Auburn-Opelika July 2015

July2015

Volume 6 Number 5

Columns

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Publisher’s Note Kendra Sumner

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Living With Children John Rosemond

When Your Toddler Says NO!

Advice for handling that dreaded word you hear all too often.

Birthday Party Do’s and Don’ts A parent’s refresher on party etiquette.

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Kids Health Watch sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

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A Page in a Book

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Gerry Paige Smith

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Dave Says Dave Ramsey

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Centsibly Southern Chic Laura Handey

Birthday Party Guide Growing Up Online Our local guide will make planFinding apps to beat the ning your event easier than ever. summer learning slump.

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Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

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Growing Up Online

On The Cover Raeleigh (age 2) is the daughter of Bobby and Summer Woodard of Auburn. Raeleigh was born as a 30-week preemie and has grown into an outgoing and spunky toddler.

She spends her mornings at Kindermusik at AUMC, gymnastics at the Denson Drive Rec Center, or story time at the library. Raeleigh enjoys swimming, loving on her “puppy”, horses and other farm animals, and playing with cousins. She loves snuggling up with Mom and Dad while watching her favorite show, “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.”

Carolyn Jabs

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 10

School Bits 42

Family Calendar 48

Movie Reviews 1

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Publisher’sNote I was recently asked by another mom, “Over the years, what have been your favorite memories made with your children?” After a few moments of mulling over the last 12 years, many moments popped in and out of my head. There were our various visits to Disney World, with some of them marking special occasions like Christmas and Halloween.

Of course, all the trips to Lake Martin where our family swam, fished, and boated from sun up to sun down. Family reunions at the beach have always topped our list of great family vacations. My mind raced and memories began to flood me with family outings like Auburn tailgating, rolling Toomer’s after the national win, preschool graduations, field trips (so many I have lost count), Easter egg dying and hunting, plus Christmas morning traditions and festivities.

Being a mom to four kids, ages ranging from 5-12 years, comes with more memories than one can keep up with. However, while lost in my personal “Lifetime” movie, ‘A Walk Down Sumner Lane’, I was snapped back to reality by the again probing question, “Do you have a favorite memory?” Then, out of nowhere, it became clear to me. My favorite memories made with my children have always been the birthday milestones, more specifically, their countless birthday parties. For me, planning, organizing and throwing birthday parties each year is my all time favorite!

I know what you might be thinking…really? Another birthday in the books trumps a visit to the magical world of Disney, at Christmas time? How can that be? I have always loved throwing that perfect birthday bash. It all began with that first year milestone, and when you’re a first-time mom, that is a big event to mark! After deciding on the theme, then the invitations, guest list, decorations, and of course, that perfect cake…I was hooked! Not just because of all the planning that goes into the special occasion (and I do like to plan), but mostly the way it made my birthday kid feel, even for just one day out of each year. Some of the most memorable parties have been each of their first birthdays...‘Snow Angel’, ‘Snips-n-Snails’, ‘My Sweet Love’, and ‘My Lil’ Firecracker’. Not only do I have the themes marked to memory, but I can just see the décor, the guests who shared in our excitement, and that perfectly matched, and ultimately, smashed cake! As the years went by, the parties became more personalized to the kid’s choices or interests at that time. Without the yearly birthday party fun, how else could we have searched for buried treasure, painted like Picasso, gone under the sea to meet a mermaid, jumped over the moon, laser-tagged our best friends, or arrived two-by-two to board the Ark? We could be anyone and go anywhere, even if just for an afternoon.

If you are still wondering how birthday parties can be my most favorite memories made with my kids, maybe this will help clear things up. Just the other day, my oldest asked me if she could have a half-year birthday party. Because her special day is two days before Christmas, it can become hard to separate those events each year and a half-year party could make up for it. So, intrigued, I asked her what she was thinking. To my surprise, she brought me an invitation she had created herself. It was a birthday poem that rhymed all the fun to be had at her 12 ½ year old sleep over. It was as if I was staring at myself reading about a magical party I was planning. Talk about a full circle moment! The love for celebrating milestones with friends and family had been passed on to my daughter, whose eyes were twinkling with excitement for all the memories that would be made. Yes, birthdays will always be my favorite!

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

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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 deanne@auburnopelikaparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Contributing Writers Laura Handey Christa Melnyk Hines Carolyn Jabs Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Penny Warner Katie Wolter, M.D. Cover Photography Candy Avera www.pictureperfectbycandy.com

President Jason Watson Director of Sales Justin Sumner justin@auburnopelikaparents.com (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 2014 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

“Because I Said So” Works!

Two months ago, I conducted a two-day small-group “parent retreat” during which I talked about, among other things, the legitimacy and power of “because I said so.” One of my missions is to promote the restoration of the attitude that accompanies the calm, straightforward (the operative conditions) delivery of that traditional parenting aphorism. Why? Because it is the very essence of effective discipline, that’s why.

“Because I said so” is nothing more than an affirmation of the legitimacy of the authority of the parent in question. The parent is an adult; the child is not. The child is completely dependent upon the parent for his or her very survival. The parent would take a bullet for the child; the likelihood that the child would take a bullet for the parent is slim to none. For those reasons, the parent’s authority over the child is legitimate.

And for all those reasons, the parent is under no obligation to justify any decision made concerning or any instruction he or she gives the child.

As I used to tell my kids, “ Your mother and I pay for your lives. You pay nothing. We are responsible for you. You

Auburn Opelika Parents I July 2015

are not responsible for us. With those facts in mind, the arrangement here is very simple: We make decisions and give you instructions. You abide by and obey those decisions and instructions; and the reason you abide and obey is because we said so.”

Neither of our kids ever had to see a therapist. They made good grades in school (and my wife and I did not help with homework or science projects).

They made good social choices, never got in serious trouble, and were completely self-supporting by their mid-20s.

“Because I said so” does not seem to have been traumatic.

Beginning in the mid-1960s, child psychologists and other mental health professionals began claiming that those four words had a problematic effect on children. They robbed children of autonomy, denied their ability to think intelligently, lowered self-esteem, and blah blah blah. Said professionals had no evidence to support any of this. They made it all up. Nonetheless, American parents, having no reason to know that people with impressive credentials sometimes make things up (a mental health tradition stretching back to Freud

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himself), believed them and began giving children reasons. Since then, arrogant disobedience, once rare, is now legion.

For example, consider one of the couples who attended the above retreat. They were desperate (no exaggeration there) for advice concerning their very disobedient and disrespectful 5-year-old daughter. The parents thought that by giving reasons for their instructions and decisions they were showing respect for her intelligence.

The child, however, had no use for her parents’ respect.

The parents took in every word I said, but paid special attention to my mini-seminar on “because I said so.” I received a progress report from them the other day. “(Name of daughter withheld to protect the guilty) is much better,” they wrote. “The other day, for example, we told her to do something, to which she asked ‘why?’ Before one of us could answer, she said, ‘Wait, don’t tell me; because you say so.’”

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

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Saturday Family Fun Night Live: Kid’s Karaoke Contest

Get your singing voices ready for the last Family Fun Night of the summer, but our most favorite one! Saturday, July 25, EASTDALE IDOL - a kid's karaoke contest for ages 6-12! To register your child, please email suzanna.wasserman@aronov.com. Eastdale Idol will feature three celebrity judges and the winner of the competition will receive a $100 Eastdale Mall gift card! Located at Centre Court inside Eastdale Mall, Montgomery. 5:00-7:00 p.m. www.eastdale-mall.com/events.

Blackberry and Blueberry Picking

Come visit the Barber Berry Farm in Millbrook, where you can pick your own pesticide-free blackberries and blueberries from early June through the middle of July. We also grow a variety of vegetables in our outdoor hydroponic garden. We sell these along with our honey and Asian persimmons, when in season, at our fruit stand and online, www.barberberryfarm.com. You do the Picking prices: 1/2 gallon bucket: $10 (approx 2.75 lb of fruit), 1 gallon bucket: $18 (approx 5.5 lb of fruit), and 3 or more gallons: $16 per gallon bucket.

Wetumpka’s River and Blues Music & Arts Show

The annual Wetumpka River and Blues Music and Arts Festival will offer music, activities and more on July 18. During the festival, there will be two stages of entertainment, a juried art show and a Kids’ Zone with art demonstrations and more. This year's performers will include Rockin’ Dopsie and the Zydeco Twisters, as well as Simo. Other performing artists include John Bull, Honey Tree Band, The Lo-Fi Loungers, Little Lee, Polar Opposites, Ed Pickett, Andrew McCarter and Davis Nix. www.riverandblues.net.

Movies On the Beach

Bring a blanket, chair or beach towel and curl up on the beach with Callaway Gardens watching a family friendly movie every Friday night this Summer. After 5 p.m. admission is just $5. Enjoy beach activities and the Callaway Gardens Market before 9 p.m. Make every Friday fabulous this summer. www.callawaygardens.com. June 19 “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day”; July 10 “Earth to Echo”; July 17 “Strange Magic”; July 24 “Annie” (2014); July 31 “Tinkerbell and the Legend of the Neverbeast”; August 7 “The Boxtrolls”; August 14 “The Avengers” (2012); August 21 “MacFarland, USA”; August 28 “Guardians of the Galaxy.”

Back to School Bash 2015

Come enjoy one last day of summer with food and fun, July 24, at the Covington Recreation Center, Opelika! Limited number of school supplies will be given away. Free event and all ages are welcome! 705-5560.

Girl Scouts Donate Cookies to National Guard in Auburn

Girls from Girl Scout Troop 7128 brought cookies donated by Girl Scout Service Unit 708 to the National Guard based in Auburn.

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3rd Annual Freedom Fest at National Infantry Museum, Columbus

The museum will host a community-wide Independence Day celebration on Saturday, July 4. Freedom Fest will be held from 11a.m. to 6 p.m., and will be filled with music, kids’ activities, historical reenactments, food, and fun. The National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus will bring the cannon this year for live firings every hour. Reenactors will set up a Civil War era campsite and will engage visitors in musket and cutlass demonstrations and drills. Additional living historians will set up displays inside the museum to allow visitors to touch and learn about both weapons and household items used in our country’s early years.

All day, kids will enjoy bounce houses, face and hair painting, balloon animals and Superheroes. The Pint-Sized Patriot Parade starts at 2 p.m.

Youngsters are invited to dress up their bicycles, tricycles, and wagons – and themselves! – and parade down Heritage Walk accompanied by John Philip Sousa marches. In the museum’s Grand Hall, parents can get free ID kits for their children through the GaCHIP program. Live bands will perform throughout the day just outside the museum’s rotunda.

Large tents will provide seating and shelter from the sun for audiences.

The Silver Wings Parachute Demonstration Team is expected to drop in at Inouye Field at 2:30 p.m. New this year will be demonstrations by iK9, an Auburn organization that trains service dogs to assist veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. World War II Company. Visitors can purchase ice cream, barbecue plates, chicken sandwiches, funnel cakes, hot dogs, hamburgers, pretzels, beer, frozen mocktails and soft drinks from our vendors. The Fife and Drum restaurant and the IMAX concessions stand will be open for diners who’d rather stay indoors. www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org.

Opelika’s 63rd Annual Freedom Celebration

Opelika Parks and Recreation presents the 63rd Annual Freedom Celebration! July 3 at the Opelika High School Track. Event begins at 6:30 p.m. and The Ultimate Fireworks Show at dark. There will be inflatable games, hamburgers, hotdogs, popcorn and activities for the whole family. Entertainment by Route 66, too. www.opelika-al.gov.

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 8-11 · SESSION 2: June 22-25 SESSION 3: July 27-30 · $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 7 RTJ841GN_JrGolfClinics2015.indd 1

1/16/15 10:50 AM

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4th of July Blast at The Amp on Lake Martin

On the evening of the Fourth, join us on the lawn at The Amp at Lake Martin in Eclectic. Find your spot on the soft grass and soon the earth will shake, and the sky over Russell Lands On Lake Martin will be illuminated with a thousand different colors. The gates to The Amp on the Fourth normally open at 6:00 p.m. The highlight of the night, the fireworks show, begins at 9:00 p.m. Musical artist(s) to be announced.

256-397-1019. www.lmat.org.

Annual Fourth of July Celebration Sponsored by Briggs & Stratton

Celebrate Independence Day with the entire Auburn Community, Auburn Parks and Recreation and Briggs and Stratton! On July 4, enjoy great food, live music, free goodies courtesy of Briggs and Stratton, and THE best fireworks display in the entire area! So grab your picnic basket, blanket, and the family and join us for a fabulous night of entertainment and a chance to show your patriotic spirit!

Gates open at 6 p.m. Entertainment begins at 7 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, July 5th. The FREE Celebration will be held behind the Home Side of the Duck Samford Football Stadium. Please remember - the parking lot off of Airport Road, which is shared between the Bo. Cavin fields and the New Duck fields, will be closed to the public during the event to accommodate our fireworks shoot site. However, the parking lot off of E. University Dr. next to the Old Duck fields will be OPEN to the public for parking. www.auburnalabama.org/parks.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

Don’t Forget the Kids Every year close to 40 children die of heat stroke secondary to being left in the car. I know most of you are thinking that you couldn’t possibly forget your child in the car but with a change in routine or an added stress, sometimes your memory can fail you. It has happened to very attentive, loving parents across all socioeconomic statuses. A child’s untimely death by being left in the car and the pain and guilt derived from this mistake is devastating. Although there is no way to prevent 100% of these cases, there are some great tips put together by the organization Kids and Cars (www.kidsandcars.org) shown below: • Never leave children alone in or around cars; not even for a minute.

• Put something you’ll need like your cell phone, handbag, employee ID or brief case, etc., on the floor board in the back seat.

• Get in the habit of always opening the back door of your vehicle every time you reach your destination to make sure no child has been left behind. This will soon become a habit. We call this the “Look Before You Lock” campaign.

• Keep a large stuffed animal in the child’s car seat when it’s not occupied.

When the child is placed in the seat, put the stuffed animal in the front passenger

seat. It’s a visual reminder that anytime the stuffed animal is up front you know the child is in the back seat in a child safety seat.

• Make arrangements with your child’s day care center or babysitter that you will always call if your child will not be there on a particular day as scheduled.

This is common courtesy and sets a good example that everyone who is involved in the care of your child is informed of their whereabouts on a daily basis. Ask them to phone you if your child doesn’t show up when expected. Many children’s lives could have been saved with a telephone call from a concerned child care provider. Give child care providers all your telephone numbers, including that of an extra family member or friend, so they can always confirm the whereabouts of your child.

• Keep vehicles locked at all times; even in the garage or driveway and always set your parking brake.

• Keys and/or remote openers should never be left within reach of children.

• Make sure all child passengers have left the vehicle after it is parked.

• When a child is missing, check vehicles and car trunks immediately.

• If you see a child alone in a vehicle, get involved. If they are hot or seem sick, get

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them out as quickly as possible. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

• Be especially careful about keeping children safe in and around cars during busy times, schedule changes and periods of crisis or holidays.

• Use drive-thru services when available. (restaurants, banks, pharmacies, dry cleaners, etc.)

• Use your debit or credit card to pay for gas at the pump.

Again, changes in routine, sleep deprivation, or added stress can lead to memory lapses even in the most responsible of people. Putting some or all of the above mentioned tips into practice can potentially keep you and your family from a lifetime of suffering and regret. With summer upon us, now more than ever we need to be vigilant to ensure we have safety checks and support systems in place to help remind us of our most important priority, the safety of our children.

Dr. Katie Wolter is board certified in Pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Lee County Medical Society, Medical Association of the State of Alabama, and the American Medical Association. She is passionate about breastfeeding medicine and is currently working on becoming an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). She is also a member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Dr. Wolter is married to her husband, Jeremy, and has four sons. She loves to spend her free time outdoors with her family and friends.

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Autauga County Schools

Drake Middle School Student Participates in National Spelling Bee

ACS is proud of Victor Sutton for representing Drake Middle School, Auburn City Schools, Lee County and the entire state of Alabama at the 2015 Scripps National Spelling Bee and making it all the way to the semifinals!

Auburn 11th Grader Receives Award for Water Technology

AHS 11th grader Megan Lange won the Special Award for Water Technology (and $1,000) from The King Abdul-Aziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity at the recent Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Dean Road Elementary School's Career Day

Students at DRES recently dressed up as the professional they want to be when they grow up! Thank you to all the men and women that took time out of their day to come to DRES and talk about their careers.

Author Stephen Scott Visits Wacoochee Elementary School

On April 3, Stephen Scott visited our school. He read two of his books – “Katie and the Kudzu King” and “Grunions with Onions”. The students were very entertained while at the same time they learned a lot about the hard to eradicate kudzu vine.

Smith Station High School: Class 7A Baseball State Champions

Congratulations to the Varsity Baseball Team and Coaches on winning the 2015 7A Baseball State Championship! We are all so proud of you!

Go Panthers!

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Kumon Students Recognized for Success Emily has received an elite national award recognizing her achievement in reading known as G by 5.

She is one of the top Kumon students in North America.

Caroline recently celebrated achieving a new reading level.

She is an excellent student

T r i n i T y

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

A c c o u n tA b i l i t y Accredited by the Association of Classical and Christian Schools, Trinity is marked by a culture of hard work and the highest standards for conduct, spiritual growth, and academic achievement.

with amazing potential.

Kate is holding up another outstanding achievement test result. She is earning her place on the Kumon honor roll.

A Classical and Christian Academy

Catherine Davis Elected NASN Secretary-Treasurer

745-2464

www.tcsopelika.org

Congratulations to Catherine Davis, Opelika City Schools Lead Nurse, who has been elected as the incoming SecretaryTreasurer of the National Association of School Nurses (NASN). Induction to the twoyear commitment will take place at the 47th NASN annual conference in Philadelphia, PA June 24-27. Davis has been employed with the Opelika City Schools since 1991 and has been a member of the National Association of School Nurses for fifteen years. In addition, Davis has been a member of the Alabama School Nurses Assoc. since 1995.

As a member of the state organization, Davis has served as a committee member, Secretary-Treasurer, Vice-President, President, and on the NASN Board of Directors. Mrs. Davis is one of twelve nurses in the state of Alabama that has earned National Board Certification for School Nurses. Pictured at Morris Avenue IS are: Lawson Ledbetter, Sydney Lowe, Joanna Sorrells, and Layla Moore.

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Autauga County SchoolsEvery Hero Has a Story!

Opelikla Middle School Honor Roll

Congratulations to the OMS 8th grade Honor Roll students--14 All-A students and 82 A/B students. Thank you to Aliant Bank and the New Blossom Shop for sponsoring the event!

The Summer Reading Program at The City of Opelika Public Library kicked off with a visit from some local heroes.

Children were greeted by Opelika police officers and firefighters. After learning about what these heroes do for our community, the children were encouraged to participate in reading about other heroes all summer.

experience

Summer Art Clubs at JCSM! Take part in FREE art making activities supported by museum memberships and a City of Auburn K-12 Arts Education Outreach Grant

State of Create—Rising 7th-12th graders Fridays beginning June 5, 1–2:30 pm

Artypants—Rising K-2nd graders

Saturdays beginning May 30, 10–11:30 am

stART!—Rising 3rd-6th graders

Saturdays beginning May 30, 12:30–2:30 pm

Sign Up Today!

Class size is limited, so advance registration encouraged online at jcsm.auburn.edu or by calling 334.844.3486.

Adults are encouraged to stay and learn with their child.

Please note Art Clubs will not meet Friday, July 3 or Saturday, July 4.

Auburn Opelika Parents I July 2015

jcsm.auburn.edu

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Auburn High School Wayne Murphy Scholarship Recipients

This year's Wayne Murphy Scholarship recipients are Jonathan Smith and Mattie McLawhorn! Smith played 2nd base for AHS Baseball and hopes to walk-on at Auburn University. McLawhorn ran track and played basketball for AHS and looks to further her education at Auburn University as well.

Pictured (L to R): Executive Director of the Community Foundation of East Alabama Barbara Patton, Assistant Athletic Director Ed Crum, Jonathan Smith, Mattie McLawhorn, Auburn City Council member and CFEA Chair Dick Phelan.

The Wayne Murphy Scholarship Fund was established at the Community Foundation to honor the legacy of one of the true champions of Auburn High School athletics. A group of AHS alumni and others came together to honor Coach Murphy’s legacy by creating a permanent scholarship fund in his memory. The Wayne Murphy Scholarships are awarded to an AHS female and male athlete each year and is based on each athlete’s character, academic record, sportsmanship and need.

Coach Murphy was the embodiment of the “can do” spirit, and he instilled this attitude in his students in the classroom, as well as in athletics.

He was always able to motivate his athletes to run faster and farther, jump higher and perform better. He also shared whatever he had with others. Murphy’s final professional role was as the first director of athletics for AHS, a position he held from 1991 until his retirement in 1998. It was his vision that eventually led to the current AHS field house and the modernized track facility that now bears his name. During his tenure, the athletic programs at AHS, AJHS and DMS expanded tremendously and numerous sports were added for both male and female students.

Scholarship Signing-Kala Spinks

OHS Graduate Kala Spinks signed a track scholarship with Arkansas State University on June 10. Pictured front row (l-r): Eugene Spinks-father, Kala Spinks, and Stacy Dillard-mother. Back row (l-r): Coach Brian Blackmon-OHS Athletic Director, Karitha Brooks Spinks-stepmother, Kacey Spinks-brother, Doris Spinksgrandmother, Bertha Brooks-grandmother, Coach Jimmy Johnson and Coach Jonathan Chandler.

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Autauga County Schools Opelika High School Senior Signs Baseball Scholarship

OHS Senior Gage Young signed a baseball scholarship with Enterprise State Community College on May 27. Pictured front row (l-r): Kenny Young-father, Gage Young, Tonya Lazzari-mother. Pictured back row (l-r): Dr. Farrell Seymore-OHS Principal, Kyndl Young-sister, Cole Lazzaribrother, Coach Billy Jones-Head Baseball Coach, and Coach Rick WadeAssistant Baseball Coach.

Auburn High School Student Receives Wrestling Scholarship

On Thursday, May 14, Jaitlan Pitts signed to wrestle at Williams Baptist College in Arkansas. Pictured: Seated left to right: April Pitts (mom), Jaitlan Pitts, Willie Pitts (great-grandfather). Standing left to right: Eric Nelms (uncle), LaDextric Dowdell (uncle), Coach Nick Tucker.

2320 MOORES MILL ROAD, SUITE. 250 AUBURN, AL 36830 • (334) 887-0099

Congratulations to the Liles Smiles no cavity winners!

(Wii Drawing for July 1, 2015 )

Abbigail Dicks Abby Ivery Adam Moore Jr. Aiden Hall Ailayah Clark AJ Harvis Alayiah Pope Alexander Montealvo Alexandria Barker Alexandriah Hornsby Alexia Price Alexia Schwadron Amaris Jones Ameerah Jones Andrew Fligel Andrew Lee Aneri Patel Aniyah Cunningham Annabelle Woolley Antavar Stinson Anthony Williams Ariel Almond Ariel West Arizela Ambrocio Ashanti Smith Ashton Torbert Austin Scott Austin Zhan Autumn Morris

Autumn Strickland Ava Dawson Avery Baker Ayat Trish Ayden Hansen Bailey Klapp Barrett Moore Ben Klapp Ben Rudd Bentravian Hutchinson Braden Lee Bradley Wilson Brandon Rushton Brandt Jenkins Brantley Clegg Braylen Lockhart Brent Dicks Jr. Brian Gonzalez Brittney Lopez Brock Taylor Brody Bice Brooke Fligel Brooks Dowdle Bryli Smith Bryson Harvey Caleb Ames Calyasia Brown Candice Paschal Carlos Hernandez

Caroline Taunton Carson Yawn Carter Cannon Carter McFadden Carter Porter Chase Wilson Chloe Duffee Chloe Gross Christopher Johns Clay Brewer Clinton Whiting Cordarius Heard Cory Tucker Courtney Wynn Cynthia Alcantar DaKiyah Banks Dale Hamby Daleah Finley Danarius Todd Danielle Hayes David Espinoza De’Unte Curtis DeAzia Avery Deckery Patterson Delreco Murphy Dengkeon Lee Desmond Wright Destiny Aikens Devhin Wilson

Auburn Opelika Parents I July 2015

Devin McPherson Dylan Baskin Dylan Burgess Dylan Gross Dylan Johnson Dylan Tapley Eason Andrews Eden Dewberry Ella Kate Childs Ellie Prewett Ember-lyn Johnson Emely Bravo Emeri Roberts Emily Son Emma Childs Emma Grace Ames Emma Kate Bearden Emmalyn Griffith Emmie Dowdle Emory Merrell Ethan Fligel Ethan Neman Eva Finnegan Evelyn Boone Evelyn Palmer Fernando Alcantar Ford Ponder Fritz Michel Gabriel Beasley

Gabriel Boone Gabriella Dyes Gaines Sturges Garner Young Gavin Yawn Gloria Caridad Grace Beasley Gracie Lou Townley Graham Bearden Grand Yordy Grayson McQueen Guilmar Palacios Haley Dorn Haley Duffee Hannah Davis Harmoni Groce Haven Bonner Hayes Baker Haynes Wilson Henley Bice Holton Pratt Hudson Olive Hunter Campbell Hunter Meadows Ian Mallard Imari Starks India Floyd Isabel Schwadron Ivanah Hourizene Ivey Frazier Ja’Braveous Pendleton Ja’Lyah Dunn Jabari Dobe-El Jackson Mathis Jackson Milner Jacob Brewer Jacob Hadaway Jacoby Jefferson Jadalyn Fowler

JaKhiya Banks Jakian Wilson James Dewberry James Scott Jamie Collins Jr. Jamya Townsend Jason Rodenbach Jasper Rogers Jataevious Smith Jaxciry Lopez Jaxon Baker Jaxon Rogers Jayda Duffey Jayden Bissonnette Jayden Cannon Jayden Jefferson Jayden Tirado Huerta Jayden Williams Jaylen Wiggins Jeff Bazzell Jenny Lee Jeremiah Black Jeremy Quintanilla Jeremy Whiting Jerry Ambrocio Jesus Martinez Jillian Meadows Joel Heimen John Ambrocio John Freeze John Holt Thomas John M. Kinney Joohyeok Kim Joowon Kim Jordan Cheshire Jorge Barragan Jose Antonio Joseph Perdue Josiah Gabberd

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Josie Campbell Justin Baker Justin Heimen Justin Tirado Huerta Kaden Young Kailey Dowdell Kaitlyn Raines Kaitlyn Satterwhite Kaleb Baker Kaleigh Satterwhite KaLyja Johnson Kameron Young Kamorris Dorsey Kamryn Bowser Kara Sykes Katherine Armstrong Katherine Ware Kayden Thrift Kaylee Byrd Kaylin Lee Keelah Kinsella Kelli Daniel Kelsey Strong Kendall Bryant Kennidy Rushton Kerwin Bravo Kinzlee Foster Kiptyn Mumma Kiyan Webb Koji Stokes Kyrie Tate Kyson Pannell Lacy Lynch LaDazah Finley LaNolan Billingsley LaTrell Williams Jr. Liam Sport Lillian Fario Lilyanna Cruz

Locker Langley Logan Baker Lowery Smith Lucy Finnegan Luke Langley Luke Rudd Lydia Boone M.E. Hadley Madalynn Tally Madison Bladen MaKenzie Foster Makya Boyd Malekai Calloway Maley Andrews Maliyha Levett MarCayla Reese Marely Vega Mariana Spencer Mark Bazzell Marshall Porter Mason Kinard Mason Yates Matthew Clegg Matthew Wright Maurice Payne Jr. McClain Palmer Megan Cheshire Merritt Hayes Michael Burgess III Michaela Malik Mikela Taylor Miracle McLennon Miriam Hanks Montaveus Buchannon Montrevious Poole MyKira Reese NaJavean Dunn Naomi Hanks Nate Townley

Noah Merrell Nolan Hansen Olivia Johnson Olivia Stacey Parker Palmer Penelope Freeze Peyton Cason Peyton Mathis Phillip Hadaway Quanesha Broughton Quaniyah Byrd Raleigh Anna Harris Reese Lynch Robert Bravo Roxie Richardson Ruben Duran Flores Ryan Moore Sadie Prince Sam Schwadron Sam Townley Samuel Cruz Sarena T. Naureen Savannah Corbett Savannah Cox Savannah Harper Sawyer Mathis Selah Dewberry Serenity Gabberd Shakira Ward Shaniya Tate Shawn Stallings Sherri Kate Robinson Sierra Martin Skyla Kinsella Skylah Murphy Skyler Harper Sloane Wilson Stephanie Millan Stirling Wilson

Susana Beasley Swahili Thomas Sydney Spain Symphonee King Ta’Mia Henry Tamara Martin Tanner Woolley Taurhionna Denney Tianna Britt Tim Patton Timothy Boone TNiah Dubose Trent Griffith Trent Reed Trip Yordy Troy Richardson Tyra Pitts Tyrese Pitts Tyrone Black Jr. Vanessa Chen Violet Sakalaukus Wes Jenkins Weslee Daniel Whit Moore William Bladen William Satterwhite William Wall X’Scavious Curtis Xavier Brown Yahir Hernandez Yaseen Abdalla Yumi Stokes Za’Quan Boyd Zachary Evans Zachary McNeal Jr. Zy’Keria Bowser

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OHS Principal Farrell Seymore named Alabama High School Principal of the Year

Dr. Farrell Seymore, Principal of Opelika High School, has been named Alabama's High School Principal of the Year by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP).

Seymore will represent the state of Alabama in a national judging of high school leaders in the National Principal of the Year Program sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

Seymore has 18 years of experience in the field of education with 13 of those years in administration. Since 2011, Seymore has led Opelika High School as its principal.

Previously, he served as a teacher, assistant principal and later principal of Opelika Middle School.

Principal Seymore is credited with changing the climate of Opelika High School to a student-centered learning culture. Inspired

by Dufour’s idea of professional learning communities, a series of book studies was launched. As a result of the book studies and changes made during problem-solving sessions, the school’s culture shifted into the desired focus areas. Since then, the school has increased in advanced placement course participation by making courses more rigorous, giving students a selection of course offerings, and helping students achieve the level of learning necessary to be successful.

Increasing offerings in career technical education and the implementation of Alabama’s College- and Career-Ready Standards have played an integral role in defining student success and preparing students for college or the workforce. Not only do these programs help meet the needs of Opelika High School students, but they address business and industry needs in the area. The school has developed a credentialing program for Microsoft Office, a health science program, and an information technology program.

“Congratulations to Farrell Seymore on his selection as Alabama’s High School Principal of the Year,” states L. Earl Franks, AASSP executive director. “His tireless dedication and passion are contributing factors to his success in the field of educational leadership. Seymore’s effective leadership in transforming Opelika High School to meet students’ needs reflect his abilities that

are worthy of state and national recognition. We are excited to have Dr. Seymore represent Alabama in this prestigious program.”

The Alabama High School Principal of the Year Award is sponsored by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals. A trip to Washington, D.C., to the NASSP Principal of the Year Awards Program is provided by AASSP. Seymore will be recognized at the Awards Luncheon during the CLAS Convention on June 16, 2015, at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center. The CLAS Annual Summer Convention is the largest gathering of school leaders in the state of Alabama. A plaque will also be awarded to Seymore at the AASSP/AAMSP Fall Conference in November 2015.

The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals is an affiliate association of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS). CLAS is an umbrella association that serves eleven different affiliates comprised of Alabama’s public school administrators. CLAS is dedicated to providing the framework to connect dedicated school administrators and other successful leaders with a network for professional growth and support. **Information received from CLAS website 15

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Autauga County Schools

Opelika HS Scholarship Signing Natalie Jordan

OHS Graduate Natalie Jordan signed a track scholarship with Troy University on June 10. Pictured front row (l-r): Frances Edwards-grandmother, Natalie Jordan, and Ashley Jordan-Callowaymother. Pictured back row (l-r): Coach Brian Blackmon-OHS Athletic Director, Breonna Lockhart-cousin, Alaijha Edwards-sister, Coach Jimmy Johnson and Coach Jonathan Chandler.

Opelika HS Scholarship Signing Shamika Smith

OHS Graduate Shamika Smith signed a track scholarship with the University of Mobile on June 10. Pictured front row (l-r): Shernita Johnson-sister, Shamika Smith, and Marian Johnson-mother. Back row (l-r): Coach Jimmy Johnson, Taaliyah Tarver-sister, Coach Brian Blackmon-OHS Athletic Director, Sequin Copeland-brother, and Coach Jonathan Chandler.

Firefighters Grateful for Lee-Scott Academy’s Support

Auburn firefighters from Station 4 presented a special gift to Lee-Scott Academy's SGA for their service throughout the year. The SGA adopted firefighters of Station 4 last fall. They continued their support this year by providing a refillable snack box, baked treats at each fire drill, a cooler with drinks, and LSA SGA t-shirts. The Sr. High SGA members provided a barbecue dinner and spent an evening at the firehouse learning about the house and trucks and some of the sacrifices that they make.

Compassion for Our Community

BES has participated in community projects all year. Our students, parents and faculty are excited to be give back to the school and the whole community. We collected clothes, canned foods, toys, money for the March of Dimes & Relay for Life, and our Earth Day Memory Garden. Our Relay for Life Feed the Pigs contest collected $1,067.55.

Our pig feed'in was so successful we are able to have Babe in the City Pig and Gidgett Goes Hawaiian Pig represent us in the Lee County Pig Relay For Life Contest. One of these beautiful porkers are sure to bring home the big prize for our special efforts.

The Earth Day Memory Garden ceremony was a beautiful event as our choir sang and students read a special poem. We want to say a special thank you to Mrs. Lyles and Mrs. Redden for their efforts. If you would like to donate bird seed, soaker hoses, Round-up weed killer or an oscillating sprinkler to the garden it would be greatly appreciated.

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Opelika HS Scholarship Signing Malik Butler

OHS Graduate Malik Butler signed a track scholarship with the University of Mobile on June 10. Pictured front row (l-r): Natosha Butler-Rivers-mother, Malik Butler, and Doris Butler-grandmother.

Back row (l-r): Coach Brian Blackmon-OHS Athletic Director, Latrez Alford-cousin, Ahmad Butler-brother, Coach Jimmy Johnson, and Coach Jonathan Chandler.

Opelika HS Scholarship Signing Takeya Tolbert

OHS Graduate Takeyah Tolbert signed a track scholarship with the University of Mobile on June 10. Pictured front row (l-r): Gloria Tolbert-grandmother, Takeyah Tolbert, and Mae Holly-grandmother.

Back row (l-r): Coach Brian Blackmon-OHS Athletic Director, Shaun Tolbert-uncle, Coach Jimmy Johnson, and Coach Jonathan Chandler.

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

Alabama Independent School Association Announces 2015 Hall of Fame Inductees

The Alabama Independent School Association is pleased to announce the tenth class of inductees for the AISA Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame started in 2000, and the twelve inductees will join ninety-four other individuals in the AISA Hall of Fame. The AISA Hall of Fame was designed and developed for the sole purpose of honoring and recognizing those individuals who have made significant contributions to their schools and/or the Association.

The Hall of Fame Selection Committee consisted of past and present AISA officials at the state level as well as headmasters, educators, athletic directors, school boosters, and media members. The AISA Hall of Fame is open to both academic and athletic standouts as well as lay people who have made contributions either at the local level or the state level. The inductees have spent a large portion of their lives supporting the institutions that have made up the Alabama Independent School Association during its forty plus years of existence.

The Alabama Independent School Association’s 2015 Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremonies will be held at the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery, Alabama, with date and time to be announced. Please call 334-833-4080 for more information.

The members of the Class of 2015 are: Rufus Bethea - Retired AAIS Executive Director; Angela Carpenter - Crenshaw Christian Academy; Ted Copland - Pickens Academy; Lt. Col. Jeffrey Damron - Lyman Ward Military Academy; Billy Hamilton - Clarke Preparatory School; John Johnson - South Choctaw Academy; Karim Oaks - Morgan Academy; Dr. Don Roberts - Lee-Scott Academy; Rodger Robison - Clarke Preparatory School; James Sampley - Fort Dale Academy; Timothy Smith - Cornerstone Christian School; Ulric “Ricky” Ward Lakeside School.

BHS Girls Track and Field Team Win STATE

Congratulations to the Girl's Track and Field Team for winning the 2015 5A Track and Field State Championship!!

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Autauga County Schools

Opelika City Schools Board of Education Honors Retirees

The Opelika City Schools Board of Education hosted a retirement tea on May 19 in honor of the 2014-15 retirees.

The retirees were presented with a gift in appreciation of their years of service. Pictured Front Row (l-r): Glenda Monhof, Amy Foster, Ginger Burdett, Curtrisher Sanders, Shirley Taylor, Beth Langcuster, Jennie Smith. Back Row (l-r): Gloria Campbell, Rebecca Hendrix, Wanda Smith, Ottis Stephenson, Beth Sasser, Ann Denson, Laura Lambert and Betty Flakes. Not pictured: James Chance, Harvey Core, Hollis Fitch, Richard Holland, Crawford Ledbetter, Marie McCullough, Wanda Vollor, Joe Wingo and Jacqueline Vaughn.

Auburn HS Baseball Team Presents Donation to Cancer Center

The Auburn High School Baseball teams visited EAMC Cancer Center and made a donation from the 3rd annual BPPAC fundraiser that took place this past March. It was a huge success this year raising over $15,000 for the Cancer Center!

A BIG thank you to Opelika High's Baseball teams for their participation as well as the local businesses and sponsors who came together for this effort.

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

2014-2015 Elementary Teachers of the Year

Kene’ Manning - Beulah Elementary; Priscilla Belcher Beauregard Elementary; Katie Doughtery - East Smiths Station Elementary; Amy Causey - South Smiths Station Elementary; Anthony Edwards - Loachapoka Elementary; Jessica Harris - West Smiths Station Elementary; Jennifer Miller - Wacoochee Elementary (not pictured).

2014-2015 Secondary Teachers of the Year

Walter Nash – Smiths Station Junior High; Stacey Guyton – Beulah High; Amanda Mitchell – Smiths Station Freshman Center; Cathy Jones – Loachapoka High; Patti Henderson – Sanford Middle; Stephanie McDonald – Beauregard High; Kelli Ledbetter – Smiths Station High (not Pictured).

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Auburn HS Teacher Presents Program at Nature Center

AHS's Stan Arington recently presented a program on turtles to a crowd at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve & Nature Center. ACS and the Auburn community are very lucky to have such a gifted teacher!

Please send your school news and photos each month to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.

OHS State Championship Track Team Recognized

The Opelika High School Boys Track Team won the 2015 AHSAA 6A Track State Championship. Team members were honored at the Opelika City Schools Board of Education meeting and the Opelika City Council meeting in May. Individual State Champions included: Nathanaiel Huggins-100 meter dash, 200 meter dash, and 400 meter dash, Ben Bryant-3200 meter run, Marquevious Swanson-110 hurdles, and the 4x400 meter relay team of Nathanaiel Huggins, Kacey Spinks, Jalin Marshall and Marquevious Swanson.

Pictured: Members and coaches of the Opelika High School Boys State Championship Track Team at the OCS Board of Education meeting.

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

www.growin groomu sa.com 19

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Autauga County Schools Lee-Scott Academy Drama Donation

Kevin Wolfe, a representative from the Alabama Lyme Disease association, received a donation from the LSA Drama Department for $650 from opening night box office proceeds and patron donations on behalf of two cast members who suffered from Lyme Disease. Mr. Wolfe said the money will go a long way in helping their organization.

Softball Places 3rd in State and Wins the Regional Title Congratulations to the BHS Girls Softball Team and Coach Cobb for winning at Regions and placing 3rd in the AHSAA State Championship!

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Distinguished Young Woman of Lee County

Rushton Davis was named the 2016 Distinguished Young Woman of Lee County on June 6 at the Auburn Performing Arts Center, Julie and Hal Moore Center for Excellence.

In addition to being named the new Distinguished Young Woman of Lee County, the Auburn High School senior won the interview, scholastic and selfexpression category awards which gave her a total of $1,375 in cash scholarships.

Davis performed a lyrical dance to Jason Castro’s “Hallelujah” in the talent portion of the competition. Troy University also awarded the Chancellor’s Award worth a total of $140,000 to Davis.

Davis will represent Lee County in the Distinguished Young Women of Alabama program in January 2016 in Montgomery.

Eight senior girls from the Lee County area participated in this year’s scholarship program which evaluates the participants in the areas of scholastics, interview, talent, fitness and self-expression.

Camden Swatts won first runner-up and the talent and fitness category awards.

The Beauregard High School senior won a total of $1,000 in cash scholarships.

Swatts performed a lyrical dance to Beyoncé’s “Heaven” for her talent.

Second runner-up honors went to Trinity Christian School senior, Cayton Walker, who performed “Selections from Turina”

by Joaquin Turina on the piano.

The Spirit Award is given based on participant votes for the young woman who best exemplifies the ideals of the Distinguished Young Woman program. This year, the award was presented to Hannah Wright, who attends Auburn High School.

The mistress of ceremonies was Sarah Armstrong, the 1997 Covington County’s Junior Miss. The audience was entertained by the 2015 Distinguished Young Woman of Lee County, Bonnie Zhao and the 2015 Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama, Phenix City native Bria Kalpen.

Pictured from left to right: Bria Kalpen (Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama 2015), Camden Swatts (1st Runner Up), Rushton Davis (Distinguished Young Woman of Lee County 2016), Cayton Walker (2nd Runner Up) and Bonnie Zhao (Distinguished Young Woman of Lee County 2015) 21

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Autauga County SchoolsAuburn HS Majorette Mini Camp 2015

Auburn High School majorettes hosted a 3 day camp for children in the Auburn/Opelika area. The campers learned new techniques and had a blast! Thanks to the 2015 AHS Majorettes for a twirling good time!

Auburn City School Retirements

The end of the school year commenced with retirement celebrations for AJHS's Betsy Logan, art teacher (22 years with ACS) and LaDonna Powell, 8th grade social studies teacher (11 years with ACS). Thank you for all your service to the students in ACS.

Camp Drake

Rising ACS 5th graders visited Drake Middle School recently.

This opportunity gives students and their parents a chance to come familiarize themselves with the middle school and how it functions. The atmosphere was energetic and alive during this orientation, but several aspects of DMS can be intimidating to students from the use of lockers to balancing a rotating class schedule. The faculty and staff were all smiles as they welcomed the newest members of their school.

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OHS Philanthropy 101 Students Attend Auburn University WPB Spring Symposium

Opelika High School Philanthropy 101 students enjoyed attending the Auburn University Women's Philanthropy Board Spring Symposium and Luncheon. Members were honored to meet Chief Justice Keith Watkins, United States District Court - Middle District of Alabama and attend sessions by Judge Watkins and Trudy Cathy White, philanthropist and daughter of Chick-Fil-A Founder, Truett Cathy.

OMS Cure Dawgs named Top Dawg in Relay for Life

Congratulations to the Opelika Middle School Cure Dawgs, Opelika's "Top Dawg" winner in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life-Lee County. Mrs. Denise Hankins and the OMS Cure Dawgs raised the most money of all of the Opelika City Schools teams for Relay for Life.

Throughout the school year, the teachers and students of OMS raised money through a variety of fun events and also sent letters and cards to patients and families at the EAMC Cancer Center.

OHS Students Receive Superior Ratings at State French Convention

Opelika High School students received Superior ratings at the State French Convention hosted by the University of Alabama. Students competed in a variety of competitions including individual poem recitation, extemporaneous speaking and reading, scholars bowl, and written tests. The events were judged by University of Alabama French professors. OHS students receiving Superior ratings included: Lanorris Jones- poem recitation at Level I, Brittany Boies-individual poem recitation at Level II, and Gerrry Moran-extemporaneous reading. Moran also won honorable mention for his poem recitation at Level III. Brittany Boies’ poem performance of “Le Corbeau et le Renard" (the "The Fox and the Crow") was honored as Best Presentation of Traditional Material at Level II out of all schools. Superior ratings were also earned by Ryan King and Gerry Moran in the written test evaluation.

Pictured: OHS representatives attending the State French Convention at the University of Alabama: top row from left to right: Allen Alcantara, Gerry Moran, Lanorris Jones, Brittany Boies, Ryan King, Jessica Jones, Tanner Bennet, Mrs. Sara Ahnell, OHS French Teacher.

Bottom row from left to right: Gricelda Bran, Isabel Aleman, Abby Alcantara, Zy'ere Jones.

2014-2015 System Teachers of the Year

Kene’ Manning- Beulah Elementary System Elementary Teacher of the Year. Stacey Guyton – Beulah High School System Secondary Teacher of the Year.

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Autauga County Schools

Auburn HS Softball Camp

Auburn High School Softball camp for ages 7-12 was held at Felton Little Park. Coach Matt Hendricks and his staff had approximately 40 girls they coached with an emphasis on throwing, catching, infield, outfield, hitting, and base running. There were also sessions for pitchers/catchers as well as team competitions during the camp.

Auburn HS Basketball Camp

Basketball camp for ages 7-12 was held in early June at Auburn High School. Coach Frank Tolbert, Coach Chris Brandt and their staff had more than 100 boys they coached with an emphasis on the fundamentals of shooting, passing, rebounding, offense and defense. In the afternoon, the kids split up into teams based on age and played games. There were guest speakers as well as individual and team competitions. At the end of the week, parents were welcome to attend awards and the championship games.

New Auburn High School

Dr. Shannon Pignato, AHS Principal, recently visited the new Auburn High School site off East Samford Avenue to observe the progress!

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Auburn High School Baseball Camp

Auburn HS baseball camp was held on the AHS campus! Check out the Varsity and JV Baseball Players working with boys ages 7-12 on their baseball skills. A typical day of camp includes agility training with warmups and stretching before breaking off into stations that include throwing/catching, a video session, infield/outfield fielding, hitting, and base running.

Mt. Everest Climber Helps Beulah Students Prepare for Debate

Students in Mr. Alton Pitts’ eleventh grade English class listened to Bud Allen, a climber of the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest, recently.

After reading Jon Krakauer’s nonfiction best seller Into Thin Air , students viewed equipment, listened to personal testimony of the difficulty of the climb and asked questions to a firsthand source. Knowledge gained from the novel and the speaker will aid students in a debate on the culpability of the leaders in the 1996 tragedy that claimed multiple lives.

Auburn High School Cheer Camp

Auburn High School cheer camp was held in early June at the AHS New Gym! Check out the Varsity and JV Cheerleaders working with girls ages 4 through 7th grade! Camp participants had fun learning chants, cheers, voice technique, stunts, motions and dances. The 6th and 7th graders also learned everything they need to know to get ready for cheer tryouts in the spring of their 7th grade year. A parent showcase at the end of the week, highlighted all the fun and spirit learned!

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A Page in a Book A New Twist on Old Tales Traditional nursery tales are important touchstones of most kids’ childhood.

From “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” to “Cinderella” and the like, these common tales create a familiar storytelling landscape that most children can jointly reference throughout their youth. For the folk tale savvy child, the following titles offer refreshing twists on beloved traditional stories that can expand their literary lexicon through exciting new avenues.

Goatilocks and The Three Bears

by Erica S. Perl, Illustrated by Arthur Howard (Beach Lane / Simon & Schuster) When Goatilocks spies a family of bears leaving for the afternoon, she’s hungry to peek inside their house while they’re gone. As in the traditional story, the intruder tries the various porridges, chairs and beds of the occupants. Diverging from the original tale, Goatlilocks (being just a ‘kid’, after all) eats all of the things that are “just right.” When the bears return, Goatilocks quickly beats a retreat. But because doing the right thing is important to the impulsive kid, this delightfully illustrated twist on the Goldilocks fable has a deliciously redeeming ending.

Ninja Red Riding Hood

by Coery Rosen Schwartz, Illustrated by Dan Santat (G.P. Putnam’s Sons / Penguin) Once upon a time, there was a wolf who was a failure a catching his prey, so he enrolled in ninja school to learn all the swift moves he needs to secure a square meal. Armed with his new skills, the wolf takes to the woods where he meets Red, and learns that she’s on her way to visit her Grandma. Rushing ahead, the wolf disguises himself as Grandma lies in wait for Red to arrive. But when he’s ready to pounce, he discovers that he wasn’t the only student to attend the ninja school. Action-packed with Asian-influenced comic imagery, this colorful treatment of the Little Red Riding Hood cautionary tale gets an invigorating curtain-call with smashing results!

Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella

by Jan Brett (G.P Putnam’s Sons / Penguin) When a young Russian girl nods off in her snowbound chicken coop, reality slips into dreams as the community of chickens around her prepare for a ball hosted by the Prince among roosters. Feathers are ruffled, pecking orders are established and poor Cinders is left behind when the others fly off to the ball. Following the story arc of the traditional tale, Cinders transformation and meeting with the Prince are intact – but Brett’s uniquely edge-to-edge illustrations make the whole story new again. When the girl awakens to the sound of her father returning with a handsome cockerel to add to the roost, the reader remains looped in on the dreamy secret lives of the chicken realm. Inspired by the opulence of 18th century Russia, Jan Brett’s version of the folk tale Cinderella is the belle of the ball in the fairy-tale revision category!

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

Auburn Opelika Parents I July 2015

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Q. What are the long-term effects of declaring bankruptcy?

A. One of the biggest aftershocks of

filing bankruptcy is that it stays on your credit report for years afterward. A Chapter 7 filing, which wipes out everything and gives you a clean slate, stays on your report for 10 years. Chapter 13, which is a repayments plan, and Chapter 11, another type of large bankruptcy or business bankruptcy, both stay on your credit bureau report for seven years.

Another big problem is that it can follow you around when it comes to applications or when you apply for different types of licenses. Many of these ask if you’ve ever filed bankruptcy. It doesn’t ask if it’s still on your credit report; it will ask if you’ve ever filed bankruptcy. If you have, you’ll have instances for the rest of your life when you have to admit it and explain

it all over again. So, it’s an emotional scar that follows you around for a long, long time.

Too many bankruptcy filers never really recover from their financial distress because they never learn new and better ways to manage their money. That’s why I recommend people do everything they can to avoid bankruptcy. It’s not an easy do-over; it’s a last-resort kind of thing. And in the vast majority of situations it’s just not necessary.

Q. I have a question about budgeting. I give myself and my husband $150 a month each for blow money to be used on whatever we want. I’m upset because he spends all his eating out, then he buys other things he wants that he has no money for. Am I being too stingy?

A. I think you guys are handling your

money poorly. You’re acting like his mother instead of his wife, and he’s acting like a little boy instead of a man. You don’t want

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to give your husband an allowance and then not be happy when he spends money “he didn’t have” because he went over what you dictated to him. That’s a bad budget process.

The budget process, if you’re the nerd in the family, should start with you writing it all out. Then he sits down with you, has an equal say in the decisions and you two okay it together. He needs to understand that this is you asking him to man-up and be part of the decision-making process, so that you can both be in agreement as to what’s best for the family. In one sense, you may not like it at first, because right now you’ve got control of things. But in another sense, I’ll bet you’re pretty tired of carrying the weight of all the financial decision making and being the only adult in the household.

He doesn’t even have to work on all that much. I want you to lay it out, but I expect him to sit down and go over it all with you. You’re not asking him to be an accountant with a pocket protector, but you have every right to expect him to be in on the decisions that are made about your family and your finances!

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The moment your child utters her first word, you’ll probably want to announce it to the world, while quickly marking the occasion in her baby book. You probably won’t be so thrilled, however, when her word of choice evolves into the very opinionated word “no.” Although this is a frustrating and challenging stage of development, it is completely normal.

Jen Mann-Li, a mother of two, describes her daughter Sadie, 3, as a “pro” at using the word no. “She was a late talker, didn’t really talk until she was almost 2-years-old, and no was a favorite right away,” Mann-Li says.

Auburn Opelika Parents I July 2015

Mann-Li says that Sadie refuses to be distracted from what she wants. “She’s very stubborn and will not budge (sometimes literally),” she says. “We have a saying that Sadie will ‘die on that hill’ and she does daily over these ‘silly’ things.”

Why they say it. Laura Murphy is a

certified parent coach and president of Real Families, Inc., which helps families work through parenting, marriage and financial issues. She says that the chief child-rearing complaint she hears from parents concerns children refusing to do what the parents want them to do.

Not only is the word “no” an easy word for toddlers to say, but Murphy believes, “The biggest reason they say it so much is because they hear it so much from everyone else.”

The good news is this phase is completely normal and healthy. “The number one job of a 2-year-old is to test every physical limit. Pushing physical limits to find out what the adults will do is a natural approach 28

for a toddler. They need to learn those limits,” Murphy says.

Need a few proactive strategies to reduce the use of the word in your home and forge a path of less resistance?

Change your approach. Challenge yourself to see if you can say no without really saying the word no. For example, if your child asks for a cookie, instead of saying “no, not before dinner” say “sure, after dinner.” This exercise will also make you more aware of just how often you say no.

“Once we change our approach, we usually notice a change in our children,” Murphy says. Also, talk to your spouse and childcare providers about using other words besides no all the time. But that doesn’t mean you should ban the word entirely. “Say yes as often as possible, and when you say no, mean it,” Murphy advises.

Having a sense of humor doesn’t hurt either. Ingrid Brown has www.auburnopelikaparents.com

two daughters, 4 and 2, who both went through the “no” phase at around 20 months. “I tried to make a game out of it,” Brown says. “If they said no to everything, I would counter back in a funny voice repeating ‘nooooOOOooo’ right back at them and give them a little tickle.”

Offer two choices. Resistance often begins long before a child utters his first word. “When they’re old enough to start flinging food at you from their high chair, they’re old enough to start choices,” Murphy says.

Barring a dangerous situation like your child refusing to move in a busy street, provide your child with two choices that you like and can live with. “Small choices for the kids, but the adults make the big decisions,” Murphy says. For example, a parent decides on bedtime, but a child chooses between the blue pajamas or red pajamas.

By giving away small decisions to your toddler, she will have a sense of control over her life which will likely reduce negative behaviors such as not listening, running away, resistance, and temper tantrums. If a child refuses to make a decision in 10 seconds, the parent should make it for her, following up with empathy.

Show empathy not anger. Murphy stresses that empathy is an important component of providing choices to your child. When you replace anger with empathy, she says, you’ll notice a huge shift.

For example, when your child doesn’t get something that she wants, say something along the lines of: “I know. It’s a bummer.”

765,000

trampoline jumps

20,000,000 games and rides

900,000 first cartwheels

You are invited to My Gym Auburn’s

Grand Opening Celebration!

Avoid “parenting on the fly.”

Stay calm in the heat of the moment and decide ahead of time on what things to definitely say no to and what you can say yes to. Also, try making a list of the small choices you can offer your child during those more troublesome times of the day.

Need help? For more parenting tips and resources, check out Murphy’s website Real-families.com, Loveandlogic.com, Kidsareworthit.com and the book Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours by Kevin Leman.

If your tactics don’t seem effective, seek out an expert like a family counselor to assess the situation. Although a tweak in parenting skills may be all that is needed, an expert can help determine if something more serious is going on with your child. AOP

Thursday, July 30th through Sunday, August 10th

*Please visit our website for complete schedule details

Offering the best fitness programs and birthday parties designed specifically for kids 6 weeks to 10 years.

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Free Lifetime Membership

Plus 50% Off Your First Month!

Valid only at My Gym Auburn prior to Grand Opening

Millions of kids agree.

(334) 246-0987 300 N. Dean Road, #6 auburn@mygym.com mygym.com/auburn MyGymAuburn

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines is the author of Confidently Connected: A Mom’s Gude to a Satisfying Social Life and the mom of two boys.

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Investing in Your Style

fashionista! I love my heels and I want to be able to wear them for a long time.

That’s why investing in a nice, comfy pump is a key investment. I would go for a neutral color pump...preferably nude or camel. This is an easy transitional color.

2-Flats This southern savvy stylist loves a great style bargain, but I also feel like every woman should have a few items in her wardrobe that she has splurged on. These items are great to invest in and have in your closet for two reasons: 1) They are timeless pieces, and 2) You can mix them in with the savvy purchases you will buy during each season. Below are a few items I think will be worth the investment. Now, don’t get me wrong.

I’m all about saving money on your style, so if you can find these items at a lower cost, whether at your favorite outlet store, on-line, or at an end of season discount...go for it! I’m all about purchasing investment pieces at half the cost.

1-Patent Pumps A simple, classic pump works for everything from job interviews to first dates to black-tie weddings to girls night out. Find a pair that’s comfy (okay, relatively so) and take the plunge.

Comfort, as I have learned thought the years, is important when it comes to your style. Who wants their feet to be in pain by the end of the day? Not this Auburn Opelika Parents I July 2015

Whether it’s a ballet flat or pointed toe (which I prefer) these are wonderful investment pieces. You can wear them to work or keep them super casual.

The fact that you can make these an easy transitional style helps when you are investing in a good pair of shoes, and your feet will thank you as well. There is nothing wrong with investing in a flat rather than a heel.

3-Little Black Dress If you’re going to splurge on just one item, make it the simple black dress in a style that suits your body type. A black dress is versatile and can be non-seasonal if bought in the right material. You can really take the perfect black dress from day to night, as well as changing up the style simply by adding your favorite layers or accessories.

4-Perfectly-Fitting Denim There’s absolutely nothing—nothing—like finding that amazing pair of denim jeans. Talk about non-seasonal and easy transitional styling, jeans are the perfect item to sink a little extra cash into, and they’ll pay for themselves in compliments.

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5-Timeless Handbag We all know accessories can really bring an outfit to life and I feel confident that the perfect handbag can do this, too. We all depend on this fashion accessory, so why not invest a little more money into your favorite handbag. Find a color and style that is non-seasonal and that will go with practically every item in your closet. This will make your investment worthwhile! Yellow and gold tones, plus browns (like camel) are a few good options.

6-Layering piece This can be a blazer, cardigan, jacket, etc. Invest in one layering item that can be non-seasonal and add style to your wardrobe. Maybe invest in a pop of color or keep it neutral and add color with your accessories.

Now, you don’t need to drop a ton of money on these investment pieces.

Just enjoy the thrill of finding these expensive items at half the cost. Also, if you invest in one of these items that costs a bit more, then take my southern savvy advice and add beauty bargain pieces to these expensive investments.

This is what styling is all about...being able to take staple pieces of clothing in your closet and transforming them into a gorgeous new style. Investing a little can save you a lot!

Laura Handey is an independent clothing consultant in Pike Road, Alabama. You may reach her by email at laura@ centsiblysouthern. com or visit her website at www. centsiblysouthern. com.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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

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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.

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

We’ve do put Itogether everything you’re looking for in a perfect“I saw camp onemy of Why choose Riverview each summer? mysetting! first river Recognized on a mountain,as I rode Golf,times Dance, Dance, Outdoor Sports, Soccer,use Beach Volleyball, Basketball, “As go,Stomp it was one of the BEST.”Skills AndClass, what child couldn’t some of that these days?

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

We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16...

Mother-Daughter Weekends1are also!

Registeredfor Nurses and6 Physician on Staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid andand CPRFall Certified.

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1

Call for FREE DVD and catalog 1-800-882-0722 Accredited by American Camping Association • Members of Christian Camping International

D RAMA

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Only 1 /Mountain 2 hours from Huntsville Located on top of Lookout in Mentone, AL. Only a 3 hr drive.

AND

Dr. Larry & Susan Hooks, Owners/Directors • Donna Bares,Asst. Director

C RAFTS • C HORUS

first I had campfires every night. Icamps felt close to God. giggled a lot is with friends and counselors. time flew by! thehorse.

Southeast’s best all-around for girls,IRiverview annew oasis of fun, friends andThe happiness...

I Exciting felt safe and secure. Iinclude: gained confidence in myselfPool,Tennis, through the world around me.” activities Riding, Heated Canoeing, Ropes Course, Climbing Tower,

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

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• H ORSEBACK R IDING • S WIMMING • T ENNIS • C ANOEING • D ANCE • A EROBICS • G YMNASTICS • B EACH V OLLEYBALL •

• R OPES C OURSE • C LIMBING T OWER • O UTDOOR L IVING S KILLS • C AMPFIRE F UN • C OUNSELOR -I N -T RAINING • 31

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nds and ie fr h it w r e e to gath m ti a – fe li f any. Still, ice o p p s m o e c th ’s e r r e a Parties one anoth y jo n e d n a ames ting or s g o y h la to p , s lk e laugh, ta hen it com w e tt e u q ti some s of e e r le a u r e r e e m H o s f. there are e aware o b to d e e n rty that you a p a g in d atten concerns. ty r a p n o m dling com n a h r fo s p ti Auburn Opelika Parents I July 2015

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How do I handle guests who haven’t RSVP’d?

While most guests understand the importance of RSVP’ing, some just aren’t timely with their replies. As the party grows closer, feel free to call those who haven’t responded and ask if they plan to come. You can start the call by saying, “I just wanted to make sure you got the invitation,” which often softens the tone of the conversation and elicits a non-defensive reply.

How much should I spend on the gift?

The idea behind the gift is to show your friend that you care. Consider your budget, then try to find something fitting within range. A gift that shows creativity makes it even more special than simply buying something expensive.

Our team’s top priority is to deliver orthodontics in a friendly, comfortable environment. We love getting to know our patients, and understand that orthodontic treatment is unique to each individual. We offer board certified orthodontic care for children and adults, traditional and ceramic braces, invisalign and payment plans.

Call us today to schedule your complimentary evaluation!

Are thank you notes still expected?

In this day of digital correspondence, many people send thank you e-mails rather than cards. That’s why sending a hand-written, personalized card via snail mail is so appreciated today. It shows that you took the time to let the host or guest know you really enjoyed the gift or the party. And it’s a great habit to teach your children.

Do I have to invite all of my child’s friends to the birthday party?

No, that could lead to chaos! But be careful when sending invitations so there aren’t hurt feelings among those who aren’t included. It’s best to keep the number of guests to a minimum to maintain control over the party. For preschoolers, try two to five guests, for school age children, try five to 10 guests, and for older kids, try to keep the number under a dozen.

How can I help my child be a good party guest or host?

Children sometimes don’t understand party protocol so it’s good to rehearse ahead of time. If the party is for a friend, remind your child that it’s a special day for that friend, and soon he or she will have a special day. Review all the fun things that will be happening at the party, such as games, prizes, cake, ice cream and entertainers, and how to behave in each case. If your child is the host, ask him or her to remember that guests are there to celebrate, and to be thankful and appreciative that they came.

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How do I handle the games so that no one feels bad about losing?

Non-competitive games, like treasure hunts and talent shows, are always best at kid’s parties. That way no one loses and everybody wins. But if you do play competitive games, like “Musical Chairs” or “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” give each player a prize for participating. There’s no rule that says you can only have one winner!

How do I handle opening gifts at a children’s party?

The gift dilemma offers two schools of thought. Some recommend you don’t 33

open the gifts at the party because the other children will want to play with the presents and the birthday child may not want to share his or her new toys. Others say that the children learn the party is not about them, and that they do enjoy watching the birthday child open up their gift.

Think about your child and what works best for him or her, then act accordingly. AOP Penny Warner, with Balloon Time Helium Balloon Kits, is an author and party planner. She has published more than 50 books, including 16 specific to parties. Additionally, Warner wrote a weekly newspaper column on family life, penned a column for Sesame Street Parents magazine and has appeared on several regional and national TV morning programs.

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Growing a Little Green Thumb

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Gardening is an ideal learning landscape for little ones.

Seeing first-hand how seeds propagate, germinate, bloom and survive magnifies a child’s understanding of the endless marvels found in the plant kingdom.

Working with plants also encourages patience and observation as all gardeners must wait and watch for seedlings to emerge and bloom in their own time. The following items encourage kids to get their hands dirty while they discover the rewards that come along with fostering life in their very own corner of the garden.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Medieval Herber

Desktop Carnivorous Plants

(DuneCraft)

Modeled after the raised rectangular beds that medieval householders would have used for their own herb gardens, the Medieval Herber is a small terrarium that brings back some of the essential plants that families would have used during the Middle Ages to flavor their food or naturally treat small ailments.

The kit includes the terrarium container, planting mixture, pebbles, and mixed seeds for eight plant varieties that were popular in the era (thyme, rosemary, basil, fennel, marjoram, etc.). Easy to start, the plants can germinate as quickly as three days after planting. Kids and parents can also explore novel ways to integrate their anciently inspired windowsill harvest into today’s recipes. Old school herbs meet modern kitchen garden resources with the Medieval Herber!

(ThinkGeek)

Some of the most unlikely anomalies in the botanical world grow right before your eyes with this gardening set from ThinkGeek that brings carnivorous plants to life. Typically deprived of nutritious soil in the natural world, plants like the Venus Fly Trap, Pitcher Plant and Sundew have evolved to secure their food in a different way as they attract and consume insects. This tabletop kit includes seeds, peat bog planting mix, swamp rocks and some decorative elements to whet kids interest while they wait for the seedlings to emerge. It does take a long time to get the seeds started and there are meticulous instructions to be followed for a successful germination. But once they get going, gardeners will have a front row seat as these unique plants emerge, grow, and eventually turn the tables on the insect kingdom.

Shippon - Self-watering Animals

Grow-A-Maze (ToySmith)

Illustrating plants’ ability to thrive no matter where they’re rooted, Grow-A-Maze illustrates in real time a bean sprout’s epic journey to the sun. This container features adjustable inserts so that kids can create a variety of paths for the traveling sprout from a soil base, through twists and turns, and upward toward the strongest light.

The transparent sides not only allow viewing of the plant’s progress through the maze, but also the root action going on below the surface. It’s an ideal device to study plants’ natural tendency to seek out the sun for photosynthesis. The kit includes all the maze components, card covers, and magnifiers (dried beans and soil are not included). Grow-A-Maze is an excellent testament to the enduring spirit of plants as they reach toward the sun!

(Fat Brain Toys)

Irresistibly cute and super-easy to start, Shippons are small ceramic animals with a little backpack planter that is ready to burst into bloom with the simplest of preparation.

Simply pack the backpack with soil and some seeds, then hook them over the lip of a mug or cup letting the tail hang down into clean water.

There’s no need to extensively water the seedling as the animal tail siphons up a steady supply of moisture to foster the germination and blooming of a small plant. Each Shippon animal (Strawberry Cat, Basil Monkey or Clover Dog) comes with its namesake seeds and is ready to start right out of the box.

Ideal for the smallest of green thumbs, Shippon Self-watering Animals are the perfect first step for young gardeners!

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

Auburn Opelika Parents I July 2015

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CAKES/ ICE CREAM/ FINGER FOOD

• Steel City Pops- 109 North College Street, Auburn.

205-969-8770. Gourmet pops for all occasions.

Order The Cart for your event or pop in our store.

• Chill

• Sweet Malisa’s-108 South 9th Street, Opelika.

334-737-6565. Cakes and desserts for all occasions.

234 W. Magnolia Ave, Auburn. 334-502-1114.

TigerTown, Opelika. 334-745-7714. Yogurt, custard, sorbet, smoothies, yocakes and more! www.chillyogurtcafe.com • Bruster’s Ice Cream- 2172 E University Drive, Auburn. 334-821-9988. Ice cream cakes and pies are loaded with personality! In Store Tour-Bring your group for a tour of our store. Learn how Bruster’s Ice Cream got started and help us make a batch of our delicious home-made ice cream. Enjoy some ice cream and have some fun! Sundae Bar-We can bring the party to you. We offer traditional sundaes, brownie sundaes, banana splits and strawberry shortcakes. We provide the ice cream, toppings, spoons, napkins & cups.

• The Gourmet Tiger- 231 N Dean Rd, Suite 2. Auburn. 334-821-9222. Bakery specializing in birthday cakes of all sizes and designs. Check out our gallery of cake pictures on line.

• The Overall Co: The Pop Factory- 1001 Avenue B, Opelika. 334-742-0100. Offering pops for special occasions, on-site or to go.

ENTERTAINMENT • dRMagic- 334-887-8029. Dr. Magic will provide balloon twisting fun, magic, and face painting for

• Cakeapotamus- 2213 Pepperell Pkwy, Opelika. 334-559-1491.

Bakery & Cake Studio! Awesome kids deserve awesome cakes designed and created just for them!

• Great American Cookies- 1627 Opelika Rd. #10 (inside the mall), Auburn. 334-821-4553. A special day calls for a special Cookie Cake. And with Great American Cookies’ wide variety of beautiful and delicious offerings, you can give the birthday boy or girl a party to remember. Simply choose your favorite design and add a custom message. Cookie party trays and cookie tins available.

• Small Cakes- 3051 Fredrick Road, Opelika.

334-737-5555. Cupcakes for all occasions.

Auburn Opelika Parents I July 2015

• Sandy’s Stables- 4273 Lee Road 54, Opelika. 334741-0020. Pony rides, trail rides, and visiting all of our different farm animals. All ages are welcome.

• Sweet Cheeks Face and Body Art- www.sweetcheekspainting.com; Let us help you plan the perfect party or event! We offer party packages with face painting, glitter or mica powder tattoos, body art or a combination of our services.

EQUIPMENT/ GAME RENTALS • Auburn Bounce- 334-319-1451. www.auburnbounce.com; Auburn family owned and operated. Offering a great selection of bounce houses, slides, concessions and more.

• Dairy Queen- 2019 Pepperell Pkwy, Opelika. 334-742-9400.

DQ Cakes available.

• GiGi’s Cupcakes- 132 North College Street, Auburn. 334-887-2253. Cupcakes for all occasions; many flavors to choose from with new items for all seasons. Special orders taken. www.gigiscupcakesusa.com/auburnalabama

• Princessious- 251-421-3121. Facebook.

Create the most precious princess party…with an appearance by a princess and other magical characters! Includes storytime, sing-a-longs and more!

• The Big Green Bus: The Big Green Bus brings the party to you! 334332-0833. The Big Green Bus is a school bus that has been converted into a safe and fun preschool gymnastics facility.

• D Squared Donuts- 1625 E. University Drive, Auburn. 334887-1112. Donuts, fritters, and special order cakes for all occasions available. New this summer, Italian Ice and Homemade Slow Churn Ice Cream! www. dsquaredonuts.com.

• Edible Arrangements- 2900 East University Dr. 120, Auburn.

334-821-9600. Leader in fresh fruit bouquets and gourmet chocolate dipped fruit. Stop by and grab and go or call in a special order.

• Kona Ice- 334-707-3650. www.facebook.com/ KonaIceAuburnColumbus; Offering premium shaved ice treat for children (of all ages)! Our Party Truck will come to your location! Party music makes for a festive mood, Kona Ice for all guests, Birthday boy/ girl gets a King Kona, Hit the FLAVORWAVE, party favors available, Kona character (when available).

• Ballard Party Rentals- www.ballardpartyrentals.com; Train, dunk tank and inflatables. all parties. We also offer a variety of costumed characters, including princesses, wizards, pirates, and, of course, clowns.

• Farmer Brown’s Party Animals- 334-319-2893.

Specializing in petting zoos, birthday parties, live nativity scenes and more. You can party at our place or we can come to you.

• H & G Horse Quarters- 943 Lee Road 57, Auburn.

334-887-0026. www.hghorsequarters.com; “Every child’s dream is to ride a pony.” Birthday party packages available on site or we can bring the party to you! Our facilities include staff for hosting and facilitating your party, the horse arena for riding, includes all riding equipment, a beautiful gazebo with tables and chairs and much more!

• Jubilee Farm Pony Parties- www.jubileefarmpartyparties.com; We can bring the party to you or schedule to visit our farm for pony rides and meet all the farm animals.

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• Space Walk of Auburn- 334-887-5437. spacewalkaub@herecomesfun.com; Offering space walks, wet/dry slides, big obstacle courses, inflatable games, and more. Concessions available too- popcorn, cotton candy and sno cones. www. herecomesfun.com

LIMOUSINES • Touch of Class Limousine: Montgomery.

334-284-2673. Carry up to 14 passengers at a time.

Can pick up kids and ride them around or take them for pizza, etc. and then back home. These limos have all the extras for a fun time - red carpet, DVD for movies, a Birthday sign! Call for details.

• Young’s Limousine and Airport Service: Montgomery; 334-262-1634. We can carry up to 16 passengers. Wide variety of large luxury vehicles.

Great for birthday parties, weddings or other special events. Call for details. www.auburnopelikaparents.com

PLACES TO PARTY – ARTISTIC

• Auburn Awards & Fine Papers-127 South College Street, Auburn. 334-887-7768.

334-501-2930. www.auburnalabama.org Celebrate with Clay/Pottery Party- You select the project from such choices as Secret Keeper Pockets, Coiled Critter Sculptures, or Fantasy Fish Dishes, and celebrants make and glaze their projects during the clay session. After the clay has dried, the projects will be fired in the kiln and can be picked up within two weeks after your pottery event. Day and time of your clay pottery party are to be arranged with instructor and are subject to studio availability on Monday through Friday. $25/participant + $5 materials fee.

• Auburn Flowers and Gifts- 217 N. College St, Auburn. 334-502-4567. Balloon bouquets, gourmet gifts and flower arrangements.

• Check it Out!- 239 N Gay Street, Auburn.

334-826-0308. Balloon bouquets, costumes, party paper products, and more.

• Hobby Lobby- TigerTown, Opelika.

334-745-2730. Party supplies, invitations, crafts, and more.

• Lynn’s Hallmark- Inside the Mall.

334-887-9889. Invitations & unique gifts.

• Party City -Tiger Town, Opelika. A one-stop party store that provides a wide selection of merchandise at everyday low prices.

PARTY PLANNERS • Special Arrangements- 2201 Enterprise Drive, Opelika. 334-737-2995. Offering a wide array of products including selections in tables, chairs, fine china, custom linens, chair covers, tents, staging, dance floors and more.

UNIQUE GIFTS KIDS/ADULT • Dottie Ollie- 2415 Moore’s Mill Road, Auburn.

334521-0201. Facebook. Unique clothing and gifts for baby, kid and tween…for all occasions.

• Fringe Kids- 209 South 8th Street, Opelika. 334745-4497. Upscale consignment clothing for kids ages -infant through 14/16.

• Fun and Fancy- 3051 Fredrick Road, Opelika.

334-745-2237. We can help you with gift, clothing & shoe needs from expectant mother to baby to child and beyond.

• Auburn Parks and Recreation

©2015 Kumon North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

PAPER GOODS/ DECORATIONS/ INVITATIONS

• Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University

901 South College Street Auburn. 334-844-1484. www.jcsm.auburn.edu; Offering individuals, businesses, and corporations an exciting environment in which to hold social gatherings, presentations, performances or meetings including birthday parties. Rental facilities for parties include the gardens, auditorium, cafe, grand gallery, rotunda, and terrace.

• Bare Ware Pottery- 12 Woodruff Rd, Columbus, Ga. 706-571-0507. www.barewarepottery.com; We Do It All” Pottery and Pizza Party includes invitations, pizza, cake, soda, dishes, decorations and pottery choice for each guest. “Have Your Cake and Paint Too” is an option offering decorations, cake, invitations and choice of pottery.

At the pottery--only party option, you supply food and drinks and the studio provides the paint and pottery. Adults also have the option of a Tea Party Package. Bare Ware provides fruit, petit-fours and tea while guests paint a tea-cup and saucer. Each party package is priced on a per-person basis.

• Opelika Parks and Recreation- Ceramics Birthday Parties. Denson Arts Center, Opelika. 334-7055547. Looking for a fun and unique Child’s Birthday Party? Let the Ceramics Department plan your next event! Kids love it! Parents appreciate it! All children enjoy a project that can be completed at the party and taken home. Birthday child receives a special Birthday Plate!

• Kidz World- USA Town Center, 1220 Fox Run Avenue, Opelika.334-705-8098. Where the Value Never Stops! Name brand children’s clothes at huge savings. Area’s largest selection of children’s clothing and hairbows! Premie, newborn, girls sizes infant to 16, boys sizes infant to 18/20.

• Perch Bead Studio- 416 S. Gay Street, Auburn.

334-209-1378. Perch is a place to create, design and be inspired. Create your own unique jewelry for your birthday party. Tools are provided and materials are available for purchase. Children will have a fun time creating jewelry and memories together at Perch.

• Serendipity- 1550 Opelika Rd, Auburn (next to Kumon). 334-329-7475. Facebook. It’s All About the Monogram! Offering unique, personalized gifts including, jewelry, bags, clothing, kitchen items, luggage, purses and much more!

• Spirited Art- 3051 Frederick Road, Opelika. 334363-5257. Looking for something fun for a group?

Call us to book a fun and exciting painting party in Auburn. We can accommodate most groups, small and large. Birthdays, reunions, and church or office 37

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KUMON MATH & READING CENTER OF AUBURN - OPELIKA 1550 Opelika Rd., #9, Auburn, AL 36830

334.501.8586 kumon.com/auburn-opelika-al www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

gatherings are just a few of the reasons to enjoy having fun and participating in a painting party.

Bring a friend, a sense of humor and your favorite beverage and snack. We provide all of the painting supplies (smocks, brushes, easels, canvases and everything in between).

• Uptown Art Uncorked- 2436 East University Drive, Auburn. 334-209-1188. Paint a canvas masterpiece with step-by-step group instruction.

for all ages! Whether you want to plan a fun and exiting party for your young child, or a challenging test of strength for an adult, we can help. Our gym offers everything from beginner to expert climbs and that service extends to our birthdays! Our staff will guide your party and steer them towards the climbing best suited to their abilities. We can make sure your small children have a blast and the adventurous adults get their adrenaline fix! Parties receive two staff per 15 attendees and last for two hours. This typically breaks down into 1.5 hours for

BOWLING • AMF Auburn Lanes719 Opelika Road, Auburn. 334-887-6573. www.amf.com; Why not have a ball on your next birthday party or special event with AMF! AMF Bowling Center entertainment packages will make your party a striking success. Kid’s Birthday Bash-Every B-day Bash package includes bowling, bowling shoes, party supplies and plenty of great food and beverages. And you can even choose a package that includes an authentic bowling pin that everyone can sign for the birthday boy or girl.

300 N. Dean Rd #6, Auburn. (Kroger Shopping Center - Glenn and Dean). 334-246-0987. www. mygym.com/auburn; Every birthday party is a perfectly planned celebration created especially for your child, with special song and game requests made prior to the birthday party. Our amazing birthday party specialists will make your birthday party unique and special. And all our birthday parties feature nonstop actionpacked activities, games, puppets, songs, and more! My Gym does it all: set up, entertainment, cake service, clean up and more!

• Make Your Move Dance Studio- “Where Everyone’s a Star”. 116 Columbus Prkwy, Opelika.

Call Mandy to reserve your Ballerina Birthday, 334-705-0205.

MARTIAL ARTS/ FITNESS • Treadstone Climbing Gym

4209 Milgen Road Suite 7, Columbus, Ga. 706-507-ROCK(7625) www.treadstoneclimbing.com Treadstone offers fun and exciting birthday parties Auburn Opelika Parents I July 2015

• Auburn Parks and Recreation

334-501-2930. www.auburnalabama.org/parks; Boykin Community Center- 400 Boykin Street, Auburn. Gym and meeting rooms.

Dean Road Recreation Center- 307 South Dean Road, Auburn. Gym, meeting areas and ceramics studio.

Frank Brown Recreation Center- 235 Opelika Rd, Auburn. Gym, game rooms, and other rooms for party rental.

Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center222 East Drake Avenue, Auburn.

Conference rooms, children’s gallery and performance center.

• Cyber Zone

GYMNASTICS/ CHEER/ DANCE • My Gym

MISCELLANEOUS

climbing and fun, with 30 minutes for cake and presents. Additional time is, of course, available.

Want the climbing party brought to you? Rent the all new, portable climbing wall!

• Auburn Academy of Martial Arts- 323 Airport Rd, Suite J in Airport Plaza, Auburn. 334-5027221. Party highlights include: Your child will be a Black Belt for a day! Cake is cut with a real Samurai sword! Every child breaks a board (optional), a unique take-home gift! Medals and other martial arts items are available for favors!

Learning, exercise, games and fun! No experience necessary. 1 1/2 hours long, scheduled on weekends. Other Party Ideas: Host a selfdefense party for your teenager; Throw a fitness party for a colleague who is “over the hill”; Kids and parents can party together for some great family time.

• Auburn Mixed Martial Arts- 2515 East Glenn Ave, Auburn. 334-887-0818. Black Belt Birthday Bash! Be a blackbelt Ninja for a day! Break boards, martial arts games, martial arts cake, cut your cake with a real Samurai sword and take home a Samurai sword as a birthday gift!

No experience necessary. Schedule a unique party today!

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107 North 9th Street, Opelika.

334-737-5000. www. cyberzone334.com; New 20,000 square ft facility featuring a laser tag arena with the latest high-tech laser equipment, high energy music, lights and special effects.

New this year…

Bounce Zone! Featuring fun themed, inflatables, perfect for the younger aged party. Private themed party rooms with a variety of party packages available. Large arcade with new retro games. Host your birthday, group events, church lock-ins, and more!

• Eastdale Mall- Montgomery; 334-277-7380.

Ice Palace offers a very exciting alternative called Broomball. Broomball or Ice Skating is offered after regular hours at the mall from Monday thru Saturday from 9:00 p.m. until Midnight. Please call 334-277-2088 for more information.

The Island Carousel- Tables and chairs next to the carousel is a perfect princess party location. Pay for the carousel rides; no reservations required.

• Opelika Parks and Recreation Covington Recreation Center- 213 Carver Avenue, Opelika. 334-705-5550. Gym and meeting rooms; two playground units; picnic tables in wooded areas with grills; outdoor swimming pool.

Denson Drive Rec Center- 1102 Denson Drive, Opelika. 334-705-5547. Gym and meeting rooms.

Sportsplex- 1001 Andrews Road, Opelika. 334705-5560. Adult activity with tables and chairs.

Three 930 square foot meeting rooms that can be opened up to one 2791 square foot room; Seats 150 people. Outdoor amphitheater, gym, pool, and splash pad. www.auburnopelikaparents.com

OUTDOORS PARKS • Auburn City Parks

For more information about any park, or to reserve it for a special function, please contact the Parks and Recreation department’s administrative office, 334-501-2930.

Outdoor Pools- Samford Pool & Drake Pool Come Party With Us!- Not only are Auburn City Pools open daily for the season, but now you can come party with us! Schedule your next birthday, wedding, anniversary, or corporate party at one of Auburn’s pools. We provide the lifeguards, you provide the guests! Waivers must be signed by all participants. Pool rules and regulations apply. Samford pool available on Saturdays from 6 - 8 p.m., or Drake Pool, available daily from 5 - 8 p.m. (available 6 - 8 p.m. only during swim sessions). Outside food and beverages are allowed. No adult beverages or glass containers are allowed. For more information, or to book your party, contact the Pool Manager at 334-501-2957.

Bowden Park, 340 Bowden Drive. The facilities are a playground, an open, grassy area, and a swingset.

Felton Little Park (the sand park), 341 E Glenn Ave. A playground with swings and picnic tables, as well as some baseball fields Hickory Dickory Park, 1399 Hickory Lane. A unique playground experience for children with multiple levels of play including ropes, swings, slides, climbing and more. A separate area for smaller children and age appropriate play structures. Picnic tables, restrooms and large grassy area.

Kiesel Park, 520 Chadwick Ln. Kiesel Park is Auburn’s largest park, with a pavilion, a garden, a pond, and a 2 1/4 mile walking trail. The NunnWinston house is also located at this park for rental.

Martin Luther King Park, 190 Byrd Street. A pavilion with picnic tables, a playground, a basketball goal, and a fenced-in field.

Moores Mill Park, 900 E University Dr. Large grassy area, a sand volleyball court, and a wooded area with picnic tables.

Sam Harris Park, 850 Foster St. Playground, a pavilion, and a walking trail that is 1/6th of a mile long.

Town Creek Park, 1150 S Gay St. Open grassy area and a pavilion, rest rooms and a walking trail here that is 0.87 miles long.

• Kreher Preserve & Nature Center (KPNC)

222 North College Street, Auburn.

334-707-6512. www.auburn.edu/preserve Our parties are $125 for up to 20 kids- $5 for every child over 20. Host must have a current membership to KPNC…so join today! Party will last from 1.5- 2 hours. A trained naturalist will present a 45 minute program. A teacher/naturalist will also lead the hike (about 35 minutes) if part of the program.

Six party themes to choose from: 1) Nuts for Nature, 2) Radical Reptiles, 3) Incredible Insects, 4) Frogs and Fun, 5) Art in Nature, 6) Warm for the 39

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Winter. Or, Critter Caravan, brings the party to you! Includes a themed program with live animal encounters and optional age-appropriate activity.

• The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Museum 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery.

334-240-4900. A great place to host a birthday party. The sights and sounds of the Zoo make an exciting and exotic backdrop for any special occasion. Shelters can be reserved in advance; and are located at the front gate area or the new playground. Rental fees start as low as $50 for a three-hour rental. Picnics, outside food and beverages are allowed at all shelters; however, we do ask that you refrain from using cups with lids and/ or straws, no balloons and no cooking devices of any sort. These are not allowed for the protection and safekeeping of our animals. All guests must clean and vacate the shelter after rental time has elapsed.

• Opelika City Parks- For rental info call the Opelika Recreation Department, 334-705-5560.

Aquatics Center Pool and Splash Park- 1001 Andrews Road, Opelika. The indoor, zero entry pool and outdoor splash pad can be reserved for a party. Rental of the pool includes a party room with table and chairs. The splash park rental includes an outdoor picnic table with an umbrella and chairs.

Floral Park, 600 Floral Street- features 3 Adult Softball Fields, One Control Building with Rest rooms, Open Play Field, Playground ,Family Area with horseshoes and shuffle board.

Municipal Park - A beautiful city park located across the street from the Opelika Recreation Center on Denson Drive. The park contains both a shelter and a gazebo with picnic tables.

A unique attraction in the park is the Rocky Brook Rocket, a vintage train. The train runs seasonally and is also available for rental.

Playgrounds are located throughout the site.

Spring Villa, 1474 Lee Road 148. 350 acre park with an antebellum house, outdoor volley-ball courts, horseshoe pit, campground with hookups for 24 spaces, campground lodge suitable for gatherings, walking trails, day camp compound, rest rooms, outside band stand, nature trails, open play area, picnic tables and grills among the wooded areas, and picnic shelters.

PHOTOGRAPHERS • Picture Perfect by Candy

www.pictureperfectbycandy.com; Call Candy at 334-663-3343 or cavera4@bellsouth.net. Picture Perfect is a full service studio, specializing in contemporary artistic portraiture of children, tweens and teens. Other services include canvas wraps, standout mounting, custom albums and coffee table books. Unique and colorful custom framing available.

Auburn Opelika Parents I July 2015

RESTAURANTS • Niffer’s Place- 3 locations: 917 South Railroad Ave. Opelika, 334-787-5989. 1151 Opelika Rd., Auburn, 334-821-3118. 7500 Hwy 49 South, Dadeville, 256-825-5950. www.niffersplace.com; Have your birthday celebration with us! Family-friendly atmosphere, something on the menu for everyone, seating variety- decks, porch and private rooms, and fun staff! Catering also available for office luncheons, holiday parties, rehearsal dinners, family reunion, wedding receptions, tailgate parties and more! We can make your party or special event spectacular!

• Brick Oven Pizza- 2520 Enterprise Dr., Opelika.

334-745-0223. Ask about “create your own personal pizza” party. Each party guest can make their own pizza from scratch.

• Burger King- Auburn- 1740 South College Street. 334-466-8961. ‎Indoor playground with lots of slides and tables for your party. Add a kids meal which includes a drink and party favor.

Opelika- 415 Second Avenue. 334-749-3351.

Indoor playground with lots of slides and tables for your party. Add a kids meal which includes a drink and party favor.

Opelika- 1400 Columbus Parkway. 334-7419120. Outdoor playground.

• Chick-fil-A: Village Mall-1627 Opelika Rd Ste 54, Auburn. 334-887-5429. Party space available inside the mall. Check with management for “The Cow” appearances.

Tiger Town- 2052 Tiger Town Pkwy, Opelika.

334-741-7112. Indoor playground.

• CiCi’s Pizza Buffet- 334-821-2600; 1550 Opelika Road, Suite #30, Auburn. Endless pizza buffet, salad, pasta, and dessert.

• McDonald’s -You bring the kids, we’ll make the party. Super-fun for the kids, stress-free for you!

We’ve got this party thing down to a science: Happy Meals, cake, decorations, party favors.

Auburn- 2372 College Street. 334-502-8900.

Outdoor playground.

Ronald Drive-Across from the Mall, Auburn. 334821-5303. New indoor playground.

Opelika- 1104 Columbus Pkwy. 334-749-5648.

• Shakey’s Pizza- 2487 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn. 334-826-0060. The perfect place for any event. Bring the kids’ friends for an easy birthday party - we do all the cooking and clean up!

Party room in the back next to all the tokens, games, and prizes!

SKATING • Columbus Ice Rink- 400 Fourth Street, Columbus, Ga. 706-225-4500. www.columbusicerink. org; Put your party plans on ice! Book your next birthday celebration at the Columbus Ice Rink! Guests will enjoy the perfect party on ice, 40

complete with activities and a private area to eat and enjoy the rest of your celebration. With a full service cleanup crew and a personal party host, Columbus Ice Rink is at your service!

• The Skate Center- 1221 Commerce Drive, Auburn. 334-821-1127. The only indoor, roller skating rink in the Auburn / Opelika area.

SPORTS • Auburn Parks and Recreation

334-501-2930. www.auburnalabama.org/parks; A Ball of a Birthday- Do you have a child who loves sports? For his party, enjoy fun-filled games of basketball and kickball with a refereeofficiated game or a soccer themed day of fun.

Package includes decorations, plates and cups, plastic ware, set-up and clean-up. Birthday parties are scheduled in two-hour time intervals. $140 for officiated games/$100 without officials.

Auburn Soccer Complex Party- Celebrate your big day at the Auburn Soccer Complex! Book your party on our new playground. Two booking options are available: Option 1) playground with access to rest rooms or Option 2) playground with access to rest rooms and the conference room inside the soccer building. Dates and times are subject to availability. Parties will not be booked on league game days, tournaments, or City events. $75 (Option 1). $100 (Option 2).

• Auburn University Kid’s Club- Auburn Athletic Dept. 334-844-9706. Celebrate your birthday while showing your Auburn spirit! For children with birthdays that fall during Auburn’s sports seasons, the Tiger Birthday Program is the perfect option! AU Athletics strives to accommodate birthday parties at almost all of our home sporting events, and the deadline for all birthday reservations is one week prior to the desired game, so make sure to sign up today! Packages are available at the following sports: men’s basketball (not for the Alabama game), women’s basketball, gymnastics, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, swimming & diving, and equestrian.

Party includes 10 ticket to event, 10 shakers, hot dogs and drinks, an autographed item, birthday donut cake, and name on the scoreboard.

• Sports Academy- 3678 Pepperell PkwyMidway Plaza, Opelika. 334-749-4040; www.sportsacademyauburn.com; “Have a Ball” at your child’s birthday party this year! Our parties are easy, fun and memorable for all kids! Our energetic party coaches will organize and facilitate a variety of fast-paced and fun sports games.

Age appropriate games include: relay races, tugof-war, dodge ball, kick ball, flag football, soccer, baseball, and softball. Kids take turns in our batting cages and home run derby for prizes!

• Scutter Putters Mini Golf- 1220 Fox Run Ave. USA Town Center, Opelika. 334-745-9393. www.scutterputters.com; Area’s only indoor, climate controlled mini golf facility. Party room available. AOP www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Finding Apps to Beat the Summer Slump A few years ago, educators started warning parents about “summer slump.”

This drop off in academic skills forces teachers to spend the first weeks after Labor Day reteaching things their students knew at Memorial Day. Of course, summer won’t feel much like vacation if it’s crammed with workbook exercises. Instead, parents can keep young brains fresh by encouraging kids to imagine, explore and inquire about things that interest them. Whether it’s done with paper or pixels, reading continues to be one of the best ways to nurture young minds, followed closely by activities that motivate children to think their way through problems.

Happily, both of these activities are a prominent part of many of the apps designed for children. The challenge for parents is to sort through the thousands of apps being produced to find the ones that will actually intersect with a particular child’s age and enthusiasms. These websites should help. All do independent reviews, and most sort apps by age group and subject area.

Mind Leap Tech reviews educational apps with three things in mind: 1. Does the app trigger genuine learning? 2. Do kids enjoy using it? 3. Will they want to use it more than once? Apps are organized by grade level so you can pinpoint what works for pre-schoolers or fifth graders. And you can sign up for an e-mail that will alert you to new apps in particular areas. (www.mindleaptech.com)

Common Sense Media now reviews apps in addition to movies, video games, TV shows, websites, books and music. Run by a non-profit, this site uses an easy to understand rating system that helps parents zero in on content that is developmentally appropriate. Reviews also include a “learning rating” which considers engagement, learning approach, feedback and support. (www.commonsensemedia.org/mobile-applists)

subject that he or she didn’t quite master last year. (www.appsineducation.com)

Digital-storytime reviews picture books that have been adapted for the I-pad. In addition to a candid assessment of the book, each review includes screen shots and videos so you know what you’re getting before you buy. There are also some helpful top ten lists, many organized around topics that appeal to the author’s young son such as elephants, pirates and planets. (www. digital-storytime.com)

Daily dose. Several apps make each day a learning opportunity by delivering new content to your mobile device every 24 hours.

Read Me Stories provides a daily book ideal for children who are just learning to read. (www.8interactive.com) Brain Pop offers a mini-movie about a random topic likely to interest elementary age children. (www. brainpop.com/app)

Teaching Appz is another good source for apps endorsed by teachers in Great Britain.

The reviewers are quite selective so you don’t have to wade through a long list to find topnotch apps in various subjects. Reviews also include tips about how to use each app to stimulate learning. (www.teachingappz. co.uk)

Storia is another free app that gives readers easy access to many of the popular books available from Scholastic book clubs. You can choose five free books when you download the app. After that, you’ll pay from $1.95 to $20 per book. (www.scholastic. com/storia)

To be honest, kids from families who can afford smart phones and tablet computers are less likely to experience summer slump. “All children backslide in math,” says James Kim, a Harvard researcher who has studied summer slump. “In literacy, the gap between high and low socio-economic status children widens. Low-income students, who may not have the same level of access to books and literacy resources, tend to decline more than wealthier students.”

Parents can help close this gap by getting involved in local literacy projects.

Sort through your family library and donate outgrown books, games and educational toys to programs such as firstbook.org. Or use the interactive map under Volunteer at RIF.org to find and support a literacy initiative in your school district. You may find that the best way to prevent summer slump is by joining with other parents to be sure that all the kids in your community have loads of opportunities to learn this summer.

Apps in Education reviews 1000 apps each week to identify the ones that are most likely to be useful to teachers. This is a great place to look for apps that will help will help a child catch up on fractions or some other

Carolyn Jabs, M.A., raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for ten years and is working on a book about constructive responses to conflict. Visit www.growing-up-online.com to read other columns. @ Copyright, 2015, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

International Children’s Digital Library offers a free app that gives children access to more than 4000 books from around the world. Many of the books have been translated so kids can listen to stories in more than one language. The Digital Library also offers an app that helps children write and share their own stories. (http:// en.childrenslibrary.org/)

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Family Calendar Ongoing:

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.

Alabama Shakespeare Festival July 8-19. “The Little Mermaid”.

Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net.

Barber Berry Farm June - July 11. Blackberry and Blueberry Picking.

Barber Berry Farm, Millbrook. www.barberberryfarm.com.

Birmingham Children’s Theatre July 20-27. “The Gingerbread Boy”.

Birmingham Children’s Theatre. www.bct123.org 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.

Callaway Gardens Free Admission www.callawaygardens.com.

Center for Puppetry Arts www.atlanta.net.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta Once Upon a Time: Explore the World of Fairy Tales.

Through July 26. www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org.

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

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. www.atlantaballet.com.

Columbus Museum Poetry of Earth Exhibit. Through Oct. 11. www.columbusmuseum.com.

DeSoto Caverns Park June 14-31. God and Country Sound, Light, and Water Show. www.DeSotoCavernsPark.com.

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.

East Alabama Birth Village 3rd Monday of each month. Monarch Estates, Auburn.

6 p.m. www.birthvillageclass.com 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.

Fort Morgan July 7 - 28. Civil War Twilight Tours.

Fort Morgan. www.fortmorgan.org.

Georgia Aquarium Imagination Nights at the Georgia Aquarium.

Through August 1. www.georgiaaquarium.org.

Hardin Center for Cultural Arts Dinosaurs Alive! Through Aug. 3.

Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, Gadsden. www.culturalarts.org Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center • Auburn Aperture Photography Exhibition.

Auburn Opelika Parents I July 2015

June/July 2015

• 17th Annual Juried Art Exhibition. June 15-July 10.

Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Auburn. www.auburnalabama.org/parks.

Jule Collins Smith Museum • Auburn Collects. Through Sept. 6. Jule Collins Smith Museum, Auburn. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

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.

McWane Science Center McWane Science Center, B’ham. www.mcwane.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.

Miracle League Now recruiting for volunteer/buddies to help in this year’s season. To volunteer or for more information, www.miraclefield.org or eamiracleleague@gmail.com.

Newnan Theatre Newnan Theatre, Ga. www.newnantheatre.org.

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.

Pioneer Museum Pioneer Museum, Troy. www.pioneer-museum.org.

Riverside Theatre Riverside Theatre, Columbus State. www.theatre.columbusstate.edu/productions Springer Opera House • “The Little Prince”. July 10-26.

Columbus, GA. www.springeroperahouse.org.

Telfair Peet Theatre Telfair Peet Theatre, AU Campus. www.auburn.edu (334) 844-4748.

Tennessee Valley Museum of Art Helen Keller Art Show of Alabama. June 2-30.

Tuscumbia. www.tvaa.net.

Virginia Samford Theatre Virginia Samford Theatre, Birmingham. www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

Parents Support & Moms Groups

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 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.

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.

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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.

Main Street Farmer’s Market June 14-October 25. Broad Street, Alexander City.

256-329-9227.

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.

Moms In Touch. Do you worry about your children?

Come experience how you can replace your anxiety and fear with peace and hope by praying with other moms. Moms In Touch International gathers moms together for one hour, once a week, to pray specifically and scripturally for our children and school. Won’t you join with us in prayer for this next generation?

Please contact Julia Farrow at julia@cornerstonebuzz. org for information about our local groups. For more information about Moms In Touch International, visit www.MomsInTouch.org.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Support Groups

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.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Family Calendar 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 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.

Sports

Montgomery Biscuits Baseball June 23, 25-29. July 4-8, 16-19, 28-31.

Thursday, June 25

The Market at Ag Heritage Park Auburn Campus. 3-6 p.m. www.agriculture.auburn.edu.

Covington Movie Club: “Big Hero 6” Covington Rec. Opelika. 3:30-5 p.m. $3. 705-5560.

Carmike Summer Kid’s Series: “The Croods” Auburn and Opelika Carmike Theaters. 10 a.m. $4 includes admission, popcorn and coke. www.carmike. com.

Rug Consultation with John Wertime Jule Collins Smith Museum. 3:30-4:30 p.m. www.jcsm. auburn.edu.

Jazz! Food! Art! Jule Collins Smith Museum, Auburn. 5-8 p.m. www. jcsm.auburn.edu.

‘Women’s Visions: A Nomad Legacy in Islamic Art’

By John Wertime. Jule Collins Smith Museum, Auburn.

5-6 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Children’s Matinee: “The Croods” Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. $1. www.capritheatre.org.

Preschool Time at Auburn Public Library Ages 3-5 years. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Jeopardy Game Night at Auburn Public Library Ages 13-18 years. 6:30 p.m. 501-3196.

Chilton County Peach Festival Clanton. www.chiltonchamberonline.com.

Friday, June 26

Crawfish Bash Bay Minette. www.northbaldwinchamber.com.

Peach Jam Jubilee Clanton City Park. www.peachjamjubilee.com.

Fantastic Fridays at The Columbus Museum www.columbusmuseum.com.

Boy’s Night Out Covington Rec. Opelika. 6-9 p.m. $20. 705-5560.

Kid’s Art Club: State of Create Rising 7th-12th grades. Jule Collins Smith Museum, Auburn. 1-2:30 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Children’s Matinee: “The Croods” Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. $1. www.capritheatre.org.

Summer Sunset Music Series: 38 Special with Sam Koon Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com.

The Chronicles of Yarnia Auburn Public Library. Ages 10-18. 10-11:30 a.m.

501-3196.

Chilton County Peach Festival Clanton. www.chiltonchamberonline.com.

Saturday, June 27

Dive-In Movie at Georgia Aquarium www.georgiaaquarium.org.

Main Street Alexander City Farmer’s Market 7 a.m. www.lakemartin.com.

June/July 2015

A Day in Clay Dean Rd Rec Center. 1-4 p.m. auburnalabama.org/ parks.

Young Eagles Day–FREE Airplane Rides for Kids!

Columbus Airport. Ages 8-17. 8:30-11:30 a.m. (weather permitting). 706-324-2453.

Kid’s Art Club: Artypants Rising K-2nd grades. Jule Collins Smith Museum, Auburn. 10-11:30 a.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Kid’s Art Club: stART! Rising 3rd-6th grades. Jule Collins Smith Museum, Auburn. 12:30 – 2 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Summer Sunset Music Series: Sons-N-Britches Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com.

Market Days on Broadway Uptown Columbus. 9 a.m. – 12 noon. www.uptowncolumbusga.com.

Chilton County Peach Festival Clanton. www.chiltonchamberonline.com.

Saturday Nights Live: Superhero Night Sponsored by Abrakadoodle Eastdale Mall, Montgomery. 5 - 7 p.m. www.eastdale-mall.com/events.

Art in the Park 2015 FDR State Park, Ga. 2 - 5 p.m. www.gastateparks.org.

Celebrate America The Rock Ranch, Ga. www.therockranch.com.

Sunday, June 28

Family Storytime at Auburn Public Library 4 p.m. 501-3196.

Chilton County Peach Festival Clanton. www.chiltonchamberonline.com.

Monday, June 29

Summer Family Film Fest IMAX: “The Princess Bride” & “The Croods” National Infantry Museum, Columbus. 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. (rotation). Free! www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org.

Tuesday, June 30

Summer Swing Concert: Dave Potts Municipal Park, Opelika. 7 p.m. www.opelika-al.gov.

Baby Time at Auburn Public Library Ages birth-18 months. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Carmike Summer Kid’s Series: “Megamind” Auburn and Opelika Carmike Theaters. 10 a.m. $4 includes admission, popcorn and coke. www.carmike.com.

Annual Freedom Celebration Opelika High School Track. 6:30 p.m. www.opelika-al.gov.

Arti Gras Russell Crossroads, Alexander City. www. alexandercityonline.com.

Independence Boat Parade Kowaliga Marina/Children’s Harbor, Lake Martin. 10-11 a.m. www.alexandercityonline.com.

Annual Fourth of July Celebration Duck Samford Park, Auburn. 6 p.m. gates open/ 7 p.m.

Fireworks. www.auburnalabama.org/parks.

Summer Swing Concert: Dave Potts Municipal Park, Opelika. 7 p.m. www.opelika-al.gov.

“The Little Mermaid” Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net.

Covington Movie Club: “Annie” Covington Rec. Opelika. 3:30-5 p.m. $3. 705-5560.

Opelika Mainstreet Farmers Market Courthouse Square, Downtown Opelika. 3 - 6 p.m. www.opelikamainstreet.org.

Summer Family Film Fest IMAX: “The Princess Bride” & “The Croods” See June 29 for details.

Wednesday, July 1

A Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

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“The Lego Movie” Movie and a snack. Auburn Library. 2 p.m. 501-3196.

Summer Family Film Fest IMAX: “The Princess Bride” & “The Croods” See June 29 for details.

Thursday, July 2

Jazz! Food! Art! Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 5 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Carmike Summer Kid’s Series: “Megamind” Auburn and Opelika Carmike Theaters. 10 a.m. $4 includes admission, popcorn and coke. www.carmike.com.

Fantastic 4th at Stone Mountain Park www.stonemountainpark.com.

Friday, July 3

Fantastic 4th at Stone Mountain Park www.stonemountainpark.com.

First Friday Artwalk Uptown Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com.

Oak Mountain State Park Independence Day Fireworks Pelham. www.alapark.com/oakmountain Grand Bay Watermelon Festival Grand Bay, Al. 251-865-3456.

Jax Fest Jacksonville, Al. www.jacksonville-al.org.

First Fridays: Shop Local, Eat Local Downtown Opelika. Extended hours until 8 p.m. www.opelikamainstreet.org.

First Fridays ‘Satin Soul’ Event Center Downtown, Opelika. 7 p.m. www.eventcenterdowntown.com.

Lego Mania Auburn Library. 501-3196.

Arti Gras Russell Crossroads, Alexander City. www.alexandercityonline.com.

Annual Freedom Celebration Opelika High School Track. 6:30 p.m. www.opelika-al.gov.

Callaway Gardens’ Star Spangled Beach Party Weekend www.callawaygardens.com.

Summer Sunset Music Series: Barstool Prophets Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com.

First Friday Artwalk Uptown Columbus. 4:30 - 9 p.m. www.uptowncolumbusga.com.

Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4 - 9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org.

Saturday, July 4

Market Days Uptown Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com.

Fantastic 4th at Stone Mountain Park www.stonemountainpark.com.

Arti Gras Russell Crossroads, Alexander City. www.alexandercityonline.com.

Farmer’s Market The Shoppes at EastChase, Montgomery. 7 a.m. noon. www.theshoppesateastchase.com.

Fireworks Cruise Harriott II Riverboat. Montgomery. www.funinmontgomery.com.

Independence Day 1776 American Village, Montevallo. www.americanvillage.org.

Thunder on the Mountain Fireworks Show Vulcan, Birmingham. www.visitvulcan.com.

Farmer’s Market Mainstreet, Alexander City. 7 - 11 a.m. www. mainstreetac.org.

4th of July Blast The Amp on Lake Martin, Eclectic. 6 - 9 p.m. www.lmat.org.

4th of July Boat Parade Kowaliga Marina to Children’s Harbor 10 a.m. www.russellmarine.net.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Family Calendar 32nd Annual Sand Mountain Potato Festival Henagar, Al. www.discoverlookoutmountain.com.

Grand Bay Watermelon Festival Grand Bay, Al. 251-865-3456.

Fourth of July Festival and Fireworks Display Fairhope, Al. www.cofairhope.com.

4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza Veterans Park, Talladega. 5 p.m. www.talladega.com.

Fourth of July Boat Parade Lakeside Marina, Wedowee, Al. www.lakewedoweelife.com.

Red, White and View Georgia Aquarium. www.georgiaaquarium.org.

Annual Fourth of. July Celebration Duck Samford Park, Auburn. 6 p.m. gates open/ 7 p.m.

Fireworks. www.auburnalabama.org/parks.

Callaway Gardens’ Star Spangled Beach Party Weekend www.callawaygardens.com.

Summer Sunset Music Series: Swingin’ Medallions Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com Uptown Columbus Pancake Run Uptown Columbus. www.bigdogrunning.com.

3rd Annual Freedom Fest National Infantry Museum, Columbus. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org.

Art in the Park 2015 FDR State Park, Ga. 2 - 5 p.m. www.gastateparks.org.

Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4 - 9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org.

Sunday, July 5

Callaway Gardens’ Star Spangled Beach Party Weekend www.callawaygardens.com.

Fantastic 4th at Stone Mountain Park www.stonemountainpark.com.

Summer Sunset Music Series: Chris Collins Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com.

Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4 - 9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org.

Monday, July 6

Summer Family Film Fest IMAX: “Rio” & “Rio 2” National Infantry Museum, Columbus. 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. (rotation). Free! www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org.

Tuesday, July 7

Opelika Mainstreet Farmers Market Courthouse Square, Downtown Opelika. 3 - 6 p.m. www.opelikamainstreet.org.

Summer Swing Concert ‘Fedoras’ Municipal Park, Opelika. 7 p.m. 334-705-5560.

Goofy Games Covington Rec Center, Opelika. Ages 6 - 12. $10. 3 p.m. 705-5560.

Baby Time Story Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Summer Swing Concert: Fedoras Municipal Park, Opelika. 7 p.m. www.opelika-al.gov.

Summer Family Film Fest IMAX: “Rio” & “Rio 2” National Infantry Museum, Columbus. 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. (rotation). Free! www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org.

Wednesday, July 8

A Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Art History Seminar: What We Wore; Clothing in American Art 12 p.m. The Columbus Museum. www.columbusmuseum.com.

Toddler Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Southeastern Raptor Center Auburn Library. 2 p.m. 501-3196.

Summer Family Film Fest IMAX: “Rio” & “Rio 2” National Infantry Museum, Columbus. 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. (rotation). Free! www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org.

Auburn Opelika Parents I July 2015

June/July 2015

Thursday, July 9

“The Lego Movie” The Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. $1. www.capritheatre.org.

Southeastern Woodcarving School Civic Center, Wetumpka. www.centralalwoodcarving.com.

Nature Walk Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, Auburn. 8:30 a.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve.

Float-N-Movie: “Paddington” Samford Pool, Auburn. 8:30 p.m. www.auburnalabama. org/parks.

Covington Movie Club: “Annie” 3:30 p.m. Ages 6-12, $3. Covington Rec Center, Opelika. 705-5560.

Pizza Pizzazz Covington Rec Center, Opelika. Ages 6 - 11. $10.

3 p.m. 705-5560.

Jazz! Food! Art! Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 5 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Panel Discussion: The Greatest Poem Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 5 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Preschool Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Gamers Society Auburn Library. 4 p.m. 501-3196.

Carmike Summer Kid’s Series: “Shrek Forever After” Auburn and Opelika Carmike Theaters. 10 a.m. $4 includes admission, popcorn and coke. www.carmike.com.

Friday, July 10

“The Lego Movie” The Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. $1. www.capritheatre.org.

Southeastern Woodcarving School Civic Center, Wetumpka. www.centralalwoodcarving.com.

World Championship Domino Tournament Andalusia Kiwanis Fair Complex. www.worlddomino. com.

State of Create (rising 7th-12th grade) Art Club Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 1 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Fantastic Fridays at The Columbus Museum www.columbusmuseum.com.

Lego Mania Auburn Library. 501-3196.

Movies On the Beach: “Earth to Echo” Callaway Gardens. 9 p.m. www.callawaygardens.com.

Fantasia & Friends BJCC. www.bjcc.org.

Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4 - 9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org.

Saturday, July 11

Market Days Uptown Columbus, 9 a.m. - 12 noon. www.uptowncolumbusga.com.

Farmer’s Market The Shoppes at EastChase, Montgomery. 7 a m. noon. www.theshoppesateastchase.com.

Saturday Nights Live: Sponsored by Chick-Fil-A Eastdale Mall, Montgomery. 5 - 7 p.m. www.eastdalemall.com/events.

WSFA presents Riverfront Second Saturday Riverfront Park, Montgomery. 5 - 9 p.m. www.funinmontgomery.com.

Saturday Jam Session Old Alabama Town, Montgomery. 9 a.m. - noon. www.oldalabamatown.com.

Free Guided Tour The Museum of Alabama, Montgomery. 1-2 p.m. www.museum.alabama.gov.

Antique Engine & Tractor Show Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park McCalla. www.tannehill.org.

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Farmer’s Market Mainstreet, Alexander City. 7-11 a.m. www.mainstreetac.org.

Southeastern Woodcarving School Civic Center, Wetumpka. www.centralalwoodcarving.com.

World Championship Domino Tournament Andalusia Kiwanis Fair Complex. www.worlddomino.com Restore’s Saturday Flea Market 3931 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. 7 a.m. pattymurf54@charter.net.

Artypants (rising K-2nd grade) Art Club Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts 10 a.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. stART! (rising 3rd-6th grade) Art Club Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12pm. www. jcsm.auburn.edu Second Saturday Riverfront Park, Montgomery. www.funinmontgomery.com.

Second Saturday at The Columbus Museum Free Admission. www.columbusmuseum.com.

Second Saturday Lee County Historical Society Museum Loachapoka. www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org.

Lego Mania Auburn Library. 501-3196.

Summer Sunset Music Series: Secret Sauce Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com.

BDRC Heatwave 5 Miller Lake Oliver Marina, Ga. www.bigdogrunning.com.

Uptown Columbus Pancake Run Uptown Columbus. www.bigdogrunning.com.

Art in the Park 2015 FDR State Park, Ga. 2 - 5 p.m. www.gastateparks.org.

Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4 - 9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org.

Sunday, July 12

Southeastern Woodcarving School Civic Center, Wetumpka. www.centralalwoodcarving.com.

Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4 - 9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org.

Monday, July 13

WWE Raw Philips Arena, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com.

Summer Family Film Fest IMAX: “The Sandlot” & “The Goonies” National Infantry Museum, Columbus. 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. (rotation). Free! www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org.

PGA Tour Tournament Robert Trent Jones at Grand National, Opelika. www.aotourism.com.

Tuesday, July 14

Discovery Hikes Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 3:30 p.m. www. auburn.edu/preserve/ Opelika Mainstreet Farmers Market Courthouse Square, Downtown Opelika. 3 - 6 p.m. www.opelikamainstreet.org.

Jr. Bakers!

Covington Rec Center, Opelika. Ages 9-12. $15. 3 p.m.

705-5560.

Baby Time Story Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

LitWits ‘Sherlock vs. Superman’ Auburn Library. 4:30 p.m. 501-3196.

WWE Raw Philips Arena, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com.

Summer Family Film Fest IMAX: “The Sandlot” & “The Goonies” National Infantry Museum, Columbus. 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. (rotation). Free! www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org.

PGA Tour Tournament Robert Trent Jones at Grand National, Opelika. www.aotourism.com.

July 14. Summer Swing Concert: Crossroads.

Municipal Park, Opelika. 7 p.m. www.opelika-al.gov.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Family Calendar Wednesday, July 15

AU Museum of Natural History First Wednesday Tour. 4 p.m. www.aumnh.org.

A Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Art History Seminar: What We Wore; Clothing in American Art The Columbus Museum. 12 p.m. www. columbusmuseum.com.

Toddler Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

City of Auburn Firefighters Auburn Library. 2 p.m. 501-3196.

Summer Family Film Fest IMAX: “The Sandlot” & “The Goonies” National Infantry Museum, Columbus. 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. (rotation). Free! www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org.

PGA Tour Tournament Robert Trent Jones at Grand National, Opelika. www.aotourism.com.

Thursday, July 16

“Despicable Me 2” The Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. $1. www.capritheatre.org.

Jazz! Food! Art! Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 5 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

The Visual Poetic of Place in American Modernism Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 5 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Third Thursday: Chattahoochee Cookin’ with Neal Lucas 6 p.m. The Columbus Museum. www. columbusmuseum.com.

Preschool Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Teen Movie Night ‘Man of Steel’ Auburn Library. 6:30 p.m. 501-3196.

“Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom” Newnan Theatre Company. www.newnantheatre.org.

Children’s Matinee: “Marmaduke” Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. $1. www.capritheatre.org.

PGA Tour Tournament Robert Trent Jones at Grand National, Opelika. www.aotourism.com.

Friday, July 17

82nd Annual Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo Dauphin Island. 251-471-0025.

“Despicable Me 2” The Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. $1. www.capritheatre.org.

State of Create (rising 7th-12th grade) Art Club Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 1 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Fantastic Fridays at The Columbus Museum www.columbusmuseum.com.

Lego Mania Auburn Library. 501-3196.

Movies On the Beach: “Strange Magic” Callaway Gardens. 9 p.m. www.callawaygardens.com.

“Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom” Newnan Theatre Company. www.newnantheatre.org.

Atlanta Lyric Theatre presents “Cats” Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atl. www. ticketmaster.com.

32nd Annual World Deer Expo BJCC. www.bjcc.org.

Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4 - 9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org.

PGA Tour Tournament Robert Trent Jones at Grand National, Opelika. www.aotourism.com.

June/July 2015

Saturday, July 18

2015 Frogtown Hollow Jam Woodruff Park, Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com.

Rickey Smiley RiverCenter, Columbus. www.rivercenter.org.

Market Days Uptown Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com.

Farmer’s Market The Shoppes at EastChase, Montgomery. 7 a.m. noon. www.theshoppesateastchase.com.

Saturday Nights Live Sponsored by Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.

Eastdale Mall, Montgomery. 5 - 7 p.m. www.eastdalemall.com/events.

Free Guided Tour The Museum of Alabama, Montgomery. 1 - 2 p.m. www.museum.alabama.gov.

Shelby County Shindig & BBQ Cook-off Columbiana. www.shouthshelbychamber.com.

Farmer’s Market Mainstreet, Alexander City. 7 - 11 a.m. www. mainstreetac.org.

Wetumpka’s River and Blues Music & Arts Show www.riverandblues.net.

2015 JulyFest Art and Music Festival Mentone, Al. www.mentonearts.org.

Summer Animal Enrichment Day Montgomery Zoo. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. www. montgomeryzoo.com.

Restore’s Saturday Flea Market 3931 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. 7 a.m. pattymurf54@charter.net.

Artypants (rising K-2nd grade) Art Club Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 10 a.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. stART! (rising 3rd-6th grade) Art Club Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Lego Mania Auburn Library. 501-3196.

2nd Annual SunFest Alexander City. www.alexandercityonline.com.

Summer Sunset Music Series: Foghat with Neal Lucus Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com.

Uptown Columbus Pancake Run Uptown Columbus. www.bigdogrunning.com.

Chattahoochee Challenge Sprint Columbus, Ga. www.tricolumbus.com.

“Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom” Newnan Theatre Company. www.newnantheatre.org.

Sloss Music & Arts Festival Sloss Furnace, McCalla. www.ticketmaster.com.

32nd Annual World Deer Expo BJCC. www.bjcc.org.

Art in the Park 2015 FDR State Park, Ga. 2 - 5 p.m. www.gastateparks.org.

Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4 - 9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org.

2nd Annual Sun Fest 2015 Alexander City, Al. www.lakemartin.com.

PGA Tour Tournament Robert Trent Jones at Grand National, Opelika. www.aotourism.com.

Sunday, July 19

Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run Ridge Marina to Kowaliga Restaurant, Alexander City.

8:30 a.m. www.russellmarine.net.

2015 JulyFest Art and Music Festival Mentone, Al. www.mentonearts.org.

2nd Annual SunFest Alexander City. www.alexandercityonline.com.

“Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom” Newnan Theatre Company. www.newnantheatre.org.

32nd Annual World Deer Expo BJCC. www.bjcc.org Aaron’s Amp, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com.

Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4 - 9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org.

45

PGA Tour Tournament Robert Trent Jones at Grand National, Opelika. www.aotourism.com.

Monday, July 20

2nd Annual SunFest Alexander City. www.alexandercityonline.com.

Market Days on Broadway Uptown Columbus. 9 a.m. - 12 noon. www.uptowncolumbusga.com.

Summer Family Film Fest IMAX: “Big Hero 6” & “Tangled” National Infantry Museum, Columbus. 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. (rotation). Free! www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org.

Tuesday, July 21

Opelika Mainstreet Farmers Market Courthouse Square, Downtown Opelika. 3-6 p.m. www.opelikamainstreet.org.

July 21. Summer Swing Concert: Muse Municipal Park, Opelika. 7 p.m. www.opelika-al.gov.

Wacky Water Games Covington Rec Center, Opelika. Ages 6 - 10. $10. 3 p.m. 705-5560.

Baby Time Story Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Birmingham Science Café McWane Science Museum, Bham. www.mcwane.org.

Summer Family Film Fest IMAX: “Big Hero 6” & “Tangled” National Infantry Museum, Columbus. 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. (rotation). Free! www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org.

July 18-25. 2nd Annual SunFest. Alexander City. www.alexandercityonline.com.

Wednesday, July 22

A Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 p.m. www. jcsm.auburn.edu.

Art History Seminar: What We Wore; Clothing in American Art The Columbus Museum. 12 p.m. www. columbusmuseum.com.

Toddler Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

The McWane Science Center presents “Superhero Science!”

Auburn Library. 2 p.m. 501-3196.

2nd Annual SunFest Alexander City. www.alexandercityonline.com.

Summer Family Film Fest IMAX: “Big Hero 6” & “Tangled” National Infantry Museum, Columbus. 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. (rotation). Free! www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org.

Thursday, July 23

Ernest & Celestine The Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. $1. www.capritheatre.org.

Pub Run Railyard Brewery, Montgomery. 6 p.m. www.fleetfeetmontgomery.com/run-runs/pub-run.

The Market at Ag Heritage Park Auburn. 3 - 6 p.m. www.auburn.edu.

Covington Movie Club: “Penguins of Madagascar” 3:30 p.m. Ages 6 - 12, $3. Covington Rec Center, Opelika. 705-5560.

Messy Madness Covington Rec Center, Opelika. $10. 3 p.m. 705-5560.

Jazz! Food! Art! Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 5 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

All About Eve Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 5 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Family Calendar Lunch & Learn: Rum Renaissance The Columbus Museum. 12 p.m. www. columbusmuseum.com.

Preschool Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Gamers Society Auburn Library. 4 p.m. 501-3196.

2nd Annual SunFest Alexander City. www.alexandercityonline.com.

“Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom” Newnan Theatre Company. www.newnantheatre.org.

Children’s Matinee: “Toothfairy” Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. $1. www.capritheatre.org.

Friday, July 24

Ernest & Celestine The Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. $1. www.capritheatre.org.

Band Battle Strand Park, Alexander City. 6 - 11 p.m. Winner opens for David Nail Concert. www.alexandercitychamber.com.

Zelda’s Birthday Party www.fitzgeraldmuseum.net.

Back to School Bash Covington Rec Center, Opelika. Free. 10 a.m. 705-5560.

State of Create (rising 7th-12th grade) Art Club Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 1 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

2nd Annual SunFest Alexander City. www.alexandercityonline.com.

Fantastic Fridays at The Columbus Museum www.columbusmuseum.com.

Lego Mania Auburn Library. 501-3196.

Movies On the Beach: “Annie” Callaway Gardens. 9 p.m. www.callawaygardens.com.

June/July 2015

“Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom” Newnan Theatre Company. www.newnantheatre.org.

Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4 - 9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org.

Saturday, July 25

1st Annual Columbus Rodeo with Soul Columbus Civic Center. www.columbusciviccenter.org.

Market Days Uptown Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com.

Farmer’s Market The Shoppes at EastChase, Montgomery. 7 a.m. noon. www.theshoppesateastchase.com.

Saturday Nights Live Sponsored by Eastdale Idol, A Kid’s Karaoke Contest Eastdale Mall, Montgomery. 5-7 p.m. www.eastdalemall.com/events.

Free Guided Tour The Museum of Alabama, Montgomery. 1 - 2 p.m. www.museum.alabama.gov.

Farmer’s Market Mainstreet, Alexander City. 7 - 11 a.m. www. mainstreetac.org.

Sun Festival featuring David Nail in Concert & Fireworks Show Charles E. Bailey Sportsplex Football Stadium.

Alexander City. www.lakemartin.com.

Sun Festival BBQ Cookoff 2015 Charles E. Bailey Sportsplex. Facebook.

Science on Saturdays Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 10 a.m. www.auburn. edu/preserve.

Summer Outdoor Movie series featuring “Frozen” Duck Samford Park, Field 8, Auburn. 7:30 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/parks.

Dive In Movie ‘Home’ Georgia Aquarium. www.georgiaaquarium.org.

Restore’s Saturday Flea Market 3931 Pepperell Pkwy, Opelika. 7 a.m. pattymurf54@charter.net.

Artypants (rising K-2nd grade) Art Club Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 10 a.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. stART! (rising 3rd-6th grade) Art Club Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 p.m. www. jcsm.auburn.edu.

Workshop- Savor the Seasons: The Art of Canning and Preserving The Columbus Museum. 10 a.m. www. columbusmuseum.com.

Young Eagles Day–FREE Airplane Rides for Kids!

Columbus Airport. Ages 8 - 17. 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. (weather permitting). 706-324-2453.

Lego Mania Auburn Library. 501-3196.

Spectrum Storytime Auburn Library. 10 a.m. 501-3196.

Summer Sunset Music Series: Kyle Wilson Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com.

Uptown Columbus Pancake Run Uptown Columbus. www.bigdogrunning.com.

“Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom” Newnan Theatre Company. www.newnantheatre.org.

Wild West Day Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera. www.hodrrm.org.

Art in the Park 2015 FDR State Park, Ga. 2 - 5 p.m. www.gastateparks.org.

Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4 - 9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org.

2nd Annual SunFest Alexander City. www.alexandercityonline.com.

Sunday, July 26

Family Storytime Auburn Library. 4 p.m. 501-3196.

“Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom” Newnan Theatre Company. www.newnantheatre.org.

Fifth Harmony BJCC. www.bjcc.org.

Call Auburn Opelika Parents at 334-209-0552.

Auburn Opelika Parents I July 2015

46

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4 - 9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org.

Monday, July 27

Market Days on Broadway Uptown Columbus. 9 a.m. - 12.noon. www.uptowncolumbusga.com.

Birmingham Black Rodeo BJCC. www.ticketmaster.com.

Summer Family Film Fest IMAX: “Home” & “The Boxtrolls” National Infantry Museum, Columbus. 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. (rotation). Free! www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org.

Tuesday, July 28

Opelika Mainstreet Farmers Market Courthouse Square, Downtown Opelika. 3 - 6 p.m. www.opelikamainstreet.org.

Summer Swing Concert ‘James Brown Trio’ Municipal Park, Opelika. 7 p.m. 334-705-5560.

Baby Time Story Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

LitWits ‘Fan Fiction Fandom’ Auburn Library. 4:30 p.m. 501-3196.

Summer Family Film Fest IMAX: “Home” & “The Boxtrolls” National Infantry Museum, Columbus. 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. (rotation). Free! www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org.

Even though their judgment isn’t always amazing,

Wednesday, July 29

It Starts with Attitude Sam Glenn, Motivational Speaker. Columbus Convention and Trade Center. www.uptowncolumbusga.com.

Adventure Day Covington Rec Center, Opelika. Ages 5-12. $10. 1 p.m.

705-5560.

A Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 p.m. www. jcsm.auburn.edu.

Toddler Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga Chastain Park Amp. www.ticketmaster.com.

Summer Family Film Fest IMAX: “Home” & “The Boxtrolls” National Infantry Museum, Columbus. 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. (rotation). Free! www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org.

their healthcare is.

Welcoming Olivia Garcia, MD. PHYSICIANS TO CHILDREN 470 TAYLOR ROAD, SUITE 210 MONTGOMERY, AL 36117 (334) 293-5033

Dr. Bob Beshear, Dr. Kendra Gillis Colvin, Dr. Cheryl Fekete, Dr. Olivia Garcia, Dr. Alicia Jeturian Hughes, Dr. Dina Winston

Thursday, July 30

“Box Trolls” The Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. $1. www.capritheatre.org.

Jazz! Food! Art! Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 5 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

On the Waterfront Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 5 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Preschool Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Sundown Concert Series @ Sundown Town Creek Park, Auburn. 501-2930.

Teen Mask-erade Night Auburn Library. 6:30 p.m. 501-3196.

Children’s Matinee: “Spongebob 2” Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. $1. www.capritheatre.org.

Lego Mania Auburn Library. 501-3196.

Movies On the Beach: “Tinkerbell” and the “Legend of the Neverbeast” Callaway Gardens. 9 p.m. www.callawaygardens.com.

Toby Keith: Good Times & Pick Up Lines Tour Oak Mountain Amp. www.ticketmaster.com.

Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4 - 9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org.

Friday, July 31

August

“Box Trolls” The Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. $1.

Wags-n-Whiskers Silent Auction Wind Creek Casino, Wetumpka. www.elmorehumane.org.

Back to School Ice Cream Social Covington Rec Center, Opelika. Ages 5-12. $5. 1 p.m.

705-5560.

State of Create (rising 7th-12th grade) Art Club Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 1 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Healthcare as amazing as their potential

MontgomeryParents_COA_JudgmentAd_Olivia.indd 1

Aug. 1. Heros and Villains McWane Science Museum, Bham. www.mcwane.org.

Aug. 1. Summer Outdoor Movie Series featuring “Big Hero 6” Duck Samford Park, field 8. 7:30 p.m. www. auburnalabama.org/parks.

Aug. 1. Shania Twain Rock This Country Tour Philips Arena, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com.

Aug. 4. Summer Swing Concert ‘Back to School Bash’ Municipal Park, Opelika. 7 p.m. 334-705-5560.

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6/9/15 9:39 AM

Aug. 4. Opelika MainStreet Farmer’s Market Opelika. 3-6 p.m. www.opelikamainstreet.org.

Aug. 6. Children’s Matinee: “Paddington” Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. $1. www.capritheatre.org.

Aug. 8. Magical Creatures- Education Program Montgomery Zoo. 10am. www.montgomeryzoo.com.

Aug. 8. First Fridays ‘Shop Late, Eat Local’ Downtown Opelika. www.aotourism.com.

Aug. 13. Float-N-Movie featuring “Muppets Most Wanted” Samford Pool, Auburn. 8:30 p.m. www.auburnalabama. org/parks.

Aug. 28. End of Summer Luau Samford Pool, Auburn. 6 - 8 p.m. www.auburnalabama. org/parks.

Aug. 28 - 30. Rick & Bubba Outdoor Expo BJCC. www.bjcc.org.

Please send your calendar events to kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com. www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Jurassic World

Inside Out

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: D+ Sexual Content: B+ Language: C Alcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Jurassic World PG-13 for intense sequences of science-fiction violence and peril.

Few actors have perfected the steely stare-down as well as Chris Pratt.

Luckily that demanding look comes in handy when he makes eye contact with a rogue velociraptor in the movie Jurassic World. Pratt plays Owen Grady, a maverick animal trainer in charge of this dangerous breed of dinosaur at the Jurassic World theme park.

Owen gets called into action by operations manager Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) when questions arise over an enclosure for the park’s latest attraction, the Indominus Rex. The huge, genetically altered creature was developed in a test tube at the facility’s research center as a way to attract more visitors to the island resort. However, it appears the carnivore is far smarter than the scientists intended.

After escaping from the paddock, the ferocious monster goes on a hunting spree that leaves a wake of dead carcasses and half-eaten corpses in his path.

The scenes of animal slaughter and human consumption are often explicit, gruesome and bloody. Yet the fear factor increases when Claire’s nephews, Gray and Zach (Ty Simpkins, Nick Robinson) who are touring the attractions in a gyrosphere, become the prey.

For adults and teens, this awe-inspiring world of pre-historic beasts is worth visiting. The special effects have been upped in this production making the dinosaurs look amazingly real. In true amusement park fashion, this tourist destination features such things as a petting zoo, dinosaur rides, safari-like tours and shopping. Visitors can also float down the river among the planteating species or take a monorail ride through the reserve.

Still, as is to be expected, human tinkering in the lab leads to disaster in the field. That’s when this sci-fi turns into an authentic monster movie with explosions, gunfire, and destruction.

This reboot of Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park franchise releases on the big screen 22 years after the original film. Based on a novel by Michael Crichton, the first movie brought in over $900 million during its 1993 theatrical run.

Like that script, the 2015 version focuses not just on threats from killer dinosaurs, but relationships between siblings as well. Gray and Zach gain a greater appreciation for one another, as do Claire and her sister Karen (Judy Greer).

There’s a budding romance too -- after all, what action film would be complete without a prolonged moment of kissing in the middle of the raging mayhem?

While Jurassic World may lack some of the fresh concepts introduced in it predecessor, it still comes with enough intensity and jump scenes to be a good option for teens or adults wanting some fright factor without a lot of content concerns.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B+ Violence: BSexual Content: ALanguage: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Inside Out PG for mild thematic elements and some action.

Have you ever asked yourself what could possibly be going on inside your child’s head? Well now, thanks to Peter Doctor, you may find out. He co-wrote and directed the new Pixar/Disney movie Inside Out. And from his perspective, a kid’s mind can be a pretty complicated place.

Riley (voice by Kaitlyn Dias) and her family have just moved across the country from Minnesota to San Francisco. She’s left behind her friends, her school and her hockey team. Her family has relocated in a rundown row house with a dead mouse in the front room. That’s put her emotions -- Joy (voice of Amy Poehler), Sadness (voice of Phyllis Smith), Fear (voice of Bill Hader), Anger (voice of Lewis Black) and Disgust (voice of Mindy Kaling) -- in commotion and left Riley’s parents wondering what has happened to their normally happy 11-year-old.

Joy does her best to keep Riley feeling positive about her new circumstances. But Sadness starts to impact all of Riley’s happy memories. During a bit of an emotional scuffle in Riley’s head Joy and Sadness go missing. That leaves Anger, Disgust and Fear in charge of Riley’s feelings.

Like many other Pixar movies, this storyline doesn’t forget there are adults in the audience too. Along with getting inside of Riley, viewers get to take a peek at the interior of Mom and Dad’s (voices of Dian Lane and Kyle MacLachlan) noggins as well. While the depictions of their emotional command centers may be pretty stereotypical, they at least show that women and men often approach the same issue differently. The plot also takes audiences through the maze of long-term recollections (which looks a lot like huge plastic containers full of colorful candies), down into the dump of forgotten memories, and through dreamland.

Thankfully the film has few content concerns for most viewers. Anger often talks about using a bad word, but it is bleeped out when he finally does.

However youngersters may be more bothered by the death of a character and the moments of peril Joy and Sadness experience as they make their way back to headquarters. While the emotions are drawn with cartoonish features, the actions of some of the more realistic characters could be a worry for some families. Upset by her new situation, Riley steals her mother’s credit card, buys a bus ticket and runs away -- two acts parents wouldn’t want their own tweens to repeat.

However the essence of the story is to appreciate all of our emotions.

Admittedly Fear, Disgust and Anger don’t come across quite as favorable as the other two do. Still, Sadness earns her keep in this script, showing that life is full of a mixture of sentiments. That message will likely go over the heads of little ones who will be more entertained by the colorful animation and slapstick antics. Yet for older children and tweens, Inside Out can be a good way to begin a conversation about the importance of giving voice to all of our feelings.

What Parents need to know about Jurassic World...

Violence: The movie contains frequent scenes of non-graphic violence along with some intense depictions of more explicit violence. Characters are eaten, crushed and thrown through the air. Animals attack humans and fight with one another (some blood shown). Other bloody injuries are shown. A man talks about his wife who attempted to stab him with a knife. Characters, including children, portrayed in perilous situations. Animals are shot. A man is punched in the face. Electric prods are used. Blood is splattered all over a window during an altercation. Other scenes include explosions, beatings and gunfire.

Sexual Content: A boy flirts with girls. Some kissing and embracing is shown.

Brief sexual innuendo is heard.

Language: The script contains about two-dozen uses of expletives including scatological slang, profanities and curses.

Auburn Opelika Parents I July 2015

What Parents need to know about Inside Out...

Violence: Characters experience moments of peril and personal threat. A character gets angry and lashes out at others. A character finds a dead mouse in her house. Some weird and slightly scary depictions are shown during a dream sequence. A character steals a credit card and runs away. A boy repeatedly says he will die for another character. A clown scares a child.

Sexual Content: A baby’s bare buttocks are briefly shown.

Language: A character’s bad word is bleeped out.

Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted.

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www.auburnopelikaparents.com

R E T S I G !

E R W

O N

DATES & TIMES: Friday, July 10th, 2015 • Registration: 5:00PM – 6:00PM ELEVATE Event: 6:00PM – 9:00PM – Buffet Dinner Served at 5:30PM Saturday, July 11, 2015 • Breakfast: 8:00AM – 9:00AM ELEVATE Event: 9:00AM – 3:30PM – Lunch & Speaker: 12:15PM – 1:30PM Humorist Patrick Henry will be our guest speaker: www.patrickhenryspeaker.com

LOCATION: The Hotel at Auburn University • 241 South College Street • Auburn, AL FREE Registration (Required) open now: www.AlabamaMarriage.org/elevate • Questions, call 334-844-3238 Dating Couples: Are you currently in a relationship? Want to know how to have a lasting and successful relationship? This is the place for you! Come and learn about effective communication, intimacy and realistic relationship expectations in an interactive environment. Improve your relationship building skills and identify where it begins: WITH YOU!

Married Couples: Are you ready to take your relationship to the next level? All marriages have ups and downs and every marriage can benefit from “refreshing.”

Learn how to work through the lows and increase the number of highs in your relationship. Re-energize your marriage by reviving the friendship you used to have. Discover your love language and how to avoid the most common arguments that married couples have.

We regret that child care will NOT be provided. *You have the opportunity to earn $140 as a COUPLE, or $70 per person, for filling out BOTH the pre-survey AND the 6 week follow-up survey. Must attend entire event. Payment will be mailed by check.

Auburn University • College of Human Sciences The purpose of this information is the dissemination of technical information. Funding is provided through a grant from: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services— Healthy Marriage Demonstration Grant #90FM0006. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s)/presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.

wic offers growing families: Healthy food nutrition education

Breastfeeding g support Healthcare referrals

Alabama’s WIC Program helps pregnant women, new mothers, infants and young children stay healthy and eat right during times of important growth.

Nutrition Program

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.