Auburn Opelika Parents February 2017

February2017

Volume 7 Number 12

30 Columns

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Publisher’s Note Kendra Sumner

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Living With Children John Rosemond

Living with Children

John Rosemond discusses parenting children with different strengths and abilities.

Diet Traps Every New Mom Faces Find out food fixes for the traps you may face as a new mom.

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Kids Health Watch

sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

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A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

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Dave Says Dave Ramsey

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Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston

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12 Ways to Support a New Mom

Meals, visits, chores, and other creative ways to help new moms.

2017 Baby Guide

Our new and expectant parents guide will lead you to all your local needs for “baby”.

On The Cover Davis Clark is the 3 month old daughter of Cam and Dana Clark of Auburn. She loves to cuddle, coo, and take lots of naps. Davis really loves her big brother, Hutch, and she thinks he is so funny. The Clark family is enjoying her little ‘firsts’ and can’t wait for all the sweet milestones this year!

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Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

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Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 9

School Bits 44

Family Calendar 52

Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Publisher’sNote Isn’t our cover model this month just precious? Getting to snuggle with this doll during the photo shoot was a highlight of my month! At three months, Davis is tinier than any of my four kids were at birth (yes, big babies for me… another story, another time). Her tiny toes and big, beautiful eyes had nothing on her sweet, baby smell. I may need an intervention because baby fever is at an all time high for me! Everything about having a new baby in the house is extra special. Remembering all the pink and blue blankets, little socks and baby lotion smells that take over the house. Priceless moments where the parent’s world comes to a complete stop over the first smile and coo. Even those sleepless nights of feeding, diaper changing and rocking are so worth it. Having a new baby brings lots of joy and love to a family. Also, as with most new experiences, there comes some learning-as-you-go and stressful bumps along the way.

Are you a brand new parent or grandparent? Maybe you are adding a third or fourth baby to your family? Well, this month’s resources are for you! Included in the New & Expectant Parents Guide 2017 you will find all the local parenting resources such as birthing classes,OB-GYN and pediatric physicians, mom-and-me programs and baby boutiques. Also, check out the many new businesses in our area that bring valuable support to new parents. Baby’s First Glimpse, specializing in elective prenatal imaging, has recently opened in Auburn. They offer quality ultra sounds, while enhancing the traditional experience, through a family-centered environment. Dr. Jeff Massey has opened Women and Children First Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Opelika, where taking care of mom and baby’s wellness is a top priority. Are you looking for a pediatric physician for well check-ups to come? We are fortunate to have Pediatric Associates of Auburn as contributing writers of our Kids Health column each month.

With four pediatric doctors and their helpful support staff, their child-focused practice works hard to meet the needs of children from infancy through adolescence. Are you needing to add wellness products for mom-to-be and for your children? Swing on over to Fresh Vitamins at the Shoppes at Midtown. They have a variety of supplements, vitamins and organic products for during the pregnancy months and then to kick start your after-baby-bounce-back. This month’s feature article, Diet Traps Every New Mom Faces, can help with that too. One tip that I can relate to even six years after my last baby arrived is the fatigue-eating pitfall. Just being a mom (at any stage) brings with it a constant state of fatigue. Moms try to be everything for their families and to do it all by themselves. It is just in the nature of being a mom. If we are not careful, we overdo it and end up walking around like zombies. When feeling this tired, our bodies make us think we are hungry, or worse, we need a quick sugar boost. Often times, all we need is a nap or earlier bedtime. Before we know it, we have consumed a ton of empty calories and are coming down from the temporary sugar high. For a better solution and other great tips, check out the article. I know it was a great read and reminder for me.

Whether you are an expectant mother or a fourth-time-over pro, you will find something new and helpful in this month’s edition! Take a moment to read through all that Lee County has to offer families. After you’ve read it, give this month’s magazine to a neighbor, friend or co-worker who might be looking for a parenting class, mommy wellness advice or a pediatric doctor in town. Let’s keep sharing with our community and supporting each other’s stages of parenting. From one parent to another, together we can grow into healthier and happier families.

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2017

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Auburn Opelika Lee County’s Foremost Parenting Source

Auburn Opelika Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community.

Auburn Opelika Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.

Publisher Kendra Sumner Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson Associate Editor Kelly Watson Contributing Writers Sandra Gordon Mark Gregston Carolyn Jabs Sarah Lyons Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Katie Wolter, M.D. Cover Photography Candy Avera www.pictureperfectbycandy.com

President Jason Watson Director of Sales Justin Sumner (334) 209-0552 Ad Design Tim Welch

Visit us online at www.auburnopelikaparents.com Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine is published monthly

by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: 1204 Owens Road Auburn, Alabama, 36830. The phone number is (334) 209-0552 and fax is (334) 826-7303.

Auburn-Opelika Parents is copyrighted 2016 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

Opinions expressed in Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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LivingWithChildren

by John Rosemond

Addressing Siblings with Different Strengths Q: We have a 7-year-old son and two girls ages 9 and 6. The girls are gifted academically and athletically. He simply can’t keep up with them. They’re even better at bike-riding.

As a result, he doesn’t want to participate in sports. If on a rare occasion he plays with the girls, he has to win and becomes very upset if he doesn’t. He’s making a habit out of feeling bad about himself.

My husband and I have talked with him about this issue on numerous occasions, but to no avail. Do you have any advice as to how we can address this with him?

A: My advice is that you stop trying to

address this with him. You’ve no doubt said all there is to say including anything I might suggest that you say. Your son may not be an academic standout, but he’s smart. He’s heard you. He is simply doing what human beings are inclined to do: He’s seizing the opportunity to make his rather good life into a soap opera—an “oh, poor pitiful me” drama.

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2017

Sometimes, humans would rather make a drama out of issues in their lives than solve them. The dramas in question get them lots of attention, which is precisely what this drama is getting your son.

The fact is that not all of life’s problems can be solved, and the earlier one accepts that fact, the better. It is also a fact that it is not a parent’s job to solve all of a child’s problems and the earlier a parent accepts that, the better for both parent and child. Unfortunately, one of the doctrines of what I call the “Good Mommy Club” says that Good Mommies solve all of their children’s problems (or burn themselves down to a nub in the attempt to do so). Such is the destructive nature of today’s Mommy Culture.

Another fact: Because you have no control group, you don’t know for sure whether your son’s avoidance of sports is due to having two very athletic sisters. He might not want to participate in sports if he was your only child. And let’s put this sports thing into perspective: to wit, most of these adult-organized, adult-micromanaged sports will be irrelevant to anything a child is doing

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when said child is a 30-year-old adult. I know a good number of successful adults who did not participate in any organized sports as children.

Another fact: When children mope, more often than not they need to simply be left alone. The more parents engage children in discussions of their emotions, the worse those emotions get and the more likely it is that the issues in question will become personal soap operas. A personal soap opera is an albatross around the neck, and a personal soap opera that gets its claws (pardon the mixed metaphor) into a 7-year-old child is likely to become permanent. It sounds like you’re about to step over that line.

Talking is not the solution to everything.

That’s also a fact, by the way. Sometimes, a shrug of the shoulders and “Well, kiddo, I’ve said a whole lot about that and just don’t know what else to say… I guess you’re just going to have to figure out how to live with (whatever)” is the best response. That won’t produce instant improvement, but it will put you and your son on the proper path.

Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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Empty Bowls Fundraiser Raises Awareness about Hunger

Mother/Son Blue Jean Ball 2017

Sponsored by Opelika Parks and Recreation, located at Covington Recreation Center, Opelika. Mothers and sons of all ages, come have a fun and relaxing night, February 18, 6:00-8:00 p.m.! $20 per couple, $5 each additional son. Must pre-register by February 13 with Opelika Parks and Rec. 334-705-5560.

Auburn Parks and Recreation’s Dean Road Ceramics Studio and Opelika Parks and Recreation’s Denson Drive Recreation Center will host the Annual Empty Bowls event on Saturday, February 25, at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. A minimum donation of $10/ person to the Food Bank of East Alabama entitles each ticket holder to their choice of a handmade bowl created by studio potters and a selection of soup, chili, and bread donated by local restaurants. Advance ticket purchases are encouraged.

Empty Bowls is a fundraiser created to raise awareness for hunger issues and help feed the hungry in our community. Potters from the Auburn and Opelika ceramics studios spend months creating hundreds of handcrafted bowls from which patrons can choose as a keepsake and a reminder of those who face hunger every day. 334-501-2930. www.auburnalabama.org/parks.

Auburn Public Library’s “Star Wars” Imperial Gala

You’re invited to the Auburn Public Library’s Gala! Dress up in your favorite sci-fi costumes and bring the whole family to the Auburn Public Library, February 23, 5:30-7:00 p.m., to enjoy a variety of “Star Wars” activities!

Our Imperial Gala will include: a costume contest, snacks, games, and crafts. The costume contest will have four categories including best group costume and three age brackets: 0-5, 6-11, and 12+. (334) 501-3297. kcarpenter@auburnalabama.org.

Animal Enrichment Day at the Montgomery Zoo

Join zoo staff February 11 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

From zoo animals to our pets at home and even ourselves, we all need enrichment. A chance to smell a new scent.

Taste a new favor. Play a new game or figure out a puzzle. Enrichment is an effort to tap into and stimulate our basic five senses: touch, sight, smell, taste and hearing.

The result is to stimulate behaviors resembling those for that species in the wild. It is a lot of trial and error, but it is always fun. www.montgomeryzoo.com.

Desert Princess Belly Dance Tea Party

Your little one can join the real, live belly dancers of Village Plains Tribal Fusion for a magical afternoon of dance, crafts, music, food and fun! Together we'll enjoy a mini dance lesson and belly dancer dress-up session with plenty of photos (e-mailed to parents!). Make hair flowers, jewelry and a magic flying carpet to take home and enjoy plenty of sparkly treats. February 18, hosted by Celtic Traditions, 2705 Fredrick Road, Opelika. Tickets are $25 (includes 1 child and 1 adult). Additional siblings with the same adult are $15. www.celtic-traditions.net; Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/ events/347489552291241/ Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2017

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Love in the Wild

Bring your sweetheart out for a unique romantic evening in the forest to celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14, from 7:0010:00 p.m. at the Louise Kreher Nature Preserve. Join other couples under the crisp starry evening for a hike following the twinkling lights, sharing sweet memories and making new ones. Ward off the chill of the evening with a campfire, special dessert and entertainment. It is sure to be an evening full of love, laughter and time well spent. $25/couple. Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. 2222 North College St. www.auburn.edu/preserve.

The quintessential backstage musical comedy classic, “42nd Street” is the song and dance fable of Broadway with an American Dream story and includes some of the greatest songs ever written, such as “We’re In The Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off To Buffalo,” “Dames,” “I Only Have Eyes For You” and of course “42nd Street.” Based on a novel by Bradford Ropes and Busby Berkeley’s 1933 movie, “42nd Street” tells the story of a starry-eyed young dancer named Peggy Sawyer who leaves her Allentown home and comes to New York to audition for the new Broadway musical Pretty Lady. When the leading lady breaks her ankle, Peggy takes over and becomes a star. Feb. 6, Opelika Center for the Performing Arts.

Founders' Day at Callaway Gardens: February 21

Callaway Gardens honors its founders each year on November 6 (Cason J. Callaway's birthday) and February 21 (Virginia Hand Callaway's birthday). A special organ concert will be performed noon to 4 p.m. at the Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel. To celebrate our founders, we invite you to make a tax-deductible contribution to the 501(c)(3) non-profit Ida Cason Callaway Foundation™.

Today, the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation owns and operates Callaway Gardens. Your gift will help continue the Foundation's environmental mission of conservation, education and land stewardship as well as expand and improve the Gardens. Without the generosity of donors like you, educational endeavors and enjoyment of the natural world would not be possible at Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com.

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The Arts Association of East Alabama presents “42nd Street”

at Lazenby Farms SPONSORSHIP LEVELS MAGNOLIA - $1,000 • One reserved table for eight • Full page ad in the event program • Sponsor board/banner recognition and event acknowledgements COTTON BLOSSOM - $500 • One reserved table for four • Half page ad in event program • Sponsor board/banner recognition and event acknowledgements

BOW TIE - $250 •Two tickets • Business card listing in program • Sponsor board/banner recognition and event acknowledgements

contact Stephanie Weldon at 334-415-9372 or sweldon@learning-tree.org

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

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Dynamite Kids Dig Vitamin D! During the winter months, the number of hours your child gets to run around outside in the sun playing will probably decrease.

Allowing your children to get out and play is still important for their social and physical well-being. Although the amount of time spent outside in the sun may be dwindling, the sun’s rays play an important factor in our vitamin D synthesis. This article will outline the importance of vitamin D for your child and how to ensure they get enough Vitamin D to stay healthy.

The vast majority of our body’s vitamin D requirements can still come from the sun even when cloud cover reduces the rays by 50%. Vitamin D is actually the precursor to our body’s utilizable form, cholecalciferol (AKA vitamin D3). This transition occurs when UVB radiation converts the precursor form to active cholecalciferol in the skin. This is the major reason for the need for a healthy amount of sun rays.

The classical disease of vitamin D deficiency in children is rickets. It is charac-

terized by soft bones and deformities due to the growing bones failing to fully mineralize into cohesive structures. With the help of the fortification of storebought milk with vitamin D (beginning in the early 1900s), the prevalence of rickets has greatly declined in the United States. However, there are a few populations still at risk for deficiency including prolonged-breastfed infants, those with milk allergies and/or lactose intolerance, and those with other exclusion diets (e.g. vegetarians and vegans). Research studies have shown that most cases of rickets occur in African-American infants whom are exclusively breastfed. Although breastfeeding provides infants with many wonderful benefits, human milk alone does not provide the necessary requirement of vitamin D to meet the needs of a growing infant. The current recommendation is for all breast feeding infants to take 400IU Vitamin D daily.

Our diet is one of the major ways we can actively control our health. There are two forms of vitamin D that can come from food: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol, plant-based) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol, animal-based). It

is shown that both forms of dietary vitamin D provide an equal benefit, but the amount of plant-based foods with a significant amount of Vitamin D is much lower. One of the most common forms of dietary vitamin D comes in the fortified milk products mentioned earlier.

However, if your child cannot handle dairy, saltwater fish including herring, salmon, and tuna are another great option. For children over 1 year of age, our doctors recommend vitamin D supplements of 1000 IU daily.

Although the days of your child running around in the sun at summer camp or swimming in the pool or nearby lake may be over, the impact of vitamin D shouldn’t be forgotten. The combination of keeping your child physically active and providing a healthy, balanced diet will continue to bolster positive bone growth from the utilization of dynamic vitamin D.

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Written by Kristen Punshon, OMS-II Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Auburn and Ellen L. Royal, MD Dr. Ellen Royal attended the University of South Alabama College of Medicine for her medical degree and graduated in 1994. She returned to Alabama the summer of 1998 to join the pediatric practice of Dr. Richard M. Freeman. Dr. Royal is a member of the Lee County Medical Society, Medical Association of the State of Alabama, American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is board certified in Pediatrics. Dr. Royal is married to Dr. Kevin Royal who practices Internal Medicine in Opelika and they have three children.

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Autauga County Schools

Auburn City Schools Compete in Handball Tournament at Auburn University

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Recently, all Auburn City Schools 4th and 5th graders competed in a 4-game round robin Handball Tournament at Auburn University in Beard Eaves Memorial Coliseum.

Each school of the four 3-5 facilities (Ogletree, Pick, Wrights Mill and Yarbrough) has an after-school handball team which practices weekly.

The tourney was hosted by the USA Men's and Women's Handball Teams.

The teams will also have a chance to compete in the State Handball Games in Dothan, Ala., during summer 2017.

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Auburn Classical Academy Students Deliver Goodies to Auburn Police and Fire Deptartment

Over the Christmas Holidays, Auburn Classical Academy has a tradition of taking sweet treats to the Auburn Police and Fire Departments to let them know we appreciate the wonderful job they do protecting and serving our community.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9 (NIV).

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Auburn City Schools System-wide Teachers of the Year

Amber Goolsby (left photo) has been named the Auburn City Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Goolsby teaches 4th grade at Wrights Mill Road and has 12 years of experience in the field of education.

Before getting into the world of teaching Goolsby was a successful Product Specialist for John Deere, but always felt the calling to work with kids.

So she shifted from the corporate career to the business of shaping young minds and has never looked back.

Goolsby’s application will now be sent to the Alabama State Department of Education for a chance to be named the statewide Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Amber Goolsby with students and administrators Wes Gordon (ACS Director of Curriculum) and Dr. Cristen Herring (ACS Assistant Superintendent).

Kristina Passi (right photo) has been named the Auburn City Schools Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Passi teaches 7th grade language arts at J. F. Drake Middle School and has 4 years of experience in the field of education.

She has a passion for the English language and teaching it to those for who it is their second or even third language.

Passi’s application will now be sent to the Alabama State Department of Education for a chance to be named the statewide Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Pictured, Kristina Passi with administrators. (L to R): Sarah Armstrong (Assistant Principal at DMS), Dr. Duriel Barlow (Principal at DMS), Passi, Dr. Cristen Herring (Assistant Superintendent), Dr. Jonathan Finch (Assistant Principal at DMS) and Wes Gordon (ACS Director of Curriculum).

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Autauga County Schools

Auburn Jr. High Elites Perform at Woman’s Club Annual Christmas Tea

Auburn Classical Academy Students Make Contribution to Lee County Humane Society

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A Thanksgiving Feast for the Beasts! Before focusing on their own Thanksgiving celebrations, many of our Auburn Classical Academy students were blessed to participate in a Service Project benefiting The Lee County Humane Society! “The righteous care for the needs of their animals...” Proverbs 12:10 (NIV)".

The Auburn Junior High Elites (choir) were invited to perform for the Woman’s Club of Auburn on Thursday, December 1, at their Annual Christmas Tea. The program consisted of both sacred and secular holiday music as well as a favorite song from their ACS Fall Choral Concert.

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Medical Fun at Drake Middle School Science Class

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Students in Mrs. Murphy's 6th grade Science class at Drake Middle School walked in to find their classroom transformed into a hospital.

Students took their Entrance Exam to get into Murphy's Medical School today, which was their 2nd nine weeks journal test.

They will be helping an "unconscious volcanologist" come back to consciousness throughout this week.

They will have to answer questions about the 3 types of volcanoes to decide which volcano he is "unconscious" in so that they can save him.

Parents helped out and sent in scrubs, hair nets, gloves, masks, stethoscopes, etc.

Auburn HS Bowling Teams Headed to Regionals

Auburn High School competed in the AHSAA Area Bowling Tournament recently and both the boys and girls teams won, moving on to Regionals January 19-20.

Scores: AHS Boys won (15-3). Auburn - 1,994; Benjamin Russell - 1,986; Prattville - 1,822; Valley - 1,660.

AHS Girls won (12-0). Auburn - 1,542; Benjamin Russell - 1,464; Valley - 1,419.

Please send school news to: Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.

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Wacoochee Elementary Spelling Bee Winners

On January 12, Wacoochee Elementary held its annual spelling bee. After 48 rounds a winner was declared! From left to right the winners are: Connor Woodham, 3rd place, Nathan Collins, 2nd place, and Kelsi Clotfelter, a sixth grader, won 1st place. Congratulations to these students!

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Chambers and Sharma Named Mr. and Miss OHS

Opelika High School Seniors RaKavius Chambers and Rachel Sharma were named Mr. and Miss OHS at the pageant held on November 13, 2016 at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. Senior contestants competed in categories including casual wear, formal wear, interviews, and an on-stage question. Scholarships were awarded to Mr. and Miss OHS, Miss OHS Runner-Up and the Best Interview winner. Freshman, sophomore and junior contestants competed in the formal wear category. Winners included: Sarah Noon-Miss OHS Runner-Up; Hope Harris-Best Dressed; Mikayla Jackson-Best Interview; Claire Dagostin-Miss Junior Class; Bailey CarlisleMiss Sophomore Class; and Claire Worth-Miss Freshman Class.

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Autauga County Schools

4th Annual Joseph Abram Teddy Bear Campaign Donates 501 Teddy Bears to Lee County Head Start Program

The 4th Annual Joseph Abram Teddy Bear Campaign was a huge success! This year 501 teddy bears were collected and donated to the ACHR Child Development Program (formerly known as the Lee County Head Start). The teddy bears were delivered to the Sun Shine Shop. With Dr. Delano’s permission, the following schools participated: Pick Elementary, Cary Woods Elementary, Richland Elementary, Yarbrough Elementary, Ogletree Elementary, Auburn Early Education Center, Dean Road Elementary, Wrights Mill Road, and Auburn Jr. High’s Hal Moore Leadership Academy. Special thanks go to Kathy Powell’s State Farm Agency, which was the community’s drop-off location. Members of the Boy Scout Troop #15 and the Auburn Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. also participated. Auburn City Schools’ Pick Elementary contributed more teddy bears than any other school. Second place goes to Richland Elementary. And the third place goes to Dean Road Elementary. They collected more than any of us could have imagined. The previous recipients of the campaign were as follows: EAMC – Pediatric Center and the Lee County Boys & Girls Club (2015), Hospice – Camp Good Grief (2014), and the Bethany House (2013). Joseph Abram, a 10th grader at Auburn High School, continues to carry out the mission, which is to share love and hope to those in need. We all need to know that we are well thought of during the holiday season.

T r i n i T y

D i s T i n c T i v e s

Comprehensive Trinity offers a complete K – 12 classical, Christian education, including many enriching activities such as sports, band, choral ensemble, performing arts, and various student organizations.

A Classical and Christian Academy 745-2464

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Lee-Scott Students Perform for Grandparents

Auburn City Schools Career Technical Education Director Receives Award

Lee-Scott Academy held its annual Grandparent's Day Program on Friday, December 16, in the LSA gymnasium. There were two performances, with the Pre-K through 3rd grades at 8:30 a.m. and the 4th through 6th grades at 10:15 a.m.

The gym was packed with grandparents, parents and friends as LSA's elementary students sang, danced and played instruments to a variety of Christmas arrangements. The program was directed by LSA's Elementary Music Teacher, Mrs. Fara Flick.

Tim Beasley, Human Resource Manager for Rausch & Pausch (RAPA) and Meg Smith presented $1,000 to Laura Bailey, Career Technical Education Director, as part of a Platinum sponsorship for the Spring CTE Awards Recognition event that will celebrate the CTE accomplishments of students and teachers who are actively involved in CTE courses in Auburn City Schools.

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Please send your school news and photos to: kendra@uburnopelikaparents.com.

Celebrating 25 years!

L i vi n g. L ovi n g. L e a rn i n g.

Caring for your children and laying a foundation for their growth and success has been our calling for the past 25 years. Our unique, caring approach is rooted in an understanding that each child is a gift and a responsibility.

These precious little ones deserve our attention, security and love. Just like home. Today, our commitment to your children continues with caring and experienced teachers, a stimulating and secure environment and an atmosphere of living, loving and learning you’ll only find at Growing Room.

334-501-2044 | 644 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL M-F 6:30am - 6:30pm | Ages 6 weeks – 12 years

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Autauga County Schools

Auburn HS Football Team Gives Gifts to Needy Family

The junior class of the Auburn High School Football Team provided some holiday cheer to a local family by going out and hand picking presents, wrapping and gifting them! There were clothes, footballs, shoes and games, and a scooter. These young men know they set an example for younger generations and if their smiles were any indication they were more excited about the presents being unwrapped than the

ones receiving them. Once gifts were opened they all played on the field at Duck Samford and ate pizza!

Auburn Zeta Youth Doing The Most Good

Auburn Zeta Youth participated with the Salvation Army by “Doing The Most Good” during the Holiday Season by ringing The Red Kettle that was located at Auburn Walmart. Auxiliary members attending are from left to right are: Angel Bailey, Angelie Bailey, Brailyn Johnson, TaNala Welch, Cammy Smith, Genesis Bailey, Alayah Buford, and Frances Bailey.

TAKE YOUR SWING

TO THE NEXT LEVEL Grand National is offering golf clinics this summer for junior golfers, ages 7-17, taught by PGA Certified pros. The clinics will be held in three, Monday – Thursday sessions from 8:30-11:30 a.m.

SESSION 1: June 5-8 · SESSION 2: June 19-22 SESSION 3: July 31-August 3 · $100 PER SESSION Lunch and a free Par 3 round are included each day. » FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER, CALL 334.749.9042. «

THE ROBERT TRENT JONES GOLF TRAIL AT GRAND NATIONAL 3000 Robert Trent Jones Trail · Opelika, AL 36801 facebook.com/rtjgrandnational · rtjgolf.com

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Auburn City Schools Named a Best School District in America

Auburn HS Girls Claim Swimming State Title, Boys Claim Runner Up!

For the fourth straight season, the Auburn High girls swimming and diving team can call themselves state champions. The girls won the title with 385 points, beating second place Huntsville, which scored 201, on Saturday Dec. 10, at the James E. Martin Aquatics Center at Auburn University. The Tigers claimed first place in the 200 medley relay, 200 freestyle, 200 freestyle relay and 400 freestyle relay. Since expanding to 6A and 7A combined, Auburn High is the only champion. The Tigers also won the last 6A only state championship. The boys team finished in second place behind Huntsville. The Tigers scored 262 points to Huntsville’s 362.5 points. The 200 medley relay was the lone firstplace finish for the boys team.

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Auburn City Schools has been recognized as a 2017 Best School District in America by Niche (#6 in #Alabama)!

ACS achieved this honor by scoring highly on a variety of factors including SAT/ACT scores, student-teacher ratio, the quality of colleges that students consider, and reviews from students and parents. Thousands of school districts across the country were analyzed to create the 2017 Best Schools rankings. Niche is the largest website for researching K-12 schools.

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Please send your school news to: Kendra@aopmagazine.com.

www.auburn.edu/cosam/sciencematters Science Matters is a summer enrichment program sponsored by the College of Sciences and Mathematics at Auburn University for students in rising grades 1 - 8.

The program offers youngsters a supercharged science experience. Kids will explore the world of science through real experiments, technology and art projects, and hands-on activities. Kids that show a high interest or aptitude in science, math, or technology-related subjects will be right at home as they design and build, dabble in the art of chemistry, and more!

Science Matters offers five different science-themed weeks for students throughout the summer.

All programs operate between 8am - 4pm daily.

Courses fill on a first-come-first-serve basis and availability is limited!

For more information, visit our website or contact: www.auburn.edu/cosam/sciencematters Kristen Bond: kristen.bond@auburn.edu 334-844-5769

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2017 Dates June 5-9

June 19-23

June 26-30

July 17-July 21 July 24-28

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Autauga County Schools

Lee-Scott Academy Wins First Place at Scholars Bowl District Competition

Wrights Mill Road Hosts Parent Learn and Lunch

Congratulations to LSA's Scholars Bowl Team for winning 1st Place at the District Competition on Tuesday, January 10th. From left to right: Sumner Lane, Jackson Welsh, Abbie Star, Maddy Donald, Anna Jones. They will be attending the State Competition in Montgomery, January 24th.

Wrights Mill Road hosted a parent Learn and Lunch on using diverse books with students as windows to new worlds and mirrors of their own. Many parents enjoyed checking out their own library books to share the richness of literature with their students at home.

Please send your school news and photos by the 20th of each month to: Kendra@aopmagazine.com.

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2017

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LSA Drama Wins Big at AISA District Drama Festival

Congratulations to the LSA Drama Team and Mrs. Oliver for winning 1st place in monologue, 1st place in duet, 1st place in musical theater and 2nd in ensemble at the AISA District Drama Festival!

Trinity Choir Presents Annual Christmas Concert

The Trinity choral music department presented its annual Christmas concert in December. Friends and family gathered to enjoy carols sung by choirs, instrumental music, and a play about the birth of Jesus.

Wrights Mill Road Students Interviewed on Local News

On December 14, Ryan, Kori and Mary McKinnon were on @wsfa12news talking about the holiday cards they made with Mrs. Callahan at Wrights Mill Road Elementary for Andrew Little, an Ohio boy their age diagnosed with cancer.

Mending kids’ hearts It’s what we do best. Our team of more than 250 pediatric professionals is recognized for its excellence

by U.S. News & World Report. From tiny babies to teens, we care for Tucker and Mei Mei and every child as if that child were our own. b 22 Board-certified physicians and surgeons b 425 cardiac surgeries annually b 31 heart transplants over the past four years, with a greater than 90%one-year survival rate b 99% survival rate for all surgical patients in 2016 b 20 private CVICU rooms, 16 private CCU rooms, 2 CV operating rooms and 2 cath labs

Pediatric & Congenital

HEART Center of

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PEDIATRIC CARDIOVASCULAR SERVICES

Learn how you can help. Visit www.ChildrensAL.org/heart For Children’s Financial Assistance information contact 1.844.750.8950 or visit www.childrensal.org/financial-assistance

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Autauga County Schools

Opelika HS Scholarship Signing

Auburn Classical Academy Bakers Contribute Sweets for Cookie Walk

Opelika High School Senior Braden Holloway signed a track and cross-country scholarship with Columbus State University on November 17, 2016. Joining Holloway were his parents Stephanye and Tyrone Bell. Also pictured back row (l-r): Coach Kristin Blatt, Coach Jimmy Johnson and OHS Principal Farrell Seymore.

Auburn Classical Academy proudly sent these SWEET friends to Grace United Methodist Church with delicious treats for the 21st Annual Cookie Walk to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Lee County!

Please send your school news and photos to: kendra@uburnopelikaparents.com.

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Board of Education Recognizes Auburn City Schools Athletic Accomplishments

At December's Board of Education meeting the board recognized all the recent accomplishments of the Auburn City Schools Athletic Department.

The first honor of the night belonged to the Lee County Unified Flag Football team that won the State Championship for the second year in a row!

This team is made up of Special Olympic Athletes as well as Varsity Auburn High School Football Players. They defeated Vestavia Hills 18-15 in the Super 7 opening game on Nov. 30.

Next, the Board recognized Coaches Dan Norton and Naomi Bergh along with their Cross-Country teams. The boys earned the 2016 AHSAA State

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Championship and the girls had an impressive 2nd runner up finish.

Last, but certainly not least, the Auburn girls swimming team earned their FOURTH straight AHSAA State Championship; the boys placed 2nd, with many of both boys and girls being named All-Americans in addition breaking their own previous records/times.

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Auburn HS JROTC Cadets Autauga Serve County SchoolsWrights Mill Road Salvation Army Teacher of the Year

Auburn High JROTC Cadets rang bells for the Salvation Army at Wal-Mart on South College. The Cadets coordinated and supervised this community service event. The following Cadets participated: Andrew Barnard, Destin Chappell, Gabriel Ellis, Zenequa Fowler, Samuel Gardner, Jamie James, Thomas Roach, Damion Roberson, Thomas Seay, Jacobs Seth, Monique Trammer and Katie Treese.

Congratulations to Wrights Mill Road teacher, Mrs. Amber Goolsby, on being named the ACS Elementary Teacher of the Year. Her nomination will be forwarded to the Alabama State Department in the chance to be named the statewide teacher of the year.

Trinity Bands Perform at Annual Christmas Concert

The Trinity Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, and Jazz bands gave stellar performances at their annual Christmas concert with over 300 in attendance!

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2017

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Director of FACES Speaks to Rotary Club about Grants

Wes Gordon, the Director of FACES, the Foundation for Auburn’s Continuing Enrichment in Schools, spoke to the Rotary Club of Auburn recently about why an Auburn City Schools teacher applies for a FACES grant.

Gordon shared that these grants offer opportunities for ACS teachers to be creative in the classroom when it comes to specific projects or lesson plans in addition to reenergizing the students and teacher alike.

Martee Moseley, board president of FACES, also provided an update on the upcoming Boda Getta BBQ, which is the foundation's primary fundraiser.

To learn more about FACES, visit: http://www.auburnschools.org/ domain/1591 To learn more about Boda Getta, visit: http://bodagettabbq.com Pictured from left to right are: Wes Gordon, Martee Moseley and Michael Tullier, club president.

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Auburn City Schools PR Specialist Receives National Recognition

Daniel Chesser, Public Relations Specialist for Auburn City Schools, was nominated and named to the 2016-17 National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) Class of "35 Under 35" for demonstrating excellence in school communication.

He was the only selection from the state of Alabama.

NSPRA announced its third class of the "35 Under 35" awardees last month, recognizing young professional members who are making a difference for their school systems across the country.

NSPRA Executive Director Rich Bagin, APR, noted, “It is exciting to see these young professionals step up to meet the challenges of our school communication profession. They continue to grow and also have much to share with all NSPRA members.”

The program was started in 2012 and many of the awardees continue to provide leadership for their state chapters and NSPRA. Chesser's profile will be featured in NSPRA’s e-newsletters during a span of 35 weeks in 2017 and he will also be honored at the NSPRA’s Annual Seminar to be held in San Antonio, Texas this July.

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Autauga County Schools

ASMS Senior Interns at USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital

Alabama School of Math and Science (ASMS) senior Ja’Nea James currently interns at the University of South Alabama (USA) Children’s and Women’s Hospital.

James, who is from Opelika, started her ASMS Internship Program during her junior year under the direction of Dr. David Lewis and Dr. Susan Baker at the USA High Risk Clinic. She now works with Dr. Donna Bennett at the USA Center for Women’s Health.

“This internship has really opened doors for me,” James says. “I have learned so much about the surgical life of an OB/GYN, and I have learned more medical terms than ever. I feel that this internship gave me a head start in the college application process. What high school student can say they were given the opportunity to work with and shadow more 30 doctors in a hospital setting?”

James plans to double major in Chemistry/Pre-Med and English, and plans to become an OB/GYN one day.

“At first, I was not sure if I actually wanted to go into medicine. People always tell me that you have to really enjoy the career if you want to do it, and the medical field can be such a time-consuming job. Now that I know more about what they do and why they do it, I am pretty certain that medicine is the career field that I will enjoy the most.”

James is a Questbridge National College Match Finalist. She is in the process of applying to the following colleges: Scripps College, Swarthmore College, Pomona College, Williams College, Xavier University in New Orleans, Spelman College, Howard University, Tuskegee University, Smith College, Florida A&M University and the University of South Alabama.

James says life in school academically was pretty easy for her before coming to ASMS. “I rarely ever studied, and I remember my lowest grade on one report card being a 97,” James says. “It was also super tedious, because my daily routine was basically the same: go to school, go to volleyball practice, go to church, and come home. Once I got to ASMS, there was a variety of things I could do after school including clubs, speech and debate, directed research (DRs), my internship, etc. I just have a greater variety of things I can be doing after school now than I did at home. And I don’t have to worry about gas money, because the school will take me anywhere I need to be.”

“Also, I finally understand what people meant when they said school was challenging. There’s such a variety of courses to take at ASMS, and the counselors will allow you to take however many classes can fit on your schedule, but it’s up to you to determine how much you can handle. This freedom taught me how to manage my time better and be more responsible when making commitments.”

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B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS

We don’t wonder anymore how it happened, that one summer could bring such happy memories.

New friends are now best friends. New experiences are now the best times ever. No wonder it’s so easy to tell others about it and include them in the fun.

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Riverview Refinement, Program, Campfires night,Recognized optional trips and more!

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As a result of the collaborative effort between the Mobile Airport Authority Foundation and Brookley Aeroplex companies, 36 students will be sponsored to attend the National Flight Academy’s six-day Deployment program on June 4, 2017.

The Brookley Aeroplex STEM Initiative is a collaborative effort of the Brookley Aeroplex aviation business community and funded through sponsorship from Continental Motors, Airbus Americas, VT Mobile Aerospace Engineering, Alabama Power, Star Aviation, Signature Aviation and the Mobile Airport Authority Foundation.

The total sponsorship investment has raised over $50k and funding covers the six-day Deployment tuition and bus transportation for all students to the facility.

Using a competitive application process, the Brookley Aeroplex sponsors along with representatives from B.C. Rain High School and the Alabama School of Math and Science will identify participating children in 10th through 11th grade.

The National Flight Academy’s adventure begins on a landlocked, virtual aircraft carrier, AMBITION (CVT-11). Students live aboard for six days and experience theme park-style thrills surrounded by advanced technology, flight simulators and virtual reality missions that ignite imagination and encourage learning. This partnership allows the above organizations to work together to inspire and engage students in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics with a goal of promoting workforce development.

“THE NFA STEM program sponsored by the Brookley Aeroplex aviation business community is a way for us to be involved in the community and help the next generation see the value of focusing on STEM while in school,” says Rhett Ross. “Our goal is to excite the next generation of workers to realize that there are great careers with great pay as long as you leave high school with a STEM foundation.”

Another component of the Brookley Aeroplex STEM Initiative incorporates facility tours and job shadowing of participating companies. Students will gain real-world skills and hands on learning experiences while developing 21st century skills needed for success.

“It is an honor for us to partner with the Brookley Aeroplex aviation business community in their effort to invest in the next generation,” said Gen. Duane Thiessen, chief executive officer and president of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation.

“By exposing students to various workplaces then applying skills at the National Flight Academy, they can better align their passions and make early connections to the employment available to them,” he furthered.

FLAG TWIRLING • CHEERLEADING • RIFLERY • ARCHERY • TRIP DAY • GOLF

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Thirty-six Students to be Selected for National Flight Academy Six-Day Deployment Program

• R OPES C OURSE • C LIMBING T O WER • OUTDOOR L IVING S KILLS • C AMPFIRE F UN • C OUNSELOR -I N -T RAINING • 23

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Numbers Lee C oun t y 2 0 1 6 R eaL e stat e s a Les * S a l e s V o l u m e i n 2 0 1 6 . D a t a f r o m M L S L i s t i n g a n d S e l l i n g Tr a n s a c t i o n R e p o r t , 1 / 1 / 1 6 - 1 2 / 3 1 / 1 6 .

$225 Million

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Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices

$222,981,622 CoMPany B $118,956,309

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CoMPany D $84,979,024

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ContaCt one of ouR awaRD-winning agents toDay to finD out MoRe 1810 E. Glenn Ave #130 | Auburn, AL | 334.826.1010

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A Page in a Book Books That Are Worth the Wait One of the hardest things for children to learn isn’t words, numbers or colors. Most parents will agree that learning patience is one of the most challenging things for a kid to master. Whether it’s watching the clock for a play date, counting the days until vacation, or waiting anxiously for cookies to cool – kids know what patience is. They just tend to have it in short supply. The following titles explore the practice of patience (from both sides of the virtue), giving young readers a humorous perspective of the rewards of waiting.

Treat

by Mary Sullivan (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) Awakened by the scent of something to eat, a pup springs up from slumber and into action with just one thing on his mind...a treat. Following his nose, he find his family toddler snacking on cereal. Maybe the cereal is his treat? He waits, but is disappointed to see the cereal eaten by the little girl (and and her toy shark.) Trembling with anticipation, the pup continues his search through every room of the house, with every family member in search of a treat. But it eludes him at every turn. Just when he’s about to lose his mind waiting for a treat, he hears the word he’s been waiting so long to hear. Capturing the nervous tension that comes with waiting for something special to happen, Sullivan’s less-than-patient pup promises to be a favorite picture book pal.

by Steve Antony (Scholastic) Armed with apron, bowl and spoon, Mr. Panda is clearly getting ready to cook something special. His curious friends are quick to inquire about what Mr. Panda is making. As he tells each friend that it’s a surprise and they must wait and see, every friend declares they will not wait and they leave. But as each impatient friend walks away, a small penguin constantly chimes in with “I’ll wait, Mr Panda.” The reader and the dedicated penguin are in for a big surprise indeed, when Mr. Panda’s effort produces an enormous reward for someone with enough patience.

Ready Rabbit Gets Ready

by Brenna Maloney (Viking / Penguin) When Momma’s voice calls through the bedroom door that it’s time to get ready, Ready Rabbit is off to a slow start. First, there are dreams that need dreaming. And there are toys that need to be played with. Momma’s voice keeps calling for him to get ready, as he moves toward getting dressed. But even the task of choosing the right clothes (capes, sidekick masks, or underwear?) can slow the whole thing down. With every possible distraction and delay in the way, will Ready Rabbit ever be ready? An ideal illustration of patience from the other side, readers get a front row seat to the trials of parents who wait (and wait) for their kids to get ready to go.

Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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Q. My dad has been really bad with money his entire life. Anytime he would get into trouble, my grandparents would always bail him out. This time he came to my wife and I, asking for $350 to get out of overdraft at the bank. We’re trying to live on a budget and get control of our finances, and $350 would make things kind of tight at the moment. What do you think we should do?

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your dad. But there’s a lesson here that dad needs to learn, and it’s something that goes much deeper than the money or helping out a family member.

You have to do the right thing, no matter how dad reacts to this. Right now, the right thing is taking care of your family and not putting them in jeopardy. So my answer to dad would be no. Another thing that needs to happen is for the definition of “help” to change. When you say he’s been irresponsi-

ble with money his whole life, giving him $350 won’t help — and it will make you an enabler.

Just handing him $350 will actually hurt him, and it will give him the idea he can continue being dumb with money and hit you up for cash anytime.

Like I said, I understand the pull of helping out a parent. So if you feel this is something you absolutely must do, I would advise making the $350 contingent on the fact that he begin and complete a financial counseling course. Be gentle when you talk to him, and let him know it hurts to see him struggling. But let him know, too, it’s his responsibility to work through his debts and take care of his own finances!

Q. My wife and I owe $90,000 on our

mortgage, and we have no other debt. We are able to save about $20,000 a year, so we could have the house paid off in just over four years. She likes the idea of having lots of money saved up, but I would love to be completely debt-free. Should we pay off the house or hang on to the savings?

A. Let’s pretend your house is already

paid for in full. Would you borrow on your home so that you had enough cash that your wife liked it? You say you wouldn’t, so what’s the difference? If you had a paid-for house and you wouldn’t borrow on it to have cash laying around to feel better, why wouldn’t you use the cash laying around to pay off the house? It’s the same thing.

The first thing you want to consider is having an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses. You also need to make sure you’re putting aside 15 percent of your income for retirement. Other than that, if you have enough cash laying around to pay off your home and you don’t, it’s the same thing as having borrowed on your home in order to have cash laying around.

If I’m in your shoes, as soon as the emergency fund is in place — six months of expenses since your wife likes the security factor — and 15 percent is being put away for retirement, I’d take the other money and throw it at the house. Get that thing paid off as fast as you can!

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ParentingToday’sTeens

by Mark Gregston

A Father’s Critical Role Don’t be fooled into thinking that dads aren’t all that important. Kids need dads to validate their self-worth. Many problems can come to a family and to future relationships for the children when a dad is absent or not as involved with his kids as they need him to be.

Not only does an absent dad make it hard on the mom – who then tries to play both roles, but it is also confusing to the children. Mom the nurturer has to become mom the authoritarian, and the kids will begin to feel a void in their life that can create relational minefields in their future.

What about when a dad is there, but he remains disengaged?

This too can be a problem; maybe an even bigger problem than an absent dad. It can lead to a loss in a child’s self-worth and identity. They begin thinking that they are not important or not worthy of dad’s attention, or worse yet, they’re a burden to him. As a result, they can develop insecurities and anxieties and may never feel they measure up or are good enough – not to anyone.

Each parent has a separate role when it comes to building a child’s self-esteem.

Moms instill value in her children and dads validate it. If mom is doing her job, but dad is not right behind her doing the validating, a son may enter into inappropriate relationships to do that for him, or a daughter may go out to find a boy or even an older man who will do the same. They want someone to validate their self worth; but they can only get that from dad.

But what is validation? It’s kind of like a stamp of approval. It tells the child that they are loved and accepted for who they are, regardless. It validates that they are a valued and important part of the family and that they are a beautiful person worthy of the adoration of a father. Can’t you just tell a child that? Of course you can, and you should! But actions speak louder than words. Validation comes from showing you are interested in the child and not only willing to spend time with them, but that you cannot wait for the next time you two can spend together. It’s a very special and important part of your life.

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2017

What if the Father is Absent?

If your child does not have a father, or someone to fill that role in their life; it is important to ask your pastor or youth minister, or other family members to fill that void in a positive way for your child.

I knew a man who was slowly passing away from terminal cancer. Before he passed, he asked six different men to look after his children when he was gone. Now that is dedication. This man understood the importance of the role of the father. He wanted at least six men to be looking out for his children, to be sure they would have the support and validation they so desperately need, especially after the loss of a father they loved so much.

My Teen Doesn’t Want to Spend Time with Me

Not every dad knows how to be a good father, because they didn’t have a good example in their own life. That could be why there is a rift in your relationship. A shift in your parenting to become a validator will allow you to experience something you may never have had before in a relationship.

Perhaps you are struggling with your teen and sometimes just want to cut off the relationship and say “Enough is enough!”

So maybe you’ve gotten overly involved in projects, sports or work and avoid your child. But even unruly children want their dad to offer them the same amount of attention and dedication. They may not say it.

They may even deny it with all their might.

But no matter how nasty they’ve become, they still need their dad.

These dads may now have to work extra hard to validate their teen. And after they have broken the ice, they should continue to make sure they are doing a good job by asking, “Am I around you enough?”

Or, “Do I support you like you need?” “Who do you know you can always count on…is it me? “Who is the second?” “Third?” Sometimes kids cannot explain their needs, but dad’s desire to talk to them shows that he cares, especially if he listens to them and takes them at their word.

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For all the dads out there that have “blown it” or parents that feel they have lost all connection with their kids, showing how you desire time and interaction with them now will still make a difference. Be persistent, and it will pay off.

Steps Toward Validation

Dads should make an effort to get together with their son or daughter once a week, no matter what. For daughters, make it a date. Go to dinner or a coffee shop and just sit and open your ears, look at her, and ask some good questions. Show her that you will go out of your way to talk to her about what matters most to her.

For sons, you’ll do a better job of validating by doing something active together, rather than sitting face to face. Work on a project, golf, hunt, fish, or attend a game together. You may need to go out of your way to find an interest you both have in common.

Positive validation through mutual participation in an activity (especially an activity you may not personally be that fond of) gives your teenager the impression that you care.

Strengthen that feeling by endeavoring to find some way to encourage and praise them, even if it is hard to find something praiseworthy.

Every child yearns for attention from the adults in their life. They might be on guard or may not trust you at first because in the past they have not felt so important to you. Make it clear to them that it is your desire now to spend time with them on a regular basis, and then be consistent. Both of you will benefit, but your teen will feel validated because they begin to feel that you really want to be with them and to nourish the relationship.

Kids need their mom’s and dad’s presence and attention to their needs. If not, they will look for value and validation somewhere else – usually from all the wrong places — but they will never truly find it.

Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

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You’re strolling with your baby regularly and deskinning your chicken--but you’ve still got leftover pregnancy pounds that just won’t budge. What’s going on? One possibility is that you’re expecting too much too soon. “To get back to your old weight, give yourself a year,” says Fran Grossman, a registered dietitian at Mount Sinai

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Medical Center in New York City. It can take that long, especially if you’re not nursing and you gained more

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than the recommended 25 to 35 pounds.

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Still, if pregnancy weight lingers past your baby’s first birthday, it’s time to look at your lifestyle habits, says Grossman. For new mom Ilise Kesslin, her nemesis was deprivation dieting. “I realized that when I restricted the

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food I could eat, I binged later in the day on snacks,” says Kesslin, who now eats whatever she wants, just in

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smaller portions. As a result, she says, “I’m skinnier than I was before my pregnancy.”

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What’s preventing you from dropping the extra weight? Here, we reveal ten common mommy diet traps.

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The Trap: Having some just because it’s there. Your mother-in-law always shows up on your doorstep with one of her pies. The other mommies bring treats to playgroup. You help yourself to bites from your child’s lunch or eat leftovers so they don’t go to waste. “This is environmentally-induced eating,” says Daniel C. Stettner, PhD, a weight management psychologist in Troy, Michigan. You eat food just because it’s there--not because you’re hungry--and those calories add up fast.

Food Fix: To guard yourself against a

“see-food” diet, don’t keep edibles out in the open. If you find yourself foraging in your cupboards when youre chatting on the phone, talk in another room. When youre out at mothers’ groups and birthday parties, carry a water bottle so you can take a swig instead of nibbling on something. “It serves as a reminder that you’re doing something healthy,” says Stettner. If someone gets pushy about asking you to sample her food, avoid saying, “Well, I really shouldn’t,” which implies that you want to be convinced. Instead, suggests Stettner, repeat this concise yet convincing phrase: “No thank you. I’m not hungry right now.”

As for finishing up leftovers, make a mental note to prepare less food next time.

Meanwhile wrap the extras and put them in the refrigerator immediately--or toss them.

And rather than mindlessly munching from a

box of animal crackers at snack time, have something that’s calorie-contained by design, like a piece of fruit or yogurt.

Fatigue-induced eating is diet pitfall for all women, and particularly for new moms. According to a National Sleep Foundation poll, women reported eating more than usual on days when they didn’t get enough sleep. “In that compromised state, we often reach for food, especially sweets, because we’re looking for a quick energy boost,” says Joy Bauer, RD, author of The 90/10 Weight Loss Plan.

Food Fix: If you can’t take a catnap,

activate your day: pace when you talk on the phone, deliver a memo in person instead of sending an e-mail, or go for a stroll with your baby. “Exercise pulls glycogen--the stored form of carbohydrate in the liver and muscles-into your bloodstream, which can ultimately make you feel more energized as your blood glucose level rises,” explains Neva Cochran, RD, a nutrition consultant in Dallas, Texas.

Also, use this snacking system, which acts as a kind of nibbling speed bump: “Designate three low-calorie foods you’ll eat before grabbing anything else,” advises Bauer, such as two handfuls of baby carrots, a nonfat yogurt and a 30-calorie fudge pop. “When you’re on

Food Fix: Make healthier versions of kid classics. Prepare macaroni and cheese with skim milk and low-fat cheese, says Bauer.

Serve baked-potato fries or mashed potatoes made with skim milk or even sweet potatoes-they’re loaded with disease-preventing betacarotene. Also, be vigilant about introducing healthy, grown-up entrees like skinless chicken breast, fish filets and lean beef or pork. Try to prepare two vegetables for dinner each night (such as salad and peas). “Studies show that women set the pace for healthy eating in the family,” says Nonas. “If Mom’s eating more vegetables, everyone in the family will, too.”

The Trap: Multitasking meals: Whether

it’s in front of the TV or as you talk on the phone, munching while doing something else

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The Trap: A kiddie food diet. If your family meals are dictated by kids’ preferences for high-fat, high-calorie, low-fiber foods, such as french fries, it’s a sure route to weight gain for both you and your children. “If they’re not good for you, these foods are probably not good for your kids,” says Cathy Nonas, RD, author of Outwit Your Weight.

The Trap: Eating when you’re tired.

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your favorite morning news program. As for on-the-go meals, like that nutrition bar you scarfed down en route to the doctor’s office, acknowledge them. “Say to yourself, ‘This is half of lunch,’” Bauer says.

The Trap:

is an easy way to inhale calories mindlessly.

Moreover, on-the-go-calories can be dissatisfying on an emotional level; you may not feel like you’ve eaten. Then, you’ll seek that fulfillment by eating more later, says Stettner.

Food Fix:

When you’re at home, schedule at least 20 minutes for eating, the time it takes for your brain to get the message from your stomach that you’re full--without the television on or a book in front of you. The one exception to this is breakfast. “Most people don’t overeat at that meal,” says Bauer. So go ahead and eat your oatmeal while watching

Not eating all day because you’re too busy. But by dinner--look out! You’ll be eating everything in sight. “Not eating all day is one of the worst things you can do,” says Grossman.

“To compensate for the lack of fuel coming in, your metabolism will slow down and you’ll burn fewer calories.” You’ll also feel cranky and lethargic. Grrr!

Food Fix: Grossman recommends not

skipping meals--no matter what. In fact, she suggests stoking the fire by eating something every three hours. Of course, with kids, this can be a challenge. One way to manage the

situation is to take advantage of naptime. “I have my biggest meal--lunch--when the kids are down,” says Ilise Kesslin. “It’s a calmer meal, and I truly enjoy it because I’m not rushed.”

The Trap: Cooking calories. You’re probably cooking more now than ever. And that means taste testing. Beware: Generous bites of mashed potatoes with a wooden spoon can easily add up to one-fourth cup, which translates into 50 unaccounted-for calories and 2 grams of fat. That’s just one example. And without realizing how much you’ve already eaten, you sit down to dinner and have what you consider to be a normal portion. Uh-oh.

Food Fix: To keep prep-time calories from

adding up to mini-meals, check seasoning with a teaspoon or just the tip of your finger. If you’re starving before dinner, have an appetizer, such as three carrot sticks and two crackers with hummus, so calories don’t get out of control.

But, says Bauer, be sure to say to yourself, “This is an appetizer,” so the calories get logged into your mental tally. AOP

Sandra Gordon is author of Consumer Reports Best Baby Products and a frequent contributor to many national magazines, including Ladies’ Home Journal, Prevention, Parents, American Baby, and Fitness.

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New Guidelines for Tots and Tech For many years, the American Academy of Pediatrics had strict rules about screentime—no exposure for kids under 2 and no more than two hours a day for preschoolers. Last December, the Academy abandoned those guidelines, acknowledging what parents already knew: Screens are everywhere.

One recent study, published in the Academy’s journal Pediatrics found “nearly universal exposure” for children under two. Even under age one, half of all babies interacted with a mobile device every single day, playing simple games, watching videos and fooling with apps. Academy policy makers concluded, “In a world in which ‘screen time’ is becoming simply ‘time’ our policies must evolve or become obsolete.”

The revised guidelines from the Academy don’t offer specific rules, perhaps because there isn’t clearcut research showing that certain uses of mobile devices help or harm very young children.

Instead, they provide general advice, intended to guide parents as they make decisions about when to hand over a tablet or a cellphone to a baby or a toddler.

Here are their guidelines: Media is just another environment.

Child development hasn’t changed. The Academy points out that kids do what they have always done but now they do much of it virtually. The most rapid period of brain development takes place before age three so infants and toddlers need a wide range of experiences, with and without technology, under the supervision of loving adults.

Parenting has not changed. Parents still have to make decisions about what’s good for a particular child in a particular situation. The video that makes one child giggle may be overstimulating to another child or the same child at a different time of day. Good parents respond flexibly to new situations and, most importantly, to each child.

Role-modeling is critical. Little kids imitate adults.

Parents who want kids to have healthy relationship with screens will have to model self-control by setting limits for themselves.

We learn from each other. Young children learn most easily when they are interacting with people. Language, in particular, develops most readily during natural back-and-forth exchanges between babies and adults. According to some studies, lengthy passive exposure to media such as videos may actually inhibit language acquisition. On the other hand, technology that promotes interaction—video chatting with a family member, for example—may stimulate language and other kinds of learning.

Content matters. Rather than setting arbitrary limits on time spent with screens, the Academy recommends that parents think about everything a child does during the day. Is there plenty of time for being outdoors, moving around, reading books, singing songs, snuggling, being silly?

Time with technology becomes a problem when it edges out other activities.

Curation helps. Any app can claim that it’s educational. Very few have research to back up that claim. Little children, in particular, deserve the highest quality products parents can find. Before 33

downloading an app or firing up a video, check reviews from organizations like Parents’ Choice (parents-choice.org), Children’s Technology Review (childrenstech. com/) or Common Sense Media (commonsensemedia.org/).

Playtime is important. Unstructured playtime stimulates creativity and independence. Unplugged play is especially important for very young children because they learn from touching and manipulating objects in the three dimensional world.

Set limits. As many adults know, technology can have a mesmerizing effect. Games, in particular, are often designed to encourage mindless swiping, and little kids—like everyone else-may find it difficult to disengage. Setting limits requires the same gentle but firm techniques parents use in other settings.

When children want cookies for lunch—or unlimited time on the I-pad—it’s up to parents to steer them in a different direction.

Create tech-free zones. In particular, the Academy recommends that parents teach kids to power down during meals and at bedtime. Little children are more likely to adopt healthy eating habits if meals are a happy, social time with lots of playful interaction. At bedtime, research shows that light from screens can interfere with sleep cycles, so the Academy recommends devices be kept out of bedrooms.

Kids will be kids. Very little children are likely to be hard on devices because they don’t know any better. They may put them in their mouths, bang with them or toss them in the toilet. The Academy points out that “these can be teachable moments if handled with empathy.”

The world may be filled with screens, but this advice from AAP rings true: “Keep face-to-face up front and don’t let it get lost behind a stream of media and tech.”

Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing the Growing Up Online column for ten year. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart. Available at Amazon and Cooperative Wisdom.org. @ Copyright, 2017, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

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a change in routine can leave mom feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Offering support to a family with a new baby can help them adjust to their new normal. Often when you ask, mom isn’t able to think of the exact way she needs help.

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Stop by the store

Going to the store with newborn and possibly older children for the first time can be a daunting task. Offer to pick up a few things the family needs. This is especially easy if you will be out running errands already. Many grocery stores now offer drive through pick up. Have the family order and pay for groceries online, then pick them up and deliver them. Helping to put them away would be an extra bonus.

Help around the house

Sweep the floor, fold laundry, vacuum, or do dishes.. Even a little bit of tidying up can make a big difference. A clean house during a time of transition can bring order to a time that feels chaotic. However, mom may prefer to clean herself. Offer to care for the baby and other children while she works on a household project.

Come when others don’t

Not all new moms are “new moms”.

Families that are adding their second, third, or fourth child need help just as much as first time moms, if not more. When there are older children there is no time for resting when the baby rests. Older children do not stop activities just because a new baby has arrived and mom and dad are tired. It can be very difficult to entertain a toddler while mom is nursing or changing diapers. Offer to take care of the older children or take care of baby so she can spend some time with her older children.

Provide a meal

Friends and family often send versatile casseroles like lasagna after the new baby is home. Try thinking outside the 13x9 pan. Why not bring the family the fixings for breakfast and lunch rather than just dinner? Stock the freezer with easy, ready to make items like pizza, pasta dishes, soups and crock pot meals. Then the family can pull something out of the freezer when they are not up for cooking. Crunched for time or don’t feel like making an extra meal? Bring the family their favorite take out or send a gift card.

Set up a train

When one meal just doesn’t cover it, set up a meal train using websites like www. signupgenius.com or www.takethemameal. com. Discuss with the family the most convenient dates and times to deliver meals and solicit friends to fill all the open spots. Social media is a great place to recruit people you might not think to ask.

Let her shower

A new mom may feel she doesn’t have time for basic things like a shower, rest, or time to eat a meal. One of the simplest ways to help a new mom is to hold the baby and 35

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watch the other children while she eats lunch, enjoys a relaxing shower, or takes a short nap. When mom is rested, fed, and freshened up, it can really make her feel ready to take on the rest of the day.

Help with the older kids

Show support by offering to pick up the older kids, even if it’s just for a couple hours. If you are taking your own children to the park, swing by and pick up hers for the afternoon.

This gets them out of the house and gives mom a break. Driving the kids to school or activities is also a big help. Time alone with baby may be just what mom needs.

Ask about her birth story

Giving birth is a huge milestone, an experience no mom will ever forget. Every birth has a story and many times, there aren’t a lot of chances to tell it. Ask about her birth story and listen. Becoming a mom is a joyful, stressful, awe inspiring, and life changing experience.

Bring a gift for mom

Many people bring gifts for the baby, but mom is usually the one doing all the work.

Bring a snack or treat for mom to enjoy. Other great gifts are ones that pamper mom or make her feel beautiful and comfortable in her postpartum body. Lotion, perfume, a new nightgown, or slippers are some good ideas.

Don’t stay too long

Families who have newborns generally like to have company, especially if they pitch in around the house and with the kids.

However, don’t overstay your welcome. New parents tire easily. Visit the family, bring a meal, and help out, but watch for clues as to when the family would like some alone time.

Take her somewhere

Mom may not be able to drive for a few weeks after birth. Offer to take her on errands or just out for coffee. Getting out of the house can do wonders for attitude.

Don’t give advice

An important tip for anyone chatting with a new mom is to listen, but don’t give advice unless you are asked. It can be frustrating and overwhelming to get unsolicited advice from everyone she bumps into.

Offer several options and see what sounds most appealing to the new mom. Any offer to help is always appreciated by a family adjusting to having a new baby in the house.

Sarah Lyons, mom of six, has learned first hand what it is like to adjust to a new baby in the house.

She is so grateful for the family and friends that helped her as each baby came home and loves to return the favor to others.

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2017

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Fun & Fancy

3051 Frederick Road, Suite 3, Opelika. 334-745-2237.

Monday-Friday 10:00am5:30pm, Saturday 10:00am- 2:00pm. We can help you with gift, clothing & shoe needs from expectant mother to baby to child and beyond.

Kids Clothes Connection

www.kidsclothesconnection.com; 334-524-0606.

Twice a year consignment sale (Spring and Fall) for the Auburn/Opelika area. Offering gently used clothing, shoes, baby gear, baby furniture, toys, books, household items, and more.

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Upscale children’s consignment boutique in downtown Opelika. Fringe Kids carries infant through children’s size 14/16. We accept consignment items between 10:00am-5:30pm, Monday through Saturday. Find us on Facebook!

Belliboos

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Your one stop shop for personalized gifts, monogramming, and embroidery services.

Whether you need Personalized Baby Gifts, personal items monogrammed, Corporate Promotional Items, or mass production services, you have come to the right place! We offer free pick-up and delivery on monogrammed orders placed in the Auburn / Opelika Area.

Dottie Ollie

2131 Interstate Drive, Opelika. 334-737-5770.

Kid’s and babies clothing & shoes, gifts, infants to pre-teen. Monday-Friday 10:00am-6:00pm; Saturday 10am-5pm.

1220 Fox Run Avenue, Opelika. USA Town Center. 334-705-8098; www.usatowncenter.com Huge selection of name brand children’s clothing and accessories, featuring Little Me, Bailey Boys, Rosalina, Duck Head and more.

One Eighty Wellness Spa

1100 S. College Street Suite 204, Auburn. 824 Avenue A, Opelika. 887-1180; www.oneeightywellnessspa.com Prenatal Services include prenatal facials, massages and skincare products. We are proud to be the first in the area to carry Pretty Mommies™ Skincare Products, which are safe for both pregnant and nursing women and we use them during our Prenatal Facial Treatments and Massages. We are committed to promoting wellness during pregnancy through massage therapy. Our massage therapists are licensed with the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy and have received special Certifications in Prenatal Massage.

for mom, bras and nursing camisoles, infant and preemie clothes, gift registry and so much more!

It also features a special private room for nursing moms.

Prenatal Physicians Women and Children First Chiropractic and Wellness Center 11

ad on page 2200 Gateway Drive, Suite A, Opelika 334-759-7414 www.wcfirstchiro.com As you can tell from our name, women and children are our primary focus. Dr. Jeff Massey has extensive post-graduate training in pregnancy, pediatrics, and family care. He is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association and is certified in the Webster Technique for pregnancy. Chiropractic care can reduce pain and discomfort related to pregnancy without harmful medication. We can provide you with home exercises to strengthen and stretch muscles to help ease pain. We offer afterhours emergency care for our patients; and, if you are having a home birth, we can provide care during the birthing process in the comfort of your home.

After your baby is born, we can help if your child is having problems with breastfeeding, colic, torticollis, sleep, or digestive issues. Chiropractic care has been proven to help people struggling to conceive a child. So, whether you are trying to become pregnant, are pregnant, or you have already given birth, we can help you and your child.

Auburn University Medical Clinic & Women’s Health

400 Lem Morrison Drive, Auburn.

334-844-5204. Professional services include routine gynecologic care, counseling and prescribing of birth control methods, morning after contraception, referral for pregnancy alternatives and diagnosis and treatment of STDs.

Baby’s First Glimpse

East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika. www.emac.org Offering the convenience of being able to purchase breastfeeding items such as pumps and replacement parts/accessories, bra pads, storage bags, and more.

113 Mitcham Ave, Auburn, 334-329-5850; babysfirstglimpse@gmail.com; www.babysfirstglimpse.com Baby’s First Glimpse is East Alabama’s leader in elective prenatal imaging. Baby’s First Glimpse is a premier ultrasound studio, providing parents with memories and keepsakes they can cherish for a lifetime. A non-medical, non-diagnostic center, our sole purpose is to bring you brilliant 3D, 4D, HD imagery capturing the memorable experience of carrying a child.

The Mother’s Nook

Baptist Medical Center East

The Breastfeeding Boutique

3rd Floor, East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika. 334-528-3600.

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334-273-4444; www.baptistdelivers.com www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Our brand new maternity rooms, are as big as they are beautiful- with more space to accommodate family and friends. You’ll find high-end finishes and modern amenities including comfortable furnishings, soothing color schemes, a special area for the bassinet, flat screen TV’s with ports to accommodate all your digital devices. And when you add the best team at the region’s #1 choice for maternity care, every new mother should feel even more comfortable.

East Alabama Medical Center Prenatal Clinic

2000 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika.

334-749-3411. www.eamc.org/programs Services include routine prenatal care, post-partum exams, contraceptive services, referrals, breastfeeding classes, baby walk, childbirth classes and more. Small Wonders Program-To participate in the Small Wonders Maternity Care Program you must: Apply for Medicaid or be eligible to receive Medicaid, have been denied Medicaid and have no insurance, and live in one of the following counties: Barbour, Chambers, Lee, Macon, or Russell.

East Alabama Women’s Clinic 502 East Thomason Circle, Opelika.

334-749-0390, www.eawomensclinic.com If you are in need of an annual exam, are having a baby, or are experiencing menopause, our experienced doctors are ready to assist you. In addition to quality care, you’ll find information on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions that affect women of all ages.

Gynecology & Wellness Center

2290 Moores Mill Road #200, Auburn.

334-502-9888

Premier OB/GYN

2412 Village Professional Drive. Opelika.

334-705-2900; www.thepremierobgyn.com Our mission is to provide exceptional, compassionate, comprehensive, cost effective quality of care to women of all ages.

Lee Obstetrics & Gynecology

2 locations: 121 North 20th Street, Opelika 334-737-0000 and 986 Drew Lane, Central Park Office Complex, Auburn. 334-821-3355; www. leeobgyn.com. Services offered- Obstetrics, gynecology, infertility, ultrasound, bone density, and childbirth classes.

Women’s Hope Medical Clinic

820 Stage Road, Auburn; 334-502-7000; www.womenshope.org Walk-ins are welcome. 24 Hour Hotline- 800395-HELP. All services are free and confidential including- Pregnancy testing, STI testing & referral for men and women, limited ultrasound and prenatal care, education on all pregnancy options, education on sexual integrity & building healthy relationships, parenting education to earn FREE baby supplies, adoption education and referral, abortion recovery and support, emotional support, resource and referral network for medical care, housing, and other social services.

Pediatric Care Auburn Pediatric Dentistry

ad on page 36 841 North Dean Road, Auburn. 334-826-6651 www.auburnpediatricdentistry.com We do preventative services including sealants and mouthguards. Restorative work including space maintainers.

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East Alabama Pediatric Dentistry ad on page 32 742 North Dean Road, Auburn.

334-321-0780; www.gatorgrins.com Dentistry for children and teenagers.

Liles Pediatric Dentistry

ad on page 31 2320 Moores Mill Road, Suite 250, Auburn.

334-887-0099; www.lilessmiles.com Offering dental services for children and adolescents.

Pediatric Associates of Auburn

ad on page 8 411 B. Opelika Road, Auburn.

334-821-4766; www.auburnpediatricassociates.com After hours on call emergency service: 334-821-4766 or 334-737-2364.

Services offered- prenatal consults, newborn care, routine physicals, immunizations, acute care, laceration treatment, hospital care, in house laboratory and more.

Women and Children First Chiropractic and Wellness Center

ad on page 11 2200 Gateway Drive, Suite A, Opelika 334-759-7414 www.wcfirstchiro.com As you can tell from our name, women and children are our primary focus. Dr. Jeff Massey has extensive post-graduate training in pregnancy, pediatrics, and family care. He is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association and is certified in the Webster Technique for pregnancy. Chiropractic care can reduce pain and discomfort related to pregnancy without harmful medication. We can provide you with home exercises to strengthen and stretch muscles to help ease pain. We offer after-hours emergency care for our patients; and, if you are having a home birth, we can provide care during the birthing process in the comfort of your home.

After your baby is born, we can help if your child is having problems with breastfeeding, colic, torticollis, sleep, or digestive issues. Chiropractic care has been proven to help people struggling to conceive a child. So, whether you are trying to become pregnant, are pregnant, or you have already given birth, we can help you and your child.

Auburn Pediatric and Adult Medicine, L.L.C. 2353 Bent Creek Rd # 110, Auburn.

334-887-8707. www.auburndoc.com Services offered- sick visits, newborn care, well child visits, immunizations, sports physicals and more.

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Pediatric Clinic, L.L.C. 2401 Village Professional Drive, Opelika and 260 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn. 334-749-8121. www.thepedsclinic.com After hour clinics available. Provide primary care health services for infants, children and adolescents.

Parenting Programs Alabama Department of Public Health

ad on Back Cover All Kids Children’s Health Insurance Program; www.adph.org; 1-888-373-5437 A low-cost, comprehensive healthcare coverage program for children under age 19. Benefits include regular check-ups and immunizations, sick child doctor visits, prescriptions, vision and dental care, hospitalization, mental health and substance abuse services, and much more. Women, Infants and Children (WIC), 1-888-942-4673, a supplemental nutrition program for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, women who had a baby within the last six months, infants, and children under the age of five. One must meet income requirements and have a nutritional risk that proper nutrition could help to improve. Plan First Family Planning for Women- 1-888-737-2083, Alabama’s Plan First Program is a family planning program for women ages 19 to 55. Family planning can help you and your family have a better life.

Baptist Medical Center East

400 Taylor Road, Montgomery. 334-273-4444; www.baptistdelivers.com Small Wonders- Having a baby is an exciting time for parents and families. However, it can also be a time filled with many questions about labor and delivery, parenting and safety. To help prepare expecting parents, new parents and their families, Baptist Health provides a comprehensive parent/ family education program.

Childbirth Preparation Class-This comprehensive four-week series covers all aspects of the labor and delivery experience, admission process, medication and anesthesia options including epidurals, Cesarean sections, coping and comfort measures including breathing and relaxation techniques.

Postpartum care and newborn characteristics are included. A maternity area tour is also included as a part of this class. All of our classes are taught by registered nurses certified in childbirth education.

This class is $60 per couple. Space is limited.

Registration is required.

Childbirth Preparation Boot Camp- A fast paced one day class that includes the same information offered in our weekly series. Maternity Area Tour is also included as a part of this class. $60 per couple, includes 2 box lunches Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2017

Prenatal Breastfeeding Class -This class provides expectant mothers with information about breastfeeding including various factors influencing lactation and advantages of breastfeeding. Class. $20 per couple. .

Infant Safety/CPR Class -Teaches parents and grandparents the American Heart Association’s Family and Friends CPR for infants and children including care of the choking infant, infant rescue and breathing with hands on practice using ACTAR CPR dolls for class participants. $10 per person.

Caring For Your Newborn- Helps new families become familiar with the basics of caring for your infant in the first six weeks after birth. This interactive class covers routine hospital newborn procedures along with bathing, diapering, swaddling and soothing, normal infant behavior, appearance and sleep patterns. Partners are encouraged to attend. $20 per couple.

East Alabama Birth Village

www.birthvillage.org We re-create the community village for our local families. By connecting you with local businesses and birth professionals, and helping supporters network with each other, the circle in which families have to travel for birth support is minimized and personalized. We are all working together to create healthy families and a healthier community.

As you navigate the childbearing years, the EABV will be a source of knowledge and resources. Preconception, the EABV helps you connect to fertility assistance and support. In pregnancy and birth there is an extensive list of community resources for every aspect of the childbearing year. As parents, EABV can assist you in navigating East Alabama’s family resources. If you are struggling with miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, you especially need to know what support is available to you. By holding Village Gatherings, we are connecting local families with each other, meeting and greeting community businesses geared towards pregnancy and motherhood, and offering educational events to help empower ourselves as citizens. Through our Birth Stories gatherings we are helping mothers share their stories in efforts to grow, heal, and celebrate together through loving compassion.

East Alabama Medical Ctr (EAMC)

2000 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. www.eamc.org Prepared Childbirth Class- 6 week program that helps parents-to-be prepare for the birth of their baby, both physically and emotionally. Discussions in pregnancy, labor and delivery, post-partum, initial newborn care, and breastfeeding. Registration for this class should take place during the 6th month of pregnancy. For class dates or to register, call Jenny Corley, RN, at (334) 749-0390 Breastfeeding Preparation- 2nd Saturday of each month; 10:00am-12:00noon or 2nd to last Tuesday of each month; 6:00-8:00pm. 3rd floor dayroom EAMC. FREE class for new mothers or pregnant 40

women and their partners. The class includes information about breastfeeding, including techniques, storing milk, weaning, and helpful hints for working mothers. 528-1260 Breastfeeding Support Group- Each Thursday, 12:00-2:00pm. 3rd floor dayroom EAMC; FREE group provides a comfortable place for breastfeeding mothers to share ideas as well as seek emotional support. Infant weight scale available.

749-3411.

Small Wonders Program- designed to ensure that every Medicaid-eligible pregnant woman has access to medical care, with the goal of lowering Alabama’s infant mortality rate and improving maternal and infant health.

1-877-503-2259.

Baby Walk- Come spend an hour with us and learn about what you can expect when delivering in a baby-friendly environment. We will discuss such things as where and when to go to the hospital, creating that special mother-infant bond through Skin-to-Skin time, “Quiet Time”, and visitation hours during your stay with us. We will continue our journey with a tour of the Childbirth Unit and complete our walk on Mother-Baby Unit.

During the tour we will share with you what you can expect at each stage of this wonderful experience.

The Parenting Assistance Line (PAL)

1-800-962-3030. www.pal.ua.edu/index2.php A collaborative service of the University of Alabama Child Development Resources and the Alabama Children’s Trust Fund. When callers call the toll-free number, a parenting resource specialist will answer the phone, listen to you, then offer helpful information and support .Parenting is tough! Call for FREE confidential help. Parent Resource Specialists are available from 8:00am8:00pm Monday- Friday.

Women’s Hope-Parenting Education

820 Stage Road, Auburn. 334- 502-7000. www.womenshope.org; All classes are free, plus you can earn free baby items!

Earn While You Learn- offers individualized video lessons for expecting parents as well as families with children of all ages. Topics include baby’s development during pregnancy, SIDS, single parenting, discipline and emergency first aid.

Cradle Club- meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Parent Talk- lunch-time program for adults only.

Free lunch is provided with each session, giving parents a chance to connect with other parents for fellowship and encouragement.

24/7 Dad- focuses on characteristics every father needs and covers the universal aspects of fatherhood. Dinner and gifts are provided for the participants.

Doctor Dad- teaches dads how to care for their child’s basic health and safety needs. Dinner and gifts will be provided. www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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Infant Classes and Play Groups Auburn Parks and Recreation

ad on page 20 and 41 Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn.

334-209-0171 Mommy and Me Music Class- Ages 6 months-4 years. Be ready to sing, dance, play instruments, move around and have fun! This interactive class for babies and young children with their caregivers uses the research-based “The Music Class” curriculum. We use a large variety of musical rhymes and styles to create a fun experience while unleashing the musical potential of young children. Fee includes book and CD. Sea Babies (6 months – 3 years): This course is designed for parents interested in acquainting their young children to the water in a fun and controlled environment. Participants will be oriented to the water through games, songs and introductory skills. Parents are directly responsible for their child’s instruction while under the guidance and supervision of a swim instructor.

One class will be dedicated to informing parents of the efficient ways to help the kids continue to progress. No prerequisite required. To advance to the next level, the child must be: age 4 or older AND able to participate without parent involvement.

Creating healthy smiles for confident tomorrows Call us today to schedule your complimentary evaluation! 334-501-7000

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Auburn Public Library

749 East Thatch Avenue, Auburn.

334-501-3190.

Baby Time- Meets each Tuesday, 10:00am and 1:00pm, for ages birth-24 months and their caregivers.

Toddler Time- Meets each Wednesday, 10:00am and 1:00pm, for ages 18 months-36 months and their caregivers.

Preschool Time- Meets each Thursday, 10:00am and 1:00pm, for ages 3-5 years and their caregivers.

Healthplus Fitness Center

1171 Gatewood Drive #101, Auburn.

334-887-5666; www.healthplusfitness.com Infant Swimming Resource™ - a nationally recognized survival swimming program which teaches infants and toddlers ages 6 months to 6 years using the ISR Self-Rescue™ method. ISR also provides parents with drowning prevention resources.

Water Babies - Baby’s first swim lesson.

American Red Cross Parent and Child Aquatics builds swimming readiness by emphasizing fun in the water. Parents and children class; eight 30-minute sessions that help children learn elementary skills, including water entry, bubble blowing, front kicking, back floating, underwater exploration, and more. Children must be at least 6 months old to participate.

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Kindermusik at AUMC

music, dance, relays, games, special rides, gymnastics, sports and more. Children have loads of fun as they gain strength, balance, coordination, agility and flexibility while developing social skills, confidence and self-esteem. Our state-of-the-art facility, extensively trained staff, award-winning class programs, and excellent student/teacher ratio have earned My Gym the reputation as the best early learning program of its kind.

as well as their interaction with other children.

This class also emphasizes development of the child’s overall muscle tone, balance, flexibility and perceptual skills as well as listening, self-discipline and social interaction.

www.facebook.com/AuburnOpelikaMops; auburnopelikamops@gmail.com A faith-based organization geared towards mothers of preschoolers! It was created and continues to be encouraged to help mothers come together to allow them fellowship time with one another and time for their children to have fellowship, meet new friends, socialize and give mom a break.

Opelika Parks and RecreationOpelika SportsPlex

Dewdrops Photography by Amy McDaniel

My Gym Auburn

Premier Spirit Academy

Auburn United Methodist Church, 137 South Gay Street, Auburn. 334-826-8800. www.aumc.net; Kindermusik is the world’s leading music and movement program for children from birth to 7 years old. Offering all types of music, storytelling, movement, sign language and more. Ages newborn -7 years.

MOPS

300 N Dean Rd Ste 6, Auburn. 334- 246-0987 www.mygym/auburn.com This program and facility devised to help children 6 weeks thru 10 years of age develop physically, cognitively and emotionally. We offer structured, age-appropriate, weekly classes that incorporate

1001 Andrews Road, Opelika. 334-705-5560 Parent & Me Swim- Designed for parents interested in acquainting their young children to the water in a fun and safe environment. Teaches infants, toddlers, and preschoolers’ water adjustment, blowing bubbles, underwater exploration and many other skills. Ages 6 months-3 years.

923 B Stage Road, Auburn. 334-821-7300. www. premierspiritacademy.com Parent & Tot Class- ages 18 to 35 months. Each student is accompanied by a parent or guardian who participates in the learning of basic tumbling skills. Parents help their child on the equipment

Photography ad on page 21 www.dewdropsphoto.com; 360-490-3378; dewdropsphoto@yahoo.com Professional photographer specializing in newborn, infants and families.

Picture Perfect by Candy

ad on page 36 Candy Avera, 334-663-6643 and 334-501-1613; www.pictureperfectbycandy.com Professional photographer specializing in contemporary professional portraiture for all your life’s milestones! Make your photo sessions and memories Picture Perfect! AOP

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When the Music Begins

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Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Our children are usually introduced to music early in their lives. The first soothing notes of a lullaby create calm and familiarity for our littlest ones. Feeling the rhythmic beats of a song in the car inspires instant energy, nudging toddlers in car seats to kick their feet in time. Music is a versatile companion that meets our children early, and accompanies them as they grow and mature. The following toys expand on kids’ relationship to music and support their interest as they make melodies of their own.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Mozart Magic Cube

Sing-Along Music Player

Babies have a much broader ear for music than most musical toys give them credit for. Eschewing simplistic jingles, the Mozart Magic Cube shares eight musical masterpieces from Mozart. The cube allows small children to manipulate the layers of sound within the classical compositions.

With simple touches, kids can add or subtract instruments from the selections. The sounds they tailor can range from a solo instrumental performance to a full orchestra. Featuring familiar Mozart tunes along with some deeper cuts, this captivating cube will keep little ears tuned in for longer listening and a richer musical exploration.

Empowering a child’s own voice, the karaoke-style of accompaniment opens all new avenues for kids to make their own unique music as they sing-along with their favorite tunes. Using wireless Bluetooth, USB, radio or aux connections, this player lets kids explore adding their own voice to endless selections in your music library. Battery power in addition to plug in allows extra portability. With two microphones, solo singers can also invite friends for duets, doubling the song power of the Kidzlane Sing-along Music Player. Kid-sized karaoke has never been easier to enjoy!

Kidibeatz Drum Set

Teaching Keys Keyboard

There’s nothing quite like the tactile experience of playing percussion to really punctuate the real feel of music. This small drum kit with three heads offers four different kinds of exploration: free play, follow-along, letters and numbers. With programmed melodies in a variety of styles, little hands can tap and pound along with electronic tunes, or use free-play to craft their own rhythms and beats. Making the move from spoons on trays, pots and pans, the Kidibeatz Drums Set is the ideal child-sized kit to bring the boom to the room.

Getting started with a broad variety of demo tunes, this keyboard quickly inspires musical exploration and learning. Players can select rhythms (samba, blues, waltz, etc.) as well as changing the keys’ instrumental sound among harp, trumpet, violin and more. Light-up keys introduce the method behind the music. Stop, play, and record options assist budding keyboardists as they craft their own sound. Adjustable tempo and volume controls lets kids manage the pace of their musical exploration. Whether actively pursuing keyboard skills, or simply playing around, the Teaching Keys Keyboard opens the door to new music skills.

(Kidzlane)

(Munchkin)

(Fisher-Price)

(VTech)

Gerry Paige Smith is a syndicated columnist recommending the best products for kids and their families. Discover more at www.PageBookMedia.com

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Family Calendar Tuesday, January 24

Baby Time Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Crazy 8s Math Club: Grades K-2 and 3-5 Auburn Public Library. Grades K-2 meet from 3:30-4:15 p.m. Grades 3-5 meet from 4:30 -5:15. Join Bedtime Math’s® Crazy 8s Club®, where you’ll build stuff, run and jump, make music, and make a mess… it’s a totally new kind of math club! You’ll get to do mischief-making activities like Glow-in-the-Dark Geometry, Bouncy Dice and Toilet Paper Olympics, and you’ll get to take home some cool gadgets, too. Space is limited. www. auburnalabama.org/library.

Wednesday, January 25

Toddler Time Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Thursday, January 26

Wild Kratts Live!

Animated Kratt Brothers, Martin and Chris, “come to real life” in a classically Wild Kratts story. Off “To the Creature Rescue!” the Emmy nominated Kratt Brothers activate some fan favorite Creature Power Suits to confront a comic villain. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus. 6:30 p.m. www.rivercenter.org.

Preschool Storytime Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Gamers Society Auburn Public Library. For ages 10-18 years. 4:00 p.m.

Minecraft, Wii/Xbox and Pokemon. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Friday, January 27

After School Movie: “Nuhuani” 4:00 - 4:45 p.m. Join the Auburn Public Library and the Auburn University Department of Foreign Languages for a movie after school. This animation film tells one of the nicest and dream-like stories of the Kogui. They live in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia, the tallest mountain next to an ocean. They bring a message of protecting Mother Nature by keeping balance on earth. It gives homage to the original peoples of the Americas, what they call Abya Ayala: land in pure potential of living. The movie is in Spanish with English subtitles. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Pike Piddlers Storytelling Festival Presented by We Piddle Around Theatre, Troy, Al. Three storytelling concerts on Friday and Saturday at the Trojan Center Theatre (Troy University) in Troy. The festival features some of the country’s top storytellers and includes pre-show music by popular old-time bands. Call 334-685-5524 to find out more.

Saturday, January 28

Eye Spy Scavenger Hunt at FDR State Park Pine Mountain, Ga. www.gastateparks.org/ FDRoosevelt. 4:00 p.m. Team up (1-6 people) and complete in our on-site scavenger hunt with your camera or phone. Pick up checklist/rules at the park office anytime. Pictures must be brought to office with checklist by 4 p.m.. Winners notified by phone that day to pick up prize. No charge. Parking fee: $5.

S’MORES (Saturday Mid-Day Orchestra Rehearsals) S’MORES are open dress rehearsals with an informal and all-inclusive atmosphere. The CSO is breaking the

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financial barrier by encouraging attendees to “pay what you want.” By allowing YOU to set the price, S’MORES eliminates hesitation and exposes people who have not had the capabilities to partake in the music that is being created here in Columbus. S’MORES begins at 12:30 p.m and lasts the duration of a rehearsal (no later than 3:30 p.m.). For more information call (706) 256-3640. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus. 12:30 p.m. www.rivercenter.org.

National Kazoo Day Target Archery at FDR State Park Stationary target shooting adventure for ages 10 to adult. We provide basic instruction equipment and kazoo prizes. $8 per person. Not geared towards large groups. Groups can contact us for special time. Pay and pre-register at Park Office. Meets across the street from Park Office. $8 per person, $5 state parking fee. Pine Mountain, Ga. www.gastateparks.org/FDRoosevelt.

1:00-3:00 p.m.

Reese’s Senior Bowl 2017 The Senior Bowl, the nation’s unique football game and football’s premier pre-draft event, annually features the country’s best senior collegiate football stars and top NFL draft prospects on teams representing the North and South, which are coached by the entire coaching staffs from two National Football League teams.

Contest will be nationally televised by NFL Network.

Mobile, Al. www.seniorbowl.com.

Market Days on Broadway 2016 Uptown Columbus. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Grab your recyclable grocery bag and head down to Broadway to pick up locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, artwork, flowers, plants and handcrafted items!

There is something for the whole family Saturday mornings in Uptown Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com.

Young Eagles Day Columbus Airport, 3250 W. Britt David Road, Columbus, Ga. 8:30-11:30 a.m. (weather permitting). All kids ages 8-17 are invited to take a Free airplane ride over Columbus! Most flights last 20 minutes. The goal is to provide a fun and educational aviation experience.

706-324-2453.

Saturday STEM Auburn Public Library. For ages 4-7 years. 10:00 11:00 a.m. Preschoolers-2nd grade and their caregivers are invited to join us for a new storytime that is all about STEM…Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. This storytime will focus on these concepts in a fun, interactive, story-driven format. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Alabama Oyster Social The Red Barn, Agricultural Heritage Park, Auburn.

Our 3rd Annual Alabama Oyster Social will be held at the Alfa Pavilion (The Red Barn) at Auburn University.

5th Annual Polar Plunge Samford Pool, Auburn. Lee County Special Olympics will host the 5th Annual Polar Plunge. Sign up, dive in, and brave the cold as we raise money to help support Lee County Special Olympics athletes at area, state, and national games. Registration forms are located below.

Come brave the cold! www.auburnalabama.org.

Pike Piddlers Storytelling Festival See Jan. 27 for details.

Tuesday, January 31 Baby Time See January 24 for details.

Crazy 8s Math Club: Grades K-2 and 3-5 See Jan. 24 for details.

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Wednesday, February 1 Toddler Time See Jan. 25 for details.

Thursday, February 2

Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers: “Mango Dreams,” by John Upchurch JCSM brings in contemporary filmmakers to meet with students and museum guests for a special screening of their film. A Hindu doctor with dementia and a Muslim auto rickshaw driver form an unlikely friendship as they journey a thousand miles across India in a rickshaw.

Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Auburn. www. jcsm.auburn.edu. 5:00 p.m.

“Seussical” at Rivercenter for Performing Arts “Oh the thinks you can think” when Dr. Seuss’s best-loved stories hit the stage in this unforgettable musical adventure

by Broadway veterans Stephan Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens. Dr. Seuss’s beloved classic characters find themselves intertwined in an incredible crazy-quilt adventure, in which the power of imagination and the most miraculous “think” ever save the day! www.rivercenter.org.

Preschool Storytime See Jan. 26 for details.

Gamers Society See Jan. 26 for details.

Friday, February 3

Thomas Csorba Live at Side Track Coffee Thomas Csorba is a songwriter from Houston, TX who has secured his place among the storied voices of Folk and Americana music. After releasing two EPs and touring them around Texas, Csorba is excited to announce that his debut full-length record will be released in the Spring of 2017. Join us for an evening in Opelika where Csorba, accompanied by keyboardist, Kevin Johnson, will be playing songs of this forthcoming record as well as pre-released material. Come join us at 817 South Railroad Ave, Opelika. around 7 p.m.! Music will start around 8:30. $5 suggested donation. www.thomascsorba.com.

First Friday On the First Friday of each month, downtown Opelika shops will stay open until 8 p.m. so that diners of our downtown restaurants can shop before or after they eat. This is a great opportunity for those that work during retail hours to see what the Downtown shops have to offer. There will also be entertainment on street corners for everyone’s enjoyment. The specialty shops will be open until 8 p.m. with music and entertainment on the street corners, and several restaurants in the downtown area to make the evening a great way to relax and enjoy the atmosphere!

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Saturday, February 4

USS Alabama Living History Crew Drill Mobile. History comes alive aboard the USS ALABAMA with the ship’s Living History Crew. These historical reenactors portray life aboard ship during WWII. They wear some of the ship’s original gear, conduct drills, and even swab the deck. They reenact “call to battle stations” and fight enemy airplanes during the YAK attack using the restored 20 mm and 40mm guns mounted on deck. Deep South Amateur Radio Club

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broadcasts live from the ship during drill weekends.

Perfect activities for children and families to participate in. www.ussalabama.com.

Market Days on Broadway See Jan. 28 for details.

Behind the Mask Behind the Mask is a celebration of Mardi Gras, held at the DelAvant Event Center in downtown LaGrange. The event benefits a number of our LaGrange programs.

Over 280 of our closest friends come out to partake of the best of Mardi Gras. With a New Orleans style buffet served by C’Sons and a band that could have stepped right off Bourbon Street, our attendees simply don’t want to leave at the end of the evening. Our reigning King and Queen of Mask are Dale Jackson and Pam Herndon. This event is a sellout every year, so buy early! www.twincedars.org or lwicker@twincedars.org.

Eye Spy Scavenger Hunt at FDR State Park See Jan. 28 for details.

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Saturday STEM See Jan. 28 for details.

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2017 Hudson Family Foundation Super Bowl Benefit Weekend Saturday, 4: Dinner Party and Concert at The Marriott at Grand National, Opelika, 7:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. You and your guest will check into a Marriott room and have a wonderful dinner prepared by the chef and culinary team of Acre. After dinner, get ready for a once in a lifetime, private concert by Sol Fusion. The evening will feature host bars and other surprises.

Sunday, 5: Super Bowl Sunday at The Marriot at Grand National, Opelika. You and your team will have the opportunity to participate in the Inaugural Golf Tournament which will include team challenges and contests on each hole. The entire ground floor of hotel will feature all things Super Bowl, including view areas, games, prizes and host bars. www.hudsonfamilyfoundation.com.

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Sunday, February 5

Spanish Language Film Club: “Pequeñas Menitras Piadosas” (“The Travel Agent”) Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, 2:00 p.m.

Havana, Cuba, 54th year of US embargo. After helping hundreds of Cubans to travel to the US, Lourdes has finally the chance of getting a visa to see her dying mother in Miami. She waited a lifetime for this moment. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

2017 Hudson Family Foundation Super Bowl Benefit Weekend See Feb. 4 for details.

USS Alabama Living History Crew Drill See Feb. 4 for details.

Monday, February 6

Literary Classics Club: “Romeo and Juliet” Auburn Public Library. 1:00-2:30 p.m. Grades 8-12.

The Auburn Public Library is pleased to announce a book discussion group for you to divulge your inner literati! Teens, grades 8-12, can join us for hot beverages and lively discussion as we dissect some of the most influential pieces of western literature.

Following the discussion, participants are invited to create projects to supplement what they gained from their experience. Craft supplies are provided and

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Family Calendar participation is voluntary. All selected works for the winter season are located on public domain. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

The Arts Association of East Alabama presents “42nd Street” The quintessential backstage musical comedy classic, “42nd Street” is the song and dance fable of Broadway with an American Dream story and includes some of the greatest songs ever written, such as “We’re In The Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off To Buffalo,” “Dames,” “I Only Have Eyes For You” and of course “42nd Street.” Based on a novel by Bradford Ropes and Busby Berkeley’s 1933 movie, “42nd Street” tells the story of a starry-eyed young dancer named Peggy Sawyer who leaves her Allentown home and comes to New York to audition for the new Broadway musical “Pretty Lady”. When the leading lady breaks her ankle, Peggy takes over and becomes a star. Opelika Center for The Performing Arts.

Shop the Tracks Come and shop the tracks, once a month, every month! Local businesses will gather to support our community and build relationships! Bottling Plant Event Center, 614 N. Railroad Ave, Downtown Opelika.

5:30-8:30 p.m. Free event to all. (832) 330-3895 or on Facebook.

Tuesday, February 7 Baby Time See January 24 for details.

Crazy 8s Math Club: Grades K-2 and 3-5 See Jan. 24 for details.

Wednesday, February 8

28th Annual Daddy-Daughter Date Night is SOLD OUT, but if you are interested in adding your name to the Daddy Daughter Date Night 2017 Wait list, please submit your contact information to the specialeventsparks@auburnalabama.org address.

This year’s Daddy-Daughter Date Night “Magical Masquerade” at the Clarion Inn & Suites on S. College St. Daughters, dads, granddads, and uncles are invited to dance the night away to music by DJ Ozz and enjoy refreshments, door prizes, dance contests, keepsake photos, and an evening of memories. Special guests will be in attendance as well! Ticket holders are reminded that tickets are only valid for the night they were purchased. Tickets are non-transferable and cannot be resold or given to another family. All ticket sales for the event are final. Feb. 8 - 11. For more information, visit www.auburnalabama.org/parks or contact Auburn Parks and Recreation at 334-501-2930.

Toddler Time See Jan. 25 for details.

Thursday, February 9

Film @JCSM: East Meets West. “Cloud Atlas” introduced by Jiha Moon. From the creators of “The Matrix” trilogy “Cloud Atlas” explores how the actions of individual lives impact one another in the past, present and future, as one soul is shaped from a killer into a hero, and an act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution. The story is a time-shifting weave of six interlinking narratives, with diverse settings from the savagery of a Pacific Island in the 1850s to a dystopian Korea of the near future.

Action, mystery and romance weave dramatically through the story as one soul is shaped from a killer into a hero, and a single act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution. Based on the bestselling novel “Cloud Atlas” written by David Mitchell.

Featuring an all-star cast led by Tom Hanks and Halle Berry. Future. Present. Past. Everything is connected. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2017

January/February2017

Vocalosity VOCALOSITY is the all-new live concert event from the creative mind of artistic producer Deke Sharon (Pitch Perfect, The Sing-Off) that takes a cappella to a whole new level! This fast-paced production features 12 dynamic voices singing some of today’s charttopping hits in brand-new arrangements too incredible to miss. No genre of music is off limits- from tenth century Gregorian chant and classic choral, to barber shop quartet and bouncing doo-wop all the way to The Beatles and Bruno Mars. Combine that with movement and choreography and you have an exhilarating evening of song unlike anything you’ve ever seen or heard, live on stage. www.alystephens.org. Aly Stephens Center, UAB, Bham.

Preschool Storytime See Jan. 26 for details.

Gamers Society See Jan. 26 for details.

Friday, February 10

Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend Event features five running events including the full marathon, half marathon, 5K, Kids Marathon. Other weekend activities include a Health and Wellness Expo and a post race party. Linn Park, Birmingham. www. mercedesmarathon.com. Fee for participants only.

World of Wheels The World of Wheels is an indoor custom car show with 350 cars, trucks and bikes in competition for trophies and cash prizes. Dozens of categories include antique, custom and classic vehicles and hot rods, plus entertainment, TV celebrities and special attractions.

This event offers the most exciting and unique collection of the nation’s most beautiful vehicles along with one-of-a-kind displays. www.worldofwheels.net.

Birmingham.

Saturday, February 11

Animal Enrichment Day From zoo animals to our pets at home and even including us, we all need enrichment.

A chance to smell a new scent. Taste a new favor. Play a new game or figure out a puzzle.

Enrichment is an effort to tap into and stimulate our basic five senses: touch, sight, scent, taste and hear. The result is to stimulate behaviors resembling those for that species in a wild. It is a lot of trial and error, but it is always fun.

The Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend See Feb. 10 for details.

to learn all about counting birds for the Great Backyard Bird Count on February 17th -20th. We will teach you the common winter birds found in our part of the state, ways to attract birds to your yard, and bird watching tips. Become a citizen scientist and help researchers gain a clearer picture of bird populations with the data you gather in a fun activity the whole family can enjoy. We will enter some live entries to the Cornell site after a group 15 minute count. Proceeds from this program will be used to buy food for the preserve bird feeders. Cancelled if severe weather. $4/$5 fee. www.auburn.edu/preserve.

Second Saturday at Columbus Museum 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Free Admission. Drop by the art cart with your children and grandchildren each month to explore various mediums of art, enjoy art related stories, and participate in gallery hunts at the Museum. Children of all ages are welcome and encouraged to participate. www.columbusmuseum.com.

Alabama Wildlife Center’s Wild About Chocolate The 13th annual Valentine Gala benefits the Alabama Wildlife Center and features a variety of chocolate concoctions from Birmingham’s best restaurants, caterers and bakeries. Appetizers and beverages (including complimentary wine) are also served. Participants can enjoy a silent auction, live auction and music at the event, which is held at The Harbert Center in downtown Birmingham. Complimentary parking is available in the deck across the street. Dress is cocktail attire. To check for changes in venue, date, time, cost or description, visit the Alabama Wildlife Center website. Birmingham. www. awrc.org.

Eye Spy Scavenger Hunt at FDR State Park See Jan. 28 for details.

Sunday, February 12

Spanish Language Film Club: “Los Bañistas” (“Open Cage”) Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, 2:00 p.m.

Economy has collapsed. Among the affected ones lives the rebel teenager Flavia, and her old and grumpy neighbor Martin. Both will learn to relate , not just to survive the crisis, but to find the sense of their lives. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend See Feb. 10 for details.

World of Wheels See Feb. 10 for details.

Tuesday, February 14 Baby Time See Jan. 24 for details.

Crazy 8s Math Club: Grades K-2 and 3-5 See Jan. 24 for details.

Sidewalk Prophets Benjamin Russell High School, Alexander City, Al. www.sidewalkprophets.com.

Let It Be: A Celebration of the Music of The Beatles Part II RiverCenter for The Performing Arts, Columbus. Seen by over 2 million people worldwide, relive The Beatles’ meteoric rise from their humble beginnings through the heights of Beatlemania. Enjoy their later studio masterpieces, with live performances of early tracks including “Twist and Shout”, “She Loves You” and “Drive My Car”, as well as global mega-hits “Yesterday”, “Hey Jude”, “Come Together” and, of course, “Let It Be”. Travel back to the magical Sixties when all you needed was love, and a little help from your friends!

A Valentines dinner will be available prior to this performance. www.rivercenter.org.

Birding 101 Workshop Sponsored by Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. 2222 North College Street. 10:00 a.m. Join Rita Kempf of the Auburn Birding Group and the KPNC staff

Love in the Wild Louise Kreher Foreset Ecology Preserve, Auburn. 2222 North College St. 7:00 p.m. Bring your sweetheart out for a unique romantic evening in the forest to celebrate

Saturday STEM See Jan. 28 for details.

World of Wheels See Feb. 10 for details.

Market Days on Broadway See Jan. 28 for details.

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Family Calendar Valentine’s Day from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the Louise Kreher Nature Preserve. Join other couples under the crisp starry evening for a hike following the twinkling lights, sharing sweet memories and making new ones.

Ward off the chill of the evening with a campfire, special dessert and entertainment. It is sure to be an evening full of love, laughter and time well spent. www.auburn.edu/preserve.

Wednesday, February 15 Toddler Time Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Thursday, February 16 Preschool Storytime See Jan. 26 for details.

Gamers Society See Jan. 26 for details.

A Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 5:00 p.m. Starting on the third Thursday of each month, join us for a focused look at a single work of art. A Little Art Talk lasts around an hour, leaving ample time to drop by the café for live music and poetry. Presenters include Dr. Kathryn Floyd’s and students of the 20th Century Art History Class. www. jcsm.auburn.edu.

Third Thursday Poetry Series: Phillip B. Williams Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 6:30 p.m. A new lineup of visiting poets to our area is slated for the 2017 spring installment of the Third Thursday Poetry Series. This program has been made possible by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Broadside prints of featured poets are available in the Museum Shop. www.jcsm.auburn.edu “Tokens of Affection” “Tokens of Affection,” a play by Topher Payne, explores the empty nest syndrome, complications of long-term romance and general family dysfunction when a wife of 37 years announces she’s leaving her husband. Each partner seeks solace at the homes of their grown children, and hilarity ensues. Th/F/Sa @ 7:30 with optional, pre-show, seated dinner, and Sunday @ 2:30. (334) 738-8687 or conecuhpeople@ knology.net Red Door Theatre & Historical Marker, Union Springs, Al. www.reddoortheatre.org.

Friday, February 17

Friday Night Drop-In Sweetheart Dance Girls ask that special guy! The king and his court will be presented. Entertainment by DJ Ozz. 6th-9th grade “Drop In” Members only. Opelika Sportsplex. 7:00 9:30 p.m. $5 for single/$8 couple. 334-705-5560.

Romeo & Juliet + Carmen RiverCenter for The Performing Arts, Columbus. The powerful elegance and timeless majesty of their movements captivate and enchant audiences of all ages. Experience this evergreen masterpiece set to symphonic favorites featuring a company of over 50 dancers in resplendent costumes. Helmed by award-winning Artistic Director Elena Radchenko, this season’s performance will portray “Romeo and Juliet”’s star-crossed affair in Act I and “Carmen”’s spirited trials

January/February2017

in Act II. A romantic Valentine-themed dinner will be available prior to this performance. www.rivercenter.org.

“Tokens of Affection” See Feb. 16 for details.

Saturday, February 18

Desert Princess Tea Party Hosted by Celtic Traditions, 2705 Fredrick Road, Opelika. Your little one can join the real, live belly dancers of Village Plains Tribal Fusion for a magical afternoon of dance, crafts, music, food and fun!

Together we’ll enjoy a mini dance lesson and belly dancer dress-up session with plenty of photos (e-mailed to parents!). Make hair flowers, jewelry and a magic flying carpet to take home and enjoy plenty of sparkly treats. Tickets are $25 (includes 1 child and 1 adult). Additional siblings with the same adult are $15. www.celtic-traditions.net.

Dandy Dads Dinner Dance A special night out for fathers and daughters of all ages. Join us for an evening of dining, dancing and fun! Admission is $30 per couple/$10 each additional daughter. Register by February 12. Includes meal, corsage, boutonniere, activities and entertainment by DJ Ozz. 334-705-5560. Opelika Sportsplex.

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

25th Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival & Car Show The Orange Beach Sports Association (OBSA)’s 25th Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival is a full day of delicious food, 40+ arts and crafts vendors and music for the whole family. This is an alcohol-free event. The festival includes a silent auction, car show featuring antique, classic and hot rod vehicles, a Kids Zone with climbing wall, inflatables and games and also a children’s performance pavilion. This festival is the Association’s major fundraiser to support sports-related activities in our community, specifically youth baseball, softball and T-Ball. Proceeds are used to purchase uniforms, equipment, insurance, and pay for expenses of officials and sponsor clinics. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.obparksandrec.com.

Anniston Museum’s Black Heritage Festival Anniston Museum’s Black Heritage Festival is one of Northeast Alabama’s oldest continuing Black History Month celebrations. The event is held annually on the third Saturday of February. www.annistonmuseum.org.

Mother Son Blue Jean Ball Sponsored by Opelika Parks and Rec, located at Covington Rec Center, Opelika. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Mothers and sons of all ages, come have a fun and relaxing night! $20 per couple, $5 each additional son.

Must pre-register by February 13 with Opelika Parks and Rec. 334-705-5560.

Girls, Glitz and Glamour All things girly! Nails, makeup, hair and lunch! $15.

Ages 5-13. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Covington Rec Center, Opelika. 334-705-5560.

Market Days on Broadway See Jan. 28 for details.

“Tokens of Affection” See Feb. 16 for details.

Saturday STEM See Jan. 28.

Eye Spy Scavenger Hunt at FDR State Park See Jan. 28 for details.

Super Saturdays at LaGrange Art Museum 112 Lafayette Pkwy, LaGrange, Ga. 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

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Free family art day! Spend the afternoon at the Museum. Families, neighbors, and friends can tour the current exhibit and explore an art activity. www.lagrangeartmuseum.org.

Sunday, February 19

Spanish Language Film Club: “El Club” (“The Club”) Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, 2:00 p.m. A crisis counselor is sent by the Catholic Church to a small Chilean beach town where disgraced priests and nuns, suspected of crimes ranging from child abuse to baby-snatching from unwed mothers, live secluded, after an incident occurs. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Mike and the Moonpies Standard Deluxe, Waverly. Great night! Great Concert! www.themoonpies.com.

“Tokens of Affection” See Feb. 16 for details.

Monday, February 20

Free Fee Day at Talladega National Forest The National Forests in Alabama offers a “Free Fee” day. Any fees necessitated for either camping, fishing, trail riding, shooting, or horse-back riding will be waived. The sites involved in the free fee day are publicized in advance. Each national forest and ranger district highlights one free fee recreation site. Annually the free fee day has been set aside in honor of our veterans, members of the U.S. armed forces and their family members. This honorary time has been established to encourage veterans and active military personnel to spend their holiday enjoying the outdoors and recreational activities in one of Alabama’s national forests. www.fs.usda.gov/goto/alabama/districts.

Tuesday, February 21 Baby Time See Jan. 24 for details.

LitWits Book Club: I Ship Them!

Auburn Public Library. 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Bored of the same old chit-chat over required reading? Take charge of your reading experience! LitWits is a genre based book club. Read any book within that genre and bring it with you for group discussions and themed activities.

Coffee and snacks are served at each meeting. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Founders’ Day at Callaway Gardens Callaway Gardens honors its founders each year on November 6 (Cason J. Callaway’s birthday) and February 21 (Virginia Hand Callaway’s birthday).

Special organ concerts are played these days from noon to 4 p.m. at the Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel. To celebrate our founders, we invite you to make a tax-deductible contribution to the 501(c)3 non-profit Ida Cason Callaway Foundation™. Today, the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation owns and operates Callaway Gardens. Your gift will help continue the Foundation’s environmental mission of conservation, education and land stewardship as well as expand and improve the Gardens. Without the generosity of donors like you, educational endeavors and enjoyment of the natural world would not be possible at Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com.

Tiger Giving Day Tiger Giving Day is coming to Auburn University! Will you help send a student-built satellite into space?

Will you help build a display for Auburn’s dinosaur egg? Will you help the wheelchair basketball team get the training equipment they need? Prepare to pick a project and be a part of the Auburn Family. www.tigergiving.org.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Family Calendar

January/February2017

Crazy 8s Math Club: Grades K-2 and 3-5 See Jan. 24 for details.

of SoloDuo (Matteo Mela and Lorenzo Micheli). www. rivercenter.org.

Eye Spy Scavenger Hunt at FDR State Park See Jan. 28 for details.

Wednesday, February 22

7th Annual Evening of Wishes National Infantry Museum, 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus.

Join us for the 7th Annual Evening of Wishes dinner and silent auction to benefit Make-A-Wish Georgia. All net proceeds will assist in making wishes come true for our local Columbus area children, who are battling life-threatening medical conditions. Come join us for an evening of Mardi Gras festivities and make wishes come true! 6:00-11:00 p.m. (EST). Facebook.

Market Days on Broadway See Jan. 28 for details.

Toddler Time Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Gamers Society See Jan. 26 for details.

Thursday, February 23 Preschool Storytime See Jan. 26 for details.

Gamers Society See Jan. 26 for details.

Dierks Bentley: What the Hell World Tour with Special Guests Cole Swindell & Jon Pardi Columbus Civic Center, Ga. Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or Columbusciviccenter. org.

“Star Wars” Imperial Gala Dress up in your favorite sci-fi costumes and bring the whole family to the Auburn Public Library to enjoy a variety of “Star Wars” activities! Our Imperial Gala will include: a costume contest, snacks, games, and crafts. The costume contest will have four categories including best group costume and three age brackets: 0-5, 6-11, and 12+. Auburn Public Library. 3:00-3:30 p.m. & 4:00-4:30 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/ library.

Film @JCSM: “Lost Horizon” Introduced by Karen Kuo, Arizona State. British diplomat Robert Conway and a small group of civilians crash land in the Himalayas, and are rescued by the people of the mysterious, Eden-like valley of Shangri-la. Protected by the mountains from the world outside, where the clouds of World War II are gathering, Shangri-la provides a seductive escape for the world-weary Conway. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Friday, February 24

Columbus Symphony Orchestra at the Oscars RiverCenter for The Performing Arts, Columbus. Walk the red carpet like a celebrity into this concert featuring the most memorable Oscar-winning film scores.

Thrill to the music of John Williams (Star Wars), John Barry (Out of Africa and James Bond), Maurice Jarre (Lawrence of Arabia), and many, many more. Right this way, and smile pretty for the paparazzi. www.rivercenter.org.

The Auburn Public Library Puppet Troupe 3:00-3:30 p.m. & 4:00-4:30 p.m. The APL brings Puppet Theater to life beginning February 2017! This month’s dramatic puppet presentation is titled, The Gifts of Wali Dad: a Tale of India and Pakistan. Wali Dad, a humble grass-cutter, never asked for wealth, so why can’t he give it away? Come find out: two times available!

Saturday, February 25

18th Annual Guitar Symposium Concert & Competition RiverCenter for The Performing Arts, Columbus. The final concert of the CSU Guitar Symposium features festival favorite Elliot Frank as well as the much-anticipated return

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2017

Empty Bowls Auburn Parks and Recreation’s Dean Road Ceramics Studio and Opelika Parks and Recreation’s Denson Drive Recreation Center will host the Annual Empty Bowls event at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. A minimum donation of $10/person to the Food Bank of East Alabama entitles each ticket holder to their choice of a handmade bowl created by studio potters and a selection of soup, chili, and bread donated by local restaurants. Advance ticket purchases are encouraged. Empty Bowls is a fundraiser created to raise awareness for hunger issues and help feed the hungry in our community. Potters from the Auburn and Opelika ceramics studios spend months creating hundreds of handcrafted bowls from which patrons can choose as a keepsake and a reminder of those who face hunger every day. 334-501-2930. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn. www.auburnalabama.org/parks.

Russell Forest Run Fee for participants only. Russell Crossroads--Check website or call for details. Benefit for the Alexander City Schools Education Foundation. 7:45 a.m. Alexander City, Al. 256-397-1019. www.russellforestrun.com.

AU Challenge Course Open Ropes Lee County Road 90, Auburn. Sponsored by Office of Professional and Continuing Education. Individuals can now join us for a fun and exciting adventure on our high ropes course! Activities include the zip line, giant swing, and others. Bring your family or friends out for an experience you won’t forget! Two session times available: (Space is limited, so register early to guarantee your spot.) 9 a.m.

- 12 p.m. (Register: https://mell-base.uce.auburn.edu/ wconnect/CourseStatus.awp?&course=C170225) or 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. (Register: https://mell-base.uce.auburn.edu/ wconnect/CourseStatus.awp?&course=C170225A). We can’t wait to see you on the ropes! 334.321.1603.

27th Annual Love Your Heart Run & 9th Annual Crank Your Heart Ride Join A.O.R.T.A., the Exceptional Outreach Organization and Auburn Parks and Recreation for the 27th Annual Love Your Heart Run benefiting individuals with special needs and supporting the Annual Therapeutic Summer Camp, Special Olympics of Lee County, Best Buddies of Auburn University and other therapeutic programs.

Participants may choose from a one-mile fun-walk course or the Love Your Heart 10K (6.2 mile) course.

And back for the ninth year is the Crank Your Heart Ride, which will consist of a 3.5, 11, and 22 mile bike ride. All routes begin and end at Chewacla State Park. Individuals wishing to participate can register online by visiting https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/ Auburn/LoveYourHeartRunCrankYourHeartRide or LoveYourHeartRun.com. Applications can also be picked up at area gyms or the Harris Center in Auburn. The early bird registration deadline is Monday, January 30 to guarantee a t-shirt. Chewacla State Park, Auburn.

6:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Sponsored by A.O.R.T.A., Exceptional Outreach Organization and Auburn Parks and Recreation.

Saturday STEM See Jan. 28.

Young Eagles Day See Jan. 28 for details.

Sunday, February 26

Lightwire Theatre: “The Ugly Duckling”/”The Tortoise & the Hare” RiverCenter for The Performing Arts, Columbus. In an age when technology seems to provide many distractions, Lightwire Theater, made famous on America’s Got Talent, brings a classic tale to the modern stage. This is an unforgettable theatrical experience. Witness the magic of full-body puppetry and electroluminescent artistry with the entire family. www.rivercenter.org.

Jewish Food Festival & Treasure Market In addition to purchasing delicious food or finding some very unique treasures, visitors have an opportunity to attend a short session with our Rabbi Stevens to learn more about Jewish customs. This is event is free to attend and there is no charge for parking. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 334-262-3314. Montgomery. www.templebethor.net.

K-12 Art Club Our ever-popular spring art club series continues for 2017! Continuing to relate to the Jiha Moon exhibition, we’ll be working on pop culture collages working in mixed-media (paper, pens, pencils, and markers, magazine images, stamps, woodblocks, etc.).

Grownups are asked to join in the fun and remain with their child for the project. Please register to guarantee a space and materials. Some topics may change slightly. Check back in the new year for registration instructions. K-12 Art Clubs are supported in part by a City of Auburn K-12 Education Grant. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Auburn. 1:30 p.m. - 3:00. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Spanish Language Film Club: “El Patron” (“The Boss”) Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, 2:00 p.m. A humble peon finds a job in a big city butcher’s shop.

His boss, a sinister character, introduces him to the meat business while subjecting him, by means of pressure and extortion, to slavery. The boss’s overwhelming cruelty will inevitably lead to tragedy.

Based on real facts.www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

18th Annual Guitar Symposium Concert & Competition See Feb. 25 for details.

Tuesday, February 28 Baby Time See Jan. 24 for details.

“Once” RiverCenter for The Performing Arts, Columbus. Winner of eight Tony Awards and an Academy Award for Best Original Song “Falling Slowly”, “Once” is a truly original Broadway experience. Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, “Once” tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights. “Once” draws you in from the very first note and never lets go. www.rivercenter.org.

Crazy 8s Math Club: Grades K-2 and 3-5 See Jan. 24 for details.

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Family Calendar March 2

Bridge Crossing Jubilee Mar. 2-5. This weekend is a commemoration of the anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” and the Selma to Montgomery March. Activities include a pageant, a dance, women and youth conferences, a parade, festival, interfaith service and National Voting Rights Hall of Fame induction.

Visit www.selmajubilee.com for more information.

A Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 5:00 p.m. Starting on the third Thursday of each month, join us for a focused look at a single work of art. A Little Art Talk lasts around an hour, leaving ample time to drop by the café for live music and poetry. Presenters include Dr. Kathryn Floyd’s and students of the 20th Century Art History Class. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Read Across the Preserve Krehler Preserve and Nature Center and Auburn Public Library. 3:30 p.m. Read Across America with our own special version. Enjoy stories being read every 20 minutes at our tree house in the Nature Playground, by the campfire at amphitheater, the dock at the pond or at Reptile Rest. Enjoy our Story Walk for our younger readers, where you walk the trails to find the next page in the story! Bring a book to place in the Little Free Library. FREE to the public.

March 3

Cottontails Village Arts, Crafts and Gifts Show Mar. 3-5. BJCC. Many of the familiar exhibitors from Christmas Village Festival switch gears to create a spring shopping experience for their customers. Oneof-a-kind Easter dresses can be found on the same aisle as handmade garden decor or gourmet candy.

Original art, handcrafted soaps and unique jewelry, created by artisans from across America, fill the BJCC for this annual event. www.christmasvillagefestival. com.

Boda Getta BBQ Competition Mar. 3-4. Auburn.

Professional BBQ teams from across the southeast gather at University Station RV Resort to compete for cash prizes. Spectators will enjoy a weekend of live music, food, vendors, children’s activities, children’s fun run and more. www. facebook.com/bodagettabbq.

March 4

Fit as a Fiddle Senior Health Fair Auburn. Auburn’s 50+ citizens will be able to explore exciting new opportunities to live out a healthier lifestyle by visiting interactive booths around the Harris Center. The morning will be filled with advice from doctors, fitness experts, health food stores, senior communities and more. In addition to becoming fit as a fiddle, seniors will have the opportunity to win various door prizes. www.auburnalabama.org.

ALIDA Dyslexia Dash of East Alabama Register at auburnrunning.org or idaalabama.org/run. htm.

Astronomy Night at Kiesel Park Join Kreher Preserve & Nature Center staff and the Auburn Astronomical Society for a star studded event featuring a short astronomy program, educational space movie, powerful telescopes, laser constellation program and some out-of-this-world snacks. Remember to bring a flashlight and dress warmly. Please be aware, this program is not recommended for children under 5. Admission is $4 for members and $5 for nonmembers. Program held at Kiesel Park located at 520

January/February2017

Chadwick Ln, Auburn, AL. Canceled if mostly cloudy or raining. preserve@auburn.edu

March 9

“Much Ado About Nothing” RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus. 7:30 p.m. Spying, subterfuge, deception, false identities, slander, manipulation, and love all take part in this wonderfully entertaining battle of the sexes. “Much Ado About Nothing”, thought to have been written in 1598, belongs to a group of Shakespeare’s more mature romantic comedies. It is an exuberant, philosophical, and festive play excelling in combative wit, melodrama, and potential tragedy. This comedy is wonderfully intricate, flush with surprising twists, and articulated in expert language. Funded in part by South Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. www.rivercenter.org.

March 11

Zoo Weekend 2017 Mar. 11-12. Festive environment with live entertainment, games, rides, concessions and animals from around the world. Enjoy the many activities, fantastic food and have fun together at an affordable price. It is also an excellent opportunity to take advantage of discounted memberships. www. montgomeryzoo.com.

March 12

Kids Camp & Summer Fun Fair National Infantry Museum, 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus. 12:00-4:00 p.m. Blast off to a great summer! Make plans to attend the annual Kids Camp & Summer Fun Fair. Meet face-to-face with over 40 camp representatives in one location and collect information to help plan your kids’ next summer adventure.

Attendees can play our Passport to Summer Fun Game (which also functions as your layout guide to the event) for a change to win great prizes. In addition to exploring the museum, stop to watch a FREE, kidfriendly movie playing on the museum’s Giant Screen.

Daylight Savings Time Begins The clock is set forward one hour at 2:00 a.m. (Second Sunday in March). Remember to change smoke detector batteries.

March 14

Tickets on Sale for: S’MORE Fun with Mom…Lee County’s Mother/Son Adventure Co-hosted by the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center and The City of Auburn. S’more Fun with Mom will be held for two evenings; Thursday and Friday May 11 and 12, 2017 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. This fun evening will include a night hike, cookout, s’mores, and storytelling! Our mother/son duos may also visit a craft station to create their own keepsake and commemorate this special night with a 5×7 portrait. Rain dates are Thursday and Friday, May 18 and 19. $30/couple, additional sons $10. Ticket sales begin March 14 at www.auburn. edu/ preserve with on-line registration only.

March 16

The Original Harlem Globetrotters Tour!

A star-studded roster will have fans on the edge of their seats to witness the ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that thrills fans of all ages. Join Globetrotter stars after the game where they will stay for an autograph, photography and high five session for fans. www.ticketmaster.com.

60th Annual Southeastern Livestock Exposition Rodeo Mar. 16-18. Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery. The SLE Rodeo proudly features the top bucking stock in the

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country through 2015 PRCA Stock Contractor of the Year Frontier Rodeo Company. Our rodeo will have more cowboys and cowgirls who competed in the National Finals Rodeo than any other rodeo within 200 miles! www.slerodeo.com.

March 17

Janoska Ensemble - Classical Music with a Twist!

Crosby Theatre, Troy, Al. 7:00 p.m. Classical Music from Vienna- with a Twist! Recently-signed to the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this genrebending Vienna-based ensemble is comprised of four brothers (three brothers and their brother-in-law) - each of whom is a soloist in his own right. Janoska infuses classical music with Jazz, Gypsy, Tango, Latin and a dash of Pop and has appeared at many of the world’s leading festivals and prestigious concert halls including New York’s Carnegie Hall (as parts of other ensembles), Sydney’s iconic Opera House and Vienna’s famed Musikverein, among numerous others. www.troyartscouncil.com.

Historic Selma Pilgrimage Mar. 17-18. Beneath the moss-covered trees Selma opens its doors for the 42nd annual Historic Selma Pilgrimage. Experience history first-hand with guided tours of homes with over a century of architectural styles, museums, a church, 1861 gristmill, and two art shows. Twilight is a special time when the ghostly residents of Old Live Oak Cemetery step out of the shadows to tell the stories of Selma’s former citizens.

Discounts are available for groups. Updates are posted on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ SelmaPilgrimage.

March 18

Finish on the 50 / Auburn Running Festival Toomer’s Corner, Auburn. 6:00 a.m. The Auburn 1/2 Marathon, 10K, 5K, & Fun Run is the first and only event to start at Toomer’s Corner and finish on the 50-yard-line of Jordan-Hare Stadium. Most commonly referred to as “Finish on the 50,” the festival encompasses four races – a half marathon, a 10K, a 5K and a 1-mile Fun Run – that each begin at Toomer’s Corner and finish at the 50-yard line in Auburn University’s Jordan Hare Stadium. Approximately 1,502 runners turned out for the last year’s event, which kicked off with the half marathon at 7:15 a.m. www.racekrewe.com.

Spring Farm Day Landmark Park, Dothan. Turn back the clock 100 years and experience living history demonstrations of sheep shearing, blacksmithing, plowing with mules, basket weaving, quilting and other traditional springtime farm activities. Entertainment will include an Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention and two stages of traditional music. www.landmarkpark.com.

Dothan Gem & Mineral Show Mar. 18-19. Dothan. Fun for the whole family. Vendors from across the country will be selling gemstones, minerals, fossils, beads, jewelry and lapidary equipment. There will be hourly door prizes and silent auctions both days, along with rock exhibits, flint knapping and cabochon cutting demonstrations and special activities for the kids, plus a grand prize drawing at the end of the show. Free admission and parking. Hours: Saturday, 9:00 – 5:00 and Sunday, 10:00 – 4:00. Sponsored by the Dothan Gem & Mineral Club. For more information, please contact Jeff DeRoche at 334-673-3554.

March 25

Bark in the Park Kiesel Park, Auburn. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Calling all dog lovers! Auburn Parks and Recreation will host Bark in the Park, an event celebrating responsible dog

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Family Calendar ownership. This FREE event is open to all dog owners and their favorite four-legged friends. Visit a variety of educational booths, shop with local pet vendors, take advantage of low-cost rabies vaccinations, and enjoy door prizes and dog-friendly activities and crafts all morning. Looking to expand your canine family?

Rescue dogs will be available for adoption as well! Join us for a morning of dog-gone good fun at the park!

Do you have a dog-related business and would like to be a vendor? Contact Gabby Meredith at gmeredith@ auburnalabama.org or visit auburnalabama.org/ parks for an application.

March 30

The Price Is Right Live!

RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus. The Price Is Right Live™ is the hit interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to “Come On Down” and play classic games from television’s longest running and most popular game show. Contestants can win cash, appliances, vacations and possibly even a new car by playing favorites like Plinko™, Cliffhangers™, The Big Wheel™, and the fabulous Showcase. Playing to near sold out audiences for more than ten years, The Price Is Right Live™ has given away over 12 million dollars in cash and prizes to lucky audience members all across North America. The Price is Right™ is the longest running game show in television history and loved by generations of viewers.

This on-stage travelling version gives fans the chance to experience the same fun and winning excitement up close and in-person. The Price Is Right is produced

by FremantleMedia North America and licensed by FremantleMedia. www.rivercenter.org.

March 31

Eufaula Pilgrimage Mar. 31 - Apr. 2. 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Eufaula hosts Alabama’s oldest tour of homes and has more than 700 structures listed on the National Register. Each spring, the city of Eufaula opens its doors to share this historical wealth. Visitors can take guided tours of homes and sites and also enjoy an art show, concerts, a wax museum and much more. www.eufaulapilgrimage.com.

Ongoing

Alabama Dance Festival An annual dance festival including dance classes, workshops, performances, and community residency activities. Admission charged with some events free.

Jan. 7 - 29. Birmingham. 205-602-3599. www.alabamadancefestival.org.

Alabama Shakespeare Festival • “The Two Gentlemen of Verona”. Feb. 11 - May 13.

Proteus is in love with Julia until he gets an eyeful of his best friend’s girl, Silvia. When friends turn into rivals things quickly go comic as they clash with bandits, a bad-mannered dog, an angry father and a girl who won’t be dumped. This condensed version of Shakespeare’s first play is sure to be a big hit with all ages! Recommended ages nine and up.

Jan 27-Feb 12• “Because of Winn-Dixie.” Jan. 27 - Feb. 12. The new musical by Tony-winning Spring Awakening songwriter Duncan Sheik and Tony-nominated “Legally Blonde” lyricist Nell Benjamin, is based on the (Newberry honor) children’s book of the same title. This charming story is all about a dog who brings new life and hope into a family as Opal Buloni and her preacher father settle in a new Southern town full of quirky characters.

Recommended for ages nine and up.

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2017

January/February2017

• “Sherlock Holmes.” Mar. 9 - May 13. A new adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes story by Geoffrey Sherman, this gripping tale of the world’s most famous detective features amazing twists and turns, accompanied by a healthy dose of comedy. Recommended for ages nine and up.

Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net.

Chick-fil-A Family Night at Tigertown Every Thursday night.

Discovery Hikes Explore the preserve and learn something new each month about plants, wildlife and nature with a trained naturalist who will offer your family fun opportunities for hands-on learning, exploration, and exercise!

Discovery Hikes are offered the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. For families with children ages 5 to 12. Free admission. Donations welcomed. Cancelled in the event of rain. Forest Ecology Preserve & Nature Center is located at 2222 N. College Street, Auburn, and is just north of the AU Fisheries complex.

Expressions of a BraveHeart Program A fine arts program for teens and young adults with special needs (ages 11–21), sponsored by Opelika Parks and Recreation, utilizing Auburn University faculty and students, as well as community volunteers. Two 30-minute sessions of art, dance/creative movement and music will be offered and participants will select 2 of the 3 classes. Expressions meets every 2nd and 4th Monday twice a month for 1.5 hours. Opelika Sportsplex, 334.705.5560. www.opelikasportsplex.com.

Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center • AACT Young Performers “Cheaper By the Dozen” Mar. 2-4, 9-11. Suppose you’re an attractive high school girl and you’re not only a member of a large and unique family but your father is, in fact, one of the great pioneers of industrial efficiency. Then suppose he decides, for no apparent reason, to apply his unorthodox methods to you and to the rest of your big family. The results are terribly embarrassing, funny, and—it must be admitted—extremely effective!

Audiences of all ages will laugh and be touched by this story. $10/Adults, $8/Students and Seniors. Tickets can be purchased and reservations made atauburnact.org.

• Art Gallery Spring 2017 Exhibition, Through Feb. 28.

Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn. Works in a variety of art mediums by selected Alabama artists and craftspersons. www.auburnalabama.org.

Meditation Garden and Labyrinth Come and Find the Quiet Center... in the Meditation Garden and Labyrinth, provided as a community service by Village Christian Church, 700 East University Drive, (across from Auburn Early Ed.). 334-887-5111.

Try the practice of walking meditation or simply sit and enjoy the sights and sounds. The garden and labyrinth are always open and guests are always welcome.

Red Door Theatre ”Tokens of Affection,” a play by Topher Payne. “Tokens of Affection” explores the empty nest syndrome, complications of long-term romance and general family dysfunction when a wife of 37 years announces she’s leaving her husband. Each partner seeks solace at the homes of their grown children, and hilarity ensues.

February 16, 17, & 18 (Th/F/Sa @ 7:30 with optional, pre-show, seated dinner) and February 19 (Su @ 2:30). Red Door Theatre & Historical Marker, Union Springs. (334) 738-8687 or conecuhpeople@knology.net.

Springer Opera House • “Grease!”. Mar. 2-4, 9-12, 16-19. It’s time to slick down your duck-tails, dust off those leather jackets, pull on your bobby-socks and pedal pushers and take a trip to 1959 as greaser Danny Zuko and goody-

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two-shoes Sandy Dumbrowski fall in love amid the wild times at Rydell High. Danny is obsessed with maintaining his tough-guy image but, in the end, the Pink Ladies help Sandy figure out how to win back the leader of the T-Birds. With unforgettable songs from the movie including “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightning,” “Beauty School Dropout” and “Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee.” • “The Giver”. Mar. 10-12, 17-19. Jonas’ world is perfect. There is no pain, no violence, no fear—and no choice. On his 12th birthday, Jonas is chosen for special training from The Giver and he discovers what it means to grow up, to grow wise, and to take control of his own destiny. www.springeroperahouse.org

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Telfair Peet Theatre “The Drowsy Chaperone”. Come join The Man in the Chair, misanthrope, recluse, and world’s biggest musical theatre fan, as he takes us on a hilarious tour of the acclaimed (and totally fictional) 1920s musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone”. With its bad plots, stock characters, and ridiculous send-ups of 1920s musical numbers, Chaperone is a theatrically self-referential tour de force, earning five Tony Awards in 2006. Feb. 23 - Mar. 4. Telfair Peet Theatre, Auburn University. www.auburn.theatre.edu.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre presents “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Tickets are $10 advance,$12 at door. The play will be directed by Sam Wallace, who last directed “The Curious Savage at WOBT”. “To Kill a Mockingbird” will open on Thursday, February 9 at 7:30 p.m. and there will be a reception to meet the cast and crew following the play. The production will run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays February 10–26, with a special performance on Valentine’s Day. For further information, please contact the Cultural Arts and Special Events Office at (334) 595 -0854 or visit the website at wobt.prattvilleal.gov.

XBAR Fitness For Youth For all fitness levels. Mondays 5:15 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. $65/6 weeks. Megan.Linge@gmail.com.

Support & Parenting Groups A2Z Local Homeschooler’s Association For homeschooling families in the Auburn/Opelika Lee County area of Alabama. A2Z Loop is an all-inclusive support group open to all homeschool families in the Auburn/Opelika area regardless of differences in beliefs, cultures, nationality, race, religion, or method of home schooling. For more information call 334-7281162 or email: momofpnk@gmail.com.

Alabama Mentor’s Foster Parent Training Classes Offered in the Opelika Auburn area. Call 334-705-8877 x 18 to register or email: Deanna.Hand@thementornetwork.com.

Auburn Mommies, a fun group of moms in the Auburn/Opelika area that meet weekly for playgroups and Mommy and Me walking twice a week. We also have a Mommies Night Out once a month. Http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/auburnmommiesinalabama/.

Auburn Mommy and Me Big Dog Running Co, Auburn. 10–11 a.m. Social time, story time, music/movement, arts & crafts. Ages 9 months–3 years. Free! 334-209-2580.

Auburn MOPS 1st Wednesday of each month, September-May. 9–11:30 a.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, Opelika.

Meetings open to moms with preschool children ages

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Family Calendar 5 years and under. $5 per meeting; childcare $5 per child. $25 yearly membership dues. Weekly playdates, monthly moms night out, resources, and more. www. facebook.com/AuburnOpelikaMOPS; AUMOPS@yahoo. com.

Bible Study Fellowship Held at Parkway Baptist Church, Thursdays at 10 a.m., (334) 546-1386.

Bosom Buddies (a breast cancer support group) Meets at The Health Resource Center the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. (334) 528-1260. www.eamc.org.

January/February2017

your termination in a safe and non-judgmental setting.

If you would like more information about the times, dates and location for this group, call or e-mail Sherry at Women’s Hope: 334.502.7000 or sherry@womenshope. org Don’t let the regret of the past rob you of the joy in the future. Call us today. We are here to help.

La Leche League, a support group for nursing moms, meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. @ Cornerstone Family Chiropractic, Airport Plaza, 323 Airport Road Suite E, Auburn. For more information call LLL of Auburn/Opelika, Leader, Josie Ettinger (h)334257-3950 or (c)334-740-8780.

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Mom’s Morning Out Auburn United Methodist Church, Children’s Day Out Program Every Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.–12 noon. $10 per child for the entire morning, $2 each additional child.

Attendance will be on a first come-first served basis.

Contact Barbara Dawsey at 826-8800 for more information.

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Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama offers 2nd Saturdays, group classes, and more. Contact Penny Messer at 334-444-6827. Email smoea@bellsouth.net. Website www.smoea.vpweb.com or find us on facebook.

Therapeutic Foster Care Program Foster a Child’s Future Today - Become a Therapeutic Foster Parent! Certification classes are free. Please call Joanna Fisher Champagne at Lee County Youth Development Center’s Therapeutic Foster Care Program.

(334) 749-2996, Ext. 311 - You can make an eternal difference in a child’s life!

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Parent Support Group - Autism 1st Monday (unless national holiday), 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Location varies so check www.leecountyautism.com for complete information.

Teen Moms (for moms under 20) is a ministry that connects trained adults with pregnant girls and teenage moms. Support meetings, classes, job preparation, devotions and games. Call Laura Fuller at laura@insideyfc. com or 334-501-5637. www.insideyfc.com.

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Parent Educational Workshop - Autism 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Avenue, Opelika.

Breast Feeding class meets the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon on EAMC’s third floor. Call 528-1260 to register.

Caregiver Support Group Caring for a family member or friends can be rewarding, but it’s not easy. Whether you are the caregiver for your parents, spouse or a dependent child, this group is for you! Learn ways to cope with every day stresses of caring for someone you love.

Gain tools and resources to help you on your journey.

This program is supported by the Opelika Sportsplex, Lee-Russell Agency on Aging and HomeInstead Senior Care. This group is open to the public. Meets the last Monday of each month at 12:30 p.m. at Opelika Sportsplex AAC. Instructors are: Valeri White (Sportsplex), Bridgette Sager (Home Instead Senior Care), Lisa Askew (Lee-Russell Council of Gov).

Food Allergy Support of East Alabama The Food Allergy Support of East Alabama group offers support through the sharing of information and resources. We are also working to increase awareness of food allergies in the state of Alabama.

For more information, visit our website at www. foodallergysupporteastal.org or call Barbara at 334826-3082; bkg2007@bellsouth.net.

GRACE - Post-Abortive Support Group Are you struggling with feelings of regret or sadness from having a pregnancy termination in your past?

Do you feel like you can’t share these struggles with anyone? Would you like to find healing and forgiveness? You are not alone. Women’s Hope Medical Clinic wants to help you! You are invited to take part in our GRACE abortion recovery group. This confidential group gives you the opportunity to process the grief of

Lee County Department of Human Resources Now recruiting foster/adoptive families. To learn more about fostering and adoption please call our office at 334-737-1100. Please join us in this endeavor to help our foster children.

Lee County Parents of Chinese Children helps children understand, see and grow up with other families that look like their family (white parents/Asian child). The group is 100% free! We try to eat out at Asian establishments monthly and have playdates.

Families that are waiting to adopt are welcome! We accept any families with adopted children from all Asian countries. Contact Melody at mmhilyer@bellsouth.net for more information.

Miracle League To volunteer or for more information, www.miraclefield. org or eamiracleleague@gmail.com.

MOMS Club of Auburn, a group of stay-at-home moms that meets about twice a week to provide support for each other and fun interaction for kids.

New website is www.auburnmoms.com.

Trinity United Methodist Church (Opelika) Mom’s Morning Out Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:45–12. $15 per child, $5 each additional.

Sports Auburn University Men’s Basketball Jan. 31. Feb 7, 14, 25.

Auburn University Women’s Basketball Feb. 2, 12, 20, 23.

Auburn University Swim and Dive Feb. 11-12, 17-19.

Auburn University Gymnastics Feb. 3.

Auburn University Equestrian Feb. 11, 18.

Auburn University Baseball Feb. 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28.

Auburn University Softball Feb. 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26.

Auburn University Tennis Feb. 5, 14, 17, 18.

Auburn University Women’s Golf Feb. 26.

Columbus Cottonmouths Jan. 27, 28. Feb. 2, 3, 7, 10, 17, 18, 25.

MOPS of Auburn, meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at Auburn United Methodist Church from 9:30-11:30. Childcare is provided, although we ask that you make reservations if possible. Meetings are open to mothers with children ages 5 and under. www. facebook.com/mopsofauburn mopsofauburn@gmail. com.

Please send your calendar events to Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com!

Opelika-Auburn Newcomers Club A club for new women in town which offers fun social activities, meets for lunch on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Call Joan at 501-4974.

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

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Monster Trucks

Hidden Figures

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: BSexual Content: AProfanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: B The MPAA has rated Monster Trucks PG for action, peril, brief scary images, and some rude humor.

The idea of literally portraying a monster truck is brought to life through smooth CGI animation and some childlike creativity in this aptly titled movie.

When Mr. Tenneson (Rob Lowe), a greedy oil tycoon (the only flavor found in movies), insists on drilling into a high-pressure water vein that is suspected of harboring ancient life, a rather surprisingly large specimen shoots out of the pipe. Destroying the rig, it manages to get away -- but not before Tenneson and his geologist-partner, Jim Dowd (Thomas Lennon), get a glimpse of it. Worried their well will be shut down if it’s in danger of destroying a newfound creature’s habitat, the oil executives order their strongmen, headed up by Burke (Holt McCallany), to begin the chase with the goal of destroying the evidence.

Not likely to last long on the lamb, the creature from the deep lagoon makes its way to a junkyard where it meets Tripp (Lucas Till). It’s late at night and the young man is busy working on his dream of fixing up an old truck and turning it into a classic monster. However, his efforts are interrupted when the “thing” slinks into the shop and is soon followed by the men pursuing it.

A classic example of the boy-and-his-dog formula, it’s not long before Tripp is bonding with the blob, which he eventually names Creech. It turns out his new pet thrives on any petroleum product he can get his tentacles on. And when Creech slithers into the chassis of the grease monkey’s old truck, the teen is delighted to discover that his glow-in-the-dark appendages can make the wheels turn at highway speeds.

Seriously, it may sound crazy, but the eight-year-olds in the audience will likely get more than revved up watching this motorized adventure. And to ensure the girls are engaged in the story too, the screenwriters toss in a mildly romantic distraction in the form of a brainy biologist named Meredith.

Yes, these characters have brains and make a refreshing combo in a kids’ movie that demonstrates how both genders can contribute to saving the day without having to demean each other. Sadly, that’s not the case for the image of Big Oil. As usual, the oil developers are the real slimy monsters in this story -- a rather odd irony considering the purpose of this film is to get youngsters excited about trucks that drink gasoline like James Bond chugs martinis.

Thankfully content is mainly limited to the peril involved in keeping Creech out of Tenneson’s reach. Little ones may be concerned for the creature’s fate but there is little doubt he will make his way to a happy ending. Perhaps a little more problematic for some audience members will be the discovery that Tripp’s estranged father (Rob Lowe) is dealing with an obvious alcohol problem.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: A Violence: ASexual Content: A Profanity: B Alcohol / Drug Use: B+ The MPAA has rated Hidden Figures PG for thematic elements and some language.

In the early days of NASA, getting a man into space required something that wasn’t yet invented: A computer. The Americans could have waited for them for a couple more years, but with the Russians already ahead in the race with Sputnik and other experimental flights, the pressure was too intense.

In order to perform the necessary advanced calculations, the government agency hired human computers -- specifically humans highly gifted in solving complex mathematical problems. But there simply weren’t enough skilled people in the populace, or at least the white populace, to fill the requirements. So, during a time when black integration was a very contested topic, and with their research lab located in Langley, Virginia (a hotbed of racial prejudice), NASA was forced to recruit people of color to fill the positions. Even more notable, many of these arithmetic whizzes were not only black, they were women.

Hidden Figures shines the spotlight on three of these amazing individuals: Katherine Johnson (played by Taraji P. Henson) started high school at age 10 and had degrees in Mathematics and French by 18 years of age. Dorothy Vaughn (played by Octavia Spencer) graduated from college at 19, joined Langley in 1943, and went on to head the West Computing Group -- the segregated black, female number-crunchers. Mary Jackson (played by Janelle Monáe) was a Virginia local with degrees in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, specializing in wind tunnel experiments and aircraft data. Yet for all their credentials, these women labored through countless calculations in an isolated basement office in a remote area of the campus. Notwithstanding, their efforts were instrumental in getting Alan Shepard into space and heralding the United States’ first successful human launch.

But Shepard’s 15-minute sub-orbital flight had been proceeded less than a month earlier by a more impressive 108-minute orbital voyage by Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. To prove their ability to do likewise, the American’s focused on John Glenn’s mission for a multi-orbit flight that would last several hours.

Stressed to find more resources, NASA supervisor Vivian Michael (played by Kirsten Dunst) calls upon Vaughn to suggest candidates from the West Computing Group to fill vacant roles within white-only areas. Johnson is the first to be invited to join the Space Task Group, the domain of the top aeronautic engineers led by a demanding boss, Al Harrison (Kevin Costner).

This story is artfully blended with irony that helps audiences understand the challenges of the times. Gratefully, there are few reasons to not share this engaging underdog story with older children and teens. Set at the crossroads of black integration, Soviet vs US aggression and the early days of women in the workplace, Hidden Figures is a time capsule of personal fears, biases and hopes that just happen to collide within the NASA environment. For space nerds like myself, that just adds to the interest of this tale! This one small step for three black women is one large step for anyone who has faced discrimination.

What Parents need to know about Monster Trucks...

Violence: Frequent car/truck chases are depicted and result in crashes, rollovers, plunging down cliffs, crushing things and extensive property damage. Explosions are portrayed. Creatures are treated cruelly, shot with tranquilizer darts and threatened with poison and death. A mysterious monster makes scary noises and consumes petroleum products. Characters are frequently in peril and occasionally physically threated. Reckless driving and stunts are depicted.

Sexual Content: A teen couple holds hands and camps out together over night – no sexual relations are implied. A woman kisses her boyfriend and it is assumed they live together. A character vomits. A boy’s low-riding pants reveal his butt crack.

Profanity: Terms of deity are used as expletives.

Alcohol / Drug Use: A man drinks at home after work, and it is implied that he is an alcoholic. An animal consumes a substance that makes him behave as though he is intoxicated.

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2017

What Parents need to know about Hidden Figures...

Violence: News footage of violence during the civil rights movement is shown.

A character steals a book from the library. The potential dangers of space travel are discussed. Characters feel bullied, demeaned and discriminated against.

Characters are treated unfairly and misjudged by authority figures and society.

Sexual Content: Characters embrace and kiss. Some flirtatious banter occurs.

Bathrooms segregation and use are discussed.

Profanity: Profanities, slurs and terms of deity are infrequently used.

Alcohol / Drug Use: Women share some homemade alcohol and one gets a little tipsy. Drinking also occurs in social settings. Smoking is seen.

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THE ADVENTURES IN

Math & Science

2017 Summer Camp Sessions

Hosted by the Alabama School of Math and Science June 5-9, June 12-16, & June 19-23 Located in Mobile, AL

Launch a Rocket Kayak in Mobile Bay Build a Robot

Solve a Crime Prepare for the ACT Day & Overnight Camp

Grades 6-10

Register Online Early to Save!

Register by April 1: $360 Overnight Camp (all inclusive), $260 Day Camp (includes lunch) Register after April 1: $385 Overnight Camp (all inclusive), $285 Day Camp (includes lunch) The cost to stay the weekend between Sessions 1 and 2 is an additional $185 (includes trip to water park) Applications, more information, and course descriptions are online at WWW.ASMS.NET .

COURSE SAMPLING ACT Prep, Algebra Review, Exploring Inner Space, Marine Biology, CSI: Mobile, Phun Physics, Using Java, Robotics, Field Biology, Psychology, Math Puzzles, Labs of Doom, Rocketry, Origami, Speak Up, Light Metals and Enameling, Apps for Smart Devices, and many more.

1255 Dauphin St. • Mobile, AL 36604 • 251.441.2100 • www.asms.net • aims@asms.net

Get tested DURING your pregnancy!

Congenital syphilis is a disease that occurs when a mother with syphilis passes the infection on to her baby during pregnancy.

Congenital syphilis is PREVENTABLE Congenital syphilis can cause: • Miscarriage (losing the baby during pregnancy), stillbirth (a baby born dead), or death shortly after birth. • Up to 40% of babies born to women with untreated syphilis may be stillborn, or die from the infection as a newborn.

Babies born with congenital syphilis can have: Deformed bones, severe anemia (low blood count), enlarged liver and spleen, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), nerve problems, like blindness or deafness, meningitis and skin rashes.

Get tested 8 weeks BEFORE delivery!

For more information, go to cdc.gov/std/syphilis.