Auburn Opelika Parents (September 2022)

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Sugar Skull!

A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure Sunday, October 23 • 3 p.m.

Disney’s Winnie the Pooh Tuesday, January 31 • 7 p.m.

The Kennedy Center presents Acoustic Rooster’s Barnyard Boogie Thursday, March 16 • 7 p.m.

Sonia De Los Santos & The Okee Dokee Brothers Friday, May 12 • 7 p.m.

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Volume 13 Number 7

Columns 4

Kids Say the Wisest Things Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

Great Apps for Kids with Special Needs

Seven free apps to help them grow.

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Teens and Screens

Navigating negative consequences associated with device removal.

Kids Health Watch sponsored by Cornerstone Family Chiropractic

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and Screens Kristi Bush, LSW

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Dinner’s Ready Gabriele Jones

Special Needs Guide

Local, state and national resources to help your child and your family.

Creative Discipline for Special Needs Kids

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Mom 2 Mom

A positive, token-system approach.

Departments On The Cover Exton Timothy Black is five years old and lives with his parents, Alex and Savannah Black, along with his little brother, Gibson.

The family enjoys farm life in Opelika. Exton has Down syndrome, as well as other medical issues which require him to be trach and ventilator dependent. He attends Opelika City Schools Special Education Preschool and

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Bits and Pieces 10

School Bits 21

Movie Reviews

loves it! He is an absolute sweetheart and loves to smile for the camera and give hugs to anyone and everyone. We always joke and say he is the biggest flirt in any room!

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Family Calendar

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Publisher’sNote

Auburn Opelika Lee County’s Foremost Parenting Source

With kids settled back into the classrooms and moved into their dorms, it’s time to get excited about the fall season. As the hot, humid days slowly transition into cool, crisp afternoons, we can get excited about all the upcoming fall traditions. Whether your family enjoys Friday night lights, tailgates on Auburn game days, church fall festivals, or evenings by a bonfire, there are so many great family times to look forward to on The Plains. For my family, we plan our weekends around cheering on the Tigers, trips to the local pumpkin patch, and brisk, starry nights by the lakeside campfire. This fall, we plan to take our time exploring our hometown, cheering on the home teams, and spending time together as a family.

Another exciting part of shifting into September is my love for sharing the annual Special Needs Guide with the community. In it, you’ll find many local resources from student support services and outreach to recreational groups and counseling programs. Also included are state and national organizations focusing on research, fundraising, and advocacy. East Alabama has a strong foundation and continues to grow in many areas of special needs. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with these fantastic resources such as Auburn University’s Braveheart and Buddies Program, Lee County Special Olympics, The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama, and East Alabama Mental Health. There are tremendous opportunities to support these programs through volunteerism, sponsorships, and advocacy.

Recently, Auburn became the first location in Alabama to open a Bitty and Beau’s Coffee Shop. This unique shop opened its doors in Downtown Auburn with locally chosen baristas serving up warm cups with huge smiles. Each coffee shop was created and is run by the special needs community. Swing by this local spot for a cup of Joe and show them how much our town truly supports them and the special needs community.

Don’t miss our newest additions to Auburn Opelika Parents magazine, Mom2Mom and Dinner’s Ready, beginning this month. You will meet our precious cover model’s mom, Savannah, and one of my best friends, Stacey. Each will share a little about themselves and their families, and Stacey will share a delicious recipe for you to try! By the way, if you know a mom who has some great parenting tips and/or yummy recipes, send me an email with your nomination.

Here’s to fall family fun, hometown traditions, and supporting our local businesses. From one parent to another, let’s make September special!

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

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

Publisher Kendra Sumner Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson Contributing Writers Kimberly Blaker Kristi Bush, LSW Tanni Haas, Ph.D. Dr. Jordan Jensen Gabriele Jones Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

Cover Photography Keightley Garnett Simple Joy Photography www.simplejoyphoto.com

President Jason Watson Director of Sales Justin Sumner (334) 209-0552 Ad Design Tim Welch Web Content Manager Scott Davis

Visit us online at www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Kendra kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2022

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Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: 475 Bennington Ct, Auburn, Alabama, 36830. The phone number is (334) 329-8073 and fax is (334) 826-7303.

Auburn-Opelika Parents is copyrighted 2022 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

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

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Safely Back to School As our children and educational staff return to school, here are some reminders to support safe, in-person learning while reducing the spread of COVID:

• Have your child wear a well-fitting mask if they’ve been exposed to COVID, are at high risk, or you have someone at

• Keep your child up to date on vaccinations – talk to their pediatrician or health care provider if you have any questions

Get your child tested if they have COVID symptoms.

home who is high risk

Visit alabamaunites.com for vaccine or testing locations.

• Keep your child at home when they’re sick • Know your community COVID Risk Levels – alabamaunites.com

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by Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

Helping Your Child Feel Safe Sometimes we can see the facts of a situation and recognize what is true, but still not feel that it is true. For example, I often have dreams about a snake biting me. When this happens, I have to look through the sheets and covers to fully accept the truth that there is no snake. Feeling safe is subjective, not objective; we can be safe without feeling safe. This is referred to as “felt safety”.

Your brain is subconsciously assessing safety four times per second. The brain does this by investigating the inner experience (heart rate, hunger, etc), the environment, and the people around us. Sometimes, our subconscious brains misinterpret situations and draw inaccurate conclusions. The very different feelings of excitement and anxiety create the same internal experiences in the body (elevated heart rate, butterflies in the stomach, pupil dilation, and shallow breathing). We can be in a safe setting but assume that we are unsafe. We can be with very loving people but imagine that they are angry with us.

All parents will observe their children displaying fear in situations that are anything but scary. This occurs when the child does not

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2022

have “felt safety”. How you respond to your child in these situations will help them respond more appropriately at the moment. Handling these moments well will also increase your child’s ability to handle challenging circumstances well in the future.

Here are several tips to help you increase your child’s felt safety.

1) Consistency is key. Keep your children on a schedule so they know what to expect.

2) Pay close attention to non-verbal signs so you can help your child stay emotionally regulated. Some children become silent, some talk incessantly, some become cuddly, and some do not want you to touch them. Be attuned to your child’s signs so you know when it is time to help them feel safe.

3) Let them talk. Even if you completely disagree, do not correct their feelings. You can point out the reality of a situation later but just listen to them vent.

4) Let your children have their feelings. It is not your responsibility to “fix” every negative emotion they experience. Allow your child to work through “bad feelings” rather than telling

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them to “suck it up”. They cannot learn how to manage difficult emotions until they are allowed to experience them.

5) When possible, give them some control. If you can, offer choices. If the situation allows it, compromise.

6) Emotions are contagious. Anxiety spreads like wildfire, but so does peace. Model an appropriate response to the situation.

7) Be as playful as possible. Parents often repeat themselves (please stop doing this).

Instead, engage playfully. For example, if you told your child not to ride his bike near the road and he turns toward the street, runs in front of the bike, and pretends to be a policeman keeping the bike in the correct area.

8) Observe and ask questions. Avoid jumping to conclusions or making assumptions.

Curiosity helps prevent us from placing blame and becoming defensive.

9) Be as concrete as possible. Children do not understand sarcasm or abstract concepts.

They require experience to understand, not just words.

10) Limit clutter, chaos, and over-scheduling as much as possible. We all need downtime.

Your job as a parent is to do more than keep your children safe, clothed and fed. If you want your children to be healthy and welladjusted, take the time to help them feel safe as well.

Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Beth has worked in six unique clinical environments across the country and currently owns Works of Wonder Therapy in Montgomery. Beth utilizes the knowledge from a variety of different disciplines to give her patients the best care possible. To learn more visit www.worksofwondertherapy.com.

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Lee County Special Olympics

Expressions of a Braveheart

Expressions of a BraveHeart is a fine arts program offering art, music, and dance classes to enhance the quality of life for preteens, youth, and young adults (11–21 years old) with moderate to severe disabilities. BraveHearts is a safe, respectful, and understanding setting where your family member can develop friendships, explore fine arts, and enhance self-esteem. BraveHearts meets Monday evenings at the Opelika Sportsplex during spring and fall semesters for art, music, and dance classes. There is NO cost. The program is managed by Auburn University Social Work faculty and facilitated by approximately 70-80 Auburn University students. Email jhuling@ opelika-al.gov or visit https://cla.auburn.edu/braveheart/.

Auburn Parks and Recreation supports Special Olympics by sponsoring teams for many of the events. Currently, we support athletes for aquatics, basketball, bowling, flag football, golf, power lifting, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. Practices take place throughout the year with the help of local Special Olympics volunteer coaches. You must be at least 8 years of age and meet the requirements of the Alabama Special Olympic Guidelines in order to participate. *COVID-19 note: We are waiting on direction from Special Olympics National for all spring sports. To register or volunteer to coach, email Elizabeth Kaufman at ekaufman@auburnalabama.org. www.auburnalabama.org/special-olympics/

Bitty and Beau’s Coffee Shop

Bitty and Beau’s Coffee, a national chain of coffee shops inspired by and named for the founders’ two children, and recently had its ribbon cutting in downtown Auburn. Bitty and Beau, two of Amy and Ben Wright’s four children, were born with Down Syndrome, and today their namesake stores have a mission of employing people with disabilities. Bitty and Beau’s Coffee is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee--it’s an experience. The shops are run by people with disabilities and guests love the vibe! Auburn’s Bitty and Beau’s is the first occupant in the Auburn Bank Center at Gay Street and E. Magnolia Ave., and is on the first floor of the four-story building. It’s the company’s first shop in Alabama. The original store opened in Wilmington, N.C., in 2016, and Bitty & Beau’s now has stores in many locations. www.bittyandbeauscoffee.com/location/auburn/

Jessica Vosk at the Gouge Performing Arts Center

Jessica Vosk, a celebrated singer and actress known for starring roles on the musical theater and concert stage, will be in concert on September 29 at the Gouge Performing Arts Center. In 2021, she made her sold-out Carnegie Hall debut in My Golden Age and starred as the Narrator in the 50th anniversary of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Lincoln Center. Before that, Vosk finished an acclaimed run as Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway, performing the role for two years. She starred in New York City Ballet’s Jerome Robbins tribute, Something to Dance About, and re-created the role of Fruma Sarah in the most recent Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof. Vosk starred as Anita in West Side Story with the San Francisco Symphony; (the recording of the concert was nominated for a Grammy). Her debut, Billboard-charting solo album Wild and Free was released in 2018 and was followed by 2020’s A Very Coco Christmas. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu/jessica-vosk Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2022

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Visit Town Creek’s Inclusive Playground

The City of Auburn is proud of its new park, a 60,000plus square foot playground nestled between Wrights Mill Road and Camellia Drive at Town Creek Park. The playground features parallel play components, accessible fitness equipment, accessible playground equipment, sensory components and more to provide an engaging and barrier-free experience for persons of all abilities and ages to enjoy. The playground has something for every age, ability level and interest.

Auburn Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally

Join Auburn University on September 23 in celebrating Homecoming weekend in Downtown Auburn on Magnolia and College Street at 6:00pm. Get in the Auburn spirit with a funfilled parade featuring campus and community groups and our favorite tiger, Aubie! Right after the parade, there will be a pep rally to get everyone pumped up for the big game the next day! http://parentandfamily. auburn.edu/fall-family-weekend/ www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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Get Involved With The Exceptional Foundation

Come find a friend and be a friend! The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama is a nonprofit organization established to serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and provide opportunities for the participants to thrive and be engaged in social and recreational activities. We are always looking for energetic volunteers who have a desire to make a difference! Involvement with The Exceptional Foundation is a rewarding experience, no matter how much (or little) time you’re able to give. If you’re interested in volunteering, please use the form to the right to contact us. The need for our services within this community is great. With high numbers of local individuals with special needs, an increased number of families that have relocated to our area due to school-aged services, and the number of families in need of support, the Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama offers services to those families and individuals in a number of ways. www.efofea.org/get-involved/

EAGLES Program at Auburn University

The Education to Accomplish Growth in Life Experiences for Success, or EAGLES, is a comprehensive transition program (CTP) for students with intellectual disabilities.

The program provides a post-secondary education opportunity for students with intellectual disabilities to engage in a two or four-year campus experience to help students achieve their employment and independent living goals upon successful completion of the program.

Join us on September 12 for an in-person Preview Day to learn more about the program, take a tour, and speak to students, staff, and peer mentors. This will be the last Preview Day we will host prior to the deadline to apply for our Fall 2023 cohort. www.education.auburn.edu/degree-certificate/eagles/

Science Sunday, September 18: Hummingbirds

World renown hummingbird expert, Fred Bassett, will be at the KPNC to band hummingbirds. Participants in this workshop will help catch and band live hummingbirds and you may even have the opportunity to hold one before it is released back into the wild. Bassett’s research, along with others like him, will help us learn more about what these beautiful creatures need and the impact of humans on their lives, hopefully ensuring their survival for future generations! Come and learn more and be a part of this important research. Admission is $5/person, children 3 & under are free. Proceeds benefit the KPNC and Hummingbird Research. Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn. 3:00-4:00pm. wp.auburn.edu/preserve/event/hummingbird-banding/

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Cornerstone Family Chiropractic

No Pain, No Problem?

“Oww!” There is a lot of trial and error with a developing child. Trying to stand for the first time will lead to a fall. Trying to walk for the first time will lead to a stumble.

Despite these shortcomings, children will continue to persevere and develop the proper function needed to be like their parents.

Falls and stumbles are not comfortable. Sometimes they hurt and require assistance from Mom and Dad. On the other hand, if the child seems fine and nothing hurts, there is no need for alarm, and everybody can return to everyday life. This attitude often carries into adulthood as well. If we get hurt or experience pain, we often will tough it out or take pain medication. But, if there is no pain, there is no problem, right?

We see practice members come into our office dealing with all sorts of pain complaints. By improving the function of the nervous system, the region of your body that coordinates the function of all the other systems of your body, we have seen practice members free themselves from medicine dependency, be able to play with their children pain-free, and do the things they want to do without symptoms interfering.

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2022

It is unfortunate that a practice member discontinues care once pain-free but still shows evidence of bodily stress on their nervous system. Don’t get me wrong; we celebrate with each practice member once they hit a milestone in their health journey, no pain included. Pain, however, is not a good determiner of spine health or health generally.

A substantial MRI review from the journal Spine found that 37% of its 20-year-old asymptomatic adults had spinal degeneration. This means the spine is breaking down due to being under stress for years.

The trend continues to get worse with age.

In the asymptomatic 30-year-old group, 52% had spinal degeneration, 68% for the 40-year-old group, 80% for 50-year-olds, and so forth. This study had over 3,000 people with no pain or symptoms associated with this breakdown. What could be causing this stress on the spine that would lead to a breakdown early in life?

A study by Kent and Costello in Vertebral Subluxation Research found significant correlations in the spinal anomalies on an MRI and chiropractic x-ray analysis.

Degeneration of the spine is an example of an anomaly that can be seen on both MRI and x-ray. MRI, however, can see what

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x-ray cannot, including earlier signs of stress in the spine, such as a disc bulge.

This study showed that chiropractors have good tools to determine the cause of stress to the spine, a vertebral subluxation, or a misalignment of the spine causing nervous system dysfunction.

Are chiropractors able to fix these misalignments for good? As a medical doctor requires an annual checkup or a dentist requires regular tooth cleanings to assure health, a spine requires regular checkups and proper testing to confirm a healthy state. If a problem has existed for years without someone knowing it, it could take some time to fix, but it certainly is not hopeless. Evidence continues to pour out, showing confirmed spinal anomalies being resolved through chiropractic care. Address the problem, not the pain.

Dr. Jordan Jensen earned his Bachleor’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences at Auburn University in 2013 and earned his Doctor of Chiropractic at Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2018. Following graduation, Dr. Jensen was accepted into the International Chiropractic Association’s Diplomate of Craniocervical Procedures postgraduate program, where his research encompasses Chiropractic’s application of advanced imaging and patient outcomes.

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Now is the time to speak up.

Become a leader for independence and inclusion.

If you’re passionate about the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities to: • Education and Early Intervention • Employment • Community Supports • Healthcare • Housing

• Recreation • Childcare • Transportation • Quality Assurance

Then now is the time to apply for membership on the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities.

People with developmental disabilities, their loved ones, and those who serve them are ideal candidates for the Council. We need your voice to be heard in your community and across our state on issues of importance to those with developmental disabilities.

Independence. Advocacy. Productivity. Inclusion. You’re key to making the difference.

Apply today at acdd.org.

Phone: 334-242-3976 | Toll-Free: 1-800-232-2158 www.ACDD.org | Facebook.com/ACDDAL

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Autauga County Schools

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Drake Middle School Students Attend Orientation

Rising 6th graders attended orientation sessions with their families to familiarize themselves with J.F. Drake Middle School. Students from all four elementary school zones come together at Drake every year to start the secondary level of their educational journey in ACS. This camp allowed parents to purchase pre-packaged school supplies, learn about drop-off and pick-up routines, and get an idea of what to expect during the first week of school. Meanwhile, the students met their teachers, played icebreakers, and completed a scavenger hunt around campus.

Congrats to the 2022 Career Counselor of the Year

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Amy Hanna has been named the 2022 Career Guidance Counselor of the Year

by ALACTE (Alabama Association for Career and Technical Education)! Ms. Hanna currently serves Auburn City Schools and Opelika City Schools as an area Career Coach and was honored this week at the 2022 ALACTE Conference. In her role, she provides teachers and students with resources regarding today’s economy and the ever-changing needs of the workforce. She brings insight regarding new and traditional industries and the wealth of new jobs awaiting our students. Working in close contact with the Alabama State Departments of Education and Career Technical Education, Ms. Hanna seeks to help students be aware of and prepare for the demands of the workforce. Auburn City Schools is proud of Ms. Hanna for all she does to present students with opportunities to pursue their futures.

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WHat we treat MINOR ILLNESSES AND INJURIES SUCH AS: -Fever -Allergies -Coughs & Colds -Sprains & Strains -Vomiting -Rashes -Lacerations -And More

ON-SITE SERVICES: -X-ray -Laboratory -Pharmacy

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ACS CTE Student of the Year

Joshua Medler (AHS Class of 2022) thrived as a Career Technical Education (CTE) student within the Engineering program!

Joshua was named the 2021-2022 Auburn City Schools CTE Student of the Year. He also earned a SolidWorks Expert credential in 3D parametric modeling, which he obtained during his time at Auburn High School. Less than one percent (0.00001 percent to be exact) of engineers worldwide hold this credential! In addition to his personal achievements, he helped lead Team 36830B to an Innovate Award at the VEX Worlds Robotics Championship this past spring in Dallas. This award recognizes specific and unique engineering that conveys “thinking outside the box.” Joshua will be attending Auburn University this fall to study mechanical engineering!

Send school news to: Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com.

OCS Prepare for 2022-23 School Year

What a great morning at OHS as we welcomed back all of our teachers and staff! Special thanks to Stone Martin Builders and The Brown Agency, Inc. for sponsoring our breakfast.

Following a welcome message from our Superintendent Dr. Farrell Seymore, we enjoyed an inspiring message from Dr. John Draper. It was a great start to the new school year and we look forward to our students returning to school.

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Autauga County Schools Tigers in Training at AHS OCS Named Athletic The 2022 Boys Basketball Camp at Auburn High School tipped Director of the Year off yesterday with 120 future Tigers in attendance! Head Coach

Congratulations to Coach Mike Pugh-AHSAA/AHSADCA 2021-22 Athletic Director of the Year! Congratulations also to Coach Jimmy Johnson for being recognized as the 202122 NFHS State Coach of the Year for Boys Outdoor Track! At the 26th annual AHSAA Championship Coaches banquet held on Friday, July 22 at the Montgomery Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center, former OHS athletic director, Mike Pugh, was named the AHSAA/AHSADCA 202122 Athletic Director of the Year. In addition, OHS boys head track coach, Jimmy Johnson, was recognized as the 2020-21 NFHS State Coach of the Year for Boys Outdoor Track. Johnson’s award had been announced in December 2021 and he was formally recognized at Friday’s banquet.

Chris Brandt, assistant coaches, and the AHS varsity squad are teaching the basics of the game this week, including various passes, dribbling, and how to work together as a team.

This camp not only presents the opportunity for young athletes to sharpen their skills and interact with others in a competitive atmosphere, but it also gives coaches a look at the rising talent on the court.

This camp will conclude on Thursday with a skills competition and a camp-wide tournament!

Please send school news to: Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com by the 10th of each month!

First Day of School in Opelika

Students in all grade levels were ready for their first day of the 2022-23 School Year. They were greeted with happy smiles and warm welcomes on all our campuses. From kindergarten to 12th grade, students enter classrooms ready-to-learn and grow this year. Best of luck to all our students this school year.

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Trinity Christian Prepares for School Year

2022 LSA Band Ready for the Fall

Our incredibly talented students practiced their steps, refining their skills and memorizing their notes in preparation for the upcoming school year!

Summer band camp was a huge success for all the members of the band.

What a great week TCS teachers and staff had getting prepared for the first day of school. With thoughtful preparation, TCS is ready to welcome students back into the classroom.

AHS Football Participates in Tournament

Recently, Auburn High Football program participated in the 2022 Auburn 7-on-7 tournament in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Both AHS teams, Team Auburn and Team Tigers, played in the tournament championship. Auburn City Schools thanks Coach Bryan Harsin for hosting our student-athletes!

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Autauga County Schools

Rookie Band Camp at AHS

Rookie Band Camp saw 56 new faces earning the “A” on their chest before they march in Duck Samford Stadium this fall! While the percussion and auxiliaries sections have been rehearsing all summer, these new band members learned to stay hydrated in the mid-July heat while connecting their instruments to the movement of their feet.

The 2022 Halftime Show is titled “Fable” and is inspired by Aesop’s Fables and Grimm’s Fairy Tales, with an energetic and highly rhythmic pulse that drives the theme forward.

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WaterBreak Speaks to LSA Athletes

Lee Scott Academy hosted Mitch Hamilton & WaterBreak Ministries during morning athletics practice. It was a wonderful opportunity for our athletes to hear an inspirational message that challenged our football team to conquer our circumstances!

WaterBreak’s mission is to reach, encourage, equip and empower coaches for Christ. It is WaterBreak’s vision that every coach feels spiritually empowered to impact their world...one athlete at a time.

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Trinity Christian School Proud of Rising Senior

This summer, rising senior and school newspaper editor, Emily Wright worked with the Communications & Public Relations department at Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) based out of Chicago. She did research & interviews for several weeks.

Send school news to: Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com.

Auburn High Student Awarded as 1st Place in Mass Media

Congrats to Landen Finkhousen, a rising senior at Auburn High School, who took home first place in the 2022 NATAS Southeast Student Production Awards!

Landen’s win for Best Audio and Sound marks the 10th award this year for AHS Mass Media. The Southeast Student Production Awards exhibition promotes excellence among high school and college students.

This exhibition features awardwinning journalism, narrative series, music videos, and public service announcements created by students. The NATAS Southeast Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preparing the next generation of TV professionals and content creators to serve their communities better.

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A Autauga County Schools ACS Institute Day a Successful Start to the School Year

Auburn City Schools held the annual Institute Day activities for more than 1,000 teachers, administrators, and school staff from all 13 campuses! Each year an employee has the opportunity to showcase their musical talents. Libbi Holden, an ACS psychometrist, treated the audience to a rendition of “Think of Me” by Andrew Lloyd Webber from The Phantom of the Opera. Speakers included Board Education President Dr. Bill Hutto, ACS Superintendent Dr. Cristen Herring, the 2022 Alabama Teacher of the Year Kim Johnson, and the 2022 National Teacher of the Year Kurt Russell as the keynote speaker. A 25-year veteran of the classroom, Kurt Russell was first inspired to become a teacher in middle school when he encountered his first Black male teacher. Now, as 2022 National Teacher of the Year, he advocates for classrooms to better reflect the students within them — from a curriculum that reflects their backgrounds and identities to a more diverse teaching profession. Mr. Russell teaches history at Oberlin High School in Oberlin, Ohio; his classes include African American history, which Kurt has taught since the late 1990s, and Race, Gender, and Oppression. Institute Day is always a special event where everyone returns from their summer break to reunite and jump-start the school year!

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Lee-Scott Academy Dance Team Wins Big at Camp

The Lee-Scott Dance Team attended Universal Dance Association (UDA) home camp at LSA this summer. The girls learned three dances & one side line dance as well as turns, leaps and kicks. The team members performed a hip-hop dance and a jazz dance during their evaluations.

The team received blue ribbons for each dance and were awarded the Superior Trophy for their work this week! Additionally, junior Bree Walls was named a UDA All-American! The team members include juniors Blythe Walls (Captain), Bree Walls (Co-Captain), Sofia Pugh (Chaplain), and Kaylyn Reckart, sophomore Lexi Robinson and freshman Mary Brentley Moore. Thank you to Coach Starr for your leadership with the team! Congratulations to all!

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Trinity Christian Welcomes New Kindergarteners

Trinity Christian School is excited to welcome our new Kindergarten classes to campus, as they participated in Ready, Set, Go Academy! We are looking forward to partnering with families of the class of 2035 in raising their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Please email School News and Photos to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com.

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AJHS Educators Attend Space Academy

Auburn Junior High’s Hunter Mims and Yarbrough Elementary’s Kristi Ramey recently attended the Alabama Space Academy for Educators at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville! These two ACS educators learned how to build rockets, completed aviation water challenges that gave the feeling of walking on the moon, and participated in several simulated space missions. This professional development program uses the format of astronaut training to convey new ways of teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts to the world’s future workforce. The hands-on learning activities are designed to be easily replicated in the classroom and aim to excite students about STEM education with activities for grade levels 4-9. They also had the opportunity to hear Homer H. Hickam Jr. His 1998 memoir Rocket Boys (later published as October Sky) was a New York Times Best Seller and the basis for the 1999 film October Sky.

Sydney Cancer Survivor

Inspiration happens Sydney was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at 13 years old. Through her treatment and recovery, she bonded with the doctors and nurses saying, “they became like family to me.” She was so inspired by her care team, she decided to become a doctor and help other children going through a scary and similar situation. She also wanted to show that people with physical challenges can and should pursue medicine, too. She believes her journey to becoming a doctor was inspired as a patient here at Children’s of Alabama.

Congrats to LSA Baseball Team

The 2021-22 Lee-Scott Academy Baseball team was named a winner of an ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award for their incredible achievements on the field and in the classroom!

Teams given the award must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale during the 2021-22 academic year.

The Warriors are one of only seven varsity teams in the state of Alabama that were named winners of the award! Congratulations, Warriors!

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Lee-Scott Academy Teachers Prepared for 2022-23 School Year

It was a successful First Day of School...for our teachers! We welcomed back to our LSA Faculty and getting ready for another school year.

This year will be a fantastic one to be a Warrior!

It’s a Clean Sweep for LSA!

Lee-Scott Academy was named a Blue Ribbon School and also awarded The President’s Award and The Chairman’s Award for the 2021-22 school year.

None of this is possible without the unselfish commitment to our students shown by our incredible faculty, staff, and families.

Thank you to all who have made Lee-Scott what it is today and continue to improve it for the future! Blue Ribbons are handed out to recognize member schools with outstanding educational programs. Schools must display and exemplify excellence in scholastic achievement, professional learning, student involvement & community interaction. The President’s Award is given to one school in each classification that displays achievement in all areas of school excellence. From professional development to school improvement to extra-curricular achievements, these schools show accomplishment in all areas. The Chairman’s Award recognizes one school in each classification that showed outstanding athletic achievement in all of its programs. After an incredible year in Warrior athletics, LSA has been bestowed this honor!

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2022

Trinity Christian Excited to Welcome New Kindergarteners

Trinity Christian School is excited to welcome our new Kindergarten classes to campus, as they participated in Ready, Set, Go Academy!

We are looking forward to partnering with families of the class of 2035 in raising their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

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Cross-Country and Volleyball Camps at Trinity Christian School

The Cross-Country and Volleyball teams have been working hard this summer preparing for their upcoming seasons.

The summer practices were filled with new skills, team building, and goals for the school year. Make plans to come out and support the Eagles this fall!

Auburn City School Gives Back

The Auburn City Schools Special Education Department spent the afternoon at The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama to give back to a community organization that serves adults with special needs! ACS employees learned about the offerings provided at the foundation before interacting with all the smiling faces in the room. At the same time, they painted pottery for an upcoming community market. As a part of the community service component, the team cleaned up while karaoke got underway, culminating in a rendition of YMCA! The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama is a nonprofit organization established to serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and provide opportunities for those participants to thrive and be engaged in social and recreational activities.

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Autauga County Schools Opelika City Schools Welcome New Teachers

Opelika City Schools welcomes our new Elementary and Secondary Teachers for the 2022-23 school year! They completed four days of training at new teacher orientation, and we are excited to have them be a part of our OCS family! Thank you to the Opelika Chamber for providing breakfast and snacks during the week and to BancorpSouth for sponsoring lunch on Thursday. We look forward to seeing all of our teachers and staff tomorrow as we begin a new school year!

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Auburn High School Players Teach the Younger Generation at Summer Volleyball Camp

LSA Enjoys Pre-season Camp at Camp Chandler

The 2022 Auburn High School Volleyball camp was a huge success with 70 girls in attendance! Head Coach Tommy Carter and his varsity student-athletes taught up-and-coming volleyball players the fundamentals of the game, including passing, setting, spiking, blocking, and serving. Athletic camps serve as an excellent opportunity for young students to learn from championship-caliber programs at Auburn High School in a supportive atmosphere. All fees from participants go right back into the respective program to enhance the experience for all involved!

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Thanks to Camp Chandler, Steven Clark, and all our coaches for an incredible preseason camp! With multiple practices, team bonding, meals and even some lip sync battles & coach imitation contests, the Warriors were able to get more and more ready for the 2022 season.

“We had a great fall camp.

We’re not where we need to be as a team but, after our three days together, we’re a lot closer,” said HC Buster Daniel. “We grew as men and learned how to become leaders. Great kids and great fun...a really good time together.” www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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Grading Family Movies: Streaming, Digital Rentals, and Theatrical Releases Luck

DC League of Super Pets

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Overall A

Violence B+

Sex A

Profanity A

Alcohol/Drugs A

Theaters

Rating PG

Overall B+

Violence B

Sex A-

Profanity A-

Alcohol/Drugs A

Superman has been kidnapped! Now it’s up to his faithful hound, Krypto to rescue him from the evil guinea pig Lulu. With the aid of some newly superpowered pets, Krypto is off to save the day. Blessed with a stellar voice cast, this film is also well animated and quite funny with some jokes aimed at adults. The plot is simplistic but it delivers decent themes about friendship, self-confidence, and teamwork. Most youngsters will enjoy the action but some scenes could alarm sensitive kids. Photo ©Warner Bros Pictures

13: The Musical

Netflix

Rating PG

Overall B

Violence A

Sex A

Profanity B

Alcohol/Drugs A

After his parents’ divorce, Evan finds himself relocated from NYC to rural Indiana.

Now the thirteen-year-old needs to navigate a new social environment, make friends, and plan the best ever bar mitzvah. This musical features catchy songs and energetic dance numbers as well as effective messages about acknowledging and fixing mistakes. Unfortunately, the story feels rushed and entire scenes seem to be missing. Cardboard characters also prevent the creation of authentic relationships on screen. Overall, it’s fun to watch but there’s not much there. Photo ©Netflix

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Rating G

Having lost a lucky penny, Sam follows Bob the cat into the Land of Luck to find another coin to help a young orphan who wants a family. While there, Sam meets a dragon CEO, magical swine, tech bunnies, and leprechauns while learning lessons about luck and life. The animation in this film is average and many characters are flat but the story is imaginative and carries great messages for audiences of all ages about looking for the benefits that can be gained from adversity – flexibility, empathy, and resilience, for instance. Photo ©Apple TV+

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Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie

Netflix

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

TV-G

B

B-

A

A-

A

Earth is under attack by the alien Krangs, so the Ninja Turtles use their powers to send Casey Jones back in time to prevent the attack in the first place. Trouble only deepens when the Krang kidnap Raphael: now his buddies have to rescue him. This movie will please fans of the franchise, particularly the series now running on Netflix. The animation is adequate and the characters goofy but parents should note that the violence is darker than expected. Photo ©Netflix

Thirteen Lives

Amazon

Rating PG-13

Overall A-

Violence B

Sex A

Profanity C-

Alcohol/Drugs B

When a boys’ soccer team and their coach decide to celebrate a match win by exploring a local cave, they have no idea they are going to be trapped by floods and draw the world’s notice. This film dramatizes the complex and courageous cave rescue that occurred in Thailand in 2018. It’s long and too tense for little ones who will likely be bored or frightened. Older kids with an interest in real life drama willl appreciate its messages about persistence, ingenuity, and bravery. Photo ©Amazon Studios

Detailed reviews available at www.parentpreviews.com 21

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Initiative To Focus on Differing Abilities Children and adults with differing abilities require special attention when being treated by a physician or other healthcare worker and the Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama is fostering that specialized training.

More than sixty-one million Americans have some form of intellectual disability, and evidence shows that they experience health care disparities on a daily basis. Recent studies reveal that a contributing factor to these disparities may be the lack of proper training of professionals in the healthcare industry.

The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama (EFEA) is a day program for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. But equally as important, the foundation is a steadfast advocate for this often-neglected population. Through its efforts, EFEA endeavors to change the hearts and minds of those who don’t understand the joy of knowing and loving someone with a disability.

In an effort to close the healthcare gap within the population it serves, EFEA has introduced the Exceptional Care & Wellness Initiative. This ambitious program will facilitate one-on-one interactions between healthcare workers in training and those with a disability. In order to address the goal of reducing

healthcare inequality, East Alabama Medical Center and its East Alabama Health Internal Medicine Residency Clinic, along with the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and Auburn University School of Nursing have agreed to partner with EFEA and include special needs training in their education programs. For more information on this initiative, contact Melinda McClendon at mmcclendon@efofea.org.

Exceptional Care & Wellness

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Like any other kids, kids with special needs are diverse, and many educational apps can help them with their specific needs. Here are some of the best ones, and they’re all free. So if you’re a parent or caregiver of children with special needs, check them out, and then download the ones that are the most useful and fun.

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ChatterPix Kids (Available at Apple Appstore; Google Play)

This app is great for kids who need help practicing their oral communication skills.

They can either upload or take a picture of themselves, draw a mouth, and then record anything they want to say. It’s particularly useful if you’re having a difficult conversation at home and your kids find it easier to express their views through an avatar rather than directly to you. It can also be useful in school if your kids require extra time composing an answer to a teacher’s question. They can record and re-record their response until they get it just the way they want it.

Coach.me (Available at: Apple Appstore; Google Play)

Drawing on the latest psychological and behavioral research, this is a great app that assumes that a key to achieving one’s goals is to develop good, consistent habits. Users decide which habits they’d like to develop, track those habits over time, receive reminders, and then get positive feedback (high-fives) when they reach their goals. Depending on their age and maturity, your kids can either use this app on their own or with a little help from you.

Emotionary (Available at: Apple Appstore; Google Play)

If you want to help your kids better understand other people’s emotions, the best thing you can do is help them better understand their own. This app has more than 100 short, dictionary-style definitions of common emotions, each accompanied by an emoticon. This helps kids develop a rich vocabulary for expressing their emotions, and it teaches them coping skills so that they don’t become overwhelmed by their emotions. They can create their own emoticons for emotions they think aren’t included in the app but are really important to them.

iOT Session (Available: Apple Appstore)

Created by a well-known occupational therapist, Dr. Frederick Covington, this app features lots of kid-friendly, game-like exercises aimed at improving their visual perception, tracking, and coordination. It also improves fine motor skills, especially kids’ ability to create proper letters. The app is used by occupational therapists everywhere, but your kids can use it too, either on their own or with your help, to track their progress over time.

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wonder & worship Since 1978, we have encouraged students to glorify God through studying the Truth of His Word and exploring the splendor of His creation.

MindShift CBT (Available at: Apple Appstore; Google Play)

tcsopelika.org

A CLASSICAL AND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Based on cognitive behavioral therapy, which is widely used, this app teaches kids how to deal with different anxiety-provoking situations like conflicts, social situations, and tests. It features tools that help users relax, practice mindfulness, and re-orient their thoughts. It has audio recordings with guided mediations, a journal for users to record thoughts that make them the most anxious, and general tips for managing anxiety.

Model Me Going Places 2 (Available at: Apple Appstore)

This social skills app teaches kids how to interact with different kinds of people that they encounter in their daily lives, such as grocery store clerks, hairdressers, doctors, and restaurant waiters. It has 12-photo slideshows that model kids engaging in appropriate behaviors with people in different settings.

My Little Suitcase (Available at: Apple Appstore)

This game-like app, which can be played by up to four people, enhances kids’ ability to memorize and match items.

Similar to the popular card game Memory, each player has a suitcase with six different items represented on a small card that is faced down. Players take turns turning the cards over. If the card is theirs, they put it in their suitcase. If not, it’s the next player’s turn. Aside from improving their working memory and retention skills, they learn how to focus, categorize, and engage in proper turn-taking. It’s a great game for the whole family. AOP

Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences & Disorders at the City University of New York – Brooklyn College.

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Navigating the Potential Mental Health Consequences of Device Removal We talk about the mental health concerns of too much device use quite often, as so much research has been done in this area. A quick Google search can lead you down a rabbit hole of overwhelming information that points to the dangers of too much device time. However, I want to take a look at the other side of the research. What happens when you have a child or teen who has been attached to their device and then it is removed? Let’s take this scenario as an example. Your teen has been on their phone consistently. They are using it to remain in constant contact with their friends. They are watching videos, either through YouTube or TikTok, regularly. Then they make some missteps, either because of the device or other behaviors, and your consequence is to remove the device immediately and for an extended period of time. I want to caution you to be watchful of your child’s behavior after removing the device.

This is where we must be careful as parents. I am guilty of becoming angry with my teens for bad behavior, and immediately taking the phone. It does feel like the fastest way to get their attention in today’s device-driven world. Your child’s device is not simply a “phone” to them. It is truly their connection to their friends. To the outside world. Couple this with the constant addictive dopamine hits they receive throughout the day while on their devices, and you may be faced with several shocking responses once you remove the device. What they feel when it is removed is immediate panic for two reasons. The object they are “addicted” to has just been ripped away, and they immediately feel the panic of losing touch with their friends. Why is all of this so important?

How does it affect their mental health?

I have had numerous families consult with me about how to manage the “fall out” after removing devices. Parents are terrified their child will do something rash in a

moment of panic. I have had teens threaten to commit suicide, and I have heard from parents of a child who did attempt suicide.

There are numerous accounts of children falling into a deep depression after their phone was removed. On one occasion I had a grandmother tell me that her granddaughter threatened immediate suicide if the phone was not returned. She contacted the police and the teen was admitted for a week at the local hospital on suicide watch and released with an extensive mental health care plan.

So what can we do?

If our children are addicted to devices, but the appropriate response is to remove the device after bad behavior, how do we protect them from the extreme emotions they may experience? There are a few things I recommend to help your child, and you, if you find yourself in this situation.

First, do not remove the phone during an emotionally charged moment when you are angry with your child. This is HARD to do. Sitting your child down after emotions have settled and discussing why you are removing the device will help to diffuse some of the scary feelings they may experience.

Ask them if they understand why they are losing the privilege of having a device. Ask what they feel should happen to regain time on the device. Allowing them to see a window where they can earn the right to return to using the phone will encourage them to not only exercise appropriate behavior with the phone but will also take away the feeling of “it will be gone forever”.

Secondly, watch for signs of depression.

Take any threats of harming themselves as real. Many times youth will act out during the height of their emotions...and not consider 27

the long-term consequences. The emotions simply feel like more they can handle. Talk to them about what they are feeling. And why they are feeling scared, upset, lonely, mad, etc. Walking them through the emotions that are attached to their device can help lead you into deeper conversations about how to avoid this type of dependence once the device is returned. Finally, although you may be angry with your child, showing them empathy and compassion for how they feel can help diffuse a volatile situation as well as help strengthen your digital relationship with your child.

Bottom line, is it sometimes an appropriate consequence to remove a device? Yes. Absolutely. The reality is we would probably ALL benefit from device removal from time to time...and we would certainly benefit from LESS time spent navigating social media.

Just be aware that the removal will be met with pushback. After that pushback, do not be surprised when your child returns to the loving, happy, age-appropriate behaviors you have missed. This is the overwhelming consensus that I get from parents after devices have been removed for a period of time.

They “get their child back”. And that, well that speaks volumes.

Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate.

She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience.

She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.

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“Preparing food with family, whether it is just a weekday morning breakfast or big Sunday afternoon dinner, is joyful,” shares Stacey Brandon. “I am passionate about cooking with whole foods and teaching my family to love the kitchen and enjoy cooking for themselves.“ Stacey has been married to her husband Duane for 20 years.

They met at college waiting tables. Duane is currently a Professor of Accounting at Auburn University and before being a stay-at-home mom, Stacey was an Environmental Biologist. Together they have two children, David (16) and Kirby (15).

The family cherishes their time at home together, often finding themselves around their kitchen table with a homecooked meal and planning their next adventure together. The family travels together often, anywhere from England to Alaska.

However, this self-proclaimed geeky, pop culture-loving family, cannot get enough of Disney World. They love movies and theme parks! Annually, they attend the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot and try all the amazing food around the World Showcase.

Back at home though, Stacey shares that she typically prepared most of the meals for many years, only making exceptions when the kids had late-night commitments. David is very active outdoors and enjoys martial arts. Kirby is a dancer and spends time taking classes and also competing on a team.

“I did the majority of the cooking until the kids were about 13, but since then both of my children have learned to cook some of their favorite meals on their own,” shared Stacey. “This recipe is one of my daughter’s favorites to prepare. She has a lot of fun with the presentation too.”

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2022

Chicken Marsala Portabello Mushrooms Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1/2 cup diced onion • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon pepper • 1 lb. ground chicken • 5 cups chopped fresh spinach • 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese • 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. marsala wine, divided • 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese – 1/2 cup for the filling and 1/4 cup for topping the mushrooms • 4 to 6 large portobello mushroom caps

6. Place the chopped spinach into the skillet a few handfuls at a time and stir into the chicken until wilted down, then add in the rest of the spinach to wilt.

7. Stir in the parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese, stirring to combine.

8. Pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons of marsala at the end and stir to combine.

9. Set the filling aside while you prepare the mushrooms.

10. Scrape the brown gills from the mushrooms and trim the stems.

11. Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil, then fill each mushroom cap with the filling, dividing equally between all four mushrooms.

12. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and top with the other 1/4 cup of cheese on each mushroom and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Pair with an arugula salad and enjoy! ** I take the stem and gills of the mushrooms and instead of discarding them, I chop them up finely and add them to the ground chicken and sautée them together before adding the spinach. We have also tried chopped broccoli in place of spinach and ground beef, pork or turkey in place of ground chicken.

Adding some smoked Gouda gives the recipe a more elevated taste as well.

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

2. Add oil to a large skillet over medium heat.

3. When the oil is hot, add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add the garlic to cook for a minute more.

4. Next add the chicken and cook, breaking up with a spoon until browned through.

5. Pour in 1/4 cup of the marsala wine, salt and pepper. Cook down until the liquid is almost all absorbed, about 1 minute.

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Gabriele has been married to her husband Daniel for 16 years. Together they have three incredible children. In addition to freelane writing, she is a full time Pink Cadillac Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics.

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Finding healthy, effective approaches to gaining children’s cooperation, and improving their behavior isn’t always easy.

The tried and true methods often turn out to be true but temporary at best, especially for children with behavior problems stemming from attention deficit disorder or other behavior disorders.

One approach that works well is a token system. With this method, children earn tokens for a variety of good behaviors and lose tokens for misbehavior. Then they purchase rewards or privileges with the tokens they’ve accumulated.

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Benefits of the token system

of three into the preteen years, depending on your child’s level of maturity.

The token system has several advantages over other forms of discipline and behavior management plans. First, it can be carried out at any time and in any place. Children often act up in stores or public places, leaving parents with few options for immediately settling the problem. But with the token system, you and your child will carry a supply of tokens everywhere you go. Before you head out, just remind your child that good behavior will be rewarded and that inappropriate behavior will result in immediate loss of tokens.

The second advantage is the token system teaches children how to save, budget, and plan expenditures because tokens are used similarly to money.

Next, this system prevents inappropriate or useless measures that parents often utilize in the heat of the moment. The token system makes empty threats a thing of the past. Because your child is aware of the consequences and your ability to administer them immediately, he’s less likely to act up.

Fourth, the token system is a positive approach. It eliminates criticism, yelling, arguing, and other unhealthy and ineffective ways parents often get caught up in dealing with problem behavior.

Finally, the token system can be altered regularly to keep kids’ interest and thereby increase its effectiveness. The token system, or one of its variations, can be used from about the age

Getting started

Make a list of the behaviors you’d like to work on with your child. This should include positive behaviors you’d like your child to improve on, such as using good table manners or putting dirty clothes in the hamper. If your child is five or older, also make a separate list of problem behaviors you’d like to reduce, such as namecalling or hitting.

For children under five, the token system should be used only for reinforcing positive behavior. The frustration caused by losing tokens for poor behavior will not be helpful to the preschooler.

That said, when a preschooler misbehaves, you can simply tell your child she will not be receiving any tokens as a result of the bad behavior.

Go through each list and prioritize and choose only four or five behaviors to work on at a time. Once your child has improved on a particular behavior, remove it from the list and add a new one.

Next, determine how many tokens to reward your child or confiscate for specific behaviors. Your list might look similar to the one below. Keep in mind the number of tokens assigned to

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a particular behavior should fit the severity or difficulty of the behavior relative to the other behaviors on which you are working.

Set a variety of values to the rewards. That way, your child has the option to either make frequent purchases or to save for something big. Small children require frequent opportunities to purchase rewards to maintain their interest.

Poker chips make good tokens. For older kids, assign different point values to each color.

Finally, when handing out tokens, always verbally praise your child. Say you’re proud of his actions or appreciate her thoughtfulness. When your child is no longer earning tokens for the behavior, continued use of praise will reinforce it.

Hang up their book bag and jacket - Earn 3 tokens Eat supper without complaining - Earn 2 tokens Say please and thank you - Earn 1 token Complete homework - Earn 6 tokens Hitting - Lose 5 tokens Tattling - Lose 2 token

Variations

Also, try to estimate the number of tokens your child is likely to earn and lose in a week. Your child should be able to earn enough tokens to pay for problem behaviors. It’s not a good idea for your child to go into debt. If this becomes a problem, adjust the distribution of tokens accordingly.

You’ll also need to choose rewards your child can purchase with the tokens. Determine what will be most enticing to your child. While a trip to rent a DVD might be a real winner with some kids, others won’t be fazed by it.

As you plan the rewards, include privileges your child asks for or does regularly, and would be devastating if the opportunity were lost. Those rewards will be the strongest motivators. To make such rewards effective, you’ll need to place limits on those privileges unless your child has earned and purchased them.

Be sure to set guidelines for rewards that require your time or attention. For example, a trip to the apple orchard might require a two-day notice. While for a board game, you might agree you’ll play within four hours of the request.

If your child struggles to complete schoolwork and turn in assignments, use the token system for this alone. Ask your child’s teacher to send home a daily report of what your child has completed and turned in, then reward your child’s efforts. Use grade rewards only if your child is capable of achieving high marks without too much difficulty.

As your child approaches the teen years, tokens may be perceived as childish. If your preteen still struggles behaviorally and with completing tasks, offer a checkbook ledger for tallying points instead. When points are earned, your preteen should fill in the ledger with the specific behavior or task and the number of points earned. Then immediately initial to show you’ve approved the points. AOP Kimberly Blaker is a freelance parenting writer. She’s also founder and director of KB Creative Digital Services, a niche marketing agency for the healthcare and mental health industries at kbcreativedigital.com

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Revision Counseling Center ad on page 15

923 Stage Rd Ste M, Auburn, Alabama 36830 Revision Counseling Center is composed of therapists who strive to help you revise your life to ensure fulfillment. Services provided: Individual counseling, couples/marriage counseling, child/ adolescent counseling, family counseling, group counseling and public engagements.

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Local Resources East Alabama Mental Health ad on Inside Back Cover

2506 Lambert Drive, Opelika, Alabama 36801 We provide services for persons with mental illness, substance abuse problems, and intellectual disabilities. It is our vision to provide a continuum of comprehensive, outcome-oriented, and cost effective services to the residents of Lee, Russell, Chambers, and Tallapoosa counties. We strive for these services to be driven by consumer and family needs and to be readily accessible, and continuously improving. We are here as a public safety net for persons who need us. CHINS Intervention ProgramThe Center provides a range of services for children residing in Lee County who have been, or are at risk of being adjudicated CHINS (Child in Need of Supervision). These children display behavior problems such as truancy, breaking curfew, and refusing to follow the rules at school and at home.

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http://www.eamch.org/

Ferguson Psychology ad on page 10

709 East Glenn Avenue | Auburn, Alabama 36830 Serving individuals throughout the lifespan including children, adolescents, college students, and adults. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy to address a wide range of issues in psychotherapy including: attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, behavior problems, social skills deficits, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, phobias, trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and general adjustment issues. I provide evidence-based treatments to assist individuals with their concerns.

Interventions are tailor-made for a client’s individual needs. I enjoy providing therapy and brief assessment services to children and their parents. Utilizing a systems-based approach, I work with families to establish the ideal environmental contingencies in order to help the families reach their full potential.

Services offered include parenting skills training, behavior modification, and social skills training.

(334) 226-7222 info@ferguson-psychology.com www.ferguson-psychology.com

www.revisioncounselingcenter.com

The Council on Developmental Disabilities ad on page 9

RSA Union Building, 100 North Union Street, P.O. Box 301410, Montgomery, Al 36130 The Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities (ACDD) works to achieve equality of opportunity for all citizens. We promote independence, advocacy, productivity, and inclusion for Alabamians with developmental disabilities. Through our projects and initiatives, as well as our network of resources, we help them: Make the most of their educational potential. Find and thrive in paid employment. Rent, own, or modify an apartment or home. Gain access to and use transportation. Connect with organizations to coordinate healthcare and social services. Participate in recreational, leisure, and social activities. Learn leadership, self-determination, and self-advocacy.

(334) 242-3973

www.acdd.org

The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama ad on page 22

300 N. Dean Road, Suite 5-177, Auburn, AL 36830 The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama is a nonprofit organization established to serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and provide opportunities for those participants to thrive and be engaged in social and recreational activities. The need for our services within this community is great. With high numbers of local individuals with special needs, an increased number of families that have relocated to our area due to school-aged services, and the number of families in need of support, the Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama offers services to those families and individuals in a number of ways. The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama offers respite to caregivers, and provides a caring, safe place for loved ones to go during the day. Our program alleviates hardships, as caregivers are able to work with peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are cared for during the day. The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities residing in Lee, Chambers, Tallapoosa, Elmore, Montgomery, Macon, Bullock and Russell Counties in Alabama and Muscogee, Harris, and Troup Counties in Georgia.

334-329-7773

www.efofea.org

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ABC Child Development Center- The ABC (Actively Believing in Children) Child Development Center provides intensive services for toddlers and preschool children with autism or pervasive developmental disorders in an integrated child care setting.

Godparent Project -The Godparent Project provides parenting education, life skills training, and referral to community resources for pregnant and parenting adolescents.

Special Deliveries-The Special Deliveries program provides parent education, support, and referral services for families of infants and toddlers. The program also provides intensive in-home family support services for at risk families of children ages 0 to 5.

Other programs-Substance Abuse Prevention Programs, Parent Power, In-School Programs, After-School and Summer Alternative Programs, Family Strengthening Programs, Mommy and Me, & ACATA: Alliance Counteracting Alcohol and Tobacco Advertising.

334 -742-2700

www.eastalabamamhc.com

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind

Talladega, Alabama Alabama School for the Blind- 256-761-3260.

Alabama School for the Deaf- 256-761-3278.

Helen Keller School of Alabama- 256-761-3377.

The Marianna Greene Henry Special Equestrian Program- Talladega, Alabama has a covered indoor arena and a 3/4 mile Sensory Trail for students from preschool age to middle age for both therapeutic and recreational riding year round. mgheques@aidb.state.al.us 256-345-2883

www.aidb.org

Alabama Scottish Rite Foundation Learning Center

offers evaluations for Alabama school age children, generally age 7 through 9th Grade. Program has a network of speech/language pathologists, available to perform this free service. Children from all over Alabama are evaluated at various locations as time and funding permit. If you have a child at least 7 years old (and has been in a structured reading program for at least 6 months) that is exhibiting signs of learning language deficits, the speech, language and literacy evaluation will facilitate early identification and intervention for language learning differences. www.alsrlcenter.org/ALSR_Learning_Center/Welcome

All For Children

2204 Ogletree Village Ln Ste A, Auburn, AL 36830 ALL (Auburn Language and Learning) is a pediatric, private practice offering speech, language, auditory, occupational therapy, physical therapy, literacy and math services to children of all ages. Our practice consists of speech-language pathologist, auditoryverbal therapists, special educators and occupational therapists. ALL for Children has been providing quality speech, language, auditory and literacy to children in our area and surrounding areas since 2010.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Services include evaluation and treatment of a variety of speech and language difficulties, language-based reading difficulties, occupational therapy, auditory verbal therapy for hearing loss utilizing hearing aids and cochlear implants, feeding therapy for children with behavorial and sensory issues after surgery, early language therapy in children’s native language in Spanish and much more.

(334) 209-2009

www.all-forchildren.com

American Cancer Society

3054 McGehee Rd, Montgomery, Alabama 36111 Support Groups-Bossum Buddies: EAMC Health Resource Center, Opelika. 334-288-3432.

Caregiver Support- Oak Park Dining Room, 1365 Gatewood Drive, Auburn. 3rd Thursday of the month.

For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Cheri Rudgers 334-826-1899.

TOUCH (Today Our Understanding of Cancer is Hope)- This general cancer support group is for survivors and their family and caregivers. East Alabama Health Resource Center, Opelika. 334-288-3432.

I Can Cope- EAMC Health Resource Center, Opelika. 334-288-3432. General cancer educational program for recently diagnosed cancer patients.

Look Good, Feel Better- 334-288-3432. Free program conducted by cosmetologists to improve appearance related side effects of cancer. Sessions conducted as cancer patients request services and as cosmetologists are available.

334-288-3432

www.cancer.org

Auburn Therapy and Learning Center

2000 Samglenn Drive, Ste 100, Auburn, AL 36830 Accepting new referrals now for speech therapy, occupational therapy, and feeding therapy. Our mission is to empower and encourage functional daily living skills for all ages, specifically focusing on providing the highest quality treatment to improve those skills pertaining to communication, fine motor skills, sensory integration, and feeding difficulties. We are conveniently located in Auburn, Alabama and also service the surrounding communities. Our clinicians are fully licensed and trained to provide quality treatment in Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Feeding Therapy. We welcome clients of all ages who are in need of our therapeutic services.

We do require a referral by your doctor prior to evaluation.

(334) 734-5511

www.auburntlc.com

Auburn University

Autism Center provides: a model demonstration site for best practice education of persons with autism spectrum disorder, diagnostic services for children with autism spectrum disorder, outreach consultation services for families, schools and agencies that serve people with autism spectrum disorder, training for families, teachers and related professionals, and research opportunities relative to effective intervention strategies for people with autism spectrum disorder.

Best Buddies- The largest chapter of Best Buddies International, an international organization that promotes one-to-one friendships between college students and buddies.

Speech and Hearing Clinic- Haley Center, 8449600. offers screening tests for the general public free of charge each semester. The clinic performs audiological and speech-language evaluations, aural rehabilitation support and other clinical services for children and adults.

Motor Behavior Lab- in the Department of Health and Human Performance provides a motor development program for kindergarten children with low motor proficiency. 334-844-4483

Regional Autism Network (RAN) at AU Alabama’s RAN serves those who have questions, Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2022

concerns, or resource needs regarding themselves, a family member, friend, client, patient, or a student with diagnosed or suspected Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). What we offer: Professional training programs, Technical assistance and consultation services, Individual and direct family assistance in the home, community, and school, and Public education programs . Alabama’s RAN is staffed by experts in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Each RAN strives to connect people with ASD, their families, educators, and service providers to the information and/or services that best meet their needs.

334-844-2004, auran@auburn.edu www.auburn.edu

Autism Hope Center

Columbus, Georgia The Autism Hope Center is a free resource to both families and professionals throughout the Chattahoochee Valley. Since 2005, we have been instrumental in bringing programs, services, and support to individuals and their families in our area. We host a monthly support group and a number of monthly inclusive events. Additionally, the center helps connect families to advocates and helps promote self-advocacy.

706 604 6333 autismhopecenterllp@gmail.com www.autismhopecenter.com

Autism Society of Alabama

4217 Dolly Ridge Rd, Birmingham, AL 35243 The Autism Society of Alabama (ASA) responds daily to requests for information. Parent SupportASA has support groups to address a variety of issues. Monthly meetings in a variety of settings throughout the state provide support and information, guest speakers, informative topics, and question and answer sessions.

Lending Library- ASA has over 400 books and media on autism spectrum disorders that are available to our members. Items can be checked out through the office. If you have books on autism that you are willing to donate or for info on our lending library, please call. ASA collaborates with various state and local agencies to increase awareness in the community, schools, and in the medical and professional arenas to promote education, understanding, resources, and to encourage the early diagnosis of autism.

1-877-4AUTISM

www.autism-alabama.org

Brain Jogging & Camp Academia-

1507 Vernon Road, LaGrange, Georgia 30240 Areas of focus: Dyslexia, language processing deficiencies, ADD/ADHD, autism spectrum disorders and processing speed. Camp Academia has four primary programs designed to help your child achieve his or her potential: Consultation / Testing Services– Full evaluation of your child’s strengths and weaknesses in learning utilizing both formal and informal methods and recommendations for charting their educational path.

Brainjogging– Camp Academia’s research-based learning tool is designed to enhance learning efficiency and proficiency by “exercising” weak areas of the brain.

Camps– Three-day residential camps designed to prepare your child for the upcoming school year.

706-884-4492 info@campacademia.com www.campacademia.com

Easter Seals Alabama

5960 E Shirley Ln, Montgomery, Alabama 36117 Consists of eight community rehabilitation program sites and the world’s largest barrier free recreational camp, Camp ASCCA. Easter Seals Alabama services include: Medical Rehabilitation, Early Intervention,

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Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Hearing Therapy, Job Training and Employment, Child Care & Camping and Recreation.

Easter Seals Achievement Center- 510 W Thomason Circle, Opelika, AL. 334-745-3501 Camp ASCCA Easter Seals- 5278 Camp ASCCA Drive, Jackson’s Gap, AL 256-825-9226 or 800843-2267. A special place where campers with disabilities have the opportunity to express their individuality and independence within a carefully supervised setting. Their families also are provided with a chance to relax in the knowledge that over thirty years of experience goes into providing a safe environment where fun can be had by all.

The activities offered at Camp ASCCA include horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, fishing, arts and crafts, repelling, zip-line, water tubing, archery and rifle range, mini-golf course, paved nature trails, and more. www.campascca.org 334-395-4489

www.easterseals.com/alabama

Hospice of East Alabama Medical Center

665 Opelika Road, Auburn, Alabama 36830 Hospice treats the whole person instead of the disease. Its focus is on the family as well as the individual. Hospice emphasizes quality of life rather than duration. The patient’s pain is treated aggressively, and suffering is recognized and dealt with by members of the interdisciplinary team. The patient’s final wishes are attended to, and efforts are made to allow terminally ill patients and their families to remain together in peace, comfort, and dignity as they experience the end of life. Hospice services extend to any location: a home, the hospital, an assisted living facility, Bethany House, or a nursing home. Our goal at Hospice of EAMC is to help our patients live fully by managing pain and symptoms so that their days are filled with more joy and comfort. We seek to provide patients and their families with physical, emotional, social and spiritual support throughout their journey. Hospice of EAMC now serves parts of eight counties within a 50-mile radius of its office in Auburn, AL. Hospice of EAMC is the only area hospice linked directly with the services and support of East Alabama Medical Center. We can offer seamless transitioning of patients from inpatient care to their own homes or to a nursing home if needed.

334-826-1899

www.eamc.org

In His Hands: Special Friends Ministry

Lakeview Baptist Church, 1600 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, Alabama 36830 Program designed to help families who have children with special needs be able to worship together while their children are shown and taught about the love of Christ by familiar adults. Our goal is to form teams of buddies for each special friend that will assist them on Sunday mornings. Buddies will volunteer on a weekly or monthly rotation.

334-887-7094

www.lakeviewbaptist.org

Lee County Youth Development Center

1109 Spring Drive, Opelika, Alabama 36801 Times Change, Our Commitment Remains the Same. The Lee County Youth Development Center is uniquely set apart - singular in its design of offering a broad continuum of services and care for youth and families. Our agency strives to maintain the highest standards of quality care and innovative practices with expertise in the areas of prevention, intervention and residential care. One area served is Psychological Services:Comprehensive clinical support for all residents admitted to our Intensive Residential Treatment Facility, Residential & out-patient psychological assessments, therapies, and other clinical services for children, adolescents, and families served under the LCYDC umbrella, 24-hour/7days a week/365-days a year On-Call Emergency Psychological Services to clients, residents, and

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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programs at LCYDC, Emergency Mental Status Examinations, Psychiatric Clinic for all program clients, with ongoing psychiatric consultation with clinical staff, Psychological Staffing for all program clients, with ongoing psychological consultation for clinical staff by licensed professionals and Referrals accepted from the Department of Human Resources, the Alabama Department of Youth Services, and the Juvenile Court System.

334-749-2996

www.lcydc.org

March of Dimes Alabama

Birmingham, Alabama We help moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies. If something goes wrong, we offer information and comfort to families. We research the problems that threaten our babies and work on preventing them. The March of Dimes helped to conquer polio by funding the research and development of the Salk vaccine. AllKids insurance, newborn (30) screening test, and more.

205-824-0103 al307@marchofdimes.com www.marchofdimes.org/alabama

RehabWorks 4 Kids

2450 Village Professional Pkwy, Opelika, 36801 A service of East Alabama Medical Center.

We offer pediatric physical, occupational and speech therapies to children 0-18 yrs of age with a variety of diagnoses including: cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delay, receptive-expressive language delays/disorders, feeding/swallowing disorders, sensory integration disorders, torticollis, augmentative communication needs, sensory-motor group that meets weekly for 3-week sessions throughout the year & referrals to other community resources.

334-528-1964 kelly.shaw@eamc.org www.rehabworks.eamc.org/Kids

Smith Group Behavioral Consulting

2206 Executive Park Dr, Opelika, AL 36801 Providing ABA services to children and families struggling with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Supporting families and educators through behavioral consultation and direct ABA services, focused on children exhibiting behaviors consistent with autism spectrum disorder and other behavioral diagnoses.

334-332-9077 www.smithgroupbc.com info@smithgroupbc.com

Storybook Farm

300 Cusseta Road, Opelika, Alabama 36801 The year-round equine assisted activities are tailored to serve children ages 2 years to young adults who are challenged with life-threatening illnesses, disabilities, mental and/or emotional trauma, and grief. The gentle nature of our horses provides hope and healing. In addition to our “hope on horseback” riding programs, Storybook Farm also provides weekly Enrichment Classes for local school system’s inclusive special education classes, “Forever Families” quarterly events for families created by adoption or fostering, as well as annual events such as Easter Eggstravaganza, SBF Horse Show, Fall Festival, and the Christmas Celebration.

334-444-5966

www.hopeonhorseback.org

The Exceptional Outreach Organization

Auburn, Alabama 36830 Organized in 2000, the Exceptional Outreach Organization is a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization whose mission is to provide programs for exceptional individuals with special needs by fostering growth through recreation, education, and social activities. Comprised of a volunteer Board

of Directors with zero administrative costs, E.O.O. works to raise funds and awareness to sponsor and support Special Olympics of Lee County, the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Therapeutic Summer Camp, Best Buddies of Auburn University, Premier Athletics Shining Knights Therapeutic Cheerleading Team, and other therapeutic related programs.

E.O.O. hosts the annual Love Your Heart Run and Crank Your Heart Ride as its sole fundraising event. www.loveyourheartrun.com

The Learning Tree

Consultation and Outreach Services- Offers behavior assessment, training, and support for students with varied intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavior challenges within the public school systems across the state of Alabama. The Learning Tree strives to maximize independence and minimize behavior which limits opportunities through collaboration and consultation with teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators. Services are available throughout Alabama within various public school systems.

Stephanie Remington, M.S., BCBA, LBA. 334-850-4012

sremington@learning-tree.org

Tallassee Residential School Campus- The Tallassee Residential School opened August 17, 2005, now celebrating more than 14 years of service. The S. Dubois Street building was transformed from a 1920’s-era church to a state-of-the-art school while maintaining its architecturally rich features. The Residential School also provides 7 communitybased homes for children and adolescents while they receive their educational services at the school location. 101 S. Dubois St., Tallassee, AL 36078.

334-252-0025 rheil-norris@learning-tree.org www.learning-tree.org

ZÖe Center for ABA and Development Serv.

1110 13th Street, Suite D, Columbus, GA 31901 ZÖe Center for ABA and Development Services provides home and center based ABA therapy for individuals with varying diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder. At ZÖe Center for ABA and Development Services, we’re committed to providing you and your loved one with exceptional ABA Therapy in a compassionate and friendly atmosphere. We believe that our clients deserve the best services, and we make an effort to make sure you always feel welcome and at ease. Whether you’re coming in for an assessment or ongoing therapy, our dedicated team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts and Registered Behavior Technicians have the skills and resources to provide quality services. We can’t wait to meet you and your loved one today! ABA offers assessment and individual plan development, home and community therapy, center-based therapy, school services and IEP support, caregiver education and training and supervision. For your convenience, our center offers part-time or full-time schedules. ZÖe ABA Services provides a person centered approach by conducting a comprehensive assessment to determine and develop effective teaching strategies. In addition, we provide detailed caregiver education. Our goal is for each child and adolescent to reach their maximum potential and thereby improve their independence within their daily living routines.

1-888-ZOeABA8

www.ZOeABA.com

Alabama Resources Alabama ABLE Savings Plan

Keep Your Benefits and Save for the Future!

Alabama’s official ABLE Savings Plan is a taxadvantaged account designed to help making saving simple and achievable for individuals with

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disabilities. Save for current and future expenses without impacting your resource-based benefits. www.alabamaable.gov

Alabama’s Early Intervention System

602 S Lawrence St, Montgomery, 36104 Provides supports and services for infants and toddlers birth through age 2 (0 to 36 months of age) who have a medical diagnosis that can delay normal development or who have a developmental delay causing the child to not meet developmental milestones. Early intervention supports and services focus on teaching the parents and other caregivers ways to help the child learn and participate in everyday activities.

AEIS also prepares infants and toddlers with disabilities and developmental delays for transition to the Alabama State Department of Education’s and local school systems’ preschool program for 3- to 5-year-olds.

800-543-3098 www.rehab.alabama.gov/individualsand-families/early-intervention

ADA Center- Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services

602 S Lawrence St , Montgomery, 36104 ADA Center- Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services- (800) 205-9986. DBTAC - Southeast ADA Center; 1419 Mayson Street, Atlanta, GA. 800-9494232; www.sedbtac.org 334-613-3471

www.rehab.state.al.us/ada

Blind or Visually Impaired/Deaf or Hard Hearing, Deaf-Blind

205 South Street E, Talladega, Alabama 35160 Is the world’s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation and service program serving individuals of all ages who are deaf, blind, deaf-blind and multidisabled. Founded in 1858 by a young medical doctor who wanted to educate his deaf brother, AIDB now serves more than 22,500 infants, toddlers, children, adults and seniors with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year. Our services literally span a lifetime including five campuses in Talladega, eight regional centers located in Birmingham, Dothan, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Talladega, Tuscaloosa and Tuscumbia with programs that range from early and senior intervention, traditional and nontraditional education services and a manufacturing facility that is the state’s largest employer of adults who are blind and deaf.

256- 761-3238

www.AIDB.org

Career and Technical Education

Alabama Department of Education, 50 North Ripley Street , Montgomery, AL 36130 Focused on helping students achieve success through leadership development, career awareness, and academic excellence. This division also provides service to Alabama’s teachers, education administrators, and counselors through professional development that works to further K-12 student achievement and project-based learning.

334-242-9111

www.alsde.edu

Children with Disabilities

Alabama Department of Education, 50 North Ripley Street , Montgomery, Alabama 36130 Ages 3 through 5- Contact Special Education.

Transition Services/ Special Education Services -Alabama State Department of Education 334-242-8114

www.alsde.edu

Developmental Disabilities

Alabama Department of Education, 5 0 North Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36130 Provides a comprehensive array of services and supports to individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families in the state through contractual

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

arrangements with community agencies, five regional community services offices, and three comprehensive support service teams that assist with behavioral, medical, psychiatric and dental services and supports.

334-242-3107

www.mh.alabama.gov

Developmental Disabilities Council

Alabama Department of Education, 50 North Ripley Street , Montgomery, Alabama 36130 Has a mission to support independence, advocacy, productivity, and inclusion for Alabamians with developmental disabilities.

800-232-2158

www.acdd.org

Mental Health Rep for Children/Youth

Office of Children’s Services/Ala Dept of Mental Health, 100 N Union, Montgomery, 36130 Mental Illness services are comprised of a comprehensive array of treatment services and supports through four state-operated facilities and contractual agreements with community mental health centers across the state. The MI/ SA Central Office staff provides oversight and support for the continuum of care through its offices of quality improvement, consumer relations, deaf services, community programs, certification, facilities management, and the indigent drug program.

334-353-7110

www.mh.alabama.gov

Respite Care/Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network

1856 Keats Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35810 Respite Care- is temporary short-term relief for caregivers of individuals with special needs such as: developmental and physical disabilities or other chronic illnesses that are related to health concerns, medical fragility, or for those at risk of abuse and neglect.

1-866-RESTALA

www.alabamarespite.org

Special Education Services-Alabama Department of Education

50 N Ripley Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104 800-392-8020

www.alsde.edu

Special Format Library: Alabama Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

6030 Monticello Dr, Montgomery, Alabama 36104 www.statelibrary.alabama.gov

Special Health Care Needs - Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services/ Children’s Rehabilitation Service

602 S Lawrence St , Montgomery, Alabama 36104 Serving children and teens from birth to 21. CRS provides services for children and adolescents from birth to age 21 with special health-care needs and their families. Every county in Alabama is served through a network of 14 community-based offices. Staff members work closely with local school systems to enable children with disabilities to participate fully in school.

800-441-7607

www.rehab.alabama.gov

Technology- STAR (Statewide Technology Access and Response for Alabamians with Disabilities)-Montgomery, AL.

602 S Lawrence St , Montgomery, Alabama 36104 STAR has been and continues to be a resource to provide Alabamians free access to information, referral services, educational programs, and publications in accessible format on extensive Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2022

topics related to disability rights, laws/policies, and funding opportunities for assistive technology.

800-782-7656

www.rehab.alabama.gov/star

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Committed to ensuring that all people with speech, language, and hearing disorders receive services to help them communicate effectively. www.asha. org/public. www.asha.org

University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Civitan International Research Center

UAB, 1719 6th Ave S, Birmingham, 35233 Through partnerships with consumers, professionals, organizations, and agencies, the Civitan Center seeks to shape policy decisions related to research and to increase the opportunities for inclusion, independence, productivity, and personal life satisfaction for individuals with developmental disabilities.

800-822-2472

www.circ.uab.edu

Vocational Rehabilitation-Department of Rehabilitation Services

602 S Lawrence St , Montgomery, Alabama 36104 The department’s largest division, VRS provides specialized employment- and education-related services and training to assist teens and adults with disabilities in becoming employed. The VRS-Blind/ Deaf program provides assistance through its Blind, Deaf Services and Older Alabamians System of Information and Services programs.

334-281-8780

www.rehab.alabama.gov

Disability-Specific Organizations Autism- Autism Society of Alabama

4217 Dolly Ridge Rd, Birmingham, Alabama 35243 ASA collaborates with various state and local agencies to increase awareness in the community, schools, and in the medical and professional arenas to promote education, understanding, resources, and to encourage the early diagnosis of autism. ASA maintains a website that provides up to date information and provides direct links to other important informational sites. Our website also acts as a source of support for families and parents of individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

877-4-AUTISM contact@autism-alabama.org www.autism-alabama.org

Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Alabama and Northwest Florida

PO Box 59486, Birmingham, AL 35259 The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to finding the cures for and improving the quality of life for children and adults affected by Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis. The Foundation sponsors basic and clinical research of the highest quality. We also offer a wide range of educational programs for patients and healthcare professionals, while providing supportive services to help people cope with these chronic intestinal diseases. These programs are supported solely through our donors, grants, fundraising efforts, and sponsors. The Foundation offers an online community where you can get the support you need in managing your condition. Participate in discussion boards, personal stories, submit questions and more.

(646) 387-2149 www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/ chapters/alabama

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Epilepsy- Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama

Landover, Maryland The Epilepsy Foundation is committed to people with epilepsy, their family members and caregivers; to advocating for funding for epilepsy programs, research, and a cure; to policies that promote research and innovation; to improving access to and coverage of quality care and essential services; and to the protection of the rights of individuals with disabilities.

800-626-1582

www.epilepsyfoundation.org

Learning Disabilities-Learning Disabilities Association of Alabama

Main purpose is to make sure that those who do have special educational needs are given the help and support they need to go on to achieve everything they have always wanted while also making sure that everything is done to unleash their true potential. Idaal work to help children and adults of normal intelligence, but who have coordinated, conceptual or perceptual difficulties.

334-277-9151

www.ldaal.org

Speech and Hearing- Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama

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PO Box 35, Gadsden, Alabama 35902 Provide families affected by Spina Bifida with the most up-to-date medical and social information related to this birth defect.

256-325-8600

info@sbaofal.org

www.sbaofal.org

The premier national non-profit organization working to make life better for all people affected by Tourette and Tic Disorders www.tourette.org

Asthma & Allergies-Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America

Landover, Maryland AAFA is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with asthma and allergic diseases through education, advocacy and research.

800-727-8462

www.aafa.org

Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Lanham, Maryland Children with ADHD are eligible for special education services or accommodations within the regular classroom when needed, and adults with ADHD may be eligible for accommodations in the workplace under the Americans with Disabilities Act. CHADD is a success story, inspired by the desire of countless parents to see their children with ADHD succeed.

800-233-4050

www.chadd.org

Blind/Visual Impairments- American Foundation for the Blind

New York, New York Sees a world where people with vision loss have equal access and opportunities to excel at school,

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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Parent Training and Information Center / Early Intervention Family Alliance- (APEC)

Downs Syndrome- Down Syndrome Alabama- Birmingham

866-532-7660

800-232-5463

www.afb.org

1929 Canyon Road, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 Down Syndrome Alabama’s mission is to promotes lifelong Awareness, Acceptance and Advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome.

205-988-0810 www.downsyndromealabama.org

Food Allergies- The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network

McLean, Virginia Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) works on behalf of the 15 million Americans with food allergies, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis. This potentially deadly disease affects 1 in 13 children in the United States – or roughly two in every classroom.

1-800-929-4040

www.foodallergy.org

Head Injury-Alabama Head Injury Foundation

3100 Lorna Rd, Ste 203, Hoover, Alabama 35213 To improve the quality of life for survivors of traumatic brain injury and their families.

800-433-8002

www.ahif.org

Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities- The Arc of Alabama, Inc.

557 S Lawrence St, Montgomery, AL 36104 To advocate for the rights and protections of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. This advocacy is provided through Information and Referral services, educational opportunities like the annual Alabama disAbility Conference, and public policy initiatives.

866-243-9557 info@thearcofalabama.com www.thearcofal.org

Mental Health- NAMI Alabama

1401 I-85 Pkwy, Ste A, Montgomery, 36106 To provide support, education, and advocacy for persons with mental illnesses, their families, and others whose lives are affected by these brain disorders.

800-626-4199

www.namialabama.org

Sensory Processing Disorder

Greenwood Village, Colorodo STAR Institute is the premier treatment, research and education center for children and adults with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). This includes feeding disorders and other disorders with sensory issues such as autism and ADHD. 303-221-STAR (7827)

www.spdstar.org

Parent Organizations Family Voices of Alabama

Encourages families to develop individual partnerships with their children’s care providers, and to look for opportunities to impact systems change by working collaboratively with the many agencies in the state that care about services for children and youth with special needs. www.familyvoices.org

10520 US Hwy 231, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092 Formed to provide parents with training and information to help them become meaningful participants in their children’s education. www.alabamaparentcenter.com

Partners in Policymaking of Alabama

100 N Union Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104 Tp support independence, advocacy, productivity, and inclusion for Alabamians with developmental disabilities.

800-846-3735

www.acdd.org

Recreation and Social Events Auburn Parks and Recreation

307 South Dean Road, Auburn, Alabama 36830 Offers recreational activities, programs/leagues, social activities and field trips for citizens who have mental and physical disabilities. We provide an opportunity for children and adults to build friendships in a fun, encouraging and safe environment. The programs are designed to strengthen and “show off” the participants’ abilities, rather than their disabilities. All programs are free, unless otherwise noted. The Therapeutics Program also supports the Lee County and State of Alabama Special Olympics programs and the Auburn University chapter of Best Buddies.

334-501-2930 www.auburnalabama.org/specialolympics

The Miracle League of East Alabama

1600 Covington Ave, Opelika, Alabama 36801 “Every Child Deserves A Chance to Play Baseball.” The Miracle League is an organization that provides the opportunity for persons of ALL AGES with cognitive or physical disabilities to play baseball. Giving ability a chance The Billy Hitchcock Miracle Field Complex -the largest of its kind in the country-will serve disabled people of all ages and their families from the East Alabama and West Georgia area.The complex is located alongside the other baseball fields and the playground area at West Ridge Park. The playground includes slides, tunnels, a sandbox and swings all completely accessible for the disabled. eamiracleleague@gmail.com

Recreation Camps Camp ASCCA

5278 Camp ASCCA Rd, Jackson’s Gap, AL 36861 Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults.

ASCCA is a nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation for children and adults with both physical and mental disabilities.

256-825-9226

Auburn Parks and Recreation supports Special Olympics by sponsoring teams for many of the Special Olympics events. Currently we support athletes for aquatics, basketball, bocce, bowling, flag football, golf, power lifting, softball, track and field, and volleyball. Practices take place throughout the year with the help of local Special Olympics’ volunteer coaches. You must be at least 8 years of age and meet the requirements of the Alabama Special Olympics Guidelines in order to participate. We currently need Coaches for our Special Olympics Athletes, if you have the time and the interest to help coach these dynamic and fun-loving kids, please contact the Lee County Special Olympics Director or the State office today! www.facebook.com/specialolympicsalleeco

Opelika Parks and Recreation

www.campascca.org

Camp Frog

5278 Camp ASCCA Rd, Jackson’s Gap, AL 36861 ASA hosts 35+ families at the annual September Family Camp ASCCA, Camp FROG. Children on the autism spectrum enjoy traditional camp activities in a supportive environment with their families.The Autism Society of Alabama. Camp ASCCA, Jackson’s Gap. September 13-15; Ages 6-18 years and their families. Scholarships available.

205-951-1364

Lee County Special Olympics

www.miraclefield.org

www.autism-alabama.org

Camp Shocco for the Deaf

Talladega, Alabama This camp gives every hearing impaired student, ages 8-high school, an opportunity to have an unforgettable week of fun, games, and spiritual growth.

Not only that, they learn the essence of teamwork, while also developing their own unique abilities and talents that can often be overlooked.

256-761-1100

www.campshocco.org

Camp Smile-a-Mile

Children’s Harbor, Alex City, Alabama 35010 Year round challenging, recreational and educational experiences for young cancer patients, their families as well as young adult survivors from Alabama at no cost. Our purpose is to provide these patients, families and survivors with avenues for fellowship, to help them cope with their disease, and to prepare them for life after cancer.

1-888-500-7920

www.campsam.org

1001 Andrews Road, Opelika, Alabama 36801 Discover Group- Discover is an opportunity for high-functioning, intellectually disabled citizens that are no longer enrolled in school. We will discover together through various activities and will travel once a month. Scheduled trips may change meeting times. There are costs associated with this program.

Expressions of a BraveHeart Program- Braveheart is a fine arts program offering art, music and dance classes to youth and young adults with moderate to severe disabilities. The schedule will be given out on the first day of class.

Special Olympics Swim Team: Competitive swim team for children and adults with special needs.

Fee: FREE

Camp Sugar Falls & Camp Seale Harris

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www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

334-705-5560

www.opelikasportsplex.com

500 Chase Park S, Birmingham, Alabama 35244 Provides kids with the chance to learn about effective diabetes management, while at the same time allowing them to interact with other children living with this same illness.

205-402-0415 info@campsealeharris.org www.southeasterndiabetes.org

Lakeshore Foundation

4000 Ridgeway Dr, Birmingham, Alabama 35209 Offers a wide range of fitness, recreation, athletic and education programs to children and adults who experience diagnostic conditions including spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, amputation, and visual impairment.

205-313-7400

www.lakeshore.org AOP

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Let’s face it, parents, the past two years have been difficult for everyone. Your schedules have been upended by Covid restrictions and your child’s learning has been impacted in many ways. You’ve worked hard just to get through daily life with the realities of a pandemic.

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2022

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So, it’s possible that some of the concerns you’d normally have for your child’s social development have paled in light of your concerns with reading, writing and math learning. Still, we all want our children to know how to be kind, caring and compassionate individuals.

Further, we worry about the bullies of the world and what their anger and frustration may mean in the lives of our kids.

Kindness and compassion don’t just happen, they’re learned behaviors. We begin teaching a baby about compassion when we nurture them and care for their basic needs with love and tenderness. Later, we monitor any aggressive behaviors with reminders to be gentle, to “use your words” and teach the language of kindness toward others. As our children grow, our means of teaching them healthy emotional responses to others grow and become more sophisticated.

Here are ways you can be intentional about teaching your child compassion:

Receive

From the moment your baby was born you’ve cared for his or her needs. You fed, cuddled, bathed, and diapered. You played games, sang songs, and showed your love and care in a thousand ways. Your child has been the recipient of countless compassionate gestures. A child whose needs have been met is much more likely to be open to showing kindness to others than those who have been neglected or abused.

Your modeling of loving, kind behaviors is the foundation upon which you build your lessons on becoming a compassionate person. Good job.

Observe

Take the opportunity to point out kind behaviors observed in your daily lives. Look for the person who shares, the one who waits his or her turn, the person who helps when someone is hurt. Talk about those incidents and encourage your child to verbalize what they’ve seen. “Did you see that Matthew helped Jason when he fell and hurt his knee? Why do you think he did that?”

Encourage your child to look for kind behaviors and report them. The evening meal is a good time to share positive reports.

“Who caught someone being kind today?”

When conflict arises in your child’s sphere, take the opportunity to talk about the problem and brainstorm solutions.

“Why did John become angry and walk away? What else could he have done?”

Talk About Showing Compassion

As you watch television or movies point out the characters who show compassion. Or, point out unkind, negative behaviors and explore why they occur.

“Why is that boy so angry?” or “What is that person feeling right now?”

Encourage pretend play that works on conflict resolution. Your teddy bear seems very upset. Can you show some kindness to him?”

Give

Include giving or volunteering in the life of your family. Be sure each member has a part to play. Helping at a shelter, feeding someone who is hungry, and giving time, energy, and resources to those in need shows your children that you value the comfort and well-being of those around you.

Children are open to talking about how sad it is that some people are homeless, or others don’t have enough to eat or toys to play with. It’s healthy to have those conversations, especially when you combine them with positive actions.

Make it Visible

Some families like to create a visible demonstration of the importance of showing compassion. They may label a jar “Our Kindness Jar” and fill it with written observations of acts of kindness. “Mom let a woman go in front of her in the grocery line,” or “I stopped to help Linda when she dropped her books today.”

Another tangible idea is to wear a kindness bracelet that reminds the wearer to do a kind deed. When the kindness is accomplished, the bracelet is turned over to show a smiley face.

It’s good to remember that we can only change our own behavior and not that of others. But we can teach our children to be caring, compassionate individuals. One kind act has a way of encouraging others to show kindness as well. AOP

Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a retired teacher and a writer. She is the author of Homegrown Readers and Homegrown Family Fun. Find Jan at www. janpierce.net.

Care for a Pet

When your children are old enough, allow them to take on the responsibility of caring for a pet. The daily feeding and watering, walking, and general clean-up involved in caring for a pet is a wonderful way to teach kindness.

Read Books

Find appropriate books for your child’s developmental level that speak directly about showing kindness to others. The topic of bullying and why it happens is also part of this discussion. Those who haven’t received love and nurture may be the ones acting out to hurt others.

Here are three titles on learning compassion for young children:

Kindness is My Superpower

by Alicia Ortega Listening with My Heart by Gabi Garcia Leo Learns About Kindness

by Anthony Domenic Lalicata 39

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FamilyCalendar Thursday, September 1

Abe Partridge at Standard Deluxe (Admission is $15 and kids 14 and under are free. )

5:30 PM 1015 Mayberry Avenue, Waverly, Al Standard Deluxe welcomes Abe Partridge to the Little House at Standard Deluxe on September 1. Gates and the bar open at 5:30 p.m. www.standarddeluxe.com Meet and Greet with Sam Hendrix, Author of “Auburn: A History in Street Names” 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Well Red, 223 Opelika Road, Auburn Well Red will be kicking off the Auburn 2022 football season by welcoming author Sam Hendrix to sign copies of his book from 6:00-8:00pm. The proceeds from book sales provide academic camp scholarships to Auburn Youth Programs. These “camperships” cover the costs of registration, lodging, and meals, and allow local youths to attend week-long academic summer camps at Auburn University. The first run of book sales have already covered $25,000 of the AU endowment! So dust off your shakers and tiger ears with us on Thursday, 9/1 from 6-8pm as we welcome Sam to Well Red. War Eagle!

334-246-3021 Art Gallery Fall 2022 Exhibition: New Works through Friday, September 30, 2022 Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, 222 East Drake Avenue, Auburn Works by regional artists, craftspersons and photographers who are new to our area.

Friday, September 2

John Calvin Abney and Adam Morrow (Admission is $15 and kids 14 and under are free. )

5:30 PM 1015 Mayberry Avenue, Waverly, Al Standard Deluxe welcomes John Calvin Abney and Adam Morrow to the Little House at Standard Deluxe on September 2. Gates and the bar open at 5:30 p.m. www.standarddeluxe.com Labor Day Weekend Concert Russell Crossroads, 27 Russell Farms Road, Alexander City, Al FREE EVENT! This year we are moving all the Labor Day Weekend music to Russell Crossroads and we are expanding to two nights! On Friday night, we are over the top excited to bring two bands from the Auburn area. www.russelllands.com Pre-Labor Day Blues Show Montgomery Performing Arts Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery, Al Pre-Labor Day Blues Show www.mpaconline.org

Saturday, September 3 Labor Day Weekend Concert Details on September 2.

Sunday, September 4

Spencer Thomas and Heffner (Admission is $15 and kids 14 and under are free. )

11:30 AM 1015 Mayberry Avenue, Waverly, Al Standard Deluxe welcomes Spencer Thomas and Heffner to the Little House at Standard Deluxe on September 4. Gates and the bar open at 11:30 a.m. Brunch will be provided by Wilson’s Catering. www.standarddeluxe.com

Tuesday, September 6

Little Sprouts Columbus Botanical Gardens, 3603 Weems Road, Ga Little Sprouts is a 30-45 minute lesson on a feature of the Garden and it’s connection to nature/science. The class is designed as an exposure experience in which there are three parts: sit and get either through a talk, piece of literature or a presentation; exploration through a hands-on experience which can look like a

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2022

game, scavenger hunt, data collection activity; a craft which ties the two experiences together. www.columbusbotanicalgarden.org

Thursday, September 8

Nature Walk 8:30 AM Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn Nature Walks are for adults only and offer opportunities to socialize, learn, and just relax and decompress in the quiet, peaceful forest. Each month offers a different theme. Free– donations are welcomed. Rescheduled in the event of rain – please watch our Facebook page for updates. www.auburn.edu/preserve Clink Black 7:30 PM Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College Street, Auburn It has been three decades since the release of Clint Black’s groundbreaking debut, Killin’ Time. The genrealtering album cemented the country music icon as a true traditionalist, his widespread influence still felt in the works of artists today. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Friday, September 9

Sundilla Presents Jeff Black 450 East Thach Avenue, Auburn Boston’s WUMB listeners voted Jeff Black as one of the top 100 most important Folk artists of the last 25 years. Black’s songs have earned GRAMMY recognition, radio charttopping stats, and numerous BMI awards. www.sundillamusic.com

Sunday, September 11

Chewacla Cha Cha 5K/10K Trail Race Chewacla State Park, 124 Shell Toomer Pkwy, Auburn Come out and run with us on the beautiful rolling trails at Chewacla State Park in Auburn, Alabama at 1245 Shell Toomer Parkway. Each runner will receive a race shirt and finisher award as well as loads of trail cred! A portion of the proceeds for the fourth race in the SSTS will go to MercyMed. 334.887.5621 Grandparents Day The Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery, Al A big thank you to all the Grandparents out there. With much gratitude and appreciation of your dedicated and loyal service to our sons, daughters, and grandkids, please celebrate Grandparent’s Day. All Grandparents receive FREE admission to the Montgomery Zoo and the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. www.montgomeryzoo.com

Tuesday, September 13

Family Discovery Hike 3:33 PM Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn Family Discovery Hikes offer excellent opportunities for the entire family to learn about nature and see wildlife up close, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors.

Each month offers a different theme. Free– donations are welcomed. Rescheduled in the event of rain – please watch our Facebook page for updates. www.auburn.edu/preserve

Wednesday, September 14

Little Mazarn at Standard Deluxe (Admission is $15 and kids 14 and under are free.)

5:30 PM 1015 Mayberry Avenue, Waverly, Al Stan-

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dard Deluxe welcomes Little Mazarn to the Little House at Standard Deluxe on September 14. Gates and the bar open at 5:30 p.m. www.standarddeluxe.com Croce Plays Croce Gogue Center for the Performing Arts, 910 South College Street, Auburn A.J. Croce performs Croce Plays Croce, a special night of music featuring a complete set of classics by his late father Jim Croce, some of A.J.’s own tunes, and songs that influenced both him and his father. Croce Plays Croce features such timeless hits as “Operator,” “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim” and “Time in a Bottle,” (a song written for A.J.), to name a few. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Thursday, September 15

Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College Street, Auburn Jason Isbell has established himself as one of the most respected and celebrated songwriters of his generation. The North Alabama native possesses an incredible penchant for identifying and articulating some of the deepest, yet simplest, human emotions and turning them into beautiful poetry through song. Isbell sings of the everyday human condition with thoughtful, heartfelt, and sometimes brutal honesty. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu Zoobilation: The Wildest Party in Town 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery, Al The Montgomery Zoo and Montgomery Area Zoological Society (MAZS) proudly announce the return of THE WILDEST PARTY IN TOWN, Zoobilation. Zoobilation is a major, annual fundraising event for the Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com

Friday, September 16

AuSome Amphibians and Reptiles ( Admission is

$5/person ($4 for members); children 3 and under are free.)

4:30 PM Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn Join the KPNC educators for a one-hour presentation on the AUsome amphibians and reptiles found in our state and beyond! Children and adults will enjoy this entertaining, hands-on program with live animals.

(334) 844-8091 natureeducation@auburn.edu Black Jack Symphony: Van Halen’s 1984 Montgomery Performing Arts Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery, Al Black Jack Symphony: Van Halen’s 1984 www.mpaconline.org

Saturday, September 17

CSO-Myths, Legends & Folk Tunes RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga Music by Mussorgsky-Ravel and Stravinsky will be featured in this concert of pieces inspired by non-musical things: paintings and drawings, ancient fairy tales and legends, and beloved folk tunes. www.rivercenter.org

Sunday, September 18

Science Sunday: Hummingbird Band (Admission is $10/person, not recommended for children under 3. )

10:00 AM Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn World renown hummingbird expert, Fred Bassett, will be at the KPNC to

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FamilyCalendar band hummingbirds. Participants in this workshop will help catch and band live hummingbirds and you may even have the opportunity to hold one before it is released back into the wild. Come and learn more… and be a part of this important research. www.auburn.edu/preserve KC and the Sunshine Band Montgomery Performing Arts Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery, Al KC and the Sunshine Band www.mpaconline.org

Wednesday, September 21

Aizuri Quartet Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College Street, Auburn Formed in 2012, the Aizuri Quartet combines four distinctive musical personalities into a powerful collective. Drawing its name from “aizuri-e,” a style of predominantly blue Japanese woodblock printing noted for its vibrancy and detail, the Aizuri Quartet has established a unique position within today’s musical landscape. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Thursday, September 22

Meet and Greet With Lisa Weldon, Author of “Twenty Pieces: A Walk Through Love, Loss and Midlife Reinvention” 6:00 PM 223 Opeilka Road, Auburn Well Red is excited to welcome Lisa Weldon to the store to read from her stunning memoir, TWENTY PIECES, at 6 p.m.

334-246-3021 Fall Sundown Concert Series: Soul Co Kiesel Park, 520 Chadwick Lane, Auburn Join us for an evening of music and fun at beautiful Kiesel Park.

Bring your lawn chair, blanket, kick back and enjoy the music. A food vendor will be on site with great tasting items for you to purchase to help you enjoy a stress free, calm fall evening with great music.

Pets (on leashes) are welcome, as well. This event will be nice a way to get your Auburn Football Game weekend started! FREE to the public.

Friday, September 23

Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally 6:00 PM Downtown Auburn, Magnolia and College Street Kick-off the Homecoming game weekend with the annual Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally! Get in the Auburn spirit with a fun-filled parade featuring campus and community groups and our favorite tiger, Aubie! Right after the parade, there will be a pep rally for the big game the next day!

334-844-1481 Sundilla Presents Michael McDermott in Concert (Advance tickets are just $20. Admission at the door will be $25.) 7:30 PM 101 S. Debardeleben, Auburn Michael

McDermott will make his Sundilla debut on Friday, September 23. Showtime at Pebble Hill is 7:30 p.m. www.sundillamusic.com

Montgomery Symphony Orchestra Presents Jurassic Park in Concert Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery Montgomery Symphony Orchestra Presents Jurassic Park in Concert The Bodyguard through Sunday, October 9, 2022 Springer Opera House, 103 East 10th Street, Columbus, Ga Whitney Houston’s music ignites this breathtaking Broadway

romantic thriller based on the 1992 movie. A former Secret Service agent takes on the job of bodyguard to international superstar Rachel Marron who is being terrorized by a deadly stalker. www.springeroperahouse.org

Saturday, September 24

Dino Dig Education Program The Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery, Al Are you ready to get a little dirty? Our junior explorers get to experience an archaeological dig, discover bones from the past and have a great time while learning about creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago. www.montgomeryzoo.com World Elephant Appreciation Day, Conservation Event The Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery, Al This day is celebrated to raise awareness about elephant conservation, promote the protection of natural habitat of elephants (African and Asian) and support elephant conservation issues. www.montgomeryzoo.com

Sunday, September 25

CoCo Melon Live: JJ’s Journey Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery CoCo Melon Live: JJ’s Journey

Thursday, September 29

Fall Sundown Concert Series: H2O Kiesel Park, 520 Chadwick Lane, Auburn Join us for an evening of music and fun at beautiful Kiesel Park.

Bring your lawn chair, blanket, kick back and enjoy the music. A food vendor will be on site with great tasting items for you to purchase to help you enjoy a stress free, calm fall evening with great music. Pets (on leashes) are welcome, as well. This event will be nice a way to get your Auburn Football Game weekend started! FREE to the public.

Jessica Vosk Gouge Performing Arts Center, 910 South College Street, Auburn Jessica Vosk is a celebrated singer and actress known for stirring roles on the musical theater and concert stage. In 2021, she made her sold-out Carnegie Hall debut in My Golden Age and starred as the Narrator in the 50th anniversary of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Lincoln Center. Before that, Vosk finished an acclaimed run as Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu/jessica-vosk

Friday, September 30

Ballet and the Beasts The Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery, Al Ballet and the Beasts is a FREE performance presented by the Montgomery Ballet under the stars at the Montgomery Zoo. Enjoy this presentation of CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS provided by the international troupe of dancers from the Montgomery Ballet. www.montgomeryzoo.com Look Forward: The Ruby Bridges Story through Sunday, October 9, 2022 Springer Theatre,103 10th Street, Columbus, Ga This is the true story of the extraordinary 6 year old who helped shape history when she became the first AfricanAmerican sent to first grade in an all white school, changing America forever. www.springeroperahouse.org

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Wednesday, October 5

NoonTunes: Dana Thomas 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Courthouse Square, 215 South 8th Street, Opelika The same lunchtime concert you love, now offered in the Fall! Bring a brown bag lunch (or purchase lunch from a local restaurant), a quilt or lawn chair and relax by the fountain for an hour of unforgettable musical entertainment.

Mariachi Herencia De Mexico The Opelika Center for the Performing Arts, 1700 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika Latin Grammy-nominated youth ensemble, Mariachi Henrecia de Mexico represents both the golden age and the future of Mariachi tradition.

Thursday, October 6

AACT Jr. Performers Present Roald Dahl’s “James and The Giant Peach, Jr.” ($10/Adults, $8/ Children, Students and Seniors. )

through Saturday, October 15, 2022 Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, 222 Drake Avenue, Auburn A delightfully offbeat adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl adventure, a boy and his insect friends take an amazing journey across the ocean. Based on one of Roald Dahl’s most poignantly quirky stories, this is a brand new take on this “masterpeach” of a tale.

Featuring a wickedly tuneful score and a witty and charming book, this adventurous musical about courage and self-discovery is destined to be a classic. www.auburnact.org Fall Sundown Concert Series: Dion Hawkins & The Experience Kiesel Park, 520 Chadwick Lane, Auburn Join us for an evening of music and fun at beautiful Kiesel Park.

Bring your lawn chair, blanket, kick back and enjoy the music. A food vendor will be on site with great tasting items for you to purchase to help you enjoy a stress free, calm fall evening with great music. Pets (on leashes) are welcome, as well. This event will be nice a way to get your Auburn Football Game weekend started! FREE to the public.

Sundilla Presents The Tannahill Weavers

(admission at the door is $25, and $20 advance tickets)

101 Debardeleben Street, Auburn Sundilla presents The Tannahill Weavers on Thursday, October 6 at Pebble Hill. Born of a session in Paisley, Scotland, and named for the town’s historic weaving industry and local poet laureate Robert Tannahill, the Tannahill Weavers have made an international name for their special brand of Celtic music, blending the beauty of traditional melodies with the power of modern rhythms. www.sundillamusic.com Tab Benoit & The Dirty Dozen Brass Band Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College Street, Auburn One of the most impressive guitarists to emerge from the rich Southern Louisiana bayous in recent years, Tab Benoit’s guitar tone can be recognized before his Otis Redding-ish voice resonates from the speakers. His set up is simple: a guitar, cord, and Category 5 Amplifier. The effects that you hear come from his fingers. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Saturday, October 8

Jesus Christ Superstar RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” “Gethsemane” and “SuperStar”. www.rivercenter.org

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FamilyCalendar Monday, October 10

Fall Juried Show: Limitations through Friday, November 18, 2022 Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, 222 East Drake Avenue, Auburn Works in any medium (2 or 3-D) with color limited either to black, white or gray.

Wednesday, October 12

NoonTunes: Jessie Lynn 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Courthouse Square, 215 South 8th Street, Opelika The same lunchtime concert you love, now offered in the Fall! Bring a brown bag lunch (or purchase lunch from a local restaurant), a quilt or lawn chair and relax by the fountain for an hour of unforgettable musical entertainment.

Friday, October 14

Friday Fright Night Movie 6:45 PM Kiesel Park, 520 Chadwick Lane, Auburn An evening of spooky movies to get you in the mood for Halloween. The first feature The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949) Rated G will start at 6:45 p.m., and at 8 p.m. our second feature Dead Silence (2007) Rated R will be shown. Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs to be comfortable, and concessions consisting of delicious food and tasty treats will be available for purchase to enjoy the movies. This event is FREE and open to the public.

Opelika Songwriters Festival through Sunday, October 16, 2022 Downtown Opelika. Opelika Over the past four years, the Opelika Songwriters Festival has attracted diehard live music fans from around the Southeast to hear original songwriters spanning many genres of music perform their songs.

Restaurants, bars, a distillery and an Inn in historic downtown Opelika become music listening rooms for two nights and a third day for dozens of solo, band, and in-the-round performances throughout the weekend of October 14 – 16, 2022. www.opelikasongwritersfestival.com

Saturday, October 15

Fall Boogie at Standard Deluxe 2:00 PM 1015 Mayberry Avenue, Waverly, Al Join the Standard Deluxe for their tenth Fall Boogie!

Enjoy music, art, food, and the southern culture at the festival. This year boogie will have American Aquarium, Mike and the Moonpies, Vandoliers, and Sarah Lee Langford & Will Stewart. Gates to the event will be opening at noon for guests to enjoy local food vendors, artisans, and great vibes before the show begins at 2:00 p.m. www.standarddeluxe.com Colors For Children’s 5K (Color Fun Run) Sponsored by Auburn High School Key Club 1701 East Samford Avenue, Auburn Colors for Children’s 5K (Color Fun Run) takes place at Auburn High School, beginning on the track and expanding to the areas surrounding the school. Each participant will be given a white race shirt and color powders will be thrown throughout the race! Prizes will be given to the top finishers. The proceedings will be donated to the Children’s Hospital of Alabama.

Fall Harvest Festival (Fall Fundraiser) at the Montgomery Zoo The Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery Join us for a new event at the Zoo, this fall festival and carnival-like wild Saturday is our new annual Fall fundraiser at the Montgomery Zoo. The

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2022

weekend will be filled with great music, live entertainment, animal presentations and programs, games, prizes, rides, tons of yummy concessions, and fun, fun, fun!

In the Garden with Cyndi: Fall Container Gardening ( $20 per person.)

Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn In The Garden With Cyndi is a fun, casual gardening class for adults where you get to learn tips and tricks, get your hands dirty, and get expert advice on a myriad of gardening techniques and best practices. Cyndi Czerkawski is an experienced gardener and educator. She has spent years accumulating knowledge about gardening and is ready to pass that on to you. https://aub.ie/ inthegarden OktoberFest 580-B South Donahue Drive, Auburn AU Oktoberfest began in 2008 and has grown to be one of the largest beer festivals in the Southeast. After a two-year hiatus, the festival is back at Auburn University’s Ag Heritage Park! There is live music, contests, educational presentations, stein hoisting, and food trucks, along with a multitude of breweries and beer. www.auoktoberfest.com/tickets/ The Eerie Express ($2 ) Municipal Park, Park Road, Opelika. “Not so scary” Train rides $2 and a Movie. Join us for a spooky family-friendly night featuring a kid friendly movie and train rides around the decorated park.

The Mann’s Concert and Comedy Show RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga Join gospel legend Tamela Mann as she performs new music and her greatest hits, as well as, David Mann aka Mr. Brown as he gives a comedy show to remember. www.rivercenter.org

Tuesday, October 18

Legally Blonde Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College Street, Auburn America’s favorite blonde, Elle Woods, is ready to prove who’s in charge (again) as Legally Blonde – The Musical takes America by storm! The ultimate Broadway tribute to girl power, Legally Blonde will take you from the UCLA sorority house to the Harvard halls of justice with the timely coming of age story of Broadway’s brightest heroine.

Based on the beloved movie, Legally Blonde follows the transformation of Elle as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams and proves that you can be both legally blonde and the smartest person in the room. This contemporary, sassy musical moves at a breakneck pace driven by memorable songs and explosive dances. Legally Blonde warms the heart by proving that self-discovery. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Wednesday, October 19

NoonTunes: Mark True 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Courthouse Square, 215 South 8th Street, Opelika The same lunchtime concert you love, now offered in the Fall! Bring a brown bag lunch (or purchase lunch from a local restaurant), a quilt or lawn chair and relax by the fountain for an hour of unforgettable musical entertainment.

Legally Blonde Details October 18. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Thursday, October 20

Fall Sundown Concert Series: C. J. Harris Kiesel Park, 520 Chadwick Lane, Auburn Join us for an evening of music and fun at beautiful Kiesel Park.

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Bring your lawn chair, blanket, kick back and enjoy the music. A food vendor will be on site with great tasting items for you to purchase to help you enjoy a stress free, calm fall evening with great music. Pets (on leashes) are welcome, as well. This event will be nice a way to get your Auburn Football Game weekend started! FREE to the public.

Halloween Enchanted Forest through Saturday, October 22, 2022 Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn Experience the trails like you’ve never seen them before, enchanted with forest creatures who are ready to tell you about their life in the Kreher woods.

Children are invited to wear their costumes and enjoy some early Halloween fun! Pumpkin bowling, a campfire, fortune telling, and face painting will be available!

S’mores kits and drinks will be available for purchase.

Tickets are $10/person; children 2 and under are free.

Cancelled or postponed in the event of rain.

Thursday, October 20

Kyiv City Ballet Opelika Center for the Performing Arts, 1700 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika The Kyiv City Ballet is used to being away from home, often touring for nine months of the year, but arriving in France just days before war broke out back home, its dancers suddenly became exiles overnight.

Friday, October 21

On the Tracks 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Downtown Opelika, South Railroad Avenue Everyone’s favorite fall event is back! The biannual “On the Tracks” food and wine event is in downtown Opelika. A wine Trail in beautiful Opelika, “On the Tracks” will be featuring wines curated by the local wine bar, Ampersand. The streets of downtown Opelika will be filled with live music, fellowship, and local food vendors along with the wine trail stops.

6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. The event is hosted by Opelika Main Street. www.opelikamainstreet.org The Great Pumpkin Splash ($5 per person) 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, SportsPlex Indoor Pool, 1001 Sportsplex Parkway, Opelika Kids ages 6-12. Must pre-register by October 18. Pick a pumpkin from the floating pumpkin patch and decorate it for Halloween.

Little Shop of Horrors through Sunday, November 6, 2022 Springer Theatre, 103 10th Street, Columbus, Ga Feed your craving for musical hilarity with this delicious sci-fi smash about the world’s most ravenous plant. Seymour, a timid young florist, stumble upon a rare breed of plant he names Audrey II- after his charming co-worker crush.

The plant is rude, R&B-singing carnivore who promises Seymore fame and fortune as long as he keeps feeding it ….Blood! www.springeroperahouse.org

Saturday, October 22

Haunted Zumba 8:50 AM - 10:30 AM, Frank Brown Rec Center, 235 Opelika Road, Auburn, Frank Brown Rec Center, 235 Opelika Road, Auburn We will have onsite registration starting at 8:30 a.m. and host a costume contest from 8:50 – 9 a.m. and Zumba will take place from 9 – 10:30 a.m. Zumba is a Latin dance-based exercise program that combines dancing with an aerobic workout, it might become your new favorite workout!

Instructors from around the Auburn-Opelika area will

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lead you through some spooky, kooky and creepy dance moves to get your body moving! Children ages 8 and older are welcome with parent participation.

This event is FREE and open to the public. activeauburn@auburnalabama.org

Tour de Fright 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Opelika SportsPlex, 1001 Sportsplex Parkway, Opelika Bicyclers beware!

Parents and children are invited to take a ride on the Haunted Walking Trail.

Fright Night at the Villa 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Spring Villa Park, 1474 Co Road 148, Opelika A scary movie at the big house for Adults only. Viewer discretion is advised. Free and open to the public. www.opelika-al.gov/797/Fright-Night-at-the-Villa

Saturday, October 29

Sunday, October 23

Sugar Skull!

Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College Street, Auburn Join the Gogue in their 2022-2023 Family Series! Sugar Skull! A Dia de Muertos Musical Adventure is a bilingual, bicultural musical that celebrates the magic of Dia de Muertos and the importance of family with traditional music and dance from Mexico. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Tuesday, October 25

Fall Festival Children’s Carnival (Free admission, $10 bands for games, $1 hayride. )

5:30 PM - 8:30:00 PM, Opelika SportsPlex Fields, 1001 Sportsplex Parkway, Opelika Children ages 12 and younger invited for games, prizes, hayride, music and more.

Annie RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprising small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production- just as you remember it and just when we need it most. www.rivercenter.org

Wednesday, October 26

NoonTunes: Chris McDaniel 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Courthouse Square, 215 South 8th Street, Opelika The same lunchtime concert you love, now offered in the Fall! Bring a brown bag lunch (or purchase lunch from a local restaurant), a quilt or lawn chair and relax by the fountain for an hour of unforgettable musical entertainment.

Halloween Arts and Crafts Day ($20 ) 2:00 PM Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, 222 East Drake Avenue, Auburn Spend a day for Halloween with fun crafts and art activities for kids! Children are encouraged to come in their Halloween costumes with parents and family members welcome. There will be a costume contest with some fun prizes. Festivities will start at 12 pm and end at 4 pm. Come when you can, but all activities will end at 4 pm. Winners for the costume contest will be announced at 2 p.m. Come and have fun in various Halloween crafts, games and costume prizes to get ready for the Spooky Season!

Ages 5-10 years. glangston307@gmail.com The Phantom of the Opera Silent Movie RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga Organist Ron Carter returns to provide the live soundtrack for the silent movie classic. A perfect way to start the Halloween weekend- you can even come in costume or make a donation to the Schowb School of Music’s student food bank and receive a discount on your ticket. It’ll be a fun and spooky event-see you there! www.rivercenter.org

Sunday, October 30

Fall Festival On the Square Sponsored by First Baptist Church of Opelika 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM, Avenue B, Downtown Opelika Head to downtown Opelika for an evening of fireworks, Motorcycle stunts, candy, inflatables, food trucks, and prize drawings! www.fbcopelika.com

Monday, October 31

Downtown Auburn Trick-or-Treat 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Magnolia and College Streets, Auburn Something spooky this way comes on Sunday, Oct. 31, with the return of Auburn’s annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat! From 6-8 p.m., we will have a ghoulishly good time in downtown Auburn. Make plans to join the City of Auburn and the Downtown Merchants Association for this fun and spooky event!

Every Monday

Annie Details on October 25.

Toon Time at Auburn Public Library 10 a.m. 30-minute cartoon libraryevents@auburnalabama.org

Friday, October 28

AuSome Amphibians and Reptiles ( Admission is

$5/person ($4 for members); children 3 and under are free.)

4:30 PM Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn Join the KPNC educators for a one-hour presentation on the AUsome amphibians and reptiles found in our state and beyond! Children and adults will enjoy this entertaining, hands-on program with live animals.

(334) 844-8091 natureeducation@auburn.edu Creatures of the Night / Mann Museum Flashlight Tour 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM, The Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery Creatures of the Night/Mann Museum Flashlight Tour, Education Program and Family Fun, Friday evening, October 28, 5:30pm - 8:30pm. A night featuring a live animal presentation of creepy creatures and a flashlight tour of the Mann Museum, games, live animal presentations, and a whole lots more fun! www.montgomeryzoo.com

O Grows Farmers Market 1103 Glenn Street, Opelika Visit the O Grows Farmers Market to enjoy baked goods, fresh produce, and more from our local vendors every Tuesday! Opelika Grows utilizes community gardens to pursue curricular objectives that support the community challenges of hunger relief and city beautification. http://wordpress.auburn.edu/ogrows/

Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Auburn Public Library Story Time 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m libraryevents@auburnalabama.org

Wednesdays

Summer Crafternoons 2 p.m. Come inside, cool off and make a fun arts & crafts project. Supplies provided. libraryevents@auburnalabama.org

Thursdays

Hometown Heroes 2 p.m. Come hang out with our very own hometown heroes who make Auburn such a great place to live! libraryevents@auburnalabama.org

Every Friday

Auburn Public Library Puppet Shows 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m libraryevents@auburnalabama.org Football, Fans, and Feathers 4:00:00 PM Southeastern Raptor Center, 1350 Pratt-Carden Drive, Auburn During the show, hawks, falcons, eagles and other birds of prey are free-flown from towers and around the amphitheater, enabling visitors to see these raptors flying close. Visitors will also learn interesting facts about natural history, conservation, and rehabilitation. This educational presentation is appropriate for all ages. www.vetmed.auburn.edu/raptor/raptor-center-events/

Every Saturday

Market Days on Broadway On Broadway, Columbus, Ga Each Saturday, four blocks along Broadway host over 200 local and regional vendors. Visitors can expect to find fresh and organic produce, home goods, jewelry, unique crafts, and delicious baked goods. Market Days is the perfect Saturday activity for family, friends, and visitors. www.alwaysuptown.com/market-days

Movie Matinee at Auburn Public Library 2 p.m. Full-length, family-friendly feature film libraryevents@auburnalabama.org Opelika Public Library Movie Mondays 10 a.m. Opelika Public Library Movie Mondays Library@opelika-al.gov Opelika Public Library Family Story 6:00 p.m. - 7:00pm Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Tuesday

Summer Serendipity 2 p.m. Be entertained by a variety of performers! libraryevents@auburnalabama.org

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Because of ever-changing circumstances due to Covid-19, please check with each venue prior to attending the event to verify the information provided is still accurate and up to date.

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

SB: I love this question! If you see a special needs mom in public having a hard time and you want to help, my best advice is to keep it kind and simple. So many people overthink what to say and do around families like mine. Especially if it looks like we are struggling. I promise whatever you do or say will be fine as long as the goal is to spread kindness.

AOP: What are the biggest blessings that come with raising a child with special needs?

Savannah Black

SB: To slow down and appreciate the small things. To celebrate even the tiniest of victories and achievements with as much gusto as we do the big accomplishments. Life is fragile and Exton reminds us just how fragile. Every day with him feels like we are living on answered prayers. Being a special needs mom has changed the very way I approach life. I choose kindness and give grace more than I ever have because you never know what another person is going through, and how much a little kindness can truly make a difference!

AOP: Summer is coming to a close.

What was your favorite memory made?

AOP: How does having a child with a disability affect your other child? What are the challenges and also the rewards?

SB: We go to summer camp on Lake Martin at Children’s Harbor every year. It’s called the Corey Bishop Legacy Camp for children on ventilators. We have been going for five years now and it’s just magical being around families like ours and watching children with similar abilities interact and have fun!

SB: Gibson, as a three-year-old, wants to always be the helper.

For example, when our family was at a summer camp for children with disabilities this year Gibson got ahead of me in the breakfast line. Before I could stop him, he had taken a loaded down plate with food to a child in a wheelchair and then brought drinks to every table. It was a proud mom moment for me! I am grateful that he is learning that caregiving can be a beautiful and fun adventure.

AOP: What should we tell our kids if they ask (loudly) about a potentially special needs kid?

AOP: What does a typical day look like in your home?

SB: A typical day in our home can be a little chaotic! Our day is filled with transferring Exton from his ventilator to the trach valve he wears when he is awake and then back to the ventilator for naps and nighttime. Gtube meals, medications and breathing treatments all have to be prepped and ready to go. I asses Exton constantly, all day, no matter where we are. I am Exton’s primary caregiver and essentially his nurse and respiratory therapist, as we do not always have a nurse available. As you can imagine, shuttling two boys to two different schools and then speech therapy and any other appointments can be tricky. We are always fashionably late to everything. A day for us is a detailed process and can be a little scary, but keeping his sites (trach and gtube) clean are a top priority to keep him as healthy as can be.

Between all the running around and medical activities, we fit in lots of fun, including a lot of time outside on our farm! Do I feel overwhelmed? You bet... but I think like most moms you just learn how to power through to the best of your ability. No matter how stressful my day is, I always feel grateful that this beautiful mess of a family is mine.

SB: Keep it simple! Again, don’t overthink the situation. If your child is asking and you don’t know what to say, just come ask me. Kids are curious, so questions will obviously happen. A simple “Hi” and a wave are absolutely the perfect start to a conversation with us.

AOP: What do you wish you could tell others, but don’t usually get the chance?

SB: We get a lot of ‘I’m sorry’ after I explain about Exton’s diagnosis and I wish I could tell people not to pity us or our child.

Exton is everything we never knew to pray for in a child!

AOP: If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

SB: Once you let go of the life you thought you wanted for the one that’s sitting in your lap, you truly learn to embrace the chaos and beauty of the road less traveled!

AOP: If we see a special needs mom having a hard time with her child, is there any way we can offer to help without sounding condescending?

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2022

Savannah Black and her husband Alex live on their family farm in Opelika with their two sons - Exton (5) and Gibson (3). She says their family dynamic is centered around joy and silliness.

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Back to School IMMUNIZATIONS Is your child vaccinated?

GRADE

Required Shots

K-5

• Hep A • Hep B • DTaP • IPV • MMR • Varicella

6-8

• Hep B • MCV4 • Hep A • DTaP • MMR • Varicella • IPV • Tdap

9-12

• Hep B • Varicella • Hep A • DTaP • MMR • Tdap • IPV • MCV4

Recommended Shots: Covid-19 (Ages 5 and up) HPV (Ages 9 and up) • Flu (All ages) www.alabamapublichealth.gov/immunization

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June 2022