Augusta Family Magazine October 2011

October 2011 SPECIAL NEEDS DIRECTORY

SAFE SLEEPING FOR BABIES TIME TO DITCH THE LANDLINE? RAISING KIDS WHO CARE

Family AUGUSTA

m a g a z i n e

Dylan Yael Lopez, 2, is the son of Ramon and Aileen Lopez of Evans.

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Augusta Family | Month 2010 • 1

Family AUGUSTA

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w w w. a u g u s t afamily.co m Publisher Kate Cooper Metts Editor Karin Calloway Production Art Director Miles Anderson

Contents

OCTOBER 2011

20

Graphic Artist Tonietha Clayton Advertising Director of Advertising Adriene Goldman Advertising Sales Donna Costello Maidi McMurtrie Thompson Mary Porter Vann marketing & circulation Manager Doressa Hawes photography Chris Thelen contributors Lucy Adams Grace Belangia Charmain Z. Brackett J. Ron Eaker, M.D. Cammie Jones Jennie Montgomery Michael Rushbrook 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.

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Our Annual Guide to Special Needs Resources in the CSRA. —Lucy Adams

departments

5 editor’s page 7 mom2mom Tears for Toy Story

—Jennie Montgomery

8 news&notes 11 eating well with kim Falling for Fall Produce

—Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE

12 doctor/dad

Beating Breast Cancer

—J. Ron Eaker, M.D.

14 healthy family

Sleep Safety

16 home front

Should I Stay or Should I Go? —Cammie Jones

28 time out!

Ditch the Landline?

—Karin Calloway

30 inspiration station

Raising Kids Who Care —Charmain Z. Brackett

34 calendar 44 talkin’ about my generation

on the cover:

On the cover: Dylan Yael Lopez, 2, is the son of Ramon and Aileen Lopez of Evans. Dylan was selected to be on our cover as the result of his mother entering him in our Fresh Faces contest at www.augustafamily. com.

Photo by Chris Thelen

Lisa Willis Taylor, Tia Alexandria Tutt and Bob Willis —Grace Belangia

—Rene Hopkins, RN

October

q ui c k pi c k

“‘Many of my friends work, and they are great moms,’ says Jenny Wright. ‘Many stay home and are great moms.’ There is no tried and true formula to determine what is the “right” thing to do—full-time, part-time or stay-at-home—it’s a mix that is an individual choice for each family.” Read more about making the decision to go back to work or become a stay-at-home mom in Cammie Jones’ article on page 16.

www.augustafamily.com

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4 • Augusta Family | October 2011

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editor’spage

by Karin Calloway

I Dodged a Bullet

A

s a wife and mother I spend a good bit of effort making sure my husband and children keep up with their annual physicals, eye exams and dental visits. Like most moms, however, I don’t always make the effort when it comes to my health.

This year I got a wakeup call.

While I’m good about my annual gyn visits, I had neglected to get a mammogram for several years. So when I went to see my doctor earlier this year he said that I really needed to go ahead and have a mammogram.

I made the appointment and when the technician popped my images up on the light to make sure she got good views there it was—a very visible white, round-ish spot in my left breast.

I spent the next weeks anxiously waiting to hear from my doctor, lecturing myself the whole time. I finally received a letter in the mail stating that I needed to have another mammogram. I did, and there it was again, plain as day.

The day after my second mammogram I got a call from my physician. He said that I needed to have surgery. The good news was that it looked like a fibroadinoma, the most common type of benign breast tumor in women.

When I met with my surgeon he suggested that we do a biopsy prior to surgery, just in case it wasn’t the benign tumor it appeared to be. The pathology came back good. I’d dodged the bullet. I had the surgery in September and thankfully I’m fine.

The outcome of my traumatic little roller coaster ride was positive and I’ve learned a valuable lesson in the process. It’s up to me to keep up with my annual screenings and, believe me, there won’t be another year that passes without an annual mammogram. I was lucky this time, but had it been cancer I would have given it adequate time to grow and spread completely undetected because of my negligence. Hopefully you can learn from my lesson. We moms have to take care of ourselves so that we can continue to take care of those we love.

I’m sharing my story with you because October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I want to take the time to encourage those of you who may have skipped your annual mammogram for a year or two to pick up the phone, schedule your appointment and get that mammogram.

Until November,

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 and demonstrates the recipes in segments airing twice a week on WJBF NewsChannel 6. You can follow Karin at twitter.com/KarinCalloway. Check out Karin’s cooking blog at www. karinsvikingkitchen.com. Be sure to check out Augusta Family Magazine’s Facebook page and follow us at twitter.com/AUGFamilyMag. www.augustafamily.com

Augusta Family | October 2011 • 5

Activities

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2

mom m m

by Jennie Montgomery

Illustration by Michael Rushbrook

Tears for Toy Story “Come on, Mom, we have to see it together! Sky wants to come with us too.”

My only son was begging me to drop what I was doing and go to the opening of Toy Story 3 with him. I didn’t have time, but I knew time was limited because he was starting his senior year at Lakeside and would be moving off to college in a year.

Toy Story was the most popular Disney movie of his childhood. The only toy Zack wanted that year was the Woody doll. There was a cord you’d pull and Woody would say, “There’s a snake in my boot!” “Howdy, Partner!” and a few other phrases.

Apparently, Santa’s list was overflowing with requests for Woody because that was the one thing he couldn’t deliver. Zack opened a Buzz Lightyear that Christmas morning, but kept asking where Woody was. Woody arrived for his birthday in March.

So back to the theater and Toy Story 3. Little did I know that the Andy character would be packing up, cleaning out his room and deciding which old toys were trash (and which were donations) as he packed up for college. That was the theme of the movie…the big goodbye.

I bawled.

I was choking back sobs as I sat in the theater, glad I had grabbed extra napkins with my popcorn. The release of Toy Story 3 was brilliant because those kids who were Andy’s age when the saga started were indeed getting ready to leave the nest when the third movie came out. I think I started coming to terms with Zack’s impending departure right there in the middle of the movie. So did Zack and Sky. That was a year ago. One of the sweetest things that came from our collective meltdown was Sky’s Christmas present to Zack. She went to Build-A-Bear and made a stuffed Woody bear for him, complete with the hat and the empty gun holster. Even though he was a big senior, it was a big hit!

Months have passed and Zack’s away at college now.

We got him unpacked and got through the goodbyes. It wasn’t as emotional as I had expected and I didn’t cry all the way back to Augusta. Part of me thought, “What is wrong with me?” But as I had unpacked some stuff that afternoon I was reminded of the breakdown I’d experienced in Toy Story 3 and figured it had been an excellent dress rehearsal!

A couple of days later I was cleaning (sanitizing) Zack’s room and Sky walked in. She was poking her head in his closet, opening a drawer here and there. I asked what she was looking for and she reluctantly said, “Well, I just wanted to see if he took the Woody bear with him.”

Nothing could have pleased me more than being able to tell her I had found the Woody bear in a box I had unpacked in his dorm. Nothing could have thrilled her more than knowing her big brother cherished their bond enough to take a piece of “family” with him when he moved away.

JENNIE Montgomery anchors the evening news at WJBF-TV. She’s married to Scott and they have three children: Zack, 18, Maddy, 17, and Sky, 15. www.augustafamily.com

Augusta Family | October 2011 • 7

Activities

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Help and Hope

-Robert Brault

University Health Care System has formed a support group called Young Women with Breast Cancer that meets the third Friday of each month at 12:30 p.m. in the University Hospital Breast Health Center, Professional Center 2, Suite 205, 818 St. Sebastian Way. The group was formed for women in their 20s and 30s who are dealing with breast cancer. They share stories, advice and information about their cancer treatment and recovery.

According to statistics from the Cleveland Clinic, only five percent of all breast cancer cases occur in women under 40 years old. Regular mammograms are not recommended for women under 40, so monthly breast self-examination is the most common screening method, along with annual clinical breast exams by their OB/GYN. Call 706-774-4141 for more information about the Young Women with Breast Cancer support group.

s

Mom w e N r o f Blog

Doctors Hospital is making it easier for women to communicate with local experts about their health and the health of their families, all from the comfort of their own home.

The Daily Waddle is a new way for women all over the country, especially in the CSRA, to connect and receive information online. Doctors and staff members at Doctors Hospital wanted to find a way to chat with new and expectant mothers whom they know have a lot of questions about the days, months and e v e n years ahead of them. Instead of patients making an appointment or calling in they can ask questions from the convenience of their home computer.

The Daily Waddle is a maternity care resource blog full of news and information. In every blog post there will be helpful tips on a variety of topics from health, nutrition and exercise to maternity fashion.

Check out the Daily Waddle at www.thedailywaddle.com

She Takes the (Cup) Cake Jamey Frails, of Augusta, was selected as one of five winners of the Duncan Hines One Million Cupcake Challenge.

The winners received a trip to Hollywood where they had preferred seating on the Red Carpet at the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards.

The One Million Cupcake Challenge partnered with Share Our Strength’s Great American Bake Sale to help end childhood hunger.

Participants hosted bake sale fundraising events using Duncan Hines products and submitted box bottoms for a chance to win the One Million Cupcake Challenge sweepstakes.

The winners’ best recipes from their bake sales will appear on www.duncanhines.com/ bakers-club to be shared with bakers nationwide.

Frails turned her passion for baking into a second career with the launch of her cupcake delivery business, Just Call Me Cupcakes. She says that her clients’ favorite cupcake is the Berry Berry Delicious Champagne Sensation for which she uses Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Strawberry Supreme Cake Mix along with champagne.

augustafamily.com Win Tickets!

Attend this year’s Best of Augusta Celebration with free tickets from Augusta Family Magazine. Click on our Contest tab to enter. Two winners will receive two tickets each to the Celebration held at Sacred Heart Cultural Center on October 18. The winning names will be drawn on October 13.

Courtesy of Duncan Hines

news notes

Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.

Jamie Frails

View Our On-Line Extras on AUGUSTAFAMILY.com

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Be sure to follow Augusta Family Magazine on Facebook at www.facebook.com/augustafamilymagazine. We offer Facebook-only contests for prizes and event tickets. Also follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/AUGFamilyMag.

Fun Food!

Click our Fun Food tab for Web-exclusive recipes along with other fun, family friendly food-related news and recipes from our print publication.

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Augusta Family | October 2011 • 9

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eating well with kim

by Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE

Falling for Fall Produce Winter Squash and Root Vegetables Are Nutritional Powerhouses

W

hew, it has been a long, hot summer and I am going to assume that most of you, like me, are VERY ready for fall this year.

As the temperature changes each season, so do our foods and flavors. To me this month’s recipe for Fall Vegetable Stew With Pork is like fall in a bowl and I hope you find it deliciously seasonal. Turnips and rutabagas are included in the stew to help get those under-utilized fall/winter vegetables into circulation and to encourage variety. Here are a few other under-utilized veggies to consider this fall.

Butternut Squash High in many nutrients including fiber, vitamin A (beta carotene), vitamin C and potassium, butternut squash is one of the easiest to cook because the skin comes right off with a vegetable peeler. To peel, cut the “neck” off the “round” first, then peel and remove the seeds.

Next dice it up and bake on a roasting sheet at 350 for 20-25 minutes with a little water and olive oil. Good seasoning choices include sage and thyme.

Spaghetti Squash Also high in vitamin A (beta carotene), and fiber, this squash is even easier to cook. Just cut it in half, place the cut side down in a baking dish, add about one-half inch of water to the dish cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees until tender. Flip the halves over and shred the inside with a fork. It will resemble spaghetti strands and is delicious plain or seasoned.

It is also easily microwaved. The recipe for this comes right on the squash itself; try it with your favorite pasta sauce.

Turnips These are actually kind of pretty with a rose tint on the bottom of the vegetable. Turnips are easily peeled and diced and can be stirred into a stew or soup. They can be steamed as well. Try mashing them with potatoes for a unique twist.

Rutabagas They’re not very attractive, to be honest, and are usually coated with wax, but again the peel and wax are easily removed with a vegetable peeler. Once diced, they can be steamed for eight to 10 minutes, or until tender. They are also lovely mixed into your favorite stew. Good seasoning choices include ginger, lemon, sage, thyme and parsley.

Until Next Time: Eat Well, Live Well!

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.

Fall Vegetable Stew With Pork Fall flavor in a stew. What better way to get you ready for the season?

1 pound pork loin cut into bite size pieces 1 tablespoons sage, minced 1 teaspoon thyme, minced 1 teaspoon rosemary, minced ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper Vegetable oil cooking spray 2 teaspoons canola oil, divided 1 medium onion, chopped Combine the pork and seasonings (sage through pepper) in a gallon-size zip-top plastic bag and squish together to coat the pork evenly with herbs.

Spray a large Dutch oven with vegetable oil cooking spray, place over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of the oil. Once the oil is hot add pork and brown on one side.

Remove meat from the pan and set aside.

Add remaining oil to the pan then add onion, garlic and tomato paste to the pan.

Cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to

2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons tomato paste 4 cups chicken broth ½ cup white wine 1 rutabaga, diced 1 turnip, diced 1 sweet potato, diced 2 cups frozen peas and carrots 1 tablespoon corn starch ¼ cup water allow the tomato paste to caramelize without burning. Deglaze the pan with chicken stock, stirring to get up all the flavor from the bottom of the pan.

Add wine, vegetables and meat to the pan. Cook for 40 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

Make a slurry of corn starch and water and stir into the stew for the last 5 minutes of cooking. Bring to a boil and allow to thicken and then reduce the heat (boiling the meat too long could cause it to toughen).

Yield: 6 2-cup servings Nutrition breakdown: calories 240, Fat 4.5g (1g saturated fat, 2g monosaturated fat), cholesterol 50mg, sodium 530mg, carbohydrate 28g, fiber 5g, protein 20g Percent daily value: 220% vitamin A, 45% vitamin C, 15% iron, 6% calcium Diabetes exchange values: 1 carbohydrate, 2 vegetables, 3 lean meats

www.augustafamily.com

Augusta Family | October 2011 • 11

} Doctor/Dad

by J. Ron Eaker, M.D.

Beating Breast Cancer A common misbelief is that mammograms prevent breast cancer. They don’t. What mammograms do is reduce the death rates of those who get breast cancer.

Early detection, of which mammograms are supreme, is the single most important predictor of survival. Get it early, get it out, get better. However, most would agree that if we move things back a step and focus on true prevention, breast cancer rates could plummet. The old adage, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” is no better illustrated then by the steps everyone can take to decrease their risk of breast cancer.

Watch the Weight An increase in weight at any age, but especially after menopause, increases your risk of developing breast cancer. There also seems to be a connection between belly fat and risk. The more you have...the greater the harm. The increased incidence is probably related to the fact that extra fatty tissues increase the circulating estrogen in your system, which in turn may promote the development of abnormal breast cells. The good news is that losing weight and maintaining a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index) reverses this risk.

Lose the Booze Believe it or not, alcohol is the most well-established dietary risk factor for breast cancer. A huge national study estimated that women who consume more than one alcoholic drink a day can increase their risk almost 20 percent. All other things being equal, teetotalers are less likely to get breast cancer and to be thinner than the average adult beverage consumer.

Forage for Fruit Both fruit and vegetable consumption can lower your risk. It’s as simple as putting down seven servings of the green stuff a day and you can decrease the 12 • October 2011 | Augusta Family

chance that breast cancer will come calling.

Various studies indicate the best types of veggies and fruits include broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, collards, kale, spinach, carrots, tomatoes, citrus, berries and cherries. There is nothing like a good kale and cabbage smoothie to end the day! Why not try a refreshing tomato juice cocktail instead of that glass of Chardonnay?

promotes both weight gain and are “pro-inflammatory.” In other words, everything in moderation, nothing in excess.

Tofu a Day

Richard Simmons doesn’t have breast cancer and you might not either if you exercise every day. The key is consistency and persistence, not necessarily intensity. Studies show that a brisk walk for 30-45 minutes three to four times a week can lesson your risk. I’m sure it is related to weight management, but there are chemicals produced during exercise that are powerful immune system boosters that provide protection independent of the fat burning benefit.

There is a great discrepancy in breast cancer rates between western women and Asian females. Women from Japan have half the cancer rate as those in the U.S. There are a number of factor,s but most scientist agree that diet plays a big role.

Those women who consume a greater variety and amount of soy-based products during their lifetime have a lower risk of breast cancer. Keep in mind this is an effect that only applies over many years, and probably relies on heavy consumption in childhood and the young adult years. There is much less evidence that simply beginning to eat soy products later in life has any protective effect at all. Maybe those soy-based baby formulas are on to something.

Pick Your Fats

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

We have all heard about the wonder of fish oil and omega 3 fatty acids. Not only do these powerful antioxidants benefit your heart, but studies suggest those women with low omega 3 blood levels have a higher rate of many cancers, including breast. Obviously, eating cold water fish, like mackerel and salmon, increases these levels, but many nuts and seeds such as flax seeds, pecans, and hazelnuts are also excellent sources. Minimize your intake of saturated fats (meats, lard, butter) and use olive and canola oils in cooking.

This one requires more space than I have here to explain, but suffice it to say that stress and poor sleep are both risk factors for breast cancer. The mind-body connection is a powerful one affecting everything from the immune system to our digestive health. The more stressed we are, the more certain inflammatory hormones are produced, the more cellular damage occurs, the more chances for cells to become cancerous. After all, what is there to worry about when you can finish your 10-mile run, pop open an ice cold tofu and salmon smoothie, cook your dinner of lentils with olive oil and relax!

Sweat With the Oldies

White Is Not Right White rice, white potatoes and white flour are all high-glycemic carbohydrates (very good at raising blood sugar levels) and these and other similar foods stimulate a type of hormone production that in turn promotes cellular growth in breast tissue. This is not to say that Minute Rice is carcinogenic, just keep in mind that over-consumption of high glycemic carbs www.augustafamily.com

Dr. Eaker is an Augusta Ob/ GYN and author. He and his wife, Susan, have two teenage daughters.

www.augustafamily.com

Augusta Family | October 2011 • 11

healthyfamily}

by Rene Hopkins, RN

Sleep Safety

Tips To Help You Put Your Children To Bed Safely

S

IDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, is the sudden, unexplained death of an infant younger than one year old and the leading cause of death in children between one month and one year of age, according to the National Institutes of Health.

We can significantly reduce the number of infant deaths due to SIDS by following these 10 simple, but important, sleep practices:

1. Babies Should Sleep on Their Backs Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep, for naps and at night. The back sleep position is the safest and every sleep time counts.

The annual incidence of SIDS has decreased by more than 50 percent since 1992, when the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) began recommending the back as the best sleep position.

It is OK to place your baby on his or her stomach when the baby is awake and an adult is watching. This stomach positioning, commonly known as “tummy time,” will help your baby’s head, neck and shoulder muscles get stronger while preventing flattening of the back of his head. But remember, “stomach to play, back to sleep” is best for babies.

No one as yet clearly understands why sleep position has such an effect, but we know that it does.

14 • Augusta Family | October 2011

2. Close (but Separate) Sleep

4. Firm, Gap-Free and Without Soft Objects

Keep your baby’s sleep area close to but separate from where you sleep. It is beneficial for your infant to sleep in the same room as you but not in the same bed.

Co-sleeping poses some risk to the baby because a parent or sibling could roll over during sleep and suffocate the child. If you bring your baby to bed with you to breastfeed, the AAP recommends that you put your baby back in a separate sleep area, such as a bassinet, crib, cradle or an infant bed that attaches to an adult bed when finished.

Place your baby on a firm sleep surface free of soft objects. A safety-approved crib mattress, covered by a fitted sheet, is recommended.

There should be no gaps larger than two fingerbreadths between the sides of the crib and the mattress.

To avoid suffocation, do not place your baby to sleep on pillows, quilts, sheepskins or other soft surfaces. Also, keep fluffy soft objects, toys and loose bedding out of your baby’s sleep area. Stuffed animals and heirloom blankets are nice to have, but they don’t belong in the crib with a baby.

Bumper pads could also do more harm than good. If you use them, make sure to secure them to the slats of the crib wherever possible.

3. Proper Assembly Required Proper assembly of baby’s bed is paramount. The safest place for a child is in a fully functional, properly assembled crib, bassinet, cradle or playpen.

Follow the instructions provided and make sure that every component included is used.

Parents are urged to closely inspect the hardware and stability of their cribs regularly to ensure all parts are in place and secure when assembling and re-assembling cribs. If you are not sure, call the manufacturer for assistance. Furthermore, cribs with dropdown sides no longer meet federal safety standards and should not be used. If you have one, contact the manufacturer to see if they offer a repair kit. www.augustafamily.com

5. A New Crib Is Best Do not use old, broken or modified cribs. These beds could pose many dangers. Infants can strangle to death if their bodies pass through gaps between loose components or broken slats while their heads remain trapped.

If a standard (12-ounce) soda can will fit through the slats or other baby-accessible openings in the crib structure, then the crib is unsafe and should not be used.

Furthermore, never place a crib near a window with blinds or curtain cords to prevent strangulation. Federal safety regulations exist for these products, but realize that many products are approved only to be recalled later. Just because something is “approved” does not mean it is a safe product. As always, use your judgment.

until breastfeeding is firmly established before introducing the pacifier.

Don’t ever force the infant to take a pacifier, however. Often, at one month, a baby cannot keep one in the mouth very well anyway.

6. Beware of False Safety Claims

Do not allow smoking around your baby or your baby’s environment. Smoking, both maternal and environmental (second-hand smoke), has been shown to be a risk factor for SIDS. Most recently, third-hand smoke—the kind that can linger on clothes, bedding and upholstery, the “I never smoke around my child” smoke—has been found to be harmful to newborns. Keep your baby’s environment smoke-free and quit if you’re smoking. If necessary, seek help to quit.

Avoid products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS. Most have not been tested for effectiveness or safety. In addition, do not use home monitors to reduce the risk of SIDS as they have never been shown to decrease the rate of SIDS in the infant population.

Home monitors can be effective tools to help you hear when your baby wakes, but they are not a substitute for supervision. If you have questions about using monitors, talk to your pediatrician.

7. Pacifiers May Reduce SIDS Risk Try using a clean, dry pacifier when placing your baby down to sleep. Research suggests that the sucking action performed as the baby is falling asleep may help reduce the baby’s risk for SIDS. Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the rate of SIDS as well. If you are breastfeeding your baby, it is recommended to wait until your baby is one month old or

8. Be Smoke Free

9. Keep Them Cool Do not let your baby overheat during sleep. Dress your baby in light sleep clothing and keep the room at a temperature of about 68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are comfortable in short-sleeved pajamas, then your baby will be too.

Use sleep clothing, such as a long-sleeved, one-piece sleeper or a sleep sack during the cooler months. Sleep sacks are specially designed to be safely worn by infants in lieu of a blanket.

www.augustafamily.com

10. Share Sleep Safety Information With All Caregivers Talk about safe sleep practices with everyone who cares for your baby. A growing number of SIDS deaths occur in child care, so before leaving your baby with anyone be sure that person agrees to abide by these safe sleep guidelines. Be prepared to stand your ground. Even if your own mother tells you, “I always put you to bed on your stomach and you survived.” The current AAP recommendation is back to sleep, even for premature babies. Compromising on any of these standards can be detrimental to your child.

Babies are unable to control their own sleep environments. They can’t move out of a harmful situation nor do they understand danger. They rely on their parents and caregivers to protect them. Practicing healthy sleep measures is essential for a baby’s proper growth and development, and indeed their survival. If you have questions about these infant sleep safety guidelines, you should discuss them with your pediatrician.

Rene Hopkins is a registered nurse and coordinator of Safe Kids East Central led by Georgia Health Sciences Children’s Medical Center. Hopkins will begin providing family safety tips in the News and Notes department of each issue of Augusta Family Magazine begining in November. She’ll delve into her safety topics more deeply in full articles that will appear at www. augustafamily.com.

Augusta Family | October 2011 • 15

ll FallF aFun!

16 • Augusta Family | October 2011

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}

by Cammie Jones

homefront

Should I Stay or Should I Go? What To Consider When Deciding To Be a Stay-at-Home or Working Mom

S

hould I stay or should I go? Should I be a working mom or stay-at-home mom? It’s a difficult question and there truly is not a right or wrong answer. Before making a decision, there are many things to consider from both an emotional and a financial standpoint.

Financial Considerations Steve Marbert, certified financial planner and president of Richard Young Associates, LTD, says that today’s couples have limited resources and getting kids from diapers through college costs far more than people imagine. (Marbert hosts “Money M.D.” with John & Steve, Saturdays from 9-10 a.m. on 1380AM or streaming at MoneyMD.net.)

“If you want to be able to start early and properly fund a college savings plan for your child, then having two income earners may be the only way for a couple,” he says.

In addition to future college costs, Marbert says that every child adds about $100 to $200 a month to

the cost of food alone, not to mention clothes, diapers and the new puppy.

Kimberly Blanchard, mother of two and executive director of a non-profit in Augusta, says, “In today’s economy, it really takes two incomes to make our household work.” Each of her children are involved in school and extracurricular activities and her youngest requires tuition for his preschool. With her husband working on commission, it is important that her salary be a constant added into the mix.

Marbert advises that before making a decision to go to work outside the home a couple sit down and put on paper the pros and cons of working. “People often overlook the cost of gas, daily lunches out, house cleaning and higher taxes, not to mention childcare,” he says. www.augustafamily.com

However, working will add to social security benefits, which can make a big difference if mom has not already qualified with 10 years of eligible work history. Another overlooked benefit to working full time is that most people will spend less when they are busy working and can’t make those side trips to the mall, according to Marbert.

Full-time employment also comes with benefits such healthcare, paid vacations and sick leave.

Part-Time Employment May Be Worth Considering A positive of working part-time, besides being able to spend more time with the children, is the flexibility it allows to avoid childcare expenses. Depending on the vocation, some part-time employees may have more flexibility in their schedules. “Proper financial planning and prioritizing a budget is the key to being able to make ends meet on a part-time income and allow for spending more time as a caregiver,” says Marbert.

Augusta Family | October 2011 • 17

homefront Working and Staying Home Both Have Advantages and Disadvantages Blanchard says there are many additional benefits of working full time that are not financial. Although she enjoyed maternity leave after the birth of her first child, she remembers the excitement she felt the first day she returned to work. “I was surrounded by other adults, had adult conversations and was able to serve others and not just my children,” she says.

Working full time also allowed her to have an identity outside of being Catherine and Russell’s mom. “Furthermore, after I have my little work break each day, when I return home, I am so ready to just be their mommy, which is a fulltime job with even greater benefits,” she adds.

Jenny Wright, mother of two and a stay-at-home mom, says she and her husband discussed whether she would stay home with the children before they were even married. “We decided that, if financially possible, I’d stay home with the kids until they were at least school age,” she says. The benefits of staying at home include being available if the kids are sick and have to miss school, more time for volunteering at school and the ability to get a good dinner on the table for the family, according to Wright.

The disadvantages of being a stay-at-home mom, in addition to missing the additional income, are no lunch breaks or coffee breaks and feeling as if you are not in charge of the money. “Fortunately, my husband feels as if I am contributing as much to the household as he is so there isn’t a control issue with the money,” Wright says.

The downside to working full time includes feeling as if you can’t let go of the job to fully enjoy the family. “In my line of work, the job never stops,” says Blanchard. “Just because you have checked out of the office does not mean you have checked out until the next day.”

When making a decision based on financial issues, the need for Mom to work full-time depends on how much money the couple needs to meet current expenses while still saving for college and retirement. If basing the decision on emotional issues, that is a more personal level and everyone is different. “Many of my friends work and they are great moms,” says Wright. “Many stay home and are great moms.” There is no tried and true formula to determine what is the “right” thing to do—full-time, part-time or stay-at-home—it’s a mix that is an individual choice for each family.

Cammie Jones is an Augusta freelancewriter and busy mother of three.

Stay-at-Home Dads In her article “Taking Time Off From Work To Be a Stay-at-Home Dad,” Dawn Rosenberg McKay (about.com) says there is a list of questions you and your partner need to consider first: 1. Which parent earns more money?

2. Who has a better health insurance policy?

3. Who stands to lose more by taking time off from his or her career?

4. Can either parent switch to part time or a more flexible schedule?

5. Can either parent work from home?

After answering these questions, a couple can usually make an educated guess about which parent should stay at home—and sometimes the answer is Dad.

18 • Augusta Family | October 2011

www.augustafamily.com

www.augustafamily.com

Augusta Family | October 2011 • 19

Special KIDS Special SpecialNEEDS

By Lucy Adams

Every child is special. Every child is unique. Every child can achieve. Every child desires to interact with and learn from the world around him. Children with special needs, however, may face more challenges than the average kid. Their parents face challenges too. Fortunately the CSRA offers a top rate medical community with a wealth of resources.

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Developmental Needs

Agencies Focusing on Special Needs’ Populations S.C. Association for the Deaf 437 Church St., West Columbia, S.C. 803-794-3175 | TTY: 803-794-7059 www.scadservices.org Promotes equal treatment toward deaf and hard of hearing citizens in education, employment, legislation, healthcare and other fields pertaining to the deaf and hard of hearing citizens of South Carolina. Compiles and updates contact information to help you connect with the many agencies and groups offering assistance and services for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Easter Seals East Georgia 706-667-9695 www.eastersealseastgeorgia.org Easter Seals offers programs for adults and children.

Work programs help disabled teenagers transition from school into the workplace. There are also work-related programs for disabled adults. The Champions for Children program provides financial assistance to families of special needs and medically fragile children who do not meet the eligibility requirements for the TEFRA/Katie Beckett Medicaid program.

National Federation of the Blind of Georgia and South Carolina 315 West Ponce De Leon Ave., Suite 1020, Decatur, Ga. 404-371-1000 www.nfbga.org 119 S. Kilbourne Rd., Columbia, S.C., 803-254-3777 www.nfbsc.net The organization provides public education, information, referral services, literature and publications about blindness, adaptive equipment for the blind, advocacy services and job opportunities for the blind, plus support for blind persons and their families.

Tri-Development of Aiken County 1016 Vaucluse Rd., Aiken, S.C. 803-642-8800 www.aikentdc.org A United Way funded agency providing services for children and adults with autism, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, mental retardation and related disorders.

Learning Disabilities Association of Georgia

Babies and Toddlers

2566 Shallowford Rd., Atlanta 404-303-7774 www.ldag.org | ldaga@bellsouth.net One of 50 volunteer state organizations comprise the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA). For over 30 years their mission has been to enhance the quality of life for individuals of all ages with Learning Disabilities (LD) and/or Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD). Members are served by a state office and volunteers who provide resources and sponsor events.

Babies Can’t Wait in Georgia (Statewide interagency service delivery systems)

United Cerebral Palsy Georgia 770-676-2000 www.ucpga.org Headquartered in Atlanta, the organization offers services in the Augusta area. Some of its statewide services include information and referral, employment services and residential services.

United Cerebral Palsy South Carolina 803-926-8878 www.ucpsc.org In South Carolina, UCP offers adult day services, family support and residential services.

The Georgia Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 404-420-5990 www.jdrfgeorgia.org This organization has the Family Network, which provides support, encouragement and programming for families of children with diabetes.

Walton Options 948 Walton Way, Augusta, 706-724-6262 325 Georgia Ave, N. Augusta, 803-279-9611 www.waltonoptions.org The mission of Walton Options is to empower people of all ages and all types of disabilities to reach their highest level of independence. The caring, trained staff works with clients to develop individualized plans and goals. Services include, but are not limited to, peer support groups, assistance with money management, assistance with nutrition and assistance with home modification and accessibility issues.

www.augustafamily.com

Georgia Department of Human Resources—Division of Public Health East Central Georgia Public Health District.

706-667-4280 www.ecphd.dhr.state.ga.us For infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities, from birth to age 3.

Baby Net in South Carolina (Statewide interagency service delivery systems) Department of Health and Environmental Control Region 5, serving Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun and Orangeburg Counties.

1550 Carolina Ave., Orangeburg, S.C. 803-533-7211 www.scfirststeps.org For infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities, from birth to age three.

Medical, Therapy and Treatment Programs Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician Georgia Health Sciences Children’s Medical Center Caroline DiBattisto, MD, MSCR Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Georgia Health Sciences University 1120 15th Street, BG-2108 Augusta, GA 30912 Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine Office: 706-721-2456

Augusta Developmental Specialists 1303 D’Antignac St., Suite 21000, Augusta.

706-396-0600 Specializes in helping people with healthcare and developmental needs. The group provides developmental assessment, care coordination between therapists and school staff, a wheelchair clinic and more. Led

by Karen Carter, M.Ed., M.D., the group includes a licensed massage therapist and recreational therapist. The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Augusta Family | October Augusta Family | October 20112011 • 25 • 21

CSRA Therapy Services, Inc. 2485 Highway 88, Hephzibah 706-592-5565 Providing Occupational and Speech-Language therapy services for children with special needs in the CSRA.

PSA Healthcare, Inc. 444 Park West Drive, Grovetown 706-868-6543 www.psahealthcare.com Offers private duty nursing and a day treatment center for medically fragile children with on-site pediatric nurses, speech, physical and occupational therapy.

Kinder Kids 958 Millbrook Ave., Suite 8, Aiken 803-226-0525 www.kinderkidscsra.com Provides comprehensive services and family support to medically fragile, developmentally delayed, physically challenged and behaviorally disordered children by providing services that evoke maximum potential and foster the development of intellectual and social competence.

22 • Augusta Family | October 2011

Sensational Kids! Pediatric Rehabilitation Center 3624 Old Petersberg Rd., Martinez 706-364-3470 www.sensationalkids.net A full-service therapy practice offering a unique blend of services for children and families with special needs that specializes in evaluation and intervention for infants and children (birth to 13 years) who have various developmental challenges. They are sensitive to the challenges of the family’s ability to cope as well.

Therapy Solutions, LLC P.O. Box 6862, Aiken 803-634-3029 uscslp@bellsouth.net www.therapysolutionsllc.net A private company offering pediatric speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and early intervention services. An early intervention team provides support and services in the home, daycare or clinic setting.

Hitchcock Healthcare 690 Medical Park Dr., Aiken 803-648-8344 www.hitchcockhealthcare.org

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A provider for adults and children, offering a full range of quality services including, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.

Blue Ribbon Riders 987 Reynolds Farm Rd., Grovetown 706-854-0644 Equine assisted activity and hippotherapy program for ages 3 and up. A Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH International) premier accredited center. Hippotherapy uses the movement of the horse as a treatment strategy to address impairments, functional limitations and disabilities in patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction. Contact Claudia Morin.

STAR Riding Aiken 803-652-3231 www.starriding.org | freckles06@earthlink.net STAR is an equine facilitated therapeutic facility. An affiliate of PATH Int’l (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, formerly known as North American Riding for the Handicapped Association), STAR adheres to PATH’s strict safety standards and is fully insured. Contact Kerri Creamer.

Georgia Health Sciences University ADHD Treatment Program

Georgia Learning Resources System

706-721-6597 This eight-week program for children ages 6 to 14, who have been diagnosed with ADHD, and their families, provides training to children and their parents regarding fundamental social skills and behavioral management strategies.

706-826-1128 www.glrs.org The system is a network of 17 centers throughout the state providing training and resources to educators and parents of students with disabilities.

Lighthouse Care Center

500 Fury’s Ferry Rd., Unit 502-5, Martinez 706-993-2232 4497-8 Columbia Rd., Martinez 706-305-3379 reenathomas@ikumon.com www.kumon.com The center strives to help each student perform at his/ her full potential by using techniques that improve speed and accuracy to master the basics in reading and math. Students meet with a highly trained Kumon Instructor during the week and continue with home assignments daily to fill in any learning gaps that may be hindering them. Preschool through high school.

3100 Perimeter Pkwy., Augusta 706-651-0005 http://www.lighthousecarecenters.com Offers a serene residential setting for adolescent patients to recover from psychological issues and/or substance abuse. In addition to clinical care, a number of recreational opportunities and an accredited on-campus school are also available. These services aide our patients in recovery by keeping their minds and bodies active and providing an opportunity for social interaction.

Evaluation and Treatment for Children with Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome

Kumon Math and Reading Center

Georgia Health Sciences University 706-721-6597 Directed by a psychiatrist who specializes in autism, the social skills program offers outpatient or inpatient psychiatric assessment of autism, group therapy focusing on behavior modification and socialization skills and medical management of autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.

M.A.E.S. Education Center

Education

Oxford Learning Center

Augusta Christian School of Talent Development 313 Baston Rd., Martinez 706-863-2905, extension 130 www.augustachristian.org The school is designed for students with a specific learning disability and/or those with attention deficit disorder. Classes are available in grades 1-12, depending on availability, offering low teacher-student ratios and individualized instruction. The curriculum is designed for students with special learning needs while incorporating a standard curriculum.

4116 Evans to Locks Rd., Evans 706-860-8585 info@maeseducationcenter.com Offers tutoring, high school success classes, homeschool classes, college counseling and skills-building in reading comprehension, Monday-Thursday, 12:30p.m.-7p.m.

4536 Washington Rd., Suite 4, Eagle Point Shopping Center, Evans 706-650-2225 www.oxfordlearning.com Students ages preschool through adult receive help with study skills, homework, reading, writing, math, spelling, grammar and more.

Partners in Achievement 3990 Columbia Rd., Martinez 706-650-1877 www.pialearningcenters.com.

PIA offers programs for children ages 6 and up with attention problems and/or learning disabilities.

College Board Services for Students CSRA EOA, Inc. Head Start with Disabilities 609-771-7137 www.collegeboard.com/ssd/student/index.html.

The College Board works to provide appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities when taking the SAT, AP tests and PSAT/NMSQT.

1261 Greene St., Augusta 706-722-0493 www.csraeoaheadstart.org Provides professional, comprehensive, quality services to preschool children, families, staff and comwww.augustafamily.com

munities in Bulloch, Burke, Columbia, Emanuel, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Screven and Warren Counties. The Disabilities service insures that children with disabilities receive the full range of developmental services in an inclusive environment. This includes children with physical disabilities, health conditions, vision, hearing, speech or learning impairments. Special services such as screenings, evaluations, speech or physical therapy and transportation may also be provided.

Information and Referral Parent to Parent of Georgia 706-802-5309 www.parenttoparentofga.org The organization has a comprehensive Web site with a database for families of special needs children to find out anything from adaptive clothing to insurance.

United Way of the CSRA 706-826-1495 www.uwcsra.org The 211 system provides a link to information and referral on a variety of services in the community.

The phone number 211 works on most land lines, but not from all cell phones.

Charity Locator–Combined Federal Campaign of the CSRA www.cfcofthecsra.org/locator.php A comprehensive list of local, state and national agencies and organizations that provide vast array of assistance.

The DRM Regional Resources Directory www.disabilityresources.org/GEORGIA.html.

Disability Resources, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established to promote and improve awareness, availability and accessibility of information that can help people with disabilities live, learn, love, work and play independently.

Support Groups SC/GA Transverse Myelitis Support Group http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CSRATMSupportGroup/ The goals of the SC/GA Transverse Myelitis Support Group are to provide fellowship and support through sharing of common experiences, to provide educational information and to open the doors of communication between patients and our local medical community. Join the group on-line.

Augusta Family | October 2011 • 23

Juvenile Diabetes Support Group

CSRA Therapy Services Autism Support Group

706-955-8232 gvandaly@yahoo.com (Gretchen Daly) 706-541-0146 s.j.fuller@comcast.net (Stephanie Fuller) The group meets at Panera Bread on Robert C. Daniel Parkway the last Saturday of every month at 10 a.m. for coffee.

2485 Highway 88, Hephzibah 706-592-5565 TSteppe@yahoo.com Provides support, discussion, information and fellowship to parents of children on the autism spectrum.

“A-Team”—Autism Spectrum Disorder Support and Resource Group MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center, Family Resource Library, Room 1801, first floor 706-721-5160 ddrakele@georgiahealth.edu This free meeting offers education and support for families and friends of children with autism spectrum disorders, including autism, Asperger’s and PDD NOS. Parent, educators, community support representatives, caregivers, medical representatives and anyone affected by autism spectrum disorders is invited to attend. Meets the first Tuesday of each month, 6 to 7 p.m.

24 • Augusta Family | October 2011

The Autism Exchange 706-541-2723 This group is currently making changes to its venue, dates and times. It will continue to meet. For more information contact Christie Johnson, extension 5204.

Georgia Health Sciences Health System ALS Support Group 888-636-9940 www.alsaga.org Meets the second Thursday of each month from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Georgia Health Sciences Ambulatory Care Center, 1447 Harper St., 4th Floor, Room BP 4306. The meetings provide opportunities for individuals to share their personal experiences and learn more about strategies for preserving the independence and quality of life for ALS patients and their loved

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ones. Meetings are free and open to all patients, family members and friends. Lunch is provided.

Brain Injury Support Group Walton West Transitional Center, 2501 Center West Pkwy, Augusta 706-533-3904 Meets second Thursday of every month, 6-7:30 p.m.

Brain injury survivors, caregivers and family members are invited to attend.

Spinal Cord Injury Support Group Walton Outpatient Therapy Center, 13th St. and Independence Dr., Augusta 706-823-8504 Meets the second Thursday of every month, 5-6 p.m.

Spinal cord injured individuals, family members, caregivers, as well as interested community members are invited to attend this free monthly meeting.

Georgia Health Sciences Health System Blood Cancer/Stem Cell Support Group Georgia Health Sciences Cancer Center, 1411 Laney Walker Blvd., First-Floor, Community Room.

706-721-9134 or 721-1634 This group provides educational and emotional support to patients, families, friends and caregivers.

Meets the third Thursday of the month from 5:30-7 p.m. Call Annie Blount at for more information or visit georgiahealth.org.

Common Bond Parent Support Group 706-729-0012 For Augusta area parents of children of all ages and diagnoses with challenging disabilities but remarkable perseverance and resilience. Dates and locations of meetings vary. Call for information.

Statewide Assistance Georgia PINES (Parent Infant Network for Educational Services) 800-522-8652; 404-298-4882 www.gapines.info Information/assistance to families of vision/hearing impaired, multi-handicapped, sensory impaired children, under age four. Parent advisors make home visits to teach families how to help their child.

Georgia Learning Resources Sys- Recreation and Leisure tem, (GLRS)

800-282-7552 Monkey Joe’s www.aadd.org Statewide network of 17 resource centers offering free services to parents and educators of students with disabilities.

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Office of Legislative Affairs & Constituent Services, 2 Peachtree St., 22nd Floor, Atlanta 404-657-5964 DBHDDConstituentServices@dhr.state.ga.us

Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Resources 706-792-7733 http://bhdd.georgia.gov The agency provides support to people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities.

Services include in-home personal care, respite care, work programs and state-funded hospitals.

www.augustafamily.com

368 Furys Ferry Rd., Martinez 706-922-5867 www.monkeyjoes.com Inflatable play center, wall to wall inflatable slides, jumps, obstacle courses, walk-in play and birthday parties, for ages 12 and younger. Special Needs Night is held the first Sunday of each month, 6-7 p.m., after general store hours to ensure a calm environment for special needs children and their parents.

RECing Crew 803-279-8820 therecingcrew@comcast.net www.therecingcrew.com Based in North Augusta, the RECing Crew is a nonprofit organization providing leisure and recreation opportunities for all ages and disabilities.

Cruisers–A social group that meets monthly for dances or field trips.

Alley Cats–A weekly bowling league that meets Tuesdays, 4:30-6 p.m., at Northside Lanes in North Augusta.

Augusta Family | October 2011• 25

T-RecS–An adaptive basketball and baseball program. Play basketball on Saturdays in the fall and play baseball on Saturdays in the spring. Check Web site for exact dates. Riverview Park in North Augusta.

Arts-Ability Studio–Spend one hour on a visual art project and one hour in music. Morning and afternoon two-hour sessions meet one Saturday each month. Limited to 20 participants.

Jazzercise–Enjoy Jazzercise and line-dancing every 3rd Wednesday, 4:40 p.m., at Grace United Methodist Church in North Augusta.

Fees vary but are nominal. Contact Pamela Stickler.

Georgia-Carolina Council Boy Scouts of America 706-733-5277 www.gacacouncil.org Scouting programs are available for special needs children.

Canterbury Trails 5581 Wrightsboro Rd., Grovetown 706-556-1287 www.canterburytrails.org Horseback riding lessons for special needs children, as well as hayrides and horse rides in the show ring. They work closely with the CSRA’s special education departments.

Camp To Be Independent 706-826-5809 alsalley@wrh.org Camp TBI offers a safe overnight summer camp environment for children and young adults, ages 8-21, with traumatic brain injury. Camp TBI staff provide one-on-one care which increases the campers’ level of independence in the areas of personal hygiene, following a schedule, making friends appropriately and just having fun. Campers enjoy horseback riding, a ropes course, group games, sporting activities, swimming, fishing and arts and crafts along with social activities such as dances, karaoke and talent nights.

Champions Made from Adversity 706-364-2422 www.cmfa.us Provides recreation and leisure activities, such as water skiing, archery, bowling, cycling and golf, to people with physical disabilities.

Adapted Aquatics Special Populations—Individual one-on-one half-hour classes for all physically and developmentally challenged individuals of all ages.

Specially trained staff uses swimming and aquatic fitness skills to improve participants’ independence and quality of life. Sessions are by appointment only.

Taught in the Wilson Family Y’s indoor pool. Claudia Collins, Aquatics Director, 706-922-9664.

Family Y BlazeSports Team–Swim team for all ages of physically challenged swimmers to train for competition. (Part of the BlazeSports Clubs of America training future Paralympians.) Practice Monday and Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Saturday, 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Contact Claudia Collins, 706-922-9664.

Family Counseling and Psychiatric Resources Center for Care & Counseling 4400 Wheeler Rd., Augusta 706-305-3137 http://csraccc.org A faith-sensitive counseling service that helps individuals and families draw on their own strengths and values to begin their healing process. Offers a wide range of counseling services to families, couples, individuals, adolescents and children.

Miracle League Baseball–Provides a barrier-free field for children and adults with disabilities. A special, rubberized surface and flat bases allows safe play for those in wheelchairs or who use other assistive devices such as crutches or walkers. Registration is open for ages 4 and up. Fall season runs SeptemberOctober and spring season runs March-May. Teams practice and play at the Sports Complex Uptown Charlie Norwood VA, 1 Freedom Way, Augusta.

Contact JD McCauley, 706-922-9597.

Family Counseling Center of the CSRA

Kathryn M. York Adapted Aquatics Center (Katie’s Pool)–Dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities.

Shallow and deep water therapy pool with a wheelchair ramp at the shallow end. Includes adapted changing rooms with a lift system to accommodate disabled individuals and a state-of-the-art sanitation system. Contact Claudia, 706-922-9655.

4145 Columbia Rd., Martinez.

706-869-7373 www.gfcs.info Provides to all children and adults experiencing the crisis of life events the most current, correct information concerning therapy in a manner that is nurturing, nonthreatening and non-judgmental. Georgia Family Crisis Solutions strives to be the model for accountability in all areas of business, especially concerning children.

Military Families Exception Family Member Program Fort Gordon 706-791-4872 www.gordon.army.mil/acs/EFMP/index.htm.

This program, designed to aid active duty service, provides information and coordination of services as well as respite care for any family member who has a chronic medical problem or special education need, regardless of age, that limits ability to function on a daily basis and/or requires ongoing counseling, training, education, therapy or treatment. Contact Pam Rachal.

The Family Y, Wilson Branch

Assistance with Issues Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits

3570 Wheeler Rd., Augusta 706-922-9622 www.thefamilyy.org Financial assistance is available for all Family Y programs.

Gerald Powell Augusta 706-796-6856 Gerald Powell is semi-retired and offers assistance/ advice on a volunteer basis to children and adults

26 • Augusta Family | October 2011

who are trying to establish or are having problems receiving social security disability benefits.

www.augustafamily.com

3711 Executive Center Dr., Suite 201, Martinez.

706-868-5011 www.fcccsra.com The mission of the Family Counseling Center of the CSRA is to strengthen individuals and families to achieve their own goals and to network with other agencies and institutions to improve family life.

Georgia Family Crisis Solutions

Mind-Body Health Services 211 Pleasant Home Rd., G-1, Augusta.

706-364-5228 http://mindbodyhealthservices.com.

The providers at Mind-Body Health Services take into account the whole person in helping him or her find the solution to deal with what is causing discomfort.

Transitional Family Services.

3643 Walton Way Ext., Bldg 4, Augusta.

706-364-1404. www.tfsga.com.

Offers a range of family preservation services approved by the state to offer CORE Services, Comprehensive Child and Family Assessments (CCFA), Core service (C&A and Adult), and Intensive Family Intervention Services (IFI) through Medicaid, as well as provide therapy and counseling services and parent aide services through Homestead Family Preservation.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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Augusta Family | October 2011 • 27

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by Karin Calloway

Time To Ditch the Landline?

What To Consider Before Becoming a Cell Phone Only Family

M

y husband, Bond, and I are having a heated debate and it all started when I told him I wanted a smart phone.

Bond: “If you get a smart phone we’ll just go ahead and disconnect the landline.”

Me: “What? No landline?”

His point makes sense. Our landline is almost exclusively used for screening telemarketers. It rarely rings with an actual call for one of us. The phone service through our chosen cable company adds about $40 to our monthly bill. A smart phone’s Internet service would add about $30 to our cell phone bill, so we’d come out a little bit ahead financially.

However, something about the thought of losing the landline makes me nervous. I mean, we’ve had the same home phone number for almost 20 years. How will (fill in the name of some distant, rarely heard from relative or college friend) know how to reach me?

Then I worry about the safety of it. If there’s a disaster, the cell phone service may hit maximum capacity like it did on 9/11 and we could be unable to call anyone.

But if it’s a local disaster, the power might go off so we’d lose the landline. Can the emergency 9-1-1 service locate me if I don’t have a landline?

28 • Augusta Family | October 2011

A Little Help From My Friends Before I give in on the subject, I decided to consult with a few friends.

First, out of 13 of us who work out of the Augusta Magazine offices there are only two without landlines.

Miles Anderson, the art director of Augusta Family Magazine, hasn’t had a landline in years. Neither has Libby Salvador, account executive for Skirt! Magazine. Both are single parents with children in elementary school. Both say they haven’t ever regretted their decision to not install a POT (plain old telephone).

Then I turned to Facebook, posting the question on both the Augusta Family Magazine wall and my personal wall. I received responses on both sides. Here are a few from the Augusta Family wall: Leslie Mills Wise says, “We’ve been land-line free for about five years now and we aren’t looking back!! We still have our old phone hanging on the kitchen wall and our 5-year-old asked me a few weeks ago, ‘What’s that mommy?’ Haha.”

Courtney Prouty is on the fence like I am and says, “We’re considering getting rid of ours for the first time because we rarely use it. My only hesitation to do so is because of our young son: If there were an emergency and a babysitter were to need a landline due to bad cell reception, dead battery, etc...that kind of worries me.”

My Facebook friends chimed in as well.

Jessica Stanford, of North Augusta, a graphic artist at University

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Hospital who used to work as the art director for Augusta Family and Lounge magazines, says “I kept my landline for years after it wore out its usefulness, thinking I’d need it in an emergency or if I wanted to have an alarm system installed. After I called a couple of security system companies and realized I didn’t even need a landline phone to have that installed, I cancelled it. I’m so glad I did because it seemed like no matter how many times I removed myself from call lists and added myself to the do not call registry, I kept getting telemarketers calling. I definitely don’t miss that!”

Donna Mosser, also of North Augusta, let the landline loose three years ago since all three members of her household have cell phones.

Like me, their landline calls were primarily from telemarketers.

Jamie McAteer, a father of two toddlers and head of the theatre department at Augusta Preparatory Day School, hasn’t had a landline since 2002. “Just get a cell. That’s all you need,” he says. “The cell is reliable. Leave it on. People can call me there for emergencies just as easily.”

Some of my friends argued that the spotty service of their cell phone services led them to continue paying for a landline. Others cited low monthly landline fees from their Internet carries as their reason to continue landline service. If keeping the landline costs under $10 a month, why not keep it?

Emergencies and Disasters One of my main concerns about using the landline was dialing 9-1-1.

Then I read online that if you use digital phone service (which is what we have), the 9-1-1 service can’t automatically locate your home any better than they could with your cell phone. Am I debating a moot point here?

I contacted my cable carrier and was assured by the customer service representative that yes, in fact, the 9-1-1 service could locate me from my digital landline. So the debate was still not over.

Then I consulted Pam Tucker, a certified master emergency manager who serves as Columbia County’s emergency and operations director. “I think for economic and convenience reasons, more and more people are dropping their landlines in favor of cell phones only,” she says.

However, Tucker isn’t personally headed in that direction.

“I will always keep a landline and a cell phone,” she says. “For one, I have a fax machine at home.”

Tucker’s number one reason for keeping her landline is safety. “I want 9-1-1 to be able to see my address pop up on their screen should I ever need to call for help,” she says. “Current technology does not provide a quick way for emergency units to locate a person on a cell phone.”

She’s also concerned about times of crisis, such as the recent Hurricane Irene. “Cell towers were overwhelmed and cell phones were not working,” she says of the event.

Tucker says she thinks it’s a personal choice, “but having both provides extra assurances that you will be able to communicate and get emergency help quickly.”

mitting from cell phones in which Georgetown Professor Devra Davis, a renowned epidemiologist, stated that studies conducted around the globe have found that the radiation emmitted by mobile phones increase your chances of getting cancer.

Other scientists quoted in the article (which can be found by doing an Internet search of the article’s title, “Disconnect: the truth about cell phone radiation,” by Brad Hamilton) had opposing views, stating that overall they’re not seeing evidence of increased risk. But Davis counters in the article stating that despite the lack of emperical evidence we should begin protecting ourselves today. She recommends using a landline or using the speaker on your cell phone to decrease radiation exposure.

Losing my landline would mean I would add at least 30 minutes a day to my cell phone use, putting me in the group Davis calls “heavy users,” the group she believes has the highest risk of brain cancer caused by the emittion of radiation that penetrates the brain’s protective barrier.

The Future of Landlines A 2010 report by Citi Investment Research, as referenced at www.businessinsider.com, shows that

30 percent of U.S. households no longer have a landline, up five percent from the previous year, with consumers dropping their home phone service at a rate of greater than one percent a quarter.

With this shift in landline use, technology will surely be developed to track individual locations through cell phone calls. It’s just a question of how soon.

Cell phones aren’t the only threat to the future of classic landlines on the copper wire system, which are predicted to continue to decrease in use as more households choose to bundle their home phones with their Internet and cable providers, thus switching to digital.

Like Leslie Wise’s child, a time when small children don’t know what that phone on the wall is, may not be all that distant.

As for the future of my landline, Bond and I are still at a standoff on it. I’m on the hunt for a less expensive source for our home line while he wants to go ahead and cut the cord.

Either way, this girl still needs a smart phone!

Karin Calloway is the editor of Augusta Family Magazine.

She and her husband, Bond, have a teenage daughter and college-age son.

Cell Phone Safety Rene Hopkins, RN, director of Safe Kids East Central at Georgia Health Sciences Children’s Medical Center, says that the safety hazards of cell phone use should be considered before disconnecting your landline. “Cell phones are both a safety asset and a safety hazard, depending on how they are used,” she says.

As a safety asset, cell phones are great for getting help in an emergency situation, relaying information (such as you’re stuck in traffic and need to let someone know you’re going to be late) and staying connected with older children who are starting to enjoy their independence.

She also cites the satellite tracking for persons who are missing or may have been in an accident as an asset.

On the negative side, use while driving and walking both pose safety hazards. She also notes the unknown or unidentified health risk related to cancer.

The New York Post ran an article late last month on the hazards posed by radiation emwww.augustafamily.com

Augusta Family | October 2011 • 29

inspirationstation}

by Charmain Z. Brackett

Raising Kids Who Care

Photo by Charmain z. brackett

Family Volunteerism Puts Children on the Path Toward Lifelong Altruism

Jennifer Hurst teaches her son Bailey about caring for others through their volunteer work at the Jud C. Hickey Center for Alzheimer’s Care.

W

hen Bailey Johnson’s 4th grade teacher at Lamar-Milledge Elementary School proposed a project for her students last year, Jennifer Hurst thought it would be a great opportunity to instill in her son the importance of giving back to others all while researching a topic close to her heart.

“This project really kicked the idea off,” says Hurst. Ten-year-old Bailey’s topic for his project was Alzheimer’s disease. His mom works with Alzheimer’s patients at University Hospital and his great-grandmother, Bettye Rose, had been diagnosed with it prior to her death last October.

As part of his project, Bailey gave a report to his class about the disease. Many of his classmates had never heard of it, he says.

To augment his research, Bailey started volunteering at the Jud C. Hickey Center for Alzheimer’s Care. Despite the completion of the project, he continues to go to the center for Alzheimer’s patients about once a week to read books to groups of four or five clients at a time. He usually picks pre-school level books such as Chicka Chicka Boom Boom or Curious George.

“It’s fun to read to them,” says Bailey. “They laugh a little bit.” Although they may 30 • Augusta Family | October 2011

not remember his visit, Bailey feels good about his time with the clients. “I feel accomplished.”

Hearing that response means Hurst has done her job, she says. “I want him to realize how important it is to help others.”

Volunteer as a Family Gail Fitzpatrick is another parent who has seen the value of getting her children involved in volunteerism at an early age. “It’s a generational thing,” says Fitzpatrick, who has three adult children and a 15-year-old daughter, Mickey, a sophomore at John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School.

Volunteering has been a family thing for the Fitzpatrick clan. In 2002, all four children were still at home and the entire family came in second place in the Army as the volunteer family of the year through a program sponsored by AUSA. Fitzpatrick’s husband, Tom, is a retired colonel and now is a civilian working at Fort Gordon.

At the time of the award, the entire family volunteered with the Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre program.

www.augustafamily.com

Gail has been the volunteer of the year at Fort Gordon and she worked on the installation as the volunteer coordinator for the chaplains for several years. She got Mickey involved at a young age.

“Mickey started volunteering at the dinner theater when she was three,” she says.

Mickey has already volunteered backstage helping wherever she was needed in more than 50 dinner theater productions, but the Fitzpatrick family volunteerism doesn’t stop at the doors of the dinner theater. The family has volunteered once a month at the Christ Episcopal Church soup kitchen for the past 10 years and once a week at a local nursing home for about four years. In addition, Gail and Mickey help with Army family programs on post.

At the nursing home, they do a craft and sometimes call bingo games. “We did the nursing home because we are a displaced family,” says Gail. “Many people in nursing homes don’t have families either. Bringing a child to a nursing home is a highlight for the patient.” She says it also filled a void when the real grandparents were so far away.

Mickey says volunteering has helped her in a lot of ways. “I’m extremely glad I’m interested in volunteering at a young age. I’m an incredibly lazy person. If I was stuck at home, it would be awful,” she says.

Her mother says there are countless skills Mickey has developed through her volunteer efforts. She has devel-

oped leadership abilities, interpersonal skills and is not shy about speaking in public. She’s also not afraid of responsibility even though she might be inclined to think she’s on the lazy side.

There is one benefit Mickey likes best. “I like getting to meet so many new people,” she says.

Gail says volunteering was a great way for the family to bond together over a common activity. It provided opportunity for the members to work together and each one of her children found a specific niche especially at dinner theater.

She says volunteering has paid off for her three older sons in tangible ways. “One got 10 scholarships and another got seven because of volunteering.” Son, Thomas, is currently in law school; Brendan is a combat medic in the Army; and Kyle has had the chance to put to use his dinner theater background as a media specialist/blogger for the television show America’s Got Talent.

Getting Started Parents may not have a clue where to start when getting their children involved in volunteering. Gail says the key is parental involvement. “Parents have to be the example,” she says.

When Mickey was three, she could help with simple tasks such as putting items on the dinner theater prop

www.augustafamily.com

table where her mother directed.

Hurst says the fall season is a great time to start thinking about volunteering as the holidays approach. There are a lot of ways children help to make a positive impact in the community. “They need to know they can help others,” she says.

Volunteerism among children and youth has become a popular topic in children’s television programming.

Two major children’s networks, Nick and Disney Channel, have their own initiatives to spark volunteer interest in young people. Disney Channel has Friends for Change while Nick has The Big Help.

Augusta has numerous charities, many of which rely on the support of volunteers. The United Way of the CSRA’s 211 hotline is an information and referral service. Just dial 211 to get more information on volunteer opportunities. The organization’s We site offers tips on volunteering as a family.

Check the United We Serve website www.serve. gov. for volunteering ideas, “United We Serve is a nationwide service initiative that helps meet growing social needs resulting from the economic downturn,” according to the site. On the site, there are tools to create your own volunteer project as well as find existing projects.

Charmain Z. Brackett is an Augusta freelance writer and mother of three.

Augusta Family | October 2011 • 31

FALL FUN

www.augustafamily.com

FALL FUN

www.augustafamily.com

calendar October 2011

Three Classic Fairy Tales

Prepare to step into a world of wonder where wishing is only the beginning and dreams really do come true in Disney Live! Presents Three Classic Fairy Tales.

Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy as they bring the timeless fairytale adventures of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to life right here in the CSRA. October 6, 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. at the Bell Auditorium. Call 1-877-4AUGTIX for tickets.

SPECIAL EVENTS October 1. Light the Night Walk. This event is filled with inspiration helping to bring a cure to Leukemia and Lymphoma. During this leisurely walk, walkers carry illuminated balloons—white for survivors, red for supporters and gold in memory of loved ones lost to cancer. Thousands of walkers—men, women and children—form a community of caring bringing light to the dark world of cancer. 5:30-8:30 a.m. at the Augusta Common.

Go to www.lightthenight.org for more information.

October 1-8. Westobou Festival 2011. This third annual arts festival is a celebration of the fine and performing arts featuring dance, theater, visual, spoken word and music. For information, schedule and tickets visit www.westoboufestival.com.

October 1-31. Kackleberry Farm. Visit the farm and experience the corn maze, ZIPstream aerial adventure, pumpkin patch, hayrides and more.

Corn Maze is open now through November 13. www.kackleberryfarm.com.

October 2. 20th Annual Children’s Instrument Petting Zoo. Pound percussion, swing on strings,

34 • Augusta Family | October 2011

woosh woodwinds and blare brass! Come visit with members of Symphony Orchestra Augusta and get to know them and their instruments. 1-4 p.m. at the Morris Museum of Art. Free. Sponsored by the Friends of the Symphony and Morris Museum of Art. October 2. Starlight Cinema: Family Football Night. Come enjoy Little giants and enjoy a night of tailgating and family fun. Tailgating food and games will be available. 8 p.m. at Harrison Caver Park in Clearwater. Contact Aiken County PRT at 803-642-7559.

October 5. Breast Cancer Awareness Lunch & Learn. Education and support for women and families affected by breast cancer. Topic: 3D Mammography—The Newest in Breast Imaging Technology presented by Kellie Bedenbaugh. RSVP by October 3. Lunch provided. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Georgia Health Sciences Cancer Center, 1411 Laney Walker Blvd., 2nd Floor, Conference Room 2112. Call 706-721-4109.

October 5-November 11. You & Your Dog. Artists

www.augustafamily.com

and photographers alike are invited to enter this non-juried art exhibition as part of the Wild With Dogs event. Aiken Center for the Arts. www.aikencenterforthearts.org.

October 6. Georgia Health Sciences Cancer Center Purse/Basket Silent Auction. A fundraiser of the Breast Cancer Support Group. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 1211 Laney Walker Blvd., 1st Floor, Community Conference Room. Bidding begins at 9 a.m. Call Nicole Aenchbacher at 706-721-4109.

October 6-7. Michael Landro’s Celtic Fire. A high energy performance anchored in the traditional customs and ancient musical history of Ireland, featuring live music, dance and song. 8 p.m. Aiken Performing Arts. URS Center for the Performing Arts. 803-643-4774.

October 6-7. Botanica by Momix. The Augusta Ballet pays tribute to the Garden City via this internationally acclaimed, visually stunning dance theater performance dedicated to nature. 7 p.m.

Imperial Theatre. 706-261-0555.

calendar October 6. Disney Live! Presents Three Classic Fairy Tales. An enchanted quest on ice featuring favorite Disney characters. 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. Bell Auditorium. 1-877-4AUGTIX. October 6. Breast Cancer Survivor Dinner. This event, sponsored by University Hospital’s Breast Health Center in partnership with Macy’s, celebrates the lives of breast cancer survivors, will feature a fashion show and introduce the 2011 Portraits of Life. Due to the response and yearly growth of the event, only breast cancer survivors are invited to attend. Reservations are required.

Free. Call 706-774-4141.

October 7. Art of Chocolate. Black-tie optional event features live entertainment, delicious food and extravagant chocolate and more desserts created by some of the area’s finest chefs. A silent auction features jewelry, professional and children’s art and more. Benefits Child Enrichment, Inc. 7 p.m. Savannah Rapids Pavilion. 706-737-4631.

October 7-8. Augusta Greek Festival 2011. Enjoy live music, dance, authentic Greek cuisine, church tours and a children’s play area. www.HolyTrinityAugusta.org.

October 8. Prepare & Aware Day. Numerous public safety agencies (state, federal and local) will be on hand with displays, demos, give-a-ways and drawings for prizes that will help you and your family be prepared for all emergencies large and small. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the Emergency Operations Center and in the rear parking lot. 706-868-3303 or 3-1-1.

October 8. Blessing of the Animals. All creatures great and small are welcome. Bring your furry, feathered or scaly friends to receive God’s blessings. Please use leashes and carriers. The CSRA Humane Society will have pets on site for adoption and the Parsonage will have pet items available.

There will also be a reception for animals and their owners. 10 a.m. at Church of the Good Shepherd, 2230 Walton Way October 8. Fourth Annual Columbus Day Festival.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Columbia County Amphitheater. www.columbiacountyga.gov.

October 8. Westminster Schools of Augusta Fall Festival. Enjoy interactive and fun inflatables for all ages, face painting, games and contests. Food will be available for purchase and pumpkins may be purchased from the on-site pumpkin patch. Free, but arm band purchase required for inflatable access. Children under 4 get free access. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.Visit www.wsa.net for more information.

October 14-16, 21-30. Riverbanks’ Halloween Spook-Tacular. Thirteen wild nights filed with so

much to “zoo.” Riverbanks’ Halloween Spook-Tacular features a trick-or-treat trail, nightly costume parade, mysterious maze and creepy creature encounters. Boo-goers can also boogie at Mummy’s Eeky Freaky Dance Party, frolic in Frankenstein’s Foam Zone and marvel at Ray’s Moonlight Magic.

6-9 p.m. Advance ticket purchase recommended. www.riverbanks.org.

October 14-16. Colonial Times: A day To Remember. A large event featuring demonstrations in pottery, weaving and spinning, frontier trading, quilting, blacksmithing, meat curing, gold and silversmithing, and more. www.colonialtimes.us.

October 15. Eleventh Annual Miracle Mile Walk.

One hundred percent of the net proceeds from this event stay in our community and provide breast cancer care, including free mammograms, to underserved women. For more information or to register or join a team or to donate, visit www.TheMiracleMileWalk.org. 8 a.m. registration, walk begins at 9:30 a.m. Augusta Common, 8th and Reynolds Streets.

October 15. Octoberfest. Enjoy day-long festivities including live entertainment, U.S. Army Signal Corps band performance, The Gootman Sauerkraut Band, folk dancers and much more. 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Fort Gordon. Barton Field. 706791-6779.

October 15. A PawPrints Event: Wags to Wishes Surfin’ Safari. Live and silent auctions. Benefits local animal shelters. 7-10 p.m. Taylor BMW. www. pawprintsfoundation.org.

October 17-22. Painefest. Don’t miss the celebratory festival featuring a live concert, children’s village, barbecue cook-off, stage competitions, a tribute to military and Wounded Warriors, an art exhibition and much more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Paine College. www.paine.edu.

October 17-31. ECGTL Libraries: It’s Spooky To Be Hungry Food Drive. Help the public libraries fight hunger and build a stronger community through donations of non-perishable, canned vegetables, fruits, canned meats and pasta and more.

All proceeds distributed through Golden Harvest Food Bank. Simply drop items in the collection bins at any Augusta-area library.

October 18. 2011 Best of Augusta Celebration.

All the best of the Augusta area as voted by the readers of Augusta Magazine. Sample the finest foods, see the most popular entertainers and speak to the area’s favorite personalities. This year’s event benefits co-hosts the Greater Augusta Arts Council and Sacred Heart Cultural Center. 6:30-9 p.m.

Sacred Heart Cultural Center. 706-823-3722. www. augustamagazine.com.

www.augustafamily.com

October 19. Breast Cancer Awareness Lunch & Learn. Education and support for women and families affected by breast cancer. Topic: Eating Healthy—Tips and Tools for the busy Professional presented by Lindsay Baker, RD, LD. RSVP by October 16. Lunch provided. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Georgia Health Sciences Cancer Center, 1411 Laney Walker Blvd., 2nd Floor, Conference Room 2112. Call 706-721-4109.

October 19. The Art of Taste. Enjoy learning and tastes from one of the regions most notable cooking authors, Gena Knox, author of Southern My Way: Simple Recipes, Fresh Flavors. Winner of 2011 Cookbook of the Year. 11 a.m. Aiken Center for the Arts. 803-641-9094.

October 20. EAMESpirational CHAIRity Auction.

Artist-embellished chair auction. Tickets available at the library or online. 6:30 p.m. Augusta-Richmond Library. www.ecgrl.org.

October 21-22. Spirits of Hallowed Eve Dinner and Tours. If you enjoy ghostly tales and folklore, this event is for you. Spirits of Hallowed Eve dinner, Friday, 6:30 p.m. For dinner reservations, lynn@ colonialtimes.us or 803-279-7560. Walk amongst the ghosts of yesteryear in the Colonial setting in a guided tour. Entertainment in the tavern. Tours held between 6-9 p.m. Grande finale, 8:30 p.m. by Faire Wynds. For tour reservations, pam@colonialtimes. us or 803-441-8956 Living History Park, North Augusta.

October 27. Annual Time To Scare Halloween Carnival & Haunted House. Sponsored in part

by WRDW News12, Augusta Recreation & Parks Department and Clear Channel Radio. Doors open at 6 p.m. Children ages 12 and under accompanied by an adult. Haunted house, carnival game room where kids can win some candy! A costume contest will be held at 7 p.m. for children in three different age categories—infant to 2 years, 3 to 8 years and 9 to12 years—judged by local TV and radio celebrities. 6-8 p.m. at the Diamond Lakes Community Center, 103 Diamond Lakes Way, Hephzibah. Call 803-279-1212 October 27. Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat. Patriots Park gym. www.columbiacountyga.gov.

October 28. Lady Antebellum. The Grammywinning musical trio will perform at a dedication ceremony for the Evans amphitheater named in their honor. Tickets go on sale at 8 a.m., October 1, at the Evans branch library. Gates open at 4 p.m.

Lady Antebellum Pavilion. www.columbiacountyga. gov.

October 29. Doctors Hospital and WJBF Health and Wellness Expo. Admission is free and hundreds of dollars worth of free screenings will be

Augusta Family | October 2011 • 35

calendar done by representatives of Doctors Hospital. There will be a Kid’s Zone and free Old Petersburg Boat rides on the Canal. 9 .m.-4 p.m. at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion.

October 29. Everything Pumpkins Scarecrow Contest. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Living History Park. www. colonialtimes.us.

October 30. Pet-A-Fair. This event, hosted by the CSRA Humane Society, will include food, pet contests, silent auction, raffles and more. Admission is free. Doors open at noon. Julian Smith Casino on Lake Olmstead.

Museum and Science Events

the little ones and collect colorful leaves and make suncatchers for your windows at home. Ages 5 and up. 4:30-5:30 p.m.

October 4 & 5. Social Canvas with Art Bar. 6 p.m.

Old Richmond Academy parade grounds. www. westoboufestival.com.

The Arts, Music and More

October 4. SOA Discovery Concerts. Debuts Gabriel Pique, pianist, 2011 Symphony Youth Competition winner. 10:30 a.m. Maxwell Theatre. ASU campus. 706-826-4705.

October 1–December 30. The Annual Quilt Exhibition. See the history of quilting among AfricanAmerican women and how they used their skills to provide for their families. Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. 706-724-3576.

October 1. SOA Symphony Series Performance.

Features Amier Naji, piano, 2011 Symphony Guild Youth Competition winner. First Baptist Church of Augusta. 706-826-4705.

October 4. Hey Boo: Fifty Years To Kill a Mockingbird and Harper Lee. Presented by Mary McDonough Murphy. 11 a.m. Augusta-Richmond County Library. www.westoboufestival.com.

October 4. Film screenings. Random Acts of Reading and To Kill a Mockingbird. 8 p.m.

Augusta-Richmond County Library. www.westoboufestival.com.

Augusta Canal Discovery Walks www.augustacanal.com Join local experts for informative weekend walks exploring the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area’s man-made and natural environments.

October 8. 10 a.m. Unlocking the Waters.

October 9. 3 p.m. The Stallings Island Culture.

October 22. 10 a.m. The Stallings Island Culture.

October 23. 3 p.m. Fall Foliage.

October 1. Ira Glass. An evening with the host of NPR’s “This American Life” program. Westobou Festival. 7 p.m. Maxwell Theatre. ASU campus.

706-667-4100.

Augusta Museum of History 560 Reynolds St. 706-722-8454.

Museum Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

October 1-29. Exhibits. The Center for Arts and Heritage in North Augusta will feature Carolina’s Got Art, along with The Art of Millinery featuring the works of local milliner Elizabeth Tudor. This month the Center will also feature About Face, portraits painted or sculpted by local artists.www.artsandheritagecenter.com.

October 5. Hums & Oms: Performing Sculpture.

Westobou Festival. 8 p.m. Maxwell Theatre. ASU campus. 706-667-4100.

October 2. An Afternoon With the Arts. Musicians, artist demonstrations and light refreshments.

Exhibitions by the North Augusta Artists Guild and others. 2-5 p.m. Arts and Heritage Center, North Augusta. 803-441-4380.

October 8. SOA Orchestra and Westobou Festival. Music of John Williams Spectacular. A celebration of great film themes. 7:30 p.m. Bell Auditorium.

706-826-4705.

October 5. A Place in Time, Augusta Past, Present, and Future. Dr. Lee Ann Caldwell. 12:30-1:30 p.m.

October 28. Local Legends. Show highlights the exceptionally talented people of the CSRA. Augusta Museum of History. 706-722-8454.

Reed Creek Park 3820 Park Lane, Martinez.

706-210-4027.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Preregistration required.

October 21. Cherokee Leaf Painting. Learn about the Native American craft of Cherokee Leaf Pounding. This craft transfers a leaf’s natural dyes to fabric by beating its chlorophyll directly into the cloth, then setting the color through natural chemical action to avoid fading. Ages 5 and up. 4:30-5:30 p.m.

October 22. Autumn Nature Photography. Instructional program where you can share and critique photographs, discuss equipment and technique and have the opportunity to take photographs at Reed Creek Nature Park. Don’t forget to bring your camera. Ages 12 and up. 4-5 p.m.

October 28. Catch the Sun. The Autumn Leaf Suncatcher adds some warmth as winter nears. Bring

October 1. Tara Scheyer and the Mud Puppy Band. Children’s performance. 1-3 p.m. Old Richmond Academy parade grounds. www.westoboufestival.com.

October 2-November 30. I Waltzed With God the Morning of Genesis Exhibit. Reception 5 p.m., October 2. Collins-Calloway Library. Paine College.

706-396-7591.

October 2. Coming Up Shoutin’! The New England Spiritual Ensemble. Westobou Festival. 7 p.m. St. Paul’s Church. 706-722-3463.

October 2. Leon Redbone. Jazz and blues artist featured on Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show. 7:30 p.m. JSH Performing Arts Center.

October 3. Branford Marsalis and Joey Calderazzo Duo. Westobou Festival. 8 p.m. Imperial Theatre. 706-733-8241.

October 3. A Film Comedy Evening with Peter Tischner. 7 p.m. Activities Center Ballroom. ASU. www.westoboufestival.com.

www.augustafamily.com

October 5. The Life and Works of Horton Foote.

2 p.m. Augusta-Richmond County Library. www. westoboufestival.com.

October 5. Wycliffe Gordon. Lecture and demonstration. 5:30-6:15 p.m. Maxwell Theatre. ASU campus. 706-667-4100.

October 7. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. 8 p.m. Old Richmond Academy parade grounds. www.westoboufestival.com.

October 8. The Swinging Medallions. Second Saturday Concert Series. 7 p.m. Columbia County Amphitheater. 706-312-7192.

October 8. Lizz Wright: The Gospel of Jazz. 8 p.m.

Imperial Theatre. www.westoboufestival.com.

October 13-15. Purlie Victorious. Comedy written by Ossie Davis and directed by Jack Benjamin. Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 2 p.m. Main Theatre. Etherredge Center. USCAiken. 803-641-3305.

October 14, 15, 16, 21, 22. The Crucible. Winner of the 1953 Tony Award for Best Play, The Crucible has earned its place as an American theater classic. 8 p.m. Oct. 16 and 22, 3 p.m. Aiken Community Playhouse. URS Center for the Performing Arts.

803-648-1438.

October 14. Southern Soul & Song: Pam Tillis. Singer/ songwriter/actress, Pam Tillis is known for the hits

Augusta Family | October 2011 • 37

she’s written for others as well as those she reserved for herself. 7:30 p.m. Imperial Theatre. 706-722-8341.

October 17. Young Frankenstein. Based on the Oscar-nominated smash hit 1974 film, this wickedly inspired re-imagining of Mary Shelley’s classic by Mel Brooks took the form of a Broadway musical in 2007, garnering the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Broadway Musical 2008. 7:30 p.m. at the Bell Auditorium. Call 877-4AUGTIX or go to Georgialinatix.com for tickets.

October 25-29. Cinderella. Storyland Theatre presentation. 9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.

Tuesday-Friday. 3 p.m. matinee Saturday. Imperial Theatre. Reservations required. www.storylandtheatre.org.

October 27. Pops! at the Bell With Neil Sedaka.

Boasting a career that spans 50 years, the iconic pop singer, pianist and songwriter performs with the Augusta Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Bell Auditorium.

706-826-4705.

October 28, 29 and November 4, 5, 6, 11, 12.

Children of a Lesser God. Winner of the 1980 Tony Award. 8 p.m. Nov. 6, 3 p.m. Aiken Community Playhouse. URS Center for the Performing Arts.

Aiken. 803-648-1438.

Family Music of Augusta Musikgarten classes for children up to age 9. Go to familymusicofaugusta.org or call Kathleen at 706955-7819.

Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art 506 Telfair St. 706-722-5495 or www.ghia.org October 1-14. A Sense of Place Juried Art Competition and Exhibition. The national juried fine art competition continues its tradition of recognizing the outstanding quality and diversity of work being generated by contemporary American artists.

38 • Augusta Family | October 2011

October 1-14. Sarah Hobbs Exhibit. Atlanta artist Sarah Hobbs presents a contemporary art installation in conjunction with Westobou. Opening reception, Oct. 7, 5-7 p.m.

October 1-15. Ingrid Hofer Exhibit. Solo exhibit features mixed media journals of the artist’s travels throughout Europe and select watercolors and acrylics from her larger works.

Junior Jazz Karen Gordon, instructor Augusta Jewish Community Center, 898 Weinberger Way, Evans.

Call 706-228-3636 to register.

Classes are held on Tuesday afternoons from 4-5 p.m.

Morris Museum of Art 1 Tenth St. 706-724-7501 or www.themorris.org October 1-November 20. Preservation of Place: The Art of Edward Rice. This exhibition features 30 paintings produced since 1982 by the noted realist with works drawn from private and public collections across the South. This exhibit is one of the most inclusive overviews of Rice’s career to date.

October 1. Porter Fleming Literary Competition Awards Ceremony. Wine and cheese reception to honor the winners.

October 1-November 6. Down South: Paintings by Art Rosenbaum Photographs by Margo Newmark Rosenbaum. Works by famed painter, muralist and illustrator Art Rosenbaum and his wife Margo, a well-known photographer.

October 2. Artrageous! Family Sunday: Instrument Petting Zoo. Sponsored by the Friends of Symphony Orchestra Augusta. 1-4 p.m.

October 6. Toddler Time: Building Buildings!

www.augustafamily.com

View paintings by artist Edward Rice and learn about different types of buildings and the stories they tell. Afterwards, make a painting using different shapes and textures. Registration required. 10-11:00 a.m., or 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

October 15. Adult Workshop: Writing the Past.

Cultural historian Vennie Deas Moore shares writing tips and techniques that will bring personal memoirs, family narratives or historical fiction to life. The workshop includes group readings and critiques, as well as exercises and strategies to get your creativity flowing. Paid registration required by October 9. 1-4:30 p.m..

October 16. Pottery Trunk Show: Rebecca Wood. Shop for beautiful dinnerware, bowls, and serving platters by Rebecca Wood, an Athens, Georgia, resident, who is one of the most respected ceramic makers in the world. Wood will be showcasing her line of pottery, including some of her one-of-a-kind pieces. Free.

October 16. Sunday Sketch. Sketch in the galleries, with materials supplied by the museum. Checkin in the activity room. FREE. 2-3:30 p.m.

Musical Theatre Workshops and Footnotes Dance Academy 3833 Martinez Blvd., Martinez (in front of the Martinez Post Office) Contact Mickey Lubeck, director, at 706-231-1759, musicaltheatredirector@gmail.com. www.onwiththeshow.biz.

Ongoing. Multiple studios for classes in acting, voice and dance. Visit their Web site for current class offerings.

Visual Praise Studios 3497 Wheeler Rd., Augusta Call Jocelyn Richard, Director, at 706-733-2926.

• Tuesdays. Worship Dance Classes for Homeschoolers. Ages 4 and up. Classes are held in the afternoons. Call for class times.

•Wednesdays and Saturdays. Praise Stretch and Tone for Moms. Call for times.

•Saturdays. Girls Liturgical Dance Workshop. Call for times.

Sports October 10. 18th Annual Bert Yancey Mental Health Golf Tournament. Fundraiser named after professional golfer Bert Yancey with proceeds to benefit area mental health advocacy organizations.

The River Golf Club. www.bertyanceygolftournament.org.

October 10. Georgia Cross Series Cyclocross.

Presented by the ESI. Lake Olmstead. www. georgia-cross.com.

October 24. Augusta Riverhawks Golf Tournament. Forest Hills Golf Club. Begins at 11 a.m. 706) 993-2645, ext. 6. www.augustariverhawks.com.

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., 706821-2801.

October 31-November 11. Registration for Youth Winter Basketball. Boys & Girls Bantam Basketball ages 6 to 8. Pee Wee Basketball ages 9 to 10.

Midget Basketball ages 11 to 12. Junior Basketball ages 13 to 14. Senior Basketball ages 15 to 17.

Augusta Riverhawks www.augustariverhawks.com 7:35 p.m.

October 20. Opening Night.

October 22. Huntsville.

October 27. Louisiana.

October 28. Louisiana.

Aiken-Augusta Swim League Swimming Programs www.swimasl.com or contact Terry Dennis at tgmdennis@hotmail.com.

Ongoing on weekdays and Saturdays. Swimming lessons for 4- to 12-year-olds. Lessons offered at the USC Aiken Pool, the Augusta Aquatics Center and the Riverwood Plantation pool. Competitive swimming programs are also available .

Columbia County Recreation and Parks 5445 Columbia Rd., Grovetown.

706-863-7523 or www.columbiacountyga.gov.

Martial Arts Classes. Ages 8-adult. Taught by a certified Karate for Christ International instructor with 18 years of experience. Classes are held at Heights Church, behind Mi-Rancho in Clearwater, S.C., directly on the Aiken-Augusta Highway.

years at the family Y of Augusta South, 6-9:30 p.m.

Ages 2-12 at the Wilson Family Y from 6-9:30 p.m.

October 22. Parent’s Night Out for Children of Deployed Soldiers at the Marshall Family Y. Children of deployed soldiers ages 2-12. 6-9:30 p.m. Free.

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.

October 27. Wilson Family Y Nutrition Seminar: Trick for the Treats. Learn the benefits of antioxidants and ways to lighten up your favorite snacks, appetizers and desserts. 7:30 p.m.

October 3-27. Wilson Family Y Swim Lessons Fall Session. All ages and skill levels, 6 months to adult beginner. Lessons are held in five-week sessions Monday-Thursday at the indoor pools at the Wilson Family Y.

October 29. Trunk-or-Treat. Enjoy a safe trick-ortreat experience at the Family Y. 10 a.m.-noon.

Free.

October 4-28. Family Y Swim Club Fall Session.

Swim Club is a bridge between swim lessons and a swim team with specific training in endurance and stroke work. Lessons are held in four-week sessions Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at the indoor pool at the Wilson Family Y. October 8. Movie Night on the Field. Enjoy family time at the sports fields behind the Wilson Family Y. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. and movie begins at sundown. Free.

October 8. Parent’s Night Out at Marshall Family Y and Family Y of North Augusta. Ages 2-12.

6-9:30 p.m. Sibling discount available.

October 10 & 21. School Days Out Camp at the Wilson Family Y. Camp activities from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with early drop-off at 7 a.m. and late pick-up until 6 p.m. for no extra charge. Register at any Family Y location.

October 17. Parents Night Out at Family Y of Aiken County. Ages 2-12. 6-9:30 p.m. Sibling discount available.

October 17-November 6. Youth Basketball Registration. Ages 3-17. Available at Family Y of Augusta South, Family Y of Southside Tubman and Wilson Family Y. October 17-November 10. Family Y of Aiken County Swim Lessons Fall Session. All ages and skill levels, ages 6 months to adult beginners.

Lessons are held in four-week sessions MondayThursday at the indoor pool at the Family Y of Aiken County.

October 24-November 10. Winter Youth Basketball Registration. (Early Bird registration is October 17-21.)

October 21 & 24. School Days Out Camp at the Aiken County and North Augusta Family YMCA. Camp activities from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with early dropoff at 7 a.m. and late pick-up until 6 p.m. for no extra charge. Register at any Family Y location..

CSRA Defensive Arts 803-221-0300 or www.csraDefensiveArts.com.

October 22. Parent’s Night Out at Wilson Family Y and Family Y of Augusta South. Ages 8 weeks to 12

www.augustafamily.com

Parents’ Morning Out Programs.

Enjoy the morning out while your child plays games, does arts and crafts and more.

Augusta South Family Y Drop and Shop. MondayFriday from 9 a.m.-noon for ages 6 weeks-4 years.

North Augusta Family Y Drop and ShopProgram. Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-noon for ages 6 months to 12 years.

Wilson Family Y. Ages 2-4. Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. or Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Ongoing. Adapted Wii Special Populations at the Wilson Family Y. Individual half-hour classes (one-on-one ratio) for physically and developmentally challenged individuals of all ages. Specially trained staff uses Wii Interactive Computer games to improve participant’s independence and quality of life. By appointment. Call Claudia Collins at 706-922-9662.

Ongoing. Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson Disease Aquatics Class. Sponsored by the CSRA Parkinson Support Group and the Family Y. Group class designed specifically for ambulatory participants affected by Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson Disease. Mondays and Fridays at the Wilson Family Y. Noon. Registration required.

Ongoing on the Fridays. Break Dance Class at the Wilson Family Y. Designed to promote dance and culture for ages 13 and up while emphasizing Christian character values. Sessions are four weeks longing beginning the first Friday of the month. 7-8:30 p.m.

Salvation Army Kroc Center 1833 Broad Street. 706-364-KROC (5762) www.krocaugusta.org.

October 7. Kids Night Out. 6-10 p.m.

October 14. Teen Night Out. 6-10 p.m.

October 28. Family Night Out. 6:30-10:30 p.m.

Childbirth, Breastfeeding and Parenting Support Groups AugustaAreaMommies

Augusta Family | October 2011 • 39

calendar Contact Jennifer Stanley at 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 Area Newcomers Organization Contact hospitality@augustanewcomers.com or call Susan Salisbury at 706-814-6297.

This non-profit organization helps people who are new to the area get acclimated and make friends.

They offer a variety of activities including golf, book groups and dining out. Be sure to confirm your attendance at their events by e-mailing or calling the above numbers.

Augusta Birth Network (ABN).

This non-profit group is part of a grassroots movement based on the belief that birth can profoundly affect our physical, mental and spiritual well being as defined by the MotherFriendly Childbirth Initiative. By making informed choices and having confidence in the process, families can experience safe and satisfying childbirth. Free meetings are held the first Monday of each month at Earth Fare on Furys Ferry Road. 7-8:30 p.m. For a directory of the CSRA’s many birthing options visit augustabirthnetwork.org.

Second Monday of Each Month. Free Doula Tea. Enjoy a cup of tea and a DVD. Meet certified doulas and discuss topics including: Who should come to my birth? What are the benefits of having a doula?

Why hire a doula? Coping with labor—the doula way. Babies in arms welcome, but please do not bring children. Call to confirm your attendance a few days in advance—706-312-9855 or e-mail vegachristen@gmail.com. 7-8 p.m. at Steinle Wellness Center, 122 Old Evans Rd.

2405 or log on at lllusa.org/web/AugustaGA. html.

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 e-mail Jen at theotherbradford@ yahoo.com.

Celiac Disease Support Group E-mail 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.

Common Bond Parent Support Group Geneice McCoy, organizer.

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.

Georgia Health Sciences Health System (formerly MCGHealth) Mom’s Connection This weekly support group for mothers meets each Tuesday at 1225 Walton Way in Room 101C. The group is for new moms and babies looking for support in the early stages of parenthood. Call 706721-8283 or go to georgiahealth.org.

Hypnobabies 706-312-9855 or abirthingintuition.com.

Hypnosis for Childbirth Classes. Call for dates and location.

Trust Birth Augusta: Birth Stories and Cinema Circle.

Not another expert, not another class. Women talking to women about birth. Trust Birth meets the fourth Monday of each month. Steinly Wellness Center, 122 Old Evans Rd. 7-9 p.m. Infants and quiet children welcome.

Parent Support Group 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 706-737-4631 for information and location.

This group is not appropriate for sex offenders.

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-

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 706364-5245 or hoopnhollar2@yahoo.com or go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MaMasInAugusta/.

40 • Augusta Family | October 2011

www.augustafamily.com

MOMS Club Visit momsclubaugusta.org.

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

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) A nondenominational Christian group for mothers of preschool-aged children. Meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m.-noon and the first Tuesday of each month from 7-9 p.m. at Trinity-on-the-Hill United Methodist Church on Monte Sano Ave. Call 706-738-8822 or visit orgsites.com/ga/trinityumcmops.

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 803-640-4742 or e-mail mopsaiken@gmail.com for more information or to register for childcare.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES Aiken Home School Times Playgroup 803-648-7042 or fourmckeels@yahoo.com.

Thursdays. This playgroup is open to all home schoolers. Meets at the O’Dell Weeks playground for unstructured play for the children and time with other home school parents for the adults. Noon.

Augusta Jewish Community Center 898 Weinberger Way. 706-228-3636 or log on at augustajcc.org.

Ongoing. The Mothers Circle. Free course, resources, education and events for women of other backgrounds raising Jewish children. Call for details.

Sign Up for Class! The AJCC offers a wide variety of classes for children of all ages and adults, including athletics, the arts, cooking, language and more. Log on to download a complete listing.

Classical Conversations Visit classicalconversations.com or e-mail Terri at classicalaugusta@yahoo.com.

A Classical Christian Community of home schoolers that meets once a week from August through April with the goal of training their children to know God and to make Him known in all areas of life.

E-mail Terri for information.

Homeschool Playgroup Creighton Park, next to Living History Park in North Augusta. Call 803-613-0484 or emilykohlbacher@

calendar hotmail.com.

Every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. All welcome.

Monkey Joe’s 368 Furys Ferry Rd. 706-922-JUMP (5867). monkeyjoes.com.

First Sunday of Each Month. Special Needs Night at Monkey Joe’s. This event is held the first Sunday of each month after general store hours to ensure a calm environment for special needs children and their parents. 6-7 p.m.

PHC Weight Loss and Wellness Martinez: 706-868-5332. Augusta: 706-796-6267.

Aiken: 803-649-3428. Logon at www.phcweightloss.com.

Student Plan Orientations.

Students with parent or guardian can attend 45 minute complimentary sessions by appointment on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays between 3 and 6 p.m. Call for information.

Hospital Programs Doctors Hospital Call 706-651-BABY (2229) or go to doctors-hospital.net for registration and class location. Preregistration required for most programs.

October 1 & 2. Short and Sweet. This is a weekend express childbirth preparation course covering relaxation and breathing techniques, labor, delivery and postpartum care and much more. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.

October 4. The Daddy Class. For dads only.

Taught by an experienced dad, this class talks about the joys and challenges of fatherhood and ways to support mom. 7-9 p.m.

October 10, 17, 24 & 31. AngioScreens Vascular Screening. This is a simple, non-invasive vascular screening designed to provide information about heart rhythm, neck and leg arteries, blood pressure and body mass index. 8 a.m.4:30 p.m., 635 Ronald Regan Dr., Evans. Call 706-651-4343 to register.

October 11. Pickles and Ice Cream. Great for the first-time mom but recommended for all. Nutrition, exercise, fetal development and body changes are discussed. 7-9 p.m.

session class for those in the second trimester of pregnancy. Will cover labor, relaxation and breathing and becoming a family. 7-9:30 p.m. on both evenings.

October 20. H2U Presents: How To Avoid Strokes. Presented by Greg Charlton of Medical Services of America. 12:30 p.m. Call 706-6516719 for information.

October 20. Baby 101. Topics include normal newborn appearance and behavior, crying, diapering, swaddling and feeding.

October 22. Safe Sitter. This nationally recognized program teaches students ages 11-13 safe and nurturing child care techniques, management and appropriate responses to medical emergencies. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

October 29. Teen Talk. Geared towards educating teen girls and their mothers. Two classrooms are utilized so that mothers can receive the same information as their daughters. By learning in separate rooms, teen girls are more comfortable about asking questions that may be embarrassing in the presence of their mothers. Subjects such as peer pressure, drug use, eating disorders and sexual activity are discussed. 10 a.m.-noon.

Georgia Health Sciences Health System Register online at georgiahealth.org.

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

October 4. Autism Spectrum Disorder Support and Resource Group (The “A-Team”). Provides support for families, caregivers and friends of children with autism spectrum disorders including autism, Asperger’s and PDD NOS. 6-7 p.m. Georgia Health Sciences Children’s Medical Center, first floor, Family Resource Library.

October 6. Safe Kids East Central Presents Cribs for Kids. Learn how to provide a safe sleep environment for your child. Families who demonstrate a financial need will receive a portable crib, fitted sheet, sleep sac and pacifier for a small fee. 5:45-8 p.m. MCGHealth Building 1010C, 1125 Walton Way. Call Rene Hopkins, RN, at 706-721-7606.

October 13. Babies, Bumps and Bruises. For families, parents and friends. Infant CPR taught by the American Heart Association. Infant safety issues are also covered. 7-9 p.m.

October 12. Safe Kids East Central Safety Seat Inspection. Four out of five car seats are used incorrectly. Schedule an appointment to make sure yours is installed properly by calling 706-541-3970.

10 a.m.-noon at the Columbia County Sheriff Substation, 650 Ronald Reagan Dr., Evans.

October 18 & 25. Showing & Glowing. A two-

October 13 & 27. Weight Loss Seminar. Extra

www.augustafamily.com

weight can lead to heart disease, sleep apnea, hypertension, diabetes and a myriad of other health problems. But reducing your weight can improve your health. Surgical options for weight loss at GHSU include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding and body contouring.

Find out more at this free weight loss seminar.

October 13 at 7 p.m. at the Columbia County Library in Evans. October 27 at 7 p.m. at the Georgia Health Sciences Cancer Center, 1411 Laney Walker Blvd., First Floor, Community Room. Go to georgiahealth.org/weightloss or call 706-721-2609.

October 13. Car Seat Class. Car seat safety, education and training. Financial assistance is available to Medicaid and Peach Care-eligible families. 5:458 p.m., MCGHealth Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way. Call 706-721-7606 to register.

October 18. Breastfeeding Class. This free class, led by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, helps expectant parents gain knowledge and support to ensure successful breastfeeding. 7-9 p.m. Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center, 1120 15th St., West Entrance, first floor, Patient and Family Resource Library.

Ongoing. Safe Kids East Central Car Seat Classes. By appointment only at the following locations: Safe Kids Office, MCGHealth Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way and Martinez Columbia Fire Rescue Headquarters.

Ongoing. Safe Kids East Central Child Safety Seat Inspections. By appointment only at the following locations: Safe Kids Office, MCGHealth Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way—Contact Rene Hopkins at 706-721-7606. Martinez Columbia Fire Rescue Headquarters.

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

October 1. Saturday Express Lamaze Childbirth.

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.

October 1. Growing Boys. Boys ages 9-12 accompanied by their father, male relative or friend, will learn what to expect in the pre-adolescent years. 9:30 a.m.-noon. Call to register and for fee information.

October 3. Infant CPR. Learn how to respond in an emergency situation using infant mannequins and a simple step-by-step method. 7-9 p.m.

Augusta Family | October 2011 • 41

calendar October 6. Childbirth 101. This class provides a basic overview to the signs and symptoms of labor as well as the stages of labor and delivery. Information on pain relief options will be included along with information about the immediate bonding period with your newborn as well as postpartum adjustment. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

October 10. “HUG” Your Baby. This class provides Help, Understanding and Guidance for young families as they prepare for the birth of their infant. You will begin to understand how your infant communicates with you and learn strategies to help calm your baby when he shows signs of over-stimulation. A dynamic, fun and effective way to connect with your newborn. 7-9 p.m.

October 14. Baby Care Basics & Breastfeeding.

Information about the physiology of milk production, nutritional needs of mother and baby, nipple care and milk storage. Also will help parents obtain knowledge and gain confidence in the care of newborns. 9 a.m.-noon.

October 25. The Birds, The Bees and Me. This course brings together 12 to 15-year-old girls and their mother, female relative or friend for frank discussions of sexuality, peer pressure and responsible decision making as well as the changes, challenges and decisions that confront today’s teenage girls. 6:30-9 p.m.

October 29. Childcare and Babysitting Safety. Updated with a new curriculum plan designed by the American Safety and Health Institute. Course content includes: playtime, hand-washing, telephone calls, infant and child feeding, diapering, sleep time and providing emergency care. Ages 11-14. 9 a.m.3 p.m. Call to register and inquire about fees.

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

New: Young Women with Breast Cancer. Meets the third Friday each month. A support group for women in their 20s through 30s dealing with breast cancer. 12:20 p.m. at the University Hospital Breast Health Center, Professional Center 2, Suite 205, 818 St. Sebastian Way. Special Breast Cancer Events See page 35 for information on the Breast Cancer Survivor Dinner on October 6.

October 4. Breast Cancer: What You Need To

42 • Augusta Family | October 2011

Know. Randy W. Cooper, M.D., surgeon, will be the presenter. Free. Dinner will be served and reservations are required. 6-7:30 p.m. at the North Augusta Municipal Building, 100 Georgia Ave., Fourth Floor.

706-828-2502.

ing Bird and Harper Lee. Documentary presentation by filmmaker and author Mary McDonough Murphy. Outdoor screening from 8-10:30 p.m. on James Brown Blvd., between Greene and Telfair Streets. Bring chairs and picnic.

October 11. Dealing with Breast Cancer. Presenter Pam Anderson, RN, CBNC, program coordinator Breast Health Center. Free. For breast cancer patients and family members only. Dinner will be served and reservations are required. 6-7:30 p.m., University Hospital Cafeteria, Dining Rooms 1-3, 1350 Walton Way. 706-774-4141.

October 5. The Life and Works of TKAM Screenplay Writer Horton Foote. Dr. Gerald Wood, author of Selected One-Act Plays of Horton Foote, Horton Foot: A Casebook and Horton Foot and The Theater of Intimacy. 2-4 p.m.

October 18. What You Need To Know About Breast Cancer. Lead by Matthew S. Pugliese, M.D., surgeon. Free. Lunch will be served and reservations are required. Noon-1 p.m. in the University Hospital Cafeteria, Dining Rooms 4-6, 1350 Walton Way. 706-828-2502.

October 25. Current Medical Treatments for Breast Cancer. Oncologist Miriam J. Atkins, M.D., is the program presenter. Free. Dinner will be served and reservations are required. 6-7:30 p.m. at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion, 3300 Evans to Locks Rd. Call 706-828-2502.

Women’s Services October 14, 15, 21, & 22. Weekender Childbirth Preparation Class. Friday from 6:30-9:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

October 5. Poets from the 60’s. Presented by CSRA Poetry Society. 6-7 p.m.

October 8. Writers’ Workshop. Join Author Jordan Treat for a candid discussion of her book If Tomorrow Comes and I Am Gone, learn about writing and the publishing process. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

October 8. Mangelly Accordion Band Presents Casey at the BAT. Directed by LaRue Mangelly. 2 p.m.

October 15. Financial Literacy Seminar. 10:30 a.m.

Presented by Kingdom Financial Management.

October 15. Book Signing: Maurice McBride.

Author of the children’s book, Oliver Vance: Pull Up Your Pants. 1:30-3:30 p.m.

October 15. Book Signing: Elaine Pierson. Author of Summer Course. 1:30-3:30 p.m.

October 20. Breastfeeding Class. 7-9 p.m. at Babies R Us, 4225 Washington Rd., Evans.

October 15. Afternoon Movie. Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer. Rated PG. 2 p.m.

October 4-25 (Tuesdays), October 24-31 (Mondays), October 26-November 16 (Wednesdays).

Childbirth Preparation Class. Four-week series.

7-9:30 p.m.

October 18. Genealogy Seminar. Tips and tricks for Ancestry.com and Heritagequest.com. 2 p.m.

Call 706-826-1511 to register.

October 27. Introduction to Infant CPR. 7-8:30 p.m.

Library Events

October 25. Children’s Program: Let’s Make CraftStick Mummies. 10 a.m.

October 29. Halloween Party. Storytelling, games, costume parade and more. 2 p.m.

Augusta Headquarters Library 823 Telfair St. 706-821-2600.

October 27. Ghostbusters: Investigating Haunted Houses. Call 706-826-1511 to register.

Story Times. Preschoolers: Tuesdays at 10 a.m.

Ages 2 and under: Wednesdays at 10 a.m. (parent must stay with child).

October 28. Teen Event: Night of the Undead.

Wear something old just in case there is a lot of blood. Wear zombie makeup. Dinner will be served.

Fun activities. 5:30-8 p.m.

October 1. Wii Gaming at the Children’s Department. Mario Kart. 2 p.m.

October 4. Hey Boo: Fifty years of To Kill a Mock-

www.augustafamily.com

Computer Classes Must have basic computer skills to register for classes listed. Valid Library Card required. Registra-

calendar tion begins September 21.

October 12. EXCEL. 10 a.m.

October 19. Publisher. 10 a.m.

October 26. Word I. 10 a.m.

October 26. Word II. 2:30 p.m.

Teen Read Week Events October 16-22 Poster Workshops. Design a self-styled poster to be displayed at your library. Posters receiving the most votes will win a prize. Call 706-8212675 for more details.

October 8. 9 a.m.-noon.

October 17. 3-5 p.m.

October 18. 3-5 p.m.

October 19. 3-5 p.m.

October 21. Picture It Scavenger Hunt. Identify different locations in the library for a chance to win prizes. Teams welcome. 5:30-7:30 p.m.

October 22. Manga Mania Workshop. Learn the basic Manga drawing skills with Xavier Jones.

Registration required. 2-4 p.m.

Appleby Branch 260 Walton Way. 706-736-6244.

Story Times. Wednesdays, 10:05-10:20 a.m., ages 18-35 months (parent must stay with child). 10:30-11:15 a.m. age 3 and up.

October 3. Computer Class. Basic Word. 11 a.m.-noon. Registration begins October 3.

October 15. Friends of the Library Book Sale.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Columbia County Library 7022 Evans Towne Center Blvd.

706-863-1946.

Story Times—Begins September 12 Tuesdays. 11 a.m. for under age 2.

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. 10:15 a.m. for 2-year-olds.

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. 11 a.m. for preschoolers.

October 3. Cookbook Book Club. Tried and True Thanksgiving and Christmas by Allrecipes.com. 6 p.m.

October 8. Local Author Event. Meet and chat with some of the area’s local authors. Discuss writing and publishing or just meet some new friends. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Library lobby. Call 706-447-7660 for a list of participating authors.

October 12. Kids Event: Crafty Crafts. Ages

6-11. 1 and 4 p.m.

October 3.

October 14. Kids Event: Fall After-Hours. Ages 6-11. 6:30 p.m.

October 21. School’s Out Movie Double Feature. Two movies for children and families.

Free. Bring your own snacks. Phone the branch beginning on October 14 for the titles, descriptions and MPAA ratings of the movies to be shown.

October 17. Monday night Book Club. The Lincoln Layer by Michael Connelly. 6:30 p.m.

October 20. Brown Bag Book Club. Little Bee

by Chris Cleave. 11:30 a.m.

October 24. Non-Fiction Book Club. Gracefully Insane by Alex Bem. 6:30 p.m.

October 26 & 27. Kids Event: Wicked Works of Art. 1 p.m. on the 26th and 4 p.m. on the 27th.

Ages 6-11.

Diamond Lakes Library Diamond Lakes Regional Park. 706-772-2432.

October 5 & 12. Computer Class: Computer Hardware Basics. Learn about computer hardware inside and out. Prerequisite: Computing for Beginners or comparable computing knowledge and skills. 6 p.m. Registration is required and begins on October 3.

October 8. Meet the Author: Maurice McBride.

Meet, greet and talk with the co-author of the children’s book Oliver Vance Pull Up Your Pants.

The author will sign copies of his book, which may be purchased at the library. No registration required.

October 13, 20 & 27. Computer Class: Intermediate Word Processing. This course addresses editing, formatting and using bullets and numbers, pictures and tables, as well as printing documents.

Prerequisite: Word Processing Basics or comparable knowledge and skills. 10 a.m. Registration is required and begins on October 3.

October 14, 21 & 28. Computer Class: Internet Basics. Explores how to get connected to the Internet, how to find information and other resources online and how to protect your equipment, data and privacy while using the Internet. Prerequisite: Computing for Beginners or comparable computing skills and knowledge.

10 a.m. Registration is required and begins on October 3.

October 19 & 26. Computer Class: Operating Systems and Software. Participants in this course explore operating systems and software and learn how to create and store and move files. Prerequisite: Computing for Beginners or comparable computing knowledge and skills.

6 p.m. Registration is required and begins on

www.augustafamily.com

October 24. Family & Friends Adult/Child CPR. Teaches how to perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and choking skills in adults and children. Not intended for anyone who may need to respond to a CPR/resuscitation emergency and does not provide a course completion card.

Led by Kewanda Lanham of Georgia Health Sciences University. Class materials provided.

Free. Seating is limited and registration begins October 3.

Friedman Branch 1447 Jackson Rd. 706-736-6758.

Story Times. Tuesdays. 10 a.m.

October 24. Kids Halloween Party. Treats, crafts, games and other assorted fun. Wear your costumes. Suggested for pre-school-5th grade.

Call to register.

Maxwell Branch 1927 Lumpkin Rd. 706-793-2020.

Story Times. Wednesdays. 10 a.m. Registration required.

October 19. Halloween Stories and Crafts for Children: Spider Pops. 3:45-5 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call the library to register.

October 26. Halloween Stories and Crafts for Children: Scarecrow Treat Bags. 3:45-5 p.m.

Pre-registration is required. Please call the library to register.

Wallace Branch 1237 Laney-Walker Blvd. 706-722-6275.

Story Times. Wednesdays. 10-11:15 a.m. Registration required.

Computer Classes. 6-7:30 p.m.

October 4 & 6. Introduction to Computers.

October 11 & 13. Introduction to Internet.

October 18 & 20. Introduction to Word.

October 25 & 27. PowerPoint.

October 26. Special Story Time & Craft: Ghostly Stories and Crafts. Ages 3-5. Registration is required.

Augusta Family | October 2011 • 43

Talkin’ About My Generation

Three residents representing three age groups share their reflections on family, life and fun.

by Grace Belangia photos by Chris Thelen

Lisa Willis Taylor,

46, of West Augusta, is the assistant coordinator of Victims’ Assistance in the Solicitor General’s office.

Likes To: Work on community projects, read and sleep all day on the beach, tailgate at UGA games and shop.

Favorite Thing To Do on a Lazy Fall Afternoon: Read.

Safety Rule She Always Follows: Lock doors.

Safety Rule She Sometimes Breaks: Forget to buckle seat belt.

Favorite Indulgence: Candy/Snickers bars.

Message in a Bottle: Don’t wait for your ship to come in, swim out to meet it.

Biggest Fear: Letting someone down that is depending on me.

Song Playing in Her Head: You and I by Lady Gaga.

44 • Augusta Family | October 2011

Tia Alexandria Tutt, 18, lives

Bob Willis, has been married to his

Likes To: Shop, play ball, make music and be with my friends.

Likes To: Hunt, fish, read, exercise and bushhog, not necessarily in that order.

Favorite Possession: My Nike Air Turf shoes.

Favorite Possession: My patience.

Favorite Thing To Do on a Lazy Fall Afternoon: Sleep!

Favorite Thing To Do on a Lazy Fall Afternoon: I don’t have lazy fall afternoons, I’m hunting.

on The Hill with her mother, Ingrid, and their dog, Suzie.

Safety Rule She Always Follows: Wear my seatbelt.

wife, Maggie, for almost 35 years. They have six grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Safety Rule He Always Follows: Don’t get caught with another man’s wife.

Safety Rule She Sometimes Breaks: Don’t run in the hallways.

Safety Rule He Sometimes Breaks: NEVER the above.

Favorite Indulgence: Shoes.

Favorite Indulgence: To eat popcorn.

Words She Lives By: Practice makes better...

Favorite Place To Be: In the fall woods, in a deer stand with a slight rain falling and a loaded weapon in my hand.

Biggest Fear: Failure.

Friends Say She’s: Hysterical.

Biggest Fear: Missing the first day of hunting season.

Song Playing in Her Head: Adele’s Rolling In the Deep.

Song Playing in His Head: All I hear are crickets.

www.augustafamily.com