Montgomery Parents September 2015

Back to school, back to the dentist!

Visiting the dentist is just another important item on your child’s back to school list. Oral health issues can cause dental pain, absences from school for kids and work for parents, and poor performance in the classroom. So, give your child the best shot at a bright smile and a bright future with a trip to the dentist this fall.

Remember Medicaid covers dental care. To find a Medicaid dental provider visit www.adph.org/oralhealth and click “Find a dentist.�

Learning Beyond the Classroom Visit our state-of-the-art campus and you will see first-hand how your child’s education is enriched through experiential science, art, music, and foreign language labs from Pre-K3 through 12th grade.

Saint James School for Pre-K3 through 12th grade admissions

334.273.2992

Building a Legacy of Leaders Since 1955 s t j w e b . o r g English as a second language (ESL) tutoring provided. Saint James School admits students of any religion, race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

Recognized by Apple as a distinguished school for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence.

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Adaptive Tennis Fall 2015

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Times?

9 am: Wheelchair Athletes - All levels 10 am: Intellectual Disabilities

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Dream Court focuses on inclusion, active lifestyle, positive self esteem, appropriate social behavior, and having fun while learning the sport of tennis.

334 414 1980 dreamcourtinc@gmail.com Find us on Facebook www.dreamcourt.org www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

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September2015

Volume 20 Number 9

58 Columns

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6 Editor’s Note DeAnne Watson

8 Living With Children John Rosemond

12 Kids Health Watch

Promoting Good Social Skills

Helping your special needs child interact better with others.

Advocating for Your Special Needs Child

Help them get the support, treatment & education they deserve.

sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

14 Montgomery Education Matters

by Superintendent Margaret Allen

34 Autauga Education Matters

by Superintendent Spence Agee

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40 Elmore Education Matters

by Superintendent Andre L. Harrison

46 Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

50 Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

2015 Special Needs Resource Guide

Local and national resources assist you in caring for your child.

Leaving Tweens Home Alone

Find out if your tween is ready and how to best prepare him.

On The Cover Langston Joel Burns (21 months old) is the son of Brandon and Jayne Burns. Langston has a half sister, Christdelynn (16), who lives in Florida. Langston was born with several congenital heart defects, including a Complete Atrioventricular Canal defect, Tetralogy of Fallot, severe Pulmonary Stenosis, and Double Outlet Right Ventricle. After tremendous difficulties his first year of life, in January 2015 God worked miracles through the hands of the CVICU staff at Children’s Hospital as they repaired his broken heart. He continues physical, occupational and speech therapy, but his heart now functions beautifully. Langston enjoys music and dancing, loves children, and absolutely lives for the minute his daddy walks in the door from work!

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56 Centsibly Southern Chic Laura Handey

72 A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 10 Bits and Pieces 16 School Bits 77 Calendar/Support Groups 87 Advertiser Directory 88 Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Editor’sNote Don’t you just grin from ear to ear when you look at this month’s cover? That precious child’s smile is infectious, and while I don’t know him personally, I can bet he brings laughter and joy to all who love and nurture him! Not having a special needs child myself, I can’t begin to understand all the challenges the parents face, but one thing always seems to ring true in these families...the joy their children bring to their lives outshines all the difficulties. These kids truly are SPECIAL, and this month we dedicate Montgomery Parents to them and to their families!

First up is an article by Judy Miller on how to ensure your child gets the education, support and treatment he deserves. Read Advocating for Your Special Needs Child where Judy shares her personal story and detailed strategy. Next, Varina Mead of Easter Seals Central Alabama writes, Promoting Social Skills With Your Special Needs Child. This article offers helpful advice for all parents, not just those raising special needs children.

I found several useful tips to try with our four year old! To round out our “special” focus, be sure to browse through the Resource Guide for Special Needs Families where you’ll find support groups, education services, recreational camps, early intervention help and much more!

Boy, did we put our time in this summer dealing with the hot and humid temperatures typical of Alabama! Now we get the pleasure of moving towards autumn in the South, which means football, festivals and perfect opportunities to make memories with your kids. Our Bits and Pieces and Family Calendar will tell you where to go this month to celebrate the changing of the seasons by enjoying some outdoor fun!

If you and your spouse are hoping to get some couple time in this fall and you have children entering the tween years, be sure to read Is Your Tween Ready to Stay Home Alone? You’ll find questions that need to be answered before assuming your child is mature enough to handle the responsibility. I have to laugh when thinking back to the first time we left Will and Anna alone. We assumed we had told Will everything needed to make the night run smoothly while we had our date night. Well, I guess we forgot to mention how discipline should work when we aren’t home because we got a phone call about 30 minutes into dinner. Anna was crying because her brother had spanked her and put her in the corner for spilling orange juice on the carpet! So that’s my little addition to the article of something you might want to address before leaving your kids home alone.

As always, we thank you for reading Montgomery Parents each month! We are always striving to provide you with a resource that brings value to your lives as parents. If you can think of how we might do that better, email me at deanne@montgomeryparents. com. I welcome your comments and suggestions and look forward to hearing from you.

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

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

Founder Marty Watson (1950-2006) Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@montgomeryparents.com Associate Editor Alison Rouse Research Editor Wendy McCollum Contributing Writers Spence Agee Margaret Allen Melanie Beasley Laura Handey Andre L. Harrison Varina Mead Judy M. Miller Carolyn Jabs John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Allen White, M.D. Cover Photography Lori Mercer Photography www.lorimercerphotography.com

Publisher Jason Watson jason@montgomeryparents.com Associate Publisher Savannah Bowden Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson (334) 213-7940 ext. 703 ads@montgomeryparents.com Ad Design Tim Welch Member

DeAnne

deanne@montgomeryparents.com

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The River Region’s Foremost Parenting Source

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Montgomery Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing LLC, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, Alabama, 36123.

Montgomery Parents is copyrighted 2015 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. opinions expressed in Montgomery Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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LivingWithChildren

by John Rosemond

Dinner with a Picky Eater Q: Our 4-year-old daughter will not eat dinner, no matter what. At most, she takes a few bites of what I fix and then says she doesn’t like it. This has been going on for over a year. I’ve taken favorite things away from her, sent her to bed early, even spanked. Nothing has worked and to be honest I’m getting increasingly frustrated.

I absolutely refuse to fix her a special plate.

I want her to be grateful for what she has.

Please give me some direction here.

A: I can give you some suggestions, but no approach is going to solve this problem as long as you are frustrated. You’ve gotten yourself stuck in a power struggle that you cannot win. An adult who enters into a power struggle with a child is no longer acting like an authority figure; therefore, the only person with any power in an adult-child power struggle is the child.

If your daughter hasn’t eaten dinner for over a year and she’s still alive and thriving, then she’s eating enough at breakfast and lunch to carry her over to the next day.

You’re doing the right thing by not fixing her a special meal, but you’re probably paying entirely too much attention to her at the dinner table-coaxing, threatening, bribing, and the like. That’s going to do nothing but make this problem worse.

I have three suggestions for you, all of which have good track records. Take your pick, but whatever you decide to do, stick with it because nothing is going to work without patience on your part.

First Approach: Feed her 30 minutes before the family sits down at the table. Put very small portions on her plate-no more than a tablespoon of each food item. Set a timer and when the thirty minutes is up, take away whatever food remains. If she has not finished everything on her plate, put her to bed, explaining to her that a doctor has told you that children who don’t eat dinner are actually tired and need more sleep. While she is sitting at the table, whether she is eating or not, pay absolutely no attention to her. Leave the room. Don’t

even stick your head back in there and ask how she’s doing.

Second approach: When you fix dinner, make sure you fix at least one food that she likes (assuming there is such a thing). Set a place for her at the table, but put no more than a half-teaspoon of each food item on her plate. The rule is that when and if she eats everything on her plate she can have seconds of anything. As time goes on, slowly increase the amount of each helping so that she has to eat more and more in order to receive second helpings. Again, the most important variable here is that you pay no attention to her if she isn’t eating. Have adult talk.

Third approach: Don’t set a place for her at the dinner table. When dinner is ready, don’t call her. If she asks why there’s no place for her, calmly tell her that she obviously doesn’t like the dinners you fix and you’ve decided that’s perfectly fine. She has your permission to eat only breakfast and lunch. If she says she’s hungry, tell her you’ll fix a plate for her when the rest of the family has eaten.

When all is said and done, your daughter needs dinner less than she needs you to be a calm authority figure in her life.

Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions at www.johnrosemond.com and parentguru.com.

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MPAC Presents

Paul Thorn: October 10 at 8 p.m.

Tickets begin at $10 Black Jacket Symphony Presents Led Zeppelin II: October 16 at 8 p.m.

Tickets begin at $25 Blood, Sweat and Tears: October 22 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets begin at $28 Tedeschi Trucks Band: October 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets begin at $25 Celtic Woman: October 29 at 7 p.m.

Tickets begin at $39

Montgomery Biscuits Family Events

For more info, call (334) 323-2255 or visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com.

Alabama/Auburn Night September 3 7:05 p.m. start Give us a “Roll Tide” or a “War Eagle!”

Come out and show your team spirit and help us get ready to kick off football season!

Kids Day September 6 5:35 p.m. start Bring out the kids and join us for pre-game catch on the field and post-game Coke Kids Run the Bases!

Thursday, Sept. 10 * 7:30-9:30 p.m. Pack a picnic and invite your family and friends to come enjoy an evening of Broadway hits performed by the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra amidst the beauty of the Blount Cultural Park. This FREE event takes place lakeside at the park in front of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

Come early and bring your lawn chairs, coolers and blankets for this family-friendly event. The concert is generously sponsored

by Regions Bank. For more info, call (334) 240-4004 or visit www.montgomerysymphony.org/.

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All DOLLed Up

September 12 * 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The All DOLLed Up project is a series of workshops that teach young women how to dress for success and make responsible choices that will prepare them for the real world. FREE for young ladies ages 13-17. Registration is required and includes lunch, scarf and a workshop bag. Register at www.alldolledupproject.org/.

Oak Ridge Boys: November 15 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $35 Tickets may be purchased by calling (334) 481-5100 or visiting www.mpaconline.org.

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Ballet and the Beasts September 25 * 6-10 p.m.

Enjoy the Montgomery Ballet in a FREE performance under the stars at the Montgomery Zoo. Admission is FREE, picnic blankets and chairs are welcome.

Gates open at 6 p.m.; the performance will begin at dusk. Call (334) 240-4900 or visit www.montgomeryzoo.com.

September 26 * 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Titus Community Center Down-home music will kick off the annual festival, which features regional as well as local talent. Family-oriented fun and entertainment will be the order of the day as banjos, mandolins and guitars take center stage. An arts and crafts show will also be held. Other festival activities include: kids’ stuff, barbecue and beverages. Booths are available for $20 each and each vendor will receive entry to the festival. Admission is $5 for ages 12 and over, and free to children. Proceeds will be used for the restoration and maintenance of the Community Center. Bring a lawn chair to the Titus Community Center located approximately 10 miles north of Wetumpka on Highway 231, then six miles north on County Road 29.

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Angel Fest 2015

Saturday, Oct. 17 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

St. Michael and All Angels Church, 5941 Main Street, Millbrook Shop unique arts and crafts, the bake sale and our silent auction. There will be live entertainment, a children’s carnival, concessions and a Boston Butt sale.

All proceeds go to help others in the Millbrook and West Elmore County communities. For vendor info or to pre-order Boston butts, visit stmichaelandallangels. com/angel-fest/or call (334) 285-3905. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Capitol Sounds Band Presents ‘Sounds of Autumn’

Sunday, October 4, at 3 p.m. at City Hall Auditorium in Montgomery Montgomery’s Capitol Sounds will begin its concert in the tradition of the great American marches with John William’s “Midway March,” followed by the Richard Rodgers and Robert Russell Bennett patriotic classic, “Victory at Sea.” A woodwind choir will next perform an arrangement of Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings,” which was featured in the movie Platoon. The band will treat everyone to a night at the opera with the lively overture to “La Gazza Ladra or The Theivish Magpie” by Rossini. The Capitol Sounds will also perform a selection of music from the Broadway staple My Fair Lady and pay tribute to the legendary singer, songwriter and entertainer Stevie Wonder.

There is no admission but donations will be taken at the door. Concert is open to the public. For more information about Capitol Sounds, please visit www.capitolsounds.org or call or (334) 324-8661.

Audition to Dance in Nutcracker Productions

Tuesday, September 8, at 6:30 p.m.

Tonya Speed Dance Connection, 3370 Harrison Rd., Montgomery. Register to audition for Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at Nutcracker.com/ audition. For ages 7-16. Call (334) 2771098 or e-mail ucantap2@charter.net for more info. Performance will be held Tuesday, November 24, at 7 p.m. at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre.

Also, all young dancers (ages 6-17) are called to open auditions Monday, October 5, at 7:30 p.m. at C.J.’s Dance Factory, 145 South Court Street, Prattville. For more info, please call (334) 467-8603. Performance will be Saturday, December 12, at the Jefferson State Community College Performing Arts Center in Clanton.

YMCA Offers Youth Strength Training

The Bell Road YMCA is offering weight lifting, agilities, and strength training drills to give youth (grades 6-12) confidence, excitement and enthusiasm to help them face challenges in any sport. All sessions must be purchased in one-, five- or ten-hour packages. Individual costs are $40/onehour package; $180/five-hour package; and $340/ten-hour package. Discounts apply for siblings. Members pay for training packages at the Welcome Center in advance. No refunds. For more info, contact James Garvin at (334) 271-4343 or jgarvin@ymcamontgomery.org.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Are Fat Babies Healthy?

Many parents and grandparents brag about their chubby babies: “Check out those chunky arm rolls and thunder thighs.” Are they right to be proud or is that a sign of future problems? Parents often focus on weight gain, but not always if it is too much.

Pediatricians follow the position and pattern of the weight and length on standard growth charts. Babies tracking higher on weight than length are of concern when the weight is going up faster than the length. Evidence shows babies who gain too much weight, too rapidly are at a greater risk for obesity, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk-factors at later ages. Many people, and some pediatricians, think these babies will lose the baby fat and outgrow it.

The body mass index (BMI), recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics, is used to screen for overweight and obese children after age 2. But, the BMI chart alone is “not a diagnostic tool.” A muscular child may have a high BMI for age and sex and not be obese. A full medical evaluation of body type, diet, physical activity, and

family history should be considered before diagnosing a child with a weight problem.

BMI is not used for children under 2. Growth charts with length and weight percentiles are used for males and females from birth to 24 months.

You can find these growth charts for boys and girls at http://www. cdc.gov/growthcharts/who_charts. htm.

Of 7,500 U.S. infants born in 2001, 32 percent were overweight by nine months. A long term study by the Obesity Prevention Program at Harvard Medical School follows 2000 women and their babies who are now teenagers. They found that rapid increases in the weight-to-length ratio in the first six months of life were associated with a much greater risk of obesity by age 3, which continued to at least age 10. Another study shows overweight babies at 24 months are more likely to be overweight as teens and adults.

Obesity has a lot to do with genetics, but research now suggests that formula feeding in infancy may have more to do with toddler obesity than previously thought. Bottle-fed babies often don’t learn to regulate their appetites like breastfed babies. It may be that parents tend to overfeed when they measure the number of ounces a baby takes and can

encourage them to finish the bottle. A breastfeeding session is over when the baby stops nursing so the mother cannot regulate how much milk the baby takes.

Parents should also avoid other common feeding practices during the first few months of life. Bottles in the bed were 30 percent more likely to lead to obesity at age 2 (as well as causing cavities) and feeding solid foods before four months leads to a 40 percent chance of obesity. Cereal should NOT be fed to babies in a bottle (unless directed to by a doctor) because these unnecessary calories lead to excess weight gain.

Giving babies juice or other sweet beverages as well as salty or sweet foods can cause a preference for those tastes. Rewarding a fussy child with food or bottle to calm them down can teach that child to self soothe with food. Do you know anyone who eats ice cream when they are distressed? This behavior is often learned in childhood.

Parents should always consult their child’s pediatrician before restricting the caloric intake in a baby’s diet.

Dr. Allen White earned his medical degree in 1969 from Kentucky Medical School, Lexington, and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. He began his private practice of pediatric medicine with an office in the Goode Medical Building of Jackson Hospital before moving to the Carmichael Road location in 1986. He and his wife, Diana, have 3 sons. For pleasure, Dr. White enjoys reading, gardening and spending time with his grandchildren.

Dr. C. Allen White Dr. Robert L. Coggin Dr. David W. Drennen Dr. Karen Doles Dr. Malissa Hoy

OFFICE (334) 271-5959 NURSE LINE (334) 272-6667

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...And How Are The Children?

Among the tribes of Africa, the Masai are often considered among the most brave and intelligent. Their traditional greeting is much different than those we generally employ. When we meet one another there is usually a “hello” or “hi” or even a “how are you?” The story goes that the Masai greet one another with the words “Kasserian ingeri?” or “And how are the children?” The response, even among those with no off-spring of their own, expresses a sense of community and focus, as they advocate “All the children are well!”

The simple greeting and reply of the Masai indicates that their lives are good.

If the children are well then the whole village is safe and happy.

In the same way we care about the well-being of our children. We work hard to keep them fed, clothed, and to provide them with the other necessities of life which includes a good education. The sad truth in America is that not every child is well cared for. But if we consider that question everyday, perhaps we would discover that there are things we could do to ensure they are indeed well.

MPS is working to ensure that our answer is securely “All the children are well.”

We are willing to partner with groups of people in our community to help expand services in our schools. A “Full Service Community School” concept could provide even healthcare to those who do not have access to some of what many of us consider the basics. It could represent a small step to insuring that all the children are well, while at the same time being a most

important step. We are currently working with area churches to provide food for students who aren’t getting the nutrition they need on the weekends.

There are agencies and houses of worship all around us that are working to help children. I hope you will join in finding ways to be a part of these efforts.

We don’t have to stop saying “hi” as we meet; even the Masai say “sopa” or hello as part of their greeting. However, wouldn’t it be interesting if the first question we asked each other, and from every reporter, to every mayor, county official, governor or President of the United States was, “And how are the children?” It would even be more wonderful if all of our answers were an honest, “All the children are well!”

Allen began working for Montgomery Public Schools as a special education teacher in 1976. She holds administrative certification from Alabama State University, a masters of arts in early childhood, a masters of arts in early childhood/handicapped, and a bachelor’s of science in elementary education and special education – all from Auburn University Montgomery.

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Macon East Hosts Summer Camp

Macon East Academy hosted its annual July Jammin’ summer camp for first- through sixthgraders the week of July 6-10.

The theme for the camp was time tavel, so the kids enjoyed a week exploring the past, present and future. On Monday and Tuesday the campers traveled back to the pioneer days making butter, soap, candles and a quilt.

They also visited the Alabama Archives and History Museum.

By Wednesday, the group was back to the present and learning about agriculture in today’s society. Camp participants planted seedlings in the school’s outdoor classroom, shelled peas and shucked corn by hand, and enjoyed a delicious home-style lunch prepared by camp leaders. On Thursday and Friday, campers were transported to the future where they made their own time capsules. Special guest presentations included robotics and drones flown over the football field.

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SUA Prepares for Fall Extended Success

Success Unlimited Academy is preparing a plethora of activities for its EXTENDED SUCCESS PROGRAM for the upcoming 2015-16 school year. Activities Director Julie Beard has been organizing and hiring a staff for the fall. “The Extended Success Program is held after school and introduces and enhances the love of arts, daily life skills, and fun for grades 3-12,� said Beard. The students are able to select from a variety of programs that fit their enjoyment. Classes for the fall session will be: Guitar 1 and 2, Art Exploration, Studio Art Success, Piano and Keyboard, Life Skills (a combination of crafts and home economics), Photography and Dance. Please visit www.suacademy.com for information.

Assistant Teachers Wanted

Montessori @Mulberry is looking for qualified Assistant Teachers who can work part time in our Toddler/Pre-Primary Classroom, morning and afternoon shifts available. Please visit our website for more details, montessoriatmulberry.com or send your information to jackiemaloy@ icloud.com.

SUA Welcomes Heather Parrish

Success Unlimited Academy welcomes Heather Parrish as the new art instructor for fall 2015. Parrish started her artistic journey in college. While majoring in theater and interior design, she discovered a new passion, painting. In the last two decades she has developed a love for expressing herself through vivid color, fanciful shapes and texture.

In 2011, she began experimenting with Mixed Media Art by incorporating various papers, text, pen and pencil to her pieces. Through Mixed Media, Parrish has been able to further develop her artistic voice and point of view. She holds a B.S. in Fine Arts from Faulkner University and an M.A. in Theatre from Regent University.

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ACA Students Grow Summer Garden

The six-bed, first-year garden built and tended to by Alabama Christian Academy elementary students has yielded 250 pounds of produce already. Fourth-grade student Breanna Estes contacted Katie’s Krops out of North Carolina and received a $500 grant to build and plant a garden with the stipulation that all proceeds go to feed the needy.

Beans, yellow watermelons, cantaloupes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers and green peppers have been donated on a weekly basis to the Montgomery Area Food Bank. Service to others and plant life discovery are the goals set for the elementary school.

STJ Welcomes Class of 2028!

Saint James School has a special tradition of surprising incoming kindergarten students with lawn signs the week school begins. Faculty and administrators work together to post the signs late in the evening, so the children wake up to a grand surprise – just for them!

This year, Saint James’ new Head of School, Dr. Larry McLemore, joined the fun… posting a sign in his neighbor’s lawn on Myrtlewood Drive. Raleigh Covert, daughter of Taylor and Lance Covert, started kindergarten at Saint James School this month.

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Academy Students Place 4th in National Mock Trial Program mock trial experience to enter a mock trial team in college before law school.

The students’ Government Club advisor and trip chaperone, Stephanie Hill, explains, “To see a group of high school students face the task of trying a criminal case from start to finish in a courtroom is so heartening. Their education and their personalities mean that they can rise to this challenge and excel at a task many adults would find terrifying.” While attending the mock trial competition was the trip’s purpose, students also had a long afternoon to explore Chicago as well.

From left are Fred Tippett, Griffin Payne, Ford Cleveland, Ellen Park, Ann Vivian Spencer, Margaret Canary, Camp Spain and Lindsey Ferraro.

Eight students from The Montgomery Academy boarded a charter bus July 27 to travel to Chicago for a week to participate at the YMCA’s National Judicial Conference mock trial program.

Ford Cleveland, Ellen Park, Griffin Payne, Camp Spain and Ann Vivian Spencer each made the trip last year, too, while new mock trial team members Margaret Canary, Lindsey Ferraro and Fred Tippett participated on the national mock trial level for the first time. This year, the team placed fourth in the nation at the competition.

Preparing for the mock trial process is student-driven and requires significant time and participation, both as a team and individually. Charlanna Spencer, who practices law in Montgomery, stated that she is “proud of how hard these students worked and of their dedication to the program. Considering that they did this on their own time in the middle of summer, their success is truly impressive.” Spencer was a high school and college participant in ALYIG and continued to support the ALYIG mock trial program as the yearly state competition case preparer until her daughter, Ann Vivian, entered high school, when she began to assist her daughter’s team. Now Ann Vivian has taken over where her mother left off, playing the role of an attorney on her mock trial team.

Each of the team members’ summer commitments made preparing for the competition challenging, but the team embraced the case and divided up the tasks easily. This year, the team tried both sides of a criminal case about hazing and murder. Attorney Leura Canary’s daughter, Margaret, had a transformational experience in the mock trial competition. Leura said, “The program was one of the best educational experiences Margaret has ever had. She gained tremendous confidence and it helped solidify her future plans.” Margaret is considering law in her graduate school plans after she completes high school in 2016, as is Griffin Payne, a new junior, who might use this competition and his high school

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Trinity Cheerleading Squads Earn Awards at Cheer Camp

All three Trinity cheerleading squads attended the UCA Cheer Camp in Auburn June 17-20. Trinity was well represented at the 2015 UCA Cheer Camp, winning in the “Jump-Off” division and all three squads boasting “AllAmericans.”

The Trinity Cheer Program had twelve girls make All-American, including all eight seniors on the Varsity squad: Hannah Allen, Liz Clements, Grace Day, Shea Henry, Katrina King, Greyson Matthews, Sidney Richards and Claire Wood. Caroline Easterling and Anna Tucker were chosen from the Junior Varsity (JV) team, while Hayes Pruett and Ellie Slawson were selected from the Middle School team.

Shea Henry won the Jump-Off Competition for the entire camp. Middle School cheerleader Ellie Slawson was one of the finalists. Trinity’s new JV Coach, Sarah Marie, won the Jump-Off Competition for all the coaches.

While at camp, the UCA instructors pinned thirteen girls that exemplified leadership, spirit, commitment, kindness and motivation as examples of why America needs cheerleaders. Three of the thirteen were from Trinity: Caroline Wood, Shea Henry and Liz Portis. During the last day of camp, these thirteen girls pinned cheerleaders not on their squads that they viewed as examples of why America needs cheerleaders. Of those thirteen girls, two of them were from Trinity: Ellie Slawson and Alex Newell.

The Trinity Cheer program received the prestigious “Leadership Award,” one of the most coveted awards at UCA Cheer Camp. This award is voted on by all the cheerleaders attending camp. Girls vote on the cheer program they would like to be a part of if they couldn’t be on their own squads, as well as the cheer program that exemplifies a positive attitude.

Several other accolades were awarded, including all eight seniors being asked to try out for UCA’s staff next summer. All three squads were also awarded a spirit stick each day, and the Trinity Cheer Program won the “banana” the last night of camp.

Girls from the JV squad are shown top left, and the middle school cheerleading squad is shown at bottom left.

Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.

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Trinity Lower School Principal Receives Doctorate Degree

Dr. Tami Shelley, Trinity’s Lower School Principal, recently received a doctorate degree in Early Childhood Education from Auburn University. She holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Auburn, as well as an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Michigan State University and an Ed. S. from Auburn University Montgomery.

Her dissertation was entitled, “Educational Change: The View from Within,” and focused on the process of educational change viewed from the teacher’s perspective. Dr. Shelley continued her education in order to strengthen her research skills, which enforces her commitment to keeping Trinity on the cutting edge with teaching and instructional skills. This experience “enriches my knowledge base of early childhood developmental practices used in preparing and guiding teachers in Lower School at Trinity.”

When she is not fulfilling her responsibilities as Lower School Principal, Dr. Shelley teaches evening classes at Huntingdon College.

Dr. Tami Shelley is shown with her family: Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Shelley (Shea), Mr. Jeff Shelley and Dr. Tami Shelley, and Dr. and Mrs. David Shelley (Anna).

ACA Holds Annual SALT Retreat

Every year, Alabama Christian Academy Campus Minister Howard Todd takes SALT, Student Action Leadership Team, to Camp Chandler on an overnight retreat. Seventy-three students went on this retreat which was held August 12-13.

I am humbled by these young men and women,” said Tracy Stiff, High School secretary. “We heard some great lessons, one from Howard Todd, our campus minister, about how we need to be passionate about our school, then Dr. Misty Overman, our new Head of School, talked about leaving our baggage at the door. We as a school are moving forward. We ended the night with students giving testimonies. The second day of the retreat, the students came up with ideas to better our school such as door greeters, getting the middle school more involved and making them feel important and the Presidential Leadership team has started a ‘Positive Vibe’ board across from the Collaborative Learning Center, where students can write encouraging notes to the players, students or teachers. It is a different group each week.”

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Montgomery Catholic Excited About New Year

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School welcomed back its families with a Back to School Mass and Street Party August 9. Monsignor Charles Troncale celebrated Mass in the Middle/High School Chapel and afterwards, students and their families were welcomed back to campus by the Marching Knights in the school courtyard. The Varsity Cheerleaders painted faces and introduced one of the school’s favorite cheers before Jim ‘N Nicks BBQ was served for dinner in the Dolly Barranco Activity Center.

New for this year, the high school campus proudly debuts an AP Computer Science class, while the high school and middle school will both offer Mandarin Chinese through a partnership with Auburn University Montgomery. Both Montgomery Catholic elementary campuses (St. Bede and Holy Spirit) will offer Chinese Cultural Studies and Spanish for all grades beginning in K4. The St. Bede campus will receive new playground equipment and the Holy Spirit campus will now have a Macbook laptop cart to enhance the technology experience in the classroom. The school has a welcomed addition to the fleet, a 77-passenger bus. Finally, the school is excited to report the completion of a new strategic growth plan, with a map to the school’s future, and the school is debt-free!

The first day of the 2015-16 school year came on August 17.

Pictured are the Rentfro and Ingram families: Donny, Paige, Missy and Garrett Rentfro, along with Truman, Claire, Lila, Allie and Bailey Ingram.

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Vaughn Road Preschooler ‘Graduates’ from Program Vaughn Road Preschool says a bittersweet goodbye to its “first baby” as he prepares to go into the Pre-K class at St. James. “Brooks was barely five months old when our center opened,” say Barbara and Johnnie Anderson. “He was a sweet baby, a bright and cheerful toddler, and at three years old, is charming and inquisitive. We are proud to have been entrusted to his care and will miss him dearly.”

Brooks is the son of Thomas and Meagan McCarthy.

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ACA Students Take Summer Trip to York

Alabama Christian Academy Campus Minister Howard Todd accompanied six ACA students, Lauren Henry, Cade Horn, Keeley Nguyen, Aly Nguyen, Justin Fausnight and Lindsey McDaniel, to York College in Nebraska during the summer for the Presidential Leadership Institute.

A total of thirty students from five different schools were chosen from across the United States to attend. Together they listened to speakers and presentations about growing leadership skills with a Christian influence. York College, with only 500 students, provided mentoring and advice from college students, faculty, and York College President Steve Eckman.

“I gained immense knowledge and insight about not only leadership, but also cooperation with others, how to improve public speaking skills, and how to be a better Christian,” said ACA senior Lauren Henry. “Along with five other students selected to attend from Alabama Christian Academy, we worked 18 hours on a project to make our school more connected. We brought this project back to Alabama in the form of a presentation, and it has already set off a whirlwind of enthusiasm and increased school unity at ACA. The strong bond among the six students from ACA who attended the Presidential Leadership Institute is indescribable and contagious.”

Junior Cade Horn added, “PLI inspired me to be the change I wanted to see in Alabama Christian Academy. Thanks to PLI I’m as confident a leader as ever, and I am excited about continuing to revitalize the positive atmosphere at ACA!” Shown from left are Howard Todd, Aly Nguyen, Keeley Nguyen, Lauren Henry, Mary Eisenhower (President Eisenhower’s granddaughter), Lindsey McDaniel, Justin Fausnight and Cade Horn.

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STJ Siblings Showcase LEGO Creations

Zane Harris and his sister, Maggie, proudly showcased their Lego creations for Brickfair Virginia this summer. This is the largest national Lego Exhibition held every year in Chantilly, Virginia. Zane, a Saint James School thirdgrader, and Maggie, a Saint James first-grader, worked for four months creating their Star Wars Lego scene, including a 10- foot long creation detailing the battle of Endor from Star Wars – with a little help from their father, Martin. The exhibition was open to the public for two days, where Zane and Maggie were able to showcase their creations to thousands of patrons; they talked about their scenes and how they made them. Most of the Harrises’ exhibit was completely custom - not made using Lego sets.

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MEA Softball Player Signs with FIU

Deven Kennedy, Macon East Academy center fielder and pitcher, has committed to play softball at Florida International University in Miami. Having played under Coach Glynn Lott on the Lady Knights varsity team since seventh grade, Kennedy helped lead Macon East to four state titles in the last four years. Over the past two years, she has traveled the U.S. with the New Jersey Intensity softball organization and was recruited by numerous colleges and universities throughout the country.

FIU Panthers Coach Gator Rebhan looks forward to adding Kennedy to the team.

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Trinity Senior Attends Leadership Seminar Trinity senior Meredith Moore recently completed a Leadership Seminar at the University of Notre Dame July 18-29. With a 12% acceptance rate, she was selected out of more than 820 applicants from across the nation and abroad. The all-expense paid program, which carries one college credit upon completion, is entitled “American Arts, Popular Culture and Social Change.”

The seminar explored the topics affecting the global community, as participants were encouraged to improve their leadership skills through an exchange of ideas. They were encouraged to examine American Arts and how they have been influenced by the social problems of the world.

Participants were challenged as scholars, artists, and critical thinkers to use the arts to initiate social change. The leadership program fostered different perspectives among the participants, which Moore said, “challenged and strengthened my own beliefs. It was incredible meeting students from such diverse backgrounds.

Some of my closest friends at the seminar came from places such as Colombia, Nigeria, South Korea and Canada. This little slice of college life has affirmed the idea that I definitely want to encounter such diverse perspectives when I go to college.”

While not in class, Moore participated in several off-campus activities, including a trip to Chicago, where the group enjoyed a walking tour of the graffiti in Pilsen, explored the Art Institute of Chicago, and picnicked in Millennium Park, while listening to a concert associated with the park arts festival. The entire day was capped off with an evening at the Tony-award winning Goodman Theater’s production of “Feast,” a theatrical love letter to Chicago’s diverse food culture and joyful cooking traditions.

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Success Unlimited Hosts Girls’ Basketball Camp

Success Unlimited Academy hosted its first girls’ basketball camp June 15-18 at the SUA Mustang Gym. Coach Rick Arnold, head girls’ basketball coach at Robert E. Lee High School, led the camp along with SUA staff.

“We were very excited to see so many of our athletes participating in this skills training camp,” said Athletic Director Jack Moody. “We are going into our second season with the girls’ team and it was very important for them to work on fundamentals. I know this is going to pay big dividends during the upcoming season and I am excited to see the growth in our program.”

The SUA athletic department plans to make this an annual event for the team.

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Academy Students Volunteer at Baptist South Program Andrew Harris, Will Franklin, Ben Marquess, Kate Harris, Anne Morgan Cousins and Ellie Herron were selected from approximately 100 applicants to serve as volunteers with the Baptist Medical Center South Teen Volunteer program this summer. Students served in assisting physicians, surgeons, patients, and the Baptist staff in areas of radiology, oncology, cardiology, neonatal intensive care, orthopedics, labor & delivery, neurology, intensive care, and in the post-anesthesia care unit.

“My experience at Baptist was exciting and eye-opening,” said Will Franklin. “It was great to take part in The Baptist Foundation as they helped people every day by offering treatment and healing.”

Kate Harris said that being selected to volunteer at Baptist Hospital was an honor.

“It gave me a different perspective on life because I learned how hard nurses and doctors work to help people who are ill,” she said.

“I really enjoyed helping the patients and nurses at Baptist,” Andrew Harris said.”

I hope I made their day less stressful by giving them an extra hand. This program was a great opportunity for me to learn more about the medical field while giving back to the community.”

Thanks to this program, Anne Morgan Cousins now has an idea of her future career. “Volunteering at Baptist South this summer was a wonderful opportunity for me,” she said. “I loved being able to learn about all the different areas in the hospital. I also learned so much about healthcare and how it helps so many different people. It really helped me realize what I would love to do in the future.”

Ben Marquess gained more than just medical experience as part of the program.

ful gro wit Pr to we “While this experience taught me about the medical field, it taught me more about caring for people.”

Front row from left are: Kate Harris, Ellie Herron and Anne Morgan Cousins; back row, Andrew Harris, Ben Marquess and Will Franklin.

Knowledge is profitable because wisdom gives life to those who possess it.

ECCLESIASTES 7:12

At Montgomery Catholic, our students flourish in a rigorous academic environment designed to fully develop their individual God-given gifts — while strengthening their lifelong walk in the Christian faith. Enroll now by calling 334-272-7221 ext. 32, or visit www.montgomerycatholic.org.

St. Bede Elementary Campus Holy Spirit Elementary Campus Middle School Campus High School Campus www.montgomerycatholic.org

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Cornerstone Upper Grades Spend Day of Teambuilding

On August 14, the seventh- through twelfth-grade students at Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy enjoyed a day of teambuilding instead of the normal class schedule. The highlight of the day was the announcement of the house groups that are used as an organizational structure for the upper grades. Each student was assigned to a group led by two older students. Each morning the groups will meet for student-led Bible study and prayer.

“Our house groups provide a wonderful opportunity for all of our students to grow in their relationship with Christ and with one another,” commented Principal Priscilla Stewart. “These groups are vital to maintaining the Christian culture that we value in our school.”

This year as part of the teambuilding, the students selected a house name, created a house crest, chose a theme Scripture verse and created a Latin motto. As the school year progresses, house groups will have opportunities for academic competition, service and recognition for Christian character.

Trinity Revives ‘Back to School Blast’

Many families and friends of Trinity turned out for the “Back to School Blast.” A festive tradition brought back by popular demand, it started with a volleyball scrimmage, where many students and faculty “hit” with the team after the game. Afterwards on Boykin Field, the Trinity Wildcat Pride Band performed its new halftime show, and all fall sports teams were introduced.

The cheer and dance teams also performed. The 2015 4A State Championship Baseball Team receiving their championship rings was a highlight of the evening. Culminating the eventful evening was the varsity football scrimmage, where fans got their first glimpse of the 2015 varsity football team.

State championship baseball team members show off their rings.

ACA Completes First Day of School

After a long summer filled with family trips and all kinds of camps, new students, returning students and the full staff at Alabama Christian Academy started the new school year with positive vibes. Even though it will take a while for the students to get back to the daily grind, the faculty and staff are looking forward to a great year with lots of exciting events on the horizon.

Second-grade teacher Mrs. Donaldson is shown with new student Randy Bell.

South Montgomery County Academy “Home of the Raiders”

Ecclesiastes 11:1

Enrolling Now For 2015 – 2016 Openings in K3 – 12th

Accredited: AISA / SACS

A-Beka Curriculum Credit Recovery Option Low Student-Teacher Ratio Christian Values / Family Atmosphere Athletics-Pee Wee Sports Opportunities *Family Fun Events-Labor Day BBQ

Sept. 7th, 10 am SMCA Campus!

S M C A

Celebrating Over 40 Years of Excellence in Academics and Athletics

Headmaster: Tim Davenport • 147 Old School House Rd. • Grady, Alabama 36036 Phone 334-562-3235 • www.smcaraiders.org 27

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Macon East Hosts Volleyball Tournament

It’s a Great Day at Saint James School!

Saint James School launched its 60th academic year on August 12. New Head of School, Dr. Larry McLemore, welcomed students in elementary, middle and high school, as they arrived for their first day of school - amid smiles, laughter, and palpable energy. McLemore is pictured with high school students Mac Johnson, Camilla Richardson, Haley Jolly and Alivia Ennis.

Montgomery Parents I September 2015

Four-time defending state champions, the Macon East Academy volleyball team hosted the fourth annual AISA Elite 8 preseason tournament. The Saturday tournament was a day full of great volleyball, giving the players and coaches insight into the 2015 season.

The AISA competition will be strong this season as the Lady Knights strive for a fifth state title in as many years. The eight teams participated in pool play early in the day followed by tournament games.

Four teams (Bessemer Academy, Cornerstone Christian School, Kingwood Christian Academy, and Macon East Academy) entered the semifinal round.

In the final game of the tournament, Macon East defeated Bessemer 2-0. The day was also full of fun as each team represented different female superheroes enjoying “Minute to Win it” style games, a photo booth, raffle drawings, and lots of crowd involvement. The Lady Knights are led by seniors Lexi Brantley, Jesi Garrett and Payton Traff.

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ACA Student Wins First at National Program

Alabama Christian Academy senior Caroline Rives placed first in the Four Star Leadership program’s writing contest for her superb writing, critical thinking and observation abilities. Rives was one of fifty participants in the Four Star Leadership program, a week-long program in Oklahoma City which offers leadership training, ethical deliberation, speech competitions and scholarships, as well as the opportunity to engage with national and global leaders. As a first-place winner, Rives was awarded a $3,000 scholarship.

The students are confronted with practical leadership and ethical scenarios and challenged to address them individually in a persuasive speech and writing competition, and collaboratively in an Ethics Bowl format.

Former Commander-in-Chief of American and coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, General Franks, hosted the camp, and guest speakers at the conference included Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and Lt. Governor Todd Lamb, Country Music Artist Neal McCoy, Col. Allen West (ret.), multiple Olympic Gold medalist Michele Smith and many others.

Since 2008, “Four Star” has welcomed more than 300 high school students from all 50 states, and 43 international students.

Kings, governors, senators, Olympic Gold medalists and top business leaders have mentored students in developing and demonstrating the core leadership principles of the program: character, common vision, communication, and caring. Each session follows curriculum designed to develop leadership skills and challenge students through team-building exercises, collaboration, spontaneous problem solving and competition. Excursions during the week provide participants opportunities to further develop and employ those skills through cultural experiences and service projects.

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Trinity Athletes Offered College Scholarships

A signing ceremony was held in the gym lobby for four Trinity 2015 graduating seniors, who will be playing at the next level. Charlie Leisy, who played first baseman and pitched for Trinity, is taking his talents to Central Alabama Community College. Ben Jones will be groomed as the next quarterback at Birmingham Southern College, where he will compete in the NCAA Division III football program.

Parker Watts played outfielder and pitched for Trinity and will play baseball at Mississippi College. Trace Johnston played second and third baseman at Trinity and signed a two-year baseball scholarship to play for Alabama Southern Community College. Johnston played on all three of Trinity’s State Championship Teams (2012, 2013 and 2015), while Jones and Watts played on two (2013 and 2015), and Leisy played on the 2015 championship team.

From left are Parker Watts, Charlie Leisy, Trace Johnston and Ben Jones.

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Success Unlimited Offers ACT Workshop

Success Unlimited Academy will offer an ACT Workshop October 10 at the high school campus located at 2328 Fairlane Drive. The workshop will begin at 8 a.m. and will cover the English, math and science sections of the ACT. Guest Instructors will be Mrs. Lafond, Mrs. Carlisle and Mrs. Crenshaw of Catholic High School. The cost of the workshop is $55 for all three sessions or $25 each. Please visit www. suacademy.com for registration information.

SUA welcomes students in the surrounding areas to attend and take advantage of this great workshop. Deadline for registration is October 7.

Holy Cross Students Say Hello to New Year

Holy Cross Episcopal School students, along with their parents and teachers, enjoyed one last blast of summer at the annual HCES Back-to-School Pool Party held at the Deer Creek Pool August 9. With school starting the next Wednesday, students enjoyed swimming, playing on the splash pad, and catching up after the summer break. The warm evening air was filled with conversation and laughter as students met new friends and reconnected with old ones.

Parents and teachers also did their share of talking and laughing while getting to know the newest families and faculty members.

Dinner time rolled around with pizza and cookie cake on the menu. Students gathered at tables around the pool for dinner, and then it was back in the pool for more fun!

Students went home tired, but happy that they didn’t have to get up early for school the next day. This event was sponsored by the Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) of Holy Cross Episcopal School.

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Academy Senior Appointed Chief of Staff at Girls Nation

Each summer, two female high school students are selected from each state to travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in Girls Nation. The program is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary and gives the young leaders firsthand experience of how the federal government works. Annabel Roth, a new senior at Montgomery Academy, was selected as one of the two “senators” from Alabama. Roth spent a week in the nation’s capital creating a mock legislature, submitting bills and resolutions, participating in senate sessions, holding a national convention and electing officials. While there, the girls were able to present a wreath at Arlington’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, sing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, meet with state senators on Capitol Hill, visit with a Holocaust survivor and shake hands with President Obama.

Roth was a member of the Federalist Party, as she had been at Girls State. Going into the week, the Federalists were informed the opposing Nationalist Party was the majority party. After being elected Federalist Party leader, Roth worked tirelessly during the week to create and share her party’s platform and encourage voters to support her party. After a successful campaign, the Federalist Party presidential and vice-presidential candidates were elected and the President appointed Roth her Chief of Staff.

“My week representing Alabama at Girls Nation was an amazing week to say the least,” said Roth. “I was able to become friends with girls from 48 other states, while debating about current issues in our country. Meeting President Obama was an experience I will never forget. He told us, “to go take over the world.” We all agreed that as future leaders, that would be sure to happen. I am so thankful to Montgomery Academy for allowing me to represent our school at Girls State, which eventually led to the greatest experience of my life so far.”

Annabel Roth, at right, is shown with the other Alabama Girls Nation representative, Allie Cooper from Tuscaloosa.

Cornerstone Begins New School Year

As Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy began the new school year August 13, the school family welcomed its newest members. The kindergarten students, greeted by their teacher Amy Gonzalez, were shown a classroom that had been remodeled over the summer. Thanks to Cornerstone mom Beth Hood, the kindergarten classroom is a happy and appealing learning environment featuring designated work space, a home living area, reading corner and art tables.

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Park Crossing Student Awarded Math Scholarship by Huntington Learning Center

Huntington Learning Celebrates Summer Reading Achievements!

The Huntington Learning Center recently celebrated their students’ summer reading achievements with a party!

Students were encouraged to read and complete journals on the books they read over the summer. A total of more than 60 books were read by the students and staff! Many local merchants donated prizes that were awarded to all participants.

Park Crossing High School student Kayla Holmes was nominated by her math teacher, Curtis Rice, to receive a math scholarship from the Huntington Learning Center. Kayla was awarded the $1400 scholarship by the Center Director, Christi Davis. Huntington Learning Center selected Kayla from several applicants that were nominated. She attended the center this summer and received instruction in mathematics to help her be better prepared for Algebra 2 this school year. Huntington offers ongoing instruction to help students with all their academic needs including math, reading and ACT PREP.

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Bullying Effects on Children with Disabilities If nothing else, today’s schools are diverse. Children of every race, ethnicity and ability level come together to create an amazing mosaic of interests, abilities and life experiences. While this can sometimes be challenging, it is always enriching.

However, with these differences come opportunities for some children to exercise power and control over weaker, more vulnerable students, making bullying a growing issue in classrooms, hallways, playgrounds and buses. Experts have determined that bullying victims are oftentimes the children who are isolated most of the day; anxious and lacking social skills; physically weak and therefore unable to defend themselves; easily provoked to cry and quick to yield to the pressures of bullying; and/or past victims of trauma or other victimization.

Of course, many of these predispositions can be present among children with developmental disabilities, making them especially vulnerable. Studies (Tyman et al. and Weiner & Mak) show that children with attention deficit or hyperactivity disorders are more likely than other children to be bullied, as well as sometimes more

likely to bully their peers. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder have bully victimization scores that are more than three times as high as students in control groups. In addition, children with Cerebral Palsy, hearing loss, intellectual disabilities, Tourette’s Syndrome or other developmental disabilities may stand out because of the way they look or behave. Because of this, educators should be especially vigilant in watching for signs they are being bullied.

Of course, parents should, too.

For years, the Family Sunshine Center has focused on bringing bullying prevention programs to public and private schools in Montgomery and surrounding counties. This year, thanks to a grant from the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities (ACDD), the Family Sunshine Center has had the resources to focus its bullying prevention on persons with developmental disabilities, their families and the programs that serve them. One grant objective involves developing a specialized conference that prepares parents and caregivers to recognize the symptoms of bullying victimization and ways to install protective factors into

the school day to help reduce opportunities for students with developmental disabilities to be bullied.

This conference, “Bullying Prevention and Disabilities: A ROCK Solid Approach,” is being co-sponsored by the Family Sunshine Center, River Region ROCK Task Force and the ACDD. The target audience is social workers, counselors, school teachers and administrators, faith-based communities, non-profit agencies, nurses and law enforcement officers. Keynote speakers include child actor Kelsey Tainsh who will bring a special message of personal courage and inspiration to overcome challenging conditions, and bullying expert and long-time counselor Esther Williams who will offer tips for recognizing and responding to bullying behaviors. To register, visit the Family Sunshine Center website, www. familysunshine.org. Registration fees are $30 for professionals and $20 for family members. Some CEU’s are available. For further information, call 334-206-2100.

Raising awareness of all types of bullying can make schools safer places for everyone. The ROCK Task Force (Respect Others, Create Kindness) is a group of over 65 members whose mission is to prevent bullying through awareness and education. For more information, please visit www.rocktaskforce.com. In conjunction with the Public Relations Council of Alabama, Montgomery Parents is devoting space in the coming year for a series of articles on bullying to raise awareness.

Contributed by Melanie Beasley, Family Sunshine Center.

HOW CAN YOUR SCHOOL GET INVOLVED?

FIND OUT AT ROCKTASKFORCE.COM. RIVER REGION ROCK TASK FORCE. CREATING A SAFER, KINDER RIVER REGION.

STMP-32445-Rock Ad for Parents & Journey Mar15.indd 1

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This is truly one of my favorite times of the year! The excitement of a new school year is hard to beat. Autauga County Schools had a fantastic, energyfilled Institute at Prattville High School on August 3rd. That gym was rocking!

Check out our Facebook page to enjoy the festivities. It was wonderful to see old friends and commence what we are sure will be the best school year yet!

I am thrilled to say that our administrators, faculty, and staff members are always up for a new challenge. Every year I encourage them to strive to be the best and to raise the bar, and I know they will do just that. I hope everyone is settling into a routine because we are off to a great start!

I went into each school and numerous classrooms the first few days of school, and I can report everything is moving along nicely.

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Speaking of moving along nicely, sometimes the most important things are the ones we often take for granted. We have one of the best transportation departments in Alabama right here in Autauga County.

Transportation Supervisor, Neil Messick, does a remarkable job coordinating the staff, drivers, and mechanics of the 14th largest school system in Alabama. You may not be aware that we transport over 5,700 students each day in Autauga County. We have 120 total routes, 102 regular routes, and 18 special needs routes. Our buses travel over 700,000 route miles each school year and over 230,000 extra-curricular miles. That is almost a million miles each year! I deeply appreciate the job these unsung heroes do each day transporting children safely.

Another often underappreciated group feeds our students a nutritious and delicious breakfast and lunch every single school day.

Our lunchroom staff members do an incredible job, and we are so grateful for their hard work and dedication. Our director of Child Nutrition, Audra Segers, does a wonderful job overseeing our lunchroom managers

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and is always looking for ways to improve the Child Nutrition Program. I would like to share with you a few of the improvements she coordinated this summer. Prattville Junior High School had their kitchen floor replaced. Daniel Pratt Elementary School’s serving line was modified so that students can serve themselves. The dish room at Prattville High School was retiled to improve safety for our employees. All cafeterias will be using hand punch time clocks for better accountability this year. Our lunchroom managers and staff are a crucial part of a school’s operations. I personally eat in a different lunchroom each day, and the food is great! Stop by and have lunch with your child this year; you won’t regret it.

Here’s to an awesome year for all of our schools! I look forward to sharing their accomplishments with you each month!

Spence Agee is the Superintendent of Education for Autauga County Schools. He is a third generation educator with an ED.S. in Educational Leadership. He has 16 years of experience in the education field as well as 25 years of military experience. Agee is an active member at First Baptist Church in Prattville. He and his wife, Cesily, who is also an educator, have two daughters, Abby and Addison.

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Autauga County Schools

EMCA Elects Student Government Officers

Prattville Holds Annual High School Band Contest

East Memorial Christian Academy recently elected officers for its Student Government Association. Back row from left are: Kyle Sweet, treasurer; Patrick Easley, president; Aaron Watkins, chaplain; and Thomas McCroan, parliamentarian; and front row: Hannah Kaufman, vice president and Keli Nance, secretary.

PJHS Sponsors Reunion Breakfast

The Prattville High School Marching Band will hold its annual Heart of Dixie Band Competition Saturday, October 10, at Stanley Jensen Stadium. If you are in a marching band, we would love to have you come and march in our competition. If you like watching marching bands from around the area, please come and enjoy the day with us. At the end of the day, the Pride of Prattville band will exhibit its show for the year. For more information or to sign up for the competition, please contact Band Director Chris King at (334) 365-8804.

Montgomery Parents I September 2015

Prattville Junior High School sponsored a breakfast for the North Highland School Reunion during July. PJHS staff provided a fantastic spread of food and happy faces as students from years gone by enjoyed fellowship with their classmates.

Send Your School News to: editor@ montgomeryparents.com.

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Prattville Archery Team Completes Successful 2015 Season Among the clubs, sports, and other activities offered at Prattville Junior High School, the PJHS Archery Team has a lot to talk about. The PJHS Archery Cats began the season by winning their regional tournament at Prattville High School. The Cats proceeded to the state level and came in just short of the podium at fifth place with Griffin Hyatt as the top archer for the Cats. This set the team up for its third consecutive appearance at the National Competition in Louisville, Kentucky. There the Cats shot the team’s highest score to date. With a team score of 3,248, the PJHS Cats found themselves ranked in the top 25% of Middle School archery teams in the nation. For a team whose existence spans only three years, it placed 46 of the 201 teams participating.

For the first time in program history, the PJHS Cats qualified for and chose to compete in the National Archery in the Schools Program World Tournament held this year in Nashville. A very eager team left PJHS on the morning of July 22 and made the trip to Nashville, where, that afternoon, they were one of the first teams

to compete. Though they were some of the first to compete, the Cats were the highest ranked of the four Alabama teams to attend this event and placed 32nd out of the 90 middle school teams in attendance.

The top archer for the PJHS Cats was Sydney Smith, whose impressive 276 out of 300 placed her at number 114 out of the 959 middle school girls present.

The remaining top 12 archers for the PJHS Cats included Abigail Woodley, Caroline Gornto, Parker Gray, Kelby Wilson,

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Dalton Yingst, Cody Stokes, Reagan Vinson, B.B. Tucker, Cole Faulkner, Griffin Hyatt and Landon Goff. The team celebrated its success with a wild dinner at the Rainforest CafĂŠ, Nashville and returned to PJHS the next morning having made school history.

The 2015 season has now ended, but the Archery Cats have considered their accomplishments and look forward to setting even higher goals and working to attain them in the coming year.

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PJHS Forensics Class Develops Teamwork

Seventh-grade students in Mrs. Brown’s forensics class at Prattville Junior High School spent several days developing their teamwork skills before diving into crime solving. “I’m amazed at what our students can accomplish,” said Mrs. Brown.

“Teamwork is a huge part of their success!”

Montgomery Parents I September 2015

PJHS History Teacher Attends Georgia Camp

Prattville Junior High eighth-grade history teacher Courtney Spencer was recently chosen to attend the National History Day Boot Camp in LaGrange, Georgia. She spent several jam-packed days learning new ways to present history in relevant ways to today’s students. Spencer was the only teacher from the state of Alabama to attend.

“I was able to work with history educators from Georgia and Florida who have a passion for project-based learning using the National History Day model in the classroom,” Spencer said. “We partnered with another teacher to create a documentary using the National History Day guidelines.

This allowed us to understand the process students go through while completing this assignment. Altogether there was more than 30 years of NHD experience for those of us attending to pull information from. In addition to completing our project, we learned how to implement National History Day as an assignment within our classrooms or as an elective class in accordance with Common Core standards, and received basic training on using a recording program called Audacity to help create our projects.”

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Over the summer, Prattville Christian Academy (PCA) juniors Jenny Phillips, Graeson Scott and Alex Atchley represented the school at the Presidential Leadership Institute in York, Nebraska, under the direction of PCA Guidance Counselor Patricia Dean.

The Presidential Leadership Institute is a leadership development program among Christian high schools, specifically designed for high achieving students in 10-12 grades. The weeklong program is dedicated to leadership development and character building through interactive programs, discussions and leadership industry expert speakers. More than 28 students from four different states attended the Institute, which was established after York College partnered with Strata Leadership, LLC. The students returned from their experience energized to become agents for change at PCA and within our community. “There were so many speakers who were leaders in their field and came from such a diverse background,” said PCA junior Alex Atchley.

“It meant a lot to know they took their time to speak to a group of teenagers.”

EVERY TIME YOU SEE THIS TAG, REMEMBER THAT AN ALABAMA CHILD IS BATTLING CANCER ... AND RECEIVING WORLD-CLASS CARE WITHOUT EVER LEAVING OUR STATE. Over the past decade, Alabama’s Curing Childhood Cancer tag has raised more than $2.5 million for childhood cancer research and treatment programs at Children’s of Alabama.

If you already have our tag, be sure to renew it at your local Department of Motor Vehicles.

If not, please purchase one when it’s time for a new tag.

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SUPER is the word for Elmore County Schools this year! We began our school year with a system-wide Institute that inspired and challenged each of us to focus on the importance of what we do each day.

Our guest speaker, State Superintendent Tommy Bice, assisted us in welcoming all of the returning members of the Elmore County Public Schools “family” and our new “family” members, which includes 33 support employees and 75 certified employees. He encouraged us to do what is best for our children, to remind our students that we care about them, and to seek new ways to help them to reach their goals.

When I speak of the Elmore County Public Schools “family,” it is because we each have a very important role to play in the lives of our students. I am reminded of the bus drivers who transport children each day and

Montgomery Parents I September 2015

what a difference they make in the lives of those students. I remember very well the first day that I got on “Momma Mae’s” bus as a child. She knew how frightened and unsure I was about the experiences of the whole day as a Head Start student and comforted me. She loved and knew each child under her care. This caring attitude still exists today on our buses as shown by the heroic efforts of Penny Pearson, the Millbrook bus driver for one of our former students who died as the result of a tragic accident on November 5, 2014. In order to support and assist the efforts of our bus drivers, we now have GPS on each bus to ensure the safety of each child.

Our Child Nutrition program dedicated themselves to providing supper to students who stay late at school for practices and activities and lunches to many of our students this summer. Our custodial staffs have worked tirelessly to make our schools sparkling clean.

The Elmore County Technical Center is beginning a SUPER year with new programs, state-of-the-art equipment, and an expanded facility. Robotics, virtual welding, 3D printers, animated nursing robots, a fire truck, and a police car offer career experiences,

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and sustain expanded programs to provide certifications, and free dual enrollment to our students. The completed culinary facility at Holtville High School will provide a complete culinary certification program to students.

Two of our elementary schools, Coosada and Holtville, will begin the Prime Time Family Reading program generously sponsored and funded by the Alabama Humanities Foundation. Families receive a pre-selected book each week and meet one night each week to have supper together, and explore a new book with a reading specialist who models reading comprehension strategies.

As I visited each school on the first day, I witnessed the excitement and dedication that our Elmore County Schools “family” has for our students. I invite you to check out our Facebook page, and to follow us on Twitter as we keep you informed about our SUPER year with #Elmorepride. Comment and let us know how we can attain our goals to be SUPER! Andre` L. Harrison has served as a teacher, acting principal, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services and Human Resources, Assistant Superintendent of Education, and the Deputy Superintendent of Education/Chief of Staff. He is married to Monica, and they have a daughter, Aundrea, who attends the UAB. They reside in Millbrook, Alabama.

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Elmore County Schools

Tallassee High Names New Band Leaders

Led by Band Director Robby Glasscock and Assistant Band Director Michael Bird, leaders of the 2015-16 “Pride of Tallassee� include: auxiliaries sponsor/color guard instructor Brooke Barron, majorette instructor Vicki Baker, brass instructors Mike Hammonds and Sena Thibodeaux Bird, percussion instructor Ryan Dean, band captain Will Griffies, drum major Charlcie Hathorn, drum captain Austin Davidson, head majorette Loren Schwab, color guard captain Madison Pugh and section leaders Tatum Jones, Maggie Martinez, Madelaine Worley, Lincoln Oliver, Michael Fulmer, Benjamin Manning, Sloan Hornsby, Jillian Clark and Brady Atkins.

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ARIS Dance Team PerformsFor Teacher Inservice

The 2014-15 Airport Road Intermediate dance team was honored to perform at the annual opening day teacher inservice for Elmore County. The team performed its very popular “Shake it Off” routine. This was the last performance for this team... new team tryouts will be held at ARIS in the coming weeks.

Airport Road Starts New School Year

Elmore County Schools Superintendent Dr. Andre Harrison paid a visit to Airport Road Intermediate on the first day of school. What a great start to the year!

F o r E v E r y G E n E r at i o n .

Prattville First United Methodist Church • 100 E. 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067

Send Your School News to: editor@ montgomeryparents.com.

TRADITIO NAL W O RSH IP 8: 30 AM & 11: 00 A M SUNDAY SCH O O L 9: 45 AM TH E W ELL 11: 00 AM

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Elmore County Schools

ARIS Benefits from ‘Stuff the Bus’ Campaign

RES Teacher Honored

By Local Law Firm

Clyde Bailey of Bailey & Poague, LLC in Wetumpka delivered a “Welcome Back to School Basket” to Redland Elementary School second-grade teacher Janice Thornell. Thornell was nominated as a favorite teacher on Bailey & Poague’s Facebook page and won all of these goodies!

Airport Road Intermediate School Principal Marcia Stephens reports that the students, faculty and staff at her school are very appreciative of the outpouring of generosity shown to ARIS with the school materials received from the “Stuff the Bus” campaign at Wal-Mart. The community donated hundreds of dollars’ worth of school supplies, such as crayons, paper towels, scissors, binders, folders, markers, pens, pencils, rulers, paper, glue sticks and hand sanitizer.

Students who could not otherwise afford such supplies will now have those items for their use.

“Thank you for caring about the needs of others and caring for our students,” said Stephens.

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Redland K5 Teacher Welcomes New Students

Redland Elementary School kindergarten teacher Stacey Turner welcomed new students during the school’s Open House August 6. Kindergartners Karoline and Charlie colored owl pictures, explored the room and received lots of encouragement from Turner, who recently received Montgomery Advertiser’s People’s Choice Award for Elmore County’s Favorite Teacher.

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Wetumpka Elementary Holds Special 9/11 Ceremony

ARIS Teachers Are Fired Up For Success

Airport Road Intermediate School teachers had a great first week back by participating in professional development meetings. The school year’s theme is “Game Plan for Success...One Team, One Goal, One Vision,” so teachers did team building challenges, performed skits, and even wore ARIS team jerseys.

Send Your School News to: editor@ montgomeryparents.com.

Wetumpka Elementary will host its second annual 9/11 ceremony to honor all military personnel. If you are a veteran or an active duty member of any branch of the military, please join us for this memorable event. The event will be held Friday, September 11, at 9:30 a.m. in the back parking lot of the school. For more info, contact Shay Weldon or Margo Thomas at (334) 567-4323.

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Becoming Mindful About Photos Social media has become the new back fence, a place where parents can tell stories, swap tips and even brag a bit. A recent survey from the Pew Research Center found that moms, in particular, give and get lots of encouragement as well as useful parenting information from networks like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

Almost all of these efforts involve photos which would be great if those photos would stay put. Unfortunately, they don’t. Photos of cute kids—especially babies—have been misappropriated by people who use them for their own, sometimes dubious, purposes.

Baby role playing, for example, involves young women who use random photos of children to fantasize about motherhood. By posting pics and inventing details about babies they don’t now, they attract attention on social media.

In these so-called digital kidnappings, the child may not be in physical danger. Still, most parents find it disconcerting to see their child’s face in someone else’s fantasy, especially if there’s a preoccupation with breastfeeding or bathtime. In other cases, parents have stumbled across familiar photos that have been used in advertising or to create memes, those Internet placards that sometimes take on a life of their own.

Obviously, people vary a great deal in what they feel comfortable saying on social media, and parenthood doesn’t necessarily change that. Some new parents find that they are very protective about a baby’s online presence; others become Mommy bloggers who build a loyal following by chronicling intimate details about domestic life.

All parents should, however, think seriously about what impact a post that seems cute today may have on a child in the future.

Just as couples need to negotiate what they are willing to share on social media, parents Montgomery Parents I September 2015

must also try to imagine how a child will feel when he or she is an eye-rolling eight year old, an easily embarrassed teen or a young adult looking for a job. How can parents balance the benefits of social networking with its risks? Here are a few tips.

Use privacy settings. The report from Pew found that parents typically had 150 friends on Facebook, and of those, one third were “actual” friends. Consider sharing photos of kids only with those friends. Most social media sites make it easy to establish different groups within your FB community.

(Details about setting privacy settings for the main social media venues are available at socialmediaexaminer.com/social-media-privacy-settings/.) Go through your network and think about whether your relationship is close enough to share details about your child.

Grandparents, other family members, close friends? Absolutely! Colleagues, associates and friends of friends. Probably not.

Share your reshare policy. Even if you are careful about privacy, photos can escape your network if they are reshared. To discourage resharing, remind friends and family that photos are “for your eyes only.” Talk to other parents, too. Explain your concerns about over-sharing and ask that they not post photos of playdates and other outings without your permission. Extend the same courtesy to them.

Use a nickname. Instead of using your child’s real name, use a pseudonym. This makes it harder to connect an escaped photo with your family. It will also spare your child the embarrassment of having baby pics show up when someone Googles them in the future.

Make copying difficult. A few techniques will make it harder for people to use your photos for other purposes. Try saving photos with the lowest possible resolution.

Not only will the file transmit more quickly, but it will also be blurry if someone tries to enlarge it. Parents can also borrow a trick from professional photographers by putting a signature or watermark on photos. Visualwatermark.com is one of several free services that make it easy to brand digital pics.

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No naked pictures. Ever. No matter how cute or innocent they may seem, naked pictures should not be posted online. Even if you don’t attract the attention of a predator or run afoul of the obscenity standards on your social network, you run the risk of distributing a picture that will be used to harass your child in the future.

Use an alternative album. Some parents use social media as a kind of baby album, keeping track of firsts as they happen. Really important photos deserve better protection. Try making albums on password protected sites like Flickr or Photobucket.

Share passwords only with family members and other trusted friends who really want to see all your great photos. Back up photo files in the cloud and on a separate hard or flash drive. For photos that really matter, consider making prints or photo books which are likely to last longer than any digital format.

Be selective. Taking digital pictures is sooooo easy. Be ruthless about culling your photos. Review and delete at least once a week. And only share photos that are special in some way. Close-ups with only a few props tend to be more interesting, and they also make it harder for strangers to identify your child or locate your home.

Post vacation pictures after you return home so people won’t know when your house is unoccupied. **Now that every cell phone includes a camera, parents also need to think about when photos are an intrusion. Yes, childhood is fleeting and a photo can help you remember. But photos can also turn you into an observer instead of a participant, especially if you are thinking ahead to the number of “likes” a photo will get on social media. Instead of reflexively reaching for the camera, get in the habit of asking whether a photo will deepen—or interrupt— a special moment with your child.

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

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Archives Offers Genealogy Course

Beginning September 14, the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH) will offer Find Your Story: A Genealogy Course for All Levels. Join ADAH expert genealogist Nancy Dupree for a four-part series that will provide in-depth instruction into family history research for all levels of experience. This course will offer step-by-step instruction followed by handson research in the Alabama Department of Archives and History’s Research Room, with full access to a vast number of resources and state-of-the-art research tools.

The course will be held on four consecutive Mondays, beginning September 14, from 9 a.m. to noon at the ADAH. Cost is $70 for the public and $55 for Friends of the Archives. To register online, visit www.archives.alabama.gov. For more info or to register by phone, contact Sarah McQueen at sarah.mcqueen@archives. alabama.gov or (334) 242-4364.

Montgomery American’s 12U All Stars World Series Champs

Montgomery American’s 12U All Star Team competed in the Ponytails division of Dixie Softball World Series and came home the champs. The World Series was played in Carthage, N.C. August 7-12. In the World Series, the girls defeated Virginia 16-6, lost to Florida 5-4, defeated Texas 9-3, defeated undefeated defending national champion North Carolina 7-2, eliminated NC the following day 9-5 overcoming a four-run deficit in the final inning, and defeated Tennessee in the championship game 10-0. The other teams competing in the series were state champions from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. In order to make it to the World Series, the girls went undefeated in the Sub District, District, and State Tournaments.

The team is coached by Roman McLeod, Lamar White and Ed Parish.

Front row from left are: Jaliyah Brown, Linda Hill, Savannah Christian, Alanna Aiken, Morgan Parish and Hannah Grace Griggs; back row from left: Kirsten Stroud, Devyn DeBardelaben, Coach Roman McLeod, Ellie Streeton, Coach Lamar White, Lamari White, Coach Ed Parish, Romona McLeod and Ansley Dean.

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Destiney is Looking for a Family to Call Her Own

Destiney, born June 2001, likes to play volleyball, ride horses, play basketball and read her Bible in her spare time.

Destiney is hearing impaired and uses sign language for communication, and writing notes as a second form of communication. She gets frustrated when she’s unable to understand someone and vice versa due to her impairment. She desires a single or two-parent family who knows sign language or who is willing to learn. Destiney is a likeable and highly favored child by her peers, however she tends to bully younger kids. When she becomes frustrated she calms herself down and on her own time. Destiney can be calm, sweet and humble at times.

She takes pride in her appearance and likes to look good and dress, and she is very interested in boys. She resides in a facility for children with hearing impairments and receives special education services. Destiney’s favorite subjects are Reading and English and she desires to become a teacher. She is very affectionate and likes cats and dogs. She has a visiting resource that she stays with during holidays and extended weekends who does not desire to adopt. Destiney is open to adoption and to meet families, but she has some reservations due to her unresolved grief and losses that are being addressed.

Destiney’s video can be seen at www.

HeartGalleryAlabama.com. To find out more about adoption in Alabama call 205-445-1293.

GOD HAS A PLAN AND A PURPOSE FOR ME

Evangel Christian Academy Evangel Christian Academy exists to partner with Christian parents to provide their child with a Christ-centered education.

Our desire is to help each child achieve his or her God-given potential through providing activities designed to foster spiritual, academic and social growth.

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3975 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36106 ecalions.org 334-272-3882

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Launching a Child’s Journey to the Stars

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

The final frontier is in the news with the successful missions of the Mars lander, SpaceX and the New Horizons spacecraft fly-by of Pluto. Our children can look up into the heavens and see the International Space Station crossing the sky as a tiny bright dot.

The people who envisioned and executed these amazing missions and projects were children once, too. It only takes a bit of inspiration in youth to turn a child’s vision toward the marvels of outer space, toward the goal of taking a role in its future exploration. The following toys are ideal for cultivating a child’s interest in the stars, our solar system and the discoveries that await as we continue to stride into the endless expanse of outer space.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Animals in the Stars Lacing Cards

(Nancy B)

There’s more to the moon than meets the naked eye and the Nancy B’s Science Club Moonscope is a perfect tool to take the first look a bit deeper. With real glass optics and adjustable magnification capacity that can reach 90x, kids can explore not only the surface of the moon, but also observe features of other objects in our solar system. Learning to navigate the night sky is easy with the Sky Gazer’s Journal which helps first time observers find their way around the heavens. The scope includes a gentle red LED light for using the companion journal and sky maps without ruining the viewers night vision. Perfect for fostering a pre-teen’s interest in the mysteries of the night sky, the Moonscope and Journal offers an eye-opening door to knowledge for budding astronomers!

(Rogge/Smith)

Before pointing a child’s attention skyward in the search for constellations, introducing Ursa Minor and more ancient star patterns through the Animals in the Stars Lacing Cards will help prepare them to understand how constellations are perceived.

In addition to building fine motor skills for little hands, each card offers a bit of history and mythology behind its constellation. Once the stars on the cards are connected by the laces, a glow-in-the-dark image of the constellation will emerge around it in the dark, helping kids make the connection between the actual star arrangement and the imagined animal it represents. Animals in the Stars is a great teaching tool for children joining the centuries-long parade of sky gazers who have looked up and let their imaginations soar.

Discovery Space Center

Space Mission 28-Piece Playset

(Hape)

Crafted with wood and child-safe paints, rope-cranked elevators and lots of movable pieces, the Center is none-the-less very easy to assemble in minutes. Designed with a eye toward play, the set is less scientific and more geared toward generating kindergarten age storytelling. The hallmark of this play set is the creative pretend scenarios children can craft within the space center setting.

Without batteries, noise makers and lights, this playset gives all the power to the child to make his own narrative for the characters in the space program. Including soft pose-able astronauts, an alien, and featuring a detachable shuttle for away missions, the Hape Discovery Space Center is a fun launch for top flight space play!

(Daron)

The road to space has been a long one with magnificent achievements along the way. The range of vehicles and programs represented in this one 28-piece set make it a fantastic introduction to man’s journey into the final frontier. With rockets, command modules, rovers and a range of transport vehicles, the history of space exploration is covered from lift off to lunar landings. Along the lines of matchbox cars, some of the vehicles in the set are die-cast metal, while others are plastic and rubber. While the models are not near to scale rockets would normally far outsize the vehicles, and the space stations are smaller than they would be in comparison – this lack of scale is strongly offset by the strength of the variety included in the Space Mission 28-piece Playset.

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

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Most Kumon Centers are franchises, which are individually owned and operated.

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by Varina Mead

Understanding social cues and forging new friendships can be challenging and scary for special needs children. It is the very personal interaction between two people that has the potential to cause anxiety. Helping your child build social skills will help with family relationships, peer/classroom interaction, and their future jobs. Social skills help us positively bond and interact with those around us and is a “language” that children learn differently.

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There are rules of communication… so many rules! Make eye contact with the person talking. Take turns in talking (sharing). Stay on topic. Listen actively. Sit or stand close enough to the person talking, responding to questions when asked, reading facial expressions…it can be a lot to remember if you really think about it! It is something that some children will pick up easily just by observation, while others may need a bit more instruction.

Here, we will go over some of “the rules” associated with social skills, as it relates to special needs children, and how to encourage these interactions.

Dr. David Bicard, ABA Therapist with Great Leaps Learning Center reminds us: www.montgomeryparents.com

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“Use teachable moments as often as you can. Social skills training is best done at a dinner table or when you’re getting ready to get into a car, cleaning a room, at grandma’s house, etc. There are a million opportunities every day to use social skills that most people take for granted. Social skills teaching opportunities have to be planned for when working with children who have disabilities, because it is a skill they have difficulty with naturally understanding.”

Using everyday opportunities is valuable. Kathy Welch, Director of Speech Pathology at Easter Seals Central Alabama, gives us an example, “Each day when “James” comes to speech therapy I encourage him to look at the receptionist and greet her using good eye contact, then as we go to the hall door James is asked to hold the door for (me) to come through. If there are other people in the hallway that speak to James he is reminded to look at them and greet them. We have been doing this for several months and now James no longer needs prompting to greet, give eye contact or hold the door for others.”

Patience, persistence and encouragement is key!

The Do’s

Eye Contact: Eye contact is used to convey listening and value. Everybody likes to be heard, and eye contact helps reassure the speaker that he or she is being listened to! Below are some methods used by families and professionals to help encourage eye contact when working with children: The sticker method: Place a sticker on your forehead. Sit down at eye level with the child and engage them in eye contact, even if only building up to 60 seconds.

Encourage them to continue to look at the sticker as long as they can. Once you feel your child has become more comfortable looking at the target, you can begin to involve conversation.

Puppets: Puppets are a fun and nonthreatening tool that can be used to help develop eye contact when held near your face. This encourages the child to interact with an object with the goal to lead up to making eye contact with you while you talk. Having your child talk to a picture of a person may be helpful as well, possibly making it less intimidating.

Another tool can be to use social outings to “people watch” and/or watch television with your child while pointing out the social skills you are working on. Drawing attention to two individuals, who are 53

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Make a big deal out of it. When your child is able to maintain eye contact for the desired amount of time, rewards work best!

You can verbally reward the child such as “Way to look my way!”, a high five, or a treat such as a sticker, M&M or whatever currency your child will respond to. Just make sure that you convey how proud you are of them (all while making eye contact, of course)!

Group stories: This can be a fun, entertaining and very easy tool. One person starts off a story (keeping it limited to a few sentences); then “passes the story off” to the next person, who adds more to the story; then on to the next person!

Everybody involved would have to have a clear understanding that it is a fun “game” and that nobody can get mad if the story doesn’t go the way they want it to. Keep it silly and fun. This can be a wonderful game to play while in the car or waiting at the doctor’s office or at your favorite restaurant.

Taking turns: Taking turns when talking is a skill learned in real life that needs real practice. Below, you will find some helpful ideas for helping your child understand this process.

Board games: This is a fun activity for everybody that encourages taking turns.

Certain toys such as building blocks can encourage teamwork as you work on building something together!

Talking Stick: A talking stick is an old Native American tool used for speaking. One person has the opportunity to talk while holding the stick, while the others must remain silent.

The use of a social story: “Using social stories at home and in therapy are a perfect way to address possible social situations, which may arise in a child’s day-to-day life. By role playing or reading a social story, the child can work through these situations and learn how to react or handle possible social problems, such as bullying, understanding body language, or classroom etiquette.

The use of social stories is not limited to the Autism Spectrum population. These social stories are beneficial for any child with difficulty in social relationships, attention, or classroom participation,” states Caroline Stough, Speech Pathologist with Easter Seals Central Alabama.

looking at each other’s faces while talking, can help reinforce the lessons you are trying to teach.

Timers: An hourglass or other visual timer can be a useful tool when helping children understand the dance of language. The visual cue allows the child to see how much time they have to talk, or how much time the other person has to talk. While one person is talking, the other person must practice their listening skills. Should you feel your child may become anxious while waiting, consider use of a soothing item or “stimming” item to help alleviate the anxiety until it is their turn.

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There are a wide variety of social stories available through many books and websites. You can also learn how to create your own unique social story for your unique situation. At the bottom of this article, you will find some helpful websites and books to help you identify the social story that may fit your child’s need.

The Don’ts: Don’t criticize. Your child is learning a new skill. Although it can require a great deal of patience, understanding, and perseverance on your part, make sure to keep any frustrations you have “in check”.

Criticizing your child can lead to self-consciousness, inappropriate behavior, and resentment. Try to find ways to encourage yourself as well as your child!

Don’t look away. For busy parents who are cooking dinner, going through mail, on the computer or involved in other numerous tasks, be mindful of making eye contact every time you interact with your child.

Try not to yell down the hall or speak to them while loading clothes into the dryer.

Be sure to look at your child when they are talking to you, and have them look at you (as much as possible).

Helpful Websites: - speakingofspeech.com - oneplaceforspecialneeds.com - supportingautismspectrum.weebly.com - livingwellwithautism.com - nationalautismresources.com mp Varina Mead is the Director of Marketing at Easter Seals Central Alabama.

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8 Ways to Transition Your Summer Clothes to Fall Fall is fast approaching and that means our temperatures will soon be slowly dropping (and living in the South I do mean “slowly”). I know we are all tired of the hot, humid weather at this point and dreaming of piling on the layers in the fall.

However, with this slow weather change, we really need to keep in mind that we can’t quite pull out the boots, heavy sweaters, and jackets just yet. That said, we are already seeing a lot of fall trends pop up in our favorite retail stores or online shopping stores. This also makes us excited about fall approaching.

Let me give you some styling tips to slowly transition those light layers without feeling like you are going to melt away.

And I’ll help you save money when it comes to those seasonal trends.

1-Reinvent your clothes before you buy new.

If you’re on the fence about whether or not to get rid of certain items, or buy new ones, then research a little. Find out what trends you like and try recreating these styles with items you have in your closet. You can also pull out a lot of styles you wore last year and incorporate them into current trends.

2- Pack away anything that looks like “summer” such as linen shorts and pants, sun dresses, flip flops and a few of your sandals.

Montgomery Parents I September 2015

3- Keep out anything made with silk and cotton (blouses, dresses, blazers, and T-shirts, which can be worn all year round).

These are great pieces to layer when it comes to your fall and winter wardrobe.

4- Transition accessories.

I always tell my clients that accessories can really change up an outfit. This goes for seasonal style changes, too. Fun statement piece necklaces can change out that summer blouse to a fashion forward fall trend. And the best part about having accessories is that you don’t have to break the bank for that simple style change.

5- Incorporate light layers.

Soft cardigans and summer scarves are the perfect layering pieces for the fall. You certainly do not want anything heavy when the weather warms up during the day. It’s nice to have layers to take on and off. Also, just because you bought a scarf or cardigan in the spring doesn’t mean you can’t style them for fall or winter.

6- Change your shoes.

When the beginning of October hits, I say that’s the time to store up your sandals and flip flops. Find a fun flat that you can throw on for all your casual outfits. You may even want to pull out your favorite casual ankle boots for those cooler days.

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Ankle boots are great to pair with your short or long dresses, and even a fitted pant.

7- Add fall colors.

Find out what fall colors are trending this season and combine them with your summer and spring colors. By doing this it will help guide you in the right direction when it comes to saving money and time on your seasonal trends.

Take a blush color dress, for instance. It was perfect for summer, but don’t feel like you need to tuck it away because fall is here. If you add some heavier textures and jewel tones, you’ll be able to transition it to the fall.

8- Don’t be afraid to break the “rules”.

Finally, one of the reasons fall shopping can be so expensive and stressful are all the supposed “rules” that surround dressing for cooler weather. When you live in the South a lot of those rules are tossed right out the window. Don’t spend too much time thinking about whether or not an outfit is fall-appropriate, but if it’s weather-appropriate and it makes you feel great, regardless of all the fashion rules.

Laura Handey is an independent clothing consultant in Pike Road, Alabama.

You may reach her by email at laura@ centsiblysouthern. com or visit her website and read her blogs at www.centsiblysouthern.com.

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sages and made notes in the margins. I created an impressive section of resources in my personal library about each of my kids’ special needs.

During each visit I asked my child’s therapists about treatment and outcomes, recommendations of what to read, what I might expect, and clarification of my questions. I did the same with my daughter’s teachers and therapists when she attended developmental preschool. I took notes, notebooks full of notes. I was driven by my love for her as well as trying to assure she was physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe.

Parents are natural advocates for their children. We love our children, and we want the best for them.

As a mother of four children, three with special needs, I know how important it is to advocate for my children. There is no one who will be more committed to making sure my children have access to the support, treatment, and education they are guaranteed more than me.

My youngest daughter was my second child to be diagnosed with special needs (each of my kids have different special needs). I was at first overwhelmed by my lack of knowledge and intimidated by how to best advocate for what she would require in school, when I did not yet know myself. I chose to dive in. Great hope impelled me.

First steps: accept your child’s diagnosis and become the expert about it. Gather information about your child’s special needs diagnosis, recommended remedial techniques, and treatment. Learn all you can about your child’s special needs. Break the information into terms that you can understand. This will help others appreciate your child’s special needs when you share the information with them.

I needed to fully comprehend my daughter’s diagnosis and the recommended care and treatments (therapies). I felt I would be a far more effective advocate for my child if my knowledge about my child’s special need bordered on encyclopedic. I fast-tracked my education. I purchased books, highlighted passages, and wrote in the margins where I required further clarification, discovered something I desired to learn more about, or wanted to share with others. I went online to reputable websites and printed out articles. And similar to my expanding collection of books about my daughter’s special needs, I highlighted pasMontgomery Parents I September 2015

Become über-organized.

I purchased two 3-inch, 3-ring binders and index pages with pockets. One binder contained written records-sections for my child’s initial diagnosis and follow-up reports; therapy goals and therapy progress reports; copies of bills; medical paperwork; IEPs (Individualized Education Plans)--the original and future updates; and teacher emails, notes, and cards, etc. The other binder was my personal “education primer.” It held 3-holed college lined paper full of my journal entries; questions and the answers to them; definitions of terms--technical and layman; and highlighted recommended resources; and the printed articles about the diagnosis my child had been given. I made sure every paper that went into both binders was dated.

Learn about your child’s rights.

Legally, children with special needs are entitled to an “appropriate” education. Your child should have access to “specially designed instruction” (20 U.S.C. §1401) to meet their unique needs. Learn what this means for your child.

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Become competent about the “rules of the game.” Research and understand your state’s and the federal education laws and regulations. These federal laws apply to children with special needs: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) http://idea.ed.gov The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/disability/ada.htm Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/civilrights/resources/ factsheets/504.pdf

Do a search in your library or online to learn about cases similar to your child’s to answer your questions. Be informed about the procedures you must follow in your school to protect your child’s rights and yours.

Print the legal rights, regulations and procedures out. Add these to the binder that has your child’s diagnosis information.

Be prepared.

Build healthy relationships with your child’s team--therapists, doctors, and school. This encompasses preparation and planning for meetings with your child’s doctors, therapist, and teachers and aides. Be polite, firm, and persistent.

Create a meeting agenda with your objectives: items such as addressing issues or test scores, clarifying treatment or goals, identifying problems, proposing solutions, or to firm up agreements. Focus on solutions. Share this ahead of time with the team members you are meeting with.

This allows them to be prepared as well.

Take care of yourself.

Parenting a child with special needs is challenging, sometimes downright exhausting. We moms typically give and give, until there is little to nothing left to give. And then we find we cannot be the parents we wish to be for our kids.

Give yourself permission to put yourself first for a minimum of an hour each day. Have someone you trust watch your child if she or he is at home while you embrace “me” time. Take a walk; sit in silence, garden, or do yoga. Do something that will replenish your mama stores and bring you back to balance. mp Judy M. Miller is a freelance writer living in the Midwest with her husband and four children. She is a Gottman Educator and the author of What To Expect From Your Adopted Tween, a guide for adoptive parents, and Writing to Heal Adoption Grief: Making Connections & Moving Forward, a workbook for older adopted teens and adopted adults.

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SCHOOLS/TUTORING Churchill Academy

(ad on page 15) 395 Ray Thorington Rd., (334) 270.4225 Churchill Academy was founded in 1996 to educate the many children in Montgomery and surrounding areas with unique learning differences that range from Attention Deficit Disorder to Learning Disabled to Gifted. We believe strongly that early intervention is essential to maximize the success of every child with special learning needs. Our youngest classroom, classroom A, identifies areas of strength and weakness in our 6 & 7 year olds and provides appropriate remedial instruction. Please visit us at www. Churchillacademymontgomery.com.

Success Unlimited

(ad on page 29) 2328 Fairlane Campus, (334) 213.0803 and 4500 Vaughn Road. Success Unlimited Academy is dedicated to teaching all children. In our Special Education Achievement Class, we have provided a special place of learning for those who need more one-on-one instruction and individualized lesson plans. Please visit our website at www.suacademy.com.

Sylvan Learning Center (ad on page 43) 2640 Zelda Rd., (334) 651.0359 Study skills, (courses for credit) writing/grammar, reading, math and SAT/ACT college preparation. Also individualized tutoring. Diagnostic

Huntington Learning Center

(ad on page 19) 2800 Zelda Rd., (334) 277.9200.

Several teachers on staff with Special Education needs. Tutoring in reading, study skills, writing, phonics, spelling, math and ACT/ SAT prep, GED and exit exam.

Students ages 5 - adult.

Abrakadoodle Susan Parker, (334) 265.5758 Offer several enrichment programs in Montgomery’s public and private school settings as well as daycares. We offer autism and special needs classes, which are not limited by age. Please visit us at www. abrakadoodle.com/al01 or email sparker@abrakadoodle.com.

(ad on page 51) 1655 Perry Hill Rd, (334) 279.1400. After school learning program for long term solution.

We prepare your child to be a more independent learner in Reading and Math and developing their learning attitude. Kumon is one of the world’s largest afterschool programs. Please call or visit us at www.kumon.com/ montgomery-central.

(ad on page 51) 8125 Vaughn Rd, (334) 649.1178. Afterschool academic enrichment program that helps children achieve success. The Kumon Math program develops necessary skills to help children progress from counting through calculus. The Kumon Reading program begins with basic phonics and progresses all the way through advanced reading comprehension.

Please call us or visit our website at www. kumon.com.

Mathnasium

(ad on page 14) 3457 Taylor Road, (334) 356.1570. We specialize in teaching kids math the way that makes sense to them. We provide: Expert tutors, Custom learning plans and personalized instruction, and Homework help. Please call Monica Virgil at (334) 356.1570 or visit us at www.mathnasium.com/eastmontgomery.

Montgomery Parents I September 2015

Prattville Area (334) 361.3609 Overlook Memorial , 299 Jay Street, handicap accessible, swings.

Pratt Park Child Place, 460 Doster Road, handicap accessible, swings.

Spinner’s Park, 390 West 6th Street, Metal slides for cochlear implants.

RECREATION & ENRICHMENT

Kumon of MontgomeryCentral

Kumon Reading and Math Center

Therapeutic Recreation Center, 604 August St., 240.4595 (Frederick Thomas) one of Montgomery’s proudest accomplishments, makes recreation accessible to our city’s special population. The center offers a 26,000 square foot facility that is barrier free, and features a large gymnasium, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, weight room, game rooms, meeting rooms, locker rooms and a kitchen. Spring Prom and Special Olympic competitions are held here. Please visit Parks and Recreation at www.montgomeryal.gov for more information.

Access To Recreation Provides exercise and recreational equipment for people with disabilities. 8 Sandra Ct., Newbury Park, CA. (800) 634.4351. www. accesstr.com. evaluation. Students improve skills, becoming more motivated and gaining in self-confidence.

Certified teachers.

PARKS & RECREATION Montgomery Area Vaughn Road Park, 3620 Vaughn Road – Boundless Playground Ida Belle Young Park, 5400 Vaughn Road – Sight Impaired Playground Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, Alabama 36110, (334) 240.4900 Montgomery Zoo is open year round with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day. The zoo opens at 9:00 am and closes at 5:00 pm. The Montgomery Zoo is handicap accessible. Wheelchairs are available for rental at the Zoofari Gift Shop. The play area does have handicap accessible swings.

Thompson Park, 1655 Ray Thorington Road – “No Limits” Miracle Field Playground and Miracle League Ball Field.

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Alabama Angels Pageant Renee Lantz (334) 300.9238. The Alabama Angels Pageant is a pageant specifically for individuals with special needs, both male and female of any age. Please check back with our website for the 2016 date to be announced.

Anyone with a medically diagnosed physical or intellectual impairment is invited to participate.

Registration is free. Participants will receive free hair and makeup and then enjoy a short rider in a limo before being dropped off at the red carpet premier. There are only 100 spots available.

Registration can be done online at www.angelspageantsystem.com. For more information on donations, registration, or volunteer opportunities contact Renee Lantz at (334) 300.9238 or Tanya Murphy at (334) 799.7119. Please visit our local website at www.alabamaangels.org.

Armory Athletics Center (334) 241.2789, 1018 Madison Avenue. Classes offered and combined. Case to case basis upon the need of extra coaches. Please call for more information. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Boy Scouts of America 3067 Carter Hill Rd., (334) 262.2697. We provide an educational and social program for boys and young adults.

Dream Court, Inc.

(ad on page 3) (334) 414-1980. Sharing hope, changing lives.

Aadaptive tennis program in Montgomery, AL for children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. Dream Court provides an opportunity for individuals with intellectual and/ physical disabilities a chance to play the lifetime sport of tennis. Dream Court focuses on inclusion, active lifestyle, positive self esteem, appropriate social behavior, and having fun while learning the sport of tennis. Our dates for Fall 2015 are September 5,12,19, 26 and Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 at 1655 Ray Thorington Rd., Pike Road, Alabama. Visit our website at www.dreamcourt. org or find us on Facebook: Dream Court Family Karate Center Carole Coker, (334) 277.4911; 8159 Vaughn Road. Next door to Jalapenos, Peppertree Shopping Center. Only karate center that specializes in teaching special needs students- autistic, Asperger’s Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder, ADHD, Down Syndrome, Hearing and Visually impaired, all wheel chairs welcome. Call today for registration and information. We are the only Montgomery school with a Master degree Instructor who specializes in special need children.

There is no extra cost for the special needs child. A FREE gift for all new enrollments.

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (334) 272.9164, 145 Coliseum Boulevard, Montgomery, AL 36109 Helps girls self value, social and volunteering skills through troop service.

M.A.N.E.

(ad on page 24) 3699 Wallahatchie Rd., Pike Rd. (334) 213.0909; The Montgomery Area Non-traditional Equestrians is dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with a wide range of disabilities through safe and effective therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, and equine-assisted learning activities. Please visit our website at http:// maneweb.org.

Melodic Vibes

(ad on page 30) 8449 Crossland Loop, Suite 103 and 105. Kim Vaughn, (334) 220.0468MELODICViBES, LLC is designed to provide opportunities for students to learn, create, and demonstrate their talents.

We encourage an atmosphere that inspires creativity, promotes focus, and fuels dreams.

We strengthen development and growth of the whole person, while gaining a genuine appreciation of the arts. Classes offered for special needs and children with disabilities. Please visit us on Facebook at MelodicVibes, LLC. Montgomery Miracle League The Miracle League provides an opportunity

for children and adults with physical and/or cognitive disabilities a chance to play baseball.

Please visit us on Facebook under Montgomery Miracle League.

Special Olympics Alabama 880 South Court Street, Montgomery, AL (334) 242.3383. Offers year-round sports training and athletic competitions in 18 individual and team Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Please visit us at http://specialolympicsalabama.com/.

Storybook Farms 300 Cusseta Road - Opelika, AL 36801 (334) 444.5966. www.hopeonhorseback.org ; 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.

Therapeutic Recreation Center 604 August St., (334) 240.4575 One of Montgomery’s proudest accomplishments, makes recreation accessible to our city’s special population. The center offers a 26,000

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square foot facility that is barrier free, and features a large gymnasium, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, weight room, game rooms, meeting rooms, locker rooms and a kitchen.

Spring Prom and Special Olympic competitions are held here.

RECREATIONAL CAMPS Camp Smile-a-Mile Alabama’s Program for Children with Cancer 1(888) 500.7920; Camp Smile-A-Mile’s mission is to provide year round challenging, unforgettable recreational and educational experiences for young cancer patients, their families as well as young adult survivors from Alabama at not cost to the families. The 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. Camp Smile-A-Mile, located in downtown Birmingham by Children’s of Alabama, has year round programming including seven annual sessions at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin. The use of this facility is donated. 1 (334) 500.7920.

Please visit us at www.campsam.org.

Camp Sugar Falls & Camp Seale Harris (205) 402.0415; www.southeasterndiabetes.org. provides our 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.

Easter Seals Camp ASSCA

(ad on page 40) (256) 825.9226; www.campascca.org. 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. Providing weekend and week long sessions- open year-round. Located in Alabama on Lake Martin, offers campers a wide variety of recreational and educational activities. Activities include horseback riding, fishing, tubing, swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, canoeing, a “splash pad”, outdoor adventure elements like the zip-line, and much more.

Lakeshore Foundation (205) 313.7400; www.lakeshore.org; 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.

SUPPORT & EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities RSA Union Building, 100 North Union Street, Post Office Box 301410 Montgomery, Alabama 36130-1410 Phone: (334) 242.3973, Toll-

Free: (800) 232.2158, FAX: (334) 242.0797 Email:addpc@mh.state.al.us.

Dianne Craft – Child Diagnostics (303) 694.0532. Wonderful website filled with information, articles, resources for learning disabilities, dyslexia, auditory processing, right/left brain learning. Nutritional therapy and supplement recommendations. You can purchase Dianne’s DVDs, CDs, Books, vitamins, and other various products through her online store.

Please visit http://www.diannecraft.org.

Easter Seals Alabama

(ad on page 48) 2125 East South Boulevard, Montgomery, AL 36116; (334) 288.0240 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, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Hearing Therapy, Job Training and Employment, Child Care & Camping and Recreation.

The Listening Program (888) 228.1798 The Listening Program (TLP) is a music listening therapy that provides engaging brain stimulation to improve performance in school, work and life. It gently trains the auditory system to accurately process sound. Auditory processing problems can lead to academic, emotional, cognitive and social challenges,

The Dentists of Montgomery Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, P.C. want you to...

J. David Stanley, D.M.D.

R. Davis Denney, D.M.D.

Montgomery Location 2600 Bell Road Montgomery, AL 36117 (334) 277-6690

Robert H. Owen, Jr. D.M.D., M.S. Prattville Location 460 McQueen Smith Road Prattville, AL 36066 (334) 358-6411

Follow us on www.SmilesFromUs.com

Montgomery Parents I September 2015

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including problems with ADD, Listening, Speech & language, memory, communication, Social skills, reading, Sensory Integration, Balance and coordination and self regulation. Auditory processing problems are often found in children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD, dyslexia and learning disabilities. Please visit us at www.thelisteningprogram.com for more information.

March of Dimes Alabama Chapter Birmingham, Al. (205) 824.0103; www.marchofdimes.com; Central Division in Montgomery, Al. (334) 277.6910 Service Dogs Alabama 3066 Zelda Road, Suite 313, Montgomery, AL; (334) 462.2463. Service Dogs Alabama is a multi-functional Service Dog training organization including K-9s 4 Kids. We are the only non-profit organization in Alabama who trains Service Dogs a child’s specific needs and gives them to their families free of charge. We train Service Dogs for Asperger’s Syndrome, wheelchair assistance, balance and mobility, Diabetic Alert, and seizure assistance. Please visit our website at www.ServiceDogsAlabama.com The Southeast ADA Center Atlanta, GA. (800) 949.4232; www.ada. southeast.org; The Center provides information, training, and guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and disability access.

The Center serves eight states in the Southeast Region including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

NUTRITION Health Wise 277.9925, 5147 Atlanta Highway. Provides nutritional supplements for children and adults with ciliac disease, autism, ADD/ADHD and other learning disabilities. We offer a wide variety organic, egg free, gluten free food products for individuals with celiac disease and autism.

Please visit us at www.healthwisefoods.com.

Herb Shop, The 271.2882 8151 Vaughn Rd. We have a whole section dedicated to special needs and learning disabilities. Please visit our store for individual supplement recommendations.

Lee Silsby, Compound Pharmacy (800) 918.8831, Compounding Pharmacy focusing on children with Autism. Please visit www. leesilsby.com.

Our Kids (877) 533.7457, 3216 Silsby Rd. Cleveland Hts., OH 44118 Our Kids was founded as the result of the joy Lee Silsby Compounding Pharmacy experiences in working with Autistic children.

Our Kids focuses 100% of their product line exclusively on supplements for Autistic children and designing innovative, high quality products.

Please visit us at www.ourkidsasd.com.

HOOPER ACADEMY Grade Levels K-12

Please visit and see what we have to offer your family!

Early Learning Center 6 weeks thru K-4; Before & After School Care If you have any questions please contact Hooper Academy at (334) 288-5980.

Hooper is located at 380 Fisher Road, Hope Hull, Alabama, just off I-65 South.

Headmaster: Greg Faulkner • Asst. Headmaster/Athletic Director: Keith Moore 334-288-5980 • www.hooperacademy.org • HCAinfo@hooperacademy.org

SPEECH THERAPY AUM Speech and Hearing Clinic 7177 Halcyon Summit Drive, 244.3408 AUMSHC is a full-service speech and hearing clinic. We have been in operation since 1975.

We offer speech and hearing diagnostic testing and rehabilitative therapy, as well as hearing aid services. We are a non-profit research/teaching organization, associated with the university.

We train students in communication disorders and supervise doctoral level students from main campus that do clinical rotations here with us in their second year. We proudly serve the AUM family and surrounding River Region communities. Our patients are all ages from birth and up. Please visit us on Facebook at www. facebook.com/aumshc 63

Comprehensive Therapy Center Baptist Speech and Hearing Clinic (334) 244.8345. Baptist East Hospital, 400 Taylor Road. Provide speech, hearing, OT and physical therapy department and swallow and feeding therapy. We see patients from birth to geriatric.

Only facility offering families and the communities of central Alabama comprehensive rehabilitation services. Individualized treatment is provided by experienced and licensed occupational, physical and speech therapists.

Easter Seals Central Alabama

(ad on page 48) (334) 288.0240; 2125 E South Blvd., Montgomery Our goal is to provide quality life enhancing programs and services to meet the individual needs of our consumers. ESCA offers the following www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

programs; Janice Capilouto Center for the Deaf, Speech Therapy, Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic, Vocational Evaluation, PACE Program, Job Placement, CAN Certification, Learning Disabilities Evaluation, and CARE. Please call or visit us at www.eastersealsca.org.

Prattville Baptist Speech and Hearing (334) 358.6501. 635 McQueen Smith Road, Suite D. Center for Advanced Therapy. Provide speech, hearing, OT and physical therapy department.

Speech and Hearing, Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama (256) 325.8885; Info@AlabamaSHAA.org www.alabamashaa.org

EARLY INTERVENTION Alabama Institute for the Deaf & Blind (256) 761.3200, 205 South Street, Talladega, AL. AIDB is the most comprehensive education, rehabilitation and service system serving children and adults who are deaf, blind and multi-disabled.

Children ages 3 to 21 are served through the Alabama School for the Deaf, the Alabama School for the Blind and the Helen Keller School of Alabama.

Please call or visit our website at www.aidb.org.

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind 334-262-0824 Serving Lee County and the surrounding area. Missy Byrd.Missy@aidb.state.al.us

Montgomery Parents I September 2015

or serving the Opelika area Robin Blake at Blake.

Robin@aidb.state.al.us serving the Auburn area Alabama School for the Blind- 705 South Street East, Talladega, Al. (256) 761.3259 Alabama School for the Deaf- 205 South Street East, Talladega, Al. (256) 761.3212 Helen Keller School of Alabama- 1101 Fort Lashley Avenue, Talladega, Al. (256) 761.3377 or visit us at www.aidb.org/helen-keller-school-of-alabama.

Child Find (800) 543.3098 Child Find is the process used in Alabama for identifying all children who may be eligible for services and referring them to Alabama’s Early Intervention System.

The Children’s Center of Montgomery 310 North Madison Terrace, (334) 262.4850, Montgomery Public School for Special Needs. Offer services for cognitive delayed or multi-handicapped.

Please call or visit us at www.children.mps-al.org/.

Easter Seals Central Alabama

(ad on page 48) (334) 288.0240; 2125 East South Blvd, Montgomery Our goal is to provide quality life enhancing programs and services to meet the individual needs of our consumers. ESCA offers the following programs: Janice Capilouto Center for the Deaf, Speech Therapy, Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic, Vocational Evaluation, PACE Program, Job Placement, CAN Certification, Learning Disabilities Evaluation, and CARE. Please call or visit us at www.easterseals.com.

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The PLAY Project Wiggles & Giggles (334) 264.8887, 1031 Oak Street, Montgomery.

Play and Language for Autistic Youngster. Our program emphasizes the importance of helping parents become their child’s best P.L.A.Y. partner. Please visit us at www.playproject.org PPEI Early Intervention (334) 832.1080, 310 North Madison Terrace, Montgomery. Early Intervention

Precision Medical Solutions, LLP

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2 Locations: 2515 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn.

334-826-0078 and 119 Market Place, Montgomery.

334-260-3767. www.precisionmedicalsolutions.com Brace Yourself for Life! Precision Medical Solutions strives to provide help to hurting people during their times of need. We carry a complete line of bracing, for children and adults, for most every part of the body.

United Cerebral of Central Alabama Horizon EI Program, (334) 271.2280, 2520 Fairlane Dr., Suite 360, Montgomery, AL, Early Intervention

PUBLICATIONS ADDitude Magazine (888) 762.8475 Bi-monthly lifestyle magazine for individuals with ADD/ADHD. additudemag.com.

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(334) 834.2501 or visit www.alabamapta.org American Foundation for the Blind 100 Peachtree Street, Suite 620, Atlanta, Ga. 1(404) 525.2303

Developmental Disabilities Council Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities -Montgomery, AL (800) 232.2158; http://acdd.org

Exceptional Parent Magazine 1(877) 372.7368 Monthly publication that provides information, support, ideas, encouragement and outreach for parents and families of children with disabilities and the professionals who work with them. Please visit us at www. exceptionalparent.com.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (800) 638.8255. Committed to ensuring that all people with speech, language, and hearing disorders receive services to help them communicate effectively. http://www.asha.org/public/

Governor’s Office on Disabilities Montgomery, AL. (888) 879.3582 Provide information on Disabilities.

ALABAMA RESOURCES Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (334) 293.7500 or (800) 441.7607 (Montgomery office); (800) 205.9986 (Alabama’s Toll Free Hotline for ADA Information); www.rehab.state.al.us/ada Alabama Alliance for the Mentally Ill 396.4797, 1401 I-85 Parkway Suite A, Montgomery. www.namialabama.org Alabama’s Early Intervention System and Department of Rehabilitation Services Birth-3 years. (334) 293.7500. Programs for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities, 602 South Lawrence Street, Montgomery. Please visit us at www.rehab. alabama.gov Alabama PTA 470 S. Union St. Montgomery

Arc of Alabama 557 South Lawrence Street, Montgomery (334) 262.7688. Advocates for people with disabilities. Visit us at www.thearcofalabama.com Blind or Visually Impaired, Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind www.AIDB.org Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind- Mobile, AL; (251) 432.7777 Career & Technical Education Alabama State Department of Education- Montgomery, AL; (334) 242.9111; www.alsde.edu/ Client Assistance Program Department of Rehabilitation Services, Montgomery (800) 228.3231 Developmental Disabilities Alabama Dept of Mental Health-Montgomery, Al. (334) 242.3454; www.mh.alabama.gov/

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Medicaid Waivers These waivers help those families who make too much money for Medicaid but “fall through the cracks” of their insurance.

Alabama Department of Public Services, (334) 293-7160, Ask for sail waiver program.

State of Alabama of Independent living waiver – (800) 441.7607 Mental Health Rep. for Children/Youth Office of Children’s Services/ Alabama Department of Mental Health-Montgomery, AL. (334) 242.3454; www.mh.alabama.gov Montgomery Scottish Rite Learning Center (334) 277.8109, 565 Eastern Blvd., Montgomery. Testing for children up to 9th grade with dyslexia.

Programs for Children with Disabilities Ages 3-5, P.O. Box 302101, Montgomery, (334) 242.8114 or (800) 392.8020

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Protection and Advocacy Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP)The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL. (800) 826.1675; www.adap.net Respite Care 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. Please visit us at http://alabamarespite.org. Birmingham, Al.; 1(866).RESTALA ; alabamarespite@aol.com Southeast ADA Center 1419 Mayson Street, Atlanta, GA 30324; (800) 949.4232; www.facebook.com/southeastadacenter or www.adasoutheast.org Special Education Services Alabama Department of Education- Montgomery, Al. (800) 392.8020; www.alsde.edu/ Special Format Library Alabama Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. 6030 Monticello Drive , Montgomery, AL 36130-6000; (800) 392.5671; www.afb.org Special Health Care Needs Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services/ Children’s Rehabilitation Service- Mont-

gomery, AL; (800) 441.7607; www.rehab. alabama.gov/crs State Department of Education: Special Education P.O. Box 302101, Montgomery, (334) 242.8114 or (800) 392.8020.

State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (334) 293.7500. 602 South Lawrence Street, Montgomery. Please visit us at www.rehab. alabama.gov Technology- STAR (Statewide Technology Access and Response for Alabamians with Disabilities)-Montgomery, AL; (800) 782.7656 ; www.rehab.alabama.gov/star University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Civitan International Research Center-University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham, AL 35294-0021; (800) 822.2472; www.circ.uab.edu

DISABILITY-SPECIFIC RESOURCES ADD/ADHD

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (C.H.A.D.D) (800) 233.4050; Provides education, advocacy

and support for individuals with AD/HD. In addition to our informative Web site, CHADD also publishes a variety of printed materials to keep members and professionals current on research advances, medications and treatments affecting individuals with AD/HD. Please visit us at www.chadd.org.

Feingold Association of the United States (631) 369.9340, 11849 Suncatcher Drive, Fishers, IN 46037. Provides informational materials, online/ telephone support, and resources. Helps families introduce low-additive dietary programs for children with learning/behavior problems and chemically sensitive adults. www.feingold.org.

Learning Disabilities Assoc. of America (412) 341.1515 Offers support programs for parents, an information and referral network, legislation and school program development. www. ldaamerica.org.

Autism

Alabama Autism & Asperger’s Statewide Info & Support Network Website offers videos, articles, forums, groups, chats, bulletin board, links and resources. Please visit www.alabamaautism.org.

Autism Society of America (800) 328.8476 Provides services in the areas of advocacy, education, awareness and research.

4340 East-West Hwy., Ste. 350, Bethesda, MD. www.autism-society.org.

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Autism Society of Alabama

(ad on page 23) (205) 951.1364. Provide a resource list of services that have been recommended by families and professionals, support groups, lending library, newsletter and Education & Awareness. Please visit our website at www. autism-alabama.org.

Autism Alabama (334) 242.8114, is an initiative of Special Education Services, Alabama Department of Education, to provide on-line training resources for parents and educational professionals on autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). www. alex.state.al.us/autismAL.

Easter Seals Central Alabama

(ad on page 48) (334) 288.0240; 2125 E South Blvd., Montgomery. Our goal is to provide quality life enhancing programs and services to meet the individual needs of our consumers. ESCA offers the following programs; Janice Capilouto Center for the Deaf, Speech Therapy, Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic, Vocational Evaluation, PACE Program, Job Placement, CAN Certification, Learning Disabilities Evaluation, and CARE. Please call or visit us at www. eastersealsca.org.

TACA (Talk About Curing Autism) (855) 726.7810, TACA is a not-for-profit foundation of families helping families affected by autism. TACA Alabama Chapter meets in Birmingham/Huntsville/Tuscaloosa area. TACA aims to speed up the cycle from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments. TACA holds monthly meetings throughout the United States that feature educational speakers on important topics and allow family members to connect with one another and stay on top of the latest news in the autism world. Members can check out books on Autism and DVDs/CDs. Please visit us at www. tacanow.org (Alabama Chapter).

Cerebral Palsy

4 My Child 1(800) 692.4453. Provides provide all families of children of special needs with Help and Hope For Life. Please visit us at http://www.cerebralpalsy.org.

United Cerebral Palsy 2520 Fairlane Dr Suite 360, (334) 271.2280 Leading service provider and advocate for adults and children with disabilities, including cerebral palsy. Please visit us at www.ucpmobile.org.

Dyslexia

Alabama Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (855) 247.1381, 280 Marwood Drive , Birmingham, AL 35244. We are here to help improve the lives of individuals with dyslexia through education, legislation and services. For more information or to contact us please email info@idaalabama.org or visit www.idaalabama.org/contact.htm.

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International Dyslexia Association (410) 296.0232. Offers information on products, an online store, conferences, support groups and more for children, teens, college students, parents and educators. Www.interdys.org.

Learning Disabilities Association of Alabama (Montgomery) (334) 277.9151; Non-profit grassroots organization whose members are individuals with learning disabilities, their families, and the professionals who work with them.

Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome Alabama Birmingham (PADS) Parent Advocates Down Syndrome (205) 988.0810 Promote awareness and acceptance, and advocacy for individuals.

Offers education and support for individuals. www.downsyndromealabama.org.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. (Families Reaching, Influencing, Educating, and Networking for Down Syndrome), local organization for families, friends and advocates who love an individual with Down Syndrome.

Please visit us at http://www.downsyndromefriends.org.

Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group (334) 356.9048. Provides family support, education, links and social opportunities. www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama (800) 626.1582 Mission is to educate and support individuals with epilepsy and their families. Provide services and programs; educating and increasing awareness about epilepsy; providing leadership in advocacy for epilepsy issues. http://www.epilepsyfoundationalabama.org.

Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular Dystrophy Association Provides informational materials, networking, referrals to local resources, summer camps and an equipment loan program. 700 Century Park South #225, Birmingham, Alabama.

Please call (205) 823.8191 or visit us at www. mdausa.org.

Spina Bifida

Spina Bifida Association of Alabama Strives to provide families affected by Spina Bifida with the most up-to-date medical and social information related to this birth defect. Visit their website at www.sbaofal.org for contact information. The 2015 Walk-N-Roll for SBA of AL at the Montgomery Zoo will be held October 3 - Registration begins at 10 am and the WalkN-Roll begins at 11 am! Register by clicking on the link on our website. mp

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Family Karate Center Holds Open House to Greet New Military Families

For more than 35 years, Master Carole Smith has held an Open House to greet new military families every Saturday in July. This gives the families a chance to meet the Family Karate Center instructors, parents and other students they will be a part of for their one year here. Free prizes, classes and uniforms were given away each week.

Master Smith, 7th degree black belt, offers a military discount for all military families. She also specializes in special needs children and teaches children ages 2-4.

Call 220-9319 or 277-4911 today, or come by 8159 Vaughn Rd. in the Peppertree Shopping Center.

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The Pink ‘n’ Pearls for Girls group recently attended an educational workshop on Pet Care and Pet Safety, led by Mary Hughes of the Montgomery Humane Society. The girls learned how to communicate with dogs and how to properly care for and nurture animals. For more information on how to join us, contact Grace Harvey at (334) 561-5091.

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Alabama Dance Theatre Presents 2015-16 Season The Alabama Dance Theatre opened its 29th season with two successful free performances of “Stars on the Riverfront” in early August and will continue its tradition of excellence in the 2015-16 season.

ADT recently held company auditions and the 2015-16 Senior Company members selected are Aloria Adams, Esoso Aghedo, Oroboso Aghedo, Catherine Cobb, Amelia Felder, Safiya Haque, Francie Hill, Karen Licari, Maya Pegues, Virginia Perry, Jordan Ricks, Ke’Yana Robinson and Lauren Taylor.

Junior Company members are Abigail Barr, Celeste Deale, Mary Olivia Dudley, Yvette Enriquez, Savannah Golden, Rachel Graham, Ahsha Gray, Mary Helen Greene, Haley Hodges, Hayeong Jin, Bellamy Kennedy, Lilliana Kwast, Kathryn Lindsay, Destiny McGhee, Sarah Messick, Rebekah Norwood and Ana Clare Wolfe.

Apprentices for the 2015-2016 season are Jane Abbie Alford, Anne Elaine

Clark, Elon Davis, Marguerite Dillon, Emily Efferson, Kayla Holley, Sophia Kerr, Morgan Marshall, Mattie Mercer and Leah Redd.

ADT will present “Mistletoe” featuring “Favorite Dances of Christmas,” an audience favorite, and “The Messiah,” with live music, November 13-15 at Troy University’s Davis Theatre. Dr. James Seay, director of the Montgomery Chorale Ensemble, will collaborate with the Alabama Dance Theatre to perform Handel’s “Messiah.”

“Peter Pan,” back by popular demand, will be performed March 4-6, 2016, at Troy University’s Davis Theatre.

The Alabama Dance Theatre, an acclaimed regional company, and top ranking Honor Company member of Regional Dance America/Southeastern Regional Ballet Association (RDA/SERBA) will travel to attend the annual festival in Raleigh, N.C. April 27May 1, 2016.

In addition to public performances, ADT offers special school performances of “Mistletoe” and “Peter Pan” for more than 3,000 area students. ADT’s outreach program includes performances at the Junior League Holiday Market, Blue-Gray Colonels Ball, and demonstrations and readings at area schools and libraries.

Tickets range in price from $15-$30 for “Mistletoe” and “Peter Pan” and can be purchased three weeks prior to each performance date. The Alabama Dance Theatre’s ballet school is located at the Armory Learning Arts Center. Call 334-2412590 for information on classes or visit www.alabamadancetheatre.com.

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Pink -N-Pearls for Girls hosted a job readiness workshop for teens. The girls learned how to complete applications and what to expect on a job interview, and then role-played scenarios in a job setting. The “Hire Me Please” Workshop prepared them for seeking jobs and taught them how to communicate well with others. To join us, please call Grace Harvey at (334) 561-5091.

To share news about your group’s special events, e-mail editor@ montgomeryparents.com by the 12th of each month.

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

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

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

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

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

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

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At award-winning Gross Out Camp at Lanark, kids learned in their native habitat, woods and creek beds, discovering nature through hands-on biology. Fresh Air Family, in partnership with the Alabama Wildlife Federation, brought Gross Out Camp to Montgomery-area campers, with help from sponsor, Beasley Allen Law firm, July 27-31. Kids ages 6 to 9 spent all day exploring the woods and meeting its creatures in programs like the snake show.

“This is our second year to support the Gross Out Camp and we are proud of that!

The Fresh Air Family does a great job engaging children from all backgrounds, in an environment that many are not able to access on their own,” said Beasley Allen managing principal, Tom Methvin.

Activities included Meet-a-Tree (scientific observation), Create-a Creature (scientific description), and making slime (chemistry). In the creeks, they found salamanders, crawdads, tadpoles, bugs, and worms – ready for inspection.

The camp combines science experiments, exploring, journaling, and nature-inspired arts and crafts to address a variety of learning styles. At the end of the day, journals were filled with pictures and stories.

“We think kids have gotten more sophisticated with technology, but we can assure you, they still love to plop down in a creek bed and start hunting, just as kids have through the ages,” said Verna Gates, Executive Director, Fresh Air Family, Inc.

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A Page in a Book Getting a Read on Personal Style Sometimes, you ARE what you wear. To the outside observer, our clothes and accessories are often the first indicator of the things we like – a peek at our personal vibe. A specifically colored football jersey, beachcomber shorts, a Marvel comics tshirt (or DC comics, if that’s your thing), Anna-Elsa-or-Olaf on a back pack: the items that kids choose to wear are early statements of their own particular tastes and interests. Giving kids some wardrobe control also empowers them to cultivate their own style – to become comfortable with this form of self-expression. The following titles explore the power of the right wearables to brighten up the gloomiest mood.

Churchill’s Tale of Tails

by Anca Sandu (Peachtree Publishers) Churchill’s life is filled with wonderful friends and hobbies, but the thing that gives him the most pleasure is his small curly tail. When he wakes up one morning and his tail is nowhere to be found, he’s completely out of sorts. Churchill laments that he just doesn’t feel like himself, so his generous friends offer to let him wear tails like theirs. Churchill quickly finds that he likes wearing all the different tails – and gets so wrapped up in enjoying other styles that he begins to neglect his friends. But a chance meeting with a new friend (who also happens to have a suspiciously familiar curl on her head) reminds Churchill that he has missed his pals just as much as he’s missed his particular tail.

The reunion that follows celebrates both the return of his best accessory as well as Churchill’s best strength, which is being a good and loyal friend.

The Frog Who Lost His Underpants

by Juliette MacIver, Illustrated by Cat Chapman (Candlewick Press) For a frog with a specific taste in clothing, his missing underpants are a big deal. When Frog enlists his jungle friends to help him search for his special drawers, the rhyming recon that follows is a madcap adventure that turns up unexpected culprits. An army of frogs have stolen his coveted underpants! The solution entails sharing Frog’s signature fashion with all the other frogs to keep the peace. But Frog has an idea for his pants that will help him reclaim his own personal style of uniquely amphibious underwear. For any parents who have dealt with the drama that can follow when a child’s favorite clothing item goes missing, this title will be a delightful repeat read!

Hooray for Hat

by Brain Won (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) Elephant has woken up in a grumpy mood. When the doorbell rings, he stomps down the stairs with a rising temper to find...a present. Inside the gaily wrapped box is a hat, tall and layered with even more headpieces. Recognizing that it’s hard to be cross with a fantastic hat like that, Elephant dons the elaborate chapeau and heads off to show it to Zebra. But he finds Zebra in his own grumpy mood. Knowing how to turn that mood around, Elephant plucks a hat from his own amalgam and places it on Zebra’s head. The considerably happier pair begin a journey to lift the spirits of their other grumpy friends with hats from Elephant’s head. But there is one last friend whose hat needs are going to be a tall order. If one hat can make so many friends happy, then surely many hats can overcome the gloomiest mood of all!

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

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Need to run a few errands? Get out of the house for a while for some mental health time or exercise? Around the time your child reaches the preteen (tween) years, staying home alone may be an option. But, how do you know if your child is ready? The following points will help you determine if your child is equipped to do so:

Your tween indicates they want to stay home alone.

Your child is seeking more independence and has asked you to leave him by himself. He is not anxious when you are gone and he can keep himself occupied safely.

Your tween follows your directions and rules.

Your child has shown you that he can follow your expectations, even when you are not present.

You’ve witnessed your child making good choices without your input. He adheres to the guidelines you have set in place about having a friend over, watching TV or a movie, playing video games, and time spent outdoors.

Your tween is reliable and selfsufficient.

Daily chores are done with little to no reminders. Your child can safely prepare simple snacks when he is hungry. He knows how to properly use the microwave and toaster. You can rely on him to use only the appliances you’ve agreed to let him use.

Your tween uses the phone properly.

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Your child answers the phone appropriately. He recognizes why it is all right when you are away from the house to say you are unavailable, and how to take a message correctly.

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Your tween understands safety.

Additional questions parents should know

Have a simple chart of first aid tips close to the emergency contacts and numbers. (In our home a bright binder labeled “EMERGENCY,” with our address and home phone number below, holds contacts, emergency numbers, and basic first-aid procedures.

This binder remains by the kitchen phone and comes in handy for any babysitter we hire.)

Begin slowly, leaving him alone for five to ten minutes the first few times and build from there. What else can you do to help your tween?

Give him something to do to structure his time. This helps alone time pass quickly. Check in with your tween while you are gone. Call to see if he is comfortable or has any questions, and also to keep him updated on when you will arrive back home.

This is an exciting time for your tween as he establishes more independence, with your confidence that he will do well. mp

He is familiar with the answers to before leaving their tweens basic first-aid and knows at home alone: what to do in case of a fire or other emergency.

Is your neighborhood a safe one? Do you have neighbors He knows to call 911 that your child knows and trusts, people he can turn to if he and other emergency needs help? numbers if necessary.

He knows what he can Does your child demonstrate good decision-making and and cannot do when judgment? Does you child understand basic safety proceyou are not at home. He dures? Will he make the decision of safety first? understands that knives cannot be used without Can your child tell time? Can he calmly provide your home your supervision. He phone number and address and give directions to your knows not to open the house in case of emergency? door while you are gone Does you child know your cell number? and which neighbors to call or go to if he needs Can your child lock and unlock your windows and doors? help. He knows the “safe” Does your child know the garage door code and/or alarm meeting spot, to find system code and password, if this applies? you or be found, in case anything should hapDoes you child stay calm when the unexpected happens? pen. He knows where the flashlights and extra Do you have more than one child you will leave home alone? batteries are.

Can they resolve their conflicts without physical altercations Although your child and adult intervention? may know the emergency Judy M. Miller, a mother of four, is training her numbers, keep a list of tween son on how to be safely home alone. She When panic or worry sets in, the brain can emergency contacts and is a Certified Gottman Educator and the author of What flood and we struggle to remember what numbers in an easy to view place. Make To Expect From Your Adopted Tween and Writing to Heal we do know. sure all of your numbers are there as well.

Adoption Grief: Making Connections & Moving Forward.

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Bradford Health Services ROAD MAP TO ADOLESCENT RECOVERY

Addiction is not an easy road for adults and can be even more difficult for teenagers. Drug and alcohol dependency can take adolescents away from their families, friends, and a successful future. Bradford Health Services has guided young people and their families

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Call today for a free consultation 334-244- 0702 • 1- 800 - 333 -1865 www.bradfordhealth.com

Groups

There Is Hope Ahead.

Montgomery Parents I September 2015

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www.montgomeryparents.com

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Calendar/Support Groups Ongoing

Ala. Dept. of Archives & History Exhibit galleries include a children’s gallery and a reference room for genealogical and historical research. Hands-On Gallery includes Grandma’s Attic where you can try on clothes, uniforms, shoes, try an old typewriter, sit at an old school desk or experience making a quilt square. Also visit our History at Home web page to print off fun activities you can do at home. In addition, there are FREE, guided tours of the Museum of Alabama EVERY Saturday at 1 p.m. This is a general overview of Alabama history in our museum galleries led by one of our staff or experienced docents.

Stay tuned for upcoming events from the Archives, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook. Call 242-4435 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov.

Alabama River Region Arts Center in Wetumpka has weekly after-school Arts Clubs which meet on Thursdays from 4-5 & 5-6 p.m. There are three clubs: Guitar (acoustic), Clay (polymer, ie “sculpy”) and Painting/ Drawing. Each Club is $20 a month. Students for Guitar Club must be 10 years old, but 7-year-olds are welcome for the other two. Clubs are limited to the first 10 students, for one month.

While children are in Arts Clubs, parents are welcome to stay and browse our Gallery or Resource Library, or just wait in the kitchen with a soda! Studio space is also available on a lease basis. The Pottery Studio is available to ARRAC members trained on the wheel. First Saturday of every month is a free Sit & Sew, from 9 a.m.-noon. Bring your hand-sewing project or sewing machine for a morning of sewing with the ladies.

(Bluegrass Jam is going on at the same time in another room.) 300 W. Tallassee St. (former Wetumpka Jr. High building), Wetumpka, AL 36092. Visit www.arrac. org or see us on Facebook: Alabama River Region Arts Center, or call 578-9485 for more information.

Artists In Action: 1st Wednesday and 3rd Saturday of EVERY month at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts from noon-2 p.m.. Local and regional artists at work. For more info, call 240-4333.

“Artworks,” a hands-on children’s exhibit. FREE. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Blount Cultural Park. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Open until 9 p.m. Thursdays. Closed Mondays. For more info, call 240-4333.

Celtic Dance Classes Fridays at Montgomery Ballet from 4-5 p.m. We welcome boys and girls ages 6 to adult. Call Amanda at (706) 4579254 or e-mail Celtic.traditions@gmail.com for more info.

Central Alabama Contra Dancers Everyone, school-age through adult, is invited for a little exercise and a lot of fun. Singles, couples and entire families are welcome. All levels of experience - including no experience. Dancing is on 1st and 3rd Fridays from 7-9 p.m. at the MASDA building, 2200 Popular St. For more info, visit www.contralines.com or email info@contralines.com.

The Central Alabama Tennis Association (CATA) is a volunteer-based tennis organization formed to provide programs which promote and develop the growth of tennis throughout central Alabama. The CATA has four essential charitable and educational purposes: (1) to promote and develop the growth of tennis in central Alabama area by providing a variety of educational and charitable tennis programs and services; (2) to educate the community concerning the importance or tennis and the benefits that can be derived from tennis; (3) to expand the opportunities in the community for learning tennis and to offer opportunities for learning tennis to individuals who do not have access to tennis; and (4) to provide programs and services in the community that teach participants scholarship and fair play and that permit access to volunteers and instructors who can serve as positive role models and mentors. For event info, call Ernie Rains, CATA Community Coordinator, at 324-1406 or e-mail www.centralalabama.usta.com.

The Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa A private, non-profit, community-based organization located at 2213 University Blvd. in downtown Tuscaloosa, next to City Hall. Current hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed most holidays.

Special programs are held for preschoolers weekly.

Admission is $5 per person, with no charge for museum

members or children under the age of 1 year. Special discounts are available to schools. For info, call (205) 3494235 or visit www.chomonline.org.

Civil Rights Memorial A monument to those who died and/or risked death in the struggle for civil rights. 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery.

For information, call 264-0286.

Cloverdale Playhouse “Third Tuesdays” Montgomery’s singers and songwriters perform in our intimate theater space each month on the third Tuesday. Join us for a musical evening in Old Cloverdale. For details, call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org. Also contact us about volunteer opportunities, auditions, and the Playhouse School!

Cool Kids Cook is a faith-based ministry with classes offered at different locations. Please call 220-3651 if you’d like to attend or volunteer with this ministry.

Cupcakes by Tish Offers Cupcake Decorating Workshops and Parties for Kids and Teens Every fourth Saturday, classes will be offered for children ages 4-6, 7-10 and 12-15 between noon and 6 p.m. at The Shoppes at EastChase location. The hour-long workshop is $25 per child and gives each child the opportunity to

September2015 person, children under 5 free, seniors $5.50/person. 1010 Forest Ave. in Oak Park. Call 625-4799.

Montgomery’s Freedom Rides Museum Road to Equality: The 1961 Freedom Rides yearlong exhibit features works of art from top Alabama artists and offers unique interpretations of one of the most pivotal desegregation events in the nation’s history.

Located in the capital city’s recently restored 1951 Greyhound Bus Station, the exhibit will remain open every Friday and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. or by appointment throughout the year. For more info, visit www.freedomridesmuseum.org or www.montgomerybusstation.org MOOseum, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Children’s educational center featuring past, present and future in agriculture and the cattle industry. Free. Group tours should be pre-scheduled. Mon.- Fri. 9 a.m. -noon and 1-4 p.m. Last scheduled tour of the day starts at 3:30 p.m. 201 Bainbridge St., Montgomery. For info, call 265-1867 or visit www.bamabeef.org.

Old Alabama Town 19th and early 20th century outdoor history museum.

Tours Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission:

Find a listing of Public Library Storytimes and Events at MontgomeryParents.com! learn the art of cupcake decorating. Each child will receive a Cupcakes by Tish apron and four decorated cupcakes with a variety of candies, sprinkles, and goodies that adds personalization. Older kids and teens will be shown the basics of fondant decorating. To register, contact Special Events Coordinator Ebony Ware at (334) 356-5292 or parties@cupcakesbytish.com.

First White House of the Confederacy Open on Saturdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This year begins the commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. The First White House of the Confederacy played a significant role during the war and served as Jefferson Davis’ family residence from February-May 1861. Located at 644 Washington Avenue in downtown Montgomery, neighboring the Alabama Department of Archives and History. For more info or to tour the museum, call 242-1861 or visit www. firstwhitehouse.org.

Friday Night Hoops Attention students in 5th through 12th grades: Are you looking for something to do on Friday nights? Get together with your friends for pick-up games of basketball every 1st and 3rd Friday at the Bell Road YMCA from 9 p.m.-midnight. Students must be dropped off by 10 p.m. and cannot leave without being picked up by parent or guardian (unless students drove themselves). Must be playing basketball to be involved. Participants must have a photo ID (i.e. School ID). $3 for members; $7 for nonmembers. For more info, contact James Garvin at (334) 271-4343 or jgarvin@ymcamontgomery.org.

Garden Tours Local gardens include Southern Homes and Gardens, Blount Cultural Park’s Shakespearean Garden at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Grace Episcopal Church, Prattville’s historic gardens in Old Pratt Village and the Wilderness Park, and Wetumpka’s arboretum at Ft. Toulouse. For more info in Montgomery, call 1-800-240-9452 or visit www.VisitingMontgomery.com. In Prattville, call 361-0961 or visit www.prattville.com/visitor/history. In Wetumpka, call 567-3002 or visit www.wetumpka.al.us/features. Other numbers are: Blount Cultural Park (274-0062 or www. blountculturalpark.org); Grace Episcopal Church (215-1422); Old Alabama Town (240-4005 or www.oldalabamatown. com); and Alabama Garden Trail (1-800-ALABAMA or www. touralabama.org).

W. A. Gayle Planetarium Public Shows offered Mon.-Thurs. at 4 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. and first & third Saturdays at 2 p.m. Admission $6.50/

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$8 for adults, $4 for students ages 6-18. Under 6 free.

301 Columbus St., Montgomery. For information, call 240-4500.

Prattville-Millbrook Newcomers Club A non-affiliated social club geared to new people moving into the area AND to those looking to form new friendships or just learn more about the area. We will also have interest groups that meet during the month at various times and locations. They could be groups such as canasta, bridge, lunches, movies, etc. General meetings are second Tuesdays September-May at 10 a.m. at the YMCA on McQueen Smith Road. For more information, contact Nancy Schrull at (334) 356-5026 or nschrull@theschrullgroup.com Rosa Parks Museum 252 Montgomery Street, 241-8615. Hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. -3 p.m. Sundays and holidays, closed. Admission 12 years and under-$5.50/ Over 12-$7.50. Alabama college students with a valid student ID: $6.50; discount price for both Museum & Children’s Wing: adults: $14, children $10 Tales for Tots Join us for this FREE introduction to art in storybooks and in the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts galleries for young children and their families. Each time a different work of art and special story will be presented.

Next classes are September 16 from 10:30-11 a.m., and 11-11:30 a.m. Call 240-4365 or visit www.mmfa.org for more info.

YMCA 7 to 11 Club Calling all children ages 7 to 11 for this fun, free event.

While Mom and Dad are working out, join us for games, arts & crafts, service projects and more. Earn special beads for participation and try to break records for superior achievements. Monthly special events will be hosted as well. Check with your YMCA center or visit ymcamontgomery.org for more details.

Classes

Breastfeeding Class Designed to prepare the expectant mother for breastfeeding her newborn. Also includes troubleshooting common problems to establish a successful breastfeeding experience. Jackson Hospital, Classroom

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Calendar/Support Groups 1. Cost is $15. Class schedule is subject to change, so please call 293-8497 to register or for more info.

Caring For Your Newborn Helps new families become familiar with the basics of caring for your infant in the first six weeks after birth.

This interactive class covers routine hospital newborn procedures along with bathing, diapering, swaddling and soothing, normal infant behavior, appearance and sleep patterns. Partners are encouraged to attend. $20 fee per couple. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. Expectant moms should register for classes by the fifth month of pregnancy for best selection as class space is limited. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military.

Childbirth Basics Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose to have pain relief during labor and delivery. Sessions are taught throughout the year at Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $25. Call 293-8497 by your 4th month of pregnancy to register.

Childbirth Preparation Class Comprehensive four-week evening series covers all aspects of the labor and delivery experience, admission process, medication and anesthesia options including epidurals, Caesarean sections, coping and comfort measures including breathing and relaxation techniques. Postpartum care and newborn characteristics are included. A maternity area tour of Baptist Medical Center East is also included as a part of this class. All of our classes are taught by registered nurses certified in childbirth education. This class is $60 per couple. Space is limited. Registration is required.

Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more information. Expectant moms should register for classes by the fifth month of pregnancy for best selection as class space is limited. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. ID required.

Childbirth Preparation Boot Camp Fast-paced Saturday class including the same information offered in our weekly series in a compressed format.

Maternity area tour of Baptist Medical Center East is also included as a part of this class. Fee is $60 per couple and includes 2 box lunches. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more information. Expectant moms should register for classes by the fifth month of pregnancy for best selection as class space is limited. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military.

Chinese Language Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Office of Far Eastern Initiatives offers Saturday classes for children and adults. The one-hour weekly courses are provided free-of-charge as a service to the community. For more information or to register, contact April Ma at 244-3018 or ama@aum.edu CPR & First Aid The American Red Cross offers classes in adult and infant/ child CPR as well as first aid and babysitting classes monthly.

Call 260-3980.

Diabetes Education --Prattville Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available Wednesdays by appointment at Prattville Medical Park. Call 213-6360 for more information.

Diabetes Education --Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available weekdays by appointment. Call 213-6360 for more info.

Family Nutrition Classes Fun, hands-on 3 or 6-week in person or online course developed by well-known pediatrician Dr William Sears.

Classes focused towards parents of children age 3-12.

Content includes: Traffic Light Eating, Brainy Breakfasts, the Truth about Fats, Powering up with Protein and Play, and more! The goal is to learn simple ways to improve the health of your child through lifestyle, exercise, attitude, and nutrition. Fee includes materials, activities, and a snack.

A 2-hour preview class is available. For more information, contact Alissabeth Taylor at alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or via Facebook -www.Facebook.com/LeaninCentralAL. Foster Parent Training Classes Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries sponsors foster care training classes in the Tri-County Area. For more information on foster care or to register for the classes, please contact Bobbi Olson, Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, at 334-430-7569 or e-mail bolson@abchome.org.

Montgomery Parents I September 2015

Infant Safety/CPR Class Teaches parents and grandparents the American Heart Association’s Family and Friends CPR for infants and children, including care of the choking infant, infant rescue and breathing with hands-on practice using ACTAR CPR dolls for class participants. Class will also help parents with creating a safe environment for their child. Classes are taught by certified CPR Instructors, but this class is not a certification class. $10 fee per person. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. Expectant moms should register for classes by the fifth month of pregnancy for best selection as class space is limited. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military.

Maternity Area Tour Only Baptist Medical Center East maternity area tour for expectant mothers and families not attending Childbirth Preparation Class or Boot Camp. This tour is complimentary and is offered on select Saturdays of each month. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info.

Pre- and Post-natal Fitness Classes Includes water aerobics, step-floor aerobics and strength training. SportsFirst. Call 277-7130.

Pregnancy Nutrition Classes Fun, interactive 3-week series of nutrition classes developed by well-known pediatrician Dr. William Sears.

Classes focus on lifestyle choices, attitude, and exercise at any stage of pregnancy; Optimal nutrition before, during and after pregnancy; Transition from pregnancy to motherhood. Courses can be taken separately or as a series. Jump in any time! Materials and snack provided with fee. For more information contact Alissabeth Taylor at alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or via Facebook - www.Facebook.com/LeaninCentralAL. Prenatal Breastfeeding Class Baptist Medical Center East class provides expectant mothers with information about breastfeeding including various factors influencing lactation, advantages of breastfeeding, basic anatomy and physiology of milk production, specific techniques to promote a successful breastfeeding experience and breastfeeding equipment and supplies. Classes are taught by IBLCE instructors. Partners are encouraged to participate in this class. $20 per couple. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. Expectant moms should register for classes by the fifth month of pregnancy for best selection as class space is limited. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military.

Sibling Preparation Class Fun one-hour class is designed for expectant “big brothers and sisters” ages 3 to 8. They will learn about the arrival of their new baby through an introduction to the hospital experience and the early days at home. Parents should plan to attend with their child. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule.

Slow Flow Yoga Lunchtime Yoga Classes at Old Alabama Town. Take a break from your computer desk and relieve your body of all that stress with some slow flow yoga! Instructor Juliet Thomas provides downtown workers with a convenient way to stretch and reenergize before going back into the office. Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 11:30-12:15, and 12:30-1:15. Beginners welcome! No registration needed; just come to 310 N. Hull Street (Lucas Tavern) and we will direct you to a place to change and set up your mat.

Drop in fee: $12; 5-class pass: $50 (exp. 60 days) Monthly unlimited: $65. Mat rental: $1. Pay by cash or check. Make checks payable to Juliet Thomas. Blocks will be provided. Avoid a big meal before class. Please arrive 5-10 minutes early. Wear comfortable clothing, something to easily move around in. Mats and props are provided if needed, although students may prefer their own mat after a few yoga sessions. Bring water to hydrate on your walk back to the office! No sugary drinks or other food allowed.

For more info, call (334) 240-4500 or (334) 207-0909 or e-mail juliet.yoga@icloud.com.

Services

American Cancer Society seeks Volunteers for Road to Recovery This program is designed to ensure that cancer pa-

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September2015 tients have transportation to and from medical facilities for treatment. Road to Recovery volunteers can be individual drivers with time to help others or even local companies who allow employees to provide transportation on company time in company cars. Anyone who has a driver’s license, a safe driving record, personal automobile insurance, owns a car or has access to one, and can spare as little as one morning or afternoon a month is encouraged to volunteer. For more information, or to volunteer, please call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.

Hospital Volunteers Volunteers are needed at Baptist Medical Center East, Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville Baptist Hospital. Duties vary by facility but include delivering mail and flowers, transporting patients, staffing waiting rooms and information desks, and furnishing coffee for visitors. Volunteers work one four-hour shift per week.

For more info, call 286-2977.

Hospice Volunteers Through volunteering at Baptist Hospice, the opportunities to help are endless. Our volunteers are an important part of the patient’s care and are the heart of the hospice family. There are many other ways to help, such as special projects and events or providing administrative support for the staff, that are essential.

Volunteers often have special talents and innovative ideas that add so much to our program. Please call Gloria @395-5018 to join our dynamic team.

Volunteer Services Jackson Hospital is looking for volunteers for the information desk. These volunteers are needed for the evening shift, 5-8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Volunteers must be friendly and eager to offer information to those visiting the hospital. With this position, a free meal will be given as well as a parking spot next to the lobby. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and are asked to work 4 hours a week. They must complete an application and pass a background check and health screening. If you are interested in volunteering, call 293-8967 or visit www.jackson.org/patients_volunteers. html and fill out the application.

Baptist Sleep Disorders Centers Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville. Both centers have the ability to diagnose up to 84 different sleep disorders. There are four board-certified physicians and a clinical psychologist on staff between the two centers. For more information, call 286-3252 for Baptist Medical Center South and 361-4335 for Prattville Baptist Hospital.

Jackson Sleep Disorders Center Jackson Hospital houses a sleep disorders center on the third floor of the Goode Medical Building to monitor those who are suffering from sleep disorders. For more information, contact your physician or the Sleep Center at 293-8168.

Jackson Hospital Offers Animal Therapy Program to Pediatric Unit Jackson Hospital’s Animal Therapy Program is a vital part of its patient care. Animals in the program are limited to dogs, and no other animals are allowed to participate. Currently, there are 10 dogs in the program. Their handlers have undergone extensive training and orientation, and visit the hospital weekly.

For more information, please call 293-8894.

Support Groups Adoption Support

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer Memorial UMC. For more information, call MONICA RUSSELL at 409-9477 or EMAIL MRUSSELL@CHILDRENSAID.ORG. Autauga/Elmore Group meets 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., FIRST UNITED METHODIST Church, MILLBROOK. Childcare, children’s group and dinner provided. For more info, call HANNAH TAYLOR AT 409-9477 or e-mail htaylor@childrensaid.org.

www.montgomeryparents.com

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Birth Parent and Adult Adoptee Support Group Children’s Aid Society hosts a free support group for adult adoptees and birth parents. This group provides emotional support for people at all stages of the lifelong adoption process. Meetings held at Children’s Aid Society, 2141 14th Avenue South in Birmingham. For class dates and times, call Audrey Derevenko at (205) 943-5343 or e-mail adereven@childrensaid.org.

Panda Pals is a support group for families who have adopted or in the process of adopting children from China. We have playdates, family nights and gettogethers to talk about raising our children from China.

If you would like to join our group, just e-mail PandaPals2005@yahoogroups.com or call Tracie Singleton at 395-8215.

Cancer Support

American Cancer Society, including Montgomery, Elmore & Autauga Counties: **To access or sign up for these programs, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.

Look Good…Feel Better is an American Cancer Society program in which trained volunteer cosmetologists help female cancer patients deal with the side effects of treatment. Patients are taught beauty techniques to enhance their appearance and self image during or after treatments, including ways to disguise hair loss and skin changes. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 for more info.

OTHER PROGRAMS/SERVICES OFFERED BY THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: Reach to Recovery matches newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors on a one on one basis.

Free wigs and other supplies for cancer patients Free rides to treatment through our Road To Recovery program (where volunteer drivers use their cars and time to take in need cancer patients to treatment) Free lodging through the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge in Birmingham (if patients are sent to Birmingham for treatment) On-line cancer information classes and support group through cancer.org.

Information anytime and trained specialists at 1-800-ACS-2345.

General Cancer Support Group held at Christ Church, 8800 Vaughn Road, Tuesday afternoons at 1 p.m. This is an open group. For more information, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie Diemayer at 467-4578.

Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 2nd Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Room 8114. Provides education, awareness and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family or friends.

For more info, call 272-8622 or e-mail womenofhope@ charter.net.

Divorce Support

Boundaries Study for singles meets each Tuesday through November 24 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. This study helps singles learn to set boundaries with emotions and help avoid the harmful behavior of others. For more info, call the Singles office at 4956386 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org.

DivorceCare will begin meeting at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday night, January 14, from 6-8 pm. It fosters a weekly supportive and caring environment to heal the hurt of separation and divorce.

You will experience the GriefShare group as an oasis in the midst of a difficult season of your life. The DivorceCare experience involves a dynamic video presentation, group share time, and personal workbook exercises.

Facilitators for DivorceCare are Todd Smith, Wendy Timbie and Becki Harrison. To register or for more info, call 279-5433.

DivorceCare and DivorceCare 4 Kids First Baptist Church Montgomery, Wednesdays starting August 22 at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $15 (scholarships available). Contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@montgomeryfbc.org or 241-5125.

Divorce Care, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays beginning September 1 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call (334) 495-6386

or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org for more info.

DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K), Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays beginning September 8 from 6-7:30 p.m. This group is for children ages 5 and up and helps children of all ages heal from the pain of their parents’ separation and divorce. Call (334) 4956386 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org for more info.

Gambling Support

Gamblers Anonymous meetings in the River Region Area: Saturdays @ 7 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, 5375 U.S. Hwy. 231 (Directly across from the Winn-Dixie shopping center), Wetumpka. Call (334) 567-7534.

Sundays @ 5 p.m., Mental Health Association, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery.

Mondays @ 6 p.m., St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 4475 Atlanta Hwy., Montgomery.

Gamblers Anonymous Hotline: 334-541-5420

Grief Support

Bereaved Spouses Support Group A new ministry of Cornerstone Christian Church, USA (Unavoidably Single Again) Ministries is designed to offer ongoing support, social events and fellowship to those who have lost their spouses to death. The group is open to ALL widowed individuals, regardless of age, religious beliefs, or length of marriage or widowhood. Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at the church’s building, 301 Dalraida Road. Please e-mail Lynda Coats at farauthor@aol.com for more information.

“Big Leap!”

Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m., Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is designed to meet the needs of children who have experienced the recent loss of a loved one. This group provides a hands-on, safe space for age-appropriate expression of grief.

These sessions aim to increase feeling identification, decrease self-blame or guilt, and build coping skills.

Through music, art, and play we meet your child or grandchild on their level. We encourage your children to hold tight to their memories as they make a “big leap” into their new future. This group is open to children ages 7-11. Space is limited to 6 participants so call 279-6677. Start date will be determined once reservations are confirmed. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW “Comfort and Conversation,” Wednesdays at 11 a.m., Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is intended to address those affected by a recent loss (0-12 months after death). Through meeting with others who are walking a similar journey, you will be encouraged to work through the complications of your loss, understand your pain, and adjust to your new reality. Space is limited, so please call 2796677. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW Compassionate Friends, Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Hwy, first Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child. For more information about the group, call (334) 284-2721.

“Connect,” Fridays at 11 a.m., biweekly, Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is for those who have already walked through the initial grieving process but still desire to connect with others who share similar experiences. This group will allow you to meet new people, stay active in the community, and look ahead to a bright future. We will share lunch, visit museums, volunteer, attend movies, and participate in area events. We even have a fishing trip on the agenda! This group is ongoing and does not have a participation limit. It’s time to have fun again, come join us! For more info, call 279-6677. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW. Grief Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Rm. 3105. Call 272-8622 for more info.

GriefShare will begin meeting weekly at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday night, January 14, from 6-8 pm. This program is non-denominational and features biblical concepts for healing your grief. You will find a warm, caring environment for your journey through grief and loss. You will not be left alone to deal with all the grief issues in your life. Three key parts

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make up your GriefShare experience: video seminar; support group time; and workbook study. GriefShare will be led by Howard and Carol Payne and Jim Williams. To register or for more info, call 279-5433.

GriefShare, Hospice of Montgomery’s office located at 1111 Holloway Park, Montgomery. Meets Wednesdays from noon-1 p.m. through March. This FREE group is for individuals, families and caregivers in the River Region. Registration required to attend. HOM provides quality palliative care to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those in our community affected by terminal illness; maintains the highest ethical standards; and educates the community about the hospice concept and end-of-life issues. For more information or to register, please contact Candace Fales at 279-6677 or cfales@hospiceofmontgomery.org.

Grieving With Hope, St. Mark UMC, meeting weekly on Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m. The group offers a place to share, care and heal from the losses of life. Facilitated

by Dr. Lennie Howard and Marie Parma. Contact the church at 272-0009.

Honoring Angels Like Owen, Inc. (HALO) offers family-oriented, Christian-based grief support groups that meet monthly. These groups are for families who have lost a child from 20 weeks gestation up to the age of 2 years old. Our parents’ group is for mothers and fathers. Our siblings’ group is for children ages 6-15.

Both groups meet at the same time and place. These groups offer faith-based healing through sharing and emotional support. Meetings offer an outlet for sharing your child’s memory and your day to day struggles, while receiving support of others who have been in similar situations. Please feel free to bring photos of your child to share. HALO also offers free professional photography for families facing the loss of a child up to the age of 2 years old and needs-based financial assistance for burial. Visit www.honoringangelslikeowen. org or call (334) 328-1202.

Hospice of Montgomery (HOM) Grief Support Each Wednesday in July from 10:30-11:30 a.m. The support group will meet at Hospice of Montgomery’s office located at 1111 Holloway Park, Montgomery.

HOM’s bereavement program is a voluntary one offered to family members and loved ones of HOM’s patient’s who want this type of support. Open to the community.

Grief education programs are also available to individuals living within Hospice of Montgomery’s service area. For more info, call (334) 279-6677 or visit www. hospiceofmontgomery.org.

Mourning to Morning is a Christian growth group for mothers who have lost a child, from before birth through adulthood. We normally meet the last Thursday night of each month at Grace Baptist Church in Wetumpka, 304 Old Montgomery Highway. For more info, contact Alice Scarborough at (334) 462-4775 or Gwen Ellis at (334) 567-8754 or e-mail us at mourningtomorning@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook--Mourning to Morning Group. Our purpose is to glorify God as we serve Him in comforting and encouraging each other in our grief and growth.

Homeschool Support

ECHO (Elmore County Homeschool Organization), Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. 2nd and 4th Fridays year-round from 10 a.m. to noon. This is a support group for homeschooling families in the tri-county area. Membership is free. For more info, please visit http://www.onlineecho.com

Illness Support

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers Support Group meets 1st Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in room 3103 at Frazer Memorial UMC. For more info, call 272-8622.

The Renaissance Spirit Group (an adult day group for Alzheimer’s patients in their early to middle stages) will begin meeting each Thursday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Room 3101 at Frazer Memorial UMC. Registration is required. For more info, contact Nancy McLain at (334) 233-2139.

Cardiolife, a FREE educational series for congestive heart failure patients and their caregivers, meets 4th Thursdays of each month, 10-11 a.m. Diabetes

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Calendar/Support Groups Center classroom, Jackson Hospital. For more info, call 279-6677. Topics include: Lifestyle Changes, A Heart Healthy Diet, Proper Fluid Intake, Importance of Daily Weights and Exercise Tolerance. Support for this program provided by River Region Supportive Care – a Division of Hospice of Montgomery. Facilitated by Arla Chandler, RN, BSN, MBA. Celebrate Recovery is a 12-step-Christian process to help you cope with hurts, hang-ups, and habits on a weekly basis. It will begin meeting at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday night, January 14, from 6-8 pm. This Christ-centered recovery will provide a safe place to share and to heal. You will also experience hope and strength for each day. “Celebrate Recovery” will be led by Jeff McFarland. To register or for more info, call 279-5433.

Christians Against Substance Abuse (CASA) is a 12-step spiritual recovery program for overcoming addictions. Using the steps and the Bible, we help build self-esteem, responsible behavior, learning to make amends for destructive behavior, then fill the void in our hearts by developing a loving relationship with God. Class begins each Wednesday evening @6:30 p.m. Please contact the Prattville Church of Christ office, 344 East Main St. in Prattville (334-365-4201), for additional information.

Depression/Bipolar Support Group meets 1st Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. in Room 3101 at Frazer Memorial UMC. This group is for those with depression and bipolar illness and their families. For more info, call 272-8622 or visit dbsamontgomery@yahoo.com.

Meetings also available 3rd Saturday afternoons from noon-2 p.m. at Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway. For more info, call 652-1431.

Depression & Bipolar Support, Montgomery Public Library Main Branch, 245 High Street downtown, 2nd Floor Meeting Room, 3rd Saturdays, Noon-2 p.m.; OR 1609 West Street, north off Carter Hill and Narrow Lane, 2nd Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Call 2019638 or 652-1431 for more info.

Gluten Intolerance Group (www.gluten.net) is a nonprofit organization with the mission to provide support to those with any form of gluten intolerance. GIG-Montgomery assists with awareness of diverse potential symptoms, which can range from fatigue and headaches to nausea and intestinal problems. Guidelines are provided on how to eat safely both at home and eating out. Another objective is to facilitate more effective communication between the local gluten-free community and stores, restaurants and the medical community. Meets 2nd Thursdays, 6-7 p.m., at Taylor Road Baptist Church, Fellowship Suite (faces entrance of EastChase-NE. Turn on Berryhill Rd.

by EastChase). Check the blog for special “alternate site” meetings (www.glutenfreemontgomery.blogspot.com) For more info, you may also e-mail dr.hetrick@charter.net or visit the group’s Facebook page.

Montgomery Area Mended Hearts, First floor of Montgomery Cardiovascular Institute on the campus of Baptist Medical Center South. For anyone who has experienced cardiac illness. Third Mondays, alternates between 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Call 286-3410 for more info.

NAMI Montgomery (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) provides understanding, education and information to family members and friends of those who suffer mental illness. The NAMI Montgomery Family Member Support Group meets second Mondays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in room 3103 at Frazer Memorial UMC. Call Mary Jo Logan (271-2280) for details.

OCD Support Group (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) Long showers, multiple hand-washing, rituals, checking the stove, hoarding and symmetry. This support group is open to anyone who has struggled with OCD. You’re not alone anymore. This group is just getting started so a specific meeting time has not been set yet. Location will be 5500 Ash Grove Circle, Montgomery. Call Donald at 220-7555 for more info.

Overeaters Anonymous, Unity of Montgomery, 1922 Walnut St., Saturdays from 3-4 p.m. Contact Misty at 324-9568 or Carol at 467-5742.

Parkinson’s Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, meets on 4th Thursdays at 6 p.m. in Room 8114. Group is for Parkinson’s patients and their family members. For more info, call 272-8622.

Montgomery Parents I September 2015

Traumatic Brain Injury Support, cafeteria at HealthSouth on Narrow Lane in Montgomery. 2nd Thursdays at 6 p.m. Sponsored by Alabama Head Injury Foundation for anyone with a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or related disability. For more information, contact Holli at (334) 290-0646 or e-mail: ahif_montgomery_auburn@yahoo.com. Visit www.ahif. org.

Veterans OEF/OIF Caregivers Support Group meets 3rd Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 3108 at Frazer Memorial UMC. This group provides support and understanding to those caring for OEF/ OIF Veterans. For more information, contact LaQuana Edwards, Caregiver Support Coordinator at CAVHCS, (334) 727-0550 ext. 5350.

September2015 MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Redland Baptist Church in Wetumpka. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month from 9-11 a.m. during the school year. We will also have scheduled play dates and mom’s nights out through the summer and beyond. Women can come just as they are to build friendships, be encouraged by each other and gain practical parenting strategies.

Moms get together to share food, laugh, and hear inspiring speakers. While moms are in a MOPS meeting, their children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program. In a MOPS group, you experience authentic community, mothering support, personal growth and spiritual hope, all to help you be the best mom possible.

For more info, please call (334) 567-8649 or visit www. mops.org/redlandmops.

Pregnancy Loss/Infertility

Parent Support

D.A.D.S. (Dad and Daughter Saturdays) Second Saturdays at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Library in downtown Montgomery at 11 a.m.

D.A.D.S. is the vision of local resident and Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce staff member Ron Simmons and his daughter Erin. It gives fathers and daughters an opportunity to read together to create fun, educational memories. All fathers in the River Region are invited to bring their daughters to the library to read, laugh and have fun. This free event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Montgomery City-County Public Library and Dreamland Barbeque. For more information, call Ron Simmons at (334) 777-8596.

La Leche League of Montgomery Area has served local mothers since 1984. Women who are pregnant, interested in breastfeeding and nursing mothers are invited to attend our free mother-to-mother support meetings or e-mail with breastfeeding questions. Our leaders are experienced breastfeeding mother volunteers who have completed an accreditation program through LLL International. At monthly meetings mothers share their questions and concerns as well as the benefits and joys of breastfeeding. Join us with your babies. Children of all ages are welcome. We currently have morning and evening meetings. For more info, e-mail us at LLL. Montgomery.AL@gmail.com or visit http://www.llli.org/ groups/@llli*group*montgomery or “like” us on Facebook facebook.com/LLL.Montgomery.AL. Mom2Mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of ages birth-5 at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. E-mail Mom2mom@frazerumc. org for more information.

Moms’ LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) First Baptist Church, Prattville. Meets twice monthly from 8:30-11:45 a.m. in the chapel at First Baptist Church in Prattville August through May. For moms of all stages and ages of life. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guests, special guest speakers and a lot of fun! Cost is $5 per meeting.

Childcare provided by reservation. For more info and to reserve your spot, call Kelley Manning at 361-7919.

The Montgomery Multiples Club is a non-profit organization offering support to the mothers and families of twins, triplets, and more in the Central Alabama region. They have a mom’s night out with dinner once a month. They also have a yard sale twice a year, in the spring and again in the fall. For more info, visit http:// montgomerymultiplesclub.org.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry St., Montgomery. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Moms, need a little break? MOPS is a place you can share a good meal, make new friends, and find encouragement as you face the everyday challenges of raising your little ones. We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Visit www.montgomeryfbc.org/MOPS or contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Vaughn Forest Baptist Church, 8660 Vaughn Road, Montgomery.

1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Are you in need of a time-out? Then have we got the place for you! MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. Childcare is provided. For more info, e-mail VFCMOPS@gmail.com.

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Hannah’s Prayer, Prattville First United Methodist Church, 2nd Thursdays and 3rd Sundays. Support group for women dealing with pregnancy loss/infertility issues. Call (334) 365-5977.

Sav-A-Life conducts a HOPE GROUP for women who have experienced the emotional aftermath of an abortion. Groups meet eight consecutive Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. and are facilitated by women who have experienced abortion. The “Forgiven and Set Free” Bible study is used. Confidientiality is assured.

Please call Kathy at 260-8010 for information.

“Take Heart,” Room 116 at Eastmont Baptist Church, first Mondays of each month at 6 p.m. Support group for women dealing with infertility and/or miscarriage.

Contact Melissa at (205) 913-2667 for more information.

Single Parents Support

Single and Parenting! A new group for single moms meeting every Tuesday beginning September 8-December 1 from 6-7:30 p.m. for hope, encouragement, guidance and parenting ideas. For more info, call 4956386 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org Single Moms’ Care and Support Group, Perry Hill United Methodist Church, 910 Perry Hill Road (corner of Perry Hill and Harrison Roads). Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:15-8 p.m. Free snack supper provided to moms and children. Child care for infants-16 years. Call 272-3174 for more info.

Singles’ Small Groups, Frazer Memorial UMC, Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622 for more info.

SWAK (Single with Amazing Kids), Maxwell / Maxwell Gunter AFB. This network is connecting and empowering single parents and their families through information, encouragement, and many family-oriented events throughout the year. We meet the last Wednesday or Thursday of each month. For more info, e-mail t2763@ aol.com. Join us on Facebook—SWAK (Single with Amazing Kids) for daily restaurant specials, area kid-friendly events, and tips/ideas for families on a budget.

TNT (Tuesday Night Together) for Singles, Frazer Memorial UMC, Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, Bldg. 7000. A meal ($5) and program are provided.

For reservations, call 272-8622.

Special Needs Support

Alabama Angels Pageant, a nonprofit pageant for males and females of any age with special needs.

Participation is free. 2016 pageant date TBA. Visit www. alabamaangels.org and look for us on Facebook!

Central Alabama Autism Support Team (C.A.A.S.T.), St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Hwy. 31 in Prattville from 6-8 p.m. 3rd Thursdays quarterly (Feb., May, Aug., Nov.).

Visit www.easysite.com/caast or e-mail casst50@yahoo. com for more info.

Down Syndrome Support, Vaughn Park Church of Christ, 2nd Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Childcare provided. Call Hope Smith at 328-8766 or visit www. montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com for information.

Montgomery Area Hearing Loss Support Group meets monthly at the Wesley Building of the First Methodist Church in Montgomery on 2nd Thursdays at 4 p.m.

It is affiliated with the nationally recognized non-profit advocacy group, Hearing Loss Association of America.

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losses, its causes and its possible corrections. Licensed audiologists make brief presentations explaining their local programs, their offices and the availability of hearing tests, of possible medical corrections, and/of hearing aids and cochlear implants. Refreshments at each meeting.

For more info, contact HearingInfo@earthlink.net.

River Region Autism Support Group, Cafe Louisa (in Old Cloverdale), 1036 E. Fairview Ave. We meet on 1st Saturdays from 4-6 p.m. This group is comprised of parents whose children are on the autism spectrum. We also welcome others involved with autistic children, such as grandparents, friends, teachers, therapists, etc. For info about how to join, or if you plan to attend a meeting, e-mail Lyra Stephens at LyraStephens@yahoo.com.

Special Needs Skate 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month. 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Looney’s Super Skate, 3541 McGehee Rd. in Montgomery.

All ages welcome. Sensory sensitive. Volunteers available for assistance. $5 admission. For more information, contact Lyrastephens@yahoo.com.

Teens/Families Support

Life is Fun Together (LIFT): This is a FREE program through Family Guidance Center of Alabama and a partnership with the Alabama Healthy Marriage and Relationship Initiative (AHMREI). LIFT provides relationship and marriage education and real-world skills through fun, distinctive workshops, information & referral services, ongoing support, and the LIFT library. Singles, non-married parents, stepfamilies, premarital couples, and married couples can all enjoy the benefits of LIFT workshops: ELEVATE blends 7 practical skills with an understanding of the physiology of human interaction (the heart-brain-behavior connection). Couples can get skills to help manage stress and reduce conflict. Learn how to relax, get to know each other more deeply, and make your relationship something you look forward to every day!

In Relationship Smarts (RS+), participants learn what true love really is, the role of “brain chemicals,” how to build healthy relationships, how to handle breakups, the “red flags” to domestic violence, relationship skills, and so much more. Written for 9th through 12th graders, RS+ is a solid, basic curriculum for adults too.

Date Nights! is a program for couples that are in committed relationships. Using the Basic Training curriculum, participants get the unique opportunity to enjoy a date together at a local restaurant- ON US! Topics include benefits of a healthy marriage, communication, surrender, problem-solving as a team, and intimacy.

How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk (or Jerkette) is a great program for singles and daters. Participants learn the technical definition of a “jerk” and how to spot one, how to build a healthy relationship, and the five things to know in order to be able to predict what someone would be like in marriage.

For Couples Only is a must-have for any couple in any stage of their relationship. Using the Mastering the Mysteries of Love curriculum, couples go through intensive training in communication, conflict management, and problem-solving.

Smart Steps for Stepfamilies was created for couples where at least one partner is not the biological parent of at least one child in the family. This curriculum is useful for all stepfamily couples regardless of whether the couple is married. A children’s component is often available.

Contact Tonya Rogers at 270-4100, trogers@familyguidancecenter.org, or www.familyguidancecenter.org today!

Support Group for Teens with difficulties communicating with parents and friends. Contact Felicia Pressley at Pressley Counseling by leaving a message at (334) 625-0159.

This Month Thursday, September 3

Alabama/Auburn Night at the Montgomery Biscuits 7:05 p.m. Give us a “Roll Tide” or a “War Eagle!” Come out and show your team spirit and help us get ready to kick off football season! Visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 323-2255 for more info.

ARMS Chair Concert Featuring Chuck Mead 7-9 p.m. Kiwanis Park in Old Alabama Town. Alabama Roots Music Society will wind down summer with this

free concert. Bring your chair, your cooler and your picnic for an evening of great music starting at 7 p.m. at Old Alabama Town. On May 18, Chuck Mead and His Grassy Knoll Boys performed for A&E Networks’ History Channel ‘Texas Rising’ Kickoff Party at The Alamo in San Antonio. For more info, call (334) 240-4500 or visit www.alabamarootsmusic.com/.

Friday, September 4

Friday Night Hoops -- Also September 18 Attention students in 5th through 12th grades: Get together with your friends for pick-up games of basketball every 1st and 3rd Friday at the Bell Road YMCA from 9 p.m.-midnight. Students must be dropped off by 10 p.m. and cannot leave without being picked up by parent or guardian (unless students drove themselves). Must be playing basketball to be involved.

Participants must have a photo ID (i.e. School ID). $3 for members; $7 for non-members. For more info, contact James Garvin at (334) 271-4343 or jgarvin@ ymcamontgomery.org.

Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre Presents Godspell -- Weekends through September 13 Directed by Jason Morgan, with choreography by Daniel Harms. Godspell, conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak, with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, is a musical which appeared off Broadway in 1971 and has played in many theatres around the world. The musical is a series of parables, mostly based on the Gospel of St. Matthew. The parables are combined with traditional hymn lyrics set to a variety of modern music styles. Godspell is a successful long-running play that has been made into a movie and has been a favorite of theatre goers for many years. Tickets are $12 in advance and $14 at the door and can be purchased in advance with Mastercard or Visa debit or credit cards, cash or check. For more information or for tickets, call (334) 595-0851.

Charities Night & Biscuits Jersey Auction 7:05 p.m. Join us in celebrating the outstanding work of the Biscuits 2015 Charity Partners. Be sure to also bid on your favorite Biscuits game-worn jersey at the silent auction during the game. Auction proceeds will benefit the River Region United Way. MAX fireworks follow the game! Visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 3232255 for more info.

Saturday, September 5

Home Depot Kids’ Workshop Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Today’s project is “learn how to make a football toss game.” In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates’ aprons, and an achievement pin. 9 a.m.-noon. Ages 5-12. Free.

Santuck Flea Market Outdoor flea market features booths with arts, crafts, antiques, novelties, imports, food and more. Free admission with free parking available. For more info, call (334) 567-7400.

Prattville Farmers Market -- Saturdays Through September 26 7 a.m.-noon. The Grove on Doster Road just a few blocks off Main Street. In addition to the selection of fresh produce, there are guest chefs, music and more. Its close proximity to Pratt Park with the Splash Pad, children’s play area, tree-lined walk ways, pond, pool and picnic areas make it a wonderful place for a family outing. Enjoy the park and picnic with fresh produce. For more info, call (334) 595-0851.

Farmer’s Market at the Shoppes at EastChase Saturdays through October 10 7 a.m. until noon. The Market includes local vendors with festivities for the entire family, including several stores and restaurants from the Shoppes at EastChase participating in the events. Shoppers will continue to find unique local items such as organic meats and milk, goat cheese, natural bath products and handmade soaps, honey, fruit pastries, birdhouses and nursery plants. For more info, call (334) 279-6046 or visit www.theshoppesateastchase.com.

Jasmine Hill Gardens and Outdoor Museum Saturdays weekly through October 31 Wetumpka. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. More than 20 acres of

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year-round floral beauty and classical sculpture, including new statuary honoring olympic heroes. Take a stroll through the outdoor gardens and experience beautiful flowers blooming throughout each season. Tours are available for groups of 20 or more. For more info, call (334) 263-5713 or visit www.jasminehill.org/.

AUM Offers Free Mandarin Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Confucius Institute continues to offer free Mandarin classes to the community. To register, send the student’s name, age and contact information to ama@aum.edu.

Sunday, September 6

Special Needs Skate -- Also September 20 5:30-7:30 p.m. 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month.

Looneys Super Skate, 3541 McGehee Rd. All ages welcome. Sensory sensitive. Volunteers available for assistance. $5. For more information contact Lyrastephens@yahoo.com.

Kids Day/Fan Appreciation with the Biscuits 5:35 p.m. start. Bring out the kids and join us for pregame catch on the field and post-game Coke Kids Run the Bases! It’s our chance to thank YOU the fans who made our season possible! Come out and enjoy food and drink specials and free prizes. Visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 323-2255 for more info.

Monday, September 7

R3 Labor Day 8K and 2-Mile Runs Join the River Region Runners and the Alabama Road Runners Club of America and celebrate Labor Day by running the annual R3 Labor Day 8K and 2-Mile Runs. The 8K has been designated the 2015 RRCA Alabama Championship!

It is a USATF certified challenging run starting at Union Station that includes an initial pass through the Capitol Heights Historic District and then includes the stretch past the Alabama State Capitol down Dexter Avenue through Montgomery’s Downtown District to the finish. Post race party and awards at the Union Station Train shed immediately following the event. Early registration is $20. Late Registration is $25. 6-7:15 a.m. packet pick-up and day of race registration; 7:30 a.m. 8K Run Start; 8:30 a.m. 2-Mile; and 9:30 a.m. Post Race party continues and awards.

Packet pick-up and late registration will be held Sunday, Sept. 6, from 2-5 p.m. at Fleet Feet Sports, 2934 Carter Hill Road. For more information, call (334) 595-9786.

67th Annual Labor Day Greek BBQ Montgomery’s Greek Orthodox Church will host the annual event from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The offerings include a choice between sliced pork or 1/2 chicken or lamb. Each plate comes with cole slaw, slow-simmered camp stew, bread and the church’s secret recipe barbecue sauce. Chicken and pork plates are $10; Lamb plates are $12. Quarts of the homemade camp stew are also available for $12 each.

Event goers may also select from a mouth-water array of Greek pastries, including baklava. (sold separately). Located on the grounds of the Greek Orthodox Church at the corner of Capitol Parkway and Mt. Meigs. For more info, call (334) 263-1366 or visit www.agocmal.org/

Tuesday, September 8

VEG OUT Montgomery 6-8 p.m. Join EAT South for its monthly plant-based diet pot luck dinners on the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. Located at the EAT South Farm at Hampstead community. Look for a big red barn! For more information, call 422-9331, e-mail info@eatsouth.org or visit www. facebook.com/VegOutMontgomery.

Audition to Dance with Moscow Ballet!

6:30 p.m. at Tonya Speed Dance Connection, 3370 Harrison Rd., Montgomery. Register to audition for Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at Nutcracker.com/audition. For ages 7-16. Call (334) 277-1098 or e-mail ucantap2@charter.net for more info. Performance will be held Tuesday, November 24, at 7 p.m. at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre.

Wednesday, September 9

Central Alabama Master Gardener (CAMGA) Lunch & Learn Program Held at the Elmore County Extension (ACES) facility on Queen Ann Road in Wetumpka, these free events

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Calendar/Support Groups for the public are held on the second Wednesday of each month, beginning at noon and ending at 1 p.m. Attendees are invited to bring their lunch and learn. This month’s topic is Holiday Deocrating with Natural Materials. Beverages are provided by CAMGA. For more information, call the ACES office at 567-6301 or visit www.aces.edu/counties/Elmore/.

Thursday, September 10

Broadway Under the Stars 7:30-9:30 p.m. Pack a picnic and invite your family and friends to come enjoy an evening of Broadway hits performed by the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra amidst the beauty of the Blount Cultural Park. This FREE event takes place lakeside at the park in front of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Come early and bring your lawn chairs, coolers and blankets for this family-friendly event.

The concert is generously sponsored by Regions Bank. For more info, call (334) 240-4004 or visit www.montgomerysymphony.org/.

Friday, September 11

Parents’ Night Out at the Wetumpka Family YMCA A monthly Parents’ Night Out program for parents of kids 12 years and under offered the 2nd Friday of each month from 6-10 p.m. Games, arts and crafts, a movie and hot dogs are offered. Cost is $10 per child for members and $15 per child for non-members. You must register by the Thursday prior. Call 567-8282 for more info.

Second Annual Craft Beer Festival At Callaway Gardens -- Through September 12 On Friday night, a Craft Beer Dinner will take place in The Gardens Restaurant, the historic fine-dining establishment overlooking beautiful Mountain Creek Lake. The reception will begin at 7 p.m. with dinner served at 7:30 p.m. The Craft Beer Festival will be held at Robin Lake Beach from 2-5 p.m.This festival is an all-you-can-taste extravaganza with more than 50 craft beers from 25 different vendors.

For tickets, visit www.callawaygardens.com or call 1.800.463.6990. Callaway Gardens is in Pine Mountain, Ga., 30 minutes north of Columbus.

Parents’ Night Out at United Gymstars & Cheer Also September 18 6:30-10:30 p.m. $20/first child; $15 per sibling. Pizza and drink provided. Fun games, trampolines, rope swing, tumble tracks, foam pits and more! Call (334) 284-2244 to reserve your spot! Walk-ins welcome (until maximum capacity is reached). **Must have at least 20 people signed up ahead of time or it will be cancelled.** Visit www.unitedgymstarsandcheer.com for more info.

Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets -- Also meets September 25 Elmore County Homeschool Organization is a non-profit support group for homeschooling families. We provide a positive socialization environment for homeschooled children & support and encourage their parents in the homeschooling process. We meet the second and fourth Friday of every month year-round from 10 a.m. to noon at Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville.

Membership is free and is open to all homeschoolers in the tri-county area. ECHO has field trips, park days, holiday parties, enrichment activities, and a yearly awards ceremony.

For details, visit http://www.onlineecho.com.

Saturday, September 12

Dads and Daughters Saturday (D.A.D.S) Calling ALL Fathers and Daughters for storytimes, fun and laughs, 11 a.m.-noon every 2nd Saturday at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Memorial Library. There will be singing, dancing and arts & crafts. So come visit us and have an enjoyable time! For more info, visit www.facebook.com/eve nts/1374454692792666/?source=1.

176th Year Celebration Concert 6-10 p.m. Heritage Park Fountain, Prattville. Join us as we rock downtown to celebrate Prattville’s 176th year!

Hometown favorites The Bryan Jackson Band will perform.

Food vendors will be onsite and downtown restaurants will be open. This 2nd annual event is free and open to the public. For more info, call (334) 595-0800.

All DOLLed Up 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The All DOLLed Up project is a series

Montgomery Parents I September 2015

of workshops that teaches young women how to dress for success and make responsible choices that will prepare them for the real world. FREE for young ladies ages 13-17.

Registration is required and includes lunch, scarf and a workshop bag. Register at www.alldolledupproject.org/.

Saturday Jam Sessions at Old Alabama Town Also September 26 Pick and grin at Saturday Jam Sessions in the Rose House at Old Alabama Town. Bring your acoustic instruments and have fun. 9 a.m.-noon. For more information, call (334) 240-4500 or visit www.oldalabamatown.com.

Breastfeeding Class Breastfeeding and lactation education designed for expectant mothers, fathers, and/or support persons. Class includes benefits, basic breastfeeding techniques, and prevention of common problems. 10 a.m.-noon. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. $15 covers mother and support person. Preregistration required. Call 293-8497 or visit www.jackson.org/ events to register or for more info.

Millbrook Community Players Present Grammy Award-Winning Blackwood Quartet 7 p.m. Millbrook Community Theatre. Tickets are $20 reserved, $15 general admission. Visit www.millbrooktheatre.com or call (334) 782-7317 for more information and tickets.

Sunday, September 13

Children’s Audition for ADT’s “Mistletoe” The Alabama Dance Theatre will host an open audition for children (boys and girls) to be a part of the upcoming performances of “Mistletoe”. Children’s auditions will be held at 5:30 p.m. Parts are available for children, first grade to age 13 in “Favorite Dances of Christmas” and “The Messiah”. Those auditioning will be judged on acting, dancing ability, and musicality.

“Mistletoe” featuring “Favorite Dances of Christmas” and “The Messiah” will be performed November 13-15 at the Davis Theatre for the performing Arts. The auditions will be held at the Armory Learning Arts Center, located at 1018 Madison Avenue. For more information, call at 241-2590 or visit alabamadancetheatre.com.

Monday, September 14

Fore the Love of Our Children Golf and Tennis Tournament 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Benefit for Brantwood Children’s Home held at Wynlakes Golf and Country Club. Participants can look forward to a top-notch golf course and tennis courts, lunch and prizes while making a difference for the children that call Brantwood home. For more info, call (334) 265-0784 or visit www.brantwoodchildrenshome.org/ page/news-events.

Find Your Story: A Genealogy Course for All Levels Also September 21, 28 and October 5 Beginning September 14, the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH) will offer a four-part series that will provide in-depth instruction into family history research for all levels of experience. Join ADAH expert genealogist Nancy Dupree for this course that offers step-by-step instruction, followed by hands-on research in the Ala. Dept. of Archives and History’s Research Room, with full access to a vast number of resources and state-of-the-art research tools. The course will be held on four consecutive Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon. Dupree will devote special attention to the wide variety of resources available both online and in the ADAH’s extensive collections. Cost is $70 for the public and $55 for Friends of the Archives. To register online, visit www.archives.alabama.gov. For more info or to register by phone, please contact Sarah McQueen at (334) 242-4364 or sarah.mcqueen@archives.alabama.gov.

Fall Classes at the Cloverdale Playhouse School Through November 12 Each age group meets weekly for nine weeks. Kindergarten-2nd Graders meet Tuesdays from 4-4:45 p.m. $100 fee. 3rd-5th Graders meet Tuesdays from 5-6 p.m. $125 fee. 6th-8th Graders meet Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. $125 fee. 9th-12th Graders meet Thursdays from 5-6 p.m. $125 fee. Call (334) 262-1530 to register by phone or to inquire about financial assistance.

Registration available online at http://thecloverdaleplayhouse.eventbrite.com/.

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September2015 Tuesday, September 15

Bullying Prevention and Disabilities: A ROCK Solid Approach This is a conference for parents, teachers, social workers, counselors, law enforcement officers, nurses and other professionals who interact with children/youth. 8:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. at AUM’s Taylor Center, Room 230. To register, visit http://familysunshine.org and click on the Bullying icon in the top right corner. For more info, call Melanie Beasley at (334) 206-2100. Sponsored by the Family Sunshine Center, the River Region ROCK Task Force with the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Joe Thomas, Jr. 3rd Tuesday Guitar Pull 7-9 p.m. Three or four regional songwriters perform original music on the Cloverdale Playhouse’s intimate stage.

Tickets are $10 at the door. Call 262-1530 or visit www. cloverdaleplayhouse.org.

Thursday, September 17

ArchiTreats: Food For Thought The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. Noon-1 p.m. Bring lunch and a drink and join us every third Thursday for these FREE lectures sponsored

by Friends of the Alabama Archives. Today’s topic is “The Laboratory of Learning: Alabama State College Lab High School, a Model Education,” presented by Sharon G. Pierson. Call 353-4726 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov.

Zoobilation at the Montgomery Zoo 6-10 p.m. Dance to the groove, delight in drinks and food samplings from the finest eateries in the River Region, try your luck at the vast collection of auction items and rub elbows with the area’s finest animal lovers. Zoobilation is a fundraiser geared for adults only. All guests must be 21 years old or older to attend. Tickets are $TBA, purchased online at montgomeryzoo.com, at the Zoo’s gift shop and museum. Call (334) 240-4900 for more info.

Montgomery Burger Bash 6-8 p.m. Join us for Montgomery’s first-ever Burger Bash at EAT South Downtown Farm, 425 Molton St. Twelve restaurants will compete to see who has the best burger in Montgomery. As a ticket holder, you are the judge.

Proceeds from this event will go to EAT South. More information on Facebook.

Artrek Exhibit -- Through September 30 5:30-9 p.m. Creative Arts Center and Gallery, Prattville.

Opening reception will be held in conjunction with the River Region Art Gallery Association. Artwork by local and regional artists in a variety of media and styles. This event and the exhibit are free and open to the public during regular gallery hours (Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.) and tours by appointment by calling (334) 595-0851.

AUM Theatre’s 40th Anniversary Celebration Revue -- Also September 18-19 and 24-27 All at 7:30 p.m. except Sunday at 2 p.m.. E-mail Val Winkelman at vwinkelm@aum.edu for more info.

Wetumpka Depot Players Present Love. Loss and What I Wore-- Through October 3 Written by Nora Ephron; directed by Kim Mason. Based on the best-selling book of the same title, Love, Loss and What I Wore is a scrapbook of side-splitting stories about unfortunate prom dresses, the traumatic lighting in fitting rooms, high heels, short skirts, and the existential state of having nothing to wear. The show uses clothing and accessories and the memories they trigger to tell funny and often poignant stories creating an endearing theatre experience. 7:30 p.m. performances except for 2 p.m. matinee September 27. For ticket info, visit www.wetumpkadepot. com or call (334) 868-1440.

Friday, September 18

10th Annual Breakfast for Babies 5:30-9 a.m. Join Chappy’s Deli in support of the March of Dimes with the 10th Annual Breakfast for Babies drive at their 1611 Perry Hill Rd. location. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and help them raise money to aid in the prevention of premature births in our neighborhood and across the world. For a $6 donation to the March of Dimes you will get: scrambled eggs, bacon, Conecuh

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sausage, biscuit, cheese grits and drink. For a $20 donation to the March of Dimes you will get: the $6 breakfast and a limited edition “Breakfast for Babies” Tshirt (provided by PS Graphics). For more info or to volunteer, call (334) 279-6950 or visit chappysdeli.com/.

Saturday, September 19

True Divine Community Development Hosts a Community Yard Sale 7-11 a.m. Every third Saturday through October. 4525 Virginia Loop Rd. Sign up for $10 booths, call 286-4008.

Prattville Gigantic Flea Market Doster Community Center, 6 a.m.-noon. For info, call (334) 595-0800.

GO Fish Catch and Release -- Also September 20 Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook. Sat., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m. Call 285-4550 or visit www. alabamawildlife.org. Admission charged.

Sunday, September 20

Birmingham Hosts United States Women’s National Soccer Team Victory Tour Legion Field in Birmingham at 1:30 p.m. CT on ESPN2.

The newly crowned 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup champions will battle it out with the Australian women’s national soccer team. The USWNT is currently ranked No. 1 after its 5-2 victory over Japan in the 2015 World Cup, and the first three-time FIFA Women’s World cup winner. Tickets can be purchased online at ussoccer. com, ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Additionally, tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster ticket centers (including Publix and Walmart locations). [Note: Tickets are not sold at Legion Field except on the day of the event.]

Tuesday, September 22

FREE Open House to Learn About Square Dancing Also September 29 7:30-9 p.m. both nights. Beaux and Belles Square

Dance Club, Montgomery Area Square Dance Association (M.A.S.D.A.), 2200 Poplar St, Montgomery. Call (334) 288-6024 or (334) 354-2854 for more information. Classes start on October 6.

Thursday, September 24

Newcomers Club of Montgomery Monthly Luncheon The Newcomers Club of Montgomery invites all women of the River Region to attend our monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Arrowhead Country Club. Guest speaker Emily Flowers will tell us about “coming attractions” at the Cloverdale Playhouse.

Cost is $18 and reservations must be made by noon Monday, September 21, to Jan Burdette at (334) 593-9266 or jan8410@bellsouth.net. Visit www. newcomersmontgomery.com.

Millbrook Community Theatre Presents ROUTE 66 Dinner Theatre -- Also Sept 25-27 and October 2-4 7:30 p.m. performances except for 2 p.m. September 27 and October 4. Dinner served one hour prior to showtime.

Written & created by Roger Bean. Beginning with the sounds of 1950s Chicago and traveling along the “Main Street of America” to the California coast with the surf music of the 1960s, this exciting musical revue features 34 of the greatest “Rock ‘n’ Road” hits of the 20th century!

Songs include “Dead Man’s Curve,” “King of the Road,” “Little Old Lady from Pasadena,” “Beep Beep,” “Six Days on the Road,” “Little GTO,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” and many more.

Tickets are $24 and include dinner or $15 without dinner.

Visit www.millbrooktheatre.com or call 334-782-7317 for more information and tickets.

ARTtalk at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 6-8 p.m. Artists can bring one work of art to show for friendly feedback. Light refreshments are also served.

Cost: $10 for Museum or Montgomery Art Guild members; $17 for non-members for three sessions. Call Brandy at 334.240.4365 or email edsecy@mmfa.org to register.

Friday, September 25

Ballet and the Beasts at the Montgomery Zoo 6-10 p.m. Enjoy the Montgomery Ballet in a FREE

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performance under the stars at the Montgomery Zoo. Admission is FREE, picnic blankets and chairs are welcome. Gates open at 6 p.m.; the performance will begin at dusk. Call (334) 240-4900 or visit www. montgomeryzoo.com.

Saturday, September 26

Titus Bluegrass Festival 10 a.m.-6 p.m. in the Titus Community Center. Downhome music will kick off the annual festival, which features regional as well as local talent. Family-oriented fun and entertainment will be the order of the day as banjos, mandolins and guitars take center stage. An arts and crafts show will be also held. Other festival activities will include: kids’ stuff, barbecue and beverages. Booths are available for $20 each and each vendor will receive entry to the festival. Exhibitors of all types of crafts are encouraged to apply. Admission is $5 for ages 12 and over, and free to children. Proceeds will be used for the restoration and maintenance of the Community Center. Grab a lawn chair and head to the Titus Community Center located approximately 10 miles north of Wetumpka on Highway 231, then six miles north on County Road 29.

2015 NAMI Walks Alabama The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will conduct a statewide NAMIWalk at the Wynton Blount Cultural Park in Montgomery. The purpose of the 5K fundraiser is to support the education, advocacy, and support programs of NAMI Alabama. NAMIWalks is a joint effort of NAMI, NAMI Alabama, and NAMI Alabama Affiliates. Their promise is to build better lives for Alabamians affected by mental illness.

Registration is free but fundraising is encouraged! The last day to register online is the day of the Walk. For more info, call (334) 396-4797.

Prattville Worldwide Day of Play 2-5 p.m. Cooters Pond Park- Upper Level. Join the City of Prattville and the U.S. Army for the World Wide Day of Play. There will be obstacle courses for K-2nd grade, 3rd-6th grade, and 7th-8th grades. Each course will be designed for those age groups. Medals will be given out in different categories. The Army will provide camouflage face painting.

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Calendar/Support Groups 4th Saturday Outreach Event 9-11 a.m. River City Church, a United Methodist congregation, invites the entire community to this event at the church, located at 301 Dexter Avenue. Admission is free. The River Region will have access to blood pressure/ glucose screenings, career services, free haircuts, hygiene items and canned goods. Participants can register for a drawing for a weekly bus pass and gasoline gift cards.

During the 2-hour period, attendees can speak with prayer partners and purchase items (clothes, furniture, etc.) in the River City Rummage Sale. For more info, please call 2630549 or visit www.rivercityumc.com.

Sunday, September 27

Family Art Affair and Jazz Jams at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 2-4 p.m. Bring the entire family to this FREE fun event and enjoy a jazz combo and special art-making activities in the studios reflective of the five categories of the exhibition “A Journey Through the Collection: Docent Choices.” Visit www.mmfa.org or call (334) 240-4333.

Satuday, October 3

Beauty by Fire Ministries Sponsors the 4th Annual River Region Prayer Walk Union Station Train Shed. This is a FREE community event!

Registration at 8:30 a.m. and activities begin at 9 a.m.

First, we will gather for a praise concert and time of preparation for the walk. Next, we will walk a route through downtown Montgomery using guided prayer. For those who are unable to walk the route, there will be a time of corporate prayer at the train shed. Finally, we will conclude the Prayer Walk at the train shed with a FREE concert led

by Surviving the Fall, FREE hot dogs off the grill, and lots of fun fellowship! For more information, contact Brooke Freeman at (334) 300-5407 or find us on Facebook. Online registration at http://riverregionprayerwalk.eventbrite.com.

Sunday, October 4

Montgomery’s Capitol Sounds Concert Band Presents “Sounds of Autumn” Concert 3 p.m. at City Hall Auditorium in Montgomery. Program will feature patriotism, opera, movies, Broadway and pop and rock favorites. For more information about Capitol Sounds, visit www.capitolsounds.org. There is no admission but donations will be taken at the door. Concert is open to the public.

Monday, October 5

Audition to Dance in Tri-County Nutcracker 7:30 p.m. at C.J.’s Dance Factory, 145 South Court Street, Prattville. Calling all young dancers (ages 6-17) to open auditions for the children’s production of this year’s Nutcracker Ballet! For more info, please call (334) 467-8603.

Performance will be Saturday, December 12, at the Jefferson State Community College Performing Arts Center.

Wednesday, October 7

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Driving Miss Daisy -- Through November 1 When Daisy Werthan causes a car wreck, her son hires hard-working chauffeur Hoke Colburn to look after her.

What begins as a hostile clashing of wills between a stubborn Jewish matriarch and a proud black man evolves into a decades-long friendship as the two navigate Civil Rights-era Atlanta. With humor and heartfelt emotion, Alfred Uhry’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play poignantly explores the transformative power of true friendship. Visit www.asf. net or call 271-5353.

Thursday, October 8

Faulkner Dinner Theatre Presents The Other Side of the Bridge -- Through October 24 Theatre doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner is served from 6:15 until 7. The show begins promptly at 7:30. Tickets are

September2015 $26.50 and include dinner and the show. Members of the military can purchase tickets for just $21.50. Reservations must be paid in advance. To make reservations or for more information, call 877-840-0457 or visit http://www. ticketforce.com/.

Saturday, October 10

Montgomery Lions Club Chili Cookoff Riverwalk Stadium. Gates open at 11 a.m. Team entry $325. Individual tickets $10, children 10 & under are free. Come join us for a day of family fun at Riverwalk Stadium. Sample some of the best amateur and restaurant chili recipes in the Montgomery area. Proceeds benefit the Montgomery Lions Club Community Foundation and support Montgomery Lions Club charities. Visit www. montgomerylionsclub.com/chili-cookoff.html.

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Paul Thorn 8 p.m. Paul Thorn from Tupelo, Miss., was a prizefighter and skydiver before becoming a rootsy singer/songwriter.

As a musician, he has toured and collaborated with Sting, Paul Carrack, Joe Diffie, Tanya Tucker, Ronnie Milsap and Carole King, to name a few. In the late ‘80s after his boxing career, Thorn signed a record deal with Miles Copeland. His deput album “Hammer and Nail” was issued in 1997. Paul just recently released “Too Blessed To Be Stressed.” Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100 for tickets.

Prattville Holds Annual High School Band Contest The Prattville High School Marching Band will hold its annual Heart of Dixie Band Competition at Stanley Jensen Stadium. If you are in a marching band, we would love to have you come and march in our competition. If you like watching marching bands from around the area, please come and enjoy the day with us. At the end of the day, the Pride of Prattville band will exhibit its show for the year. For more information or to sign up for the competition, please contact Band Director Chris King at (334) 365-8804.

Business Card Directory

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MontgomeryParents “Parents in the Know, Know Montgomery Parents” The River Region’s Foremost Parenting Source

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Are Your Customers WOMEN? So Are Our READERS! We Offer SMART ADVERTISING! Call Today, 213-7940

Home Based Business Directory Creative Wonders Parties No party to big or small--we have creative ideas for them all.

Let us set up and decorate your event. Also, book your favorite character! Stress less and book the best today!

Call 334-233-8617 or email Jackie at jstouter21@gmail.com.

Home Refinishers

Your home repair specialist!

We offer an array of home services at a reasonable rate. Services include tile repair and installation, painting and stucco repair, drywall repair, pressure washing, trash and junk removal, light carpentry, and more. Call us today for your free estimate at 334-498-4988.

Licensed and Insured. “Get it done right the first time...call the pro!”

Chemistry Tutor

Reading, Writing, & Language Tutor

Clarence Hann, IV

Current Chemistry Teacher Experienced chemistry tutor

by Certified 7th-12th Grade Teacher. Also, Spanish Lessons/ Tutoring. Please contact Shannon Montgomery by email at shannonmontgomery12@yahoo. com or call 334-296-0318.

Email channiv30@gmail.com or call 334-546-4860.

Half off on first session if you mention this ad.

Piano Teacher

Saxon Lawn Service

Nationally certified-Children and adults welcome.

1829 Hillhedge Drive. Please call Miss Bickerstaff at 262-3341.

You grow it, we mow it Affordable pricing Please call 274-0324.

Williams Carpentry Porches, remodeling, sheet rock, painting, hardwood floors.

Call Robert Williams at (home) 361-7307 or (cell) 699-3864.

TUTORING 28 years teaching experience Tutoring grades 1st-8th Call Alice Gwin at (334) 300-8350.

Email dalice.gwin@gmail.com.

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Jackie’s Home Daycare

All Week Interactive Online Math Tutoring Grades 7—12/ACT/SAT Contact: David, Ph.D. 334-544-0299 cdcywg@gmail.com

Quality childcare and education in a fun, safe, Christian environment.

Nutrition Education

Squeaky Clean

Certified Dr. Sears Health Coach teaching family and pregnancy nutrition classes in the local area and online.

Taught by Alissabeth Taylor, RN, HC Consultations and other services offered. For more information, please visit www.alawellness.com or contact Alissabeth Taylor at Alissabeth@alawellness.com.

“Absolute Clean” Cleaning Service

Reliable, dependable, and trustworthy are the three things most needed when trusting someone in your home.

We have all three of them, so just call Trenella @ 334-391-7596 for your free estimate and the absolute best cleaning job you could ask for with no worries, just a clean house. Call today!

Mommy, Milk, & Me, Inc.

Provides lactation education and consulting, antepartum and postpartum doula services. For more information please contact Tangela Boyd at 334-531-0145.

Located in East Montgomery Years of experience Smoke and pet free/clean home Ages 12 months-4 years Call (334) 676-3136.

Email: Tangela@mommymilkandmeinc.com Website: www.mommymilkandmeinc.com

Integrated Mental Health Services

Dedicated, result oriented, resilience building.

With 10 years of (Psychology) and community practice. My evidence-based approach to integrated care provides prosocial relationships, self-efficacy, and a subjective state of (Mental) well being to clients, educational, hospitals, federal, state, and local government agencies.

For rendered services under (Clinical Supervision) please contact: Genevieve Morris at genjiles@msn.com.

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No job too big or small.

Clean/disinfect kitchen and bathrooms, vacuum, dust and floors.

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Piano tunings, repair, and restoration. Active member of the Piano Technicians Guild.

Contact us today to arrange a time to give your piano much needed attention. Call 569-9662 or visit www.pianoman.net/al

Total Life Changes

Southern Quality Lawns, LLC

Partner with me and make your HEALTH your WEALTH! To learn more about Total Life Changes (TLC), their amazing 100% certified organic product line, or their incomparable compensation plan, contact me at am.Claybon@outlook.com.

“Quality Service from the Ground Up” Serving the tri county area.

Call or email us for a free estimate. Bobby, 334-657-7750. robertsqlawns@gmail.com

Bow Wow Meow Pet Sitting and Training I have been pet training and pet sitting for over 9 years.

Certified Pet Trainer, Free Consultation, Reasonable Prices Call Courtney (334) 354-4183

Brother to Brother Entertainment, Inc.

Get a DJ and a Photographer in one package for your next event. We specialize in birthdays, weddings, luncheons, family reunions, and holiday parties.

Contact Matthew Ezell @ 334-202-6869 or Alexander Strum @ 334-235-3518

The FREE AD GUY knows that every business needs a few lucky breaks before it can become successful. That’s why he is offering more FREE ads to Home Based Businesses. In return, the FREE AD GUY would appreciate it if you would tell a friend about Montgomery Parents Magazine. If you’ll just help him spread the word about Montgomery Parents Magazine he’ll keep working for you and your business. If you have already run a FREE ad you can send a request to repeat the ad or make changes. Please understand but we will not accept any phone requests. For new Home Based Business advertisers, just send your information to: FREE AD GUY, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, AL 36123, or freeadguy@montgomeryparents.com.

The FREE AD GUY reserves the right to refuse any ad in case it’s not appropriate for our readers.

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AdvertiserDirectory We know that readers consider our advertisers as valuable a resource as the editorial content in Montgomery Parents. We hope this directory saves you time as you refer to the magazine throughout the month.

Page numbers follow the advertiser’s name.

First UMC, Prattville, 43

Mrs. Sandy’s House, 84

Fleming’s Martial Arts, 42

My Kids Attic, Consignment Sale, 18

Frazer Memorial UMC, 9

My Kids Attic, The Shoppes of, 37

Adventure Sports II, 42

From My Closet to Yours, 85

New Park, 4

Alabama Christian Academy, 32

Go Karting Montgomery, 85

New Waters Realty, 45

Ala. Dept. of Health, Inside Front

Great Leaps Learning Center, 44

O’Connor Tennis Lessons, 44

AL School of Math & Science, Inside Back

Greengate School, 55

Paradise Pumpkin Patch, 16

Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 21

Holy Cross Episcopal School, 25

Pediatric Nephrology of Alabama, 27

ASKIN/Synergy House, 84

Hooper Academy, 63

Plexus Slim, Rhonda McClellan, 85

Bama Blaze Elite Cheer, 23

Huntington Learning Center, 19

Precision Medical Solutions, 28

Baptist Health, 13

Interscapes, Inc., 8

Beth’s Heirloom Sewing, 34

Jenny Alexander, MD, 84

Bradford Health Services, 76

Journey Church Preschool, 66

Camp ASCCA, 40

Kingry Orthodontics, 39

Chapman Orthodontics, 49

Kreative Moments, 85

Children’s Clothing Exchange, 2

Kumon, 51

Children’s Hospital of Alabama, 39

Laura’s School of Dance, 34

Churchill Academy, 15

Learning Tree Child Care, 70

Dentistry for Children, 40

Legacy Early Learning Center, 61

Doodlebugs Consignment, 30

Little Lights Creative Learning Ctr, 84

Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 66

Lori Mercer Photography, 59

Dreamcourt, 3

Macon East Academy, 41

Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 36

M.A.N.E., 24

E & S Hobbies, 85

Mathnasium, 14

Easter Seals Central Alabama, 48

MelodicVibes, LLC, 30

The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover

Edward Jones-Lane Easterling, 69

Memorial Presbyterian Childcare, 64

Tiffany’s Music Conservatory, 85

Evangel Christian Academy, 49

Montessori @ Hampstead, 22, 65

Tonya Speed Dance Connection, 38

Evolve Church Learning Center, 59

Montessori @ Mulberry, 17

Trinity Presbyterian School, 35

Families of the Year Awards, 73

Montgomery Ballet, 36

Tum-E Yummy, 7

Family Support Center, P’ville, 85

Montgomery Catholic Schools, 26

Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 48

First Baptist Church, Montgomery, 47

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 68

Vaughn Road Preschool, 75

First Baptist Church, Prattville, 38

Montgomery Pediatric Dentistry/Ortho, 62

Vishnu Dental, 68

First UMC, Montgomery, 31

Montgomery Uniforms Plus, 53

Zsa Zsa’s Boutique, 11

Professional Pediatrics, 12 Providence Early Childcare/Preschool, 20 Pump It Up Party, 67 Riverview Camp for Girls, 71 ROCK Campaign, 33 Saint James School, 1 Sea Dragon Pirate Cruises, 57 Smiles Galore Parties, 64 South Montgomery Academy, 27 Spacewalker, The, 18 Spotless Cleaning Services, 54 Success Unlimited Academy, 29 Sylvan Learning Center, 43 Taylor Road Baptist Church, 24 The Dollhouse Toy Store, 85

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Fantastic Four

Shaun the Sheep Movie

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: BViolence: D+ Sexual Content: ALanguage: C Alcohol / Drug Use: C+ The MPAA has rated Fantastic Four PG-13 for sci-fi action violence and language.

Reed Richards (Owen Judge) and Ben Grimm (Evan Hannemann) are grade school chums who manage to build a device that can transport a small object to some unknown destination and then bring it back. At a high school science fair a few years later the miracle leaves their teachers unimpressed, however it does catch the attention of Dr. Franklin Storm (Reg Cathey), the director of a government sponsored research program for young prodigies. He is intrigued to discover these young men have figured out the missing piece for a stalled project his team has been working on.

Certain he can convince the board to resume funding for the “Quantum Gate”, Storm offers Reed (Miles Teller) and Ben (Jamie Bell) a scholarship at the Baxter Foundation where they are invited to help complete the experiment.

Although Ben declines, Reed enthusiastically accepts and is soon working with Storm’s scientist daughter Sue (Kate Mara) and lab technician son Johnny (Michael B. Jordan). The doctor also brings back an expelled student named Victor Von Doom (Tony Kebbell) because the rebellious young adult is the original brain behind the matter-moving machine.

In short order the team pulls together to create a transporter big enough to send a life form to the mysterious destination. After a chimpanzee returns alive, the group is convinced the device is ready for human travel. And they want to be first to explore what they are sure is a new world in a different dimension. However, their success has been brought to the attention of the bureaucrats who now demand the project be turned over to NASA. Of course Reed, Johnny and Victor are not happy with that suggestion. After late night drinking, they make the impulsive decision to use the transporter without permission. Bringing Ben along, they head out on the adventure of a lifetime.

It turns out getting there is easier than expected. Full of pride at their achievement, the gang can’t help but take a selfie. Nor can they resist the urge to do a little exploring of the new realm. Yet in their eagerness they make contact with a strange energy force so powerful that only three of them manage to make it back. Victor is left for dead. And upon their return, Sue is also exposed to the remains of the powerful surge. Like a box of assorted chocolates, the experience affects each person very individually, leaving them with a unique ability. The military is quick to look for ways to exploit these new capabilities until a new and more formidable foe emerges.

The latter portion of the script is consumed with a showdown between this ultimate villain and the four fledgling super heroes. The resulting violence is quite graphic. This, along with periodic scatological slang and other profanities, constitute a few reasons why parents may want to be cautious.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: BSexual Content: B+ Language: A Alcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated Shaun the Sheep Movie PG for rude humor.

You can take the sheep off the farm and send them to town... but things are likely to get a little woolly. At least they do for Shaun the Sheep (voice of Justin Fletcher) and the rest of his flock.

Like many people stuck on the treadmill of life, Shaun is a little tired of the daily farm routine. Sleep. Eat. Sleep. Repeat. He wants a day off -a day to kick back and turn on the telly. The only problem is Farmer Sparks (voice of John Sparkes) is a firm believer in maintaining a schedule.

After enduring another to-do list day, Shaun decides to take things into his own cloven hooves. Lulling the farmer to sleep with the old counting sheep trick, he and the rest of the flock lock the man inside a travel trailer and take over the house. However just as they are about to settle down with a movie and pizza, the trailer begins to roll down the road and into The Big City with the snozer inside.

Aardman Animations has made a name for itself with charming claymation films such as the dog and master duo Wallace & Gromit, and a coop full of escapees in Chicken Run. Now the studio is giving television star Shaun the Sheep a shot at the big screen. Twenty animators were hired to work on the project, each creating about two seconds of footage a day.

While the film has the same look as their other productions, there is no dialogue other than some grunts, groans and animal sounds. The lack of narrative makes this film easy to follow as long as you keep your eyes on the screen. It also means the jokes in this film are all sight and sound gags. Droopy pants, exposed underwear, a man on a toilet and a few other slightly distasteful scenes are played for laughs, along with some burps and flatulence. While the plot includes moments of peril and violence, the scariest depiction for very young children will likely be the animal containment officer (voice of Omid Djalili) who uses a high-powered gun to capture his victims.

Overall Shaun the Sheep is a less complicated and less entertaining movie that previous Aardman animations. Still, the lack of language may also mean it may have a broader appeal to audiences of all ages and cultures.

What Parents need to know about Shaun the Sheep...

What Parents need to know about Fantastic Four...

Violence: An animal bylaw officer snares his victims with a large clasp.

Later he uses a taser-like weapon to stun his victims. He also chases animals with a large scythe. Characters experience numerous moments of peril.

Sexual Content: A man’s droopy pants reveal part of his buttocks on several occasions. A man flirts with a woman. Some mild sexual innuendo is included. A character is photographed in the nude for a magazine spread (no actually nudity is shown).

Language: None noted.

Alcohol / Drug Use: A character mixes a drink and serves it in a martini glass. A character is given a bottle of wine. One character sips wine during dinner.

Violence: A child is verbally abused and slapped. Experiments result in explosions, property damage and power failures. An animal used in an experiment looks frightened, but is unharmed. Victims of an accident suffer from injuries and strange mutations. A body is shown engulfed in flames, but is not consumed by the fire. Characters are used as weapons to achieve military goals – some combat situations are shown. Characters are killed on screen -- splatted blood, gruesome burns and battered corpses shown. Characters engage in a battle using super powers; injuries and deaths ensue. A black hole sucks up people.

Sexual Content: A naked character is shown; no private body parts revealed.

Language: A sexual hand gesture is shown. The script includes the use of mild profanities, scatological slang, crude words and terms of deity.

Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters drink alcohol and become inebriated.

Montgomery Parents I September 2015

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