Montgomery Parents June 2016

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2016!

Looking Ahead includes Reflecting on the Past While marking the milestone 60th anniversary

of Saint James School, we

celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments and bright futures of our 2016 graduates.

Each of these outstanding students worked tirelessly to achieve this moment and are now set to become the

next generation of engineers, doctors, lawyers, teachers, physicists, artists, athletes, and so much more!

We wish them all the best on their journey ahead and we look forward to welcoming them back as alumni–back to the halls filled with those who taught them what it truly means when we say,

We Are Saint James School.

Saint James School FOR PRE-K3 THROUGH 12TH GRADE ADMISSIONS

334.273.2992

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

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

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Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of infected mosquitoes. These mosquitoes typically lay eggs in and near standing water in items such as buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flower pots and vases.

1. Stay informed

2. Learn about basic injury and disease prevention 3. Look for the most current information on emergency preparedness 4. Create a family preparedness plan 5. Become familiar with the emergency plans of your community

prepare store essential items Water Food Can Opener First Aid Kit Flashlight

Radio Clothes Personal Care Items Important Documents

Avoid the Bite!

You can help prevent the spread of Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases by preventing mosquito bites and breeding. For the most up-to-date information on Zika Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases in Alabama, visit www.adph.org/mosquito or call 1-800-252-1818.

practice Practice and review your preparedness plan every six months Plan. prepare. practice.

http://www.adph.org

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ATLANTA HIGHWAY 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 AM PIKE ROAD 10:00 AM IN THE PIKE ROAD SCHOOL

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WWW.FRAZER.CHURCH 6000 ATLANTA HWY. MONTGOMERY • 272-8622 37 BRIDGE ST. PIKE ROAD • 801-9080

SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN • FRAZER.CHURCH/CHILDREN

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SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS • FRAZER.CHURCH/STUDENTS

STUDENT GATHERING & WORSHIP EXPERIENCE LAST WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH 6-7:30PM Montgomery Parents I June 2016

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AUG. 2 FOR RISING 6TH-12TH GRADERS REGISTRATION DEADLINE JULY 24 www.montgomeryparents.com

June2016

Volume 21 Number 6

Columns

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6 Editor’s Note DeAnne Watson

8 Living With Children John Rosemond

What Dads Do Best

Be reminded of how fathers offer a perfect balance to moms in their parenting style.

Homeschooling Mistakes to Avoid

A veteran homeschooler helps you start out on the right foot.

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sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

14 Montgomery Education Matters

by Superintendent Margaret Allen

44 Autauga Education Matters

by Superintendent Spence Agee

48 Elmore Education Matters

by Superintendent Andre L. Harrison

52 Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston

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12 Kids Health Watch

58 Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

Homeschool Guide

Our listing shares local and national resources for your homeschooling journey.

Co-Parent Successfully

Find out how to work as a team with your ex-spouse for the benefit of your kids.

60 Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

80 A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

On The Cover Sierra Phillips (age 11) is homeschooled and in 5th grade.

She is the daughter of Justin and Tabatha Phillips, and has a younger sister Erica (age 8).

Sierra enjoys dance and art and she is pictured here at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.

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

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Editor’sNote I hope you all had a chance to celebrate your moms last month on Mother’s Day, and I trust all our mom readers were celebrated by their families on that special day as well! I received handmade gifts and cards from my 5-year-old daughter, a beautiful twopage letter from my 15-year-old daughter, and even a phone call from my 19-year-old son off at college! I have to admit that last one was hoped for, though not fully expected, so it was a nice surprise.

This month we turn our focus and recognition to all the dads who make their family’s lives so rich. Father’s Day is June19, and in their honor, we have included this month’s article, What Dads Do Best. It’s no secret that fathers and mothers do things differently, and while this may sometimes be a source of irritation for moms who think their way is best, it’s important that we stop and recognize the unique ways a father adds balance and so much more to their kids’ lives. Encouraging risk-taking and being good with good enough are just two of several benefits that writer Heidi Luedtke points out for us. Read through the others and take time to thank Dad specifically in a card or hand-written letter for these attributes which make him so important and irreplaceable.

Father’s Day may be hard for some families, especially if a father has passed away or even if parents are divorced. Being a child of divorce myself, I know the tension that can exist between estranged parents. In this month’s issue, Laura Reagan shares an important article for separated or divorced parents, 4 Steps to Successful Co-Parenting. A mother and father who can put their hurts and differences aside to parent as a team will give their children a wonderful gift in the midst of an already difficult situation. Here you’ll find advice on how to make it happen.

Finally, June is our Annual Homeschool Issue! With summer break upon us, some of you may be looking into a change for the next school year, and even considering the option of homeschooling your kids. The River Region has many resources for homeschooling families and our 2016 Homeschool Resource Guide will tell you where to get connected and how to get started on this journey.

Also, don’t miss Kerrie McLoughlin’s article, Top 10 Homeschool Mistakes to Avoid. Kerrie is a veteran homeschooling mom and her advice will certainly save you (and your kids) some grief and aggravation from the very beginning.

I don’t know about you, but I’m sure glad summer is here and we have a break from school schedules and busy afterschool activities. Let’s all slow down and enjoy our families as much as possible these next few months. Whether in town at the fun events throughout our city or traveling on family vacation, let’s make some lasting memories with our kids this summer!

The River Region’s Foremost Parenting Source

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 Mark Gregston Andre L. Harrison Malissa Hoy, M.D. Carolyn Jabs Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph.D. Kerrie McLoughlin Laura Lyles Reagan, MS John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith

Cover Photography Lori Mercer Photography www.lorimercerphotography.com Publisher Jason Watson jason@montgomeryparents.com Associate Publisher Gena Hill Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson (334) 213-7940 ext. 703 ads@montgomeryparents.com Ad Design Tim Welch Distribution Manager Chris Mitchell

DeAnne

Member

deanne@montgomeryparents.com

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

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

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The Family Birth Center at Jackson Hospital

has received a spectacular $3-million renovation.

We think you’ll love the colorful mosaic mural and light, airy color scheme that lets you know you’ve arrived in a special place. And we can’t wait to show you the spacious labor, delivery and postpartum suites so that you and your family can share in your joy. New stateof-the-art equipment and experienced nurses will give you and your baby the exceptional care you’d expect in one of Alabama’s most advanced obstetrical facilities. Come see why Jackson Hospital is the premier location in the River Region to welcome your new baby.

TAKE A TOUR OF THE $3-MILLION, NEWLY RENOVATED FAMILY BIRTH CENTER B I R T H I N G C L A S S E S AVA I L A B L E • C A L L ( 3 3 4 ) 2 9 3 - 8 4 9 7 F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N “NIGHTINGALE OF PARADISE” MOSAIC MURAL BY ENID PROBST MADE POSSIBLE BY GRANTS FROM THE ALABAMA STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS, NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS AND COMMUNITY DONORS.

PHOTO ABOVE FAR LEFT BY RANDY SEWELL

PHOTO ABOVE THIRD FROM LEFT BY MARIA NUNEZ

Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures for patient safety and outcomes, developed with input from the medical community. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for facilities located in its own service area; for details, contact your Local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers’ need for affordable healthcare. Each facility’s cost of care is evaluated using data from its Local Blue Plan. Facilities in CA, ID, NY, PA, and WA may lie in two Local Blue Plans’ areas, resulting in two evaluations for cost of care; and their own Local Blue Plans decide whether one or both cost of care evaluation(s) must meet BDC+ national criteria. National criteria for BDC and BDC+ are displayed on www.bcbs.com. Individual outcomes may vary. For details on a provider’s in-network status or your own policy’s coverage, contact your Local Blue Plan and ask your provider before making an appointment. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are responsible for non-covered charges or other losses or damages resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers.

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LivingWithChildren

by John Rosemond

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Sleepovers Need Basic Parameters Q:

My husband and I have decided that we do not want our children to participate in sleep-overs. We recently moved to a new community and are just making new friends and meeting new families. All of these parents, it seems, love to do sleep-overs. We, however, are sticking by our guns. As a result, our kids are beginning to feel left out. What should I say to these other parents who think we’re crazy and their children who are making mine feel bad about it?

A: You never told me why you are so strongly opposed to sleep-overs. That suggests—but maybe I’m just playing psychologist here—that you think your objections are self-evident. If that’s the case, they are not self-evident to yours truly.

I have heard of problematic situations that arose during sleep-overs, but I fail to see the basis for a sweeping indictment. In my (naïve?) estimation, the issue is not sleepovers per se; the issue is how well a given sleep-over is managed by the supervising parents. Before letting a child attend a sleepover, a finite set of “givens” should exist: First,

Montgomery Parents I June 2016

you are more than just slightly familiar with the host parents and know them to be conscientious, responsible people; second, that they know how to quickly get in touch with you should that become necessary; third, that the sleep-over will be attended by only one gender; fourth, that siblings, especially if they are older than the attendees, will be kept at a distance (ideally, farmed out for the evening).

Your concern hints at a tendency to want to control everything that happens in your children’s lives. That’s called micromanagement and I would be remiss if I failed to point out that parental micromanagement always, without exception, creates huge problems of one sort or another in the long run.

The problem is that micromanaging parents always, without exception, justify their anxietydriven over-control. They also tend to think apocalyptically, as in, “If I let my child attend a sleep-over, some other child who comes from a family that does not share our beliefs may permanently corrupt my child’s values.”

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In short, the fears that lie behind micromanagement are rarely realistic. Plus, the parents in question fail to accept that they are not omnipotent, that try as hard as they might, they simply cannot control everything that happens in their kids’ lives.

When my wife and I were in our active parenting years, we would purposefully allow our children to get themselves entangled in certain problematic situations that we could have prevented. In other words, we managed risk for the purpose of helping our children learn, by trial and error, how to keep themselves out of trouble. The result was win-win: the kids enjoyed a good amount of freedom and we enjoyed the peace of mind of knowing that they were steadily coming to grips with the relationship between freedom and responsibility. Some lessons cannot be “talked into” a person.

Anyway, concerning this sleep-over issue, I’d take a deep breath and give it a go. Sounds like your kids need a break from your oversight. It also sounds like you and your husband could do with some parenting freedom as well.

Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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First Baptist Church Montgomery

June 20–24 |

9:00 AM to Noon :: FREE! ages 4 through 6th grade

As kids are submerged in God’s Word, they will discover that Jesus saw people differently. He saw people for who

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Vacation Bible School

will look below the surface to find the truth about how Jesus sees them.

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For more information or to register, visit

www.montgomeryfbc.org/vbs FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 9

305 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.834.6310

montgomery www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Montgomery’s Capitol Sounds Band Presents Summer Concert

Tuesday, June 7, @ 7 p.m. at Saint James United Methodist Church in Montgomery.

The event is free and open to the public, but donations are gladly accepted and will go towards performances for our 2016-17 season, including our Children’s Concert and the Young Artist Solo Competition.

For more info, visit www.capitolsounds.org.

Lanark NaturePlex Family Scavenger Hunt

Alabama Dance Theatre Presents Tutus and Tiaras

June 16 * Events begin at 6 p.m.

A great family fun night. Come at 5:30 to enjoy a BYODinner and stroll through the Discovery Hall. The gift shop will be open.

Guests will team up and complete an evening scavenger hunt for prizes! Snowcones available (free). Location: Meet in the Main Hall.

All ages. Admission $5. No RSVP necessary.

For more info, contact Tyler Harris at tharris@ alabamawildlife.org.

June 20-24 from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for children ages 3-8. Classes will include pre-ballet, creative movement, crafts and story time. A performance will be held June 24 for parents and friends. Tutus and Tiaras will be held at the Armory Learning Arts Center, home of the Alabama Dance Theatre, located at 1018 Madison Ave. For more info or registration, call (334) 241-2590, or visit www.alabamadancetheatre.com.

Through September 5 Monday-Friday from open-8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from open-4 p.m. Enjoy three games per day and shoe rental all summer long. Only $23.95 for kids 15 and under; adult pass: $28.95.

Visit bowlsummergames.com for details.

Montgomery Parents I June 2016

Capri Theatre

June 8-July 29 * Weds, Thurs & Fri 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.

ALL SEATS $1 The Peanuts Movie (G) June 8-10 Alvin & The Chipmunks: Road Chip (PG) June 15-17 Minions (PG) June 22-24 The SpongeBob Movie: A Sponge Out Of Water (PG) June 29-July 1

Carmike Cinemas Summer Kid Series

Both Chantilly and Prattville locations Admissions only $4 + tax. Includes 16 oz. drink and 46 oz. popcorn with every ticket.

Seating is first come, first serve with doors opening at 9:30 a.m.

Alvin: Road Chip June 2 The Croods June 7 & 9 Epic June 14 & 16 Home June 21 & 23 How to Train Your Dragon 2 June 28 & 30

Alabama in the Movies Jess Meuse in Concert!

Brunswick Zone Summer Bowling Deal

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The Wetumpka Depot Players announce a Season Extra to benefit the community theatre’s children’s program. Jessica Meuse, singer, songwriter and American Idol finalist, will be in concert on June 17 on the Depot stage at 7 p.m.

Tickets may be purchased for $20 by calling (334)868-1440 or visiting www.wetumpkadepot.com.

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Free movies at the Archives on Thursday nights in July featuring movies made in or made about Alabama! Movies start at 6 p.m. and refreshments will be available for purchase.

July 7: Forrest Gump July 14: Big Fish July 21: Tom & Huck July 28: Fried Green Tomatoes

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Summer Opportunities For Young Actors

Way Off Broadway Theatre Camp in Prattville will be held June 13-17 from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for grades K-6. (Program for grades 7-12 will be held July 11-16.) These theatre camps will introduce students to all aspects of the theatre. In addition to acting, there will be focus on set and costume design, production, directing and more, ending with the students’ participation in a play June 18. Cost is $75 per child. For more info, call (334) 595-0851.

First United Methodist in Cloverdale will host a Kids’ Musical Theatre Camp for those finishing K through 5th grade. Camp will take place June 20-23 (8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.) at the church and Friday the 24th at the Leo J. Drum, Jr. Theater on Huntingdon College campus. Activities will include acting, singing, dancing, building sets, constructing costumes and learning superhero moves!

Register by going to the church website or by coming to the church office where a flyer may be filled out. Registration cutoff is June 6. Cost is $150 per camper (discounts offered where possible).

For more info, call (334) 834-8990 or email aborden@fumcmontgomery.org.

Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Events

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

Autism and Disability Friendly Night Supporting the Easter Seals June 5 * Start time 5:35 p.m.

Superheroes Night June 18 * Start time 6:35 p.m.

Bark in the Park/Kids Day June 19 * Start time 2:05 p.m.

Take your furry friend to the ballgame! All dogs get in free! Kids will have the chance to play catch on the field prior to the game and run the bases after the game!

Alabama’s First Taco Festival

4-8 p.m. Union Station Train Shed, Montgomery. A wide assortment of tacos from your favorite local joints as well as food trucks from all over the state will be present.

A large contingency of Alabama’s breweries will also offer up their best beers for this event. Tickets are $25 and a portion of the proceeds go to EAT South! Visit http://www. lightninglinemgm.com/tacolibre for details or to purchase tickets.

Superhero Fun Run/Walk Featuring Real Superheroes

June 4 * Check in from 9-9:30 a.m.; race starts at 10 a.m. Fox Hollow Park. The course is one mile long, and the event is very family-friendly. Superhero attire is required, but we will have masks ($3) and capes ($7) for sale!

There will be checkpoints with trivia questions along the path. You will have the opportunity to interact with various superheroes, courtesy of Party Palace!

Pre-registration cost: $15 per person, with a $40 maximum per family. Cost on race day increases to $20 per person, with a $50 maximum per family. All proceeds benefit a local family’s adoption.

Register at www.lynchesloveadoption. wordpress.com.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Mosquitos: Pesky or Problematic?

Mosquitoes can be a nuisance. The annoying buzzing in the ear, the nasty little bites that can itch for days. While most mosquito bites cause a localized allergic reaction, some can cause significant illness. In fact, over one million people die every year from mosquito borne illnesses.

Malaria is a huge problem world wide. In fact, it is estimated that a child dies of malaria every forty seconds. Luckily, this is not a big issue in the United States. It has been effectively controlled since the 1940s with only intermittent outbreaks that are quickly contained by aggressive mosquito control measures.

Chikungunya virus was all over the news before the recent increase in Zika virus. The main symptom of Chikungunya virus is sudden onset of high fever and debilitating joint pain that lasts weeks. The illness causes severe symptoms, but is rarely fatal. It is treated symptomatically with rest and pain control.

West Nile virus is another mosquito borne illness with which most people are familiar.

There are no medications or vaccines to prevent this illness. However, most people who are infected will have no symptoms. About 1 in 5 people will develop a fever with some other mild flu-like symptoms, which can last 30-60 days. Fortunately, less than 1% of those infected will develop the most severe form of

illness- West Nile Encephalitis- which affects the brain and can be fatal.

Dengue fever is another major mosquito illness, infecting over 390 million people per year.

There are four strains of the virus, so people can be infected with the illness more than once, often with increasing severity. It is the leading cause of illness and death in the tropics and subtropics. There is also no prevention or treatment for Dengue. Illness ranges from asymptomatic to deadly. Supportive treatment is all that is available.

Zika virus is the current mosquito illness in the headlines. The illness cause by Zika is typically very mild with symptoms including fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). It usually self resolves within a week, and most people never seek medical attention or are aware they have the illness. The reason Zika virus has become so prominent in the news is that it has now been found to be the cause of a severe birth defect when a pregnant woman is infected with the virus. The birth defect is called microcephaly, which is a congenital defect of the cranium and brain size that results in profound neurological defects and often death.

Prevention is key to avoiding these mosquito borne illnesses. The number one way to prevent bites is insect repellent. Insect repellent is safe when used as directed, even for children

and pregnant women. The higher the percentage of the active ingredient, the longer the protection lasts. The main insect repellents contain DEET, Picaridin, Oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Another mainstay of protection is to cover up if weather permits. Long sleeves and pants help prevent bites. If possible, avoid being outside during dawn and dusk hours when mosquitoes are abundant. Try to keep any standing water to a minimum, as this is where mosquitoes breed. There are also multiple companies in town that will spray your yards every few weeks to keep mosquitoes at bay.

So, now that you are thoroughly scared about the mosquito bites you see on your child, what is the best thing to do? First, relax! The majority of mosquito bites are benign and cause nothing more than an annoying, itchy reaction.

Over the counter hydrocortisone cream can help decrease the swelling and itchiness. If your child has more of an allergic reaction to mosquito bites and the site swells, try a dose of Benadryl to squelch the reaction in addition to the hydrocortisone cream. This should help ease their discomfort. Remember- prevention is key-but if your child is bitten, the majority of mosquito bites are an itchy nuisance!

Dr. Karen Doles is a board certified pediatrician practicing at Professional Pediatrics in Montgomery, Alabama. She completed her medical degree at the University of Tennessee in Memphis, and her residency at State University of New York in Buffalo. She lives in Montgomery with her husband and three children.

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

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

Newborn, Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

OFFICE HOURS Mon-Thurs Friday Saturday Sunday Montgomery Parents I June 2016

8:00 am - Evening Appts.

8:00 am - 4:00 pm 9:00 am - 12:00 noon 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm 12

www.professionalpediatrics.com www.montgomeryparents.com

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Success Through Career/ Tech College is a truly viable option for many students.

It can make a difference in their earning potential and professional and personal success. But not every child is destined for a traditional four-year institution. Thankfully, there are other options that offer opportunities for these students to move beyond entrylevel jobs into high-earning positions upon program completion.

Learning a skilled trade can provide earning potential that rival many professions that require masters or even doctorate degrees. Plumbers, welders, HVAC technicians and many other skilled trades can provide incomes and job satisfaction that will support families and provide the basis for a happy life. Montgomery Public Schools has worked

very hard to give students who are interested in pursuing these careers both the training and guidance to reach their life goals.

Montgomery Preparatory Academy for Career Technologies (MPACT) is the flagship of our career/technical training. The campus offers majors in Advertising Design, Building Sciences, Construction, and Electrical Technology. Students attend their zoned school for part of the day to get their core subjects.

The rest of the day is spent on the MPACT campus. Next fall, MPACT will move to their new location at One Center, formally Montgomery Mall. Additional majors will come on board in the coming months and years.

MPACT partners with local businesses and with Trenholm State Community College and many other organizations to offer students real world experiences and even college credit while they are still in high school. The award winning school may be the perfect path for students who are interested in becoming a skilled craftsman. Either through internships with businesses or continuing to earn an associate’s degree with a technical or community college. Some may even choose to continue with earning a four-year degree after-all.

Montgomery Public Schools middle and high schools also offer Career/Technical training through individual classes and our self-contained academies. For example Lee students learn computer skills in our Information Technology Academy. High schools feature a variety of options offering students the opportunity to not only learn useful and marketable skills, but nationally recognized certification in a variety of areas that allow them to go directly to work or give them an advantage when applying for continuing education.

Yes, traditional college degrees give students opportunities, but there are rewarding options for students who want to choose a different path. If you think your child would benefit from our Career/Technical programs, please contact his or her school counselor or call our Career Technical Education Department at 334-269-3613.

We are now open and accepti new Medicaid patients!

(334) 801-9800

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.

We are now open and accepting new Medicaid patients!

(334) 801-9800

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Dr. Shobha Hosur and her staff are dedicated to helping children get “on the right track” to great dental health!

553 N Eastern Blvd • Montgomer y, Alabama www.ToothBudsAtLagoonPark.com Montgomery Parents I June 2016

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We have a welcoming, open environment that encourages our patients to enjoy the dentist from a young age.

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Montgomery County Schools

Jackson Hospital Foundation Awards Ten $1,000 Scholarships to Area High School Seniors

Hooper Student Qualifies for National Rodeo Finals Hooper Academy’s Josie Layne Hussey is a member of Alabama Junior High School Rodeo Association and has qualified for the National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Lebanon, Tennessee, for six events.

The Jackson Hospital Foundation awarded ten $1,000 scholarships to outstanding high school seniors who are hoping to pursue careers in healthcare. The Jackson Hospital Foundation recognizes a great need for the training of new healthcare professionals in the River Region. To assist Jackson Hospital with ongoing recruitment of capable, competent local employees, the Foundation offers scholarship assistance to qualified seniors at area high schools.

Money for the scholarships is raised through the “Thank Your Doctor” program in March to honor Doctor’s Day. For more information, visit Jackson.org/ Foundation.

From left are Dr. Jim McLaughlin; Q’Darius Melton, Stanhope Elmore High School; Morgan Miller, Elmore County High School; Da’djah Sanders, Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School; Derek Taplin, Wetumpka High School; Jordan Sasser, Luverne High School; Victoria Hamilton, Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School; Kirstyn Griffith, Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School; Chase Burton, Benjamin Russell High School; Grace Allen, Macon East Academy; and Dr. Don Marshall.

Not pictured: Reed Norton, Alabama Christian Academy.

St. Bede Students Run in ‘Laces for Literacy’

On April 23, eighteen Montgomery Catholic St. Bede Students participated in the “Laces for Literacy” 5K and Fun Run in Montgomery. R.J. Bristow (4th grade) won the male mile run with a time of 7:39. Amy Treloar (5th grade) won the female mile run with a time of 7:59. 5K runners Aidan Fleet (2nd grade) finished third overall with a time of 29:42, and Lena Duncan finished tenth overall at 36:30. Montgomery Catholic had a total of twenty students participate with great success at a wonderful event.

From left are Lena Duncan, Amy Treloar, R.J. Bristow and Aidan Fleet (front).

Montgomery Parents I June 2016

BrewTech Robotics Team Wins Awards in Kentucky Brew Tech robotics students recently captured awards during the 2016 VEX World Competition in Louisville, Kentucky. The students competed against robots from over 500 high school representing 37 countries and all 50 states, with over 16,000 students in attendance. Guinness Book of World Records certified this was the largest robot event in the world to date.

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Montgomery County Schools

Success Unlimited Class Learning Life Skills

The Success Unlimited Academy Achievers class is constantly working on life skills needed for everyday living. This past semester the students learned to sew. Each student was given two pieces of material, a needle, buttons, and thread.

Teacher Kay Smith taught the students the proper way to sew on buttons by going from the bottom of the material to the top.

The project continued throughout the semester with more sewing projects planned in the future.

Shown are Spencer Reeves, front, and Sterling Parker.

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BTW Students Receive Council on the Arts Awards

Booker T. Washington visual art and photography students and their teacher, Rachel Dudley, recently received Alabama State Council on the Arts 2016 Visual Arts Achievement Awards. The winners from left are Tiiwon Siaway, $500 College Scholarship; Caleb Griffin, $500 College Scholarship; Taikhari McCant, 1st Place Photography; Lena Lynn, $500 College Scholarship; Rachel Dudley, 2016 Art Educator Award; Erika Lewis, 1st Place Drawing; Ashton Ray, 1st Place Painting; and Jordan Brazell, Best of Show. * Scholarship award recipients will be able to receive double the awarded amount of scholarship money, if the student enrolls in an approved state college.

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Pike Road Student Wins National Essay Contest

American Mothers 2016 National Essay Contest winner for Pike Road School is Ashlee Lynch. Above from left are Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone, 2015 Alabama Mother of the Year Charlene Rabren, contest winner Ashlee Lynch, Pike Road Schools Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Freeman, and 2014 Alabama Mother of the Year Patty Payne.

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Junior League Presents Donations to Schools

The Junior League of Montgomery surprised Flowers Elementary Principal Ethel Barnes, shown above, and Chisolm Elementary Principal Trey Price, below, with checks for $3,500 and $5,000. Flowers will receive $3,500 to purchase a new sound system for its music programs and school assemblies.

Chisolm will receive $5,000 to purchase new books for its library. The Junior League has also given donations to Jefferson Davis High School for baseball equipment, Garrett Elementary for new laptops, Valiant Cross Academy for uniforms, and Booker T. Washington Magnet High School for arts enrichment.

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Montgomery County Schools

STJ Senior Earns Speech & Debate National Championship Titles

Saint James senior Bradley Wascher earned several top-place honors in Speech and Debate this spring. At the Tournament of Champions, Wascher was ranked ninth in the nation in Extemporaneous Speaking.

And in the Extemporaneous Speaking Tournament of Champions, Wascher placed second in the nation in Impromptu Speaking and fifth in Extemporaneous Speaking!

Wascher plans to attend Western Kentucky University (WKU) in the fall, where he will continue to compete in Speech and Debate. WKU is recognized as one of the most respected and successful college level Speech and Debate programs in the nation. Wascher was granted a full scholarship to attend WKU and compete for their team.

Park Crossing’s HEELS Club Holds First Cotillion

Park Crossing High’s HEELS Club (Helping Each and Every Lady Succeed) ended the school year with its first-ever cotillion. HEELS women commit themselves to 10 hours of community service and high scholarship. This year’s queen, Nia Averett, accumulated more than 40 community service hours, boasts a GPA of 3.61 and finished in the top 10% of the graduating class.

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

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In the 2015-2016 seasons, we had 10 State Champions, 25 Regional Qualifiers, and 3 National Junior Olympic Qualifiers!!

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Lanier Students Launch Teen Empowerment Organization

Lanier High students, with the help of teacher Amelia Farrior and others, recently launched a teen empowerment and mentoring organization called “Queens of the Castle” and held a Saturday morning workshop called “All Dolled Up.” The session was for girls ages 13-17 and focused on positive ways to build self-esteem and empower them to lead courageously, give generously, and enrich themselves culturally so that they can make intelligent choices and be positive influences in their communities.

We offer recreational gymnastics and competitive level gymnastics from Level 1 to Level 10 Boys and Girls Call today to start your Olympic Dreams in the City of Dreams!!!

Montgomery Catholic Musicians Chosen for All-State Honor Band

Students from all over the state of Alabama audition and the top performers are selected to be members of All-State Honor Bands.

Montgomery Catholic has nine students honored as members of the All-State Band at the All-State Band Festival held April 13-16, the highest number of any school from Montgomery County and a school record.

The Montgomery Catholic band members honored were: Beth Vaughan, 1st Chair, Alabama All-State Red Band; Logan Stevens, 11th Chair, Alabama All-State Red Band; Henry Petters, 2nd Chair, Alabama All-State Red Band; Eric Crenshaw, 3rd Chair, Alabama All-State Blue Band; Mary Reagan Starrett, 5th Chair, Alabama All-State Blue Band; David Bender, 16th Chair, Alabama All-State Blue Band; Ashley Hayes, 10th Chair, Alabama All-State Middle School Band; Victoria Hall, 13th Chair, Alabama All-State Middle School Band; and Jackson Penso, 4th Chair, Chair, Alabama All-State Middle School Band.

Montgomery Catholic’s band is under the direction of Alex Johnson with Co-Director Kristine Johnson.

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Montgomery County Schools

Pike Road Renovates Historic School Building With Plans to be Ready by 2017

Holy Cross Class of 2016 Enjoys Mexican Lunch Out

Before they graduate, sixth-grade students at Holy Cross Episcopal School are treated to lunch at a local Mexican restaurant. Accompanied by their teacher, Sara Sprenger, and Principal Kathy Taylor, this year’s graduates traveled to Tipico de Mexico where they used skills learned in Spanish class to place their orders.

Students enjoyed an hour of great food, laughter, and lots of making memories before heading back to school.

Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone said that the town is renovating the community’s historic school building for use in 2017. The school board will decide how the property can best help the growing east Montgomery County town and its students, after the town purchased the facility and accompanying 26 acres last fall.

“We are in the process of renovating the interior and will be taking bids for remodeling and should have it open in 2017,” Stone said.

The property is centrally located in Pike Road and will function as a second campus, Stone said. The school started as a K-8 system in the fall of 2015 but will add a grade each year, starting this fall.

The purchase of the land and former school is another pivotal moment among many that has taken the town from a population of less than 500 citizens to about 8,000 in 2016.

“We sense a lot of enthusiasm and are very excited about what the Pike Road school system has provided for the community,” Stone said, adding that the school has helped bring people together and generated a lot of interest in Pike Road from businesses and prospective new residents.

Stone said the system has been lauded for its innovative approach to learning that has brought people from different backgrounds together and pushed students to achieve. The school also has enjoyed excellent parental involvement and a coming together of school teachers and staff, many of whom met just a year ago, he said.

“We’ve been very pleased,” Stone said about the first year, adding that there will be an evaluation to make improvements.

(Information for this article courtesy of The Montgomery Advertiser.)

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MEA Participates in Legislative Day

Legislative Day, sponsored by the Alabama Bankers Association, invites high school student government leaders and class officers from all over Alabama to learn about the legislative process and meet their elected officials.

Participants have an opportunity to visit the House chamber, learn how bills become law, and take part in a mock vote.

Tours of the Capitol and the Alabama Department of Archives and History, as well as lunch with legislators and senate banking committee members at the RSA Activity Center, are part of the day’s events.

Macon East representatives Susie Johnson, Sami Nesbitt and Jennifer Campbell enjoyed taking part in this year’s Alabama Legislative Day.

Britton Named ACA Track & Field State Champ

Alabama Christian Academy student Sheldon Micah Britton was named the 5A State Champion in the 800, 1600 and 3200 meter races, for the second year in a row at the State meet in Gulf Shores in early May. Britton was seeded second in the 1600 m race, but once he passed the first 800m mark, he finished all alone and set a new ACA school record in 4:25. The 3200m race looked like a replay from last year’s race. The ACA senior took control from the start and the field of runners relinquished the lead to him with no questions asked.

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Trinity Senior Robert Adams Named Jimmy Hitchcock Winner

Catholic’s Murry Commits to Mobile

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory held a spring signing ceremony for senior volleyball player Sarah Murry on May 13 in the Library at Montgomery Catholic’s Middle & High School campus. Murry signed her letter of intent to play volleyball with the University of Mobile for the next four years. Her parents, brother Travis and his fiance, Evan Labarge, Catholic’s Volleyball Coach Amy Patterson, former volleyball coaches, fellow Montgomery Catholic students and school administration were all in attendance for the ceremony.

Murry, a four-year MCPS Varsity player, joined the Montgomery Catholic family in the sixth grade, and began her school volleyball career in middle school. She also began playing CCJ club volleyball as a sophomore. She thanked her family, Coach Patterson and all of her past coaches for their support, especially her parents, who not only supported but invested in her athletic career. She said of her school choice, “when I visited campus it just felt like home.”

Murry is the daughter of Rebecca and John Murry of Pike Road. She is shown above with them, her brother Travis and future sister-in-law Evan LaBarge, grandparents Ray and Grace Leonard and aunts, Teresa Leonard and Karen Leonard.

Trinity Presbyterian School senior Robert Adams was named the male winner of the YMCA of Greater Montgomery’s Jimmy Hitchcock Award at the 57th annual Jimmy Hitchcock banquet held at Frazer United Methodist Church on May 10.

The Jimmy Hitchcock Award is given to a senior athlete who exhibits outstanding Christian leadership. Adams was one of 56 Montgomery County students nominated. The prestigious award has been given out for more than a century and Trinity School has accumulated more recipients than any other independent school in the River Region. In fact, Robert’s father and Trinity alumnus, Jason Adams, won the award in 1990.

Robert has been a varsity starter on Trinity’s football team for the past three years as a wide receiver and the kicker for the Trinity Wildcats. His career statistics for football are 50 receiving touchdowns (3rd all-time record in Alabama), 3,390 receiving yards (7th all-time record in Alabama), and 225 receptions. He was only one touchdown away from breaking the record of the most touchdowns scored in the history of Trinity football.

Adams was also part of the 2013 and 2015 State Baseball Championship Teams. He was recognized as the MVP for both championship series. In the 2015 championship series, he batted 7-for-7, including 3-for-3 in the clinching win. He led the Wildcats on the mound with a nine-strikeout performance. His career baseball statistics are .387 batting average, .444 on-base percentage, 171 hits, 111 RBI’s, 122 runs scored, 1.89 ERA, and 12 home runs.

Adams was named the 4A Bryant-Jordan Scholar Athlete for the State of Alabama by the Alabama High School Athletic Association in April 2016. The Montgomery Quarterback Club recognized him as Private School Player of the Week during his junior and senior years. He was also the recipient of the Private School Player of the Year award by The Montgomery Quarterback Club. The Montgomery Advertiser named Adams the 1A-4A All Metro Player of the Year in both football and baseball, as well as the 4A Baseball Player of the Year and Pitcher of the Year.

Even with an arduous sports schedule, Adams continued to be actively involved in service organizations such as Key Club and FCA. In addition, he volunteers at Vaughn Road Elementary School as a study buddy to young children. He is an active member in the youth group at First United Methodist Church in Montgomery, where he serves as an acolyte and a children’s church leader. He has been involved in local mission projects, VBS, the youth choir and the Youth Leadership Team.

Adams recently signed a letter of intent to play football at Samford University.

Shown from left are Trinity Head Baseball Coach Ken Whittle, Jason Adams, Robert Adams and Head Football Coach Randy Ragsdale.

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

ACA Holds Moms and Muffins Event

Mrs. Clifton’s and Mrs. Torode’s pre-K classes at Alabama Christian Academy recently honored their moms with their annual Moms and Muffins event. Moms enjoyed muffins and spending time with their students. The highlight was the viewing of a special DVD made of the students throughout the school year. Each mom received a copy of this DVD in addition to a hand-painted canvas gift for Mother’s Day.

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AISA State Reading Winner

Macon East Academy fourth-grade student Jacob Simpson received second-place honors in the Alabama Independent School Association State Reading Contest. He qualified for the contest in the 3rd-5th grade category based on the number of pages read this school year.

Simpson read more than 25,000 pages through the accelerated reader program.

Montgomery Parents I June 2016

Saint James Takes Two Top Spots in National French Contest

High marks were awarded to the Saint James students who competed in The National French Contest of the American Association of Teachers of French, Le Grand Concours, this spring.

A Gold Medal Winner in the NativeSpeaker Category was French III student Marie-Soleil Turcotte. The Saint James freshman placed in the 95th percentile of students taking the exam and was ranked second in Alabama and an impressive fifth nationally.

Silver Medal Winner, Saint James sophomore Sydney Brashears, is a French II student who placed in the 85th percentile and was ranked eighth in Alabama and an outstanding eleventh place in the nation.

Two Bronze Medal winners, Jung In Ha and Heather Otis, are also French II students and scored in the 75th to 80th percentiles on the exam. Receiving Honorable Mentions are French II students Claudia Hubbard and JB Ramsey, who both scored within the 50th and 70th percentiles on the exam.

“I am so proud of all of these students,” said Monsieur Lazaro Saavedra, STJ French teacher. “They all have studied and worked very hard this year—the accolades they have been given illustrate their commitment to personal excellence.”

Front row from left are Jung In Ha and Marie-Soleil Turcotte; back row are: Sydney Brashears, Claudia Hubbard, JB Ramsey and Heather Otis.

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ACA Welcomes New High School Principal

AFA Montgomery Chapter Names Catholic’s Walski Chapter Teacher of the Year

Alabama Christian Academy welcomes new high school principal, Julie Taggert. She has been involved with Christian education for more than 35 years as a student, teacher, and administrator. A math and science educator for more than 20 years, Taggert holds a teaching degree from Lipscomb University and an educational leadership degree from Abilene Christian University. She has also done work in accrediting schools across the South for both AdvancEd (SACS) and the National Christian School Association (NCSA). While Taggert begins her ACA career this summer, her husband Jeff and their four daughters will join ACA this fall.

“There is no better foundation that we can give our children than to combine the strength of the family, church and school,” Taggert says. “I am looking forward to a great year at ACA!”

The Montgomery Chapter of the Air Force Association has selected Mindy Walski, an A.P. Computer Science teacher from Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, as the 2016 Chapter Teacher of the Year. Susan Mallett of the Air Force Association made a special presentation to Walski after school Mass on May 6 in the Dolly Barranco Activity Center.

Walski graduated from Friends University in Wichita, Kansas, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems as well as a Master’s of Management Information Systems degree. After being hired by Montgomery Catholic, she returned to college at the University of West Alabama and received a Master of Science in Continuing Education in Library Media.

Walski worked as a programmer/analyst for Protection One and then as a Systems Analyst for Hilo Hattie before staying home for a few years while her husband deployed to Iraq.

Walski’s family transferred to Montgomery and she began her career at Montgomery Catholic in 2012.

“The Montgomery Chapter is proud to recognize Mindy Walski for her dedication to STEM education,” said Susan Mallett, Montgomery Chapter Air Force Association Vice President for Aerospace Education. “Mindy Walski continues to make a difference in the lives of students and in our community and we are thankful for her efforts.”

Walski founded the Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School CyberPatriot program, where she had 40 students in grades 7-12 participate on seven high school teams and two middle school teams. With great national results, Walski is looking forward to continuing the program next year. Walski is also responsible for developing Montgomery Catholic’s AP Computer Science courses and will expand the course selection for the 2016-2017 academic year.

Shown, Susan Mallett of the Air Force Association names Walski Teacher of the Year. Montgomery Catholic Principal Chad Barwick is at far right.

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Macon East Participates in Youth in City Government

Several Macon East juniors and seniors participated in the Montgomery and Pike Road Youth in City Government events.

Youth in City Government days, sponsored by the YMCA, give student leaders the opportunity to debate city ordinances they propose, preside on the council, and be eligible to participate in the youth mayor’s election. Students also enjoyed meeting with the Mayor and City Councilmen and lunch with the other student representatives.

Meri-Kathryn Bright, 2016 Pike Road Youth Mayor, was succeeded by MEA’s Seth Meadows, who will serve as Mayor for 2017.

Bailey Blaze was recognized for her service on the city council presiding over the day’s events at Montgomery’s Youth in City day.

Montgomery participants, shown above, were: Bailey Blaze, Lindsey Johnson, Alex Wyrosdick, Hannah Davis, Meri-Kathryn Bright, and Chandler Lunn.

Pike Road participants, shown below, were: Will Dowe, Hannah Walters, Seth Meadows, Bailey Blaze, Meri-Kathryn Bright and DH Holifield.

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ECA’s Track Team Members Place at State

Evangel Christian Academy’s track team finished with several members placing at the 2A Division and State level. Lexie Toth placed first in the 2A division and third in the state in the High Jump competition. Toth also placed first in the 2A 100 Meter Hurdles and fifth in the state 100 Meter Hurdles. In the Triple Jump, Jordan Cartee placed first in the 2A division and fifth in the state. He also placed second in the 2A division and fifth in the state in the Boys’ 400 Meter. Derek Kitchens placed seventh in the state in the Boys’ 800 Meter Dash. Karley Blankenship placed ninth in the state in 800 Meter Dash for the girls. In the Girls’ 400 Meter, Kayla Porter placed sixth in the state.

Brittney Johnson, Ashley Jones, Toth and Porter placed second in the state in the 4x200 meter relay.

Holy Cross Music ‘May Madness’

May has been extra “mad” this year at Holy Cross Episcopal School. The Show Choir had its annual music theory tournament in May instead of March.

In the team tournament the first week, sixth-grade students Emily Holston and Kaitlin Phenix dominated the entire tournament and added TONS of extra credit points to their banks. They were crowned the Champions of May Music Madness!

Fifth-grade students Nasir Burton and Brett Westhauser finished very respectfully as the runner-up team.

The next week, the grades battled each other for bragging rights. The answers were coming quickly...the shots were being made...and you could cut the tension with a knife as the hour came to a close. Each team answered its final question correctly and got two shots each. The sixth grade was up by one point and missed both shots. The fifth grade had Louis Bradford on the line and he made the two-point shot for the fifth grade to win! MaKayla Ballard added to the agony of defeat with her final twopoint shot going in as well. Westhauser and Ballard also won special recognition by receiving the sportsmanship awards.

Pike Road Students Learn Time & Money Skills Community two students from Pike Road School practiced their time and money skills by using games, puzzles, and manipulatives.

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STJ Students Score on National Spanish Exam

Several world language students from Saint James School attained national recognition for excellent performance on the 2016 National Spanish Examinations. Students earned four bronze medals along with two honorable mentions. “Attaining a medal or honorable mention on the National Spanish Examinations is very prestigious,” said Kevin Cessna-Buscemi, national director of the exams, “because the exams are the largest of their kind in the United States with over 160,000 students participating in 2016.”

The 2016 Saint James Bronze winners included Gyuna Kim, Sarah Claire Loeb, Mackenzie Montiel and Lauren Talkington. These students competed in the Level 3 exam in a national pool of more than 29,700. The Saint James students who were awarded Honorable Mention were Jade Farah and Minji Kim. They competed in the Level 2 exam in a pool of more than 38,500 nationwide.

Saint James School students have a long history of high achievement on these exams and are taught by Spanish teacher, Sra Rhea Grate. STJ students who were awarded a bronze medal scored between the 75th and 84th percentile and students who were awarded honorable mention scored between the 50th and 74th percentile.

The National Spanish Examinations are administered each year in grades 6 through 12, and are sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese.

From left are Minji Kim, Sarah Claire Loeb, Lauren Talkington, Gyuna Kim, Mackenzie Montiel and Jade Farah.

Five Catholic Students Earn State Recognition For Duke TIPS Scores

Five Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School students have earned state recognition for their ACT scores by the Duke Talent Identification Program, with four being invited for summer studies. The students that qualified for state are Sam Leslie, Carlo DeJesus, Veronica Masters, Eli Starrett and James Saliba with Mai Ellington, DeJesus, Leslie and Masters being invited for summer studies.

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2600 Bell Road Montgomery, Alabama 334.277.6690

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Dr. John H. Payne IV • Dr. David Stanley • Dr. Davis Denney • Dr. Rob Owen Montgomery Parents I June 2016

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MEA’s Garrett Named Hitchcock Award Winner

The YMCA’s Jimmy Hitchcock Memorial Award is the highest honor bestowed upon high school athletes in the Montgomery area. Based on the principles of Christian leadership as well as athletic and academic excellence, the Hitchcock award encourages and inspires others to emulate the man whose memory is perpetuated by this award. At the 57th annual Jimmy Hitchcock banquet, Macon East’s Jesi Garrett was honored to be selected as the 2016 female winner. Trinity’s Robert Adams, shown with Garrett, was the male award winner.

The daughter of Terri and Alan Garrett, Jesi is not only an outstanding student at Macon East with a GPA of 4.24, she is a 10-time state champion and valedictorian of her graduating class. A threesport athlete in volleyball, basketball and softball, she has earned five consecutive state championships in both volleyball and softball.

Garrett has been named to numerous AISA all-tournament and all-metro teams and was selected as the AISA player of the year and state tournament MVP for volleyball. She was also an all-state basketball player, all-metro player of the year, and participated in the AISA senior all-star games in each of her sports.

Garrett serves as the team captain in all three sports, as well as being vice president of the Mu Alpha Theta mathematics honor society, member of the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Students, Camelot Club Justice, and the Math Team.

As a member of Woodland United Methodist Church, Garrett is involved in the youth group and sings in the choir. She not only made history as the first Hitchcock award winner from Macon East Academy, she will be the first two-sport athlete at the College of Coastal Georgia. Garrett has committed to play both volleyball and softball for the Mariners, while pursuing a degree in nursing.

Also representing Macon East at the 2016 Hitchcock awards was Lexi Brantley.

She is a five-time state champion in volleyball, an outstanding student and leader at MEA, and will continue her athletic career at Belhaven in Jackson, Miss.

Each year, freshman honorees are invited to attend the banquet representing their school. Nate Center and Bailey Williams were selected as this year’s freshman representatives and were both inspired to strive to be award nominees as seniors.

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

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ACA’s Williams Named Gatorade Player of the Year

STJ Second-Graders Hold Spelling Bees

Each of the second-grade classes at Saint James School held spelling bees and two representatives from each class competed in a grade-wide spelling bee. The winner of the overall Second Grade Spelling Bee this spring was Angella Lim. Her spelling is strengthened by her love for reading--she earned more than 300 Accelerated Reader points this year!

From left are 3rd-place winner Warren Walker from Mrs. Sherman’s class; 2nd-place winner Davie Hipp from Mrs. Edwards’ class; and 1st-place winner Angella Lim from Mrs. Haven’s class.

Montgomery Parents I June 2016

On May 10, Gatorade Company, in collaboration with USA TODAY High School Sports, awarded JJ Williams of Alabama Christian Academy its 2015-16 Gatorade Alabama Boys Soccer Player of the Year. He is the first Gatorade Player of the Year chosen from ACA. Williams has led the Eagles to a 21 and zero record.

At the time of his selection, Williams had scored 61 goals and passed for 20 assists.

He has maintained a B average in the classroom and volunteers locally at a homeless shelter and food bank. He will continue his soccer career at the University of Kentucky in the fall.

In its 31st year, the Gatorade Player of the Year award honors top high school student-athletes in 12 varsity sports for their athletic excellence, academic achievement and exemplary character. The selection process is administered by the Gatorade high school sports leadership team in partnership with USA Today High School Sports. In narrowing and evaluating the list of candidates for Gatorade State Player of the Year honors, Gatorade and USA Today High School Sports work with top sport-specific experts and a media advisory board of accomplished, veteran prep sports journalists. The Gatorade Player of the Year has become the most prestigious award in high school sports.

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MEA Holds Thespian Society Induction

Fifteen Macon East drama students were recently inducted into a newly formed chapter of the International Thespian Society. The Educational Theatre Association’s student honorary society recognizes high school students who have shown a commitment to theatre. Eligible students earn points for acting, set design, costume design, lighting and sound. ITS members must be part of at least two theatre productions or competitions, and complete at least 1,000 hours of work through practice, set construction, or other areas that contribute to the production of theatrical performances or competitions. These students are active members of MEA’s Drama Club participating in the annual cabaret and spring play, as well as district and state AISA drama competitions.

International Thespian Society members are, front row from left, Madison Lane, Savannah Clemens, Sam Pittenger, Madison Folkes, Jennifer Campbell, and Hannah Johnson; and back row, Sarah Margaret Poundstone, Hannah Walters, Hannah Davis, Cydney Worthington, Bailey Blaze, Hunter Talley, Emily Kyser and Ty Grant. Not pictured: Sam Rogers.

Guest Speakers from South University Visit Success Unlimited

Sixth graders at Success Unlimited Academy recently enjoyed a group of guest speakers from South University’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program.

Instructor Faith Berryman and three of her students presented presentations on very interesting and beneficial topics. Miles Juneau spoke about nutrition, Heath Minor taught about backpack safety and proper posture. Prateen Patel finished the presentation off with his talk on physical fitness. The students were engaged in learning and made some new friends in the process!

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Local Business Donates $20,000 to Park Crossing High School

Bethany Teacher Receives Golden Apple

Golden Apple Week Award winner Rhyanne Carrington has been nominated as one of four teachers in the River Region for the Alabama News Golden Apple Teacher of the Year Award. Carrington is currently the 7th and 8th grade teacher at Bethany Christian Academy, a small private school in Montgomery.

Carrington graduated from Oakwood University in Huntsville in 2013 and moved to Richmond, Va., where she also won a very similar teacher award her first year teaching, presented by a local radio station.

She has overcome many obstacles trying to be a teacher; in the fourth grade, Carrington was placed into the special education program due to dyslexia and her struggle for years to read and write. She says she owes everything she learned about helping children to amazing women in her life who showed her how. Her mother, Shelia Carrington, adopted four children and raised them as her own; her grandmother taught her to love no matter what; and three teachers changed her life forever. Mrs. DeRouk, Carrington’s special education teacher, took her time to teach and cared about Carrington’s long-term goal of getting out of the special education program. Mrs. Trot was a teacher who taught Carrington classroom management and Mrs. Crarey taught that as a teacher you can give tough love and the students will still love you back; it is all about how you give it.

“It was an honor just winning teacher of the week, but now, being nominated as Teacher of the Year...” Carrington says. “It is amazing to see that this all came from a community member writing a letter to the news station about me. It makes me wonder what was it that stood out to the community about me?”

Montgomery Parents I June 2016

Jim Wilson and Associates presented a fundraising challenge to Park Crossing High School – agreeing to match funds raised during the school year up to $20,000. The school accepted the challenge and, through a series of events, raised more than $45,000. Representatives from the Wilson company presented a check to the school on May 6 during Senior Honor Day at the school.

“We are thrilled,” said Park Crossing Principal Tracy Hubbert. “Even though we are a new school, we have so many things that need attention. This donation will go a long way to help us provide more services to our students. We are so very grateful to the Wilsons.”

Hubbert says the funds will be used, in part, for a much-needed portable laptop cart that will include 25 to 30 laptops and can be used by all students and teachers in the classroom.

The $20,000 donation is the first in a five-year, $100,000 challenge to Park Crossing High School.

The Wilson company has also offered the same challenge to James W. Wilson Elementary School and presented that school with a check in the amount of $20,000 in May 2015.

Will Wilson, president of Jim Wilson & Associates, said he believes business partnerships are critical to the success of our schools.

“Anytime we can encourage education and the physical well-being of our students we should do so, and this commitment and contribution to Wilson Elementary is a great way to do both,” said Wilson. “The ultimate goal is to enhance education and bring together children, parents and the community to make an outstanding school even better.”

From left are Anita Carter, vice president of residential development and marketing at Jim Wilson; Tracy Hubbert, Park Crossing principal; and Carl Bartlett, executive vice president of the company.

ACA’s Fishing Team Completes Third Season

The Alabama Christian Academy fishing team is wrapping up its third year of organization. In only three short years, the team has won three state tournaments, had several top five finishes, and qualified each year to fish in the ASABFA State Championship. ACA mainly competes in the Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association (ASABFA), which is the largest organized tournament trail for middle/ high school teams in Alabama.

ACA’s fishing team averages about 20 student anglers a year with both boys and girls participating. The student anglers participate in fall qualifying tournaments to determine the Top 10 and the Student Angler of the Year. The Top 10 then compete in ASABFA state tournaments across the state in the winter and spring in hopes of qualifying for the State Championship. Typically the ASABFA tournaments have 150 to 200 boats competing, representing 35 to 40 schools. The ACA fishing team is blessed with great parent support, an awesome group of boat captains, and talented student anglers.

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Success Unlimited Academy Students Shine In Spelling Bee

Jeff Davis Students Volunteer at Alabama Book Festival

The third through fifth grade classes at SUA worked hard to prepare for the first annual elementary spelling bee. These students studied diligently for several weeks learning the spelling of over one hundred words called in the first round of competition. Fourteen of the initial students managed to secure a spot in the final round.

Ms. Bonnie Nail, the fourth and fifth grade teacher, coordinated both rounds of competition for the spelling bee.

During preparation for the final competition, the fourteen students were challenged to learn the spelling of over six hundred words. On May 12, the fourteen students sounded out the spelling of over six rounds of challenging words. Mrs. Tonya Speed, a volunteer for the school, served as the official caller.

A slow elimination of the remaining words elevated the following students to the top three spellers for the elementary school. First place was secured by Jacarter Fielder, second place went to Colton Miles, and Nayvon Birmingham scored in for third place. Jacarter Fielder and Nayvon Birmingham are both fifth graders and Colton Miles is a fourth grader. The winners were presented trophies, along with participation certificates and medals. All three students are in Ms. Nail’s class.

Jeff Davis High School students in Shenitra Stokes-Dees’s English 10th-grade honors class recently volunteered during the 11th annual Alabama Book Festival. The students worked as time keepers, escorted the authors and greeted festival attendees. This is the third year that Jeff Davis honor students and Stokes-Dees have volunteered at the book festival.

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

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Montgomery County Schools

Forest Avenue PTA Hosts Ice Cream Party for 2015 National PTA Reflections Participants

On April 29, the Forest Avenue PTA hosted an ice cream party to celebrate the accomplishments of the 70 talented Forest Avenue students who participated in the 2015 National PTA Reflections program in creative arts and writing. The Reflections program annually recognizes students at the local, council/region, state, and national PTA levels.

Students of schools with participating PTAs may enter any or all of the six art categories, which include dance choreography, musical composition, film production, photography, literature, and visual arts.

Eleven students from Forest Avenue earned awards on the Montgomery Council level. Six students were recognized with awards on the State level, including first-place awards in literature (Alma Zimmer), photography (Rhea Rastogi), and film production (Michael C. Reese); a second-place award in dance (Camilla Ohme); and third-place awards in photography (Selena Enoch) and visual arts (Phillip Whang).

MEA Names State Art Show Winners

District qualifiers participated in the Alabama Independent School Association State Art Show at Faulkner University recently. Three Macon East students received recognition at the state show. Addison Little (3rd grade) received third place for her water-base entry “Ocean.” In the non-color drawing category, Wade Desmarais’ (5th grade) “Feather” was awarded second place. Also receiving second-place honors in the collage & mixed media division was Zach Taylor’s (9th grade) entry titled “Apples.”

U U U A A U A A A A B B B B B B B B B C C T C C C U C C

Montgomery Parents I June 2016

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HONOR. TRADITION. ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE. The Class of 2016 has earned merit-based scholarships totaling nearly 7 million dollars and will attend 16 different colleges and universities across the nation.

University of Alabama, Birmingham University of Alabama, Huntsville University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa Anderson University Appalachian State University University of Arkansas Asbury University Auburn University Auburn University Montgomery Austin College Baylor University Belhaven College Belmont University Beloit College Berry College Birmingham-Southern College Boston College Brenau University Brown University Calvin College Centre University The Citadel Clemson University College of Charleston College of William & Mary University of Colorado Converse College Covenant College

University of Delaware Delta State University Eckerd College Elon University Emory University Faulkner University Flagler College Florida State University University of Florida Furman University George Washington University Georgetown University University of Georgia Georgia Institute of Technology Hampden-Sydney College High Point University Hollins University Huntingdon College Jacksonville State University Judson College University of Kentucky University of Kansas The King’s College Lipscomb University Louisiana State University University of Louisiana – Monroe Loyola University Maryland Institute College of Art

Maryville College Millsaps College Middlebury College Mississippi College University of Mississippi Mississippi State University University of Mobile University of Montevallo New York University University of North Alabama University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Northeastern University University of Oklahoma Oklahoma State University Pepperdine University Randolph-Macon College Rhodes College Rice University University of Richmond Salem College Samford University Savannah College of Art and Design Southeastern Louisiana University Southern Illinois State University Southern Methodist University University of Rochester University of St. Andrews, Scotland University of St. Francis

University of Southern Mississippi University of the South: Sewanee University of South Alabama University of South Carolina University of Southern California Southeast Missouri State University Spring Hill College State University of New York at Stony Brook Stevens College Suffolk University University of Tennessee at Knoxville Texas Christian University Troy University Tufts University Tulane University Union University University of Utah United States Air Force Academy United States Naval Academy Vanderbilt University University of Virginia Wake Forest University Washington and Lee University Washington University in St. Louis Western Washington University Wheaton College Wofford College University of Wyoming

TRINITY GRADUATES HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED TO OVER 100 COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES ACROSS THE NATION.

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Montgomery County Schools

Catholic Elementary Science Olympiad Competes in Jacksonville

On February 20, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s elementary Science Olympiad team competed against 33 other schools in Jacksonville, Ala. The team, from both Montgomery Catholic’s Holy Spirit and St. Bede campuses, brought home medals from six events including: Crash Landing 1st: Tyler Peeler, Harrison Howell; Food for Thought 2nd: Andrew Bosch, Cecelia Crawford; Pasta Transporter 2nd: Nicholas Calandra, Cannon Bach; and Weather or Not 2nd: Cade Corbin; Deep Blue Sea 3rd: Cannon Bach, Alexander Villena; and Where in the World? 6th: Samuel Rogers and McKinley Boyd. Teammates were: Owen Beesley, Brenna Delgado, Esa Gancayco, Ailish Gilbert, Angeles Gonzalez-Ansaldi, Kaylee Holmes, Shannon Kille, Andres Lemuz, Maggie Stewart, and Mason Sylvester.

Pike Road Visitor Discusses Storm Preparedness

Mystery Reader Bill Kennedy read Just a Big Storm by Mercer Mayer to Pike Road School Community Two students and talked about storm preparedness. He even brought safety kits!

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STJ Science Teacher Named Teacher of the Year Heather Chinoski, seventh-grade science teacher at Saint James School, was selected as Teacher of the Year 2016 by Kingry Orthodontics of Montgomery. Chinoski’s student, Tyson Eley, entered his teacher in the contest and his essay was chosen in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week. During the surprise announcement, Eley and Kingry Orthodontics’ representative, Helen Brown, showered Chinoski with flowers, a certificate, and a gift bag of treats.

ACA Seniors Sign to Play Baseball

Alabama Christian Academy finishing seniors Grayson Blackwell and Jackson Britton recently signed with colleges for baseball. Blackwell, who signed with Southern Union, has been a three-year starter at Alabama Christian. His records are batting avg 390, slugging % 720, RBI’S 33 and home runs 6.

Britton signed with Huntingdon College.

He started in left field and was Alabama Christian’s #1 pitcher. He had 61 strikeouts, Era 2.1 - 4 complete games - 62 total innings pitched, 6 strikeouts per game.

From left are Coaches Greg Howard, Don Gilliam (Head Coach) and Manuel Guice with Grayson Blackwell, left, and Jackson Britton.

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Hooper Students Visit D.C. and Meet U.S. Veterans

Hooper Academy’s eighth- and ninth-graders went to Washington, D.C., where they were able to greet a couple of Veteran Honor Flights for veterans of World War II. The students shook their hands and thanked them for their service.

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Holy Cross Students Celebrate AR Success

Holy Cross students in grades 2-6 who met all their Accelerated Reader goals for the 201516 school year recently took an afternoon off to celebrate their success. These students came to school dressed in shorts and Holy Cross T-shirts and brought their water guns ready to play the afternoon away. Beginning at noon, they were treated to pizza and soft drinks for an outside picnic. Once lunch was over, it was out to the playground and fields for more than an hour of making sure everyone got wet. Ice cream and Italian ice treats offered the group a chance to cool down and dry off before they went inside to rest and watch a movie. The event was a great success with students planning to meet their goals and be at the end of the year AR Water Day next year.

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P Got news? Send us your school bits by the 12th of each month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.

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Macon East Academy Named 2016 Softball State Champions

With a season record of 53-10, the Macon East Academy Lady Knights softball team swept the competition at the Alabama Independent School Association AA state tournament to win its fifth consecutive title. Entering the tournament as the second seeded team after a disappointing loss at region to Edgewood Academy, the Knights faced an uphill battle for the championship.

In the state tournament at Lagoon Park May 6-7, MEA defeated Clarke Prep (17-0) and Pickens Academy (3-2) in the first day of play.

On Saturday morning, the Knights got the win over Edgewood (8-5) to reach the finals, setting up a rematch with a strong Pickens team. A 1-0 win over Pickens clenched the fifth straight state championship for Head Coach Glynn Lott and his team.

Seniors Paxton Searle and Jesi Garrett began their softball careers together as five-year-olds at Montgomery American, and have led the Macon East team this season. Searle pitched in all four games at the state tournament including two shutouts. With four team home runs for the tournament and 58 for the season, it was eighth-grader Kayla Boroff’s three-run homer for the win over Pickens Friday that kept the team in the winner’s bracket. With that at-bat, Boroff clenched a spot on the all-tournament team along with Garrett and Madisyn Kennedy.

Earning all four wins for the Knights, Searle was named tournament MVP. The Lady Knights are now the reigning five-time state champions in both softball and volleyball, and both teams are looking for #6 next season.

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Pike Road Students Take Evil Queen and Snow White to Court

For Pike Road Community Three students in the Court of Once Upon a Time, the case of The Evil Queen vs. Snow White is headed to the grand jury.

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Catholic Bands Receive High Performance Assessment Ratings

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School had a great day at the annual District VI Alabama Bandmasters Association Musical Performance Assessment (MPA) held on March 8 at First Baptist Church in Montgomery. This year was the first time in recent years that Montgomery Catholic has taken more than one band to the MPA, and the first time in school history that three bands from the school participated. The bands were Intermediate, Advanced and Concert.

“All of our students did a great job, both musically and especially with their etiquette and conduct throughout the day while interacting with bands from other schools,” Band Director Alex Johnson said. “The overall experience was great for everyone.” Johnson also gave credit to Kristine Johnson, who teaches Beginning Band and assists with the Intermediate at Montgomery Catholic, in helping achevie these new milestones for the school.

The Montgomery Catholic Band Ratings received at MPA were: I=Superior, II=Excellent. The MCPS Intermediate Band received I-I-I on stage and II in sight-reading. The band members are: Ines Gonzalez, Rachel Rodriguez, Alyssa Decker, Mai Ellington, Angela Gier, Carlo DeJesus, Molly Nicklay, Julliana Hincapie, Daniel Gacha, Victoria James, Nelson Parrish, Patrick Flores, Veronica Masters, Aidan Cochran, Connor Lee, Emily Riggles, Cacey Williams, Ethan Gilbert, Koen McDaniel, Jasmine Blakeney and Janie Roberts, directed by Kristine Johnson.

The MCPS Advanced Band earned I-I-I on stage and I in sight-reading, which equates to all “A” scores in every sub-caption on every score sheet from every judge. This is the first time a MCPS band has achieved this distinction.

Members are: Ashley Hayes, Victoria Hall, Hannah Vaccaro, Lainie Doyle, Annie Reed, Kyla Stinson, Darian Riley, Katie Perkins, Ryan Meachum, Savannah Johnson, Charlie O’Donnell, Clayton Peeler, Robert Crawford, Ryan Avery, Jackson Penso, Sean Moore, Angela Gier, Mai Ellington and Emily Riggles, directed by Alex Johnson.

The Concert Band earned II-II-II on stage, and a I in sight-reading. Members are: Audrey Kim, Jennifer Doan, Irene Hong, Chloe Smith, Marie Bristol, Henry Petters, Logan Stevens, Mary Reagan Starrett, Maria Barragan, Ashleigh Little, Alex Smith, Kernessia Gadson, Beth Vaughan, Hyuntaek Seo, Maggie Tippett, Jeremy Ramirez, Jevon Murdock, Clint Williams, Jonah Gier, Ricky Treloar, John Faulkner, Cammie Brown, Ralph Clements, Maddie Losik, Victoria Hardy, Jonathan Guevara, Katie McDaniel, Chris Waring, David Bender, Zach Moore, Adam Bristol, Eric Crenshaw, Skye Alexander, Francisco Gonzalez, Ezequiel Gonzalez, Emily Talbot, Nick Bowden and Lizzie Londell, directed by Alex Johnson.

Floyd Middle Students Create Chalk Art at Flimp Festival

Floyd Middle Magnet School students participated in the Flimp Festival’s Sidewalk Chalk Art Competition at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. The theme this year was portraits. Participants worked all day Friday to create their artwork for the festival on Saturday.

Students Alex Hayes, Lelah Oliver, Dehee Yi, Laura Stokley, Payden Alice Smith and Sarah Blackwell sketched two creative chalk pieces. Kolbi Bates, Lauren Bonikowski, Colton Criswell and Tyler Toth won first place in the middle school division for their piece entitled “Unique Perspective – A Selfie at the MMFA.”

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It is hard to believe the 20152016 school year is over! I would like to recognize, thank, and congratulate all of our retirees who have worked diligently to educate the next generation.

Retiring this year are Amy Albritton, Angie Barrett, Beth Baulch, Betsy Carter, Joyce Coady, Darrell Diaz, Merriann Diaz, Jacqueline Ellison, Shelia Gaither, Carole Hall, Sarah Hallman, Kathy Hill, Sherry Hunt, Pam Hunter, Connie Jones, Karen Jordan, Teresa Littlejohn, Janet Manderson, Mary Manning, John McGalliard, Peggy Morris, Diana Norwood, Jackie Raines, Lesia Robinson, Linda Strange, Dolly White and Annie Yelder. I wish each of you a long, fun-filled retirement. Thank you for what you have done for our students.

Autauga County School System has outstanding students! I want to share with

Montgomery Parents I June 2016

you a few of their recent accomplishments. “On A Positive Note� is a program sponsored by the Juvenile Court of Autauga County.

The program recognizes youth (age 18 and under) in our community who make a positive contribution above and beyond the normal expectations in their home, school, and community. The following students received this award during a ceremony held on Friday, May 6, at the Autauga County Courthouse: Gavin Baugh-Prattville High School, Andrew Boone-Prattville Junior High School, Jack Carignan-PHS, TaDarrius Collins-PHS, Angelica Davis-PHS, Diana LivingstonMarbury High School, Noel Moseley-PJHS, Javonda Peagler-PHS, Brianna Smith-PHS, NaKayla Taylor-PHS, Orlando Walker-PJHS, and Joey Wright-Marbury Middle School.

Our students never cease to impress me. On Friday, May 6, I had the privilege to attend The Seuss Odyssey presented by Prattville Junior High School students. This was one of the best performances I have ever seen. The amount of time, effort, talent, and creativity that went into putting the show on was simply amazing. The follow-

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ing students took part in this performance: Maggie Allwein, Josh Basco, Audrey Beaver, Mary Pratt Bedwell, Nick Boger, Jackson Chandler, Sarah Farnworth, Morgan Fuller, Gabby Puig-Garcia, Draven Gonzales, Chase Hughes, Taten Hopkins, Torey Johnson, Leah Knott, Mary Joh LaVanish, Margaret Lewis, Logan Meeks, Dawson McLean, Noel Mosely, Meagan Motyka, Hannah Murphree, Haedyn Myers, Ana Nunez, Ashleigh Parrish, Tanner Parrish, Alex Pearce, Caleb Quick, Nlaana Reffett, Caleb Sanders, LeDeriyas Sanders, Moriah Seay, Skylar Strickland, Brian Walker, Roxane Walker, Caitlyn Whisnant, and Annabelle Whitten.

I wish each of you a safe and fun-filled summer! I look forward to the next school year and the chance to share the many outstanding accomplishments of the young people of Autauga County with you.

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

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Autauga County Schools

Prattville Junior High Students Win Positive Accolades

Prattville Junior High Celebrates Power of Positive Behavior

Prattville Junior High School was notified recently of three recipients of the “On a Positive Note” award sponsored by Judge Joy Booth and the Juvenile Court of Autauga County. Eighthgrade students Orlando Walker, Andrew Boone and Noel Moseley, center, were selected for this prestigious award. A ceremony was held in their honor to celebrate overcoming difficulties and demonstrating positive attributes in school and throughout the community.

Prattville Junior High School celebrates students with EXCELLENT behavior through a Positive Office Referral Program. Teachers nominate students who demonstrate excellent classroom behavior and show they are Respectful, Responsible, and Resourceful. Seventh-grader Erin McQueen is one example of a recent recipient. She received a small prize and a positive phone call home. As educators, sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference!

Prattville Kindergarten Conducts Safari Tours

During the month of April, Prattville Kindergarten School stayed busy with registration for the 2016-17 school year. Upcoming kindergarten students were able to come and visit the school with their parents and take a safari tour. As the children were busy finding all of the wild animals on their list, they were able to stop along the way and learn about Prattville Kindergarten School. Parents, children and PKS staff enjoyed a fun time together.

If you have a child that will be entering kindergarten next year, we hope you will come in and register. Registration times for the 2016-17 school year are daily from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Come join us at PKS where we are “Wild About Learning!”

Montgomery Parents I June 2016

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Congratulations Class of 2016 Life is full of defining moments, moments so profound and meaningful that we forever look at our lives in terms of before and after these events. To the Class of 2016, I say congratulations for achieving such a moment!

You have completed one of life’s goals, graduating high school. This journey began with someone who loved you walking you into kindergarten while holding your hand.

As you walk across the stage and accept your diploma, those hands that once held yours will be clapping and cheering for you.

The journey has taken you from childhood to young adult. You have learned how to share with others, listen to others, and

to formulate your own opinions. Perhaps the most important lesson that you have learned is how to set goals and do what is necessary to accomplish them.

During my career as an educator, I have learned to recognize the importance of being able to embrace the excitement of learning, the discovery of experiment, and the moment of creativity. I have also learned that learning, experimenting, and creating must be accompanied by the willingness to turn failures into learning lessons. I hope that you will use your failures as opportunities to redefine your goals and as moments of discovery, not as loss and rejection. As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”

Your family, your teachers, and your community have tried to provide you with the knowledge, confidence, and security to explore the world which now awaits you as you go on to your adult life. Some of you will go on to other educational endeavors,

some of you will protect your country by joining the military, and some of you will join the workforce. Whatever your next step, I pray that you are both blessed and challenged. Whatever you choose to do with your life, embrace it with joy, live it for others, and share what you learn along the way.

Parents and family members, please let these seniors know how proud you are of them; they have worked hard to reach this point in their lives. On behalf of the entire Elmore County Public Schools family, Senior Class of 2016, go forth with confidence and represent your families and your schools, and - perhaps most importantly - yourselves with integrity and pride!

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

Airport Road Holds Annual Art Night

Author Visits Eclectic Elementary

Airport Road Intermediate School held its annual Art Extravaganza April 21. The night began with the art of music and dance. The ARIS choir and dance team gave amazing performances to a packed house! After an amazing performance, parents were welcomed into the ARIS cafeteria that had been transformed into an amazing display of art by each student at ARIS. Student art was available for purchase and profits went right back into the teachers’ accounts to help with instructional classroom costs. Top-notch art was awarded ribbons and winners were invited to attend the annual Sparking the Arts competition which was held at The Wetumpka Civic Center May 10.

Eclectic Elementary School had a visit with author Alan Katz on April 25. Katz traveled from Connecticut to speak with students about writing books and always giving your best. He has written 35 books and considers himself “Seriously Silly.”

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Homeschoolers Study George Washington Carver

Local homeschoolers at Academy Days Co-op show off their painted rocks in the style of George Washington Carver in Alabama history class. Millbrook residents Kaylee Richey and Zoe Stephens and Montgomery residents Abbey Holmes and Addie Newell learned that Carver’s resourcefulness developed from an early age as he made paints from crushed berries and used rocks instead of canvas. Next year, students will learn world history at co-op.

Held at Coosada Baptist Church, the Academy Days Co-op meets weekly during the school year for homeschoolers in preschool through high school to take classes in subjects such as acrylic painting, creative writing, Spanish, logic, computer programming, P.E. and science labs. Visit www.

AcademyDays.com for more information.

Annual Beekeeping Camp Held on Campus of Wetumpka Elementary

The Central Alabama Beekeepers Association (in partnership with 4-H of Alabama) will host its annual Beekeeping Camp in our area on the campus of Wetumpka Elementary School, June 23-24. Camp begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.

The camp will offer students, ages 9-14, the opportunity to learn more about honey bees and the skills necessary to care for them. Students will engage in hands-on classroom and outdoor activities, ranging from honey bee biology/chemistry to hive management and products.

Registration is required and space is limited. There is a $30 registration fee, and more information is available at http://beekeepingcamp.yolasite.com/.

ARIS Drama Club Presents End-of-the-Year Play

The Airport Road Intermediate School Drama Club recently presented its annual end of the year play, named “Charming.” Drama Club sponsors, Mrs. Moody and Mrs. Crumpton, did a fabulous job preparing students to remember their lines, cues, entrances, and exits.

Eclectic Holds Annual Field Day

The EES PTO organized this year’s Field Day at Eclectic Elementary School. Each class enjoyed several different activities outside.

Montgomery Parents I June 2016

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ARIS Celebrates Field Day

Airport Road Intermediate School students recently competed in the school’s annual field day. The ARIS coaches work diligently to prepare these students for a grand day of competition and most of all TEAMWORK! The winners of this year’s field day competions were Mrs. Leigh’s class for 4th grade and Mrs. Marshall’s class for 3rd grade.

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Top Eclectic AR Readers Take Trip to Lanark

Eclectic Elementary School’s Top 10 second- through fourth-grade students in Accelerated Reader were rewarded with a field trip to Lanark. They had a great time digging for living things in the pond, touching snakes and turtles, and exploring the new NaturePlex.

Before going back to school, the students enjoyed a pizza lunch outdoors.

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

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ParentingToday’sTeens

by Mark Gregston

Are Video Games Controlling Your Teen?

Americans spent more than 10 billion dollars in video game equipment last year.

Video game sales have now surpassed sales of both music and movies. What that means is that for millions of kids and young adults, playing video games has moved beyond a hobby and into an obsession.

Now, before you label me as anti-fun, hear me out. I find nothing wrong with most videos games. In fact, playing them together with your teen is a great way to connect. But some kids and young adults are being consumed by them, and that’s where the problem lies. For some kids, what was once a fun pastime has quickly turned into an addiction.

So where is the balance? If your teenager is obsessed with video games, how can you limit, but not eliminate, their interest?

First, I think it’s important for moms and dads to know why teens are so easily addicted to games.

The Draw of Video Games Boys love playing video games because they provide challenge and adventure.

There’s a sense of accomplishment when they beat a level, achieve a high score or complete a mission. Video games scratch an itch every guy has–to conquer dragons and rescue princesses. What’s more, teenage boys find a sense of value and esteem in playing these games. Even the dorkiest kids can become virtual sports stars, rock stars, cool secret agents or Rambo-like warriors in these games.

It’s one thing they can do better than their parents and maybe even their friends, so they relish it. And it’s one place — maybe the only place — where they feel totally in control.

So in order to pull your teen away from the screen, you have to offer them an adventure to take its place. I know this is hard when both parents come home tired at night, or for the single mom working hard to make ends meet. But if all a family does is go to work, go to school, watch TV, sleep and repeat, then your teen is going to say, Montgomery Parents I June 2016

“life is boring,” and they’ll look for adventure through another means. It might require some changes and rethinking, but it doesn’t take a lot of time to have an adventure with your child. Build something in the garage.

Go to the batting cages. Take him to a concert. Go for a night hike. Shoot hoops at the playground. Eat at a new restaurant you’ve never tried before. If you find your home is a boring place, inject some excitement into your family. Get out and live real life.

When It Becomes All Consuming Playing video games is a good way to spend time with friends. But kids who are addicted will tell you that they started playing video games with their friends, but then moved on to playing online–against people who they don’t even know. In this scenario, gaming moves from a social pastime to a very isolating addiction.How can parents tell if their teen is developing a gaming obsession? The book, Playstation Nation, provides a checklist of traits parents should watch for. Does your child: • Play almost every day?

• Play for extended periods (more than three or four hours at a time)?

• Play for excitement?

• Get restless and irritable if he or she can’t play?

• Sacrifice social and sporting activities to play?

• Play instead of doing homework?

• Try in vain to limit playing time?

• Seem to be losing interest in real-life activities?

If your teen is spending way too much time playing video games, or if the games are affecting their motivation or personality, then it’s time to act. Cut back the number of hours they play daily. Shut down the unit and take away the power cord after a certain hour in the evening. Require that they match the time they play video games with equal amounts of other, more productive, nondigital activities. Anything that takes over a child’s time and attention for many hours every day should be moderated.

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Getting It Under Control

Video gaming can be a great way for moms and dads to stay connected with their kids. I’ve played through many a game with my teens and, especially in my son’s case, it has been a great way to connect, compete, communicate, and laugh (because he usually destroyed me quickly). And along the way we’ve created some of those fun bonding moments that are felt and remembered, if never quite defined. But if gaming takes over your kid’s life, it’s time to take action. Here are some quick tips to help get gaming under control: • Discourage children from retreating into games when they are stressed or upset.

Don’t let a gamepad become that emotional coping mechanism. Talk honestly about challenges and work through them together.

• Encourage moderation. Set an egg timer.

When it goes off, so does the game console.

• Limit temptations. Move electronic gaming hardware out of your teen’s bedroom and into a common area.

• Spend time playing together. Take turns, ask questions and keep interaction going so teens won’t disappear into the game environment.

• Capitalize on your child’s fascination with games to channel energy in a more productive direction. One gamer was challenged by his parents to figure out how his favorite games worked, technologically. Today, he’s a computer wiz who recalls, “I think my first meaningful C++ app came just from trying to get a graphic display of all of the internal components and their capabilities.”

The bottom line is to implement these restrictions for your child, not against them.

Tell your kids that you’ll stand beside them through thick and thin, but you’ll stand in front of them when it comes to blocking anything unhealthy, immoral or antisocial that is influencing their life. And that includes controlling their use of video games that might be controlling them.

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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“YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. A CITY SET ON A MOUNTAIN CANNOT BE HIDDEN.” MATTHEW 5:14

This graduating class received $3.9 million in college scholarship offers from colleges and universities across the country, including Notre Dame, Auburn University, Alabama State University, Auburn University at Montgomery, the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of North Alabama, Huntingdon College, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Spring Hill, St. Joseph Seminary, Troy University, University of Mobile, University of South Alabama and Virginia State.

We congratulate the 141st graduating class of Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School. They’ve reached one pinnacle as they strive for another – to be salt and light to the world.

Our graduates include an Eagle Scout, two athletic scholarship recipients, Track and Field State Champions and four All-State Band Members.

The fifty-eight members of the class of 2016 dedicated over 1,600 service hours, proving to be great leaders in school and in reaching out to the community.

These graduates have achieved so much in their time at Montgomery Catholic. Yet as proud as we are of what they’ve done, we’re prouder still of what they’ll do.

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

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by Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph.D.

Pop culture doesn’t appreciate dads. Sitcoms make fun of their diapering (in)abilities or portray dads as irresponsible babysitters who feed the kids pizza, ice cream and sugary soda while mom is out for the evening. Personal experience tells me there may some truth in this. My own husband shows our kids zombie movies then acts surprised when they refuse to sleep with the lights out. Really.

Stereotypes aside, it can be hard to move past the momknows best mentality and make room for dads’ different style of parenting. Mom of four Tsara Shelton of Teague, Tex., says parenting together with her boys’ dad has been the biggest challenge in their happy, 13-year marriage. “I always want to be the one with the answers and insights! But in truth, it’s been coparenting that’s blessed my boys with the best of what both mom and dad have to offer.” All moms can learn valuable lessons from watching what dads do best. Here’s how.

Montgomery Parents I June 2016

Dads are good with good enough Most moms I know struggle to drown out the nagging inner critic who says we aren’t good enough. We feel intense pressure to keep the house (and kids!) clean and to respond cheerfully to every social obligation. Our to-do lists never get done. And it’s stressful. Researchers at Auburn University found women are more likely to feel inadequate at home and at work than men because we’re more perfectionistic.

Dads recognize the 80% solution is often good enough. They can walk away from a sink full of unwashed dishes – without feeling guilty – to spend time playing with the kids before bedtime.

Moms can’t deny there is wisdom in this approach. Dishes don’t grow up and go off to college. Kids do.

Being good with “good enough” doesn’t mean dads deny their shortcomings. Tina Bushman, co-author of the family discus54

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sion-starting book Table Talk, says she has learned from watching her husband, John, address his missteps. “When it has been a rough parenting day, he will sit on the edge of our child’s bed and explain that even though parents try hard, we aren’t perfect. He apologizes if he got upset or said the wrong thing and asks forgiveness. It takes a humble dad to do that and I love him for it.”

Dads encourage active play Mud pies, snow forts and do-it-yourself science experiments are dads’ domain, says Wendy Valderrama of Denver, Colo., “They do messy fun really well.” Valderrama watches her 3-year-old daughter’s princess wedding ball with prince Daddy every night. “He lets her take the lead and follows right along with her in the imaginative play,” she says.

Dads’ passion for play is a joy to behold.

When they aren’t entertaining kids on their own level, dads expose kids to grownup tasks and topics. A dad might teach a child how to mow the lawn or talk about financial matters during informal apprenticeship sessions. Since dads aren’t focused ages and stages of development, they may share information that is over kids’ heads.

There is an upside to this, Valderanna says.

“The conversations I overhear between my daughter and her dad are amazing! I see her processing concepts I wouldn’t have thought possible because I am stuck in a preschool mentality all day.”

Dads encourage risk-taking While moms’ protective instincts lead us to discourage kids from taking physical risks, studies show dads give kids more personal space to explore the environment, even if there is risk involved. “At the park, I’m nervous about my 2-year-old going down the big slide, and, at home, I protect my baby from face-planting very time he attempts to crawl,” says San Diego, Calif., mom Anna Crowe. Dads often push kids to go outside their comfort zones.

Physical challenges help kids develop strength, coordination and confidence. And, by testing their physical prowess, “kids learn valuable skills that could prevent them from getting into serious trouble in the future,” Crowe admits. Dads allow kids to learn by doing when moms might be more likely to teach by talking.

During the anxious moments in parenting, dads maintain a calm composure moms admire. Stacy Lewis of Long Beach, Calif., says her husband changed her perspective on parenting forever during one 55

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intense encounter with their three kids. He said, “I don’t get it! You are the mom. Why are you hollering?” And something clicked for Lewis. “He keeps things insanely balanced, and I love him for that.”

take it personally. That means they step in and confront interpersonal issues headon. Shelton’s two youngest sons – who had symptoms of autism at early ages – learned to be comfortable in their own bodies and brains because of their dad’s black-and-white boundaries. “If my husband didn’t bring everything down to its simplicity I would get lost loving my boys in the gray,” she says. The key to parenting well is to figure out which situations require a firm, rule-based response and which ones call for deeper conversation. Dads seem to know this intuitively.

Dads set boundaries

Dads don’t fret

Because women are focused on preserving social connections, we may avoid family conflict. The mental and emotional effort of peacekeeping can lead to emotional exhaustion for women, according to research by psychologists at Carnegie Mellon University. Over time, minor frustrations can grow into deep, simmering resentments.

Shelton admits she struggles to establish clear, firm rules for her kids. She sees most issues as gray areas and enjoys discussing the connections between kids’ behaviors, social expectations and cultural pressures.

“If my hubby didn’t bring everything down to its simplicity I would get lost loving my children in the grey,” Shelton says.

While moms might see kids’ behavior in shades of gray, dads can take a more black-and-white view. Men are less likely to shy away from conflict because they don’t

Women often wish men would listen to our problems without trying to solve them, but that’s not how men are wired. When things go wrong, dads jump into problem-solving mode and determine what steps they can take to change the situation. If the first attempt isn’t successful, dads try another approach.

Women are more likely to focus on feelings, which can actually amplify distress. We may commiserate with girlfriends or replay worst-case scenarios in our minds. C. Lee Reed of Beachside, Florida recalls her father often told his kids to “suck it up” in the face of disappointment. “It sounds crazy but we learned to put on our big girl panties when things didn’t go our way,” Reed says. Now she uses the same phrase with her own daughter. It lightens the mood when emotions run high.

Dads’ emotional balance allows them to keep parenting problems in perspective. Crowe says she often panicked at her son’s inability to sleep through the night or the fact that he didn’t crawl when other babies did. But her husband took a longer view. “He taught me not to worry so much about the little things, unless they become a bigger concern,” says Crowe. A calm response is both comforting and practical.

Dads are present

Moms take pride in our super-human ability to do five things at once, but there is an undeniable downside. Multitasking prevents us from seizing the joys of the present moment. Lauren Nichols of Farmingdale, NY, praises her husband’s ability to be in the moment with their 4-year-old son. “I admire his ability to slow down and listen to everything our son has to say. It is as if he really remembers what it was like to be a little kid.

They are two peas in a pod.”

Reed is inspired by her husband’s presence as well. While Reed, who calls herself “Helicopter Mom” is busy multitasking, her husband, “Just Plane Dad,” knows how to be fully present in the moment, she says. “When he spends time with our daughter, he’s not worried about the laundry or paying the bills. He is all there.”

Tuning in completely allows dads to see children as growing, loving little people.

And it reminds us all that we’re blessed by our children – and their dads – in big and small ways every day. mp

Heidi Smith Luedtke is a personality psychologist who has gleaned many practical parenting strategies from her husband’s more laid-back approach. She is the author of Detachment Parenting.

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Architects at Any Age

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Once small hands successfully stack one block upon another, the interest in building and design is ignited. The power to envision and construct an edifice of their own design with their own hands is an inspirational tool to cultivate architectural enthusiasm in children. In addition to empowering creativity, crafting buildings fosters fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as well as supporting STEM development. From the simplest structure to complex edifices, the following building sets offer kids developmental play with a world of design options!

by Gerry Paige Smith

4D Cityscape New York

Archiquest Master Builder Wooden Building Blocks

(4D Cityscape)

Part puzzle, part model, the 4D Cityscape expands beyond simple construction giving young talents a taste of city planning and design.

Recreating the famous Manhattan footprint with a traditional 2D jigsaw puzzle, the set takes on its 3D aspect with over 100 buildings that fit into pre-cut holes in the finished puzzle.

The fourth dimension to explore is time as buildings from 1812 through 2013 can populate the city. Famous landmarks such as the World Trade Towers, Empire State Building, Freedom Tower, Statue of Liberty are some of the iconic architecture that stand tall in the Manhattan realm. Once young builders master the Big Apple, they can set their sights on additional 4D Cityscape projects such as Washington DC, Rome, London and many more!

(T.S. Shure)

From designing roads and bridges to stacking up towering structures, Archiquest Building Blocks lay the world of architecture at a child’s feet. Featuring 136 precision-cut solid wood blocks in both primary and natural colors, the Archiquest block set encourages young builders to create from the ground up. The set comes with a wooden box without a lid so an alternate tub or bag is recommended for easier storage. Whether inspiring free form creative design or guiding building skills from the illustrated instruction booklet, kids can experience growing confidence that comes with the power to construct their visions.

Melissa & Doug Architectural Units

KEVA Brain Builders (Mindware)

Doubling down on the benefits of playing with blocks, the Keva set pairs brain development with the customary growth in motor skills that come with construction play. The Keva kit comes with 20 planks and a set of 30 double-sided puzzle cards. The cards offer a two-dimensional representation of a building and the challenge to young builders is to recreate the structure in three-dimensions. The flip side of the card offers the blueprint so kids can check their work or get the help they need to master the task. The variety of building projects ranges from structures to fanciful beasts, keeping the challenges fresh and engaging. Boosting kids understanding of geometry, composition, proportion and engineering, the KEVA Brain Builders offers the best blueprints for a new generation of architects!

(Melissa & Doug)

Characterized by Melissa & Doug’s child-friendly standards, the architectural units building block set is designed and sized for the smaller builder in mind. With 44 hand scrolled and smooth sanded blocks, little hands can quickly get a grip on the fundamentals of building. Featuring some of the distinct hallmark shapes of architecture (pillars, arches, peaked gables and more), there’s a sense of exploring the origins of classical building design along the way.

The Architectural Units set pairs beautifully with other M & D building kits as kids may like to expand their projects into bigger and more complex designs.

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

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Respect Others Create Kindness

by Seeking to Tell A Better Story The world is full of negative situations and negative people. Hurt people hurt people and life can be full of pain. Things are often not as they should be and we all feel the weight of the brokenness around us, even if we do not like to admit it. If you mix all of that together, you will see a lot of problems embedded in relationships, families, communities, and social systems.

And, those problems affect the lives of individuals all around us, including those we love. Fortunately, brokenness is not the whole story.

What do we do when we see something that has gone wrong in the lives of people or in our community? Do we run away from the problems and the pain? Do we seek to amuse ourselves to death so we don’t have to face difficult situations head on?

Or, do we try to regain a sense of control by overpowering other people? But, what if we developed a different perspective that did not just try to change behavior,

but helped create a whole new narrative?

What if we equipped people to “tell a better story?”

Every problem that we face will elicit one of two responses. Either we will run toward it to solve it or we will run away from it to hide in self protection while often blaming other people for our situation.

Bullying behavior is an attempt to run away.

It is an attempt to mask fear and a loss of control and power by seeking to gain power over others. It doesn’t solve anything. It just transfers the focus away from the problem at hand onto the quest to be in charge or to put others down so we can feel like we are rising a little bit higher. But, instead, we are just pulling others down with us as we descend deeper and deeper into frustration.

“But, what if we helped others “tell a better story?” What if we looked for ways

to make things better in every situation?

What if we tried to encourage, build up, and bless other people? What if we looked problems square in the face and we committed ourselves to trying to solve them through sacrificial service instead of trying to control the situation for our benefit? What if we became creative in healing broken lives and communities instead of contributing to their dissolution? Instead of seeing ourselves as victims of our circumstances, which can create frustration, what if we sought to make things better, one action and day at a time?

If we see someone with a problem, we can choose to be kind. That changes their whole experience in that moment.

If we see someone in need, we can try to meet it. They will have experienced kindness in a way that can change their perspective. It all adds up. The more we create kindness, the more the narrative changes as we seek to tell a better story.

Article contributed by Alan Cross.

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 to raise awareness.

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Keeping Family Cellphones Secure A cellphone is an investment. In addition to the device itself, every family cellphone includes crucial information—contacts and messages, passwords and personal data, photos and videos.

Unfortunately, cellphones are also very vulnerable. They can be lost, stolen, hacked, dropped and infected with viruses. In a recent Verizon survey, over half of the respondents admitted losing or destroying at least one cellphone. A quarter had lost 2 or more phones, and 43% had sent the phone through the laundry.

People in the Verizon survey were over 18, so it’s easy to imagine that the figures would be even higher for adolescents. Your family may not be able to avoid every mishap, but you can minimize some of the heartbreak by teaching good cellphone habits as soon as kids get their first phone.

Use a password. A strong password will protect what’s on a phone if it gets stolen lost or “borrowed” by a mischievous friend.

Help your child think up something memorable that isn’t based on readily available information such as birthday, street address, initials, etc. If kids object to entering a password every time they want to text, set the delay feature so the password kicks in when the phone hasn’t been used for a certain number of minutes. As a bonus, a password gives everyone in the family just a second to think, “Do I really need to check my phone right now?”

Have a back-up plan. A phone is a data storage device, and data needs back-up. It doesn’t matter whether you store photos and contacts in the cloud or on your Montgomery Parents I June 2016

own computer. Just be sure that back-up happens automatically.

Consider the find feature. Most phones have a find-my-phone option, and it can certainly be helpful if you need to locate a phone—or for that matter a child who’s carrying the phone. Just remember that this feature depends on location tracking. If you can find the phone—or the child—so can other people who know the number. Even if tracking isn’t enabled, you can still erase the data on a stolen phone, something that becomes more urgent if the phone is used for financial transactions. Sometimes this feature has to be enabled in advance. To find out how, search for “erase data” and the type of phone you want to protect.

Download apps from trusted sites.

Apps are part of what makes cellphones useful and fun. Apps can also introduce viruses and security problems. Establish a family policy about downloads. Young children should get permission before every download. Everyone should use reputable sites like Google Play and the App Store because they evaluate apps for safety and reliability before they make them available.

Stay up-to-date. Hackers are constantly trying to exploit vulnerabilities in cellphones. Fortunately, reputable phone companies and app makers try to plug security leaks as they discover them. It’s a cat and mouse game, and you don’t want to be the mouse. The only way to have the benefit of updates is to download them. Use the settings on the phone to be sure all family phones get updates automatically.

Install antivirus protection. Some antivirus protection is built into cellphones but parents may want to add an extra layer of protection. Apps like Lookout, Avast or TrustGo can scan a child’s phone for malicious programs and help you remove them safely.

Be leery about links. Several years ago, a security firm found people were more likely to click on fraudulent links on their 60

phones. Maybe that’s because the tiny screen makes it harder to recognize junk messages. Or maybe it’s because cellphone users get in the habit of clicking quickly on social media. Teach kids how to recognize phone spam—unsolicited messages that promise goodies. And remind them that they should never enter personal information into a form that pops up on the phone—no matter how tempting the offer seems to be.

Don’t give other people access.

Teach your child how to put a phone into guest mode. Deploy this feature if someone asks to borrow the phone. Then the guest won’t have access to messages, photos and other personal information.

Be suspicious of unknown callers.

Young phone users should have a list of approved contacts. Consider blocking everyone else. Older teens should know about the one-ring scam in which international crooks make the phone ring just once. If your child calls back out of curiosity, you get charged hot-line fees. The best way to prevent such problems is to block international calls unless there is a reason to receive them.

In addition to these technical tips, there are also some common sense ways to protect the family cellphones. A brightly colored case and a distinctive ring tone make it easier to find a missing phone. An inexpensive screen protector may keep a screen from shattering if a phone gets dropped—or thrown. A family charging station means that you’ll know where all phones are at least once a day. And a bowl of rice is a time-honored way to dry out a wet cellphone. (Better yet, save those little bags of dessicant so you can toss a few into a sandwich bag with a damp phone.)

Finally, befriend the folks who sold you the phone. They know the ins and outs of security and other special features. Dropping in for the occasional tutorial is one of the best ways to assure that your family’s cellphones—and the people who use them— are as safe as they can be.

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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Congratulations Jesi!

2016 Jimmy Hitchcock Award Winner for Outstanding Christian Leadership in Athletics Jesi Garrett has demonstrated some of the most outstanding qualities of Christian Leadership at Macon East. Her strong personal character, team leadership and academic achievements are outstanding traits that each student at Macon East looks up to and strives to emulate.

She is the definition of a true Lady Knight!

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15396 Vaughn Road | maconeast.net | 334.277.6566

Located 10 minutes east of Chantilly Parkway, just minutes from Montgomery 61

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Although I’ve been homeschooling since day one with my oldest and never looked back, I know plenty of people who didn’t start homeschooling until their kids were well into elementary school and beyond. Whether you are just starting your homeschool journey with a kindergartner or have just taken your high schooler out of school, here are some common mistakes many homeschoolers make starting out and how to avoid them. Keep in mind there is no “perfect” way to homeschool and that every family has to do what’s right for their educational and sanity needs!

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1. Trying to make home like school. No need to try to recreate every

nuance of a public or private school, complete with desks, chalkboard or smartboard, uniforms and a never-changing, rigid schedule. When we first start homeschooling, there is definitely that temptation to do things the same way they were done when we were growing up. But the point is you are doing it at home and the teacher is a parent … things are going to be much more flexible and very different.

2. Thinking you need to homeschool all day and night. No need

FEATURING

to spend 7+ hours a day doing school with your elementary school child. Consider shorter chunks of teaching/learning time for each child then take a day off every now and then and go to the zoo to learn, go on a nature walk, hit the library for a few hours, watch some documentaries, and just snuggle up and read. For older kids, a parttime job and volunteering certainly count as real-world education!

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3. Trying to keep your kids sitting at desks all day. No need for

kids and teacher to sit in a chair all day for learning. We all learn and teach differently, that’s for sure. Sometimes I’ll read to my kids while one is doing art and another is playing Minecraft and I’m doing squats! I also include my kids in real-world things like errands, cooking, chores, finances and more.

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4. Trying to keep up with everyone else. Don’t try to keep up with other

homeschoolers or other families with kids in school. I personally started each of my kids a year “late” for school and they definitely haven’t suffered. I always wondered what the rush was for our kids to grow up and knew one measly year wouldn’t make a difference. To me, that was one extra year to let them be kids without the “job” of school and an extra year to let them play and explore on their own.

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5. Paying an arm and a leg for curriculum. According to this info-

graphic, homeschoolers already spend a fraction of what is spent on public school kids or what they would spend at a private school. With so many free options like ABCMouse.com, Khan Academy, and the public library, there’s no reason elementary school, at least, has to cost anything at all. Also, check into virtual school through your state. With the virtual school option, you could get $2,000 of curriculum paid for by your state for free or only a small price per child, and the lesson plans are already done for you!

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6. Not following your child’s lead. I’m not talking about going the

unschooling route here, if you aren’t comfortable with that, but it certainly works for many families. I know families who unschooled up until high school and then the kids picked up what they needed to know with little effort and sailed into college with no problems. It was a sad day when I was in a homeschool store and heard a kid ask his mom if they could learn about a certain topic he was excited about and she said, “No, these are the books right here that we are working on this year and we aren’t going to stray from those.” Keep in mind we all learn best in different ways and are all interested in different things.

Got Dust?

It's virtually impossible to avoid—and it can trigger an asthma attack. Asthma is characterized by excessive sensitivity of the lungs to various stimuli.

Certain triggers—ranging from viral infections to allergies to irritating gases and particles in the air—can make asthma worse. Each child reacts differently to the factors that may trigger asthma.

We can help you recognize what makes

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your child's asthma worse and find simple

7. Sticking with something that isn’t working. Switching curriculum

solutions to reduce and avoid asthma attacks.

halfway through the year is not uncommon.

If a certain workbook makes you and your child cry and want to throw it across the room, don’t power through until the end of the school year! Find something else that works. That’s the beauty of the freedom of homeschooling.

ChildrensAL.org/asthma

8. Doing everything with and for your child. There is definitely a place for independent learning.

9. Comparing yourselves to everyone else. It’s funny how, as I’m beat-

Asthma Clinic Specialized asthma care for: l

Children with severe asthma Children with repeat hospital and/or urgent care visits Children and families with unique asthma education needs l Children with other conditions that make asthma hard to control l l

Appointments made by physician referral only. For appointments, call: 205.638.9583

ChildrensAL.org/asthma

ing myself up because my kids don’t know cursive yet and my neighbor’s kids have been doing it for years, she is also beating herself up because she doesn’t think she does enough educational outings with her kids like I do. It’s great to have a homeschool tribe of people you can bounce ideas off of and vent to, but comparing and competition do no good to anyone, least of all your child!

For Children’s Financial Assistance information contact 1.844.750.8950 or visit www.childrensal.org/financial-assistance

10. Trying to be perfect. The

longer I homeschool, the more I enjoy telling newbies about random mistakes I’ve made on my journey. The relief I see on their faces when they realize they don’t need to be “perfect” is priceless and so worth it to share my stories with them.

As a homeschooler, you are a pioneer of sorts and, as such, you need to do what works for your family. Of course you are going to make mistakes along the way, but if you realize that is perfectly normal, you might go easier on yourself … and have more fun on this shorter-than-you-think journey with your kids! mp

Kerrie McLoughlin has been homeschooling her 5 kids since 2006 and you can read more about their fun antics at TheKerrieShow.com.

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Tonya Speed Celebrates Studio Anniversary

Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection celebrates the 30th anniversary of its studio. The DC Strutters (competition team) recently held a senior graduation party and ended with a Blessing of the Floor. Each dancer in the entire studio is getting to “make their mark” and leave a memorable message on the old dance floor before the new one comes! Through the generous gift of four sisters (Lauren, Lindsey, Caitlin & Bethany- daughters of Susan Moody Alred) that have danced with TSDC for 29 of the 30 years, the studio will have a beautiful new floating dance floor.

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Armory Athletics Racks Up Successful Season

Armory Athletics Compulsory Boys competed in the Alabama Men’s State Championship in Birmingham March 12-13. They brought home 33 event champions, four all-around winners, three team titles, 17 regional qualifiers, and three National Junior Olympic qualifiers.

Boys Level 4 winners were: Kaleb Foggie- High Bar; Bryce Schweikhardt- Pommel, Rings, All-Around; and Jonathan Thomas- Pommel, Floor.

Boys Level 5 winners were: Tyler Herman- High Bar; Zachary Crosthwait- Pommel, Rings; Jeremy Flatt- Pommel, Floor; Ade Simmons- Pommel, Floor, All-Around; and Joseph Higbe- Parallel Bars. Regional Qualifiers were: Joseph Higbe, Ade Simmons and Jeremy Flatt; and the team won First Place Team Award.

Boys Level 6 winners were: Trey Bostic- Rings, Floor; and Regional Qualifier: Trey Bostic.

Boys Level 8 winners were: Zachary Brockett- Pommel, Parallel Bars, Vault; Josiah Bush-Rings, Parallel Bars; and Sean Moffett- Floor; Regional Qualifiers: Samuel Borth, Zachary Brockett, Josiah Bush, Patrick Cain II, Sean Moffett, Grant Rollan; and the team won First Place Team Award.

Boys Level 9 winners were: Campbell Puckett- Pommel; Micah Puckett- Pommel; and Regional Qualifiers: Campbell Puckett, Micah Puckett.

Boys Level 10 winners were: Daniel Barclay- High Bar, Vault, All-Around; Robert Sheppard-High Bar, Vault, Parallel Bars, All-Around; Garrett McDaniel- Pommel; Samuel Norwood- Pommel; Ethan Reed- Rings, Floor, Parallel Bars; Regional Qualifiers: Daniel Barclay, Garrett McDaniel, Ethan Reed, Robert Sheppard, Samuel Norwood; and the team won the First Place Team Award.

Shown are the National Junior Olympics qualifiers: Robert Sheppard - Level 10, Zachary Brockett - Level 8, and Micah Puckett - Level 9.

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Summer fun and learning for students entering 1st-12th grades.

SESSION 1: JUNE 6-24, 2016 SESSION 2: JULY 11-29, 2016

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Orientation | May 28 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Dunn-Oliver Acadome Banquet Room Each session is three weeks, Monday-Friday, with the option of full-day or half-day enrollment.

Full Day | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. $425.00 Per Child, Per Session

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Half Day | 8 a.m.-noon or 1-5 p.m. $300.00 Per Child, Per Session

SAVE 10% SAVE 15%

PAY ON OR BEFORE MAY 28, 2016 AND REGISTER FOR BOTH SESSIONS ON OR BEFORE MAY 28, 2016 AND

For more information, contact the Alabama State University Division of Continuing Education at 334-229-4686.

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• Evangel Family Christian Academy 3975 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36106 Phone: (334) 272-3215 Contact: Denise Matthes, Director Requirements: Family Church Reference form completed by your pastor, membership in the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), semester reports, 170 days attendance Membership Fee: $165 Other: Graduation Ceremony with cap, gown and diploma, official transcripts, proof of enrollment for driver’s test, insurance and DDS, athletic programs for ages 12 years and up, Drama club, Senior Class officers and valedictorian Website: WWW.EvangelFamily.org

Getting Started & State Laws • Leaping from the Box

www.leapingfromthebox.com Leaping from the Box contains resources & articles to assist Homeschoolers and Home Educators.

Move beyond the “cookie-cutter” box mentality in your homeschooling journey. We have materials for Independent Learners including tips for using textbooks, community resources & online information.

Leaping from the Box answers common questions about home schooling in Alabama. We also have support groups, cover schools and more available. For more information email Admin@LeapingFromTheBox.com.

beginning your homeschooling journey, or are a veteran homeschooling parent, our goal is to encourage, inspire, and equip you. For more information email sharon@chefofalabama.org or president@ chefofalabama.org.

Cover Schools • Dayspring Academy/Highschool Maplesville, AL 36750 Phone: (334) 518.9181 Administrator: Delaina Smitherman

• Ezekiel Academy Mailing address: P.O. Box 243034, Montgomery, AL 36124; Physical address: 8191 Seaton Place, Montgomery, AL Contact: Maretta Oswald, Administrator; Deborah Monplaisir, Assistant Administrator Requirements: A completed application, statement of faith, course of study for each student enrolled, 170 days of instruction, parent orientation meeting in August.

Tuition: $200.00 per year per family Enrollment Deadline: August 04, 2016 Other: Parents submit quarterly or semester evaluations, LIFT tutorial class (ages 12 and up), field trips, service clubs, athletic teams (football, cheerleading, volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball, soccer for ages 12 /up), Stanford Achievement testing, a formal high school commencement with diploma. Please visit www.

Ezekielacademy.org.

www.homeschool.com For over 14 years Homeschool.com has helped homeschooling families get the information they need about the different curricula, products and services offered to the homeschooling community.

We strive to provide you with information about everything from products and services to the inspiring stories of homeschoolers around the world. Homeschool.com contains great information on different approaches to homeschooling, such as: classical, un-schooling, Charlotte Mason, school in a box and much more.

• HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association) (540) 338-5600; www.hslda.org Home School Legal Defense Association is a nonprofit advocacy organization established to defend the constitutional right of parents and to protect family freedoms. HLDSA gives families the freedom to homeschool without having to face legal threats alone. www.homeschoolcentral.com Homeschool Central is a resourceful website for new and veteran homeschoolers. It includes state laws, curriculums, un-schooling, support groups, blogs, How-To sections and much more.

• CHEF – Christian Home Education Fellowship of Alabama (334) 288-7229 www.homeschool-life.com/al/chefofalabama CHEF of Alabama exists to promote and encourage Christian home education for the glory of God. Whether you are considering homeschooling, just Montgomery Parents I June 2016

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Website: http://www.dsacademy.org Requirements: A church enrollment form to local Board of Education Enrollment Fee: $95 first time enrollment fee Re-enrollment for members is pro-rated per family.

Enrollment Deadline: Accept new enrollments year-round Other: Phone/in person curriculum help, message board (covers all of Alabama), transcripts for each child, online support, area coordinators available to plan local activities. All books, report cards, graduation ceremony and awards or diplomas will be extra.

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• Everest Academy 1035 Jenkins Rd., Hayden, AL 35079 Phone: (205) 433.9828 Administrator: Deb Spradlin Email: everstacademy1@gmail.com Website: www.alabamahomeschooling.com Mission: Everest Academy believes that the parent has the best interests of their children at heart. We believe that the parent is the first and only teacher that a child needs. In keeping with this philosophy, we wish to be a very hands-off cover school and allow the parent to lead and guide their children in the direction and at the pace they feel is best

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suited to their children. We ask only for what the law requires while offering support along with quality resources to aid families in their efforts.

Other: We serve all of Alabama, Statewide coverage. Newsletter sent weekly by email. We offer a wider range of field trips and activities.

Requirements: Application for enrollment and grades and attendance records due at time of graduation or transference.

Tuition: $200 new enrollees / $100 re enrollment per family per year • Harvest Fields Academy 4280 Deatsville Hwy. (334) 398.2008 Email: harvestfieldsacademy@gmail.com Website: www.harvestfieldsacademy.com Administrator: Tanya Murphy Sponsoring church: Harvest Fields Community Church Harvest Fields is a church cover school for residents of Alabama, who wish to homeschool their children. Our commitment is to the children in the homeschool community. We strive to provide up to date and accurate information on home school activities, sports, social activities, and graduation for families with children of all ages.

Requirements: Family information form, Church enrollment form, Request for School Records Form, Parent Confirmation Form, Birth Certificate, Court Document (providing guardianship) Enrollment Fees: Early/Re-enrollment fee: $55 annually, New enrollment: $65 annually Other: Legal Church School Covering, Year round school year and enrollment, local social activities, local field trips, local sports, local school pictures, Occasional Newsletter with current information of upcoming events, Official transcript for graduating seniors, Official diploma for graduating seniors, a formal Graduation Ceremony, support of all teaching methods.

• Holy Spirit Academy Telephone: (334) 294.7305 E-mail: Happygirl.beach@gmail.com Administrator’s Name: Monica Burke Location (mailing address): 8570 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery, AL 36117 Office hours (for phone contact): 9 am-4 pm Sponsoring church: Holy Spirit Catholic Church Enrollment area: Local to Central Alabama Statement of Faith: not required.

HSLDA: required General description (or Mission Statement): The mission of Holy Spirit Academy is to serve families choosing to educate their school age children at home in compliance with Alabama law. HSA provides home schooling families with a structure of support and services for academic excellence and for living the Catholic faith in the home and society.

Requirements: HSLDA membership, Church School enrollment form filed yearly, curriculum list, semester progress report, semester attendance report, and September required meeting of primary teachers. We do accept families of other religions with a pastor’s letter stating they are registered members of their church. Tuition: $35 yearly fee.

• Little Flock Ministries P.O. Box 250504, Montgomery, AL 36125 (334) 288.7475; (Montgomery) Hours: 7 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Administrator: Tracy Glover Email: glovereleven@bellsouth.net Mission Statement: Interdenominational church school. Our goal is to serve homeschooling families regardless of church and/or religious affiliations.

Requirements: We do require that the four basic subjects be taught, one attendance report per

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month, two progress reports per year. You must maintain daily record of attendance, grade book, lesson plans and a work portfolio with samples of past work at home. You must fill out application package.

Tuition: $25 per year per family Enrollment Deadline: open year round • New Hope Academy 301 Water Street, Prattville (334) 361.9505 Hours: 8 a.m until 6 p.m.

Administrators: Tina Halbert Email: thelearningplace@att.net Website: http://www.thelearningplacealabama.com Mission Statement: The Learning Place provides

a legal homeschool covering for those parents choosing to homeschool their children. We are a “hands-off” cover school, requiring only the basic enrollment procedures and attendance policies.

Please read our forms for more information. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Enrollment: Accepting applications year round.

Tuition: $30 per child with a family cap of $120.

• Outlook Academy P.O. Box 1027, Millbrook, AL 36054 Phone: (334) 290.0919 or (334) 625-8328 Administrators: Dora Bennage, Carren Joye and Daniel Joye Email: info@outlookacademy.com Web site: www.outlookacademy.org

Outlook Academy is a hands-off church school.

Because we believe that parents are best suited to direct the education of their children, Outlook Academy asks only for what the law requires while also offering support for your personal choices. We accept students from all over the state. Because we wish to use today’s available technology to make the homeschooling process as easy, efficient and convenient as possible, many of our services have Internet options, such as attendance reports via email.

Requirements: Attendance reports at the end of the mid-July. Not required: membership in HSLDA but encouraged, meetings, minimum days of attendance, testing, curriculum review, or statement of faith.

Enrollment Fee: $125 for family for new enrollment if done during open enrollment period, $170 if done after open enrollment Enrollment Deadline: August 1, with mid-year enrollments for an additional fee Other: Weekly Co-op, convenient attendance reporting via email, monthly newsletter, online support, contact information for local homeschool support groups, web site featuring curriculum information and news of home schooling interests.

• Sovereign Grace Academy 301 Water Street, Prattville (334) 290.3304 or 652.4606 Administrators: Diane Day Email: sovereigngraceacademy@yahoo.com Sovereign Grace Academy (SGA) is a church cover school that seeks to provide legal covering, support, and encouragement for homeschooling families in the most efficient and convenient manner. As a hands-off church school, we refrain from interfering in your homeschooling and require only minimal reporting.

Website: www.millbrookpca.com (under ministries tab)

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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.

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

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

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

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

Mother-Daughter Weekends1are also!

Registeredfor Nurses and6 Physician on Staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid andand CPRFall Certified.

Camper/Counselor Ratio 5:1 Spring Mother-Daughter Weekends...

waiting lists start early...sign up soon!...

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

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

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

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1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16

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Southeast’s best all-around for girls,IRiverview annew oasis of fun, friends andThe happiness...

I Exciting felt safe and secure. Iinclude: gained confidence in myselfPool,Tennis, through the world around me.” activities Riding, Heated Canoeing, Ropes Course, Climbing Tower,

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

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

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Enrollment: Accepting applications year round.

Tuition: $20/family annually.

Please visit www.leapingfromthebox.com for statewide cover schools. Also, check with your local church to see if it might be a cover school for its members.

Curriculum • ABEKA Curriculum: Abeka Curriculum has a Christian and traditional approach to education.

They offer three options to teaching. The DVD option is a fully accredited college preparatory program with ABEKA Academy. The second option is the traditional parent – directed option with ABEKA Academy. The third option is textbooks / materials for home schooling that you pick and choose from. ABEKA offers home school material displays several times a year in Montgomery and surrounding areas. Please visit www.abeka.com for more information or for a free catalog.

• Alpha Omega Publications: Alpha Omega offers a wide variety of Christian curricula for varying learning styles. Please visit www.aop.com for more information or a free catalog.

• Apologia - Along with our award-winning creation-based science courses, Apologia Educational Ministries offers biblical worldview and apologetic titles, online classes, inspirational books, homeschooling tools (such as planners), the Real Refreshment Retreats for homeschooling moms, and mission opportunities. All of our products and services have been created to help homeschooling families learn, live, and defend the Christian faith. For more information visit www.apologia.com.

• Bob Jones Curriculum: BJU offers quality textbooks, homeschool consultants, student focused distance learning classes, and a wide range of other products and services to meet your educational needs. BJU Press offers home school material displays in Montgomery and surrounding areas during the year. Please visit www.bjupress. com or call 1(800) 845.5731 for more information or a free catalog.

• Calvert School – “When enrolled in Calvert school, you have a partner in education.” They provide you with all of the textbooks, tools and support you need. Calvert is a classical Christian Private School. The teachers provide the lessons plans and everything is provided to you. They offer support with placement testing, education counselors, and advisory teaching services. Please visit www.calvertschool.org/home-school/ or call 1(888) 487.4652 for more information or a free catalog.

• Heart of Dakota - Christ centered homeschool curricula that is flexible, easy to use, and educational. This curricula can be used with multiple ages at the same time. Please visit www. heartofdakota.com for more information or for a free catalog.

• Keystone National High School - Online Accredited High School and Middle School where you can earn your diploma online. Visit www.keystonehighschool.com.

• KONOS – KONOS is distinct from other curricula. It uses the entire library as a textbook and the whole world as its curriculum. www.konos.com • My Father’s World – Raising up generations of families who see the world through God’s eyes and live according to that knowledge. www.mfwbooks.com

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not include a phonics program, science, math, grammar, spelling, or foreign language. Please visit www.tapestryofgrace.com.

• Timberdoodle Co. – Offers a wonderful selection of books and Core Curriculums. Our selection is based on over twenty-five years of homeschooling and 24 years of selling homeschooling supplies. Please visit us at www. timberdoodle.com • Veritas Press – Specializes in providing educational materials for a classical Christian education. Scripted lesson plans with a complete curriculum package or online classes with expert teachers available. Please visit www. veritaspress.com.

• Oak Meadow – Oak Meadow offers many different options to meet individual family needs for education. They offer complete curriculum for at home use or you can enroll online to receive academic credit. Their curricula gives students freedom to learn with flexibility and recognition of learning styles. Please visit www.oakmeadow.com.

• Sonlight Curriculum - Sonlight uses a classical Christian approach to education. It is literature rich and focuses on teaching children to seek God’s kingdom and to create a learner’s heart, enthusiasm and excitement for learning. Please visit www. sonlight.com for more information, a free catalog or to visit the forums.

• Rod & Staff Curricula – Rod and Staff offer Bible based textbooks that are designed to make the child God conscious. Please visit www.rodandandstaffbooks.com and click on the homeschool link.

• Tapestry of Grace – Tapestry of Grace uses a Classical / Redesigned approach to education through a plan of study that helps parents provide a Christian, classical education using a guided unit study approach. Students cycle through world history every four years, with all ages studying the same slice of history each week, each at their own learning level. This curricula does not include does

• Saxon Curriculum – Saxon teaches the foundational skills of math and reading. Please visit www. saxonpublishers.com for more information.

• Winter Promise - Winter Promise celebrates the strengths of family by building unity, togetherness and memories. Our captivating programs will excite your family’s curiosity and our interactive learning opportunities will involve every type of learner. www.winterpromise.com

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www.mitchells-place.com: Diagnostic services, treatment, education and support for families

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Becky’s Porch Swing – 425 Coliseum Blvd., Montgomery, AL. We are located inside the Eastbrook Flea Market, downstairs in booth 409 and 398. A Garden of books and resources for home education. “Plant a good book…and watch a great mind grow.” We have the best selection, and the best prices, all under one roof. For more information please call, Becky at 270-1557 or email beckyrod@ knology.net. Open every day: Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday 12:30 until 4:30 p.m.

Bellerophon Books – Books covering art, literature, history, etc. www.bellerophonbooks.com Beautiful Feet History and Science Curriculum – Offers classic and historic works that nurture a love for reading. www.bfbooks.com Chem4kids- Wonderful chemistry website for kids. www.chem4kids.com Children’s Books- Wide assortment of curricula and books. www.homeschooldiscountproducts.com Christian Liberty Press – Large assortment for the Christ centered biblical approach. www.christianbook.com Distance Learning Integrators- Electronic field trips. www.efieldtrips.org Greenleaf Press – The original and still the best resources for teaching history and literature chronologically. www.greenleafpress.com Hands of a Child – Large variety of Lapbook kits. www.handsofachild.com Hearthsong – Unique toys, games, puzzles, dolls, arts and crafts. www.hearthsong.com Homeschool Super Center – Secular and religious material offered. www.homeschool supercenter.com

Home Science Tools – Affordable Science tools and kits for hands on experimentation. www.homesciencetools.com Learning Things – The Education Store www.learningthings.com Mindware – Educational toys, games and learning toys. www.mindware.com PATH-Parent at the Helm was created by veteran homeschooling parent Linda Dobson. PATH is the place to find the impetus to take charge of your child’s education…no matter where that may come from. www.ParentattheHelm.com Rainbow Resource Center – Educational Books and Curriculum at Great Prices http://www.rainbowresource.com/index.php Real Science 4 Kids - Science Curriculum from Preschool to Highschool. Please visit www.gravitaspublications.com

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Support Groups & Supplemental Instruction • Academy Days Homeschool Co-op Carren Joye, carren@outlookacademy.com http://www.academydays.com Please visit our website for a list of classes being offered for the upcoming school year. Held weekly during the school year at Grace Community Church in Millbrook, this affordable co-op is designed for students (preschool through high school) to gather for subjects difficult to teach at home or best taught in group setting. The co-op is open to all homeschoolers of any covering.

• Bricks 4 Kids (ad on page 94)

ROCK Solid – Educational Books and Curriculum at Great Prices. www.rocksolidinc.com

tions with homeschool bloggers. www.thehomeschoolvillage.com

Store for Knowledge – A variety of kits, models and toys. www.storeforknowledge.com

Timberdoodle - Fully customizable, budget friendly, complete curriculum and more! www.timberdoodle.com

The Homeschool Lounge The Homeschool Lounge is a place for homeschool moms to connect for support, encouragement, a fellowship and fun. www.thehomeschoollounge.com The Homeschool Village The Homeschool village offers articles written by homeschool moms giving sound advice, suggestions, and encouragement; and offering connec-

White House Kids – News, history and games. www.whitehouse.gov/kids Yesterday’s Classics- Classic Books for Children http://www.yesterdaysclassics.com/ Zoom Kitchen Chemistry-Explore the virtual kitchen and perform online experiments. http://pbskids. org/zoom/games/kitchenchemistry/

(904) 357.0122, Stephanie Shuford Afterschool enrichment, in-school workshops, birthday parties and so much more. We service the Montgomery area and we look forward to reaching out and serving the children of this great city. We introduce the concept of S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Please call for more information.

• Central Alabama Homeschool Co-op Contact: Tanya Murphy, (334) 398.2008 www.harvestfieldsacademy.com (under Co-op tab) CAHC is a Christian academic cooperative for compulsory age children that meets once a week for 15 weeks in both the fall and spring semesters.

Each semester we will have two breaks and one half day assembly with a potluck lunch. We also offer a nursery and Pre-K class. We will meet on Thursdays from 9:00am to 2:35pm. We will offer four 55 minutes classes as well as one 30 minute

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grade level math lab. Please visit our website for more information and classes offered.

• Classical Conversations (CC) https://www.classicalconversations.com CC is a community based homeschool program in the form of support groups that get together weekly.

Group leaders help to equip parents to homeschool through a series of academic services, tutors, and meetings. CC offers kindergarten through 6th grade with an introduction to History, Math, Science, Latin, English, Institute of Excellence in Writing (IEW) and Language arts. Finally, the 7th through 12 grade students work on challenging curriculum that involves Saxon math, Apologia Sciences, Classic Literature, Writing, debating, and much more. “CC exists to know God and to make Him known.” Please visit our website for chapters in your area.

• Elmore Cty Homeschool Organization (ECHO) Elmore County Homeschool Organization is a social/support group for homeschooling families.

We provide a positive socialization environment for homeschooled children, and support & encourage their parents in the homeschooling process. We welcome all families from any county. We meet the second and fourth Friday of every month during the school-year from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Harvest Fields Community Church in Deatsville.

Membership is free. ECHO offers field trips, holiday parties, enrichment activities, social activities, teen only events, and a yearly awards ceremony.

Website: www.onlineecho.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/elmore.county. homeschool.organization Email: elmore.co.homeschool.org@gmail.com Co-Leaders: Catherine Ray (334-285-2558) and Tanya Murphy (334-799-7119) • Fellowship of Home Educators (FHE) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fhenewsandinfo/ FHE is a group of families in Prattville and surrounding area who support one another in the area of home education. We offer many educational opportunities as well as social gathering for our children.

• Homeschooling in the River Region A local Facebook page with other mothers like you.

They list any local events and activities geared towards homeschoolers and support. A great place to meet new homeschooling families. Please search for us under Homeshooling in the River Region on Facebook.

• L.I.F.T. Sharon Hubbard, 286.9957 LIFT is a supplemental program to homeschooling your students. It was developed with the intention of assisting parents of students 12 years old through students 19 years old in areas they may not feel fully confident to teach. Members of other church school ministries who pay the activities fee to Ezekiel Academy may participate in LIFT during the school year. Large variety of classes offered.

Please visit us at www.liftmontgomery.org.

• Maxwell Area Home Educators (MAHE) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MAHE/ Maxwell Area Home Educators is a support group formed primarily to encourage military homeschoolers in the MGM (Maxwell/Gunter/Montgomery) area regardless of their reasons for homeschooling, philosophy, or method of instruction. MAHE is NOT a legal “church school,” but a network of homeschoolers working together to assist one another in our homeschooling efforts. If you are new to homeschooling or are long term homeschool parents looking to broaden your child’s academic experience, there is much we can do to help you.

• Montgomery Homeschoolers This group was created for all homeschooling families in the Montgomery area. We are hoping to plan field trips, or attend field trips with others.

Plus, play dates, gatherings, support, etc. This group can also be used for curriculum resources and help with planning. Let’s help, encourage and support one another. Please search for us under Montgomery Homeschoolers on Facebook.

Sylvan Learning Center Home School (ad on page 21)

(334) 262.0043 2640 Zelda Road, Montgomery, AL 36107 The Sylvan Learning Center in Montgomery is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and offers Home School services for children in grades K through 12. Stu-

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dents receive 560 hours of instruction in Math, Science, History, and Reading/English.

Home School instruction is offered Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. State required electives are completed outside of the Learning Center as an independent study.

Requirements: Transcripts from previous school withdrawal letter from previous school. Proof of registration with Home School Organization Cost: Please call for pricing. (Dependent upon which payment option is selected). For more information please visit us at www.sylvanlearning.com.

Workshops & Book Sales • ABEKA Homeschool Materials Display June 2, 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Comfort Inn & Suites – East Chase, Montgomery, AL July 14, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Holiday Inn

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S ERVING Y OUR D ENTAL N EEDS W ITH E XCELLENCE Bawani Vishnu, D.M.D. Major, Alabama Air National Guard

SINCE 1997

•General & Cosmetic Dentistry •Adult & Children Preventive Care •Implant,Crowns & Bridges •Dentures & Partials •Nitrous Oxide New Patients Welcome.

•Digital Office •Financing Available

w w w. v i s h n u d e n t a l p c . c o m 2030 Berry Chase Place M o n t g o m e r y, A L 3 6 1 1 7 Mention this Ad for 10% off of Teeth Whitening (Near East Chase Off Berry H i l l & Ta y l o r R o a d )

(334) 819-7770

Express, 203 Legends Court, Prattville, Al. August 17, 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Comfort Inn & Suites - in Eastchase Please visit Abeka’s website for dates in other locations.

• Alabama Homeschool Expo We will be coming back to Montgomery, Alabama in 2017. Please watch for dates on our website.

Look for discounts and details at AlabamaHomeschoolexpo.com.

• AUM Homeschool Programs AUM’s Homeschool classes are enrichment classes that are specially designed for homeschool students. They are not designed to replace curriculum. Class sizes are small so students receive individualized attention. All classes are hands on. Our goal is to offer learning experiences that parents are not able or willing to attempt at home.

Classes will resume in September and a complete schedule will be available in August. For more information please call 244.2804 or visit us at www. aum.edu and click on the Continuing Education tap at the top right and scroll down to Youth programs.

• CHEF Home School Conference June 24-25 in Birmingham, Al at Metropolitan Church of God. www.chefofalabama.org CHEF of Alabama serves all home educators in Alabama by providing information, services, and resources from a Christian perspective to anyone who needs help in the area of homeschooling.

CHEF had a huge Homeschool Convention and Curriculum Fair every year. To find our more about CHEF please visit their website at www.chefofalabama.org.

• Evangel Family Christian Academy Used Book Sale Please call for dates.

The used book sale is for all who desire to attend.

Table space must be reserved for families who are NOT EFCA members ($20 fee) by calling EFCA. • Southeast Homeschool EXPO July 28-30 Cobb Galleria in Marietta, GA. The Homeschool Expo is a “don’t miss” whole family two day event with hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of products where parents can review and purchase the latest curriculum, hear great speakers who give practical encouragement, and receive personalized help and answers to any questions. Please visit www.southeasthomeschoolexpo.com.

Extra-curricular Activities Armory Gymnastics Center (ad on page 21)

1018 Madison Avenue, (334) 241.2789 Classes for ages 2 years and up. Cost: $40 per month (2 classes per week) Each additional child is $30. $40 Registration fee per year. Mondays and Wednesday classes: 12:30 and 1:30-2:30. Tuesday and Thursday classes: 12:30 and 1:30. Please call or visit our website at www.armoryathletics. com for information.

• Brunswick Zone Bowling League 1661 Eastern Blvd, Montgomery, AL The Home School League will meet in September.

Please call closer to this time to get the exact date.

At this meeting the parents will decide what day and what time Home School League will meet. All ages of home school students are invited to bowl in this league. For more information about the league contact us at (334) 819.7171.

Montgomery Parents I June 2016

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3179 Taylor Rd., Phone: (334) 220.5835 Homeschooling classes year round Monday and Thursday mornings.

Please visit www.trytkdfree.com • Family Karate Center 8159 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Phone: 277.4911 or 467.5762 Instructor: Master Carole Coker Offers homeschool classes Monday through Saturdays at various times starting at age 2. Private classes. Instructor has master’s degree in early childhood education and special education (Only school that offers work with Autism, Aspergers, ADD, and ADHD). We have a full workout room for mom’s while children are in class. Free tutoring from certified teacher for all children. Homework checked. Outstanding academic achievement receives treasure chest rewards. Each homeschooler’s report card displayed on Wall of Fame.

Students earn bonus bucks for pro-shop. Call for FREE class today.

• Homeschool Choir with Karen Gosselin Days and Times: 3 year old – 1st grade – 1:30-2 p.m.

2nd grade – 6th grade – 2 p.m.-2:45 p.m.

6th grade – 12th grade – 2:45-3:45 Location: Eastern Hills Baptist, Montgomery 6th graders are allowed to choose which choir they want to be in…Jr. singers learn music skills by playing more games…Sr. singers learn music skills though mostly singing.

Cost: $35 a month for 1 child ($8.75 a lesson); $45 a month for 2 children ($5.63 a lesson per child); $55 a month for 3 or more children ($4.58 a lesson per child). Registration fee is $25 per child (can be split up if needed) for music, instruments, upkeep, etc. Talk to me if this poses a problem.

For the preschool and younger choirs, we learn music by playing games and activities! We learn singing skills, major and minor muscle coordination, early reading skills, and more! We use play to learn listening skills and singing skills.

For the older choir, we use singing skills to learn music reading. We work abundantly on listening skills to create blend, harmony, and melody.

Please contact Karen Gosselin at (334) 303.4783.

• Homeschool Piano with Alan Newman Please contact Alan at alangnewman@gmail.com, (334) 538.6774 or visit him on Facebook at Alan Newman EzMusic for more information.

• Homeschool Skate Day at Looney’s Phone: (334) 281.1032 September thru May, 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. Time: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. $3.00 per skater (includes skate rental) • McWane Science Center Labs 200 Nineteenth Street North, Birmingham, AL (205) 714.8359; www.mcwane.org McWane Science Center Labs are designed to supplement what you are teaching at home. Students will be able to use equipment and take part in experiments that are not easily executed in the home classroom. Our labs fall within the standards of the Alabama Course of Study as well as the National Science Standards.

• P’zazz Art Studio 354.1975, 138 W. Main St. Downtown Prattville Homeschool art classes offered on Wednesday’s starting in September. Please visit our website at www.prattille.pzazzart.com.

• River Region Homeschool Band Meetings begin September at Fountain of Grace Church in Prattville. We offer a beginner class and Intermediate/Advanced Class. $40 per month with an additional discount for family members. Please check us out on Facebook under River Region Homeschool Band for any updates. Please call Ted Mann at (334) 312.1486.

• United GymStars 6100 Brewbaker Blvd., Montgomery, 284.2244 What a great way to get in physical education.

Classes are offered on Wednesday from 12:30 1:30 for ages 6 and up. A waiver is signed for each participant. Cost is $6 per child per visit.

• YMCA Homeschool Physical Education Select YMCA’s offer PE to homeschoolers for an hour. Please call your local branch for more information.

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Homeschool Discounts Books-A-Million Joanne’s Fabrics Scholastic.com HSLDA does offer discounts to some stores as a member perk.

If you provide any services or resources to homeschooling families and you were not listed in this issue, please contact us at editor@montgomeryparents.com. We want to make sure you are included!

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River Region

Annual Flag Boat Parade

Monday, July 4, beginning at 10 a.m. at Kowaliga Marina on Lake Martin. Boats of all sizes parade from Kowaliga Marina to Children’s Harbor and back. Onlookers from the shoreline and water can watch free of charge. Boat registration is due by July 1. Forms can be picked up at any Russell Marine location - Kowaliga, Real Island, The Ridge and River North. For out-of-towners, call (334) 857.2111 to request a form. Registration is free.

Prattville Celebration

Annual 4th of July Parade On Monday, July 4th at 9am, family members of all ages will enjoy the fire engines, candy, floats and more. This years Grand Marshals will be the Autauga County Law Enforcement with special Grand. Bring your lawn chair and set up early for a good spot along the parade route. Begins at the Autauga County Courthouse and winds its way downtown. For information, call 595-0854.

Annual Lion’s Club BBQ & Cardboard Boat Races After the parade, join the fun at the annual Lion’s Club BBQ and Camp Stew Sale at Pratt Park.

Baked Goods will be for sale. Music, a patriotic program, a children’s fun area and lots of arts Montgomery Parents I June 2016

and crafts. 10am-2pm. Free admission. Call 358.1068 for info. The Annual Cardboard Boat Races begin at 10am, with teams creating their competition boats out of cardboard, pool noodles and duct tape. Trophies given out! Two people, no more no less must race on the boats. Fee: $5 per boat. New rules apply this year so call for additional information at (334) 595-0800.

SWIMMING POOL: Independence Day Special - $2.00 per person. 1-3pm Fireworks Presentation Takes place at Stanley-Jensen Stadium and festivities begin at 6pm and fireworks start at dark.

Patriotic music, children’s inflatable play area, and a variety of food vendors. Best seats in the house for an amazing fireworks show.

Volunteers Volunteers needed. It takes a lot of volunteers to make this event happen. Great for youth and adult community service organizations. Call 595.0854 for more info. Visit www.prattvilleal.gov for more information.

Russell Lands 4th of July Blast: Concert and Fireworks

Lake Martin Amphitheater will host a night of music and fireworks on Monday, July 4, beginning at 5 p.m. Show starts at 5:30 p.m. and fireworks 76

will being at 9 p.m. Musical artists to be announced. Music until 10:30 p.m.(This is one of the Southeast’s largest fireworks shows.) Children’s activities will be conducted by Children’s Harbor throughout the evening. The fireworks show is free (from an open field adjacent to the amphitheater or by boat), but for the best seat in the house and to enjoy the musical entertainment, tickets are available at the gate or through ticket master, with children under 6 free. Proceeds benefit Lake Martin area charities.

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnics. Concessions are also available. The Lake Martin Amphitheater is located on Highway 63 about 1 mile south of Kowaliga Bridge. For more information call (256) 397.1019 or visit http://www.lmat.org/ fourth.html.

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City of Montgomery 4th of July Picnic on the River

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Monday, July 4 from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Join the City of Montgomery for a family picnic and 4th of July Celebration along the Riverfront. Enjoy food vendors& kids Inflatables. There will be activities for kids, a Rib Eating Competition with prizes, live music at the amphitheatre and Fireworks! For more details call (334) 625.2100.

Harriott II Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise

Enjoy this fun outing aboard the Harriott II Riverboat and catch an amazing view of the July 4th fireworks show. Boards at 8 p.m. Cruises from 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Live entertainment, cash bar and concessions available. Ticket prices: $25 adult and $15 child To purchase tickets call (334) 625.2100 or visit the Box Office at 200 Coosa St. Please visit www.funontheriver.net (334) 241.2726 or (334) 625.2118.

Callaway Gardens July 4th Star Spangled Beach Party

Friday, July 1, 2016 to Sunday, July 3, 2016 The celebration begins early and lasts well into the night at our annual July 4th Star Spangled Beach Party at Robin Lake Beach. Highlights include beach activities, live music and our annual Fireworks Extravaganza. Be sure to pack plenty of red, white and blue for this All-American Weekend! Stay tuned for complete schedule of www.montgomeryparents.com

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Pike Road Parade

Monday, July 4 Please call for more information as we are updating the Parade this year. Parade contact info: Maurite Scanlan 334-201-6859 (cell) 334-2798318 (home).

Pike Road Summer Fest

When: Monday, July 4, gates open at 5 p.m.

(Fireworks begin at dusk) Where: The Town Square in The Waters Neighborhood (3 Crescent Park Pike Road, AL) Family-friendly Fourth of July celebration. Bring your family and friends and enjoy an evening of good old-fashioned fun, featuring live music from a local favorite, Joe Wright Band. The evening will culminate with a fireworks spectacular, featuring one of the largest shows in the River Region that can be seen from miles around. The Pike Road Lions Club will be selling drinks, hamburgers and hotdogs, with proceeds benefitting this organization and its charities. Cost: $10 per carload.

Wetumpka Celebration

Monday, July 4th @ 5 p.m. Fireworks and Entertainment at Gold Star Park; Fireworks will be at 9 p.m. Please visit www.cityofwetumpka.com for more information and updates or call (334) 567.5147 for more information or an application for the contests.

Cloverdale-Idlewild Parade

Celebrating the Star Spangled Banner Monday, July 4, at 2 p.m. at the corner of Plymouth and Lexington. Ends at Bottom Park on Cloverdale Rd. Drums, bikes, floats; 6 p.m. there will be a band. Dress in your red, white and blue and join this old fashioned 4th of July celebration. Contact Charlie Colvin, 834.6030. mp

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Planning a Disney vacation can be quite an endeavor and even a daunting experience for some. With four iconic theme parks, two water parks, over 20 on-site resort hotels, more than 200 restaurants, and an outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment complex (Disney Springs), Walt Disney World can be intimidating. Here are a few suggestions to make the most of your Walt Disney World visit.

Stay on Disney Property

When my clients ask if they should stay on Disney property my answers is always YES! Disney hotels are all top quality and are very convenient. They all have Disney charm and character. Disney often has promotions available – from room discounts to free dining- which make staying on site more affordable.

There are many benefits of staying in Disney hotels: Extended Disney Park Hours. These extended Theme Park hours (morning and night) known as Extra Magic Hours, offer guests of Walt Disney World Resort Hotels the unique opportunity to enjoy additional time in the Theme Parks.

Magical Express. Complimentary transportation

MagicBands. They are bracelets and are the “key” to all of the conveniences of your Disney vacation. By simply scanning your MagicBand, you can access your guest room, enter the parks and FastPass+ experiences, pay for purchases at dining and retail locations, load your photos to your Memory Maker or Photopass account and more. MagicBands are only complimentary to Disney resort guests.

Plan Ahead

I always advise to start planning as early as possible.

Ideally you should start planning at least seven months before you’d like to go to Disney. Try to decide according to your budget where you’d like to stay, how many days you will visit the parks, what type of park ticket is the best for your family, what restaurants you’d like to try, what experiences are suitable for your children according to their ages, height, etc.

Book your dining reservations and your FastPasses+ for attractions on the day they become available for your vacation. The earlier you start planning your Walt Disney World vacation the easier the process will be!

Go Tech Savvy

between the airport and the Disney resorts.

Complimentary Resort Transportation. Complimentary Resort Transportation (monorail, buses or boats) throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Dining Plan. Disney dining plans are a convenient and flexible way to enjoy meals and snacks at many of the restaurants and food service locations at Walt Disney World Resort.

Advance Dining Reservations.

Advance FastPass+ Selections. Only guests of Walt Disney World Resort hotels can select FastPasses+ for their favorite attractions up to 60 days in advance.

Montgomery Parents I June 2016

Well, you really don’t have to be tech savvy, but you do need to familiarize yourself with the My Disney Experience account and the App (you can download it for free from the Apple or Google Play store).

On your My Disney Experience account you will link your hotel reservations, tickets, dining, FastPass+ reservations and more. The mobile app is filled with handy features that lets you view and update your plans, make dining reservations, search maps of all 4 theme parks, get real-time attraction wait times and more.

Pack the right stuff

I always include an extensive list of “must pack” items in my client’s itineraries and touring plans.

This is just part of that list:

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You have the obvious stuff like comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hats, phone charger, hand sanitizer, lip balm, etc. Then the not so obvious stuff like the amazing Chilly Pads to keep you cool during the hot weather, a hand-held fan (preferably one with a mist), a poncho or rain jacket, gum (if you like to chew it, buy it in advance; you won’t find any for sale on Disney property), a small towel (you can get soaked on certain attractions), a change of clothes for the kids in a zip-lock bag (accidents happen!), first aid items, stickers and mini coloring books to keep the little ones busy while waiting in the lines.

You can bring food and drinks inside Walt Disney World Resort parks so bring snacks and drinks for everybody.

Bring your stroller or rent one at the park.

After 5 days of non-stop walking kids will be happy to be strolled around.

Consult the Experts

Contact a Travel Planner specializing in Disney vacations. A Travel Planner can help you achieve that perfect Disney experience that you and your family will love. It can be difficult to determine the best time of year in which to vacation, deciding which resort is best for your family, setting up your My Disney Experience account, scheduling FastPass+ for attractions, and even making restaurant reservations.

It doesn’t cost you any extra to book through a Travel Planner vs. booking directly with Disney.

It can actually save you money because we are aware of new discounts codes and will apply them to your reservation as they become available.

Don’t over book activities, take breaks and be flexible.

You may find yourself wanting to experience all that Disney World offers (especially if it’s your first time).

However this will likely make children overtired and parents frustrated. So don’t be afraid to take breaks.

Also remember that life happens. So don’t be too disappointed if things don’t go exactly like you planned... be flexible and make the best out of these situations.

Enjoy what you can and don’t stress too much over what you didn’t get to do. It is not possible to experience everything in one trip. Remember that you are making memories that will last a lifetime.

Gabriela Lopez-Johnson is a Travel Planner in Fairhope, Alabama who assists local and international clients on planning unforgettable Disney vacations. You may reach her by email at BookingMagic@ aol.com or visit her Facebook page Booking Magic at www.facebook. com/BookingMagic.

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ATwoWeekend Event: June 18-19 and June 25-26 THIS IS THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO FIND YOUR PLACE IN EAST MONTGOMERY’S PREMIER MASTERPLANNED COMMUNITY. IN THIS POPULAR AND GROWING AREA, YOU CAN TAKE YOUR PICK FROM DOZENS OF DIFFERENT FLOOR PLANS, WITH PRICE OPTIONS THAT START IN THE MID-200s, AND CHOOSE FROM FIVE OF THE RIVER REGION’S BEST HOME BUILDERS: ❃ HUGH COLE BUILDER ❃ NEWCASTLE HOMES ❃ MATHEWS DEVELOPMENT CO. ❃ D.R. HORTON HOMES ❃ RIVER REGION BUILDER, LLC NEW PARK IS ADJACENT TO MONTGOMERY’S NEWEST ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS. RESIDENTS ENJOY A COMMUNITY SWIMMING POOL, PLUS THE CITY’S NEWEST YMCA IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER. COME SEE NEW PARK AND FIND YOUR NEW HOME IN THIS CHOICE LOCATION.

334.215.9215 | newparkliving.com | 9430 Park Crossing

Between Ray Thorington Road and Taylor Road A JIM WILSON & ASSOCIATES DEVELOPMENT 79

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A Page in a Book Books, Beds and Sleepyheads Preparing children for a good night’s sleep can include a variety of routines and regimens, all designed to help kids relax and settle into the bedtime groove.

Warm baths, dimmed lights, and soft pajamas create soothing transitions from active play to relaxation. Best among these comforting routines is the time-honored bed time traditions of finding just the right books to settle in with before lights out.

The following titles are recommended for winding down wound up kids with simple text, soft-edged illustrations and sweet progressions toward sleep.

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Sheep Go to Sleep

by Nancy Shaw, Illustrated by Margot Apple (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) Five sheep are back from their latest adventure and heading home to hit the sack. They’re ready for sleep in their snug beds of hay but nighttime noises are keeping them awake. Enter the loyal collie who has just the thing to soothe restless sheep. Helping with a hug for one, a drink for another, collie has something to offer each sheep as they countdown toward slumber. Nursery rhyme fans will also smile when they discover where an exhausted dog ends up after getting the herd to bed. With simple rhyming text and soft-edged illustrations this title is perfect for little ones who are just beginning to count sheep as they go to sleep.

Good Night Like This

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by Mary Murphy (Candlewick) Dusk arrives with gorgeous color as animal parents prepare their young for evening slumber. Rabbits, bears, fireflies and squirrels all snuggle in with their babes as twilight looms, calming and cuddling their little ones. Each two-page spread features a split page insert that shows the moments just before sleep, then turns to reveals the sleeping family. The evening hues shift from dusky orange, through violet to blue as the progression toward bedtime sees the departure of the sun and the arrival of starry skies. Children reading along will enjoy identifying the shadowy silhouettes that say “good night” while chiming in with their own “like this” refrain after each animal closes its eyes.

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Rock-a-Bye Romp

by Linda Ashman, Illustrated by Simona Mulazzani (Nancy Paulsen / Penguin Random House) Taking inspiration from the ‘Rock-a-bye, Baby’ lullaby, this baby’s journey toward slumber departs from the treetop and takes a round-a-bout tour before the last goodnight. Rendered with almost dreamlike detail, baby leaves the cradle in the boughs and soars through darkening skies, floats along rivers of stars, and ambles across peaceful pastures. Animals met along the way all seems to be guiding baby toward a sleepy destination. The journey ends when the child finally lands in mother’s arms, and makes the last stop of the night in baby’s own bed (under a swaying mobile featuring many of the child’s fellow travelers on the journey toward sleep). With rhyming text that perfectly syncs with the original lullaby, readers may also use this gentle selection to sing the way toward slumber.

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

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I divorced sixteen years ago. Being a child of divorce myself, I knew the depths of pain that divorce can bring. I never expected to divorce myself, much less see my children go through it. Nonetheless my journey has been one of growth.

While everyone’s experience is different, there is something universal about how we grieve and heal from divorce. While everyone’s experience of parenting is different, there is something universal about how we parent. Co-parenting is, the process by which unmarried parents resolve to parent as

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No one is born with these skills. We have to learn them. As a clinical sociologist, I facilitate co-parenting education groups with David Saavedra, a clinical social worker and marriage and family therapist. We share the following steps with group participants.

1) Begin a new relationship with your Ex Co-parenting requires setting the old relationship aside and dealing with the grief of that old relationship outside of co-parenting.

The new relationship of co-parenting is about the business of raising children. It is not about resolving old issues in the marriage that can no longer be resolved. It is about the nuts and bolts of raising children. It is about doctor appointments, transportation to ball games, homework and who will attend the parent teacher conference. Some ex-spouses can eventually be friends. The key to that friendship is the death of the old relationship.

2) Establish boundaries For me, it has been easier to keep boundaries clear. In the beginning of the co-parenting relationship, I used several guidelines to avoid conflicts when communicating with my co-parent face to face, by text or by email.

• I only talk about our daughters.

• I keep my language and tone respectful.

• I keep communication short.

(Hint: When an issue is heated, I email or text to keep the opportunity for disrespecting one another to a minimum.)

3) Resolve conflict Conflicts are part of life. Therefore, conflict is part of coparenting. If I keep my communication short, respectful and focused on the business of raising children, conflicts are fewer and farther between. When there are disagreements, I remind my daughters (and myself) that moms and dads are different and we don’t always do things the same way. I say something like this. “When you are with Dad you need to do what he says.

When you are with me, you need to follow my rules.” I am careful to share with them, “One thing dad and I have in common is that we love our girls.” It is absolutely imperative that I never speak ill of their father. Half of their DNA comes from their father. To criticize him in their presence is to criticize my daughters.

4) Make a parenting agreement Agreements prevent disagreements. Some co-parents find that written co-parenting agreements are helpful. Co-parenting agreements have more details than a visitation agreement inside a divorce decree. It can be developed by a lawyer, mediator or counselor/ therapist. To involve a professional however, requires a fee. Faith based divorce recovery groups or non-profit services for co-parenting may be able to assist co-parents in writing parenting agreements without charging. If there is some level of cooperation between the co-parents, you may be able to write your own parenting agreement. Sample agreements can be found in many co-parenting books or co-parenting online resources.

Co-parenting is a learned set of skills that benefit everyone, especially our children. mp Laura Lyles Reagan is a child advocate, sociologist and free lance writer. She is a mother of two daughters. She can be reached for co-parenting sessions through her website at www.heart2heartparents.com.

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ADT Dancers Continue to Win Awards

Wetumpka Boy Scout Attains Eagle Status

Philip White, a finishing freshman at Wetumpka High School, has become the most recent in an impressive list of Eagle Scouts rising from Wetumpka’s Boy Scout Troop 13. White is 15 years old and has been active in scouting since he was in second grade. After earning his Arrow of Light, the highest level of achievement in Cub Scouts, he crossed over from Pack 50 into Troop 13 one year after his older brother, Dalton, who is also a recent Eagle Scout.

In school, White maintains A/B honor roll in the advanced placement courses. He is also the starting goalkeeper for the WHS junior varsity soccer team. In the Scout troop, White has held many different positions such as senior patrol leader, troop scribe, troop quartermaster, patrol leader and assistant patrol leader.

His Eagle Scout project consisted of designing and building two handicap-accessible hunting houses for AHERO, a local veterans organization. AHERO connects veterans with patriotic members of local communities by organizing outdoor events and social activities.

They allow veterans to get together and hunt, fish, and enjoy other outdoor activities, but mostly provide them a place to heal with others who are going through similar struggles.

White, along with help from members of his Scout troop, collected funds and donated materials and built two handicap-accessible hunting houses on sleds that can be moved from place to place on the AHERO property to allow veterans to participate in hunting activities in a weatherproof environment. The houses have ramps leading to a 36- inch door to allow veterans with severe disabilities access.

White said he enjoys the time he has spent in Scouting and plans to continue even after he turns 18. He does not have much of his future planned out yet but says he wants to help people.

Montgomery Parents I June 2016

Alabama Dance Theatre dancers and students continue to win acceptance, scholarships, and awards at some of the nation’s most selective dance institutions and festivals. ADT is proud to announce that the following dancers have received acceptance and/or scholarships to the following programs: Senior High ACES: 1st place Ke’Yana Robinson; Senior High ACES 2nd place Orobosa Aghedo; and Honorable Mentions Safiya Haque, Jordan Ricks and Ana Clare Wolfe; Jr. High ACES: 1st place Virginia Perry and Honorable Mention Savanna Golden.

Scholarships and Acceptances to Alabama Ballet: Karen Licari (full scholarship), Maya Pegues, Lauren Taylor, Celeste Deale and Leah Redd; Atlanta ballet: Aloria Adams; American Ballet Theatre New York Colliegate: Esosa Aghedo; Alabama Dance Academy: Savannah Golden; Alabama Youth Ballet: Emily Efferson; Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre: Ke’Yana Robinson (level 2 scholarship); American Ballet Theatre: Orobosa Aghedo, Amelia Felder, Lauren Taylor, Abigail Barr, Celeste Deale, Savannah Golden, Rebekah Norwood, Emily Efferson and Leah Redd; Andalusia Ballet: Emily Efferson; Ballet Austin: Leah Redd; Bernau Woman’s College: Esosa Aghedo (talent award, top 8, 1st alternate at state); Boston Ballet: Catherine Cobb; Distinguished Young Woman of the Year: Esosa Aghedo; Huntsville Ballet: Amelia Felder, Celeste Deale, Savannah Golden and Hayeong Jin; Inwood Dance Company: Francie Hill; Kansas City Ballet: Ana Clare Wolfe; Louisville Ballet: Lauren Taylor (full scholarship); New York University Tisch School of the Arts: Safiya Haque; Oklahoma City Ballet: Orobosa Aghedo; Roswell Dance Theatre: Francie Hill and Sarah Messick; South Carolina Dance Conservatory: Aloria Adams, Amelia Felder, Karen Licari, Maya Pegues and Ke’Yana Robinson; Southeast Alabama Dance Company: Ke’Yana Robinson; The Rock School for Dance Education: Maya Pegues, Rebekah Norwood and Ana Clare Wolfe.

Esosa Aghedo will attend Texas Christian University; Safiya Haque will attend New York University on full scholarship; Karen Licari will attend Auburn University on full scholarship; Jordan Ricks will attend University of the Arts in Philadelphia with a scholarship; and Ke’Yana Robinson will attend the University of the Arts in Philadelphia with a scholarship.

“Kakegoe” choreographed by Sara Sanford was awarded Gala credit at Regional Dance America’s Southeastern Regional Ballet Association Festival. “18X” choreographed by Savanna Moore was performed on the Emerging Choreographer Showcase at SERBA. ADT is located at the Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue. To register for summer classes, call 241-2590 or visit www.alabamadancetheatre.com.

(Photo credit goes to Nick Frontiero)

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Dance Generation Studio Wins Top Awards

Dance Generation, under the direction of Shawn Ransom Parker and Janice Ransom, recently competed in the Inspire national dance competition. Not only did the students receive the top score of the competition, they received the Top Studio Award, two Peoples Choice awards, Precision Award, Showmanship Award, Technique and Most Entertaining awards.

They scored four Platinum Elite awards, eight Platinum awards, seven High Gold awards and one Gold Award. Included in these awards were four first-place overall high score awards, three second-place overall high score awards and a $500 scholarship award.

Dance generation has been teaching since 1937. Two petite dance companies are shown. Visit www.dancegenerationstudio. com or like us on Facebook.

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United Gymstars Gymnast Trains for New Season

Will Wilson decided at the age of 7 to try gymnastics, and now it has been five years since he joined the United Gymstars and Cheer men’s gymnastics team. He has progressed from level 4 to level 9 in that short amount of time. He is the reigning State Champion four years running and qualified to regionals each year, where he won Vault in each contest. This past season he qualified to the Junior Olympic National Competition in Battle Creek, Mich., in his first year of eligibility and finished second on Vault and 10th on the Floor Exercise. He is currently training for the upcoming season.

Family Karate Center Participates in Relay for Life

Each year the Family Karate Center participates in Relay For Life to remember and honor relatives the students and instructors have that have been challenged by cancer in some way. One person Master Carole Smith chooses to honor each year is Montgomery Parents founder, Marty Watson, who was a friend for many years.

“Marty dearly loved her husband, her children and grandchildren, and was a light in so many of our lives,” Smith said. “Walking for her is something we will do each year to keep her name and memory special for all to see and smile!”

One Family Karate Center student lost both grandmothers to cancer in a four-month timeframe. Master Smith’s cousin, Sheriff DT Marshall, lost his battle with cancer in March, and this year’s walk for her was also in his memory. The students and instructors broke boards that were pledged with money to fight cancer. The boards had many types of cancer written on them, and they pledged to “kick cancer” by kicking each board pledged. Call 220-9319 and talk to Master Smith about Family Karate Center’s community involvement program.

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June2016

Calendar/Support Groups This Month

and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, noon-5 p.m.

For more info, visit www.jasminehill.org.

Thursday, June 2

Saturday, June 4

Capri Theatre Presents Science on Screen: Jurassic Park 7:30 p.m. The 1993 movie will be preceded by a presentation on Real Life Paleontology by Jonah Cohen, manager of Science Education at the McWane Science Center in Birmingham. This show is open to the public and is made possible by a grant from the Coolidge Corner Theatre.

Science on Screen is an initiative of the Coolidge Corner Theatre, with major support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Tickets are $8 for Capri Members, $10 for nonmembers. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org/.

Carmike Cinemas Summer Kid Series Also June 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30, July 5 & 7 Both Prattville and Chantilly locations. Admission is only $4+ tax; includes 16 oz. drink and 46 oz. popcorn with every ticket. Seating is first come, first serve with doors opening at 9:30 a.m. For details, find us on Facebook.

Friday, June 3

Home Depot Kids’ Workshop 9 a.m.-noon. Ages 5-12. Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety. Today’s project is “Father’s Day Trophy Smart Phone Holder.” Show Dad who’s #1! Join our hands-on workshop and build a trophyshaped cell phone holder. Once the project is built, your child can paint and decorate it with stickers. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kidsized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates’ aprons, and an achievement pin.

Michael’s Kids Club -- Also June 11, 18, 25 & July 2 10 a.m.-noon. $2 per project. Supplies Included. Ages 3 and up. Each session is 30 minutes. Parent or guardian must remain on premises. June 4 is pastel butterfly; June

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

RachelDawn Organization, Inc. Presents You’re Worth the Wait Conference 4:30-8:30 p.m. Riverwalk Amphitheater, Downtown Montgomery, 255 Commerce Street. This is an empowering event to inspire young girls to know their worth. #IRespectMyBody is a movement with a motivating message to educate and uplift girls to have a positive and healthy view about themselves and their bodies. Guest speaker will be Hannah Arrowood, a Christian speaker and author, who will speak about Teen modesty and Teen culture. Tickets can be purchased through www.youareworththewait.org.

Jefferson Davis Birthday Party 11 a.m. The First White House of the Confederacy. Birthday cake will be served! Free and open to the public. Parking on Washington will be marked “no parking today” for the celebration – so guests can park there. For more info, call (334) 242-1861 or vsit www.firstwhitehouse.org.

Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre Presents ‘The Curious Savage’ -- Through June 5 Written by John Patrick, directed by Sam Wallace.

Heartwarming family comedy with a message of love, loss, and the things that matter most in life. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10 or for $12 at the door. Call (334) 595-0854 or visit wobt.prattvilleal.gov.

31st Annual Coosa River Whitewater Festival Through June 5 Coosa Outdoor Center, 172 River Road, Wetumpka. Live entertainment, competitions and awards ceremony. For more info, call (334) 201-5510 or find us on Facebook.

Friday Night Hoops -- Also June 17 Students in 5th through 12th grades get together with friends for pick-up games of basketball every 1st and 3rd Friday at the Bell Road YMCA from 9 p.m.-midnight.

Students must be dropped off by 10 p.m. and cannot leave without being picked up by parent or guardian (unless students drove themselves). Must be playing basketball to be involved. Participants must have a photo ID (i.e. School ID). $3 for members; $7 for non-members. For more info, contact James Garvin at (334) 271-4343 or jgarvin@ ymcamontgomery.org.

Jasmine Hill Gardens and Outdoor Museum Spring Spectacular -- All month Wetumpka. Reproductions of famous statuary from Greek and Roman times, and many flowers you do not usually see in the Deep South. Perennials include delphinium and digitalis, with such familiar annuals as tulips, Japanese cherries and azaleas loaded with blossoms. Open Fridays

Montgomery Parents I June 2016

Superhero Fun Run/ Walk with Real Superheroes!

Check in from 9-9:30 a.m.; race starts at 10 a.m.

Fox Hollow Park, Montgomery.

Course is one mile long, and the event is very family friendly. Superhero attire is required, but we will have masks ($3) and capes ($7) for sale for those without costumes! Checkpoints with trivia questions along the path. You will have the opportunity to interact with various superheroes, courtesy of Party Palace!

Living History Program at Fort Toulouse - Fort Jackson Featuring 1814 Militia All events are $2/adult & $1/child unless otherwise noted.

Call (334) 567-3002 for more information.

Pre-registration cost: $15 per person, with $40 maximum per family. Cost on race day increases to $20 per person, with a $50 maximum per family. All proceeds benefit a local family’s adoption. Register at www.lynchesloveadoption. wordpress.com.

Montgomery Film Festival 6 p.m. The festival provides an opportunity for filmmakers and film lovers to show their creativity and support for the good, the great, and the weird. Experience 13 works of amateur and professional filmmakers within Alabama, the U.S. and internationally in short film format. Tickets: $8 for Capri Members; $10 for General Admission. For more info, call (334) 262-4858 or visit www.montgomeryfilmfestival. com/.

Sylvan Learning Center Offers ACT Cram Course Preparing for the ACT can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming. Some recent studies have shown students who take a cram course just before the test are scoring higher. Sylvan now offers a four-hour cram course on the Saturdays before each ACT test date. Reading, grammar, writing, social studies, science, and math are taught by teachers who specialize in preparing students for the ACT. Students are also given test tips and insight on how the ACT is structured. Cost is $35. Call (334) 262-0043) to enroll.

March of Dimes - March for Babies Walk 7-11 a.m. Baptist Health DeBoer Building, 301 Brown Springs Road, Montgomery. Registration begins at 7 a.m.; start at 8. For route info and more details, call (334) 277-6910 or visit www.marchofdimes.org/alabama/ events/10090_3137333837.html.

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.

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11 is hero card; June 18 is dinosaur card; June 25 is Finding Dory project; and July 2 is craft stick flag. For more info, visit www.michaels.com/.

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

Alabama Nature Center Weekends -- Every Saturday Guests are encouraged to arrive by 10 a.m. to enjoy the first of the day’s activities. Take a look around the the Discovery Hall, enjoy the movie specials in the theater, and explore the trails. Vending machines will provide snacks/ drinks. Gift shop will be open. Visit www.alabamawildlife. org/ or call 1-800-822-9453.

Farmers Market at The Shoppes at Eastchase All Saturdays through October 22 7 a.m.-noon. The grand opening of this 12th annual event will feature all vendors and festivities for the entire family.

Shoppers will continue to find unique, local items such as organic produce, meats, milk, goat cheese, natural bath products and hand-made soaps, honey, sprout breads, fruit pastries, birdhouses and nursery plants. For more info, call (334) 279-6046 or visit www.facebook.com/eastchase.

Sunday, June 5

Harry Connick Jr. Performs at the BirminghamJefferson Civic Center Concert Hall, 8 p.m. Ticket prices begin at $42. Everyone must have a ticket. No cameras/no video. Visit http://www. bjcc.org/ or call (205) 458-8400.

Special Needs Skate -- Also June 19 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 1-2 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Learn more about the traveling exhibitions as well as the Museum’s

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Calendar/Support Groups Permanent Collection in these FREE docent-led tours the FIRST Sunday of each month. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa.org/.

YMCA Camp Chandler Open House Thinking about signing up for summer camp? Come on out and meet the staff and check out the camp from 2-4 p.m.

Visit http://ymcamontgomery.org/camp/ for more info.

Montgomery Biscuits Hold Autism and Disability Friendly Night Supporting the Easter Seals of Central Alabama Start time 5:35 p.m. For more info, visit www. biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 323-2255.

Big Fish Paddle 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Come paddle around Jackson Lake Island, walk through the town of Spectre, the old movie set of “Big Fish,” view the beautiful scenery, enjoy a picnic and spend time with friends. You may be lucky enough to meet the pet goats too! Pack your favorite picnic and drinks and enjoy a day of boating, fishing, swiming, camping, and so much more! Bath house is also available. $3 charge at the gate house. Family and children are welcome. More info on Facebook.

Monday, June 6

Young Meadows Sports Camp -- Through June 10 5780 Vaughn Road, (334) 244.1385 Sports Camp is our Vacation Bible School held from 9 a.m. until noon for children ages K5 through 6th grade. Older youth and adults serve as volunteers in various areas -guides, leaders, teachers, snacks, and in many other areas.

Activities include sports activities, Bible studies, snacks and fun! For info, call 244-1385.

2016 Acting Camp at Millbrook Community Theatre Through June 10 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Recital will be June 10 at 7 p.m. Camp is limited to 20 actors. $75 includes camp, food, T-shirt and 2 tickets to recital. Visit http://www.millbrooktheater.com/ acting-camp.html.

Wetumpka Depot Players Summer Youth Program -- Through June 10 10 a.m.-3 p.m. through June 9, and 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

June 10. Performance will be June 10 at 5 p.m.

Program is for students who are entering 2nd grade though 8th grade. Sessions are $150 (T-shirt included) per week and class size is limited to 30. For more info, e-mail kmeanor@wetumpkadepot.com or visit www. wetumpkadepot.com.

ACT Complete Review -- Through June 23 All classes meet Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-noon. Learn how to approach standardized tests in terms of accuracy, timing, what to study and how to reduce test anxiety.

Review covers mathematics, reading and language arts, and science reasoning. ACT prep workbook provided. Fee for this course is $309. Call 244-3804 or visit outreach. aum.edu to register.

Tuesday, June 7

Montgomery’s Capitol Sounds Concert Band Presents ‘A Summer Spectacular’ Concert 7 p.m. at Saint James United Methodist Church in Montgomery. The Capitol Sounds Concert Band will perform “La Fiesta Mexicana” and also feature Dr. Bryan Reeves on trumpet as the band pays tribute to Big Band artist Harry James. Event is free and open to the public, but donations will go toward performances for our 2016-17 season, including our Children’s Concert and the Young Artist Solo Competition. For more info, visit www. capitolsounds.org.

Dollar Dog Tuesday at Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Game Start time 7:05 p.m. Enjoy dinner and a game with $1 hot dogs! For more info, visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 323-2255.

Wednesday, June 8

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/.

Military Wednesday and Fiesta Fest at Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Game Start time 7:05 p.m.

Fiesta Fest is our fourth edition of Food Fests. Come try unique Latin delicacies for one night only! For more info, visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 323-2255.

Capri Theare Presents Children’s Matinees Also June 9-10, 15-17, 22-24, June 29-July 1, and July 6-8 Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.

All seats $1. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org/ or call (334) 262-4858.

Friday, June 10

Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets Also June 24 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. Membership is free. For details, visit http:// www.onlineecho.com.

M3: Manicures, Massages & Merriment On My Honor Girl Scout Alumnae Association and the Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama will host this event at Virginia College at 5:30 p.m. M3 is an evening of pampering, savory appetizers, exciting silent auction items and specialty cocktails inspired by Girl Scout cookies. Guests will enjoy food donated by local restaurants and caterers from the River Region, and receive manicures and massages by Virginia College School of Cosmetology and School of Massage Therapy. Tickets are $40. For more info, call (334) 272-9164 ext 2802 or visit www. girlscoutssa.org/specialevents/index.php.

Saturday, June 11

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents The Temptations Review Featuring Dennis Edwards 8 p.m. The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards continue to deliver the authentic MOTOWN sound to audiences around the world with their live performances.

Tickets begin at $27. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100 for tickets.

2016 Gump Games 9 a.m.-noon. at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl. Benefits the Arts Council of Montgomery. One day of intense competition! Spectators welcome. For more info, e-mail Rebekah Stephens at bucky@riverregioncrossfit.com.

Millbrook Tractor Supply Hosts ‘Purina Days’ 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tractor Supply Company in Millbrook at 3791 Hwy 14 will host local animal groups to encourage pet adoptions and support families raising pets and livestock. The event will showcase live animals, expert advice and best-in-class products for raising a variety of animals, including domestic pets, as well as cattle, horses, rabbits and other livestock. The store will also host community groups and activities, including Pet Adoption and Pet Photos and 4health Resource Center with Prattville Autauga Humane Shelter. Call (334) 290-0180 for details.

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June2016 Lowe’s Build and Grow 10 a.m. Marvel’s Avengers have arrived at Lowe’s this summer! Today’s project is Captain America. Along with the wooden project, kids get a free apron, goggles, and patch.

Visit https://lowesbuildandgrow.com/.

Patriotic Wreath Workshop Get a head start on your door decor by reserving your space in this popular Pike Road workshop. After several sell-out classes, this workshop is back by popular demand just in time for Flag Day and Fourth of July! E-mail Patty Payne at patty@pikeroad.us.

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

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.

Second Saturdays -Through August Every second Saturday April through August, you are invited to Riverfront Park for a day full of family-friendly fun! The fun includes live entertainment, interactive activities for kids, various food & drink vendors and adult libations at the SandBAR at the Silos. $1 Admission, 12 and under free. All proceeds benefit local charities. For more info, call (334) 625-2100 or visit www.funinmontgomery.com/.

Sunday, June 12

​ iscovery Sundays D Join Landmarks Foundation for its dynamic new series one Sunday a month at 2 p.m., and the program will vary from presentations at Old Alabama Town to field trips around Montgomery. Free to the public. June 12 is “Celebrating 200 Years of Montgomery County,” with Rev. Gary Burton.

Discovery Sundays take place at 301 Columbus St. unless noted otherwise. Visit http://www.landmarksfoundation. com/.

Weird Al Yankovic Performs at the BirminghamJefferson Civic Center Concert Hall, 8 p.m. Ticket prices begin at $31. Everyone must have a ticket. No cameras/no video. Visit http://www. bjcc.org/ or call (205) 458-8400.

Monday, June 13

Michael’s Camp Creativity -- Also June 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29; July 1, 6 & 8 10 a.m.-noon. $4 per project. Supplies Included. Ages 3 and up. Parent or guardian must remain on premises. For more info, visit www.michaels.com/.

Way Off Broadway Theatre Camp -Through June 17 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. For grades K-6. (Program for grades 7-12 will be held July 11-16.) These theatre camps will introduce students to all aspects of the theatre. In addition to acting, there will be focus on set and costume design, production, directing and more, ending with the students’ participation in a play June 18. Cost is $75 per child. For more info, call (334)595-0851.

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Calendar/Support Groups Fashion Camp at Shoppes at EastChase -- Through June 17; also June 20-24 9 a.m.-1 p.m. For ages 6-14.

Register online at www.theshoppesateastchase.com/. For more info, call Guest Services at 334-279-6046.

Challenger Soccer Camp -- Through June 17 Upper Kingston Soccer Fields, Prattville. Mini Soccer:ages 3-5 from 9-10:30 a.m.; $99 per child; Half Day for ages 6-14 from 9 a.m.-noon, $125 per child; Full Day for ages 6-14 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $180 per child (need to bring lunch). This camp teaches kids the 1000 Touches Curriculum, packed with drills and practices designed to improve individual ball control, foot skills, fake moves and core techniques. Players need to make sure and bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a snack. Includes camp shirt, soccer ball, poster and more. Visit https://www.activityhero.com/ biz/challenger-sports-soccer-camps/ for more info or to register.

Tuesday, June 14

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

Annual Flag Day Ceremony 5:30 p.m. at Gold Star Park, Wetumpka. Hosted by the City of Wetumpka, Boy Scout Troup 50 and VFW Post 4572. Schools, businesses or individuals who have unserviceable flags that need to be properly disposed are welcome to attend or may bring them by Wetumpka’s City Administrative Building prior to the ceremony. For more info, call (334) 567-5147.

Brit Floyd Performs at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Concert Hall, 8 p.m. Ticket prices begin at $31 for this Pink Floyd tribute show. Everyone ages 2+ must have a ticket.

No flash photography. Visit http://www.bjcc.org/ or call (205) 458-8400.

Wednesday, June 15

Wonderfully Made Seminars for Women Noon-1 p.m. MCI Auditorium on the Campus of Baptist South. This monthly program provides women of all ages with straightforward information about current health topics, as well as what it takes to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Lunch is provided. Space is limited. Please register if you plan to attend by calling (334) 273-4444.

Military Wednesday and BBQ Fest at Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Game Start time 7:05 p.m. Grab some napkins and chow down at our next 2016 Food Fest celebrating the different BBQ from around the nation. For more info, visit www. biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 323-2255.

‘Alabama Talks:’ A Speaker Series 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Capital City Club will host this series through July. Cost is $20 and includes lunch.

Today’s speaker is Robert Granfeldt, publisher of the Montgomery Advertiser, who will speak on the history of the newspaper and its evolution to meet the demands of today’s technologically advanced world readers. For more info and to make reservations, contact Heather Logan at (334) 834-8920 or heather.logan@clubcorp.com.

Thursday, June 16

Food For Thought The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. Noon-1 p.m. Bring lunch and and join us every third

Montgomery Parents I June 2016

Thursday for these FREE lectures sponsored by Friends of the Alabama Archives. Drinks are complimentary. Today’s topic is “The Journal of Sarah Haynsworth Gayle, 1827 - 1835,” presented by Ruth Truss. Call 353-4726 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov.

Lanark NaturePlex Family Scavenger Hunt A great night for family fun! Come at 5:30 to enjoy a BYODinner and stroll through the Discovery Hall. The gift shop will be open. Events begin at 6 p.m. Come out for a scavenger hunt on our 5+ miles of trails.

Guests will team up and complete an evening scavenger hunt for prizes! Snowcones available (free). Location: Meet in the Main Hall. All ages. Admission $5. No RSVP necessary. For more info, contact Tyler Harris at tharris@ alabamawildlife.org.

Montgomery Zoo Military Day Free admission for all military personel and their families.

Visit www.montgomeryzoo.com or call (334) 240-4900 for more info.

Cloverdale Playhouse Presents Strip Talk on the Boulevard-- Through June 26 Written by Donna Spector; directed by Sarah Thornton.

This witty, brazen comedy focuses on friendship. There is a battle of the sexes, embellished by wild word play and a reenactment of the “real” version of the Adam and Eve story. *Recommended for ages 14 and above.* Tickets are $18. For tickets or more info, call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org.

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Features Frida 5:30-8 p.m. In anticipation of the summer exhibition Women’s Work, celebrating female artists, the MMFA will screen Frida (2002.) The film, in which Salma Hayek plays one of the most intriguing and popular modern artists, will be introduced by Jennifer Jankauskas, Curator of Art. Dr. Jankauskas will provide the context for Frida Kahlo’s life and career. Beverages will be available for purchase and popcorn will be served. Visit http://mmfa.org/.

Red Door Theatre Presents Legacy: A Tribute to Sam Cooke Downtown Union Springs. Starring Alonzo Russell for one performance only at 7:30 p.m.! Cooke, universally known as the “King of Soul,” was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi.

His music was rooted in the gospel songs he learned at the church where his father was a minister. His first hit in 1957, “You Send Me,” was one of thirty top-40 hits he had in the next seven years before he met an untimely death at the age of 33 in 1964. Only 140 tickets will be sold to this one-night production for $15 each; all seating is general admission. Call (334) 738-8687 or e-mail conecuhpeople@ knology.net.

Friday, June 17

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents The Mulligan Brothers and Roman Street 8 p.m. The Mulligan Brothers’ music is a blend of altcountry, blues, and folk that sounds like the Lumineers with a hot fiddle and the song writing of Townes Van Zandt.

Roman Street is comprised of brothers and guitarists Noah & Josh Thompson. They are internationally trained and specialize in improvisational fusion of classical, gypsy and contemporary jazz, Latin, and nuevo flamenco. Tickets begin at $27. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 4815100 for tickets.

Echoes & Reflections Teacher Workshop at the Archives 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FREE teacher workshop for Alabama middle and high school educators who want to incorporate Holocaust education into their curriculum.

Attendees will receive an array of multimedia resources, a certificate, and seven clock hours of professional development time. A FREE lunch will be provided to all attendees. To register, visit www.archives.alabama.gov and find a link on the right side of the homepage under “News and Notices.” For more info, call Wesley Garmon at (334) 353-3288.

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June2016 Saturday, June 18

Taco Libre: Alabama’s First Taco Festival 4-8 p.m. Union Station Train Shed, Montgomery. A wide assortment of tacos from your favorite local joints as well as food trucks from all over the state will be present. A large contingency of Alabama’s breweries will also offer up their best beers for this event. Tickets are $25 and a portion of the proceeds go to EAT South! Visit http://www. lightninglinemgm.com/tacolibre for details or to purchase tickets.

Superheroes Night at Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Game Start time 6:35 p.m. It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a super night at Riverwalk Stadium! Come meet your heroes on and off the field. For more info, visit www.biscuitsbaseball. com or call (334) 323-2255.

Sunday, June 19

Father’s Day at the Montgomery Zoo Free admission for all dads on their special day. Visit www. montgomeryzoo.com or call (334) 240-4900 for more info.

Montgomery Biscuits Bark in the Park/Kids Day Start time 2:05 p.m. Take your furry friend to the ballgame!

All dogs get in free! Also, kids will have the chance to play catch on the field prior to the game and run the bases after the game! For more info, visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 323-2255.

Monday, June 20

Alabama Dance Theatre Presents Tutus and Tiaras -- Through June 24 9:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. at the Armory Learning Arts Center, home of the Alabama Dance Theatre located at 1018 Madison Avenue. For children ages 3-8. Classes include pre-ballet, creative movement, crafts, and story time.

Performance on June 24 for parents and friends. For registration or more info, please call (334) 241-2590, or visit www.alabamadancetheatre.com.

First United Methodist in Cloverdale Hosts Summer Musical Theatre Camp -- Through June 24 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the church through Thursday and at the Leo J. Drum, Jr. Theater on Huntingdon College campus on Friday. For kids who have completed kindergarten up through grade 5. Camp will give hands-on training in the arts, including acting, singing, dancing, building sets, constructing costumes and learning superhero moves! Registration cutoff is June 6. COST: $150 per camper (discounts and scholarships offered).

Call Adrian at (334) 834-8990 or e-mail aborden@ fumcmontgomery.org.

Summer Art Camp in Prattville -- Through June 24 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. This fun and creative art camp for ages 7-12 years old will feature a variety of daily projects, including clay, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media and collage. Classes include an open house and reception on Saturday. Cost is $75 per student and space is limited. Preregistration is required. For more info, call (334)595-0851.

Tuesday, June 21

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.

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

Wednesday, June 22

Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Presents Wicked -- Through July 3 Concert Hall, various performance times. All ages must have a ticket. 8 limit ticket per household. Visit http://www. bjcc.org/ or call (205) 458-8400 for more info.

Thursday, June 23

Annual Beekeeping Camp -- Through June 24 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. both days. Wetumpka Elementary School campus. Hosted by the Central Alabama Beekeepers Association (in partnership with 4-H of Alabama). Camp will offer students, ages 9-14, the opportunity to learn more about honey bees and the skills necessary to care for them. Registration is required and space is limited. For more info or to registration, visit http://beekeepingcamp. yolasite.com/.

Capri Theatre Presents Science on Screen: RED 7:30 p.m. This show is open to the public and is made possible by a grant from the Coolidge Corner Theatre. Science on Screen is an initiative of the Coolidge Corner Theatre, with major support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

Tickets are $8 for Capri Members, $10 for non-members.

For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org/.

Friday, June 24

Honey Extraction Tentatively scheduled from 10 a.m.-noon. at Gaits Of Grace Farm in Pike Road. Watch and assist in extracting honey from the bee hives along with bottling the strained honey.

Observe bees working in the newly purchased Flow Hive.

Registration is encouraged via gaitsofgracefarm@charter. net. Sample honey will be offered along with fresh raw bottled honey available for purchase. Find us on Facebook for confirmation of date and time!

Saturday, June 25

Montgomery Lions Club Cycling for Sight Ride 8 a.m.-noon. This year’s ride is sponsored by the Montgomery Bike Club, Ability Sport Network at Huntingdon College, and Creek Casino Montgomery. The ride commemorates Helen Keller, a native Alabamian, as the Lions try to stop preventable blindness. Choose either a 21-mile or 45-mile route and enjoy the beautiful rural roads of east Montgomery County. Mechanical and SAG support along with fully stocked rest stops. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to all riders. For more info, call (334) 356-1180 or visit www. montgomerylionsclub.com/cycling-for-sight.html.

Legends Cruise Remembering Prince and Michael Jackson 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Join The Weekend Pass for a Legends Cruise on board the Harriott II. Enjoy a night of music, poetry, and comedy to celebrate two of the most iconic legends in the music industry. $100 cash prize will be awarded to the best Michael Jackson and Prince outfits! For more info, call (334) 558-6520 or find us on Facebook.

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents MC Lightfoot – One Night Comedy Stand 8 p.m. Tickets begin at $28. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100 for tickets.

Sunday, June 26

Dance Workshop Presented By Messianic Dance Camps International River Region Dance Studio located at 7734 Atlanta Hwy. Registration begins at 5 p.m. with workshop from 6-9 pm. A suggested $10 donation ($20 for families) for the workshop.

Registration includes dance workshop, dance notations, bottled water and snacks. The vision is to facilitate worship through dance---that believers of all denominations may be one as Yeshua (Jesus Christ) and the Father are One. Preregistration is encouraged by contacting gaitsofgracefarm@ charter.net.

Monday, June 27

Alabama Dance Theatre Summer Classes Session II -- Through July 14 Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue.

To register for summer classes call 241-2590 or visit www. alabamadancetheatre.com.

Thursday, June 30

Capri Theatre Presents Science on Screen: The Martian 7:30 p.m. This show is open to the public and is made possible by a grant from the Coolidge Corner Theatre. Science on Screen is an initiative of the Coolidge Corner Theatre, with major support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

Tickets are $8 for Capri Members, $10 for non-members.

For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org/.

Monday, July 4

4th of July Picnic on the River 5-10 p.m. Join the City of Montgomery for a family picnic and 4th of July Celebration along the riverfront. Enjoy food vendors, kids’ inflatables, a rib-eating competition with prizes, live music at the amphitheatre and fireworks! For more details, call (334) 625-2100 or visit www.funinmontgomery.com.

Prattville Independence Day Parade Begins at 9 a.m. at the Autauga County Courthouse and winds its way through downtown. This year’s honorees will be the Autauga County Law Enforcement with special Grand Marshal Karl Wade. Registration is required to be in the parade, but there is no entry fee. For more info, call (334) 595-0854.

Lions Club BBQ, Arts & Crafts 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Pratt Park. Free admission. Music, a patriotic program, a children’s fun area and lots of arts and crafts for the entire family.

Cardboard Boat Races Begin at 10 a.m., with the teams creating their competition boats out of cardboard, pool noodles and duct tape.

Trophies awarded. Two people must race on the boats.

New rules this year so you must pre-register. Fee: $5 per boat. Call (334) 595-0800 for more info.

Fireworks Extravaganza Stanley-Jensen Stadium in Prattville. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. and fireworks start at dark. Patriotic music, children’s inflatable play area, and a variety of food vendors. Best seats in the house for an amazing fireworks show.

Wednesday, July 6

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast -- Through July 24 Written by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Linda Woolverton. You will be enchanted by this spectacular feast for the senses as the lovely Belle, spellbound Prince, wicked Gaston and delightful Lumiere and Cogsworth front a production filled with spectacular costumes, lavish sets and dazzling production numbers including, “Be Our Guest,” “Gaston” and “Beauty and the Beast.” A magical experience for the whole family to enjoy. Visit www.asf. net or call 271-5353.

Thursday, July 7

Alabama in the Movies at the State Archives 6 p.m. Free movies at the Archives on Thursday nights in July. Movies featured were made in or about Alabama!

Refreshments will be available for purchase.

July 7 film is Forrest Gump. For more info, visit www. archives.alabama.gov/.

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Ongoing

Ala. Dept. of Archives & History Exhibit galleries include a children’s gallery and a reference room for genealogical and historical research. In Grandma’s Attic, kids can try on clothes, try an old typewriter, sit at an old school desk or experience making a quilt square. Also visit our History at Home web page to print off fun activities to do at home. In addition, there are FREE, guided tours of the Museum of Alabama EVERY Saturday at 1 p.m. Follow us on Facebook, call 242-4435 or visit www. archives.alabama.gov.

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

Clubs are limited to the first 10 students, for one month.

The Pottery Studio is available to ARRAC members trained on the wheel. First Saturday of every month is a free Sit & Sew, from 9 a.m.-noon. (Bluegrass Jam is going on at the same time in another room.) 300 W. Tallassee St. (former Wetumpka Jr. High building). Visit www.arrac.org or see us on Facebook: Alabama River Region Arts Center, or call 578-9485 for more information.

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

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

Brain Pump is a group exercise class, targeting children 4-12 years old. The class is the collaboration of a physical therapist and a kinesiology professor combining traditional therapy and exercise concepts with the latest cutting edge research on movement and the brain. This is all done in a fun, energetic setting, that seems much more like playing than exercising. Brain Pump is taught at Metro Fitness on Saturdays from 11-11:45 a.m. Contact Tiffany Higginbotham at Body Logic PT & Wellness (334-380-5920) for more info.

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

The Central Alabama Tennis Association (CATA) is a volunteer-based tennis organization formed to provide programs which promote and develop the growth of tennis throughout central Alabama. For event info, call Ernie Rains, CATA Community Coordinator, at 324-1406 or e-mail www.centralalabama.usta.com.

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

For information, call 264-0286.

Cloverdale Playhouse “Third Tuesdays” Montgomery’s singers and songwriters perform in our intimate theater space each month on the third Tuesday.

Join us for a musical evening in Old Cloverdale. For details, call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org. Also contact us about volunteer opportunities, auditions, and the Playhouse School!

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

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Calendar/Support Groups Friday Night Hoops Students in 5th through 12th grades get together with friends for pick-up games of basketball every 1st and 3rd Friday at the Bell Road YMCA from 9 p.m.-midnight.

Students must be dropped off by 10 p.m. and cannot leave without being picked up by parent or guardian (unless students drove themselves). Must play 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.

W. A. Gayle Planetarium Public Shows offered Mon.-Thurs. at 4 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. and first & third Saturdays at 2 p.m. Admission $6.50/ person, children under 5 free, seniors $5.50/person. 1010 Forest Ave. in Oak Park. Call 625-4799 or visit http://www. troy.edu/planetarium/.

Montgomery’s Freedom Rides Museum 468 South Perry Street. Learn how 21 young people helped change our nation’s history using nonviolent protest. Black and white, male and female, none of them were older than 21. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, noon -4 p.m. For more info, visit www.freedomridesmuseum.org or call (334) 242-3184.

MOOseum, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Children’s educational center featuring past, present and future in agriculture and the cattle industry. Free. Group tours should be pre-scheduled. Mon.- Fri. 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Last scheduled tour of the day starts at 3:30 p.m.

201 Bainbridge St., Montgomery. For info, call 265-1867 or visit www.bamabeef.org.

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

Tours Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: $8 for adults, $4 for students ages 6-18. Under 6 free. 301 Columbus St., Montgomery. For information, call 240-4500 or vist www.landmarksfoundation.com/.

Prattville-Millbrook Newcomers Club A non-affiliated social club geared to new people moving into the area AND to those looking to form new friendships or just learn more about the area and help new residents do the same. For information on meetings and locations, contact Nancy Schrull at (334) 356-9897 or nschrull@ knology.net.

Prattville Movie Club (for Teens) Meeting twice a month on Fridays, current Prattville Movie Club members range from 14-18 years old and meet at the Carmike Promenade 12 on Cobbs Ford Road. There are no GPA requirements and no class requirements. We are friends who enjoy moviegoing and want to meet others who also enjoy watching movies. For more info, call (334) 2247811 or e-mail brandonperdue12@gmail.com.

Rosa Parks Museum 252 Montgomery Street. Hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays and holidays, closed. Admission 12 years and under-$5.50/Over 12-$7.50. Alabama college students with a valid student ID: $6.50; discount price for both Museum & Children’s Wing: adults: $14, children $10. For more info, call 241-8615 or visit www. troy.edu/rosaparks/.

Tales for Tots Join us for this FREE introduction to art in storybooks and in the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts galleries for young children and their families. Each time a different work of art and special story will be presented. Next classes are June 8 from 10:30-11 a.m., and 11-11:30 a.m. Call 240-4365 or visit www.mmfa.org for more info.

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

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

Montgomery Parents I June 2016

Classes

Breastfeeding Class Designed to prepare the expectant mother for breastfeeding her newborn. Also includes trouble-shooting 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 to register or for more info.

Caring For Your Newborn This interactive class covers routine hospital newborn procedures along with bathing, diapering, swaddling and soothing, normal infant behavior, appearance and sleep patterns. Partners are encouraged to attend. $20 fee per couple. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military.

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

Childbirth Preparation Class Comprehensive four-week evening series covers all aspects of the labor and delivery experience, admission process, medication and anesthesia options including epidurals, Caesarean sections, coping and comfort measures including breathing and relaxation techniques.

Postpartum care and newborn characteristics are included. A maternity area tour of Baptist Medical Center East is also included as a part of this class.

All of our classes are taught by registered nurses certified in childbirth education. This class is $60 per couple. Space is limited. Registration is required.

Please e-mail smallwonders@ baptistfirst.org for more info. iA 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. ID required.

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

Maternity area tour of Baptist Medical Center East is also included as a part of this class. Fee is $60 per couple and includes 2 box lunches. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org.

A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. ID required.

CPR & First Aid The American Red Cross offers classes in adult and infant/ child CPR as well as first aid and babysitting classes monthly.

Call 260-3980.

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

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

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

Classes focused towards parents of children age 3-12. 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.

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June2016 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 Class Includes care of the choking infant, infant rescue and breathing with hands-on practice using ACTAR CPR dolls for class participants. Class will also help parents with creating a safe environment for their child. Classes are taught by certified CPR Instructors, but this is not a certification class. $10 fee 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.

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 well-

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known pediatrician Dr. William Sears. Classes focus on lifestyle choices, attitude, and exercise at any stage of pregnancy; optimal nutrition before, during and after pregnancy; transition from pregnancy to motherhood.

Courses can be taken separately or as a series. Jump in any time! Materials and snack provided with fee. For more info, contact alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or visit www.

Facebook.com/LeaninCentralAL. Prenatal Breastfeeding Class Includes 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. Partners are encouraged to participate in this class. $20 per couple. 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.

Prenatal Breastfeeding Class Second Saturday of each month, 10 a.m.-noon. NICU Conference Room, Baptist Medical Center South. This class is free to the community. Moms in their second trimester are welcome. Those that qualify will receive incentives. No children please. This is a learning environment. Call (334) 286-2829 to register.

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.

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Calendar/Support Groups 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 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.

Baptist Sleep Disorders Centers Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville. Both centers have the ability to diagnose up to 84 different sleep disorders. There are four board-certified physicians and a clinical psychologist on staff between the two centers. For more info, call (334) 286-3252 for Baptist Medical Center South and (334) 361-4335 for Prattville Baptist Hospital.

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.

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/.

Support Groups Adoption Support

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer Memorial UMC. For more info, call Monica Russell at 409-9477 or the church office at 272-8622. Autauga/Elmore Group meets 4th Tuesdays, 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 about raising our children from China. If you would like to join our group, just e-mail PandaPals2005@yahoogroups. com or call Tracie Singleton at 395-8215.

Cancer Support

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 2nd Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Room 8114.

Provides education, awareness and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family or friends. For more info, call 272-8622 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net.

Divorce Support

DivorceCare meets Tuesdays beginning May 3 at Frazer Memorial UMC. Join us for support and guidance as you work through the issues, pain and pressures surrounding divorce. Call 495-6368 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org.

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.

“Never Go Back” meets at Frazer UMC. Are you stuck in a pattern of going back to the same relationships or situations hoping for or expecting different results? In this new study, you will recognize and truly change those life patterns that hold you back and keep you from your goals, so you will never go back. 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

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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.

Gambling Support

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

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

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

Gamblers Anonymous Hotline: 334-541-5420

Grief Support

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

“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 participants so call 279-6677. Start date will be determined once reservations are confirmed. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW. “Comfort and Conversation,” Wednesdays at 11 a.m., Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is intended to address those affected by a recent loss (0-12 months after death). Through meeting with others who are walking a similar journey, you will be encouraged to work through the complications of your loss, understand your pain, and adjust to your new reality.

Space is limited, so please call 279-6677. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW. Compassionate Friends, Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Hwy, first Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child. For more information about the group, call (334) 284-2721.

“Connect,” Fridays at 11 a.m., biweekly, Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is for those who have already walked through the initial grieving process but still desire to connect with others who share similar experiences. This group will allow you to meet new people, stay active in the community, and look ahead to a bright future. We will share lunch, visit museums, volunteer, attend movies, and participate in area events. This group is ongoing and does not have a participation limit.

For more info, call 279-6677. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW. Grief Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Rm. 3105. Call 2728622 for more info.

GriefShare meets weekly at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. This program is non-denominational and features biblical concepts for healing your grief. Three key parts make up your GriefShare experience: video seminar; support group time; and workbook study.

GriefShare will be led by Howard and Carol Payne and Jim Williams. To register or for more info, call 279-5433.

GriefShare, Hospice of Montgomery’s office located at 1111 Holloway Park, Montgomery. Meets Wednesdays from noon-1 p.m. through March. This FREE group is for individuals, families and caregivers in the River Region.

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Calendar/Support Groups Registration required to attend. For more information or to register, please contact Candace Fales at 279-6677 or cfales@hospiceofmontgomery.org.

Grieving With Hope, St. Mark UMC, meeting weekly on Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m. The group offers a place to share, care and heal from the losses of life. Facilitated by Dr. Lennie Howard and Marie Parma. Contact the church at 272-0009.

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

Our siblings’ group is for children ages 6-15. Both groups meet at the same time and place. 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.

Homeschool Support

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

Illness Support

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

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

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

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.

Depression & Bipolar Support, Montgomery Public Library Main Branch, 245 High Street downtown, 2nd Floor Meeting Room, 3rd Saturdays, Noon-2 p.m.; OR 1609 West Street, north off Carter Hill and Narrow Lane, 2nd Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Call 201-9638 or 652-1431 for more info.

Gluten Intolerance Group (www.gluten.net) is a nonprofit organization with the mission to provide support

Montgomery Parents I June 2016

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 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 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

Circle of Moms Club Meets June 13 & 27, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at UAB School of Medicine Basement Auditorium, adjacent to Baptist Medical Center South. Bring your baby, your questions, and hang out with other moms and moms-to-be. A lactation nurse will be at each meeting to offer expert help. A baby scale will also be available to monitor the weight of your baby. Light lunch provided, and door prizes! For more info, call (334) 286-2829 or e-mail llrambo@baptistfirst.org.

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 (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.

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June2016 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 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, 9:3011:30 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 VFCMOPS@gmail.com.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Redland Baptist Church in Wetumpka. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 9-11 a.m. during the school year. We also have scheduled play dates and mom’s nights out. Moms get together to share food, laugh, and hear inspiring speakers. While moms are in a MOPS meeting, their children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program. For more info, call (334) 567-8649 or visit www.mops.org/redlandmops.

Pregnancy Loss/Infertility

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.

“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 272-8622 for more info.

SWAK (Single with Amazing Kids), Maxwell / Maxwell Gunter AFB. This network is connecting and empowering single parents and their families through information, en-

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Calendar/Support Groups couragement, 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.

For reservations, call 272-8622.

Special Needs Support

Alabama Angels Pageant, a nonprofit pageant for males and females of any age with special needs. Participation is free. 2016 pageant date TBA. Visit www.alabamaangels.org and look for us on Facebook!

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

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

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.

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

Life is Fun Together (LIFT): A FREE program through Family Guidance Center of Alabama and a partnership with the Alabama Healthy Marriage and Relationship Initiative (AHMREI). LIFT provides relationship and marriage education and real-world skills through fun, distinctive workshops, information & referral services, ongoing support, and the LIFT library. Singles, non-married parents, stepfamilies, premarital couples, and married couples can all enjoy the benefits of LIFT workshops: ELEVATE blends 7 practical skills with an understanding of the physiology of human interaction (the heart-brain-behavior connection). Couples can get skills to help manage stress and reduce conflict. Learn how to relax, get to know each other more deeply, and make your relationship something you look forward to every day! Contact Tonya at 270-4100, trogers@familyguidancecenter.org, or www.familyguidancecenter.org today!

In Relationship Smarts (RS+), participants learn what true love really is, the role of “brain chemicals,” how to build healthy relationships, how to handle breakups, the “red flags” to domestic violence, relationship skills, and so much more. Written for 9th through 12th graders, RS+ is a solid, basic curriculum for adults too. Contact Tonya at 270-4100, trogers@familyguidancecenter.org, or www.familyguidancecenter.org today!

June2016 Date Nights! is a program for couples that are in committed relationships. Using the Basic Training curriculum, participants get the unique opportunity to enjoy a date together at a local restaurant- ON US! Topics include benefits of a healthy marriage, communication, surrender, problem-solving as a team, and intimacy. Contact Tonya at 270-4100, trogers@familyguidancecenter.org, or www. familyguidancecenter.org today!

How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk (or Jerkette) is a great program for singles and daters. Participants learn the technical definition of a “jerk” and how to spot one, how to build a healthy relationship, and the five things to know in order to be able to predict what someone would be like in marriage. Contact Tonya at 270-4100, trogers@ familyguidancecenter.org, or www.familyguidancecenter. org today!

For Couples Only is a must-have for any couple in any stage of their relationship. Using the Mastering the Mysteries of Love curriculum, couples go through intensive training in communication, conflict management, and problem-solving. Contact Tonya at 270-4100, trogers@ familyguidancecenter.org, or www.familyguidancecenter. org today!

Smart Steps for Stepfamilies was created for couples where at least one partner is not the biological parent of at least one child in the family. This curriculum is useful for all stepfamily couples regardless of whether the couple is married. A children’s component is often available. Contact Tonya Rogers at 270-4100, trogers@familyguidancecenter. org, or www.familyguidancecenter.org today!

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

Please send calendar info to editor@montgomeryparents.com.

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Alice Through the Looking Glass

The Angry Birds Movie MPAA Rating: PG Overall: C+ Violence: C+ Sexual Content: B+ Language: BAlcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated The Angry Birds Movie PG for rude humor and action.

Undoubtedly you’ve heard of the Angry Birds that roost within millions of smartphones worldwide. The game has managed to attract broad demographic appeal -- in fact watching his 85-year-old mother play the game on her iPad is what led executive producer David Maisel to approach the creators of these bombastic birds and talk about making a movie. So what will take place during our 97-minute peek into the life of the Angry Birds? Pretty much what you’d expect -- birds bombing pigs (in case you aren’t aware, green pigs are the birds’ adversary) and destroying structures while trying to avoid crates of TNT. And there is an ever-so-thin storyline that leaves you wondering if there’s a deeper message to this movie or if you’re just hallucinating on too much green soda.

Red (voice of Jason Sudeikis) is the iconic main character of the game and the movie. He, along with all the other birds in this universe, inhabit one happy little island. But he is not happy. The invented backstory depicts Red as an abandoned, bullied child who was mercilessly teased for having big, bushy eyebrows. Now he has a permanently negative disposition and the more time he spends amongst the cacophony of life surrounding him, the angrier he gets.

Not surprisingly, his job as a cake delivering birthday clown doesn’t suit him well. When he has an angry meltdown and smashes a cake into a client’s face he ends up in an ager management with a flock of other angry birds.

Sitting in the therapy circle are more characters that will be familiar to game players: The speedy yellow duck-like Chuck, the can’t-help-himselffrom-blowing-up Bomb and the huge, glowering Terence. Leading these fowl offenders toward a more controlled emotional future is Matilda (voice of Maya Rudolph) a sophisticated bird with a penchant for yoga.

As expected, Red isn’t doing well with in class and when a strange ship captained by a green pig (voice of Bill Hader) appears on the island’s shore Red refuses to join the other birds’ welcoming overture. If you play the game, you’ll immediately recognize that these swine are trouble and they will be the target of all the birds’ anger by the end of the game… er… movie.

It’s the movie message that may leave parents wondering what to think.

You, or your kids, may have used these birds to bomb those green pigs in the past and if so you know the villans’ motive is to steal the birds’ eggs and eat them for breakfast. It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt, and when the scenario is put into a story arc the implied pro-violence theme seem more overt. Perhaps you’ll be pleased to see a film that doesn’t shun anger but instead teaches that frustration is an emotion that, if directed appropriately, can motivate us to fight for important goals -- in this case the lives of the birds’ children. Or you may instead be troubled by a xenophobic overtone of a story that teaches children to reject anyone who appears in your world that doesn’t look and act like you. Or you may simply wish you would have saved your movie dollars for something else.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: BViolence: C+ Sexual Content: ALanguage: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated Alice Through the Looking Glass PG for fantasy action/peril and some language.

Since we last saw Lewis Carroll’s famous character (played by Mia Wasikowska) in Disney’s 2010 Alice in Wonderland, the young woman has been on a seafaring voyage where she has captained a ship, outwitted pirates and accomplished many things too impossible to be done by a female living in the 1870s. When she returns to England she is immediately swamped by the harsh realities of some new circumstance and her old-fashioned society. Drowning in her personal losses and dismal prospects, Alice hears the call of Wonderland once again. This time she enters the curious kingdom by stepping through a looking glass – and what she finds there mirrors some of the misfortunes of her own life.

In her absence the Hatter (Johnny Depp) has become even more mad than his usual self. It happened shortly after he discovered an artifact from his past and became convinced his family did not die in a fiery attack as previously assumed. Sadly, no one believes him, so the Hatter sinks into a deep depression that his friends fear may be fatal. The arrival of Alice brings hope, although the only way Queen Mirana (Anne Hathaway) can think of to save the redheaded milliner is to send Alice into the past where she can prevent the tragedy that claimed the lives of the Hightopp clan. And in order to do that the girl must confront Time himself (Sacha Baron Cohen) where she must beg, borrow or steal the device that controls the clockwork of the entire universe.

Of course it is a dangerous and risky mission, yet despite being warned that she cannot change the past (she can only learn from it), the headstrong and loyal friend climbs aboard the forbidden time machine and plunges into her next impossible adventure. What follows is a race against Time and a tussle with the Queen of Hearts (Helena Bonham Carter), all wrapped up in some quirky costumes and amazing special effects. Unfortunately, all the computerized glitz is so distracting that even the actors seem lost amongst it. Delivering less than their best performances, the fantastical scenes and action sequences (that are likely too scary for young children) are left to carry the show.

Perhaps the biggest shame is that the film’s positive messages are also obscured. Along with some interesting allegories about time and the way we spend it, the production depicts the importance of family, the big consequences of telling small lies, the need for apologies, the freedom of forgiving and the power of friendship. Finding these themes may feel like an impossible task even for older audiences and faithful fans of Alice.

What Parents need to know about Alice Through the Looking Glass...

Violence: Many scenes depict characters in various states of peril as they are about to fall, be crushed or otherwise injured. Presumed loss of life follow a raid by a fire-breathing creature. Ships exchange cannonball fire causing damage and some people are swept off the decks. A young child falls and hits her head against a concrete curb. A character is placed in an insane asylum and threated with a syringe full of an unknown medicine.

Sexual Content: A woman flirts and sulks to try and manipulate a man.

Language: The script contains a few mild profanities, name calling and slurs.

Alcohol / Drug Use: An injection of an unknown substance is depicted within a medical context. Food substances are eaten that contain magical powers.

Montgomery Parents I June 2016

What Parents need to know about The Angry Birds Movie...

Violence: Frequent slapstick antics are presented in a comedic context. Other non-graphic violent depictions include explosions, law-breaking, lying, betrayal, robbery, acts of revenge and self defense. Some deaths are implied.

Sexual Content: Sexual innuendo and slang terms for body parts are often used. Potty humor and crude bodily functions (such as urinating) are depicted.

Language: Mild profanity and terms of deity are used infrequently. Some near–swear words are heard, along with name-calling and slurs.

Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters drink what may be alcohol at a bar.

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