Augusta Family Magazine July 2015

July 2015 COPING WITH COACHES

Family am AUGUSTA

JAMES BROWN MUSIC ACADEMY DYSGRAPHIA PASS THE TIME AT PRACTICE

m a g a z i n e

SUMMER FUN!

Benjamin, 9, and Sophia, 6, Olmo are the children of Luis and Meghan Olmo of Martinez.

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Family AUGUSTA

m a g a z i n e

w w w. a u g u s t afamily.co m PUBLISHER Ashlee Griggs Duren EDITOR Karin Calloway

Contents 20

July 2015

24

PRODUCTION Art Director / Web Producer Michael Rushbrook Graphic Artist Chris Goodman ADVERTISING Director of Advertising Lisa Dorn Advertising Sales Doressa Hawes Lisa Taylor Maidi McMurtrie Thompson Mary Porter Vann Audience Development Manager Margaret Ranew PHOTOGRAPHY Branch Carter and John Harpring CONTRIBUTORS Lucy Adams Kim Beavers, MS, RD, CDE J. Ron Eaker, M.D. Cammie Jones Lara Krupicka Mary Ashton Mills Jennie Montgomery Augusta Family Magazine is published 10 times per year and distributed throughout the Augusta and Aiken area. Send press releases, story ideas or comments to the editor at karin.calloway@augustafamily.com or mail to 127A 7th Street, Augusta, GA 30901 or telephone (706) 828-3946.

For advertising information, telephone (706) 823-3702. For circulation/ distribution, call (706) 823-3722.

It’s a Match

Coping with Coaches

Helping Your Child Find a Free-Time Activity That Fits

By Lucy Adams

By Lara Krupicka

departments 7 9

editor’s page mom2mom

Characters Causing All Kinds of Commotion -Jennie Montgomery

10 13

18

28

news&notes eating well with kim 30 Pizza + Salad = Salad Pizza! doctor/dad

What To Expect When You’re...Postpartum

smart mom’s guide

10 Ways To Pass Time at Practice -Cammie Jones

time out!

Kids Activities: Seek Balance -Kerrie McLoughlin

fun food

Blended Bliss -Courtesy of Family Features

32

-J. Ron Eaker, M.D.

16

health&home

Dysgraphia More Than Messy Handwriting -Lucy Adams

-Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE

15

July

inspiration station

Get on Up with JAMP! -Mary Ashton Mills

34 46

calendar go girl!

Maria Stathakis Darley -Karin Calloway

qu ick pick

“Before assuming the coach is inherently evil and ill-intentioned, ask yourself why he or she is out there. Since youth athletics run on volunteers at the lower echelons and coaches who receive minimal stipends at the upper echelons, the man or woman certainly isn’t investing hours in a get-rich-quick scheme.”

Read Lucy Adams’ article on coping with coaches on page 20.

ON THE COVER: Benjamin, 9, and Sophia, 6, Olmo are the children of Luis and Meghan Olmo of Martinez. They were selected as part of our Fresh Faces search at www.augustafamily.com. Photo by Branch Carter.

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editor’s

by Karin Calloway

SELF PORTRAIT BY CC CALLOWAY

Finding Her “Thing”

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his issue of our magazine focuses on extracurricular activities in the arts and sports, and working on it prompted me to recount my daughter CC’s path towards finding her “thing.”

When my kids were young, I got to know two very wise mothers of teenagers. Claudia Thoresen and Debbie Callan both had three children who were the epitome of the way everyone wants their kids to turn out—smart, beautiful inside and out, extremely well-mannered, etc.

When I realized I was interacting with the Yodas of motherhood, I asked them both on separate occasions what the secret to their success was. Both told me that one key was to find an activity or activities that your children loved and keep them busy with them. Translated into the teen years, this means their time is filled with an activities they love, allowing little “down time” for mischief.

When the Yodas of motherhood speak, you’d better bet Karin Calloway listens!

However, when it came to finding an activity CC would love, the old adage about romance, “You’ve got to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince,” rang true.

When she was 5 she wanted to play t-ball (like her brother). When she was 6 she wanted to play soccer (again, like her brother). In 4th grade she wanted to learn to plan the guitar. She ran cross country in the 5th grade (one year only) and then spent the fall semester of her freshman year of high school on the cheerleading squad.

While none of the above-mentioned activities “stuck,” there was one I didn’t put on the list because it did. Art. CC showed an interest in art when she was little. When she was in 2nd grade, I found someone to give her private lessons and that was it—we’d finally landed on CC’s “thing.”

It’s still her “thing,” as she won an art scholarship and is a senior art major at the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia, with plans to continue her education and eventually teach art at the college level.

I’m so glad I had my Yodas of motherhood—and that I listened!

Until August,

KARIN CALLOWAY is a wife and mother of two. She’s also a journalist and recipe developer who writes the Wednesday cooking column for The Augusta Chronicle. Watch Karin prepare her recipes on WJBF NewsChannel 6 on Tuesdays during Mid-Day and Wednesdays during Good Morning Augusta.

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2

mom m m

ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL RUSHBROOK

by Jennie Montgomery

Characters Causing All Kinds of Commotion

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t was Kids Night at Lake Olmstead.

The WJBF News Team was passing out Frisbees at the GreenJackets gate. Even the Super Heroes, like Superman, Spiderman and Captain America joined us.

The Hulk was standing beside me. (I quite liked it! One of the rare times I found myself standing beside a figure that made me look “petite!”) Sports Director Matt Zahn’s two little kids walked up. Two-year old Zach was excited… until The Hulk moved toward him.

That small gesture set off a meltdown you could hear clear on the other side of Lake Olmstead.

Zach froze—dropping his ticket and his News Channel 6 Frisbee—and his eyes flew wide open. Instantly, Matt swooped up his kids and dashed away from the line of costumed characters.

I laughed and remembered a time when I was introducing a Sesame Street Live show at the Bell Auditorium. The promoters had invited me to come early and bring my three little kids backstage so they could get pictures with a character. Two-year-old Sky Baby was so excited! All day long she kept talking about Elmo. She wanted to meet and hug Elmo more than anything! (Remember the “Tickle Me Elmo” craze?) I thought the character who came out would probably be Ernie—or maybe Big Bird—so I really kept trying to build Sky’s enthusiasm for the other Sesame Street characters…but that little girl was holding out for Elmo.

Much to my happy surprise, it was indeed Elmo who came through a side door backstage to greet my kids! Much to Sky’s surprise, Elmo was not the size of her toy. Nope, he was a good six feet, head and all. Just picture that six-foot tall, ALL RED, BIG HEAD Elmo reaching for the baby I was holding on my hip.

Sky turned bright red and screamed her head off!

She was bawling—I mean tears streaming down her face, flailing little arms and legs, pigtails bouncing all over the place—it was a disaster. She wanted NOTHING to do with Elmo. She just wanted me to hightail it outta there!

Our keepsake picture is of a beet red, TERRIFIED kid leaning far away from the giant red Elmo standing beside her.

It’s simply perfect! v

JENNIE MONTGOMERY anchors the evening news at WJBF-TV. She and her husband, Scott, have three children.

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news notes

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Know The Summer Safety EVERY SUMMER, NEARLY 25,000 CHILDREN in the United States under age 15 are treated in emergency rooms for unintentional injuries. In fact, a study conducted by the National Safe Kids Campaign found that during the summer months, emergency room visits for accidental injuries among school-age children increased nearly 20 percent.

Safe Kids Greater Augusta encourages age-appropriate outdoor activity, but also urges caution and active supervision, which means a child is in sight and in reach at all times, with your undivided attention. Read more tips on safe swimming, biking, climbing and other summer fun at www. augustafamily.com.

Safe Kids Greater Augusta, led by Children’s Hospital of Georgia, works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the leading killer of children ages 1 to 14. Safe Kids Greater Augusta is a member of the Safe Kids Worldwide & USA network. To find out more about local Safe Kids programs, call 706-721-7606, or visit grhealth.org/safekids.

ABCs

Drowning is the number one killer of children under the age of 5.

“What makes this statistic even more tragic is that these young children are more likely to drown in a residential swimming pool than in any other body of water,” said Dr. Natalie Lane, Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Children’s Hospital of Georgia.

“What we often hear in the emergency room is that a group was gathered at the pool for an event or party, but no one was taking ownership of watching the children in the pool,” said Lane. “Unfortunately, folks think someone else is watching the kids, or falsely assume that everyone is keeping an eye out. This is where the trouble begins.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents avoid installing a swimming pool until children are over age 5. However, if you own a pool, or use one, Lane recommends that you follow the “ABCs” of pool safety:

ABIDE BY THE RULES · Never leave children alone in or near the pool. · Children should be supervised by an adult who can swim. · Maintain a clear, unobstructed view of children at all times. · Do not substitute inflatable flotation devices for approved life vests. · Keep children from playing or swimming near pool drains, pipes and other openings. · After your family is done swimming, remove toys and floats from pool area that could attract children to the water.

of Pool Safety

BE PREPARED · Teach children how to swim; at the very least, they should learn basic water safety tips. · Parents and caregivers should learn CPR and rescue breathing.

The key to better outcomes in near drowning is bystander CPR. · Don’t panic. If your child is missing, look for him or her in the pool first. · Formulate an emergency action plan with your children and rehearse each family member’s role. · Keep a phone available at the poolside in case of emergencies.

CHILDPROOF YOUR POOL · Install a self-latching and self-closing fence around the pool area. Fences should be at least four feet high. · A safety cover should be placed over the water area when the pool is not in use. · Keep rescue equipment and emergency phone numbers poolside. · Install a pool alarm to alert you when children are near the water. · Have a qualified professional inspect drain suction fittings and covers on a regular basis to ensure they meet current safety standards.

Swimming provides great fun and exercise for kids. But always remember to play it safe during pool time.

Information provided by the Children’s Hospital of Georgia.

The 154-bed CHOG is the second-largest children’s hospital in the state, providing the highest level of pediatric critical care and neonatal intensive care, as well as a wide range of general and complex health care for children. Visit CHOG at facebook.com/ GAChildrens and twitter.com/GAChildrens.

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Register To Win!

FRESH FACES IS YOUR CHILD READY FOR THEIR “close up?” If you think you’ve got a “cover kid,” submit their photo and information on our website and they may grace the cover of Augusta Family Magazine!

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Girl GO

KNOW A MOM who deserves a “Go Girl!” (see page 46) in an upcoming issue of Augusta Family Magazine? Submit her on the contest page of our website. www.augustafamily.com

AUGUSTA OUTDOOR EXPO

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WIN TWO TICKETS to attend this year’s Augusta Outdoor Expo, August 8.

ENTER TO WIN two tickets to attend the Augusta Southern Nationals, July 17-19.

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eating well with kim

ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL RUSHBROOK

by Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE and Melanie Wells, Dietetic Intern

Pizza + Salad = Salad Pizza!

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ecently I took the famous “Green Jacket Salad” to a potluck; it was gone in no time flat! There was left over pizza but the salad was gone…how cool is that?

The Salad-pizza pot luck experience is the inspiration behind this recipe.

Most people from Augusta or those, like me, who have lived here a while, have had or heard about the “Green Jacket Salad”. If you have never tried it, I urge you to do so. It can be found in the Par-3 TeaTime at the Masters® cookbook, available through the Junior League of Augusta www.jlaugusta.org, or at local gift and book stores.

This recipe is light, fresh and delicious. It is an excellent appetizer to take to a backyard barbecue or a refreshing change for pizza night. You can even make it an “all pizza night” by having salad pizza, main dish pizza and dessert pizza. Get the kids involved and make it a summer evening event! Enjoy.

Salad Pizza

This is the perfect summer pizza…light refreshing, yet still pizza!

1 whole wheat Boboli crust 2-3 cups tender head lettuce or salad mix with baby greens 1 medium tomato, cored and chopped 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese 1 ½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 ½ tablespoon red wine vinegar ¼ teaspoon Lawy’s seasoning salt ¾ teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 ½ tablespoons fresh chopped oregano) Preheat oven to 450 degrees and place crust directly on the rack to crisp up the bottom for about 7 minutes. Meanwhile toss the greens and tomatoes with Parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Combine oil vinegar, salt and oregano in a small bowl and mix.

Toss the salad greens with the dressing. Once the

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crust is crisp spread the salad greens on top and serve. The heat from the crust will slightly warm or wilt the greens.

Yield: 4 servings Nutrition Breakdown: Calories 210, Fat 6g (1g

saturated fat), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 440mg, Carbohydrate 31g, Fiber 2g, Potassium 106mg, Phosphorus 10mg.

Percent Daily Value: 25% Vitamin A, 10%, Vitamin C, 10% Iron, 10%, Calcium Carbohydrate Choice: 2 Carbohydrates Diabetes Exchanges: 1 ½ Starch, 1 Vegetable, 1 Fat v

KIM BEAVERS is a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator for University Health Care System. She lives in North Augusta with her husband and two children and she is the co-host of the culinary nutrition segment Eating Well with Kim, which airs at noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday on WRDW. To join the recipe club or view recipes, visit www.universityhealth.org/ewwk. You can also watch the segments at www.wrdw.com/ewwk.

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doctor dad

by J. Ron Eaker, M.D.

What To Expect When You’re…

postpartum

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o you’ve been to the mountaintop of childbirth and now you’re rolling down the other side of the hill. What can you expect and what is normal?

Veterans of the childbirth arena will correctly tell you that each pregnancy, labor and postpartum experience is unique. However, there are enough similarities that allow for a general explanation of what is “normal”. The reality is that, as a parent, nothing will ever be normal again! Life, as you know it, will be different emotionally, physically and financially! Different doesn’t mean good or bad…it’s just that embracing parenthood dictates that change is inevitable.

Physical Changes First, and most prominently, your breast will begin to feel like they have been sprinkled with Miracle-Gro and will weigh the equivalent of two Ecuadorian Breadfruits. In the first few days after giving birth a series of hormonal shifts occur, one being a dramatic increase of prolactin, which stimulates the breast glands to produce milky secretions. This is critical for breastfeeding and a lack of this hormone could possibly lead to problems with milk production.

There are a couple of tricks to help promote milk production including some medications (Reglan) along with nipple stimulation. If you are not breastfeeding, using ice packs and breast binders may blunt the hormone response and limit engorgement, but some discomfort may ensue. If you run a high fever or notice a very tender, red blotch on the breast you may have an infection and may need antibiotics.

It takes the uterus from four to six weeks after birth to shrink back to its original size. This process

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is amazing as this big muscle goes from the size of an overinflated basketball to a baseball size. That is why “afterbirth pains” can be rather intense. The uterine muscle contracts to limit bleeding and expel any remaining placental tissue, and this is magnified with breast feeding.

For an unexplained reason, these pains seem to intensify with each pregnancy, so by the fifth baby you may feel like you are carrying a vice grip around your uterus. These changes occur whether you have had a vaginal delivery or c-section, and these types of cramping pains are generally the same for either.

Of course with a c-section there is different pain associated with the incision, but the uterine transformation is the same.

The recovery from a c-section is more painful and slower than from a vaginal delivery, but many of the physiological changes are equivalent. Other than the risks of a surgery, the main potential problem after a caesarean is infection. Watch for any persistent redness or drainage around the incision, fever or vaginal drainage with a bad odor. All of the stitches used in the procedure (as well as with an episiotomy) are absorbable, so you won’t have to have them removed later.

Episiotomies are becoming more the exception than the rule, but they are still utilized for various reasons. The care of these afterwards basically entails keeping the area clean and watching for complications. Sitz baths (soaking in warm water sometimes with additives) helps in both the hygiene of the area and in reducing pain. Ice in the immediate postpartum period is mommie’s little helper. It reduces pain and swelling associated with lacerations, stitches and the engorgement that can come from pushing.

The pain of the tears or episiotomies should gener-

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ally improve steadily, and an area that seems to be getting more painful may be a sign of infection or breakdown. Watch for fevers, increased bleeding, unusual discharge and bad odor. If any of these occur, notify your doctor.

Emotional Changes Just as there are physical changes in the postpartum, so emotional changes are common. There are a number of hormonal shifts that influence some of the emotional changes, but sleeplessness, fatigue, stress and changing roles all are factors.

Although the emotional changes occur on a spectrum, they can generally be categorized based on severity. The “baby blues” are extremely common and manifest by intermittent feelings of sadness, fatigue, irritability and confusion the first week after delivery. The key here is that they are temporary (usually resolving by the second week) and don’t interfere with taking care of the baby.

Post parted depression is a much more serious problem characterized by feeling depressed most of the day every day, feeling shame, guilt or like a failure, feeling panicky or scared a lot of the time or having severe mood swings. If you experience these changes, don’t hesitate to call your doctor immediately. The good news is that there are effective treatments for this problem, and the worst approach is ignoring it and doing nothing.

Enjoy your new baby, and if anything arises after birth that is questionable or concerning, a quick call to your doctor should alleviate any concern. v Dr. Eaker is an Augusta Ob/GYN and author. He and his wife, Susan, have two daughters in college.

smartMom’sguide

by Cammie Jones

1O ways To Pass the Time at Practice

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e’ve all been there. You have to get a child to practice, piano lessons or dance class and don’t have time to go home in between drop-off and pick-up. You really have two options: be positive or be negative.

As one who sees the glass half full a majority of the time, I try to see the positive side of this downtime. However, if you are more of a “glass half empty” gal, what can you do to constructively spend this precious time so that you are not completely annoyed about having to wait?

I searched both the Internet for ideas as well as the “Book of Faces,” or Facebook as it is commonly referred to, and asked “friends” to chime in about what they do when they are playing the waiting game.

1. Exercise.

Meghan Khaitan, founder of MyBuckleMate seat belt buckling solution, says, “Get fit! Bring along your running or walking shoes and get in your workout.” Always keep an extra pair of old running shoes in your car so that when you are at the soccer or baseball fields or an indoor gym, you can walk or run to pass the time. Why not try to get a little more sweat out during the day. Exercise is also a natural mood booster so that when your child does get in the car, you are of a better state of mind.

2. Clean out your purse.

Lucinda Eaves, an Augusta mom of two, says she cleans out her purse.

Who knows what treasures lurk there. The black hole, as I like to call my purse, may contain something you have been searching for. Organize receipts, throw away trash, balance your checkbook, activate a

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credit card. I am sure this task will take up most of your waiting time.

3. Make appointments or return phone calls.

All you need is a calendar or planner and cell phone to take care of this while in the car—parked of course. When these items of business are completed, make those phone calls to friends and family who you have been meaning to call.

4. Read.

Amber Davis, mom to an upcoming 9th grader and 4th grader, simply says, “Read.” Honestly, this is a pleasure that many moms neglect.

I usually reserve this for the end of my day when settling into bed, which, as most moms would agree, is when we are most tired. Needless to say, the number of books read had decreased proportionately with the birth of each of my children. Why not pick up a book or magazine and read while waiting in carpool line or for your child at practice? These few stolen minutes will most likely help you be in a better mood and ready to handle the rest of the day’s challenges.

5. Write a grocery list or plan meals.

This is a great time to actually sit with no interruptions and make a list. “Planning weekly meals on the run is a hassle and typically results in forgotten items and an unexpected visit to the grocery store,” says Christine Coleman in her article “7 Ways to Constructively Use Carpool Time” (Carolina Parent). Take this hour to look at your local grocery stores sales ads and see where you may save the most money

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smartMom’sguide

depending on your list. Plan your meals for the rest of the week so there is not that pressure of deciding what to eat or what to cook when getting home after a practice or two with very hungry (aka grumpy) children.

school carpool, practices, work and just our basic dayto-day errands, the car can get quite cluttered. Make a point to find those petrified French fries behind the seat or the empty juice box or water bottle that has become a fixture in the back of your vehicle.

practicing at the same time as yours. Make new friends with some other moms. Sometimes we think we are communicating by phone, email or Facebook messaging but a physical meeting and personal conversation remains the best means of communication to me.

6. Rest.

8. Play with your smartphone.

10. Watch practice.

Lauren Hargrove, an Augusta mother to three active boys, simple says, “Close my eyes.” Why not? Again, as busy mothers with full lives, an hour of rest time may be a need and not just a want. Kick that seat back, lay your head down and take a nap. There is no law against it.

Many of my Facebook friends use this time to play Words with Friends and one enjoys the time to play bridge on their phone. Use this time to catch up on the latest news or check out Facebook or Instagram statuses. This is a good time to check email as well.

I know technology gets a bad rap sometimes but it sure does come in handy to answer an email from the car, doesn’t it?

Let’s not forget why we are even talking about this topic. Yes, your child is actually doing something constructive. They are practicing whatever it is that the enjoy—soccer, basketball, volleyball, dance, juno, wrestling, gymnastics, etc. Watch your child as he or she gets better with each hour of practice that you must endure. Before you know it, they will be out the door making a life of their own and you won’t have this time to enjoy! v

7. Clear car clutter.

Molly McDowell, owner of Outside the Box Fine Art in Augusta, uses this time to clean out her car. With the many hours we spend in our vehicles between

9. Hang out with other moms.

Catch up face-to-face with a friend whose child is

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Cammie Jones is an Augusta freelance writer and mother of three.

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health home

by Lucy Adams

Dysgraphia Dysgraphia More Than Messy Handwriting

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hroughout the ages, since the invention of writing over 5,000 years ago, it was reserved for and practiced by the few who memorized and could reliably reproduce its symbols.

Only in the last couple of centuries did the skill of putting words to paper trickle out of monasteries, royal courts and elite occupations into the common populace. At that point, it quickly transformed from being entirely unnecessary in daily life to a required basic skill for success. By the 1900s in America, cursive had been standardized, everyone was taught to use it and schoolchildren were expected to produce it legibly and consistently.

Though the emphasis on penmanship instruction in classrooms has declined since the advent of the typewriter and word processor, the ability to transcribe ideas and lectures into complete written composition has grown ever more important. Yet, consider what goes into producing writing.

First, development of fine motor skills such as correct pencil grip and small muscle movements is required. Second, the ability to think and write, or listen and write, at the same time is critical.

Inability to perform any of these tasks indicates dysgraphia—a disruption in written expression.

Students with dysgraphia suffer everything from receiving test answers marked incorrect due to illegible handwriting to recording inadequate notes to producing incoherent compositions.

Causes of Dysgraphia Dysgraphia has two primary brain-based causes. One source is sensory motor processing deficiencies that result in poor fine motor control. “The brain isn’t sending the signals to form the symbols that make up language,” explains Dr. Jody Frey, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice and co-owner of PIA Learning Center. The other typical cause is auditory processing deficiencies. “They can’t convert words and sounds into written form because they become jumbled in their minds,” says Dr. Frey. In both cases, writing is very difficult. He says, “I do not believe it’s a lack of parenting. It’s probably a genetic issue. It’s a glitch.” So parents shouldn’t second guess whether they read to their child enough or put a pencil in the child’s hand too late.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Dysgraphia Symptoms of dysgraphia include mixing capital and lowercase letters, producing written

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health home

material extremely slowly and exhibiting signs of exhaustion stemming from the writing process.

These students may also fail to space words appropriately or disregard the lines on the paper when writing. As they get older, dysgraphia may present as difficulty composing sentences, paragraphs and essays. Poor spelling, incomplete sentences and sentences with missing words may also be indicators. Children with dysgraphia often dread writing assignments and resist completing work that requires a large amount of writing.

Because its symptoms are usually discounted as signs of laziness or apathy, dysgraphia is a learning disorder that frequently goes undiagnosed. Not every student who displays symptoms of dysgraphia will qualify for services or accommodations in the public school system. Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 (DSM-5), clinical and school psychologists follow the guideline criteria for diagnosing a “specific learning disorder with impairment in written expression.� To receive this diagnosis and receive academic intervention in the school setting, the student’s performance on a standardized achievement test of written expression must be significantly below what is expected for his or her chronological age and intelligence test score. Once a diagnosis is made, school systems can provide accommodations, such as allowing the student to respond to tests orally, to record lectures, to complete assignments on an extended timeline and so forth.

Dr. Frey says that the diagnostic criteria unfortunately exclude students who have impaired written expression that doesn’t meet the threshold for official diagnosis. “Those are the kids in school who just sputter instead of fall out of the sky. They don’t meet criteria for a diagnosis, but they have trouble,� he advises. These are the students who fall between the cracks. They devise ways to work around their deficits, but the deficits always lurk and re-emerge in situations when the work-arounds aren’t sufficient.

Addressing Suspected Dysgraphia Students with fine motor deficiencies may benefit from using a keyboard to complete writing assignments. Dr. Frey suggests that working with an occupational therapist familiar with treating dys-

graphia can be beneficial, as well. Strengthening the kinesthetic awareness required for handwriting can ease the strain and effort experienced by a child with dysgraphia.

Solutions for students who struggle to convert sounds or ideas into written language must go beyond motor improvements. “Any type of processing skills program that deals with putting a sound on paper that you hear coming from a voice is going to be helpful,� Dr. Frey says. PIA Learning Center offers the PACE program to improve this skill. Dr. Frey also advises parents: r

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%PO U BTTVNF ZPVS DIJME JT MB[Z PS PQQPTJUJPOBM because he or she doesn’t like to write. Don’t get angry with your child for making the same types of writing mistakes again and again.

4FFL BO BTTFTTNFOU GSPN B QSPGFTTJPOBM USBJOFE in testing for and diagnosing learning disabilities (clinical, school or neuro-psychologist). *G B QSPGFTTJPOBM BTTFTTNFOU SFWFBMT ZPVS DIJME has some degree of dysgraphia, enroll your child in a processing skills program that enhances fine motor skills or auditory processing skills. If your child meets the criteria for clinical diagnosis, talk to the school regarding services and accommodations available.

"JE ZPVS DIJME JO DPNQMFUJOH TDIPPM XPSL &O courage him or her to proofread written work by reading it out loud. Allow your child to dictate thoughts while you write them. Then let your child use those notes to create his or her own sentences.

For some students, the harsh cry of “chicken scratch� rings in their ears at a deafening decibel.

Their unreadable script and/or senseless sentences frustrate these children as much as they do their teachers and parents. Addressing the issue effectively can generate newfound confidence and reduce school-related stress for both parent and child. v Lucy Adams is a freelance writer and the author of Tuck Your Skirt in Your Panties and Run. She lives in Thomson, Ga., with her husband and their four children. Contact Lucy at lucybgoosey@aol.com.

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Coping With

By Lucy Adams Art by Michael Rushbrook

M

y years of parenting from the sidelines of youth sports, from the T-ball level to Varsity competition, have been embellished with brilliant plays, underdog victories, come-from-behind-wins, dugout chants, kid camaraderie, inspiring leadership and the thrill of just playing the game. The years have also been fraught with misplaced uniform pieces, lost cleats, fields I couldn’t find, disappointing losses, dropped balls, missed goals, mouthy competitors, emotional parents, human umpires and frustrating coaches.

I’ve watched my children both ride the bench and make game-saving plays. I’ve heard coaches cast compliments at my kids and kill my kids’ confidence with a single sentence.

It isn’t easy being the parent of a youth athlete. The parent must assume the spectator role, watching as his or her child experiences the highs and lows of competition, adjusts to the personalities and demands of other adults and finds out what he or she is made of. It isn’t easy to resist the urge to give strong criticism from the bleachers to the players, umpires and especially coaches.

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COACHES Coaches Can Make Us Crazy I once witnessed a mother of an 8-year-old boy become increasingly agitated throughout the course of a recreation department baseball game. By the sixth inning she practically frothed at the mouth she was so enraged at the umpires and coaches. Other parents in the stands retreated from her vicinity, but she was so loud that no distance brought peace. Following the game, in front of the world, she lashed out at her child’s coach with venom. The spectacle was horrendous.

But I can’t say that I’ve never seethed while sitting on the sidelines. My blood has boiled. I’ve entertained vicious thoughts and mentally rehearsed scenarios in which I would let the coach know exactly how I felt.

What parent hasn’t had complaints? Some of us don’t like the quiet coach, who never argues a call.

Some of us don’t like the screamers, who lose their heads. Some of us don’t like the coach who loves the kids but has no clue about game strategies or skills. Some of us don’t like the coach who knows the game inside and out but doesn’t adjust to coaching kids. The ones who only want to win come under fire, as do the ones who only want to have a good time. It seems that coach can never please the crowd.

Top complaints from parents derived from years of observation and an informal Facebook poll include: r r r r r r r r r r r

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The Coach’s Motives

Before assuming the worst about the coach, ask yourself why you arenĘźt out there coaching.

Before assuming the coach is inherently evil and ill-intentioned, ask yourself why he or she is out there. Since youth athletics run on volunteers at the lower echelons and coaches who receive minimal stipends at the upper echelons, the man or woman certainly isn’t investing hours in a get-rich-quick scheme. “It’s a big time commitment,� says Christi DeLoach, athletic supervisor for Columbia County Parks and Recreation. “They’re stepping up and doing this service for us.�

Most likely the coach loves the sport, enjoys working with kids, has a child on the team or some combination of those reasons. Having stepped into the role, he or she probably also feels pressure to give the players a good experience and to win games. Knowing that all those youth athletes and all those parents are counting him or her can create stress. So, before assuming the worst about the coach, ask yourself why you aren’t out there coaching. Remember, if you had volunteered, you’d be your kid’s coach and calling the shots.

Calming the Crazy With Communication Nonetheless, pure motive doesn’t mean your child’s coach is perfect. And it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t address your concerns with him or her. Though your perspective is limited—you’re paying attention primarily to your own child’s play—it is valid. The best results come when communication is

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As you sit on the sidelines, keep in mind that when you cheer for that awesome play, youʼre also cheering for the teamwork, cooperation, problem-solving, focus, attention and commitment that it took to make that play happen.

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Lucy Adams is a freelance writer and the author of 5VDL :PVS 4LJSU JO :PVS 1BOUJFT BOE 3VO. She lives in Thomson, Ga., with her husband and their four children. Contact Lucy at lucybgoosey@aol.com.

IT’S A MATCH Helping Your Child Find a Free-Time Activity That Fits

by Lara Krupicka | Illustrations by Michael Rushbrook

A

ccording to the National Center for Education Statistics, there is a strong association between kids’ participation in extracurricular activities and academic success. But finding an activity, club or sport that fits the child can sometimes be a tricky matter. Just about every mom can attest to the frustration of trying to convince a child to practice an instrument or do their best work for a club project. So there’s nothing like having a child approach an activity with enthusiasm and self-motivation.

Want to see more enthusiasm and less frustration from your child? Here we answer some of your biggest challenges in helping your child own their free-time activities.

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How do you know when to push your child to continue at an activity that he’s asked to stop, and when to let him quit?

A lot will depend on knowing your child. If he is prone to quit easily, then it may be time to dig in your heels—but first, you’ll want to ask why he doesn’t want to do it any more and address any issues he’s having that may be causing him to quit.

Otherwise, if your child isn’t engaged in the activity and isn’t developing any skills at it, don’t push him to continue.

After two or three seasons of a sport or a year of another activity, your child will have mastered the basics and should be ready to learn and grow. If he’s not interested, this won’t

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happen no matter how much you push. He’ll just be miserable and could grow to like it even less. “The important thing is to leave doors open,� says David Elkind, author of The Power of Play and The Hurried Child. “Kids are young. They need to experiment.�

Some circumstances may warrant a “keep at it until...� This works when you want your child to stick out a commitment or stay with an activity long enough to master a specific skill. For example, if your goal for piano lessons is for your child to learn to read music, then communicate that to her. Explain that you’d like her to continue piano until she gets through a specific performance book.

Elkind suggests parents should, “realize that because a child doesn’t take to something doesn’t mean he or she will never learn commitment, only that they need to find the right thing to be committed to.�

What signs can you look for that indicate an activity or sport isn’t the right match for your child?

How about when it’s a good match?

When the activity isn’t a good fit, your child may protest going to lessons or practices. She’ll give a half-hearted effort toward it. Or on the other end of the spectrum, she may be giving it her best but never getting the hang of it. Then it may be time to take a break from that activity or find a different instructor or coach whose style better suits your child. If she’s excited about a sport, but doesn’t have the aptitude, maybe she could try a supporting role, such as team manager.

When you find a good match (between activity and/or instructor) things will click. Your child will look forward to practices and games/meets. You’ll notice steady improvement or development of skills. And, more than likely, your child will engage in the activity on his own as well—shooting baskets in the driveway or reading books on robotics in his spare time.

For Gretchen Desch, whose daughter Jenny became an avid swimmer after dabbling in other sports, the difference is noticeable. “She is the one to say, ‘It’s time to leave for practice.’ She has ownership of that,� says Desch.

If you haven’t found a match yet it’s important to keep on looking. Making a child stick with a sport they’re no good at can cause their confidence to falter and prevents them from finding what they do enjoy. And don’t always assume your non-athletic child is getting exercise by being on a team. Coaches will tell you uninterested players often put forth a minimal amount of effort.

Better to get them in a physical pastime they like where they’ll pour on the steam. “The most effective strategy is to support the child’s natural interests, even if it is not what we would like them to do,� says Elkind.

It can also help to have an outsider’s perspective on your child. If a teacher or coach comments to you on an ability he sees in your child, encourage him to tell the child directly. The external push may be all it takes. “I had mentioned swim team off and on for years,� says Desch. “But when her swim teacher suggested she join the team, that’s when she decided to do it.�

Is it ever too late for my child to start a sport or a hobby? I’m afraid if we don’t get him started young, he’ll never catch up to his peers.

Few sports are age-dependent. And more often than not, it may be better to wait before starting. Kids need exposure to sports and hobbies, but not necessarily overexposure. Too much of anything can burn kids out. “There is so much for young children to learn: language, social skills, the physical and natural world. None of that is inborn,� says Elkind. “There is no evidence that starting early has special benefits.�

Instead, let your child lead. Is he interested in building with toy bricks? Take him to the school’s LEGOŽ club. Does she want to join her friends at Girl Scouts? Sign her up. If you’re pushing your child to start something before he’s ready, it may work out. But his lack of readiness also has the potential to hurt his chances of succeeding.

Whatever your struggle, remember the ultimate goal of freetime activities is enjoyment. If you’re too worried about your child finding success, you’re both missing out on the fun. “They are who they are. All you can do is encourage them to bring out the best they can be,� says Desch.

Prompt your child to explore their world and test their interests. And enjoy the exploration with them. You may find a new hobby or sport to share. v

How to Help a Reluctant Joiner: r 4JHO VQ XJUI B GSJFOE r 1SBJTF FĒPSU OPU BDIJFWFNFOU 4BZT Elkind, “Many times children who are afraid to try new things have been overly praised for doing one thing and are afraid they will not do as well on the next.� r 4FBSDI GPS TNBMMFS HSPVQ TFUUJOHT

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Lara Krupicka is a freelance writer who loves watching her three daughters try new pursuits and add to their repertoire of interests.

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Here’s your chance to tell us your Family Favorites...those people, places, restaurants, schools and spots for family fun that make our city such a unique place to live. Cast your vote for those places and people you think deserve recognition for a job well done, focusing on places that are family friendly. No photocopies accepted. One ballot per reader please! All ballot categories must be completed in order for votes to be considered. Fold ballot, place in envelope and mail with correct postage to:

AUGUSTA FAMILY MAGAZINE 1 0 #PY r "VHVTUB (" %&"%-*/& +VMZ r Online voting available at www.augustafamily.com

ARTS/MUSIC/DANCING Visual Art Instruction Jazz/Hip Hop Dance Lessons Traditional Dance Lessons Music Lessons (piano, violin, drums, etc.)

Performing Arts Group

FAMILY FUN Annual Family Event Day Trip Traditional Family Photographer Non-Traditional Family Photographer Indoor Playground Outdoor Playground Overnight Trip Picnic Spot Rainy Day Outing Story Time

FOOD Breakfast Spot Burgers Desserts Drive-Thru Date Night Restaurant Restaurant-Chain Restaurant-Locally Owned Fries Pizza Chicken Fingers Mac & Cheese

Place To Get Coffee Healthy Menu Place for Ice Cream Kids Menu

LIFESTYLE/MEDICAL Auto Service Financial Institution (Bank or Credit Union) Place for Children’s Haircuts Computer Repair Service Place to Get Coffee Veterinarian Dog Groomer Kennel Pediatrician Pediatric Dentist OB/GYN Orthodontist After-Hours Medical Care Family Vision Care

MEDIA Radio Station Television Station Local website Favorite Part of Augusta Family Magazine

PARTIES Birthday Cakes

Toddler Party Place Elementary Age Party Place Boys Parties Girls Parties School/Class Parties Party Supply Store

EDUCATION Daycare Elementary School Middle School High School Tutoring Service

SHOPPING Car Dealer

Baby Clothes Boys Clothes Girls Clothes Consignment Shop Grocery Store School Supplies Toy Store

SPORTS

Children/Teen Sports Program Family Sporting Event Gymnastics/Cheer Instruction Martial Arts Program Swimming Lessons Tennis Program Family Fitness Center

timeout

by Kerrie McLoughlin

KIDS AND ACTIVITIES:

SEEK BALANCE I

t makes my head spin to think about the kind of schedule some kids these days keep. School, afterschool care, homework, dinner, sports or dance once a week, swim lessons or another activity twice a week, games, birthday parties and campouts on weekends. The range of extracurricular activities available to children today is mind-blowing—but of course we want our kids to have everything. But Jill Connors, mom of five, says, “I know friends whose kids are in school that are so scheduled that anytime they are home they are ‘bored.’”

So where’s the time for fort building, skateboarding, cops-and-robbers and other free activities that let a kid’s imagination run wild? Dad Jeff Pearlman is outraged by this over-scheduling dilemma and wrote in a piece on CNN.com (www.cnn.com/2012/07/17/opinion/pearlman-end-game-kids/index.html), “Kids are gifted with 18 years of childhood…Yes, I want mine to do well in school, and learn the virtues of compassion and empathy and hard work. But I also aspire for them to jump on our trampoline until their legs sag from exhaustion, and ride their bikes up and down the street…and chase down the ice cream man and watch in amazement as the pink petals fall from our cherry blossom tree.”

Whether a parent puts a child in many activities with good intentions or for their own ego or perceived outside pressure, so much can be lost to a child when presented with an overfull schedule. Jill Connors also shares, “I think that you can lose so much valuable family time with too many activities. Come soccer season, we rarely sit down at the table and eat dinner.” Carolyn Parsons, author and mom of four daughters, says, “If a child is called to something, or a parent sees activities that would build on a natural talent or affinity then it makes sense to put them in that activity. If kids are scheduled for the sake of giving them something to ‘do’ they will never learn to find things to do by themselves.”

Find the Activity/Play Balance David Elkins wrote in a piece on PsychologyToday.com (http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200303/are-we-pushing-our-kids-too-hard), “Unstructured play allows children to pursue their interests, express their personalities and learn how to structure their time. Play is the natural mode of learning for young children, but when their lives are dominated by adult-organized activities, there may be little time left to just be kids.” The answer, it would seem, lies in balance and moderation.

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{ timeout Play a Little/Mix It Up Parents can find balance in different ways. For instance, Suzanne Andrews, mom of four, shares, “One out-of-house individual activity/sport per season is the max for mom sanity at our house, and even then it gets a little iffy.” In my house we take it one step further and my kids have to actually ask to be in an activity. I got tired of paying for trying to enrich their lives with activities they didn’t even want to do!

Some families run like crazy during the school year then loaf around all summer, taking advantage of the pool, the zoo, nature centers and maybe even a relaxing vacation.

Everything in Moderation Some families can handle multiple activities very well, while some families do better to hang out around the house more. Kyle Boeglin, mom of 4 boys, says, “I think the family balance is very important.

Jimmy, Johnny and Joey might all like to be in dif-

ferent sports and activities every season, but if Mom and Dad never see each other and the family has no downtime, that’s not good for anybody.” If your calendar seems packed on paper/computer, if you constantly run late or if your child simply doesn’t want to go, you might have too much going on.

Find What Works for Your Family Your child’s temperament factors in somewhere, as well. Alyssa Ast, mom of four, says, “If your kid isn’t enjoying it, like my son and sports, it’s too much.

If their grades start to slip it’s too much.” As an only child my parents encouraged me to participate in softball (hated it), Brownies (bored) and I did two years of dance before I dropped out. I preferred to curl up with a book. Today—miraculously—I’m a well-rounded social butterfly who still likes to read … and spend my days writing.

So before you sign your kid up for that awesome soccer team or rockin’ theatre class, consider how it will fit in with your child’s—and your—current schedule. If your child is destined to be the next Da-

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vid Beckham or Anne Hathaway, go for it. If, however, he could not possibly care any less, send him outside to play Olympics or Hunger Games with some neighborhood friends. v

Pointers for Parents · Consider only one activity per season per child. · Be willing to let your kid opt out (consider your child’s personality). · Realize that even the super active, social kid needs downtime. · Consider your budget. · Ignore pressure from competitive parents/ family members. · Do what works for your family.

Kerrie McLoughlin shares her life with 5 little ones at TheKerrieShow.com.

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funfood Chocolate-Berry Blast 1 cup chocolate milk

1 cup frozen mixed berries

1 tablespoon golden flaxseed meal

Banana PB&J Smoothie 1 cup chocolate milk

1 ripe banana, peeled and cut into chunks

2 tablespoons low-fat peanut butter

2 tablespoons strawberry or grape jelly Tips: For a colder smoothie, freeze banana chunks one day ahead. If

you have a nut allergy, omit peanut butter. Feel free to substitute plain

dairy milk or your favorite non-dairy milk for the chocolate milk.

Blended Bliss

Delicious and Nutritious Smoothies for the Whole Family

L

ooking for a healthy, convenient and delicious breakfast boost, afternoon refuel or sweet treat? If so, break out the blender and whip up a delicious and nutritious smoothie.

Made with fruits and vegetables, smoothies provide important nutrients that our bodies need.

When prepared with chocolate milk, they can also be an excellent source of protein—and a tasty treat for kids and adults alike.

“Chocolate milk is a delicious and nutritious base for smoothies because it not only contains protein and minerals, it also provides calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for bone health,” says registered dietitian Rebecca Scritchfield. “Plus, combining a nutrient-rich option such as TruMoo Chocolate milk with fruits and vegetables like bananas, berries and kale is a great way to get kids to consume the nourishment

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they need, all in an enjoyable treat.”

If you’re not sure what to put in your smoothie, you can get creative with the ingredients you already have on hand. If you’re a fan of PB&J sandwiches, simply combine chocolate milk with bananas, peanut butter and jelly for a delicious take on the classic lunch staple.

Trying to get your kids to eat their veggies, such as kale, is easier when they’re disguised in chocolate-y goodness. And if you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, combine low-fat brownies, ice and chocolate milk.

Each of the following single-serving recipes shows you how deliciously easy it is to create a unique and flavorful smoothie to fit any craving. For each recipe, combine ingredients in a blender, mix until smooth and frothy, and serve.

For more delicious recipes, visit www.TruMoo. com, or look for TruMooMilk on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

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Incredible Ingredients Make the Smoothie Besides its creamy goodness, the best thing about a smoothie is the ability to create your own culinary masterpiece. Grab the kids and combine some of these tasty ingredients with chocolate milk for a flavor that’s 100 percent unique and completely satisfying.

• Apricots • Baby spinach • Blueberries • Cherry tomatoes

Fuel Up Smoothie

Cookies ’n Cream Smoothie

1 1/2 cups chocolate milk

1/2 cup low-fat fudge brownies or low-fat chocolate

1 cup ice cubes

1 cup chocolate milk

1/2 cup baby kale

1 tablespoon almond butter

cookies, coarsely broken 1 cup ice cubes

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• Pineapple • Oats • Tart cherries • Raspberries

Article and Images Courtesy of Family Features

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inspirationstation

by Mary Ashton Mills

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Get on Up With JAMP

T

he sound grabs you right away and commands your attention. It’s the perfect blend of jazz and funk coupled with the signature “one beat� that stops you in your tracks as you think for just a moment about the music’s likeness to the late Godfather of Soul, James Brown. The band is part of an academy that is preserving the legacy of Mr. Brown himself.

James Brown Academy of Musik Pupils, known as JAMP, is not only safeguarding the legend’s legacy, but also fostering children’s interest in music at an early age by teaching music education and proficiency in multiple instruments. Their sound gets your attention, but their impressive list of performances is just as captivating. A gig opening for Prince in Chicago, trips to New York, Los Angeles and their recent performance at perhaps the crown jewel of country musical venues, the historic Ryman Theater in Nashville, are proof JAMP is going places. As part of the Georgia on My Mind tour, JAMP recently lit up music city while playing to a sold-out crowd of over 2,000 at the original Grand Old Opry, the Ryman Theater.

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Building a Legacy

What Is Required?

Five years ago, JAMP was created by the James Brown Foundation as a non-profit musical school.

JAMP’s goal is “to motivate, educate and inspire children through the universal language of music and enrich their hidden musical abilities.� Deanna Brown-Thomas, daughter of the late James Brown and the founder of the James Brown Foundation, remembers the wisdom her father used to whisper in her ear. “He stressed the importance of educating kids and keeping music in the schools,� says BrownThomas. She is helping to pay homage to her father by carrying on his influence on the music industry.

Today, JAMP is heavily based on education first and foremost. If grades fall, students aren’t allowed to play with the band. The JAMP kids are learning songs that their grandparents grew up on and putting their own spin on them. “These kids are going to look back at the time here and their experience and they will want that for their children one day and that, to me, is what legacy is all about,� says Brown-Thomas.

In its inception, Brown-Thomas was able to meet with educational consultants and musical educators across the country and decided to partner with the Charles Henry Terrell Academy, Augusta’s first and only year-round fine arts school, to help write the curriculum. Today, JAMP’s student body consists mostly of students from CHTA, but enrollment is not limited to one school. JAMP is open to any and all students from the CSRA. “Music brings all walks of life together,� says Brown-Thomas.

For consideration, children age 5 and up must fill out an application and take part in an audition.

These children are smart, well mannered, dedicated, spiritual and goal-driven. These aren’t your average children and teenagers who spend a few hours on the weekend playing electronics, going to the movies or hanging out with neighborhood friends. No, they are far too regimented for that. They are taking their cues from the “hardest-working man in the business.� Each day after school they attend classes

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{ inspirationstation at JAMP as well as on Saturdays. Their professionalism and dedication is obvious when you meet them.

From their classroom space inside the Augusta Museum of History, they exude leadership, gratitude and respect and light up when discussing the music, their first language.

Hit It Maestro!

JAMP’s principal, Kimberly Baxter, accompanied by three maestros, leads musical education.

According to Baxter each maestro has a role in developing the kids’ education. “Maestro Keith is the one with the James Brown sound. He’s got ‘the one’ and is the one who played with Mr. Brown,” says Baxter. “The one” refers to the specific one-beat that James Brown made famous. When other artists were emphasizing the two- and the four-beat, he nailed the one-beat essential to the true James Brown sound. Everything had to fall on that “one beat” for Mr. Brown and his band members. It was that moment of impact and no other artist could hit the one like Mr. Brown. Maestro Keith Jenkins toured with Mr. Brown for over 10 years and is now able to bring his knowledge of “the one” to the kids at JAMP. Maestro Daniel Sapp brings yet another impressive talent to the program. GRAMMY nominated for a Music Educators Award in 2016, Sapp focuses on teaching music theory, a skill often neglected in schools. He also works on performance skills with the children.

Proving it’s not a man’s world any longer, Maestro Kendra Dent brings in a female perspective and teaches stage presence, dance, fitness and meditation.

Each One, Teach One The school adopted an “each one, teach one” philosophy, where an older student mentors a younger student. By dividing the students into groups, miniJAMPers and JAMP Masters, students are teaching and learning from their peers. The school feels like one big family. You can see the genuine love the younger ones have for the older students who teach them the skills they have already mastered.

Whether it’s playing instruments from the percussion, brass, woodwinds or strings, these children are focused. Their talents aren’t singular either. Many

JAMP students travel and perform all around the U.S. They are led by a group of dedicated “maestros” who specialize in different areas of the music and performance program.

add singing and dancing to their repertoire. Most children learn and play several instruments during class and when performing on stage they switch things up too. “You put an instrument in a child’s hand and you see a miracle happen because you give them the chance to express themselves through that instrument,” says Brown-Thomas, remembering her father feeling the same way.

From 9-year-old Ian Hester, who plays the electric and acoustic guitar, to 16-year-old Brad Cannata, who is classically trained in percussion and has knowledge of almost all of the band’s instruments, the beat goes on. Cannata mentors Hester by getting the part under his fingers first and then giving Hester a simpler version to see if he can play it. It’s a vibe unlike any other, but that is just what Mr. Brown’s music is—a sound unlike any other. “The one,” the

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essence of James Brown funk, is rubbing off on these students at JAMP. They are poised to take off into the world to deliver their unique beat to music lovers everywhere. That is something that makes us all “feel good!” Encore!

For more information about JAMP performances, applications or to make a donation, contact them at 706-736-6216. Don’t miss the opportunity to “get on up” with JAMP at the upcoming JAMPcert at the Augusta Museum of History on July 24. Visit www. jamesbrownfoundation.com. v Mary Ashton Mills lives in Augusta with her husband and two children.

Her work has appeared in Charleston Magazine, The Post and Courier and Augusta Family Magazine.

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calendar July 2015

Fireworks & Festivities Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and fun at the following events: July 2. Fort Gordon Independence Day Celebration. Opens at 3 p.m.

July 4. Thurmond Lake Sail & Power Squadron Independence Day Celebration. Event begins at 10 a.m.

July 4. Independence Day Celebration in Downtown Augusta. 4-10 p.m.

July 4. Annual Fourth of July Celebration at Evans Towne Center. Festivities begin at 2 p.m.

July 4. Star Spangled Fourth. Traditional patriotic music at St. Paul's Church. 7:30 p.m.

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calendar Sewing Classes at My Best Friend's Sewing Room SPECIAL EVENTS July 2. Fort Gordon Independence Day Celebration. A fireworks extravaganza, kids carnival, food and craft vendors and performances by the U.S. Army Signal Corps Band. The fun begins at 3 p.m. with Signal Corps Band performance at 7 p.m. and a U.S. Soldier Show at 8:30 p.m.

July 3. First Friday at the Augusta Common. Enjoy fun for the family with a car show, fun zone, vendors and live local entertainment. 6-10 p.m. Call 706821-1754 for information.

July 4. Meet a Master Gardener at the Aiken Farmers Market. Master Gardeners from the Aiken Master Gardener Association will be on hand to answer yard questions. Pick up soil sample bags or a copy of the eighth edition of the AMGA gardeners almanac. 8 a.m.

July 4. Thurmond Lake Sail & Power Squadron Independence Day Celebration. Festivities include a boat parade, beach party, children’s games and prizes, kayak rodeo and much more. Beach party from noon-4 p.m. at Savannah Lakes Marina Beach.

Enjoy free hot dogs, chips, soda, adult and children’s activities, games and contests. Bring chairs/ blankets, other food and beverages. Event begins at 10 a.m. at the Dorn Boating and Facility, 272 Chamberlain Ferry Rd., McCormick, S.C. Register boats on line. Free. Tlsps.org.

July 4. Independence Day Celebration. Join WRDW News 12, Clear Channel Radio, the City of Augusta and its partners in this year’s Independence Day celebration. Live music and dance performances, food vendors and children’s activities including inflatables. At dark, enjoy a spectacular patriotic fireworks display. 4-10 p.m. Downtown Augusta. 706821-1754.

July 4. Annual Fourth of July Celebration. Fireworks, food vendors and lots of red-white-and-blue regalia. The festivities begin at 2 p.m. and feature new water slides, carnival rides and games. Live entertainment begins at 3 p.m. Evans Towne Center Park. 706-312-7194.

July 11. Family Festival. Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church is hosting a festival of fun activities, music, health awareness and shopping including food, clothes, shoes, furniture, appliances and other items. Plus a variety of displays. Call Cynthia Underwood at 706-829-0226 for information.

July 11. Sonic Rush Tour Returns to Carolina Dragway. The Sonic Rush Tour, formerly Thunder Jam, will return to the Carolina Dragway for sportsman drag racing beginning at 10:30 a.m. with the feature show beginning as the sun goes down at 7 p.m. Pit

passes, parking and kids ages 9 and under are free.

The tour now features action from the most unpredictable machines in the world—Nitro Fuel Altereds.

Carolina Dragway is located at 302 Dragstrip Rd., Aiken. Go to www.sonicrushtour.com.

July 12. Artrageous! Family Sunday: Hands-on Glass. Listen to a glass harp performance presented

by Brien Engel and create colorful glass ornaments to take home. Free. 2 p.m. Morris Museum of Art. 706-724-7501.

July 15 & 22. Family Movie Matinee. Doors open at noon and the movie begins at 12:30 p.m. Ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. July 15 features The Box Trolls and July 22 features Rio. Free. Jabez Sanford Hardin Performing Arts Center, Evans. 706-650-5005.

July 17-19. Augusta Southern Nationals. A massive display of fire power from drag boat race participants. Gates open daily at 8 a.m. Races start at 9 a.m. Savannah River in downtown Augusta. For more information, www.augustasouthernnationals. org.

July 19. Disney Day. Come dressed as your favorite Disney character and get ready for stories, games and crafts to bring alive the world of make believe.

Event is best for kids 3-6. 10 a.m. at Imagination Station Children's Museum, Hickman Park, 965 Hickman Rd., Augusta. Call 706-564-4621 for information.

July 20-25. Christmas in July. While the downtown businesses can’t do anything about the July heat, they can help bring winter’s biggest holiday a little early. Participating businesses offer bargains reminiscent of Christmas sales. Christmas decorations will be on display and even Santa’s elves visit. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Downtown Aiken. 803-649-2221.

July 24. Movie Series at the Common. Pre-movie activities start at 7:30 p.m. Movie starts at dusk.

Come early to get your seat and have some fun before the movie starts. Call 706-821-1754 for information.

July 25. Food 2 Fight Hunger. Richmond County and The Salvation Army of the Greater Augusta Area is competing against Columbia County in a competition to Fight Hunger! Both counties will collect canned goods and food for this third-annual Food 2 Fight Hunger event. Both teams will be collecting items at the Augusta and Evans Kroger stores. The food collected in Richmond County will benefit The Salvation Army’s soup kitchen and food pantry. You can help out by hosting a canned food drive at your workplace, church or club. Call 706-434-3182.

3850 Washington Rd., Suite 4C, La Petite Plaza.

706-993-8819 or mybfsewingroom@yahoo.com. www.facebook.com/mybestfriendssewingroom.

Call or email for class fees. Pre-registration is required for all classes and events.

July 7-9. Summer Sewing Camp. Your child will construct two projects with the sewing machine and one hand-stitched. Includes sewing machine use and supplies. 10-12 p.m. or 1-3 p.m. Ages 8 and up.

July 10. Drawstring Beach Bag-Adults. Create your own beach bag. Supplies and machine use included. 10-12 p.m. Beginners are welcome. Adults only.

July 10. Water Bottle Holder-Adults. It’s hot HOT! Carry your water bottle in a cool crossbody water bottle holder. Supplies and machine use include. Beginners are welcome.

1-3 p.m. Adults only.

July 11. Hooded Towel-Adults. Sew a hooded towel for your little munchkin. Perfect for bath, pool or beach. Supplies & machine use included. Beginners are welcome. 10-12 p.m. Adults only.

July 11. Jumper Dress-Adults. This beginner sewing class is perfect for the mom that wants to sew for her little girl. You will learn buttonholes. Supply list provided upon payment. 10-1 p.m. Adults only.

July 25. Sewing Seeds Club. This month’s project is a quilted pouch. It is the perfect size for a recorder or a curling iron. 10-12 p.m. Beginners are welcome. Ages 8 and up.

July 28-30. Summer Sewing Camp. Your child will construct two projects with the sewing machine and one hand-stitched. Includes sewing machine use and supplies.

10-12 p.m. or 1-3 p.m. Ages 8 and up.

July 31. Mommy & Me-Embellished Pillows.

Make a sewing date with your daughter before school starts and make these embellished pillows. 10-12:30 p.m.

July 31. Mug Rugs-Adults. It’s Christmas in July! Sew mug rugs which can be given as gifts and used year round with seasonal fabrics. Includes supplies. 6-8 p.m. Adults only.

July 30. Family Time Fun. Who doesn’t like a good

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Arts &

2015

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Sports

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calendar ‘ole game? From bowling to Duck, Duck, Goose and Four Square, there will be tons of fun. Parents will join in as partners on some games. 2:30 p.m. for ages 4-6, 3:30 p.m. for ages 2-3 year olds. Imagination Station Children's Museum, Hickman Park, 965 Hickman Rd., Augusta. Call 706-564-4621 for information.

.64&6. "/% 4$*&/$& &7&/54 July 8. Brown Bag History Lecture: Underneath the City, Installing the Pipes. Featuring guest speaker Allen Saxon of the Richmond County Utilities Department. Bring a lunch; beverages provided. Refreshments served at 11:30 a.m. Reservations not required. 12:30-1:30 p.m. Augusta Museum of History. 706-722-8454.

Reed Creek Park and Interpretive Center 3820 Park Lane, Martinez.

706-210-4027. www.ReedCreekPark.com.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Pre-registration required.

July 9. Something’s Fishy. It’s easy to think that fish are boring slimy things in water, but there are some things about fish that no other animals have. Learn about the cool characteristics of fish and water con-

Smocks Studio 742 McClure Dr., Augusta Call Jennifer Rucker at 706-833-9696.

Call for fees and times.

July 6-10. Smocks Summer Camp. Smocks Summer Camp is a fun-filled week for kids ages 6 to 14 who love to be creative and make keepsake artwork. Create all new projects using a variety of mediums such as acrylics, watercolor and clay. Includes a 16x20 canvas piece. 10 a.m.

June 13-15. Painted Peacock Art Camp.

Brand new artwork for your child who loves pattern and color! Students will learn about color theory, new painting techniques, collage and more while they create a super fun 16x20 canvas piece. Design and color possibilities are endless in this camp. Ages 7 and up. 9:30 a.m.

July 20-23. Storybook Art Camp. Designed especially for kids ages 5-8 who love to be creative and make artwork. After hearing beautiful children’s books, the campers will create keepsake artwork using mediums such as clay, acrylics, and more. 9 a.m.

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servation, and get a little wet in the pond to find some minnows. Bring shoes or boots that can get wet and muddy. For ages 5 and up. 4:30-5:30 p.m.

July 17. Critters Underground. Looking in holes, under the logs and under dead leaves, you’ll find the creepy crawlies that like to live in the dark. For ages 5 and up. 4:30-5:30 p.m.

July 23. Forest Foray. Explore off-trail to different areas beyond the swamp to find signs of animals, clues of habitat change, and big trees. Bring shoes or boots that can get wet and muddy. For ages 5 and up. 4:30-5:30 p.m.

July 3. Predators! What do a tiger and a crocodile have in common? It turns out quite a few things— they’re both predators, after all! Learn about the characteristics that all predators share, how these animals are adapted to their meaty diets and what a big role they play in the ecosystem they live in. For ages 5 and up. 4:30-5:30 p.m.

5)& "354 .64*$ "/% .03& Through July 12. Accordionist Auditions. For music-reading accordionists to join LaRue Mangelly's all accordion band to play for Octoberfests and in Retirement Homes. Call 706-736-6775 for appointment and location.

July 4. Star Spangled Fourth. The Riverwalk Series Inc. presents its 19th annual celebration preceding Augusta’s fireworks display. The 2015 concert will feature special guest star Joe Gransden, who will join the Independence Day Chorus & Orchestra and a 16-piece swing band in recognizing the 100th birthday of Frank Sinatra. Some of Sinatra’s most popular hits will be added to a traditional program of patriotic favorites. Seven World War II veterans will be honored during the festivities. 7:30 p.m. St. Paul’s Church. 706-722-3463.

July 5. Sizzling Summer Music Series: Bill Karp Jazz. American jazz at the Columbia County Amphitheater behind the library. Bring chairs, blankets and coolers. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Visit www.billkarpjazz.com for admission fee information.

July 6, 20 & 27. Hopelands Summer Concert Series. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, picnic dinners, etc. Alcohol and wine are prohibited. Parris Island Marine Band on July 6, Aiken Singers with Belles Canto on the 20th and Aiken Brass on the 27th. 7 p.m. at the Hopeland Gardens Windham Performing Arts Stage, 135 Dupree Place, Aiken. Go to www. facebook.com/ExperienceAiken for information.

July 8-August 28. Native Americans of the Savannah River Region. Summer art exhibit at the North Augusta Arts and Heritage Center. 803-441-4380.

www.augustafamily.com

July 9. Meet the Artist: Jennifer White. The Artwork of Jennifer White on display the month of July 2015.

Meet the artist from 6-7:30 p.m. Higher Grounds, 3179 Washington Rd. 706-650-5760.

July 9, 16 & 23. Music in the Park Concert Series.

Bring blankets/chairs for these one-hour concerts.

Rain venue is the North Augusta Community Center. Doug and the Henrys on July 9, Double D Pop, Rock Favorites on the 16th and 246th Army Band and Art Show on the 23rd. 7 p.m. at the Verandah at Maude Edenfield Park, 426 Brookside Ave., North Augusta. Visit naartscouncil.org for information.

July 9-August 28. Art Exhibition: Frank Carstarphen. July 9, opening reception. 5-7 p.m. Sacred Heart Cultural Center. 706-826-4700.

June 13-17. Annual Summer Music Workshop.

This workshop challenges youth to become better musicians and individuals. Under the guidance of Trey McLaughlin, students will develop fundamentals, reinforce performance concepts and fine-tune techniques with fun sessions. For more information, call 706-664-9022.

July 15. Auguta Mini Theatre’s 6th Annual Sunshines’ Roast & Toast Celebration Honoring Ron Spry. Ron Spry is the former men’s basketball coach and Athletic Director at Paine College. The event will be held at Tabernacle Baptist Church’s Family Life Center,1223 Laney Walker Blvd., Augusta, at 7 p.m.

All funds from this annual event will benefit the Mariah McKie Butler Memorial College Book Scholarship Fund. Call 706-722-0598 for information.

July 17-19 and 24-25. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that winning isn’t everything and that losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser. July 17-18 and 24-25 at 8 p.m. July 19 at 3 p.m. Aiken Community Playhouse 803-648-1438.

July 17, 18, 24, 25, 30, 31 & August 1. Be My Baby.

The Fort Gordon Dinner Theater presents this tale of a Scotsman and an English woman who take the journey of a lifetime. 7 p.m. Go to facebook.com/ gordondinnertheatre for information.

July 18. Candlelight Wine & Dine: Fayth Hope.

Gates open at 5 p.m., concert begins at 6 p.m. Bring seating and a picnic. Columbia County Amphitheater, 7022 Evans Town Center Blvd. wineanddine15. bpt.me or call 706-233-5299.

July 24, 25 & 26. Augusta Junior Players Present Tarzan the Musical. Based on Disney’s animated musical adventure and Edgar Rice Burrough’s Tarzan of the Apes. 7 p.m. on July 24 and 25 and 3

calendar p.m. on July 26. Performances held at Greenbrier High School Theatre, 5114 Riverwood Parkway. Go to augustaplayers.org/augusta-jr-players-presentstarzan-musical for tickets and information.

Morris Museum of Art 1 Tenth St. 706-724-7501 or www.themorris.org.

July 2. Mommy and Me: Mosaic Masterpiece. Create a mosaic using artwork by Georgia artist Steffen Thomas as your inspiration. Advance registration required. 10-11 a.m.

July 3. Films on Friday: Song of the South (1946).

Produced by Walt Disney, this live-action animated film is based on the Uncle Remus stories collected

by Joel Chandler Harris. After viewing the film, museum director Kevin Grogan leads a discussion. Participants are invited to bring a lunch. Free. Noon.

July 12. Artrageous! Family Sunday: Hands-on Glass. Listen to a glass harp performance presented

by Brien Engel and create colorful glass ornaments to take home. Free. 2 p.m.

July 17. Art at Lunch: Lampwork and Glassblowing.

Aiken, S.C., artist Bradley Tubbs discusses how he incorporates lampwork and glassblowing methods into his artwork and provides a live demonstration of his craft. Paid reservations due by July 15. Noon.

July 19. Music at the Morris: Billy George. Guitarist Billy George plays a variety of blues standards and original songs. Free. 2 p.m.

July 24-25. Overnight Trip to Winston-Salem, N.C. Join the Morris for two days of learning about art in Winston-Salem. Enjoy tours of the Reynolda House Museum of American Art and the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and explore Old Salem.

Paid reservations due by July 6. Call 706-828-3867 or email ronnell.hill@themorris.org for a full itinerary.

SPORTS July 4. Yankee Doodle Dash. The race will feature a 5k and 10k distance with categories for runners with strollers and runners with dogs. 8 a.m. Savannah River Rapids Pavilion. www.augustasriders.com.

July 11. Yoga in the Park. Intensify the yoga experience by focusing awareness, breathing deeply, practicing stillness and more at the Phinizy Swamp Nature Park. Meet at the Swamp Shop & Visitors Center. For all levels. Bring a yoga mat and water.

9:30 a.m. Call 706-828-2109.

July 14. E-Z-Go Vaughn Taylor Golf Championships. This American Junior Golf Association sponsored event is open to boys and girls ages 12-18.

Augusta GreenJackets Home Game Schedule | Lake Olmstead Stadium | For tickets 706-736-7889 Sunday games, 2:05 p.m. | All other days, 7:05 p.m. www.greenjacketsbaseball.com July 4-7 vs Kannapolis July 8-12 vs Rome July 22-24 vs Greenville July 25-28 vs Delmarva Deadline to apply is June 10. Jones Creek Golf Club.

For more information visit www.agja.org.

July 17. Augusta Southern Nationals Night of Fire.

6-10 p.m. at the Augusta Common. For information, go to www.augustasouthernnationals.org.

July 18. Swamp Saturday Guided Bike Ride. Gentle bike ride through approximately seven miles of wetlands trails. View a variety of wildlife and learn about the diverse plant life and importance of urban wetland ecology. Bring your own bike, helmet (required), a bottle of drinking water, wear comfortable closedtoed shoes and meet in front of the Swamp shop.

9:30 a.m. Registration required. Call 706-828-2109.

Augusta-Richmond County Recreation and Parks East Augusta, May Park, 622 4th St., 706-7240505.

South Augusta, Fleming Athletic Office, Daniel St., 706-796-5047.

West Augusta, Eisenhower Athletic Office, 488 Eisenhower Dr. 706-821-2801.

July 27-August31. Youth Fall Athletic Registration.

www.augustafamily.com

Co-ed soccer ages 5-13, cheerleading Bantam ages 6-9, cheerleading midgets ages 10-12, fall baseball and softball ages 9-14, flag football ages 7-8, Bantam football ages 9-10 with a 60-140 pound weight limit—over 120 pounds ineligible to carry football, midget football ages 11-12 with 70-160 pound weight limit—over 140 pounds ineligible to carry football. Registration hours are noon to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Columbia County Parks & Recreation Department 5445 Columbia Rd., Grovetown.

706-863-7523.

July 27-31. Early Bird Fall Sports Registration.

Open Registration runs from August 3-14. Fall Baseball, ages 5-15 (age control date: May 1, 2016). Fall Softball, ages 7-11 (age control date: December 31, 2015). Football, ages 5-12 (age control date: September 1, 2015). Soccer, ages 4-18 (age control date: August 1, 2015).

CSRA Defensive Arts 803-221-0330 or csraDefensiveArts.com.

Martial Arts Classes. Ages 8-adult. Goshinjitsu, Kin-

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RECREATION PROGRAMS Champions Made From Adversity P.O. Box 980, Evans, Ga. 706-364-2422. www.cmfa.us.

This nonprofit organization strives to advance the lives of people with physical disabilities and their families through sport and leisure opportunities.

Current weekly schedule: Monday—Adapted fitness at the Kroc Center, 2-4 p.m. and wheelchair basketball at Garrett Elementary School, 6:30-8 p.m.

Tuesday—Swimming at Fort Gordon, 9-11 a.m., and quad rugby at the Kroc Center, 6-8 p.m.

Wednesday—Wheelchair basketball, 6:30-8 p.m.

Thursday—Swimming at Fort Gordon, 9-11 a.m., and Adapted Fitness at the Kroc Center, 3-5 p.m.

Friday—Adapted cycling at the uptown VA, 1:302:30 p.m.

The Family Y Financial assistance is available for all Family Y programs. Register at any branch or online at www.thefamilyy.org or call 706-922-9622.

Through July 5. Youth Sports at the Wilson Family Y. Youth Soccer, ages 5-15. Soccer School, ages 3-4 years. Games played Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/ Friday from 5- 5:45 p.m.

July 11 & 25. Parent’s Night Out at Marshall Family Y. July 11. Parent’s Night Out at Family Y of North Augusta. Fun, entertaining night for children ages 2-12 years from 6-9:30 p.m.

July 10. Movies in the Gym/Park at Family Y of Aiken County. Enjoy time together. Movies are familyfriendly and free to the public.

July 18. Parent’s Night Out at Family Y of Aiken County. Fun, entertaining nigh for children ages 2-12 from 5:30-9 p.m.

July 13–22. Family Y Swim Lessons Summer Session. Offering swim lessons for all ages and skill levels, ages 6 months to adult beginners. Open to Family Y members and non-members.

July 20-August 1. Adult Soccer Registration. Ages 16 and up.

July 24. Parent’s Night Out at Wilson Family Y and Family Y of Augusta South. Enjoy a date night while your kids have fun at the Y from 6-10 p.m.

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Ongoing. Tae Kwon Do at Family Y of Augusta South. Tae Kwon Do teaches self-discipline, focus and social skills. Beginner classes Tuesday/Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and advanced classes Tuesday/ Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Ages 5 and up.

Family Y Day Camps The Family Y is offering a variety of camp experiences for children ages 3-17. Visit their website at www. thefamilyy.org for a detailed list of day and resident camps. Early drop off at 7 a.m. and late pick-up until 6 p.m. is available at no additional cost.

Weekly through August 7. Family Y of Augusta South & Southside Tubman Camps. Campers will enjoy arts and crafts, games, songs, interactive skits, character development activities and much more. Ages 5-14. Complimentary transportation to and from Southside Tubman branch each day.

Weekly through August 7. Camp Wilson. Begin and end each day in a traditional camp setting where campers will have the opportunity to be challenged in one specialty breakout session weekly. Campers can choose from the following breakout sessions: Science & Nature, What a Girl Wants, Cheerleading, Dance, Drama, Soccer, Summer Olympics, Waterworks, Basketball, Baseball, Journalism, Acrobats, Traditional Camp, Aqua-fun and arts & crafts. Ages and weeks vary by breakout session offered.

Weekly through August 7. Summer Leadership Academy at the Wilson Family Y. Have fun with the YMCA character values in mind: caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith. This camp will foster independence, accountability and leadership and provide activities to instill healthy habits. Ages: 13-17 years Weekly through August 4. Camp Marshall. Campers will enjoy arts and crafts, games, sports, devotions and character development activities. Ages 5-12. Location: Patriot’s Park, 5445 Columbia Rd. No camp the week of July 4th.

Weekly through August 14. Camp North Augusta.

Campers will enjoy arts and crafts, games, sports, devotions and character development activities.

Weekly specialty camps offered. Ages 5-12. Location: Mossy Creek Elementary.

breakout session weekly. Weeks vary by breakout sessions offered. For a small additional fee, campers can also take swim lessons during camp.

Weekly through August 2. Child Development Center Summer Experience. Campers participate in education enrichment activities that appeal to kids in pre-K. Children are taught confidence, selfexpression and social development skills. This is a state-licensed facility. Breakfast, lunch and snack are provided. For 4-year-olds. Child Development Center, 1425 Walton Way. Camp Y 130. Campers will enjoy visual arts, games, music, sports, devotions, character building, outdoor activities and swimming. Ages: 5-12. Location: Y 130 Program Center.

Weekly through August 5. Cheerleading Camp at Y130. Ages 5-12.

The Salvation Army Kroc Center 1833 Broad Street, Augusta. www.krocaugusta.org.

706-364-KROC or info@krocaugusta.org.

Call or email for course fee information.

Wednesdays. Kroc Kids Community Program.

Ages 4-12. Each Wednesday youth of all ages will build character, explore personal strengths, develop life skills, make music and more. Programs separated by age. 5:30 p.m. For more information, call Captain Michelle at 706-364-4278.

Through July 27. Kroc Center Art Exhibition: The Mascaro Art Group. Art exhibition featuring the work of 10 area artists who studied with David Mascaro. The event runs from July1-27, 2015. It is free and open to the public in the Community Wing of the Kroc Center.

Through August 28. Upward Sports: Fall Soccer Registration. Focuses on developing athletes mentally, athletically, spiritually and socially. Ages 5-12.

July 1. Beginning Knitting. Learn the basics of knitting or hone your skills with friends. Call for supply list and information. 706-922-0171. Ages 18 and up.

Weekly through August 14. Leaders-In-Training at Family Y of North Augusta. L.I.T. teaches teenagers to become future Leaders. Participants will play games and acquire necessary skills for personal character development. Ages: 13-15 years. Location: Mossy Creek Elementary School.

July 3. MovieDay Double Feature. A double feature matinee in the Kroc theatre. Movies start at 1 and 3 p.m. Seating is limited and spots filled on a firstcome, first-served basis. Refreshments available for purchase. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 1-5 p.m.

Weekly through August 14. Camp Aiken at the Family Y of Aiken County. Begin and end each day in a traditional camp setting where campers will have the opportunity to be challenged in one specialty

June 5. Kids' Night Out. Ages 2-12. Activities may include swimming, gym play, inflatables or crafts.

Dinner included. Children must be potty trained.

Ages 5 and up should wear a swimsuit, bring a tow-

www.augustafamily.com

calendar el/change of clothes and wear tennis shoes. Call for fees and to register. 6-10 p.m.

July 9, 14, 21 & 28. String Jam. String musicians are invited to join Eryn Eubanks for a lively weekly jam session with a bluegrass feel to it. 5 p.m. Five week sessions for one flat fee. Call 706-922-8338 to register.

July 11. Decorative Gourd Workshop. Let your creativity go as you create either a gourd birdhouse or a decorative gourd for your home. No previous experience with drawing or painting necessary. 9 a.m.

Supplies are included. Call 706-922-0171 to register and inquire about fees and ages.

July 18. Personalized Plates. Create a personalized plate in this workshop with Nanette Langner. Personalized plates make great gifts for special days, events, or holidays. Call 706-922-0171 to register and for fee and participant age information. 10 a.m.

July 20. Manga Club. Join Xavier Jones on the third Saturday of each month for our Manga Club. Open to children between the ages of 10-14 years, the class teaches the skills used in drawing in the popular Manga style. No previous experience necessary.

10 a.m. Call for fees and registration.

July 25. Basket Weaving Summer Tote. Candy Padgett will teach you how to weave a summer tote that is great for books, tablets, food and more.

Class is open to all levels—beginners are welcome!

Supplies are included in the class fee. Call 706-9220171 to register.

July 31. Movietime in the Theatre. Hosted by the Kroc Church, this event is free and open to all. Seating is limited and spots filled on a first-come, firstserved basis. Refreshments available for purchase.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. 6 p.m.

Kroc Camps July 6-10, 13-17, 20-24 & 27-31. Camp Kroc. An ACA accredited day camp program where children are in a safe and positive environment. Campers enjoy swimming, arts and crafts, group games, sports, Bible lessons and more. Ages 5-12. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

July 6-10 and 13-17. Summer Art Camp: Hot on the Trail of Art! Be an art detective. Ages K5-12 years.

Follow the clues from A to Z and discover the hidden mysteries of art! Each week alphabet clues will reveal the Who, What, When, Where, and Why of art.

Full day, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., or half day 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. options. Full day camp includes lunch and swim time. Before Care and After Care available for full day campers for an additional fee.

July 13-17, 20-24 & 27-31. Camp Kroc Teen. Ages 13-15. Same hours and activites as Camp Kroc, but

focusing on the teen population.

July 20-24. Mad About Manga. Campers 8-14 years old will spend the week developing their Manga skills. Full day, half day and extended care options available. All campers receive manga instruction in the morning. Full day campers stay for lunch and swimming. Call 706-922-0171 to register and inquire about fees and schedule.

Swimming Lessons at the Kroc July 6-16 and 20-30. Kroclets. Ages 3-5. Kroclets is designed with multiple levels to train children to swim without the accompaniment of an adult. Each level orients children to the aquatic environment and teaches them basic skills and prepares them for the next program. 9-9:30 a.m. or 6-6:30 p.m.

July 6-16 or 20-30. Krocodiles. Ages 6-15. Students are taught various safety skills and are assessed as they move through each level. Some students remain at one level for multiple sessions while they master the skills. Kroc instructors will make swimming lessons fun as they help students swimming skills and self-confidence. 8:15-9 a.m. or 6:30-7:15 p.m.

July 7-30. Still Krocin'. Learn to swim or improve your skills. Lessons are adapted to your starting level to help you become the swimmer you want to be.

Ages 16 and up. 11-11:45 a.m. or 7:15-8 p.m.

Lifeguard and First Aid July 11. CPR & AED for the Professional Rescuer.

As an EMT, firefighter, athletic trainer or lifeguard, it's your duty to respond to cardiac or breathing emergencies until more advanced medical personnel arrive. This program provides discussion and training based on real-life rescue scenarios. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

706-855-0072 or phlegalesfan@att.net.

A community for moms in the Augusta area offering support, friendship and fun as well as the opportunity to exchange information. The group, which is part of The Mommies Network, also provides discussion forums, an events calendar and more.

Meeting are held online, at local parks, members homes (for monthly BUNCO) and on field trips. All mothers are welcome.

Augusta Food Allergy Group Does your child have severe, potentially fatal food allergies. Would you like to get together with other parents who face the same challenges? This group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month in the Evans Government Center Auditorium, Building A, 630 Ronald Reagan Dr. Free and welcome to anyone dealing with food allergies. Meetings often include special guest speakers. 6 p.m. Contact Sheena Whitlock at swhitlock@augustafoodallergy.org or go to www.augustafoodallergy.org.

AustiCare Contact Donyale Clarke at 803-384-0522.

This Autism support group meets the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at AGC Teacher Supply.

Preregistration is required. Attendance is free.

The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth Contact LeReese Bennett at 706-541-0970 or roger.bennett06@comcast.net.

This 12-week class is designed to prepare moms and their partners for a wonderful birth experience.

Topics include nutrition, exercise, breastfeeding and post-partum care, as well as all stages of labor. There are weekly birth-related videos and relaxation practices. Call for dates and times.

Burn Survivors Support Group

July 14 & 16 or 28 & 30. Lifeguard Review Online.

Learn teamwork, rescue and surveillance skills, first aid, CPR/AED and other skills needed to work as a professional lifeguard. Successful completion results in a two-year certification. You have one week to complete the online portion, then you'll come in and practice the skills. Register two weeks before the first skill date. Tuesday and Thursday from noon-6 p.m.

The Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation invites all burn survivors to attend this monthly support group. Meetings are held the fourth Wednesday each month at 2 p.m. at the Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation, 3614 J. Dewey Gray Circle, Building C. Call 800-650-BURN or go to www.sfbd.net.

July 18. First Aid, CPR & AED. Be prepared to respond to common first aid emergencies including burns, cuts, head, neck and back injuries and cardiac and breathing emergencies in adults, as well as the use of automated external defibrillators. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Email RoseforHealth@aol.com.

Meets the third Tuesday of every month in Suite 120 of the Summerville Building, adjacent to Trinity Hospital of Augusta. Open to those with celiac disease, gluten intolerance or on a gluten-free diet. Discussions include information on celiac disease, do’s and don’ts of a gluten-free diet and more. 7-8:30 p.m.

CHILDBIRTH, BREASTFEEDING AND PARENTING SUPPORT GROUPS

Celiac Disease Support Group

Augusta Area Mommies

Common Bond Parent Support Group

Contact Jennifer Stanley at

Geneice McCoy, organizer.

www.augustafamily.com

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calendar 706-729-0012 or commonbond@comcast.net.

For parents of children of all ages and diagnoses with challenging disabilities but remarkable perseverance and resilience. Meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Call for location.

La Leche League This breastfeeding support group meets the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, 2204 Kimberly Dr. Evening meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church. Call 706-737-2405 or log on at lllusa.org/web/AugustaGA.html.

MOMS Club

642 Telfair Street. Call Amy Toney at 803-341-1904 or go to www.firstpresaugusta.org/MOPS. The Aiken charter group of MOPS meets the Second Tuesday of each month for moms to learn, share, support each other and socialize. Meetings are held in the South Aiken Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 1711 Whiskey Rd. Free childcare and dinner for those attending, reservations required. You do not need to be a member of South Aiken Presbyterian to attend. Check out MOPS Aiken on Facebook, contact Jennie Beat at 803640-4742 or email mopsaiken@gmail.com for more information or to register for childcare.

Neighbor To Family

Visit momsclubaugusta.org.

Ever feel like you’re the only mother who stays home? You are not alone! Come meet other at-home mothers at the MOMS Club, an international nonprofit organization.

801 Greene St., Augusta.

Call Kimberly Lee-Branch, coordinator of licensing, recruitment and training at 706-396-2180, ext. 107.

The goal of this organization is to revolutionize foster care by keeping siblings together while building healthier families.

MOMS Club of Grovetown

Overeaters Anonymous

www.momsclubofgrovetown.weebly.com Momsclubofgrovetown@gmail.com Members come from Grovetown, Harlem and the communities of Fort Gordon. The group is not affiliated with any parenting style, religion, or ethnic group. MOMS Club is open to and accepting of any and all moms who are at-home with their children.

907-854-1509.

A non-profit 12-step support group for people addicted to food. No dues or fees for membership.

Meets in Augusta on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 3551 Wheeler Road, and Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3131 Walton Way.

Moms Connection

Parent Support Group

Call 706-721-8283 for more information.

Every Tuesday. A free weekly support group for new mothers. All new moms are welcome and can bring their baby. Information from International Board Certified Lactation Consultant/Educator/ Perinatal Nurse. Weigh your baby, share refreshments and meet other moms while getting answers to your questions along with timely advice from the Georgia Regents Women’s Health team and guest speakers. 10:30-11:30 a.m., Georgia Regents Medical Center, second floor, Terrace Dining Magnolia Room.

The Child Advocacy Center, a program of Child Enrichment Inc., a nonprofit organization serving victims of sexual abuse in our community, is offering a support group for parents and caregivers of children who have been sexually abused. Groups will be held the second Tuesday of each month. Call 706-7374631 for information and location. This group is not appropriate for sex offenders.

Mothers of Advanced Maternal Age (Mama’s) Did you have a child at age 35 or older? Are you expecting? This group of “older” moms welcomes you for meetings, support and play dates. Disabled children welcome. Contact Ami McKenzie at 706-364-5245 or hoopnhollar2@yahoo.com or go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MaMasInAugusta/.

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) A nondenominational Christian group for mothers of preschool-aged children. Childcare provided. Meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m.-noon at First Presbyterian Church of Augusta,

Peaceful Parenting Augusta This unofficial Attachment Parenting support group is for families who believe in parenting gently and building children’s spirits, minds and bodies through nurturing, attentive and practical approaches. Join their Yahoo! group at Peaceful_Parenting_Augusta or email Jen at theotherbradford@yahoo.com.

Prevent Child Abuse Augusta Rape Crisis & Sexual Assault Services: 706-7245200. preventchildabuseaugusta@gmail.com.

Prevent Child Abuse Augusta is a volunteer-based non-profit organization which meets on the third Wednesday of each month at University Hospital.

Meetings include informative speakers and other community representatives. If you are interested in participating in this collaborative effort or would like more details please call or email.

www.augustafamily.com

HOSPITAL PROGRAMS Georgia Regents Health System Register online at gru.edu.

Ongoing. Support Group for Families Who Have Lost a Baby During Pregnancy, Childbirth or Early Infancy. Call 706-721-8299 or visit their website.

First Tuesday of Each Month. Autism Spectrum Disorder Support and Resource Group (The “ATeam”). Education and support for families, caregivers and friends of children with autism spectrum disorders including autism, Asperger’s and PDD NOS. 6-7 p.m. Children’s Hospital of Georgia, First Floor, Family Resource Library, Room 1801. Call Family Services Development at 706721-5160 for more information.

First Thursday and Third Wednesday of Each Month. Cribs for Kids. Co-bunking and inappropriate infant furniture are putting area babies at risk.

Safe Kids Greater Augusta, led by Children's Hospital of Georgia, will teach caregivers how to provide a safe sleep environment by showing what dangers to watch out for. Families who can demonstrate a financial need (Medicare, Peachcare or WICC) will receive a portable crib, fitted sheet, sleep sac and pacifier for a small fee. Call Rene Hopkins at 706-721-7606 to register. 5:45-8 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month, 9:45 a.m.-noon on the third Wednesday of each month. Safe Kids Office, Building 1010C,1225 Walton Way. First Friday and Second Wednesday of Each Month. Child Safety Seat Inspections. Four out of five car seats are used incorrectly. Schedule an appointment to make sure yours is installed properly.

First Friday of the month in Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way. Call Rene Hopkins, RN, at 706-7217606 to schedule an appointment at the downtown location. The second Wednesday each month at Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Substation, 650 Ronald Reagan Dr. Call 706-541-3870 to make an appointment at the Columbia County location.

Second Thursday and Fourth Wednesday of Each Month. Car Seat Class. Safe Kids Greater Augusta offers car seat safety, education and training. Financial assistance is available to Medicaid and Peach Care eligible families. Safe Kids Office, Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way. Call 706-721-7606 to register. 5:45-8 p.m.

Second Thursday of Each Month. NICU Parent Support Group. Noon-1 p.m. in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 5th Floor, Children’s Hospital of Georgia; For more information, call Sylvia McCoy at 706-721-2286.

Third Tuesday of Each Month. Breastfeeding Class.

A free class led by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Helps expectant parents gain

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calendar knowledge and support to ensure successful breastfeeding. 7-9 p.m., Georgia Regents Medical Center, 7th Floor South, Room 7524.

Trinity Hospital of Augusta Call Women’s Health Services at 706-481-7727 or visit trinityofaugusta.com for information and registration. Please call for class times.

July 11. Saturday Express Lamaze Childbirth Education. Helps mother and support person understand the final stages of pregnancy as well as labor and the birth of your baby. Covers natural and medicated deliveries, Lamaze coping techniques and more. 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

July 15. Infant CPR. Learn how to respond in an emergency situation using infant mannequins and a simple step-by-step method.

July 18. Growing Boys. Boys ages 9 to 12 accompanied by their father, male reltive or friend will find helpful information on what to expect in the pre-adolescent years. Knowing what to expect can help boys weather this transition without undue anxiety, confusion and frustration.

July 21. On Being a Girl. This class is designed for girls ages 9 to 12 accompanied by their mother, a female friend or relative. Discussion is focused on physical and emotional changes of puberty.

July 21. Childbirth Education 101. Learn about the signs and symptoms of labor as well as labor and delivery.

July 24. Baby Care Basics & Breastfeeding. This class combines two important topics. A boardcertified lactation consultant teaches the class and covers a range of helpful topics including diapering, bathing, feeding, cord care, nipple care, milk storage, weaning and more.

July 24. Breastfeeding Support Group. Help, understanding and guidance in breastfeeding.

University Health Care System Call 706-774-2825 or logon at www.universityhealth. org/calendar for information. Registration is required for most programs.

July 1-29 (Wednesdays) or July 7-28 (Tuesdays).

Prenatal Education. This multi-week series of childbirth preparation classes is designed to inform and prepare all expectant parents regardless of birth plans. Class topics include various stages of labor, breathing and relaxation and how to care for yourself and your new baby. 7-9 p.m. in the Women’s Center Third Floor Classroom. Registration required.

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July 16. Breastfeeding Class. This class offers indepth information on how to evaluate breastfeeding and get off to a good start. Registration is suggested. Call 706-774-2825. 7-8 p.m. at Babies R Us, 4225 Washington Rd., Evans.

July 24 & 25. Childbirth Preparation Weekend Class. A complete childbirth preparation class designed for those with time constraints or fluctuating schedules. Class meets from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Saturday. Also included is a follow-up evening at the W.G. Watson, M.D., Women’s Center for a tour, question-and-answer session and review.

July 11. LEGO Club. We provide the LEGOs and you provide the imagination! What will you build? 2 p.m.

Registration is required.

July 13. & 20. Music and Me with Emily Shomo. Emily will be teaching children ages 0-4 how to chant, sing, play instruments, and how to move and groove to the music. These classes are FREE, so join Ms. Emily for some musical fun! 10:15 a.m.

July 14. Tye Dye Fun with Richmond County 4-H. Bring your own white t-shirt and create a one of a kind funkadelic shirt! All ages are welcome. 10 a.m.

Registration is required.

July 23. Introduction to Infant CPR. Do you worry about knowing how to revive your baby should the need arise? This class provides an opportunity to learn and practice infant CPR on mannequins and learn other aspects of infant safety. Space is limited, so early registration is suggested. 7-8:30 p.m.

July 15. Everyone Needs a Home with Richmond County 4-H. Young students will learn the elements that humans and animals need to create a home.

Students will learn where different animals live and then draw a home using what they have learned. For grades Kindergarten-2nd grade. 10:15 a.m. Please call to pre-register.

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July 18. Pokémon Club. Do you love Pokémon? Become a Pokémon master by joining our Pokémon Club and competing in a friendly manner against other children. Bring your Pokémon cards and have fun! For ages 5-11. 2 p.m. Registration required.

Augusta Headquarters Library 823 Telfair St. 706-821-2631.

July 1. Story Time with Kathy Crosson. Come enjoy stories with the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System’s own retired librarian Kathy Crosson. Registration recommended.

July 2. Science Time with Richmond County 4-H, 2 p.m. Rockets to the rescue and oil slick clean-up.

Students will build and launch a rocket to safely deliver food to people stranded on an island. Students will attempt to clean up an oil slick using special polymers. For children ages 4th grade and up. Registration is required. 2 p.m.

July 7. Sean Poppy and the Savannah River Ecology Lab Animals. Critters, snakes, and baby alligators, oh my! Come join Sean Poppy as he shows us native animals to the CSRA. All ages are welcome.

10:15 a.m. Registration is recommended.

July 8. Introduction to Journaling with Cheryl Corbin. Come join Cheryl Corbin, the coordinator of the Augusta Writers, as she teaches 4th graders and up how to start their own journal. Limited to 20 participants. 10:15 a.m. Registration required.

July 9. Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest. Show the Children’s Department what artistic talent you have by coming to decorate the library’s sidewalk. Children will be given chalk to draw with, or they can bring their own chalk. 10:30 a.m. This event is limited to 10 participants and registration is required.

www.augustafamily.com

July 21. Sharpie Pen Science with the Richmond County 4-H. Students create a small piece of take home art while learning the concepts of solubility.

For children ages 4th grade and up. 10:15 a.m. Registration required.

July 22. Music Class with MiniMarie Andrews from Mocha Scholars. Join MiniMarie as she teaches children the value of music and how they can dance, sing, and interact with music. Open for all ages.

10:15 a.m.

July 24. Summer Reading Night at the Augusta Greenjackets. Bring your summer reading to a close the right (and fun!) way by attending the Augusta Greenjackets game. Each child that completes his/ her summer reading before this date will get a ticket to this Greenjackets game for free! 7:05 p.m.

Barnes and Noble Book Store Augusta Mall, 3450 Wrightsboro Rd. 706-737-0012.

These events are free and open to the public.

July 3. Get Pop-Cultured: Doctor Who. Fans of the popular BBC Doctor Who are invited to enjoy trivia, giveaways, a special offer and more. Come dressed as your favorite character and join in the fun. 7 p.m.

July 4. Get Pop-Cultured: Magic Tree House. Wel-

calendar come, young dinosaur hunters! At this dig site, fun will never go extinct, with activities, giveaways and a special offer. 10 a.m.

July 5. Get Pop-Cultured: Outlander. Fans of Outlander are invited to be transported to the intriguing world of Diana Gabaldon with trivia, giveaways and more. 2 p.m.

July 9. Get Pop-Cultured: Throwback Thurday 1960s. A nostalgic journey reliving iconic moments in pop culture from the 1960s. Explore the books, toys, games, music, movies, TV and fashion that shaped the decade and play the Barrel of Monkeys.

3 p.m.

July 11. Get Pop-Cultured: DC Comics Spectacular. Kids of all ages are invited to enjoy superhero activities, giveaways and more. Costumes are encouraged. 11 a.m.

July 13. To Kill a Mockingbird Read-a-Thon. The read-a-thon will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to prepare for the release of Go Set a Watchman. Contact the store for more information on how to participate as a reader.

Evans Library 7022 Evans Town Center Blvd.

706-863-1946 July 1, 8 & 15. 10 a.m. Lawn Games. 10:15 a.m.

Toddler Class. 11 a.m. Morris Museum of Art. July 2, 9 & 16. 10:15 a.m. Toddler Class. 11 a.m.

Preschool Class. 4:30 p.m. Afternoon Adventures Class.

July 2, 10 & 17. Youth Superhero Movie Series.

2:30 p.m. Ages 11-18.

July 6 & 13. 10:15 a.m. Toddler Class. 11 a.m. Preschool Class. 2:30-5 p.m. Makespace (Teen Project).

July 7 & 14. 10:15 or 11 a.m. Baby & Me Class. 6 p.m. Pajama Time Adventures.

Euchee Creek Library 5907 Euchee Creek Dr., Grovetown.

706-556-0594.

July 6. 10:30 a.m. Child Enrichment Class. 5:30 p.m. Get Creative with Euchee’s YA. 5:30 p.m. Super Novas Club.

July 7. 10:30 a.m. Baby & Me Class. 2:30 p.m. Fun with Military.

July 8. Reptile Show. 10:30 a.m.

MIRACLE TREAT DAY The annual Miracle Treat Day at area DQ stores will be held July 30. This is a fundraiser for Children’s Hospital of Georgia, the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. A portion of sales at stores will benefit Childen's Hospital of Georgia at the following Augusta stores: r +JNNJF %ZFTT 1LXZ r $FOUSBM "WF r 8BTIJOHUPO 3E r "VHVTUB .BMM 8SJHIUTCPSP 3E 4VJUF

July 13. Movie Night. 5:30 p.m.

July 14. 10:30 a.m. Baby & Me Class. 2:30 p.m. Adventures With Mistletoe State Park.

July 11. Superhero Meet and Greet. Visit, hang out and take photos with your favorite superheroes and villains. Participants are welcome to wear costumes!

For all ages. 1 p.m.

July 15. Garden City Jazz. 10:30 a.m.

Nancy Carson Library

July 16. 4 p.m. Junior Detective Book Club. 4 p.m.

YA Book Club.

135 Edgefield Rd., North Augusta.

803-279-5767. abbe-lib.org/northaugusta.

July 24. End of the Summer Reading Program Celebration. Noon-1 p.m.

Jeff Maxwell Branch Library 1927 Lumpkin Rd., Augusta.

706-793-2020.

July 1. Story Time with the Savannah River Ecology Lab. Topic is “Wildlife in Your Backyard.� Registration suggested for groups of six or more. 10 a.m.

July 8. Story Time with Maggie Dorsey. Author of My Hero, My Dad, The Nurse. Registration suggested for groups of six or more. 10 a.m.

July 9. Dialogue and Language: They’re not the Same. With author Hawk MacKinney. Registration suggested. 5:30 p.m.

www.augustafamily.com

July 6. Interactive Avengers Movie. Interact with each other and the movie screen. Throw sponges and make a Cubecraft. Joust with Chitauri Scepters. 6 p.m.

July 8. Witty Wednesdays: The Super Awesome Puppet Show. Find out what it takes to be a super hero. 10:30 a.m.

July 10. Friday Fun: So You Want To Be a Superhero? Come out and show off your costumes and hear some awesome superhero songs and stories. 3 p.m.

July 13. Lip Sync Battle. Lip sync for a few minutes of your favorite tune. Bring clean versions of songs.

7 p.m. v

Submit calendar information to karin.calloway@augustafamily.com.

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Girl GO

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by Karin Calloway

Maria Stathakis Darley | Adventurer Maria Stathakis Darley, 41, of Martinez, is director of the study abroad program at Georgia Regents University. She and her husband, Jeff, district manager of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, have three children ages 10, 9 and 6. Maria’s family is from Greece and she’s a first-generation American. Hence, her favorite foods are Greek and her favorite place to take the children is “back home” to see her relatives in Greece.

Wanted to be when she grew up: A flight attendant. Dream vacation: A safari in Tanzania. Favorite TV show: The Amazing Race. We watch it with the kids. Important life lesson: Pick your battles wisely in marriage, at work, with your kids and in general. Quality she admires the most: True and natural friendliness. Surprising fact about Maria: I love “glamping.” Signature dish: Greek meatballs. Favorite indulgence: Being lazy at the beach. Admires the most: My parents. Being a daughter of immigrant parents and thinking about all they had to face when they first immigrated to the US makes me really proud to see all they have accomplished. Planner, Doer or Dreamer?

Planner—it just comes with the nature of my job. I have to be excellent at this aspect because I have to plan so many study abroad programs at our university. Best thing about being a mom: I had no idea how happy my kids would make me. I love being proud of everything they do and accomplish. Hardest thing about being a mom: Being consistent in how we discipline all three kids in order to be fair.

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www.augustafamily.com