Auburn Opelika Parents March 2020 by KeepSharing

March2020

Volume 11 Number 1

32 Columns

Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

Kids Health Watch

Common Sense Media Learn about five risky apps that might be on your child’s (or a friend’s) phone.

Family Camping Trips

Get the 4-1-1 on camp costs, activities, food and making the most of your getaway.

sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

28 Parenting, Media &

Everything in Between Common Sense Media

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Parenting Today’s Teens

Life Lessons Learned at Overnight Camp

2020 Summer Camps

Independence, resiliency and community living are just a few.

Day, residential, sports camps and more! Our listing starts you planning your kids’ summer!

Mark Gregston

Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

Departments On The Cover

Kate Milford is the 12-year-old daughter

of Mike and Ashley Milford of Auburn. She is in 6th grade and is on the Puma team at Drake Middle School. Kate enjoys swimming, reading, cross stitch,

Bits and Pieces Teacher of the Month 12

School Bits

puzzles and watching movies. This summer, Kate is looking to attending First Baptist Church of Opelika’s Youth Camp and also the War Eagle Swim Camp.

Family Calendar 60

Movie Reviews 1

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Publisher’sNote Did you think winter would never come to an end? The long, cold nights of January and the foreboding, rainy February that just about floated our house away proved to be the longest winter season in my recent memory. I need the rain to stop and I long for the spring breeze to blow in and bring flowers and animals back out of hibernation. Like the scampering squirrels, I too feel like my family has been hibernating all winter. After school, it seemed there was only an hour left of daylight before the darkness closed in. Just a few moments to spend with my kids around the dinner table, then they quickly retreated to their rooms and under their warm blankets (and to their phones), to avoid the chill in the evening air. With spring comes the longer afternoon hours, warmer temperatures and an awakening of the world around us. I’m looking forward to more time with my family after the day is done so we can decompress together. Maybe even put our devices away and spend some quality time together again. This is a great time of year to find out what new interests your children may have. Do they have a spark to try a new hobby this spring? How about a new interest in a sport that will get them out of the their rooms and into the neighborhood with teammates? Has the winter hibernation caused your social butterfly to want more time with friends and a need to test out her desire for more independence? Good news…this month’s magazine, featuring all things Summer Camps, can help start the conversation with your kids and plan some fun this spring and summer. Maybe go ahead and pick a few camps they are considering trying and register early. This might be their year to step out of their comfort zones and try something as different as their first overnight camp. In our feature article, Life Lessons Learned at Overnight Camp, the author suggests that many teens rarely have face-to-face interaction with friends, and social media along with in-hand devices are part of the problem. Kids have been stuck inside all winter and may have become dependent on Instagram and TikTok as their only peer interaction. At an overnight camp, most camps require the devices to be put away and for tweens and teens to jump back into a real social interaction setting, where living in close quarters and working in teams is how they will get their ‘likes’ each day. Not to mention avoiding the ‘unfriend’ button because they are forced to be part of a living community which immerses them into real life situations. The small rooms and close bunk space will encourage them to find common ground and learn to compromise to be able to live in their cabins together. If they can share a small living space for a week and learn to communicate outside of their social media, then they have not only spent a week at a camp with amazingly fun activities, but camp will have taught them how to be more independent too. Does this sound like something your children might need? Check out the 2020 Summer Camps Guide for many of the local and regional camps to consider. You’ll find not only overnight camps, but also educational, sports, fine arts and many more! Exploring new interests during the summer, in a summer camp program, could bring great success, growth and new found confidence. Good riddance to winter. Bring on all that is new this spring. New beginnings, new interests and new explorations are all welcomed. From one parent to another, here’s to a wonderful spring and a summer to remember.

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

Auburn Opelika Lee County’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

Publisher Kendra Sumner Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson Associate Editor Kelly Watson Contributing Writers Kimberly Blaker Mark Gregston Janeen Lewis Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Dave Ramsey Gerry Paige Smith Heidi VanderVelde, MD Cover Photography Lauren Beesley Photography www.lbeesleyphoto.com

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

Visit us online at www.auburnopelikaparents.com Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: 475 Bennington Ct, Auburn, Alabama, 36830. The phone number is (334) 209-0552 and fax is (334) 826-7303. Auburn-Opelika Parents is copyrighted 2020 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.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

School’s Out...

Camp’s IN!

on rse, nity. nity ss.

JUNE 2ND-JULY 30TH Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays

At My Gym Camp, we activate the fun every single day – SO LET THE FUN BEGIN! Energizing games, exciting gymnastics, cool arts and crafts, and music that guarantees to keep kids moving and engaged! And they can kiss boredom goodbye with themes and programs that constantly change, so no two weeks of camp are ever the same. Our 3-hour drop-off program makes My Gym an affordable & no-stress option.

CAMP PRICING

• Members: $35 per day • Nonmembers: $45 per day

CAMP THEMES

• Week of June 2nd: Summer Fun! • Week of June 9th: Pirate/Princess • Week of June 16th: Ocean • Week of June 23rd: Sports • Week of July 7th: Gymnastics • Week of July 14th: Ninja • Week of July 21st: Favorite Movie • Week of July 28th: Circus

$5 OFF Each Day When You Book by March 31st Not valid with any other offers

Moments Tha Matter (334) 246-0987 In the Kroger Shopping Center on Glenn & Dean Road mygym.com/auburn mygymauburn

com

ly by Ct,

in d. zine t the ment

#MyGymFun 3

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

Tuesdays with Mommy At the top of the New York Times best seller list back in 2000 was a book called, Tuesdays With Morrie – an old man, a young man and life’s greatest lesson. The entire concept of the book was wrapped around author Mitch Albom’s relationship with his university professor Morrie Schwartz, who was in the final stages of dying from ALS. Morrie and Mitch discussed the power of friendship, forgiveness, loss, life, death and family, amongst some smaller, more trivial daily trials and triumphs. As my 17-year-old twins are preparing to launch into the world and head off to college in the fall, I took a cue from Morrie and at the start of their senior year I initiated, “Tuesdays with Mommy”. Every Tuesday you will find the three of us sharing a table at our neighborhood coffee shop at 7:30 in the morning. I drink coffee, they drink “coffee” – which as far as I can tell appears to be just blended sugar topped with whipped cream – and we argue over who gets the last portion of the lemon poppy seed muffin.

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

The café door opens and closes, neighbors come and go, and we make small talk with our favorite barista, but it is exactly there in those quiet, normal moments that we oftentimes find ourselves discussing issues or politics or strategies or what’s for dinner or whatever else is pressing. And that matters. There is value there. There is strength of relationship and resolve there. And I love it. My favorite day of the week: Tuesday. As a mom of many with a job that keeps me jumping, Tuesdays with Mommy forces me to pause. It makes me sit down, sip, lean in and hear their hearts. And yes, 17-year-old boys often actually do have a lot to say; it’s just that we need to be intentional in posturing ourselves in a position to listen, and sometimes, like Morrie – to teach. At times it occurs to me that I need to ensure that I have taught them how to write a check, or to remind them to get their tires rotated every other oil change, or the importance of standing up at the

table on a date when she stands up. Other times the table talk centers around childhood memories; sometimes their memories and sometimes mine. Every now and then Tuesdays with Mommy is consumed with them scrambling to finish some homework while I just sit by and remind myself how grateful I am to already be done with the 12th grade. Sometimes we miss a day and sometimes it is just silent. I don’t think there is a “right” way to have your Tuesday. But whether you find your Tuesday at a coffee shop, or you find it on Pizza Fridays or Saturday Morning Waffles, my encouragement to you is to just find it. Find a time where you can be still and hear the heart of your kid. You will find that it makes all the difference.

Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the brain in behavior and how to adopt therapeutic parenting techniques to mitigate negative behaviors. She is the Director of Central Alabama for Lifeline Children’s Services and is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of which were internationally adopted and she is a foster parent.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

y o

râ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s n he

tor

and

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Spring Break Camp at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center

Gogue Performing Arts Center Presents Dover Quartet and Bridget Kibbey

Kreher Preserve & Nature Center camps are a great way for your children to spend their spring break outdoors, immersed in nature, exercise, and fresh air… and a bit of education, too! Campers will join our naturalists for three days of nature-based learning experiences and adventure in the forests of the Nature Center. This year’s theme is “By the Water” and we are offering two weeks, March 9-11 and 16-18, to coincide with both Auburn and Opelika spring breaks. Registration opens January 6. Snacks will be provided; children should bring their lunch and a refillable water bottle each day. Sessions are $150 ($120 for members) which includes all three days. Registration opens January 21. Visit our website to learn more: auburn.edu/preserve.

Mark your calendars for March 24! Cherished harpist Bridget Kibbey and the world-renowned Dover Quartet unite for the first time in a celebration of Johann Sebastian Bach. Kibbey is an acclaimed soloist and chamber musician who has toured with Dawn Upshaw and Placido Domingo. The Dover Quartet is one of the most in-demand ensembles in the world, performing more than 100 engagements each year. Together, they will inspire audiences with a rousing selection of some of Bach’s greatest works. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Women’s Hope 5K and Kid’s Fun Run + 1 Mile Walk

March 28, runners, join us for a quick 5k race that begins and ends in Auburn's beautiful Town Creek Park. Walkers, enjoy a fun stroll through Town Creek Park. This event will help support Women's Hope Medical Clinic. Women's Hope is a local non-profit ministry that helps young families by offering FREE pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, prenatal clinic visits, childbirth classes, and parenting classes. Please invite your friends to join you and help us reach our goal of $30,000 by donating as well! Medals will be awarded to the top 2 male and female 5k winners in the various age categories. All kids who participate in the Kids Fun Run will also be awarded a medal. www.whauburn.com

Cops On Top 2020

It’s that time again! Help support our local Special Olympics during this annual fundraiser. This year’s Cops-On-Top fundraiser for the Lee County Special Olympics will be April 3. The Opelika and Auburn Police Departments will be at Kroger in Tiger Town and Kroger on Dean Road from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Cops on Top is one of the most important fundraisers for the Lee County Chapter of Special Olympics. A very large part of their budget comes from Cops On Top. It’s a friendly competition between Auburn and Opelika’s Police Departments to see who can raise the most money for kids and young adults with special needs. (334) 501-2939. Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

Bark in the Park

Join us for our annual Bark in the Park on Saturday, March 21 at beautiful Kiesel Park. This FREE community event is hosted by Auburn Parks and Recreation and the Lee County Humane Society and is open to all dog owners and their favorite four-legged friends. Visit a variety of educational booths, shop with local pet vendors and enjoy door prizes and dog-friendly activities all morning. Looking to expand your canine family? Rescue dogs will be available for adoption as well. Join us for a morning of doggone good fun at the park! 334-501-2930. www.auburnopelikaparents.com

t do

Tails and Trails 3K Race

Join Active Auburn, on March 21, 8 AM at Kiesel Park as we kick-off the 8th annual Bark in the Park with a 3K for you and your furriest friends at Kiesel Park.! Grab your running shoes and your perfect running “pawtner" for a doggone good time! Don't have a running "pawtner"? No worries, Lee County Humane Society will have adoptable pups available to accompany Jog-a-Dog program participants. To run with a LCHS pup, you must complete the Joga-Dog training before the race. Those that complete the program before the race will receive a discount code to use during online preregistration that will ensure a pup will be available to run with them on race day! Adoptable dog running partners will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis. www.auburnalabama.org/parks

ACT Test Prep

Class will be held at the Opelika Public Library on March 28. Free test prep class covers contentspecific strategies, pacing and time management skills, test-taking strategies, and tips for the most frequently tested question types. Space is limited to 30 participants and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Pizza lunch will be served from 12-1 p.m. Preference is given to sophomores and juniors. 9th-12th; 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Contact: Malisa Hanson • library@opelika-al.gov

The Friends of the Auburn Public Library’s Big Book Sale

The Friends of the Auburn Public Library will hold their BIG Book Sale at the Library on Saturday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, March 29, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday, March 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This sale is open to the public, and hundreds of gently used books will be available for purchase, including bestsellers, classics, fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books. All proceeds benefit the programs and services at the Auburn Public Library. For more information, or to volunteer with the Friends of the Auburn Public Library, contact 334-332-1874 or email boosiml@auburn.edu.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Spring Begins at Callaway Gardens

2nd Annual Opelika Songwriters Festival

Sparkling lakes, sweet birdsongs, and over 20,000 azalea blooms bursting with vibrant color — Spring at Callaway Resort & Gardens is pure magic. Shake off the Winter doldrums and come alive this season with miles of hiking and biking trails, the world’s largest azalea bowl, PGA-level golf courses, and Mother Nature’s show-stopping display of incredible natural beauty. With 2,500 acres of outdoor activities to enjoy, and specially-themed weekend events, Callaway is where Spring comes alive. Azalea Season is mid-March through April, Camp Calloway & Spring Break, Gardening School is March 27, Annual Plant Fair & Sale is March 27-29, Easter Weekend Events will be April 11-12 and the Symphony on the Sand begins April 18. www.callawaygardens.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

Save the Date: Mar. 27-29 in Historic Downtown Opelika. Kick back and relax with the 2nd Annual Opelika Songwriters Festival. Enjoy live musical performances by local, regional, and national songwriters in historic downtown Opelika. The Opelika Songwriters Festival will entertain music fans at its 2nd annual celebration at multiple venues in the town's historic downtown. Rob and Jen Slocumb, a.k.a. Martha's Trouble (a husband-and-wife folk/rock duo and owners of Opelika recording studio/event center The Sound Wall) are bringing the new festival to life. The festival will take place in Downtown Opelika at more than nine venues, including John Emerald Distillery, Sneak & Dawdle, Irish Bred Pub, Eighth & Rail, Ma Fia's Outdoor Patio, The Depot Outdoor Stage, Zazu Gastro Pub, and Studio 319. www.opelikasongwritersfestival.com

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

F a a

M a Zo a

d in d

Read Across the Preserve @ Kreher Preserve & Nature Center

March 2, join the KPNC and the Auburn Public Library as we partner to celebrate “National Read Across America Day” with the National Education Center. National Read Across America Day coincides with Theodor Seuss Geisel’s (Dr. Seuss) birthday and across the country, we celebrate by bringing together kids, teens, and books! At the KPNC, enjoy stories every 20 minutes at many locations around the Nature Center including the Nature Playground’s tree house, the campfire, the waterfall deck, Azalea Place, and among the trees on our trails. Visitors will also get to hunt for each page of our “story walk,” a book whose pages are along a short walk in the woods. Read Across the Preserve is free – donations are welcomed. Cancelled in the event of rain.

44th Annual Zoo Weekend

Festive environment with live entertainment, games, rides, concessions and animals from around the world. During this two-day event the Montgomery Zoo is transformed into an amazing carnival-like atmosphere, with two stages of entertainment, games, rides, bouncy houses, giant inflatable slides, pony and camel rides, petting zoo, animal encounters, Montgomery Fire Department’s Smoke House, Montgomery Police Department K-9 Unit, live animal presentations, concessions, baked goodies, and more. Special appearances include Zoobeedoo, Big Mo, McGruff the Crime Dog, 501st Legion Vader’s Fist Star Wars characters, and the characters from Lisa’s Party Palace. Zoo Weekend is our biggest fundraiser of the year. All event proceeds from this event will be contributed to the construction of a new reptile facility with its featuring animals including the critically endangered, Indian Gharial, Komodo Dragon, and King Cobra. March 7-8, Montgomery Zoo and the Mann Museum. www.montgomeryzoo.com

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

Helping Your Child Connect with the Community As a new parent, I look at my son and wonder what ways he will contribute to the world, and how I can help him do so. Many of us can look back to ways we volunteered or participated in community projects as children, and remember the impact they made on us and how they shaped our growth. Those experiences where one acts selflessly can change the trajectory of a young person’s life; and those experiences can not only benefit those that the person serves, but the child as well. However, it is often difficult to know how you can promote these experiences as a parent or encourage your child to participate in his or her community. But there are opportunities for growth all around us. Some ideas on how to connect children to the community include: • Find out about service projects. Schools, places of worship, or neighbors may know about volunteer opportunities. Think about where your family could help out – like at a homeless shelter or nursing home. If your child is passionate about animals, spending time with animals at a local shelter may encourage them to get – and stay – involved. • If your child thrives in a specific subject or sport, work with your child to

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

find out about tutoring or coaching others. This can help him or her further the specific skillset and experience what it means to give back. • Spend a Saturday cleaning up a neighborhood, park, or lake. This could be a family or community event. Your child may even meet others from the same neighborhood and create new friendships. • Make volunteering a part of the family routine. In my adolescent years, my sister and I volunteered at the cancer unit at a local hospital every other weekend. We went around to patient rooms offering books, magazines, and sometimes just conversation. It was something both my sister and I looked forward to and still remember. In retrospect, it helped with my current profession: it made me more comfortable talking with patients and families. Whether it is a biweekly event or yearly occurrence, make volunteering a scheduled event to increase the likelihood of it actually happening. • Have your child select a volunteering activity. Giving a child a choice can act as a motivational tool; it can encourage the child to participate and make it less of a struggle for it to happen. Or, have siblings decide amongst themselves what

they would like to do. Events done together can create bonds between siblings and family members. • Take a family field trip to help children learn about issues in their community. Local parks and libraries often have educational classes for children, some for free and others for a small fee. And remember, acts of service don’t have to be major. Commenting when children hold the door open for someone or offering help to a sibling can show them that they are making a difference. And positive reinforcement can go a long way in shaping a child’s behavior. While looking for “big” things for kids, teens, and your family to do, make sure you notice the “small” things too. Dr. Heidi VanderVelde was in the first VCOM class that rotated through EAMC, and her pediatrics rotation was with Dr. Freeman, where she fell in love with pediatrics and the clinic. She has many interests in pediatrics, but is particularly passionate about narrative medicine and has presented on the stories of children with chronic medical conditions. She is a member of the AAP. Dr. VanderVelde is married to Dr. Grant Nelson. She loves to hike, especially in the Blue Ridge Mountains, loves to read and write, practice yoga, and play the violin. She also enjoys spending time with her three rescue dogs, Lady, Gent, and Jack.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Beverly Helm

Drake Middle School, Auburn

e or

was

is s l

he ves e

I am thankful to be honored as Teacher of the Month! Throughout my own early school years and the jobs that lead me to choose teaching as my profession, many experiences along the way have instilled in me the importance of embracing change and appreciating and utilizing diversity to make life and learning richer for all. My experiences in rehabilitation and the classroom have strengthened my strong belief in â&#x20AC;&#x153;the individual differences and uniqueness of each studentâ&#x20AC;?. Over my years of teaching I have maintained high expectations for the success of each student, respected their differences, and focused on their achievement of positive results. My greatest contributions and accomplishments have been to continue learning, growing, and thus changing along with the students I teach. Sharing, collaboration, and acceptance have been critical to my growth in this profession. Over the years serving as a mentor to university interns, lab students and pre-teachers is one of my most important contributions in the teaching /learning process and one that I feel is critical to the future of education. I share with soon to be teachers my devotion and love for each student through establishing rapport and lifetime connections with their families, while concentrating on meeting student needs in the classroom.

As I enter my 40th year in education I still enjoy my relationship with my students, watching them grow and mature, and remain passionate in planning exciting meaningful experiences that hopefully will help each student prepare for success in life.

Beverly R. Helm

It is my pleasure to see Mrs. Beverly Helm recognized as the Teacher of the Month. Mrs. Helm is an exceptional educator who has a strong commitment to increasing student engagement through authentic learning experiences. Mrs. Helm consistently seeks to build community partnerships and create unique learning opportunities that contribute to the betterment of our school culture. Additionally, Mrs. Helm cultivates positive relationships with all stakeholders, supports new school initiatives, and works tirelessly to promote a spirit of creativity and innovation at Drake Middle School. I am thankful to have Mrs. Helm as a part of our team!

Sarah Armstrong, Principal J.F. Drake Middle School

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools

Day 101 at Richland Elementary

“ ou

The first graders at Richland Elementary celebrated the 101st day of school by dressing up as the 101 Dalmatians! To top it off, they collected 101 (+25) items to donate to Lee County Humane Society.

AHS Choral Company Wins Numerous Awards

The Auburn Choral Company brought home numerous awards from the recent Capital City Classic at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center! • Varsity Singers: First Runner Up • Matinah Strickland: Best Soloist w/in a Show • Men at Work: First Runner Up • Elan: Gran Champions of the Women's Division, Best Vocals, Best Visual, and Best Show Design • Anslee Tatum: Best Soloist w/in a Show

Make-A-Wish Foundations Presents Disney Trip to Cary Woods Student

Yarbrough Classes Learn About Green Berets

Cary Woods Elementary School hosted the Make-A-Wish Foundation as they presented a trip to Disney World to first grader Ethan Henderson! Surrounded by his family, teachers, and classmates all decked out in Mickey Mouse Ears, Ethan was surprised during PE by Minnie Mouse (Superintendent Dr. Cristen Herring) and Samford the Tiger with a giant boarding pass to Orlando, Florida, as well as gifts such as coloring books, markers, and even an autograph booklet to make his adventure complete. It is moments like this that make us all stop and appreciate the preciousness of life.

Thank you to Brian Connolly for sharing with Mrs. Cowell and Mrs. Kerlin’s classes at Yarbrough Elementary about the Green Berets! U.S. Army Special Forces adopted the green beret unofficially in 1954 after searching for headgear that would set them visually apart. Green Berets are designed to deploy and execute nine doctrinal missions: unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, direct action, counter-insurgency, special reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, information operations, counterproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and security force assistance. Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Morris Avenue Spelling Bee Winner

Congratulations to Morris Avenue Intermediate School's Spelling Bee winner! His winning word was â&#x20AC;&#x153;pamphletâ&#x20AC;?! He will go on to represent our school at the Lee County Spelling Bee.

Opelika City Schools Teachers of the Year

Congratulations to the 2019-2020 OCS Teachers of the Year! Thank you for your dedication to our students! Pictured (l-r): Cara BurnettOpelika Middle School, Amy Blackburn-Southview Primary, Kelly Cain-Morris Avenue Intermediate, Mandi EdwardsOCS Secondary Teacher of the Year-Opelika High School, Danielle Rosener-OCS Elementary Teacher of the Year-Northside Intermediate, Sydney Hinkle-West Forest Intermediate, Lauren Lee-Carver Primary, and Mary Fleming-Jeter Primary.

School Counselor Week at Pick Elementary

Recently Pick Elementary celebrated School Counselor Week with their awesome school counselor, Melea Burney. Thank you Mrs. Burney for all you do to take care of students at PES!

Please send school news to: Kendra@

auburnopelikaparents.com.

g e he

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools

Chambers Academy Student Wins 2nd Place in State Science Fair

Lee-Scott Academy Mother/Son Dance

Congratulations to CA senior, Rebecca Howard. Rebecca is one of our seniors from the Class of 2020 that recently advanced from the AISA’s District Six Science Fair competition to compete at the AISA’s State Science Fair held Friday, January 31st at Huntingdon College. CA is please to commend Rebecca Howard for capturing the state runner-up award in the high school biological sciences contest. Her biological contest project focused on analyzing visual memory versus auditory memory won second place in the state competition. Rebecca is the daughter of Wayne and Pam Howard from LaFayette.

Such a fun night on the Lee-Scott Academy campus as the PTO hosted the Mother/ Son dance for our students in grades PK - 6! Thank you to the PTO for all you do for our students.

Au in th P

fre be cl t Ho

1204 OGLETREE VILLAGE LANE AUBURN, AL 36830 • (334) 887-0099

Congratulations to the Liles Smiles no cavity winners!

A`JAYLA WOODS A`MYRA HARRIS AAGAM JAROLI AALIYAH JOHNSON ABIGAIL RICHARDS ACE BURSON ACTON TREADWELL ADALADE CREECH ADDISON CLANTON ADDISON FISHER ADDYSON KIMBRELL AHNESTI WRIGHT AIDEN HAHN AINSLEY KING AIRYANA BELCHER ALESSA MOORE ALEX BODY ALEX MITCHELL ALEXANDER CULP ALEXANDER GRIMES ALEXANDRUA COLLINS ALEXIS CORE ALEXIS HUNT ALFRED AZIZ ALIE BETH RABURN ALIMAMI BAMBA ALISON MARTIN ALLAN BROWN III ALLEN OWEN V ALLISON CRAVEN AMAR`E SWAIN AMBER WILSON AMBERLYN CHRISTIAN AMELIA CREECH AMERICA EVANS AMILLIEON CANADA AMIRA GREENE ANALYSSA MCCLELLAND ANDERSON WINE ANDERSON YOUNG ANDREW ELLSWORTH ANDREW LEE ANDREW OWEN ANGELINA JONES ANNA ELMORE ANNA MIAO ANNA WARD ANNE CALDWELL ANNE REAVES ANNE YORK NIMS ANTHONY BRYANT

ANTHONY MCCALL ANTHONY UPSHAW ARDEN BALLARD ARI BROGDON ARI`YANA HARVEY ARIANA STORY ARIANNA HEMMATI ARIE QUINN ARMIAH CHILDS ASHLAN DRAKE ASHTON TORBERT ASIAH CORE AUBREE SHAVERS AUBREE STORY AUBREY VOYNICH-WARREN AUBRY MCCARLEY AUDREY BLERSCH AUDREY NOWLAND AUDREY SEGREST AUDREY TIIMOB AUTUMN FLORENCE AUTUMN DOWNING AUTUMN HOWARD AVA ALLEN AVA BATTS AVA CORE AVA MACHEN AVA MCGOUGH AVA PERRY AVA WILLIAMS AVERY FISHER AVERY GATES AVERY MCCARLEY AVERY PARMER AVERY WARE AVERY WILLIAMS AXEL EILAND AYCE COURTNEY AYDEN BODY AZARIA MILFORD BANKS BERRY BAYLOR ANGLIN BECKETT BERRY BELLA GRACE KIMBRELL BENJAMIN AZIZ BENJAMIN BARNES BENJAMIN WILSON BENJAMIN HEARD BENNETT GREEN BERKLEY PETERS BERNARD CRENSHAW

BETHANY BERDEAUX BIANCA COLE BLAIR PELHAM BLAKE KELLY BONNIE RANGE BOYD CALDWELL BRADEN MCDANIEL BRADLEY INABINET BRADLEY WILSON BRADY REEDER BRAIDEN BETHEA BRANSON RAY BRANTLEE KALTREIDER BRANTLEY MASON BRANTLEY DOWNING BRAXTON ALVAREZ-RIOS BRAYLEE HADAWAY BRAYLEN SWEET BRENNAN HARRISON BRENNAN SKIPPER BRENTLEY ROBINSON BRETT BOWERMAN BRIAN CASH BRICE WALKER BRIEN BERDEAUX BRIGGS MANN BRODIE ARNETT BRODY SANDERS BROOKLYN BERRY BROOKLYN BRACKNELL BROOKLYN FLURRY BROOKLYN TOSTI BROOKS ANGLIN BRUNO GARCIA BRYCE JOHNSON BRYSON MCGLYNN BRYSON MILLER BRYSTAL CULLIGAN CADE EDWARDS CADE WHITE CADENCE HALL CAILYN HUTCHINSON CAITLYN BECKON CALEB KENT CALEB THORNTON CALI MCCLENDON CALI PHILLIPS CALI RAIFORD CAMAURI RUSSELL CAMDEN BASS CAMDEN DUNSON

CAMERON PARRISH CAMERON SANDERS CAMYAH CORE CARA GRIFFITH CAROLINE HICKS CAROLINE VOCINO CAROLYON LAMBERT CARRIE BANKS CARSON FISHER CARSON HUNT CARSON MCCLENDON CARTER BURNEY CARTER GOODEN CARTER OLIVER CARTER WILLIAMS CARTER YOUNG CASEN ANDREWS CASH REIF CATARINA SEBASTIANFRANCISCO CATHRYN SIMS CAYLEE ADAMS CHADWICK BURNS CHANCE MILLAR CHARLEIGH DRIVER CHARLES HALL III CHARLES HAM CHARLES SANDA CHARLES SNODDY III CHARLES STONE CHARLES PLACEK CHASE CAIN CHASE EDWARDS CHASE MORGAN CHELSEA TINSLEY CHINA WHITE CHLOE ARNETT CHLOE GROSS CHRISTIAN AZIZ CHRISTIAN DUGGER CHRISTIAN MCCLENDON CHRISTIAN ROWSER CHRISTINA DUGGER CHRISTOPHER MASON CLAUDIA LAZZARINI CLAYTON FLURRY CLAYTON RENNER CLAYTON BURNS CODY THAGGARD COLE RENNER COLIN ROBINSON

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

CONNOR CARDWELL-KITT CONNOR REEDER CONTEH WARREN JR COOPER BARBER COOPER MIMS COOPER TAYLOR CORDE` ASKEW CORDERO CORE COURTNEY POWELL CRISTIAN FERNANDEZ DAKARI JOHNSON DALLAS DAVIS DANIEL WILDER DANIELLA VEGA DAVIAUNA HODGES DAVID FLANNAGAN DAVID MACKEY DAVID MILLER DAVION LAMB-LEONARD DAVIS FISCHER DAVIS INABINET DAVIS JACKSON DAXON DYE DAXTON STONE DAYLEN MILLS DE`ANDRE ARNOLD DEONTAVIOUS WRIGHT DERRICK STURKIE DESTINY HAMILTON DIEGO VEGA DONOVAN AZIZ DYLAN GROSS DYLAN MCCLELLAND DYLAN WHITE EDEN REECE EDITH CHISM EDWARD AKINS EILAND JOHNSON ELI SEALES ELIJAH BROWN ELIJAH FOSTER ELIZA TAPLEY ELIZABETH COTTRELL ELLA ESPARZA ELLA HENNIGAR ELOISE KELLY EMBERLEE HARPER EMERSON ARTHUR EMILIA TAN EMILY CAMPBELL EMMA BARBER

EMMA BLERSCH EMMA BROWDY EMMA CHILDS EMMA CHISM EMMA MANN EMMA VOSS EMMA CLAIRE HUNT EMMALYN LEE EMMELISE AONO EMORIE CAUDLE EMORY ALLEN ENRIQUE MONTIEL EPHRAIM THORNTON ERIC WILLIAMS ERICA BULLOCK ERICA NORMAN ESMERALDA PEREZ ESTES GOLDEN EZRA GARTRELL FINNEGAN COLLINS FORD BARBER FRANCES TAPLEY FRED GRIFFIN III FULLER LAWLER GABRIEL FORTE GABRIEL GARCIA GABRIEL HARRIS GABRIEL WHITE GABRIELLA JACKSON GABRIELLAH BOZEMAN GAEUN JANG (ERIN) GAVIN HUDNALL GAVIN LEE GAVIN WHITE GENESIS ARNOLD GENTRY CRAFT GEORGE ESPARZA GRACIE DAVIS GRAHAM HANKINS GRANT PERRY GRANT YOST GRAYSON MICHAUD GRAYSON THROWER GREYSON HILL GUNNER BRYAN GWYN YOST HADLEY WAITES HALEY DORN HALEY MONTOYA HALEY YARBROUGH HAMED ALMAGHRABI HANNAH COTTRELL HANNAH HILL HANS TUJUAN HARPER THROWER HAYDEN HICKS HAYDEN LEDBETTER HAYDEN NIGGEMEIER HAYDEN PRICKETT HAYNES WILSON HEAVEN NELMS HENLEY BOOS HENRY BEVARD

HENRY COCHRAN HENRY KINGSTON HENRY TURNER HOWARD ANDRADE HUDSON LEE HUDSON MCLAUGHLIN HUDSON WALLS HUDSON HILL HUNTER SIMS HYATT NICHOLS IAN FOREMAN IAN TREADWELL IMAAD ASIF INDIAH WILLIAMS ISABELLA MACK ISABELLA VALLEZ ISAIAH CHUNG ISAIAH DAVIS ISRAEL TIIMOB ITZEL TUJUAN JA`KYRIAH SEAWRIGHT JA`MYA MADDEN JA`NAVIA PENDLETON JA`NOAH SLAUGHTER JABRIA TAYLOR JACK CONRADSON JACK DUNNIGAN JACKSON BRYAN JACKSON FULLER JACKSON GREEN JACKSON HILL JACKSON MELTON JACOB CLANTON JACOB MACHEN JACOB PARKER JACQUELYN LUGO JACUELINE GODINEZ JADA PETERS JADERRIOUS AVERY JAGGER WILLIAMSON JAHZELL WHITE JAKE MORIN JAKIAH WILSON JALUNEE MUONGKHOT JALYRICA MURPH JAMES BRAND JAMES MOORE JAMES OMASTIAK JAMES TAN JAMES GRANT JAMETRIUS JOHNSON JAMIE FULLER JAMIE WILKERSON JAMISYN MASSEY JAQUAVIOUS ADAMS JARA MUNOZ JASON HUNT JASON JACKSON JASON MCMANUS JASON STROUD JATAVION WHEELER JAVON JONES JAXON MARTIN

JAXON WHITCOMB JAYCE DUNN JAYDEN DERAMUS JAYDEN PHILLIPS JAYDEN SHAVERS JAYDON HARTIN JAYLAN PETERS JAYLEN CARLTON JENERAL GRINER JENNA KENNEDY JEREMIAH COLEMAN JEREMIAH POORE JEREMIAH RAY JEREMIAS DIEGO JEREMY FOXX JERICUSE COLEMAN JESSE PARK JESSEY FULLER JIWOO JUN JOCELYNN MERRITT JOHN BOSWELL JOHN COOPER JOHN EDWARDS JOHN FREEZE JOHN HARRIS JOHN MARTIN JOHN MCDONALD JOHN NIMMO JOHN WALTERS JOHN HOWARD JR JOHN BERRY UPTON JOHN EVERETT SPRINGER JOHNATHAN COOPER JORDAN PETERS JORDAN JOHNSON JOSEPH KO JOSEPH LEE JOSEPH SIZEMORE JOSHUA CLARDY JOSHUA PAREDES JOSHUA PERRY JOSHUA RUDD JOSIAH SHIVER JOSLYN STEELE JOURNEE JONES JUDE TATUM JULIA JOHNSTON JULIANA MILLER JUSTICE JOHNSON JUSTIN PARK KA`RIYAH WILLIAMS KADEN BOWEN KADEN WARE KADON HALL KAI DRAKE KAIDAN GRIFFEN- BEATTY KAITLYN BECKLEY KAITLYN DEWBERRY KALEB MILLER KALLAN THORNE KALLIE LEMONS KALON FOSTER KALYN LE

KAMDEN KIRBY KAMDYN WYCKOFF KAMERYN MAYTON KAMRI FLOWERS KAMRYN WASHINGTON KARLIE BARNES KASHTON HEARD KATELYN FRAZIER KATELYN MENEFEE KATELYNN HARRIS KATERINA MAUMAOTEGA KATHERINE JACKSON KATHERYN BARNES KATHRYN STEEN KATIE FAHRINGER KAYDEN QUINN KAYLAN DOWDELL KAYLEB HARRIS KAYLEE STROUD KAYLEE TISDALE KAYLEIGH HOBBS KELLER THROWER KENDRICK PETERSON KENNADY MARSHALL KENNEDY CRANDALL KENNETH BOWERSOCK KENNETH JONES KENYION STEPHENS KENZLIE DAY KEVIN FLANNAGAN KEYMONIE FIELDS KIMANI CALLOWAY KIMBER ERDMANIS KINGSTON WHITLOCK KINZLEE FOSTER KLEE FIELDS KODIE SIMMONS KOLTON KIRBY KOLTON WARE KYLE WILSON KYLEE POGUE KYLENE NIMMO KYLIN MAPLES KYNLEE MASON KYNSLEIGH CAMPBELL KYNZLEY AVERY LA-BRINA HARDNETT LAKELYN LANDRETH LAMERIYAH HARRIS LANDON GOLDMAN LANDON RILEY LANE WEBB LANEY SLAGLEY LATRELL WILLIAMS JR. LAUREN CREWS LAWRENCE BETTS JR LAWRENCE HOWELL LAYONNIE HOWELL LEDGER WILLIAMSON LEIGHTON MOSS LEILA TATUM LESLIE SMITH LEVI KYLES

LILAH STRICKLAND LILEIGH RHODES LILLY HEWITT LILY BODINE LILY BRADY LILY ALLEN LINCOLN WINE LITZY MONTOYA LONDON KELLARD LORELEI HAGLER LOUISE HAYNIE LUCAS BALDWIN LUCILLE LAZZARINI LUCY RECKTENWALD LUKE BUTTS LUKE MITCHELL LUKE PERRY LYLA HODGES LYLA PATTERSON LYNDSEY JOHNSON MACILEIGH WEBB MACK KARKOSKA MACKENZIE DAVIS MADALYNN TALLY MADELYN HIXON MADISON GRAVES MADISON GULSBY MADISON MCCLELLAND MADISON MCCULLOUGH MADISON VOCINO MAGGIE BEVARD MAGGIE GRACE GULSBY MAHOMAD DOUMBIA MAKILAH PENDLETON MAKIYA RANDOLPH MALACHI HARRIS MALONI MCCALL MARELY VEGA MARGIE GRACE WILDER MARLEE ANDREWS MARLEE EDWARDS MARLEE TISDALE MARLEY GOLDEN MARTIN WILDER MARY VICKERS MARY KENSLEY NIMMO MARY RACHEL RUDD MARY RYAN MANN MARYAM ESFANDIARY MASON BAILEY MASON SMITH MATSON STONE MATTHEW DAVIS MATTHEW POWELL MATTHEW PETERSON MATTHIAS POUNCEY MCQUEEN MURFEE III MEGAN WILSON MEMPHIS MARTIN MESHAAL ALMAGHRABI MICHAEL DUBOSE MICHAEL GARCIA MICHAEL MCDONALD

MILES FOREMAN MILES NORMAN MILLER REED MISHA MCCULLOUGH MOLLIE SIMS MOLLYANN SASSER MORGAN GULSBY MORGAN HARRISON MORGAN MCCURDY MORGAN MILLER MORIAH ARNOLD MORIAH CULLIGAN MOSES PENDLETON MUKHTAR DARAWAD NAKYNLEE COVINGTON NANCY KELLY NATALIE JOHNSON NATALIE WILSON NATALIE ELLIOTT NATHAN ROBINSON NATHAN SCOTT NICOLE CHEN NIKOLAI KITCHENS NOA STROUD NOAH APLIN NOAH BUTTS NOAH HUNT NOAH PONCE NOAH TAPLEY NOAH WILDER NOELLE BULGER NOLAN ROBERTS NOLAN TOSTI NORA MCBRIDE NYASIA REEVES OLIVER GOLDEN OLIVIA ROBINSON OMARION JACKSON OMAURI THOMAS ORLIYAH STOKES OWEN HOLLOMAN PAIZLEY WOODY PARKER KEESHAN PARKER PERRY PATRICK ALLEN PATRICK SALATTO PAXTON NORRIS PAYDEN HALL PEDRO PRADO PENELOPE FREEZE PEYTON BRANNON PEYTON NORRIS PRATHER REAVES PRESLEY BRANNON QUINZAVION JOHNSON RAELAN WHALEY RAELYNN MINIX RAYVON JOHNSON REBECCA CARBAJAL RENLEE MILLER REYNOLDS BALLARD RHETT RAVILLE RHODES HAND

RIA KANG RILEY WILBANKS RIPTAVIOUS JOHNSON ROBERT EVANS ROBERT PACK ROBIN WYATT ROXIE RICHARDSON RUSSELL WILSON KELLY RUT DIAZ RYAN BIRCHFIELD RYAN CALDWELL RYAN MOORE RYELEE MOSS RYLAN KELLEY RYLEIGH CANNON SADIE BODINE SADIE DAWSON SAMIYA FLOYD SAMUEL TOWNLEY SANIYA BULGER SARA CHURCH SARAH SCHNUELLE SARAH BARNES SARAH MURFEE SAVANNAH GEIGER SAVANNAH PRITCHETT SAWYER ARTHUR SAWYER JACKS SAWYER KATE DEASON SEBASTIAN JONES SEDERIEN CARTER SEDRIEN CARTER SERENITY MILBOURN SERENITY O`FIELD SHAKEIRA SMART SHAMIYA OLIVER SHANIYA VANN SHELBY THOMPSON SHILOH CULPEPPER SILAS HYPPOLITE SIMONE BEASLEY SINDI COLLEY SKYLAR BASS SKYLENN HOLLEY SOFIA OEDING SOPHIA HENNIGAR SOPHIA SIMS SOPHIE LEE STACEY MATTHEWS STELLA RAVILLE STIRLING WILSON STORM REIF TALLIE BETHEA TALLULAH ADAMS TANNER RUSHING TATUM DYE TAYLOR CHUNG TAYLOR STEEN TERRANCE WHITE THOMAS FOSTER THOMAS HILL THOMAS RHODES THOMAS STEEN

TIMOTHY DUNNIGAN III TRAVIS JOHNSON TRAVON MATTHEWS TRENT REED TRENTON CLAYTON TRESHUN PHILLIPS TRIPP SPRINGER TROY POWELL TUCKER MCLAUGHLIN TUCKER WEBB TURNER SMITH TYJAH SMITH-OWENS TYLER BECKON TYLER MACHEN TYQUAVIAN WILKES TYRA PITTS TYRESE PITTS VALERIA REYES VANESSA FLYNN VANESSA LOA VICTORIA PORTER VIRGINA HEFELFINGER VIRGINIA GRANT VIVIANNE PAYNE VIVIENNE MATTHEIS WALKER MELTON WALTER NIMS WAYLON BARNETT WELLER ROLLING WESTON SANDERS WESTON MATHIS WHITMAN HAWKINS WILLIAM BRYAN WILLIAM GREEN WILLIAM JACKSON WILLIAM MCCARLEY WILLIAM NEIGHBORS WILLIAM PACK WILLIAM RAFFERTY WILLIAM ROBINSON WILLIAM TUCKER WILLIAM MADDOX WILLIS GOLDEN WILLOW HYPPOLITE WILLOW MESSER XAVIER MICHAUD XZYIAH WHITE YANRU XUAN ZACHARY EVANS ZANIYAH BAILEY ZARIAH RANDOLPH ZAYVIAN JAMES ZIAH RAY ZIYEASHA RAY ZOE AKINS ZOEY RICHARDSON ZOEY TOLBERT ZOYA AYDAROVA-ROUE ZYDARRIEN JACKSON ZYLIE HODGES

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Va at we the

r/ or

Auburn Classical Academy Spelling Bee Winners Auburn Classical Academy's students participated in this year's Spelling Bee and will compete at the county level next. Our winners include: Luke Pittman (1st place); Ashlyn Greiner-Bevis (2nd place); Caleb Brooks (3rd place).

Trinity Musician Selected First Chair at AU Festival

Congratulations to freshman Emily Wright on being selected first chair clarinet in Tiger Band at the Auburn University Honor Band Festival! @ Trinity Christian School.

St. Michael’s PreK3 Valentine’s Program

Here is our PreK3 class performing in their Valentine’s Day program. At SMCPK All classes attend music class with Mrs. McDonough each week and perform special programs throughout the school year. Music education is so important for our students!

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools

Opelika High Theatre Society Receives Multiple Awards at Trumbauer Festival

Congratulations to All-Star Cast members: Rebecca Wilson, Ryan Johnston, and Matthew Johnson. 1st Place Reader’s Theatre (Varsity): Matthew Johnson and Ellis Royal; 1st Place Comedic Solo Musical Male (Novice): Nathan Hunter; 2nd Place Reader’s Theatre (Varsity): Anna Seymore and Morgan McGinnis; 2nd Place Solo Female Pantomime (Varsity): Brylee Gregory; 3rd Place Contemporary Comedic Monologue (Novice): Keely Rider.

AHS Tennis Teams Win Invitational

It was a big weekend recently for Auburn City Schools Athletics including both the Auburn High Boys and Girls Tennis teams winning the 2nd Annual Pelham Panther Frostbite Invitational! This was a tournament consisting of 16 schools with 32 teams total.

Girl Scouts Give Back to First Responders and Military Troops

Giving back is in the Girl Scout DNA, and during the cookie program that means giving back through Hometown Heroes. We all know Girl Scout Cookies are yummy and mouth-watering, and who better to share them with than the men and women who proudly serve. To show our appreciation, Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) has declared February 14-16 Hometown Heroes Weekend. Hometown Heroes is a program through which customers make donations to Girl Scout Troops to purchase Girl Scout Cookies for our brave military troops. When the Girl Scout Cookie Program ends, GSSA will deliver cookies to first responders and designated military organizations, such as the USO and local military branches. “Hometown Heroes provides a wonderful way for individuals in our community to support Girl Scouts and the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day,” Karlyn Edmonds, Chief Executive Officer for GSSA said. “It’s a small way of making the world a better place while showing appreciation to those who protect and serve.”

Anatomy at Trinity

Anatomy comes to life as sophomores dissect cow eyes at Trinity Christian School!

Chambers Academy Creative Writing Contest Winners

Chambers Academy teacher, Deborah Hamer oversaw the school’s Creative Writing Contest during the month of December. Congratulations to CA’s school winners in the creative writing contest, 3rd-5th grade division winner, Abigail Bonds and 6th-8th grade division winner, Emily Sasser. The winners advanced to the AISA’s State Creative Writing Competition in Montgomery. CA’s students were excited to participate in the creative writing portion of the AISA’s educational competitions focused on promoting excellence in academics. The AISA’s Creative Writing Contest is a statewide competition for students enrolled in independent schools throughout Alabama. Pictured from left to right are Emily Sasser and Abigail Bonds. Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

olo tre o

Lee-Scott Academy Daddy/Daughter Dance

Such a special night on campus as the PTO hosted the Daddy/ Daughter Dance for our families! We crowned our 6th grade dad and daughter king and queen and danced the night away.

Morris Avenue Students Perform Christmas Musical Program

The fourth graders at Morris Avenue Intermediate School in Opelika welcomed the holiday season with a festive musical program called “Christmas in Opelika”. Students brought down the house with “Blitzen's Boogie” and the crowd joined in with a Christmas Sing Along at the end. It was a wonderful way to warm up a cold evening in December. Many thanks to Ms. Katherine Boyd, the students, and fourth grade teachers for their hard work.

Opelika Middle School Quiz Bowl Team Heads to State Championship

Opelika Middle School Quiz Bowl team competed recently in Montgomery at the ASCA District Tournament. We finished in 2nd, which qualified the group for the middle school state championship in February for a second straight year. The team went 5-1 with a 350ppg average. We beat Holtville, Smiths Station, Reeltown, Clanton, and Sanford, but lost to the district champion Baldwin Magnet. Team members were 6th graders Lily Williams and Anna Wood with 7th graders Marley Golden, Jared Van Horn, Zane Sexton, and Nathan Buckalew (not pictured).

w th s n er, te

ive ns

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Opelika City Schools Spelling Bee Winners

Autauga County Schools

Congratulations to our local school spelling bee winners from Morris Avenue Intermediate School, West Forest Intermediate School, Northside Intermediate School, and Opelika Middle School who competed in the Lee County Spelling Bee recently. You did a great job!

STEM and Seuss at Creekside Elementary

The College of Engineering came to visit Mrs. Chastonay’s class at Creekside Elementary for a fun STEM activity where the students read “Bartholomew and the Oobleck”, a 1949 book by Dr. Seuss. Then they made their very own Oobleck, which is a mixture of corn starch and water that exhibits non-Newtonian properties.

Please send your school news to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Pick Robotics Teams Compete at VEX Tournament

Congrats to the Pick Elementary robotics teams that competed in the recent VEX Tournament! A special congrats to the ones that earned the Excellence Award and are now moving onto the state level! Thank you to the PES Robotics Team coaches: Shelley Patterson, Sarah Farrow and Rebecca Littlepage.

Best-Selling Author Speaks to WMR Students

Auburn Classical Academy Geography Bee Winners

Auburn Classical Academy's students participated in this year's Geography Bee and will compete at the state level. Top three students include: Henry Vaughan (1st place); Graham Forthofer (2nd place); Wyatt Myers (3rd place).

New York Times best-selling author, Cassie Beasley, gave Wrights Mill Road students a day of delight describing her writing process, giving feedback to aspiring writers, inspiring us to be creative and silly, and encouraging us to create magic through our words. Book signings, family meet and greets, writing games, and more made a memorable day for our EAGLES.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools

Studying Sheep at East Samford School

These brainiacs at East Samford School labeled different parts of a sheep’s brain in Mrs. Antoniak’s Medical Detectives class. FUN FACT: In sheep, the brain’s olfactory bulb is two to three times the size of the human olfactory bulb. This provides the sheep with a strong sense of smell, which is key to survival.

Trinity Fifth Graders Identify Anatomy of Crustaceans

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

Auburn City Schools Superintendent’s Art Show

Auburn City Schools held the annual Superintendent's Art Show recently and these are our local winners that will go on to compete at the State Level in Montgomery! They were all on public display in the Old Supreme Court Library of the Alabama State Capitol, with the Secondary Division Exhibit being held February 3-21, and the Elementary Division Exhibit being held March 2-20, 2020.

Opelika HS Business over Breakfast Event

A sold-out Business over Breakfast was a success! It was great hearing from Dr.Seymore about the future of OHS and Full moon BBQ for winning Small Business of the Quarter! Thank you to our sponsors and everyone coming to breakfast!

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

w wo S Le As

Lee County Spelling Bee Winners

Auburn City Schools hosted the 2020 Lee County Spelling Bee at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. ACS had contestants compete from seven of our campuses with two of them coming in 1st and 2nd place. Olivia Richardson, 6th grader at J.F. Drake Middle School, was crowned champion with the winning word of "QWERTY" and the championship word of "buffet." David Pridgeon, 7th grader at East Samford School, came in 2nd place. Thank you to Laura Cooper, of Lee County Youth Development Center, Sheriff Jay Jones, and Ashley Brown, of Auburn Public Library, for serving as judges and to JCSM for providing the space for this event!

Chambers Academy Student Selected to UA Director’s List

Chambers Academy is pleased to announce that Alyssa Sorrells, a member of the junior class of 2021 was recently named to the University of Alabama’s Early College Director’s List. Students selected to the Director’s List at UA are recognized for having earned a 3.6 or higher GPA during their academic term. Alyssa completed Introduction to Cultural Anthropology 102 during the fall semester. She is enrolled on the advanced diploma curriculum as CA and completed her coursework at UA as part of a dual enrollment agreement with Chambers Academy. Alyssa is a resident of LaFayette and is the daughter of Alison and Jonathan Mapp and Jody Sorrells. Alyssa is an academically motivated student who has attended CA since the fifth grade. She is currently exploring her options as to which four year university she plans to attend to pursue a degree in criminal justice.

Making Senior Memories at Lee-Scott Academy

We cannot thank our senior parents enough for hosting dinners throughout the school year so our seniors can make memories as a class in their final year as members of the Warrior family. Thank you, parents! We are so proud of this group of seniors.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools Opelika High School Basketball Seniors Honored at Game

Congratulations to the Opelika High School Basketball Seniors! They were honored at the game against Russell County. Go Dawgs!

aB D t tea yo

Board Recognition Month

January marks the 27th annual observance of School Board Member Recognition Month in Alabama, and the Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB) has encouraged communities throughout the state to help celebrate local school board members for their commitment to high-quality public education for all students. This year's theme is "Charting the Course for Student Success," which reaffirms the common goal that unites all who are involved in preparing today's students to become tomorrow's leaders and change agents. Tremendous gratitude, sincere respect, and heartfelt appreciation is offered to Mr. Charles Smith, Dr. Bill Hutto, Mrs. Melanie Chambless, Dr. Terry Jenkins, and Mrs. Kathy Powell as schools have been celebrating these individuals for their dedication to ACS. Here are some photos from recent school tours where they get to see all the great things happening on our campuses.

Pi gra Bry the L r

Ch ho

World Read Aloud Day at Cary Woods

In honor of World Read Aloud Day there were many guest readers at Cary Woods Elementary School recently including Mayor Ron Anders, Auburn Firefighters, Sheriff Jay Jones, Auburn Police Chief Paul Register, District Attorney Brandon Hughes, as well as Auburn University Basketball Players and Cheerleaders! World Read Aloud Day occurs Wednesday February 5, 2020, and it is a worldwide event sponsored by Scholastic and the global literacy nonprofit LitWorld. This day calls attention to reading aloud and sharing stories. Now in its 11th year and celebrated in over 173 countries, World Read Aloud Day is a wonderful reminder of the power and importance of this best practice. Instructional Coach Sherri Shiver always does an amazing job planning this very special event for our students.

diff co

W a D

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

Great Job, Trinity Christian Second Graders, on this Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Storybook Skits Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Ogletree Teacher Wins Best Math Teacher Award

Ogletree Elementary's Brian Wynn won Mathnasium of Auburn's Best Math Teacher! Mr. Wynn is an Auburn University graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Education. He began his career in teaching as an elementary special education teacher in 2002, and in 2004, he started molding young minds at Ogletree Elementary where he currently teaches 5th grade math.

Pick Elementary Teacher Receives Lifechanger Award

Pick Elementary 4th grade teacher, Brittany Bryant, was presented the Max Credit Union Lifechanger Award recently at the AU men’s basketball game! And she got to meet Sir Charles! This award honors Lee Countyarea elementary school teachers, staff, and administrators who have truly made a difference for young people by demonstrating a commitment to the growth, development, and long-term success of their students.

Kiss Day at WMR

Wrights Mill Road was full of love during the annual “Kids Invite Someone Special” (KISS Day) lunches in February. Parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins, and even former teachers came to enjoy a delicious lunch and book fair shopping.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools OHS Seniors Sign Athletic Scholarships

Congratulations to the following Opelika HS athlete-seniors for university signings: Julian Favors signed a football scholarship with Tuskegee University! Brody Davis signed a football scholarship with Tarleton State University! Marshall Myers signed with Auburn University as a preferred walk on! Jaylen Stinson sign a football scholarship with Duke University!

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

T t

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn Classical Academy Field Trip

Auburn Classical Academy's sixth grade recently visited the George Washington Carver Museum and Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site in Tuskegee, Alabama.

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

AHS Robotics Team Wins Recent VEX Tournament

The Auburn High School Robotics team won the Tournament of Champions and the Overall Excellence Award at the VEX Robotics Competition on the Plains at Auburn University!

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools

AHS Track Team Places 2nd at Meet

The Auburn High School Girls Track Team made history recently by bringing home their first/ever Indoor trophy with a 2nd place finish at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s State Indoor Meet!

Lee-Scott Musicians Participate in AU Honor Band

Congratulations to Lauren Daugherty and Bryson Moon for being selected to participate in the Auburn University Symphonic Honor Band and perform at the Gogue Center!

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

Stu

th pr h d

World Read Aloud Day at WMR

Wrights Mill Road joined thousands of other book lovers around the world to celebrate World Read Aloud Day. Thank you to the Auburn Womensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Basketball team, Auburn Cheerleaders, and Auburn Gymnasts who shared books with our students. It was a wonderful day of reading at WMR!

b th

o ch ac am P sta in V p

La A su CF an

nu o th on m he has is t a fa aw h Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Chambers Academy Raises Money for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

T r i n i T y

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

TradiTion For over thirty-five years, Trinity has been committed to a biblical Christian world-view, and its classical educational philosophy has been proven In January, the students and staff at Chambers Academy were thrilled to be able to make a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Students filled the CA gymnasium for an assembly and presentation made to CF representatives that travelled to LaFayette from Birmingham. CA presented $1,715.00 on behalf of Peyton’s Pals in honor of CA senior, Peyton Lamb. Peyton is the daughter of Bryan and Kris Lamb of LaFayette. Peyton has attended CA since kindergarten. Funds were collected as a result of a benefit basketball tournament the school hosted during the Christmas holidays as well as from donations made from sponsors. Pictured with Peyton making the check presentation to CF are Cystic Fibrosis Foundation representatives Margaret Smith, Hayden Slaughter, and Jennifer Holley along with CA Headmaster, David Owen. Peyton is an outstanding student with an overall 3.89 GPA. She participated as a varsity cheerleader through her junior year, worked as an active member of CA’s SGA, and been honored as a member of the school’s BETA Club. Additionally, Peyton was awarded second place in the AISA’s statewide technology team contest last spring held in Montgomery. CA’s Athletic Director and Boys Varsity Basketball Coach, Jason Allen was very pleased with the response from the community to support this event. Teams and fans from LaGrange Academy, Springwood School, Autauga Academy, and Lowndes Academy all joined in to support this event to help CA raise awareness for CF support. Allen is hopeful to make the event an annual one hosted at CA each year with the boys and girls basketball teams. Peyton was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when she was just 3 years old. She has endured numerous surgeries and hospitalizations because of her CF. CF is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits one’s ability to breathe over time. Sometimes she must use antibiotics and breathing treatments to help treat her lungs and if that’s not enough she has been admitted to the hospital for care. Peyton is treated at the Children’s Hospital in Birmingham as has been the case since her diagnosis. Her family and sister, Leslie are very active in raising awareness and funding for the CF Foundation in hopes that a cure for CF will be found one day.

through thousands of years of learning experience.

A Classical and Christian Academy 745-2464

www.tcsopelika.org

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

5 Risky Apps to Watch Out For

What parents need to know: Video-chatting with strangers can be risky for teens. When it’s paired with location, it’s a no-go. Also, while HOLLA supposedly bans iffy content -- like nudity and violence -- user reviews indicate that masturbation, fake identities, and negative comments are common. The app’s age-matching is a red flag, too. It was easy for our tester to pose as a 13-year-old and get paired with 16- and 17-year-olds. Similar apps: Yubo, MeetMe - Chat and Meet New People, Spotafriend - Teen Meeting App To Make New Friends, ChatLive, Random Video Chat

It seems like every time you turn around, there’s a new app -or type of app -- that’s popular with tweens and teens. Of course, it’s nearly impossible to keep up with every hot new app, which makes knowing the risky features -- like interaction with strangers, anonymity, privacy concerns, and iffy content -- a solid first step. But it’s still important to know the specifics of what’s on your kid’s device and whether or not you’ll allow it to stay there.

BIGO LIVE - Live Stream

IMVU: 3D Avatar Creator & Chat

Kind of like Twitch and YouTube, BIGO LIVE lets teens stream live video of themselves that other users can see and comment on in real time. You can also receive and send “Beans” -BIGO’s term for virtual gifts -- that cost real money. You can level up and improve your ranking by logging in every day and sending gifts. The platform is designed for people who supposedly want to get famous, but it seems to be filled mainly with people competing for gifts. What parents need to know: BIGO has a lot of mature content, including sexy talk and clothing, and users’ comments are often predatory and explicit. Also, its focus on status and spending money, as opposed to creativity and talent, makes it feel shallow.Similar apps: Tagged - Chill, Chat & Go Live! and imo video calls and chat.

Using the website or the app, users interact through elaborate 3D avatars. You can dress them up, place them in public or private rooms, and follow other users and chat with them. You can also buy a wide variety of objects using virtual coins -- earned primarily through taking surveys or watching ads or through buying outright with real money. There’s no game or goal other than acquiring outfits, rooms, furniture, and other items or chatting with other users. What parents need to know: Virtual sex and user privacy are the main issues for teens in IMVU. The avatars sport highly stereotypical body types with big muscles or breasts, and many of the outfits are skimpy. It also appears that users generate a following on other platforms by sharing their IMVU usernames, which invites more contact with people they don’t know. Finally, the search term “IMVU sex” results in lots of advice about how to have (virtual avatar) sex and where to find it in IMVU. Similar app: Avakin Life

BitLife

In this simulation game, you’re assigned an identity to play through the entire game, from infancy to death. As you play -- and your character gets older -- you can make text-based choices about how to make money, spend time, and develop relationships with pretend profiles (which aren’t connected to real people). Those choices determine your levels of happiness, health, smarts, and appearance. When you die, you can start all over. What parents need to know: While kids can’t engage in actual risky behavior, BitLife exposes them to mature ideas. As your character gets older, you can choose to “hook up” with the pretend profiles, drink, do drugs, gamble, and commit crimes. (On the other hand, you can make healthy choices such as going to the gym and meditating.) It’s also easy for players to become overly fixated on the idealized world of sim games. Similar app: Reigns

Socratic by Google

This app lets you take a picture of a homework problem or question and get an answer and explanation in return, similar to Photomath - Camera Calculator. Because it’s more focused and filtered than an open internet search, the results are more targeted and helpful (in other words, it gives you the answers). What parents need to know: The biggest concern is cheating. If your kid decides to use this app as an easy way out of homework, they’ll lose a lot of learning. Secondly, since the answers come from the internet, they aren’t always right. Used with good judgment (and monitoring by a parent), a teen could legitimately use Socratic to dig into tough concepts, but it’s pretty easy to use for cheating. Similar apps: Photomath - Camera Calculator, Mathway, Got It Study - Homework Help

HOLLA: Live Random Video Chat

This app is all about connecting with strangers. Once you sign up using a phone number or your Facebook account, you can get matched instantly with a stranger -- and both you and they appear on camera. Or you can swipe Tinder-style until you like someone and they like you (by tapping a heart). You can also enable location tracking to be paired with someone nearby. Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

. d s, is d

an ts

e eo-

g es m va-

334.329.5055 | thehomelink.com

ng.

y e h-

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Tighten Up!

Q. I’m beginning to think we got in over our heads with our house. My wife and I make about $125,000 a year combined, but we’ve never been able to put anything aside for an emergency fund. Our mortgage payment is 35 percent of our take home pay each month. We have two young children, so we eat out a lot, but we have no debt other than our house. Do you think we should refinance our home?

A. You two are making good money, and you’re debt-free except for your home. You can’t tighten up your budget enough to save up an emergency fund? Stay out of restaurants, dude! There’s no law stating you have to eat out a lot just because there are kids in the house. You guys need to get on a written, detailed plan, and start hitting your goals. I’m talking about a strict, monthly budget. Now,

I’ll admit your mortgage payment isn’t exactly what I would’ve signed you up for. Your house payments, or rent, should be no more than 25 percent of your monthly take home pay. But your house payment isn’t what’s holding you two back. What’s holding you two back is the fact that you haven’t been willing to tighten up the finances in other areas of your life to offset biting off more than you could chew in terms of a home. No, I wouldn’t refinance. You’re fairly close where the mortgage payments are concerned, so I think you can make it through this by looking at ways to increase your income and selling stuff you don’t need to build an emergency fund. You two have been smarter than some, but you’re really going to have to buckle down and rearrange your priorities to make this happen!

Cash out my Roth IRA?

Q. I have around $15,000 in a Roth IRA. I recently started studying your advice, and I was wondering if it would be a good idea to cash it out and put the money toward debt. A. I teach people to stop investing temporarily while they attack their debt. So, I wouldn’t add anything to it at this point, but the worst thing you could do is cash it out. If you do, taxes and penalties will steal a huge chunk of that cash. The only time I take money out of a retirement account to pay off debt is to avoid bankruptcy or foreclosure. Start working the Baby Steps from the beginning. Baby Step 1 is saving up $1,000 for a starter emergency fund. Baby Step 2 is paying off all debts from smallest to largest, except for your home, using the debt snowball method. This will free up a ton of money! Then you’re ready for Baby Step 3, which is increasing your emergency fund to three to six months of expenses. Now you’re ready for Baby Step 4, which is 15 percent of your income going into retirement!

SummerART Camps Teens Summer Studio * Construction Camp Fairy Tale Camp * Art Around the World Castle Creators * Shark Week * Dino Camp Puppetry Camp * Fun with Fiber Meet the Masters * Teen: Paint & Print Art in the Big Apple * Be a Superhero!

one art camp

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

arâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t t

0 s , y! s

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

of en ba an sle rem sp ten ly, to

wa up ca up the Po inc air kitc sp

Tra rio fun the ca ca tra roo se

ca tim for ba be roo se yo ing to

Camping is the ultimate in outdoor family fun and is loaded with benefits for parents and kids alike. It provides adventure and unlimited opportunities to experience the great outdoors. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a great way for kids to learn about nature, from plants and animals to the weather and skies. Historical landmarks and different regions offer lessons in history. And parents get a break from daily responsibilities of life and some relaxation. Not to mention, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an affordable way for families to vacation.

ch wil an so Aft ba dry

va ca Ov Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

What’s the best way to camp?

Your family can choose from a variety of camping options. If you love the experience of roughin’ it, pitch a tent, and haul the bare necessities. Tents come in many sizes and styles, some with dividers for separate sleeping quarters. When purchasing a tent, remember capacity doesn’t include luggage space. If you plan to keep belongings in your tent, opt for a larger capacity. Most importantly, don’t forget padding or a blow-up mattress to insulate against the cold, hard ground. If you like the idea of roughing it, yet want some of the comforts of home, a popup camper is the best of both worlds. The canvas sides and pullout sections of popups are surrounded with screens and give the feeling of sleeping in the fresh outdoors. Pop-ups come in several sizes and often include an icebox or mini refrigerator, heater, air conditioning, portable toilet, shower, kitchen sink, stove, cabinets and storage space, dining table, and other necessities. Some families prefer going in style. Travel trailers and motor homes offer a luxurious nighttime retreat after a day of outdoor fun. The ease of loading and unloading these shelters is great for moving from campsite to campsite, making cross-country camping less work. Motorhomes and travel trailers often have a full-size kitchen, living room complete with sofa and chairs, and separate bedrooms for comfort and privacy. Don’t overlook the option of a cozy cabin in the woods. Cabin rentals are sometimes found at campgrounds or in national forests at cabin resorts. Cabins range from basic single room shelters containing only beds to completely furnished three or four room units including kitchenettes. When reserving a cabin, ask what is furnished before you go so you’ll arrive prepared while avoiding unnecessary packing. And don’t forget to ask about electricity, lights, and water. Experienced campers with older children might try a hike-in shelter for a true wilderness experience. Check with state and national parks for shelters that are sometimes set up along extended trails. After a day of hiking, roll out your sleeping bags under one of these small shelters for a dry night’s sleep under the stars.

Camping costs

The cost of travel can make family vacations a rare treat. But the affordability of camping may allow for frequent getaways. Overnight fees range from a free night’s 33

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

stay at some state park rustic sites (no showers, toilets, electricity, or water) to $50 or more a night at many of the top KOA and Jellystone Camp Park-Resorts. These top of the line campgrounds are loaded with amenities from built-in swimming pools to live entertainment. State park campgrounds vary from state to state. Still, these are often the best deal for families interested in experiencing all nature has to offer. Fees for overnight accommodations in state parks typically range from $15 to $35. Many state parks have modern facilities including flush toilets, showers, grassy or gravel sites, playgrounds, park stores for firewood and ice, and more. Furthermore, state parks frequently offer miles of wooded hiking or biking trails, natural wonders, historical sites, and much more that may not be found at private camp resorts. Camping also helps keep other vacation expenses to a minimum. Many families prefer cooking over the campfire to eating out. Additionally, most outdoor camping activities are free or available at minimal cost.

Fun camping activities

Whatever your family’s interests, there is plenty to see and do. Trails offer ample activities such as collecting rocks, leaves, or insects, scouting for wildlife, learning about plants and trees, and practicing survival skills, to hiking excursions, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams offer fishing, swimming, row boating or canoeing, sunbathing, and more.

Wildlife viewing is often a highlight. Look for animals early in the morning or at dusk on dirt roads and trails, in open fields surrounded by woods, and near water. Be patient, walk slowly and quietly, and don’t forget binoculars. Other activities include nature programs, nature centers and historical sites, flying kites, rollerblading or bicycling on paved trails, and more. When ready to relax, light a campfire and enjoy reading or storytelling, play cards or board games, watch the sunset, stargaze, and roast marshmallows.

Easy camp foods

There are many ways to cook. You can purchase a gas or liquid-fuel camping stove, or if electricity is available, a crock-pot or electric griddle works well. You can also carry a charcoal or small gas grill or cook over an open fire. Keep meals simple to minimize packing, preparation, and clean up. Easy choices include: hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, steak, sandwiches, eggs, bacon, sausage, crock pot meals, sweet corn, baked potatoes, canned foods such as baked beans, tuna, chicken, spaghetti, ravioli, and soup, fresh fruit, vegetables and dip, bagels, English muffins, cereal, fruit juice, and hot cocoa. On the other hand, if you enjoy cooking and good meals are one of the highlights for your family, then make the most of mealtime. With all the options for cooking, you can easily enjoy a gourmet feast.

Camping tips

Camping is often a learn-as-you-go experience. But the following can alleviate hassles and keep your family safe. Protect your food from animals and animals from your food by blocking access. Animals can find their way into nearly anything. Raccoons are known to lift lids right off coolers to snatch hot dogs and other treats. A cooler that latches is usually a safe bet. Any food that isn’t tightly contained should be stored in your vehicle overnight. Poor weather can strike at any time and insect infestations can also make for a miserable experience. Make additional shelter such as a screen tent or tarps and rope part of your camping gear. Arrive at your camp destination ahead of the crowd. Every campsite is unique, and early arrival can assure a site that satisfies your needs. When selecting a site look for proximity to restrooms, the playground, electricity, and water. If you have young children, make sure the site isn’t close to a river or lake. The amount of shade you’ll want will depend on the weather forecast. To avoid mud, a grassy or rock site may be preferred. Also, avoid a site backed up to outhouses, which can smell in the heat and wind. Know what animals are found in the area and teach your children animal safety. Wild animals usually want to avoid humans as much as we want to avoid them. Still, they can pose risks. Even small animals that feel threatened may attack. AOP Kimberly Blaker is author of the kid’s book Horoscopes: Reality or Trickery? She also writes a blog, The Young Gma’s Guide to Parenting, at www. theyounggma.com.

NEW INSTALLATIONS IN THE CADDELL SCULPTURE GARDEN

by Be ge joy ter flu ar un is g

Beginning March 20, 2020

Come see new works inspired by and created from nature in our outdoor sculpture garden by North Carolina artist Patrick Dougherty and Alabama artist Jamey Grimes. Preview the works at mmfa.org Patrick Dougherty (American, born 1945), Ready or Not, 2013, mixed media, installed at the North Carolina Zoo, Asheboro, NC. Photograph by Juan Villa

One Museum Drive, Montgomery, AL Open Tuesday–Sunday; Free Admission mmfa.org | @MontgomeryMFA

Fin

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

A Page in a Book

The Friendship Fix is In

off s.

Every parent looks forward to their child discovering their first friend. We watch with love as they find playmates who share their interests, enjoy the same activities, and have personalities that work well together. But as kids mature, they also develop emotions and behaviors that can trigger conflict with their friends. Providing children with guidance and tools that help them understand and resolve conflict is important, especially since the friendship dynamic is personal and rarely something a parent can solve. The following titles feature friendly fall outs, with encouraging anecdotal solutions that can help young readers get a friendship back on the right track.

nd r art

d nd

, ke he

, h

y. s ey el

og,

Best Friends in the Universe

by Stephanie Watson, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham (Scholastic Press) Hector and Louie are such good friends, they’ve teamed up to write a book about it. They are perfectly in sync, finishing each other’s sentences, sharing the same goals, and loving the same things. But in the course of writing their homage to friendship, Hector shares an embarrassing secret about Louie. Horrified, Louie lets loose with an equally tender secret about Hector. As their book project (and their friendship) begins to fall apart, they discover the marvel of the “do over”. Much like editors can amend mistakes in a book, these friends find a way to forgive the errors and find their storyline again. Pairing the work ethic that goes into writing a book with the committed work that goes into maintaining a friendship, this title offers a humorous outline for fixing a valuable partnership.

Duck and Penguin Are Not Friends

by Julia Woolf (Peachtree Publishing) Betty’s favorite toy is Duck. Maud’s favorite toy is Penguin. So when best friends, Maud and Betty, get together to play, Duck and Penguin are forced together for playful activities, too. As the girls joyfully spend the day playing, cooking and crafting together, Duck and Penguin turn their similar interactions into messy fights. Destined to be thrown together by their loving owners, these two angry fluffs must find a way to make peace. With illustrations that playfully contrast a healthy friendship with a relationship that needs work, Duck and Penguin Are Not Friends is a gentle guide toward making unlikely pairings work. Celebrating the common ground that can repair a troubled friendship, this title is guaranteed to be a bookshelf favorite.

The Squirrels Who Squabbled

by Rachel Bright, Illustrated by Jim Field (Scholastic Press) Known in the forest as ‘Spontaneous Cyril’, he’s the squirrel who lives in the moment and doesn’t care to prepare food for winter. ‘Plan Ahead Bruce’ is the squirrel who’s hyper-focused on securing every last morsel for his horde. When they simultaneously spot the last unclaimed pine cone in the woods, the fight is on to see which squirrel will win the prize for himself. Fast-paced rhyming text accompanies energetic illustration that absolutely captures the frenetic pace of playful squirrels in the real world. While subtly offering a cautionary tale on the cost of both sloth and greed, this title’s real reward is it’s climactic reveal that the benefits of friendship always conquer the cost of conflict.

Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston

The Parental Gift of Presence As moms and dads, we want to give our children everything. We want our kids to have more, do more and experience more than we did. And so we work hard, put in crazy hours, and volunteer for every opportunity in order to provide the best for our children. But do you want to know the greatest gift you can give your teen? It’s your presence. Jim Higley is the author of Bobblehead Dad, and a writer for several other national publications. In a recent article, Jim wrote about his daughter, and how in the early years she was a happy kid. It didn’t take much to get her to share all the details of her life with her dad—friends, clothes, games, bike rides, lunch menus, and all the other daily events and experiences. But then middle school happened. And Jim’s daughter experienced what many pre-teens struggle with, and that’s “mean girls.” Her once cherished friends became bullies, and were the cause of constant hurts and heartaches. Jim writes:

the dad tactic that came naturally to me. But I just keep my mouth shut. Listen[ed]. And show[ed] my child my heart. After a couple minutes, my daughter lifted her head and uttered four painful words that brought tears to my eyes. “I hate my friends.” I let her words sink in. I paused. I thought about her and not me. And I simply said what I felt. “Honey, that must suck to feel that way.” That’s all I said. No questions. No lectures. No bright ideas. Just my heart. Just me. Right there with her in the moment. She responded by crawling down next to me and sharing details of her hurt as I gazed at the ceiling and reaffirmed my empathy. And my love. And then, after 10 minutes, she said, “Can we bake some cookies?”

I did what I thought I was supposed to do: help her fix the situation. I’d suggest ideas for making new friends, or brilliant brainstorms for putting the mean girls in their place. And I interrogated her. Boy did I ask a lot of questions. But all my help was met with the same tearful reaction. Or a slammed door. I didn’t know what to do, and I felt worthless because of it. The following day my daughter arrived home from school after another bad day and immediately went to her room, stomping up each tread of the stairs — her new way of saying, “I’m home and I’m going to make your life miserable!” I waited a few minutes and, when things quieted down, I knocked on her door. “Leave me alone,” she screamed. I took a deep breath. “I’m coming in. Ten seconds,” I said. When I entered, there she was. On her bed. Stomach down. With her face buried in a pillow. Not saying a word, I simply lay on the floor, crossed my hand on my stomach and stared at the ceiling. I felt awkward because this was not

Far and away the best present you can offer your teen is simply your presence. It’s being physically and emotionally with your child. During adolescence, teens need mom and dad more than ever! So how can we be more present?

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

Jim summarizes the value of simply being present for his daughter when he writes;

[This moment] taught me the value of letting children not only experience pain, sadness and disappointment — but also feel our unconditional connection. And to know what it feels like when their parent is willing to simply be in the moment with them and hold their hand through the hurt … Your child may not want or really need your solutions. They just might want you to join them in their journey.

Show an interest in your son or daughter. When you get home, turn off

the TV or computer, and get to know your teen. What does he like? What does she dislike? What is he thinking about right now? What’s weighing on her mind? What puts him at ease? Become a student of your teen.

Be intentional about making time. If you don’t make a conscious effort

to be with your child, it just won’t happen. Life gets busy all too quickly, so if we’re not deliberately setting aside time on our 36

calendar to spend time with our teens, the days will fill up with less important tasks. Take a moment to look at your calendar and block off purposeful moments to take your teen to a sports game, visit a museum, take a fishing trip, attend a concert, stay up late to watch a meteor shower with hot chocolate. Build something together. Cook something together. Or simply set aside time to hang out with your teen.

Ask good questions. When you’re present with your teen, use that time to ask good questions. This is not a moment to interrogate for information. It’s also not a time to debate or answer your own questions. Instead, formulate some questions that get your teens thinking about the world, their culture, their beliefs, and their values. You could ask, “Who is your role model? Why?” Or, “do you think our world is better or worse than it was five years ago?” Or, “If you could change one thing about yourself, what would that be?” Questions can get your teen thinking, and offer the benefit of having mom or dad there to help guide their understanding. Open up to your teen. No one likes to hang out with people who are perfect—that includes your son or daughter! Now, you don’t have to use your child like a confessional booth, but as you spend time with them, offer reminders of your own imperfection—mistakes you’ve made, ways you’ve changed, perspectives that you’ve adjusted. Your presence sends the message, I want to hang out with you in the good times, and I’m there for you in the bad times. And your presence in, and attentiveness to, his or her life keeps you from being blindsided by the effects of the turbulent teen years. Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

presenting our

2019-20 inaugural season

rt, ith

e ?â&#x20AC;? d

Air Play by Acrobuffos Friday, May 8

! e

ens ens s

Tickets available now 37

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

tim fam so an sic lea ke

stu ste

H co

pe the the es are on kid the the for tog to

ca me an

Re Ca sa ca

How to communicate face-to-face

Ask anyone who has ever been to overnight camp about

Tom Rosenberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Camp Association, says today’s youth spends so much time on technology, that learning to communicate face-to-face with peers is important. He quotes a 2015 Pew Research Center study that says “Just 25 percent of teens spend time with friends in person outside of the school day on a regular basis.” In light of that statistic, overnight camp is good place to get kids to socialize without technology. “About 90 percent of camps don’t allow kids to have computers or cell phones,” says Rosenberg. “In general, camps are an oasis for human-powered socialization.”

his or her experience, and you will hear endless tales of comradery, cabin mates and campfires. Many times campers will say overnight camp was the first time they rode a horse or shot a bow and arrow or flew down a zip line. It’s where they learned to make their beds and keep their belongings tidy in cramped quarters. With the perfect blend of adventure and responsibility, camp life teaches kids valuable lessons they can use for the rest of their lives. If you send your child to overnight camp, here are some life lessons they are likely to learn.

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

kid frie to

no ac wh stu sa do

tak tha pa

How to be independent For many children, camp is the first time they are away from parents and the familiarity of home. While this may cause some homesickness, it also gives children an opportunity to overcome being homesick. And without parents there, children learn to pick up after themselves and keep up with their things. Overnight camp can also prepare students for independence in their next steps in life, like trips abroad and college.

Children born into all kinds of circumstances have dreams and dreams are powerful. WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

How to be a part of community living Sometimes it’s hard to live with other people, especially if other people drape their clothes over your bed or hog the shower. And it’s not like kids can escape to their own room when they are at summer camp because everyone bunks together in one cabin. But kids can learn to work out differences they may have about how they share their living spaces, and it’s more fun for campers to do the cabin chores together than alone. As they grow up, kids have to learn to work in groups in their communities. “That cabin group has community building at its core,” says Rosenberg.

How to embrace diversity Children who go to camp meet other campers from all over the country. They meet kids from different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. In a study conducted by Philliber Research Associates and the American Camp Association, 94 percent of campers said “Camp helped me get to know other campers who were different from me.” Rosenberg says this is important for kids in the 21st Century. “Making new friends is an essential skill kids are going to need to have.”

How to overcome fears Going to camp takes kids out of their normal day-to-day setting and gives them a chance to try things they might not try when they are at home. In the Philliber study, 74 percent of the kids surveyed said “At camp I did things I was afraid to do at first.” Children may feel more comfortable taking a risk around new acquaintances than they do under the watchful eye of parents, siblings or school peers. If they

1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100

ChildrensAL.org

are trying an activity they have never tried before, they may feel encouraged by staff or counselors who are there to support and guide them.

How to become resilient Camp life doesn’t always go as planned, and kids learn to adapt and move with what’s happening around them. Camp goers also grow more resilient from trying again when they fail, according to Rosenberg. “Part of growing up is learning that you are not always going to be successful. Sometimes campers fail and counsel39

ors help them try again,” says Rosenberg. “Camp is a safe place to make mistakes.” Going to overnight camp benefits kids in many ways. It provides a place where kids can get out of their daily setting and have new adventures, meet new people and learn new skills. And while they are doing all of those things, they will probably learn a few life lessons that will stay with them forever. AOP Janeen Lewis is a freelance journalist and mom to Andrew and Gracie. Some of her fondest memories happened at overnight camp.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Whether you want them to experience day or overnight camp, sports or fine arts, our listing has details on these and many more. It’s time to get your campers ready for summer fun!

2020

Guide

703 Au Pre

Dat

Jul

334

147 Sp

Dat Ag 334

256 Da

Dat 334 ww

664 Off Ca

Dat

Jul

334 ww

Ten

Auburn University Academic Kreher Preserve & Nature Center ad on page 13

2222 North College Street , Auburn, Al 36830 Spring Break Camp “Down by the Pond” on March 9-11 and March 16-18 from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. learning about how the spring brings opportunities for food, water, and shelter. Campers will participate in games, crafts, hikes and more. Sessions are $120 (members), $150 (non-members) for all three days. Summer Ecology Camp: “Take Flight” From bats to birds to butterflies, we will be exploring the science of flight and how plants and animals use these principles to soar. Registration is $135 and includes a daily snack, all activities and projects, and a camp t-shirt. NEW: Summer Adventure Camp is $250 per camper for all three days and includes a daily snack, transportation from the KPNC, all camp activities and entrance fees, a camp t-shirt, and a water bottle. Campers will need to bring their lunch each day; and campers must be able to swim. Dates: NEW: Summer Adventure Camp July 2022- (grades 5th-7th). Archeology, geology, history, wildlife, forestry, kayaking, caving, swimming and more! Summer Camps: Take Flight! Grades 1st-2nd: May 26-July 26. Young Naturalist June 1-5, Explorers June 8-12, Explorers II June 2226, Grades 3rd-4th: Camp Discovery May 26-29, Explorers June 8-12, Explorers II June 22-26, Grades 5th-7th: Junior Rangers Camp June 1519, Explorers June 8-12, Explorers II June 22-26. Ages: 1st-7th grade 334-502-4553 preserve@auburn.edu www.auburn.edu/preserve

Auburn Outreach Multicultural Afterschool and Summer Services Auburn Campus, Auburn, Al 36849 The only program in the Auburn-Opelika area offering high-quality language education and enAuburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

gaging multicultural activities, prepare your child for successful careers in the global economy by developing their language skills and cultural awareness. Dates: Ongoing Ages: 9th-12th grade 334-559-9023 auafterschool@auburn.edu www.aub.ie/ceoe

Auburn University Science Matters

Auburn University College of Sciences and Mathematics, Auburn, Al 36849 Science Matters is a summer enrichment program for elementary students in rising grades 1-8 offering youngsters a supercharged science experience. Dates: June 1-5, June 15-19, June 22-26, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24 Ages: 1st-8th grade 334-844-5769 www.auburn.edu/cosam/departments/outreach/programs/Science Matters

Auburn University Summer Youth Programs

Auburn Campus, Auburn, Al 36849 Hosting many themed camps on campus including 21st Century and Construction to Vet Camp and Forestry. Something for every interest. Dates: May 31-July 24 Ages: Middle through High School Grades 334-844-5100 auyouth@auburn.edu www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/auburnyouth programs/

Auburn University Extracurricular/Sports Soccer Camps ad on page 18

650 Lem Morrison Drive , Auburn, Al 36849 Hosting the following camps: Goalkeeper & Skills Camp, Residential and Day Soccer Camps and Soccer Elite Camps Dates: April 25, Day Camp June 8-11, Goal Keeper Academy June 12-13, Skills Academy June 12-13, Residential Camp June 14-17, Elite Camp July 10-12, Residential July 12-15. Ages: Ages 5-18 334-884-9637 soccercamp@auburn.edu www.auburnsoccercamps.com

Band Camps

Goodwyn Music Department , Auburn, Al 36849 Summer Symphonic, Marching Percussion, Marching Auxiliary, and Drum Major Leadership Dates: June 2-3, 14-17, 17-20, 25-27 334-844-4166 www.band.auburn.edu

Baseball Camps

Auburn Campus, Auburn , Al 36849 Team Camps, Pitcher/Catcher/Infield Camps, Showcase Camp and Youth Camp Dates: June-July Ages: K-12th grade

777 Re Ha

Dat

Jun

334 ww

250 Hig Clin trai def

334-844-4975 www.auburntigersbaseballcamp.com

Dat

Basketball Camps for Boys

aut cam

650 Lem Morrison Drive, Auburn , Al 36849 Bruce Pearl Camps, Father/Son, Team and Junior Camps Dates: June 1-4, 11-12, 13-14, 15-17. Ages: 4 years through high school/adults

334-844-9737 www.brucepearlbasketballcamps.com

Basketball Camps for Girls

650 Lem Morrison Drive, Auburn , Al 36849 Elite Camps, Team Play Day and Day Camps Dates: June 8, June 9-12 and July 26. Ages: 3rd-12th grade www.auburntigers.com/camps

Equestrian Camps

1235 Wire Road, Auburn, Al 36830 Spring Clinic, 20 Hunt Seat Camps, Western Camp, Elite College Prep Camp and Elite Camps Dates: TBA April and May camps Ages: Middle/High School 334-844-1570 carolyngw031@gmail.com www.auburntigers.com/camps

Football Camps

Auburn Campus, Auburn, Al 36849 Practice in the same facilities and be taught by the same coaches as Auburn Football Players. The newest offensive, defensive and kicking techniques will be taught with an emphasis on fundamentals. The camp will be coached by the Auburn Football Staff who have coaching experience at the high school, college and professional levels. Dates: June 1-3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13 and July 18 Ages: Youth/HS Tiger Camps, Tiger Night Camps, Kicking Camps, Quarterback Camps, Half Day Camps and Women’s Camp 334-844-8855 www.auburnfootballcamps.com

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

14,

147 Aim Ga Elit

Gymnastics Camps

703 West Samford Drive, Auburn, Al 36849 Aubie Day Camps, June Premier Camps and July Premier Camps Dates: June 11-12, June 15-16, July 10-12 and July 17-19 Ages: Ages 6-18 334-844-5047 www.auburntigers.com/camps

Men’s Golf Camps

1477 North Donahue Drive, Auburn, Al 36849 Spring Kickoff Camps and Tiger Golf Camp Dates: March 28, June 9-12 Ages: Ages 8-12/9-18 334-844-9497 www.auburngolfcamps.com

Softball Camps

2560 South College Street, Auburn, Al 36849 Day and Overnight Camps Dates: June 15-18 Ages: Ages 11 and up 334-501-2976 SoftballCamp@auburn.edu www.auburntigers.com/camps

Swim and Diving Camps

664 Biggio Drive, Auburn, Al 36849 Offering Overnight Camps, Speed & Power Day Camps and Stroke Camps Dates: May 29-30, May 31-June 4, June 7-11, July 6-10, July 11-12 Ages: Ages 10-18 334-844-4182 aucampdirector@gmail.com www.auburnswimcamps.com

Tennis Camps

777 S Yarbrough Farms Blvd, Auburn, Al 36849 Residential and Day Camps, Mini Kid Camp and Half Day Dates: June 7-11, June 8-11, June 14-18, and June 15-18. Ages: Ages 5-18 334-750-3854 mls0054@auburn.edu www.auburntigers.com/camps

Volleyball Camps

250 Beard Eaves Court, Auburn , Al 36849 High School and Youth All Skills Camps, Serving Clinic, Position Camp, and Team Camps: Offers training in passing, setting, hitting, serving, and defense. Dates: June 26-28, July 6-7, July 9-12, July 1314, July 17-19 Ages: 4th-12th grade autigervolleyball@gmail.com www.auburnvolleyballcamps.com

Women’s Golf Camps

1477 North Donahue Drive, Auburn, Al 36849 Aim Point Express Clinic, Auburn Tiger Short Game Academy, Auburn Tiger Junior Golf and Elite Golf Academy. This Camp is open to any and

all entrants limited only by number, age, grade, level and/or gender. Dates: June 7-9 Ages: Ages 7-18 334-844-9497 www.auburntigergolfcamps.com

Fine Arts Camps Auburn Area Community Theatre ad on page 17

Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, 222 East Drake Avenue, Auburn, Al 36832 Theatre skills, training and games! Camps include Summer Intensives: This fun and fastpaced camp will focus on improvisation, voice and movement, and scene studies. Each year we plan different ways to present and practice theatre skills, so there is always something new! Musical Theatre Camp: Love to sing, dance and act? Then join us for Musical Theatre Camp (MTC)! Whether you have been on stage many times, or never, this camp is for you. You’ll learn music, choreography and character development activities for several Broadway Musical numbers, with a performance for friends and family at the end of the camp! Summer “Play”: From auditions to performance, young actors (ages 7-12) will be able to go through the whole process of producing a play. Using a children’s literature story for our base, the actors will be able to write some of their lines, develop their character, and create their own set, costume and makeup design sketches. The actors will be expected to practice their lines and do some character development work at home. Ages: 3-18 years Dates: AACT Summer Academy Intensive: June 22-26 and July 20-24. AACT Summer Play: July 7-10. After Hours Theatre: July 22-26 and July 20-24. 334-246-1084 info@auburnact.org www.auburnact.org

Auburn Parks and Recreation ad on page 7, 45

425 Perry Street, Auburn, Al 36830 Art Camps Presented by the Auburn Arts Association: We are an ART workshop with emphasis on art appreciation and the process of creating art. Students are given the opportunity to choose two lessons per day where they create original art pieces incorporating the elements of art in a variety of ageappropriate lessons using age appropriate materials. Art for Young Children: Pre-school children will explore a variety of age appropriate art materials including but not limited to clay, paint and fabric. Price includes cost of all materials and snack. Creative Kids Camp: The young artist will be introduced to basic drawing and painting with a fun subject while developing learning and creative skills. Students will work with oil pastels, color pencil, pencil, ink and collage. Sketching with Pencils, Painting with Brushes: Students learn to draw, shade and create gradation with pencils, watercolor painting and basic sketching. Origami and Paper Quilling: Gain a better understanding of patterns, spatial relations and 3D design. Joy’s Music and Singing Summer Camp: You will learn professional vocal techniques for singing, piano skills, sight singing (i.e. read music scores & write music notes), music theory and some movements to improve your stage presence.

hrn

uly

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Musical Theatre Camp I, II and III: You’ll learn music, choreography and do character development activities for several Broadway Musical numbers. Each year, we choose new songs and different musicals, so you always have a fresh experience. You will have a chance to shine on stage for family and friends at the end of the camp! All Day Arts Experience: Looking for an all day camp? Here are the bridges that will combine the Visual Arts Workshops with the ACCT Summer Intensives. Dates: Visual Arts: July 6-10, July 20-24 and July 27-31. Art for Young Children: June 23-25 and July 14-16. Creative Kids Camp: June 15-19 and June 29-July 3. Sketching with Pencils, Painting with Brushes: June 1-5. Origami & Paper Quilling: June 1-5, June 15-19 and June 29-July 3. Joy’s Music Studio and Summer Camp: June 8-12. Musical Theatre I, II, III: June 15-19. Ages: Ages 3-18 334-501-2930 www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Ballet Academy ad on page 33

1703 Westend Court, Opelika, Al 36801 Summer Camp, Summer Drop In and Summer Intensive Dates: May-August Ages: Preschool and up 334-737-5551 balletacademyopelika@gmail.com www.myballetacademy.net

First Baptist Church Fine Arts Academy ad on page 24

301 South 8th Street, Opelika, Al 36801 Providing music lessons in Opelika/Auburn where Christ is honored and students are challenged and inspired to develop their God-given talents for the glory and service of God. Private and group lessons in piano, voice, guitar, brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion. Highly qualified teachers. Lessons available Monday-Friday, 9:00am-9:00pm (in 30 minute increments). Spring, Summer and Fall semester sessions. Dates: Ongoing Spring and Summer Ages: All ages 334-745-5715 brianc@fbcopelika.com www.fbcopelika.com/fine-arts-academy

Rising Starz ad on page 46

2140 E University Dr Ste H, Auburn, Al 36830 Offering classes in all types of dance technique and fine arts including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, tumbling, baton, musical theatre, acro and more. Dates: June-August Ages: Preschool-adult 334-209-1464 www.risingstarzstudios.com

Spirited Art

Teen: Paint & Print: July 13-17 Shark Week: July 20-24 Be a Superhero: July 20-24 Castle Creators: July 27-31 Ages: Rising 1st grade and up

334-332-5275 info@theartstudioauburn.com www.theartstudioauburn.com

Tiger Twirlers ad on page 9

ad on page 45

116 South 8th Street, Opelika, Al 36801 All Camp projects are NEW! Meet the Masters: ages 5+, May 26th-29th, July 6th-9th or July 27th-30th, 4 days, 10am-12:30pm, $115 Adventure Camp: ages 5+, June 1st-4th, June 22nd-25th or August 3rd-6th, 4 days, 10am12:30pm, $115 “Wood Pallet Workshop” with The Painted Pallet: ages 7+, June 8th-11th or July 20th-23rd, 4 days, 10am-1pm, $155 All-Girls Camp: ages 7+, June 15th-17th or July 13th-15th, 3 days, 10am-2pm, $155 Dates: May 26th-29th, June 1-4, June 8-11, June 15-17, June 22-25, July 6th-9th, July 13-15, July 20-23, July 27th-30th, August 3-6. Ages: Ages 5 and up; 7 and up 334-363-5257 spiritedartao@gmail.com www.spiritartao.com

The Art Studio ad on page 30

118 North Ross Street , Auburn, Al 36830 Summer Art Camps offers students a unique experience with a wide variety of mediums in fine art, learning about artists from around the world, art concepts and innovative techniques. Space is limited so you are encouraged to register early. Rising 1st Graders and up. Monday - Friday 9amnoon or 1pm-4:00. Dates:Puppetry Camp: June 1-5 Art Around the World: June 8-12 Castle Creators: June 8-12 Teens Summer Studio: June 15-19 Art in the Big Apple: June 15-19 Dino Camp: June 22-26 Construction Camp: June 22-26 Fairy Tale Camp: July 6-10 Fun with Fiber: July 6-10 Meet the Masters: July 13-17

189 East University Drive, Auburn, Al 36832 Baton twirling lessons beginning June. Classes meet inside Max Fitness. 601-630-6994

Variations Dance Studio ad on page 15

323 Airport Road, Suite F, Auburn, Al 36830 Summer Camps: June 8 - June 12 and July 13 - July 17 Once Upon a Dream Princess Paint Party (18 months - 2 years) Superhero Acro Class (3-6 years) Fancy Nancy Ballet Class (3-4 years) Paw Patrol Jazz Adventure (5-6 years) 80s Throwback Camp (7-9 years) Kick, Tumble, and Roll Acro Class (7-11 years) Summer Intensive (10-18 years) Acro Mini Camps: June 2 - June 4, June 23 June 25, July 21 - July 23 PreAcro (ages 3-5 years) Beginning Acro (ages 6-8 years) Acro Levels 1 & 2 (ages 9-12 years) Acro Levels 3 & 4 (ages 13+) Drop In Classes: Wednesday evening drop in classes throughout the entire summer with varying styles! Summer Choreography Class: Calling all budding choreographers and leaders to explore and create! Choreography Class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer. Ages: 18 months and up 334-275-5013 Info@VariationsStudio.com www.variationsauburn.com

Make Your Move Performing Arts

1220 Fox Run Ave, Ste 212, Opelika, aL 36801 Summer dance classes offered including ballet, jazz, lyrical, acro and more. Dates: June-August Ages: Preschool-adult 334-705-0205 www.makeyourmovedance.com

Nix

850 6w VIP Hip and

Dat 334

214 Ca intr wo Ro be ry m Ca ins cia Ca abi sin

Dat

26, 16-

334

Pa Am ma hel

Dat Ag 205 ww

L O

Au ad

Au Pro cod cre Ani Bui will rec che

Dat Ag ww

Au C ad

128 Su run 7:0 We En gar com me Ch car We by chi cog spi

Ag 334 ww

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

1 ,

Nix Ballet Studio

850 Stage Road, Auburn, Al 36830 6 week Summer Fun Dance Camps! Enroll Now! VIP (very important princess class) 3-4yr olds, Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical / Contemporary, and Turns, Leaps, & Technique. Dates: June-July Ages: 3 and up 334-877-7250 www.nixdancestudios.com

Spicerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Band Camps

2140 E. University Dr. Suite K, Auburn, Al 36830 Camp Kazoo: This fun-filled, positive camp introduces children ages 3 to 5 to the wonderful world of music. Rock Camp Jr: This fun camp was designed to be a bridge between Camp Kazoo, our exploratory music camp for young children. Rock Camp: Campers receive individualized lessons in their instrument of choice and work with other musicians to create their own unique sound. Rock Camp Pro: provides older campers of various ability with an opportunity to receive group and single instruction on their instrument of choice. Dates: June 1-5, June 8-11, June 15-19, June 2226, June 29-July 2, July 6-10, July 13-16, July 16-20 and July 20-24. Ages: Ages 3 and up 334-329-7529 www.spicersmusic.com

Summer Showoffs

Parkway Baptist Church, Auburn, Al 36830 A music day camp that uses music and performance to build confidence and character. We help students develop their talents on stage! Dates: June 22-26 and July 6-10 Ages: 1st-12th grade 205 470-4945 priscilla@summershowoffs.com www.summershowoffs.com

Local Day and Overnight Camps Auburn Day School ad on page 47

Auburn, Al 36830 Problem solving STEM Camp: Campers will use coding, physical science, math and engineering to create solutions to problems. Themes are Help the Animals, Find the Secret Path, Break the Code and Build the Shelter. Stem Cooking Camp: Campers will sort, weigh, measure, mash and mix to a new recipe and a dish to share. Students will explore chemistry, physics and math along the way. Dates: Spring and Summer Availability Ages: Ages 3-6 years and Elementary www.auburndayschool.org

Auburn First Baptist Church Child Development Center ad on page 4

128 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, Al 36830 Summer Camp is a Field-Trip based Program running Tuesday, May 26-Thursday, August 6; 7:00am to 5:30pm Monday - Friday. Drop-Ins Welcome (space permitting). Summer Camp Enrollment is currently taking place for Kindergarten-completion of 5th grade (child must have completed Kindergarten). The Child Development Center is a ministry of Auburn First Baptist Church in which we provide safe, loving, quality care for children in a Christian environment. We strive to provide the best in early education by providing hands-on learning so that each child may develop to his or her highest potential cognitively, physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Ages: Kindergarten-rising 6th grade 334-821-8125 afbcdc@gmail.com www.auburnfbc.org

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Bonnie’s Kids Childcare Center

are a variety of educational activities and programs! We are continuing our weekly theatre and art programs, and we are adding a library reading program and a functional skills group. Superhero Training Camp: Calling all superheroes! Wear your favorite costume and come get strong with an obstacle course, get smart with science experiments and get creative with art projects – all superhero themed! Science Camp: At science camp, kids will be hands on with experiments, explosions and explorations. They will watch awesome demos, work with partners and groups to conduct science experiments and learn safe and easy experiments they can perform at home! Auburn The Knight School Chess Academy Camp: A nationwide chess party that coaches 2500 kids every week! Camp includes daily puzzler’s tactics lessons to earn new colorful wristbands tournaments. World Explorers: This camp will open eyes to geography, world cultures and different perspectives. So grab your passport and join us as we travel through the world with crafts, foods, traditions and geoliteracy. Dates: Therapeutic Camp: June 1-July 24, Camp Kaleidoscope: Weekly sessions June-July. Superhero: June 1-3. Science Camp: July 20-22. Knight School Chess Academy: July 27-31. World Explorers: June 15-17. Ages: Ages 4 and up

ad on page 25

2314 Enterprise Drive, Opelika, Al 36801 When your schedule says, “You can’t be there”, place your kids in Bonnie’s Care. Bonnie’s Kids Child Care can lovingly step in when your busy schedule takes you away from your young, preschool children, when you naturally want them cared for and watched over with the same love, attention, protection and nurturing that you would provide yourself. Serving the Opelika region for over 25 years, Bonnie’s Kids Child Care has been helping working families with attentive, conscientious and supportive child care in times of need, providing young children with guidance, confidence, nutrition, emotional and physical exercising and support, and honest to goodness love. Summer camp includes 3 field trips per week for school age children including swimming, bowling, area parks, movie theater, Auburn University, Callaway Gardens and more! Also offering Premier Spirit Academy tumbling, dance, music, computer and more! Ages: Birth-school age 334-745-6248 www.bonnieskids.com

City of Auburn Parks and Recreation

334-501-2930 ekaufman@auburnalabama.org; gmeredith@auburnalabama.org; winsleycoan@ icloud.com; auburnroboticscamp@gmail.com www.auburnalabama.org/parks

ad on page 7, 45

425 Perry Street, Auburn, Al 36830 CAMP KALEIDOSCOPE: Join us for lots of fun this summer at day camp! Each week of camp is filled with games, activities, swimming, art projects, special guests, and field trips. Campers can expect to discover new talents and abilities, make new friends, and have a blast! Summer Therapeutic Camp: offered from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day. New to camp this year

Growing Room Child Development Center ad on page 19

644 North Dean Road and 1755 Thomason Drive, Auburn/Opelika, Al 36830/36801 Growing Room’s 2020 Summer Camp begins

t It’s all abou

May 26, 2020. Our theme is the Summer Olympics, Let the Games Begin! Our Summer Camp includes exciting events and activities for every age group, from Infants to our School Agers. This year our campers will participate in unique crafts and special events with themes related to the Summer Olympics. School Age kids will enjoy fun & exciting field trips every week! Our summer curriculum continues to include educational concepts such as literacy, math, science, and character education. Children enjoy warm nutritious meals and the safest play possible on our state of the art playgrounds. Give your child the best summer ever at the Growing Room. We can’t wait to let the games begin! Both our Auburn and Opelika locations are open MondayFriday, 6:30am-6:30pm. Stop by today for a tour. Summer Camp registration opens to our waiting list on March 23, 2020. Dates: Year round Ages: Birth thru grade school

334-501-2044/334-748-9020. lsmith@grauburn.com www.growingroomusa.com

My Gym Auburn ad on page 3

300 North Dean Road, Auburn, Al 36830 My Gym camp is simply the best! Children participate in energizing fitness games, noncompetitive gymnastics, arts and crafts, music and so much more. Each camp program is uniquely designed to keep your children moving and active, as we emphasize physical development and personal success. Our themes and programs change daily, so no two camp days at My Gym are ever the same. Registration begins March 1st. Registration is required and spaces fill up quickly! Register online: www.mygym.com/camps. Spring Break Camp: At My Gym camp we activate the fun every single day – SO LET THE FUN BEGIN! Energizing games, exciting

yea

rs i n

a ro w

Susan & Larry Hooks, Owners & Directors Donna Bares, Assistant Director

800-882-0722 www.riverviewcamp.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

230 Ma tha age exp pla clos ani ger spla ped enc kee see zoo

Dat

22-

Age 334

131 Reg spe mu

• Ropes Course

• Sports • Soccer

• Swimming • Heated Pool

• Outdoor Nature Skills

On Top of Lookout Mountain in Historic Mentone, Alabama

Cam

334

Dat 334 ww

• Climbing Tower

Best of Parenting WINNER

Dat

• Riding - English, Western, and Jumping

award-winning, n a n o t u o s is m Don’t mp for your ca d re te n ce ts ri Ch mmer! daughter this Su

gym gua And and wee Ma yrs limi Par for little act Spa Ma $30

155 Put Wit sum

• Basketball

Dat 334 ww

• Beach Volleyball

• Tennis • Canoeing • Golf • Archery • Gymnastics • Cheerleading • Dance • Chorus • Drama

100 Reg in J Cam Pow hou Che em Cam

Dat 334

• Arts & Crafts • CIT Program

• Campfires every night • Optional trips & more!

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

290 Cam and will age opp com

Dat Age 334 ww

n d

yur. g

icive h d

ily,

gymnastics, cool arts and crafts, and music that guarantees to keep them moving and engaged. And they can kiss boredom goodbye with themes and programs that constantly change, so no two weeks of camp are ever the same. March 9th & 10th, 9:00am-12:00pm, 2.5 yrs.-10 yrs., $30 members, $40 non members. Spaces limited! Registration required and going on now! Parent’s Night Out: This is a date night made for kids! My Gym invites parents to drop off their little ones for an evening of laughter, games, activities, music...and even dinner. RSVP Today. Space is limited and goes fast. March 20th 5:30pm-8:30-pm, 2.5 yrs.-10 yrs., $30 members, $40 non members, ½ off siblings Dates: Spring Break: March 9-10. Summer Camps: June thru August. Ages: birth-10years 334-249-0987 www.mygym.com/auburn

The Montgomery Zoo ad on page 26

2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery, Al 36110 Make summer vacation a wildlife adventure that you will never forget. Join kids of similar ages and interests for a fun-packed, educational experience themed around the animals of our planet. See daily live animal presentations; get up close and personal with some of the Educational animals at the Montgomery Zoo; enjoy scavenger hunts; craft time; classroom time; playtime, splash time, and games at our playground; train, pedal boat, and sky lift rides; participate in animal encounters with the giraffes, river otters, parakeets and our collection of petting zoo animals; see behind the scene tours and visits with our zookeepers and other staff members. Dates: June 1-5, June 8-12, June 15-19, June 22-26, July 6-10, July 13-17 and July 20-24. Ages: Ages 5-12 334-240-4900 www.montgomeryzoo.com

Core After School Center

1311 Opelika Road, Auburn, Al 36830 Register now for summer...games, food, guest speakers, reader’s theatre, fun in the sun, art and music. Offering daily and weekly field trips. Dates:June-July Ages:K-5th graders 334-521-5252 coreafterschool@att.net www.coreafterschoolcenter.com

Kumon Math and Reading Center

1550 Opelika Road, Suite 36, Auburn, Al 36830 Put your child on the path to a lifetime of learning. With the school year fresh in your child’s mind, summer is the perfect time to join Kumon. Dates: year round Ages: students 334-501-8566 robertcox@ikumon.com www.kumon.com/auburn-opelika-al

Opelika Parks and Recreation

1001 Andrews Road, Opelika, Al 36801 Registration begins in May and sessions begin in June, dates TBA. Be on the lookout for: Art Camp, Firefighter Academy, Police Academy, Power Services Academy, Back to the Dawghouse Camp, Basketball Academy, Baton Camp, Cheer Camp, Racquetball Camp, Soccer Academy, All Sports Camp, Tumbling Camp, Tennis Camp and Plex Kids! Dates: June-July TBA Ages: Ages 5-and up 334-705-5560 www.opelikasportsplex.com

University Daycare

2900 Waverly parkway, Opelika, Al 36801 Camp is sure to be an adventurous, educational and enjoyable time for children of all ages. There will be regularly scheduled outings for our school aged children to exciting destinations and also opportunities for them to learn about their local community. Dates: May-August; year round Ages: birth through grade school 334-203-1234 hello@UDCAuburn.com www.udcauburn.com

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Regional Day and Overnight Camps Adventures in Math and Science: Alabama School of Math and Science ad on Inside Back Cover

1255 Dauphin Street, Mobile, Al 36604 Don’t waste your summer! Spend it at The Adventures in Math and Science summer camp at the Alabama School of Math and Science in Mobile, AL. Learn while you have fun! Kayak Mobile Bay. Design a maze. Build a smart phone app. Solve a crime. Prepare for the ACT. Learn how to make jewelry. Build a robot. Launch a rocket...and much more! Who can enroll? Students entering the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grades (current 5-9th graders). Course Sampling ACT Prep, Algebra Review, Exploring Inner Space, Marine Biology, CSI: Mobile, Phun Physics, Using Java, Robotics, Field Biology, Psychology, Math Puzzles, Labs of Doom, Rocketry, Origami, Speak Up, Light Metals and Enameling, Apps for Smart Devices, and many more. Dates: Week 1 (June 1-5), Week 2 (June 8-12), and Week 3 (June 15-19) Ages: Rising 6th-10th grade 251-441-2100 www.asms.net

National Infantry Museum ad on page 8

1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, Ga 31903 NIM Kids Summer Camp at the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center is a day camp filled with great activities for ages 6-14 years. Camps include Objectives: The Last 100 Yards, Boots on the Ground and Leadership. Our camp is designed to promote team work, Army values, and leadership while learning about military history. Lunch is provided for all campers. Limited number of scholarships available. Dates: June 8-12, June 15-19, June 22-26, July 6-10, July 13-17 Ages: Ages 6-14 years

706-685-5800 campdirector@nationalinfantryfoundation.org www.natioanlinfantrymuseum.org

Riverview Camp for Girls ad on page44

757 County Road 614, Mentone, al 35984 We’ve planned carefully everything you’re looking for in a perfect camp setting. Located just off Desoto Parkway on top of Lookout Mountain in Mentone, Alabama and nestled in a bend of beautiful Little River. We are a Christian environment promoting Adventure, Inspiration, Character, and Confidence-Building. You’ll be amazed at what you can do! Dates: May-July Ages: Ages 6-16 800-882-0722 www.riverviewcamp.com

Activ8 Summer Camps

Columbus State University, 4225 University Avenue, Columbus, 31907 31907 You will find quality programs that promote leadership and youth development through enrichment activities, unique experiences, and opportunities to develop relationships with adults and peers. Dates: June-August Ages: Ages 4-18 706-507-8070 www.continuinged.columbusstate. edu/activ8-summer-camps/

Alabama Museum of Natural History

The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Al 35487 Work side-by-side with scientists in the field of archeology and paleontology. Enjoy the natural wonders of Alabama while having fun and forging friendships. Dates: June-August 205-348-7550 almnh@ua.edu www.almnh.ua.edu/

Alabama School of Fine Art

1800 Reverend Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd., Birmingham, Al 35203 Programs are designed to educate, inspire and enrich the student in a fun, casual, and collaborative environment. Campers may choose to build their dance technique, their confidence on the stage, or even an app. Dates: June-July Ages: 2nd-9th grade 205-252-9241 jlittle@asfa.k12.al.us www.asfa.k12.al.us

Alabama Shakespeare Festival

1 Festival Drive , Montgomery, Al 36117 With acclaimed New York professionals and master theatre artists at the helm, ASF theatre camps

are fun, informative and unforgettable. Dates: March 16-20; June-July Ages: Age 5 years-12th grade 334-271-5393 www.asf.net/education

Alabama Wildlife Federation - Expedition Lanark Day Camp

3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook, Al 36054 Expedition Lanark is a full day summer camp that provides hands-on, outdoor educational activities that teach natural resource stewardship, develop leadership skills, and build character. Dates: May 28-31, June 3-7, 10-14, 17-21, 24-28, July 8-12, 15-19, 22-26, July 29-Aug 2 Ages: Ages 5-15 1.800.822.9453 awf@alabamawildlife.org www.alabamawildlife.org

Camp Alimisco

1771 Camp Alamisco Road, Dadeville, Al 36853 At Camp Alamisco, you see Jesus in nature, in the staff, and in all the activities we do. Come and be a part of a group who believes that Jesus is the One who has shown the “Crazy Love” for each of us and we can be with Him for all eternity. Purpose is to provide high quality Christian camping and retreat facilities. We are a year round camp and we are open to church and school groups as well as corporate functions. We are located on 55 acres on beautiful Lake Martin near Dadeville Alabama. Dates: June-July Ages: families and school age 256-825-9482 tcasey@gscsda.org www.campalamisco.org/

Camp ASCCA

5278 Camp ASCCA Dr, Jackson’s Gap, Al 36861 A nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation for children and adults with both physical and mental disabilities. Providing weekend and week long sessions, Camp ASCCA is open year-round. Located in Alabama on Lake Martin, Camp ASCCA offers campers a wide variety of recreational and educational activities. Activities include horseback riding, fishing, tubing, swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, canoeing, a “splash pad”, outdoor adventure elements like the zipline, and much more. Dates: May-August 256-825-9226 info@campascca.org www.campascca.org

229 At por cha dev and tria Sp ing

Dat 1-8 ww

Bre So Wh ver ing act sio Jam goo and

Dat 1-8

290 Fo is d the its sw stu

Dat 706

321 ap to 1 tion wa ind two

Dat 706

146 At clu and ma eve sup

Dat 504 ww

P.O Fro is p arc cam The cra and kin

Dat 334

Bir Ca par to p &c

Dat ww

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

hat es op

28,

ity. mp-

ear

a s l

h p-

Camp Cosby

2290 Paul Bear Bryant Road, Alpine, Al 35014 At Camp Cosby, boys and girls have the opportunity to build self esteem, grow, learn, and challenge themselves. Campers also learn to develop values such as caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Pool, lake adventures, horses, trials, team building, zip line, and much more! Specialty camps include bmx camps, wakeboarding and ski camps, and wrangler. Dates: June-July Ages: Ages 6-16 1-800-85COSBY cosby@ymcabham.org www.campcosby.org

Camp Jam

Brenau University, 500 Washington Street Southeast, Gainesville, Ga 30501 Why not spend a week of fun jammin’ out in their very own rock band, designing their own marketing packet, and participating in team building activities - all while learning from the best professional musicians in your area. That’s what Camp Jam Kidz is all about ‘ a bunch of kidz, having a good time while learning how to rock out! Day and overnight camps. Dates: June 23-28 1-800-513-0930 www.campjam.com

Tails and Trails The inaugural Tails and Trails, the 3K course you walk with your dog, will begin at

8 A.M. ON SATURDAY, MARCH 21ST at Kiesel Park followed by Bark in the Park.

To register online visit auburnalabama.org/parks/register Registration for Feb. 30 – March 21: $25 Don’t have a running “pawtner”? No worries, Lee County Humane Society will have adoptable pups available to accompany Jog-a-Dog program participants. To run with a LCHS pup, you must complete the Jog-a-Dog training before the race. To register for Jog-a-Dog training, please visit www. leecountyhumane.org/jog-a-dog.

Camp Joy

2903 Second Avenue, Columbus, Ga 31094 For most of the kids, the week at Camp JOY is definitely the highlight of their summer, as they come off the city streets and into nature at its finest. They enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, crafts, recreational time, singing, Bible studies and guest speakers. Dates: May - August Ages: Ages 7-11

Bark in the Park

706-322-8267 www.valleyrescuemission.org

Calling all dog lovers!

Camp Juliette Low

Auburn Parks and Recreation and the Lee County Humane Society will host Bark in the Park, an event celebrating responsible dog ownership, on

321 Camp Juliette Low Rd, Cloudland, Ga 30731 a private, non-profit summer camp for girls ages 7 to 17, accredited by the American Camp Association. CJL provides campers with fun and exciting ways to become more confident and competent, individually and in groups, through one-week and two-week outdoor residential programs. Dates:June-July 706-862-2169 www.cjl.org

Camp Lookout Mountain for Boys

1465 Eleonore Street, New Orleans, LA 70115 A traditional summer camp. Our program includes: water sports (swimming, diving, canoeing, and our famous zip line), horseback riding, rifle marksmanship, archery, tennis, arts and crafts, even fly-fishing with much more...all under the supervision of excellent staff Dates: June-July Ages: Age 7-15 504-861-1534 LookoutMountainCamp@gmail.com www.lookoutmountaincamp.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 21ST FROM 9 A.M. – 2 P.M. at Kiesel Park.

This FREE community event is open to all dog owners and their favorite four-legged friends. VISIT a variety of educational booths, SHOP with local pet vendors and ENJOY door prizes and dog-friendly activities all morning. Looking to expand your canine family? Rescue dogs will be available for adoption as well!

Camp Marannook

P.O. Box 581, LaFayette, Al 36862 From sunrise to after sunset, every camp day is packed with fun. Campers will swim, shoot archery, make crafts, eat s’mores around the campfire, and play games on the game field. They explore a huge maze, ride the cable car and crazy swing and are challenged by various rope and climbing activities. And there is a one-of-akind Bible Time with skits and drama. Dates: June 1-July 25 Ages: 1st-9th Grade 334-864-7504 www.marannook.org

Camp Shine

Birmingham, Al 35243 Campers learn healthy eating habits while preparing meals. Campers also have opportunities to participate in swimming, canoeing, hiking, arts & crafts, dance and many other activities. Dates: TBA Ages: Ages 12-15 www.childrensal.org/TeamTeen

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Camp Skyline Ranch

4888 Alabama Hwy 117, Mentone, Al 35984 A summer camp for girls, Skyline offers one and two week sessions where campers make new friends, honor old traditions, and strengthen their faith. Camp Skyline accepts girls of good character. Dates: June 1-July 25 Ages: Ages 6-16 1 (800) 448-9279 www.campskyline.com

Camp Victory

363 Victory Circle, Samson, al 36477 Activities include Bible Classes, Singing, Missionary Presentations, Volleyball, Riflery, Horseback Riding, Ping-Pong, Swimming Pool, Tetherball, Good Food, Archery, Mini Golf, Canoeing, Basketball, Foosball, Crafts, Carpet ball, Outdoor Education, Boating, Fishing, Tournaments, Low Ropes Challenge Course and Climbing Wall. Dates: June 1-July 25 Ages: 3rd-12th grade 334-898-7948 www.campvictoryal.org

Camp Walkabout

171 Baylor School Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405 Camp Walkabout is the no-experience-necessary avenue to all things outdoors. Campers will climb the world renowned Tennessee wall sandstone one day, explore the amazing underground world of a cave the next and paddleboard the mighty Tennessee River Gorge another. Camp Walkabout optimizes every day to find new adventures, leadership opportunities and friendships that will last a lifetime. Camp Walkabout truly is the most fun a camper can have in the summer! Dates: June-July Ages: Ages 5 and up 423- 757-2616 badams@baylorschool.org www.baylorschool.org/summer

Camp Winnataska

260 Winnataska Drive, Pell City, Al 35128 Offering a wide variety of quality programs for boys and girls. Each camp session will provide

campers the opportunity to experience aspects of outdoor life such as swimming, canoeing, arts, crafts, nature study, sports, archery, ropes course, hiking and camping, and horseback riding full week sessions and minicamp Dates: June 1-July 25 Ages: Age 6-15

606 Val ran thro and hor

Dat 706 ww

205-6406741 www.winnataska.org

Camp Woodmont

381 Moonlight Dr, Cloudland, Ga 30731 Your summer camp experience provides cabin living, moderate summer daytime temperatures, cool evenings around the campfire, creative counselors, new friends, talent/skit nights, and a close family-like atmosphere. Dates: May 25-July 25 Ages: 6-14

423-472-6070 www.campwoodmont.com

McWane Science Center

200 19th Street North, Birmingham, Al 35203 Hands-on educational programming with themes such as Mini-Meteorologists, Dino Discoveries, Super Hero Science, Science of Harry Potter, Rumble in the Jungle, Animation Station, Chemical Concoctions, Robotics and more! Camps are ½ day or full day. Dates: June -August Ages: Rising 1st-7th grade 205-714-8300 www.mcwane.org

Stringfellows

Huntingdon College, 1500 E Fairview Avenue, Montgomery, Al 36106 The Montgomery Symphony Orchestra and Huntingdon College offers a summer music camp to serve as a preparatory program for students of violin, viola, cello and bass, this six-day residential music camp will focus on building the musical

skills necessary for success on one’s instrument. Ages: Rising 7th-9th grade 334-240-4004 montgomerysymphony@gmail.com www.montgomerysymphony.org

The Bedford School “Squirrel Hollow Camp”

5665 Milam Road, Fairburn, Ga 30123 Serves children with academic needs due to learning difficulties. Campers participate in an individualized academic program as well as recreational activities (swimming, team games, Challenge Course elements and a variety of other games and activities). Academic instruction in the areas of reading, reading comprehension, math, auditory discrimination and writing skills through a variety of structured, multi-sensory techniques and materials. Dates: June 10 - June 26 Ages: Age 6-14 770-774-8001 www.thebedfordschool.org

124 On 1,0 loc ful ind def giv 20 arc

Dat 334

Au ad

425 Su gro put Ca Mo piz to p Ca pro alo Inte Sw offe onl

Dat

II: 7 beg

334 ww

M Su ad

195 Co at M gol (ful etiq 12: Co ($1 anc

Dat

Aug K-6 abi

865 ww

Sp Sm ad

100 5-y Sm in t reg Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

nt.

p”

her he h, h s

Valley View Equestrian Camp for Girls

606 Valley View Ranch Rd, Cloudland, Ga 30731 Valley View Ranch has been to help each rancher have the full opportunity of horsemanship through instruction, time in the saddle on trails, and the care and responsibility of having her own horse, all atop beautiful Lookout Mountain. Dates: June 1-July 26 Ages: Age 8-17 706-862-2231 info@valleyviewranch.com www.valleyviewranch.com

YMCA Camp Chandler

1240 Jordan Dam Road, Wetumpka, Al 36092 One of the largest camps in the south with over 1,000 acres of lake front property. Conveniently located 25 miles from Montgomery, AL on beautiful Lake Jordan. Whether you are looking for individual, small group, or camp-wide fun, we definitely have something for you! Campers are given the opportunity to participate in more than 20 different activities like horseback riding, skiing, archery, sailing, the high ropes course, and more. Dates: May 31-July 31 Ages: Age 5-15 334-229-0035 www.campchandler.org

Sports Camps Auburn Parks and Recreation ad on page 7, 45

425 Perry Street, Auburn, Al 36830 Summer Tennis Camps: Campers will learn ground strokes, volleys, the serve, and how to put it all together to play a match and keep score. Campers will have free time from 11:30am-12pm Monday-Wednesday (Thursday’ free time is the pizza party.) Free time will consist of the option to play hand ball, soccer, or fun tennis games. Campers will need to bring sunscreen and wear proper clothing and shoes. Water will be provided along with a snack. Ages/Level: 6-14 BeginnersIntermediates. Swim Lessons: Sessions begin May 30 and are offered every week through September. Register online. Dates: Tennis Camp I: 5/25-5/28; Tennis Camp II: 7/20-7/23 Swimming Lessons: Sessions I-X begin May through September Ages: Ages 6-14 334-332-1680 kshannon@auburnalabama.org www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Moore’s Mill Club Junior Summer Golf Camps ad on page 18

1958 Fairway Drive, Auburn, Al 36830 Come join us for lots of fun and great instruction at Moore’s Mill Club for one of our 3 day summer golf camps! We will cover all aspects of the game (full swing, short game, putting, rules of golf/ etiquette and playing on the course). 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (snacks and drinks will be provided). Cost: Members - $195; NonMembers - $225 ($100 nonrefundable deposit – remainder of balance due first day of camp) **Space is limited Dates: June 9-11, June 16-18, July 7-9 and August 4-6 (all 3 day camps) Ages: Boys & Girls: K-6th grade (players will be grouped by age and ability) 865-300-0452 andrewpratt@mooresmillclub.com www.andrewprattgolf.com

SportsPlex Kids Triathlon & Small Fry Tri ad on page 21

1001 Andrews Road, Opelika, Al 36801 5-year-olds may participate in the Kids Tri or the Small Fry Tri. In order for a 5 year old to compete in the Kid’s Triathlon they will need to do a paper registration. All participants will wear tri tags.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Race Krewe will be doing timing for the event. Awards will be given to the top 3 finishers, male and female, in each age group. Each participant will receive a t-shirt and medal. Ages 6-8: Swim 50 yards, Bike 1.5 miles, Run 500 yards; Ages 9-11: Swim 100 yards, Bike 3 miles, Run 1 mile; Ages 12-15: Swim 150 yards, Bike 6 miles, Run 2 miles. Dates: August 1 Ages: Age 6-15 Kids; 5 years Small Fry sportsplextriforkids@gmail.com www.sportsplextriforkids.com/

World Championship Taekwondo ad on page 33

2701 Fredrick Rd, Suite 308, Opelika, Al 36801 Combining traditional and modern teaching techniques and principles to fit all ages and all physical levels - we focus on character development in young children, teens, and adults. At World Champion Taekwondo we use Martial arts as a tool to teach students discipline and respect for themselves, parents, friends and others around them. The uniqueness of Martial Arts is that it’s an individual sport, where a student is judged solely on their own performance and not compared to others in class. Dates: Summer TBA Ages: Preschool to adult 334-737-5617 wctauburn@gmail.com www.martialartsauburn.com

Auburn Academy of Martial Arts

323 Airport Road, Suite J, Auburn, Al 36830 Offering a complete system of martial arts Dates:June-July Ages:Ages Preschool and up 334-502-7221 www.auburnacademy.com

Auburn Fencing

Premier Spirit Academy

229 South 8th Street, Opelika, Al 36801 Camps are for beginner and intermediate level fencers. Dates: June 1-5, June 8-11 and July 13-17 Ages: Ages 8-15

923 Stage Road, Auburn, Al 36830 Call about Summer Camps. Ages: Ages Preschool and up 334-821-7300 www.premierspiritacademy.com

334-203-1989 administration@auburnfencing.com www.auburnfencing.com

Auburn Mixed Martial Arts

2515 East Glenn Avenue, 205, Auburn, Al 36830 Combination of martial arts instruction, life skills, self defense skills, team work, fitness and lots of fun. Dates: June-July Ages: Preschool-adults 334-887-0818 info@auburnmma.com www.auburnmma.com

Auburn Thunder

Auburn, Al 36830 Elite soccer club for boys and girls Ages: Ages 9-18 www.auburnthundersoccer.com

Grand National Junior Golf Camps

3000 Robert Trent Jones Trail, Opelika, Al 36801 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. $100 per session; 8:30-11:30 a.m. Lunch and a free Par 3 round are included each day. Dates: June-July Ages: Ages 7-17 334-749-9042 www.rtjgolf.com

Sports Academy

3716 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika, Al 36801 Baseball and Softball Skills Clinic Ages:All baseball and softball players of any skill level, ages 7-12 334-749-4040

www.sportsacademyauburn.com

WinShape Camps for Communities

Cornerstone Church @ Lee Scott Academy, 1601 Academy Drive, Auburn, Al 36830 WinShape Camps for Communities brings the ultimate day camp right to your neighborhood, combining fun, faith and friendship into an actionpacked week. Campers cultivate their God-given skills and talents in a mix of indoor and outdoor moments, physical activity and creative play, with epic adventures at camp all day and sleeping soundly back at home at night. At the end of the week, we serve up a day of fun for the whole family—complete with a yummy lunch from Chick-fil-A. Dates: July 27-31 Ages: completed grades 1 through 9 334-887-1152 jill@cornerstonebuzz.org www.cornerstonebuzz.org

3732 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika, Al 36801 Our focus is to develop happy, healthy, responsible and respectful kids through gymnastics and cheer. Dates: June-July Ages: Ages Preschool and up

943 Lee Road 57, Auburn, Al 36830 Come learn how to ride, make new friends and enjoy horses! Dates: Spring Break, May-Aug 334-887-0026 www.hghorsequarters.com

334-759-7030 www.xtremeathleticsauburn.com

AOP

MEMBERSHIPS ON SALE NOW! BENEFITS •

Welcome pack

•

Birthday card from Aubie

•

Free admission to volleyball, equestrian, soccer, non-conference baseball and softball, and gymnastics

•

Discounted admission to one football game

•

Early admission to Fan Day (must be signed up prior to August 9)

TO JOIN VISIT AUBURNTIGERS.COM/KIDSCLUB

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

Xtreme Athletics

H & G Horse Quarters

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

inf Ba fo sp op to at bo ba re sc ba fo ag hit

M H

bin tho too ch be tw sw me so ea alt ba

The Positive Impact of Pounding Toys

kill

onen r ith

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

From the moment they begin tapping their toys on the edge of their crib or stroller, kids are letting us know that they like the sensation of pounding things. It’s no surprise when you consider the flood of stimuli, physical and auditory that this action produces. Toys that encourage pounding support gross motor control, increased concentration, instinctive measurement, and hand-eye coordination. Pounding games also help safely release stress and tension through play. Among the host of toys that support kids’ natural inclination to tap and pound their toys, the following recommended items are guaranteed to be the biggest hit of all.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Hammering and Pounding Wooden House

Ninja Punching Bag (Atlasonix)

A big step up from the standard inflatable bop bag, the Ninja Punching Bag is ready to take the big hits. Perfect for channeling excess energy in a limited space, punching bags offer kids an ideal opportunity to improve their gross motor coordination, physical stamina and athletic concentration. Weighed at the bottom with sand or water, this inflatable bag quickly returns to its upright and ready state after each strike. The ninja graphic and muted color scheme encourage focus as opposed to other novelty-themed bop bags. Standing tall at 5’3” this bag makes a versatile striking target for both kids and adults. It’s also easy to deflate and empty for storage or travel. Get your punches in with this smart target for kicks, hits and sweeps!

(Rolimate)

It’s hammer time in the house, with Rolimate’s versatile pound play palace. Perfectly sized openings in the roof support four balls, until a strike from the hammer launches them into the interior. A raised threshold keeps the balls contained until they’re retrieved for the next round of percussive play. Hand-eye coordination is enhanced with the house’s additional features which include colored spin beads, a sliding button, and a clock with movable hands. Crafted from thick rubber wood, the Hammering and Pounding Wooden House boasts bright graphics, smooth edges and durable construction. Combining activity learning with safe pounding play, this little house is a striking addition to the energetic toy box.

Musical Light Hammer

Pound, Tap and Shake!

The Musical Light Hammer combines the best elements of a rattle with those of the most familiar item in the toolbox. This colorful hammer features charming graphics and a clear rattle bead bubble at its base. Powered by two AAA batteries, an easy access switch moves the hammer between two play settings. The entertainment mode lets the tool display lights as well as play music and funny sounds. The learning mode introduces numbers and counting with each strike. Toddlers will especially enjoy the animated eyes that alternate expression with each pound of the hammer head. Ideal for a baby’s first tool, the Musical Light Hammer is an instant hit!

While there’s an undeniable physical satisfaction found by kinetic pounding, the Hape Pound, Tap and Shake toy adds musical elements that hit the eardrum just right. Featuring pound-through balls (with mallet), a removable xylophone and a real tambourine, this toy is designed to keep resulting in volumes entertaining for children while maintaining a reasonable decibel level for audience members. Crafted with eco-friendly bamboo wood and finished with safe, scentless, water-based paint this collection is durable, sustainable, and built to withstand years of percussive play. Hape’s Pound, Tap and Shake hits all the right notes as it combines the satisfying sense of pounding with the sound results that are music to a kid’s ears.

(StyleCarry)

(Hape)

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

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

FamilyCalendar Saturday, February 29 Auburn Chili Cook-Off The 2020 Auburn Chili Cook-Off benefiting Storybook Farm will be from 10:30 AM until 3 PM at the Pavilion at Ag Heritage Park (Big Red Barn) in Auburn. 334502-5111. Russell Forest Run The 11th annual Russell Forest Run benefits the Alexander City Schools Education Foundation. Registration at www.RussellForestRun.com. For info and race time please check the website, Facebook, or call 256-397-1019 for more details. The Russell Forest Run has donated tens of thousands of dollars to the Alexander City Schools Education Foundation! Late Winter Zoo Volunteer Serve Day Montgomery Zoo. Help prepare the Zoo grounds for Zoo Weekend! We are picking a single day to gather volunteer groups to accomplish several tasks, including landscaping, trimming bushes, planting flowers, raking leaves, painting, and overall prepping the Zoo for upcoming events. Volunteers can be adults, teens, civic groups, school groups, church groups, businesses, military squadrons, and families. Volunteers ages 12-16 years old must be accompanied by a parent / legal guardian or a designated group chaperone. Volunteers under the age of 19 must obtain parent / legal guardian permission to volunteer. www.montgomeryzoo.com Beyond the Stars This event is the 55th Anniversary of the “Stars for Freedom” rally at the final campsite of the marchers of the Selma to Montgomery March 1965. Eventgoers will enjoy a viewing of the onsite museum commemorating that night, as well as a silent auction, jazz band, wine and beer. The City of St. Jude Interpretive Center and Garden, Montgomery. 334-265-6791.

Sunday, March 1 Pablo Sainz Vileggas: Americano Trio Gogue Performing Arts Center. Celebrated as the soul of the Spanish guitar, virtuoso Pablo Sáinz Villegas brings passion and emotion to each of his stirring live performances. Villegas will be accompanied by versatile bassist Pedro Giraudo and master percussionist Nacho Arimany, with songs to include anything from bossa nova to the Beatles. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu Gospel Explosion 2020. The Bottling Plant Event Center. This year’s event will Feature Live in Concert....Le’Andria Johnson Along with Chee Chee Jordan, Brandon Morgan and Pathfinders...MC Sylvester McPherson. Le’Andria Johnson is a Grammy and Stellar Award Winner, as well as, winner of BET’s Sunday Best! For more info or tickets contact: The Bottling Plant Event Center 334-705-5466.

Monday, March 2 Read Across the Preserve Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. Join the KPNC and the Auburn Public Library as we partner to celebrate “National Read Across America Day” with the National Education Center. National Read Across America Day coincides with Theodor Seuss Geisel’s (Dr. Seuss) birthday and across the country,

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

we celebrate by bringing together kids, teens, and books! At the KPNC, enjoy stories every 20 minutes at many locations around the Nature Center including the Nature Playground’s tree house, the campfire, the waterfall deck, Azalea Place, and among the trees on our trails. Visitors will also get to hunt for each page of our “story walk,” a book whose pages are along a short walk in the woods. Read Across the Preserve is free – donations are welcomed. Cancelled in the event of rain.

sea creatures and the animal kingdom. They will learn about the historic Voting Rights Act in Alabama and cast mock votes. Youth and adults will enjoy solving puzzles, brainteasers, and the sights and sounds of countries and cultures from the past to the present. Also in the Alabama display, we honor our Veterans and commemorate our neighbors in Beauregard and surrounding areas and how they are rebuilding. Open to Public: 1 PM. – 4:30 PM. Cost: $7. 334.444.0970.

Auburn Area Community Theatre Open Auditions for: Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike Also Mar. 3. Read from provided lines and interact with the group. Open auditions for two men and four women of any race or age for this award winning comedy by Christopher Durang. Vanya and his adopted sister, Sonia, share a home in Bucks County, PA, where they bicker and complain about the circumstances of their lives. Unexpectedly, their movie-star sister, Masha, owner of the house, swoops in with her new boy toy, Spike. Old resentments flare up, eventually leading to threats to sell the house. Also on the scene are sassy maid Cassandra, who believes she can predict the future, and a lovely young aspiring actress named Nina, whose prettiness worries the imperious Masha. At a fancy dress party everyone’s lives begin to change. Call-backs March 5 by invitation. More details and slides available at www.auburnact.org.

Friday, March 6

Tuesday, March 3 AU Leadership Series: Ty Bennet. Auburn University Student Center. Leading with fear or trading on titles is no longer effective. In their place, partnership, communication, inclusion, and connection have become game-changers. Ultimately, we are in the people business, which is, without question, the business of building relationships. How? Using specific, time-tested skills and solutions to cultivate trust. Encourage collaboration. Deliver value. Inspire ideas and insights. And yes, fuel commitment amongst team members to do more, reach higher, and develop their own leadership skills. www.auburn.edu/outreach Color for a Cause Montgomery Mall. Color for a Cause is a live mural coloring contest and shopping event that raises funds and awareness for local organizations. Shop anywhere in the Mall during the event and show your receipt to support the cause of your choice. This fun night out at the Mall brings together hundreds of people in support of a variety of important causes. www.wecolorforacause.com Matt Haimovitz and Simone Dinnerstein Gogue Performing Arts Center. “The New York Times” has lauded Matt Haimovitz as a “ferociously talented cellist [of] uncommon, expressive gifts,” and the “Independent” praises pianist Simone Dinnerstein for the “majestic originality of vision” in her artistic approach. These two acclaimed classical solo artists will perform as a duet on a dynamic program that includes a Beethoven cello sonata alongside a Philip Glass partita, and solo piano and cello repertoires by both composers. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Thursday, March 5 Travels in Alabama: Then and Now Exhibit Also March 6. Clarion Inn, Auburn. Featuring video highlights from the Tuskegee Airmen Museum, the Dothan Peanut Festival, Auburn City Fest, and much more. From Alabama to Antarctica, students will dive into STEM-focused exhibits that include hands-on activities with technology, viewing ordinary objects magnified, books and models of

Forest Friends Open House & Playdate Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. Forest Friends is an award-winning program offering a unique educational experience for pre-school children and their parents, incorporating hands-on activities with nature and environmental awareness. Children will learn about a different topic each week of the 6-week session. Join us on the Nature Playground for the come-and-go playdate to learn more about Forest Friends, meet the Forest Friends teachers, and find out if it is a good option for your family. (334) 844-8091. GA Geocamping Weekend & Coinapaloosa Also March 7. F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain, Ga. Weekend camping, get-together and a unique coin swap event highlight this adventure. Specific time and location information online at www.geocaching.com. General public is welcome to participate in Saturday events for free. $5 parking. 706-663-4858. www.gastateparks.org/FDRoosevelt Rebecca Loebe in Concert at Sundilla. AUUF, 450 East Thach, Auburn. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and attendees are welcome to bring their own favorite food or beverage. Rebecca Loebe is a sophisticated, mature writer with a relevant point of view and an assured, nuanced voice that’s both elegant and earthy, powerful and delicate, with a range and depth she hints at more than flashes. www.sundillamusic.com Dawg Pound Classic (high school soccer tournament) Also Mar. 7. Opelika SportsPlex. Azalea Storytelling Festival Weekend Also Mar. 7-8. LaFayette Society for Performing Arts. www.lsparts.org

Saturday, March 7 44th Annual Zoo Weekend Also Mar. 8. Montgomery Zoo. During this two-day event the Montgomery Zoo is transformed into a amazing carnival-like atmosphere, with two stages of entertainment, games, rides, bouncy houses, giant inflatable slides, pony and camel rides, petting zoo, animal encounters, Montgomery Fire Department’s Smoke House, Montgomery Police Department K-9 Unit, live animal presentations, concessions, baked goodies, and more. Special appearances include Zoobeedoo, Big Mo, McGruff the Crime Dog, 501st Legion Vader’s Fist Star Wars characters, and the characters from Lisa’s Party Palace. Zoo Weekend is our biggest fundraiser of the year. All event proceeds from this event will be contributed to the construction of a new reptile facility. www.montgomeryzoo.com

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Ma Kre gre bre fres will bas fore is “ to c bre inc mo

U.S Riv an Ban Nav arra tran The offi cha con mu blu ww

4th Riv Day of G Bro the ww

Be Mo ww

Ge Wh an we rac alik fini at t ben Geo Chi the min

disc wh mil pro

are

ure

que

n nd a in

the

d .

to . t

re d,

s of t o, s 9 d

Calendar Monday, March 9 Mar. 9-11 and 16-18: Spring Break Camp Kreher Preserve & Nature Center camps are a great way for your children to spend their spring break outdoors, immersed in nature, exercise, and fresh air… and a bit of education, too! Campers will join our naturalists for three days of naturebased learning experiences and adventure in the forests of the Nature Center. This year’s theme is “By the Water” and we are offering two weeks to coincide with both Auburn and Opelika spring breaks. Sessions are $150 ($120 for members) which includes all three days. Visit our website to learn more: auburn.edu/preserve.

Thursday, March 12 U.S. Navy Bands RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Don’t miss an incredible night of music with the U.S. Navy Bands! The premier wind ensemble of the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Navy Concert Band, presents a wide array of marches, patriotic selections, orchestral transcriptions and modern wind ensemble repertoire. They are joined by the Sea Chanters, the U.S. Navy’s official chorus, performing everything from sea chanteys and patriotic fare, to opera, Broadway and contemporary music, and the Cruisers, performing music ranging from jazz & standards, rhythm & blues, classic rock, adult contemporary and pop. www.rivercenter.org

Friday, March 13 4th St. Day Care Evening of Gospel RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Fourth Street Day Care and Academy presents “An Elegant Evening of Gospel” featuring Wess Morgan, The Wardlaw Brothers, the Columbus State University Choir, and the Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church Choir. www.rivercenter.org Bert Kreischer - The Berty Boy World Tour Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, Montgomery. www.mpaconline.org

Saturday, March 14 Georgia Aquarium 5K: Manta Race Whether your motivation is to get in shape or make an impact on aquatic animal conservation, join us as we run, jog, or walk for our one world ocean. This race is perfect for beginners and seasoned runners alike. Registration includes a collectible t-shirt, a finisher’s medal, runner’s hospitality and a sponsor fair at the end of the race. Runners receive the additional benefit of $10* off a General Admission ticket to Georgia Aquarium throughout the month of March! Children may participate in the 5K run, so long as they complete the course at the minimum pace of 20 minutes per mile. www.georgiaaquarium.org/

Allen Orthodontics is pleased to be moving to Moores Mill in Spring 2019. is move will improve our patient experience by accommodating our expanding orthodontic services and technology, greatly increasing space for treatment and allowing easy parking and access to our oﬃce for all of our patients. Allen Orthodontics is thrilled to be joining a great mix of signature businesses that will be steps away from our new location.

2020

Dino Dig Education Program Montgomery Zoo. Are you ready to get a little dirty? Then Dino Dig is perfect for you. Our junior explorers get to experience an archaeological dig, discover bones from the past and have a great time while learning about creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago. Dino Dig is an educational program with hands-on experience and fun. It is

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

FamilyCalendar geared for boys and girls aged 4-10 years old. Dino Dig is a combination of fun-filled and insightful educational program packed with: a classroom lesson plan, real dig time and everyone leaves with a take-home, goody bag. www.montgomeryzoo.com Creative Cubs: Piecing Together a Story Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Young artists (ages 3-5) take inspiration from Mozell Benson’s quilt, Three Crosses, and have the opportunity to decorate their own quilt squares. 10:00-11:00 AM. www.jcsm.auburn.edu Nephew Tommy Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, Montgomery. www.mpaconline.org

Monday, March 16 Spring Break Camp Mar. 16-20. Opelika Parks and Rec. Structured and fun games and activities during your break from school! pdriver@opelika-al.gov

Tuesday, March 17 CSO: Carnival of the Animals RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Co-produced with the Columbus Ballet, this family-friendly educational performance features stunning dance with music from Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite and the famous Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saëns. Join us at 6:30 PM in the lobby for free activities and interactive games for children of all ages! www.rivercenter.org

Thursday, March 19 Farm to Table (aux): Women Making History Columbus Museum. Farm to Table(aux) brings together art & food lovers to enjoy a farm-to-table feast of fresh and seasonal dishes prepared by local chefs alongside the imaginative productions and performances of local artists and performers. During the Cocktail Reception, community-based designers or artists each produce a spectacular tableau using local models, actors, friends, or volunteers. www.columbusmuseum.com 63rd Annual SLE PRCA Rodeo Also Mar. 20-21. Garrett Coliseum. The Rodeo coming to town means more than just buckin’ broncos, barrel racing and burly bulls. Whether it is the parade downtown, the Stick Horse Rodeo or the Western Festival, there is something for everybody to enjoy. “Escape To Margaritaville” Welcome to Margaritaville, where people come to get away from it all—and stay to find something they never expected. This musical comedy features both original songs and your most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Fins,” “Volcano,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and many more. www.rivercenter.org Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Montgomery Performing Arts Center. www.mpaconline.org

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

Friday, March 20 Sierra Hull Band Gogue Performing Arts Center. A mandolin prodigy, Sierra Hull had already signed to a record label by age 13 and released her debut “Secrets” three years later. The bluegrass virtuoso’s latest album, 2016’s “Weighted Mind,” received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Folk Album and was produced by banjo master Béla Fleck, who said of Hull: “She plays the mandolin with a degree of refined elegance and freedom that few have achieved.” www. goguecenter.auburn.edu

Saturday, March 21 Tails and Trails 3K Race Kiesel Park. Join Active Auburn as we kick-off the 8th annual Bark in the Park with a 3K for you and your furriest friends at Kiesel Park at 8 a.m.! Grab your running shoes and your perfect running “pawtner” for a doggone good time! Don’t have a running “pawtner”? No worries, Lee County Humane Society will have adoptable pups available to accompany Jog-a-Dog program participants. To run with a LCHS pup, you must complete the Jog-a-Dog training before the race. Adoptable dog running partners will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis. www. auburnalabama.org/parks Bark in the Park Kiesel Park. This FREE community event is hosted by Auburn Parks and Recreation and the Lee County Humane Society and is open to all dog owners and their favorite four-legged friends. Visit a variety of educational booths, shop with local pet vendors and enjoy door prizes and dog-friendly activities all morning. Looking to expand your canine family? Rescue dogs will be available for adoption as well. 334-501-2930.

Tuesday, March 24 Weight of Black: Works by Anila Quayyum Agha Exhibition Opens Columbus Museum. www.columbusmuseum.com Boots for Troops 5K Auburn University. Sponsored by The John “Boots” Stratford Squadron of the Arnold Air Society. This event is held in support of Hope for The Warriors: A nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive support programs for service members, veterans, and military families. All race proceeds will be donated to Hope for The Warriors. 228.233.4999 Dover Quartet and Bridget Kibbey Gogue Performing Arts Center. Cherished harpist Bridget Kibbey and the world-renowned Dover Quartet unite for the first time in a celebration of Johann Sebastian Bach. Kibbey is an acclaimed soloist and chamber musician who has toured with Dawn Upshaw and Placido Domingo. The Dover Quartet is one of the most in-demand ensembles in the world, performing more than 100 engagements each year. Together, they will inspire audiences with a rousing selection of some of Bach’s greatest works. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Thursday, March 26 Artist Conversation: Out of the Box Sculptors. Christopher McNulty moderates a panel discussion

featuring winning Out of the Box sculptors Antoinette Schultze, Christopher Fennell and Brighton McCormick. Q&A to follow. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 5:30-6:00 PM. www.jcsm. auburn.edu Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Gogue Performing Arts Center. Wynton Marsalis leads 15 of the finest jazz soloists and ensemble players today as they perform a vast repertoire ranging from original compositions to masterworks by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Fletcher Henderson, Thelonious Monk, Mary Lou Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Charles Mingus and many others. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Friday, March 27 2nd Annual Opelika Songwriters Festival Also Mar. 28-29. Downtown Opelika. Enjoy live musical performances by local, regional, and national songwriters in historic downtown Opelika. Rob and Jen Slocumb, a.k.a. Martha’s Trouble (a husband-and-wife folk/rock duo and owners of Opelika recording studio/event center The Sound Wall) are bringing the new festival to life. The festival will take place in Downtown Opelika at more than nine venues, including John Emerald Distillery, Sneak & Dawdle, Irish Bred Pub, Eighth & Rail, Ma Fia’s Outdoor Patio, The Depot Outdoor Stage, Zazu Gastro Pub, and Studio 319. www. opelikasongwritersfestival.com Annual Plant Fair & Sale at Callaway Gardens The perfect kick-off to Spring, this exceptional shopping opportunity features a wide variety of plants and unique garden items from more than a dozen local and regional vendors. A beloved annual event and one of Callaway Gardens’ largest fundraising events, the Plant Fair & Sale proceeds help support the Ida Cason Callaway FoundationTM and its educational and environmental programming. Plant Fair & Sale at the Overlook Garden, Pavilion & Trails will allow visitors to be among the first to see the restoration projects underway within this beautiful, historic area of Callaway Gardens. www. callawaygardens.com Newsboys United: Greatness of Our God Tour Montgomery Performing Arts Center. www.mpaconline.org

Saturday, March 28 Women’s Hope 5K and Kid’s Fun Run + 1 Mile Walk Runners, join us for a quick 5k race that begins and ends in Auburn’s beautiful Town Creek Park. Walkers, enjoy a fun stroll through Town Creek Park. This event will help support Women’s Hope Medical Clinic. Help us reach our goal of $30,000! Medals will be awarded. All kids who participate in the Kids Fun Run will also be awarded a medal. Big Book Sale Also Mar. 29-30. Auburn Public Library. Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Mon. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This sale is open to the public, and hundreds of gently used books will be available for purchase, including bestsellers, classics, fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books. All proceeds benefit the programs and services at the Auburn Public

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Libr the 332

An Als Lec the to t the of H exp he Nao and fan in h

Pre 9th ope

CS Riv wor and

ette

s n, ie, s.

FamilyCalendar Library. For more information, or to volunteer with the Friends of the Auburn Public Library, contact 334332-1874 or email boosiml@auburn.edu.

by choruses from Columbus State University and Auburn University as well as the Voices of the Valley Children’s Chorus. www.rivercenter.org

have a pint at the bar onstage and meet these nine handsome blokes before the show. Is that a party or what? Cheers! www.eastalabamaarts.org;

Anon(ymous) Also Mar. 29. Telfair B. Peet Theatre. Theatre Lecturer, Ashley Butler, directs a staged reading in the Telfair Peet Theatre. This is a free event, open to the public, giving audiences an inside look at the making of a production! A loose adaptation of Homer’s “The Odyssey”, this lyrical and expressionistic tale follows young refugee Anon as he journeys through America in search of his mother. Naomi Iizuka’s Anon(ymous) interrogates a complex and challenging issue through a dreamlike lens, fantastical storytelling, and an epic quest for the best in humanity. www.theatretickets.auburn.edu

Sunday, March 29

Apr. 3: Cops On Top 2020 Come by your local Kroger stores and visit our law enforcement. They’ll be on the roof raising money for Special Olympics Lee County! 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Kroger Auburn & Opelika. (334) 501-2939.

ACT Test Prep Opelika Public Library. Free test prep class covers content-specific strategies, pacing and time management skills, test-taking strategies, and tips for the most frequently tested question types. Pizza lunch will be served from 12-1 p.m. Preference is given to sophomores and juniors. 9th-12th graders. 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. • library@ opelika-al.gov CSO: Firebird & Carmina Burana RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. These two great works are monuments of the last century’s choral and orchestral repertoire. The orchestra is joined

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Montgomery Performing Arts Center. www.mpaconline.org

Monday, March 30 Through Apr. 3. Spring Break Adventures @ Oxbow Meadows Join the staff at Oxbow for adventures with the following themes: in radical reptiles, wet & wild, clouds & rainbows, STEAM show, animal babies, coloration & camouflage and lunch, munch and crunch. oxbow.columbusstate.edu/ Spring Festival Sponsored by the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association. All families are welcome and it is free. 5:30-7:00pm at the Auburn University Student Center. There will be inflatable, games, face painting and prizes. www.auburn.edu

April Apr. 2: The Choir of Man Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. The Choir of Man’s multi-talented cast sings roof-raising pub tunes, folk songs, Broadway, and classic rock. It’s the best singing, dancing, stomping, pub crawl of a concert you’ll ever attend, and you’re invited to

Apr. 3-10: Easter Scavenger HuntThe Thrill of the Hunt! Auburn Parks and Recreation. Part of what makes Easter fun are the games, but perhaps you have outgrown the traditional egg hunt. If you are ages 10-12, join us for our spin on the classic Easter scavenger hunt. This week long hunt will have you searching throughout Auburn to earn a special Easter treat! Keep your floppy ear to the ground for further event details in March 2020. www.auburnalabama.org Apr. 4: 2020 Ride and Seek: A Bicycle Safety Adventure Harris Center, Auburn. Parks and Recreation Complex located at 425 Perry Street in Auburn. For those who would like a t-shirt, registration will begin on Monday, January 13, and run through Friday, March 20. Walk-up registration will also be accepted on the day of the event, but no t-shirts will be available at that time. The event will begin at 9 AM with stations on-site covering various bike safety topics such as helmet fitting, bike fitting, lights and reflectors as well as proper hand signaling. 3-mile rides will depart intermittently with opportunities to win prizes along the route! Tickets are $5 without a t-shirt or $10 with a t-shirt. Visit www.auburnalabama.org/ rideandseek to register in advance. The event will include live music as well as breakfast and lunch

M ng.

rk. al

m. om

e , efit

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

FamilyCalendar

for purchase from Drive-by Tacos. The door prize drawing will take place at 11:30 AM. If you have questions or would like to be a sponsor, please email Gabby Filgo at gfilgo@auburnalabama.org.

Bridge calls on audiences to share space with these sisters and journey with them as they reconnect with one another and grapple with the passage of time. www.auburn.edu

Apr. 4: Breakfast with the Bunny Kiesel Park. Hop on over for the inaugural Breakfast with the Bunny! 8 – 11 a.m. at Kiesel Park. The breakfast is $5 per person and activities will include a meet and greet with the Easter bunny, balloon animals, face painting, and more! Each child will receive a special treat from the bunny. This can’tmiss event is sure to produce some cherished family memories and adorable photo opportunities. www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Apr. 10: Underwater Egg Hunt Opelika SportsPlex. 6:00-10:00 PM. Hunt for eggs at the bottom of the Sportsplex pool! Kids ages 6-10 are invited. The event is free for members, $4 for guests. www.opelikasportsplex.com

Apr. 4: Backpack International Family 5K Town Creek Park. Come join us for a family 5K! Participants may run or walk any of the races and are asked to bring a hygiene product, toy or school supply item for Backpack International’s annual summer mission trip to Guyana, South America. This event will take place RAIN or SHINE! Backpack International, Inc. is a U.S. based, non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization with a mission to share the love of Christ Jesus with children in need around the world, by ministering to their spiritual, physical, social, and academic needs. info@backpackinternational.org Apr. 11: Easter on the Square Downtown Opelika. Easter Egg-tivities, Bonnet Contest, Easter Parade, visits with the Easter Bunny and the largest egg hunt in the area! 10:00 AM, Children 2nd grade and younger. www. opelikasportsplex.com Apr. 6-12: Scale Back Alabama- Lee County Weigh Out Week Frank Brown Recreation. Scale Back Alabama (SBA) is a statewide weight-loss contest designed to encourage Alabamians to have fun while getting healthy. Weigh-in/out days and times: Weigh-out Dates and Times: Dean Road Recreation Center: April 6-10: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Frank Brown Recreation Center: April 6-9: 6:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.; April 10: 6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information about the many free fitness options for SBA participants, please visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ scalebackleeco. For more information about Auburn Parks and Recreation fitness facilities and programs, please visit us online at www.auburnalabama.org/ parks or call (334) 501 – 2930. For more information about the statewide campaign, please visit www. scalebackalabama.com. Apr. 7: Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martinez Duo at the Gogue Performing Arts Center This Cuban jazz supergroup is the combination of classical piano prodigy Alfredo Rodríguez and ingenious percussionist Pedrito Martinez. Their first collaborative album, “Duologue,” was released in February 2019 and produced by the legendary Quincy Jones who discovered Martinez at the 2006 Montreux Jazz Festival. The duo will perform a beautiful fusion of jazz, Cuban music and American popular music with Afro-Cuban drumming that will leave audiences’ hearts soaring. www.goguecenter. auburn.edu Apr. 9: Flashlight Egg Hunt Moore Stadium, Opelika. Moore Stadium from 7:30 to 9 p.m for students in 3rd-5th grade and is free to the public. www.opelikasportsplex.com Apr. 9-18: Marion Bridge Telfair B. Peet Theatre. When three sisters return home to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia to care for their dying mother, they must confront not only the realities of the present moment but also the truths of their own lives. Told with a combination of great compassion and humor, Daniel MacIvor’s Marion

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

Apr. 11: Auburn Football A-Day 2020 Jordan-Hare Stadium. Auburn’s annual spring football game, A-Day, presented by Golden Flake, will kick off at 3 p.m. CT at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Tickets are on-sale now through the Auburn Ticket Office for $5 to the general public and free for AU students with an Auburn Ignited Card. All seats are general admission. www.auburntigers.com Apr. 11: 39th Annual Easter Egg Hunt Sponsored by Wells Fargo Kiesel Park. This Hunt is one of the largest in Lee County, with more than 30,000 eggs hidden throughout the park. NEW this year will be three “hunting grounds” available for the following age groups: 4-5, 6-7 & 8-9 years of age. Ten grand prizes will be awarded in each group and the Easter Bunny will be available for photos after the Egg Hunt. Come join us for some great musical entertainment, free sodas and balloons, inflatables and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny! Please remember to arrive early to find parking and your child’s correct age group. The first age group will START at 10:30 a.m. sharp! Egg Hunt Start times will be staggered by age group. 4-5 Hunt @ 10:30 a.m. • 6-7 Hunt @ 10:40 a.m. • 8-9 Hunt @ 10:50 a.m. ahall@auburnalabama.org Apr. 11: Organic Gardening Workshop Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. Join the Auburn University Organic Gardening Club, Lee County Master Gardeners and Kreher Preserve & Nature Center educators to learn organic gardening techniques! Organic gardening is gardening without synthetic fertilizers and pesticides – a philosophy of gardening that respects the earth and supports the health of the whole system. You’ll get hands-on practice working alongside experts to help us plant the KPNC vegetable garden. Participants will even learn how to seed a log with mushroom spores. This workshop meets at the North Parking Lot on Farmville Rd. and costs $5 per person. For info, visit auburn.edu/preserve Apr. 14: Spring Treats Opelika Parks and Rec. Learn easy spring treats and bring your own recipes to share! 6:00-7:30 p.m. pdriver@opelika-al.gov Apr. 16: Complexions Contemporary Ballet www.rivercenter.org Apr. 16-19: “Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End” Red Door Theatre. “Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End” gives a comic look at one of our country’s most beloved voices who captured the frustrations of her generation by asking, “If life is a bowl of cherries, what am I doing in the pits?” Discover the story behind America’s beloved humorist who championed women’s lives with wit that sprang from the most unexpected place of all – the truth. info@ reddoortheatre.org Apr. 16-26: “The Comedy of Errors” www.asf.net

Apr. 17: Monkey Park After Dark: “Dazed and Confused” Sponsored by Opelika Parks and Rec. Enjoy watching “Dazed and Confused” at Monkey Park. 8:30 p.m. www.opelikasportsplex.com Apr. 17: Fun with Frogs Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. Local wildlife expert and naturalist Jimmy Stiles partners with KPNC educators for fun and adventure, exploring the forest looking for frogs. During this exciting program, participants of all ages will spend an evening learning about frogs, where frogs live, how to find them, catch them, and handle them, and how they are one of the best indicators of the health of our environment. Fun with Frogs is $5 per person. www.auburn.edu/preserve Apr. 18: Camille A. Brown and Dancers at the Gogue Performing Arts Center www.goguecenter.auburn.edu Apr. 18: StrawberryFest Town Creek Park. Join Auburn Parks and Recreation for the inaugural StrawberryFest this April! Do you enjoy fresh picked strawberries, jams, baked goods, paintings and/or crafts all with a strawberry theme? Then this event is perfect for you! Come enjoy StrawberryFest from 8 – 11 a.m. For information visit www.auburnalabama.org/citymarket. Apr. 21: Zakir Hussain & Friends Ft. Kala Ramnath & Jayanthi Kumaresh Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center. Zakir Hussain is appreciated as an international phenomenon and a classical tabla virtuoso. His many historic collaborations span decades and include John McLaughlin and L. Shankar, Mickey Hart, George Harrison and Yo-Yo Ma. For his performance at the Gogue Center, Hussain will appear with Indian classical violinist Kala Ramnath and veena (lute) artist Jayanthi Kumaresh. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu; Apr. 22: Earth Day Safari Educational Event Montgomery Zoo. Bring the classroom to the Zoo while celebrating Earth Day. Totally new, completely revamped, a true learning experience fun for all. Earth Day Safari is a fun yet educational field trip for students and teachers that are concerned about our planet and our individual impact on our environment. 9 AM - 2 PM. www.montgomeryzoo.com Apr. 22: Baby Shark Live! Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center. 6 p.m. Take an adventure into the sea with Baby Shark as he joins up with his friend Pinkfong to sing and dance through some of your favorite new and classic songs! www. goguecenter.auburn.edu Apr. 23: Auburn CityFest 2020 Juried Art Show and Preview Reception The Auburn CityFest Committee invites the public to an evening of great art, food, and musical entertainment. It is FREE and open to the public. auburncityfest.com. Apr. 25: 20th Annual Auburn CityFest The 2020 Auburn CityFest will take place at Kiesel Park from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Auburn CityFest is the largest, free outdoor festival in Auburn. This year‘s Auburn CityFest’s theme is “Back to the Future”; everything 80’s will be celebrated! Auburn CityFest is FREE to the public with many attractions

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

and has ven ride attr ww

Ap Aub Ope Chu will Mu Billi pur

Ho Sat Wa Bee cou bee

Fam Kre and thro offe lear enj out offe and mo Nat Res

Art Jan NEW spe Pho Apr and

Col Col yea Ma wit bak Ma

Loo Eve PM cen per Ph. Am mo colu

Pre Brin Sm fun ear the art wor boo exh wel mo

AL Hav Mu

ing

w ow f

s, e?

isit

any

ce an

for ur ent.

gue

h w.

n s

FamilyCalendar and activities for residents of all ages. The festival has over 100 arts and crafts vendors, over 30 food vendors and 30 non-profit vendors. Inflatables, pony rides, touch a tractor, sense tent and many other attractions. FREE to the public. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. www.auburncityfest.com

Thursday at 12:00 noon. Listen to music while surrounded by art. Mar. 5: Auburn University Piano Studio Mar. 12: Pianist Beibei Lin Mar. 19: Violinist Tian Xu with Cellist Harmony Heaum Joung

Apr. 30: An Evening with Dr. David Jeremiah Auburn Arena. Sponsored by First Baptist Church of Opelika Men’s and Women’s Ministries. First Baptist Church of Opelika Men’s and Women’s Ministries will host Dr. David Jeremiah at the Auburn Arena. Musical worship at this event will be led by Charles Billingsley. This event is for all ages. Tickets can be purchased. www.fbcopelika.com.

Third Thursday Poetry @ Jule Collins Museum Looking for a little poetry in your life? Each 3rd Thursday, join Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University for an evening of poetry reading from authors. Mar. 19: Michael McFee

Recurring Events How to “BEE” a Beekeeper Workshop Saturdays, Mar. 7-21. 3-5 PM at Oxbow Meadows. Want to BEE a beekeeper? Chattahoochee Valley Beekeepers Association is presenting a six-week course that will take you from a beginner to a beekeeper! oxbow.columbusstate.edu/ Family Discovery Hikes and Nature Walks Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. March 10 and 12, and April 9 and 14, join us for monthly guided hikes through the Kreher Forest. Family Discovery Hikes offer excellent opportunities for the entire family to learn about nature and see wildlife up close, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. Nature Walks are for adults only and offer opportunities to socialize, learn, and just relax and decompress in the quiet, peaceful forest. Each month offers a different theme. Discovery Hikes and Nature Walks are free – donations are welcomed. Rescheduled in the event of rain. Art Gallery Spring 2020 Exhibition Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. NEW WORKS - Feb. 19-Mar. 20. New works and special projects by selected area and regional artists. Photo XXI Juried Photography Exhibition - Mar. 23Apr. 27. A competitive exhibition open to area artists and photographers. Columbus’ Market Days on Broadway Columbus. 9:00 AM - noon. Every Saturday morning, year-round in the 1000 & 1100 blocks of Broadway. Many local and organic farmers sell produce, along with soap vendors, home goods, jewelry vendors and baked goods. Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ MarketDaysOnBroadway/ Look! @ Lunchtime Every second Tuesday. Columbus Museum. 12:15 PM. A collaborative viewing exercise and dialogue centered on works of art from the Museum’s permanent collection. Jonathan Frederick Walz, Ph.D., Director of Curatorial Affairs & Curator of American Art, will facilitate LOOK! discussions. Each month a new object will be explored. Free. www. columbusmuseum.com Preschool Program @ Jule Collins Museum Bring your preschooler (ages 3-5) to the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University for a fun and educational program designed especially for early learners. Each month, we’ll tackle a different theme and make unique connections between the art in the museum and your child’s every expanding world. Each session will also pair favorite children’s books with art works in the museum’s collection exhibitions to encourage language development as well as a hands-on component for increasing fine motor skills. A Little Lunch Music @ Jule Collins Museum Have your lunch break at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University every

Saturday Art Club The Art Studio. Art Club that gives children an opportunity to engage in art exploration. Art projects are set up to use a variety of materials, and ideas and techniques, but children have complete creative control. Paints, oil pastels, clay, printmaking, wire and wood sculpture, cut paper collage... are some of the mediums found during Art Club. www. theartstudioart.com Chick-fil-A Family Night at Tigertown Every Thursday night. 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. Free Korean After-School Culture and Language Classes for Students Ongoing. Sponsored by Auburn University Office of Professional and Continuing Education. Free Korean language and culture classes for students in the 3rd12th grades! The classes are designed for beginners with no prior knowledge of the Korean language and will focus on developing both speaking and listening skills. Students will gain knowledge of vocabulary, phonetics and basic expressions as well as cultural aspects like K-pop and Korean games. The program offers classes for four different age groups, with each class tailored differently to meet the diverse developmental needs of students. Each class meets in a different location at varying times. www.auburn. edu/outreach

instruments, objects - arranged throughout the Galleria. Sound, music, and video will be running concurrently. Haas will enter and fit the sculpture to his body, delivering a commentary, while the audience is encouraged to move around the sculpture. Haas, in marrying sculpture, painting, film, and architecture, has created a contemporary visual vocabulary all his own. He describes his process as “sculpting by thinking.” Haas is the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship, as well as other awards. His feature film “Angels & Insects” was nominated for the Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or and an Academy Award. He has taught in the visual arts program at Princeton University. edu@ columbusmuseum.com

Library Events Painting & Drawing Master Classes. Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26. Auburn Public Library. Our artist instructors will work with you, in person, to help you develop a beautiful style and increase your mastery by teaching useful tips. Master classes are open to all levels of art instruction— beginner through advanced. Workshops are presented by Wayne Crossland, the guy behind the Drawing Fan, and usually consist of a short lecture, practice time with participants, and a short questionand-answer period after. www.drawingfan.com/masterclasses Full STEAM Ahead March 16-20, join the Opelika Library Staff for a full week of exciting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities. Full details TBA. See website and Facebook event page for more details. Free. 1:00-2:00 p.m. After-Hours Teen Movie Night Students in grades 6 and up are welcome to join the Opelika Public Library staff for movie night. The movie will be PG or PG13 and will be a new release voted by attendees. Wear comfy clothes and bring a friend. We will have popcorn and candy too. 6:30-9:00 PM.

Home Depot Kids Workshop First Saturday of each month. 9 AM-12 noon. Time to get hands-on! The Home Depot offers free workshops designed for children age 5-12. All children get to keep their craft, receive a free certificate of achievement and a workshop apron.

ACT Test Prep Free test prep covers content-specific strategies, pacing and time management skills, test-taking strategies, and tips for the most frequently tested question types. Space is limited to 30. 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. library@opelika-al.gov

Woodland Wonders Nature Preschool Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. January-May. Auburn’s first “nature preschool” – an innovative educational strategy that allows your child to learn about, with, and through nature, embracing the great outdoors as their classroom. Nature preschool is guided by an emergent curriculum which supports children’s interests and voices while incorporating developmentally appropriate practices through play-based activities. Classes held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 to 11:30 AM starting August 20 and concluding May 14. Open to students aged 3 to 5. www.auburn.edu/preserve

Recycled Teenagers Book Club Monthly book club featuring lively discussions around books chosen by the library director. Books are provided. vwhite@opelika-al.gov

Philip Haas: Sculpture Breathes Life Into Painting a& Music The Columbus Museum. Feb. 16-Mar. 1. Themes addressed include the unity of the arts, performance/ theater, time, and cultural history. Each day, over the course of two weeks, the event will start with various elements - sculpture table, easel, musical

Crown and Castles Calling all princesses and knights! We will be celebrating all things medieval at this afternoon party for all ages. Drop in 3:30-5:00 PM to participate in crafts and games. library@opelika-al.gov Middle School Mondays First and third Mondays of the month. 6th-8th graders. Different activities will be available each time. Drop in anytime between 4:00-7:00 PM. library@opelika-al.gov High School Tuesdays Second and Fourth Tuesdays of each month. Different activities will be available each time. Drop in anytime between 4:00-7:00 PM. library@opelika-al.gov

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

FamilyCalendar Story Time Every Monday and Friday, 10:00 AM. Perfect for preschoolers, children enjoy 20 minutes of books, songs manipulatives, and rhymes , with an emphasis on repetition for their developing minds. Story time is followed by free play. Ages 0-5 years. library@opelika-al.gov Homeschool Hangout: Gardening Series Mar. 11, 18, 25, 10:00-11:00 AM. Opelika public library. Open to all homeschooling families, Homeschool Hangout is a program series covering a variety of topics. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required so we know what supplies we will need. library@opelika-al.gov Saturday and Wednesday Code Club Saturdays 10:00-11:00 AM or Wednesdays 3:30-4:30 PM. Code Club at the Lewis Jr. Memorial Library is going to teach your kids how to make website, apps and games in a fun environment. Give them much needed exposure to STEM education and let them get ahead of the crowd. Bring your own laptop if you have one, but not required. library@opelika-al.gov Board Game Open Play Sundays 1:00-4:00 PM. From Monopoly to Betrayal at the House on the Hill to Sushi Go, Sunday is for board games. Bring your own or play on of ours. library@opelika-al.gov Brick Builders Saturdays, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM. If you love creating Lego bricks, then this is the place for you to be. Open to all ages, but geared towards school-aged children. library@opelika-al.gov Baby Time Tuesdays, 9:30-10:00 AM, 10:00-10:30 AM or 1:00-1:30 PM. Auburn Public Library. Babies and their favorite adults enjoy 20 minutes of stories, songs, bounces, and tickles during Baby Time. Stay afterwards to socialize and play! Ages birth-24 months. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Toddler Time Wednesdays, 9:30-10:00 AM or 10:30-11:00 AM or 1:00-1:30 PM. Auburn Public Library. Toddlers and their favorite adults enjoy 30 minutes of interactive stories, songs, movement rhymes, and a fun craft during Toddler Time. Stay afterwards to socialize and play! Ages 18 months-3 years. www.auburnalabama. org/library. Preschool Time Wednesdays, 9:30-10:00 AM, 10:30-11:00 AM or 1:00-1:30 PM. Preschoolers and their favorite adults enjoy 30 minutes of interactive stories, songs, movement rhymes, and a fun craft during Preschool Time. Stay afterwards to socialize and play! 3 – 5 years. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Story Time Mondays and Fridays. Opelika Public Library. Join us for an interactive and engaging preschool program that is sure to delight and entertain. They won’t even know they are learning! library@opelika-al.gov. Saturday STEM Storytime Saturdays. Auburn Public Library. Preschoolers - 2nd grade children and their caregivers are invited to join us for a storytime on Saturday mornings that is all about STEM. 10:00-11:00 AM. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math This storytime will focus on these concepts in a fun, interactive, story-driven format Please note: Some activities may involve messy fun! (334) 501-3296. Gamers Society Auburn Public Library. Thursdays 4:00 PM. It’s Game On at the Auburn Public Library The Programming

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

Room will be open for Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokemon, and video games. Gamers must bring their own materials The library will provide materials for video game play. Games must be rated E, E10, or T; no rated M games. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Imagination Lab Thursdays, 3:00-4:00 PM. Opelika Public Library. The Imagination Lab is for young minds to explore and create. From magnetic circuits making sound to programming a small robot, the lab is waiting for BRAIN power to create a spark. library@opelika-al.gov

Performances AACT Young Performers Presents “High School Musical, Jr.” Feb. 28-Mar. 7. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Disney Channel’s Smash hit movie musical comes to life at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Troy, Gabriella and the talented students of East High sing and dance their way through issues of love, friends, and family while balancing their classes and extracurricular activities. $10/Adults, $8/Students and Seniors. Tickets can be purchased at auburnact.org. “Mike Like Sugar” Feb. 28-Mar. 7. Columbus State University Theatre. It is Annie Desmond’s sixteenth birthday and her friends have decided to help her celebrate in style, complete with a brand new tattoo. Before her special night is over, however, Annie and her friends enter into a life-altering pact. She befriends Malik, who promises a bright future, and Keera, whose evangelical leanings inspire Annie in a way her young parents have not been able to do. In the end, Annie’s choices propel her onto an irreversible path in this story that combines wit, poetry, and hope. www. theatre.columbusstate.edu “Alabama Story” Mar. 5-22. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. It’s 1959, and the civil rights movement is starting to grip America. In Montgomery, Alabama, a gentle children’s book with an apparent hidden message stirs the passions of a segregationist senator and a no-nonsense librarian. A contrasting story of childhood friends — an African-American man and a woman of white privilege who reunited in Montgomery that same year — provides private counterpoint to the public events of the play. Political foes, star-crossed lovers, and one feisty children’s author inhabit the same page to conjure a Deep South of the imagination. www.asf.net “Ruby”: The Story of Ruby Bridges Mar. 6-22. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Ruby Bridges was six years old when the civil rights movement came hammering at her door — choosing her as the first African-American child to integrate an all-white elementary school in the South. When white families pulled their children from her class, Ruby and her first-grade teacher, Mrs. Henry, forged ahead undaunted, even while protestors jeered and threatened young Ruby’s life daily when federal marshals escorted her to and from school. With seven brand new songs inspired by The Shirelles, Sam Cooke, and Smokey Robinson, this play explores a little girl’s unbeatable courage in the face of adversity as she helped lead the civil rights movement up the front steps and into the classrooms of her elementary school in New Orleans. Produced in collaboration with Montgomery Public Schools. www.asf.net Lafayette Ballet Company: “Alice in Wonderland” Mar. TBA. LaFayette Society for Performing Arts. www.lsparts.org

“Singin’ In the Rain” Mar. 12-29. Springer Opera House. The splashiest song-and-dance musical comedy in Broadway history! This extravagant theatre sensation includes an onstage rainstorm, dazzling costumes, jaw-dropping dance numbers and a string of Hollywood’s most loved musical numbers. www. springeroperahouse.org

bas info

Aub A fu tha

Bodies in Motion: Ballet to Braveheart to Broadway Mar. 19-21. Telfair B Peet Theatre. Our annual dance concert, Bodies in Motion, brings together a variety of pieces from an array of movement styles to explore the infinite possibilities of a body in motion. www.theatretickets.auburn.edu “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Mar. 25-Mar. 28. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Deep in a wondrous forest, it’s a wild night for lunatics and lovers as we dive into Shakespeare’s unforgettable vision of ludicrous longing, lively language, and lasting love. Surrender to the enchanting world of the Bard’s most beguiling comedy in ASF’s idyllic Shakespeare Garden. www.asf.net Lafayette Theatre Academy: “James and the Giant Peach” Mar. 26-28. LaFayette Society for Performing Arts. www.lsparts.org

Support & Parenting Groups A2Z Local Homeschooler’s Association For homeschooling families in the Auburn/Opelika Lee County area of Alabama. A2Z Loop is an allinclusive 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 334-728-1162 or email: momofpnk@ gmail.com.

Me Nig gro

Aub Big tim Age

Aub We mo Ope of k play For Fac aub

Bib Hel a.m

Bos Mee Thu ww

Bre Mee a.m reg

Adoption Advocates of East Alabama First Wednesday of each month starting March 4,2020 at 6:30 PM. Held at First Baptist Church Opelika, Room 307. Call or text Lori Creel for more information at 334-750-1808. Alabama Mentor’s Foster Parent Training Classes Offered in the Opelika Auburn area. Call 334-7058877 x 18 to register or email: Deanna.Hand@thementornetwork.com. Auburn UMC 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

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Car Car rew care chil with love jou Spo Hom the 12: are (Ho Cou

Foo The offe and awa

FamilyCalendar basis. Contact Barbara Dawsey at 826-8800 for more information. Auburn United Methodist Church. Auburn Mommies A fun group of moms in the Auburn/Opelika area that meet weekly for playgroups and Mommy and

nce y

eep and e

0 al ed

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/Opelika MOPS & MOMSnext We meet the first and third Thursdays of the month at Trinity United Methodist Church in Opelika. We offer fellowship and fun for moms of kiddos from infancy through age 15. We offer play dates, moms nights out, and special events! For more information check us out on Facebook at Facebook.com/AuburnOpelikaMOPS or email us at auburnopelikamops@gmail.com. Bible Study Fellowship Held at Parkway Baptist Church, Thursdays at 10 a.m., (334) 546-1386. Bosom Buddies (a breast cancer support group) Meets at The Health Resource Center the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. (334) 528-1260. www.eamc.org. Breast Feeding class Meets the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon on EAMC’s third floor. Call 528-1260 to register. Caregiver Support Group Caring for a family member or friends can be rewarding, but it’s not easy. Whether you are the caregiver for your parents, spouse or a dependent child, this group is for you! Learn ways to cope with every day stresses of caring for someone you love. Gain tools and resources to help you on your journey. This program is supported by the Opelika Sportsplex, Lee-Russell Agency on Aging and HomeInstead Senior Care. This group is open to the public. Meets the last Monday of each month at 12:30 p.m. at Opelika Sportsplex AAC. Instructors are: Valeri White (Sportsplex), Bridgette Sager (Home Instead Senior Care), Lisa Askew (Lee-Russell Council of Gov). Food Allergy Support of East Alabama The Food Allergy Support of East Alabama group offers support through the sharing of information and resources. We are also working to increase awareness of food allergies in the state of Alabama.

For more information, visit our website at www. foodallergysupporteastal.org or call Barbara at 334826-3082; bkg2007@bellsouth.net. GRACE - Post-Abortive Support Group Are you struggling with feelings of regret or sadness from having a pregnancy termination in your past? Do you feel like you can’t share these struggles with anyone? Would you like to find healing and forgiveness? You are not alone. Women’s Hope Medical Clinic wants to help you! You are invited to take part in our GRACE abortion recovery group. This confidential group gives you the opportunity to process the grief of 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. Grandparents and Non-Parent Relatives or Friends Raising Children Support Group For grandparents or any non-parent involved in raising younger children. Meetings first Monday of every month @ Auburn United Methodist Church Annex, Room D134, 6 - 7 p.m. Various speakers and lots of support from others in your same situation. Childcare is provided. Phone Lisa @ 334-421-7163 or Debra @ 334-332-9703. La Leche League A support group for expectant and breastfeeding moms, meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm @ Cornerstone Family Chiropractic, Airport Plaza, 323 Airport Road, suite A, Auburn. For more information contact leader Marcie Gaylor, (205) 7465530, marciegaylor@gmail.com or Josie Ettinger (334) 257-3950 or cell (334)740-8780. Nursing babies and children up to around age 5 are welcome, and meetings are free to attend. 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 The group helps children understand, see and grow up with other families that look like their family (white parents/Asian child). The group is 100% free! We try to eat out at Asian establishments monthly and have playdates. Families that are waiting to adopt are welcome! We accept any families with adopted children from all Asian countries. Contact Melody at mmhilyer@bellsouth.net for more information. Miracle League To volunteer or for more information, www. miraclefield.org or eamiracleleague@gmail.com. MOMS Club of Auburn A group of stay-at-home moms that meets about twice a week to provide support for each other and fun interaction for kids. New website is www. auburnmoms.com. MOPS of Auburn We meet the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at Auburn United Methodist Church from 9:30 - 11:30. Childcare is provided, although we ask that you make reservations if possible. Meetings are open to mothers with children ages 5 and under. www.facebook.com/ mopsofauburn mopsofauburn@gmail.com.

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. Parent Educational Workshop - Autism Lee County Autism Resource and Advocacy. 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Avenue, Opelika. Parent Support Group - Autism Lee County Autism Resource and Advocacy meets the 1st Monday (unless national holiday), 9:00-11:00 a.m. and the next evening (Tuesday) from 6-7:30 p.m. Visit www.leecountyautism.com for complete information. Email info@leecountyautism.com or call 334-740-0716. 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) 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. Therapeutic Foster Care Program Foster a Child’s Future Today - Become a Therapeutic Foster Parent! Certification classes are free. Please call Ms. Nystrom at Lee County Youth Development Center’s Therapeutic Foster Care Program. (334) 749-2296, Ext. 1786 - You can make an eternal difference in a child’s life! Therapeutic Rec: Discover Group Sept.-May. Opelika Sportplex. Discover is an opportunity for high-functioning, intellectually disabled citizens that are no longer enrolled in school. We will discover together through various activities and will travel once a month. Scheduled trips may change meeting times. There are costs associated with this program. Contact: John Huling • jhuling@opelika-al.gov Trinity UMC (Opelika) Mom’s Morning Out Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:45–12. $15 per child, $5 each additional.

Sports Auburn Basketball Mar. 4. Auburn Women’s Basketball Mar. 1. Auburn Equestrian Feb. 29. Mar. 7. Auburn Baseball Mar. 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17. April 3, 4, 5. Auburn Softball Mar. 1, 11, 14, 15, 16, 27, 28, 29. April 7, 9, 10, 11, 18, 19. Auburn Golf Mar. 27, 28, 29. River Dragons Hockey, Columbus Mar. 1, 7, 20, 22, 27. April 3, 4, 5. www.rdragons.com

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

Sonic the Hedgehog

Brahms: The Boy II

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: CViolence: BSexual Content: A Profanity: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: BEver since he was little, Sonic (Ben Schwartz) has been running from anyone who tries to catch him. Hiding out on Earth, the extraterrestrial hedgehog has been feeling lonely, and his sadness triggers an outburst in the form of a massive blue energy ball that wipes out the power in the small town of Green Hills. Not surprisingly, this draws the attention of the federal government, which sends the nefarious Doctor Ivo Robotnik (Jim Carrey) to investigate. Sonic teams up with the local sheriff, Tom Wachowski (James Marsden) to make a run for it, but along the way, realizes his friends might be more important. For a movie about a supersonic hedgehog, this movie drags like it’s stuck in super glue. Consumed by the titular rodent’s near constant (and highly aggravating) patter and narration, the movie subjects you to one hackneyed Hallmark moment after another until you’re lying on the sticky floor and begging for death. Oddly, these clichés are actually a benefit in disguise. Since you’ve seen basically everything here in other movies, this one just evaporates from your mind as you walk out of the theater, leaving behind an oily mental film of resentment and irritation which I suspect will clear up by morning. That’s actually the kindest thing I can say about Sonic the Hedgehog: you probably won’t ever think about it again. Despite its boredom-inducing superpowers, Sonic is otherwise innocuous. There are few content concerns - in fact, I think this has the fewest profanities of any movie I’ve seen this year, with six terms of deity and one use of “hell”. But, honestly, suffering through Sonic isn’t one of the essential trials of parenting and you can give this one a pass without any guilt at all.

Brahms: The Boy II MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: CViolence: CSexual Content: A Profanity: C Alcohol / Drug Use: B Liza (Katie Holmes) and Sean (Owain Yeoman) have a pleasant life with their son, Jude (Christopher Convery), in their lovely London home. But when a terrifying burglary leaves Liza injured and shaken, and Jude refusing to say a word to anyone, Sean suggests that they get out of town and decompress in the country. On a walk in the woods, Jude stumbles across a buried doll, with a strange face, and an even stranger list of rules which “he” expects to be followed. There is a glut of “cursed kid/imaginary friend/cursed doll” movies, and they’re all basically interchangeable. This one is absolutely made from the same mold. It’s functionally a “color-by-numbers” of horror movie clichés. So the real question with most horror movies: is this suitable for a large group of overly-loud teenagers with nothing better to do on a Friday night (except that homework you keep trying to get them to do)? Unfortunately, yes. There is almost no seriously objectionable content. Even the violence, which sounds pretty bad when written down, mostly happens just off-screen or is non-fatal in nature. It’s also devastatingly boring, but loud teenagers make their own fun. As brainless entertainment, you could do worse. Of course, for my money, I prefer to get slightly more brain. I’d settle for something that doesn’t make me wish I’d just sat in the car, waited ‘til the movie was over, and read random Wikipedia pages on my phone. Although, in fairness, very few movies clear that threshold.

The Photograph

The Call of the Wild

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C Violence: A Sexual Content: CProfanity: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C How do you choose between being with the one you love and following your dreams? Christina (Chanté Adams) is a gifted photographer, perfecting her skills in rural Louisiana. She wants to find fame in New York City, but she’s in love with Isaac (Rob Morgan), a local fisherman whose dreams begin and end with marrying her. Should she abandon her goals and stay with Isaac or should she try her luck in the Big Apple? Thirty-five years later, Christina is dead of cancer. Her daughter, Mae (Issa Rae) meets a reporter, Michael (LaKeith Stanfield) whose work on another story led him to Christina’s photos. The two begin a relationship, just as Michael applies for a new job in London. Now Mae must decide if she’s going to follow her mother’s path or find her own way. I love romantic dramas and was hoping The Photograph would deliver two love stories for the price of one. It almost does. The chemistry between Christina and Isaac is palpable and it’s easy to feel the emotional strain as both characters realize their dreams are incompatible. Mae and Michael’s relationship, however, stumbles through lots of awkward moments before it starts to gel. This production features two steamy scenes of premarital sex, with couples shown undressing, and caressing and rolling atop one another in bed. On the bright side, the movie has fewer than a dozen swear words and no violence. While I am annoyed with the movie’s unnecessary sexual content, my overall attitude to The Photograph is ambivalence. If only the romances were more memorable...

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: C+ Sexual Content: A Profanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: C Buck is massive St. Bernard/Scotch Collie with a loyal heart, expressive eyes, and prodigious amounts of energy that can’t be contained in his sedate California home. His mischief-making career comes to an abrupt end one night when he is dog-napped, sealed in a wooden crate, and shipped thousands of miles without food or water. Upon arrival in the far North, Buck is brutalized, subdued, and sold as a sled dog to deliver the mail to prospectors in Yukon Territory. Buck’s heart is as resilient as he is strong, and he soon embarks with gusto on this second phase of his life. And, then, on the third. The Call of the Wild carries a number of themes that will interest parents, and resilience is doubtless one of them. Buck is a poster boy for emotional resilience, bouncing back from everything life throws at him. But John Thornton (a scraggly, bearded Harrison Ford), running from the demons of his past and trying to drown them in alcohol, demonstrates that for some of us, resilience is more of a journey than a hardwired personality trait. The primary messages of this film, not surprisingly, relate to man’s relationship to nature. The most obvious is our responsibility to animals. Despite its powerful messages, The Call of the Wild comes with some negatives, none more glaring than the CGI dogs. For parents who aren’t troubled by the movie’s CGI, the only real areas of concern are alcohol use and violence. But for most family viewers, Buck’s adventures will help deepen our appreciation of the beautiful planet we call home and might even help us hear the call of the wild places that still remain.

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2020

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

THE ADVENTURES IN

ath & Science 2020 SUMMER CAMP SESSIONS HOSTED BY THE ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MATH AND SCIENCE • MOBILE, AL

JUNE 1-5, JUNE 8-12, AND JUNE 15-19 | GRADES 6-10 Register by March 1: $370 Overnight Camp (all inclusive), $270 Day Camp (includes lunch) Register after March 1: $395 Overnight Camp (all inclusive), $295 Day Camp (includes lunch) Cost to stay the weekend between a session is an additional $195 (includes trip to water park)

COURSE SAMPLING

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

Online application posted January 1, 2020 at www.asms.net. Limited spots available.

1255 DAUPHIN ST. • MOBILE, AL 36604 • 251.441.2100 • WWW.ASMS.NET • AIMS@ASMS.NET

I would rather be able to run the bases after my home run hit than have to stop to catch my breath by 2nd. - Josie, 7th grade

For more information visit AlabamaHealthyTeens.com