Montgomery Parents December 2016 by KeepSharing

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Educating the Whole Child From Pre-K3 through 12th grade, STJ students, faculty, and administration work together to foster the potential of each child at Saint James School. Visit our state-of-the-art campus January 22nd and experience first-hand the impact of engaged and experiential learning. Please join us! Our Open House program begins at 1:30pm on January 22nd and is full of fun events that will help you and your child experience the complete education offered at Saint James School.

Saint James School FOR OPEN HOUSE RESERVATIONS, VISIT STJWEB.ORG/ADMISSIONS OR CALL 334.273.3021

Leading the Way Since 1955 English as a second language (ESL) tutoring provided. Saint James School admits students of any religion, race, color, gender, creed, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

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I’d say we’re in a good place. A FRIEND RECENTLY SAID TO ME, “YOU LOOK HAPPY!” AND YOU KNOW, SHE WAS RIGHT. WE’RE FINALLY SETTLED IN OUR AMAZING NEW HOME AND LOVE THE AREA. IT’S REALLY PEACEFUL OUT HERE. THE KIDS ARE DOING GREAT – AND ENJOY RIDING THEIR BIKES TO SCHOOL. YEAH, I’D SAY WE'RE IN A GOOD PLACE. “HAPPY” PRETTY MUCH SUMS IT UP.

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December2016

Volume 21 Number 12

68 Columns

6 Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note DeAnne Watson

8 Living With Children John Rosemond

Coaching Confidence Tips on how to help your children approach public speaking without fear.

Gift Giving for Kids

Get your children involved in the spirit of giving with these budget-friendly ideas!

12 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

14 Montgomery Education Matters by Superintendent Margaret Allen

48 Autauga Education Matters

by Superintendent Spence Agee

54 Elmore Education Matters by Superintendent Andre L. Harrison

60 Parenting Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Teens Mark Gregston

64 Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

Holiday Happenings

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

Bittersweet Bonding

Get your teen ready to launch into adulthood during the high school years.

80 Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

84 A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

On The Cover Anna Rabon (3) is the daughter of James and Amy Rabon. She has a younger brother, Ben (13 months). Anna currently attends K-3 at Saint James School in Montgomery. She is pictured on the cover with Santa Claus at Eastdale Mall and is ready to enjoy a magical Christmas!

Departments 10 Bits and Pieces 16 School Bits 86 Calendar/Support Groups 96 Movie Reviews

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Editor’sNote A little known fact about me, that may surprise some of you, is that I’m absolutely terrified of public speaking. I always have been, and unless I take some really proactive steps, I always will be. I’ve never understood how some people can be so calm in front of a crowd...so at home in that “center of attention” spot. The knowledge that all eyes are on me makes me want to lose my lunch, literally. In fact, I almost did several times as a young person. Even though I haven’t tried to overcome my own fear, I certainly don’t want my children to succumb to the same. In thinking back to my own childhood, specifically elementary school, I don’t remember being assigned to speak in front of my class very often. I recall the occasional oral book report or maybe participating in a spelling bee, but nothing on a regular basis. On the contrary, I see that my kids have received and are receiving more opportunities to practice speaking in front of a group beginning early in their school careers. In fact, at the start of the school year our kindergartner did her first oral presentation by standing to tell her classmates a rehearsed paragraph about her summer. I’m thankful for this and believe it will set Grace up for success in what is so often a scary part of life. In this month’s issue, Christa Hines shares valuable advice in her article, Coaching Confidence: How to Help Your Child Approach Public Speaking Without Fear. Parenting at both ends of the spectrum (which is how I refer to parenting two older teens and a kindergartner) carries with it a variety of interesting issues. Here’s one. While Grace wants to be right up under me all the time, my teens want their space. And while I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the seemingly constant attention Grace requires, I often find myself struggling to maintain a bond with Will and Anna. Bonding with Grace is easy...she’s ready and available anytime! Connecting with my teenagers has its good days and bad days depending on schedules, moods and even recent disagreements. If you have teens, you surely know what I mean! Christina Katz offers insight for these unique parenting years in Bittersweet Bonding: Getting Your Teen Ready to Launch. It is our job to offer advice, but also let them figure some things out on their own. Protect them, but also let them make mistakes. Hold them close, but also let them go. These years feel a bit like an emotional roller coaster for me, so if you are feeling that way too, know you aren’t alone. Whether your kids are young or old, everyone is getting excited about Christmas! Our Holiday Happenings Guide continues this month with an extensive list of fun family activities for the season. All of our kids are growing up, family dynamics are ever changing, and Christmas celebrations will change along the way. Before we know it, another Christmas will have come and gone, so let’s make as many special memories with our families as we can this holiday season!

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 David Drennan, M.D. Mark Gregston Andre L. Harrison Christa Melnyk Hines Carolyn Jabs Christina Katz Sarah Lyons John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith

Cover Photography David Hagood www.davidhagoodphotography.com Publisher Jason Watson jason@montgomeryparents.com Associate Publisher Gena Hill Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson Heather Watts (334) 213-7940 ext. 703 ads@montgomeryparents.com Ad Design Tim Welch Distribution Manager Chris Mitchell Member

DeAnne

deanne@montgomeryparents.com

Montgomery Parents I December 2016

The River Region’s Foremost Parenting Source

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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Christmas Day Worship Service

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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

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

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

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

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MPAC Presents

For tickets, visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100. Baptist Health presents Natalie Grant and Danny Gokey December 1 * 7 p.m. Alabama Farmers Federation presents Sara Evans “At Christmas” December 4 * 7:30 p.m.

Christmas is Coming To Lanark!

The Alien Who Stole Christmas at the W.A. Gayle Planetarium

Through December 15 Mondays-Thursdays @ 4 p.m. Let’s take a tour of the winter’s evening sky and then join jolly ol’ Santa and concerned alien Mr. Freep as they explore the solar system’s planets and meet the Christmas Eve needs of their fictitious inhabitants. Tickets go on sale 30 minutes before showtime. Admission $6.50 per person for ages 5 and above. For more info, call (334) 625-4799 or visit Facebook.

Read a holiday story, make a Christmas snack and craft, and enjoy the Candy Cane Hike. Tell Santa what you wish for Christmas and if the weather’s nice, we’ll enjoy a hayride too! Open to the general public and homeschoolers Monday, December 12. Programs are two hours long and are offered from 9-11 a.m. OR 12-2 p.m. and $8 per child. On Saturday, December 17, there will be ongoing events from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Learn how to create your own nature ornament, get pictures with Santa, enjoy our Christmas movie special, and make sure to go on the hay ride! We will have hot chocolate for sale and plenty of activities to keep you warm. ANC General admission applies. Call (334) 285-4550 or visit www. alabamawildlife.org for more info.

The Black Jacket Symphony presents “Prince – Purple Rain” December 9 * 8 p.m. Damon Johnson and Band December 10 * 7:30 p.m.

Montgomery Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert December 13 * 7:30 p.m.

December 8-18 These two plays will be performed back to back and for the ticket price of just one play! The Mice and The Manger is told through the eyes of the mice who were there on that very first Christmas. A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas will warm your heart through its period songs, humor and depth of character. Ticket price is $10 in advance and $12 at the door and includes both performances each night. For more info, please call (334) 595-0854 or visit wobt@prattvilleal.gov. Montgomery Parents I December 2016

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Capri Theatre Presents It’s a Wonderful Life

Prattville Presents A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas andThe Mice and The Manger

Friday, December 9 * 7:30 p.m. The Jimmy Stewart Christmas classic on the big screen! Tickets $10 ($8 for Capri Members). The Capri Theatre has also partnered with the Mid-Alabama Coalition for the Homeless (MACH) to host the Capri’s first-ever Sockball fight (a snowball fight, but with socks). To participate, bring clean, unused socks to the movie. After the pre-show talk is finished and a year-long Capri membership is raffled off, participants will ball up the socks, do a countdown, and then everybody goes to town. Volunteers will come by to collect the sockballs and all will be donated to MACH. Everyone who brings socks gets a limitededition Capri cup. MACH is currently hosting its annual Blanket Drive, collecting blankets, coats, and other warm items, and they’ll see to it that anything else you donate goes where it can do the most good. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858. 10

Jason Isbell with Supporting Act Will Johnson December 15 * 7:30 p.m.

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker December 26 * 7:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $28. www.montgomeryparents.com

Appalachian Craft Fair

all

Montgomery Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

December 10-11 * 9 a.m.-2 p.m. & 8 a.m.-noon Aldersgate United Methodist Church is hosting the Red Bird Craft Fair featuring works by as many as 100 different crafters from Appalachia. Items include handmade reed baskets, jewelry, woven mats, dolls, benches, toys, games, ornaments and nativity sets. For more info, call (334) 272-6152 or visit www.aldersgateumc.org.

December 9-11 Troy University’s Davis Theatre in Downtown Montgomery. Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10-$30 and can be purchased online. For more info, call (334) 409-0522 or visit montgomeryballet.org/.

Wetumpka’s Christmas on the Coosa Events

City of Montgomery Downtown Countdown: New Year’s Eve Celebration

9 p.m.-1 a.m. Festivities will take place in the Commerce Street entertainment district featuring live entertainment plus fireworks and confetti once the clock strikes twelve. For more info, call (334) 625-2100 or visit www. funinmontgomery.com.

December 10 7:30 & 9 a.m. Character Breakfast; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Arts and Crafts; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Car Show; 2 p.m. Street Parade; 6 p.m. Water skiing Santa & Fireworks. For more info, visit www.cityofwetumpka.com.

Holidays in the Studio @ Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

(for ages 6 and older) December 28-29 * 10:30-11:30 a.m. Enjoy the holiday season making festive creations through drawing, printmaking, and mixed-media collaging! Each class features a new project including holiday cards and winter scenes. Class size is limited to 16 participants. All supplies are provided. Cost: $5 members/$8 non-members for each class. For more info, call (334) 2404333 or visit mmfa.org/.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Croup Season Could Be Heavy

Montgomery Parents I December 2016

between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. Besides having a barky cough, children with this illness usually have stuffy and runny noses, watery eyes, and fever before the development of the cough. As the swelling under the vocal cords progresses, the child may also develop stridor, which is a coarse, crowing-like sound heard when the child inhales. At first the sound may be apparent only between coughing spells or while crying. If the swelling progresses, it may be heard at rest, which implies a more serious respiratory problem and the possible need for hospitalization. The majority of children will have a mild case that will run its course and require only treatment to help reduce the swelling and thin the secretions in the tracheal bronchial tree or air passageways. This is more easily accomplished through the use of a cool air humidifier and by encouraging the child to drink large amounts of fluid to insure adequate hydration. Hot air vaporizers are not suggested because of the potential for burns and scalds. Taking the child out in the cold night air for 20 minutes has also been helpful. The duration of the illness is usually 5-7 days.

If these measures fail, the parents should call or have their child see his physician who may decide to either admit the child or use outpatient medication to reduce the swelling beneath the vocal cords and in the tracheal bronchial area. If the symptoms are not too severe, a trial of a fast acting steroid may be used to reduce the swelling that is usually apparent beneath the vocal cords. If symptoms do not improve or deteriorate, hospitalization is necessary for more aggressive treatment. Antibiotics are generally not helpful for viral infections and are not used unless there is also a bacterial infection such as ear infection, or bacterial pneumonia. Though most croup episodes in children are self-limiting viral illnesses, parents should not hesitate to consult their physician about the severity of their child’s illness as well as the possibility of a different diagnosis.

Dr. Drennen earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1975 and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. He began his private practice of pediatric medicine in Loveland, Colorado. He then practiced in Ozark, Alabama before coming to Professional Pediatrics in 1998. He and his wife Rebecca have two sons. The entire family enjoys downhill skiing and beach activities.

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It is 3 a.m. and Patrick’s parents are suddenly awakened by the sound of their 2-year-old child’s deep, barking cough. It occurs in spasms and resembles the grunting of a seal. Patrick has croup, a syndrome that affects numerous children of all ages throughout the winter in North America. The medical term for croup is laryngo-tracheo-bronchitis. This syndrome is primarily a viral illness that causes swelling of the air passageways beneath the vocal cords and increased secretion of mucus. The most common causes are viral infections, though occasionally allergies have been involved. The viruses that can cause croup are primarily influenza and parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and, rarely, adenovirus, and rhinovirus. The seasons will affect the number and type of cases in the community. For example, parainfluenza related cases occur most often in the fall and early winter; RSV-related croup commonly occurs throughout mid-winter and spring. Though croup can affect children of all ages, it most frequently involves children

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Unexpected Gifts Many of us have great expectations for the holidays!! It is certainly one of my favorite times of the year. Dedicated time with friends and family, as we enjoy great food, gifts, and wonders of the season, are all a part of our traditional celebrations. But I realize that this is not tradition for every household or family. I am certain that there are families who struggle with extending finances to cover the extras that sometimes go along with holiday celebrations. For them, this time of year can be difficult. Concerns about providing gifts for children and setting the table with holiday

delicacies, may produce a stress that would tend to cripple the spirit. The blessing is that a focus on people rather than things can boost the real meaning of the season. There is nothing wrong with showing love with storebought gifts but showing it with the gift of time goes just a little bit farther in strengthening relationships. What could really elevate a family’s sense of unity is to set aside some of what we do have to help those who are less fortunate. What a valuable experience this could be for children! Teaching our children to not only honor those we know and love, but to also consider the stranger is certainly in keeping with the season. The Christian tradition gives the perfect example of sacrifice for others, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son.” Whether we celebrate Christmas, Ramadan, Hanukkah, or any other event in this rich holiday season, it is critical

that we express a feeling of respect and concern for others. Unexpected simple and inexpensive gifts can have a big impact. Place change in the Salvation Army’s Kettle, donate to Toys for Tots, or volunteer to help feed the homeless at a church or shelter; there is something every family can do. I would also encourage you to look close to home. Visit an elderly neighbor and bring a batch of homemade cookies or a plate of food. Just that simple gesture can bring joy to someone who may need a human connection in what for many is a lonely time of the year. Whatever you choose to do, I know you and your family will be blessed with the choice to make the season sparkle inside and out. May the spirit of Christmas be yours this holiday season! 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.

PHYSICIANS TO CHILDREN

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DR. KAREN DOLES Now accepting new patients ages newborn to 18 years

PH YS IC IAN S TO C H ILDR E N Taylor Medical Complex 470 Taylor Rd, Suite 210 Montgomery, AL 36117 (334) 293-5033

PHYSICIANS TO CHILDREN ChildrensAL.org/physicianstochildren

Montgomery Parents I December 2016

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The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science Come find out if ASMS is right for you by visiting our campus Satruday, December 3 for Preview Day. See student-run classroom demonstrations and learn about a school that could change your life forever. Register for Preview Day at www.asms.net.

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

ASMS is our state’s only fully public, residential high school for sophomores, juniors, and seniors seeking advanced studies in math, science, and the humanities. Applying to ASMS is FREE – Email admissions@asms.net or call 251.441.3250. and so are tuition, room, and board if you ASMS are admitted! Class of 2016 Questions? ACT Comparison

2016 ACT COMPARISON 31.5 30.7

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Alabama School of Mathematics and Science 1255 Dauphin 15 St., Mobile, AL 36604 251.441.2100 - www.asms.net admissions@asms.net

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Montgomery County Schools

ECA’s Kindergarten Celebrates Career Day

The five-year-old kindergarten class at Evangel Christian Academy recently celebrated Career Day. The class had been learning about community helpers and how each one is important to a community. To culminate the unit of study, each child came to school dressed in a costume to represent the job he or she wants when he or she grows up. Each student had an opportunity to tell about his/ her future career and then participated in a parade down the elementary hallway.

Brew Tech Junior Chosen for Alabama Governor’s School

Rion Chon, a current junior at Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School, had a rare opportunity to participate in a statewide honors program this summer. Chon was the only rising junior invited to Alabama Governor’s School, a program sponsored by Samford University that is typically reserved for rising seniors. He was one of only 92 students chosen to participate statewide. His AP history teacher nominated Chon for the program. The school is a residential honors program that provides academic, creative and leadership experiences for students who have demonstrated exceptional ability and achievement in their studies. Students interested in government have the chance to take classes taught by experts in their fields. Chon decided to focus on the topics “The Legal Process” and “Leadership for Social Change.” The 13-day experience also included “Mandatory Fun” bonding experiences such as ping-pong and pickup games of basketball. Chon said he made lifelong friends at the program. “Alabama Governor’s School has been an amazing experience and will forever have a meaningful impact on my life,” he said. Montgomery Parents I December 2016

Montgomery Catholic Middle School Inducts New National Junior Honor Society Members

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School inducted 28 new members into its chapter of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) during a ceremony November 16. More than just an honor society, these 28 eighth-grade students have demonstrated outstanding performance in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship. The newest members of Montgomery Catholic’s National Junior Honor Society are Spencer Bach, Gracie Barranco, Ryan Barranco, Allison Berg, Jasmine Blakeney, Alex Celka, Aidan Cochran, Ian Cullen, Carlo DeJesus, Devan DeRamus, Mai Ellington, Daniel Gacha, Emma Garrison, Angela Gier, Ines Gonzalez-Ansaldi, Cecilia Hoffpauir, Alexis Meshok, Camille Morgan, Molly Nicklay, Hannah Parrish, Emily Riggles, Rachel Rodriguez, James Saliba, Harrison Skala, Grant Smith, Rubye Strickland, Valerie Waite and Cacey Williams.

Holy Cross Visits Veterans’ Hospital

With the help of music teacher Beverly Fain, Kathy Black’s third-grade class at Holy Cross Episcopal School visited the Central Alabama Veterans’ Hospital to present a patriotic musical program for hospitalized veterans on November 9. The show was performed the next morning for parents, family members and friends in the school’s Chapel of the Annunciation that was decorated with patriotic banners, buntings, sparkling stars, and red, white and blue streamers throughout, with ribbons and stars gracing the windows. The musical was entitled “Honoring All Who Served” and was filled with stirring musical selections such as “God Bless America,” “Alabama,” our state song, and an armed forces medley of each branch’s service song as a special salute. As each service song was sung, the veterans were invited to stand to represent the military division in which they served. Other selections were “The Heart of America” and “You Are Our Heroes,” which was accompanied by a moving slide show with pictures of Holy Cross family members who served in the military, both past and present. “There’s A Hero” was an especially poignant selection dedicated to honor all the first responders who served in the September 11th tragedy at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The finale, “We Celebrate America,” featured a surprise confetti burst, bringing the performance to an exciting conclusion as the students waved flags saluting our veterans and our country. 16

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Montgomery County Schools

Forest Avenue Celebrates 50th Day of School Fifties Style

Macon East 7th-Graders Qualify for Duke TIP

The faculty and staff of Macon East Academy recognize the following seventh-grade students as Duke Talent Identification Program honorees. From left are Hendley Culpepper, Jay Moore, McKinnon Hammonds, Trey Mathews and Ali Churchwell. These students qualified for the Duke TIP program based on their outstanding performance on the ACT Aspire test. Duke TIP is a global leader in identifying academically gifted students and providing them with opportunities to support their development. As part of the talent search enrollment, Duke TIP registers eligible seventh-graders to take either the ACT or SAT as an above-level test. This allows students to have greater insight into their abilities, and it gives them the opportunity to preview a college entrance exam.

Second-graders at Forest Avenue Academic Magnet School celebrated their 50th day of school in true 1950s style. Students and teachers dressed in 1950s attire, from poodle skirts, oxfords and scarves for the girls, to white T-shirts, rolled up jeans and black leather jackets for the boys. Students also enjoyed learning popular 1950s songs and dances, including the Twist, the Mashed Potato and the Hand-Jive. To make the day extra special, a local car collector and friend of Forest Avenue brought a pristine 1950s Ford Sedan Custom to show students how different cars looked during this period. Parent volunteers provided Coca-Cola in glass bottles and miniature Moon Pies, a common and inexpensive snack during the 1950s at local soda shops.

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SUA Students Use Peer Tutoring

Students in the sixth-grade class at Success Unlimited Academy have discovered the value of peer tutoring. Every student has different academic gifts. When paired with another student who needs help to master a skill, both students benefit. The one demonstrating the skill becomes even more proficient. The one learning the skill often sees it from another viewpoint. The students gain a new appreciation for each other. Everyone wins!

Pike Road Third-Graders Completing Projects

Community Three projects are in full trot at Pike Road School. The learners have been working really hard in their “passion” groups. Marketing group had the opportunity to begin the first process of advertisement. The kids created goals, collecting data on the population that travels in the area they are wanting to advertise. Protection group spent the week researching and creating recipes. Many groups created their recipes of natural pesticides and had the opportunity to put them in the garden beds. Some interesting things they found about protecting the cabbages were from garlic compound to vinegar solution, human hair and cans on a fishing line. Composting group had a big job! The kids built compost pile walls with construction pallets. Building group was divided between the protection and compost groups to help build a fence to keep the deer away and the compost pile frame. Along with the “From Seed to Table” cabbage project, the kids are in introductory stages of a life cycle of seedlings. The learners are researching many ways to grow plants without soil (hydroponics). They are excited to see the process of growing kale hydroponically and to be exposed to the delicious recipes we will make with kale. 19

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Montgomery Academy Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team Earns Academic Honors

The Montgomery Academy varsity girls’ soccer team has earned the NSCAA Team Academic Award for exemplary performance in the classroom as a team during the 2015-16 academic year. A total of 389 soccer teams (138 boys, 251 girls) from throughout the United States earned this honor. To qualify, the team must have a minimum grade-point average of 3.25 for the entire academic year. The Lady Eagles had a 4.07!

Lee Biology Students Engage in STEM Research

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The ninth-grade biology students at Robert E. Lee High School are participating in various activities related to STEM. Crystal Johnson, Lee biology instructor, says that “it is important that students gain a better understanding of how biotechnology works.” The students in her classes are reading a book entitled The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. After reading this book and participating in numerous activities that are aligned with biology, the students will understand health disparities and its relationship to diversity.

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Trinity Middle School Artwork Chosen for Exhibit

Six Trinity Presbyterian Middle School Visual Art III students had artwork selected as part of the Artworks Corridor exhibition, Whimsical Creatures and Imaginary Landscapes, at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. The MMFA jurying committee selected 47 works of art from 129 entries, submitted by 16 public and private schools in the area, and Trinity had six pieces selected, including: “Jellyfish” by Sarah Grace Daniel, “Not the Same: Jellyfish” by Avery Newell, “Three Little Pigs + One” by Alex Newell, “Bonnie the Cursed Bunny” by Olivia Reid, “Think Outside the Box” by Hannah Grace Taylor and “The Fallen Sailor” by Francie Weissend. The students and their families attended the opening reception for the corridor show on October 20. Front row from left are Alex Newell and Olivia Reid; back row: Avery Newell, Sarah Grace Daniel, Hannah Grace Taylor and Francie Weissend.

Science Night Explodes at ACA

Alabama Christian Academy elementary opened its doors for “Family Science Night” in October. Members of the ACA community had the opportunity to play, explore and create at different activity stations. Activities included exploring with magnets, animal classification, candy rainbows, all about bees, animal habitat, water works, human body, fingerprinting, heart rate math, Lego engineering, fizzy rockets, live animals (with Lanark Nature Center), and edible animal cells. The hands-on learning environment helped the students better understand life, earth and physical science. 21

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Trinity Senior Signs Golf Scholarship

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Trinity Presbyterian senior Sophie Burks signed her letter of intent to play golf at Middle Tennessee State University during a signing ceremony held November 9 at Trinity School. Earlier this year, Burks finished runner-up in her first state tournament appearance, one of the many times she finished near the top of the leaderboard last season. She was also named All-Metro Golfer of the Year by The Montgomery Advertiser.

Catholic Middle School Students Named SGA Officers

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School announces the 2016-2017 Middle School campus Student Government Association: President DJ Carter, Vice President Gibson Souriya, Secretary/Treasurer Gracie Barranco, Chaplain Sheridan Reed and Class Representatives Chloe Waden, Steven Robinson, Ines Gonzalez, Ellie Pool, Ian Cullen, Ethan Binns, Matthew Reardon, Alex Thurman, Andres Lemuz and Aniya Lowery.

Montgomery Parents I December 2016

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Academy Seventh-Graders Qualify for Duke TIP

Forty-one students from the seventh-grade class at Montgomery Academy qualified to participate in the 37th Annual Scholastic Talent Search sponsored by Duke University Talent Identification Program. Eligible students must have scored at the 95th percentile or higher on a grade-level standardized achievement test, such as the Educational Records Bureau Comprehensive Testing Program (ERB). The students are: Mary Weldon Armstrong, Emily Rose Benefield, Will Beringer, McLeod Blount, Olivia Bowen, Chandler Brazil, Shelby Ann Brightwell, Web Brittain, Celeste Deale, Michael Doyle, Isabel Drumwright, Tristan Dumas, Phipps Fiore, Anna Elizabeth Floyd, Gaines Freeman, Mattie Freeman, Pierson Hartley, Guy Hughes, MaryLee Kelso, Alex Kohn, Henry Lawson, Thomas Lester, Judson Lindsey, Cooper Long, Mary Evelyn McLemore, Jonilah Megie, Luke Nelson, Reese Parker, Cate Peeples, Kaitlin Phenix, Will Ray, Riley Renfroe, Parker Roth, Anderson Screws, Sadie Sease, Gabby St. Amand, Ellie Stevenson, Sarah Stone, Jeb Tucker, Hudson Whitt and Lukas Yi.

Saint James School Sets the Stage

This fall, Saint James provided the community another glimpse into its performing arts program. Alice in Wonderland was a spectacular school production that took weeks of dedication and commitment to pull together by the theatre director, the cast of students from high school and middle school, stage managers, crew members, and other volunteers. Rehearsals began in mid-September and included weekends as opening night drew near. The students performed to a full house each of their four performances November 9-11. STJ senior Sally Brown is pictured with her kindergarten buddy Alex Kirkland and the White Queen (STJ senior Julia Jung) after one of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s productions.

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Macon East Celebrates Homecoming 2016

Trinity’s Bassett Named 2017 Montgomery County Distinguished Young Woman

Trinity Presbyterian senior Sydney Bassett has been named the 2017 Montgomery County Distinguished Young Woman. In addition, Trinity senior Carolyn Albritton made it into the Top 10! Bassett received the overall awards for Physical Fitness, Self Expression and Talent. She also received the Millennium Academic Scholarship Award. From left are Trinity seniors Carolyn Albritton and Sydney Bassett.

This year’s Homecoming week at Macon East Academy was a time of fun and competition all centered around the theme “Macon’s Got Game.” To kick off the week, students gathered on the softball field Monday evening for a kickball tournament. Keeping the game theme all week, other events included boys’ volleyball, dodgeball, and ultimate frisbee with a champion team being crowned each night. The week’s dress-up days featured a board game theme and included Guess Who? – twin day, The Game of Life – career day, and Jokers & Wild Cards – card game day. To add to the excitement and spirit on campus, the varsity volleyball team hosted two regional matches and won both to once again advance to the state playoffs. As Friday finally arrived, the students were all dressed in their Homecoming T-shirts and school colors. At noon, the varsity and JV cheerleaders kicked off the celebration with their annual black light pep rally, entering the gym as glow stick figures and then changing into neon colors. The annual upper school tailgate party was a time of good food and lots of fun with carnival and traditional tailgate games. The lower school students joined in the fun this year with a tailgate of their own. As the school day drew to a close, everyone gathered in the parking lot for the Homecoming Parade. Each lower school class, with the help of art instructor Tiffany Ala, had created a game-themed banner to carry down the parade route. The wee princess, little damsel, termite and pee wee cheerleaders, along with the pee wee football team, rode on floats and trailers throwing goodie bags to the crowd. The Homecoming attendants then made their way as they each were recognized – Rachel Major (7th grade), Mary Hunter Wright (8th grade), Kayla Boroff (9th grade), Annslie Gourlay and Bailey Williams (10th grade), Katie Jo Dickey, Hannah Johnson and Jaycee Cook-McCollum (11th grade). The 2016 senior attendants anxiously waiting to see who would be crowned at the game were Sami Nesbitt, Kaylee Pullin, Rai Pritchett and Sommer Sears.

Catholic’s Ferrall Named Montgomery Quarterback Club Player of the Week

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School junior Hunter Ferrall was named one of the Montgomery Quarterback Club’s Private School Football Players of the Week for the week of October 13-15, 2016. Ferrall, quarterback for the Knights, was 13 of 18 and passed for 257 yards and 5 touchdowns in the Catholic victory over Bullock County, with a final score of 46-28. Ferrall was honored at the Montgomery Quarterback Club meeting on October 24. He was accompanied by his parents Catherine and Thomas Ferrall of Shorter, Ala., and Montgomery Catholic Varsity Quarterback Coach J.R. Richardson. The Knights finished the regular season at 8-2, and ended with a trip to the AHSAA 4A playoffs against Thomasville. Montgomery Parents I December 2016

The Macon East Knights kicked off the big game against the Cornerstone Academy Chargers as students, fans and alumni gathered for an evening of fun and reminiscing. Special guests included the Class of 2006 celebrating their 10-year reunion. At halftime all eyes were on the Homecoming Court as the attendants and their fathers made their way to the field. Sami Nesbitt was named the 2016 Homecoming Queen. The Knights played an outstanding game but came up short falling to Cornerstone 22-19. After the game, upper school students gathered on the baseball field as the Jay Williams Band played all their southern rock favorites. The Student Government Association officers and members did an outstanding job planning and organizing all of this year’s Homecoming week activities. From left are Rachel Major, Kayla Boroff, Katie Jo Dickey, Bailey Williams, Hannah Johnson, Kaylee Pullin, 2016 Homecoming Queen Sami Nesbitt, Rai Pritchett, Sommer Sears, Annslie Gourlay, Mary Hunter Wright and Jaycee Cook-McCollum.

Success Unlimited Dissects Pumpkins

Success Unlimited Academy’s third-grade class is “pumpkin ready” after studying plants in their science class. Mrs. Brooks began by teaching the plant life cycle. “We have been learning about the different parts of plants and their functions as part of the curriculum,” she said. To culminate the lesson, the students took part in a pumpkin dissection party. Students were excited to touch, feel and get all messy with the inside of the pumpkin.“This took ‘handson’ to a different level,” Brooks said. “The slimy part was a big hit!” 24

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n Trinity graduates have received over $35 million in merit-based scholarships over the last 5 years n The vast majority of Trinity’s AP students score between a 3 and a 5 on their exams, with many students nearly completing their freshman college studies before graduating from Trinity n Trinity’s EnviroBowl Team won the 2016 State Championship—Trinity’s 10th EnviroBowl championship since 2001 n Partnering with a local elementary school, Trinity students serve as “Study Buddies,” as well as provide food to 85 children weekly through “Feeding America’s BackPack Program” n Trinity’s Change 4 Change project has donated over $70,000 in the past three years to charitable organizations in Montgomery and throughout the world

Trinity admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origins to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Trinity does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origins in any of the educational policies, scholarship programs and athletics, and other school-administered programs.

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Bethany Christian Academy Enjoys Dream Field Farm

The Primary Department (Grades K-2) of Bethany Christian Academy visited Dream Field Farm for a day filled with climbing, bouncing, wagon riding, animal feeding and fun! Teachers Reggenia Baskin and Faith Franks were joined by students and parents as they excitedly participated in a variety of fun and educational activities that included the opportunity to search a field of “orange” for the perfect prize pumpkin.

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Montgomery Academy Homecoming Court

Montgomery Academy’s 2016 Homecoming court attendants included, from left: Jane Yelverton, Tara Katz, Margaret Leonard, Anna Kate Lindsey, Olivia Rush (2015 Homecoming Queen), Dora Eskridge (2016 Homecoming Queen), Darry Elizabeth Freeman, Margaret Ann Allen, Austyn Barnes, Lucy Chapman and Susannah Blount. Kindergarten buddies joined their senior buddies on the Homecoming court for the special evening and were from left Emilyn Trott, Cates Gilbreath, Caroline Sullivan and Caroline Barnes.

FESTIVAL OF CHRISTMAS CONCERT December 18, 4:00 p.m. CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES Noon, 3:15, 5:00, and 7:00 p.m. CHRISTMAS DAY Worship Service at 10:00 a.m.

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Macon East Inducts Members Into the National Honor Society

The Macon East Academy chapter of the National Honor Society held its annual induction ceremony recently, welcoming 18 new members. The National Honor Society is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to recognize those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service and character. The Macon East chapter GPA requirement is 3.625. Under advisor Raymond Clinton, the 2016-2017 NHS is led by Alex Wyrosdick (president), Jennifer Campbell (vice president), Tyler Watson (secretary/treasurer) and Hannah Johnson (chaplain). The 2016 inductees are Slate Germany, Lindsey Johnson and Christian Lewis (seniors), Isabella Fagan, Annalise Gourlay, Jake Gracey, Dawn Johnson, Madisyn Kennedy, Jackson Little, Jon Maddox, Brian Major, Cody Nesbitt, Katie Pittenger, Bailey Nyberg, Anna Grace Tompkins, Sydney Weverink, Bailey Williams and Anne Auston Wright (sophomores).

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SUA Achievers Work Together To Prepare Tasty Lesson

Success Unlimited Academy strives to provide the Achievers class with many life skills that will prepare the students for the future. This past week, teacher Kay Smith and her students created a “spicy dish” that taught the students how to measure, follow directions, and produce a yummy casserole to eat. Students prepared a simple recipe for Mexican cornbread casserole, taking turns in helping. Jacob Aldridge crumbled and fried the ground hamburger meat, onions and bell peppers. Spencer Reeves read the recipe out loud and helped to measure the ingredients. “I’ll wash the dishes,” exclaimed Zeth Voss. After the casserole was put in the oven, the students waited patiently to sample their dish!

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ACA Student Selected for State Choral Festival

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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 their God-given potential through providing activities designed to foster spiritual, academic and social growth.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord... Jeremiah 29:11

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Alabama Christian Academy senior Blake Mitchell has been selected as the Outstanding Male Choral Student in Alabama district six. He received this honor at the Christian High School Choral Festival at David Lipscomb University. Mitchell will move on to compete at the state level during the Alabama All State Choral Festival this coming March. He went through an interview and audition process in order to be selected for this high honor.

Montgomery Academy Speech & Debate Coach Joins Hall of Fame

Montgomery Academy Speech & Debate Coach Jay Rye will be inducted into the Alabama Speech & Debate Association’s Hall of Fame in February and is only the 11th coach in the history of Speech & Debate in Alabama to be elected to the Hall of Fame. In addition, the Montgomery Academy Speech & Debate Team has earned significant recognition from the National Speech & Debate Association. Students earn points and degrees in the National Speech & Debate Association honor society based on competitive and service-related activities, ranging from the Degree of Merit with 25 or more points to the Degree of Premier Distinction with 1,500 or more points. MA’s chapter achieved a total of 300 or more degrees last year and has now ranked among the top 4% of schools nationwide and earned membership in the Association’s prestigious Societé de 300. This milestone is remarkable because it demonstrates outstanding commitment to teaching students essential life skills–including communication, research, listening, writing and organization. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Forest Avenue Students Hold Fun Election

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Second-graders at Forest Avenue Academic Magnet School got an opportunity to experience the election process as part of their social studies unit in November. After reading Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio and Duck for President by Doreen Cronin, the students were asked to vote for their favorite candidate. They each brought special voter identification cards created by teachers to the polling place. One by one, students proudly cast ballots and donned “I voted” stickers. At the end of the school day, the second-grade classes came together as a part of their math unit and created a giant bar graph showing the election results. Grace won!

Macon East Students Receive Special Honors

Macon East fith-grader Ansley Roberts has been cast in the role of Belinda in the Alabama Shakespeare Festival production of A Christmas Carol. She is honored to be selected for this role and excited to be part of the classic Christmas theatre production. A Christmas Carol runs from through December 24 and is truly a part of the Montgomery holiday tradition. In addition, two Macon East Academy seniors were selected as school winners for the Wendy’s High School Heisman. Seth Meadow and Alex Wyrosdick were recognized by this prestigious program for their hard work and dedication in the classroom, on the field, and in the community. These students are known by their teachers and coaches for their commitment to excellence. Since 1994, Wendy’s and the Heisman Trophy have honored more than 600,000 of the nation’s most esteemed students.

Pike Road Class Learns to Say Goodbye

A sad thing happened in Jamie Shelton’s first-grade class at Pike Road School. The class hamster, Tanner died. He was sick and did not recover. As a way to remember him, learners made cards and letters and put them in his cage. It was very sweet to watch them grieve and encourage one another.

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Bethany Christian Donates Water for Wilcox

The families of Bethany Christian Academy have joined together to provide water for the Lamison community of Wilcox County, Ala. Hundreds of Lamison’s citizens are forced to dig wells in order to enjoy water. Unfortunately, those unable to do so are left with no water source in their homes. The crisis in Wilcox County was brought to the attention of the BCA outreach activity director by Pastor K.K. Middleton, leader of the Sweet Canaan Church in Tuskegee. He and others launched a successful campaign to collect “Water for Wilcox” and the Montgomery community was invited to bring donations to Alabama State University’s campus. Bethany Christian Academy students were inspired and excitedly accepted the invitation to launch a partnership project. Families generously supported and on September 19, seventy cases and fifty gallon-jugs of water were successfully delivered to Lamison by BCA’s custodian/bus-driver Barry Shipman. Pastor Middleton was present to help with the loading and to motivate BCA’s students to continue efforts to uplift and assist others. Since BCA’s project is ongoing, donations may be brought to Bethany Christian for delivery. For more info and to join the “Water for Wilcox” team, please contact Reggenia Baskin at (334) 264-2101 or e-mail reggib2733@aol.com.

ECA Students Support Breast Cancer Awareness

Evangel Christian Academy’s student body recently participated in Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The students collected money to help fight this terrible disease. The ECA volleyball team took part in a “Pink Out” game in which each player sported a pink shirt and accessories. The school also hosted a balloon release. Pink balloons were released in honor of those who have battled breast cancer. Donna McCord, president of Women of Hope, attended the event.

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Montgomery Catholic Honored at YMCA Youth Judicial Conference

Montgomery Catholic had an extraordinary showing at YMCA’s Youth Judicial conference this year. Junior James Avery, below left, represented MCPS well by serving as a deputy for the 2016 conference, while freshman John Register worked for the media department of the conference. The two major teams and one premier team all scored very well with the Major Prosecution team placing in the Top 20 and the MCPS Major Defense team scoring in the Top 10. Montgomery Catholic’s YMCA Youth Judicial Major Defense team was awarded the Justice Hugh Maddox Award, recognizing them as the Best Overall Team at the 2016 conference held in early November at the State House. The award is not necessarily for the highest point average during competition. It honors the team that works the most effectively together as a whole, and also for the team that most effectively promotes good sportsmanship and decorum during competition. It also grants the Montgomery Catholic team just one of four spots available from the Montgomery area conference to compete at the National YMCA Youth Judicial Conference in Chicago in August 2017. The Justice Hugh Maddox Award plaque reads as follows: “Presented to the 2016 Overall Best Team for their superior performance in all aspects in the 2016 Alabama YMCA Youth Judicial Competition.” Team members are: Audrey Kim, James Sadie, Henry Petters, Tori Barranco, Carson Scott and Matthew Taylor. The other Montgomery Catholic major team, led by Nadine Back with Daniel Reeves, Cheyenne Hayes, Annabelle Starrett, Coleman Schmidt, and Nate Smith placed in the top 20. The premiere team, led by Anna Sadie with Jack Burt, Clare Wilson, Michael Hodges, Kinley Tadlock and Patrick Flores also did exceptionally well. Faculty sponsors are Stefanie Nelson and Trip Hubbard. Front row from left are Carson Scott, Audrey Kim, Kinley Tadlock, Anna Sadie, Clare Wilson, Cheyenne Hayes, Nadine Back, Tori Barranco and Annabelle Starrett; back row: Michael Hodges, John Register, Jack Burt, Patrick Flores, Henry Petters, Nate Smith Daniel Reeves, Matthew Taylor, James Sadie and Coleman Schmidt.

Saint James School Honors Veterans’ Day

Saint James School hosted an assembly for middle and high school students in honor of Veterans’ Day. Guest speaker and father to STJ senior Grace Coffelt, Brigadier General Christopher Coffelt delivered a message of honor, respect and inspiration to the students. He encouraged them to lead lives of everyday service including giving of their time and talent to others. Several active and retired military personnel were recognized and General Coffelt acknowledged the great sacrifice that children of military families make as they move from station to station. Head of School Dr. Larry McLemore and several Saint James students directed the assembly including the Presentation of Colors and Pledge of Allegiance, the Saint James Band playing the national anthem, and senior class President Colton Alter offering the closing prayer. STJ senior Grace Coffelt is shown with her father, Brigadier General Christopher Coffelt.

ACA Hosts Annual Athletic Golf Tournament

The annual Alabama Christian Academy Athletic Golf Tournament was held at Lagoon Park Golf Course in late October. More than 60 golfers participated in the tournament. ACA alumnus and current Montgomery golf city champion Shane Wright played a hole with each participating team. The team of Brian Clements, Baxter Reeves, Donnie Russell and Reggie Corless had a combined team score of 54 and was named the winner of the golf tournament. ACA athletic ambassadors were also at the tournament to help greet the players and put clubs on golf carts. It was an opportunity for members of the ACA community to interact with current ACA athletes.

Trinity Festival Was Fall-tastic!

A great tradition at Trinity continues, as K4 through 5th-grade students attended the annual Fall Festival on October 27. Lower School students had an incredible time soaking up the sun, playing games, and taking home lots of candy and prizes! Trinity’s junior class look forward to interacting with the younger students, as the 11th-grade students organize and coordinate the event each year. 31

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Success Unlimited Serves at Zoo Boo

On October 17, Success Unlimited Academy students, parent chaperones, and Activities Director Julie Beard geared up for a night of fun and community service. Various members of the SUA Student Government Association, senior class, yearbook staff and Key Club braved the cool evening and the abundance of excited youngsters adorned in their favorite costumes. The students manned the game section at the Montgomery Zoo’s annual Zoo Boo. Each student received 4.5 hours of community service, plus a fun-filled night. SGA Vice President Jamal Johnson said, “I really enjoyed tonight! What a great way to spend a Thursday evening, giving back to the community!”

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Macon East Volleyball AISA AA State Runners-Up

With an outstanding season record of 20-4, all of the Macon East Academy Lady Knights volleyball team’s losses came from one opponent. In the final match-up of the year held at Faulkner University, the Coosa Valley team edged out the Knights in a hard-fought battle for the top spot. As the only returning starter, outside hitter and senior Sami Nesbitt stepped up to lead the team through a tough summer pre-season and coaching change. With two sophomores and one freshman rounding out the starting lineup, the Lady Knights looks to be strong again next season. Nesbitt and Bailey Williams were honored as members of the state all-tournament team, and Nesbitt represented Macon East on the AISA East All-Star team at the Montgomery Multiplex.

Montgomery Parents I December 2016

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Catholic’s Marching Band Receives Superiors At Dixieland Marching Band Invitational

The Montgomery Catholic Marching Knights competed at the Dixieland Marching Band Invitational in Brewton in late October. The Band received straight Superiors across the board in every category from all three judges including Drum Major, Percussion and Color Guard. Additionally, junior Henry Petters won Best-in-Class Drum Major. Petters is the third Montgomery Catholic drum major in a row to do this at at least one contest. The MCPS Marching Band came in a close second place in its class, less than 1.5 points away from taking Best-in-Class. The band members did a great job representing their school while interacting with other programs at the competition. Members of the 2016 Montgomery Catholic Marching Band are: Drum Major Henry Petters with Skye Alexander, Ryan Avery, Maria Barragan, Anna Catherine Barranco, David Bender, Erica Blackburn, Jasmine Blakeney, Nick Bowden, Adam Bristol, Marie Bristol, KK Brunson, Ralph Clements, Jesus Coloa, Robert Crawford, Alyssa Decker, Carlo DeJesus, Lainie Doyle, Isabelle Dubon, Mai Ellington, Daniel Gacha, Angela Gier, Jonah Gier, Ezequiel Gonzalez, Francisco Gonzalez, Jonathan Guevara, Victoria Hall, Ashley Hayes, Cheyenne Hayes, Julliana Hincapie, Savannah Johnson, Ashleigh Little, Maddie Losik, Veronica Masters, Koen McDaniel, Zach Moore, Jevon Murdock, Molly Nicklay, Charlie O’Donnell, Isabella Padilla, Jackson Penso, Katie Perkins, Jeremy Ramirez, Annie Reed, Emily Riggles, Darian Riley, Janie Roberts, Giovanna Cretosi-Bissi, Emily Talbot, Maggie Tippett, Ricky Treloar, Hannah Vaccaro, Chris Waring, Angela Wheat, Cacey Williams and Band Aides Hudson Chase, Cecelia Crawford, Andres Lemuz and Maggie Turner. The band is led by Director Alex Johnson, with Color Guard sponsors Sarah Rech and Maggie O’Donnell.

Trinity Story Hour Success

Trinity Presbyterian School recently hosted a “Wildcat” Grand Story Hour. This is a wonderful time for grandparents, parents and preschoolers to spend time on Trinity’s campus, while enjoying storytelling, crafts and treats with Trinity Wildcat cheerleaders and football players. In addition, preschoolers had a blast trying out the Wonder Workshop “Dash and Dot” robots controlled by iPads. These new “robot additions” to the Lower School Library have been a huge hit with students as they explore the world of coding and robotics, turning ideas into adventures. Designed specially for younger students, they are learning an entirely new language in coding, while challenging their imaginations. Mattie Rudder is shown with varsity cheerleader Wallace Bryan.

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Holy Cross Debuts Shakespeare Production

Pike Road Kindergartners Learn Simple Addition

Pike Road kindergarten teacher Jessica Gamble has been teaching her students about simple addition. They are using fingers, manipulatives and even learners to practice this standard. Learners are counting items and matching them to their quantities. They are also counting items that are in a scattered configuration. Learners are being asked to identify numbers up to 12 and write them. Gamble is constantly exposing learners to different numbers to 20 and asking them how to write them, count them, etc.

The Chapel of the Annunciation on the campus of Holy Cross Episcopal School was a gorgeous venue as performers took to the stage to debut their much-anticipated production of Twelfth Night. The sanctuary was filled with proud parents, family, friends and flashing cameras as the first act opened to applause when the performance began. A creative and lively version of one of the great Shakespeare plays, Twelfth Night For Kids by Lois Burdett, who wrote the script adaptation in rhyming couplets, was performed by Holy Cross fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade classes on October 27. The costumes were colorful, creative and added to complete the personality of each character. The cast flawlessly portrayed Viola, Sebastian, the Captain, Orsino, Olivia, Maria, Sir Toby Belch, Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Malvolio, Antonio, Fabian and The Playwright, enhanced with guided narration. The action was propelled in a lively cadence by some sixteen narrators who kept the scenes moving and complemented the lines of the actors, unfolding plot and interpretation of the storyline. A photo opportunity and pizza party followed the performance for cast and crew. “Learning and performing a Shakespeare play is quite an undertaking for children,” said teacher Connie MacDonald. “Not only did we give up 45 minutes to an hour each day to practice, but these students worked so hard on their lines, inflection, facial gestures and stage direction. It all paid off. The end result was a delightful, funny performance that they could be proud of.” From left are Jai Ivy Raines, Brett Westhauser, Carsyn Hawkins, Aidan Blum and Hunter Dailey.

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Catholic’s Key Club Serves At the Humane Shelter

The Key Club from Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School enjoyed a beautiful Sunday afternoon in November by walking dogs at the Montgomery Humane Shelter. Eight members of the Key Club walked four dogs one at a time for about 30 minutes each on several different trails behind the shelter at 1150 John Overton Dr. The dogs had a great time smelling the air and the bushes and finding sticks! Shown are Kathleen Madden and Carrie Belsterling. Other members who walked dogs were Anna Nutting, Daphne Hardy, Lainie Doyle, Lucy Waite, Sarah Beth Littrell and Katelyn Stark. The Key Club is sponsored by High School faculty member Jeanene Crenshaw, and has close to sixty members this year. The Humane Shelter is currently seeking small groups of students or adults who can volunteer to walk dogs for a couple of hours during the week or on weekends. To volunteer, please call or e-mail Cindy Chapman at 409-0622 or cindychapman@montgomeryhumane.com.

ECA Students Stir Up First Place

Several seniors from Evangel Christian Academy recently participated in the Lions Club Capital City Chili Cook-off. Colin Knight, Anthony Gill, Stanley Kendrick, and Andrea Stoddard were part of the winning team. Wendy Ahrendt and Drew Castillow were the faculty sponsors. The talented seniors won first place in two categories: “All Around Best Chili” and “Best Wild Game Chili Recipe.” 35

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Bethany Takes Field Trip to Art Museum

Students in fifth through eighth grades at Bethany Christian Academy were able to visit the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts to tour the exhibit of Federico Uribe of Transform Art. The students discovered that transform art is the use of everyday objects that can be turned into art. Students had to list types of objects that were used in the exhibit; they listed pencils, CDs, shoes, socks, tires and even phone cords. Students were able to take part in the ArtWorks area as well, where they took part in hands-on art activities. The 8th-grade class had the opportunity to tour the William Shakespeare Folios exhibit as well. Students enjoyed the costumes from Hamlet that were on display. After the tour, students enjoyed lunch on the lawn and fed the ducks. Back at school the students were able to make their own transformed art.

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Montgomery Academy Sixth-Graders Participate in Wetlands Project

Recently at Montgomery Academy, sixth- grade students in Sarah Housleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s science class participated in a simulated county-level meeting to discuss the impact of a proposed bridge building project on the environment. Groups of students represented different groups (nonprofits, companies and governmental agencies) to evaluate the impact of the bridge project on the community. The students were thoroughly engaged in the meeting, and the conversations about the viability of the bridge continued into the hallways as the class concluded.

Montgomery Parents I December 2016

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Brewbaker Middle Debate Team Ties for Second in Samford University Competition

Brewbaker Middle’s new debate team is making quite a first impression. The team, led by Crystal Russell, tied for second place out of 48 teams during the Birmingham Debate League Tournament at Samford University. Brewbaker has the only middle school debate team in Montgomery, so the Birmingham Debate League allowed it to participate in tournaments there. Russell said she was “ecstatic” that the brand-new team did so well. “I think what makes them successful is their enthusiasm and passion, and that they have a natural inclination for persuasion. It’s really impressive because none of them had ever been on a debate team,” Russell said. There are five tournaments during the year, and thanks to the high ranking, Brewbaker’s team was invited to the next tournament. The championship tournament will be held in April.

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Holy Cross Celebrates Annual Fall Festival

Holy Cross Episcopal School held its annual fall festival “Halloweenie Roast” October 28. It was a perfect autumn evening for students and their families, faculty and staff to enjoy the wide variety of activities. Booths, bubbles and bouncing kept students moving, while others tried their luck at guessing the number of candies in jars or winning delicious treats at the cake walk. As the sun began to set, students enjoyed a hayride that took them on a twilight ride across the fields. Everyone helped themselves to hot dogs, nachos and other seasonal treats as the evening came to a close. Above, pumpkins designed and decorated by students representing each grade level were on display as guests arrived for the festival.

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Holy Cross Celebrates Grandparents’ Day 2016

October 21 was one of the most beloved days in the entire school year for Holy Cross Episcopal School’s students and staff – Grandparents’ Day! So many wonderful grandparents travelled from all over the Southeast for their grandchildren to introduce them around and show them their school. First, there was special music prepared by music teacher Beverly Fain to honor all the grandparents who were present. For instance, pre-K and kindergarten classes sang, “Happy, Happy Grandparents’ Day,” first and second grade sang, “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa,” third and fourth grade sang “Thank You Grandma/Grandpa” and finally fifth and sixth grade sang, “You Raise Me Up.” All of the students as a finale sang “We Appreciate You.” Grandparents were then taken on a tour of their grandchildren’s classrooms to meet their teachers, invited to take a professional family photo, attend the Book Fair in the library, and offered an opportunity to take home a four-coaster set with their grandchild’s photo on each as a keepsake of the day. Grandparents from as far away as Oklahoma and Texas came to celebrate with us, and many others were from the River Region. Pre-K student C.J. Howze is shown with his grandmother, Brenda Howze.

Got news? Send us your school bits by the 12th of each month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com. Montgomery Parents I December 2016

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Duke TIP Selects Trinity 7th-Grade Students

Thirty Trinity Presbyterian School 7th-graders were selected to participate in the Duke TIP Talent Search based on their scores in the 95th percentile or higher on one or more of the subtests on either of their two most recent standardized achievement, aptitude, or mental ability tests. The 7th Grade Talent Search helps educators and families find out how advanced their students’ abilities truly are and what level of educational challenge is appropriate. Eligible 7th-graders are invited to take either the ACT or SAT college entrance exams, which allows them greater insight into their abilities and also provides them with valuable benefits and resources. Trinity students selected include: Carter Adcock, Simmons Byrd, Parker Ensminger, Graci Foshee, Sarah Stephen Foshee, Joe Handey, Ginny Herndon, Walker Lee Hinton, Josh Hixon, Andrew Howard, Christopher Kong, Chase Letner, Sam Loftis, Mac McClinton, Tori Meldrum, Eli Naugher, Benton Palmer, Jack Patty, McLain Phillips, Katie Pope, Daniel Scott, Coleman Stanley, Elizabeth Ann Stewart, Jon Paul Tankersley, Jake Tucker, Beck Tuley, Haley Waddell, Katherine Warren, Louden Wilson and Jake Yohn.

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Forest Avenue Enjoys Blue Ribbon Celebration

Several city, county and state officials, as well as previous principals and other local celebrities, joined together on November 14 to help Forest Avenue Academic Magnet School kick off a weeklong celebration in honor of the National Blue Ribbon Award recently presented to the school by the U.S. Department of Education. It is the second time the school has received the distinguished honor, which recognizes schools where students achieve very high learning standards or make notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. During a formal ceremony, state and local representatives, including State Senator Quinton Ross, Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange, and Montgomery County School Superintendent Margaret Allen, commended teachers, students and parents on their hard work and achievements. Students were later treated to a parade around the school and Blue Bell ice cream! Blue-themed activities were also scheduled throughout the week to keep the celebration going, including blue snacks for the students, “Blue Hat” and “Blue Socks” days, and “Dress for Success” day, on which the children dressed as the occupation they want to have when they grow up.

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ACA Marching Band Wins Big at Competition

The Alabama Christian Academy Marching Eagle Band recently competed at the Blackwater Classic Marching Band Festival in Milton, Fla. The band received all superior ratings from all three band judges, a percussion judge, and a color guard judge. Director Travis Kaye, Assistant Director Trey Holliday and Color Guard instructor Rachel Phillips lead the ACA marching band.

Bethany Christian Hosts Dr. Boykin

Bethany Christian Academy’s faculty and student body were recently inspired by nationally sought-after motivational speaker Dr. Craig Boykin. Boykin’s life story is a testimony of resilience and determination and his messages are filled with authentic lessons of overcoming obstacles and achieving success. He is the author of five books that include My Life,Your Inspiration and is in high demand as a keynote speaker at educational conferences where he shares his journey “From GED to PhD.” Boykin encouraged and challenged the BCA family to dream big, aim high and give back.

Holy Cross Episcopal School Students Recognized for Academic Achievement

Donors Step Up for E.D. Nixon Pre-K Program

E.D. Nixon Elementary pre-K teacher Frances Harris was pleasantly surprised when she posted a recent project request to DonorsChoose.org. The request, titled “Learning to Read in Pre-K,” was fully funded within 24 hours. The project includes a Ready-to-Go Listening Center complete with Listen & Read Sing-Alongs and rhyming activities. Harris’s class includes “typical” peers as well as those with disabilities. There is still time to donate to her class and her next project at DonorsChoose.org. Shown are teacher’s aide Kendra Persons, left, some of their students and Harris. Montgomery Parents I December 2016

Each year, Duke University seeks to identify academically talented students who have achieved a 95% or better score on a grade level standardized test while they are still in elementary school. The Duke University Talent Identification Program or (TIP) provides students early access to challenging educational programs, valuable resources, publications to support their academic talents, online activities and the opportunity to take the PSAT when they are in the eighth and ninth grades. These Holy Cross students are new candidates for the Duke TIP program for this year. Front row from left are Hunter Dailey, Stott Blancas, Steadman Meadows and Andrew Peavy; back row: Gabe Krause, Aidan Blum, Louis Bradford, Allie Troy and James Marshall.

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Dalraida Teacher Writes Children’s Book, Shares Lessons With 2nd-graders

Dalraida Elementary fifth-grade teacher Cindy Mattox has published her first children’s book and recently shared lessons about the process with second-graders at the school. She talked with them about becoming an author, how she came up with the idea for the book and what it took to have the book published. Mattox wrote Oakey’s World of Colors in 2007, her first year as a teacher at Dalraida. Like any big project, her book required some help along the way. Danielle Butts, guidance counselor at Dalraida, helped Mattox edit, format and prepare the book for publication. Shana Dines, an art teacher from Indiana, brought Oakey to life with watercolor illustrations. The book tells the story of an oak tree who lives a simple life for years as he grows in the quiet forest, until one day, his world and everything around him changes. Oakey comes to learn that some changes are good. Mattox said the process of having the book published was easier than she expected and that she is looking forward to getting started on her next book. Oakey’s World of Colors is available at amazon.com.

MEA Softball Player Signs With University of Mobile

Macon East Academy softball player Kaylee Pullin made her commitment official, signing to play at the University of Mobile next year. Last year was Pullin’s first season with the Lady Knights, and she was a huge asset to the team at second base. She helped Macon East continue its reign as the AISA AA State Champion, and hopes to keep the streak going this spring. Pullin was recruited by the Rams during her sophomore season and is excited to finally make her commitment official.

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Lang Named Principal of Pike Road Historic School

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Pike Road Schools have announced that Angela Lang has been named as the principal of Pike Road Historic School beginning January 1, 2017. She has served as assistant principal and principal at Pike Road School since its inception in August 2015. She has played an essential role in creating a culture of intellectual curiosity where all students have ownership over their learning and are inspired to think, innovate and create. Now Lang will work with Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Freeman and the entire leadership team to prepare for the opening of Pike Road Historic School. This school will start serving students in communities 7-10 in August 2017. A principal position has been posted to replace Lang at the current Pike Road School. Even though PIke Road will have two schools, they will still have a seamless approach and unified effort on furthering the mission of Pike Road Schools.

Trinity Art Students Display Work At 121 Coosa Street Pop-Up Gallery

The Pop-Up Gallery and Collaborative at 121 Coosa Street, an initiative launched last year by Trinity’s Upper School Art Department, provides opportunities for exhibition and collaboration between emerging student artists and professional artists.The gallery and collaborative studio is a place where professional contemporary artists exhibit work, collaborate with students and the local community by introducing a variety of contemporary art and social practices. The goal is to present artists and art in a way that engages and enriches emerging student artists and the community. Recently, onlookers enjoyed viewing works by visiting artist Jennifer Moss, from her exhibit “Emerging Geographies,” along with work from Trinity Upper and Middle School Advanced Art students. Shown above are Trinity’s Director of Art Becky Miller, fourth from left, with Trinity art students.

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Saint James School Cheers for Stella’s Voice

SUA Achievers Create Pumpkin Art

Success Unlimited Academy Achievers class recently participated in a fall art project. The students were given a pumpkin, several types of leaves, glitter and glue. Then the students were able to design and create their own masterpieces. The students worked hard and created some amazing art.

Saint James School cheerleaders kicked off the fall season with a mission to offer their collective help in the community as often as possible. Throughout the fall, the cheerleaders were involved in various service projects, and their November project proved to be the most meaningful to the girls. The Trojan cheerleaders made shoeboxes for the Stella’s Voice organization, which is a program providing care, stability and education to orphans in Moldova. Research has shown that being raised in an orphanage in a vulnerable country heightens the risk of human trafficking for children. Among the efforts created to help these children, Stella’s Voice hosts a shoebox gift drive. The STJ cheerleaders made more than 30 shoeboxes filled with toys, toiletries, clothing, etc. The STJ shoeboxes will be sent to underprivileged children in Moldova to make Christmas possible.

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Evangel Names 2016 Homecoming Court

Evangel Christian Academy recently named its homecoming court. The ninth-grade attendant was Mya Whitehurst, the tenth-grade attendant was Ellejae Reynolds, and the eleventh-grade attendant was Charky Davis. Alaina Horton and Ashley Jones were the twelfth-grade attendants. Makenzie Whatley was named ECA’s homecoming queen. The court was presented during ECA’s homecoming football game. Whatley was crowned by Tori Temple, ECA’s 2015 homecoming queen.

ACA Students Participate in ‘Out of Darkness’ Walk

More than 100 students and families at Alabama Christian Academy joined in the “Out of Darkness” walk held at the Auburn University at Montgomery walking track. The “Out of Darkness” walk is held to help raise awareness and funds benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP.) The ACA families walked in memory of Mackenzie Farricker.

Robert E. Lee High School Holds Father to Son Dinner

The administrators at Robert E. Lee High school hosted a Father to Son dinner on October 26. Dinner guests included male students and their fathers. The male teachers at Robert E. Lee High School served as surrogate fathers to those attending without fathers. The main goal of this event was centered on the restoration of trust between fathers and sons. The event is held annually and is one of the many activities derived from the school’s mentoring program. School Principal Dr. Lorenza Pharrams served as the keynote speaker. 45

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MA Continues Longstanding Youth Judicial Success

For one weekend each November, high school students from all over Alabama come to Montgomery for the Alabama YMCA Youth in Government’s Youth Judicial Competition. Teams of six student attorneys and witnesses try the same mock trial case over and over again in an effort to be the most successful team in the competition. The top teams are rewarded with a spot in the National Judicial competition in Chicago the following summer. As high school freshmen participating in the program, Laurel Buettner, Ford Cleveland, Ellen Park, Griffin Payne, Ann Vivian Spencer and Talya Whyte spent many hours preparing their defense case for the Youth Judicial mock trial program that year. Their preparation earned the team the top spot in the first-year competition, which meant that the team traveled to Chicago that summer for the National Judicial Competition. Though their teammates (and their individual roles in the program) fluctuated over the next three years, those six Montgomery Academy seniors are finishing out their high school careers as leaders in the Youth in Government program, particularly in the fall Youth Judicial competition held in the federal and county courthouses the weekend of November 5-7, 2016. Further, the core team has been invited to participate in the National Judicial Competition in Chicago each year since their freshman year. Whyte served as the entirely student-run program’s Chief Justice, a position she sought and won during the 2015 Youth Judicial competition after serving as a judge that year. She presided over 600 students during the weekend and oversaw the final trial on November 7. Payne and Spencer both spent their senior year Youth Judicial conference as judges. Spencer’s mother, attorney Charlanna Spencer, worked with the legal aspect of the Youth Judicial conference for many years. Buettner was Whyte’s bailiff for two years. Caroline Kirkham was Payne’s bailiff. Cleveland and Park, Alabama YMCA Youth in Government’s Youth Governor and Lt. Governor, respectively, have filled out their mock trial team over the years as other members left to fill crucial roles in the ALYIG program. This year, James Torbert, a Montgomery Academy sophomore, joined Cleveland and Park as an attorney. Carter Chandler, also a sophomore, joined seniors Caroline Sellers and Lindsey Ferraro as a witness. The long-term team members thought very carefully about which students to add to their team; they wanted a perfect fit for their final competition as seniors. Torbert served as team captain and their top defense team participated in the final trial in front of the entire competition on November 7 at the Davis Theater. The team will return to the National Judicial Conference in Chicago next summer. In addition to the top defense team, Montgomery Academy had a top ten plaintiff team, led by attorney captain and senior John Koo. Other team members were attorneys Hannah Hale and Anna Kate Lindsey and witnesses Caroline Deale, Francie Hill, Fred Tippett (who has attended the NJC in Chicago twice previously), and John Wakefield. Montgomery Academy had a top twenty plaintiff team helmed by sophomore captain Catherine Updegraff. Other team members were attorneys Will Hamlett and Roma Pirnie. Their witnesses were Sofie Behr, Martha Ernest,and Bradley Westhauser. Montgomery Academy’s first-year defense team was led by attorney captain Anne Carlson Sylvest. Attorneys were Will Davis, Trey Lindsey and William Robertson. Their witnesses were Margaret Chandler, Grace Jackson, and Mac Main. Each student intends to participate in Alabama YMCA Youth in Government programs throughout high school. Top photo from left, Judge Griffin Payne, Chief Justice Talya Whyte and Judge Ann Vivian Spencer are all MA seniors. Bottom photo, the top defense team from left are: James Torbert, Caroline Sellers, Lt. Governor Ellen Park, Governor Ford Cleveland, Lindsey Ferraro and Carter Chandler. Montgomery Parents I December 2016

Catholic’s Anderson Chosen for All-Star Game

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School senior linebacker Brian Anderson has been selected for the Alabama-Mississippi High School All-Star football game. A 2015 All-State, All-Metro and AllCCC player, Anderson was invited to play in the 30th annual game by a statewide committee that represents all classifications 1A-7A across the state. He is the second Montgomery Catholic player to be invited to play in the game, joining Catholic alumnus and Texas State kicker James Sherman (‘13) and representing the State of Alabama in the All-Star game scheduled for December 10 at Cramton Bowl. Anderson was named Cook’s Pest Control Player of the Week and served as team captain three times during his 2016 season, where the Knights made the post season play. With a 3.24 GPA and 32 Division 1 offers from around the country, Anderson will continue his football career at The University of North Carolina next year. He is the son of Linda and Charlie Anderson of Montgomery. “Brian has been a great example of the dedication and commitment that his teammates have shown this year,” said Catholic head football coach Aubrey Blackwell. “The legacy he is leaving behind here at Catholic is one that has changed the energy, passion and community for the better. His leadership has been vital to our success, and he is very deserving of this great opportunity. He has worked tirelessly the last two years for recognition like this. Brian will achieve great things in the future and I expect him to continue to let God use him in powerful ways.” Photo by Total Image

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Faith ● Academics ● Arts ● Athletics

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HOLY CROSS ADMITS STUDENTS OF ANY RACE,47RELIGION, AND NATIONAL OR ETHNIC ORIGIN. www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

December rushes in with all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season: A time for beautiful traditions and thoughtful customs, a time for gathering family and friends close, a time for celebrating the joys and wonders of our lives. December also brings the first semester of school to a close. Where does the time go? When you are as blessed as we are in Autauga County, the school year truly seems to fly by. It is hard to believe that we are rapidly closing in on the end of the first semester. In Autauga County, our students are dedicated to challenging work. The Prattville Elementary School Bobcats have been working hard toward their goal for a new playground. During the month of

Montgomery Parents I December 2016

November, students raised over $12,000 during a cookie dough fundraiser to make their dream playground a reality. It is set to be complete in January. The playground is not the only project the Bobcats have been striving to complete. They are adding a new computer lab this month equipped with 30 brand new desktops and a projector. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to share pictures in upcoming issues! Our students know that hard work always pays off! Prattville Intermediate School recently received notification that they won the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s State Champion Award as Champs for Physical Fitness for the 2015-2016 school year. Congratulations to Coaches Sylvester Bruce, Kim Evans, and Catherine Newton and all the Cougars for this great accomplishment and being the model of physical fitness! Commitment to excellence can be found throughout our system in every endeavor. I am always excited to share with you the outstanding accomplishments of

our students. The Prattville High School Speech and Debate team won the overall first place sweepstakes during the 2016 St. James Raymond B. Furlong Tournament. John Berdolt, Hannah Edwards, Gentry Slay, and Mohammed Alzatari were named champions. Hannah Edwards was named National Speech and Debate Association Academic All-American. Congratulations to Coach Katy Olienyk and all the members of the Prattville High School Speech and Debate team! As always, our school year has been busy, busy, busy! Please remember to take the time to embrace all the moments we love during the holidays. I hope each of you has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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 20 years of experience in the education field as well as 29 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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MOLDING BOYS INTO MEN We believe in a classical understanding of what it means to be a man. A man should strive to blend three parts of life: Gentleman, Warrior, Saint. What the medievals meant by these terms was that a gentleman is an educated burdenbearer for society. A warrior is a defender of that which is true and right. A saint has the biblical mind and heart from which being a gentleman and warrior spring. At Eastwood Christian School our boys and girls are given a rigorous, classical education. They are well rounded in sports and the arts so as to produce a warrior spirit. They are saturated with a biblical worldview and are taught to think critically as a Christian. Finally, there is an environment of mentoring - the older serve the younger. Our board and staff have been assisting families in this biblical vision for 20 years.

EA STWOOD C HR IS TIA N SC HOOL MONTGOMERY / ALABAMA 334.272.8195 WWW.EASTWOODSCHOOL.ORG 49

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Prattville Junior High Receives Donation from Ronald McDonald Charities

Prattville Junior High School offers a HUGE thank you to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Alabama for its generous donation toward technology equipment. Buddy Rogers presented the check today to PJHS Principal Janice Stockman. Martin Jackson showed Rogers the plan for the funds to be spent to provide multiple monitors around the school for consistent communication throughout the day. These monitors will project announcements and Positive Behavior Supports in various locations around the school.

PKS Promotes Community Service

During the month of September, Prattville Kindergarten School students learned about community. As a community service project, students collected items for the Prattville Autauga Humane Shelter. Their efforts were overwhelming. Students filled boxes with food, cleaning supplies, toys and various pet supplies. This donation was made to the shelter during the PKS Safety Town event. Prattville Kindergarten School thanks the shelter workers for their service to our community.

Send Your school news each month to: editor@ montgomeryparents.com.

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PPS Principal Doubles as Johnny Appleseed!

Prattville Primary School Principal Dr. Tammy Starnes made an appearance as Johnny Appleseed recently. Prattville Primary celebrated Johnny Appleseed’s birthday with lots of cross-curricular instruction and activities.

PKS Holds Storybook Safari

On October 20, Prattville Kindergarten School parents, students, faculty and staff all came together to celebrate reading. Everyone came to school dressed as his favorite storybook character to play games, win prizes and eat great food. Each PKS teacher set up a game that correlated with a favorite children’s book. Students and parents rotated through the games winning prizes and having lots of fun. This event was an overwhelming success.

Prattville Primary Holds Cub Carnival

Prattville Primary School had a wonderful turnout for “Cub Carnival” in October. Families and friends came and enjoyed a hot dog dinner, played games, and watched the 2nd-grade square dancing performance led by music teacher Cathy Crook. 51

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Prattville Christian Academy Honored at CAFOA Sportsmanship Banquet

Prattville Primary Spirit Day Prattville Primary School hosted 2nd grade Spirit Day at Stanley Jenson Stadium on October 6. This event is organized by 2ndgrade teacher Katie Hallman. All 2nd-grade students participate in cross-curricular stations centered around football. The event also includes a visit from the Prattville Lions. Lots of parents, students, teachers and community celebrate the spirit of Prattville.

The Central Alabama Football Officials Association (CAFOA) selected Prattville Christian Academy as its annual sportsmanship award recipient for the 2016 football season. Sportsmanship awards are based on ratings by officials from regular-season games. The schools are rated on 10 categories: head coach, assistants, players, fans, parking, security, dressing room, chain crew, field and hospitality. “With so much negativity in the world today, it’s such a breath of fresh air to be on the PCA campus and see the mutual respect between players, coaches, administrators and fans,” said Chip Searcy, CAFOA secretary. “You can always count on a competitive yet wellmannered and gracious atmosphere.” The 3A Panthers went 5-5 with their first post-season appearance since 2014. From left are PCA President Ron Mitchell, Virginia Fussell, Head Coach John Fussell, Athletic Director Tara Osborne and CAFOA President Darrell Bowen.

Prattville Kindergarten School Holds Safety Town

Butterfly Project Spreads To Autauga County

Students at Autaugaville and Billingsley Schools are participating in the 21st annual “Symbolic Monarch Butterfly Migration” with students across North America. More than 60,000 students in the United States and Canada created symbolic butterflies and mailed them to Mexico. Children at the sanctuaries in Mexico will take care of them this winter and send them back north in the spring. Follow the journey by visiting www.learner.org/jnorth/ maps/symbolic_fall2016.html. While these students are helping to build the monarch population by planting milkweed and reporting their sightings, the monarch is in turn providing an authentic lesson on communication, conservation and ambassadorship. Montgomery Parents I December 2016

September 29-30, Prattville Kindergarten School students participated in a field trip experience at school. PKS faculty, staff and community members worked to transform the gym into “Safety Town.” Each class traveled through Safety Town to learn about Prattville’s community helpers and how to stay safe. Community participants included Prattville Autauga Humane Shelter, Publix, Prattville Police Department, Prattville Public Library, Prattville Fire Department, Autauga County Schools’ Transportation Department, Baptist Hospital and Dr. Dee Jones. Students rotated throughout the different community learning stations where each community helper talked about his job and also gave safety tips. In addition, the children toured and learned about special vehicles such as the fire truck, police car, ambulance and school bus. This experience was a concluding activity for a study about community. PKS thanks all of the community members involved for providing such a meaningful learning experience for students. 52

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PCA Student Places First in DOOT Program

Prattville Christian Academy students enjoyed the opportunity to exercise their creativity by participating in The Arts Council of Montgomery’s Doing Our Own Thing (DOOT) program. The DOOT program is an annual juried art show for students in grades 10-12 from across Montgomery, Autauga, and Elmore counties. Nearly 200 students submitted artwork for the competition which allowed them to attend a day of workshops, an awards ceremony and a sidewalk chalk competition at The Armory Learning Arts Center last week. PCA student Jessica Swarts placed first in the sculpture division with her dragon, Mr. Snuffles. As a talented young artist, Swarts has worked mainly with 2D art but decided to enter her first-ever 3D sculpture into the competition. “Jessica is an inspiring artist,” said Sheri Sessions, PCA art teacher. “Her ability to create beauty is nothing short of a God-given gift. She makes teaching a joy and gives her best effort in every endeavor.”

Prattville Celebrates Walk to School Day

Prattville Primary School celebrated National Walk to School Day October 5. Mayor Bill Gillespie, Superintendent Agee, Board Members Jim Manderson and Eleanor Ballow, Skip Tallmedge from Prattville Police, Principal Dr. Tammy Starnes and Assistant Principal Janett Skinner welcomed students and parents and gave the students special prizes. Autauga County Board Member Eleanor Ballow is shown with PPS 1stgrader Emily Rowell and her parents. 53

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M H Advice for the Holiday Break As a society, it seems we are busier than ever. As parents and educators we seem to rush here and there to give our children opportunities to help them grow and succeed. In Elmore County we have been going full steam ahead since the start of the school year in August and our children have been learning at an amazing pace. But with the holidays approaching it is important that we use this time to recharge our batteries, spend time with family, and revive our spirits so that we can begin in full force after the holiday season. Here are “three Rs” for the school holiday break that will help get everyone on the right track afterwards: Rest, Revision and Recreation.

Rest: The time off from school should be a time of rest for children and teachers, as well as parents, from the daily task of homework and projects. Encourage your kids to rest and lead by example. It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday scene of parties, gatherings, socials, and meeting up with friends and family, but remember that a hectic schedule won’t allow you or your children the time needed to rest and recharge. Revision: Any parent knows the importance of rhythm and routine with children. Even though school may be out of session, keeping your kids on some type of routine for bed time, meal time, electronic-device time, etc., will make everyone happy! It’s also a good time to review what has worked with your family’s schedule and what hasn’t. Make adjustments now, rather than in January when transitioning back to school days may be difficult. Talk to your children to discover what works and what could work better for their routines.

Having their input and cooperation will go further in making sure the routine is followed. Recreation: Have fun, enjoy your family, and reconnect on a different level. Watch a movie with your child without looking at your phone. Make cookies and have a family taste test. Recreate your favorite childhood Christmas tradition with your children. Reconnecting will lessen family conflicts and ultimately create a happier Christmas season. Don’t let Christmas dinner be the only meal you have together as a family this year. Reconnecting with ourselves, our family, and our faith will serve us all well over the holidays and in the coming new year.

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

Eclectic Elementary Library Celebrates Read for the Record

Teachers Recognized for Recertification

From left, Dr. Andre’ Harrison recognized Wetumpka Elementary first-grade teacher Kristy Shaw and Redland kindergarten teacher Stacey Turner for recertifying their National Board Certification.

The Eclectic Elementary School Library hosted an art competition to help celebrate Read for the Record. Students created their favorite food item. Winners were: Jack Harrell, Emily Pickett, Kaley Brown, Asher Justice, Justin Brooks, Kate Harrell, Eden Carpenter, Alana Strocsher, Madalyn Loftin, Natalie Callins and Kinley Bowden.

Wetumpka Students Receive Aubie Visit

Aubie, Auburn University’s mascot, visited Wetumpka Elementary School in celebration of College and Career Readiness week.

Airport Road Intermediate School held its annual Harvest Festival on Oct. 20. Students played games, participated in contests, ate yummy food, and enjoyed the haunted house and hayride. All money raised goes back into the teachers’ classroom accounts for instructional supplies.

Eclectic Pumpkin Contest

Montgomery Parents I December 2016

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ARIS Holds Fall Festival

Eclectic Elementary 2nd grade held a Character Pumpkin Contest. Attendees voted on their favorite pumpkin at the annual Harvest Festival. 1st Place went to Miley Goggins; 2nd Place: Brock Hragyil; and 3rd Place: Jaiden Smith.

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Redland 1st Grade Field Trip to the Pumpkin Patch 56

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Elmore County Schools

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Eclectic Elementary Names Students of the Month

Eclectic Elementary named the following Students of the Month for October. Kindergarten: Jamie Lovelady, Ja’Edlen Benson, Elin Dean, Desirae Floyd, Bryce Allen and Dawson Chambers; 1st grade: Gabby Kendrick, Conner Mann, Deion Lyles, Jaymeson Davis, Demarcus Rogers and Chesney Sullivan; 2nd grade: Laura Smith, Addi Stephenson, Haylie Mann, Baylee King and Bailey Kennedy; 3rd grade: Zoey Taylor, Alexyes Matthews, Seth McGhee, Hudson Fulmer, Addison Hicks and Natalie Moore; and 4th grade: Danny Wellman, Natilee Fomby, Braxton Roberson, Katie Shaw and Kyle David Foster.

Redland GATE Students Visit Camp McDowell

Fifth-grade GATE students from Redland Elementary School spent two nights at Camp McDowell and had an experience of a lifetime.

Wetumpka Elementary Studies Johnny Appleseed

Learning about how apples grow, all of the different types of apples and Johnny Appleseed’s role in planting apple trees across America is one of the most anticipated units of study for kindergartners. Wetumpka Elementary kindergarten classes read a variety of non-fiction and fiction books about apples and Johnny Appleseed. Each day was filled with apple activities. The kids tasted, compared and contrasted the various types of apples and found their favorite color (red, green or yellow) apple. Likewise, they made homemade applesauce and tasted apple cider. The culminating activity was a celebration with a special snack of apple pie and ice cream. Learning about apples and Johnny Appleseed is so much fun, but can be very tiring too! Dana Pershing’s class is shown.

ARIS Awards Honor Roll Students

Airport Road Intermediate School was honored to congratulate its students for making the honor roll for the first nine weeks of school. Students were treated with ribbons and doughnuts.

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Elmore County Schools

Elmore County Counselor Wins Award

Elmore County’s very own Dr. Stephanie Bostick, at center, to Dr. Andre Harrison’s right, eceived the Alabama School Counselor Supervisor of the Year Award at the Alabama School Counselor Association 2016 Awards Luncheon recently.

ECHS October Students of the Month From left are Elmore County High School Students of the Month Michael Green, 11th grade; Alyssa Beam, 10th; Jacob Brabham, 12th grade; and Cody Phillips, 9th grade.

Airport Road ‘Pinks Out’ In Support of Breast Cancer Awareness

Victory Third-Graders Visit Montgomery Zoo

Mr. Nolin’s third-grade class from Victory Baptist School had a chance to observe animals up close at the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Museum recently. Students viewed animals from five continents: North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia. The Zoofari Skylift gave the students the opportunity to view the animals from above. Students also were allowed to feed parakeets in Parakeet Cove, an open-air aviary housing more than 500 parakeets. At the Petting Zoo, students were able to touch and feed pygmy goats. For some students, it was their first time to visit the Mann Museum which houses a collection of preserved North American wildlife, aquatic life, artifacts, and fossils. By the end of the day, the students had collected plenty of new data for their science notebooks.

Air Force Lt. Colonel Visits Wetumpka Elementary

Airport Road Intermediate School was proud to “pink out” on October 21 for all the brave family and friends who have battled and who are still battling breast cancer. Students, teachers and staff all joined in wearing pink and creating a “Wall of Hope” in the lunchroom with the names of those affected by breast cancer. We were especially proud to honor ARIS cafeteria worker Brenda Collins in her fight against the disease. Montgomery Parents I December 2016

At right, Lt. Col. Bob Kelly came to talk to Mrs. Noble’s third-grade class at Wetumpka Elementary about the Air Force and Veterans’ Day. 58

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ARIS Superheroes Spread Drug-Free Message

Superheroes invaded Airport Road Intermediate on Oct. 25! These super teachers and students were on a mission to spread a “Drug Free” message for everyone to hear. “Be a Hero, not a ZERO!” This special day was part of an annual week long celebration of Red Ribbon Week, dedicated to making good choices and staying drug-free. During this special week, students enjoyed wearing red ribbons, daily dress-up days, special announcements by ARIS students, a drug-free poster contest, and guidance lessons focusing on peer pressure. ARIS students are ready to “Save the World” and stay drug-free! 59

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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston

Being the Parent Your Teen Needs As parents, we put a lot of expectations on ourselves. Before kids, we might have been content to be average Joes and Janes. But the moment that little bundle of joy was first placed in our arms, we felt the need to put on a cape and transform into “Super Parent”! And that’s a hard role to play. But good news mom and dad—your teen doesn’t need you to be a superhero. In my 40 years of working with teens, I’ve discovered that our kids don’t need parents who are perfect saints or super human. Teens simply need parents who are willing to make some necessary changes.

Parents Who Are Willing To Be Imperfect

First, let’s debunk the fairytale that families can attain perfection. Where exactly did that myth come from? No family is perfect. So quit trying. It flies in the face of reality, and yet I find so many families working overtime to look, act, and be the perfect family. Relax. Deal with failures as opportunities to learn. If you have never shared your personal flaws with your kids, they haven’t had an opportunity to see what it’s like to live with imperfection. Instead, they think that faultlessness is normal. The first time they sprout a pimple they’re ready to freak out! Let me offer you this challenge—tonight around the dinner table, share one thing about you that isn’t as perfect as you’d like it to be. By sharing your inadequacies, you allow your teen to connect with you in a different way. It will reaffirm your teen’s understanding and acceptance of himself, while drawing him into relationship with you as well. Teens need parents who are willing to be imperfect.

Parents Willing to Be Disliked

Parents who want to “rescue” their children from pain or suffering are actually hurting their kids more then they know. It usually happens for three reasons: • Parents want to be friends with their kids. • Parents can’t handle the constant nagging of their teen during punishment. • Parents are afraid that if they punish their child, he or she will rebel. Montgomery Parents I December 2016

Mom and Dad, your child doesn’t need another friend. During these tough adolescent years they need you to be a parent—to correct them when they make a mistake and love them regardless of their behavior. Teens need parents who are willing to love their kids, even if it means their kids dislike them. So if your daughter gets a speeding ticket, don’t pay for it yourself. If your son is failing a class, don’t do his homework for him. Yes, we should extend grace to our teens. But showing grace doesn’t mean swooping in and saving the day when your kid messes up. That’s caving in. Setting aside time to help with homework is loving. Writing their book report–because you read it and they didn’t–is rescuing. Teens learn independence and maturity when they face hard times more than when everything is going smooth. Handing out discipline isn’t for the faint of heart. I know it can be hard, draining, and exhausting. No matter what your kids might think in the moment, punishment isn’t a cruel action. When done in the right way, it can be an expression of love. And it’s what your kids need from you.

Parents Who Are Willing to Say “No”

Some parents relish being needed by their teenager. They dote on them and take care of their every need. They ask “How high?” when their teens says, “Jump!” They may even take abuse and disrespect from their teen when it is directed their way, thinking, “Oh, they’re just having a bad day.” These parents need to step back and understand that teens need to hear “no” sometimes. If not, it will lead to selfish, bossy, and entitled adolescents who don’t understand when life doesn’t go their way. It’s okay to say “no” as long as you provide a good reason. When your son demands the latest iPhone, you are allowed to say “no” and explain why. When your daughter asks to go to a certain party, you have the freedom to say “no” and provide your reasons. Life doesn’t always say “yes” to our requests. And parents shouldn’t either. 60

Parents Who Are Willing to Let Go

Very few comments made by high school seniors and college students can scare parents more than when young people announce their desire to “fly the coop” and become independent. Those words are tough to hear because in the minds of most parents there is a voice shouting, “We can’t let this happen!” Some parents might think, “What will they do without me?” Other parents wonder, “What will I do without them?” Change is hard, but the desire for independence is actually a very normal and healthy desire in teens. So when your child comes to you with plans to launch out and go to college, move out, or make smaller steps towards independence, I encourage you to consider what your child is actually asking. This may be the opportunity to affirm those character traits and values that you have spent years building into the moral fabric of your son or daughter. Instead of thinking about all the reasons your teen shouldn’t go, think of all that might be accomplished by giving your stamp of approval on an ultimately very necessary transition. Realize that this may be a wonderful opportunity. Teens need parents who are willing to let go. They need parents who believe in them and can even encourage them to become increasingly independent. Isn’t that the goal of raising kids to become adults? Now, I’m not saying that as parents you should throw caution to the wind and go with anything your kid suggests. But I am saying that because your 12 year old will one day become that 18 or 19-year-old young adult, you need to train to let go, and foster independence more and more each year. Trust what you have taught, and are teaching. And even enjoy watching them launch into the adulthood. Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

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Speaking in front of an audience can be just as nerve-racking for a self-conscious kiddo as it is for an adult. Just as you do with every other activity your child tries, from an early age coach, encourage and support your youngster’s efforts to express herself confidently in front of an audience.

Montgomery Parents I December 2016

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“Public speaking is a skill that is rarely taught, but is so valuable in the adult world,” says Katherine Pebley O’Neal, a 5th grade teacher and author of the children’s book Public Speaking: 7 Steps to Writing and Delivering a Great Speech. “If we teach our young students how to engage an audience with confidence, they can use the skills to enhance and benefit any profession they choose.” In today’s high-tech environment, kids will need to gain communication skills across mediums more than ever. More employers now conduct video interviews or ask job candidates to turn in video introductions. Despite our society’s growing reliance on text-talk, our kids must still learn how to speak on the phone effectively, present in front of a group, video conference and communicate professionally to audiences across social media. And kids who have learned to express themselves well will stand out in a competitive job market. “Things are changing in our educational paradigm where it’s not just go to school and get a job,” says Sarah L. Cook, co-author of The Parents’ Guide to Raising CEO Kids. “Kids need to have some entrepreneurial skills to even land a job. They need to be able to engage with people confidently. Public speaking allows them to show that confidence.”

Flutters of fear Physical signs of limelight-related stress include uncontrollable shaking, hyperventilating, sweating, flushed face, and even short-term memory loss. Why is public speaking scary? “It’s a fear of failure,” Cook says. “It’s a fear of public rejection. Are people going to laugh at me? Are they going to boo me? Are they going to ignore me?” Here’s how to help your child grow more confident presenting in front of an audience:

Use technology. A child’s first and friendliest audiences include her family and friends. Frequent invitations for her to talk on the phone or the webcam to relatives can ease even a shy child’s initial communication inhibitions. Also, use your video camera and ask your kids questions. This strategy helps kids get comfortable in front of a camera.

Open the floor at mealtime. Suggest each member of your family take turns reciting a joke, story, prayer or poem during dinner. Listen carefully to your kids and acknowledge their efforts. When a young child feels listened to, his confidence in expressing himself blossoms.

Encourage show-and-tell. Show-andtell is an excellent introduction to public speaking in a friendly group setting. Most kids love to take something meaningful to them and share it with their friends. Seek out organized opportunities. Depending on his interests, enroll your child in activities like drama, scouting, science fairs or 4-H. These activities offer leadership roles in a supportive environment that require participants to get in front of an audience.

Practice, practice, practice. Preparation and practice is necessary to succeed. By writing out what they’d like to say ahead of time and creating visual aids, kids can learn to organize their thoughts. “And if they can present their information with pizzazz, the entire class will actually learn something from their efforts,” O’Neal says. Your child will have more fun presenting if her audience is engaged, too. Encourage your kids to practice their presentations ahead of time, whether in front of a mirror, the family or a video camera. “Parents can boost confidence by listening to their child practice his or her speech many times. They can remind their child to make eye contact and to smile,” O’Neal says. “The final two or three run-throughs before the performance should be met with only praise.”

A true phobia? Nervousness before a presentation is normal, but if your child is paralyzed with fear, skipping classes and avoiding extracurricular activities that require public speaking, consult with a child psychologist. Cognitive behavioral techniques like challenging negative thinking, breathing and relaxation exercises, and supportive coaching can help. mp Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two school-age boys. Her latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

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Training Wheels for New Cellphone Users If your child is one of the lucky kids getting a new cellphone during the holidays, now is the time to think about the rules that should go along with it. Kids need to understand from the get go that having a phone is a privilege and, like all privileges, comes with responsibilities. Being clear about expectations is step one, but many children also benefit from a little extra structure. Fortunately, parents have access to a wide range of technical tools that will help children remember and respect their rules. The checklist that follows provides an overview of protections that are available for cellphones. It’s unlikely that most parents will want or need all of these tools. The features that make sense for your family depend partly on your parenting style and partly on your child’s temperament. In addition to age and maturity, you’ll want to think about the following questions: Is your child able to keep track of belongings? Does he or she generally follow household rules? How easily is your child distracted? How susceptible is she to pressure from peers or strangers? Most important, how will this tool help you reach your ultimate goal--having a child who makes good, independent decisions about how and when to use a cellphone. Once you’ve decided which protections you want, find out whether they are available from your phone carrier. All major companies offer some of these services free and others for a monthly fee. To figure out what’s available on your plan, search for parental controls on their website. Better yet, visit one of their outlets and have someone describe and demonstrate the relevant features so you’ll actually be able to use them. Montgomery Parents I December 2016

Curb Phone Calls. For very young children, it’s often a good idea to establish an approved list of phone numbers so your child can make and receive calls only from those people. For older kids, you may still want software that shows traffic on the phone. Remember that specific numbers can always be blocked if your child is being harassed or unduly influenced by peers or strangers. Control texts. Depending on your family’s plan and your child’s self control, you may want controls that limit the number of texts your child can send and/or receive. Some controls also allow parents to monitor texts for content that seems risky. Monitor web sites. A smart phone allows a child unrestricted access to the Internet, so you may want filters that block access to pornography, gambling, hate speech and other content. Supervise social media. A cellphone makes it all too easy to share impulsive messages, photos and videos. Parents can arrange to be notified whenever a child posts or is tagged on social media. Or you can set up controls that alert you only if your child uses unacceptable language, is involved in bullying or exchanges inappropriate photos. Manage time. If the phone seems to be taking over a child’s life, most carriers offer a timer that will allow you to establish intervals when the phone simply doesn’t work because your child should be sleeping or paying attention in class. Track location. If your child struggles to keep track of personal items, you may 64

want an app that will locate the phone if its lost. Some parents also use GPS to confirm that kids are where they are supposed to be—home after school, on the soccer field, at a sleepover. Limit downloads. Kids with smartphones will want to explore the wonderful world of apps. Some apps simply aren’t suitable for children. Some cost money that will show up on your phone bill. Some introduce malware onto the phone. If you have any doubts about your child’s judgment, look for software that will alert you when your child tries to download a ringtone, game or social media app. Disable while driving. If your child is old enough to drive, consider using a feature that disables the phone whenever it’s moving at the speed of a car. Most families find they can protect their children adequately with services provided by cellphone companies, supplemented perhaps by free apps like MamaBear. If you decide to invest in more comprehensive software, detailed reviews of ten options are available at cell-phone-parental-controlsoftware-review.toptenreviews.com. Some of these programs brag about how they can be used in “stealth” mode so kids will never even know their parents are watching them. In many ways, that kind of spyware subverts the goals of good parenting. If you do find something worrisome, you won’t be able to discuss it without admitting that you’ve had your child’s phone under surveillance. Better to talk openly about what cellphone safeguards you plan to use and why you think they are important. Being upfront about your concerns actually makes it more likely that your kids will become so savvy, skilled and responsible that they won’t need training wheels anymore. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing the Growing Up Online column for ten year. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart. Available at Amazon and Cooperative Wisdom.org. @ Copyright, 2016, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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Meet the 2016

The Quincy & Tish Leonard Family

FAMILIES of the Year

Edited by Alison K. Rouse For 28 years, the Family Guidance Center of Alabama has sponsored Families of the Year Awards, recognizing outstanding families nominated for exceptional family teamwork, individual growth and family involvement. This year five families from Alabama’s River Region were honored at a special ceremony at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts on November 20. In addition to the Family Guidance Center and Montgomery Parents magazine, sponsors of the program include: WSFA-TV, Aronov, Sterling Bank, Cumulus Broadcasting, the J.K. Lowder Family Foundation, O’Donahue Design and Minuteman Press. For more information about the awards selection or the Family Guidance Center, please call (334) 270-4100 or visit www.familyguidancecenter.org.

The Jeff & Laurie Helms Family

In the words of nominator Laura Cauthen, Montgomery residents Jeff and Laurie Helms, along with their children Benjamin and Annie, are “diligent workers in the comMontgomery Parents I December 2016

munity who dedicate countless hours to various causes and organizations.” Jeff is creative director for the Alfa Farmers Federation, a job that requires him at times to work long hours, but he is still able to find time for family and service to others. His wife Laurie homeschools their 13-year-old daughter Annie, who has Down Syndrome, Type 1 diabetes and other medical issues that accompany those two conditions. Benjamin is 16 years old and a junior at Alabama Christian Academy, where he maintains excellent grades and runs on the cross-country team. In addition to caring for the needs of their own family, the Helmses are a vital support for others, including close family friend and neighbor, Kim, who is physically impaired by cerebral palsy. As members of Vaughn Park Church of Christ, the Helms family works in the children’s and youth ministry areas as well as helping lead a small group Bible study. Laurie is also a long-time participant of the Bible Study Fellowship, and the family participates in Upward basketball as coaches, referees and concessions workers. In the community, Jeff and Laurie were instrumental in the revitalization of the Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group. They lead the group in providing support and resources for other families like their own, as well as serving as key organizers of the annual Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome and supporting and volunteering for the Miracle League. Jeff also serves on the board of Rainbow Omega of Alabama, a group home for mentally disabled adults. With the aid of Alfa, he was able to secure a grant for the organization to build greenhouses for flower production. These greenhouses provide work for the residents and income for the facility. 66

Nominated by Gladys Laster, this Montgomery family is very active in the business community working to provide good examples for children. Quincy is founder of the LEO Golf Academy while his wife, Tish, is the owner of Cupcakes by Tish. An active member of St. Paul AME Church, Quincy has developed a business motto that reflects biblical principles. “LEO Golf Academy… Where Champions Are Born Again” refers to new Christians being born again. “Kids are very impressionable so having godly role models and Christian influences is a necessity,” Quincy explains. “This is why I have made it my mission to be a role model they can look to for guidance and support. I am constantly encouraging my students by incorporating godly principles throughout every training session. Members of the Academy are referred to as champions instead of students, teaching them that they can do ALL things through Christ.” Golf is also a great way for the family to spend time together. Currently, eleven-yearold son Ahlias is one of the top junior golfers in Alabama, while his nine-year-old sister Lauryn is ranked eighth in the nation among golfers her age. She is a 2016 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finalist and was featured live on the Golf Channel competing at the Masters in Augusta, Ga. Youngest sister London, age five, cheers her siblings on. “God is on display at all times at LEO Golf Academy through my interactions with the kids, our session activities and maintaining a positive atmosphere,” says Quincy.

The Daniel & Genie Lindsey Family

Montgomery residents Daniel Lindsey, his wife Genie, and their children, Anna Kate, 17; Trey, 16; Ridge, 14; and Judson, 12, www.montgomeryparents.com

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were nominated by First United Methodist Church Pastor Jeremy Pridgeon, who has been acquainted with them for the last 15 years. At FUMC, Daniel has served on the finance committee, administrative board and is currently co-chair of the Youth Council with Genie, who also chairs the church’s fall bazaar fundraiser for missions. In addition, the couple teaches Sunday School and has been small group leaders to high school students for several years. The kids have all participated in youth programs as well as local and foreign mission trips. Community involvement includes longstanding participation with the YMCA. Daniel has coached numerous football, basketball and baseball teams over the years, also serving on the YMCA Youth Sports Committee, the Board of Southeastern YMCA and the Montgomery Academy board of directors, where all the Lindsey children are enrolled as students. Genie has been very active on the POA (Parents of the Academy) and currently serves as vice president of the Upper School. She helped initiate a Bible study/support group for school moms and served for five years as the parent coordinator and liaison for a weekly Bible study for fifth- and sixth-grade boys. Genie is also a member of the board for Mary Ellen’s Hearth at Nellie Burge Community Center, working to support the mothers and children who live in this local home together.

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Following in their parents’ footsteps, the Lindsey children participate in a variety of outreach projects. When school was briefly closed for snow (years ago), First United Methodist Church was hosting Family Promise, a program which rotates among churches and provides food and shelter to homeless families. The Lindseys were concerned about how the children staying at the church would spend their day, so they loaded up some toys and games and spent the day with Family Promise children at church. Even today, the family remembers this day as one of their favorites together.

The Billy & Jayne Love Family

As long-term members of Eastmont Baptist Church, Billy and Jayne Love began modeling service to others when their children, Cliff, now 29, and Annie, now 27, were young. The entire family has been involved with the children’s and youth ministries, missions, senior adults and the music ministry at Eastmont. Nominator Kathy Camp tells of three separate occasions when grandparents moved in and the Loves became their primary caregivers. The family worked together, dividing daily duties so they could give a quality of life and comfort to their loved ones during their golden years. Though Cliff and Annie are adults and now live in different states, they grew up with their parents’ heart for missions, serving on many mission trips to Guatemala, and Annie attended seminary in Guatemala for a year. Now Cliff is in school in San Angelo, Texas, after serving in the Marine Corps, where he was a meteorologist. Annie works as a labor and delivery nurse in Winchester, Va. Billy is a vital part of Carpenters for Christ, and in retirement continues to serve families by driving individuals to doctors’ appointments and cutting and maintaining lawns for single moms or older adults. Jayne has helped direct Eastmont’s Passion Play for many years, in addition to serving on the Distinguished Young Women’s Board, helping the Montgomery Area Food Bank, Aid for Inmate Mothers and the Chamber of Commerce. “This family is a role model for all families, showing that teamwork, compassion, volunteer work, and love for others has not only strengthened their family, but enriched the lives of others,” Camp says.

The Michael & Heidi Myrick Family

Employed with the Montgomery Police Department for more than 20 years, Michael and his wife Heidi, an art teacher at Lee High School, have garnered the notice of Shirley Durden, who nominated them, along with their five children, Jacquelynn, 22, a graduate of the University of Alabama who works 67

at a surgical center in Birmingham; Devin, 21, a senior studying art at Troy University; Jacob, 16, a junior at Lee High School who is the JROTC color guard commander and Kitty Hawk vice commander; and Megan and Katherine, 15-year-old twins who are sophomores at BTW Arts Magnet studying art and photography, respectively. As active members of Eastern Hills Baptist Church, Mike serves as a Sunday School teacher, deacon and youth leader, while Heidi works with the youth, has taught Bible studies and served in many other areas of the church. Jacob uses his talent for drums as a member of the Youth Praise Band and has served as the Bible study and prayer leader for choir. He has been on many mission trips serving and working at homeless shelters, teen challenge church building and many more service projects. The twins perform live worship art demonstrations during the summer months on choir tour mission trips with Eastern Hills. At Troy, Devin performs worship art events in church services in the community and donates those pieces of art. Jacquelynn served as the University of Alabama Honors College student facilitator for a program called Art to Life that paired students with elderly adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s to participate together in an eight-week art therapy intervention.

The Myrick family also exemplifies compassion and support in times of family crisis. When Jacob was born and his twin sister, Grace Ann, was stillborn, family and friends rallied around each other. Each year, Grace Ann is remembered on her birthday with a trip to the cemetery and personal messages tied to balloons, which are then released. Just a few years ago, Heidi broke her knee shortly before Thanksgiving, so the family all worked together to put the special meal on the table and complete household chores. With Christmas just around the corner, everyone also worked together to put up a tree, buy and wrap gifts and decorate, so that Christmas came “as usual” to the Myrick household. We would like to congratulate all five of these exemplary families! mp www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

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There is nothing more heartwarming than a gift made by a child. Handmade gifts are affordable, fun to make, and can be given to parents, grandparents, teachers, and siblings. Here are some gifts that are sure to make someone special smile this holiday season. Montgomery Parents I December 2016

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Prints

All you need is a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cooperation, some paint, and a little creativity to make a gift that will be cherished for years. Handprints, fingerprints, and even footprints can be used to make a variety of crafts and art. Websites like Pinterest are full of ideas of how to make a handprint into a picture of Santa, a Christmas tree, reindeer, or snowmen. There are literally hundreds of possibilities. Try putting your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prints on an apron, ornament, tea towel, oven mitt, or T-shirt to give to a special someone. Make sure to follow the directions on the paint to ensure that the design lasts for years. As a bonus, your kids will love getting messy during the process.

Tasty Treats

Kids love to help out in the kitchen, so why not put together some tasty treats for some sweet people in your life? Get the kids involved in the holiday baking and put together a plate of cookies the kids can help deliver to a neighbor or friend. Putting a homemade cookie mix

into a mason jar also makes an easy gift that kids can help with. Finish the jar with a holiday bow and instructions and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ready to be delivered.

Frame It

Photos make a favorite gift for any proud aunt, uncle, parent, or grandparent. Get kids involved in picking out favorite photos from the past year and putting them into a collage with handmade drawings or a poem. Try making a scrapbook page that can be framed for a special gift. Picture frames

can be made with decorated popsicle sticks, clay, or an existing frame can be painted or decorated with mosaic tiles, buttons, or other craft supplies. Affordable frames can be found at local thrift stores or the dollar store.

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Personalized Gifts

Nothing is more thoughtful than a gift made to fit the recipient’s personal tastes. Talk to your child about the their favorite hobbies and tailor the gift to their interests. For example, use permanent markers to decorate golf balls for the golf lover in your life, decorate a plain coffee mug for the coffee lover in the family, have your child create a special bookmark for the bookworm you know, or use fingerprints to decorate wooden utensils for your favorite chef. Kids can also use scrapbook paper, stickers, craft supplies, and cardstock to make custom stationery. Making personalized gifts also helps teach kids to be observant of other’s interests that may be outside their own.

Utilize Beads

Beads are an affordable and versatile craft item that can be used for a variety of gifts. Small children can string beads on a pipe cleaner to make a candy cane or cross ornament. Older children can make personalized jewelry or key chains for loved ones. Pony beads can be melted to make into a suncatcher, mobile, or even a bowl. With beads, you can give your child some ideas and let their creativity lead them.

Spa at Home

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 TRADITIONAL WORSHIP 8: 30 AM & 11: 00 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL 9: 45 AM THE WELL 11: 00 AM

www.prattvillemethodist.org Montgomery Parents I December 2016

Do you know someone who needs some rest and relaxation? Try mixing equal parts white or brown sugar and olive oil for an easy sugar scrub that is a great gift for anyone who deserves a day at the spa. There are many recipes for homemade soaps, sugar scrubs, and bath salts available online. Many can be mixed together in just minutes and cost very little to make. This luxurious gift may be quick and affordable, but it is sure to make your recipients feel loved and appreciated. There is great value in teaching kids to give gifts to others. They learn to be generous, thoughtful, and experience the joy of giving. They also learn the important lesson that gifts do not need to cost a fortune to be cherished. mp Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and stay at home mom to six children. Her kids enjoy creating special gifts for loved ones.

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Montgomery 11th Annual Interfaith Christmas Nativity Exhibit November 30-December 4, 1:00-8:00 p.m. Help your family keep the true meaning of Christmas in your heart from the start by attending this Community Celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ. This spectacular event features nativities from around the world and special music by local performers. This magnificent display is sure to warm the hearts of young and old alike. 3460 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery. Open to all. FREE Admission. Sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. www.MontgomeryNativity. com

19h Annual Lights of Love Dec. 8th, 6 p.m. For a contribution of $15 or more to the Jackson Hospital Foundation, a light will be placed on the Lights of Love tree inside of Jackson Hospital in front lobby in honor, or in memory, of someone special to you. For contributions of $100 or more Moravian stars will be placed on the tree. For contributions of $500 or more a decorative angel will be placed on the tree. Christian music will be presented. An invitation to the ceremony will be sent to those honored or to the family of those memorialized. Contributions will benefit the McGough Oncology Unit at Jackson Hospital. For more information, call 293.6940.

2016 Capital City Christmas Parade The City of Montgomery would like to invite you to the 2016 Christmas Parade. Depart from Cramton Bowl and Parade downtown from Capitol Steps to the Court Street Fountain. The event will be held Friday, December 16th at 6 p.m. A limited number of parade entries will be accepted. All questions about a parade entry and parade festivities should be directed to (334) 625.2118 or Visit www. montgomeryal.gov for entry forms.

2016 Capital City Governor’s Tree Lighting December 2 at 5:30 p.m. followed by Open House from 6 until 7 p.m. - Governor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Capitol.

2016 Capital City Tree Lighting Date and time to be announced. Located in front of City Hall. Montgomery Parents I December 2016

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“A Christmas Carol” at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival ad on page 45

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

Aldersgate UMC Holiday Events 6610 Vaughn Road Sunday, December 4 at 4:30 p.m. *The Great Christmas Cookie Caper: Christmas Cookie contest, Mission projects and concert. *Appalachian Craft Fair: Saturday, December 10, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sunday, December 11, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. The Aldersgate United Methodist Church will be hosting the Red Bird Craft Fair featuring works by as many as 100 different crafters from Appalachia. Items including handmade reed baskets, jewelry, woven mats, dolls, benches, toys, games, ornaments and nativity sets. The craft fair will be open from 9:00 to 2:00 on Saturday, December 10 and 8:00 to 12:00 on Sunday, December 11. *Sunday, December 11: “The Word Became Flesh” 10:30 a.m. Lessons and Carols Service A heart stirring presentation featuring the Chancel Choir, Drama Team and Orchestra. Narrators: Charles Laubach, Cheryl Davitz and Kacey Vardaman. *Saturday, December 24: Christmas Eve Service; 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Communion, Carols and Candlelight For more information call the Aldersgate music ministry office at (334) 272.6152.

Annual Holiday Light Festival The Montgomery Zoo ad on page 23

December 1-4, 8-11, 15-31; 5:30- 9:30 p.m. each night. Thousands of Holiday Lights illuminate The Montgomery Zoo in shapes of animals and Christmas themes. See the Zoo transformed into a Winter Wonderland sparkling with thousands of festive lights and decorations. Stroll the many pathways or enjoy a brisk ride on the Santaland Express train ride. Visit with Santa nightly; enjoy live entertainment, food, gifts and more. Please call (334) 240-4900 or visit www. montgomeryzoo.com for more information.

Candlelight Harpischord Chamber Concert December 9th 6:30 p.m. Christchurch, 8800 Vaughn Rd. You are invited to Christchurch’s free concert of sacred and secular music. The 45-minute performance will feature instrumental and vocal pieces performed by the church’s chancel choir and soloists from the church as well as outside professionals. The free concert in the church’s sanctuary will begin at 6 p.m. It will be followed by a champagne and dessert reception in the parish hall. Reception tickets, which are $25 each, will be available by calling (334) 387.0566, ext. 203, beginning Wednesday, November 9th. Proceeds from the reception will benefit the Christchurch Pipe Organ Fund. Please visit www.christchurchxp.net for more details.

Cruising With Santa December 2-3, 6-7, 16-17 Cruise the Alabama River with Santa on the Harriott II Riverboat, Downtown Riverwalk. Please visit us at http://www.montgomeryal.gov.

Eastdale Mall Holiday Events ad on page 75

Pet photos with Santa! December 1 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 5-9 p.m. in December, furry friends are invited to have their photo taken with Santa! Breakfast with Santa Benefiting Easter Seals of Central Alabama Saturday, December 3 and December 10 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Santa always starts his day off with a good breakfast, and this year Eastdale Mall invites you to join him! Breakfast sponsored by Cinnabon is $5 per child and all proceeds will go to Easter Seals of Central Alabama. For information, or to make reservations, please email david.hagood@aronov.com. WLWI Giveaway Saturday, December 10, 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. I-92 and Eastdale Mall are giving you the chance to win a $2,500 Shopping Spree! From November 11 December 10, listen to WLWI 92.3 FM to qualify for a chance to win! Call Mall Information Desk, 277.7359, for more information. Holiday Soiree December 15, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Grab your girlfriends and head over to Eastdale Mall for a night of shopping, fun and giveaways! Shoppers

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can enjoy light refreshments and register to win one of the three Micheal Kors Handbags! Cookies and Crafts with Santa Saturday, December 17 from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. Come join Santa and his elves from Pzazz Art Studio to create a cute Christmas craft! Enjoy cookies from our Cookies and Crafts sponsor The Great American Cookie Company. Admission to this fun holiday activity is $12 per child. This event requires reservations. Rockin’ NOON Year’s Eve Celebration December 31 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. At 12 noon our DJ will countdown and over 1,000 balloons will be released from the ceiling. In addition to the big balloon drop there will be face painting, Zoo Animals from the Montgomery Zoo, Balloon artists, Chuck E. Cheese and free ice skating at Ice Palace from 11am to 1pm.

F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum Christmas Open House December 10. Call 264.4222. Please visit us at www. fitzgeraldmuseum.net.

Frazer Memorial UMC Events ad on page 61 Youth Worship Arts

December 4 at 6 p.m. in Wesley Hall Christmas Musical: A Celtic Christmas Celebration Wesley Hall, December 11 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Frazer presents this community wide production, Christmas Theatre. Fun for the entire family! Please call (334) 272.8622 or visit www.frazerumc.org.

“Candlelight Worship” December 24 , 3:30 p.m. in Wesley Hall and 6:30 p.m. in Sanctuary.

Glenn Miller Holiday Concert featuring Airmen of Note Date to be decided. Annual Glenn Miller Holiday Concert. This year’s performance is free to the public. Will be accepting canned food donations for the Montgomery Area Food Bank. This performance will be held at the Davis Theatre. Featuring The United States Air force Band, Airmen of Note, premier jazz ensemble, will perform holiday and Glenn Miller favorites. The Airmen of Note ensemble was created in 1950 to carry on the style and tradition of the Glenn Miller Army Air Forces Dance Band. Please call 241.9567.

Governor’s Mansion Candlelight Tour Open House 1142 South Perry Street, Montgomery, 834.3022 The 1907 Governor’s Mansion will be aglow with lights and filled with the spirit of the season. December 5, 12, & 19. 5:30-7:30pm.

Holiday Open House @ MMFA ad on page 77

December 3rd, 1 to 4 p.m.; The festivities for the event include musical performances by local school choirs and performance groups, holiday art projects, cookies and lemonade, and horse and carriage rides in the park. Holiday Open House is free and open to the public, so invite your friends and family and spend the afternoon at MMFA celebrating the season.

Huntingdon’s Annual Christmas Celebration Share some holiday cheer at Huntingdon College’s annual Community Christmas Celebration Thursday, December 1st, on the Huntingdon Campus. The celebration includes: 6:30 p.m., the Arrival of Saint Nicholas, in front of Flowers Hall; 6:45 p.m., Tree-lighting Ceremony and caroling, in front of Flowers Hall; and 7:00 p.m., A Service of Lessons and Carols, combining Biblical readings by members of the Huntingdon community interspersed with music from the College’s Concert Choir; Ligon Chapel, Flower’s Hall. The events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Huntingdon College Office of Community Relations at (334) 833.4515.

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis December 3rd 5k Run or Walk to benefit the Arthritis Foundation Also 1 mile fun run (chasing an Elf) for under 8’s and 1-mile walk for those of us who want to support the Arthritis Foundation. Please visit us at www.jbrMontgomery. kintera.org.

My Three Angels at Cloverdale Playhouse December 8-18 By Samuel Spewack and Bella Spewack, based on La Cuisine Des Anges by Albert Husson. Directed by Eleanor Davis. Please call (334) 262-1530 or boxoffice@cloverdaleplayhouse.org.

Old Alabama Town Holiday Open House

Holiday Pops Concert December 13th, 7:30 p.m. at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center. Join the MSO for an evening of everyone’s seasonal favorites. To order tickets please call the Symphony office at (334) 240.4004.

Join Old Alabama Town in December to celebrate the holiday season. Our house museums will be authentically decorated for the holidays. Early December. Please call (334)240.4500 or www. oldalabamatown.com for more information.

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Eastmont Baptist Children’s Christmas Festival

December 3, 9 am to 12 pm Admission is one canned good or school supply item. Enjoy breakfast with characters, pony rides, inflatables, crafts, manger museum and more. Located at 4505 Atlanta Highway. Call 277.6300 or visit www.eastmont.org for more information.

First Baptist Church “The Living Christmas Tree” ad on page 7

December 9-11; Come joins us for the “Living Christmas Tree”. Performers will delight you atop the 40 ft. set resembling a Christmas tree on stage. Please call (334) 834.6310 or visit www.montgomeryfbc.org.

The Montgomery Chorale Holiday Performances Messiah Sing Along Friday, December 2 from 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 4th at 2:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in n Old Cloverdale. Tickets, please call (334) 265.3737 or visit www.montgomerychorale. org.

MPAC Holiday Shows Mannheim Steamroller “Christmas” by Chip Davis Tuesday, November 22 at 7:30 p.m. Sara Evans “At Christmas” presented by ALFA; Sunday, December 4, at 7:30 p.m. Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker” Monday, December 26, at 7:30 p.m. Please visit us at www.mpaconline.org for ticket information or additional shows.

Moscow Ballet “Great Russian Nutcracker” Monday, December 26 at 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Bring the whole family for the sweetest Christmas celebration of the season! Experience the exquisite artistry of world class Russian dancers, playful puppets and the unmatched splendor of hand crafted sets and costumes. Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is the Holiday tradition that brings the Christmas spirit to life! New York Times raves, “Real beauty!” and Los Angeles Times, “Bravura expertise!” Get your seats now for Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece at nutcracker.com. Tickets: $28 to $175. Tickets can be purchased online or at the MPAC Box Office.

“The Nutcracker” by Montgomery Ballet December 8-11 Montgomery’s Favorite Holiday Tradition for over 41 years presented by The Montgomery Ballet. The world’s most famous Christmas ballet. A Montgomery tradition since 1976, this year’s production promises to delight all ages with brilliant dancing, beautiful scenery, and colorful costumes. All reserved seats. Tickets are $20 to $30 for adults. We offer military, senior and student discounts. Prices are dependent on convenience and/or handling fees. For reservations, call (334) 409.0522 or visit www.montgomeryballet.org.

The Shoppes at EastChase * Photos with Santa: November 14-December 18 and December 19-24; Saturdays: 11 am – 7 pm 11 am – 7 pm Sundays: 1 to 6 pm. Visit Santa in his brand-new Whimsical Wonderland located in front of Blackfinn Ameripub and get a professional

photo. Make sure to stop by the Elfie-Selfie Station in front of Santa’s house and post your photo on social media using #SantaAtEastChase! * Brunch with Santa: Saturday, Dec 10 and 17 at 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Parents and their children can enjoy brunch and a visit with Santa at Blackfinn Ameripub, with proceeds benefiting Child Protect and autism awareness. Register at theshoppesateastchase.com. * Holiday Bedtime Stories The little ones can wear their pajamas and enjoy a night they won’t soon forget. Santa Claus will be reading favorite Christmas stories at Welle Studio, located next to Great American Cookies. There will be Christmas songs, milk and cookies, and more! * Carriage Rides: Saturdays in December, 2-5 p.m. ‘Tis the season to enjoy a free horse-drawn carriage ride around the center! Located adjacent to Pies & Pints. * Holiday Performances: Be entertained with holiday-themed performances by community organizations every weekend in December. For a detailed list of performance dates and times, visit theshoppesateastchase.com. * Santa’s Mailbox: Looking for a direct connection to the North Pole? Drop your holiday wish list in Santa’s Mailbox in front of his home. Santa’s helpers will collect these letters and ensure a personalized letter from jolly old St. Nick himself. No postage required. Just remember to include a return address! (near Blackfinn Ameripub) * Holiday Gift Wrapping: Mon-Sat: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun: Noon until 6 p.m. Christmas Eve: 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Save time and have our friends at the Montgomery Humane Society wrap your gifts this holiday season!

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“Tis the Season!” and the “Alien Who Stole Christmas” at Montgomery Planetarium

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Beginning December - Traces the development of many of the world’s endearing holiday customs, and how they involve lighting up the winter season, from the burning Yule log and sparkling Christmas tree lights, to the lighting of the Menorah and luminaries. It also recounts the historical religious and cultural rituals practiced during the time of winter solstice. Not only Christian and Jewish, but also Celtic, Pagan, Nordic, Roman, Egyptian and Hopi. It also takes a look at some of our more light-hearted seasonal traditions: from gift-giving and kissing under the mistletoe to songs about lords a-leaping, and ladies dancing. And the custom of decking the halls with greenery and candles. St. Nicholas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus all drop by as well. For tickets, call (334)241.4799. Or visit http://mongomery.troy.edu/ planetarium for details.

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1240 Jordan Dam Road, Wetumpka, Alabama Christmas Camp Dec. 19-21 arriving on Dec. 19th at 4-5 p.m. and departing Dec. 22nd at 4-5 p.m. This adventure is for old and new campers (ages 5-14), old and new staff, friends and relatives. Fee: $110 (members) and $125 (non-members), which includes t-shirt and camp store. Please call 229.0031 for info.

YMCA Camp Chandler New Years Eve Bash

Dec. 31st - Jan. 1st, arriving Dec. 31st at 3 - 4 p.m. and departing Jan. 1st at 10-11 a.m. Celebrate New Year’s Eve Camp Chandler style with “ball drop,” dance, and fireworks. Ages 5 - 14. Parents, let us take care of your children’s fun, so you can celebrate the New Year together. Fee: $45 for members and $55 for non-members. Call 229.0031 or log on to www.campchandler.org for more information on all camps.

Eclectic Christmas Begins With Christ: An Eclectic Christmas December 1-10, Come join us in December to experience the true story of the first Christmas. This event will take place at 1455 Claud Road Eclectic AL, 36024, just south of Eclectic on AL Highway 63. Please call 578.4846 or visit our website at www.aneclecticministry.org. If registering through the website, your reservation will be confirmed as soon as possible. Admission is free, and donations are accepted and appreciated to help with expenses.

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Original Grace Boutique Christmas Open House ad on page 76

December 3 10 Main Street, Eclectic. Come to this quaint little boutique in the heart of downtown Eclectic open Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 6 pm and Saturdays, 10 am to 4 pm. Serving all of your gift giving needs. Call 334.639.0125 or visit www.originalgraceevents.com.

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Prattville A Princess Christmas Ballet The most beloved princesses join together this holiday to celebrate the season with an unforgettable enchanted evening of ballet. Christmas cheer is unveiled as Seven Princesses magically come to life when The Prattville Ballet and students of C.J.’s Dance Factory present the “Princess Christmas Ballet”. Princess ballerinas from recounted books, plays and movies will enchant and amaze your little one. Familiar fantasy scenes from Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White, Pocahontas, Belle, The Mermaid, and Frozen with happily ever after endings will delight while celebrating the holiday season. Guest choreographers Tammy Rauch and Jarren Foster have collaborated with director C.J. Martin to make this a holiday event you won’t want to miss. Ballet attendees ages 3-8 are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite princess ball gowns and finery to meet the Princesses in person 20 minutes after each performance. RSVP by calling: 334-467-8603, space is limited. This royal event will take place at the Jeff State Performing Arts Theatre Saturday, December 10th. General admission $12. Two performances~ matinee at 2:00 p.m. and evening at 7 p.m.

Annual Christmas Concert by Prattville Community Chorus and Prattville Pops December 9 at 7 pm Concert will begin at 7pm at Doster Community Center. This Annual Christmas Concert will feature both the Prattville Community Chorus and Prattville Pops and a special appearance by dancers from

the Center for the Performing Arts. This concert is FREE and open to the public. The Community Chorus and Pops are non-audition volunteer organizations and welcome new members. For more information about the concert or either of these groups, contact the Special Events Office at 334595-0854 or visit the websites at pops.prattvilleal. gov or chorus.prattvilleal.gov.

East Memorial Baptist Church presents Christmas at East Memorial December 4th , 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. 1320 Old Ridge Road, invites the Public to experience. For information contact the church at (334) 365.7500 or visit www.eastmemorial.org.

the Manger is a cast of all children and tells the story of the Nativity through the eyes of the mice who were there. A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas is told with period songs, humor and depth of character, and tells a story of “healing that celebrates the importance of enduring family bonds.” Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For more information or for tickets, contact the Special Events Office at 334-595-0854 or visit the website at wobt.prattvilleal.gov.

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Christmas Tree Lighting December 2nd at 5:30 p.m. at Veterans Park.

Prattville’s Annual Christmas Parade December 2 at 7 pm The parade will start at 7pm at the Autauga County Courthouse at 4th and Court Streets. It will follow Main Street, turn right on Northington, then left on Doster Road to Stanley Jensen Stadium. The theme is Simply Amazing Christmas and can be interpreted as what Christmas means to you, a special Christmas memory or tradition, etc. For an application and more information, contact the Special Events Office at 334-595-0854 or visit www.prattvilleal.gov.

Holiday Parade

Way Off Broadway Theatre’s Christmas Plays

Hometown Christmas Parade

December 8-10 and 15-17 at 7:30 pm, and December 11 and 18 at 2 pm Way Off Broadway Theatre presents both The Mice and the Manger, by Karen Jones, Pioneer Publishing, and A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas, by Laura Brooks, Dramatic Publishing. The Mice and

December 3 at 10 a.m.. Begins at Tallassee Church of Christ and goes thru Central Blvd down to Barnette Blvd. and end at Tallassee Highschool. For more information please call (334) 283.5151. Holiday Market: Dates and time to be decided. Located at Veteran’s Park in front of City Hall.

Lake Martin/Alex City One of East Alabama’s largest parades featuring elaborate floats, dancing groups, marching bands, horse-riding clubs and Santa Claus highlight. December 5; 6-7 p.m. Downtown Alexander City. Please call (256) 329.9227. www.alexandercity.org

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Wetumpka Christmas on the Coosa December 10th: Character Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.; Arts & Crafts, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.; Car Show, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Street Parade, 2 p.m.; Skiiing Santa and Fireworks, 6 p.m.; LeFevre’s and Wilburn & Wilburn Gospel Concert, December 15 at 7 p.m. Please call (334) 567.1313 or (334 ) 567.4811. www.wetumpkachamber.com.

“Cinnamon Grits Christmas in the South” at the Wetumpka Depot The Wetumpka Depot Players will present “Cinnamon Grits Christmas in the South” on December 12-18 at 9am, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Call 868.1440 or email kmeanor@wetumpkadepot.com for availability. The Depot Theatre is located at 300 S Main Street in the heart of historic downtown Wetumpka.

City of Wetumpka Tree Lighting: December 8th, in Gold Star Park at 6 p.m. Photos with Santa at 5 p.m. and hot cocoa. Please visit www.cityofwetumpka.com for information. Wetumpka Nativity and Luminary Open House: December 9th, Downtown Wetumpka from 6 p.m. Wetumpka Christmas Decoration Contest: December 6th; 6:00 p.m. Businesses and residential. There will be judging to those who have submitted applications. Prizes will be awarded. New Year’s Eve Party: December 31st behind the City Administrative Bldg. 9 p.m. until midnight. Fireworks, DJ and a whole lot of fun!

“Jingle Arrgh the Way: A Christmas Pirate Adventure” at the Wetumpka Depot Players will present “Jingle Arrgh the Way,” December 1-7. Directed by Megan Ducote. A mysterious message left in the crow’s nest of their ship brings Captain Braid Beard and his pirate mates back to North Beach to seek out young Jeremy Jacob to help solve a riddle and find the Christmas treasure. Favorite characters, a rollicking story, great songs, and a trip to the North Pole to find “you know who” – makes “Jingle ARRGH the Way!” a wonderful holiday show for the whole family. Based on a story by Melinda Long, author of “How I Became a Pirate. Call 868.1440 or email kmeanor@ wetumpkadepot.com for availability. Located at 300 S Main Street in the heart of historic downtown Wetumpka.

Eufaula/Dothan Eufaula Christmas Tour of Homes Stroll through history and witness the magnificence of Eufaula’s finest homes all aglow in holiday splendor. Enjoy a seated luncheon or an elegant dinner at the grand historical Shorter Mansion. Begins December 3rd. Please visit www.eufaulapilgrimage.com

The Nutcracker Southeast Alabama Dance Company presents its 38th annual performance of this holiday classic. Watch as snowflakes dance, flowers waltz, dolls come to life and the Nutcracker turns into a charming prince. December 2-4; Dothan Civic Center. Call (334) 702.7139 or visit www.southeastalabamadancecompany.org Admission charged.

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Victorian Christmas Sample turn-of-the-century desserts, sip hot chocolate or mulled cider and try your hand at making traditional Christmas decorations. December 11th; 1-4 p.m. Call (334) 794.3452 or visit www. landmarkparkdothan.com. Free.

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Santa Claus Special Train Ride The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Santa rides the train with you! Tell him what you would like for Christmas as he poses for photos. Each child will receive a Christmas gift! November 26th, December 3rd, 10th, & 17th. For tickets and info call 1(800)943.4490 or order online at www. hodrrm.org.

Birmingham and North

North Pole Express Train Rides Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Fridays, December 2, 9 and 16 Saturdays, December 3, 2, and 17 Sundays, Nov. 20, 27, and Dec. 4 and 11 Please visit our website www.hodrrm.org for times. “All Aboard” says the conductor, and your journey begins. Through the dark night, the magical train speeds to the top of the world! Upon arrival at the brilliantly decorated North Pole, Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves board the train to visit with everyone, so be sure to bring your camera! You’ll enjoy chocolate milk and cookies and sing Christmas carols along with the live musician, Mr. Jim. Listen to a special Christmas story and receive a Christmas gift.

Alabama Ballet presents George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” With its tenth annual performance of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™, Alabama Ballet remains one of only seven companies in the world currently licensed to present this holiday classic. All performed to Balanchine’s brilliant specifications; dazzling choreography, opulent costumes, and extravagant sets make this production unlike any other. The addition of a community cast of children from the area make this performance truly magical. Join us December 9-11 and 16-18 at the Samford Wright Center for this joyous spectacle. In addition to the Birmingham performances, Alabama Ballet will also tour to Anniston, AL. Balanchine’s Nutcracker™ is more than a performance; it is a holiday tradition you and your family do not want to miss. (205)322.4300. www.alabamaballet.org. Admission charged. Samford University Wright Center.

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Breakfast in Santa’s Workshop at the McWane Science Center December 10th and 17th; 8:30am until 10:00 a.m.. Bring your little elves to have breakfast in Santa’s Workshop. Decorate gingerbread houses, have breakfast together, explore the Winter Wonderland exhibit and visit with Santa! Be sure to bring your camera! Ticket includes admission to the museum, breakfast, activities and visit with Santa! Reservations are required. Call (205)714.8414. Cost: $25 Adults, $20 Kids for non-members and $22 adults and $17 kids for members. www.mcwane.org

Christmas Village Festival Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham. November 2-6. Wednesday-Saturday 10:00am8:00pm; Sunday, noon until 5:00pm. The largest indoor arts, crafts, and gifts show in the south, this show draws exhibitors from over 30 states with products like clothing, jewelry, food, decorations and much, much more. www.christmasvillagefestival.com

November 13-December 31 The holidays are picking up steam at McWane Science Center with the return of the Magic of Model Trains exhibit. Discover trains of every shape and size inside this popular exhibit which features over a dozen different train displays. Sets include several tiny trains that are built to scale with surrounding cities and scenes including the LG&W that depicts central Alabama in the 1950’s. Every set in the exhibit is designed to scale with the size of the trains. The meticulous detail of the scenery including covered bridges, downtown storefronts

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

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

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Montgomery Parents I December 2016

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and of course, several train stations will keep your family entertained for hours! www.mcwane.org

Winter Wonderland! at McWane Science Center November 13-December 31 Brrrr! When the weather outside is frightful, McWane is so delightful! Come inside the museum this holiday season and let your imagination be your guide through the new Winter Wonderland exhibits where snowflakes glisten above your head and toy trains zip around the tracks. Inside this holiday exhibit, wonder is in the air as children explore the snow room where everyday they can touch the “almost” snow! Kids’ laughter can be heard as they try to catch fish through the ice. Brave winter wonder seekers can even sled down a giant snow hill between the third and second floors in the museum. Then, skate around the ice pond in your slippery socks. www.mcwane.org

Georgia Annual Fantasy In Lights at Callaway Gardens

The most spectacular holiday light and sound show in the south begins November 12- Jan. 7! Nestled amidst wooded landscape of Callaway Gardens, Fantasy In Lights is the Southeast’s most spectacular holiday light and sound show with more than eight million twinkling lights celebrating the holiday season. This spectacular show has attracted almost two million visitors since it opened in 1992. With more than a dozen larger-than-life lighted scenes, Fantasy In Lights remains unique in that its scenes are custom-designed especially for Callaway Gardens–to celebrate not only the joy of the season but the wonder of nature in this idyllic setting. Drive your car or ride the Jolly Trolley to experience scenes like March of the Toy Soldiers and Snowflake Valley. At Robin Lake Beach, enjoy ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ and ‘The Nativity’, light and sound shows enticing passers-by to stop, reflect and enjoy. For tickets please visit www.callawaygardens.com.

Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain

Snow Mountain is Atlanta’s first snow park! The 2016/2017 season opens November 19, 2016 – February 26, 2017. Atlanta’s Stone Mountain Park transforms into a winter wonderland with Snow Mountain. Bundle your family up and get ready for snow tubing, snowballs, snowmen and snow angels. Based at Stone Mountain Park’s famous Laser Lawn, Snow Mountain keeps your entire family busy for hours. A 400’ foot tubing hill and a snow play area filled with a blizzard of snow activities make Snow Mountain Atlanta’s not-to-be-missed winter attraction. There’s even a play zone reserved for your littlest snow bunnies. Snow Mountain’s state-of-the-art snow-making magic guarantees you tons of fresh snow daily.

Stone Mountain Christmas

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

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Double Down on Two-Player Fun

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

There’s a moment in childhood when toddlers, accustomed to solitary exploration and solo play, finally take notice of their peers and begin to initiate play for two. Sometimes as partners, sometimes as opponents, a child’s direct engagement with another player sparks new thought processes that help young minds evolve and grow. Games that require two players nurture strategic thinking, social exploration and good sportsmanship. The following recommendations double the fun for kids who are ready to meet their match in game play.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Star Wars Battleship

Electronic Talking 8-in-1 Talking Chess

(Hasbro)

Taking inspiration from the popular Star Wars: The Force Awakens universe, the classic game of Battleship raises the galactic stakes as two players pit the strength of the rebels against the power of the dark side. Signature ships from both sides of the conflict are represented among the crisply detailed game pieces. After players get their hidden fleet in place, they take turns calling out target positions to their opponent in hopes of getting a strike on an enemy ship. Transforming guess work into deductive reasoning Star Wars Battleship lets kid develop their own strategy as they play the ultimate game of hide-and-seek (and destroy) to determine the future of the galaxy.

(Croove)

Moving beyond a gaming landscape populated with spinners, dice, and colored candy paths, learning how to play chess is a rite of passage for many kids. Mastering this ancient game of strategy is made easy with the very modern help of the Electronic Talking Chess Game from Croove. Beginning with a tutor mode that teaches the elements of the games and basic piece movement, kids are quickly empowered with the elements of chess and ready to take new challenges. Novice and experienced players will find additional modes, 30 chess levels and 5 playing styles to explore. Whether your opponent is a friend or the computer itself, chess gets a high-tech boost with the Electronic Talking 8-in-1 Chess Game.

BLINK Card Game (Mattel)

The simple concept of BLINK creates invigorating challenges as players’ perceptions have to shift between colors, numbers and shapes to find correct matches faster than their opponent. Featuring cards that show a shape (star, moon, triangles etc.) in a variety of colors and quantities, players create two draw piles and prepare to match and discard the cards in their hand as the two top cards are turned over. With a goal of playing out all of the cards in your own draw pile first, it’s the luck of the draw and the quickest response to the card images that win the game. BLINK is a fast-paced race to the finish as speed matching cultivates hand-eye coordination, breathless game play and endless laughter in the blink of an eye.

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Supporting the notion that fishing is better with a buddy, the Magnetic Wooden Fishing Game provides young anglers with everything they need to reel in a winning catch. Taking direction from the ‘worm’ spinner, players use two wooden fishing poles with working reels to catch one of ten numbered and colored fish. Magnetic ‘lures’ and metal tabs on each fish make game play easy for young players while fostering hand-eye coordination and fine motor development. Designed for two players (but also fun for the solo angler), this active catchand-count game will have the littlest fishermen reeling in the good times.

•

(Melissa & Doug)

Magnetic Wooden Fishing Game

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

Montgomery Parents I December 2016

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There Is Hope Ahead. 81

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DON’T hold onto your teens too tightly, parents. The high school years are meant to be a preparation to launch them from home out into the world. Bear in mind that entire books have been written to help adults recover from the behavior of their misguided parents, who unconsciously clipped their wings because they couldn’t cope with the uncomfortable feelings that come with letting go. Your goal is to stay alert as you bravely prepare for a separation that is inevitable.

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IF you feel weepy and clingy about the physical distance that will arise between you and your future young adult, you will set her up for feelings of guilt and obligation that won’t serve her as she forges her own path in the world. Teens need incremental independence and appreciate your assistance getting used to the consequences of their choices. If you coddle your teen, do all her thinking for her, intercede in the face of every life challenge, swiftly grant every whim, and then abruptly withdraw your assistance after college, your child is bound to struggle.

Int ua op tie rel ex is s tee the lea to pa Montgomery Parents I December 2016

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DON’T set your child up for a big fall, especially if you

“the one” or being part of the popular crowd. Your acceptance of the needs and wants of your teen will go a long way towards her future happiness.

have well-behaved or reticent teen, skilled at avoiding parent upset and disappointment. A rebellious or strong-minded teen will be less concerned about hurting parent feelings and can make choices that please him more easily. But teens of any disposition need support and encouragement to make a smooth transition from the safe haven of home into self-reliance. Besides, there are ways to keep teens close to your heart while gently encouraging the independence that will help them grow the wings they will need to soar out into a world full of happy life choices.

Interrupt Anxiety With Spontaneity Making the leap from home into the big wide world is a major life transition that can trigger worry. A helpful technique for any parent to learn to help break the cycle of negative thinking is anxiety interruption. When you notice the tight shoulders or the snappy disposition, why not suggest a little walk or drive or maybe even a spontaneous shopping trip. This may seem like a strange parenting habit but what you are helping your teen do is break the cycle of stress before it starts affecting the decisionmaking process. Focusing constantly on the problems at hand blocks spontaneous solutions from bubbling up. So when your teen is struggling with what feels like a big decision, teach him how to move away from stress, let go of anxious thinking, and shift focus until clear thinking returns. Sometimes the easiest way to have a breakthrough is by getting into a calmer, more receptive state of mind.

Illuminate Paths To Earning Most teens like money. Money means, among other things, freedom to a teenager. Modern money skills include exploring the possible ways to earn as well as the savvy ways to save, spend, and invest. If you find you spend a lot of time discussing managing money, maybe it’s time to educate yourself on current paths to earning. Try to keep your fearful assumptions about possible career paths in check. If your teen is an artist, explore the plethora of online earning opportunities that exist today. If your teen enjoys physical movement, research the jobs that allow her to be on her feet rather than sitting behind a desk. And try not to obsess about future job security. Get a career counselor involved to help your teen explore jobs that maximize her natural talents and curiosities.

Reconsider Ultimatums Let your teen decide where he stands on family traditions and rituals. “As long as you are living in this house, you will go to church every Sunday along with the entire family,” is one possible approach. But another way is to establish a cut-off date for family obligations. Perhaps after the age of 16 your children could decide whether or not they will attend a family commitment like religious services or not. If your teen does not wish to join in, let her experience what it’s like to abstain. Then, if she decides to come back around you will know it’s because she wants to rather than because she must. And if she does not wish to participate right now, it’s your job to get used to the idea. Your teen will grow up and make her own choices in the future, anyway. If this is a hard truth for you to swallow, perhaps you need to start practicing relinquishing pressure now.

Create A Say Anything Space Don’t shy away from serious topics with your teen. Drugs, alcohol, date rape, sexual assault, gender identity, sexual preference, and birth control are just a few topics that need to be faced squarely and discussed openly with your teen before he leaves home. One way to broach these topics might be to watch and discuss topical films together that you wouldn’t necessarily share with younger children. The key here is to establish an open door of communication through which no topics are off-limits. If this makes you squeamish, it’s time to deal with uncomfortable topics whether you like them or not. Enlist your spouse’s ear to get your concerns off your chest first and share the responsibility of holding challenging discussions. Everyone in the family will likely become more accepting, mature, and open-minded thanks to your willingness to open up.

Emphasize Ways To Decompress Anticipate alone-time shortages, especially during the emotionally intense graduation year. Then strive to instill self-reflection, self-care, and self-expression, so these habits will be there to comfort your teen in the future. Writing, drawing, biking, and knitting all induce a state of creative flow. As the departure date to leave home approaches, you may notice teens are more absorbed with friends and social activities than interested in spending time alone. But moments of quality down time are when people connect with inner guidance and are crucial to leading a healthy, well-rounded life. And remember, if you want your teen to discover and follow his bliss, you are going to have to set a good example. Your hobbies will come in handy, as you both cope with the natural feelings of grief that are sure to arise as you and your teen prepare to part on happy terms. mp

Discuss Relationship Wisdom Intimacy with another person requires a strong sense of individuality. Encourage your teen to see all relationships as learning opportunities. Use high school social situations as opportunities to discuss what she needs and wants in various types of relationships, to consider what attracts and repels her, and to explore which groups feel the most comfortable. Peer pressure is strong in high school, so if you don’t ask these questions, your teen’s self-awareness may not increase. Conversations about the role of relationships encourage self-knowledge, which can lead to happier connections in the long run. When it comes to creating lasting relationships with others, self-awareness is paramount. Therefore don’t place too much emphasis on finding

Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz is readying herself for the inevitable day she has to say goodbye to her teen. But, like many parents, she can’t say she’s looking forward to it.

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A Page in a Book Books That Drive the Story Home While most of our children are no strangers to traveling in cars, they often find fascination with the more unusual vehicles that they share the road with. Some kids are the type to rise early and watch for the garbage truck to roll up and perform its duty with the containers on the street. Other children make a game of counting tractor-trailers on the road. And everyone is excited when an ice cream truck makes an appearance. The following titles celebrate some of the more esoteric vehicles that capture a child’s attention.

Duck on a Tractor

by David Shannon (Scholastic / Blue Sky Press) When Duck finds the tractor unattended on the farm, it’s just one turn of the key and the whole barnyard is climbing on board for a big adventure. As each animal scrambles for purchase on the rolling vehicle, their signature sounds comes with translations of their real thoughts about joining the pile of farmyard friends on the move. And when the animal-laden tractor makes its way down main street, the townsfolk’s audible exclamations also come with their own hilarious subtext. David Shannon’s remarkably expressive comic illustration is the perfect conveyance for this moving misadventure on the farm!

The Little Snowplow

by Lora Koehler, Illustrated by Jake Parker (Candlewick Press) Alongside the Mighty Mountain road crew of big trucks, the snowplow is the newest...and smallest member of the team. But the much larger and more powerful trucks are quick to point out that the little snowplow is unlikely to be strong enough to do any real work in the town. The little snowplow is soon relegated to plowing streams, cleaning up after parades, and scooping up piles of leaves. With cold weather on the way, the snowplow begins lifting and practicing in preparation for winter even as the big trucks mock him. But when the snow finally comes, the little snowplow may be the road crew’s strongest asset!

Food Trucks!

by Mark Todd (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) With growing fleets of food trucks peppering the landscape all across the country, kids have become captivated by the magic of these rolling kitchens. Food Trucks! is a delightful exploration of all the different kinds of cuisine and themes that these vehicles bring to the street. Each two-page spread features a colorful food truck that’s festively outfitted to announce its unique culinary theme. The accompanying text celebrates the distinct food style of each truck (with additional notes about regional ingredients and recipes!) Keeping this title on the reading menu is guaranteed to satisfy kids’ appetites for these restaurants on wheels.

Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

Montgomery Parents I December 2016

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ROCK Star Award Winners the U.S. is bullied. Because bullying isn’t confined to schools, Gift of Life’s Mona Davis said ROCK’s community approach helps spread the message to diverse groups. “Churches, public and private schools, businesses, non-profit organizations, city and county leaders and law enforcement are all involved because the need for kinder, more respectful communities is universal. Every one of these groups can bring something unique to the table to prevent bullying. We’re committed to preventing bullying over the long haul.” In honor of Bullying Prevention Month in October, the ROCK Star Award is presented annually to a student, individual or community organization whose actions have contributed to a kinder, more respectful community. Activities can include community service projects, events or activities that: 1) discourage bullying behavior, 2) raise understanding and celebrate differences and 3) advocate for inclusion and promote unity. Nominations may be submitted throughout the year and the winners are selected in October. The award is graciously provided by Vital Signs and Graphics, and Auburn University at Montgomery provided the venue for this year’s award ceremony. With everyone’s help, we can raise awareness about all types of bullying and make our schools and communities safer places for everyone.

The second annual ROCK Star Award Winners were announced Friday, November 18, by the River Region ROCK Task Force. Presented by last year’s winner, Sheriff Derrick Cunningham, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s Shield Bearers were the 2016 recipient of the awards. Shield Bearers is a student-led group receiving oversight from teacher Jens Johnson whereby students provide mentoring to elementary and middle school children. The group allows an opportunity for peer-topeer conversations and a safe place for victims of bullying. “Shield Bearers epitomizes what the ‘Respect Others. Create Kindness’ message is about and what the Task Force represents,” says Laura Hicks, Steering Committee Member of the ROCK Task Force. “Bullying is a community issue and the Task Force works to prevent bullying through community partnerships awareness, and education. The Shield Bearers is a peer group of students that come together at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School to prevent bullying by allowing students who are subject to bullying to come to them for support. We were so pleased to be able to honor them today,” said Hicks. Sheriff Cunningham added, “This prestigious award continues to highlight the best in our community and the students [at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School] are spreading kindness in our schools.” The ROCK Task Force is made up of more than 60 members in the community from non-profit organizations to public/private and government institutions. Every seven minutes a child somewhere in

In conjunction with the Montgomery Chapter of the Public Relations Council of Alabama, Montgomery Parents is devoting space for a series of articles on bullying prevention to raise awareness in our communities.

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2600 Bell Road Montgomery, Alabama 334.277.6690

460 McQueen Smith Road Prattville, Alabama 334.358.6411

Dr. John H. Payne IV • Dr. David Stanley • Dr. Davis Denney • Dr. Rob Owen 85

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Calendar/Support Groups Thursday, December 1

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Natalie Grant & Danny Goley 7 p.m. Christian singers Natalie Grant and Danny Gokey are teaming up and going on tour. Tickets begin at $25. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100. Old Alabama Town Revue: Fa-la-la-lapaloozer Holiday Show 7 p.m. Church in Old Alabama Town. Free to the public. The show features the Old Alabama Town Revue Crue along with very special guests Bruce and Debbie George, Stephen Bray, and the Reckon Crew. The Reckon Crew, Tom House, Tommy Goldsmith and Karren Pell are known for their literary adaptations and especially as composers of the music for the Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s production of Fair and Tender Ladies. For more info, visit www. oldalabamatown.com or call (334) 240-4500.

Friday, December 2

The Montgomery Chorale: A Chorale Christmas 7 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park. Individual concert tickets are general admission $25; senior/military $20; student $10. For more info, call (334) 265-3737. For more info, visit www.montgomerychorale.org/. 12th Annual Daddy Daughter Diamond Princess Ball Dads, granddads and uncles come dance the night away with your special princesses. No moms allowed! Open to girls in 6th grade and below, black tie optional, hors d’oeuvres will be served. $120 per couple, and $60 per additional guest. A Diamond Princess Tiara will be waiting for your daughter when you arrive as part of your reservation. Reservations can be made at www.oldalabamatown.com or by calling Landmarks

December2016 Saturday, December 3

Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic 10 a.m. 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 Christmas ornaments. Ages 5-12. Free. Online registration opens before each clinic’s date. For more info, visit www.lowesbuildandgrow.com or call your local Lowe’s. Holiday Open House at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 1-4 p.m. Activities include performances by local choral groups, festive studio activities, and carriage rides. The galleries will be open, as will ARTWORKS. Be on the lookout for a certain red-suited guest who will listen to all holiday wishes. There is no charge, but we encourage you to bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots or canned goods for the Montgomery Area

Find a listing of Public Library Storytimes and Events at MontgomeryParents.com!

Red Door Theatre Presents InLaws, Outlaws and Other People (That Should Be Shot) Also December 2, 3, 10 & 11 7:30 p.m. December 1-3; 2:30 p.m. matinees December 10 & 11. Red Door Theatre, Union Springs. Written by Steve Franco, directed by Tom Salter. After robbing a neighborhood liquor store, high strung and irritable Tony and his dim-witted side-kick Vinny find themselves in need of a hide-out. A comic treasure, this play leave you in stitches while celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. Call (334) 738-8687 or e-mail info@reddoortheatre.org.

The Alien Who Stole Christmas at the W. A. Gayle Planetarium -- Through December 15 Mondays-Thursdays @ 4 p.m. Let’s take a tour of the winter’s evening sky and then join jolly ol’ Santa and concerned alien Mr. Freep as they explore the solar system’s planets and meet the Christmas Eve needs of their fictitious inhabitants. Tickets go on sale 30 minutes before showtime. Admission $6.50 per person for ages 5 and above. For more info, call (334) 625-4799 or visit Facebook. Faulkner Dinner Theatre Presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: The Musical -- Also December 2-3, 8-10 and 15-17 Doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner served 6:15-6:45 p.m. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Faulkner University Dinner Theatre, 5346 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery. Visit https://www.faulkner.edu/undergrad/student-life/ student-activities/dinner-theater/dinner-theatreschedule/ or call 877-840-0457. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents A Christmas Carol -- Through December 24 The River Region’s favorite holiday tradition! A heartwarming-must-see that will get you into the swing of the holiday season with Scrooge’s search for redemption and a spectacular, magical evening of ghosts, spirits, festivity and goodwill. “God bless us, every one!” Recommended for ages four and up. Visit www.asf.net or call 271-5353. Montgomery’s Zoo Christmas Lights Festival Thru December 4; also December 8-11; 15-31 5:30-9:30 p.m. each night. See the Montgomery Zoo transformed into a Winter Wonderland sparkling with thousands of lights and festive decorations. Take a leisurely stroll, a brisk train ride or see the lights from atop the Zoofari Skylift Ride. Visit Santa, enjoy live entertainment, warming hot chocolate and fresh-baked cookies. Event fee: $15 (ages 3 years old and older). Montgomery Zoo members have free admission. For more info, visit www.montgomeryzoo.com or call (334) 240-4900.

Montgomery Parents I December 2016

Foundation at 240-4617. Girls in 7th grade and above are invited to join us as Teen Reception Committee members serving as hostesses for the ball. Please call 240-4500 for more information. Capri Theatre Presents Deconstructing the Beatles 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $18; $15 for Capri members. Scott Freiman takes Beatles fans young and old into the studio with The Beatles as they create their bestselling album (and the bestselling album of the ‘60s), The Beatles (commonly referred to as the White Album). It’s an educational journey into the creative process of The Beatles’ performances and recording sessions, allowing the audience to see and hear the evolution of these groundbreaking songs and their lasting influence on popular music.For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858. Town of Pike Road Christmas Tree Lighting 5:30 p.m. at Pike Road Town Hall. The 46th Annual Montgomery Gem, Mineral & Jewelry show -- Through December 4 Garrett Coliseum. Dealers will have beads, crystals, geodes, rough, cabochons, gem stones, finished jewelry, tools, supplies and mineral & fossil specimens. Club members will display their individual collections and will give demonstrations on gem and rock cutting, faceting, cabochon making, and knapping. Hours Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $2/adults or $3 for weekend pass; free/18 & under with student ID and 1 paid adult. Visit montgomerygemandmineralsociety. com/mgms/index.php/annual-gem-show. Friday Night Hoops -- Also December 16 Students in 5th through 12th grades get together with friends for pick-up games of basketball every first and third 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.

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Food Bank. For more info, visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333. Breakfast with Santa Grandview Family YMCA, Millbrook. Tickets for this event are only $5 and include breakfast, an ornament craft, and a picture with Santa. In order to prepare enough food, tickets MUST be purchased in advance. Breakfast begins at 8 a.m., children’s activities begin at 8:30 a.m. and Santa Claus arrives at 9 a.m. For tickets or more info, visit https://ymcamontgomery.org/ breakfastwithsanta/ or call (334) 290-9622. Arthritis Foundation’s 2016 Jingle Bell Run Huntingdon College. Activities begin at 7:30 a.m. Race begins at 8:31 a.m. The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run is a fun way to get out, get moving and raise funds and awareness to cure America’s #1 cause of disability. Wear a holiday-themed costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Show off your ugly Christmas sweater. Complete a 5-kilometer run or walk with your team members. Registration begins at $25. For more help or info, e-mail lglass@arthritis.org or call (334) 557-1577. Wetumpka Depot Kids Present Jingle ARRGH the Way: A Christmas Pirate Adventure -- Also December 4 Batten down the hatches! Based on the popular How I Became a Pirate series, this delightful show is sure to delight audiences. A mysterious message left in the crow’s nest of their ship brings Captain Braid Beard and his pirate mates back to North Beach to seek out young Jeremy Jacob to help solve a riddle and find the Christmas treasure. For more info, visit www.wetumpkadepot.com or call (334) 868-1440. Parents’ Night Out at United Gymstars & Cheer Also December 9 6:30-10:30 p.m. $20/first child; $15 per sibling. For ages 5-12. Pizza and drink provided. Fun games, trampolines, rope swing, tumble tracks, foam pits and more! Call (334) 284-2244 to reserve your spot! Walkins welcome. Visit www.unitedgymstarsandcheer.com for more info. Michael’s Kids Club -- Also December 10 10 a.m.-noon. $2 per project. Supplies included. Ages

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3 and up. Each session is 30 minutes. Parent or guardian must remain on premises. December 3 is Sprout Character Felt Stocking; December 10 is Clay Pot Elf. For more info, visit www.michaels.com/. Breakfast with Santa Benefiting Easter Seals of Central Alabama -- Also December 10 9 a.m. Eastdale Mall. Breakfast sponsored by Cinnabon is $5 per child and all proceeds will go to Easter Seals of Central Alabama. For more info or to make reservations, please e-mail david.hagood@aronov.com. Home Depot Kids’ Workshop -- Also January 7 9 a.m.-noon. Ages 5-12. Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety. Today’s project is a Gingerbread Man Candy Dish. Once the candy holder is built, your child can decorate it. January 7 project is a Wood Crate Toolbox. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron and an achievement pin. For more info, visit http://workshops.homedepot.com/ workshops/kids-workshops. AUM Offers Free Mandarin Classes -- Every Saturday 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. Civil Rights Walking Tours -- Every Saturday and Sunday 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. start times. Tours start from The Village Gallery. Come explore Montgomery’s history walking from different historical sties and engage in profound moments from slavery, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement. This tour highlights pioneers and unsung heroes who contributed to a new era. Cost: Adults - $10; 12 & under - $5; 4 & under FREE. Book your tour by calling (334) 595-9243.

Sunday, December 4

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Sara Evans at Christmas 7:30 p.m. Since emerging in the late 1990s, Evans has had a prolific recording career that has seen the sale of more than 6 million albums. Tickets begin at $38. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100.

Season of Light at the W. A. Gayle Planetarium Also December 11 & 18 2 p.m. Tracing the development of many of the world’s endearing holiday customs, and how they light up the winter season, we portray everything from the burning Yule log and sparkling Christmas tree lights to the lighting of the Menorah and luminaries. Tickets go on sale 30 minutes before showtime. Admission $6.50 per person for ages 5 and above. For more info, call (334) 625-4799 or visit Facebook. Special Needs Skate -- Also December 18 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. First Sundays at One -- Also January 8 1-2 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Learn more about the traveling exhibitions as well as the Museum’s Permanent Collection in these FREE docentled tours the FIRST Sunday of each month. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa.org/.

Monday, December 5

Land of the Free and Home of the Brave: Military and Land Records 9 a.m.-noon. Taught by Nancy Dupree at the Ala. Dept. of Archives and History. This workshop with include the history of land records in America, where to find them,

and how to use them to enhance your genealogical research. The second half of the workshop will focus on the various types of military records, where to find them, and what information can be found in them. $30 for the public, $20 for Friends of the Alabama Archives members. Call (334) 242-4364 or e-mail sarah. mcqueen@archives.alabama.gov. Governor’s Mansion Christmas Open House Also December 12 & 19 5:30-7:30 p.m. Admission is free, and tickets are available at the Governor’s Mansion Gift Shop.  No reservations are required. For more info, visit governor. alabama.gov/governors-mansion/mansion-tours/

Tuesday, December 6

City of Montgomery Christmas Tree Lighting 5 p.m. Lister Hill Plaza across from City Hall. Join Santa Claus and children’s choirs at the City Council Meeting immediately following the tree lighting. For more info, call (334) 625-4400.

Wednesday, December 7

Capital City Master Gardener Association Lunch And Learn Series Open To The Public The first Wednesday of each month, noon to 1 p.m. Sessions are held at the Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, next to the Curb Market. Related handouts from the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service are provided each session at no cost. Participants encouraged to bring their lunches.

Thursday, December 8

Wetumpka Christmas Tree Lighting Gold Star Park in Wetumpka. 5 p.m. pictures with Santa; 6 p.m. tree lighting. Cloverdale Playhouse Theatre Presents My Three Angels -- Through December 18 7:30 p.m. performances Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Written by Samuel and Bella Spewack and directed by Eleanor Davis, this comedy is about three convicts—two of them murderers, the third a swindler—who are passionate believers in true justice and redeem themselves as real-life angels to a grateful family. For more info, visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse. org or call (334) 262-1530. (*Recommended for ages 8 and up.*) Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre Presents A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas and The Mice and The Manger -- Through December 18 These two plays will be performed back to back and for the ticket price of just one play! The Mice and The Manger is told through the eyes of the mice who were there on that very first Christmas. A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas will warm your heart through its period songs, humor and depth of character. Ticket price is $10 in advance and $12 at the door and includes both performances each night. For more info, please call (334) 595-0854 or visit wobt@prattvilleal.gov.

Friday, December 9

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Black Jacket Symphony 8 p.m. The Black Jacket Symphony announces a special performance to honor one of the greatest musicians of our time--Prince. Celebrate the life of this iconic musician with the band as they recreate “Purple Rain” in its

entirety--plus a full set of Prince’s greatest hits that will have you dancing the night away. Tickets begin at $30. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100. Capri Theatre Presents It’s a Wonderful Life 7:30 p.m. The Jimmy Stewart Christmas classic on the big screen! Tickets $10 ($8 for Capri Members). The Capri Theatre has also partnered with the Mid-Alabama Coalition for the Homeless (MACH) to host the Capri’s first-ever Sockball fight (a snowball fight, but with socks). To participate, bring clean, unused socks to the movie. Everyone who brings socks gets a limitededition Capri cup. MACH is currently hosting its annual Blanket Drive, collecting blankets, coats, and other warm items, and they’ll see to it that anything you donate goes where it can do the most good. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858. Nativity/Luminary Night & Downtown Open House in Wetumpka 6 p.m. Downtown Wetumpka Main Street area. Prattville Community Chorus & Pops FREE Christmas Concert 7 p.m. Doster Center. The concert will feature a variety of wonderful Christmas music, along with dancers and special solos. It is free, but guests are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the Autauga Interfaith Care Center food bank. For more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit www.prattvilleal.gov. Monster Jam – Also December 10 Garrett Coliseum. 7:30 p.m. both days; also at 1 p.m. December 10. Monster Jam is a live motorsport event tour and television show operated by Feld Entertainment. The series is sanctioned under the umbrella of the United States Hot Rod Association. Visit www.monsterjam.com. Millbrook Community Theatre Presents A Hee Haw Christmas -- Through December 11 December 9 & 10 @ 7:30 p.m. and December 11 @ 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance, $14 at the door, and $8 for 12 and under. For tickets or more info, visit www. millbrooktheater.com or call (334) 782-7317. Montgomery Ballet Presents The Nutcracker Also December 10 & 11 Troy University’s Davis Theatre in Downtown Montgomery. Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10-$30 and can be purchased online. For more info, call (334) 4090522 or visit montgomeryballet.org/.

Saturday, December 10

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/events/1374454692792666/?source=1. Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women Montgomery Country Club, Azalea Room, 3800 Narrow Lane Road. 9 a.m.-noon. 3-hour workshop that is offered monthly, designed to help participants explore the legal, financial, and emotional issues of divorce and gain a greater understanding of the process. Cost to attend is $20 per person and pre-registration required. For more info, please call or e-mail Sommer Morris at (334) 612-1086 or sommer.morris@morganstanley. com. You may also visit www.secondsaturday.com. Pike Road Patriots Christmas 5K & Character Breakfast 7-10:30 a.m. at Pike Road School. Enjoy an all-youcan-eat breakfast and meet & greet with your favorite animated characters beginning at 8 a.m. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 9-10:30 a.m. Registration

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Calendar/Support Groups for the Christmas 5K will start at 7 a.m., and will be located at the town square in the Waters Community located behind Pike Road School. This event to benefit Pike Road Schools Athletics. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Damon Johnson and Band 7:30 p.m. Damon Rogers Johnson is an American guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, currently a member of hard rock bands Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders. His songs have been recorded by many artists including Stevie Nicks and Carlos Santana. Tickets begin at $12. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100. Prattville Presents A Princess Christmas Ballet 2 and 7 p.m. Jeff State Performing Arts Theatre. The Prattville Ballet and students of C.J.’s Dance Factory present familiar fantasy scenes from Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White, Pocahontas, Belle, The Mermaid and Frozen. Guest choreographers Tammy Rauch and Jarren Foster have collaborated with director C.J. Martin. Ballet attendees ages 3-8 are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite princess ball gowns and finery to meet the princesses after each performance. General admission $12. RSVP by calling (334) 4678603. Space is limited. Fitzgerald Museum Christmas Open House 8 a.m.-noon. The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum, 919 Felder Ave. Enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, donuts, and Christmas cookies. Plus, a visit with SANTA CLAUS himself! No charge for admission until noon. For more info, visit www.thefitzgeraldmuseum.org/. Wetumpka’s Christmas on the Coosa Events 7:30 & 9 a.m. Character Breakfast; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Arts and Crafts; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Car Show; 2 p.m. Street Parade; 6 p.m. Water-skiing Santa & Fireworks. For more info, visit www.cityofwetumpka.com. Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets 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 typically 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. This month there will be NO meeting on December 23. Membership is free and is open to all homeschoolers in the tricounty area. For details, visit http://www.onlineecho. com. Polar Express PJ Party -- Also December 11 4-6 p.m. McWane Science Center, Birmingham. Slip on your PJs and visit with Santa over a cup of hot cocoa and cookies. Then it’s time to believe as you experience Polar Express on the IMAX Dome. A special keepsake will be given to all children 12 and under who wear their pajamas. Advanced reservations are required. Call (205) 714-8414 or visit www.mcwane.org/ for more info. Movie: 3 or 6 p.m. Adults: $14; kids $12; members receive $2 off. Appalachian Craft Fair -- Also December 11 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Aldersgate United Methodist Church is hosting the Red Bird Craft Fair featuring works by as many as 100 different crafters from Appalachia. Items include handmade reed baskets, jewelry, woven mats, dolls, benches, toys, games, ornaments and nativity sets. The craft fair will also be open from 8 a.m.-noon on Sunday, Dec. 11. For more info, call (334) 272-6152 or visit www.aldersgateumc.org. Jingle Bell Breakfast -- Also December 17 8-10:30 a.m. McWane Science Center, Birmingham. Enjoy a hot breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, make holiday crafts, build a snowman in Winter Wonderland, and ride the Ice Slide before heading to the IMAX Dome for a special showing of Santa vs. the Snowman.

Montgomery Parents I December 2016

Ticket includes same-day museum admission following the IMAX movie. Reservations are required. Call (205) 714-8414 or visit www.mcwane.org/ for more info. Breakfast: 8-9:30 a.m.; movie: 9:30 a.m. Cost: $25 adults, $20 kids; members receive $2 off.

Sunday, December 11

Christmas at Frazer: A Celtic Celebration 3 & 6 p.m. in Wesley Hall. Enjoy the Frazer Music Ministry choir, praise team, orchestra, youth and children along with special guests, The Celtic Company from Atlanta. Celebrate Christmas with an exciting blend of folk, traditional and contemporary music along with dance and drama. Visit http://frazer.church/event/ christmas-at-frazer or call (334) 495-6353 for more info.

Monday, December 12

Christmas at Lanark for General Public and Homeschoolers 9-11 a.m. or noon-2 p.m. Read a holiday story, make a Christmas snack and craft, and enjoy the Candy Cane Hike. Tell Santa what you wish for Christmas and if the weather’s nice, we’ll enjoy a hayride too (*weather permitting)! Programs are $8 per child. You can pack a lunch and use the lunch cove or picnic tables. These days are specially designed for those 3-8 years old and their parents. Call (334) 285-4550 or visit www. alabamawildlife.org for more info.

Tuesday, December 13

Montgomery Symphony Presents ‘Holiday Pops’ Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Doors open at 7 p.m. Performance begins at 7:30. Join the Montgomery Symphony and the Montgomery Chorale for an evening of festive holiday music. Musical selections will include all of your favorite holiday tunes. Tickets begin at $11. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100. Wetumpka Depot Presents Cinnamon GRITS Through December 18 Directed by Kristy Meanor, this Christmas musical is inspired by the Girls Raised in the South writings of Erica McGhee and celebrates holiday traditions both old and new. Audiences will be entertained by delightful songs including, “Do the ReGift,” “The Crazy Aunt Blues” and “What the River May Hold.” For tickets, call (334) 8681440 or e-mail kmeanor@wetumpkadepot.com. Old Alabama Town’s Annual Holiday Open House 4-6 p.m. Come enjoy the holidays 19th century style with a variety of live music, children’s pioneer-style crafts, storytelling, candlelight house tours, costumed villagers, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, history of the holidays, and cookies & cider! Free to the public. For more info, visit www.oldalabamatown.com or call (334) 240-4500. Adam Sandler, David Spade, Nick Swardson and Rob Schneider at Fox Theatre in Atlanta 8 p.m. Please note this event contains adult content and is recommended for mature audiences only. Tickets begin at $60. Visit http://foxtheatre.org/ or call (855) 285-8499.

Wednesday, December 14

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 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. Beverages are provided by CAMGA. For more info, call 567-6301 or visit www.aces.edu/counties/Elmore/.

Thursday, December 15

Food For Thought The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624

December2016 Washington Ave. Noon-1 p.m. Bring lunch and and join us every third Thursday for these FREE lectures sponsored by Friends of the Alabama Archives. Drinks are complimentary. Today’s topic is “Pork Ribs and Politics: The History of Alabama Barbeque,” presented by Joshua Rothman. Call 353-4726 or visit www.archives. alabama.gov. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Jason Isbell 7:30 p.m. Isbell is a Grammy winner for Best American Roots Song. Tickets begin at $40. Visit www. mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100.

Friday, December 16

Capital City Christmas/Camellia Bowl Parade 6-8:30 p.m. Create your own float and be a part of the festivities! Registration deadline is December 7 and float categories include business floats, floats by adults, and floats by children/youth. Float staging area is Cramton Bowl. Parade begins at Capital Steps and ends at Court Square Fountain. Parade entry form is at www.montgomeryal.gov. For more info, contact Denise at (334) 625-2118 or dwelch@ montgomeryal.gov.

Saturday, December 17

Pike Road Frazer Christmas Concert 4-7 p.m. Pike Road School. All are welcome to fellowship, sing, worship and celebrate the birth of our savior together. 4-6 p.m. fellowship with cookies, cocoa, photos with Santa; 6-7 p.m. carols and worship Christmas concert. Free for the whole community! For more info, contact jkposey@frazerumc.org or visit http://frazer.church/event/pike-road-christmas-concert.

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Elf Chaser Fun Run 9-11 a.m. Hampstead Town Center. After the run, the Tipping Point will be open for some Christmas-themed drinks and food. This is a free run for the whole family. For more info, call (334) 356-5412 or visit

Cookies and Crafts with Santa 9 a.m. Eastdale Mall. Come join Santa and his elves from Pzazz Art Studio to create a cute Christmas craft! Enjoy cookies from The Great American Cookie Company. Admission is $12 per child. This event requires reservations and space is limited. E-mail david. hagood@aronov.com. Christmas at Lanark Ongoing events from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. ANC General admission applies. Learn how to create your own nature ornament, get pictures with Santa, enjoy a Christmas movie special, and make sure to go on a hay ride! We will have hot chocolate for sale and plenty of activities to keep you warm. Call (334) 285-4550 or visit www.alabamawildlife.org for more info.

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Camellia Bowl 4:30 p.m. Cramton Bowl. This postseason college football game will match up the Sun Belt Conference against the Mid-American Conference (MAC). The game will be televised live on the ESPN family of networks. Tickets begin at $20. For more info, e-mail info@ camelliabowl.com or visit www.camelliabowl.com/.

Sunday, December 18

Live Nativity at Baptist East-- Also December 19 DeBoer Building. 5-8 p.m. Baptist Health and Faith Radio sponsor the 2016 live nativity! This event is free and open to the public. For questions, please call (334) 273-4389. Free to attend.

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Tuesday, December 20

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. The Montgomery Chorale: Annual Messiah SingA-Long 7 p.m. The Episcopal Church of the Ascension. Come enjoy this sing-along performance of Handel’s Messiah performed by members of the Montgomery Chorale and the Montgomery Symphony. This event is free and open to the public. For more info, call (334) 265-3737 or visit montgomerychorale.org/.

Wednesday, December 21

Blue Christmas: The Longest Night at Frazer Atlanta Highway - East Sanctuary from 7-8 p.m. For many, the Christmas season is hard. Whether you’ve lost loved ones or had a difficult year we recognize that the holidays aren’t as happy for some. We want to spend time recognizing the pain and asking God for healing while thanking him for making his love available through the birth of Jesus. For more info, contact nepler@frazerumc.org or call (334) 495-6351.

Saturday, December 24

Ugliest Sweater Run 8-11 a.m. Fleet Feet Sports Montgomery, 2934 Carter Hill Rd. After the run, prizes will be awarded to the ugliest sweater and outfit plus they’ll have food and beverages to get your Christmas Eve started off on the right foot. Free event! For more info, call (334) 3565412 or find us on Facebook.

Monday, December 26

Moscow Ballet Presents Great Russian Nutcracker 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Enchant the whole family with larger than life magical props, a 60-foot growing Christmas tree and spectacular Russian-made costumes and sets. A must-see event, witness the world’s best dancers on stage in your city! Tickets begin at $28. Visit www.mpaconline. org or call (334) 481-5100.

Wednesday, December 28

Holidays in the Studio at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts (for ages 6 and older) Also December 29 10:30-11:30 a.m. Enjoy the holiday season making festive creations through drawing, printmaking, and mixed-media collaging! Each class features a new project including holiday cards and winter scenes. Class size is limited to 16 participants. All supplies are provided. Cost: $5 members/$8 non-members for each class. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa. org/.

Saturday, December 31

Eastdale Mall Rockin’ NOON Year’s Eve Celebration 11 a.m.-1 pm. At 12 noon our DJ will count down and more than 1,000 balloons will be released from the ceiling. In addition to the big balloon drop, there will be face painting, zoo animals from the Montgomery Zoo, balloon artists, Chuck E. Cheese and free ice skating at the Ice Palace. City of Wetumpka New Year’s Eve Celebration Behind Wetumpka Civic Center. 9 p.m. POW/MIA

Recognition at Old Elmore County Courthouse; 9:30 p.m. Shawn Singleton and DJG Entertainment; 11:59 p.m. Countdown, Meteor Strike & Fireworks sponsored by Wind Creek Wetumpka. For more info, call (334) 567-5147 or e-mail trobinson@cityofwetumpka.com. City of Montgomery Downtown Countdown: New Year’s Eve Celebration 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Festivities will take place in the Commerce Street entertainment district featuring live entertainment plus fireworks and confetti once the clock strikes twelve. For more info, call (334) 625-2100 or visit www.funinmontgomery.com.

Dancing with the Stars Live at Fox Theatre in Atlanta 7 p.m. Tickets begin at $60. Visit http://foxtheatre.org/ or call (855) 285-8499.

Thursday, January 5

Midnight in Paris Movie Showing at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 5:30-8 p.m. Please join us after the holidays for Woody Allen’s 2011 comedy in which an American writer and tourist in Paris suddenly finds himself in the 1920s – interacting with the likes of Gertrude Stein, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Josephine Baker, the Fitzgeralds and many other creative luminaries. Laura Bocquin will introduce the history and the film with a brief discussion following. Beverages will be available for purchase. Popcorn will be served. For more info, call (334) 2404333 or visit mmfa.org/.

Saturday, January 7

WWE Live 7:30 p.m. Garrett Coliseum. Tickets begin at $15 and are available at Ticketmaster.com, the box office and by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Presents Boyz II Men 8 p.m. in the Concert Hall. Tickets begin at $52. For tickets or more info, call (205) 458-8400 or visit www. bjcc.org/.

Tuesday, January 10

VEG OUT Montgomery 6-7 p.m. Join EAT South for its monthly plant-based diet pot luck dinners on the second Tuesday of the month. Located at the EAT South Farm downtown. For more information, call 422-9331, e-mail info@eatsouth. org or visit www.facebook.com/VegOutMontgomery.

Classes

Caring For Your Newborn Taught by Baptist Health Newborn Nursery nurses, this one-time class 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. Class fee: $20. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. 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 Boot Camp (One Day Saturday Class) This fast-paced one day class taught by Baptist Health’s experienced Labor and Delivery Registered Nurses prepares families to welcome their new addition. All aspects of Labor and Delivery from our hospital admission process through postpartum care are covered during class. Additional topics include Cesarean sections, medication and anesthesia options along with coping and comfort measures. Breathing and relaxation techniques are also introduced. Maternity Area Tour is included as a part of this class. Class offered select Saturdays of each month. Fee: $60 per couple and includes lunch. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst. org for more info. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. ID required. 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 info 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.

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 1. Cost is $15. Class schedule is subject to change, so please call 293-8497 or e-mail liz.owen@jackson.org to register or 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. 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 info, contact alissabethtaylor@ gmail.com or visit www.Facebook.com/LeaninCentralAL.

Breastfeeding Class This one-time class at Baptist Health 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. Class fee: $20. Registration is required. E-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military.

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.

Infant Safety/CPR This one-time class sponsored by Baptist Health will teach 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 partici-

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Calendar/Support Groups pants. This class will also help parents with creating a safe environment for their child. Classes are taught by certified CPR Instructors. This class is not a certification class. Fee: $10 per person. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org. 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. Maternity Area Tour Baptist Health’s Maternity Area Tour is for parents not attending Childbirth Preparation Boot Camp. Tour is offered on select Saturdays of each month and is complimentary. Tour is for adults only. 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 Interactive 3-week series of classes developed by wellknown 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 info, contact alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or visit www. Facebook.com/LeaninCentralAL. Prepared Childbirth Class (Understanding Birth) Jackson Hospital. Preregistration required. Topics include: pregnancy, labor, birth, options for pain management, medical procedures, cesarean birth. Note: This class is a basic overview of the labor and delivery process and does not prepare someone for “natural” or unmedicated childbirth. Cost: $25 (covers mother and support person). Class size is limited. Please try to register by the 5th month of pregnancy for the best selection of available class dates. Call (334) 293-8497 or e-mail: liz.owen@jackson.org. Sibling Preparation Class 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. Slow Flow Yoga Classes are held at Old Alabama Town on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 11:30-12:15, and 12:30-1:15. Beginners welcome! No registration needed; just come to Molton South Building. Enter through the Rose House, located on Columbus St. between N. Hull and Decatur. Parking is available along Decatur and N. Hull. Drop in fee: $12; 5-class pass: $50 (exp. 60 days). Monthly unlimited: $65. Mat rental: $1. 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 patients have transportation to and from medical facilities for treatment. 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

Montgomery Parents I December 2016

info, or to volunteer, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Baptist Hospice Volunteers There are many 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 to our program. Please call Gloria @395-5018 to join our dynamic team. Baptist 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.

December2016 6-7:30 p.m., Glynwood Baptist Church, Prattville. Childcare, children’s group and dinner provided. For more info, call 409-9477 or e-mail htaylor@childrensaid.org. 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 life-long 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 get-togethers to talk

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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 boardcertified physicians and a clinical psychologist on staff between the two centers. For more info, call (334) 286-3252 for Baptist Medical Center South and (334) 361-4335 for Prattville Baptist Hospital.

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Jackson Hospital Animal Therapy Program 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. Jackson Hospital Volunteer Services Jackson Hospital information desk 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. Call 293-8967 or visit www.jackson. org/patients_volunteers.html. 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.

Div Firs p.m Coo 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.

Support Groups

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 1-800ACS-2345.

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 info, call Monica Russell at 409-9477 or the church office at 272-8622. Autauga/Elmore Group meets 4th Tuesdays,

Cancer Patient and Caregiver Support Group 1-2 p.m., Tuesdays, Montgomery Cancer Center, 4145 Carmichael Road. The group is facilitated by professionally trained health care providers and other members of the support care team. It’s free and open to all cancer patients and their caregivers. Call (334) 273-7000.

River Region Association of Doulas Doulas Traci Weafer, Rebekah Hawkins and Christina Clark provide prenatal counseling, labor and postpartum doula services, breastfeeding education, events and support groups. Contact rradoulas@gmail.com or visit rradoulas. weebly.com or https://www.facebook.com/RRADoulas/.

Adoption Support

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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.

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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.

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Divorce Support

“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. This group is ongoing and does not have a participation limit. For more info, call 279-6677. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW.

DivorceCare meets at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. It fosters a weekly supportive and caring environment to heal the hurt of separation and divorce. 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 at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $15 (scholarships available). Contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@montgomeryfbc.org or 241-5125.

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

Divorce Care for Kids meets Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. beginning September 6 at Frazer Memorial UMC. Children of divorce or separation find hope, help, and healing. Call 495-6368 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org for more info.

“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 279-6677. 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.

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in Room 3101 at Frazer Memorial UMC. Registration is required. For more info, contact Nancy McLain at (334) 233-2139.

DivorceCare meets Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. beginning September 6 at Frazer Memorial UMC. Join us for thirteen weeks of guidance and purpose as you move forward with life after divorce. Call 495-6368 or e-mail singles@ frazerumc.org for more info.

Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women Montgomery Country Club, Azalea Room, 3800 Narrow Lane Road. 9 a.m.-noon. This is a 3-hour workshop that is offered monthly, designed to help participants explore the legal, financial, and emotional issues of divorce and gain a greater understanding of the process. The cost to attend is $20 per person and pre-registration is required. For more info, please call or e-mail Sommer Morris at (334) 6121086 or sommer.morris@morganstanley.com. You may also visit www.secondsaturday.com.

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participants so call 279-6677. Start date will be determined once reservations are confirmed. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW.

Gamblers Anonymous 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

Grief Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Rm. 3105. Call 2728622 for more info. 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. For more information or to register, please contact Candace Fales at 279-6677 or cfales@hospiceofmontgomery.org. 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. 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. 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.

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 at the church’s building, 301 Dalraida Road. Please e-mail farauthor@aol.com for more info.

Homeschool Support

“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 ages 7-11 who have experienced the recent loss of a loved one. 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. Space is limited to 6

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.

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

The Renaissance Spirit Group (an adult day group for Alzheimer’s patients in their early to middle stages) meets first Thursdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Celebrate Recovery is a 12-step-Christian process to help you cope with hurts, hang-ups, and habits on a weekly basis. Meets at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. You will experience hope and strength for each day. “Celebrate Recovery” is led by Jeff McFarland. To register or for more info, call 279-5433. Christians Against Substance Abuse (CASA) is a 12step 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. Diabetes Support Group Noon-1 p.m. and 4-5 p.m., fourth Thursdays, Jackson Hospital Park Place Building Suite 302. Are you interested in learning how to better manage your Type 2 diabetes? Would you like support from others as you work to control your diabetes? Sponsored by inpatient diabetes educator Michelle Carothers, this group offers clinical information, advice and tips to make living with diabetes easier for you and your family. Register today! Call (334) 293-8574 or e-mail michelle.carothers@jackson.org. Gluten Intolerance Group (www.gluten.net) is a nonprofit organization with the mission to provide support to those with any form of gluten intolerance. 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 (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 (2712280) 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. Meetings are held at 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 3249568 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

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Calendar/Support Groups Parkinson’s patients and their family members. For more info, call 272-8622. Traumatic Brain Injury Support, cafeteria at HealthSouth on Narrow Lane in Montgomery. 2nd Thursdays at

have a yard sale twice a year, in the spring and again in the fall. For more info, visit https://sites.google.com/site/montgomerymultiples/home. 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? 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? 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 vaughnforestmops@gmail.com or visit http://vfcmops.weebly.com/.

Pregnancy Loss/Infertility

6 p.m. Sponsored by Alabama Head Injury Foundation for anyone with a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or related disability. For more info, contact Holli at (334) 2900646 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 info, contact LaQuana Edwards, Caregiver Support Coordinator at CAVHCS, (334) 727-0550 ext. 5350.

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. gives fathers and daughters an opportunity to read together to create fun, educational memories. This free event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Montgomery City-County Public Library and Dreamland Barbeque. For more info, 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. Join us with your babies. Children of all ages are welcome. We currently have morning and evening meetings. For more info, e-mail LLL.Montgomery.AL@gmail.com or visit http://www.llli.org/groups/@ llli*group*montgomery or “like” us on Facebook. Mom2Mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of children ages birth-5 years 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, 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

Montgomery Parents I December 2016

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 Moms Support Group, Landmark Church of Christ, Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in Classroom 118. For more information call 277-5800. 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 495-6368 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org 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 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. Call 495-6368 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org for more info.

Special Needs Support

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

December2016 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. Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach, Vaughn Park Church of Christ, 2nd Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. We have activities, speakers and special events throughout the year for the parents, siblings and children with Down Syndrome. Childcare provided. Visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com or visit our Facebook page (MADSOG) for more information. Contact MADSOG at montgomeryareadownsyndrome@gmail.com for more info. 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. The purpose is to bring together all adults and parents of children who would like to know more about hearing losses, its causes and its possible corrections. 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 more info, e-mail LyraStephens@yahoo.com.

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Special Needs Skate, Looney’s Super Skate, 3541 McGehee Rd. in Montgomery. 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month. 5:30-7:30 p.m. All ages welcome. Sensory sensitive. Volunteers available for assistance. $5 admission. For more info, e-mail Lyrastephens@yahoo.com.

Teens/Families Support

Family Guidance Center of Alabama’s December Schedule is below. Call 270-4100 for more information: December 6 & 29 from 1-2:30 p.m.: “Career Planning” explores various employment choices and the basic skills expected by potential employers. December 7 from 1-3 p.m.: “Anger Management” provides participants with information on how to detect anger triggers and ways to control their reactions to anger. December 13 from 1-2:30 p.m.: “Resume’ Writing” teaches participants how to compose a resume’ based on the type of employment they are seeking. December 20 from 1-2:30 p.m.: “Interview Skills/ Dress for Success” prepares participants for the steps to take before, during and after an interview for the best possible opportunity of obtaining employment. December 27 from 1-2:30 p.m.: “Work Ethics” instructs participants on how to obtain a high standard of conduct at work for job retention and promotion. 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.

Please send calendar info to editor@montgomeryparents.com. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Armory Gymnasts Win BIG! The following Armory Athletics gymnasts placed in the 2016 Alabama Compulsory Judges Cup held at the Armory: Level 1 Girls: Ava Cain, SrA – Fist Place on Vault, Bars, Floor & All-Around; Hailey Faulkner, JrB – First Place on Bars; Avaree Jernigan, SrA – First Place on Bars; McKayla Lawrence, SrB – First Place on Vault; Level 2 Girls: Brea Ledford, SrB – Fist Place on Bars; Mollie Grace Ross, JrA - Fist Place on Bars, Beam & All-Around; Madeline Sasnett, SrB – Fist Place on Vault; Kariye Todd, SrB - Fist Place on Bars; Level 3 Girls: Maureen Alvarez, JrC – Fist Place on Beam; Clover Hardin, SrA – Fist Place on Floor; Lauren Ashlee Parker, SrB - Fist Place on Beam; and Level 4 Girls: Meagan Brooke Crum, JrA - Fist Place on, Beam & All-Around; Hailey McLaughlin, SrA – Fist Place on Bars; Harmony Nelson, JrA – Fist Place on Vault; Bethany Norwood, SrB – Fist Place on Beam; Zoe Watkins, SrB – Fist Place on Bars; Samantha Wilson, SrA - Fist Place on Beam. The Team received 1st place. The following Armory gymnasts placed in the 2016 Festival of Stars held at United Gym Stars in Montgomery: Level 1 Girls: Madison Barrett, SrB – Fist Place on Vault;

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& All-Around; Harmony Nelson, JrA - Fist Place on Bars, Beam, Floor & All-Around; Bethany Norwood, JrC – Fist Place on Floo; Zoe Watkins, JrC - Fist Place on Bars. The Team received 1st Place. Level 5 Girls: Amy Treloar, JrA - Fist Place on Beam.

Expectant Moms and Babies Benefit from March of Dimes Project

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Level 2 Girls: Brayden Brown, JrB – Fist Place on Bars; Jadyn McGhee, SrA – Fist Place on Bars; Mollie Grace Ross, JrA – Fist Place on Bars, Emma Sasnett, SrB - Fist Place on Vault; Level 4 Girls: Meagan Brook Crum, JrB - Fist Place on Vault, Bars, Floor

As a part of World Prematurity Day, the March of Dimes announced that it is partnering with Gift of Life Foundation, Baptist Medical Center East and Alabama Department of Public Health to implement the “Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait” program. March of Dimes “Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait” provides education for pregnant women, perinatal providers and the greater community on the problem of preterm birth, risk factors and strategies for reducing risk. In addition, HBWW provides a supportive structure for implementing bundled evidence-based preterm birth prevention interventions. “Preparing for a new baby is a time of great excitement,” said Lisa Carter, Chair of

the Maternal and Child Health Committee for Alabama March of Dimes. “Families don’t expect anything to go wrong, but in about 1 in 7 births in Montgomery, the babies are born too soon. ‘Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait’ aims to help prevent those preterm births that are preventable with a model that combines clinical, education and community efforts.” “Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait” is an important component of the March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign, a nationwide effort to address the growing problem of premature birth, which is the leading cause of newborn death and a major cause of serious health problems. A similar program was first piloted in Kentucky as a partnership between the March of Dimes, Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute and the Kentucky Department for Public Health. The success of that 93

program and the strength of the Public Health community led to Montgomery’s selection as the state’s first implementation location. Alabama will now join more than 40 “Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait” sites nationwide. “The Gift of Life Foundation (GOL) has been working in the community for more than 28 years to equip women with the knowledge they need to deliver healthy babies, effectively parent and to become self-sufficient,” said GOL Executive Director Dr. Cheryl Davis. “But when you look at the data it’s clear that more needs to be done to improve access to prenatal care and address the barriers that negatively impact at-risk women. I’m pleased to have the March of Dimes as a partner on this important issue, and we are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work!” Paula Brennan, director of Women and Children’s Services, Baptist Medical Center East, added, “This program is a wonderful opportunity to bring important information and interventions to help prevent preterm birth among our expectant women. Our staff is happy to have additional resources – from the March of Dimes – to help them fill the needs of this very special population.” Shown, Gift of Life Executive Director Cheryl Davis and staff joined other health professionals from Baptist East and the Alabama Department of Public Health at the March of Dimes launch of the “Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait” program. www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

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www.montgomeryparents.com

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.

Adventure Sports II, 36 Alabama Christian Academy, 22 Alabama Dept. of Public Health, Inside Front Alabama Partnership with Children, 69 AL School of Math & Science, 15 Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 45 ASKIN/Synergy House, 94 Bambi Hoggle Photography, 94 Baptist Health, 2 Beth’s Heirloom Sewing, 27 Bless Your Heart, 77 Bradford Health Services, 81 Candy Corner, 75 Chapman Orthodontics, 53 Children’s Hospital of Alabama, 14 Dentistry for Children, 43

Frazer Memorial UMC, 61

Original Grace Boutique, 76

Grand Reserve at Pike Road, 36

Pediatric Nephrology of Alabama, 30

Gypsy Poodle Mobile Pet Grooming, 79

Pet Palace Hotels, 33

Health Services, Inc., 71

Prattville YMCA, 50

Herron Dermatology & Laser, 18

Professional Pediatrics, 12

Holy Cross Episcopal School, 47

Pump It Up Party, 53

Hooper Academy, 38

Rebar Performance, 29

Hudson Huffman, 94

Reese’s Senior Bowl, 42 River Region Straw, 34

Interscapes, Inc., 8 KLynn Ice Skating, 32 Kingry Orthodontics, 19

Riverview Camp for Girls, 78 Rockin’ Jump, 35 Rolling Video Games of AL, 21

Kumon, 65 Learning Tree Child Care, 54 Legacy Early Learning Center, 43 Lori Mercer Photography, 21 Macon East Academy, 41 Mathnasium, 55 MEOW Academy, 63 Memorial Presbyterian Childcare, 32

Saint James School, 1 Shade Tree Riding Stables, 27 Shane’s Rib Shack, 63 Smiles Galore Parties, 48 Spacewalker, The, 28 Spotless Cleaning Services, 11 Success Unlimited Academy, 20 Sylvan Learning Center, 29

Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 39

Monster Jam, 13

Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 50

Montessori @ Mulberry, 17

E & S Hobbies, 94

Montgomery Catholic Schools, 37

Eastdale Mall, 75

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 77

Eastern Oaks Church, 4

Montgomery Pediatric Dentistry/Ortho, 85

Tru-Cut Lawn Care, 48

Eastwood Christian School, 49

Montgomery Uniforms Plus, 51

United Gymstars & Cheer, 19

Edward Jones-Lane Easterling, 59

Montgomery Zoo, 23

Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 59

Evangel Christian Academy, 28

Mrs. Sandy’s House, 94

Vaughn Road Preschool, 44

Family Guidance Center, 74

My Kids Attic, The Shoppes of, 9

Vishnu Dental, 34

First Baptist Church, Montgomery, 7

New Park, 3

W.A. Gayle Planetarium, 79

First UMC, Montgomery, 26

OB/GYN Montgomery, Dr. Desautels, 38

YMCA, Montgomery, 30

First UMC, Prattville, 70

O’Connor Tennis Lessons, 39

Your Doctor’s Office, Inside Back Cover

Taylor Road Baptist Church, 76

The Barkery, 73 The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover Trinity Presbyterian School, 25

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Moana

Fantastic Beasts

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B+ Violence: BSexual Content: AProfanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Moana PG for peril, some scary images and brief thematic elements. Do you ever find yourself ordering the same menu item each time you go to your favorite restaurant? There just seems to be something comforting in knowing you won’t be disappointed with your choice. The same thing appears to be true with Disney’s animation department. They know if they stick to the tried and true recipe, they can bank on predictable results. In this South Sea adventure (Lilo & Stitch was set in Hawaii), Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) is the daughter of a chief (voice of Temuera Morrison) whose is having trouble following the path that her father has in mind for her life (the same situation is presented in Pocahontas). While he wants her to stay safely on land and lead the villagers, her heart is drawn to the water. But when a devastating darkness creeps across their island causing the fish to flee and plaguing the food supply, the teenaged girl knows something drastic must be done. That’s when Moana’s grandmother (voice of Rachel House, aka Grandmother Willow) reminds her of an experience from her early cherubic childhood (the younger Moana looks a lot like Molly from Toy Story 3). On that special day, the ocean parted and presented the toddler with a glimmering green stone. Grandma now explains that the gem is the “heart of Te Fiti” – the goddess of creation. After it was stolen from her by a muscle-bound demigod named Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) a dark curse fell across all the islands of the sea. The only way to stop it from spreading is by finding Maui and convincing him to return the heart to Te Fiti. So, despite parental protests, that is exactly what Moana sets sail to do. Continuing with similarities, this script promotes female empowerment as did Frozen. This time the strong-willed female protagonist not only doesn’t need a man to accomplish her mission, she will also figure out how to do it without much assistance from the demi-god. Thankfully, consistent with most Disney movies, there are some positive messages within this script. Moana shows great courage and self-sacrifice during her quest to save her people (far worthier motives than The Little Mermaid appeared to have). And she provides the call of conscience to the egotistical Maui. In addition, there is great interplay between these two characters that might just parallel real life. The young upstart Cravalho puts Johnson’s seasoned macho charisma to the test -- both on screen and behind the microphone as the Hawaiian teen delivers a performance far beyond her experience. Parents should be aware that some scary monsters and moments of peril may be concerns when considering bringing their young children to this paradise. Yet, as in previous visits to the Disney café, this one dishes out the expected feel-good fare. Garnished with beautiful visuals and fun music, it’s a safe bet Moana will be a top pick for families during the 2016 holiday season.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B Violence: C Sexual Content: B Profanity: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: BThe MPAA has rated Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them PG-13 for some fantasy action violence. Seventy years before Harry Potter attended Hogwarts School and read the textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the manual’s author Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) was busy collecting data and specimens from around the globe. One of his stops was New York City. And that is where this spin-off tale from JK Rowling’s universe of wizards and witches begins. It turns out that the new world has different laws about the use of magic than Brittan does. Here the Magical Congress of the United States of America is disappointed by the UK’s Ministry of Magic and their failure to capture a dark wizard named Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp). Such sloppy security threatens to reveal the existence of wizards and witches to the No-mags (the American name for Muggles). The governing body is also experiencing problems on their home turf where a dark and uncontrollable force is wreaking havoc on the city and innocent bystanders. In an effort to contain the damage, they have cracked down on their members. One of the new rules prohibits the ownership of fantastic beasts because, if one escaped, their secret society could be exposed. Either ignoring or ignorant of the ban, Newt Scamander arrives in the Big Apple with a suitcase full of these creatures. A cross between Doctor Dolittle and Hiccup from How to Train Your Dragon, the quirky and not very careful animal lover soon loses a kleptomaniac platypus in the banking district. In a vain effort to retrieve the critter he accidentally switches brown cases with a No-mag named Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) and gets spotted by Porpentina “Tina” Goldstein (Katherine Waterston) an agent of the Magical Congress. What ensues is the American Wizard and Witches worst nightmare. Kowalski accidentally lets other magical creatures out of the bag. Scamander causes more problems than he solves while trying to round them up. Tina’s attempt to inform Madame President (Carmen Ejogo) of the crisis is thwarted. A radical religious order lead by Mary Lou Barebone (Samantha Morton) begins calling for a witch hunt. And the whole affair is further complicated by Percival Graves (Colin Farrell), a powerful wizard who is involved in a mysterious, private investigation. Fans of the Harry Potter franchise are sure to be enchanted by this opportunity to re-enter his magical world. However, the ever-present depictions of detailed danger, deaths and destruction will likely be too much for younger viewers.

What Parents need to know about Fantastic Beasts...

Violence: Frequent depictions of non-graphic violence include explosions, extensive property damage, destructive magical forces, dangerous beasts with fantastic powers, as well as duels with magical wands and spells. Deaths of innocent bystanders are implied and shown. Characters are sentenced to death, injured and killed. Some disfigured corpses are seen. Frightening creatures and strange transformations are portrayed. Characters (animal and human) are implicated in robberies. A mother uses a belt to strap her son: lash marks on his hands are seen. Sexual Content: A woman is seen in her underwear before she seductively puts on a dress. Other women’s underwear is seen hanging to dry. Female characters wear scanty dresses at a nightclub. A pamphlet displays a drawing of some naked women. Same-gender attraction is subtly implied. Some mild sexual innuendo is heard. A couple kisses. Profanity: Mild profanity is infrequently used, along with cruel name-calling. Alcohol / Drug Use: Drinks are served at a night club. Some characters’ behavior is effected by the alcohol. Montgomery Parents I December 2016

What Parents need to know about Moana...

Violence: Characters face perilous situations on the sea: They are occasionally knocked overboard, shipwrecked and abandoned, as well as face turbulent weather. Weapon use (spears and poisonous darts) and hand-to hand conflict are depicted during a battle with pirates. Characters fight gods and monsters that spurt lava, throws fire balls, threaten to eat them and regrow severed limbs. Some of these images may be frightening for young children. Sexual Content: Characters wear traditional dress: grass skirts, bare chested men and bare shouldered women. A female child is seen in just a diaper. Profanity: Some name-calling occurs. Alcohol / Drug Use: Poisonous darts cause characters to fall asleep. Other: Frequent depictions of mythological characters and philosophy. 96

www.montgomeryparents.com

Families that choose Montgomery Academy for Kindergarten value a strong educational foundation. A partnership with parents, small class sizes, and caring teachers combine to make a school family where

The Right Start.

children are known and understood. It is in this unique community that a culture of expectation grows. Join us.

Th e M o n t g o m e r y A c a d e m y

Kindergarten Open House

January 12, 2017 Please RSVP for the time to 272-8210 Susannah Cleveland Director of Admissions

montgomeryacademy.org ASK ABOUT FINANCIAL AID OPTIONS THAT MAKE AN MA EDUCATION A POSSIBILITY. The Montgomery Academy admits students of any race, religion, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students of the school.

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