.

29th Annual Tour of Southern Ghosts Antebellum Plantation, Stone Mountain, Ga. www.stonemountainpark.com; October 10-26 (Thurday-Sunday). Meet professional storytellers spinning their tales of famous (and not-so-famous) Southern Ghosts along the lantern-lit paths of the Antebellum Plantation grounds- never too frightening and always appropriate for young children. Each night offers a different cast of six storytellers.

Baumhowers ShrimpFest & Bar-B-Q Friday, November 22. Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham, Al. www.alshrimpfests.com; Features fresh Alabama Gulf Coast shrimp, barbecue, former Alabama and Auburn football players, live music and inflatables for the kids.

BOO 18 Halloween Party ‘Monsters Inc’ Benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Alabama

B & A Warehouse, Birmingham, Al. www.boohalloweenparty.com; October 31. 8:00pm. Live music, ‘Scary’-oke singing, costume contest and more. Open to adults 21 yrs and older.

Creepy Wonderful Critters ‘Bats’

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The Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. www.auburn. edu/preserve; October 11. 10:00am-12:00pm. Enjoy a program featuring one of our creepiest, and most beneficial, winged creatures, the eerie bat. Learn why bats are an important part of our ecosystem. $4 nonmembers, $3 members, 3 yrs and under free.

Fall Family Fun Days- The Rock Ranch

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The Rock, Ga. www.therockranch.com; September 27-November 15. Open 10:00am-8:00pm each Saturday, guests will enjoy themed entertainment plus Train Rides, Hay Rides, a Petting Zoo, Zip Lines, Pony Rides, the Pumpkin Cannon, Tiny Town and much more! Hats Off To Heroes- September 27. Lumberjack Day-October 4. Featuring collegiate Timbersports competition. Day of the Cowboy- October 11. Hot Air Balloon Rally- October 18. The ‘Not-So-Spooky’ Halloween Festival- October 25. Pumpkin Destruction Day- November 1. The Great Outdoor Adventure- November 8. Farm Heritage Day featuring Bob and Larry of VeggieTales- November 15.

Fields of Fear Haunted Hayride Freeman Rd, off Highway 49N, Dadeville, Al.

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www.eaglecreekhayride.com; October 3, 4, 10, and 11. 7:30-11:30pm.What really lurks in the deep hollows of the woods in Central Alabama? On your tour, bring someone you can hold tight because when you dare to venture down the Fields of Fear Hayride, the last thing you want is to be alone.

hogansville.com; October 19, 25-26, 31. 7:009:00pm. The Old Royal Theater of Hogansville is stirring in its moldering grave. Entities are rising from the dust and debris of the decades--and you may have to meet them face to face! It’s creepy-it’s old--it’s HAUNTED!

Ghosts on the Mountain Spookapalooza

Judgement Journey 2014

DeSoto State Park. www.DesotoCarvernsPark.com; October 31. FREE spooky storytelling & fun events guaranteed to run shivers up and down your spine! A spooky night of storytelling, costumes, treats, & more with storyteller Renee Morrison & her storytellin’ aunt Jenny Whitman.

Great Pumpkin Roll Alexander City, Al. 256-329-9227. October 25. 3:00-5:00pm. Free. Bring your own pumpkin or get one at the Farmer’s Market. Rolling begins at the top of Alabama Street at Strand Park.

Haunted History Tours Old Cahawba, Sturdivant Hall, Old Live Oak Cemetery, Selma, Al. www.selmaalabama.com; October 17, 18, & 25. On Friday and Saturday nights, 7:00-10:30pm, join Central Alabama Paranormal Investigation on an investigation of Old Cahawba. The past will come back to haunt you as we tour magnificent antebellum Sturdivant Hall and some “spirited” characters of Old Live Oak Cemetery. On Saturday, take a walking ghost tour of old cemetery and historic homes.

Hogansville House of Horror Royal Theatre, Hogansville, Ga. www.haunted-

552 Hammett Road, LaGrange, Ga. www.judgementjourney.com; October 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 31, November 1. A ministry of Faith Baptist Church, Judgement Journey was started in 1997 as a method of presenting the events of the end of the world, as the Bible describes them. The vision was to present various ‘scenes’ where each person could experience a multi-sensory presentation of how the Bible describes what is yet to come. The event is held each year on the church campus on a ‘trail’ that meanders around the property.

Owl-O-Ween and Fall Festival Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham. 205-663-7930, Ext. 4. October 29. Features children’s activities, wildlife presentations and educational programs. Free after paid admission to park.

Pope’s Haunted Farm 450 Lee Rd 724,Salem, Al. 706-566-7766. www.popeshayride.com; October 4, 10-11, 17-18, 30-31 and November 1. New! Zombie Paintball Safari. Pope’s Haunted Farm has three different events to experience and scare you. The Haunted Barn made as a mock of the Saw movies, the Haunted Hayride that many have claimed to see the infamous evil specter Jasper, and lastly you can

experience the Haunted Forest that’s an unguided tour that includes a graveyard deep in the woods.

The Columbus Museum- Fall Festival 1251 Wynnton Rd, Columbus, Ga. www.columbusmuseum.com; October 25. 10:00am-3:00pm. Free! Create five awesome animal projects, animal scavenger hunt, games and prizes, movies and more! Dress up for the Crazy Creature Costume Contest: Ages 0-4-11 am; Ages 5-7- 12 pm. Ages 8-10- 1 pm

The Rocky Horror Show Newnan Theatre Company, Newnan, Ga. www.newnantheatre.org; October 23-November 2. Frank N. Furter and his motley crew are doing the time warp once again! A humorous tribute to the science fiction and horror B-movies of the late 1940s through early 1970s, the musical tells the story of a newly engaged couple getting caught in a storm and coming to the home of a mad transvestite scientist unveiling his new creation, a muscle man named Rocky Horror. This deliberately kitschy rock ‘n’ roll sci-fi gothic madness has been entertaining audiences since 1974, and is as much fun as ever!

Whispers From the Past: A Native American Experience Aldridge Botanical Gardens, Hoover. www.aldridgegardens.com; October 5. 11:30am7:00pm. Explore Native American life through demonstrations featuring flint knapping, cooking, hunting and weapons and activities like leaf pounding, grinding corn and more. mp

Sunday Morning Worship Services 8:45 & 11 am

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Chapel Service & Holy Communion Wednesdays | 5:30 pm View live stream of Sunday services at www.fumcmontgomery.org/livestream Dr. R. Lawson Bryan | Senior Minister

2416 W. Cloverdale Park Montgomery, AL 36106 334.834.8990 fumcmontgomery.org

Join us in September for our 185th Anniversary celebration! Montgomery Parents I October 2014

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Armory Gymnasts Place Well in Competition

Armory Athletics gymnasts competed in the 2014 Compulsory Judges Cup August 16-17. Level 2 gymnasts ended session two with a sixth-place finish. Level two gymnast Jenna Easter placed third on vault, third on the balance beam, first on floor, and third all-around. Ann-Stallings Gardner placed third on vault, second on balance beam, and first all-around. Hailey McLaughlin placed first on vault. Harmony Nelson placed first on vault and third on bars. Level 3 gymnasts ended session six with a first-place finish. Daniella George placed firstt on floor and first all-around. Kennedy Robinson placed second on vault, second on uneven bars, third on balance beam, second on floor and first all-around. Bethany Norwood placed third on vault, second on uneven bars, first on balance beam, first on floor, and second all-around. Jordan Thornton placed first on vault, second on balance beam, and third all-around. Taylor Robinson placed second on uneven bars, second on balance beam, and second all-around. Jace Holmes placed third on vault and third on balance beam. Courtnee Webster placed third on uneven bars. Meagan Crum placed first on vault, third on uneven bars, third on balance beam, third on floor, and third all-around. Janie Spence placed first on balance beam. Amy Treloar placed first on uneven bars. Level 4 gymnasts ended session four with a first-place finish. Madeline Dillow placed second on vault, first on uneven bars, first on balance beam, first on floor, and first all-around. Grace Dillow placed first on vault, second on balance beam, first on floor, and first all-around. Alexa Gonzalez placed first on vault, second on beam, and third all-around. Madalyn Barfield placed first on uneven bars, third on balance beam, second on floor and second all-around. Sophie Tillis placed first on uneven bars. Kelsey Henderson placed first on vault. Colden King placed third on vault and third on balance beam. Asher King placed third on vault. 73

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A Page in a Book The Best Hound in the House Since prehistoric times, dogs have occupied an important place in the lives of humans, both as working partners and as beloved members of the family. This millennia-old connection continues as today’s children still anticipate the moment when they can find the best dog companion to bring home. Healthy partnerships between children and their dog(s) provide kids with a dependable partner who offers unconditional love, active play and loyalty that lasts for the duration of their time together. For children who dream of finding and adopting a perfect puppy pal, the following titles address both the responsibilities and the rewards that come with canine companionship.

Froggy Gets a Doggy

by Jonathan London, Illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz (Viking/Penguin) Froggy’s mother has promised him that he can adopt a pet and he knows exactly what he wants. Mother thinks a bunny or mice are ideal because they are easier to care for. But Froggy knows with all his heart he needs a dog. His mom tries to dissuade him, explaining all the responsibilities that come with a dog. But Froggy is convinced that he’s up to the challenge if it means he can adopt the perfect pet. When Doggy comes home with Froggy, he learns that love is just one of the things that a new doggy needs to adjust to a new family. From obedience training to “scooping up after”, ‘Froggy Gets a Doggy’ offers a humorous insight into the real commitment needed to bring a dog into the family – and the real joy that comes with finding the best canine companion!

A Perfect Place for Ted

by Leila Rudge (Candlewick) Ted has been overlooked for adoption in the pet store for so long that he finally decides he must venture out to find his own place to belong – a place where he is wanted. In an effort to be noticed, he joins the circus and stands on popcorn boxes, but the trained trapeze dogs get all the cheers. Ted enters a pet pageant, but he can’t compete with the pampered poodles. But just when Ted is about to give up on finding his place to belong, he sees a young girl posting a wanted notice for a furry friend (preferably one who enjoys long walks and ball games). Delightful pencil, ink and collage illustrations will charm readers as they follow Ted’s journey to be noticed and to find his forever home.

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Mogie: The Heart of the House

by Kathi Appelt, Illustrated by Marc Rosenthal ( Simon & Schuster) In a very special house where sick children and their families stay during treatment at the nearby hospital, there are only a few rules (healthy eating, peace and quiet, and no puppies). In a neighboring house is a family of almost-grown puppies that are all leaving the litter as service animals, search-and-rescue helpers and show dogs. All except Mogie; he isn’t suited for any of those jobs. Adventurous Mogie wanders out into the neighborhood and discovers the very special house with sick children. Mogie can’t read the rules, but he CAN figure out just what kind of companionship each child needs to help them get well. Adapted from the true story of Mogie, the therapy dog at the Ronald McDonald House in Houston, this gentle tale celebrates the power of companionship between child and dog to strengthen the hearts of both.

Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

Montgomery Parents I October 2014

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A unique method with benefits for today, and for life. At Kumon, we personalize our math and reading programs to fit the skill level of each child. That way, children at all levels can grasp any concept on their own and take full ownership of their success. With success comes confidence that can last a lifetime. That’s learning for the long run.

Schedule your free placement test now at these locations Kumon Math & Reading Center of Montgomery - Central 1655 Perry Hill Road, Montgomery, AL 36106

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Pink and Pearl Girls Hold Open House

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Pink and Pearlz 4 Girlz recently held its Annual Open House Night. This year’s theme is “Runway of Dreams,” so the girls will focus on goal setting, dreams, career choices, and accomplishing goals. There is also an auxiliary program for boys this year. For more information, please call 334-561-5091.

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Alabama Dance Theatre Presents 2014-15 Season

Sterling Little Miss Christmas Pageant November 1st

The 5th annual Sterling Miss Christmas Pageants will be held on Saturday, November 1, at the RiversEdge Church, located on Atlanta Highway in Montgomery. This pageant series is for girls who live in Alabama, age 1 month to 17 years, with seven age categories: Baby Miss (12 month to 23 mos.) Tiny Miss (24 mo.–35 mos.), Petite Miss (3-5 yrs.), Little Miss (6-8 yrs.), Pre-Teen Miss (9-11 yrs.), Jr. Teen (12-14 yrs.) Teen Miss (15-17 yrs.). The pageant will begin at 2:30 p.m. Deadline for applications is Friday, October 24. Applications may be found online at www.SterlingMiss. org, in Prattville at the Bridal Boutique & Tux Shoppe, in Clanton at Brenda’s Formals and in Wetumpka at A Touch of Class. Contestants, age 12 month to 5 years, may wear a long or short pageant dress or heirloom dress. For ages 6 and up, formal wear is a LONG pageant gown. No other outfits are required for this competition. Check in opens at 1:30 p.m. for all age categories. The entry fee for the event is $40. Optional categories are from $5 to $15 per category. For more information, applications and the Frequently Asked Question fact sheet, visit www.SterlingMiss.org or call 313-5444. Montgomery Parents I October 2014

The Alabama Dance Theatre opened its spectacular 28th Season with two successful free performances of “Stars on the Riverfront” in early August and will continue its tradition of excellence in the 2014-2015 Season. Alabama Dance Theatre continues to achieve regional recognition and has established a reputation as a strong training ground for pre-professional dancers. ADT recently held company auditions and the 2014-2015 Senior Company members selected are Aariona Boswell, Amari Boswell, Angelica Burgher, Baylee Clark, Catherine Cobb, Cameron Crawford, Anna Gentry, Haley Gentry, Safiya Haque, Taylor Jordan, Makenize Kilpatrick, Ke’Yana Robinson, Jessica Russell and Allyson Trimble. Junior Company members are Aloria Adams, Esoso Aghedo, Oroboso Aghedo, Amelia Felder, Kristen Grooms, Phoebe Hall, Francie Hill, Hayeong Jin, Destiny McGhee, Ja’mesia Morris, Rebekah Norwood, Maya Pegues, Virginia Perry, Lauren Taylor, and Ana Clare Wolfe. Apprentices for the 2014-2015 Season are Anne Elaine Clark, Yvette Enriquez, Kymberlin Gilchrist, Savannah Golden, Rachel Graham, Ahsha Gray, Mary Helen Greene, Maggie Jacques, Bellamy Kennedy, Lilliana Kwast, Kathryn Lindsey and Sarah Messick. In addition to public performances, ADT offers three special school performances of Dracula and A Celebration of the Season for more than 3,000 area students. ADT’s outreach program includes performances at the Junior League Holiday Market, Blue-Gray Colonels Ball, and demonstrations and readings at area schools and libraries. Kitty Seale is Artistic Director of the Alabama Dance Theatre and its ballet school, located at the Armory Learning Arts Center. Call (334) 241-2590 for information on classes or visit the website at www.alabamadancetheatre.com.

Training Classes Offered for Foster Parents

Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries will begin its next session of foster care training classes in the Tri-County Area soon. For more information on foster care or to register for the classes, please contact Bobbi Olson, Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, at 334-430-7569 or e-mail bolson@abchome.org.

Mathnasium of East Montgomery Trimathlon Contest

Local students in grades 2 through 5 will be participating in Mathnasium of East Montgomery’s TriMathlon contest next weekend, competing to earn money for local schools and win a spot in this year’s Grand Prize TriMathlon. When: Saturday, October 18, from 9:30 to 2:00. Location: Mathnasium of East Montgomery’s Learning Center, 3441 Taylor Road. Registration: www.MathnasiumTriMathlon.com Contact: Monica Virgil, Director of the Mathnasium of East Montgomery. 334-356-1570, eastmontgomery@mathnasium.com, www.mathnasiumtrimathlon.com. Background: Mathnasium’s TriMathlon contest is designed to engage kids in math and to support local schools. Children at all levels of math ability are invited to participate. In addition to winning medals, all students will earn money for local schools just by participating. The top scorers across all TriMathlon competitions will be invited back to the center the following weekend for a Grand Prize tie-breaker competition. Participation is free. 76

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Family Karate Center News

Students ages 5 and up at Family Karate Center have accepted the challenge to make all As and Bs this school year. Students show Master Carole Smith, chief instructor, their weekly progress reports and they are rewarded for each week’s A and B report. All As for the entire year get their own party and all-A certificates. A and B report cards get placed on the Family Karate Center wall, and a trip to the school’s treasure chest is fun for everyone. If the student drops below that A and B average, he will receive free tutoring at Family Karate Center until grades come back up. The Family Karate Center also held Open House events during each Saturday in August and September as a way to welcome new residents to Montgomery. Moms and dads were treated to refreshments, demonstrations, free uniforms and many received free gear bags. Discounted prices are offered to military and first responder parents each week, and free uniforms are offered to military every day. The Tiny Tigers, the two-four year old Mommy and Me class, started off the day with a “YOU ARE NOT MY PARENT!” demonstration that taught them what to do if a stranger tried to lure them away, or into a car. The youth and teen classes ages 5-11, and teens and adults took to the floor next, demonstrating weapon defense techniques, and assault prevention techniques for women. All ladies received free pepper spray with enrollment for the ladies’ self defense seminar provided free by Family Karate Center. For more information about the Family Karate Center programs, call 220-9319. From left, Zoe and Gabrielle demonstrate their sparring skills for the Tiny Tigers Program at the September Open House; and four-year-old Jordan demonstrated his Stranger Danger Skills in August.

Ability Sport Network at Huntingdon College sponsors wheelchair basketball for youth and young adults, ages 6-21, who have a physical disability and are interested in playing. Wheelchair sports are not limited to just wheelchair users; in fact, many of our athletes have the ability to walk. For more information, visit asn.huntingdon.edu. Players can join at any time. Sign up today! To register, please contact Dr. Lisa Clark at (334) 833-4451 or lclark@ hawks.huntingdon.edu. There is no cost to participate.

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Teens by nature are “addicted”

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to their social network. But, has your teen’s social media use crossed the line from normal to atypical? Addiction is usually triggered by emotional stress, says Amanda Deverich, a licensed marriage and family therapist. “It is tough to determine if your child is soothing with social media due to emotional stress or if the use is normal adolescent identity formation seeking connection and affirmation from peers,” Deverich says. “Nonetheless, parents should be on the lookout for excessive use, devotion and response to social media.” Social media use is a problem if it interferes in other areas of your child’s life, such as if she:

and where your child can log into her accounts. Consider creating “no-tech zones” in your home, like around the dinner table or at bedtime. “Parents can readily leverage social media time for chore completion, dinner participation and happy attitudes,” Deverich says. “An abuse of social media privilege should result in strict monitoring with a gradual release of freedom followed by random checking.” To further control social media use, set passcodes on your computer that require you to sign your kids onto their accounts.

• Isn’t completing homework, chores or other responsibilities. • Isn’t getting enough sleep. • Experiences excessive social drama, including bullying and social isolation.

Educate yourself. Even if you don’t plan to be an active

Take steps to prevent social media from dominating your child’s life.

participant on social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, sign up for an account to help yourself learn the ins and outs of how the sites work.

Set boundaries. First, explain that social media use is a privi-

Role model healthy online behavior. Show your child your accounts and talk about what kind of information you feel is

lege and will be rescinded if abused. Decide ahead of time when Montgomery Parents I October 2014

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appropriate to share and how often you post and check in. Also, keep in mind that many social media platforms require that users are at least 13 years old, in accordance with the “Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.” Don’t allow your child to lie about his age. “Doing so will make it much more difficult to get them to take you seriously later when you talk with them about good practices for crafting their digital identity,” says social media researcher Anand Rao, Ph.D., associate professor of communication, University of Mary Washington.

Monitor social media use. Collect

your kids’ passwords. Since they can set comments and photos to post without you seeing them, randomly log into their accounts to check on their activity. “Don’t worry about being a stalker,” Deverich says. “Parents are not stalkers. They are parents!”

Encourage offline interaction.

Make sure your teen is involved in extracurricular activities that create opportunities for face-to-face interactions. Nurture a wide range of communication practices beyond social media, such as making phone calls to friends or writing letters to relatives. “Social media is a wonderful complement to their offline lives, but only if they work to also maintain those offline connections,” Rao says. “Stay involved, talk with your teens, and help them build life skills that will benefit them for years to come.” mp

Freelance journalist, Christa Melnyk Hines, is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World. To learn more, visit www.christamelnykhines.com.

Popular Teen Apps Instagram - photo and video sharing site that allows users to apply filters to photos and share through social networks. Change default settings to private and disable geolocation which make it easy for predators to map where your child typically hangs out. Encourage child’s friends to do the same as predators can track kids through friends’ photos. Tumblr - creative microblogging platform for easily posting photos and audio/video. Blogs are grouped according to categories. Potential to be exposed to mature content. Primary accounts are public and anyone can post and send direct messages to other users.

Snapchat - photo-sharing app that vanishes from the friend’s screen after one to 10 seconds depending on the amount of time the sender sets. Exercise caution as recipients can easily take a screenshot of a photo and circulate at will. Kik - a messenger app in which users text and share photos with each other one-onone or in a group. Set privacy settings and block unknown individuals. Avoid posting usernames on public social networks which can attract unwanted attention from child predators, Internet trolls and cyberbullies.

Twitter - registered users post up to 140-character text messages called tweets. Set up privacy options in account settings to approve or deny follower requests. Vine - Twitter video app in which users create and share six-second looping videos to their profiles and link the videos to other social networks. Age requirements are 17 and up, but are easily bypassed by younger teens. Exposes teens to sexually explicit content. The app’s geo-locator can enable child predators to track your child. Ask.fm - anonymous ask and answer platform. The site is ripe for abuse as users can anonymously harass, bully or post sexually explicit questions on other user’s profiles. Other apps to check out include Whisper, Tinder and Textplus. Popular teen apps change quickly. Watch, listen and learn. Talk to your kids about using social media responsibly and with integrity. Use news stories and TV shows as opportunities to start conversations about online behavior.

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Calendar/Support Groups Ongoing

Ala. Dept. of Archives & History Exhibit galleries include a children’s gallery and a reference room for genealogical and historical research. Hands-On Gallery includes Grandma’s Attic where you can try on clothes, uniforms, shoes, try an old typewriter, sit at an old school desk or experience making a quilt square. However, the Hands-On Gallery and Grandma’s Attic will temporarily close for 2nd floor hallway renovations this summer. The Museum will remain closed until Monday, August 19. You can visit our History at Home web page to print off fun activities you can do at home. Stay tuned in for upcoming events from the Archives, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook. Call 242-4435 or visit www.archives. alabama.gov. Alabama River Region Arts Center in Wetumpka has weekly after-school Arts Clubs which meet on Thursdays from 4-5 & 5-6 p.m. There are three clubs: Guitar (acoustic), Clay (polymer, ie “sculpy”) and Painting/Drawing. Each Club is $20 a month. Students for Guitar Club must be 10 years old, but 7-year-olds are welcome for the other two. Clubs are limited to the first 10 students, for one month. While children are in Arts Clubs, parents are welcome to stay and browse our Gallery or Resource Library, or just wait in the kitchen with a soda! Studio space is also available on a lease basis. The Pottery Studio is available to ARRAC members trained on the wheel. First Saturday of every month is a free Sit & Sew, from 9 a.m.-noon. Bring your hand-sewing project or sewing machine for a morning of sewing with the ladies. (Bluegrass Jam is going on at the same time in another room.) 300 W. Tallassee St. (former Wetumpka Jr. High building), Wetumpka, AL 36092. Visit www.arrac.org or see us on Facebook: Alabama River Region Arts Center, or call 578-9485 for more information. Artists In Action: 1st Wednesday and 3rd Saturday of EVERY month at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts from noon-2 p.m.. Local and regional artists at work. For more info, call 240-4333. “Artworks,” a hands-on children’s exhibit. FREE. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Blount Cultural Park. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Open until 9 p.m. Thursdays. Closed Mondays. For more info, call 240-4333. Bama Brushstrokes Art Club Meets 9 a.m., 2nd Saturdays of each month, Messiah Lutheran Church, 6670 Vaughn Road, Montgomery. Club members include beginners, intermediate and advanced skill levels. Activities include seminars with well-known artists. Classes are taught by our members or guest artists. We share our talents with our community in various programs, such as the Memory Box Project for hospice patients through sponsorship by the Society of Decorative Painters. Our chapter creates finished paint projects and murals for various hospitals, libraries, and community-based organizations. For more info, contact Diana French, president, at garnet2@ bellsouth.net. Celtic Dance Classes Fridays at Montgomery Ballet from 4-5 p.m. We welcome boys and girls ages 6 to adult. Call Amanda at (706) 457-9254 or e-mail Celtic.traditions@gmail.com for more info. The Central Alabama Tennis Association (CATA) is a volunteer-based tennis organization formed to provide programs which promote and develop the growth of tennis throughout central Alabama. The CATA has four essential charitable and educational purposes: (1) to promote and develop the growth of tennis in central Alabama area by providing a variety of educational and charitable tennis programs and services; (2) to educate the community concerning the importance or tennis and the benefits that can be derived from tennis; (3) to expand the opportunities in the community for learning tennis and to offer opportunities for learning tennis to individuals who do not have access to tennis; and (4)

to provide programs and services in the community that teach participants scholarship and fair play and that permit access to volunteers and instructors who can serve as positive role models and mentors. For event info, call Ernie Rains, CATA Community Coordinator, at 324-1406 or e-mail www.centralalabama.usta. com. The Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa A private, non-profit, community-based organization located at 2213 University Blvd. in downtown Tuscaloosa, next to City Hall. Current hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed most holidays. Special programs are held for preschoolers weekly. Admission is $5 per person, with no charge for museum members or children under the age of 1 year. Special discounts are available to schools. For info, call (205) 349-4235 or visit www. chomonline.org. Civil Rights Memorial A monument to those who died and/or risked death in the struggle for civil rights. 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery. For information, call 264-0286.

October 2014 Greyhound Bus Station, the exhibit will remain open every Friday and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. or by appointment throughout the year. For more info, visit www.freedomridesmuseum.org or www.montgomerybusstation.org MOOseum, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Children’s educational center featuring past, present and future in agriculture and the cattle industry. Free. Group tours should be pre-scheduled. Mon.- Fri. 9 a.m. -noon and 1-4 p.m. Last scheduled tour of the day starts at 3:30 p.m. 201 Bainbridge St., Montgomery. For info, call 265-1867 or visit www.bamabeef.org. Old Alabama Town 19th and early 20th century outdoor history museum. Tours Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: $8 for adults, $4 for students ages 6-18. Under 6 free. 301 Columbus St., Montgomery. For information, call 240-4500. Prattville-Millbrook Newcomers Club A non-affiliated social club geared to new people moving into the area AND to those looking to form new friendships or just learn more about the area. We will

Find a listing of Public Library Storytimes and Events at MontgomeryParents.com!

Montgomery Parents I October 2014

Cloverdale Playhouse “Third Tuesdays” Montgomery’s singers and songwriters perform in our intimate theater space each month on the third Tuesday. Join us for a musical evening in Old Cloverdale. For details, call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org. Also contact us about volunteer opportunities, auditions, and the Playhouse School! Cool Kids Cook is a faith-based ministry with classes offered at different locations. Please call 220-3651 if you’d like to attend or volunteer with this ministry. First White House of the Confederacy Open on Saturdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This year begins the commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. The First White House of the Confederacy played a significant role during the war and served as Jefferson Davis’ family residence from February-May 1861. Located at 644 Washington Avenue in downtown Montgomery, neighboring the Alabama Department of Archives and History. For info or to tour the museum, call 242-1861 or visit www.firstwhitehouse.org. Garden Tours Local gardens include Southern Homes and Gardens, Blount Cultural Park’s Shakespearean Garden at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Grace Episcopal Church, Prattville’s historic gardens in Old Pratt Village and the Wilderness Park, and Wetumpka’s arboretum at Ft. Toulouse. For more info in Montgomery, call 1-800240-9452 or visit www.VisitingMontgomery.com. In Prattville, call 361-0961 or visit www.prattville.com/visitor/history. In Wetumpka, call 567-3002 or visit www.wetumpka.al.us/features. Other numbers are: Blount Cultural Park (274-0062 or www.blountculturalpark.org); Grace Episcopal Church (215-1422); Old Alabama Town (240-4005 or www. oldalabamatown.com); and Alabama Garden Trail (1-800-ALABAMA or www.touralabama.org). W. A. Gayle Planetarium Public Shows offered Mon.-Thurs. at 4 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. and first & third Saturdays at 2 p.m. Admission $6.50/person, children under 5 free, seniors $5.50/person. 1010 Forest Ave. in Oak Park. Call 625-4799. Montgomery’s Freedom Rides Museum Road to Equality: The 1961 Freedom Rides yearlong exhibit features works of art from top Alabama artists and offers unique interpretations of one of the most pivotal desegregation events in the nation’s history. Located in the capital city’s recently restored 1951

also have interest groups that meet during the month at various times and locations. They could be groups such as canasta, bridge, lunches, movies, etc. General meetings are second Tuesdays September-May at 10 a.m. at the YMCA on McQueen Smith Road. For more information, contact Nancy Schrull at (334) 356-5026 or nschrull@theschrullgroup.com River Region Contra Dancing Everyone, school-age through adult, is invited for a little exercise and a lot of fun. Singles, couples and families are welcome. All levels of experience – including no experience. Dancing is on 1st & 3rd Fridays at 7 p.m. at Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 5260 Vaughn Road. For more info, visit www.riverregioncontradance. com or call Katherine Thomas at 334-361-6572. Rosa Parks Museum 252 Montgomery Street, 241-8615. Hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. -3 p.m. Sundays and holidays, closed. Admission 12 years and under-$5.50/ Over 12-$7.50. Alabama college students with a valid student ID: $6.50; discount price for both Museum & Children’s Wing: adults: $14, children $10 Stone Mountain Park, Georgia Enjoy the outdoors together, while experiencing a variety of attractions, entertainment and recreation. Visit the 1870s town of Crossroads and enjoy live entertainment, skilled craft demonstrations, shopping, dining and more. Additional attractions include: the 4-D Theater, The Great Barn, Paddlewheel Riverboat, Summit Skyride, Scenic Railroad, Antebellum Plantation and Farmyard, Pedal Boats, Mini-Golf, New Camp Highland Outpost and Treehouse Challenge, Discovering Stone Mountain Museum and the Antique Car & Treasure Museum. The Regular One-Day All Attractions Pass is $24 (plus tax) for ages 12 and up, and $19 (plus tax) children ages 3-11. For an additional fee, guests can also “Ride the Ducks” sightseeing tour. Required parking permit is $8 for one day or $35 for an annual permit. Call (770) 498-5690 or visit www.stonemountainpark.com. Toastmasters International is an organization that was founded in 1924. Its mission is to help individuals with their communication and leadership skills. Each club provides an atmosphere where individuals can speak without being criticized or judged, yet provide effective evaluations. We also offer the opportunity to take on leadership roles as club president, vice presi-

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dent, and other officer positions that teach planning, time management, organizing and parliamentary procedures. Anyone 18 years or older can join Toastmasters. We currently have six clubs in the River Region. Toastmasters is now starting a club named The River Region Toastmasters in the Prattville/Millbrook area. Meet every Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Journey Church located at 2050 Commerce Street, just off I-65, exit 179. For more info, contact the interim president, Gene Ann Hildreth, at 361-6333 or alabamasoupgirl@aol.com. Tales for Tots Join us for this FREE introduction to art in storybooks and in the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts galleries for young children and their families. Each time a different work of art and special story will be presented. Next class is October 15 and classes are offered 10:30-11 and 11-11:30 a.m. Call 240-4365 or visit www.mmfa. org for more info.

Classes

Breastfeeding Class Designed to prepare the expectant mother for breastfeeding her newborn. Also includes troubleshooting common problems to establish a successful breastfeeding experience. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $15. Class schedule is subject to change, so please call 293-8497 to register or for more info. Childbirth Basics Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose to have pain relief during labor and delivery. Sessions are taught throughout the year at Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $25. Call 293-8497 by your 4th month of pregnancy to register. Childbirth Preparation Class Comprehensive four-week series covers all aspects of the labor and delivery experience, admission process, medication and anesthesia options including epidurals, cesarean sections, coping and comfort measures including breathing and relaxation techniques. Postpartum care and baby care basics are also included. A maternity area tour is also included as a part of this class. All of our classes are taught by registered nurses certified in childbirth education. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule your class. Childbirth Preparation Boot Camp An abbreviated version of Childbirth Preparation Class offered in a one-day format. A maternity area tour is also included as a part of this class. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule your class. Chinese Language Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Office of Far Eastern Initiatives offers Saturday classes for children and adults. The one-hour weekly courses are provided free-of-charge as a service to the community. For more information or to register, contact April Ma at 244-3018 or ama@aum.edu CPR & First Aid The American Red Cross offers classes in adult and infant/child CPR as well as first aid and babysitting classes monthly. Call 260-3980. Diabetes Education --Prattville Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available Wednesdays by appointment at Prattville Medical Park. Call 213-6360 for more information. Diabetes Education --Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available weekdays by appointment. Call 213-6360 for more info. Family Nutrition Classes Fun, hands-on 3 or 6-week in person or online course developed by well-known pediatrician Dr William Sears. Classes focused towards parents of children age 3-12. Content includes: Traffic Light Eating, Brainy Breakfasts, the Truth about Fats, Powering up with Protein and Play, and more! The goal is to learn simple ways to improve the health of your child through lifestyle, exercise, attitude, and nutrition. Fee includes materials, activities, and a snack. A 2-hour preview class is available. For more information, contact Alissabeth Taylor at alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or via Facebook www.Facebook.com/LeaninCentralAL. Foster Parent Training Classes Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries sponsors foster care training classes in the Tri-County Area. For more information on foster care or to register

for the classes, please contact Bobbi Olson, Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, at 334430-7569 or e-mail bolson@abchome.org. Infant Safety/CPR Class Teaches parents and grandparents American Heart Association’s Family and Friends CPR for infants and children, including care of the choking infant, infant rescue and breathing with hands-on practice using ACTAR CPR dolls for class participants. Class will also help parents with creating a safe environment for their child. Classes are taught by certified CPR instructors. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule. Maternity Area Tour Maternity area tour for expectant mothers and families not attending Childbirth Preparation Class/Boot Camp. Baptist Medical Center East. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule. Math & Science for Preschoolers Classes for “3-2-1 Blast T.I.M.E.S. (Technology, Innovation, Math, Engineering, & Science)” are held every Monday, excluding federal holidays. Children ages 3-5 will learn math and science concepts through everyday play. Classes are 30 min. long and $8/week. Join us at 1585 E Main St, Prattville (next to Pri-Med), to have fun and get a boost in math & science. Please visit 321 Blast TIMES on Facebook for times. To register or for more info, contact Susan Trombley at 321blasttimes@ outlook.com or (334) 380-1879. Pre- and Post-natal Fitness Classes Includes water aerobics, step-floor aerobics and strength training. SportsFirst. Call 277-7130. Pregnancy Nutrition Classes Fun, interactive 3-week series of nutrition classes developed by well-known pediatrician Dr. William Sears. Classes focus on lifestyle choices, attitude, and exercise at any stage of pregnancy; Optimal nutrition before, during and after pregnancy; Transition from pregnancy to motherhood. Courses can be taken separately or as a series. Jump in any time! Materials and snack provided with fee. For more information contact Alissabeth Taylor at alissabethtaylor@ gmail.com or via Facebook - www.Facebook.com/ LeaninCentralAL. Prenatal Breastfeeding Class Provides expectant mothers information about breastfeeding including various factors influencing lactation, advantages of breastfeeding, basic anatomy and physiology of milk production, specific techniques to promote a successful breastfeeding experience and breastfeeding equipment and supplies. Classes are taught by IBCLC instructors. Partners are encouraged to participate in this class. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule your class. Sibling Preparation Class Fun one-hour class is designed for expectant “big brothers and sisters” ages 3 to 8. They will learn about the arrival of their new baby through an introduction to the hospital experience and the early days at home. Parents should plan to attend with their child. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule. Slow Flow Yoga Lunchtime Yoga Classes at Old Alabama Town. Take a break from your computer desk and relieve your body of all that stress with some slow flow yoga! Instructor Juliet Thomas provides downtown workers with a convenient way to stretch and reenergize before going back into the office. Classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 11:30-12:15, and 12:30-1:15. Beginners welcome! No registration needed; just come to 310 N. Hull Street (Lucas Tavern) and we will direct you to a place to change and set up your mat. Drop in fee: $12; 5-class pass: $50 (exp. 60 days) Monthly unlimited: $65. Mat rental: $1. Pay by cash or check. Make checks payable to Juliet Thomas. Blocks will be provided. Avoid a big meal before class. Please arrive 5-10 minutes early. Wear comfortable clothing, something to easily move around in. Mats and props are provided if needed, although students may prefer their own mat after a few yoga sessions. Bring water to hydrate on your walk back to the office! No sugary drinks or other food allowed. For more info, call (334) 240-4500 or (334) 207-0909 or e-mail juliet.yoga@ icloud.com.

Services

American Cancer Society seeks Volunteers for Road to Recovery This program is designed to ensure that cancer patients have transportation to and from medical facilities for treatment. Road to Recovery volunteers can be individual drivers with time to help others or even local companies who allow employees to provide transportation on company time in company cars. Anyone who has a driver’s license, a safe driving record, personal automobile insurance, owns a car or has access to one, and can spare as little as one morning or afternoon a month is encouraged to volunteer. For more information, or to volunteer, please call Luella Giles at 612-8162 or call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Hospital Volunteers Volunteers are needed at Baptist Medical Center East, Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville Baptist Hospital. Duties vary by facility but include delivering mail and flowers, transporting patients, staffing waiting rooms and information desks, and furnishing coffee for visitors. Volunteers work one four-hour shift per week. For more info, call 286-2977. Hospice Volunteers Through volunteering at Baptist Hospice, the opportunities to help are endless. Our volunteers are an important part of the patient’s care and are the heart of the hospice family. There are many other ways to help, such as special projects and events or providing administrative support for the staff, that are essential. Volunteers often have special talents and innovative ideas that add so much to our program. Please call Gloria @395-5018 to join our dynamic team. Volunteer Services Jackson Hospital is looking for volunteers for the information desk. These volunteers are needed for the evening shift, 5-8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Volunteers must be friendly and eager to offer information to those visiting the hospital. With this position, a free meal will be given as well as a parking spot next to the lobby. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and are asked to work 4 hours a week. They must complete an application and pass a background check and health screening. If you are interested in volunteering, call 293-8967 or visit www.jackson.org/patients_volunteers. html and fill out the application. Baptist Sleep Disorders Centers Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville. Both centers have the ability to diagnose up to 84 different sleep disorders. There are four board-certified physicians and a clinical psychologist on staff between the two centers. For more information, call 286-3252 for Baptist Medical Center South and 361-4335 for Prattville Baptist Hospital. Jackson Sleep Disorders Center Jackson Hospital houses a sleep disorders center on the third floor of the Goode Medical Building to monitor those who are suffering from sleep disorders. For more information, contact your physician or the Sleep Center at 293-8168. Jackson Hospital Offers Animal Therapy Program to Pediatric Unit Jackson Hospital’s Animal Therapy Program is a vital part of its patient care. Animals in the program are limited to dogs, and no other animals are allowed to participate. Currently, there are 10 dogs in the program. Their handlers have undergone extensive training and orientation, and visit the hospital weekly. For more information, please call 293-8894.

Support Groups Adoption Support

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer Memorial UMC. For more information, call Hannah Taylor at 4099477 or the church office at 272-8622. Autauga/Elmore Group meets 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Glynwood Baptist Church, Prattville. Childcare, children’s group and dinner provided. For more info, call 409-9477 or e-mail htaylor@childrensaid.org.

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Calendar/Support Groups Panda Pals is a support group for families who have adopted or in the process of adopting children from China. We have playdates, family nights and gettogethers to talk about raising our children from China. If you would like to join our group, just e-mail PandaPals2005@yahoogroups.com or call Tracie Singleton at 395-8215.

Cancer Support

American Cancer Society, including Montgomery, Elmore, Autauga, & Macon Counties: **To access or sign up for these programs, call the American Cancer Society’s Montgomery office at 6128162 or call 1-800-ACS-2345 and you will be connected to the Montgomery office.** Look Good…Feel Better is an American Cancer Society program in which trained volunteer cosmetologists help female cancer patients deal with the side effects of treatment. Patients are taught beauty techniques to enhance their appearance and self image during or after treatments, including ways to disguise hair loss and skin changes. Call Luella Giles at 612-8162 for more info. Man to Man is an American Cancer Society support group for men who are battling or have survived prostate cancer. It offers them education, discussion and support. Please call for next meeting dates at the American Cancer Society Office in Montgomery. OTHER PROGRAMS/SERVICES OFFERED BY THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: Reach to Recovery matches newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors on a one on one basis. College scholarships to cancer survivors Free wigs and other supplies for cancer patients Free rides to treatment through our Road To Recovery program (where volunteer drivers use their cars and time to take in need cancer patients to treatment) Free lodging through the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge in Birmingham (if patients are sent to Birmingham for treatment) On-line cancer information classes and support group through www.cancer.org. Information anytime and trained specialists at 1-800ACS-2345 The Central Alabama Multiple Myeloma Support Group meets 10 a.m.-noon on second Saturdays at Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church, 6000 Atlanta Highway, Room 3105. We have guest speakers, video presentations, printed information and a group that welcomes sharing in an informal setting. Refreshments provided. Interested patients, family members and friends are encouraged to come. For more info, contact Lorenzo and Elaine Duncan at (334) 281-8158, or by e-mail at duncan6563@gmail.com. General Cancer Support Group held at Christ Church, 8800 Vaughn Road, Tuesday afternoons at 1 p.m. This is an open group. For more information, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie Diemayer at 467-4578. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 2nd Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Room 8114. Provides education, awareness and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family or friends. For more info, call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@ charter.net.

Divorce Support

Divorce Care and Divorce Care 4 Kids First Baptist Church Montgomery, Wednesdays starting August 22 at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $15 (scholarships available). Contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@montgomeryfbc.org or 241-5125. Divorce Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622 for more info.

Gambling Support

Gamblers Anonymous meetings in the River Region Area: Saturdays @ 7 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, 5375 U.S. Hwy. 231 (Directly across from the Winn-Dixie shopping center), Wetumpka. Call (334) 567-7534.

Montgomery Parents I October 2014

Sundays @ 5 p.m., Mental Health Association, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Mondays @ 6 p.m., St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 4475 Atlanta Hwy., Montgomery. Gamblers Anonymous Hotline: 334-541-5420

Grief Support

Bereaved Spouses Support Group A new ministry of Cornerstone Christian Church, USA (Unavoidably Single Again) Ministries is designed to offer ongoing support, social events and fellowship to those who have lost their spouses to death. The group is open to ALL widowed individuals, regardless of age, religious beliefs, or length of marriage or widowhood. Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at the church’s building, 301 Dalraida Road. Please e-mail Lynda Coats at farauthor@aol.com for more information. “Big Leap!” Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m., Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is designed to meet the needs of children who have experienced the recent loss of a loved one. This group provides a hands-on, safe space for age-appropriate expression of grief. These sessions aim to increase feeling identification, decrease self-blame or guilt, and build coping skills. Through music, art, and play we meet your child or grandchild on their level. We encourage your children to hold tight to their memories as they make a “big leap” into their new future. This group is open to children ages 7-11. Space is limited to 6 participants so call 279-6677. Start date will be determined once reservations are confirmed. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW “Comfort and Conversation,” Wednesdays at 11 a.m., Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is intended to address those affected by a recent loss (0-12 months after death). Through meeting with others who are walking a similar journey, you will be encouraged to work through the complications of your loss, understand your pain, and adjust to your new reality. Space is limited, so please call 2796677. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW Compassionate Friends, Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Hwy, first Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child. We have an annual special event on Tuesday, Dec. 4. We will hold a Candlelight Ceremony in memory of our children at 7 p.m. at Eastmont Baptist Church. Registration is encouraged and may be made by calling (334) 2842721. We will also collect Toys for Tots for anyone interested in participating. “Connect,” Fridays at 11 a.m., biweekly, Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is for those who have already walked through the initial grieving process but still desire to connect with others who share similar experiences. This group will allow you to meet new people, stay active in the community, and look ahead to a bright future. We will share lunch, visit museums, volunteer, attend movies, and participate in area events. We even have a fishing trip on the agenda! This group is ongoing and does not have a participation limit. It’s time to have fun again, come join us! For more info, call 279-6677. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW Grief Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622 for more info. Grief Recovery After Suicide, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., first Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Room 3102. This group is open to family members and friends who have lost a loved one as the result of suicide. Group offers a confidential environment in which to receive support, hope and information. Contact Rev. Susan Beeson, 272-8622. Grief Share, Hospice of Montgomery’s office located at 1111 Holloway Park, Montgomery. Meets Wednesdays from noon-1 p.m. through March. This FREE group is for individuals, families and caregivers in the River Region. Registration required to attend. HOM provides quality palliative care to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those in our commu-

October 2014 nity affected by terminal illness; maintains the highest ethical standards; and educates the community about the hospice concept and end-of-life issues. For more information or to register, please contact Candace Fales at 279-6677 or cfales@hospiceofmontgomery.org. Grieving With Hope, St. Mark UMC, meeting weekly on Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m. The group offers a place to share, care and heal from the losses of life. Facilitated by Dr. Lennie Howard and Marie Parma. Contact the church at 272-0009. Honoring Angels Like Owen, Inc. (HALO) offers family-oriented, Christian-based grief support groups that meet monthly. These groups are for families who have lost a child from 20 weeks gestation up to the age of 2 years old. Our parents’ group is for mothers and fathers. Our siblings’ group is for children ages 6-15. Both groups meet at the same time and place. These groups offer faith-based healing through sharing and emotional support. Meetings offer an outlet for sharing your child’s memory and your day to day struggles, while receiving support of others who have been in similar situations. Please feel free to bring photos of your child to share. HALO also offers free professional photography for families facing the loss of a child up to the age of 2 years old and needs-based financial assistance for burial. Visit www.honoringangelslikeowen. org or call (334) 328-1202. Mourning to Morning is a Christian growth group for mothers who have lost a child, from before birth through adulthood. We normally meet the last Thursday night of each month at Grace Baptist Church in Wetumpka, 304 Old Montgomery Highway. For more info, contact Alice Scarborough at (334) 462-4775 or Gwen Ellis at (334) 567-8754 or e-mail us at mourningtomorning@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook--Mourning to Morning Group. Our purpose is to glorify God as we serve Him in comforting and encouraging each other in our grief and growth.

Homeschool Support

ECHO (Elmore County Homeschool Organization), Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. 2nd and 4th Fridays year-round from 10 a.m. to noon. This is a support group for homeschooling families in the tri-county area. Membership is free. For more info, please visit http://www.onlineecho.com

Illness Support

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Day Care, Frazer Memorial UMC, Thursdays, in Room 3101, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There is no charge, but registration is required. For more information, call the Congregational Care office at 272-8622. Each participant needs to bring a sack lunch. On the first Thursday of each month, the Caregivers’ Support Group meets in Room 3103 beginning at 10:30 a.m. For the support group, call the church at 272-8622. Cardiolife, a FREE educational series for congestive heart failure patients and their caregivers, meets 4th Thursdays of each month, 10-11 a.m. Diabetes Center classroom, Jackson Hospital. For more info, call 279-6677. Topics include: Lifestyle Changes, A Heart Healthy Diet, Proper Fluid Intake, Importance of Daily Weights and Exercise Tolerance. Support for this program provided by River Region Supportive Care – a Division of Hospice of Montgomery. Facilitated by Arla Chandler, RN, BSN, MBA. Christians Against Substance Abuse (CASA) is a 12-step spiritual recovery program for overcoming addictions. Using the steps and the Bible, we help build self-esteem, responsible behavior, learning to make amends for destructive behavior, then fill the void in our hearts by developing a loving relationship with God. Class begins each Wednesday evening @6:30 p.m. Please contact the Prattville Church of Christ office, 344 East Main St. in Prattville (334-365-4201), for additional information. Depression/Bipolar Support Alliance, Room 3101 at Frazer UMC, 1st Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. This group is for those with depression and bipolar illness and their families. For more info, call 272-

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8622 or visit dbsamontgomery@yahoo.com Meetings also available 3rd Saturday afternoons from noon-2 p.m. at Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway. For more info, call 652-1431. Depression & Bipolar Support, Montgomery Public Library Main Branch, 245 High Street downtown, 2nd Floor Meeting Room, 3rd Saturdays, Noon-2 p.m.; OR 1609 West Street, north off Carter Hill and Narrow Lane, 2nd Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Call 2019638 or 652-1431 for more info. Gluten Intolerance Group (www.gluten.net) is a nonprofit organization with the mission to provide support to those with any form of gluten intolerance. GIG-Montgomery assists with awareness of diverse potential symptoms, which can range from fatigue and headaches to nausea and intestinal problems. Guidelines are provided on how to eat safely both at home and eating out. Another objective is to facilitate more effective communication between the local gluten-free community and stores, restaurants and the medical community. Meets 2nd Thursdays, 6-7 p.m., at Taylor Road Baptist Church, Fellowship Suite (faces entrance of EastChaseNE. Turn on Berryhill Rd. by EastChase). Check the blog for special “alternate site” meetings (www.glutenfreemontgomery.blogspot.com) For more info, you may also e-mail dr.hetrick@charter.net or visit the group’s Facebook page. Montgomery Area Mended Hearts, First floor of Montgomery Cardiovascular Institute on the campus of Baptist Medical Center South. For anyone who has experienced cardiac illness. Third Mondays, alternates between 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Call 286-3410 for more info. NAMI Montgomery (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) provides understanding, education and information to family members and friends of those who suffer mental illness. The NAMI Montgomery Family Member Support Group will begin meeting on May 12 from 6:30-7:45 p.m. in room 3103 at Frazer Memorial UMC. This group will meet on second Mondays of each month. Meetings are open to anyone who is interested in issues concerning mental health. Call Mary Jo Logan (271-2280) for directions/details. OCD Support Group (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) Long showers, multiple hand-washing, rituals, checking the stove, hoarding and symmetry. This support group is open to anyone who has struggled with OCD. You’re not alone anymore. This group is just getting started so a specific meeting time has not been set yet. Location will be 5500 Ash Grove Circle, Montgomery. Call Donald at 220-7555 for more info. Overeaters Anonymous, Unity of Montgomery, 1922 Walnut St., Saturdays from 3-4 p.m. Contact Misty at 324-9568 or Carol at 467-5742. Parkinson’s Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, meets on 4th Thursdays at 6 p.m. in Room 8114. Group is for Parkinson’s patients and their family members. For more info, call 272-8622. Sjogren’s Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, meets on 3rd Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. in room 3104. This group is for those with Sjogren’s disease and the family members of those affected by this disease. For more info, call 272-8622. Traumatic Brain Injury Support, cafeteria at HealthSouth on Narrow Lane in Montgomery. 2nd Thursdays at 6 p.m. Sponsored by Alabama Head Injury Foundation for anyone with a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or related disability. For more information, contact Holli at (334) 290-0646 or e-mail: ahif_montgomery_auburn@yahoo.com. Visit www.ahif.org. Veterans OEF/OIF Caregivers Support Group meets 3rd Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 3108 at Frazer Memorial UMC. This group provides support and understanding to those caring for OEF/ OIF Veterans. For more information, contact LaQuana Edwards, Caregiver Support Coordinator at CAVHCS, (334) 727-0550 ext. 5350.

Parent Support

D.A.D.S. (Dad and Daughter Saturdays) Second Saturdays at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Library in downtown Montgomery at 11 a.m. D.A.D.S. is the vision of local resident and Montgom-

ery Area Chamber of Commerce staff member Ron Simmons and his daughter Erin. It gives fathers and daughters an opportunity to read together to create fun, educational memories. All fathers in the River Region are invited to bring their daughters to the library to read, laugh and have fun. This free event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Montgomery City-County Public Library and Dreamland Barbeque. For more information, call Ron Simmons at (334) 777-8596. La Leche League of Montgomery, East Imaging Center on Winton Blount Blvd., Montgomery, 3rd Fridays, 10 a.m. Leaders are experienced breastfeeding mothers who have completed an accreditation program and are familiar with breastfeeding management techniques as well as current research. Meetings are free and open to all women. Expecting moms, children and grandmothers also welcome. If you need information before the next scheduled meeting, please contact Bridgit (569-1500), Amy (356-3547), or Heather (LLL_ heather@yahoo.com). Mom2Mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of preschoolers at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. E-mail Mom2mom@ frazerumc.org for more information. Moms’ LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) First Baptist Church, Prattville. Meets twice monthly from 8:30-11:45 a.m. in the chapel at First Baptist Church in Prattville August through May. For moms of all stages and ages of life. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guests, special guest speakers and a lot of fun! Cost is $5 per meeting. Childcare provided by reservation. For more info and to reserve your spot, call Kelley Manning at 361-7919. The Montgomery Multiples Club is a non-profit organization offering support to the mothers and families of twins, triplets, and more in the Central Alabama region. They have a mom’s night out with dinner once a month. They also have a yard sale twice a year, in the spring and again in the fall. For more info, visit http:// montgomerymultiplesclub.org. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry St., Montgomery. Moms, need a little break? MOPS is a place you can share a good meal, make new friends, and find encouragement as you face the everyday challenges of raising your little ones. We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Meetings are 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Visit www.montgomeryfbc. org/MOPS or contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Vaughn Forest Baptist Church, 8660 Vaughn Road, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Are you in need of a time-out? Then have we got the place for you! MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. Childcare is provided. For more info, e-mail VFCMOPS@gmail.com.

Pregnancy Loss/Infertility

Hannah’s Prayer, Prattville First United Methodist Church, 2nd Thursdays and 3rd Sundays. Support group for women dealing with pregnancy loss/infertility issues. Call (334) 365-5977. Sav-A-Life conducts a HOPE GROUP for women who have experienced the emotional aftermath of an abortion. Groups meet eight consecutive Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. and are facilitated by women who have experienced abortion. The “Forgiven and Set Free” Bible study is used. Confidientiality is assured. Please call Kathy at 260-8010 for information.

Single Parents Support

Single Moms’ Care and Support Group, Perry Hill United Methodist Church, 910 Perry Hill Road (corner of Perry Hill and Harrison Roads). Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:15-8 p.m. Free snack supper provided to moms and children. Child care for infants-16 years. Call 272-3174 for more info. Singles’ Small Groups, Frazer Memorial UMC, Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622 for more info.

TNT (Tuesday Night Together) for Singles, Frazer Memorial UMC, Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, Bldg. 7000. A meal ($5) and program are provided. For reservations, call 272-8622.

Special Needs Support

Central Alabama Autism Support Team (C.A.A.S.T.), St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Hwy. 31 in Prattville from 6-8 p.m. 3rd Thursdays quarterly (Feb., May, Aug., Nov.). Visit www.easysite.com/caast or e-mail casst50@yahoo.com for more info. Down Syndrome Support, Vaughn Park Church of Christ, 2nd Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Childcare provided. Call Hope Smith at 328-8766 or visit www. montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com for information. Montgomery Area Hearing Loss Support Group meets monthly at the Wesley Building of the First Methodist Church in Montgomery on 2nd Thursdays at 4 p.m. It is affiliated with the nationally recognized non-profit advocacy group, Hearing Loss Association of America. The purpose is to bring together all adults and parents of children who would like to know more about hearing losses, its causes and its possible corrections. Licensed audiologists make brief presentations explaining their local programs, their offices and the availability of hearing tests, of possible medical corrections, and/of hearing aids and cochlear implants. Refreshments at each meeting. For more info, contact HearingInfo@earthlink.net. River Region Autism Support Group, Cafe Louisa (in Old Cloverdale), 1036 E. Fairview Ave. We meet on 1st Saturdays from 4-6 p.m. This group is comprised of parents whose children are on the autism spectrum. We also welcome others involved with autistic children, such as grandparents, friends, teachers, therapists, etc. For more info about how to join the group, or if you plan to attend a meeting, e-mail Lyra Stephens at LyraStephens@yahoo.com. Special Needs Skate 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month. 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Looney’s Super Skate, 3541 McGehee Rd. in Montgomery. All ages welcome. Sensory sensitive. Volunteers available for assistance. $5 admission. For more information, contact Lyrastephens@yahoo.com.

Teens/Families Support

Life is Fun Together (LIFT): A FREE Relationship and Marriage Enrichment Program providing different educational and fun-filled seminars to individuals and families. The LIFT Program is provided through Family Guidance Center of Alabama in partnership with the Alabama Community Healthy Marriage Initiative. Call Tonya Rogers at 270-4100 for class start dates or more info! “Relationship Smarts Plus” teaches teens in grades 7-12 about healthy relationships in a fun, interactive way. Six-week sessions are available throughout the year on Mondays from 4–6 p.m. “Smart Steps for Stepfamilies” is a six-week session that helps stepfamilies learn strategies to strengthen and stabilize their families. Parents and children ages 8 and up meet in their own groups, then meet up at the end of each session for a fun family activity! “Together We Can” gives non-married parents the skills they need to maintain healthy relationships between themselves and their children. “How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk (or Jerkette)” teaches single adults how to get the most out of dating. “Mastering the Magic of Love” is a communication class for all couples. Bring your spouse, fiancé, or that special someone in your life with you to learn new communication techniques and enhance your skills as a team of two. All adults are welcome, including graduates looking for a refresher! Also…. LIFT has a brand-new program just for parents of teens!!! “Bridging the Great Divide: Parents and Teens Communicating About Healthy Relationships” is perfect for parents or guardians who want open lines of communication with their teen. Topics include “Principles of Dating & Healthy Relationships,” “Sensitive Topics,” “Rules & Boundaries,” and more!!! Building D of Family Guidance Center, 2358 Fairlane Drive. This workshop lasts only three weeks, so call TODAY to

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Calendar/Support Groups reserve your spot! You can look at a calendar of LIFT classes & events online by visiting our LIFT web page: http://www.familyguidancecenter.org/ Remember, LIFT has FREE programs for singles, couples, stepfamilies, parents, teens, and now parents of teens! Call 2704100 or e-mail trogers@familyguidancecenter.org if you didn’t see your class listed so we can contact you when the next one starts. Support Group for Teens with difficulties communicating with parents and friends. Contact Felicia Pressley at Pressley Counseling by leaving a message at (334) 625-0159.

This Month

Wednesday, October 1

Capital City Master Gardener Association Lunch And Learn Series Open To The Public The first Wednesday of each month, noon to 1 p.m. Sessions are held at the Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, next to the Curb Market. The Capital City Master Gardener Association provides a monthly educational series called “Lunch and Learn,” on a variety of gardening topics in a classroom setting. Related handouts from the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service are provided each session at no cost. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunches to each event. Iced tea and water will be provided. Science Classes 3-2-1 Blast T.I.M.E.S. (Technology, Innovation, Math, Engineering, & Science) classes are held every Wednesday at Prattville Wesleyan Preschool. Students will learn science concepts through everyday play. Classes are 30 min. Please visit 321 Blast TIMES on Facebook, e-mail 321blasttimes@outlook.com, or call (334) 380-1879 to register or request additional information. Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park, Georgia -- Through October 26 Take in all of the splendor that autumn provides with attractions, fun-filled games, shows and more. NEW for 2014, Join Spookley the Square Pumpkin and lift his friends into the air for a Dance-A-Long Party Parade that dances through Crossroads, and then meet him at Spookley’s Pumpkin Patch Meet & Greet. Pumpkin Palooza Extreme takes the stage with an energy-filled game show where audience members are picked to participate in a series of zany and messy challenges. Get the entire family into the spirit with fall décor and special attractions, such as the Pie Eating Contest, Trick or Treat Scavenger Hunt, crafts in the pumpkin patch and much more! Plus, enjoy all of your favorite Stone Mountain Park attractions during Pumpkin Festival. For info, visit www.stonemountainpark.com or call (770) 498-5690. Upward Basketball Registration at Frazer UMC Through October 31 Your child will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of basketball in a Christian environment. Boys and girls in 1st-9th grades can register in the Activity Center or online by Oct. 31. Practices begin the week of Monday, Dec. 1. First game is Saturday, Jan 10, 2015; last game and end of season celebration is February 28, 2015. Early bird registration cost is $85 and includes a uniform. Call 495-6459 or visit www.frazerumc.org/ events for more information.

Thursday, October 2

Science Classes 3-2-1 Blast T.I.M.E.S. (Technology, Innovation, Math, Engineering, & Science) classes are held every Thursday at Montessori at Hampstead. Students will learn science concepts through everyday play. Classes are 30 min. Please visit 321 Blast TIMES on Facebook, e-mail 321blasttimes@outlook.com, or call (334) 380-1879 to register or request additional information. The Old Alabama Town Revue: “Blues & Boo” 7 p.m. The Old Church on Columbus St. The theme for this show is “Blues and Boo.” In the first part, we will render original blues songs about Alabama in the fall. In the second part we pay homage to Halloween. Visit www.oldalabamatown.com or call 240-4500.

Montgomery Parents I October 2014

Millbrook Community Players Present Harvey Through October 4 Directed by Susan Chain. When Elwood P. Dowd starts to introduce his imaginary friend, Harvey, a six-and-ahalf-foot rabbit, to guests at a society party, his sister, Veta, has seen as much of his eccentric behavior as she can tolerate. She decides to have him committed to a sanitarium to spare her daughter, Myrtle Mae, and their family from future embarrassment. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. September 25-27 and October 2-4 and at 2 p.m. September 28. Visit www.millbrooktheatre. com or call (334) 782-7317 for tickets. Theatre AUM Presents The Pulitzer Project Through October 5 An evening of scenes and songs from Pulitzer Prizewinning plays. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. MondaySaturday and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $10 for the general public and $5 for seniors, non-AUM students and military. AUM faculty, staff and students admitted free of charge. No late seating. Children younger than age 6 not admitted. For reservations, contact Katie Pearson at 244-3632 or kpearso2@aum.edu. Marvel Universe Live at Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center -- Through October 5 Order tickets by phone at 800-745-3000 or visit www. ticketmaster.com. Wetumpka Depot Players Present A Higher Place in Heaven -- Through October 11 The prequel to Pamela Parker’s hit play Second Samuel, A Higher Place in Heaven is the story of unlikely friendships and family secrets. This heartfelt dramedy set in 1925 is directed by Kim Mason and features a small, but mighty, cast of Depot favorites. For tickets, call (334) 868-1440 or visit www.wetumpkadepot.com. Faulkner Dinner Theatre Presents Man of La Mancha -- Through October 18 Theatre doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner is served from 6:15 until 7. The show begins promptly at 7:30. Tickets are $26.50 and include dinner and the show. Members of the military can purchase tickets for just $21.50. Reservations must be paid in advance. To make reservations or for more information, call 877840-0457 or visit http://www.ticketforce.com/. Slow Flow Yoga -- Begins Today Lunchtime Yoga Classes at Old Alabama Town. Take a break from your computer desk and relieve your body of all that stress with some slow flow yoga! Instructor Juliet Thomas provides downtown workers with a convenient way to stretch and reenergize before going back into the office. Classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 11:30-12:15, and 12:30-1:15. Beginners welcome! No registration needed; just come to 310 N. Hull Street (Lucas Tavern) and we will direct you to a place to change and set up your mat. Drop in fee: $12; 5-class pass: $50 (exp. 60 days) Monthly unlimited: $65. Mat rental: $1. Pay by cash or check. Bring water to hydrate on your walk back to the office! No sugary drinks or other food allowed. For more info, call (334) 240-4500 or (334) 207-0909 or e-mail juliet.yoga@icloud.com

Friday, October 3

Science Classes 3-2-1 Blast T.I.M.E.S. (Technology, Innovation, Math, Engineering, & Science) classes are held one Friday a month at Glynwood Childcare Ministries in Prattville. Students will learn science concepts through everyday play. Classes are 30 min. Please visit 321 Blast TIMES on Facebook, e-mail 321blasttimes@outlook.com, or call (334) 380-1879 to register or request more info. City of Wetumpka Hosts Walker International Circus Featuring acrobats, aerialists, comedy, and a non-stop magical array of astounding feats of agility…plus…..animals, animals, animals! Location: MLK Recreational Fields at Lancaster & N. Bridge Streets. Showtimes: 5:30 & 7:30 p.m. Free children’s tickets can be found at your local businesses or at www.walkerinternationalevents.com. Alabama National Fair -- Through October 13 Garrett Coliseum comes alive with live musical acts, a circus, pig racing and diving, a petting zoo, arts and

October 2014 crafts, food booths and carnival rides and games. There also are exhibits & competitions of art, photography, flowers, livestock and food. Entertainment this year includes Styx, Kool and the Gang, Easton Corbin and Joe Nichols. For more info, call (334) 272-6831 or visit www. alnationalfair.org. Haunted Montgomery Tours -- Fridays & Saturdays through October 31 Enjoy a Haunted Montgomery tour, for those interested in the colorful but somewhat hidden history of Montgomery. Quite a few of the stories on this tour include historical elements as well as some of the more famous hauntings downtown. Tours begin at 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday Nights. Reservations required. (Please schedule at least 24 hours in advance). All tours are walking tours so please bring comfortable walking shoes. Tours are as weather permits. Afternoon tours are available by request. Tour admission is $15 per adult and $10 per child under 12. (Cash only; payment is collected at site of start of tour). Please call (334) 5958243 or e-mail HauntedMontgomeryTours@gmail.com to reserve a tour. More info available on www.hauntedmontgomerytours.com.

Saturday, October 4

Prepared Childbirth Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose to have pain relief during labor and delivery. Topics include stages of labor, breathing and relaxation techniques, the role of the coach, and proper care of mother and baby after delivery. Sessions are taught throughout the year, from 9 a.m.-noon. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $25. Call 293-8497 or e-mail liz.owen@jackson.org. 4th Annual Walk-N-Roll for Spina Bifida of Alabama The Montgomery Zoo. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the Walk-N-Roll begins at 10 a.m.! A $20 registration fee applies after September 5. The Walk-N-Roll for Spina Bifida is a family-friendly, walk event being held in various locations across the country to raise awareness about Spina Bifida and celebrate the accomplishments of Americans living with it. All proceeds are used for programs and services for people living with Spina Bifida. For more info, visit www.2014WNR4SBAofAL. kintera.org. Deck the Halls with Former White House Decorator 11:30 a.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Trinity Hall.Luncheon benefits Alabama Governor’s Mansion. Learn how to make your home merry and bright by attending Deck the Halls, featuring former White House decorator Jane Karotkin. Admission is $30 and includes a boxed lunch from Jennie Weller Catering for those who register in advance. Learn more at www.facebook. com/foagm. To register for Deck the Halls, mail a check payable to the Friends of the Alabama Governor’s Mansion to PO Box 124, Montgomery, 36106. While last-minute guests will be admitted at the door, lunch will only be provided to those who register in advance. For more info, call (334) 263-7914. House of Holidays at First Methodist Church of Wetumpka 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Come join us for a day of shopping fun. Arts and crafts in the Depot, bakery, frozen entrees, Second time around, yard sale, plants, toys and children’s corner. Lunch served for $5 a plate. FUMC Wetumpka, 306 W. Tuskeena St. Call (334) 567-7865 or visit www.fumcwetumpka.com. AUM Offers Free Mandarin Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Confucius Institute continues to offer free Mandarin classes to the community. To register, send the student’s name, age and contact information to ama@aum.edu. Jasmine Hill Gardens & Museum Wetumpka. Open Saturdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through October. For more info, visit www.jasminehill.org. Home Depot Kids’ Workshop Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. This month’s project is

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“How to Build an EMS Truck” for Fire Safety Month. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates’ aprons, and an achievement pin. 9 a.m.-noon. Ages 5-12. Free. Santuck Flea Market 7300 Central Plank Road/Highway 9, Wetumpka. An outdoor flea market with more than 450 booths featuring arts, crafts, antiques, novelties, imports, food, and more. Open the first Saturday of each month March-December from daylight until 2 p.m. RAIN OR SHINE. Santuck Flea Market and Santuck Community Center are owned and operated by community volunteers. All proceeds benefit the Santuck Volunteer Fire Department, Santuck Community Center, and various community needs. Each month a different church or civic organization operates the kitchen in Venable Hall to raise much needed funds. Free admission, free parking available. Call (334) 567-7400. Montgomery Area Archives Host Archives Crawl Through October 31 Throughout the month, archives in the Montgomery area will partner to host an Archives Crawl. This event is in conjunction with American Archives Month activities, highlighting the important service that archives and archivists provide the community by collecting and sharing records and artifacts that tell the stories of the past. On October 4, visit the Alabama Department of Archives and History; Alabama Public Television Archives; Alabama State University Archives and Special Collections; Auburn University at Montgomery Library, Archives, and Special Collections Department; and H. Councill Trenholm State Technical College Library/Archives to see special exhibits and learn about historical collections while collecting Archives Crawl passport stamps along the way. Visitors who complete their passport by visiting all participating archives on October 4 will be entered to win a full year’s subscription to ancestry.com and an ancestry.com DNA kit. Transportation between locations will be available departing from the Alabama Department of Archives and History. The Archives Crawl will continue for the entire month of October. Visitors who visit all locations and complete their passports by October 31 will be entered to win other exciting prizes provided by the participating institutions. Passports can be picked up at any of the participating archives or downloaded at www.archives. alabama.gov. Admission to the Archives Crawl and all locations is FREE! For more information visit www.archives. alabama.gov or call (334) 353-3312. Montgomery Humane Society’s 14th Annual Walk & Wag Blount Cultural Park. Join hundreds of pets and pet lovers as they participate in this pledge walk to support the over 8,600 homeless animals in the Montgomery area. Enjoy pet contests to include Best Canine Singing Voice, Longest Tail, Owner/Pet Look-a-Like, Best Pet Halloween Costume, Biggest Lap Dog, and “Frosty Paws” Treat Eating Contest. Entertainment provided by the Flying Houndz Frizbee Trick Dog Show. Event day registration is between 8 and 8:45 a.m. All participants are $25 per person (which includes an official 2014 Walk ‘N Wag t-shirt). Children ages 6 and under are FREE. For more info, call (334) 409-0622 or visit www.montgomeryhumane. com/14th-annual-walk-n-wag/. Capitol Heights Artoberfest 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Located in Vickers Park in historic Capitol Heights. This event features local art, crafts, street cafes, pop-up shops, food and more. Everyone is welcome! FREE admission.

Sunday, October 5

Prattauga Art Guild Annual Fall Show Reception Prattville Creative Arts Center, 2-4 p.m. The Annual Fall Art Show is a highly anticipated art competition which will feature art by local and regional artists. Artists will compete for awards and the public will enjoy a wonderful variety of artwork in many diverse styles. This exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information about participating as an artist or for information about the exhibit, please call (334) 595-0854. Sunday Fundays at Hampstead Bring your kids, friends, pets & picnics & join us every first Sunday in the fall from 2 to 5 p.m. for FREE family fun at the Great Lawn at Hampstead Lake. Enjoy live

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Calendar/Support Groups music & lawn games! For more info, call (334) 270-6730 or visit www.hampsteadliving.com. Special Needs Skate -- Also October 19 5:30-7:30 p.m. 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month. Looneys Super Skate, 3541 McGehee Rd.All ages welcome. Sensory sensitive. Volunteers available for assistance. $5. For more information contact Lyrastephens@yahoo.com.

Monday, October 6

Science Classes 3-2-1 Blast T.I.M.E.S. (Technology, Innovation, Math, Engineering, & Science) classes are held every Monday, excluding federal holidays. Children, ages 3 through 2nd grade, will learn science concepts through everyday play. Classes are 30 mins. Join us at Kazoo Toys in Montgomery at 10:15 a.m. or 1585 E. Main St. in Prattville (next to Pri-Med) at 12:05 p.m., to have fun and get a boost in math & science. Please visit 321 Blast TIMES on Facebook, e-mail 321blasttimes@outlook.com, or call 334-380-1879 to register or request more info. Wetumpka Tea Party Hosts Political Commentator Ron Edwards The meeting will be in the cafeteria area of the Elmore County Hospital at 500 Hospital Drive in Wetumpka beginning at 6:30 p.m. Edwards has 3-4 million listeners weekly. For more than 20 years, he has been a news anchor in several Midwest media markets including Cleveland and Detroit, has shared the stage with Dr. Ben Carson, Ann Coulter, Michelle Malkin and others. He has also filled in for well-known Judge Napolitano. For more information about the Wetumpka Tea Party, upcoming events, etc., visit www.wetumpkateaparty.com/ Learn to Square Dance -- Class Begins Today You don’t need to know anything about dancing to come! Dress casually; bring a partner or learn individually. Join the Beaux and Belles for a fun evening with no commitment. Classes start today. Montgomery Area Square Dance Association (MASDA), 2200 Poplar St. For more info, call 354-2854. 9th Annual Agape Golf Tournament Wynlakes Golf and Country Club. This is a fantastic way to support Agape’s services to vulnerable children and women right here in our state! Taking part in this event will help support Agape in finding Christian homes for foster children and orphans, as well as helping women through a crisis pregnancy. The annual golf tournament is more than just a great day of golfing—it’s an opportunity to be part of a ministry that serves neglected and abused children, families who want to share their love with a child, and pregnant women in need of assistance. For registration and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.agapeforchildren.org or call 334-272-9466.

Tuesday, October 7

Science Classes 3-2-1 Blast T.I.M.E.S. (Technology, Innovation, Math, Engineering, & Science) classes are held every Tuesday at Kazoo Toys. Children, ages 3-2nd grade, will learn science concepts through everyday play. Classes are 30 minutes. Join us at Kazoo Toys in Montgomery at 4:45 pm, to have fun and get a boost in math & science. Please visit 321 Blast TIMES on Facebook, e-mail 321blasttimes@outlook.com, or call (334) 380-1879 to register or request more info.

Wednesday, October 8

CAMGA “Lunch & Learn” Meeting Held at the Elmore County Extension (ACES) facility on Queen Ann Road in Wetumpka, the free event will begin at noon and end at 1 p.m. Attendees are invited to bring their lunch and learn. Beverages are provided by CAMGA. For more information call the ACES office at 567-6301. Audition for Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker 6-9 p.m. Sponsored by Tonya Speed Dance Connection, 3370 Harrison Rd., Montgomery. For ages 7-16. Register at Nutcracker.com/audition. Performance will be held Tuesday, November 25, at the Montgomery Performing

Montgomery Parents I October 2014

Arts Centre. For more info about the auditions, call (334) 277-1098 or e-mail ucantap2@charter.net.

Friday, October 10

Parents’ Night Out at the Wetumpka Family YMCA A monthly Parents’ Night Out program for parents of kids 12 years and under offered the 2nd Friday of each month from 6-10 p.m. Games, arts and crafts, a movie and hot dogs are offered. Cost is $10 per child for members and $15 per child for non-members. You must register by the Thursday prior. Call 567-8282 for more info. Art in Concert Join the Montgomery Museum of Fine Art’s Junior Executive Board for a concert on the lawn at the Museum, featuring the Owsley Brothers and The Pine Hill Haints! The concert will start at 7 p.m. Chairs and picnic blankets welcomed, but no outside food or drinks permitted. Cash bar and food available for purchase. Presale tickets are $10; day of concert $15. For more info, visit www.mmfa.org. An Evening with the Gaither Vocal Band 7 p.m., Frazer United Methodist in Montgomery.For more infor and tickets, visit https://www.premierproductions. com/tour/gaither-tour-2014/montgomery-al. Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets -- Also October 24 Elmore County Homeschool Organization is a non-profit support group for homeschooling families. We provide a positive socialization environment for homeschooled children & support and encourage their parents in the homeschooling process. We meet the second and fourth Friday of every month year-round from 10 a.m. to noon at Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. Membership is free and is open to all homeschoolers in the tri-county area. ECHO has field trips, park days, holiday parties, enrichment activities, and a yearly awards ceremony. For details, visit http://www.onlineecho.com.

Saturday, October 11

Dads and Daughters Saturday (D.A.D.S) Calling ALL Fathers and Daughters for storytimes, fun and laughs, 11 a.m.-noon every 2nd Saturday at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Memorial Library. There will be singing, dancing and arts & crafts. So come visit us and have an enjoyable time! For more info, visit www. facebook.com/events/1374454692792666/?source=1. Pride of Prattville Marching Band Hosts Heart of Dixie Marching Festival Stanley Jensen Stadium in Prattville. Competing high school bands from all over Alabama. Please contact Band Director Chris King at (334) 365-8804 or at prattvillebands.com if you would like your band to participate. Start times will be announced on prattvillebands.com as we get closer to the date of the festival. Riverwalk Wine Festival Montgomery Riverfront Park, 2-5 p.m. Tickets: $25 per person. For more info, visit www.funinmontgomery.com or call (334) 625-2100. The Millbrook Community Players Present The Marvelous Wonderettes 7:30 p.m. ONE NIGHT ONLY!! This is a fundraiser to send the cast to Guntersville for the ACTFest ‘15 competition. It is a one-act show that includes an ice cream sundae or float with the admission price. For more info or tickets, visit www.millbrooktheatre.com or call (334) 782-7317. Capitol 10 Miler Centerpoint Fellowship Church is sponsoring this 10-mile race directed by Fleet Feet Sports Montgomery. The race starts and ends at the Alabama State Capitol Building, passing through historic areas of the city including Oak Park, Cloverdale and the campuses of Alabama State University and Huntingdon College. Proceeds from the race will be given in support of Operation: Heal Our Troops. The registration fee for the 10 Miler is $20 on race day. The event is free for all active or retired military and first responders (you must still register for the event). Registration is open at www.active.com. For more info, visit www.capitol10.com.

October 2014 Museum Of Alabama Offers Free, Themed Tours On Second Saturdays 1 p.m. Led by expert staff members, these tours will focus on a wide variety of Alabama history topics. This is a unique opportunity for visitors to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of Alabama’s story through the museum’s Smithsonian-quality exhibitions. October 11 is “Through a Child’s Eyes,” presented by Sara Kunau, Hands-On Gallery Manager. This special tour of our museum exhibits is designed for the young and young at heart. No pre-registration for tours is required. The Museum of Alabama is located at the Alabama Department of Archives and History in downtown Montgomery, across the street from the State Capitol. The Archives and the Museum are open Monday-Saturday, 8:30-4:30. Admission is always free. For more info, call 242-4364 or visit www.museum. alabama.gov. Success Unlimited Academy Alumni Reunion -Through October 12 SUA alumni has combined the classes of 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 for an upcoming reunion. Organizers Lindsey Pitts Martin and Lauren Parent Handley have planned a weekend venue for alumni to remember. Festivities will begin with a night of fine dining and dancing at the Wynlakes Country Club. Sunday is geared toward “family fun” at the new SUA K-7 campus located on the corner of Vaughn Road and Fairlane Drive. Sunday plans include the alumni and their families touring the 8-12 campus located on Fairlane Drive, as well as the new Vaughn Road Campus. Afterwards, the children will be able to play in the new SUA Mustang Gym, while their parents visit with former classmates. Visit the SUA Alumni Reunion Facebook page for details.

Sunday, October 12

ARMSChair Concert: Roman Street 7 p.m. Kiwanis Park. $2 admission. Visit www. oldalabamatown or call 240-4500.

Monday, October 13

CHICAGO the Broadway Musical at MPAC Also October 14 7:30 p.m. at Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Winner of six 1997 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival. Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she hires Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines. Visit www. mpaconline.org or call 481-5100 for tickets. Montgomery Sympony Ochestra’s Opening Night The MSO’s artist-in-residence will step into the spotlight with a pair of concertos for this festive Opening Night Concert at the Davis Theatre. Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call (334) 240-4004 or visit www.montgomerysymphony.org/concerts_Calendar. aspx.

Wednesday, October 15

Super Fun Show Starring Shawn Brown Music, Movement, Singing, Laughing and More. Shows are at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Price: $10/person. Montgomery Renaissance Hotel. For more info, contact Theresa Patterson at theresa.patterson@dca.alabama.gov.

Thursday, October 16

Capri Classics Presents E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 7:30 p.m. E.T. tells the story of a troubled child who summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape Earth and return to his home-world. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org. ArchiTreats: Food For Thought The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. Noon-1 p.m. Bring lunch and a drink and join us every third Thursday for these FREE lectures sponsored

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by Friends of the Alabama Archives. Today’s topic is “See Alabama First: The Story of Alabama Tourism,” presented by Tim Hollis. Call 353-4726 or visit www.archives. alabama.gov. MANE’s Raise the Roof Seafood Celebration 5:30-9 p.m. Fabulous, fresh seafood will be grilled/ prepared on site by Wintzell’s Oyster House to benefit MANE’s tri-county therapeutic riding center for children and adults who have physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities. Country music will be performed by The Whiskey River Band. Tickets are $75 per person. Call 213-0909 for reservations or visit www.maneweb. org/. Junior League of Montgomery’s 26th Annual Holiday Market -- Through October 18 Montgomery Renaissance. Preview Party Oct. 15 from 6-9 p.m. Hours Oct. 16-17 from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Oct. 18 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Ticket outlet locations include: Eastdale Mall Info Desk, My Kids Attic, GiGi’s Cupcakes (Montgomery & Prattville locations), Montgomery Visitor’s Center, Barb’s on Mulberry and Stivers Ford. For more info, call 288-8816 or visit www.jlmontgomery.org. Montgomery ZooBoo --Through October 31 Join us for 11 nights of horror and fun at ZooBoo. Climb aboard the thrill ride of a life time Haunted Hay Ride or mosey on over to the Pumpkin Pull for a good, ole fashioned, non-scary, traditional hay ride. Enjoy games, bouncy castles, concessions and much more at Zoo Boo. Gates open nightly at 6 p.m., and the first Haunted Hay Ride will pull out at dusk. Event fee: $12 (ages 3 years old and older). Ticket includes entry, one ride on either the Haunted Hay Ride (scary) or the Pumpkin Pull Hay Ride (non-scary) and one sheet of game tickets (10 tickets per sheet). Visit www.montgomeryzoo.com.

Friday, October 17

Alice Cooper Live at MPAC 8 p.m. at Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. He’s back! Alice Cooper brings his own brand of rock psycho-

drama to fans both old and new, enjoying it as much as the audience does. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call 481-5100 for tickets. Tavern Fest at Old Alabama Town 6-10 p.m. Landmarks Foundation invites you for an evening of live music, dancing in the street, craft beer, wine tastings, tavern fare by Jennie Weller Catering, and even a Silent Auction! Enjoy the party from a cozy cottage porch by reserving one of our porch packages, or mingle with the crowd on the street, dancing with friends and enjoying the range of craft beers up close! Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the gate. Music by the Courtyard Saints. For more info, call 240-4500. 2014 U.S. Nationals Firefighter Combat Challenge -- Also October 18 This exciting challenge simulates the physical demands of real-life firefighting and includes climbing a 5-story tower, hoisting, chopping, dragging hose, and rescuing a life-sized victim, all while wearing full gear. 3-5 p.m. On Saturday, come out and watch the Top Chef CookOff at 10 a.m. Visit www.firefighterchallenge.com/.

Saturday, October 18

St. Michael and All Angels Church 17th Annual Angel Fest 9 a.m.-1 p.m. On the grounds of the church at 5941 Main Street, Millbrook. There will be a bake sale, silent auction, vendors selling unique wares, great concessions, entertainment plus a big children’s carnival. Last but not least is the sale of our famous Boston butts! All proceeds go to the outreach ministry of our church for Millbrook, and western Elmore County. Mathnasium of East Montgomery’s TriMathlon Contest Local students in grades 2 through 5 will be participating to earn money for local schools and win a spot in this year’s Grand Prize TriMathlon, from 9:30 to 2:00. Location: Mathnasium of East Montgomery’s Learning Center, 3441 Taylor Road. Registration: www.MathnasiumTriMathlon.com; Contact: Monica Virgil, Director of

the Mathnasium of East Montgomery. 334-356-1570, eastmontgomery@mathnasium.com, www.mathnasiumtrimathlon.com. Untangling the Web: Discovering Your Alabama Ancestors in Cyberspace A Saturday genealogy workshop led by the ADAH’s expert genealogist Nancy Dupree. 9 a.m.-noon. For more information, please visit www.archives.alabama.gov or call (334) 353-3312. Aldersgate Methodist Men Host 30th Annual Barbecue For only $8 per plate, taste the finest barbecued pork and chicken on the SAME PLATE, as well as generous sides of baked beans, slaw and bread. Boxes will go on sale beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, located at 6610 Vaughn Road. Boxes will be available until 2 p.m., or while supplies last. Drive-thru pick up service is provided at the front of the church by Boy Scout Troop 306. Proceeds from the barbecue will benefit the Aldersgate Methodist Men’s mission and service projects for the upcoming year. Projects include Boy Scouts, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and other disaster relief organizations, hunger relief (such as the Society of Saint Andrew), short-term mission trips, and assistance for the elderly. For more information, call 272-6152 or e-mail aldersgateumm@gmail.com. A Macabre Wedding Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre At Callaway Gardens Bring your detective skills and appetite to Callaway Gardens for a Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre with a twist. This year’s dinner features a “Macabre Wedding.” Everyone is cordially invited to attend the most unholy of matrimonies -- a wedding like no other between a vampire groom and a true “witch” of a bride. This festive occasion will be shared with family and friends, goblins and gremlins, zombies and zombettes. Guests will have to put aside their blood feuds and work together if the newlyweds are to make their midnight flight to their honeymoon destination … Transylvania. This evening’s mystery will include opportunities for

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Calendar/Support Groups guests to interact with the cast. Guests are invited to dress up to match the evening’s theme. Registration is limited, so make reservations soon. Callaway Gardens is in Pine Mountain, Ga., 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus. For more info, call 800-463-6990 or visit www.callawaygardens.com. GO See Creatures of the Night at the Alabama Nature Center -- Through October 19 Gates will be open Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for ANC trail use. GO See activities will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.alabamawildlife.org for details.

Sunday, October 19

Prattville Pops Annual Fall Concert Doster Community Center, 2 p.m. The Prattville Pops is a talented group of volunteer musicians who present a big band sound. This concert is free and open to the public. For more information, please call (334) 595-0854.

Tuesday, October 21

Joe Thomas, Jr. 3rd Tuesday Guitar Pull 7-9 p.m. Three or four regional songwriters perform original music on the Cloverdale Playhouse’s intimate stage. Tickets are $10 at the door. Call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org.

Thursday, October 23

Newcomers Club of Montgomery Monthly Luncheon The Newcomers Club of the Greater Montgomery Area invites women who are new residents in the area to attend our monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Arrowhead Country Club. The speaker will be Jill Burdette from the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Cost is $15 and reservations must be made by noon Monday, October 20, to Jan Burdette at (334) 593-9266 or jan8410@bellsouth.net. Visit www. newcomersmontgomery.com.

Cloverdale Playhouse Presents Beth Henley’s Crimes of the Heart -- Through November 2 Directed by Maureen Costello. Winner of the 1981 Pulitzer Prize and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award. Beth Henley’s astonishing first play established the author as a major voice in our theatre. Warmhearted, irreverent, zany and brilliantly imaginative,the play teems with humanity and humor as it examines the plight of the three young McGrath sisters of Hazelhurst, Mississippi, betrayed by their passions. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday at 2 p.m. Sunday. For audiences age 12 and up. Call (334) 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org to get tickets.

Friday, October 24

Comedy Central Presents... BILL COSBY 8 p.m. at Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Tickets begin at $47. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call 481-5100 for tickets. ARMSChair Concert: “Music That Made the Beatles” Spike Graham & Friends. 7 p.m. at Kiwanis Park. $2 admission. Visit www.oldalabamatown.com or call 240-4500. Brown Bag Concert in Wetumpka’s Gold Star Park Noon-1 p.m. Free. Visit www.wetumpkachamber.com.

Saturday, October 25

Cupcakes by Tish Offers Cupcake Decorating Workshops for Kids and Teens Every fourth Saturday, Cupcakes by Tish will now host Cupcake Decorating Workshops. Classes will be offered for children ages 4-6, 7-10 and 12-15 between noon and 6 p.m. at The Shoppes at EastChase location. The hour-long workshop is $25 per child and gives each child the opportunity to learn the art of cupcake decorating. Each child will receive a Cupcakes by Tish apron and four

October 2014 decorated cupcakes with a variety of candies, sprinkles, and goodies that adds personalization. Older kids and teens will be shown the basics of fondant decorating. To register, contact Special Events Coordinator Ebony Ware at (334) 356-5292 or parties@cupcakesbytish.com. 3rd Annual River Region Prayer Walk Beauty by Fire Ministries sponsors this walk at the Union Station Train Shed. The purpose is to bring together the citizens of the River Region to pray over our cities, government leaders, schools and teachers, uniformed heroes and servants, pastors and ministry leaders, businesses, and all of the people that make up the River Region. First, we will gather at the Union Station Train Shed for a praise concert and time of spiritual preparation for the walk. Next, we will walk a designated route through downtown Montgomery using guided prayer focused on the above-mentioned groups. For those who are unable to walk the route, there will be prayer stations set up under the train shed. Finally, we will conclude the prayer walk with a time of celebration and fellowship at the train shed. For more info, call Vicki Dendis at (334) 612-7894 or visit www.beautybyfire.org. Fall Harvest Market at The Shoppes at EastChase Fun, food, crafts and fall produce from 5-8 p.m. The night will include vendors with seasonal fresh produce, a Pink Pumpkin Patch (which will raise money for breast cancer awareness), hayrides, Zumba and food samples. For more info, visit www.theshoppesateastchase.com or call (334) 279-6046. Trick or Pink at The Shoppes at EastChase Celebrate Halloween while helping to fight breast cancer from 5-8 p.m. There will be a Halloween costume contest for the kids and a pink pumpkin patch where kids can find their perfect pink pumpkin. For more info, visit www. theshoppesateastchase.com or call (334) 279-6046. 73rd Annual State Farm Magic City Classic Presented by Coca-Cola The largest black college football game in the country will take place at Legion Field when Alabama State University and Alabama A&M University battle it out for

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bragging rights. Reserved tickets are $25, while general admission tickets are $20 and can be purchased at www. themagiccityclassic.com. Tickets can also be purchased at Legion Field or ASU and AAMU ticket offices. Fans can also enjoy the McDonald’s Magic City Classic Parade and the Coors Light Tailgate Party on Saturday morning. Kick-off is at 2:30 p.m. Back by popular demand, another big highlight this year is a concert that will take place on the field immediately following the game. The full event schedule will be updated regularly at www. themagiccityclassic.com.

Sunday, October 26

Family Art Affair at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 2-5 p.m. Bring the entire family to this FREE fun event, and enjoy a jazz combo, art activities in the studios, and wonderful art work in the galleries! This month, view a special exhibition of African art in the Museum galleries, see artists demonstrate wood carving, printmaking and jewelry making, make animal masks and stamped Adinkra designs in the studios, and enjoy the BTW Dance Theatre’s performance to end an afternoon of fun. Visit www.mmfa.org or call 240-4365 for more info.

Tuesday, October 28

Wetumpka Candy Walk 5-6:30 p.m. Local businesses hand out candy and treats to children behind the City Administration Building. Toddler to 4th grade. Visit www.cityofwetumpka.com or call (334) 567-5147.

Wednesday, October 29

BTW Jazz & Dance Performance “Out of Africa: A Call to Dance” 10 a.m., Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Wilson Auditorium. This event is free to the public. For reservations, call 240-4365 or e-mail edsecy@mmfa.org. Disney on Ice: Treasure Trove at BirminghamJefferson Civic Center -- Through November 2 Order tickets by phone at 800-745-3000 or visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Thursday, October 30

Alabama Dance Theatre Presents Dracula Through November 2 Sink your teeth into a thrilling vampire drama back by popular demand. Choreographed by ADT’s own award- winning Sara Sanford, this masterpiece production, staged at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival on the Festival Stage, will thrill audiences with special effects, lavish costumes, and breathtaking scenery. Philip Feeney’s score illuminates Bram Stoker’s classic novel with incredible clarity and breathes new life into this timeless story. Performances are October 30 at 7:30 p.m. (for military families), November 1 at 7:30 pm., and November 2 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale October 13 and range in price from $15-$30. Tickets can be purchased at ASF.net or at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival box office (334) 271-5353. Prattville’s Halloween Candy Walk Downtown Main Street, Prattville. 4-6 p.m. Fairies, princesses, firemen and super heroes will fill downtown for the City of Prattville’s Annual Candy Walk. This free fun-filled event is for children through second grade. The shops of Downtown Prattville will take part and children will be able to trick-or-treat in a safe and fun environment. Though the event is free, we ask that you make a donation of a nonperishable food item for the Autauga Interfaith Care Center food bank. For more info, call (334) 595-0854.

Friday, October 31

Brown Bag Concert in Wetumpka’s Gold Star Park Noon-1 p.m. Free. Visit www.wetumpkachamber.com.

Saturday, November 1

River Region Fall Family Day For children living with diabetes and their families at YMCA Camp Chandler. For more info, contact Southeastern Diabetes Education Services at www.campsealeharris.org. Black Jacket Symphony Presents Michael Jackson’s THRILLER at MPAC 8 p.m. at Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Following

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the album and a brief intermission, the Black Jacket Symphony returns to the stage to perform a collection of greatest hits by the evening’s artist. Ticket prices begin at $29. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call 481-5100 for tickets. Alabama Dance Theatre Presents Mistletoe A special children’s matinee will be held at 2:30 p.m. at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and will feature “Favorite Dances of Christmas.” Following the performance, children will have an opportunity to meet the dancers and take photos. Tickets range in price from $15-$30 and can be purchased three weeks prior to each performance date. Visit www.asf.net or call (334) 271-5353 for information on tickets. Sterling Little Miss Christmas Pageants The 5th annual Sterling Miss Christmas Pageants will be held at the RiversEdge Church, located on Atlanta Highway in Montgomery. This pageant series is for girls who live in Alabama, age 1 month to 17 years, with seven age categories: Baby Miss (12 month to 23 mos.) Tiny Miss (24 mo. – 35 mos.), Petite Miss (3 – 5 yrs.), Little Miss (6-8 yrs.), Pre-Teen Miss (9 -11 yrs.), Jr. Teen (12 -14 yrs.) Teen Miss (15-17 yrs.). The pageant will begin at 2:30 p.m. Deadline for applications is Friday, October 24. Applications may be found online at www.SterlingMiss. org, in Prattville at the Bridal Boutique & Tux Shoppe, in Clanton at Brenda’s Formals and in Wetumpka at A Touch of Class. . For more information, applications and the Frequently Asked Question fact sheet, visit www.SterlingMiss. org or call 313-5444. Montgomery Lions Club Chili Cookoff Riverwalk Stadium. Gates open at 11 a.m. Individual tickets are $10. Team entry is $300 by Oct. 20. Come join us for a day of family fun and sample some of the best amateur and restaurant chili recipes in the Montgomery area. Proceeds benefit the Montgomery Lions Club Community Foundation and support Montgomery Lions Club charities. Visit www.montgomerylionsclub.com/chili-cookoff.html. Pike Road Arts and Crafts Fair At the historic Marks House in the Pike Road community, east of Montgomery. A tradition over 40 years old, this event brings over 11,000 people and features arts and crafts, antiques and children’s activities. Call (334) 2816303 or visit www.PikeRoadFair.org

Friday, November 7

Tallassee Armory Holds Student Living History Spend time at our 1860s living history demonstrations including a spinning wheel, medical tools, weapons, cavalry with live horses, singing, dancing, and of course cannons! This event will be held at 19359 Rifle Range Road in Tallassee. Cost is $5 per student, and chaperones, teachers and bus drivers are free. Available slots are at 8:30 & 11 a.m. Reserve your class tour early to assure the best time. Allow at least two hours for the tour. If you need to bring your lunch, there is a picnic area on site. For more info, contact Sharon Kilpatrick, Student Living History Coordinator at (334) 283-2732 or astepbackintime59@gmail.com.

Wednesday, November 12

Sesame Street “Make a New Friend” 10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. at Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. No matter where you’re from or where you’ve been, everyone is special – so join in! Elmo, Grover, Abby Cadabby, and their Sesame Street friends welcome Chamki, Grover’s friend from India, to Sesame Street. Together, they explore the universal fun of friendship and celebrate cultural similarities, from singing and dancing, to sharing cookies! Join the fun and make a memory with your friends and family! Tickets begin at $17. Visit www. mpaconline.org or call 481-5100 for tickets.

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Piano tunings, repair, and restoration. Active member of the Piano Technicians Guild. Contact us today to arrange a time to give your piano much needed attention. Call 569-9662 or visit www.pianoman.net/al

Southern Quality Lawns, LLC

Cassie’s English Tutor, Proofreader, Typist and Writer

“Quality Service from the Ground Up” Serving the tri county area. Call or email us for a free estimate. Bobby, 334-657-7750. robertsqlawns@gmail.com

Cassie Rogers (662) 380-6000 cassiesenglish@yahoo.com

TUTORING 28 years teaching experience Tutoring grades 1st-8th Call Alice Gwin at (334) 300-8350. Email dalice.gwin@gmail.com.

Williams Carpentry Porches, remodeling, sheet rock, painting, hardwood floors. Call Robert Williams at (home) 361-7307 or (cell) 699-3864.

Certified K-6 Teacher Reading and Math Tutoring Contact 334-456-3728 or email brittanygraves13@ hotmail.com

Brother to Brother Entertainment, Inc.

Get a DJ and a Photographer in one package for your next event. We specialize in birthdays, weddings, luncheons, family reunions, and holiday parties.

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Contact Matthew Ezell @ 334-202-6869 or Alexander Strum @ 334-235-3518

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The FREE AD GUY knows that every business needs a few lucky breaks before it can become successful. That’s why he is offering more FREE ads to Home Based Businesses. In return, the FREE AD GUY would appreciate it if you would tell a friend about Montgomery Parents Magazine. If you’ll just help him spread the word about Montgomery Parents Magazine he’ll keep working for you and your business. If you have already run a FREE ad you can send a request to repeat the ad or make changes. Please understand but we will not accept any phone requests. For new Home Based Business advertisers, just send your information to: FREE AD GUY, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, AL 36123, or freeadguy@montgomeryparents.com. The FREE AD GUY reserves the right to refuse any ad in case it’s not appropriate for our readers.

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Montgomery Parents I October 2014

www.montgomeryparents.com

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AdvertiserDirectory We know that readers consider our advertisers as valuable a resource as the editorial content in Montgomery Parents. We hope this directory saves you time as you refer to the magazine throughout the month. Page numbers follow the advertiser’s name.

Glitterbug the Clown, 61

My Kids Attic, The Shoppes of, 19

Greengate School, 90

New Park, 59

4D Mommies, 77

HALO Event, 61

New Testament Christian Center, 67

Adventure Sports II, 88

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, 71

O’Connor Tennis Lessons, 57

Alabama Christian Academy, 17

Holiday Market, Junior League, 66

Paradise Pumpkin Patch, 68

Alabama Dance Theater, 62

Holy Cross Episcopal School, 25

Pike Road Community Arts Festival, 57

Alcyone Gunn, 92

Hooper Academy, 40

Pioneer Museum, 69

Alice Gwin Tutoring, 92

Huntington Learning Center, 27

Prattville Wesleyan Preschool, 92

ASKIN/Synergy House, 92

It Works, 52

Professional Pediatrics, 12

AUM Continuing Education, 26

Jaclyn’s Salon and Spa, 85

Pump It Up Party, 89

Baptist Health, 2

Jenny Alexander, MD, 93

River Region Straw, 73

Bradford Health Services, 91

Johnson Martial Arts/Karate, 73

Riverview Camp, 32

Centerpoint Fellowship Church, 33

KLynn Ice Skating School, 34

Saint James School, 1

Chapman Orthodontics, 90

Katie Rotton Virtual Assistant, 93

Saint James UMC, 7

CHARMS, Inc., 93

Kingry Orthodontics, 35

Sea Dragon Pirate Cruises, 13

Child Evangelism Fellowship, 18

Kreative Moments, 92

Smiles Galore Parties, 41

Children’s Hospital of Alabama, 28

Kumon, 75

Soiree Mobile Spa for Girls, 22

Churchill Academy, 43

Learning Tree Child Care, 50

Spacewalk of Montgomery, 51

Dancewear, Etc., 93

Legacy Early Learning Center, 87

Spacewalker, The, 40

Dentistry for Children, 39

Legacy Environmental Educ., Inside Front

Spotless Cleaning Services, 11

Docarmo’s Taekwondo Center, 9

Little Explorer’s Learning Center, 46

Success Unlimited Academy, 14

Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 22

Lori Mercer Photography, 46

Sugar N Spice Daycare, 89

Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 45

Macon East Academy, 55

Sylvan Learning Center, 35

E & S Hobbies, 93

Mathnasium, 41

Taylor Road Baptist Church, 21

Eastdale Mall, 47

Melodic Vibes, LLC, 92

The Big Green Bus, 37

Easter Seals, 39

Miller Beef and Cattle, 37

The Dollhouse Toy Store, 8

Eastern Hills Preschool, 77

Montessori @ Hampstead, 20

The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover

Edward Jones-Lane Easterling, 88

Montessori @ Mulberry, 69

Tiger Park Taekwondo, 92

Evangel Christian Academy, 23

Montessori Academy, 63

Trinity Presbyterian School, 15

Family Karate Center, 3

Montgomery Catholic Schools, 31

United Gymstars & Cheer, LLC, 21

First Assembly of God, 38

Montgomery Humane Society, 79

Vaughn Park Church Upward, 62

First Baptist Church, Prattville, 42

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 71

Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 27

First Baptist Church, Montgomery, 4

Montgomery Pediatric Dentistry/Orthodontics, 29

Vaughn Road Preschool, 53

Montgomery Uniforms Plus, 18

Vishnu Dental, 51

Montgomery Women’s Health, Inside Back

WeeOnes Daycare and Preschool, 85

Montgomery Zoo, 65

Yeargan Farms Pumpkin Patch, 67

Mrs. Sandy’s House, 93

YMCA of Montgomery, 45

First UMC, Montgomery, 72 First UMC, Prattville, 23 Fleming’s Martial Arts, 53 Frazer UMC Upward Sports, 49

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The Maze Runner

The Boxtrolls

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: BViolence: D+ Sexual Content: A Language: C Alcohol / Drug Use: C The MPAA has rated The Maze Runner PG-13 for thematic elements and intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, including disturbing images. There seems to be a glut of teen movies right now where kids become pawns in the hands of adults -- often for the elder persons’ own nefarious purposes. We’ve seen the story played out over and over again in The Hunger Games, Divergent, Ender’s Game and The Giver. The Maze Runner follows suit. In this story, Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) wakes up to find himself hurtling upward in an elevator shaft. When the metal cage he is in lurches to a stop, he is pulled out by a group of boys and thrown into a large grassy compound. The Glade, as it is called, is surrounded by a massive maze made of huge cement walls. For the past three years a newcomer has arrived in the elevator every 30 days, along with fresh supplies. Over that time the youth have learned to farm, build homes, and make an alcoholic substitute. They have also developed a kind of hierarchal society. While these efforts have worked better for them than the Lord of the Flies characters, their peace is still tenuous. Inside the Glade, each person has a job to do. The most dangerous one is that assigned to the runners, who enter the maze every morning as soon as the huge gate opens to reveal the ever-changing labyrinth. Their objective is to find a way to escape. Yet they have to be home before dark when the gate closes and the grievers (large mechanical looking spiders) come out. Anyone left in the maze overnight doesn’t survive. For the most part, Alby, Minho, Newt, Chuck, Gally (Aml Ameen, Ki Hong Lee, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Blake Cooper and Will Poulter) and the others have settled into a routine of just trying to survive inside the enclosure. But Thomas wants out. Then one evening, while trying to help Minho rescue Alby, the three teens get caught in the maze after the gates close. That night, during a terrifying encounter with one of the grievers, they stumble upon a valuable clue about who may have put them inside the formidable structure. This origin movie spends a lot of time introducing characters -- including the girl (Kaya Scodelario) who shows up in the elevator one day. Flashbacks also give viewers some hints of a back-story. So it is no surprise that by the time the movie ends there are still lots of unanswered questions... along with an obvious plug for a sequel. Violence of course is the biggest concern in this movie. Still when it comes to an action drama for older teens, The Maze Runner has a lot to offer. Driven by curiosity, Thomas refuses to accept his fate. Rather he encourages the rest of the group to join him in his quest. And like so many of the other teen characters we’ve seen in theaters lately, these ingenious kids refuse to stay put once they realize they’ve been played.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: C+ Violence: C Sexual Content: B+ Language: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated The Boxtrolls PG for action, peril and mild rude humor. In the town of Cheesebridge there is a precious commodity that offers a distraction from the routines of the day. Yes, you probably guessed that it’s cheese. Those who are fortunate enough to have access to the cultured curds wear white hats and speak with a sophisticated English accent. Those who only yearn for a taste have the diction of a chimney sweep. Thankfully there is a common enemy in this little village that, if nothing else, provides one reason for these two groups to work together. Roaming amongst the sewers of Cheesebridge are the Boxtrolls. These little green creatures, that wear cardboard boxes to cover their bodies, are blamed for everything that goes wrong, including the gruesome accusation of stealing babies and eating them. In reality the Boxtrolls are relatively innocuous and best described as packrats. They eat insects and forage among the trash and forgotten refuse on the streets looking for any objects they can turn into an array of mechanical devices. The kidnapping claims are all attributable to the one distinctly different member of their community. “Eggs” (they are named after the label on the box they wear) is a human boy who was raised by the trolls. Coming of age, he is about to recognize his appearance has more in common with those above ground than those who dwell below. Still, there is another reason why the Boxtrolls have such a poor reputation. Archibald Snatcher (voice of Ben Kingsley) has been maligning them unceasingly (for reasons revealed in a complex back-story). A societal parasite, Snatchert would do anything to win the right to join the elite little group that sit at the cheese-tasting table. Using this bad publicity to convince Lord PortleyRind (voice of Jared Harris) that the vermin must be exterminated, Snatchert has offered his pest control services in exchange for coveted a white hat. Now it’s up to Eggs to be the bridge between humans and trolls, and somehow broker a peace accord. When he meets Lord Portley-Rind’s precocious daughter Winnie, he assumes he has a direct link to the most powerful man in town. However Eggs soon discovers that just because someone has a father doesn’t mean they have their father’s ear. And in Winnie’s case it appears Lord Portley’s is more intent on collecting cheese than on raising a child. The needlessly complex setup puts in motion a simple story we’ve seen time and time again. The enemy isn’t the weird little beings clothed in cardboard, but instead it’s the ambitious social climber. Attempting to help young audiences who may not see this obvious irony, Snatcher’s henchmen voice their confusion about whether or not they are the good guys or bad guys, and discuss the philosophy surrounding the “duality of good and evil.” (I suspect eight-year-olds will be neither entertained nor interested.) The plot and visuals combine to form a darker picture (both literally and metaphorically) than other animations targeting youngsters.

What Parents need to know about The Boxtrolls...

What Parents need to know about The Maze Runner...

Violence: Boxtroll characters in constant peril from humans. A man uses a large machine to in an attempt to exterminate the Boxtrolls. Frequent scenes show men shooting these little characters with a device that captures them (nets are also used). A pile of boxes, presumably with trolls hidden inside, is crushed. His captor explains his brains are mixed up after hanging there for decades. Characters are electrocuted when they place knives and metal objects into a toaster and then pull the lever (these scenes are intended to be comedic). It is implied a human character is beaten with a wrench. Sexual Content: The Boxtrolls are seen without their boxes -- their nakedness is seen mostly from the rear. A man dresses as a woman in revealing clothes. Language: A single term of deity is heard.

Violence: Boys fight for entertainment. A character is attacked and choked by a deranged boy. A character stumbles upon a pile of bones in the forest. A sick boy is forced into the maze to be eaten by the grievers. Bloody injuries are shown. Sticks, stones and other handmade weapons are used on occasion. Huge creatures attack characters and carry them off. Dead bodies are seen lying in pools of blood. A woman holds a gun to her head and fires. A character is shot in the chest. Another boy is impaled with a spear-like weapon. Sexual Content: None noted. Language: Script contains about two-dozen profanities and some name-calling. Alcohol / Drug Use: Boys drink a homemade alcohol-like brew. Montgomery Parents I October 2014