Auburn Opelika Parents November 2016 by KeepSharing

November2016 26

Volume 7 Number 10

Columns

Publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note Kendra Sumner

Living With Children John Rosemond

Growing Up Online

Teaching your child to spend wisely online and elsewhere, especially during the holidays.

Growing a Thankful Family

Ideas for growing grateful children in a want-more world.

Kids Health Watch

sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

A Page in a Book

31 38

Gerry Paige Smith

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

Holiday Happenings

From parades to tree lightings to musicals and more, these events make your season bright!

Hovering Parents

Avoid creating anxious kids by giving the proper amount of independence and stepping back.

On The Cover Layla Jernigan is the daughter of Kendra Levett and Trenten Jernigan. Layla is an energetic two year old, who attends Kingdom Childcare in Opelika. She is very photogenic, one who loves the spotlight. Layla takes a great interest in learning about animals, and she recently visited Zoo Atlanta and Georgia Aquarium. She also enjoys singing, dancing and just having a fun time!

Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 10

School Bits 40

Family Calendar 48

Movie Reviews

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Publisher’sNote

Auburn Opelika Lee County’s Foremost Parenting Source

Would you describe your children as having thankful spirits? Are they appreciative of what they have? Have you, as a parent, taught them to be giving to others with less? Do you only teach these life lessons around the holidays? These are some great thought provoking questions to ask ourselves, and November is always the perfect time to do so. With Thanksgiving upon us, traditionally, it is a time to reflect on the year and remind ourselves of all we have to be thankful for. Most lists include an appreciation of all that the family has been afforded, the health of each family member and the happy moments and experiences that will forever be remembered. By looking at your year in review, it is easy to feel a sense of thankfulness, but how often do we take that gratitude and use it as a teachable moment with our kids. And, how often do we pay it forward? In the feature article, Growing a Thankful Family, the author relates growing a tree to the same steps needed to nurture and encourage our children to be thankful in their daily lives. Start by planting the seeds. This is deciding the values to instill in your home, such as teaching kids in their early years to be appreciative of the home they live in, the food they eat, the clothes and shoes in their closets and any gift that they may receive from friends and family. Teaching kids to be thankful starts with modeling by parents and is reinforced often in real everyday conversations and actions. Gradually, the foundation for a thankful heart will be made and the fruits of the labor will be reaped…a thankful family. The author suggests that a child who can look past their own wants and think of others first is a child who has been taught gratefulness and a desire to give. Who wouldn’t want this characteristic in their children and as a foundation for their family? November is the perfect time to teach, model and reinforce thankfulness. It can be as small as donating food to the local food bank or a new toy to Toys For Tots, helping to serve Thanksgiving meal to the homeless, or helping an elderly neighbor with yard work. Decide on a project you could do as a family each year, and in creating this family tradition, you are also giving to others...and ultimately growing a thankful family. This Thanksgiving, start a conversation in your home about what this holiday season means and brainstorm ways you can be a thankful family throughout the year. Encourage kids to appreciate all that they have and to be giving to those who don’t. Model behaviors that you want to see in your children and embrace a family thankful project that will help others in our community. It all begins by planting a giving seed in your children’s hearts and nurturing its growth each day. From one parent to another, Happy Thanks-giving!

Publisher Kendra Sumner Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson Associate Editor Kelly Watson Contributing Writers Laura Handey Christa Melnyk Hines Carolyn Jabs Jan Pierce, M.Ed. Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Katie Wolter, M.D. Cover Photography Candy Avera www.pictureperfectbycandy.com

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

Visit us online at www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2016

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.

Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: 1204 Owens Road Auburn, Alabama, 36830. The phone number is (334) 209-0552 and fax is (334) 826-7303. Auburn-Opelika Parents is copyrighted 2016 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

on rse, nity. nity ss.

com

thly Road

in d. zine t the ment

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

Weak Consequences Don’t Work Q: Dinner with our three kids always, and I mean ALWAYS, turns into a disaster. Typically, the oldest, 11, begins to needle the youngest, 6, and then, when the middle one, 9, figures out which of them is winning, he jumps in on that side. We’ve yelled, sent the instigator from the table so we can restore a semblance of order, not allowed television in the evening, and so on. Needless to say, nothing has worked. Help us, before we commit a felony. A: Nothing has worked because you’ve done essentially nothing. As is the case with most of today’s parents, your consequences do nothing but annoy your children. You set off firecrackers when you need a hydrogen bomb. You try to stop charging elephants with flyswatters. And then, when the elephants trample you, you blame the elephants. This problem began because of the children. It continues because of you. What is it with you folks (meaning not just you, but parents of your generation)? Never mind. I know the answer. You (plural) won’t use BIG, HUGE, MEMORABLE CONSEQUENCES—as in, consequences that go beyond annoying and truly mean

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2016

something. Why? Because you want your kids to like you. As a result, a lot of you end up not liking your kids. Furthermore, your kids don’t take you seriously until you begin acting like escapees from the local looney bin. You’ve yelled? It is inevitable—and I mean it is a 100 percent ironclad guarantee—that parents who want their kids to like them end up yelling at them on a regular basis. You’ve sent the instigator of this chaos from the table and/or taken away television for—what?—two hours? Wow! And then you experienced great guilt, right? Right. Because parents who want their kids to like them are wracked by guilt on a regular basis, whereas their children feel guilt rarely if ever. Here’s the paradox: The less a parent wants to be liked by his/her child, the better the parent-child relationship will be. I’m not talking about being hateful toward one’s child; I’m talking simply about not giving the proverbial hoot nor holler whether or not the child likes you or any decision you’ve made at any given moment in time. You know you love your child. You know you would make the supreme sacrifice for your child. Right? Right. And that, my

friends, is all that matters. Not what a CHILD thinks about you. Only your children can solve this problem, but they will not take any steps in that direction until the problem upsets THEM, and THEM only. Since three children are involved in this mealtime circus, bar all three from the dinner table for a month during which the two of you enjoy civilized evening meals for two. While you dine in the sublime peace of childlessness, confine them to their rooms. When you’ve finished your meals and civil conversation, release them to clean up after you. When they’ve finished and you approve the result, allow them to fix themselves sandwiches or some other cold plates, after which they clean up after themselves and then return to their rooms until bedtime. After a month, give family meals another go. If the circus begins anew, put them on the fix-it-yourself cold sandwich diet for two months. At some point, this is going to get very old—for them, that is. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

he e

e w

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

The 50th Pike Road Arts and Crafts Fair

Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet

The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center invites your family to join ours as we are serving up a traditional Thanksgiving feast in the main ballroom of the conference center, November 24, 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Enjoy an array of turkey, ham, cornbread stuffing, fresh vegetables, and tempting desserts. It will cost $45 for adults and $19 for children. Children five and under are free. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Ariccia at (334) 844-5140.

This year’s annual event will take place on the grounds of the historic Marks house in Pike Road on November 5. There will be over 250 vendors selling beautiful and unique arts and crafts just in time for Christmas. Delicious pulled pork barbecue sandwiches, homemade chicken and pimento cheese sandwiches and fried chicken will keep you from getting hungry. Special activities for the children 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The event is held annually on the first Saturday of November. www.pikeroadartsandcraftsfair.com.

“Junie B. Jones: Essential Survival Guide to School”

tic w ap

Blue Friday: Shop, Dine, Play

Now that Junie B. Jones has been going to school for over one-and-a-half years, who better to write the book on EVERYTHING you need to know? From bus rules to band-aids, carpools to cookies, Junie B. and friends deliver the definitive word on surviving and thriving in style. With a jillion tips, tricks and trip-ups, Junie B. shares her hard-won expertise and shows us all how school is sometimes scary, sometimes super-fun, and ALWAYS something to sing about! Come see the all-new musical adventure based on Barbara Park’s popular book, “Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide to School”. Presented at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts in Columbus, Georgia on November 6, 2:30 p.m. www.rivercenter.org.

After feasting with your family for Thanksgiving, join the Downtown Auburn merchants for holiday shopping. On the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 25, downtown Auburn merchants will celebrate the start of Christmas shopping in the true Auburn style with BLUE Friday! Merchants will be open for extended hours and offer specials throughout the day. Beginning in the late afternoon, children's activities and TVs will be set up in the Gay Street parking lot. Live music will begin at 3:30 p.m. with Dallas Dorsey and continue at 6 p.m. with Rollin' in the Hay. Shop, dine and play all long!

November 9-10: Tickets On Sale for the Polar Express Holiday Event 2016

All aboard the Polar Express! Children ages 12 and under are invited to hop aboard the Polar Express on Saturday, Dec. 3 at Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Children under the age of 2 are FREE with the purchase of an adult ticket. The “train” will depart at 9 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m. Activities include arts and crafts, sweet treats, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and much more! Children are encouraged to wear their favorite holiday pajamas while they participate in indoor and outdoor activities. The cost is $12/person and adults planning to participate with children must also purchase a ticket. Children under 7 are required to be accompanied by an adult ticket holder. A limited number of tickets are available and last year’s event SOLD OUT. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. For more information, please visit www.auburnalabama.org/ parks or contact the Arts Center at (334) 501-2963. Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2016

Sin h th t ba A p.m S

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

bo c ve a

ad C

e st s,

20th Anniversary of East Alabama Community Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”

Since 1995, the East Alabama Community Ballet has brought the magic of “The Nutcracker” to the Auburn/Opelika area. This year, we present three performances of the classic Christmas ballet at Telfair Peet Theatre on the campus of Auburn University. Friday, December 9 at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, December 10 at 2:00 p.m.; and Sunday, December 11 at 2:00 p.m. All seats are reserved. Tickets are $16.50 for adults and $11.50 for students (ages 2 years through college). Tickets on sale November 1. If 10 tickets are purchased for a show, those tickets will also be priced at $11.50 each. (discount applied at checkout). When you purchase your tickets online, you will be able to print your tickets immediately! www.eacballet.com.

and at Children’s of Alabama we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine.

C H I L D R E N A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY

HE ONCE BEAT HIS DAD FOUR STRAIGHT GAMES IN CHESS. AFTERWARD, HE CELEBRATED WITH SOME ORANGE SLICES AND A BOOK ABOUT WIZARDS.

1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org

Clara’s Tea Party for Girls and Boys 10 and Under

MontgmeryParents_COA_HeadlineAd_Chess.indd 1

2/3/15 10:28 AM

Clara’s Tea Party will be held Saturday, December 10, 10:00am-12:00pm. Hosted this year by Auburn University's Telfair Peet Theater, this event is the perfect way to usher in the Christmas season! Ideal for girls and boys ages 10 and under, Clara’s Tea Party gives children an opportunity to watch a shortened version of “The Nutcracker”, meet the dancers, and take memorable Christmas photos. Light snacks and sweets will be provided. For adults, Clara’s Boutique, a unique collection of Christmas and Nutcracker-themed gifts, will also be open. Cost is $15 per person. www.eacballet.com. 7

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

K 2016 Battles for the Armory November 10-13

The 2016 "Battles for the Armory" will begin with our School Day Living History Encampment on Thursday November 10. This year we will have a special storyteller, John T. Wayne, grandson of “the” John Wayne & author of several books on the Civil War. You won’t want to miss it! Along with Mr. Wayne, our demonstrations will include medical tools, weapons, singing, dancing, cavalry with live horses, and cannons! Battle Re-enactment of the Battle of Chehaw Station and the Battle of Franklin; Interactive exhibits, period artillery, infantry, field hospital, blacksmith, carriage rides, Tours of the Confederate Armory and more. Battles will be fought at 2:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, November 12 and 13. Gates open to public at 9 a.m. Battles for the Armory is sponsored by the "Tallassee Armory Guards" SCV Camp 1921 and is hosted by the 53rd Alabama Cavalry. www.tallasseearmoryguards.org

Auburn Public Safety Toy Drive

The City of Auburn Public Safety Department begins its 2016 Auburn Toy Drive on October 4. The toy drive will assist families in the Auburn community by providing Christmas gifts to children in need from ages two through eight. To register children to receive a gift, visit the Auburn Police Division at 141 North Ross Street on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Registration is open from October 4 through November 9. Parents or legal guardians must provide a picture ID, the social security card and birth certificate of the child, and two of the following: a current light bill, water bill or lease/rental agreement. To donate to the Auburn Toy Drive, drop off a gift at any Auburn Fire Division station or the Auburn Police Division. Thanks to the generosity of Uncle Bob’s Self Storage, two remote drop points have also been established at their stores located at 1231 Gatewood Drive and 2020 South College Street. Donated gifts should be delivered unwrapped. All donations are extremely important, but monetary donations cannot be accepted. Gifts will be sorted into age-appropriate categories, and will be delivered the week before Christmas. Questions regarding the Auburn Toy Drive can be directed to Debra Hoyett at the Auburn Police Division at 334-501-3129.

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2016

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

rec nu the an of be into the ch ins to nu 1 in str un to c ha foo

foo ed an Am foo co of ch wit ch ass foo ch

e”

e n;

12 y rg

KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

Making Room 2 End Hunger As parents, we ponder the current recommendations concerning proper diet and nutrition for our children. We strive to provide the best possible options for their nourishment and growth. Thankfully, many of us are fortunate enough to be choosey about what we put into our diets, but what about the nearly 23% of Alabama children who live with food insecurity or lack of resources to have adequate nutrition. This number is astounding. Nearly 1 in 4 children in our community struggles with hunger. This is unacceptable. In order for us to change this statistic, we must have a better understanding of food insecurity. A family’s struggle to afford food is almost directly associated with their employment status and income level. The Feeding America organization looked in depth at the food insecurity rates for each county in our country in an attempt to identify the source of the problem. In 2014, about 23% of the children here in our own community struggled with food insecurity, but only 71% of these children were income-eligible for a nutrition assistance program. With the rising cost of food without a matching rise in income, many children are struggling with food insecurity

even while having at least one parent who works a full time job. Overall, children who are struggling with food scarcity have poorer health. They suffer from higher rates of common cold, headaches, and complaints of abdominal pain. They are also at higher risk for chronic health conditions and mental illness. For instance, a child who faces hunger is more likely to have behavioral problems as early as three years of age. They also have higher rates of anxiety and depression as school-aged children and adolescents. Ironically, food insecurity is also strongly associated with higher rates of childhood obesity. Our country has created this counter-intuitive environment where the cheaper foods with easier access are those that are riddled with high-fat, high-salt, and low nutritional content. Poor nutrition and its associated effects increase the risk of poor health and obesity into adulthood. In an effort to combat this issue in our own community, we at Pediatric Associates of Auburn have created the “Room 2 End Hunger” project. As a part of this project, we have placed an open access food pantry in our Room 2. We have also partnered

with Hornsby Farms to support the Nourish Program. This program has been developed in an effort to provide locally grown farm fresh produce to food insecure children and families in our community. We would like to encourage everyone in the community to join us in our fight to end hunger. If you are interested in supporting the Nourish program, please contact Hornsby Farms or Pediatric Associates of Auburn. There are also a variety of other ways to assist with reducing food insecurity. Consider donating and/ or volunteering for your local food bank. As you complete your holiday shopping, please consider picking up a few extra items to give back to the children in need in our community! Wishing you a blessed and joyous holiday season from our Pediatric Associates of Auburn family to yours. By: Kristen Punshon, OMS-II, VCOM-Auburn and Rian Anglin, MD FAAP Dr. Rian Anglin, a board certified pediatrician, was raised nearby in Valley, AL. She attended Auburn University were she graduated summa cum laude with a BS in Molecular Biology. Despite her strong allegiance to Auburn, Dr. Anglin graduated from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 2007 with her MD. Her passions in practice include promoting early childhood literacy, reducing toxic stress in childhood, and improving the practice of pediatric medicine through office based research. She resides in Auburn with her husband and their two sons.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools

Hal Moore Leadership Academy Volunteers at AORTA Race

The Hal Moore Leadership Academy volunteered their time recently to help with the "Tough 10/Tough 2" race sponsored by the Auburn Opelika Running & Track Association (AORTA). The race is in honor of Nick Holler, who was a dedicated runner and community leader. All proceeds from the race are donated to East Alabama Medical Center’s Foundation for Breast Cancer Early Detection.

West Forest Intermediate School Raises Funds for Baton Rouge West Forest Intermediate School raised $436 in just four days for families in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Students and faculty discussed the possibility of doing something to help the families that lost so much in the floods. West Forest HOUSE members (West Forest Student Leadership Team) decided to ask students and faculty members to donate their change. In four days, the school collected $436 in change. The money was delivered to the Baton Rouge by Dr. Jeff Meyers, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Opelika.

Sa 5K f Ra

Spencer Bohren Entertains at Northside and Morris Avenue Intermediate Schools

Opelika City Schools students from Morris Avenue and Northside Intermediate Schools enjoyed listening to guitarist and storyteller, Spencer Bohren, perform in conjunction with his residency in Opelika with the East Alabama Arts. The program was sponsored by the Opelika City Schools, East Alabama Arts and the Alabama State Council for the Arts.

OHS Students Cook with Martha Foose

Opelika High School culinary students enjoyed spending time and cooking in the new culinary kitchen at OHS with James Beard Foundation Cookbook Award-winning author and chef Martha Foose.

Leadership Kickoff at Northside Intermediate

During the Olympic-themed Leadership Kickoff at Northside Intermediate School, each class presented mission statements for the year. As a "Leader in Me" school, Northside teaches students leadership skills as described in “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”. Fourth and fifth grade students used their presentation and leadership skills to introduce the 7 Habits to the incoming third grade students. Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2016

tim

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

ol r.

OHTS presents "A Year with Frog and Toad"

Professional Development for Local Social Studies Teachers Social Studies teachers from Drake Middle School and Auburn Junior High School are learning reading comprehension strategies from author, speaker, and teacher Harvey "Smokey" Daniels (back row in the middle wearing glasses). All students are readers and Social Studies teachers are an integral part of student learning in Auburn City Schools. Smokey works with elementary and secondary teachers throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, offering demonstration lessons, workshops and consulting, with a special focus on creating, sustaining and renewing student-centered inquiries and discussions of all kinds.

Opelika High Theatre Society presents "A Year with Frog and Toad," January 6-12 (check the OCS website for detailed times). Admission: $10 for adults, $7 for students, and $5 for children (10 and under). Opelika Center for the Performing Arts 1700 LaFayette Parkway, Opelika.

TCS Fun Run & Tailgate Party

Trinity Christian School presents the 2016 Fun Run & Tailgate Party, Saturday, November 12. Inflatables, cookout & football on the big screen! 5K starts at 10 a.m., 1-mile run at 10:50 a.m. Awards at 11:15, lunch and football at 11:30. Cost: $20 for 5K, $10 for 1 mile, $60 for family of 5+. Race day registration $5 extra per race. Proceeds to benefit Trinity athletic program. Register online at tcsopelika.org.

Holiday

Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet in the Ballroom Thursday, November 24 | 10:30am-1:00pm

Events

A•T Thanksgiving Dinner Thursday, November 24 | 5:30-10:00pm S’mores n’ More on the A•T Patio Every Tues, Thurs, & Sat in December | 5:00pm Gingerbread Village Unveiling Thursday, December 8 | 6:00pm Children’s Gingerbread Class December 17, 19 & 20| 2:00-4:00pm A•T Christmas Dinner December 24 & 25 | 5:30-9:00pm A•T New Year’s Eve Celebration December 31 | 5:30pm-1:00am

For more information or to make a reservation, please call (334) 844-5140 or visit www.auhcc.com/holidays

241 S. College Street Auburn, AL 36830 11

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Tri by

Autauga County Schools

AHS Career Technical Education

2016 AHS Homecoming Court

Ten AHS seniors, Machining Instructor Mr. Brogan and Career Technical Education Director Laura Bailey celebrated National Manufacturing Day by attending a panel discussion with local Industry representatives, touring Southern Union State Community College Center for Integrated Manufacturing and visiting Donghee in Auburn. Donghee plant manager Jerry Chestnut gave students a tour of the facility where gas tanks for Hyundai and Kia are made.

Congratulations to the Auburn HS 2016 Homecoming Court! Back Row: Senior Clara Stanbury, Senior Jordan Moore, Junior Anna Kate Carter, Sophomore Camryn Chapman and Junior Maya Flournoy. Front Row: Sophomore Kevia Higdon, Senior Briana Thomas, Sophomore Aiyanna Brown, Junior MaKenna Johnson and Senior Breasha Sturdivant.

0000067769-01

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

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

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

Riverview Reﬁnement, Program, Campﬁres night,Recognized optional trips and more! We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16... Mother-Daughter Weekends1are also! Registeredfor Nurses and6 Physician on Staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid and CPR Certified. Camper/Counselor Ratio 5:1 Spring and Fall Mother-Daughter Weekends...

waiting lists start early...sign up soon!... Waitingwww.riverviewcamp.com! lists start early...sign up soon!... 1

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

D RAMA

www.riverviewcamp.com

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

AND

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

1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16

C RAFTS • C HORUS

first I had campfires every night. Icamps felt close to God. giggled a lot is with friends and counselors. time flew by! thehorse. Southeast’s best all-around for girls,IRiverview annew oasis of fun, friends andThe happiness... I Exciting felt safe and secure. Iinclude: gained confidence in myselfPool,Tennis, through the world around me.” activities Riding, Heated Canoeing, Ropes Course, Climbing Tower,

AND

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

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

B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS

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

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

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2016

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

r ya

Trinity Runners

Trinity Christian School participated in the Red and Blue Invitational, hosted by Lee-Scott Academy on Thursday, September 22nd and had many runners claim medals.

Johnny Appleseed at Richland Elementary

Johnny Appleseed (aka Mrs. Kristi Weeks) visited the first graders at Richland as the students wrapped up a learning unit on everything apples.

Chef it Out at AEEC

After school at Auburn Early Education Center a group of 2nd graders learned how to successfully measure using measuring cups and spoons with the help of Mrs. Donna Beam and CNP interns from Auburn University Mallory Frazier and Charlie Campbell. The students first played the "Food Name Game" where they turned their names into acronyms for healthy food options. A lot of apples, carrots, eggs and even some asparagus! After learning to identify the various measurements on the ring of cups and spoons, using rice for practice, the students put their newly developed skills to work making the perfect concoction of trail mix, which was comprised of M & Ms, Cheez-Its, cereal, pretzels and raisins.

B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS

•

AND

C RAFTS • C HORUS

AND

D RAMA

•

east alabama

pediatric dentistry p.c.

Dr. Keri Miller Most major insurance accepted including BCBS and Southland. 742 N. Dean Road, Auburn, AL 36830 (334) 321-0780 www.gatorgrins.com 13

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Wacoochee Third GradersAutauga Sing County Schools Fish Toss at National Anthem During Richland Elementary School Morning Announcements

Mrs. Longâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class, under the direction of our music teacher, Mr. Askew, did a fabulous job of singing the National Anthem to the entire school during morning announcements. These third graders really know how to show their patriotism!

Richland Elementary Principal Jeff Johnson is representing Auburn City Schools this year in the Leadership Lee County Class! Mr. Johnson can now hold his own as a fishmonger at the Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle after going through the FISH program at the Opelika SportsPlex.

Au in m

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2016

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn HS Player Commits to Army

Auburn High's Ted Wages has verbally committed to Army.

T r i n i T y

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

Respect Visitors to Trinity Christian School are impressed by the culture of mutual respect that permeates our school both in and out of the classroom.

OHS Crowns Homecoming Queen

A Classical and Christian Academy 745-2464

Congratulations to Ambriah Bryant on being named the 2016 Opelika High School Homecoming Queen.

www.tcsopelika.org

AHS Game Day!

Auburn High Tigers took on Lee-Montgomery, in Cramton Bowl for another AHSAA Class 7A matchup! Athlete of the Week, Trey Randall (senior defensive tackle/noseguard).

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools

AHS Student Organizes Book Collection Project

Auburn High School Future Business Leader of America member, Hayden Burch (AHS Junior Class) is continuing the memory and giving spirit of a late Talladega City Schools teacher through his efforts to organize a local book collection project called “Pages from Pam”. This campaign has been established to pay tribute to former Graham Elementary second-grade teacher, Pam Reaves Peters. Peters passed away suddenly on May 26, 2015, at the age of 55 after being diagnosed with cancer. She died not long after retiring from the school system. The campaign is spearheaded by Peters’ nephew, Hayden Burch, seeks to provide five books and a book satchel to every second-grader enrolled in the Talladega City School System. The goal is to collect the approximately 1,000 books needed by May 2017. Burch noted the inspiration for the idea began around the holidays last year. “We plan to present the collected books to the second-grade students at the end of this school year,” he said. “I knew I wanted to do something to honor her memory, and to somehow give back,” he said. “My initial idea was to just donate some books to the library at Graham, but I knew I could do more.” When asked why he chose a book campaign to honor his aunt, Burch replied, “Her entire life was devoted to teaching. She loved reading and had a compassion for collecting books for her students.” Peters spent most of her career teaching second-grade at Graham Elementary. “For many of the students, these will be the first books ever in their homes.” Burch said. “Having books in the home greatly increases the opportunity for literacy.” The campaign officially began at the start of this school year. Burch presented his ideas and plans this summer to Future Business Leaders of America organization, who has since adopted the project as its 75th Year “Legacy of Leadership” Community Service project. “Everyone at my school, including the National Technical Honor Society, Junior Civitan and many Tiger Connect advisory groups, has been extremely supportive and has really rallied behind the campaign.” To donate books for this project contact hayden.burch@gmail.com or amarshall@auburnschools. org. Dropoff boxes are located in several spaces at #Auburn High School.

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

Congratulations to the Liles Smiles no cavity winners!

WUINTRELL WILLIAMS

TANNER RUSHING

AUSTIN FRALIC

HANNAH BROOKS

SHELBY LEWIS

KODY GRIFFIN

ETHAN REDDICK

CHARLES FRALIC

KILEY BROOKS

GRAYDON LEWIS

COREY GRIFFIN

HALLE KIRKLAND

DYLAN SIMS

BRAYDEN BROOKS

CHARLES WARE

EVE LANCASTER

PORTER KIRKLAND

MARIA FERNANDEZ

MONTRAVIOUS POOLE

CHARLIE PLACEK

CALEB JENKINS

HENRY VAUGHAN

JAYDEN JOHNSON

LAYLA JERNIGAN

ISABELLA SMITH

KYLEE GRAYS

OWEN VAUGHAN

JAYCEE MORAN

KYARA COPELAND

ELOISE HOVEN

HAN LE

DEVIN THOMAS

KENNETH ROBERTS

QUINTON COPELAND

TAYLOR STEEN

LORENZO VALENTINE

GRACIE WILLETT

PARKER RISNER

DONOVAN SPARKS

HUDSON ADAMS

MAKAYLA KALTREIDER

COLT DAVIS

BRYSON FULFORD

KATHERYN STEEN

EPHRAIM VALENTINE

MARK BAZZELL

KAILEY FREEMAN

LEONARDO HERNANDEZ

LOUIS SIMS

DJ WILKERSON

KENDALL HYDE

KELSEY MCNEIL

THOMAS STEEN

PARKER PALMER

JEFF BAZZELL

EASTON SLAUGHTER

ELZABETH BURGESS

EVELYN SIMS

ALAINA WHITE

HUNTER HYDE

HENLEY BICE

STEWART YARBROUGH

MARIA CATERINE CHAHINE

PRICE TRAWICK

IDEN WHITE

JOHN FREEMAN

JOHN TAYLOR HENRY

JACORI CORE

ETHAN KEY

BRODY BICE

CRAWFORD REIFF

DAVID VESEY

FISCHER PRINCE

CARTER MAE MEADOWS

JANNIE FREEMAN

BENNETT HENRY

SHAMIRACLE DUNN

OWEN COBB

ANNA KATE SCHUTT

ZAHRAA KALALAH

GRACE TRAWICK

SADIE PRINCE

INGRAM LEAF

ELIJAH SHEALEY

CORABETH HENRY

EMILY MCCUMSEY

JUDE COBB

ETHAN ROBINSON

EMILIA MAY

ANGEL CRIM

CADEN NORRIS

CASSIE LEAF

JAVEN DOWDELL

WAVERLY NICHOLS

TAYLA GUTHRIE

ISABELLA MCINTYRE

BARON KALE PICKERIN

DAKAREY DUBOSE

ISAIAH CRIM

BRAYLEN CROWE

TAYLON TREADWELL

KYRON SAMUEL

EVANGELINE KERR

ARIBELLA GUTHRIE

TATUM HAMILTON

ZANE PLACE

ARIANA O’NEILL

MALIK MILES

JANIE HUMPHRIES

TYDRICK TREADWELL

RYLAN ROOPE

KYLIN JONES

ANTHONY LOPEZ

JENNIFER BARNES

ZANDER PLACE

XAVIER O’NEILL

AILAYAH CLARK

ANSLEIGH BRYANT

LILA DAHL-RUIZ

RYLEIGH GANN

KADIN JONES

TYRICA GILES

TY PATTERSON

SARAH HOLDERFIELD

ABBIGAIL BAILEY

JAIVION MORRIS

ANNE KATHERINE CORLEY

OLIVIA MEADOWS

HEATH JOINER

LIAM TRAVIS

PAISLEY KIRK

ARMIAH CHILDS

MASON HALE

JOSHUA WAGONER

TRINITY JOHNSON

MARY CHARLES CORLEY

A’YANAN CARSON

MAURICE SPIVEY

AHNAYAH PRESTON

KENDALL ALLEN

JAVONTA BELLAMY

MAKENZIE HALE

JORDAN WAGONER

SERINITY JOHNSON

MARCUS TAYLOR

MAKILAH PENDLETON

CHRISTOPHER SIMS

MADISON PRESTON

YASMINE SPEIGHTS

AYDEN BELLAMY

MAKINLEY MUNNENYN

KATIE SALINAS

BALEIGH ANNA HARRIS

DYLAN TAPLEY

NICHOLAS PENDLETON

ZACH SIMS

ELIAS HIJAS

ASHLYNN GAITHER

CALEB STALLER

COLTON HAMAN

DANICA CARMACK

MARY ELIZABETH HADLEY

OMARRIUS PENDLETON

CAMEIA ASKEW

JAXON HOLLOWAY-LEVERETTE

JA’LYRICA FORD

CARSON LUKER

CHRISTIAN BROOKS

HUDSON SPEIGNER

ARYA ADHIKARI

TREMOZES FOREMAN

AMARRI JUKES

AARON KINCAID

JADA FINLEY

JHAKARI CARTER

ETHAN WALDROP

GRAHAM WILLETT

AUBREE MITCHUM

ZAMORA PENDLETON

CORDREIUS WILSON

GAVEN RUSHING

JASMINE FINLEY

MYLES FOREMAN

HARPER MARTIN

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2016

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

de 55

s e

My .â&#x20AC;?

Auburn Early Education Center Holds First Responder Appreciation Breakfast

Auburn Early Education Center welcomed Auburn Police Officers, Auburn Firefighters, the Lee County Emergency Management Agency, District Attorney Brandon Hughes and Alabama House Representative Joe Lovvorn (79th district) to enjoy a free breakfast! These first responders put their lives on the line to keep our community safe and this was a small token of appreciation for all they do on a daily basis. After breakfast they stuck around to open car doors and greet students as they were dropped off by the bus. The hallways at AEEC were full of high fives and smiles as students were welcomed with badges and pencils. This was also a great way for students, staff and administrators to build positive relationships with those that protect and serve.

AHS Marching Band Named Grand Champions

AHS marching band was announced as Grand Champions, and Mr. Cothran promised to shave his head if we came home with top honors from the competition. AHSMB received top scores at the band competition in Alex City a couple weeks ago too, with the majorettes winning best overall!

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

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools

International Talk Like a Pirate Day at Cary Woods

WMR Sells Future Tiger Shirts

Cary Woods Elementary School kicked off Accelerated Reader (AR) effort with their "Talk Like a Pirate Day!" Students dressed as pirates and learned all about AR! The Accelerated Reader program is a computerized program that tests reading comprehension. Students select books on their reading level, read independently, and take an independent comprehension test on the computer. Each book is worth a certain number of points based on its length and reading level.

Wrights Mill Road Elementary School did an awesome job selling "Future Tiger" t-shirts! Coach Adam Winegarden made a special visit to Principal Mrs. Karen Mason and WMR to present them with a check for the funds raised through the effort.

Ma â&#x20AC;˘

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

Veterinarian Visits Jeter Primary

Jeter Primary Kindergarten students studied about pets recently and had a visit from Lybbi Epperson, a veterinarian from Opelika Animal Hospital.

Cary Woods PTO Lip Sync

There was some fun to be had at Cary Wood Elementary School where parents and CWES staffers came together for their first PTO meeting. The Staff performed "Lip Sync" selections from the six decades of CWES.

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2016

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Foodplay Program Teaches Kids About Nutrition

The Foodplay program brings the fun-filled power of live theater, fantastic feats of juggling, motivating messages, music, magic, and audience participation to help kids take charge of growing up healthy, happy, active and fit! Foodplay visited our K-2 schools recently to celebrate National School Lunch Week. Foodplay teaches kids: • Fuel up with breakfast every day. • Balance their diet using MyPlate. • Fill half their plate with fruits and veggies. • Cut down on sweets, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats. • Increase participation in school breakfast and lunch programs. • Read food labels and see through media messages. • Get the most nutritional value for their money. • Have fun being physically active every day. • Feed their bodies healthy food and their minds healthy messages. •

rs. e

Make choices that are good for their health and the health of the planet. • Treat their bodies right—whatever size and shape—and discover that every body is different, and different is a great thing!

OHS Donates Posters to EAMC Cancer Center

Students from Opelika High School joined the fight against cancer by making posters for cancer patients at East Alabama Medical Center. Posters were delivered to the EAMC Cancer Center staff by OHS students: Taylor Lund, Katie Young, Antario Brooks, Lauren Moore, John Moore and Aunvia Wright.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

2 b

Professional Learning at Cary Woods Tuesday afternoon Professional Learning is always best when our AWESOME teachers share what they know with each other!

Autauga County Schools

Lee-Scott Academy Homecoming Court

Congratulations to Lee-Scott Academy’s 2016-2017 Homecoming Court! Pictured, Front Row (L to R), Seniors: Olivia LeFevre, Mary Grace Sprayberry, Claudia Tucker. Back Row (L to R): 7th Grade: Payton Huguley; 9th Grade: Laurel Whittington; 11th Grade: Abby Alford, Jessica Lien. 10th Grade: Garland Grace Welsh; 8th Grade: Wesley Williamson. During Homecoming Week, the students participated in dress up days, class flat day, junior and senior girls in the annual powder puff game, homecoming assembly, and the annual “black light pep rally.”

Auburn Zeta Youth Assists with Project Linus

Auburn Zeta Youth assisted the Lee County chapter of Project Linus with homemade blankets. Project Linus provides love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer "blanketeers."

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

7th Graders Studying Biology at Trinity

At the beginning of September, the Trinity 7th graders began learning about cells in Miss Brodka's General Science class. Once the kids studied the animal and plant cells and how they function, they were able to create their own 3D model of either a plant or animal cell and show off their creative skills in class. They worked very hard on the projects, and they turned out great!

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2016

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

ng r

Grown Up Spelling Bee

Dean Road Students Visit the Farm

Drake Middle School Principal Dr. Duriel Barlow (far left) and ACS Director of Curriculum and Professional Development Wes Gordon (second from the left) teamed up to take on the 2016 PRCA Great Grown-up Spelling Bee at the AU Alumni Center. The pair were tied for first place for most of the night hoping to be the ones to dethrone the Auburn Rotary Club, but were soon knocked to second place when the AU Libraries Team took the winning spot of the night. Here is to winning next year guys! Great job! Proceeds from this event were donated to the Lee County Literacy Coalition.

2nd Graders at Dean Road Elementary participated in an AG Day put on by students from Auburn University. These kids took full advantage of the opportunity to learn about farm animals such as pigs, cows, goats and chickens in 8 different agricultural rotations.

Volley for Molly

The AHS volleyball program combined efforts with the Smiths Station Volleyball program last year to participate in a charity event that benefitted the Wounded Warrior Project, and was held at AHS. This year the game held at Smiths Station on Sept. 21, and was been titled “Volley for Molly.” Molly Paysinger is a young girl who has been fighting leukemia for most of her life and she is the granddaughter of the Smiths Station High School athletic director. Molly receives treatment at St. Jude’s and all the proceeds from the game will be donated to St. Jude’s.

of s ort

de r

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

M B

Autauga County Schools

Psi Gamma Zeta Chapter Supported 12th Annual Think Pink Walk Psi Gamma Zeta Chapter Family of Auburn supported the 12th Annual “Think Pink Walk” on October 8 at the Courthouse Square, Downtown Opelika. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the pink ribbon is the most prominent symbol of breast cancer awareness. Breast cancer awareness is an effort to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of breast cancer through education on symptoms and treatment. Supporters hope that greater knowledge will lead to earlier detection of breast cancer, which is associated with higher long-term survival rates. The funds raised will benefit women in our community through the EAMC Breast Health for Underserved Women program.

Northside Intermediate School Open House

Students at Northside Intermediate Open House had an awesome time showing off their Leadership Notebooks to their parents for the first time.

Opelika Students Attend Alabama Symphony Orchestra

Students from Opelika Middle School and Opelika High School were honored to attend a performance by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts on September 21.

Trinity Popsicles

Mrs. Blackstock's 2nd graders at Trinity enjoyed popsicles this month during their study of solid, liquid, and gas. They also did some experiments like boiling water and watching an evaporation jar outside.

AHS Color Guard Meets Medal of Honor Recipient

At the Disabled American Veterans’ Conference in Opelika, the Auburn HS Color Guard got to meet Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, CSM Bennie Adkins. Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2016

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

S 20 r p

in w C

er ss

ge d fit

Morris Avenue Receives Blue Cross Blue Shield Be Healthy Grant

Morris Avenue Intermediate School was recently selected as a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Be Healthy School for the 2016-17 school year. Mr. Jeff Adams (pictured right), BCBS Community Relations Manager, presented Mr. Chris Rhodes, Morris Avenue PE Instructor, with a check to assist in the implementation of school based health and wellness programs that emphasize increased exercise, nutrition education and parental involvement during the school year. Pictured with Chris Rhodes and Jeff Adams are (l-r): Camden Dunson, Tyler Moore, Meredith Pinckard, and Sadie Smith.

AEEC Field Trip

Local shops, like Wrapsody of Auburn, had some fun visitors in Downtown Auburn, from Auburn City Schools! Thanks for your visit, Mrs. Williams’ class from AEEC!

Please send your school news to: kendra@ auburnopelika parents.com.

OHS Robotics Team Advances to South's BEST Competition

Congratulations to the Opelika High Robotics team. They placed first in webpage design for their BEST website and second in the engineering notebook category. They placed fourth overall in the War Eagle BEST competition allowing them to advance to the South's BEST competition which will be held in December at Auburn University. #TeamOREO

Celebrating 25 years! L i vi n g. L ovi n g. L e a rn i n g.

Caring for your children and laying a foundation for their growth and success has been our calling for the past 25 years. Our unique, caring approach is rooted in an understanding that each child is a gift and a responsibility. These precious little ones deserve our attention, security and love. Just like home. Today, our commitment to your children continues with caring and experienced teachers, a stimulating and secure environment and an atmosphere of living, loving and learning you’ll only find at Growing Room. 334-501-2044 | 644 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL M-F 6:30am - 6:30pm | Ages 6 weeks – 12 years

www.growin groomu sa.co m 23

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

A Page in a Book Books for When the Mood Strikes When a bad mood arrives on the scene, it can be contagious to everyone within its reach, and certainly has its own ill effects on patient zero. As adults, we have a lifetime to cultivate various coping strategies and ways to minimize the effect our grumpy moments have on those around us. But kids are still at the front end of experiencing bad moods and struggling with management of same. Learning ways to keep the peace and resolve issues that bring them down is an important part of growing up. The following titles share lighthearted insights that can help kids work around those times that morph our moods for the worse.

Field Guide to the Grumpasaurus

Meanie Head

yo thi ple of al wa

an tha tio it c ho wil as

se nio sa im

by Bruce Eric Kaplan (Simon & Schuster) When Eve and Henry both reach for the same toy, at the same time, their simple disagreement quickly escalates into a sibling conflict of epic proportions. Anger triggers shouting, followed by a shove. The fighting expands and the coveted toy is thrown, breaking their motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lamp. Their darkening moods feed the feud which spreads out of their home, into the neighborhood, and beyond. Fires, bulldozers and opposing football teams enter the fray as a brother and sisterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bad moods feed a growing cataclysm. Only cool heads can reel in the anger before it goes too far. Uncomplicated illustrations tame the whimsically terrifying effects that can result when a Meanie Head gets the better of us.

How Do Dinosaurs Stay Friends?

by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague (Scholastic) The larger-than-life young dinosaurs from Yolen and Teague are perfect partners to highlight common conflict behaviors that kids struggle with, and learn to overcome. When these dinosaurs get moody with their friends, the following scowls, shoves and tantrums are comically rendered in super-sized living color. And after the dust settles, solutions and redemption for dinosaur friends are likewise illustrated in adorably helpful ways. By nudging kids to recognize behaviors that affect themselves and others in a negative way, this title gently serves up solutions that can turn bad mood moments around and keep friends, friendly!

Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

bu me ret Sh po

by Edward Hemingway (Clarion / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) The unexpected appearance of the Grumpasaurus can be startling. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arrival can be triggered by something as simple as a broken toy, but once Badmoodicus Grumpasouricus is on the scene, a savvy observer can spot tell-tale signs that will help them survive in its presence. Sulking may be an early warning sign of pending outbursts (and the repercussions that may follow). Caution is advised when approaching these creatures until they can be calmed. Using this charming field guide, young readers can explore the evolution of a bad mood and recognize the tools that may help send an unwelcome Grumpasaurus on its way.

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2016

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

I just read The Total Money Makeover, but I’m still unclear as to why you recommend saving for an emergency fund and retirement before paying off your home. Shouldn’t a house be paid off as quickly as possible, since it’s a liability?

A. I appreciate the fact that

you’re asking questions and thinking things through. But please don’t fall into the trap of thinking of your home as a liability. That mindset is way off base, in my opinion. Your house is definitely an asset; it’s the mortgage that’s a liability. Some folks may try to position a house as a liability simply because it costs you money. But the truth is your home will make you more money than it will cost you over time. Therefore, it is an asset. Some of the saddest situations I’ve seen in all my years of teaching are seniors who have paid-for homes and nothing saved or invested. Money isn’t the most important thing on earth, but it is a fact of

life. That’s why I encourage people to build an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses and begin saving for retirement before they tackle paying off their homes. Then, after all that is addressed, take every dollar you can scrape together and put it toward paying off your mortgage as fast as possible.

Q. I make $2,100 a month after taxes, and I have accumulated $46,000 in credit card debt. My husband makes more than I do, but he won’t help me. He says I got myself into this mess, so it’s my job to stop being irresponsible and fix it on my own. Do you have any advice? A. You’ve got a load of debt hanging over

your head right now, but I think you’ve got bigger problems than that. You told me you’re married, yet it sounds to me like you two are living entirely different and separate

lives. This seems more like a roommate situation than a healthy, loving marriage. I don’t like your husband’s attitude, but he does have a valid point in one respect. You were irresponsible with money, and now you’ve got a pile of debt on your hands. My big question is this: Where was he while all this was going on? Were you hiding it from him? And where was the communication and decision making, financial and otherwise, couples should engage in? Married people can’t live this way and win in their relationship or with money. The two of you desperately need to seek marriage counseling together. This relationship is on the rocks. You and your husband obviously have no trust or respect for each other, and there’s a definite lack of communication, unity and shared goals. I don’t know what happened to bring things to this point, but the preacher didn’t pronounce you guys a joint venture when you got married; he said you were now one. A little maturity, extra work, and living on a simple budget will go a long way toward fixing most personal finance issues. But your marriage is in big trouble. Please seek help!

s n

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Teaching Children to Spend Wisely: Online and Elsewhere What’s the best way to raise kids who spend money wisely? Most experts recommend finding teachable moments. Many of these will occur during the holidays. Kids are likely to buy gifts and give to charities. They may receive unexpected gifts of cash or discover, to their dismay, that they’ve overspent and will need to go on a financial diet in the New Year. Like other life lessons, good money management is, increasingly, being learned online. One study from asset management firm Piper Jaffrey found that teens increasingly prefer to shop online rather than at the local mall, and that many prefer to spend on experiences such as food, entertainment and games rather than possessions. Regardless of where kids spend their money, they should learn to ask some basic questions: What can you afford? Before shopping anywhere, children need to have a rudimentary understanding of budgets. First, what are their sources of income? An allowance? A part-time job? Gifts? Handouts from parents? Second, what does that money need to cover? Talk often about how you differentiate needs—things that are truly essential—from wants-–things that are nice but not necessary. Some experts recommend setting up envelopes or banks for younger children so they can actually see what they have available for essential everyday expenses (lunch money) and what they are setting aside for short-term goals (a concert, clothes, a video game), long-term goals (a car, a college fund) and charitable giving. Older kids may want to use an app like Mint to do the same thing. Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2016

What’s a fair price? Even if your kids don’t make purchases online, encourage them to use apps like Red Laser, Shop Savvy and Scan Life to get a feel for what things should cost. Teach children to hold out for sales whenever possible. If nothing else, delaying a purchase is a good way to avoid impulsive buying. Take a little time to look for coupons and discount codes from apps like retailmenot, slickdeals or coupons. com. And, remind kids that when they are shopping online, they have to factor in shipping costs as well as sales tax. Who should you trust? Most teens do their online shopping with Amazon or retailers they know in real life. That’s a habit parents should reinforce whenever possible. Remind your child not to make purchase by clicking on ads or links in e-mail. In addition to putting devices at risk for malware, such links often lead to sites that aren’t reliable. Before doing business with anyone online, be sure they have a physical address and a phone number for customer service. Teach your child to look for https in the website address and the tiny lock that shows personal information will be properly encrypted. How should you pay? For kids learning to shop, cash has real advantages if only because, when it’s gone, it’s gone. Online, of course, that isn’t an option, so you’ll have to give your child access to some sort of electronic payment system. A credit card is safer than a debit card. If there’s fraud, the credit company will limit your losses to $50 as long as you report the problem promptly. If your debit card is compromised, thieves have direct access to your bank account. Many families designate one credit card for all online purchases so it’s easier to review purchase and confirm that they are legitimate. If you’re paying the bills, your child should always get permission before using the card. 26

To give a child slightly more autonomy— perhaps for holiday gift shopping--consider a single use credit card. Many banks offer them. At Bank of America, for example, the ShopSafe service will automatically generate a temporary 16-digit account number, with expiration date and security code. Parents can set a spending limit which essentially allows you to give your child a fixed allowance for online spending. For older teens who have demonstrated their ability to be responsible shoppers, third party payment services such as Paypal and Google Wallet can also be good options. Just be sure to link the account to a credit card and not your bank account. How can you protect yourself? Offline, parents teach kids to keep their wallets in a safe place and not to flash cash in public. Online, they need similar skills. Never shop on a computer used by the public, and don’t use public wifi. Install updates on computer and phones because they often correct flaws in security. If you make purchases from your phone, use your data plan instead of Wifi. And be sure to log out of your account after completing a purchase. Encourage your child not to create unnecessary accounts. Even reliable companies get hacked. The slight convenience of being able to sign in isn’t worth the aggravation of having a credit card number stolen. If you do decide to create an account for a company like Amazon, use a strong password that includes a number only family members will remember—maybe an old address or the day the dog was born. You might also want to set up a family email account that’s used only for purchases. Many schools now include classes on financial literacy in the curriculum, and parents can find helpful teaching tools at sites like themint.org. Research, however, indicates that kids don’t learn to manage money by taking a class or two. Instead, they need day-in-day-out guidance from parents who talk through these five questions until kids can reliably answer them for themselves. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing the Growing Up Online column for ten year. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart. Available at Amazon and Cooperative Wisdom.org. @ Copyright, 2016, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; r

er nd mect

ey d

ma-

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

P Te

tea in ho be ho Ju wr da be giv ov “I w far ce jou “Ye fam tho ea the

ily’ life en fat wo gif too it m

ab ca ph in to en ne tru lef Wh ha

Fe Th

bu wit en ab yo to Wh an sp ing for he pro Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2016

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Plant the Seeds: Teach your values

Agree on the values you wish to teach your children and encourage them in everyday living—in work and play and how you spend your time. Those lessons begin in the nursery and continue to adulthood. In the book Just Moms, Conveying Justice in an Unjust World, Marta Oti Sears writes about a project her seven year old daughter took on one Christmas. The year before, she’d participated in a project to give a farm animal to a needy community overseas but this year, said her daughter, “I want to give the whole farm!” The whole farm was a group of animals costing in excess of $2000. Marta outlines her family’s journey through, “Can we really do it?” to “Yes, we did it with the help of friends and family.” You can bet the family had planted those seeds in their daughter’s heart at an early age and as a result they’ll all treasure the memory forever.

Water: Tell Your Stories

Most of us have stories from our family’s history documenting a much simpler lifestyle. My father received only one gift his entire childhood. It was a sled made by his father. His was a North Dakota farm family working hard to make a simple living, and gifts were not expected. Knowing his father took the time to make the sled for him made it more than special. When my own children had questions about the concepts of rich and poor we came up with a saying that covered our philosophy of family life. It was, “We’re rich in love.” The children knew we gave gifts to those less fortunate. They knew we had enough to share with others in times of need. The message they received was the truth––we had all we needed and enough left over to be generous. We were content. What true stories of simpler times do you have to share with your kids?

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

thamesorthodontics.com w

Feed and Prune: Model a Thankful Lifestyle

Children may learn by hearing stories, but they’ll take to heart the things they see with their own eyes and actually experience. Have a family meeting and talk about the choices you make. Explain why you make certain purchases, what you give to others and why you shop for bargains. Why do you choose certain family activities and not others? When do you refrain from spending? Does fun always require spending a lot of money? Are there opportunities for your family to give time or money to help others? Model the decision-making process and include the children. 29

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Projects for Your Generous Family -Allow children to do chores to earn money for the purpose of giving to a worthy cause. -Adopt a needy family through a local agency and meet their holiday needs. -Work as a family to earn money to donate to a specific familyselected charity. -Make the decision to sort through old clothing, toys and other possessions to “pare down” possessions and live with less. -Take the entire family to a shelter or group home and help serve a meal. -Choose to provide a snack or meal to a homeless person you pass on the roadways each day. -Decide how to spend vacation time with an emphasis on enjoying one another without excess financial drain. -Regularly plan family fun times including games, music, food, work projects and other inter-generational or extended family activities. -At meal times make it a point to discuss the “fine art of having enough.” What does it look like in real life? What are the distinctions between wants and needs?

Reap the Reward: A Thankful Family in Action

The benefit of careful planting, watering and pruning is a healthy family with thankful children. You’ll have kids who understand life beyond their own wants and needs. A thankful heart doesn’t just happen, it’s taught over time. Living out the values of a thankful heart in day to day family life isn’t easy in our consumer-driven world. We have to say no to the want-more, have-more cycles so many families embrace. But we can do it, because it’s the right thing to do. So go ahead and plant, water, feed and prune. Your family will thrive when you teach them to have thankful hearts. AOP Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a freelance writer published in Young Child, Momsense, The Mother’s Heart and in Just Moms: Conveying Justice in an Unjust World. She currently helps to plant, water and prune the thankful lives of her three terrific grandsons.

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2016

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

ad Pre De The hol bal ww

ad Ho Pe 12: the 10 opp Nu Ch pro col gift tick

ads 12t Joi De An day 12: cra trai 12 nie age will and Co The ple 10t The Re Ce

ng ul

ght

in in d.

Auburn / Opelika 20th Annual Nutcracker Ballet

ad on Inside Front Cover Presented by the East Alabama Community Ballet. December 9-11, Auburn University Telfair Peet Theatre. There is no more festive way to start the holiday season than by experiencing the holiday ballet classic that is The Nutcracker. www.eacballet.com

Clara’s Tea Party

ad on Inside Front Cover Hosted this year by Auburn University’s Telfair Peet Theater, Saturday, December 10, 10:00am12:00pm, this event is the perfect way to usher in the Christmas season! Ideal for girls and boys ages 10 and under, Clara’s Tea Party gives children an opportunity to watch a shortened version of the Nutcracker, meet the dancers, and take memorable Christmas photos. Light snacks and sweets will be provided. For adults, Clara’s Boutique, a unique collection of Christmas and Nutcracker-themed gifts, will also be open. Cost: $15.00 per person, for tickets, www.eacballet.com.

Auburn Parks and Recreation

ads on page 19, 29 and 37 12th Annual Polar Express Holiday Celebration Join the Auburn Arts Association and the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center for the 12th Annual Polar Express Holiday Celebration on Saturday, December 3.. The “train” will depart at 9:00am, 12:00noon and 2:30pm. Activities include arts & crafts, sweets & treats, holiday games, a trackless train, and much more. This event is open to children 12 and under. Children under 5 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite holiday pajamas. Tickets will be available for sale Wednesday, November 9 and Thursday, November 10 at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center from 9:00 am-4:00 pm. The cost is $12 per person. For more information, please contact the Arts Center at 501-2963. 10th Annual Holiday Art Sale The Auburn Arts Association, Auburn Parks & Recreation, and the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center will host the 10th Annual Holiday Art Sale

on Saturday, December 10 from 9:00 am- 4:00 pm. at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Local artists will be selling paintings, pottery, stained glass, photography, cards, jewelry, hats, scarves, and much more! If you would like to sell your work, applications are available online at www. auburnalabama.org/arts by clicking on the special events button. Applications are also available at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Free to the public. For more information, please contact the Arts Center at 501-2944. Interested in participating in the Holiday Art Sale as a vendor? Applications are available online at auburnalabama.org/parks. 28th Annual Daddy-Daughter Date Night Tickets go on sale Monday, December 5, 8:00am online at www.auburnalabama.org/parks, $35/per couple and $5 additional child. Dance will be February 8-11. This is a night for memories! Dads and daughters, enjoy an evening of dancing, refreshments, pictures, and surprises! Put your best foot forward in our dance contest and don’t miss your chance to take home one of several door prizes! Last year, this event SOLD OUT, so be sure to purchase tickets early. Join us for one of three nights of music, memories, and fun!

The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center

ad on page 11 Gingerbread Village Unveiling The Hotel at Auburn University in partnership with Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction Master of Integrated Design and Construction Program presents the 2016 Auburn Gingerbread Village. The unveiling will be held Friday, December 8, after the Auburn Christmas Parade. . Enjoy complimentary cookies and hot chocolate while admiring the 2016 Gingerbread Village. Children’s Gingerbread Class Experience the magic of the holiday season by creating your very own Gingerbread House. Executive Sous Chef, Brandon Burleson, will assist your child in assembling and decorating a Gingerbread House. The class will be December 10, 17, 23, and 24. For $35 per child, your fee includes all materials, refreshments & the completed Gingerbread House to take home. Immediately following the 31

class, children are invited to gather round the hotel’s Gingerbread Village to listen to classic holiday stories during Storytime with Santa. Thanksgiving Dinner at Ariccia Arricia will feature a special four-course dinner in addition to the a la carte dinner menu on November 26. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by contacting Ariccia at 334-844-5140. Christmas Dinner Let our culinary team do the cooking for you and enjoy a delicious four course holiday meal in Ariccia, on December 24, 5:00-9:00pm. Reservations highly recommended and can be made by contacting Ariccia at 334.844.5140. $39 adults; $19 child. New Year’s Eve Celebration Ring in 2017 with a five course sharing menu in Ariccia, a champagne toast at midnight and live jazz in piccolo, December 31, 5:30pm-1:00am. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Ariccia at 334.844.5140. Dinner seating will take place between 5:30 - 11 p.m. Live jazz will begin at 9 p.m. It will cost $60 per person to attend.

Variations Dance Studio Presents “Nutcracker”

ad on page 5 This holiday season, enjoy the magic and beauty of our premiere performances of “Nutcracker”, December 4 and 9 the Opelika Performing Arts Center. Follow Clara into a dream-like world of dancing snowflakes and see all the colorful treats found in the Land of Sweets! Whether it is a first-time experience or an annual holiday tradition, don’t miss your chance to reserve your seat at this beautiful holiday ballet! Tickets available now online, www.variationsstudio.com.

21st Annual Cookie Walk

Cookies! Cookies! Cookies! For this Habitat for Humanity annual community fundraiser, the whole community gets into the holiday spirit of generosity and celebration. The Cookie Walk gets bigger and better every year. Folks come from far and near to buy fresh, delicious, holiday decorated cookies at this Habitat for Humanity fund raiser, sponsored by Auburn’s WeHelp Coalition of churches. Select from an array of 30,000 home baked holiday goodies for $6.00/lb. Santa will visit for photos! See you early www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

for best selection! All proceeds go to build a house right here in Auburn! Saturday, December 3, starting at 8:00am-1:00pm at Grace United Methodist Church by Kroger on Glenn Avenue in Auburn.

22nd Annual Christmas in a Railroad Town

ad on page 3 Friday, December 9, 6:00-9:00pm. The Historic Downtown District celebrates “Christmas in a Railroad Town” in conjunction with the Victorian Front Porch Tour. This event converts Railroad Avenue into a Christmas wonderland festival, featuring all sorts of fun activities for the whole family, along with music, hot wassail and a variety of other holiday treats. Children love the miniature train rides and the time they can spend with Santa and Mrs. Claus; and everyone loves the wagon and/or trolley rides that take folks from the historic downtown district through the Victorian Front Porch tour in an “old fashioned” way.

Annual Holiday Poinsettia Sale

The Junior League of Lee County is offering beautiful poinsettias to enhance the holiday décor of any business or home. By purchasing a poinsettia, you are supporting health and wellness initiatives for Lee County’s Children. 6.5” Poinsettias (6-8 blooms) at $12 each & 10” Poinsettias (18-20 blooms) at $22 each in Red, Ivory and Marble. Orders will be taken from through November, with free delivery through early December. Go to www. juniorleagueofleecounty.com for more info.

Auburn Christmas Parade

December 8, 5pm; The entire community is invited to celebrate the season with the Auburn Chamber Christmas Parade. in downtown Auburn. The parade, sponsored by Thames Orthodontics, will include Aubie, Santa, Christmas characters, live music and lots of other Christmas favorites! Before and after the parade, from 4-9 p.m., enjoy Christmas in the Village, an open house in downtown Auburn. The event will feature pictures with Santa, a live nativity, live music and merchant specials. For float entry forms and the date (tba), log onto www. auburnchamber.com.

Annual Christmas Tree Recycling

Recycle your Christmas tree with the Opelika Tree Commission and Keep Opelika Beautiful on December 31. Location for drop off is at the Opelika Depot. Citizens will receive a tree seedling in exchange for the tree.

Christmas in Camelot Lighted Tour

ad on page 3 The Camelot Subdivision, located off of Rocky Brook Road, decorates the entire neighborhood for “Christmas in Camelot” each year, December 1, 2016- January 3, 2017, 4:30-10:00pm. There are lighted wreaths hung throughout the neighborhood on all of the street lights, creating a festive atmosphere for everyone as you enter the lighted tour. There are approximately 55 homes in the neighborhood with various seasonal scenes and season’s greetings in the shape of “Christmas Cards”, originally created by long-time resident Rosalyn Stern and her Art students at Opelika High School several years ago. The neighborhood’s theme remains the same every year: Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!” Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2016

City of Opelika Christmas Parade

On December 10, festive floats showcasing local groups and business will be parading through downtown Opelika to deliver Christmas Magic to all! Santa and Mrs. Claus highlight the parade’s finale! Find a perfect spot downtown Opelika for seeing the magic at 10:00am.

Collinwood Christmas Luminaries

ad on page 3 Collinwood Subdivision shares the season with visitors to its annual Luminaries Tour held one night each holiday season- December 15 . This wonderful drive through tour features luminaries along the route that leads to the nativity scene at the end of the tour – reminding us all that Christ is why we have Christmas! The luminaries follow a oneway route beginning on Collinwood Street at the intersection of North Tenth Street and Oakbowery Road. The tour winds through the entire Collinwood subdivision and ends on McLure Avenue.

Ho! Ho! Ho! Hike

Make time in your busy holiday schedule to join us for this fun “santa-hunt” where we will hike the preserve, Saturday, December 3, 10:00am, looking for this elusive visitor in red. Later we will return to the amphitheater where we will gather for a cup of hot cocoa and a warm fire! New this year! We will offer holiday portraits with our special guest. The sitting fee for a 5×7 portrait is $10 and will benefit the Forest Ecology Preserve. Admission to the Ho! Ho! Ho! Hike is $3 per person. Donations of canned goods will be accepted for the East Alabama Food Bank. No pre-registration required. Cancelled in the event of rain. 334-707-6512

Loveliest Village Christmas Tour of Homes and Buildings

The Auburn Preservation League (APL) is pleased to announce the 8th Annual Loveliest Village Christmas Tour of Homes and Buildings will be Saturday, December 10, 10am-4pm and Sunday, December 11, 1-4pm. The tour will feature nine homes and buildings in the Auburn area. Tickets for the tour are $20 and are available at The Villager and the Auburn Chamber. Tickets will also be available at each home on the days of the tour. For information about the tour, visit www.auburnpreservationleague.org.

Opelika Parks and Recreation

ad on page 3 Christmas Crafts Make and take your own Christmas crafts, on December 20, 2:00-3:00pm at the Covington Rec Center. Ages 6-10yrs. Fee: $15. Christmas Wreaths Join us at the Covington Recreation Center, Opelika for an afternoon of decorating Christmas wreaths to hand on your door for the holidays. December 1; 3:30-4:30pm. Ages: 5-12 years. Fee: $15. Rocky Brook Rocket Reindeer Express Come take a train ride through the lights! Enjoy food, hot chocolate, face painting, entertainment, pictures with Santa and more! December 1-3, 5:00-8:00pm, Ages 2nd grade and younger, at the Municipal Park, Opelika.

Santa On the Corner

Santa will be on the Corner for photos sessions 32

in Downtown Auburn! Times/dates are to be announced! Donations will be accepted to The United Way. For more information, please visit www. downtownauburnonline.com.

Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour

ad on page Visit an Ole World Christmas wonderland and see more than 60 turn-of-the-century Victorian homes adorned with life-size Santa’s, angels, toys, and other figures. Enjoy live entertainment, carolers, costumed homeowners and other festivities. December 7-11, in Opelika. Lighted driving tour December 7, 5:00-10pm. Walking tour December 10, 6:00-9:00pm. More information, please call 334887-8747. Free event.

La Co

The dire Ch 9:3 Co

‘A

Valley /LaGrange

Pre De oth bei beh out role nev rec orig

Christmas Holidays at Hills & Dales Estate

Experience our circa 1940’s tinsel-laden Christmas tree, brilliant Poinsettias and other seasonal decorations during the holiday season. The Fuller E. Callaway family home and the visitor center will be decorated for the holidays this December, Tuesday to Saturday. Regular tour prices apply. 706-882-3242. Also offering workshops that include Family Tabletop Luminaries Workshop, Boxwood Christmas Wreath Workshop, Mixed Green Christmas Wreath Workshop and Children’s Christmas Celebration. www.hillsanddales.org

Christmas Village at The Historic Langdale Mill

Christmas Village and Merry-Go-Round Beginning the first weekend in December, experience the spirit of the Season in Historic Valley, Al. There’s the life size Nativity Scene in the meadow, the Madonna light-sculpture, and the Christmas Merry-Go-Round that has given over 1,000,000 FREE rides to children and adults, too. As you take a walk through history, you will be greeted with Christmas caroling and much more festive fun. In 2008, a new tradition was started with the first “A Cotton Mill Christmas” production at Langdale Historical Theater, as local actors tell the history and stories of Valley. Exit 77 and left on US Hwy 29. www.cityofvalley.com

Follow The Shepherds Christmas Walks & Under The Bethlehem Star Light Show

Experience the Christmas story in a whole new way. Join a guide as you walk from Nazareth to Bethlehem, learning new insights into the Christmas story in the most unique, authentic setting surrounding areas, as well as live actors and animals. December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, (Friday and Saturday evenings) and Christmas Eve at 6:00pm, 6:30pm, 6:40pm, 8:15pm. $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 4-12. Explorations in Antiquity Center, 130 Gordon Commercial Dr., LaGrange. 706 885-0363.

LaGrange Christmas Parade

December 1, 6:00pm, as an old-fashioned celebration laced with nostalgia, culminates in the arrival of the big guy atop a bucket fire truck. Come take a selfie with Santa and his North Pole friends at LaGrange’s Big Christmas tree before the parade begins at 6:00. Bring your own camera to capture a Christmas memory in Downtown LaGrange. www.LagrangeChamber.com www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Co 3. Pre enj wa abl

The sho 7! N

e s

r 34-

de d st-

LaGrange Symphony Orchestra Concert ‘Light’

The Choral Society of West Georgia, led by artistic director Bettie Biggs, joins the LSO for a special Christmas performance, December 13, 7:309:30pm (EST), Callaway Auditorium at LaGrange College. 706-882-0662

‘A Christmas Carol’

Presented by New Horizon Community Theatre, December 8-10. This Christmas Carol goes beyond other adaptations with Charles Dickens himself being introduced to the audience. The story unfolds behind him, and soon Dickens is weaving in and out of the action, observing, performing small roles, interpolating short passages of rich narrative never heard in other versions. A Christmas Carol recaptures the magic and mystique of the Dickens original. www.nhct.org

Sons of LaFayette Christmas Concert

Concert with audience participation, December 3. Come early to get a good seat, located at First Presbyterian Church, 4:00pm EST. This is both an enjoyable and worshipful experience. What a great way to start the Christmas season. Tickets available, sonsoflafayette@gmail.com

Phenix City / Columbus 25th Annual Fantasy in Lights

The most spectacular holiday light and sound show in the south begins November 12- January 7! Nestled amidst wooded landscape of Callaway

Gardens, Fantasy In Lights is the Southeast’s most spectacular holiday light and sound show with more than eight million twinkling lights celebrating the holiday season. This spectacular show has attracted almost two million visitors since it opened in 1992. With more than a dozen larger-than-life lighted scenes, Fantasy In Lights remains unique in that its scenes are custom-designed especially for Callaway Gardens–to celebrate not only the joy of the season but the wonder of nature in this idyllic setting. Drive your car or ride the Jolly Trolley to experience scenes like March of the Toy Soldiers and Snowflake Valley. At Robin Lake Beach, enjoy ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ and ‘The Nativity’, light and sound shows enticing passers-by to stop, reflect and enjoy. www.callawaygardens.com. Specialty Nights: Saturday, Nov. 12 - March of Dimes Night Walk Sunday, Nov. 13 - Bicycle Night Monday, Nov. 14 - Photography Night (Advance Registration Required) Saturday, Dec. 31 - Fantasy & Fireworks New Year’s Eve Celebration

26th Annual Christmas Made in the South

As Christmas time approaches what better way to get ready for the holiday season than to stroll the aisles for treasures at this year’s award winning 26th annual Christmas Made in the South, October 28-30, at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center. www.madeinthesouthshows.com

‘A Cantus Christmas’

December 19,, 7:30pm. The 17th annual tradition tells the Christmas story with musical masterpieces

and audience carols. The professional chorus Cantus Columbus presents the eleventh installment of Message of the Season—Music of the Masters in Legacy Hall. The concert features the Atlanta Symphony Brass Quintet and tenor Bradley Howard. www.rivercenter.org

‘A Tuna Christmas’

Celebrate Christmas in Tuna, Texas, with its quick changes, fast-paced humor and heart-warming moments of sincere Christmas joy. Texas’ third smallest town is in the throes of its annual Christmas yard display contest, which promises to have Tuna in an uproar and have you laughing out loud. Columbus’ most popular show ever; over 35,000 served. December 8-23, Springer Opera House. www.springeroperahouse.org

Bi-City Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 3, 10:00am EST. It’s here! The annual B-City Christmas Parade! Come early and find a great spectator spot for you and your family to enjoy seeing marching bands, commercial floats, homemade floats, motorcycles, clowns, horses, and much more. Parade applications can be found online or picked up at the Phenix City Parks and Recreation Office located at 1500 Airport Road. Please call 334-291-4719 for more information.

Columbus Ballet presents The Nutcracker

December 10, 7:30pm and December 11, 2:30pm. The Columbus Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker promises to instill a love of the arts in young and old alike. This family-oriented production, which features a cast of over 100 performers, with live

. w,

and

mas

s. y m, en

63.

e ea

THIS IS COMMUNITY. THIS IS YOUR MUSEUM. THIS IS AUBURN. JCSM.AUBURN.EDU

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

orchestra and acclaimed guest artists, captures the magical wonder and innocence of Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet as seen through a child’s eyes. Spectacular sets, sumptuous costumes, special effects and live music come together to create a stunning grand-scale event that is sure to become a firm family tradition. www.rivercenter.org

‘Jingle Arrgh the Way!’ presented by Columbus State University Theatre

The “How I Became a Pirate” crew is back! A mysterious message left in the crow’s nest of their ship brings Captain Braid Beard and his pirate mates back to North Beach to seek out young Jeremy Jacob to help solve a riddle and find the Christmas treasure. Favorite characters, a rollicking story, great songs, and a trip to the North Pole to find “you know who” - makes “Jingle ARRGH the Way!” a wonderful holiday show for the whole family. Based on a story by Melinda Long, author of “How I Became a Pirate.” Shows November 30, December 1-4. www.theatre.columbusstate.edu/ productions.php

MCoE Army Holiday Concert

Fort Benning’s Manuever Center of Excellence Band Holiday Concert is a local favorite for active duty and retired military. December 4, 4:00pm. Free admission!

Night of Lights

December 1, 7:30-9:00pm EST. You are invited to join us for NIGHT OF LIGHTS at The Phenix City Amphitheater located on the banks of the beautiful Chattahoochee River at 7:00 p.m. eastern time. This very special holiday event will include a beautiful stage production to include live music, a visit from dear ole Santa and a fabulous fireworks display over The Chattahoochee River. Admission is free and includes FREE hot chocolate for our little guests to enjoy during the show. After the show, enjoy the Christmas lights on Broad Street with your family and friends. Make this part of your family holiday tradition. For more information, please call The Phenix City Parks and Recreation Office at 334-291-4719.

Port Columbus’ Victorian Christmas

December 3. Our Civil War-era Santa will be on hand for visits and storytelling. There will also be Victorian-era entertainment and music. At the conclusion of the day, Santa will fire the original Civil War cannon from the CSS Jackson! The museum is decorated throughout with circa 1863 decorations and trees. Admission to the museum is FREE during the open house. www.portcolumbus.org

RiverTown Christmas with Allen Levi and Friends

Locally grown, nationally known singer-songwriter Allen Levi, with a complement of folk and jazz, shares humorous, thoughtful, original songs and stories in a unique celebration of Christmas. This remarkable show is certain to delight people of all ages and capture the special heart of Christmastime in the Chattahoochee Valley. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivertown-christmas.com

Santa Claus 10K at Callaway Gardens

December 3. The course will be through the Callaway Gardens “Fantasy In Lights”. (USATF certified) Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2016

The 10K is also part of the “Run & See Georgia Series” The course will meander through all of the “Fantasy in Lights”. The course is very easy and will be open to runners and walkers alike. www. callawaygardens.com

King. This event will take place at 1733 Claud Road Eclectic, Alabama, just south of Eclectic on AL Highway 63. Reservations are suggested and may be made by calling 256.794.7789. Free!

The Ludy’s Christmas Light Spectacular

One of East Alabama’s largest parades featuring elaborate floats, dancing groups, marching bands, horse-riding clubs and Santa Claus highlight. December 3, 6:00pm. Downtown Alexander City.

Drive into a light display set to music like none other within the Cottonwood Subdivision, 5784 Ironstone Drive, Columbus. Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, 6:00-10:00pm weekend days and 6:0010:30pm on weekends. www.lundychristmas.com

Eufaula / Dothan 11th Annual Eufaula Christmas Tour of Homes

Stroll through history and witness the magnificence of Eufaula’s finest homes all aglow in holiday splendor. Enjoy a seated luncheon or an elegant dinner at the grand historical Shorter Mansion. December 3, 1:00-6:00pm. www.eufaulapilgrimage.com

A Downtown Christmas

Snow, artisans, food vendors, Santa, cookie decorations, marsh mellow roasting, handmade items and lots of art venues for children and families. December 5, 9:00am-3:00pm, downtown Dothan on North Foster and Troy Streets. 334-793-3097. thedowntowngroup.com. Free!

Mistletoe Market

Main Street merchants offer goodies to sample and great sales. Also an Artist Walk, and more. November 19, 10:00am-7:00pm. Historic Downtown Eufaula. 334-616-6170. Free.

“The Nutcracker”

Southeast Alabama Dance Company presents its 35th annual performance of this holiday classic. Watch as snowflakes dance, flowers waltz, dolls come to life and the Nutcracker turns into a charming prince. December 2-4; Dothan Civic Center. 334-702-7139. www.southeastalabamadanceco.org

Victorian Christmas

Sample turn-of-the-century desserts, sip hot chocolate or mulled cider and try your hand at making traditional Christmas decorations. December 11, 1:00-4:00pm. 334-794-3452. www.landmarkparkdothan.com. Free.

Alexander City / Lake Martin An Eclectic Christmas

A unique way to experience Christ this Season! It was the night that saved the world. Sent away because there was not room in the inn, Christmas was born in a stable. Come join us, December 1-10, to experience the true story of the first Christmas. In the atmosphere of an outdoor walking trail, you and your guests will be part of live drama that is set during the Roman Empire. As you walk through the streets on your way to Bethlehem, you will visit the field where shepherds received the angel’s message and news of the Messiah. Then visit the wise men as they journey in search of the New Born 34

Annual Hometown Christmas Parade

Christmas at Crossroads

Christmas at Crossroads, November 25-27, is a great way to get out with the family and friends, do some shopping, take a carriage ride, check off items on your Christmas list and let the kids visit with Santa. Our Naturalist, Marianne typically has a presentation that will interest everyone. Stop by for a visit and bring the kids! Russell Crossroads at Russell Farms Road. Visit www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com.

Montgomery/Selma 11th Annual Interfaith Christmas Nativity Exhibit

Help your family keep the true meaning of Christmas in your heart from the start by attending this Community Celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ. This spectacular event features nativities from around the world and special music by local performers. This magnificent display is sure to warm the hearts of young and old alike. November 30-December 4, 1:00-8:00pm . 3460 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery. Open to all. FREE Admission. Sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. www.MontgomeryNativity.com

25th Annual Christmas Light Festival at Montgomery Zoo

Thousands of Holiday Lights illuminate The Montgomery Zoo in shapes of animals and Christmas themes. See the Zoo transformed into a Winter Wonderland sparkling with thousands of festive lights and decorations. Stroll the many pathways or enjoy a brisk ride on the Santaland Express train ride. Visit with Santa nightly, enjoy live entertainment, food, gifts and more. December 1-4, 8-11, 15-31; 5:309:30pm each night. (334) 240-4900; www. montgomeryzoo.com

Alabama Shakespeare Festival presents “A Christmas Carol”

ASF revives this family classic, November 20-December 24! The snowy London streets ring with carols that set the stage for Dickens’ magical tale of hope and redemption. Join us as the ghosts of the past, present and future reawaken Scrooge’s conscience. Visit www.asf.net for more information.

Capital of Dreams Christmas Parade

December 16, 6:00pm. Depart from Cramton Bowl and Parade downtown from Capitol Steps to the Court Street Fountain.

Cruising with Santa

Cruise the Alabama River with Santa on the Harriott II Riverboat, Downtown Riverwalk. December 2-3, 6-7, 16-17. (334) 625-2100 www.auburnopelikaparents.com

F. Ch

Co Ch ww

Go Op

Th ligh cem Str

Ac At bak noo ww

Jin

De Fo und to s ww

Joi the aut De

ad AC par tain ing exh the ww

De sio mil sna

Th jew by arr

Cit an

Joi hol and fille from Th ww

We Na

Lig

n. r

l he

ott 3,

F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum Christmas Open House Come join us, December 10, as we celebrate Christmas with our Christmas Open House. www.thefitzgeraldmuseum.net.

Governor’s Mansion Candlelight Open House

The 1907 Governor’s Mansion will be aglow with lights and filled with the spirit of the season. December 5, 12, & 19. 5:30-7:30pm. 1142 South Perry Street, Montgomery.

Holiday Festival

A community celebration of the holiday season. A two week long, December 5-17, craft show and bake sale with Santa in attendance some afternoons. 10:00am-5:00pm. www.SelmaAlabama.com

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis

December 3. 5k Run or Walk to benefit the Arthritis Foundation Also 1 mile fun run (chasing an Elf) for under 8’s and 1 mile walk for those of us who want to support the Arthritis Foundation. www.jbrmontgomery.kintera.org

Old Alabama Town Holiday Open House

Join Old Alabama Town in December to celebrate the holiday season. Our house museums will be authentically decorated for the holidays. Early December. www.oldalabamatown.com

Millbrook/Wetumpka Christmas on the Coosa

ad on page 17 A Christmas extravaganza with arts and crafts, parade, food, quilt show, classic car show, entertainment and activities on the Coosa River culminating with Santa ski-in and a spectacular fireworks exhibition at dusk. December 10, Gold Star Park & the Courthouse Veranda, Wetumpka. www.wetumpkachamber.com.

Christmas at the Alabama Nature Center

December 13-17. For the regular price of admission, ANC guests can visit with Santa, hike over 5 miles of trails, make a Christmas craft and enjoy a snack around a roaring fire. 1-800-822-9453.

Christmas Faire

The Christmas Faire showcases fine art, handmade jewelry, pottery, quilts and crafts of all kinds made by local artisans. This event is November 19. www. arrac.org

Downtown Wetumpka and Gold Star Park. Luminary Night and Downtown Open House, December 9, 6:00pm. www.cityofwetumpka.com

City of Millbrook Christmas Parade and Festival

Calera

Join in the spirit of Christmas and celebrate the holiday season during the annual Christmas parade and Arts and Crafts in the park. Village Park will be filled with arts and craft vendors and concessions from local schools, December 3, 9:00am-4:00pm. The parade starts at 2:00pm. www.cityofmillbrook.org

Wetumpka Tree Lighting & Progressive Nativity and Luminaria

Lighting of the Tree will be December 8, 6:00pm.

The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum’s North Pole Express

All aboard! Next stop - the North Pole! “All Aboard” says the conductor, as your train ride begins. Families are sure to enjoy their trip to the North Pole, complete with a reading of The Polar Express™ and chocolate milk and cookies served on board the train. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa and Mrs. Claus visit everyone on the train and each child will receive the “First 35

Gift of Christmas”, just like in the story. Sing Christmas carols as you return to the depot. Wear your pajamas! The excursion will last approximately one hour. First class service to the North Pole! The Silver Maple and Kayenta railcars will offer first class service - hot chocolate in a souvenir mug, special dessert treat, premium gift and specialized service. Wear your pajamas! November 18-20, 25-27, December 2-4, 9-11, & 16-17. For tickets, www.hodrrm.org.

Santa Claus Special at The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Santa rides the train with you! Tell him what you would like for Christmas as he poses for photos. Each child will receive a Christmas gift! November 26, December 3, 10 & 17. www.hodrrm.org www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Birmingham and North

of the season. December 2-18. www.redmountaintheatre.org.

Alabama Ballet presents George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker”

McWane Science Center

Annual performance of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™, Alabama Ballet remains one of only seven companies in the world currently licensed to present this holiday classic. All performed to Balanchine’s brilliant specifications; dazzling choreography, opulent costumes, and extravagant sets make this production unlike any other. The addition of a community cast of children from the area make this performance truly magical. Join us December 9-11 and 16-18 at the Samford Wright Center for this joyous spectacle. www.alabamaballet.org.

“A Christmas Carol”

Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!” Scrooge summates his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he’s forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present, & Future. Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful “Happy Christmas” before spending the day reconnecting and sharing love with those that mean the most to him. November 15- December 17. Recommended for ages PreK1st grade. www.bct123.org

‘A Christmas Story: The Musical’

December 2-18. Don’t miss the highlight of the holiday season as it comes to hilarious life on stage in Alabama for the first time! The Tony Award nominated Broadway hit, based on the perennial holiday movie favorite, takes place in 1940’s Indiana where a bespectacled boy named Ralphie has a big imagination and one wish for Christmas: an Official Red Ryder® Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle. A kooky leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a cranky department store Santa, and a triple dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the obstacles that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas dream. Featuring funny and heartfelt songs by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul and a faithful yet inventive book by Joseph Robinette. A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL captures holiday wonder with such deliciously wicked wit that it is sure to delight children and grown-ups alike! www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org

Christmas at Arlington

Celebrate with Arlington’s staff, December 4-6, as they commemorate the mansion’s 58th anniversary as Birmingham’s historic house museum. See local floral designers transform the interior into replications of Christmas past. Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens, www.birminghamal.gov/arlington

Christmas Light Show at DeSoto Caverns November 25- December 24. This special light show celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is shown on every caverns tour. www.desotocavernspark.com

‘Holiday Spectacular’

Step out of the cold and into a heartwarming holiday show. Enjoy your favorite holiday hits in this cheerful celebration that is sure to spread the humor and joy Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2016

Jingle Bell Breakfast December 10 & 17; 8:30-10:00am. Bring your little elves for a Merry Morning at McWane! Enjoy a hot breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, make holiday crafts, build a snowman in Winter Wonderland, and ride the Ice Slide before heading to the IMAX Dome for a special showing of Santa vs. the Snowman! Don’t forget your camera! Ticket includes same day museum admission following the IMAX movie. Reservations are required. Call (205) 714-8414. Breakfast: 8:00-9:30am, Movie: 9:30am, Cost: $25 Adults, $20 Kids; Members receive $2 off. www.mcwane.org Polar Express P.J. Party December 10-11. 4:00-6:00pm with movie times 3:00pm or 6:00pm. Tickets: Non-Members: $14 Adults, $12 Kids. Members receive $2 off. It is the return of the Polar Express PJ Parties and the beloved holiday movie Polar Express in IMAX. Put on your pajamas, treat yourself to cookies and hot-chocolate, kick back for the viewing of Polar Express, and enjoy a visit with Santa. Special treats will be given to all. The Magic of Model Trains Exhibit Discover trains of every shape and size inside this popular exhibit which features over a dozen different train displays. November 19- January 31. Turkey Science November 21-23. As Thanksgiving Day fast approaches, it’s time for Turkey Science, the only science activity that features November’s favorite bird. Winter Wonderland Snow is in the forecast, November 19-December 31, at McWane Science Center this year with the return of the Winter Wonderland exhibit. This magical holiday experience gives families a chance to learn about the science of the season together as they play in the snow, go ice fishing, and watch toy trains zip around the tracks. Inside the snow room, children can make snow angels, build snow castles and more. Children can catch fish through the ice in the ice fishing area. Guests can even sled down the giant slide between the third and second floors in the museum or try the zip line. Families also have a chance to see toy trains of every shape and size zipping around the tracks in the Magic of Model Trains area. This year children will be able to become conductors at one of the new stations.

Opera Birmingham presents “Sounds of the Season”

Don’t miss this December concert, jam-packed with all your favorite Christmas carols and beloved holiday classics! It is a true gift of the Season! Brock Recital Hall at Samford University. December 9. www.operabirmingham.org

“T’was the Night Before Christmas’

Adapted from the poem “The Night Before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore. The classic story jumps to life on the WeeFolks stage as the Mouse Family tries to settle in “for a long Winter’s Night.” See this family discover the magic of Christmas as Santa Claus drops in for an unexpected visit at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Mouse and their other woodland friends. November 29-December 17. www.bct123.org 36

South Alabama and Gulf Coast 33rd Annual Christmas Through the Ages December 10. Experience a Christmas of “Days Gone By” in Dauphin Island. This event is a living history Day for the whole family. Come and join the soldiers from the 1700’s through the 1900’s and their Families as they celebrate a non-commercial Christmas. Our visiting children will have the chance to make a seashells ornament and other decorations. www.dauphinisland.org

Arctic Express Christmas Train

Christmas at the Wales West Light Railway is a special family time. The entire railway and surrounding park grounds are totally decorated with over 1,000,000 lights, figures, blow-ups and miles of ribbon & garlands. Our steam powered totally decorated train (Arctic Express) leaves the main station for a mile long trip through a wonderland of lights to the North Pole and return. Visit Santa and receive a handmade wooden locomotive made here at the railway as part of their visit that they can decorate at the arts & crafts table before re-boarding the train. November 28- December 24, 4:00-9:00pm, Silverhill, Al. (near Fairhope, Al.) www.waleswest.com

Magic Christmas in Lights

From November 25-December 31, Bellingrath Gardens, Mobile is set aglow with more than 3 million twinkling lights, and more than 900 customdesigned set pieces appear in 13 scenes at this popular attraction. Tour the Bellingrath Home decorated in its holiday finery, and on weekends and during the week of Christmas you can have a picture made with Santa. www.bellingrath.org

Atlanta Area 2016 Children’s Christmas Parade

December 3, 10:30am, at Centennial Olympic Park, Downtown Atlanta, Ga. Surprise your kids this year by taking them to see the Southeast’s premier Holiday Parade! The annual Children’s Christmas Parade has been a holiday tradition in Atlanta for years, and features award-winning Marching Bands, Holiday Themed & Animated Floats, giant Helium Balloons & a grand finale featuring Santa Claus. The Atlanta Children’s Christmas Parade begins at Peachtree Street near Baker Street. The route follows Peachtree Street and turns right onto Marietta Street. It will end on Centennial Olympic Park Drive.

Chick-fil-A Bowl Parade

Every year on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 12:30pm, around 30 Bands, Classic Cars, Floats and various other entertainment, parade their way down Peachtree Street to International Blvd., then winds through downtown to Centennial Olympic Park, ending at the Georgia World Congress Center. The Parade makes it’s way through the downtown area to honor and celebrate the Two College Teams that will be playing for the Chick-fil-A Bowl title.

First Night Atlanta New Year’s Eve Festival December 31, 11:00pm. Peachtree Street, Downtown Atlanta Georgia. This Block Party for thousands offers live musical performances by local artists and musicians, as well as a midnight Fireworks Spectacular. Tickets are available at a variety of local sources. Stay downtown and enjoy

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

the ‘off rea live

Ce is a ann tran of l and the vem 11:0 the 201 glo out ligh

No Re Lak Lig thro dis aw ride ah for And visi del or s hon ww

Sno sea 201 into dle sno Sto Mo 400 ab Atla eve bun ma dai the ww

Sto

No Ch Mo the you attr dur Mo tion Wo Jol Exp Ce ma live tick

s of con to e he e at . r-

ark,

er s

e o

and n

e a at

val

the festivities at Underground Atlanta ... enjoy the ‘official’ Peach Drop at midnight - followed by a really awesome New Year’s fireworks display, with live performances.

Holiday in Lights

Centennial Olympic Park’s annual Holiday in Lights is an Atlanta tradition and celebrating its thirteenth anniversary season this fall. In November, the Park transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of lights that make up the dazzling display. Different and unique every year, Holiday in Lights runs through the first week of January. The Park is open daily, November 19-January 8, to view the lights from 7:00am11:00pm, including Dec. 25, Christmas Day, and there is no charge for admission. Come celebrate the 2016 holiday season by taking a stroll through the glowing 21-acre Park or a spin around Atlanta’s only outdoor ice skating rink located amongst the glittering lights on the Great Lawn.

Magical Nights of Lights

November 16-December 31; nightly 5:00-10:00pm. Rekindle an old tradition or create a new one at Lake Lanier Islands Resort’s Magical Nights of Lights holiday celebration. A seven-mile drive through tour of animated, festive, holiday light displays. At the end of your tour, the Holiday Village awaits you with carnival rides and games, pony rides and numerous holiday treats. Warm up with a hot cup of cocoa or step inside Santa’s Workshop for some holiday shopping and a visit with Santa. And nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like a visit to Legacy Lodge & Conference Center for a delectable Magical Nights of Lights dinner buffet, or stay the night so the kids can enjoy the time honored tradition of having Breakfast with Santa. www.lakelanierislands.com

Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain Park

Snow Mountain is Atlanta’s first snow park! The season opens November 21, 2015-February 28, 2016. Atlanta’s Stone Mountain Park transforms into a winter wonderland with Snow Mountain. Bundle your family up and get ready for snow tubing, snowballs, snowmen and snow angels. Based at Stone Mountain Park’s famous Laser Lawn, Snow Mountain keeps your entire family busy for hours. A 400’ foot tubing hill and a snow play area filled with a blizzard of snow activities make Snow Mountain Atlanta’s not-to-be-missed winter attraction. There’s even a play zone reserved for your littlest snow bunnies. Snow Mountain’s state-of-the-art snowmaking magic guarantees you tons of fresh snow daily. And with two Mountain SnoLifts to get you up the tubing hill, you’ll want to go again and again! www.stonemountainpark.com

Stone Mountain Christmas

November 12- January 4. There is nothing like the Christmas season that magically transforms Stone Mountain Park into a land of enchantment. Within the glow of more than two million twinkling lights, you can watch live entertainment, engage in fun attractions and reconnect with friends and family during this special time of year. Make a Stone Mountain Christmas a part of your holiday tradition. Events include Sing-a-long Christmas Train, Wonderland Walkway, Snow Angel Castle, Holly Jolly Cabaret, Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas 4D Experience, Snow Angel Fireworks and Snowfall Celebration, Sleigh Ride, Simply Christmas, Christmas Parade, Visit with Santa Claus, storytelling and live shows, great food and holiday shopping! For tickets, www.stonemountainpark.com. AOP 37

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

ve pa mo stu be we co wit pa

at Cit if t go se

ma ke by od the Ch

ind pa

ing sm sle top as bru pra ch an mo

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2016

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

According to a study from LiveScience.com, hovering or over-protective parents are more likely to turn out neurotic, more dependent adult children. “(College) students with helicopter parents tended to be less open to new ideas and actions, as well as more vulnerable, anxious, and selfconscious, among other factors, compared with their counterparts with more distant parents,” the study reported. Dr. Ed Christophersen, a psychologist at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, says hovering becomes problematic if the child isn’t learning key life skills like good sleep habits, independent play and self-calming skills. “But, because, in my experience many hovering parents hover in order to keep themselves from getting stressed by seeing their child distressed, the odds are they will not allow their child the opportunity to learn the life skills,” Christophersen says. To raise children to become self-reliant, independent adults, Christophersen urges parents to instill four important life skills.

Social skills. Once your child enters toddlerhood, encourage cooperation and sharing through parallel play, in which two children play independently with the same group of toys, and eventually social play skills, in which children play together with the same toys.

Good sleep habits. Avoid co-sleeping with your baby (514 children were smothered in the past 10 years due to cosleeping with a parent according to Christophersen). After the age of one, establish a short bedtime routine that includes brushing teeth, bath, bedtime stories and prayer or quiet talk time. Studies show, children who can fall asleep on their own and stay asleep throughout the night are more likely to do well in school.

In tandem with healthy sleep habits and social skills, establish a system that helps children learn step-by-step independence. “Set them up for success when they are young and then back off,” says Mary Jennings, a kindergarten teacher who has taught for 34 years. The night before a school day, for example, help your children pack their backpacks and have them set out their clothes. Assign specific household

Separation skills. The first day of preschool or daycare is often stressful for both parents and their children. Your child may cry or “press back into you. Don’t pick them up,” Christophersen advises. Allow your child time to adjust and soon it’s not so anxiety-provoking. Learning healthy separation skills promotes a sense of self-confidence and the ability to transition more easily from one situation to another.

Independent play. Children as young as 18 to 24 months can learn to play by themselves for extended periods of time. Unstructured playtime not only provides children with a quiet outlet from a busy day, it nurtures creativity, decision-making and self-reflection.

chores to help them build a skill set and a sense of responsibility. Cues and prompts like index cards or color-coded family calendars are simple reminders. “Consistency is key. Don’t give up too soon. It takes 21 days to change a habit,” Jennings adds. Recalling how difficult it was to drop off her two middle-schoolers for their first day in a new school, Holly Clark understands the temptation to hover. “I felt bad for them since they did not know anybody, but I also knew the last thing they needed was their mommy walking in with them,” she says. Clark gives her six children, ranging in age from 2 to 15 years, the space to make age-appropriate decisions and learn personal responsibility. “If we see that they may head down the wrong path, we will step in and intervene,” she says. With her husband in the military, the family moves frequently. To get everyone off on the right foot, she and her husband make it a priority to select a good school district and neighborhood. “When the children...go to college, we will not be there so we need to let them have some responsibility for themselves now so they will not be overwhelmed when we are not there.” For additional parenting tips, check out Christophersen’s book, Parenting that Works: Building Skills that Last a Lifetime. AOP Christa Hines is a freelance writer and frequent contributor.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Family Calendar Monday, October 24

Donate Your Shoes! Help Buy Books for Kids! Jean Dean RIF, 1105 Fitzpatrick Ave, Opelika. Repurpose your shoes! Donate gently used or new shoes to put books in the hands and homes of children in need across Alabama! Everyone wins with this project- people in need in other counties get shoes and get jobs! For more info www.jeandeanrif.org.

Tuesday, October 25

Auburn Aperture Photo Club Meeting 714 East Glenn Ave. 6:30 p.m. This meeting is a local club that is dedicated to improving photography and image processing. It is open to anyone interested in capturing and creating better photos. All skill levels from beginner to professional are welcome. Our monthly meetings include sharing photos, listening to informative speakers, and honing our photography skills. www.auburnaperture.com. Crazy 8s Math Club Auburn Public Library. 3:30 p.m. Join Bedtime Math’s® Crazy 8s Club®, where you’ll build stuff, run and jump, make music, and make a mess… it’s a totally new kind of math club! You’ll get to do mischief-making activities like Glow-in-the-Dark Geometry, Bouncy Dice and Toilet Paper Olympics, and you’ll get to take home some cool gadgets, too. Space is limited to 16 total K—2nd grade participants. Please register by emailing Kari Carpenter at kcarpenter@auburnalabama.org. Baby Time Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Wednesday, October 26 A Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Auburn. 12:00 p.m. Join us for a focused look at a single work of art. A Little Art Talk lasts about 15 to 30 minutes, leaving ample time to drop by the café for lunch. Presenters include artists from “Call and Response” and students in Emily Burns’ 19th century Art History class. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. The New Greater Columbus Fair Oct. 26 - Nov. 2. www.columbusciviccenter.org. Toddler Time Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Thursday, October 27

Museum After Hours Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 5:00-8:00 p.m. The rotunda and cafe (and when the weather’s nice, the terrace) become JCSM After Hours. It’s the perfect place for relaxing, watching the sunset, and listening to music. Hear original songs, jazz, classical, cultural, and sometimes adventurous music fill the pristine spaces at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Auburn University. The house band at JCSM After Hours is Cullars Improvisational Rotation, made up of Dan Mackowski (guitars), Patrick McCurry (woodwinds), Jason DeBlanc (basses), and guests. Cullars is a jazz trio with a southern sensibility: thoughtful, ambient, and adventurous. Named after the oldest soil fertility study in the South, the group embraces its roots and promotes new growth through delicately rehearsed arrangements of standards, originals, hymns and improvisations. Other musicians also perform. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Fall Festival Opelika SportsPlex. 5:30-8:30 p.m. For children 12 years and under. A safe alternative to trick-or-treating. Children wear costumes and bring a treat bag. Visit with local mascots and check out the new features this

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2016

October/November2016

year! Hayrides, prizes, games, rides and entertainment. Inflatable slide, special booths and exciting events. Bring the whole family out for a night of food and fun. www.opelika-al.gov. Halloween Treat Bags Covington Rec Center, Opelika. Make treat bags for your trick-or-treating events. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Ages 4-12. Fee $15. www.opelika-al.gov. The New Greater Columbus Fair Oct. 26 - Nov. 2. www.columbusciviccenter.org. Preschool Storytime Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Fall Sundown Concert Series: Electric Rangers 6:00-7:30 p.m. Kiesel Park, Auburn. Join Auburn Parks and Rec. for an evening of music and fun. Bring your lawn chair, blanket, some dinner and kick back for a night of great music. Free to the public. www.auburnalabama.org.

Friday, October 28

Birds & Brews Social Sponsored by Agricultural Alumni Association. 6:30-9:30 p.m. With the success of the first social scholarship fundraiser, Pork & Cork, the Auburn University Agricultural Alumni Association is proud to be hosting a second event, Birds & Brews. Our event will take place in beautiful Ag Heritage Park at the Alabama Farmers Pavilion. Through this event we hope to increase the scholarship fund for students in the College of Agriculture with all net proceeds from the event going directly to scholarships. The format of the event will be to provide a relaxing fall evening setting to enjoy great food, drinks, music and company. Local chefs will be serving small plate dishes complimented by drinks from local wineries, breweries and distilleries. Chefs will also be ordering poultry products with the assistance of our Department of Poultry Science for this event. www. birdsandbrews.weebly.com. ‘Tour de Fright’ Haunted Bike Ride Opelika Sportplex. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Bicyclers beware! Parents and children 12 and younger are invited to take a ride on the haunted walking trail behind the Opelika SportsPlex! FREE and open to the public! Bikes, trikes and scooters are welcome. Spooky Drop In Covington Rec Center, Opelika. Special occasion drop in to get you excited about drop in. 6:00-8:45 p.m. Ages 3rd-5th grades. $5. www.opelika-al.gov. Alabama National Fair Midway rides, main stage entertainment, food, information and commercial booths, kids area, livestock and other competition, family faith day, and more! Oct. 28 - Nov. 6. Montgomery. www.alnationalfair.org. The New Greater Columbus Fair Oct. 26 - Nov. 2. www.columbusciviccenter.org.

Saturday, October 29

Cruise-In at The Tracks Cruise-In at The Tracks welcomes No Ordinary Streetcars! Bring the family out and celebrate Halloween weekend in Historic Downtown Opelika. Trick or Treating will be available for the kids while adults enjoy the car show! North Railroad Ave., Opelika.

‘Not So Spooky’ Halloween & Fall Family Fun The Rock Ranch, Ga. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Trick or Treat, costume contests, music and fun games. Plus all the other attractions during our Fall Family Fun Days. www.therockranch.com. Fall Family Festival The kids and grandkids will have a great time at the Annual Fall Family Festival at Russell Crossroads. Dress the kids in their favorite costume or let them come as they are and join us for face painting, pumpkin decorating, wagon rides, see a real grist mill in action and more. Alexander City, Al. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. For more information see the calendar of events section of www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com or call 256-3971019. Creepy Wonderful Critters- Alligators! Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 2222 North College Street, Auburn. 10 a.m. Learn all about the critters you may find a bit unfriendly! We would love the chance to show you how truly amazing these creatures are! This program will include live alligators from an alligator farm. Admission is $5 for non-members and $4 for members. Children 3 and under are free. Preregistration is not required. Canceled in the event of rain. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Pioneer Day at Loachapoka Formerly known as Syrup Sopping & Historical Fair, this event will feature: weaving and cloth-making demonstrations, musical entertainment featuring hammered and mountain dulcimers, banjos and guitars, a doctor’s beautiful herb garden and crops garden, bread making, soap making, period pottery, fireplace and outdoor cooking, and other old time crafts. Of course, our famous sweet potato biscuits are made on site for your enjoyment as well as camp stew, beans, collards, and BBQ. Tour the two-story 140 year old Trade Center museum, watch the blacksmiths at work, visit the Log Cabin, and the Taylor Whatley agricultural implement collection. All events free to the public. www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org. MainStreet’s Great Pumpkin Roll Alexander City, Al. 1:30 p.m. Bring the kids, bring your own pumpkin or buy from our local growers. Pitch that gourd downhill and see if yours is the fastest! Spectacular fun for the whole family! Call MainStreet at 256-329-9227 or www.mainstreetac.org. The New Greater Columbus Fair Oct. 26 - Nov. 2. www.columbusciviccenter.org. Young Eagles Day All kids ages 8-17 are invited to take a Free airplane ride over Columbus! Most flights last 20 minutes. The goal is to provide a fun and educational aviation experience. Columbus Airport, 3250 W. Britt David Road, Columbus, Ga. 8:30-11:30 a.m. (weather permitting). 706-324-2453. Market Days on Broadway Broadway transforms, from 9 a.m. - 12 noon, where you will find over 200 local vendors selling anything and everything that you can imagine. The Market features many local and organic farmers selling produce, along with soap vendors, home goods, jewelry vendors and baked goods. Our friends from local shelters and animal rescue groups can often be found in the median of Broadway as well alongside other local non-profits! Be sure to check out our Facebook/marketdaysonbroadway to learn more and stay up to date on our special programming events! Uptown Columbus, Ga. 706.596.0111 or email Becca at Becca@uptowncolumbusga.com. Alabama National Fair Midway rides, main stage entertainment, food, information and commercial booths, kids area, livestock and other competition, family faith day, and more! Oct. 28 - Nov. 6. Montgomery, Al. www.alnationalfair.org.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Zom Spo Cou

Fal Col cale hav wh ww

Fal FDR p.m pre bel you cro sco offi not ww

Spo Wo frig Spo for and

Wa 500 ann the is t fun insp abi par mis cha com free par is n fun awa you ran Par foo we Wa

Ala See

The Oct

Stre boo gro of A Arts pub res this firs to p ma

Family Calendar

Zombie Run 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run Sponsored by Xtreme Athletics. Old Pin Oaks Golf Course. Please call 334-759-7030 for more information.

ess

Fall Festival at the Garden Columbus Botanical Garden. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mark you calendars for our Annual Fall Festival & Plant Sale. We’ll have a variety of plants and lots of fun activities for the whole family, including a scarecrow contest! www.columbusbotanicalgarden.org.

of 7-

res

Fala Day 2016 FDR Little White House, Warm Springs, Ga. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Scottish Terrier Society of Greater Atlanta will present a fun-filled day of activities celebrating Fala, beloved pet to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Bring your doggies and loving memories of those who have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. Find out how your scottie can be in a murder mystery book or become the official mascot for Roosevelt’s Little White House. Dogs not allowed on Historic Site except during the parade. www.stcgsatlanta.com. Spooktacular 2016 Woodruff Riverfront Park, Ga. 2-4 p.m. Looking for a frightfully fun time for the entire family this Halloween? Spooktacular provides a FREE and safe environment for the children of Columbus to enjoy a night of ghosts and goblins, spooky activities, candy and lots of fun.

Sunday, October 30

p 140 hs

tch at

a at

ock ct. .

Walk to End Alzheimer’s 500 Heisman Drive, Auburn. 1:00-4:30 p.m. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions! When you participate in Walk, your fundraising dollars fuel our mission, and your participation in the event helps to change the level of Alzheimer’s awareness in your community. The Alzheimer’s Association provides free, easy-to-use tools and staff support to help participants reach their fundraising goal. While there is no fee to register, we encourage participants to fund raise in order to contribute to the cause and raise awareness. Take the first step by finding a Walk near you. Once you register, you will have access to a wide range of tools and support through your customized Participant Center. Join us and be inspired by all the footsteps that fall into place behind yours. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s! http://act.alz.org/site/TR/ Walk2014/?pg=entry&fr_id=8809. Alabama National Fair See Oct. 28 for details. The New Greater Columbus Fair Oct. 26 - Nov. 2. www.columbusciviccenter.org. 2nd Annual East Alabama Book Festival Sponsored by The Gnu’s Room, Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities. 1:00 5:00 p.m. Located at Pebble Hill, 101 S. Debardeleben Street in Auburn. The 2016 Festival will feature forty booths with authors, publishers, non-profit literacy groups and others. This event is part of the celebration of Arts & Humanities Month by the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn and attendance is free and open to the public. Authors, publishers and others are invited to reserve a booth. Since only forty spaces are available this year registration will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. If you or your organization would like to participate, please download a registration form and mail it in today! www.thegnusroom.com.

October/November2016

Monday, October 31

Alabama National Fair Midway rides, main stage entertainment, food, information and commercial booths, kids area, livestock and other competition, family faith day, and more! Oct. 28 - Nov. 6. Montgomery. www.alnationalfair.org. The New Greater Columbus Fair Oct. 26 - Nov. 2. www.columbusciviccenter.org. 16th Annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat Bring your monsters, stars, warriors and clowns to the best party in town. Join us in this excellent alternative to door-to-door, trick-or-treating. Downtown merchants will provide treats to the children and delightful sounds from our special entertainment will fill the night air. Also, don’t miss out on your chance to win “best costume” contest. Adults must accompany kids at this event. Ages 12 years and under, 6:00-8:00 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org. Halloween at the Callaway Family Home Hills & Dales Estate, LaGrange, Ga. 5:30-8 p.m. The long tradition of celebrating Halloween at the estate will continue on October 31. Trick or treat for little goblins will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will last until 8:00 p.m. at the Callaway family home.

Tuesday, November 1 Crazy 8s Math Club See. Oct. 25 for details.

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

Wednesday, November 2 A Little Art Talk See oct. 26 for details.

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

Thursday, November 3 Indian Festival & Pow-Wow Stone Mountain Park, Ga. Bring your family to experience the energy and color of the largest Native American gathering in Georgia. Free to Mountain Members, the four-day Indian Festival and Pow-Wow was named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society. www. stonemountainpark.com.

Family Fun Day at Peachtree Mall Columbus, Ga. 10:30 a.m. We are wanting to reach stay at home parents of preschool aged children and any daycare that may want to come here on a field trip. FFD runs from 10:30 until noon. Come in early and let the children play in our play area inside of Macy’s court, or take a stroll through the mall and see everything new inside of Peachtree! Preschool Storytime Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. A Little Lunch Music Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. A Little Lunch Music is an informal performance presented by Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art and musician Patrick McCurry, series coordinator. You can sit and listen to the entire performance, dine in the Museum Café from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., browse the shop or explore the galleries. www. jcsm.auburn.edu.

Museum After Hours See Oct. 27 for details. Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers: Rick Silva Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 5:00 p.m. Rick Silva is an artist whose recent videos, websites and images explore notions of landscape and wilderness in the 21st century. He received an MFA from The University of Colorado in 2007, and has since shown extensively nationally and internationally, with recent solo exhibitions at TRANSFER Gallery in New York, Wil Aballe Art Projects in Vancouver, New Shelter Plan in Copenhagen, and Ditch Projects in Oregon. His projects are included in multiple permanent collections such as The Whitney Museum of American Art and the Borusan Contemporary Collection. WIRED called Silva’s videos “glitchy, curious things; some mesmerizing, some arresting.” He lives and works in Eugene Oregon where he is a professor of Art & Technology at the University of Oregon. www.jcsm. auburn.edu.

Friday, November 4

First Friday On the First Friday of each month, downtown Opelika shops will stay open until 8 p.m. so that diners of our downtown restaurants can shop before or after they eat. This is a great opportunity for those that work during retail hours to see what the Downtown shops have to offer. There will also be entertainment on street corners for everyone’s enjoyment. The specialty shops will be open until 8 p.m. with music and entertainment on the street corners, and several restaurants in the downtown area to make the evening a great way to relax and enjoy the atmosphere! Indian Festival & Pow-Wow See Nov. 3 for details. Tribute Show: Elvis & Friends Clarion Hotel, 1577 South College Street, Auburn. 6:30-9:30 p.m. 334-201-2202. Football, Fans and Feathers 1350 Pratt Carden Drive, Auburn. Located off Shug Jordan Parkway just north of the Wire Road Intersection. Sponsored by Southeastern Raptor Center and The Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. 4:00 p.m. A raptor show and flight demonstration in which hawks, falcons, eagles and other birds of prey are free-flown from towers and around the amphitheatre, enabling visitors to see these raptors fly up close. Tickets are $5 per person and supports the mission of rehabilitation of injured or orphaned raptors, to educate the public about birds of prey and conservation. www.vetmd.auburn.edu. First Friday Art Walk Uptown Columbus. 4:30 - 10:00 p.m. The sidewalks will be lined with the exquisite Local ARTISTS with their works! The collaborative projects will be donated to CASA. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is a program with Twin Cedars that advocates for children in foster care undergoing court cases. Trained volunteers from the community integrate themselves into the lives of abused and/or neglected children involved in juvenile court dependency proceedings. They want the children’s best interests moving forward. Judges listen to people appointed by CASA when they are representing these children. www.uptowncolumbusga.com.

Saturday, November 5 National Pumpkin Destruction Day Don’t just toss your pumpkins after Halloween. Bring them back to The Rock Ranch for National Pumpkin Destruction Day! Bash it – smash it – chunk it – drop it off a 50 ft. fork lift! We’ve even got monster trucks, airplanes and cannons to help demolish pumpkins! Don’t miss this signature pumpkin event at The Rock Ranch! www.therockranch.com.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Family Calendar The 50th Pike Road Arts and Crafts Fair On the grounds of the historic Marks house in Pike Road. There will be over 250 vendors selling beautiful and unique arts and crafts just in time for Christmas. Delicious pulled pork barbecue sandwiches, homemade chicken and pimento cheese sandwiches and fried chicken will keep you from getting hungry. Special activities for the children 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The event is held annually on the first Saturday of November. www.pikeroadartsandcraftsfair.com/. Indian Festival & Pow-Wow See Nov. 3 for details. Home Depot Kids Workshop Opelika. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. The Home Depot offers FREE hands-on workshops; designed for children ages 5 – 12. All children get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin. Kids Workshop activities are scheduled on a first come/first served basis. www.homedepot.com. Market Days on Broadway 2016 See Oct. 29 for details. Frogwarts at Oxbow Meadows Columbus, Ga. You are invited to Oxbow’s Frogwarts! Magic and science will meet at this fun family event. Admission is $5 per person, 3 and under free. www.oxbow.columbusstate.edu.

Sunday, November 6

14th Annual 5K Trail Run, Tot Trot, and Sunday Stroll The Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, Auburn. Registration begins at 12:00 p.m. and race beginning at 1:30 p.m. Fee is $20 per participant and all proceeds benefit the nature center. Registration forms can be downloaded at auburn.edu/preserve or you may request forms at preserve@auburn.edu. Indian Festival & Pow-Wow See Nov. 3 for details. 14th Annual 5K Trail Run, Tot Trot and Sunday Stroll Sponsored by Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc and event at Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, Auburn. Registration beginning at 12:00 p.m. and race beginning at 1:30 p.m. Fee is $20 per participant and all proceeds benefit the nature center. Registration forms can be downloaded atauburn.edu/preserve (as of September 1) or you may request forms at preserve@auburn.edu. Junie B. Jones: Essential Survival Guide to School RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus. 2:30 p.m. Now that Junie B. Jones has been going to school for over one-and-a-half years, who better to write the book on EVERYTHING you need to know? From bus rules to band-aids, carpools to cookies, Junie B. and friends deliver the definitive word on surviving and thriving in style. With a jillion tips, tricks and trip-ups, Junie B. shares her hard-won expertise and shows us all how school is sometimes scary, sometimes super-fun, and ALWAYS something to sing about! Come see the all-new musical adventure based on Barbara Park’s popular book, Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide to School. www.rivercenter.org.

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2016

October/November2016

Opening Reception: 1072 Society Class of 2017 Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. This year, we turn our focus to ceramics and art glass. The exhibition will feature historic, traditional, and contemporary examples that augment in meaningful ways our expanding collections in those areas. Utilitarian vessels, figurative ceramic sculpture, and exquisite objects d’art all await this year’s selection. We hope you will make it a point to preview our prospective acquisitions at the opening reception and consider becoming a part of this dynamic collectors group. The 1072 Society is composed of friends of the museum who contribute funds annually for the express purpose of acquiring new art for JCSM’s permanent collection. Each year we assemble and exhibit a selection of art for consideration of purchase with funds generated by this group, so-named in honor of the dollar amount paid in 1948 for 36 modernist paintings to establish a university collection. Today, donors of the 1072 Society carry forward that initial vision to collect significant art at Auburn. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Crazy 8s Math Club See. Oct. 25 for details.

Tickets Go On Sale for the Polar Express Holiday Event 2016 Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. All aboard the Polar Express! Children ages 12 and under are invited to hop aboard the Polar Express at Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Children under the age of 2 are FREE with the purchase of an adult ticket. The “train” will depart at 9 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m. Activities include arts and crafts, sweet treats, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and much more! Children are encouraged to wear their favorite holiday pajamas while they participate in indoor and outdoor activities. The cost is $12/person and adults planning to participate with children must also purchase a ticket. Children under 7 are required to be accompanied by an adult ticket holder. A limited number of tickets are available and last year’s event SOLD OUT. For more information, please visit www.auburnalabama.org/ parks or contact the Arts Center at (334) 501-2963.

Baby Time @ Auburn Public Library See Oct. 25 for details.

Thursday, November 10

Tuesday, November 8

LitWits Book Club: I Can See the Future Auburn Public Library. 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Bored of the same old chit-chat over required reading? Take charge of your reading experience! LitWits is a genre based book club. Read any book within that genre and bring it with you for group discussions and themed activities. Coffee and snacks are served at each meeting. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Kreher Preserve & Nature Center: Discovery Hike 222 North College Street, Auburn. 3:30 p.m. This month, learn all about fascinating insects and taste local honey from our own hives. Learn about pollination and the waggle dance while out on our hike to see the bees. No pre-registration required. Hikes are free to the public. www.wp.auburn.edu. Family Discovery Hike: White-tailed Deer Louise Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, Auburn. 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Come and learn all about seasonal changes and the signs of fall! Explore the preserve and learn something new each month about plants, wildlife and nature with a trained naturalist who will offer your family fun opportunities for hands-on learning, exploration, and exercise! Discovery Hikes are offered the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. For families with children ages 5 to 12. Each month features a new seasonal theme. Groups meet at the pavilion. Guided tours are free. Donations are welcomed. Cancelled in the event of rain. www.auburn.edu/preserve.

Wednesday, November 9 A Little Art Talk See oct. 26 for details.

Toddler Time @ Auburn Public Library See Oct. 26 for details. Fairy STEMs Auburn Public Library. “Snow White and the 77 Dwarves” by Davide Cali/Edible Apples from Snow White’s Taste Kitchen. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Preschoolers— 2nd grade children and their caregivers are invited to join us for a brand new storytime on Saturday mornings that is all about STEM. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. This brand new storytime will focus on these concepts in a fun, interactive, story-driven format. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

2016 Battles for the Armory Tallassee Historic District and Gibsons Plantation. Battle Re-enactment of the Battle of Chehaw Station and the Battle of Franklin, Interactive exhibits, period artillery, infantry, field hospital, blacksmith, carriage rides, Tours of the Confederate Armory and more. www.tallasseearmoryguards.org. Adult Nature Walk: White-tailed Deer Louise Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, Auburn. 8:309:30 a.m. Come and learn all about seasonal changes and the signs of fall! Join our guides for a peaceful morning walk as you take in the many sights and sounds of the preserve. Nature Walks offer excellent opportunities to socialize and learn, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. Walks are for adults only, no pre-registration is required. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Preschool Storytime @ Auburn Public Library Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. A Little Lunch Music Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. A Little Lunch Music is an informal performance presented by with violinist, Guy Harrison and with pianist, Jeremy Samolesky. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Ga Aub yea

Ch Sho We cra givi Sat

201 See

Vet Nat Gam refr and ww

Ch Wh LaF hor wal 9a

Ma Cal age Ma Fan of t rais def nig spe the nam ww

Ch Cra See

Low Ope to c woo pat ww

Museum After Hours See Oct. 27 for details. Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers “Hotel Dallas” by Sherng-Lee Huang & Liv Ungur. In the 80s, in the twilight of communist Romania, “Dallas” is the only American show allowed on TV. Its vision of wealth and glamour captures the imagination of millions. Among them are Ilie and his daughter Livia. He is a smalltime criminal and aspiring capitalist; she is in love with the show’s handsome leading man, Patrick Duffy. After communism falls, Ilie builds the Hotel Dallas, a life-size copy of the “Dallas” mansion. Livia immigrates to America, becomes a filmmaker, and directs a movie starring Patrick Duffy, as a soap opera character who dies in Texas and wakes up in Romania, in a hotel that looks just like home. Livia guides her childhood idol on a genre-bending road trip across a Romanian dreamscape—along the border of fiction and documentary, through the failed utopias of communism and capitalism, and into a realm of ghosts and lost time. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

the tea Raffl Ste 360 937 for rec

Sec 10 car

ss der

ay r g ket.

ttle he y, urs

30s

as”

. e

. nd a ia,

nd sm

Family Calendar Gamers Society “All Night Game” Auburn Public Library. 4:00- 8:30 p.m. Ages 10-18 years. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Friday, November 11

Charis Crafters ‘Home for the Holidays’ Craft Show Wetumpka Civic Center. A wide variety of handmade crafted items and homemade delights perfect for gift giving or decorating your home. Fri., 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 2016 Battles for the Armory See Nov. 10 for details. Veterans Day Mini Camp National Infantry Museum, Columbus. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Games, hands on activities, fun facts, guided tours, refreshments and more. Ages 5-11 years are welcome and $10 ticket event! Register today! www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org.

Saturday, November 12 Chambers Country Fair (formerly known as White Plains Country Fair) LaFayette, Al. Country fair with food, children’s games, horse shoes, pottery, blacksmith demonstrations, cake walk, craft vendors with one of a kind items, live music! 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 334-864-9852 or 334-497-4444. March of Dimes NightWalk Fantasy in Lights Callaway Gardens, Ga. 6:00-9:00 p.m. $20 adults; $10 ages 6-12; 5 and under are free. Join us for the annual March of Dimes Night Walk through Callaway Gardens’ Fantasy In Lights. Take a leisurely stroll through one of the nation’s greatest holiday light displays while raising funds to help prevent premature birth and birth defects. 8 million lights. 15 dazzling scenes. 1 magical night. Fantasy In Lights® is not only the South’s most spectacular holiday light and sound show, it is one of the world’s “Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights” as named by National Geographic Traveler. www.callawaygardens.com. Charis Crafters ‘Home for the Holidays’ Craft Show See Nov. 11 for details. Lowes Build and Grow Clinic Opelika. 10-11 a.m. Lowes welcomes all little builders to come swing a hammer at their house! Build a wooden project and get you a free apron, goggles, patch, and much more! Free! www.lowesbuildandgrow.com. Angling for Autism Bass Fishing Tournament Wind Creek State Park, On Lake Martin. Fishing begins at daylight and weigh in at 2:00pm. Entry fee: $100 per boat. $100 to the highest placing Male/Female and Parent/Child teams!$10 optional big fish pot with a 70/30 split. Raffles and prizes throughout event. QUESTIONS: Stephanie Weldon, P.O. Box 780639 Tallassee, AL 36078 or sweldon@learning-tree.org, (334) 4159372. SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE. Contact Stephanie for info. Boat # assigned in the order of registration received. Second Saturday at Columbus Museum 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Free Admission. Drop by the art cart with your children and grandchildren each month

October/November2016

Market Days on Broadway See Oct. 29 for details.

and grew up in Los Angeles. He attended Pomona College, the University of Michigan, and UC Irvine, where he received an MFA. His latest book of poetry, “Coral Road,” was published by Knopf in 2011. Author of “Volcano: A Memoir of Hawaii`i”, among his honors are the Guggenheim Fellowship, two NEA grants, a Fulbright Fellowship, and the Lamont Poetry Prize from the Academy of American Poets. He teaches poetry at the University of Oregon while working currently on a book of non-fiction entitled “The Perfect Sound.” www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Sunday, November 13

Friday, November 18

to explore various mediums of art, enjoy art related stories, and participate in gallery hunts at the Museum. Children of all ages are welcome and encouraged to participate. www.columbusmuseum.com. Crayons, Crafts and Kool Kids Outdoor Vending Fair See Oct. 22 for details.

Bicycle Night Callaway Gardens, Ga. 8 million lights. 15 dazzling scenes. 1 magical night. Fantasy In Lights® is not only the South’s most spectacular holiday light and sound show, it is one of the world’s “Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights” as named by National Geographic Traveler. Experience the magic in an exciting new way this year on Sun, Nov. 13, our Fantasy In Lights® Bicycle Night. www.callawaygardens.com.

Football, Fans and Feathers 1350 Pratt Carden Drive, Auburn. Located off Shug Jordan Parkway just north of the Wire Road Intersection. Sponsored by Southeastern Raptor Center and The Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. 4:00 p.m. A raptor show an flight demonstration in which hawks, falcons, eagles and other birds of prey are free-flown from towers and around the amphitheatre, enabling visitors to see these raptors fly up close. Tickets are $5 per person and supports the mission of rehabilitation of injured or orphaned raptors, to educate the public about birds of prey and conservation. www.vetmd.auburn.edu.

Monday, November 14

Saturday, November 19

Tuesday, November 15

S’mores (Saturday Mid-Day Orchestra Rehearsals) for Kids RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus. 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. S’MORES are open dress rehearsals with an informal and all-inclusive atmosphere. The CSO is breaking the financial barrier by encouraging attendees to “pay what you want.” By allowing YOU to set the price, S’MORES eliminates hesitation and exposes people who have not had the capabilities to partake in the music that is being created here in Columbus. S’MORES begins at 12:30 p.m. and lasts the duration of a rehearsal (no later than 3:30 p.m.). For more information call (706) 256-3640.

Chambers Country Fair (formerly known as White Plains Country Fair) See Nov. 12 for details

Photography Night at Fantasy in Lights Callaway Gardens, Ga. 8 million lights. 15 dazzling scenes. 1 magical night. Fantasy In Lights® is not only the South’s most spectacular holiday light and sound show, it is one of the world’s “Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights” as named by National Geographic Traveler. www.callawaygardens.com.

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

Wednesday, November 16 A Little Art Talk See Oct. 26 for details.

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

Thursday, November 17 The Hospitality Gala 2016 The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center. The event serves as an annual fundraiser for Auburn University’s Hotel and Restaurant Management Program that provides a hands on catering and event planning experience to HRMT Students. For more information, please visit www.thehospitalitygala.com. A Little Lunch Music Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. A Little Lunch Music is an informal performance presented by with violinist, Guy Harrison and with pianist, Jeremy Samolesky. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Preschool Storytime Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Museum After Hours See Oct. 27 for details. Third Thursday Poetry Series: Garrett Hongo Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 6:30-8:00 p.m. A new lineup of visiting poets to our area is slated for the fall 2016 installment of the Third Thursday Poetry Series. Garrett Hongo was born in Hawai`i

Market Days on Broadway See Oct. 29 for details.

Super Saturdays at LaGrange Art Museum 112 Lafayette Pkwy, LaGrange, Ga. 1:00-4:00 p.m. Free family art day! Spend the afternoon at the Museum. Families, neighbors, and friends can tour the current exhibit and explore an art activity. www.lagrangeartmuseum.org. West GA Choral Society Concert of Praise & Thanksgiving First Presbyterian Church of LaGrange. Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 5:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, LaGrange. This concert has become a community tradition. the Choral Society of West Georgia is a volunteer community choir and consists of the LaGrange Civic Chorale and Bel Canto LaGrange, A Women’s Vocal ensemble. Moms Tell the Truth Sponsored by East Alabama Birth Village. Frank Brown Recreation Center, 235 Opelika Rd, Auburn. Join us in person or virtually via Periscope for #MomsTellTheTruth as we focus on the realities of parenting. The East Alabama Birth Village’s mission is to support all women from pregnancy to preschool, and we believe connection is the key to happy moms and happy kids. This event is offered free of charge and is a service of the East Alabama Birth Village. For more information call (334) 539-8048 or visit www.birthvillage.org.

Tuesday, November 22 LitWits Book Club Vampires, Witches, and Zombies, Oh My! See Nov. 8 for details.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Family Calendar Baby Time @ Auburn Public Library 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Wednesday, November 23 Toddler Time @ Auburn Public Library 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Thursday, November 24

Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center. Join our family as we are serving up a traditional Thanksgiving feast in the main ballroom of the conference center at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Enjoy an array of turkey, ham, cornbread stuffing, fresh vegetables, and tempting desserts. It will cost $45 for adults and $19 for children. Children five and under are free. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Ariccia at (334) 844-5140. Thanksgiving Dinner at Arricia Inside The Hotel at Auburn and Dixon Conference Center, 214 South College Street. 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. Arricia will feature a special four-course dinner in addition to the a la carte dinner menu. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by contacting Ariccia at 334-844-5140. Thanksgiving Brunch at The Hotel at Auburn and Dixon Conference Center 214 South College Street. 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Join us for a traditional Thanksgiving feast in the main ballroom of the conference center, Enjoy an array of turkey, ham, cornbread stuffing, fresh vegetables, and tempting desserts. It will cost $45 for adults and $19 for children. Children five and under are free. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Ariccia at (334) 844-5140. Preschool Storytime @ Auburn Public Library 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Friday, November 25

Blue Friday: Shop, Dine, Play. Downtown Auburn On the Friday after Thanksgiving, downtown Auburn merchants will celebrate the start of Christmas shopping in the true Auburn style with BLUE Friday! Merchants will be open for extended hours and offer specials throughout the day. Beginning in the late afternoon, children’s activities and TVs will be set up in the Gay Street parking lot. Live music will begin at 3:30 p.m. with Dallas Dorsey and continue at 6 p.m. with Rollin’ in the Hay. Shop, dine and play all long! Christmas at Crossroads Alexander City. A great event for the entire family! In its third year Christmas at Crossroads is a great way to get out with the family and friends, do some shopping, take a carriage ride, check off items on your Christmas list and let the kids visit with Santa. Our Naturalist, Marianne typically has a presentation that will interest everyone. Stop by for a visit and bring the kids!

October/November2016

an amazing eleven-piece big band along with eight outstanding singers and dancers who fill the stage with majestic and lush arrangements of holiday favorites perfect for the whole family! Performing winter classics from Bing to Bublé, Home for the Holidays is a show that’s bound to get even a Scrooge’s toe tapping. Colorful costumes in a grand holiday setting enhance the exciting choreographic routines as the joy of the holidays comes to life at RiverCenter. You won’t want to miss this jazzy evening full of holiday cheer! www.rivercenter.org. Market Days on Broadway See Oct. 29 for details. Young Eagles Day See Oct. 29 for details. Crayons, Crafts and Kool Kids Outdoor Vending Fair See Oct. 22 for details. Christmas at Crossroads See Nov. 25 for details.

Sunday, November 27 Christmas at Crossroads See Nov. 25 for details.

4th Annual ‘Connect to Your Coast’ Dinner The Alabama Coastal Foundation (ACF) is providing an exciting way for people in the Auburn area to enjoy some excellent food while learning about efforts to protect Alabama’s coastal environment. All area residents are invited to the fourth annual “Connect to Your Coast” event. The event will take place at AU School of Forestry and Wildlife Science’s Kreher Preserve & Nature Center (2222 North College Street, Auburn 36830).The program begins at 5:30 p.m. and people are invited to come any time before 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through the Alabama Coastal Foundation’s website (http://www. joinACF.org) or that night at the Kreher Preserve. Ticket price includes a meal from Moe’s Original BBQ. All proceeds from the event will benefit the ACF and the Kreher Preserve.www.joinacf.org.

Monday, November 28

Home for the Holidays: The TEN Tenors The Opelika Center for Performing Arts. 7:30-9:30 p.m. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to celebrate the holiday season that with international singing sensation The TEN Tenors! Home for the Holidays is a magical experience for the whole family that dazzles, delights, and captivates audiences with its unique selection of traditional and contemporary seasonal favorites. With soaring versions of “Joy to the World”, “Winter Wonderland”, “Feliz Navidad”, and many more, Home for the Holidays is the perfect way to celebrate the spirit of the season. The TEN Tenors are without a doubt one of Australia’s most successful touring entertainment groups of all time, with more than 90 million people worldwide witnessing their unmistakable charm, camaraderie, and vocal power. Following 17 years of sell-out performances across the globe, including more than 2000 of their own headline concerts, The TEN Tenors have become one of the world’s most beloved classically-based contemporary music groups. www.thetentenors.com.

November 30 Saturday, November 26 Wednesday, A Little Art Talk American Big Band: Home For The Holidays at the RiverCenter for Performing Arts Columbus. 7:30 p.m. The highly-acclaimed performance ensemble, American Big Band, is back by popular demand with an all new holiday classic, Home for the Holidays! Get in the holiday spirit with

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2016

See Oct. 26 for details.

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

K-12 Fall Art Club with Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art Tailgate Art Club. This club will meet before the football game against the University of Louisiana-Monroe. 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Parents and guardians are asked to stay with their child as they work on the project. Admission is free, but space is limited. Register the number of youth who plan to attend. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

December

Dec. 1. Christmas Wreaths Covington Rec Center, Opelika. Decorate wreaths with all your favorite things and hang on your door to display at Christmas. 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Ages 5-12, $15. www. opelika-al.gov. Dec. 1 - 3. Rocky Brook Rocket Reindeer Express Municipal Park, Opelika. Children 2nd grade and younger are invited to ride the train through the lights, enjoy food, hot chocolate, face painting, entertainment, pictures with Santa and more! www. opelika-al.gov. Dec. 2 - 4, 8-10. “The Little Mermaid” Springer Opera House, Columbus. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.” Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea. www.springeroperahouse.org. Dec. 3. Santa Claus 10K Callaway Gardens, Ga. 5:00 p.m. The Santa Claus Classic 10K is part of the Run & See Georgia Series. It will take place on a fast, flat course that weaves among the scenes in our world-renowned Fantasy In Lights show. The event is open to the first 1,000 registered runners. Now in its 17th year, the Santa Claus10K is USATF-certified and has become one of the most popular qualifiers for the Peachtree Road Race each year in Atlanta. www. callawaygardens.com. Dec. 3. Ho! Ho! Ho! Hike! Sponsored by Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve and AU School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences. Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, Auburn. 10 a.m. Make time in your busy holiday schedule to join us for this fun nature “Santahunt” where we will hike the preserve looking for animals and this elusive visitor in red. Later we will return to the amphitheater where we will gather for a cup of hot cocoa and a warm fire! Admission to the Ho! Ho! Ho! Hike is $3 per person. Donations of canned goods will be accepted for the East Alabama Food Bank for a homemade goodie. No pre-registration required. We will cancel in the event of rain. Rain date (or if in SEC championship) is Dec 10th. For more information, visit our website at www.auburn.edu/ preserve or call Jen Lolley 334-707-6512 or send questions to preserve@auburn.edu. Dec. 3 - 4. South’s BEST Robotics Competition Auburn University. The mission of BEST is to inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through participation in a competitive robotics program that fosters knowledge, teamwork, and communication. A major tenet of the program is that it is free to schools; there is no cost for robotics materials nor to enter a team. Each year, middle and high school student teams are tasked with building

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

a ro cha mod stud mod stud The env driv not eng con spir rob ww

Dec Dad This and and the eve eve Plea Pur at a 5:3 p.m Uni Con aub

Dec Ope par 8th size them has eve Sou How be c frien eve the cos Ave Frid Chr ride whi whi Driv p.m Tree Lau Ave plea

Dec The Cen Villa com the

Dec Ope sim at t us f enjo kids ente for on s sho and tran the from onc the

ball 30

ww.

s c ngly me

est

to ms,

rg.

d ve sy

a 3

e. of For

ons

Family Calendar a robot to compete against other schools in that year’s challenge. Each challenge is based on an educational model. Previous models include “Just Plane Crazy”, in which students learned about aeronautics and built a simple model airplane with their robot; and “Total Recall” in which students studied six-sigma to optimize manufacturing. The robotics competition is a high-energy sports-like environment but good sportsmanship is essential. Studentdriven robots compete against the challenges of the game, not other robots. To compete, students must provide an engineering notebook, give an oral marketing presentation, construct an educational exhibit, and show excellent team spirit and sportsmanship. BEST uses the excitement of robotics to teach engineering and business processes. www.southsbest.org. Dec. 5. Tickets Go On Sale for the 28th Annual Daddy-Daughter Date Night This is a night for memories! Girls, get ready to dress up and enjoy an evening of dancing, refreshments, pictures and other surprises with your dad. Don’t miss out on the chance to win a trophy or door prize throughout the evening. Dads – you don’t want to miss this exciting event! Four nights are available to girls 12 and under. Please make your reservations early, as space is limited. Purchase tickets online beginning Monday, December 5 at auburnalabama.org/parks. Event dates are February 8, 5:30-8 p.m., February 9, 5:30-8 p.m., February 10, 6:30-9 p.m. or February 11, 6:30-9 p.m. Clarion Inn & Suites University Center Fee: $35/couple & $5/additional child Contact: Dana Stewart at (334) 501-2950 or dstewart@ auburnalabama.org. Dec. 7 - 11. Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour Opelika. The tour began in 1993 with just a few homes participating, but has grown to include 60 homes on North 8th and 9th street. The homes are decorated with life size Santas, angels, toys, carousel horses and Christmas themed figures. The Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour has been voted one of the southeast’s top rated tourism events and featured in Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Living. The event is a self directed driving tour. However, on Saturday night North 8th and 9th streets will be closed to traffic to encourage visitors, neighbors and friends to stroll through the neighborhood. This enables everyone to leisurely enjoy the homes up close, listen to the carolers, and talk with residents dressed in Victorian costumes. This tour begins on North 8th street and 2nd Avenue and includes over ten city blocks. Free! On the Friday night of the tour the City of Opelika sponsors Christmas in a Railroad town which includes wagon rides through the Victorian Front Porch Christmas tour which includes tour guides who take you back in time while enjoying the festively decorated homes. Lighted Driving Tour Wednesday, Dec. 7 through Dec. 11, 5-10 p.m. Walking Tour Saturday, December 10, 6-9 p.m. Tree lighting with Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller and his wife Laura at 6 p.m. at the corner of North 8th Street and 2nd Avenue. (weather permitting). For an entertainment list, please visit www.opelikavictorianfrontporchtour.com. Dec. 8. Gingerbread Unveiling The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center. Join us for the unveiling of the Gingerbread Village following the Auburn Christmas Parade. Enjoy complimentary cookies and hot chocolate while admiring the 2016 Gingerbread Village. Dec. 9. Christmas in a Railroad Town Opelika 6:00-9:00 p.m. Whether you’re a young child or simply a child at heart – there will be activities for everyone at this great night out in historic downtown Opelika. Join us for Christmas in a Railroad Town. Visit with friends and enjoy a variety of food vendors and restaurants. Bring the kids to write letters to Santa, enjoy pony rides, caroling, entertainment and other new activities! Guaranteed fun for adults includes Loft Tours, personalized gifts made on site and bundles of sweet treats for sale. Local retail shops will be open late for all your Christmas needs. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be available for family photos! Be transported back in time and take a wagon ride through the Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour. Leave straight from Christmas in a Railroad Town and be delivered back once you’re done. Enclosed trolley rides also available at the Museum of East Alabama. www.opelikamainstreet.org.

October/November2016

Dec. 10. Children’s Gingerbread Class The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center. Experience the magic of the holiday season by creating your very own gingerbread house. Executive Sous Chef, Brandon Burleson, will assist your child in assembling and decorating a gingerbread house. The class includes all materials, refreshments and the completed gingerbread house to take home. Immediately following the class, children are invited to gather round the hotel’s Gingerbread Village to listen to classic holiday stories during storytime with Santa. For reservations, please contact Anna Kent at (334) 3213175. Gingerbread Class is $35 per child. Dec. 10. 10th Annual Holiday Art Sale Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Local artists will be selling paintings, pottery, stained glass, photography, cards, jewelry, hats, scarves and much more! If you would like to sell your work, a limited number of exhibition spaces are available, so be sure to download your application! To download an application, please visit www.auburnarts.org. For more information, please contact Cari Cleckler at ccleckler@auburnalabama.org. FREE to the public. Dec. 12 - 13. Auburn Area Community Theatre Auditions for “Cheaper By the Dozen” Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn. 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Open auditions for our March production of “Cheaper By The Dozen,” a classic and poignant tale of growing up, love and family. Adapted from the autobiographical book written by Frank Gilbreth and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, it is funny and tender. Actors need to come prepared with one-minute contemporary or comedic monologue. Callbacks are by invitation only. Teens interested in working with technical/production roles and tasks should contact Cora Connelly by email: connelly517@gmail. com. The first rehearsal is on December 19 then regular rehearsals will begin in January. Cast size is 16 performers. richardtrammelljr@gmail.com. Dec. 17. Children’s Gingerbread Class The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center. Experience the magic of the holiday season by creating your very own gingerbread house. Executive Sous Chef, Brandon Burleson, will assist your child in assembling and decorating a gingerbread house. The class includes all materials, refreshments and the completed gingerbread house to take home. Immediately following the class, children are invited to gather round the hotel’s Gingerbread Village to listen to classic holiday stories during storytime with Santa. For reservations, please contact Anna Kent at (334) 321-3175. Gingerbread Class is $35 per child. Dec. 20. Christmas Crafts Covington Rec. Center, Opelika. Fun crafts for the holidays. 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Ages 6-10 years.; Fee $15. www.opelikaal.gov.

Ongoing:

A2Z Local Homeschooler’s Association For homeschooling families in the Auburn/Opelika Lee County area of Alabama. A2Z Loop is an all-inclusive support group open to all homeschool families in the Auburn/Opelika area regardless of differences in beliefs, cultures, nationality, race, religion, or method of home schooling. For more information call 334-7281162 or email: momofpnk@gmail.com. Alabama Mentor’s Foster Parent Training Classes Offered in the Opelika Auburn area. Call 334-705-8877 x 18 to register or email: Deanna.Hand@thementornetwork.com. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net. 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. Center for Puppetry Arts www.atlanta.net.

Callaway Gardens • 25th Annual Fantasy in Lights. Nov. 13 - Jan. 7. 8 million lights. 15 dazzling scenes. 1 magical night. Callaway Gardens’ Fantasy In Lights is not only the South’s most spectacular holiday light and sound show, it is one of the world’s “Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights,” as named by National Geographic Traveler. Other activities include Shopping in the Christmas Village, Santa Photos, Story Time with Mrs. Claus, Character Breakfast, Holiday Dinner Show featuring ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ and much more! $21$28 adults, $10.50-$14 children, ages 5/under free. www.callawaygardens.com. Chick-fil-A Family Night at Tigertown Every Thursday night. DeSoto Caverns Park Christmas Laser Light, Sound & Water Show Nov. 1 - Jan. 1. DeSoto Caverns Park. This special laser light show commemorates the birth of baby Jesus and is shown during every cave tour. www.DeSotoCavernsPark.com. Discovery Hikes Explore the preserve and learn something new each month about plants, wildlife and nature with a trained naturalist who will offer your family fun opportunities for hands-on learning, exploration, and exercise! Discovery Hikes are offered the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. For families with children ages 5 to 12. Free admission. Donations welcomed. Cancelled in the event of rain. Forest Ecology Preserve & Nature Center is located at 2222 N. College Street, Auburn, and is just north of the AU Fisheries complex. Expressions of a BraveHeart Program A fine arts program for teens and young adults with special needs (ages 11–21), sponsored by Opelika Parks and Recreation, utilizing Auburn University faculty and students, as well as community volunteers. Two 30-minute sessions of art, dance/creative movement and music will be offered and participants will select 2 of the 3 classes. Expressions meets every 2nd and 4th Monday twice a month for 1.5 hours. Opelika Sportsplex, 334.705.5560. www.opelikasportsplex.com. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center • Auburn Area Community Theatre presents “Proof”. Nov. 10 - 12. Winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award for Best Play “PROOF,” is the story of Catherine, a troubled young woman who has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own emotions, her estranged sister, Claire, and a former student of her father’s, who hopes to find value in the work her father left behind. The discovery in a notebook will pose the biggest mystery of all: how much of her father’s madness -or geniuswill she inherit? $10/Adults, $8/Students and Seniors. Tickets can be purchased and reservations made at auburnact.org. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn. www.auburnalabama.org. Jule Collins Smith Museum • “Camera Lucida”. Aug. 27 - Jan. 17. Popular culture has been molded by television and electronic graphic information since the mid-20th century. Whether appearing on a TV console, computer monitor, or smart device, video has become a comfortable, accessible, and preferred medium for both consumption and creation, especially to those among us under 30. Many critics today consider it to be this generation’s quintessential format for expression. Camera Lucida features eight contemporary artists from around the world who work with video and digital moving imagery. Artists Jay Bolotin, Rob Carter, Joe Hamilton, Yeon Jin Kim, Ligorano Reese, Jillian Mayer, Rosa Menkman, and Rick Silva offer fresh perspectives on enduring concerns and new issues, using a technology that is widely familiar through common exposure, if not as broadly known as an independent art form. Yet video has been used as an eloquent and powerful vehicle by artists for more than 50 years, ranging from early documentary formats and narrative expositions to digital abstraction and game-playing interaction. JCSM’s

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Family Calendar survey provides a compelling look at the state of the medium today, where age-old intentions find new purpose in new applications. Featured also in Camera Lucida is a selection of videos by artists from Auburn’s Department of Art and Art History. Jule Collins Smith Museum, Auburn. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Lee County Department of Human Resources Now recruiting foster/adoptive families. To learn more about fostering and adoption please call our office at 334-737-1100. Please join us in this endeavor to help our foster children. Lee County Parents of Chinese Children helps children understand, see and grow up with other families that look like their family (white parents/Asian child). The group is 100% free! We try to eat out at Asian establishments monthly and have playdates. Families that are waiting to adopt are welcome! We accept any families with adopted children from all Asian countries. Contact Melody at mmhilyer@bellsouth.net. 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.). 334-8875111. Try the practice of walking meditation or simply sit and enjoy the sights and sounds. The garden and labyrinth are always open and guests are always welcome. Miracle League To volunteer or for more information, www.miraclefield. org or eamiracleleague@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. The Rock Ranch • Drive-Thru Christmas Lights. Nov. 24-30. The Rock Ranch, Ga. The Rock Ranch invites families to drive through more than a mile of magical Christmas lights on the farm. This tradition started nine years ago when the late S. Truett Cathy, Founder of Chickfil-A and The Rock Ranch, purchased a truck load of lights from Lowes and Home Depot during an “After Christmas” sale. He thought folks would enjoy an affordable opportunity to drive through beautifully lit Christmas scenes. Free! www.therockranch.com. Springer Opera House • Route 66. Nov. 10-12, 17-20. A rip-roaring, pedal-to-the-medal road trip down memory lane featuring hits such as “Dead Man’s Curve,” “King of the Road,” “Little Old Lady from Pasadena,” “Six Days on the Road,” “GTO,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “I Get Around” and, of course, “Route 66.” Four snappy young pump jockeys take the audience to various stops along the historic “Mother Road” where a menagerie of characters sing and dance to timeless pop and country tunes. The ’50s music in this show is energizing and fun for all ages. From the jazzy pop of Chicago, the two-stepping hoedown of Texas and the beach-bumming car jams of California — this show has it all. This is the road trip of a lifetime with solid harmonies, dazzling quick-changes, flashy dance numbers and hilarious comedic timing. “Get your kicks…..on Route 66.” Springer Opera House, Georgia. www.rivercenter.org. Therapeutic Foster Care Program Foster a Child’s Future Today - Become a Therapeutic Foster Parent! Certification classes are free. Please call Joanna Fisher Champagne at Lee County Youth Development Center’s Therapeutic Foster Care Program. (334) 749-2996, Ext. 311 - You can make an eternal difference in a child’s life!

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2016

October/November2016

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

preparation, devotions and games. Call Laura Fuller at laura@insideyfc.com or 334-501-5637. www.insideyfc.com.

Parents Support & Moms Groups

Mom’s Morning Out

Auburn Mommies, a fun group of moms in the Auburn/Opelika area that meet weekly for playgroups and Mommy and Me walking twice a week. We also have a Mommies Night Out once a month. Http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/auburnmommiesinalabama/. Auburn Mommy and Me Big Dog Running Co, Auburn. 10–11 a.m. Social time, story time, music/movement, arts & crafts. Ages 9 months–3 years. Free! 334-209-2580. Auburn MOPS 1st Wednesday of each month, September-May. 9–11:30 a.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, Opelika. Meetings

open to moms with preschool children ages 5 years and under. $5 per meeting; childcare $5 per child. $25 yearly membership dues. Weekly playdates, monthly moms night out, resources, and more. www.facebook.com/ AuburnOpelikaMOPS; AUMOPS@yahoo.com. Breast Feeding class meets the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon on EAMC’s third floor. Call 528-1260 to register. La Leche League, a support group for nursing moms, meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. @ Cornerstone Family Chiropractic, Airport Plaza, 323 Airport Road Suite E, Auburn. For more information call LLL of Auburn/Opelika, Leader, Josie Ettinger (h)334257-3950 or (c)334-740-8780. Main Street Farmer’s Market June 14-October 25. Broad Street, Alexander City. 256-329-9227. MOMS Club of Auburn, a group of stay-at-home moms that meets about twice a week to provide support for each other and fun interaction for kids. New website is www.auburnmoms.com. Parent Educational Workshop - Autism 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Avenue, Opelika. Parent Support Group - Autism 1st Monday (unless national holiday), 9:00-11:00 a.m. Location varies so check www.leecountyautism.com for complete information. Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama offers 2nd Saturdays, group classes, and more. Contact Penny Messer at 334-444-6827. Email smoea@bellsouth. net. Website www.smoea.vpweb.com or find us on facebook. Teen Moms (for moms under 20) is a ministry that connects trained adults with pregnant girls and teenage moms. Support meetings, classes, job

Auburn United Methodist Church, Children’s Day Out Program, every Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.–12 noon. $10 per child for the entire morning, $2 each additional child. Attendance will be on a first come-first served basis. Contact Barbara Dawsey at 826-8800 for more information. Trinity United Methodist Church (Opelika) Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:45–12. $15 per child, $5 each additional.

Support Groups

Caregiver Support Group Caring for a family member or friends can be rewarding, but it’s not easy. Whether you are the caregiver for your parents, spouse or a dependent child, this group is for you! Learn ways to cope with every day stresses of caring for someone you love. Gain tools and resources to help you on your journey. This program is supported by the Opelika Sportsplex, Lee-Russell Agency on Aging and HomeInstead Senior Care. This group is open to the public. Meets the last Monday of each month at 12:30 p.m. at Opelika Sportsplex AAC. Instructors are: Valeri White (Sportsplex), Bridgette Sager (Home Instead Senior Care), Lisa Askew (LeeRussell 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. Call us today. We are here to help.

Sports

Auburn University Men’s Basketball Nov. 4, 11, 14, 17, 29. Auburn University Women’s Basketball Nov. 11, 27. Auburn University Soccer Oct. 27. Auburn University Football Oct. 22. Nov. 5, 19. Auburn University Volleyball Oct. 16. Nov. 4, 6 26. Auburn Equestrian Oct. 15, 21. Nov. 18. Auburn University Swim and Dive Oct. 29-30. Nov. 4, 12. Auburn University Tennis Oct. 14-17, 22-24. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

La Pi

(Fi

firs mo trad Pig full dro the eas ban ate can and num

(Pe

is a sec ban fies and tion lets pas with kee dep Co of d kid

Money Toys Make Sense

y 2

rst or

u r a

at rs

ma.

r s

cal in l

e il

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

As our regular partners on daily errands, children also have a front row seat to observe our financial transactions along the way. Kids see us swipe debit cards, listen to us count change and even watch us struggle to remember our PayPal passwords. Introducing commerce and currency through play can take the mystery out of money. The following toys help kids understand the coin of the realm and start their own smart money habits.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Laugh and Learn Piggy Bank

Just Like Home Cash Register

Piggy banks are often a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first introduction to the notion of saving money. Fisher-Price expands on the traditional pig with the Laugh and Learn Piggy Bank that turns coin play into a full sensory experience. In addition to dropping colorful over-sized coins into the slotted back (and retrieving them easily through the big side door), the bank offers interactive features as well. Pressing the pigâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nose generates silly songs, music and entertaining phrases. The level of learning can be adjusted between two settings; the first offers basic words and sounds for wee ones, the second adds simple directions, colors, numbers and Spanish for the older tot.

Giving kids the opportunity to explore commerce from the other side of the aisle, the Just Like Home Cash Register offers a simplified experience of the retail end of shopping. Children can use the hand-held scanner to light up the included grocery items on the movable conveyor belt. The register processes payments using the credit card slot or play money transactions through the pop-open cash drawer. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a working calculator that reinforces counting and number skills. Sized for the preschool set and available in different colors, the Just Like Home Cash Register adds valuable learning to pretend play.

ATM Savings Bank

Magic Penny Magnet

(Fisher-Price)

(My Cash Register)

(Peers Hardy)

An automated teller machine (ATM) is an ideal way to demonstrate the intersection of real currency and electronic banking. This kid-sized version simplifies the process of depositing money and keeping a digital record of transactions. The battery-operated machine lets young bankers set up their own pass code which is used in combination with the included ATM card to make deposits and withdrawals, while keeping a digital record of their account. The ATM reads coin amount deposited in the slot, but paper money amounts are entered manually. Correct entries support an accurate balance, fostering the importance of diligence when managing money. This personal banking tool give kids a great early understanding of personal finance.

(Dowling Magnets)

Handling money takes many forms. Beyond the counting of coin, an appreciation for its form and properties can also be educational and entertaining. The Magic Penny Magnet Set features a super magnetic base and 32 freshly minted British coins (plus a bonus U.S. penny). The powerful attraction of the magnets allows kids (and adults) to explore building structures and shapes with the coins as they connect and bond through force alone. Guided by the included activity book or simply enjoying independent creativity, this set supports an interest in coin that goes beyond its monetary value.

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

Middle School:

Miss Peregrine’s

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: CViolence: C+ Sexual Content: B+ Language: BAlcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life. For some students, middle school may indeed be the worst years of their teen lives. But those difficult years won’t be improved by seeing Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life. The movie’s mantra is “rules aren’t for everyone”. It’s a silly slogan that the script justifies by pitting one boy against the most inept group of adult characters ever assembled in one zip code. Rafe (Griffen Gluck), a creative, artsy student, has just transferred to his third school of the year. The reasons why aren’t addressed until late in the film. (And then the reveal feels both sappy and unrealistic.) His single, working mother Jules (Lauren Graham) sends him off to his first day of class with a hug and a stern reminder that things had better work. Yet before he’s even inside the front doors, he runs into Principal Dwight (Andy Daly), a narcissistic educator who has penned an entire encyclopedia of rules for his students to follow. By the time Rafe makes his way to the remedial class with the rest of the “losers”, he finds himself sitting in front of the class bully. And things aren’t any better when school is out. His mother turns afterschool childcare duties over to her neighbor Carl (Rob Riggle), a crass, abusive, full-of-himself loafer who berates Rafe and his sister Georgia (Alexa Nisenson) while trying to spark a relationship with their mom. With no competent adults to turn to for help or advice, Rafe’s only option (in the movie world at least) is rebellion. And that he does with the help of his sidekick Leo (Thomas Barbusca). Together they embark on a campaign of rule breaking that involves vandalism, graffiti, breaking and entering, credit card theft and underage driving. While their antics are both illegal and dangerous, they are played for comedy in this story. However for real teens dealing with complex challenges like bullying, death in the family, divorce or blended families, the script offers absolutely no reasonable suggestions for coping. Instead it is littered with crude terms and some profanities, name-calling, and a cast of stereotypical racial characters. Maybe most disappointing is the “I don’t fit in” message we repeatedly see in movies aimed at tweens and teens. No question, the middle school years can be tough as kids start to figure out life, friendships and their future. But I worry this constant media message of being an outsider can make youths feel more isolated and even intolerant of others. And that idea becomes more dangerous when adults are seen as the enemy and rebellion is the only way to fit in.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C+ Violence: CSexual Content: ALanguage: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: B The MPAA has rated Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children PG-13 for intense sequences of fantasy action/violence and peril. There is nothing unusual or important about Jake Portman (Asa Butterfield). Nothing, except perhaps his close relationship with his Grandpa Abe (Terence Stamp). So when the family receives a frantic phone call from the dementia sufferer, it is Jake who is sent to check out the situation. Arriving at his grandfather’s Florida dwelling, Jake finds the house ransacked and the screen door torn apart. Out back the elderly gentleman lies dead with his eyes missing and a bloodied kitchen utensil in his hands. Amazingly, the corpse speaks to him for a moment and imparts a cryptic message. The boy also catches a glimpse of a creepy looking man with white eyes, and some sort of monstrous beast. Although the authorities blame the incident on a dog attack, the confused youth is having trouble accepting their conclusion. After some counseling, his psychiatrist (Allison Janney) encourages Jake to visit the old man’s childhood home and see if that helps him find closure. With his father (Chris O’Dowd) as a reluctant companion, Jake reaches the small island off the coast of Wales where young Abe lived in an orphanage. But it turns out the building was bombed during WWII, and all that is left is a tumbled down ruin. Disappointed, Jake decides to explore the site anyways. And that is when he stumbles upon the peculiar children who lived there during his grandfather’s time. At first, he thinks they are ghosts. However, when he meets their guardian Miss Peregrine (Eva Green), she explains that he has simply traveled back in time where she and the other residents live in a loop that plays the same day over and over. She next introduces Jake to her gifted charges, such as Olive whose touch can start a fire, Emma who can float on air and Enoch who has the morbid ability to put hearts into dead creatures or inanimate objects, and bring them to life. All of these people are very familiar to Jake, because when he was little his Grandpa told him stories about them. Sadly, the delight of the visit changes when Jake becomes aware of the dangerous enemies that are stalking the peculiars – a group of white-eyed people (their leader is played by Samuel L. Jackson) who are accompanied by monstrous beasts. The tone of the movie changes at this point too. While it was a little creepy before, the screenplay now delves into the disturbing. The conflict bonds the children together, and they begin to use their unique talents to protect themselves. That teamwork and the incredible visual effects are the big-budget production’s best features. Yet the realism of the action is sure to up the fright factor for young audiences.

Home for Peculiar Children

The Worst Years of My Life

What Parents need to know about Middle School...

Violence: A character is bullied by peers and adults, including a father figure (his mother’s boyfriend) and school administrators. A young girl drives her mother’s car and another character’s car without permission; in one scene she deliberately scrapes the vehicle along a fence in an act of revenge. Animated segments depict characters being chased by animals, as well as a boy being bullied and his underwear pulled over his head. Sexual Content: A boy refers to his stepmother as “hot”, a moment later a school principal agrees with him. A boy uses a crude term to describe a drawing of female anatomy. In an animated segment a boy is seen being bullied and given “wedgies” with his underwear pulled over his head in various ways. Language: Sevearal scatological jokes and terms are heard. Partial use of a crude scatological term. A character cites a poem and asks for a word that rhymes with “suck” -- the sexual expletive is implied. Terms of deity are heard. Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2016

What Parents need to know about Miss Peregrine’s...

Violence: Throughout the film characters are stalked by scary looking people with white eyes and terrifying monsters that crush, strangle and pluck out the eyes of anyone they catch. People and animals are killed, and some blood is seen. Guns, crossbows, knives, axes and other weapons are used. Bodies of dead people talk and/or are temporarily brought back to life. Gladiator style battles are depicted. Characters fight for their lives against monsters, living skeletons and people who possess peculiar abilities. Graphic scenes show characters collecting eyeballs and eating them. Death threats are uttered. Sexual Content: A teen couple embraces and kisses. Teen characters strip down to their underwear before swimming. Language: The script includes infrequent mild cursing and terms of deity. 48

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

ASMS

The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science Come find out if ASMS is right for you by visiting our campus Satruday, November 12 or December 3 for Preview Day. See student-run classroom demonstrations and learn about a school that could change your life forever. Register for Preview Day at www.asms.net. ASMS is our state’s only fully public, residential high school for sophomores, juniors, and seniors seeking advanced studies in math, science, and the humanities. Applying to ASMS is FREE – and so are tuition, room, and board if you are admitted!

Start your online application today at www.asms.net. Current Alabama 9th or 10th graders can apply. Many people ask, “Do I have to be a ‘genius’ to be accepted to ASMS?” Answer: Absolutely NOT! ASMS is made up of students who are intelligent and work hard for academic success. In 2016, the 73 ASMS grads earned $12 million in merit-based scholarships with an ACT composite class average of 29.0.

Email admissions@asms.net or call 251.441.3250. ASMS Class of 2016 Questions? ACT Comparison

2016 ACT COMPARISON 31.5 30.7

30.7

29.3

29.5

29.0

28.3 27.5

25.5

23.5

21.5

21.3 20.8

20.6

20.8

20.1 19.7 19.5

19.1 18.7

19.1

18.3

17.5 English National

Math State

Reading

Sci. Reasoning

ASMS

Alabama School of Mathematics and Science 1255 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 36604 251.441.2100 - www.asms.net admissions@asms.net

Composite

one test two lives

Get tested for HIV. For you and baby. for more information, call 1-800-228-0469 www.adph.org/hiv