Montgomery Parents May 2019

Opioid misuse: Do You Know the Signs?

Withdrawing 4. Difficulty from commitments focusing or and activities concentrating 2. Dramatic 5. Changes in mood swings appearance (poor hygiene, 3. Falling asleep weight loss) at inappropriate times (in class, 6. Behavioral markers (stealing money, during lunch) isolating oneself from family and friends)

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RECOVERY ORGANIZATION OF SUPPORT SPECIALISTS (ROSS) 24/7 HELPLINE: 844-307-1760 ALL CALLS ARE CONFIDENTIAL

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Elementary School Grandparents Day 2019

A Complete Education The diverse and creative achievements that Saint James students earn and

ACADEMICS ARTS

accomplish are the tangible expressions of the distinctive purpose and impact of Saint James School.

Educating the whole child has been our mission since our founding in 1955. Still true today, “...We are committed to challenging and assisting students in realizing their individual potential and preparing them for lives

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of responsibility, service, and achievement.�

Visit Saint James School and experience the most complete education offered in Central Alabama.

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

334.273.3021

Leading the Way Since 1955 S T J w e b . o r g Ask us about our Financial Assistance Program.

Academic support for English Language Learners available. Saint James School admits students of any religion, race, gender, creed, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

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A home loan made simple.

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May2019 68

Volume 24 Number 5

Columns

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8 Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LMSW

12 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Kid Going to College?

Advice for not only surviving, but embracing this difficult transition.

Best Summer Ever!

Discover 9 ways to amp up creative family fun this summer.

16 Montgomery Education Matters

by Dr. Ann Roy Moore, Interim Superintendent

52 Pike Road Education Matters

by Superintendent Charles Ledbetter, Ed.D.

58 Autauga Education Matters

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by Superintendent Spence Agee

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61 Elmore Education Matters

by Superintendent Richard Dennis

66 The College Years

by Lee Gonet

Summer Fun Guide

Our annual listing of activities throughout the River Region gets you on track for a great summer!

10 Mompower Mantras Learn positive self-talk that will benefit you, Mom, and your whole family!

70 Parenting, Media & Everything in Between Common Sense Media

84 A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

102 Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

On The Cover Saif Tanveer is 11 years old and attends The School at Sylvan, located at 4240 Lomac Street, in Montgomery.

Saif is the son of Laura and Athar Tanveer. His hobbies include acting, dance, building with Legos, tech and gaming, and reading SciFi books.

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Departments 14 Teacher of the Month 18 School Bits 92 Calendar/Support Groups 104 Mom to Mom

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Editor’sNote The countdown to the end of the school year is on...but it feels a lot different to me this year. My Anna is a senior graduating high school on May 17. So this year feels more like a countdown to Anna moving out of our home and starting her life outside our nest. It’s a bittersweet transition, but one that must happen, I know.

I remember well when the nurse laid Anna in my arms for the first time. As with our first child, we chose not to find out the sex of our baby. We already had a son, so I felt like the second one would be another boy, a younger brother for Will. We knew we would be happy either way. What I didn’t know was how emotion would flood over me when the doctor said, “It’s a girl!”

I immediately started to cry. Looking at my baby Anna, I saw the potential of a future not only with a daughter I could dress in pretty clothes and take to dance class, but a daughter who might eventually be one of my closest friends. That dream came true, more than I even imagined that day.

From the time she was just a toddler, kindness and compassion have been words to describe Anna.

She has always been beautiful... inside and out. Our family has made wonderful memories in the every day moments, and been on some pretty amazing adventures, too. Sure, Anna and I have been through the typical ups and downs that mothers and daughters (especially teen daughters) experience, but our bond is strong. As Anna starts her own adult journey, I know our relationship will change in many ways, but I’m confident it will continue to grow and develop into something even more precious. Your dad and I are so very proud of you, Anna. You continue to bring immeasurable joy to our lives. We are excited to see where God will take you, and pray He will lead you back to be with us as often as possible.

Okay, moving on now and wiping my tears, I’ll tell you all about this month’s issue, which includes an article for those of you in the same boat. Kimberly Blaker shares helpful advice in Kids Going to College? How to Survive and Embrace It, including creative ways to stay connected and ideas for making the most of the extra time you may have. In celebration of Mother’s Day, we’ve included 10 Mompower Mantras, where Christian Katz shares positive self-talk we can incorporate into our parenting, especially on difficult days.

May is also our Summer Fun Issue, which starts with an article on Ways to Amp Up Creative Family Fun This Summer. Following is our 2019 Summer Fun Guide with all sorts of things for your kids and your family to take part in during summer break. Our advertisers are highlighted with a page number, so don’t forget to turn to their ad for details on all they can offer your family!

Happy Mother’s Day, Mama! Let’s get ready to make great memories this summer with our kiddos!

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 Kimberly Blaker Robert Coggin, MD Richard Dennis Lee Gonet Mark Gregston Christina Katz Dr. Charles Ledbetter Sonia Martin, LMSW Dr. Ann Roy Moore Gerry Paige Smith

Cover Photography Judy Barranco www.judybarrancophotography.com

Publisher Jason Watson jason@montgomeryparents.com

Associate Publisher Gena Hill Digital Manager Scott Davis Advertising Opportunities (334) 213-7940 ext. 703 ads@montgomeryparents.com

Ad Design Tim Welch Distribution Manager Charles Silliman

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Montgomery Parents I May 2019

The River Region’s Foremost Parenting Source

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Montgomery Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing LLC, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, Alabama, 36123. Montgomery Parents is copyrighted 2018 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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Simply...Extraordinary!

INSPIRING & NURTURING A GENUINE LOVE OF LEARNING IN EVERY STUDENT. Trinity School is Montgomery’s foremost educational institution providing students the highest quality college-preparatory education, training them in the biblical world and life view, enabling them to serve God in spirit, mind, and body. Trinity offers a rigorous academic program, award-winning fine arts program, committed educators, outstanding athletics, and a nurturing family environment. The Trinity Experience is extraordinary in every way—an education that is as unique as your child.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Director of Admission Jenny McClinton at 334.213.2213 or jmcclinton@trinitywildcats.com.

Tuition assistance is available. Discount offered to our military families.

AT TRINITY, WE...

DISCOVER THE BRILLIANCE WITHIN EACH CHILD. SURROUND HIM/HER WITH A STRONG FAMILY ATMOSPHERE. SHOW HIM/HER HOW TO EXCEL IN MORE THAN ONE AREA. ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE. EMPHASIZE CHRIST-LIKE CHARACTER ABOVE ALL ELSE. BUILD LEADERS WHO POSSESS MENTAL, PHYSICAL, AND SPIRITUAL STRENGTH.

EXTRAORDINARY EDUCATION EXTRAORDINARY ENVIRONMENT EXTRAORDINARY EXPECTATIONS

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TherapeuticParenting

by Sonia Martin, LMSW

Explosive and Highly Frustrated Kids Few things are as confounding in the parenting sphere as having an explosive child. It’s that gut wrenching (and absolutely infuriating) feeling of watching your precious little one – in the blink of an eye – transform into an angry, unreachable, hurting little human. It’s bewildering to parents everywhere how a simple request of, “Please go bring down your dirty laundry” or “Pass the potatoes” at the dinner table can so quickly and violently morph into a scene from Rocky. Anger, aggression, violence or explosive tendencies can be one of the toughest roads to navigate.

So, what do you do?

Well, a few thoughts. One, in the hard moments be aware of your own self. In our own humanity, it is incredibly easy to rise up and meet their frustration. You are gonna yell at me? Oh, let’s go. It’s on now. If I may point out, little good can come from two angry people.

You simply cannot jump on the angry roller coaster with your child. Someone has to stay behind with two feet on the ground, and operate the controls, less complete chaos ensue.

If your goal is to diffuse a situation, it simply has to start with the parent. Your child, in that moment of rage, has lost all capacity to self-regulate. You have to be the one remaining calm. It’s a bit like the instructions

Montgomery Parents I May 2019

from every flight attendant – first affix your own life vest or oxygen mask before helping your child. Oddly enough, the same concept applies here. So how do you do that? Well, sometimes it is best to just walk away. Counter-intuitive I know, but hear me on this. In those moments where your child has completely flipped their lid, they simply cannot hear you. They cannot process, or learn, or respond appropriately, much less demonstrate any insight into their behavior. Your presence and words telling them to “calm down” or “knock it off” can often act as gasoline on the fire. So take your gas can, and if your child is safe, walk away. Once your child has calmed down, offer a snack and peaceably sit down together and discuss the issue in a spirit of partnering with your child – all the while modeling regulation and self-control.

Secondarily, I would encourage parents to keep their eye focused on the issue at hand. What was the catalyst for the meltdown? What is the child really mad about?

Remember that kids don’t have words, they have behaviors, so understanding the root cause of the behavior is going to automatically work toward getting that train back on track. Too often we can get trapped in this cycle of punishment for the fit, rather than

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finding out the reason for the fit. Your punishment may indeed be effective in the short term, but if your goal is to eventually see an end to the poor behavior, then understanding your child’s stressor and working with them on that is certain to bring about true, authentic, sustainable change. This goes together with my next suggestion.

Third, look for patterns. Are you experiencing the same meltdown at the same time of day? Are you watching their volcano erupt over the same issue time and time again? If so, take a minute and partner with your child to problem solve together. If there is any parenting strategy that works well for any age, it is making your child feel heard, giving them voice.

Now I am the first one to admit all of that sounds easy enough, but is much harder to do. True. I admit it. But it’s like that old saying – “If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’re gonna keep getting what you’re getting”. Let’s do something different.

Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the brain in behavior, and how to adopt therapeutic parenting techniques to help mitigate negative behaviors. She travels the state speaking at various conferences on behavior and parenting and is a therapist for Kids To Love Foundation.

Sonia is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of whom were internationally adopted, and is also a foster parent.

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Run for a Mom 5K & Fun Run Benefit Agape

Agape of Central Alabama’s 9th Annual Run for a Mom 5K & Fun Run will be held Saturday, May 11. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. with the 5K at 7:30 and the 1-Mile Fun Run at 8:30. The race will take place at the Vaughn Park Church and will continue through the Vaughn Meadows community. All proceeds will directly benefit Agape of Central Alabama and its mission to support women, children and families through foster care, adoption, and crisis pregnancy counseling. Registration is now open at www.runforamom.org.

MMFA Hosts Annual Flimp Festival

4th Annual Wing Festival & Open House

May 4 * 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

East Family YMCA Enjoy great chicken wings from our local competitors, refreshments, and a day of family fun with activities for children including bouncy houses and splashing in one of our three pools. $7 per person; children 3 and under are free. If you join the East Family YMCA during the event, enjoy a no-join fee, worth $100 in savings!

For more info, contact Jim at (334) 2723390 or jfranklin@ymcamontgomery.org.

Ride for Freedom History Bus Tour

May 18 * 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Freedom Rides Museum, 210 South Court Street.

Hour-long bus tours will leave from the Freedom Rides Museum at 10, 11 and 12. Participants will get on and off the bus a few times to meet with guest speakers at crucial spots throughout the city. $10 for adults (age 19+); $6 for youths (age 6-18). For more info or to reserve your space, call (334) 414-8647 or e-mail FreedomRidesMuseum@gmail.com.

Montgomery Parents I May 2019

May 4 * 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Includes art activities, chalk art, games, music and entertainment, and food. This free festival is rain or shine. For more info, visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333.

Shoppes at EastChase Farmers’ Market Opening Celebration

May 11 * 7 a.m.-noon Support Alabama farmers and local businesses every Saturday at EastChase Farmers Market. Find a variety of locally grown produce, whole milk, artisan breads, honey, goats milk soap, eggs and much more! The Grand Opening will feature live chef demonstrations, live music by the Blackbird Pickers and children’s activities, all starting at 9 a.m.

After May 11, the Farmers” Market at EastChase will be open every Saturday through Labor Day. For more info, visit www.theshoppesateastchase.com/ or call (334) 279-6046.

Prattville/Autauga Farmers’ Market Opens

June 1 * 7 a.m.-noon at the grove on Doster Road across from Gillespie Center and Pratt Park. Along with a variety of farmers with locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and more, there will be vendors with plants, soap, baked goods and more. A guest chef will create tasty dishes using fresh produce from the farmers. For more info, call (334) 595-0851.

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Archery at Millbrook’s Alabama Nature Center

May 11 * 10 a.m.

Come out and enjoy some archery at Lanark! All levels welcome, and all equipment provided. Guests will learn about archery history, basics and safety during this program. Bring the kids and join us for some fun shooting! General admission applies: $5/person with a $20 maximum per family.

For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife. org/ or call (800) 822-9453.

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Music in May at The Waters

May 5, 12, 19 & 26 * 4-6 p.m.

201 Waters View Drive, Pike Road.

Looking for a fun family event this spring? Join us at The Square for live music. We have an awesome line-up of local artists coming your way. So, grab your lawn chairs, snacks and friends for a series of great afternoons.

May 5: Brett Burcham; May 12: Jason Givens; May 19: Laurel Taylor & James Keith Posey; May 26: Gypsy Cornbread. For more info, visit TheWatersAL.com.

Montgomery Symphony Orchestra’s Jubilee Pops Concert

May 24 * 7 p.m.

The Ala. Dept. of Archives & History Front Terrace, 624 Washington Ave. For more info, visit https://montgomerysymphony.org/event/jubilee-pops-concert/.

Taco Libre Festival

May 11 * 2-10 p.m. Union Station Wide assortment from the state’s favorite local taco joints, restaurants and food trucks, along with plenty of refreshing beverages. Family-friendly activities and musical entertainment. Find us on Facebook.

AirPower History Tour Lands in Montgomery

May 17-19 * 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Montgomery Regional Airport MGM 4445, Selma Hwy. Experience the sights, smells and sounds of historic World War II aircraft. Visitors will have the opportunity to: get up close & touch the aircraft; tour the cockpit; talk to the crews; teach the younger generations; see the planes FLY; and take a ride! For more info, visit www.airpowersquadron.org/.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Electronic Media - Good and Bad Use of electronic devices and media has exploded so much in the last 10 years that we feel dependent on our smartphones, computers, social media, and streaming programs to do our daily work and for contact with other people. Indeed, much good is done with these devices but there are also negative consequences to be aware of such as privacy and confidentiality issues, negative health effects, and inappropriate content and contacts.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting total screen time to two hours daily for children. There are many reasons for this. Studies have shown that excessive television viewing can result in obesity. This is due partly to lack of activity and not burning calories, but also due to overeating and snacking high calorie foods and drinks while watching TV. This could eventually lead to more serious health problems such as Type 2 Diabetes. It is recommended that children get one hour of physical activity every day. Not only does this burn calories it also can improve physical strength and coordination.

Another result of excessive screen time is interfering with adequate sleep. The screen of electronic devices produces a type of blue light that interferes with melatonin production and causes delay or disruption of sleep. Also,

Montgomery Parents I May 2019

the stimulation from the program being viewed can cause sleep problems. Electronic devices should be turned off one hour before bedtime.

This will give the body time to relax and prepare for sleep. Children and teenagers need about nine hours of sleep each night. Without adequate rest, they may have more difficulty focusing in class and may have more behavior issues.

All electronic devices should be removed from the bedroom during the night.

This will avoid the temptation of distractions and disruption of sleep with calls, texts, alerts, and alarms. It is also advisable that children and teens be encouraged to use their devices in open areas at home so usage can be more easily monitored.

There are even specific mental health disorders now recognized relating to excessive overuse of on line and gaming called Problematic Internet Use and Internet Gaming Disorder.

Although these disorders are just now being recognized, it seems more and more teens are involved in these potentially harmful behaviors.

One of the most disturbing activities online is cyberbullying. Almost everyone understands and recognizes traditional bullying. Online bullying is especially dangerous because it can be anonymous, occur at any time of day or night, occur frequently, and spread to others

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rapidly. This can be very harmful to the victim with many negative consequences.

In general, children, teens and even adults should use their devices carefully depending on the situation. It is important to be respectful to others around you in public places. Overuse of devices is not only distracting to others but the user is also distracted.

Full attention is often necessary when doing business transactions and in professional situations.

It is important that parents be aware of these and many other consequences of the use of electronic devices. First, parents should be good role models of responsible use themselves. After all, our children learn much of their behavior from watching us. Just having an open discussion with your children to establish expectations and benefits and risks of their devices can be very helpful. The AAP has developed a tool to accomplish this called a Family Media Use Plan. This can be found at www.healthychildren.org.

Dr. Coggin received his medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and did his pediatric residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. He began private practice in Mississippi and has been in Montgomery since 1983. He has two married daughters, one in Montgomery and one in Orlando, Florida. He enjoys college sports with his wife Cathy who is an attorney.

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Mala Kelley Trinity Presbyterian School

product.” A student at Trinity, Griffin Sanders says, “I love Mrs. Kelley, she really gets us.”

To new teachers she says, “Pour your life into your students, appreciating their uniqueness and their undiscovered gifts. Love them for who and what they are. See every day in the classroom as an unpredictable adventure, and be sure to never lose your sense of humor. Students will teach you so much about yourself if you are willing to take the time to listen.”

She obviously heeds her own advice! Her student, Scott Chesnutt says, “She is always positive and happy no matter what, and every single student she teaches loves her.”

“Teaching is a people business, and I enjoy people,” says this May’s Teacher of the Month, Mala Kelley.

You could say she was destined to teach. Both of Mrs. Kelley’s parents were teachers, so she grew up in a home where making bulletin boards, grading papers, and cleaning the gym were a normal part of family life.

When asked what is the most rewarding part of teaching, Mrs. Kelley says, “When I see a student go to college feeling confident, and they tell me that they felt well-prepared for the challenges they met.

Or seeing a young person discover a talent or a great passion they never realized they possessed before is thrilling. The first time a student finds the courage to share that talent or that interest with others is truly a magical moment to witness.”

Mrs. Kelley desires that her students find the joy of learning throughout life. “Learning is a lifelong process, and I want my students to develop a curiosity about life that prompts them to want to read and research to discover more. I want them to value the power of words and to begin to master the art of communication through the written and spoken word.

For students who have worked with me in the play, I want them to appreciate the creativity, hard work and true teamwork it takes to produce a finished

Montgomery Parents I May 2019

Congratulations, Mrs. Kelley, on being the Montgomery Parent’s Teacher of the Month. Thank you for making a difference through the classroom!

Mala Kelley has been teaching at Trinity Presbyterian School for 28 years, and teaching nearly 40 years. She teaches 11th grade English, American Film Studies, and is the director of the Spring Musical each year. She has been married almost 40 years to Neal Kelley and they have three grown daughters and three grandchildren.

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Summer Time Learning School ends for Montgomery Public Schools students on May 23. But learning should not be put on hold until school begins again on August 6. Parents are a child’s first teacher, and making sure your student continues to learn during his or her “summer off” will help their academic performance when the new school year begins.

You don’t have to have an education degree to help your child learn. As a matter of fact, being able to “sneak” in opportunities to learn using everyday events will help keep children from resisting and declaring that they are on “vacation”.

Montgomery Parents I May 2019

Summer camps and tutoring programs in specific academic disciplines are great. But, you can do this yourself without spending a lot of time or money.

Reading is so very important. Pick up books, graphic novels, magazines or find websites that are age appropriate and that are about things that interest your child. The subject matter can be about nearly anything as long as it pushes the reader a little. If they find a word they aren’t familiar with, have them look it up – learn to spell it – and discover alternate meanings.

You can even ask your child to help you to research and plan projects at home – how to make a tiered garden, build a bookcase for his or her room, or assemble a computer from components.

Find something that your child has interest in and then guide his or her curiosity until it becomes a desire for exploration.

The same holds true for other subjects. Find ways to help your child

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develop knowledge in math and science or art and music with projects at home. A build your own ukulele kit just costs a few dollars online – he or she can build, decorate and learn to play this fun instrument over the summer. Have your child figure out the square footage of a basketball court, or the differences in how a pitcher throws a curveball or a change-up. The subject is less important that the fact he or she is learning and developing learning curiosity.

Check with your child’s teachers before school ends to see if there are any specific areas that need extra attention over the summer. Summer learning helps to ensure academic success in the fall.

Dr. Ann Roy Moore is a teacher. For more than four decades, Dr. Moore has educated the children of Alabama. From her first post as a pre-school teacher, to her administrative work as a principal, central office curriculum specialist, superintendent, and her mentoring the next generation of teachers as an adjunct professor at colleges and universities, teaching is her passion.

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Montgomery County Schools

Days in Trinity’s Lower School Just Got Brighter

Days in the Trinity Presbyterian Lower School just got brighter due to the addition of a new LiteZilla in the “Innovation Room,” which is adjacent to the Lower School Media Center. Thanks to a generous donation by the PTO, the students can now create patterns, images and words on a giant life-sized Lite Brite! The first to be given the privilege of breaking in the new tool was the K3 class and their Upper School Service 101 friends. The K3 students were also able to show off their programming skills on the Dash & Dot robots while patiently awaiting their turn on the LiteZilla.

Holy Cross Enjoys Dauphin Island Sea Lab

Holy Cross Episcopal School fifth- and sixth-graders consider the Dauphin Island Sea Lab field trip to be a highlight of their entire grade year, and this year was no exception. Weekend highlights of the trip included taking a trek through the salt marsh discovering first-hand the community of organisms in this unique wetland habitat.

Students also enjoyed actively participating in a touch lab and a squid dissection lab.

Students toured the estuary museum to explore the many animals and plants that make their home in the estuary. There the students enjoyed the rare opportunity to “pet” rays in the outdoor tank.

Two MPS Students Win Red Tail Scholarships for Private Pilot License

Two Montgomery Public Schools students have received $10,000 scholarships from the Red Tail Scholarship Foundation for the purpose of obtaining a private pilot license.

Ty’Asia Brown of Lee High, above center, and Lee Turner of Brewbaker Technology Magnet High, below center, were presented the scholarships during ceremonies at their schools April 15. Among

those on hand to congratulate the students was Col. William Sparrow, commander of the 187th Fighter Wing at Dannelly Field and member of the Red Tail Foundation board of directors.

Brown and Turner were awarded the scholarships after winning an essay contest.

The foundation gets its name from the nickname “Red Tails” that was given to Tuskegee Airmen. Its goal is to provide resources to African-American students with an interest in aviation.

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

Floyd Receives Awards

The Montgomery County PTA Awards Ceremony named Jacqueline Henley for Outstanding Educator and Belinda Forte for Outstanding Support Staff from Floyd Middle Magnet School. The PTSA received several awards: Welcoming All Families, Communicating Effectively, Speaking Up For Every Child, Sharing Power, Collaborating with Community, Supporting Student Success. Christina Miller accepted these awards on behalf of the organization.

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Montgomery County Schools

Montgomery Catholic 4th-Graders Discover the Joy of Pen Pals

ECA Seniors Mentor Younger Students

Evangel Christian Academy’s senior Bible class provided several chapel services for the elementary classes this year. The older students planned and implemented services based on Bible stories and truths that would relate to the younger students. The seniors enjoyed sharing their faith with the younger children and the younger students admired the example set by them. The elementary students especially enjoyed the short skits and puppet shows.

At the Montgomery Catholic Holy Spirit campus, Lori Riggles’s 4th-graders are having a great time with the lost art of pen-and-paper correspondence by exchanging letters with another 4th-grade class in Utah. Since the beginning of the school year, Riggles’s class has pulled out pens, paper, and lots of creative ideas to share across the country.

The students tell each other about themselves and—since the classes are studying their respective state histories—facts about Alabama and Utah.

“By connecting every student with a classroom of peers, they can share their opinions in a fun and authentic way while improving their writing skills,” said Riggles about this project.

“Global connections not only make writing authentic, but they also enable students to share perspectives with peers who may hold very different beliefs.”

The students love receiving their “snail mail” letters and can’t wait to write their pen pals back. It’s a unique project that many students will continue, even after the school year ends.

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BTW Photography Students Work with Downtown Photo Project

When faces started appearing all over One Court Square in downtown Montgomery, Booker T. Washington Magnet High photography students were in on the action. The BTW students and their instructor, Emily Thomas, both took and appeared in some of the portraits that were used for the “Inside Out� photo installation at the end of Dexter Avenue.

The project, led by internationally renowned artist JR, involved posting large photos of Montgomery residents of all walks of life all over the building overlooking Court Square.

The students are shown with some of the portraits they took for the project.

Incidentally, one of the people instrumental in bringing the project to downtown Montgomery was Chintia Kirana, a BTW graduate who has now made a name for herself in the art world as well.

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MacMillan Student Accepted to Duke TIP

Isaac Capilouto, a fifth-grader at MacMillan International Baccalaureate Magnet School in Montgomery, was recently accepted to the Duke TIP (Talent Identification Program) based on his standardized test scores. He is the Vice President of The MIB National Honor Society, plays soccer for the Streaks and football in the fall. He is also an active student in Temple Beth Or religion school.

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Eastwood Launches Officers and Gentlemen

Two MPS Teachers Chosen for Sustainability Education Program

Two Montgomery Public Schools teachers have been chosen to participate in a five-day program on sustainability education.

English teachers Gina Aaij, above, at Loveless Academic Magnet Program High and Foster Dickson, below, at Booker T. Washington Magnet High will be traveling to the University of Montana in Missoula, Mont., for the National Sustainability Teachers’ Academy. Although the academy is in Montana, it is an Arizona State University program.

Arizona State will pay for the trip and provide the teachers with a stipend for taking part in the academy.

Aaij and Dickson both have created school garden programs at their schools, which helped demonstrate their interest and expertise in sustainability education.

Eastwood Christian School salutes three alumni who are currently students at three different military academies. Baxter Hodge (Class of 2015) is a senior at the United States Military Academy (West Point), Jackson South (Class of 2016) is a junior at the United States Naval Academy and Michael Kometer (Class of 2018) is a freshman at the United States Air Force Academy.

“As I reflect upon my last four years at West Point, I definitely challenged myself in ways that I expected such as critical thinking, leadership skills, and physical fitness,” said Hodge, who will soon be serving in Vilseck, Germany. “However, I think the most important lessons that I have learned have been about the importance of personal character and perseverance.”

The selection process involves nomination by a designated authority and then selection by the academy. Nominations most commonly come from members of Congress, and while seeking these nominations, candidates also must complete the academy’s application, write essays, take a fitness test and physical examination, provide letters of reference, and be interviewed by the academy selection panel.

This panel awards appointments based on a “whole person” concept that includes academic record and standardized testing (cadets boast an average ACT score of about 31 or SAT score over 1300), extracurricular activities, fitness and demonstrated character.

“The reason I wanted to go to USAFA was mainly my desire to push myself,” said Kometer.

“I knew that going there would push me not only academically, but also mentally and physically, and I must say that it has not disappointed! I have also learned throughout this year not to take for granted the basic freedoms that we enjoy and usually don’t think anything of.”

Typically, the academies receive more than 10,000 applications each year, of which just more than 1,000 are eventually enrolled. Admission into one of these institutions allows the student to attend school free of charge, including tuition, housing and, in some cases, a stipend for fees, books, and/or living expenses. Upon graduation, cadets become officers in their respective service, with a regular commission and five-year commitment.

“Everything we do is geared toward becoming the best leaders that we can be,” South said. “The discipline needed for a role like this doesn’t come in just four years; there needs to be some prior training. My seven years at Eastwood laid a solid foundation of faith, discipline and dedication that have constantly helped me throughout my time at the Naval Academy. While the rigorous classes at Eastwood were helpful, the mentorship that the teachers provided was priceless. They cared about us understanding the academic material, but they valued our development as young, Christian adults even more.”

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MA Students Recognized in Writing Competition

Montgomery Academy fifth-graders Virginia Haugabook, Davis Philhower, Robert Marshall and Knox Wingate were named winners in the Letters About Literature annual writing competition. The competition challenges students in grades 4-12 to write letters to authors whose books have had a significant impact on the students and is jointly sponsored by the Library of Congress and the Alabama Center for the Book. Philhower received second place in the state, while the others garnered Honorable Mention status.

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Cornerstone Welcomes New Interim Headmaster

Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy recently welcomed new headmaster John Bradley. He shared some of his background, vision and the call God placed on his life during a Monday morning chapel service. Using the passage of Scripture about Peter walking on the water, he reminded faculty and students that “we must keep our eyes fixed upon [Christ]” and have the “courage to ask for God’s command.”

Bradley previously served as the assistant dean for admissions at Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.

Bradley received his B.S. and M.A. in history from Appalachian State University and his J.D. from Jones School of Law. Bradley and his wife, Sarah Joy, reside in Wetumpka and are members of Redland Hills Church.

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T.E.A. Academy Visits Dexter Avenue Church

T.E.A. Christian Academy visited Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church and Parsonage recently. Student Destiny Barnes had the pleasure of unlocking Dr. Martin Luther King’s home while they visited.

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MEA Students Attend Capstone Leadership Academy

ACA in the Park

The Capstone Leadership Academy at the University of Alabama is a two-day event for select sophomores from across Alabama who have shown an interest in leadership through service. The purpose of the event, which features dynamic speakers and group activities, is to give students the tools and the training to apply their leadership skills to opportunities in their own communities.

Three outstanding sophomores from Macon East Academy were invited to attend this year’s academy: Georgia Blaze, Will Desmarais and Jonathan Mathis (unable to attend). Hosted by the Capstone Council and Honors College, the theme of the academy is Values, Vision and Voice.

Along with leadership lectures, Blaze and Desmarais enjoyed a campus and stadium tour, group activities, and participating in a service project.

Alabama Christian Academy hosted its first ACA in the Park event. Thousands of people who call ACA home, filled Riverfront Park for a night of family and fun. The stage was filled with tremendous talent all night.

Food trucks added a much-needed and fun element to the event in hopes to raise money for the school. The elementary students enjoyed face painting, cotton candy, bouncy houses and special guests like Tinkerbell and characters from Frozen made an appearance for photographs.

The money raised will be used to update the north property as well as to improve multiple campus playgrounds. ACA in the Park was a night to build unity as well as a night to allow our families to get to know one another better. Thank you to all the sponsors, small businesses, supporters and families that made our event a huge success.

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STJ Senior Receives Bryant-Jordan Achievement Award

Carr Middle Student Wins National Award

Saint James School nominated two deserving seniors for the 2019 Bryant-Jordan Awards.

Sam Prickett was nominated for the Bryant-Jordan Scholar Athlete Award and Allyn Browning was nominated for the Bryant-Jordan Achievement Award.

With nominations based on academic and athletic achievement, the awards banquet was held in Birmingham on April 8, where both Saint James candidates advanced to Class 3A Region 3 competition for additional awards and scholarships. Browning was selected as the Class 3A Region 3 Bryant-Jordan Achievement winner.

This award recognizes student athletes who have achieved a level of success commensurate with their ability or who may have overcome some unusual hardship. These students exemplify, by their individual efforts, the dedication and commitment required to be the best they can be.

As the Class 3A Region 3 Bryant-Jordan Achievement Winner, Browning was awarded a $3,000 scholarship through the Bryant Jordan Foundation; she is attending Auburn University in the fall.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Prickett plays tennis at Saint James. Browning plays both volleyball and tennis for the school.

“We are so proud to nominate these two seniors this year,” said Coach Jerry Browning, STJ athletic director. “Their commitment to school and their passion for sports has driven them to great success individually and as team members,” he continued. “Both Sam and Allyn are wonderful representatives of our school and they serve as exemplary role models for their peers and our younger students.”

Browning is shown with her grandparents, Judy and Charles Lamon.

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Johnnie Carr Middle School student Anmol Guard has won a National Scholastic Art & Writing Award Silver Medal.

She was the only middle school student in the state to be named a national medalist.

Guard received the Silver Medal for her poem “The Slum.”

The national award comes after winning three Region-at-Large awards. Guard won a Gold Key for “The Slum” as well as a Silver Key in Flash Fiction for “India” and Honorable Mention for the short story “Saffron.”

Nearly 340,000 students submitted works to the National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

National medalists are recognized at a ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

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Churchill Holds Annual Prom

Churchill Academy’s annual high school Prom theme was “Midnight in Paris.”

The event was held on April 12 at Strict Tempo Dance Studio from 8 to 11 p.m. The prom committee efforts were coordinated through Churchill Academy instructor Judy Hall and carried out by parents and students throughout Prom Week.

On Prom night, students entered through a gorgeous arch draped with flowers and greenery along a candlelit walkway.

Fairy lights and Parisian decor carried the magical feeling of midnight in Paris throughout the ballroom. Churchill students danced the night away as the DJ played their favorite songs. They enjoyed capturing their favorite moments in the Prom photo booth and posing for candid shots with photographer Ezekiel Dudley. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of Churchill’s senior class and the student/parent dance.

It was a night they will remember forever!

Photo by Ezekiel Dudley

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Floyd Students Witness Spanish Cooking Class at El Patron Restaurant

Sra. Henley’s Spanish class from Floyd Middle Magnet School had the opportunity to participate in yet another culturally enriching field trip. This time the students went to El Patron Restaurant, where they did not just speak and order food in the target language, but they also witnessed a Spanish cooking class presented by Chef Juan Acosta. The students learned how to make pico de gallo and guacamole. The best part was getting to taste the samples. Students were able to attend, participate in and view leisure time activity, which is representative of the Spanish language and culture.

CCCA Celebrates Pi Day

The students and faculty at Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy celebrated March 14, otherwise known as Pi Day. Their celebration included pie, pizza, Pi artwork, Pi-themed games, and the recitation of the digits of Pi.

Trinity Students Celebrate Birthday of Dr. Seuss

Trinity Presbyterian School’s K3-1st grade students had a great time celebrating the birthday of Dr. Seuss! They ate a variety of “green eggs” and ham, and made estimates and predictions in the STEAM studio as they built “Cat in the Hat” hats, Truffula trees and counted fish crackers!

The 5th-graders read with their kindergarten buddies, while the 1st grade enjoyed a visit from Interim Headmaster Mr. Henkel, who dropped by to read One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.

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ECA Students Place at District Art Show

Several students from Evangel Christian Academy recently won awards at the AISA District 5 Art Show. The district event was held at Eastwood Christian School.

Faith Dixon won first place in the kindergarten and first grade waterbase division.

Audrey Kate Davis won second place in drawing with non-color and third place in the printmaking division for fourth through sixth grade.

Symone McNeil won third place in the painting division for fourth through sixth grade. Dixon’s artwork will advance to compete at the state level.

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

Mayor Strange Recognizes Montgomery Catholic Girls’ Indoor Track Team

The Montgomery Catholic girls’ indoor track team took home the Alabama High School Athletic Association 4/5A state championship trophy, and the award did not go unnoticed.

The Lady Knights team members and their coaches, Ed Wright and Hollis Johnson, were invited to City Hall to be publicly recognized by Mayor Todd Strange before the city council meeting February 19. One by one, the champions were called to the floor, congratulated on their individual performances and given a certificate of recognition from the mayor. The 2018-19 team members are Lily Bachl, Ann Cobb, Isabelle Cochran, Jimmiah Fenderson, Katie Galvin, Grace Leslie and Amaris Tyynismaa.

Montgomery Catholic Cross Country Coach Ed Wright was selected as the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Boys’ High School Coach of the Year for the state of Alabama for the 2018 cross country season. Wright serves as the head coach for the boys’ and girls’ cross country teams at Montgomery Catholic, both of which won the state championship in the 2018 season, and also coaches the indoor and outdoor boys’ and girls’ track teams.

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BTW Students Place in State PTSA Program

Booker T. Washington Magnet High had four students place in the State PTSA Reflections program, and three of them will now move on to the national competition.

Jazmyne Isaac won first place in photography, Yaelyn Ha won first place in visual arts, Lee Gaines won first place in literature, and Zoe Davis won second place in visual arts. All first-place winners in the state competition qualify to compete in the national competition.

From left are Gaines, Ha and Isaac.

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Eastwood Kindergarten Students Present ‘Around The World’

The kindergarten classes at Eastwood Christian School presented a musical program for family and friends. With colorful costumes and engaging songs and dance, the students shared a demonstration and celebration of what they learned through their study of countries and customs “around the world.”

Please send Your School News to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.

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Holy Cross Pre-K and Kindergarten Classes Present ‘E-i-e-i Oops!’

Holy Cross Episcopal pre-K and kindergarten classes presented a springtime musical entitled “E-I-E-I OOPS!,” which brought the audience on a trip to see the famous farm of none other than Farmer MacDonald himself. The entire barnyard is singing, but there is something wrong with Madam Cow... she just can’t moo! This is very upsetting to the other animals who all love to sing in their own special way, but soon realize that everybody’s voice is important to make the farm sound complete.

The final song, “The Whole Barnyard is Singing,” brings all animals together hoping for a miracle in which they try to encourage Madame Cow to believe how important she is to all of them. At last, a miracle occurs—Madame Cow finally moos and the entire barnyard rejoices!

Special congratulations to the production team of music teacher Beverly Fain, pre-K teacher Lucy Fleming and kindergarten teacher Kim Glass for this adorable performance.

Academy Senior Earns Three Silver Keys

Montgomery Academy senior Francie Hill received three Silver Keys in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition! She was recognized for two individual works along with her portfolio submission. This year, nearly 340,000 works were submitted nationally to the competition. Hill’s work was adjudicated by a panel of creative professionals and was selected among the most outstanding works in her region.

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Holy Cross Students Enjoy Annual Pi Day Celebration

Holy Cross Episcopal School sixthgraders enjoyed their study and celebration of Pi Day recently with teacher Connie MacDonald. Pi Day is an annual festive observation of the mathematical constant of Pi, which is always observed on March 14 since 3, 1 and 4 are the first three significant digits of Pi. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution in 2009 recognizing March 14 as National Pi Day, with the entire month of March.

As a result, sixth-grade students received a special treat to celebrate. They have been measuring area of geometric shapes and circles and measuring solids (finding the volume of rectangular and triangular prisms and cylinders).

“I asked them what was the part that they liked least in using these formulas,” MacDonald said. “Unanimously they agreed that it was multiplying by Pi, and they only go as far as 3.14! After having them work some problems, I served them chocolate pie and whipped cream since today is Pi Day - 3/14/19. I told them they might want to rethink that feeling about Pi. Just add an ‘e’ and some whipped cream and it goes down much easier!”

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Forensic Scientists Visits ACA High School Class

Alabama Christian Academy welcomed Dr. Ngo from the Alabama Department of Forensic Science to speak to high school students about firearms and tool marks. Students appreciated Dr. Ngo’s insight and expertise in his field.

BTW Students Win Distinctions at State FBLA Conference

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

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Booker T. Washington Magnet High students proved that they truly are future leaders at the Alabama Future Business Leaders of America State Conference in Birmingham.

Aylon Gipson won first place in journalism and Jazmyne Isaac won fourth place in graphic design at the conference.

They will go on to compete in the national competition in June in San Antonio, Texas.

Meanwhile, Andarious Porter won his bid to be elected Alabama FBLA’s District 4 vice president. He will be responsible for more than 80 FBLA chapters in his district.

From left are Gipson, BTW FBLA adviser Jamani Warren, Porter and Jahnaya Cosby.

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STJ Sophomores Selected for UA Capstone Academy

Sophomores Bailey Anderson, Ryan Barranco and Presley Miles were nominated by the Saint James high school faculty and selected by the University of Alabama Capstone Council to attend the Capstone Leadership Academy, a two-day leadership conference in Tuscaloosa, February 28-March 1.

During the conference, students participated in leadership-building roundtables and worked on collaborative projects and presentations with other CLA attendees. They were also provided campus tours and introductions to administrators and student leaders from the University of Alabama Honors College.

“I am so thankful for this experience,” said Miles. “The key thing I took away from the conference is to surround myself with people who support my values, have a clear vision, and a passionate voice.”

Anderson added, “I am also so grateful that I had the opportunity to attend CLA. I know this experience helped me grow as a person and as a leader.”

With 160 sophomores from across the state at the conference, participants met people from cities they have never visited and parts of the state unknown to them. “I was amazed at the many points of view I was exposed to at the conference,” said Barranco. “We were encouraged to set our own goals in life, but to remember that to be an effective leader, you have to learn how to inspire others and foster collaboration. The conference was so motivating—there were many times I felt the lessons and messages they were teaching us were speaking to me, directly. I know this experience will guide me on my path ahead.”

Each year, the Saint James high school faculty nominates select sophomores to submit entries to the Capstone Council / Capstone Leadership Academy. A University of Alabama alumni group composed of former Capstone Men and Women; the Office of the President; and the Honors College host the conference each spring on the UA campus.

Shown, STJ sophomores Bailey Anderson, Ryan Barranco and Presley Miles.

Eastwood 2nd Grade Studies Animals and Habitats

As a part of their study of animals and where they live, the second grade students at Eastwood Christian school traveled to the Mann Wildlife and Learning Museum located at the Montgomery Zoo. As a class project on the unit, the students made shadow box biomes to demonstrate what they learned about how animals and plants live together in their habitat.

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PTA Group Recognizes Two BTW Teachers

The Montgomery County Council of PTAs has recognized two Booker T. Washington Magnet High educators with a long history of exceeding expectations and overcoming adversity. The council has named Treasure Ritzus its Outstanding High School Educator of the Year, and Jennifer Sanford its Outstanding High School Support Staff of the Year.

Ritzus has been at BTW for more than a decade. Principal Quesha Starks describes her as a compassionate teacher who has mentored many, and especially first-year teachers. Ritzus has never received a single parental complaint, Starks said, adding that Ritzus allows no excuses for failure, misbehaving, or giving up in her class. She is well-known for her dedication and care for her students. A social worker visiting the program asked to meet Ritzus, the “superwoman” who so many students credited as helping them through difficult times, Starks said.

Sanford joined BTW as the media specialist when she was the parent of a BTW student. During her time there, she helped transform the media center into a dynamic shared social space for students. On Aug. 18, 2018, a devastating fire destroyed every resource she had purchased, whether personally or through grants. Sanford continues to advocate for restoring the BTW Media Center and continues to gather new supplies as she rebuilds.

“She never stopped gathering supplies and new materials for our media center, which had to be converted into a dance studio at Hayneville Road Elementary School, our temporary location,” Sttarks said. “She moved from working in one classroom to moving to an annex building to transform three classrooms into a media center.”

The Montgomery County Council of PTAs recognized both ladies during a ceremony at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Carver Student Serves As a Senate Page

Carver High freshman Clinton Ryan got a firsthand look at the legislative process when he served as a page for the Alabama State Senate during the 2019 session. State legislative pages assist state lawmakers, working inside the House and Senate chambers while the legislature is in session. State Sen. Bobby Singleton was his sponsor.

Montgomery Catholic Bands Receive Superior Ratings at Alabama Bandmasters Event

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s 7th grade, 8th grade and high school concert bands received top marks in the Alabama Bandmasters Association Music Performance Assessment (MPA), an exhibition of middle and high school concert bands. Each ensemble is given a score based on performance of prepared selections and for sight-reading a previously unseen piece of music. This tests not only the skills and musicianship of the band members, but also the directing ability of the teachers leading the bands. For the first time in Montgomery Catholic’s history, all three bands received Superior ratings from all four judges (three stage judges and one sight-reading judge). The bands were graded on several criteria, including tone, technique, interpretation, precision, balance and stage presence on both the prepared piece and on sight-reading.

“The students in our band are exceptional,” said Alex Johnson, director of bands at MCPS. “They have put in a tremendous amount of effort and dedication, and it came out in this performance. I’m very proud of them all, and I know that they are proud of themselves.”

Kristine Johnson, who co-directs the middle and high school bands, also directs the elementary bands and teaches music classes in K4-6th grade at both the Holy Spirit and St. Bede campuses. Construction will begin soon on a fine arts building at the middle and high school campus that will provide a new home for the band program, which has seen tremendous growth over the past decade.

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Holy Cross ‘Travels to Venezuela’ in Weekly Spanish Enrichment Classes

Holy Cross Episcopal School Spanish enrichment classes “traveled” to Central America to learn about the geography, culture and practices of Venezuela. Holy Cross parent and Venezuelan native Luisana Guevara Stakeley brought treats and popular traditional snacks to share with the students. She brought “guayaba paste” (a Caribbean fruit), Maria cookies and Malta juice. The class enjoyed being able to taste and experience some of the country’s traditions of spreading delicious “guayaba paste” between two Maria cookies to see that the combination also can be a snack, dessert or even enjoyed for breakfast. Students also learned that Venezuela is located on the northern coast of South America and along the Caribbean coast has many tropical resorts and is influenced by the tropical climate and culture.

Sylvan Elementary Enjoys Beauty and the Beast

Sylvan School grades three through five attended Alabama Dance Theatre’s performance of Beauty and the Beast. The students attended to support two of their classmates, Amelia and Saif Tanveer, who were in the cast. The students enjoyed the colorful set and costumes. Although a ballet, they were able to follow the storyline of the performance. They all responded with different answers for their favorite part of the ballet, but most of all they enjoyed watching their classmates perform on stage.

McKee Choir Wins Second Place in Southern Stars Choral Competition

The McKee Middle School Choir finished second in a regional choir competition in Atlanta that featured teams from five states.

The choir, led by Director Anita Roberson and accompanied by Band Director Tavaris Marlow, was awarded a Silver Trophy for their performance at the Southern Stars Choral Competition.

Schools from South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama competed in the event.

Montgomery Parents I May 2019

ACA Students Celebrate Seuss

The Cat in the Hat came to visit Alabama Christian Academy second-graders to help celebrate Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss’s birthday. The Cat in the Hat read Oh, the Places You’ll Go! to the students.

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Trinity Student ‘Principal for the Day’

Trinity Presbyterian School student Wilson Cherry was Lower School “Principal for the Day” recently. His duties for the day included working the morning carpool with Principal Becky Faulkner, meeting with Interim Head of School Merle Henkel, monitoring classes, and speaking during the Lower School chapel. He also helped Assistant Principal Lindy Cadrette talk to a kindergarten class about rejoicing and “bee-ing” happy throughout the day!

Cherry’s parents won this fun experience for him at Trinity’s annual True Blue Gala and Auction.

Shown, Principal Faulkner, Cherry and Interim Head of School Henkel.

Macon East Participates in Art Shows

The annual Art Show is a time for students in kindergarten through 12th grade to display their achievements in visual arts. Throughout the year, Tiffany Ala’s art students create a variety of art projects using the mediums of paint, water base, printmaking, drawing, 3D, mixed media, and collage. Entries in photography taken outside of the classroom can also be submitted for the show. Following judging by local artists, awards were given for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and honorable mention. Six students were honored as the Best of Show in their age division.

First- and second-place winners were presented at the AISA District Art Show March 1, hosted by Edgewood Academy. Macon East artists received 22 ribbons at District (4 first place, 6 second place, 4 third place, and 7 Honorable Mentions).

Five students’ artwork advanced to the State Art Show on April 17 at AUM: 1st Grade, Declan Bearden, 1st place in Mixed Media/Collage; 2nd Grade, Bella Ann Spires, 1st place in Mixed Media/Collage; 2nd Grade, Sophie Clark, 1st place in Photography; 11th Grade, Rachel Sargent, 1st place in Photography; and 11th Grade, Sarah Bishop, 2nd place in Printmaking.

Macon East Art Show Best of Show winners are: K5-1st grade: Ashley Davis, water base; 2nd-3rd grade: Sawyer Powell, photography; 4th-6th grade: Shamiah Thomas, drawing non-color, and Alexis Davis, mixed media/collage; 7th-9th grade: Jay Moore, mixed media/collage; and 10th-12th grade: Haley Wren, drawing non-color.

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ECA Coach Wins National Award and Team Nationally Ranked Coach Kerwin Washington, Evangel Christian Academy’s boys’ basketball coach, was recently named the Class 2A Boys’ National Coach of the Year by the National Athletic Association of Private Schools (NAAPS), headquartered in Atlanta. The NAAPS is a fellowship of private schools, Christian schools, and home school athletic departments throughout the U.S. ECA’s varsity team won the AISA Class A state championship and finished the season with a 27-4 record. The NAAPS ranked the lions as the Class 2A number three team in the nation. The junior varsity team, under the direction of Coach Washington and Jay Grice, also won the state title for the third year in a row. Coach Washington credits the national recognition and his award to the hard work, dedication and sacrifice the ECA players have shown over the past several years.

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Holy Cross Studies Natural Disasters

STEM Lab at Holy Cross Episcopal School with instructor Dr. Caleb Hamilton recently dealt with natural disasters such as the different types of volcanoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis. Students learned that effects of earthquakes are not only the land plates shifting, but also how they affect the surface of the ocean floor. Classes performed a displaced water experiment to determine how high the wave following an earthquake would become.

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Sylvan High School Students Attend ASF

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Eastwood Students Explore Church Architecture

Eastwood Christian School freshmen recently hosted their fourth-grade counterparts on a tour of Montgomery churches. The goal was to observe examples of church symbolism and architecture that have developed throughout history as well as the influence they have on worship today.

Both grades are studying medieval history and had recently learned about the different types of church architecture and the role they play in worship. “It is a fun chance for students to see some of this first hand, while enjoying beautiful historic landmarks in their own backyard,” said Eastwood Principal David Givens, who led the tour.

The two classes were divided into several teams of both ages and were encouraged to take pictures of various symbols and architectural structures. “It was a great chance for our younger students to connect with some of our older students while discovering how history is still alive in our worship today,” said fourth-grade teacher Linda Joki.

The School at Sylvan Learning Center’s ninth- and tenth-graders attended Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s performance of Our Town. The play was written

by Thornton Wilder in 1938 and is set in a small town centered on everyday life. The students commented on the sparse set.

The play follows the journey of two young people who marry. Two themes the students noticed throughout are death and what it means to be human.

After reading the play, students compared and contrasted the written play to the one performed on stage. Students learned that Our Town can be anyone’s town and how one lives his life is important.

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Montgomery County Schools

Catholic 7th-Graders Celebrate Pi Day

Around the world on March 14, people celebrate the mathematical symbol Pi, a Greek letter which represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. Although it can be rounded up to 3.14, which is why it’s celebrated on March 14, Pi has an infinite number of non-repeating digits in its decimal form. At the Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School middle school campus, the 7th-grade students had a blast celebrating Pi Day. Students competed to see who could memorize and recite the most digits in Pi. Alyn Mai, Darby Webb, Cooper Davis and Alejandro Lemuz were the class winners.

Next, the classes read Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi by Cindy Neuschwander, a book that uses humor and fun to make this concept more accessible to students.

Students demonstrated their understanding of the relationship between the circumference of a circle and its diameter by completing a hands-on activity. And finally, no Pi Day would be complete without the addition of actual pie.

Taking a trip down to the concession stand, the 7th-graders got to enjoy a sweet conclusion to their mathematical excursion. Pi Day is a fun way to celebrate this important concept, which is used in all disciplines of mathematics and science.

STJ Art Student Awarded UAB Honor

Saint James School senior Amari Simmons received the Incoming Freshman Scholarship through the University of Alabama Birmingham Department of Art and Art History. Her teacher is Evelyn Shoults, STJ High School visual arts & Advanced Placement art teacher.

Montgomery Parents I May 2019

Montgomery Academy Students Participate in Youth Legislature Conference

Twenty-eight Montgomery Academy Upper School students joined more than 300 other high school students from all over the state to participate in the Alabama YMCA Youth in Government’s 71st annual Youth Legislature conference the weekend of February 22-24.

Abby Baird, William Dillon, Tristan Dumas, Ellie Kim, Anna Perry and Ellie Stevens were all in the first-year chamber. Wilson Butler, Margaret Chandler, Brystol Habermacher, Mary Virginia Huffaker, Maggie Kinney, Brabee Pirnie, Alisha Singh, Easton Strickler and Laurie Wakefield were in the House chamber. Hannah Hale was the Speaker of the House. Tristan Dumas was an Outstanding Statesman in the First Year Chamber.

Sofie Behr, Caroline Deale, Martha Ernest, Ellie Gilmore, Will Hamlett, Roma Pirnie, William Robertson and James Torbert were in the Senate. Behr and Torbert served on the Governor’s Cabinet. Deale was the Senate Chaplain. Pirnie was the Senate reading clerk and Elizabeth Waldo was the Senate Secretary. Hamlett was the Director of Legislative Affairs. Robertson was the Senate Pro Tempore. Carter Chandler served as Lieutenant Governor.

Cyprian Dumas served as Attorney General and Butler was assistant AG. Carson Roth was media staff for the weekend, and provided photos and video for newsletters, blog posts, and Twitter and Snapchat updates throughout the weekend. Behr’s bill, The Incarceration Reduction Act, was passed in the Senate and the House and signed into law by the Youth Governor.

The 24 best and most statesman-like debaters in chambers are selected to attend the annual Conference on National Affairs in the summer. Six MA students were selected to attend CONA this year, including Behr, Carter Chandler, Hale, Hamlett, Robertson and Torbert. Margaret Chandler and Martha Ernest were selected as CONA alternates.

All of MA’s graduating senior ALYIG participants with two years or more of experience in the program were awarded honor cords. Outgoing senior Youth Leg participants were Carter Chandler, Deale, Hale, Hamlett, Roth, Torbert and Waldo.

Hamlett also received the Bill Berringer scholarship, which has been given every year since 1987. The award is selected by AYLIG college staffers and “goes to a college-bound senior with a minimum three-year involvement in the Youth Legislature program, who exhibits exemplary Christian character, extensive behind the scenes work regardless of recognition, great dedication to the program, an attitude of encouragement and enthusiasm and who has gained respect of peers and adults.” Hamlett, like many of his peers, began participating in ALYIG activities as a middle schooler, and has served as a judge at Youth Judicial, as an appellate court justice, and on Alabama’s first appellate court team (with Behr, last summer) to participate in the National Judicial Conference. His leadership in the program on all levels was noted at the close of the 71st annual Youth Legislature conference.

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Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Presides Over BTW Mock Trial

A group of Booker T. Washington Magnet High Law students had a genuine courtroom experience recently. Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Wallace Capel Jr. presided over a mock trial for BTW second- and third-year law students at the Frank M. Johnson U.S. Courthouse.

Capel is shown here with the law students, student jurors, and BTW faculty members Dr. Elizabeth Bowles and Anita Griffin after the trial ended.

Trinity Students Create Oobleck

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Recently, Trinity Presbyterian fifthgrade students had a fun time in the STEAM studio creating oobleck, a mixture of cornstarch and water, to aid in their discussion of the different states of matter.

Oobleck, which is named for the mysterious green substance described in the Dr. Seuss classic Bartholomew and the Oobleck, is a non-Newtonian fluid meaning it doesn’t follow Newton’s laws of motion.

Depending on the amount of force applied when manipulating the mixture, oobleck can be both a solid and a liquid. These students had a blast manipulating and experimenting (and throwing) the slimy substance before recording their observations.

Teacher Terry Elam is shown with students.

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Carver Students Win Gold Medals at FCCLA

Carver High students Leundria Brooks and Kaisha Williams won gold medals at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Star Events competition. They also both were awarded for being the overall winners in their categories. Brooks competed in entrepreneurship and Williams competed in career investigations. They are both qualified to represent the state in the national FCCLA competition in Anaheim, Calif., this summer.

Cornerstone Students Visit McWane Center

The second- and third-grade students at Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy spent the day at the McWane Science Center in Birmingham. The students had a wonderful time and enjoyed the opportunity to explore the wonder of God’s creation.

Trinity Hires Varsity Volleyball Head Coach

Trinity Presbyterian School has hired Sarah Dubberley, shown, as the varsity volleyball head coach. She will be replacing Jessica Lassiter, who assumed the role of athletic director in February. Dubberley most recently coached the middle school volleyball team to a CCC championship and currently teaches sixth-grade math.

Prior to coaching at Trinity, she played three years of volleyball at Faulkner University, earning numerous accolades during her collegiate career. In 2016 she served as a student assistant for Faulkner’s team. She has also coached club volleyball for the Capital City Juniors for four years. Sarah and her husband Sellers have two sons, Grady and Brooks.

As Dubberley assumes the role of varsity head coach, Alice Vosel will become the middle school coach and varsity assistant coach. Megan Smith will continue to coach the junior varsity team with Assistant Coach Kristen Criswell, who is a secondgrade teacher at Trinity.

“All of our coaches bring strong collegiate volleyball experience and a wealth of knowledge to our program,” said Athletic Director Lassiter. “I am very excited about the future of Trinity volleyball!”

Montgomery Parents I May 2019

ECA’s Basketball Team Wins Third Consecutive Championship

Evangel Christian Academy’s boys’ junior high basketball team captured its third consecutive AISA state championship at Cornerstone Christian School in Columbiana, Ala. In the first game of the tournament, Evangel dominated Abbeville Christian Academy and won 51-9.

Next, Evangel played Wilcox Academy in the semifinal game. Evangel beat Wilcox 40-38.

Evangel then advanced to play Sparta Academy for the championship game. As expected, this game came down to the last second. Evangel led 19-16 at halftime. Sparta outscored Evangel 8-3 in the third quarter for a 24-22 lead. Evangel eventually pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat Sparta 37-32. Isaiah Scott and Kennedy Holland made the All-Tournament Team. Holland was also named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

The team finished with a 20-2 overall record. Championship team members were: Holland, Scott, Edrick Yelder, Ahmad Lee, Aaron McNeil, Josh Rigsby, Roman Mothershed, Nii Addy, Kaleb Jackson, Eric Baker and Desi Stovall. The co-head coaches were Kerwin Washington and Jay Grice.

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Lee Debate Team Brings Home Top Awards

The Lee High School Debate Team brought home awards from the Alabama State Speech and Debate Championship, including first place in its category and coach of the year. Senior Asiah Thompson won the state championship in Dramatic Interpretation, and instructor Delano Muhammad was awarded the Alabama Speech and Debate Association’s Lois A. Askew’s Coach of the Year Award. The state championship was held over the course of a weekend at Montgomery Academy and LAMP High. The competition included Montgomery Academy, Hoover, Vestavia Hills and Prattville.

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Math and Art Meet at Sylvan Learning Center

Parabolas are a common shape in our environment. Any object thrown into the air will reach a maximum height and then fall back to the earth’s surface, creating a parabolic curve in the equation of y=ax 2 + bx + c. Algebra II students at Sylvan Learning Center used a tennis ball rolled in paint to create parabolas on a large piece of grid paper held at a slant. Then they used a regression program to find the equation of the curve.

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JD, Park Crossing, LAMP Students In Spotlight in Rally at Capitol

High school students took center stage at the Child Advocacy Day Rally on the lawn of the Alabama State Capitol.

The Jeff Davis High band and the Park Crossing High choir served as entertainment for the large crowd gathered at the rally held by VOICES for Alabama’s Children. The JD band played several selections at the beginning of the rally, and the Park Crossing choir performed several songs, including the National Anthem.

The rally featured several speakers, including LAMP High student Avanthi Hettiaratchi. The program also featured two other Alabama high school students as well as officials such as Gov. Kay Ivey and Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange.

After delivering her remarks, Ivey took time to visit with the JD band along with Band Director Brandon Howard, State School Superintendent Eric Mackey and Montgomery County School Superintendent Ann Roy Moore.

ACA Girls’ JV Tennis Team Starts Season Strong

Alabama Christian Academy’s junior varsity tennis team won the whole match 5-2 over Montgomery Catholic. Laura Stokley, Jordan Wilson and Shelby Bowling won their singles match.

Stokly and Wilson also won their doubles match, and Bowling and Wynter Prempramot also won their doubles match.

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Five MPS Seniors Receive Dixie Electric Scholarships

McKee Middle Wins First Place in SECME Contest

Five Montgomery Public Schools students were each awarded a $2,500 scholarship from Dixie Electric Cooperative during a luncheon at the Wynlakes Golf and Country Club.

Recipients were Zachary Collins of Park Crossing High, Megan Parker and Isaac Sansom of Brewbaker Technology Magnet High, and Tiara Williams and Trinity Ross of Booker T. Washington Magnet High.

A special drawing was held to award $500 to a school of one of the students and an additional $2,500 to a student. BTW won the school drawing, and counselor Shelia Graves was there to accept.

Sansom won the drawing for the additional scholarship.

Students were eligible to apply for the scholarship if they were a dependent child of a member of a participating Alabama Electric Cooperative and a graduating senior.

From left are Collins, Parker, Williams, Ross and Sansom.

McKee Middle School scored a big win for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) by winning first place at the SECME Competition sponsored by Tuskegee University.

The McKee students now will travel to the University of Florida in June for the national competition. Their teacher is Jennifer Julius, and the students are Zara Jackson, Shanta Latimer, Jayde Julius, Catavia Osborne, Sadie Blount and Tamiyah Brooks.

Holy Cross Pre-K Students Enjoy Easter Festivities

On the beautiful 18-acre campus of Holy Cross Episcopal School, Easter joy and surprises could be found everywhere. Fifth-grade students or “buddies” work weekly with their “pre-K buddies” to help them with many opportunities for learning and also setting positive examples as role models. Fifth-graders hid brightly colored Easter eggs filled with surprises in the grass directly in front of the Chapel of the Annunciation on the school’s campus. As the pre-K class excitedly arrived carrying festive Easter baskets, the students had fun hunting for eggs on such a bright spring day.

Montgomery Parents I May 2019

Eastwood 6th Grade Visits Tuskegee for Day of History

The Eastwood Christian School sixth-graders toured the George Washington Carver Museum at the Tuskegee Institute, as well as The Oaks, Booker T. Washington’s home.

This brought to life what the class read and learned in the book, George Washington Carver: Man’s Slave Becomes God’s Scientist. Students enjoyed hearing additional information about this insightful man whose vision and heart changed agriculture and helped farmers in the South.

After touring the Carver Museum, the class traveled to the Tuskegee Airmen Park Hangar and Museum.

There, through a virtual presentation and many displays, the students discovered the story of the Tuskegee airmen who enlisted during World War II to become America’s first black military airmen. The class concluded its visit watching airplanes take off and fly while enjoying a picnic lunch on a beautiful hill overlooking the airstrip.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2019!

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Montgomery Catholic Holds Sign the Slab Event to Herald New Gym On April 17, supporters of the Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s capital campaign, “Building on Faith, Family and Tradition,” turned out at the future site of center court in the nearly completed gym at the main campus for a “Sign the Slab” event.

More than 100 faculty, alumni, parents and supporters gathered to sign their names and write prayers and messages of encouragement and congratulations on the foundation that will be the new home for Montgomery Catholic athletics.

Anne Ceasar, president of Montgomery Catholic, had a very personal reason to give thanks for this new building. “As a parent of three graduates of MCPS who had many remarkable experiences in the Father Pat Delahunty Gym, I am thrilled that our new facility will be the venue for future occasions for our students,” she said.

Among those who came to sign the slab was Dean Delongchamp, the first athletic director to serve at Montgomery Catholic. During his tenure as AD in the early 1990s, he dreamed of a larger gym with more seating for fans to watch their teams. While he knew that the current construction was going to be an improvement, he was not prepared for what he experienced.

“I was stunned,” said Delongchamp. “I knew that we were building a gym, but I wasn’t expecting an entire fieldhouse equipped with offices, conference space, laundry, weight training and rehabilitation facilities. It’s unbelievable what they’ve put together.”

Aubrey Blackwell, head coach for both football and baseball, said, “I’m so glad that we could show this off to our community. This will be one of the best facilities in the state of Alabama and absolutely the premier facility in Montgomery. We’re looking forward to our students using all of the amenities we’re equipping.”

Also present was the Reverend Monsignor Charles Troncale, an ardent supporter of Catholic education who has seen tremendous growth at MCPS since the time when he worked there in the early 1970s.

“I congratulate the Catholic community of Montgomery on their efforts to make this seemingly impossible project a reality,” said Troncale about the construction. “It is through the sacrificial attitude of the supporters of Montgomery Parents I May 2019

Montgomery Catholic that this has been possible, and I look forward to the great things that will come from this facility.”

Lainie Cleghorn, a Montgomery Catholic alumna and parent of a graduate and current student, also spoke to the enthusiasm and commitment of the MCPS community.

“This project came to life much faster than any of us had ever imagined that it would,” said Cleghorn, who served on the strategic planning committee that worked on this building project. “Supporters of Montgomery Catholic recognized that the new gym and new performing arts facility are needs and not wants for this school, and they rallied together to make it happen.”

The capital campaign raised more than $3.5 million in just eleven months, allowing MCPS to look toward the future and realize the dream of a new 33,000 square-foot gymnasium with stadium seating and capacity for more than 800. The gym will have two regulation basketball courts, a weight room, concession area, offices, locker rooms and conference rooms.

The Montgomery community will find much comfort in knowing that the facility will be air-conditioned—a luxury the current Fr. Pat Delahunty 46

Gym, which was built in 1968, does not have.

Following completion of the new gym, the Fr. Pat Delahunty Gym will be converted into a performing arts building, dedicated to elevating the entire MCPS performing arts program.

This facility will be completely remodeled to create state-of-the-art band and choral/drama classrooms, practice rooms, office space, and storage for the award-winning band program and emerging choral and drama program.

This will allow for students to be able to focus on all aspects of their practice by providing a vibrant and supportive environment for current and future students with an affinity for the performing arts. Also, the addition of a high school student lounge and meeting space facing the courtyard will give students a comfortable place to gather on campus.

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Montgomery Academy Chorus Earns First Place

The Montgomery Academy Upper School Chorus recently participated in the WorldStrides National Choral Competition in San Diego, Calif. The Upper School Chorus received first-place honors and, for the first time, the Chamber Chorus received first-place honors. In addition, the Upper School Chorus received the Sweepstakes Award for receiving the highest score among any two choral performing groups. Chamber Chorus received the outstanding recognition of receiving the top score of any choral ensemble in the competition of 96/100. Additionally, Hannah Soloff and Hannah Maddox received the Maestro Award for choral and musical excellence. Dr. Damion Womack is the MA chorus instructor.

Macon East Helps Neighbors in Lee County

The Macon East Varsity Softball team collected and delivered donations to aid storm victims in Lee County.

Please send Your School News to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.

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STJ Speech & Debate Team Competes at State

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The Saint James Speech and Debate Team participated in state tournaments recently. Trevor Otis was elected presiding officer and received the state gavel for his his role in the Varsity Senate Chamber of Congress and is the state runner-up in International Extemporaneous Speaking. Will Moore placed 5th in Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking and is the state runner-up in Informative Speaking. Hamilton Cunningham was awarded 4th in the state in Prose Interpretation. Jack Catchings, Emily Headley, Lauren Sullivan and Ella Taylor also turned in strong performances at the annual state tournament. They are coached by Lonny Harrison.

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Sylvan Anatomy Classes Visit Rehab Center

Miss Tina’s and Miss Megan’s anatomy classes at Sylvan Learning Center visited the Carolyn E. King Rehabilitation Center. King showed the students models and tools used to help patients recover from an injury. She stressed the importance of healing from a physical injury and taking steps to prevent future injuries. Three patients gave permission for the students to learn how they were injured and what steps they must take on their journey to recovery. King emphasized there is an increasing need for physical therapists, due to an aging population. King has a genuine love for her career and was very inspirational to all.

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Macon East Academy Football Player Signs with Huntingdon College

Macon East Academy offensive lineman, Connor Higbe signed his letter of intent to join the Huntingdon Hawks football program.

Connor transferred from LAMP to Macon East in 2016 and had not played football since his days as a Montgomery Seminole. Connor has contributed to the Knights success that last two seasons, and represented Macon East at the AISA All-Star game this year.

Connor also plays soccer, serves as the SGA Chaplain, and has been selected to represent Macon East at the Jimmy Hitchcock Memorial Award Program in April.

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Montgomery Academy Students Meet Governor Ivey

Montgomery Academy fourth-graders recently took a “Landmarks� tour to learn about important events and locations in Montgomery. Students visited the State House, the Capitol Building, the Alabama River (via the Harriott II), the Department of Archives and History, and the Civil Rights Memorial. A memorable highlight of the tour was a special visit with Governor Kay Ivey!

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ACA Students Participate in Night to Shine

Alabama Christian Academy students had the honor of participating in the Night to Shine event at Wynlakes Country Club. This event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, coordinated a Prom for individuals with special needs. The ACA students had such a fun night as they accompanied the special guests for the evening. We enjoyed partnering with this event and look forward to it next year.

Floyd Middle Magnet Essay Winner

Floyd Middle Magnet student Madison Thompson is a winner in the “What role has your music program played In bringing you closer to your schoolmates, friends and the community at large?” School Band and Orchestra Magazine Essay Contest.

She is the fifth Floyd student to win the contest since Floyd started participating in 2010. The prize for writing the winning essay is $1,000.

From left are Matt King, Art’s Music Shop representative, Thompson, and Floyd’s Band Director Coleman Woodson.

Montgomery Parents I May 2019

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Engineering Curriculum \ Robotics Club \ Cyber Patriots Club \ Broadcasting

Spark ingenuity.

He could build things with his blocks from a very young age. He loves experimenting. Those interests should be nurtured, molded, cultivated. Thoughtful guidance will broaden his knowledge and keep him fascinated. Giving him opportunities that he never imagined. This is Catholic.

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Soc Pla The end of the school year is fast approaching. The summer season brings trips to the beach, lake, and grilling with friends and family.

At Pike Road Schools (PRS), we do boundless work in the summer. We do extensive planning for the upcoming year and participate in meaningful professional development. Our educators are involved in ongoing professional development throughout the summer, often on their own time. Our students are involved in a myriad of educational activities that supplement their formal education, and of course this summer there will be a lot of work being done to renovate and create more learning spaces for our students to utilize as we move forward.

Currently we are working with partner systems to develop The Exchange, a summer conference focused on regional relation-

ships among educators. The purpose of this conference is to bring River Region educators together to focus on integration of technology, learning management, and instruction and design. More information on The Exchange will be available on our website prs. school in the coming weeks.

Also, during the summer, our administrators and teachers are involved in a wide range of learning experiences that include: conferences and workshops, new teacher orientation, and self-guided professional development to strengthen their craft. We are a learning community. This is an essential part of the PRS commitment to continuous improvement.

Summers at Pike Road Schools are a busy and productive time of year.

In the final stretch of the school year, we see the fruits of our labor. We have all kinds of spring events happening at Pike Road Schools, a spring band concert is scheduled for May 2nd, a collaborative spring choir concert involving our elementary, middle and high school choirs will be held on May 7th, our high school theater students just held their inaugural spring musical Little Shop of Horrors, April 11th-13th.

All the mentioned events will be held at the new Pike Road Schools Performing Arts Center.

For show times please visit our high school website at prhs.school.

As we wrap up the school year we look ahead with anticipation to our first graduating class in 2020! We see how our teachers have made remarkable strides with students. We see growth in all parts of our school system. There are touchpoints all throughout the spring that remind us why we love the community of Pike Road and Pike Road Schools! We are proud of the achievements our learners, lead learners, administrators, parents and community have accomplished this school year.

Wishing all of you a wonderful and safe summer!

Chuck Ledbetter has been an educator for 28 years. He has earned a B.A. in history from Auburn University; a Masters of Education in history from AUM; and a doctorate in educational leadership from Auburn University.

Chuck Ledbetter was a history teacher for 11 years, an assistant principal, a middle school principal, a high school principal, assistant superintendent for curriculum and for finance, and is in his ninth year as a superintendent. He is married to Kim and has three daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.

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Pike Road Schools Adds Performing Arts Center

Pike Road Schools recently acquired a new space to be the school’s performing arts facility. The former Bridge of Life Church is now the Pike Road Schools Performing Arts Center.

It will house PRS band, choral and theater departments. It will have classrooms for band and choir as well as space for instrument storage. There will also be space for staff offices.

The new facility offers a terrific venue for band concerts, show choir performances and plays. The Pike Road High School theater department was the first group to host a performance in the new performing arts center when the students performed Little Shop of Horrors April 11-13. Approximately 40 elementary school learners, 35 middle school learners and 200 high school learners participate in PRS performing arts programs which include band, marching band, color guard, show choir and theater. Providing a space for the arts will help enhance and grow our existing programs as well as attract more PRS students to the arts.

PRS Teacher Nominated for Teacher of the Year

Catherine Anne Kenny, a lead learner with Pike Road Schools, was selected as one of the 16 finalists for 2019-2020 Teacher of the Year. Kenny is a dedicated and highly skilled teacher. She has excelled in the classroom and is preparing her students for success through mentorship, innovative classroom instruction, and a personal commitment to academic achievement. She exemplifies the teaching profession at its best!

She emerged as a finalist from a group of more than 140 highly skilled educators who submitted official applications. The Alabama Teacher of the Year Program is one of our state’s oldest and most esteemed awards programs.

This pool of outstanding educators will soon be narrowed down to the Top Four. The 2019-2020 Alabama Teacher of the Year will be announced at a special ceremony hosted by the Alabama State Board of Education and the Alabama State Department of Education on Wednesday, May 8, at 6 p.m., at the RSA Plaza Terrace in Montgomery.

Alabama’s Teacher of the Year spends the majority of the school year serving as a full-time ambassador for education and the teaching profession, as well as presenting workshops to various groups. Additionally, Alabama’s representative is a candidate for National Teacher of the Year.

Pike Road High School Holds its First Prom

On March 30, Pike Road High School held its very first prom. Heather Boling, a science lead learner at PRHS, chaired this special event. She, along with many other parent and teacher volunteers, decorated the venue beautifully. PRHS tenth- and eleventh-graders had a great time dancing and socializing with friends at the Warehouse in the Alley Station. The evening concluded with the announcement of the first PRHS Prom King and Queen, Easton Wilcoxson and Victoria Tidwell. PRHS students nominated and voted for students that received this honor.

PRES Celebrates Differences

Pike Road Elementary put together a beautiful celebration of differences for Disability Awareness Day. Students wore special tie-dyed T-shirts that said, “All of Us are Different, None of Us are Less.” They participated in a parade, made friendship signs, enjoyed blowing bubbles and singing songs. The event was capped off with a musical performance by Cameron DuBois and a drone fly-over.

In addition, the Pike Road High School softball team hosted a Blue-Out softball game on April 17 to support autism awareness.

The game was held at Founders Station in Pike Road. The Pike Road Lady Patriots squared off against the Park Crossing Lady Thunderbirds. Attendees wore blue to show their support of autism awareness.

Montgomery Parents I May 2019

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PRMS Holds First Fine Arts Celebration

Pike Road Middle School Theatre and Visual Arts are joining forces to host their inaugural Fine Arts Celebration May 17-18. Come see PRMS Theatre’s Hoodie, a one-act comedy about the perils of middle school, trying to “fit in,” and learning to love yourself. Stay after for an art show presented by the PRMS Art Department, featuring self-selected exhibits from each student. Tickets will be sold in advance and at the door.

Show times are at 6:30 p.m. May 17 and 2 p.m. May 18 in the PRMS Auditorium.

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

PRHS Explores Career Opportunities

Over the past few weeks, Pike Road High School Career and Technical Education learners have been exploring their career interests. Healthcare students had the opportunity to shadow AUM professors and students in programs leading to health careers. Graphic Design learners engaged with a CNN tour guide to learn what is expected of future graphic artists at CNN. U.S. Army Sgt. Benton and Sgt. Wallace shared various opportunities the Army has to offer with PRHS 11thgraders.

As PRS prepares for its first senior class next year, we are seeking partnerships with business and industry to provide job shadowing and apprenticeship opportunities for our learners. We

are also always looking for industry professionals to speak to our learners. Businesses that are interested in developing a partnership with Pike Road Schools can contact Tiffany Yelder at Tiffany.Yelder@pikeroadschools.org. For more info about the career and technical education that Pike Road High School offers, please visit prhs. school.

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NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Director and Astronaut Visit Pike Road Middle School

Officials from NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSPFC) visited Pike Road Middle School to inspire and encourage local students to work hard, explore opportunities and pursue their dreams. This visit was part of NASA Day in Montgomery, an annual event to raise awareness about the state’s role in aerospace advances and inspire the next generation of leaders.

The afternoon began with a welcome and remarks from PRS Superintendent Dr. Chuck Ledbetter and Town of Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone. State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey spoke of the possibilities in each student’s future.

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Directory Jody Singer, the first female Director of MSFC, told students that, while science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) may be what most people associate with NASA, there are also opportunities in the arts. Later, astronaut Joe Acaba shared stories of his three spaceflights, telling students that it is important to work hard, but it is also important to find moments for fun.

“It takes persistent pursuit and knowing that the limits placed on us are often limits we place on ourselves,” Singer said to students. “[Goals] are achievable for every one of you – you just have to put your heart and soul into it.”

Shown, Acaba speaks to students at PRMS about his career, which includes military service, teaching and several spaceflights.

PRES Learners Give to Heart Research

Pike Road Elementary learners recently participated in the Jump Rope for Heart Challenge. They raised a total of $20,075, the third-largest amount raised in the state of Alabama. The money raised will be used for heart research.

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

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As I have shared many times over the past years, I feel so blessed to not only hold the position of superintendent of Autauga County Schools but also belong to such a thriving and committed community.

As citizens of Autauga County, we have much to celebrate.

Congratulations to Prattville Junior High School (PJHS)! In recognition of the school’s commitment to provide a physically and emotionally safe academic environment for students, faculty, and staff, Alabama State Attorney General, Steve Marshall, has awarded PJHS the Alabama Safe Schools Initiative Award of Excellence for District 5. Assistant Principal Tony Camara, School Safety Coordinator Sarah Faulkner, local first responders, and mental health professionals collaborated on best practices in school

safety while developing the PJHS safety plan.

The addition of the school’s new intercom and camera systems helped distinguish PJHS from other schools during the competition for this prestigious award. Great job, PJHS and Ms. Stockman!

Congratulations to Prattville High School’s Riley Hawkins! Riley earned a perfect score on the Microsoft Office Word 2016 Certification Test, ranking as one of the state’s top scorers on that test. This certification test for students is the same one used for industry certification. Riley is a student in the Business Technology Class at The Autauga County Technology Center. Great job, Riley!

All of the wonderful school activities students experience from kindergarten through twelfth grade really lead up to one big event in their lives---graduation. It is truly hard to believe that graduation is upon us once again! Congratulations to our graduates; we are all extremely proud of your accomplishments, and I wish each of you the best in everything you undertake. Go Eagles, Bears, Bulldogs, and Lions!

Make this summer

Below are the dates and times for this year’s ceremonies, so you can start planning.

Autaugaville – 6:00 P.M. on Friday, May 24th, at the Alabama State University Dunn-Oliver Acadome Billingsley – 6:30 P.M. on Thursday, May 23rd, at the Billingsley High Gymnasium Marbury – 6:30 P.M. on Thursday, May 23rd, at Auburn University Montgomery Prattville – 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, May 23rd, at the Alabama State University Dunn-Oliver Acadome This school year has been outstanding, but it won’t be long before we are kicking off a new one. I look forward to sharing more good news with the citizens of Autauga County.

Spence Agee is the Superintendent of Education for Autauga County Schools. He is a third generation educator with an ED.S. in Educational Leadership. He has 20 years of experience in the education field as well as 29 years of military experience. Agee is an active member at First Baptist Church in Prattville. He and his wife, Cesily, who is also an educator, have two daughters, Abby and Addison.

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Autauga County Schools

Prattville Christian Senior Signs Concordia University Football Scholarship

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Prattville Christian Academy senior Sterling Berry has declared his intent to pursue football at the collegiate level. Berry signed with Concordia University, an NAIA Division II school in Ann Arbor, Mich., during a recent ceremony among family and teammates.

Berry is a versatile athlete playing as a defensive cornerback and running back. He has played football since he was four years old and has been an integral part of PCA’s varsity team since his eighth-grade year. During his senior year, he played through ankle injuries and his father’s cancer diagnosis—a significant amount of stress that would require most athletes to throw in the towel. Through it all, Berry preserved as an example to his teammates and coaches.

“Sterling is a great young man with a big heart,” said Jeremy Carter, PCA’s head football coach. “He works hard on both sides of the ball and is a Christian leader on the field and in the classroom. He will no doubt be an asset to the Cardinals.”

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Prattville Elementary Plants Seeds

Third-grade students in Mrs. Baxley’s and Mrs. Ferguson’s classes at Prattville Elementary School recently studied plants.

Topics of study included the parts of plants, the functions of those parts, the life cycle of plants, and the role of pollinators in the plants’ life cycles. As a culminating project, students utilized Prattville Elementary School’s outdoor classroom planting stations to sow marigold seeds. Students will care for the marigold seedlings in class and then give them as gifts for Mother’s Day.

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Prattville Junior High Presented With AG’s Safe Schools Initiative Award for Excellence

Marbury Senior Signs Softball Scholarship

Marbury High School senior Kenzie Bayer signed a softball scholarship to Southern Union in front of family and friends. Bayer has played softball since she was four years old when she started playing T-ball. She has been on the Marbury High School varsity softball team since 7th grade and was even named by the Montgomery Advertiser as an All-Metro player during both her 9th- and 10th-grade seasons. Bayer has also played on the Marbury varsity volleyball team since she was a freshman and is involved with the school Beta and Spanish clubs.

Prattville Junior High School Principal Janice Stockman recently accepted an award presented in person by Attorney General Steve Marshall, designating the school as the winner of the Safe Schools Initiatie Award of Excellence for State Board of Education District 5. Schools were selected as winners for 2018 from each of the eight state school board districts as well as private schools for each state region.

“The Attorney General’s Office is proud that Prattville Junior High School was selected as one of the 10 winning schools in Alabama for 2018,” Attorney General Marshall said. “In making this decision, judges gave a perfect score, noting many things that distinguished Prattville Junior High School: strong collaboration with law enforcement and local emergency officials, excellent implementation of crisis preparation, and strong partnerships with drug and alcohol volunteer programs.”

Stockman sends out special thanks to Mr. Camara, who heads up the school’s safety committee, and teacher Sarah Faulkner, who submitted the application.

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PHS Speech and Debate Brings Home Multiple Awards

Excelling in both competitions, the Prattville Speech and Debate Team competed February 22-23 at the Raymond B. Furlong Saint James School tournament and March 1-2 at the Deep South District tournament at Mountain Brook High School.

At the Saint James tournament, Prattville won the Individual Event Team Championship. Individual team champions were Sandhu Aladuwaka, Grace McKelvey and Hugh Sparks. Prattville finalists were Madison Chambliss, Troy Chesser, Rachel Ferris, Brooke Garfield, Jack Moore, Hannah Murphree, Isaac Sherman, Carter Simmons, Cleveland Stockman and Brooke Turley.

At the Deep South District Tournament, the qualifying tournament to nationals, Prattville team members Aladuwaka, McKelvey, Sherman and Sparks qualified to the national tournament and will represent Prattville High and the State of Alabama this summer in Dallas. Also, congratulations to all the district finalists: Chambliss, Ferris, Murphree, Turley and John Tate Smyth.

The Prattville team is coached by Katy Olienyk and Jordan Berry.

Prattville Fire Department Wraps Up Teen Cert Course at Training Facility

Teen Cert teaches students about potential disasters in their area and how to safely and responsibly respond to them. Teen Cert allows students to serve their community and help take care of their school and home. Students learned how to conduct light search and rescue, assist injured people, set up medical treatment areas, identify hazards, and assist emergency responders.

The nine-week class involved students from Prattville, Marbury, Billingsley and Autaugaville. The course ended with an exercise held at Prattville Fire Training Facility.

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We have had a very busy spring, and I would like to share some of the exciting things happening across our school system!

We are proud to announce the completion of a major renovation project at Stanhope Elmore High School. Students can now travel between classroom buildings through the newly-enclosed breezeway as opposed to having to walk outside to access various parts of the campus. Principal Ewell Fuller and six past principals were present for the official ribbon cutting held on March 18, 2019, at the school. In addition to the Stanhope Elmore project, work at Elmore County High School will begin in the summer to create a foyer area with a secure entrance. Finally, fencing projects throughout the county have been completed to create secure perimeters around our cam-

puses. Safety is a top priority, and all these projects focus on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff.

Two Elmore County High School students were recently recognized in the state-wide Bryant Jordan Student Athlete Program. This highly-competitive program recognizes 12th grade students who have by ability and effort achieved a level of excellence in the areas of academics and athletics that is commensurate with their potential. Madison Traylor was the State Class IV-A Bryant-Jordan Scholar Athlete of the Year. Madison has a 4.2 GPA, a 28 on the ACT, and she plays volleyball, basketball, and softball. James Allen (Jamie) Singleton was the Region IV Achievement Award winner. He has a 4.2 GPA, 32 on the ACT, and plays basketball and baseball.

We are incredibly proud of these students’ accomplishments!

Redland Elementary School recently held the Redland Eagle Fun Run which was open to all RES students and families. The Fun Run generated over $50,000 and the

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proceeds will be added to grant funds to pay for the installation of a walking track at the school. Everyone is excited and looking forward to enjoying the new track when school starts in August.

Finally, Elmore County’s nearly 786 seniors will soon reach the end of their time with us as they walk across the stage at their respective graduation ceremonies in a few short weeks. Graduation is an exciting time for students and their families as well as the high schools from which they will graduate. I wish all our graduates the best life has to offer as they embark on the next leg of their journey through life.

Thanks to all our Elmore County Schools staff members for your dedication to our students and their families!

Richard Dennis is the Superintendent of Education for Elmore County Schools. He is a 1983 graduate of Holtville High School. He served 21 years as a high school principal at Holtville High, Wetumpka High and most recently, Prattville High. He and wife, Leslie (also an educator) have three sons and a daughter.

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Elmore County Schools

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Edgewood Academy Selects New Head of School

A new Head of School is taking over at Edgewood Academy, after the announced departure of Clint Welch. Jay Adams, already on staff at Edgewood, was approved by the Board of Trustees at their special called meeting April 4.

Adams has prior headmaster experience and has already been employed at Edgewood for the last three years. He has three children who currently attend Edgewood. Adams will assume his new duties on June 1, but will be working closely with Welch and Ms. Montgomery for the balance of this school year to ensure a smooth transition.

At Edgewood, Adams has taught American literature, British literature, chemistry, physics, geometry, physical science, marketing and other ACT prep. Prior to Edgewood, he spent 16 years at Cornerstone Christian School (Columbiana), including six years as head of school and one year at his alma mater, Kingwood Christian School (Alabaster).

During his six-year tenure as Cornerstone head of school he oversaw consistent annual growth, bringing the school from 181 to 224 students while retiring all school debt.

A graduate of Lee University (B.A., English Education 7-12), he’s also completed the pre-med sequence at UAB. He’s currently a certified teacher with endorsements in English, science and math.

He lives in Wetumpka with his wife, Laura, and their three children: Macy (16), Jack Tyler (13) and Ellie Kate (9). The family attends Ridge Church, where he serves on the worship team.

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

Montgomery Parents I May 2019

Elmore County Tech Students Visit Construction Site

Students from the Elmore County Technical Center (ECTC) took part in a job shadow with Caddell Construction in February. Students toured the construction site of the new State Health Laboratory Facility in Prattville learning about the different careers in construction.

Wetumpka Students Excel at Science Competitions

Wetumpka High School student Logan Hammock placed 1st in Category, 4th overall and received a $500 scholarship at the State Science Paper Reading at Tuskegee University. Hammock went on to compete at National Paper Reading the end of April in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Also representing WHS at Paper Reading, Haley Donovan placed 2nd and Mikayla Johnson placed 3rd in their categories and they tied for 5th in the state for the Gorgas Science Talent Search Scholarship, receiving $500 each.

Peyton Crosby, Garrison Clark and Colton Green were also recognized as Gorgas Science Talent Search Scholarship Finalists and all Gorgas Scholars are eligible for additional scholarships from various universities throughout the state.

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Airport Road Pep Rally Encourages Positive Test Performance

April 5 was an exciting day for the students at Airport Road Intermediate School. The faculty and staff planned a “Let’s Get Ready for the Test” Pep Rally. School board members were present, along with the pep band from Stanhope Elmore High School, the SEHS dance team, and the SEHS cheerleaders. The ARIS dance team also performed for their classmates. The grand finale was performed by ARIS teachers and staff... showing off their best dance moves.

Redland Fun Run Exceeds Goal

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Goal accomplished! Redland Elementary School’s Fun Run was a huge success. The school set a goal to raise $20,000 to pay for an outdoor running track, and within four days it had reached that goal. After increasing the goal to $30,000 and finishing the fundraiser, totals exceeded $50,000! #resisgettingatrack

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460 McQueen Smith Road Prattville, Alabama 334.358.6411

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Elmore County Schools

Victory Christian Visits the State House

Despite the threat of inclement weather March 11, the fourth-grade class of Victory Christian Academy in Millbrook took a field trip to Montgomery. They were so glad they did, as they were able to meet and take pictures with the Speaker of the House, Rep. Mac McCutcheon, and observe a special session take place in the House of Representatives. While in the galley, Rep. Reed Ingram talked with the students and parents and answered questions. The class was acknowledged by the representatives, and VCA student Henley Joel Smothermon was given the privilege of leading the House in the Pledge of Allegiance.

ECTC Tours Forensics

Public Safety & Law Students from Elmore County Tech Center toured ASU’s Forensic Sciences program and the Montgomery Police Department learning more about careers in each field and how to pursue them.

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Wetumpka Winter Guard Receives First Place in Competition

WHS @ Legislative Day

The 2019 Wetumpka High School Pride of the Tribe Winter Guard competed in the Miss Majorette of the South Competition April 13, in the High School Tall Flags Team category where they received first place. WHS Majorette Jazmin Faulkner, middle row third from left, also competed in the open and regional show twirl categories, where she placed second and fifth.

From left, Wetumpka High School students Austin McDowell, Mary Fran Healey, Isaac Stubbs and Aaron Foster represented WHS at Legislative Day.

ECTC Students Explore International Cuisine

Hospitality & Tourism students from Elmore County Tech Center explored international cuisine, watched knife skill demonstrations, and sampled new foods as part of their class experience during a visit to Tokyo Restaurant in Prattville.

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Reach & Teach Concert at Stanhope Elmore

Stanhope Elmore career tech students organized and hosted a Velcro Pygmies concert with special guest Kirk Jay on their campus as a part of the Reach & Teach program. During the months leading up to the concert, students participate in a nine-week curriculum that teaches them the skills to host the event. They recruit sponsors, create logos, design shirts, market the event, and set up logistics with the assistance of teachers. Several SEHS students also performed alongside the group.

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

Airport Road Intermediate Scores Well at Dance Competition

The Airport Road Intermediate dance team placed first overall, received the Judge’s Precision Award, and received a Platinum rating recently. A huge shoutout to the dance team sponsors, Chelsea Chambers and April Moody. We are very proud of this team and the way that they have represented ARIS during the 2018-19 school year.

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TheCollegeYears Preparing Teens for Life Outside the Nest

by Lee Gonet

Don’t Bribe Your Way Into Top Colleges Here’s Your Plan: Part 1

By Kathleen Sport, Guest Columnist

The New Scam

Three years ago I was hit by a truck.

No, not literally, but I did suffer shock, disappointment, anger, and despair.

Most of us are good parents. We want to give our child every possible advantage, so we agonize over each age and stage. Walking at 12 months? Check.

Reading at 5? Check. Selected for the Gifted Program at school by Grade 3?

Sweating bullets over math homework so Junior is taking Algebra as a 7th grader? Check and check.

So how in the WORLD did I miss the memo on college admission planning?!!

(For more information on this subject, see Lee’s article entitled “How to be Your Child’s Best Guidance Counselor” under resources at leedstestprep.com.)

We toured gorgeous, leafy, campuses. We listened to well-crafted pitches about the opportunities that awaited my child in each wonderful school. The financial aid offices told great tales about how hard they would work for us to make Glitzy U affordable. We marveled over the slick, 4-color brochures that filled our mailbox and stroked our egos. Glitzy U wants my son! And even better, so do Opulent U and Posh U! So with great expectation and confidence, my son applied to a handful of schools (names intentionally withheld) thinking he would be accepted to all and would have his pick.

THEY wanted HIM after all. They all but told him so!

The Old Way

Rejection

When I applied to college “back in the day,” an applicant was virtually guaranteed a spot unless you were shooting for the Harvard’s of the world. Meaning, I knew there were selective colleges out there, and that they had become expensive, but we had saved, and our oldest son wasn’t going to apply to the top schools anyway, so I naively thought we would be just fine.

He was an average student who knew he would need personal attention, so applying to large state universities was out of the question. He knew he wanted to be in a large city, however, so we targeted smaller schools that I remembered as safeties--easier to get into but were still good schools.

Montgomery Parents I May 2019

My older son experienced what we now refer to in our house as Admissions Armageddon. He was rejected by every college to which he applied, and we were left scrambling for options that he didn’t like but was ultimately forced to accept.

Through the gentle guidance of a trusted relative, we found a strong community college that provides quality instruction from many of the same adjunct (part-time) professors who teach at the state flagship practically up the street from the community college. Meaning, my son would be receiving the same education at a fraction of the cost.

Redemption My older son applied immediately 66

and was accepted. True, he didn’t receive any merit scholarships, and he didn’t qualify for financial aid. But he did what every mother prays for: he thrived. Two years later he transferred to a 4-year state college from which he’ll graduate. He’s on solid academic footing, he has a good job making great money, and he’s going to be okay.

But three years ago I vowed the college admission process would be different for my younger son, and what a difference three years can make. My younger son received $1.4 Million (yes, MILLION!) in renewable merit scholarship offers. He was invited to FOUR colleges to compete for FULL merit scholarships, and he received an offer for full tuition, fees, room and board! He did it using a plan we systematically implemented. Stayed tuned for Part 2 next month where I’ll tell you how we did it!

Free Workshops!

Kathleen will be presenting two FREE college-admission workshops with me as kickoffs for my ACT Bootcamps this summer. Parents bring your rising 8th - 12th grade students.

Both workshops are on Saturdays from 8:00 AM - Noon. The first is June 1 in Montgomery at Grace Pointe Church of Christ, 1565 Ray Thorington Rd. The second is July 6 in Wetumpka at Mountain View Baptist Church, 1025 Rifle Range Rd. Bring your children, bring a friend, bring your questions, and get answers!

Kathleen Sport is married with two boys and lives in Montgomery, Alabama. She provides college admission counseling for high-school students of all abilities who live in multiple states. You can contact her by emailing sportcollegeadmissions@gmail.com.

Lee Gonet is an avid learner, speaker, educator, and world traveler. She loves challenging teenagers to excel beyond what society considers possible by teaching young people to think deeply, learn intensely, and act purposefully outside the classroom box. For example, her daughter worked abroad by 16 and her son earned his Engineering Master’s by 20. Dreams do come true. If you would like to learn more about Lee or her ACT Prep Classes, go to leestestprep.com!

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As you prepare to see your adolescent off to college, you flashback to all your child’s milestones, special moments, and fun times you’ve shared together. It feels like only yesterday your toddler said their first word.

Soon after, you dropped your child off for their first day of kindergarten, prepared your preteen for puberty, and took your teen shopping for the high school prom.

But now, in what feels like an instant, your young adult is headed out into the world, more or less on their own.

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This is a turning point at which you no longer have much oversight or say in your child’s life. This can be both scary and exhilarating for parents and kids alike. You’ll worry about your adolescent’s safety and well-being. But you’ll also revel in your child’s enthusiasm, excitement, and dreams for the future.

Parents’ feelings about their own life without their child’s daily presence and parenting responsibilities are often met with a mix of emotions as well. Many parents look forward to this point in their lives and a freedom they haven’t enjoyed in nearly two decades. Some parents may even feel conflicted or guilty for looking forward to ‘me’ time.

At the same time, many parents (even those same parents) feel a sense of loss. After all, they’ve devoted 18 years to caregiving and raising their child. Many parents lose their sense of self while raising a family. In fact, being a parent can become one’s identity. As a result, parents may feel an even greater loss when their kid heads away to college.

SURVIVAL TIPS

So how do you survive this transition? Learn to embrace it.

A heart-to-heart. Write a letter or talk to your adolescent when you see him or her off to college. A letter is best because your kid can save it and read it again to absorb and ponder what you have to say. You’ve already taught your child the importance of manners and doing their schoolwork. So skip that stuff. Instead, offer wisdom about life and your appreciation for your adolescent’s wonderful characteristics. Also, avoid dumping on your child. It’s okay to say you’re going to miss your kid. But don’t overdo it and leave your child feeling guilty or responsible for your pain or loss.

Connection and space. Decide how to keep the connection with your adolescent. Phone calls, texting, email, video chat, and getting together in person offer ample opportunities to maintain your relationship. But don’t overdo it. Your young adult needs time and space to experience their newfound independence and blossom.

Explore. You now have a lot more free time. Don’t let that down time become an avenue to needlessly worry or mope. Instead, be proactive, and set out on a mission of self-discovery. Have you thought about going back to school, work, or changing your career? Now’s a good time to explore your options. How about a new hobby, volunteer work, or focusing on your fitness and health? You can also broaden your horizons. Try out different music genres, visit art and history museums, go to plays and sporting events, or explore cultural restaurants or cooking.

Travel. Plan something exciting. Consider a trip to someplace

you’ve always dreamed of going. Or perhaps plan a long road trip or multiple weekend road trips throughout the year. Whatever you choose will help busy your time with the planning, give you something to look forward to, and remind you of the upside of an empty nest or one less child to raise. mp

It gets easier. Remember, whatever grief, loneliness, worries, or self-doubts you experience, they’re a normal part of this transition.

With each week and month that passes, it’ll get easier – until one day, you wake up and discover you’ve fully embraced your new life – and feel true joy for your child’s newfound independence.

Kimberly Blaker is a professional freelance writer. She writes articles, content, and blog posts for a variety of publications and industries.

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How Colleges Use Kids’ Social Media Feeds

use on your other public social media, there’s a record of your rants and hostile posts, and it could come up when the school Googles you. You can’t go back in time and revise what you wrote. So make sure that the primary account you want the college to see is clean. And if you feel like sounding off in a public forum, make your posts constructive and cordial.

Hey, parents of college-bound kids: Share this with your son or daughter as soon as possible.

Will the weird stuff I like on other people’s social media reflect negatively on me?

Probably not -- unless it’s illegal, extremely antisocial, or disturbing and it makes up the bulk of your feed.

What’s the easiest thing you can do to impress prospective schools? It’s not your GPA. It’s not the debate team. It’s your Instagram – and your Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube, and any other social media feeds that colleges can see. And yes, they’re looking. Get answers to the most important questions about what colleges want to see.

Could the school look poorly on me if I follow provocative figures on social media?

It’s unlikely that they would use this against you unless the majority of people you follow are very extreme and highly controversial. That could show that you’re not open to different points of view, which could be problematic in college. If you’re interested in a topic, seek out a range of opinions.

Also, follow people who are influential in the area you’re interested in -- including the colleges you’re applying to. It will help you learn about the field -- and hey, if the school notices, it shows you’re serious.

Should I delete my social media or make it all private?

Making it private is a good idea anyway.

On most social media, a private account means your name won’t come up in search results, and it limits your digital footprint (how much stuff about you is available on the web). You don’t have to delete your accounts, though. Colleges expect prospective students to have social media. But if you’re applying to schools, it won’t hurt to groom your privacy settings on all your social media to make sure you’re not overexposing yourself. Some social media allows other people to tag you even if you’re not friends (such as through the facial recognition feature on Facebook). You wouldn’t want someone else’s post to negatively impact a college’s perception of you.

What should I do if I think a school unfairly disqualified me because of my social media?

Because colleges receive so many qualified applications, they’re typically looking at social media to see if it tips the scales in anyone’s favor -- not to dig up dirt. Maybe another applicants’ social media just made that person seem like a better match for the school. But if you think a skeleton in your Facebook closet came back to haunt you, you can contact admissions and find out.

Do I have to delete every single party pic of me and my friends?

No. Actually, colleges like to see that you’re a well-rounded person with a healthy social life. The main thing that could hurt you is posts that reflect poor judgment. When Harvard College got wind of offensive material being posted to a group chat by incoming freshmen, it rescinded acceptance letters to 10 students. That’s one reason not to post that kind of stuff. Get rid of any photos and videos that contain inappropriate behavior such as drinking, sexy stuff, and lots of swearing -- and no hostile speech, rudeness, or negative tweets about a school that you’re applying to.

Do my likes, followers, and other indicators of social media popularity help me or hurt me in the college admissions process?

If you’ve actively pursued a specific passion -- say, music, photography, or even the evolution of the shoe from ancient times to present -- and you’ve cultivated an active, engaged audience on social media, that’s a plus. College admissions will see that you have drive and initiative. On the other hand, having a big audience for more typical random teen interests, such as internet memes and cat videos, may not even register (and won’t be held against you).

I once got in a public war of words with someone not on my social media but on another online forum. Will that hurt me?

It might. If you posted under the same username that you Montgomery Parents I May 2019

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Are you simultaneously excited about and dreading the approach of summer? If so, you might want to start preparing now to make the most of all of the unstructured, non-scheduled time your kids will soon be spending at home...or summer may not end up nearly as relaxing for you as it is for your kids!

Take a cue from ‘The Artful Parent,’ blogger Jean Van’t Hul. She says, “When a child explores, learns, and creates, the side effect is often a mess. To say no to the messes inhibits the exploration and the creativity that can take place. That should take place. It’s a child’s job to explore the world around him, to experience it and learn as much about it as possible. If the adults in his world continually say, ‘Don’t make a mess, be quiet, sit down, be still, leave that alone, do it this way, color within the lines, don’t get your clothes dirty,’ that inhibits the exploration and the learning.”

To make sure you are ready for a summer that is as creative as it is easy, take a few tips from this list.

You’ll be ready to squeeze as much fun as you can out of every lazy summer day.

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Test-drive The Art Supplies: Where do you keep your arts and

Buckets & Boots (Workman 1999), Trowel & Error (Workman 2002), and Toad Cottages & Shooting Stars (Workman 2010). Why not give each member of the family their own garden plot so they can nurture the harvest of their choice?

craft supplies? If stored where they are easy to access, your kids will be more likely to use them. Give your arts and crafts storage area a quick overhaul before the vacation months arrive. Check markers. Sharpen pencils. Melt old crayons into new bigger ones.

Restock your finger paint and drawing pads. Get enough clipboards or pads for each member of the family. Whatever kinds of projects your family likes to indulge in, make sure you’ve got all the supplies on hand and ready to roll!

Take an Unexpected Adventure: When you set out as a fam-

ily towards an unfamiliar destination, your senses come alive with possibilities. Instead of planning every summer family outing, why not just grab some snacks and water bottles, hop in the car, and surprise yourselves? Perhaps there is a city nearby you can explore.

Perhaps you are just an hour from a state park or wildlife sanctuary.

Target a quaint small town you can traverse from end to end on foot.

Keep an ongoing list of destinations on one of your whiteboards, take a quick family vote to decide on a one, and you’re off!

Plenty of Places to Brainstorm: We have an assortment of

white boards around the house that absorb an awful lot of creative energy. My eight-year-old daughter kneels in front of the one in her bedroom when she wants to draw picture after picture after picture.

I use one in my office to catch ideas as they go flitting by or to jot down a few professional to-dos. And believe it or not, if I write down the family chores on the white board in the kitchen, I’m more likely to get the cooperation from the rest of the family when I need it.

Host A Backyard Extravaganza: Older children might like to put on plays or puppet shows for younger children in the summer. Why not let them play the roles of producer, director, marketing spokesperson, etc. and get the whole neighborhood involved? Fun can really start to catalyze when you pool the neighborhood dressup clothes, create an impromptu story, and start casting parts.

Become Project-oriented: Creating a garden, a tree house, or a worm box are all examples of outdoor projects the family can undertake together this summer. If you have a rainy day or prefer to stay indoors, why not get a jump on next season’s holiday gifts or cards?

If everyone in the house prefers to work on his or her own projects at his or her own pace, why not make sure that each person has their own craft area, where they can leave a project out while it’s in process, until its completed.

Get a Little Wild: Maybe during the school year you don’t wel-

come the extra mess that body paint, mud, glitter, bathtub crayons, clay, or temporary hair dyes can bring into your hallowed home. But during the summer months, why not? Kids experience a lot of pressure to conform when they are in school, so let them get wild while the days are long, the nights are short, and homework is nothing more than a distant memory.

Bring On The Color: Painting your walls, your furniture, your fence or your home is one of the cheapest and most fun ways to get a fresh look at home. Why not get the whole family involved? Even a toddler can paint primer on a wall. Tweens and teens might enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes from getting an entire house painted. Mom and Dad can swing in a hammock and sip a cold drink while each school-age child paints one piece of furniture from their bedrooms a favorite new hue.

Make Multimedia Memories: Keep a camera or a video recorder handy so you can document your colorful, creative summer and share it with your distant friends and relatives. And don’t worry about what to do with all your images and film clips. The long cold winter is coming just as sure as you are fully enjoying every minute of your fleeting summer. You’ll be so happy making memories that neighbors you haven’t seen in ages may invite themselves over to join the fun. mp

Garden with Themes: Why have a common garden when you could have a fairy garden or a pizza garden or a found objects garden? For ideas and inspiration, consult the illustrated gardening books for children by author Sharon Lovejoy: Roots, Shoots,

Author, journalist, and writing coach, Christina Katz adores summer family fun. You’ll find her in the backyard coming up with lots of outdoor projects or luring everyone into the car for an impromptu family road trip.

Alabama Dance Theatre SUMMER CLASSES, Age 3 to Professional Level Session I: May 28 - June 13

Session II: June 24 - July 11

Tutus & Tiaras! Ages 3 - 8

June 17-21

Summer Dance Seminar

July 15 - July 29

Stars on the Riverfront

July 28 & 29

at the Armory Learning Arts Center 1018 Madison Avenue

www.alabamadancetheatre.com

(334) 625-2590 Photo by David Robertson, Jr.

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Art/Music/Theater Alabama Shakespeare Festival Theatre Camps ad on page 69

1 Festival Drive Montgomery Broadway South Musical Theatre Camp: Ages 14-18, July 8-12 or July 22-26 Broadway South Jr. Musical Theatre Camp: Ages 10-13, July 8-12 or July 22-26 Camp Shakespeare: Ages 9-12, June 24-28 or July 15-19, 8:30am - 4:00 p.m.

Camp Shakespeare Extreme: Ages 13-18, June 3-7 or June 10-14, 9:00am - 4:00 p.m.

Camp Shakespeare Junior, Half Day: Ages 5-8, June 3-7 and June 10-14, 9-NOON or 1-4 p.m.

Camp Shakespeare Junior, Full Day: Ages 5-8, June 17-21 from 1-4 p.m.

2 Week Camp Shakespeare: Ages 9-12, July 17-28 (334) 271.5393

glambert@asf.net

www.asf.net

Armory Learning Arts Center ad on page 56

1018 Madison Ave Montgomery Upcycling Camps: June 10-14 and July 8-12. Ages 10-17 (8-9 with older sibling/adult) Snapology Camps: Science of Superpowers, June 3-7, ages 6-10 Battle Robotics, July 15-19, ages 7-12+ Armory Athletic Camps: 8-4:30 p.m., ages 5-14.

Sports, rec, gymnastics, swimming, field trips, crafts * 2 art emphasis weeks: June 10 and July 8.

Please visit our website for information and fees.

(334) 625.ARTS (2787) www.funinmontgomery.com/ parks-items/Armory Facebook under Armory Learning Arts Center

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Art & Drama Camps ad on page 51

5350 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116 Children’s Drama Camp (Rising 1st-7th): June 17-21, Monday-Thurs. from 1-4 p.m. and Friday at 9 a.m. Performance will be held Friday, June 21 at 2 p.m. Camp will be held in lunchroom at St. Bede.

Elementary Art Camp (Rising 1st-7th Grade): July 15-18, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Camp will be held at the Holy Spirit Campus.

Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 272.7221

www.montgomerycatholic.org

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts ad on page 82

1 Museum Drive Montgomery Teen Camp: July 8-12, Ages 13 and up.

Afternoons and Youth Camp: June 3-7, June 24-28, July 22-26, Ages 6-12. Week-long. Half-day or All day. These unique full-filled camps offer small group instruction (10 students to 1 teacher ratio; maximum of 20 students) in drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, and sculpture. Students also view and learn about famous works of art in a Museum setting. Each week a variety of art media and techniques are explored, such as drawing with pastels, charcoal, pen and ink, colored pencils, and markers; painting with watercolors, tempera, and acrylics; sculpting with clay and mixed media; and creating relief prints. Different themes, art projects, Montgomery Parents I May 2019

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and techniques are offered each week, with a special student exhibition and reception for family members at the end of camp each Friday. Camp fee includes snacks and all art materials. The camps are also designed for working parents, as extended hours are offered.

Camps are limited to 20 students and fill up quickly, so sign up today!

Full day students MUST bring their own lunch.

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(334) 240.4333 www.mmfa.org

Trinity Art Camp ad on page 7

1700 E. Trinity Blvd Montgomery July 16-18, 1st-3rd grade from 8 -10 a.m. and 4th -5th grade from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Please check our website under Summer at Trinity tab for more information.

(334) 213.2100 blee@trinitywildcats.com www.trinitywildcats.com

Abrakadoodle Summer Art Camps and Classes This Summer, Abrakadoodle will be offering an outstanding series of camps at the two Abrakadoodle Pop-Up Art Studios. Each session has unique themes and fine arts lessons. Morning and Afternoon sessions can be combined for working parents with Early Drop off, Lunch & Play and Extended Pick Up. Discounts offered for Early Registration, Siblings, and Multi-Camp Sign Up. Daily rates are available.

(334) 265.5758 mcornwell@abrakadoodle.com www.abrakadoodle.com/AL01

ASU Tonea Stewart’s Performing Arts Camp 915 S. Jackson Street Montgomery TAPS: Ages 6-12, June 3-15 from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

CAMP 3T: Ages 13-18, June 23-29; TTI: Ages 15-18, Monday-Fridays, 8 a.m.- 1 p.m.; GIFTED: Ages 13-21, July 8-12 (Tues.-Weds.-Thurs.)

(334) 229.6755

toneastewartcamps.com

Barb’s Summer Art Camp 1923 Mulberry Street Montgomery Six weeks of Art with Barb at Nancy’s Italian Ice beginning May 20-June 27. Monday/Wednesday at 4 and 5 p.m. Tuesday/Thursday at 10 and 11 a.m.

(334) 269.2272 www.barbsonmulberry.com www.facebook.com/barbsonmulberry.com

Jasmine Hill Art Gallery 110 Company Street Wetumpka Kids Art Camp, June 3-6 from 10 to 1:30. Art classes offered to ages 4 to adult. We explore all mediums: oil, acrylics, water color, sketching.

Check us out on Facebook for more details about classes.

(334) 300-6793

Facebook: Jasmine Hill Art Gallery

Montgomery Music Project Summer Camp 2416 West Cloverdale Park Montgomery Montgomery Music Project (MMP) offers an enrich-

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ing day camp full of engaging music activities and classes for children of a variety of ages and abilities. Daily orchestra lessons are supplemented with group drumming, musicianship class, singing and more. The 2019 MMP Summer Camp June 24-28.

(901) 603.0420 montgomerymusicproject@gmail.com www.montgomerymusicproject.org

P’zazz Art Studio 138 W. Main St. Prattville Variety of summer camps offered from June 4-July 25. Please visit our website for dates and times.

(334) 354.1975

www.pzazzart.com

Paint & Clay 4319 Atlanta Hwy., Montgomery Paint your own pottery or canvas. Full and half day Summer camps. First week of June until school starts.

(334) 819.4450

Facebook under Paint & Clay

Biking Fountain City BMX Track 802 County Road 4 Prattville Friday Practices are $3. Free 1 day trial. Fun for any age. Race on most Sundays. For more information please visit us on Facebook under Fountain City BMX. (334) 300.4328 info@fountaincitybmx.com www.fountaincitybmx.com

Bowling BAMA Lanes 3020 Atlanta Highway Montgomery EAT ‘n’ BOWL, while lane availability lasts, until 8 p.m. daily. (Includes 3 games, shoe rental, and meal). Prices vary upon day and time.

(334) 272.5423

BAMA Lanes in Prattville 1734 East Main Street Prattville EAT ‘n’ BOWL, (includes 2 games, shoe rental, and meal) Prices and times vary upon day.

(334) 358.8600

www.bamalanesprattville.com

Brunswick Zone 1661 Eastern Blvd. Montgomery Special summer deals.

819.7171

www.bowlbrunswick.com

www.montgomeryparents.com

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register for each week is required and enrollment begins April 1, 2019.

Costs: $150/week $30/day $50 registration fee $25/week for early drop off at 7:30am $25/week for late pickup at 5pm (334) 625.2789 armoryatheltics@gmail.com www.armoryathletics.com

Alabama Dance Theatre ad on page 73

1018 Madison Avenue (The Armory Learning Arts Center) Montgomery The Alabama Dance Theatre will be offering summer classes in classes in classical ballet (pre-ballet to the professional level), pointe and variations, pas de deux, composition, modern, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, tap and “Back to Dance.” Session I is: May 28-June 13 and Session II is June 24-July 11. There will also be a Tutus and Tiaras Camp for ages 3-8 on June 17-21. Summer Intensive Seminar for intermediate and advanced dancers will be held July 15-27. “Stars On the Riverfront” July 28 and July 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Riverwalk Amphitheater.

(334) 241.2590

www.alabamadancetheatre.com

Armory Athletics ad on page 56

1018 Madison Avenue Montgomery Kids Summer Camp, June 3-July 19 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Full Day, Weekly, $150; Daily, $35 Half Day, Weekly, $100; Daily, $25 Sports and recreation, swimming, arts & crafts, and educational field trips! Parents, please provide lunches, swim wear & towel, concession money, and socks and closed toed shoes for field trips. Pre-

Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection ad on page 37

3370 Harrison Rd. Montgomery Summer Fun Day-camp dates: Six one-week sessions. June 3 - July 19. Time: 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

(4-12 years). $175 with a $75 deposit required

by May 15 for 1st week. Multiple week discounts available. Including all styles of dance, modeling & manners, fashion shows, talent show, arts & crafts, water play and mini manicures! Summer dance classes for all ages beginning June 4 in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Baton and Tumbling.

(334) 277.1098 Facebook under Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection

United Gymstars & Cheer Camp ad on page 8

6100 Brewbaker Blvd. Montgomery June 3- July 26 - 8 week Summer Camp, Weekly themed activities, gymnastics, trampoline, rope climbing, crafts and more. Time: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ages: 5 and up. Half Day offered for 4 year olds. Build your own schedule. Flexible days and times. Call for rates.

(334) 284.2244

www.unitedgymstarsandcheer.com

Ace of the River Region 1965 Eastern Blvd. Montgomery June - August. Stunt classes offered. All level tumbling classes, All star teams, Jump & Flexibility classes, individual lessons, birthday parties, school cheer training. Call Josh or Conni Olson.

(334) 782.3294 riverregionace@gmail.com www.acetribe.com/ACE/Riverregion

C.J.’S Dance Factory (home of the Prattville Ballet) 145 South Court Street Prattville Little Princess Ballerina Camp, June 27-July 25.

Prattville Performing Visual Arts Camp, July 22-26.

(334) 467.8603

www.cjsdancefactory.com

Alabama River Region Ballet 7981 Vaughn Road Montgomery Children’s Fairytale Ballet Camp: (ages 3-7) Swan Lake, June 3-7 and Sugar Plum Fairy, June 10-14. Summer Camp, June 3-27 for ages 8-11. Summer Dance Intensive, July 8-19 for ages 12-18.

(334) 356-5460 riverregionballet@gmail.com www.riverregionballet.com

Centre’ for Performing Arts 975 South Memorial Drive Prattville June Intensive, Dates TBA from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Summer Dance Classes: July 9-Aug. 1 Ages 2 and up. Competition team auditions in the month of July.

Diva Dance Camp (ages 5-12); Dates TBA from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.

(334) 491.1192

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Dance Generation 65 Ashburton Dr Montgomery Tap, ballet, jazz, baton, lyrical, hip hop and gymnastics. Ages 3-adult, Beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Cost depending on class.

(334) 395.4300

www.dancegenerationstudio.com

Lisa’s Dance Dimensions 2981 Main St. Millbrook Visit our website for Summer classes being offered.

Day and Evening classes available. June 3-19.

(334) 285.5515

www.lisasdancedimensions.com

Mann Dance Studio 422 Pratt St. Prattville Classes begin June 5 and will run through July.

Tuesdays from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. for 1st grade and up. Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m. classes will be offered for 3-5 year olds. This is a combination class, which includes ballet, gymnastics, and either tap or jazz.

(334) 365.5154

www.manndancestudio.net

Montgomery Ballet 2101 Eastern Blvd. Suite 223 Montgomery Fairy Week, June 24-28; Superhero Week, July 8-12; Prince & Princess Week, July 15-19; Adventure Week, July 22-26 (334) 409.0522

www.montgomeryballet.org

Next Dimensions Gymnastics 101 Penser Blvd. Millbrook Visit our website for Summer classes being offered.

Day and Evening classes available. June 3-19.

(334) 285.5515

www.lisasdancedimensions.com

Day Camps Alabama Christian Academy Camp Eagle ad on page 47

4700 Wares Ferry Road Montgomery Seven One-week sessions from June 3-July 26.

Camp Eagle is a FUN-tastic first class Christian day camp for ALL kids ages 5-completed 5th grade. Come experience a summer of fun at Camp Eagle. Every single day is filled with an exciting variety of activities. Your child will participate daily in recreational and cooperative games, arts and crafts, sports activities, academic components, praise time, swimming, free time field trips and more.

(334) 277-1985 dsanford@alabamachristian.org www.acacampeagle.org

ASU SKYCAP/IMSET 2019 ad on page 31

1030 W. University Drive Montgomery Session 1: June 3-21; Session 2: July 8-26 Orientation: May 18 from 9a.m. until 2p.m. at 32 Commerce Street; Half and full-day programs. Academics, computers, arts and fitness. A variety of courses to expand and peak your child’s imagination, sharpen academic skills and introduce them to physical fitness activities.

(334) 229.4686 or (334) 229.4317 continuingeducation

www.alasu.edu/

YMCA Prattville Summer Camps ad on page 58

600 E. Main Street (Smith Branch) 972 McQueen Smith Road (Bradford Branch) Prattville Summer Day Camp, girls and boys ages 5-12.

Begins May 29–August 3. Mon. – Friday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Summer Day Camps are available at the Daniel Pratt, Main and Pine Level locations.

Gymnastics and Cheer Camp, Ages 5 ½ and up.

Don M. Smith Branch, 365.8852 East Bradford Branch – 358-9622 Super Summer Sport Camps, Mon-Thurs, 9 a.m.12 p.m.

Sports Camp Dates will be available May 1.

Girls’ Volleyball Camp, Ages 8-12 Girls’ Basketball Camp, Ages 6-12 Boys’ Basketball Camp, Ages 6-12 Fishing Camp, Ages 8-16 Boys’ Baseball Camp, Ages 6-12 Girls Softball Camp, Ages 6-12 Soccer Camp, Ages 6-12 Adventure Camp: Boys & Girls, ages 9-16.

Members and Non-Members.

Bradford Branch, 358.9622 Camp 2:22: Begins May 28. Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Boys and Girls entering 7th-9th grades.

Smith Branch, (334) 365.8852 East Bradford Branch, (334) 358.9622 www.prattvilleymca.org

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Alabama Wildlife Federation 3050 Lanark Road Millbrook Expedition Lanark Outdoor Day Camp June 3 -August 2. Expedition Lanark is a full day summer camp that provides hands-on, outdoor educational activities that teach natural resource stewardship, develop leadership skills, build character and open your child’s mind to outdoor adventures and fun. From Tadpoles to Trail Blazers, Counselors in Training, High Adventure, Gross Out Camp and so much more, we have something for your child (ages 5-15) to explore this summer!

Extended Care is available for an additional fee.

balance, and proprioception (body awareness). The camp will also include activities working with different textures, art, music, and projects that offer a full sensory experience.

AUM Youth Summer Programs 75 Techna Center Drive Montgomery Camps offered from June through July OutReach offers a variety of educational enrichment programs children of all ages including Summer Youth Camps, ACT Review classes, Math & Reading Programs, and an Accelerated Program (Brainiac Camp). These programs instill children with an excitement for learning, prepare them for the upcoming school year, and even equip them with necessary skills for the college entrance exam.

(334) 290.9622

(334) 285.455

(334) 244.3804

www.alabamawildife.org

www.outreach.aum.edu/classes

Boys & Girls Clubs of the River Region Chisholm, 2612 Lower Wetumpka, 265.2469 West End, 220 Crenshaw St, 263.3371 Wetumpka, 399 North Alabama Street, 478.4904 Focus on 5 core program areas: Education, Arts, Sports & Recreation, Health & Life Skills and Citizenship Leadership Development. Cost: $5 per child per year. Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Please call for school term schedule.

(334) 832.4288

www.Bgcmala.org

Brain Pump Summer Camp Auburn University Montgomery, Taylor Center July 22-25 from 9:00-2:00(possible early drop off/ late pick up for additional cost) Healthy snack and lunch available Cost : $225 Brain Pump is a children’s group exercise class developed by a Physical Therapist and Kinesiology professor that promotes gross and fine motor skills, core strengthening, coordination, crossing mid-line,

(334) 380.5920

www.neurokineticsolution.com

Camp Grandview — YMCA 4700 Camp Grandview Road Millbrook Dates: May 28 - August 2 Length: Weekly basis; Located on 190-wooded acres, YMCA Camp Grandview includes two beautiful lakes, a waterpark, horse barn, athletic fields, hiking trails, mud pits, disc golf, archery, riflery, Re Hall, and historic lodge. Transportation is available from Montgomery at no extra cost. www.ymcamontgomery.org

Camp Invention Bear Exploration Center, 2525 Churchill Drive, Montgomery Dates: May28-31 from 8:00 to 4:00; Cost: $240.

Ages: K-6th Grade (334) 284.8014 www.invent.org

campinvention@invent.org

Camp Sunshine for Boys 3067 Carter Hill Road Montgomery July 15-19; Other: Outreach program for less advantaged youth with a variety of outdoor activities. No cost but invitation only camp; may call for application. Ages: 6-11 (334) 262.2697

Camp Tukabatchee 3067 Carter Hill Road Montgomery Boy Scout Day and resident camps.

Week 1: June 2-8; Week 2: June 9-15; Week 3: June 16-22 (800) 977.2688 batcheebsa.org

www.camptuk.org or www.tuka-

Gross Out Camp takes Science Outdoors Alabama Nature Center (Lanark) Millbrook July 22-26; Cost: $200 This award-winning science camp focuses on hands-on biology. Kids will meet live snakes in a reptile program. Sponsored

by Fresh Air Family. The camp combines science experiments, exploring, journaling, and nature-

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inspired arts and crafts to address a variety of learning styles. Ages 6-9.

(205) 540-6642 www.alabamawildlife.org www.GrossOutCamp.org

Montgomery Zoo Summer Camps 2301 Coliseum Parkway Montgomery See daily live animal presentations; get up close and personal with some of the Educational animals at the Montgomery Zoo; enjoy scavenger hunts; craft times; classroom time; playtime, splash time and games at our playground; rides on our horse trail rides, pedal boats, and sky lift; participate in animal encounters with the giraffes, river otters, deer and parakeets; see behind the scene tours and visits with our zookeepers and other staff members. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 240.9400

www.montgomeryzoo.com

Prattville Parks & Recreation Summer Youth Program Doster Center, 424 S. Northington St. Prattville Begins May 27 until the Friday before school starts, 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Ages: K5-6th Grade (334) 361.3640

www.prattvilleal.gov

Prattville Parks & Recreation Summer Youth Program Weekly Field Trips, Games, Crafts and Swimming Begins May 30 until the Friday before school starts, 7a.m. until 6 p.m.; Ages 5 going into K-6th grade.

Registration begins April 1st at the Doster Center.

Parent Orientation Date: May 23 Registration Fee – Non-refundable $75 registration per child; $75/ week.

YMCA Cleveland Branch 1201 Rosa L. Parks Avenue Montgomery 10 weeks of Youth Specialty Camps, May 28 until August 2 for ages 3-12 (334) 265.0566

www.ymcamontgomery.org

YMCA East Branch 3407 Pelzer Ave. Montgomery 10 weeks of Youth Specialty Camps, May 28 until August 2 for ages 3-12 (334) 272.3390

www.ymcamontgomery.org

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

YMCA Goodtimes 3407 Pelzer Ave. Montgomery May 28 until August 2 This is the premier summer facility with a teaching pool, indoor gym, inflatables, and a water park. In addition, the center features a cooperative reading program and a premier computer lab to help combat summer learning loss. Academic enrichment classes taught by a certified teacher are programmed into your child’s day along with recreational swim at the water park.

Ages: 5-14 (334) 279-8833

www.ymcamontgomery.org

YMCA Junior High Teen Leadership May 28 until August 2 A new program designed to teach teens leadership skills. Teens will be involved in enrichment activities for the younger campers, service projects, fun excursions, a camp day with other YMCA Leadership Leagues and a trip to North Carolina to participate in the Junior High Christian Values Conference. Ages: 12-14 (334) 279.8666

www.ymcamontgomery.org

YMCA Kershaw 2225 West Fairveiw Ave. Montgomery zip Summer Camp Dates, May 28 until August 2 Ages: 5-15 (334) 265.1433

www.ymcamontgomery.org

YMCA Southeast Branch 3455 Carter Hill Road Montgomery Summer Camp Dates, May 28 until August 2 Ages: 5-15 (334) 262-6411

www.ymcamontgomery.org

YMCA Wetumpka 200 Red Eagle Road Wetumpka Day camp, 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Mon. - Fri. May 28August 2. Ages: 5-13 (334) 567-8282

www.ymcamontgomery.org

Day Trips

on-top, one-person kayak. Stand-up paddleboards rental is $39. Cost includes transportation to the launch site, paddles and life jackets. Shuttle rate for those owning their own equipment is $15 per kayak or canoe. Try out tote-n-float Program. Simply tote one of our boats and float your favorite waters.

Canoes are $59 a day.

(334) 514.0279

www.coosariveradventures.com

Callaway Gardens US Hwy 18 Pine Mountain zip Your family will love hiking in our gardens, swimming in Robin Lake, exploring the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, golf, spa and more. Summer Family Adventure is a four- to seven-night Summer vacation that connects your loved ones and offers countless options for fun in a beautiful natural environment.

Teen activities, tennis clinics, water skiing & tubing, camp crafts, nature and wildlife adventures, fishing, archery, beach fun, cookouts, and more!

DeSoto State Park 13883 County Road 89, Fort Payne, AL Nestled atop beautiful scenic Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama, this 3,502-acre park provides Mountain Chalets, Log & Rustic Cabins, Motel Rooms, Meeting Rooms, and also has both Improved & Primitive campgrounds. Also features a picnic area with playground, Olympic-size swimming pool, nature center with interpretive programs and live animals, & over 19 miles of hiking & mountain biking trails.

Chewacla State Park 124 Shell Toomer Pkwy. Auburn zip 696 scenic acres are a delightful pause from nearby interstate traffic. Facilities include a 26-acre lake, swimming area, playgrounds, hiking trails, a modern campground, picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters, and newly renovated cabins.

Georgia Aquarium 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta, GA Atlanta zip With more than eight million gallons of fresh and marine water and more aquatic life than found in any other aquarium, you are sure to see things you’ve never seen before! Please check our website for rates and specials. Annual, premium, combo, and group rates available

1-800-Callaway

(334) 887.5621

www.callawaygardens.com

www.alapark.com/Chewacla/

Coosa River Adventures 415 Company Street Wetumpka zip Available all days (weather permitting). Scheduling is required. Cost is $59 per two-person canoe, $55 per sit-on-top, two person kayak and $29 per sit-

(256) 845.0051

(404) 581.4000

www.alapark.com/DeSotoResort

www.georgiaaquarium.org

Horseshoe Bend Military Park 11288 Horseshoe Bend Rd. Daviston zip Monday-Sunday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Tour the free museum and view the 22 minute film, “The

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Battle of Horseshoe Bend”. Then enjoy hiking the trails, a picnic, canoe the Tallapoosa River, and go fishing. Children (6 to 12 years old) with families are encouraged to participate in the Junior Ranger Program. Program booklets are available free at the Visitor Center. Children completing the required activities will be awarded a Certificate and Junior Ranger Badge.

(256) 234.7111

www.nps.gov/hobe/index.htm

Imagine It! Children’s Hands on Museum 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW. Atlanta Atlanta’s only children’s museum, is the perfect place for children age eight and under and their families to learn and explore together in a safe and fun hands-on environment.

(404) 659.KIDS [5437] www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org

McWane Science Center 200 19th Street North Birmingham Rates range $8.00-$20.00; Children under 2 Free; Monday-Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am- 6:00 pm, Sunday 12:00-6:00 (205) 714.8300

www.mcwane.org

Stone Mountain U.S. Highway 78 East, Exit 8 Stone Mountain Toddlers 2 and under Free, Discounts and annual passes available; Summer at the Rock! June 8-July 28; 10:30 am -8:00 pm. Summer at the Rock includes adventure and excitement for every member of the family. It’s the perfect destination for you and your family to unplug and reconnect this summer.

(800) 401-2407

www.stonemountainpark.com

Swayback Bridge Trail Jordan Dam Road in Elmore County Wetumpka Hiking/Biking approximate 8-mile trail with arrows and 1/4-mile markers so you can turn back when you reach your limit. Or the looping nature of the trail allows for crossover at several points to shorten your trip. Trail has views of creek and the Swayback Bridge, which is part of the old Hwy. 231.

(334) 567.9090

http://www.trailoflegends.org/

Windcreek State Park 4325 Alabama Highway 128 Alexander City This park spans 1,445 acres along the shores of scenic Lake Martin, that is a 41,000-acre clear-water reservoir perfect for fishing, swimming and boating. Park facilities include the largest state-operated campground in the United States with 626 sites.

(256) 329.0845 www.alapark.com/ WindCreek

Educational/Misc.

Churchill Academy

Macon East Academy Educational Camps ad on page 21

15396 Vaughn Road, Cecil, AL July Jammin Educational Camp for Grades K5-6th, Dates: TBD; Ages: Age varies by camp

ad on page 33

(334) 277.6566

(334) 270.4225

Mathnasium Summer Power Math Workout Programs

395 Ray Thorington Road Montgomery Tutoring available for summer. Grades K-12.

One-on-one tutoring. Call for rates. Times at parents’ convenience. www.churchillacademy.net

EdTech

ad on page 43

Robotics,Game Design,Lego Challenges, and STEM Activities. Small groups (20 max.) Campers will have screen time and time to do hands-on activities. Ages 8-12. Each Camp is Weekly (MondayFriday, 9am-4pm) (334) 212.0620 info@edtechcamp.com edtechcamp.com

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www.maconeast.net

ad on page 35

3453 Malcolm Drive (Taylor Road at Billingsley Place Promenade) Montgomery Prevent the “summer slide”! Solidify foundations, improve understanding, and get ahead on next year’s concepts in a fun, low-pressure environment.

Hours : Sunday 2-4 Monday and Wednesday 3:307:30 Tuesday and Thursday 11:30-4:30 Friday and Saturday Closed (334) 356.1570 www.mathnasium.com/eastmontgomery

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Snapology ad on page 25

Wetumpka, AL Ages 6-14. Take time off your hands while your kids play, learn, and make life long friends. We offer amazing themes for our camps and workshops year-round including spring break camps and summer camps, Robotics and STEM camps offered during the summer. Please call or visit our website or on Facebook under Snapology of the River Region.

(334) 318.2824 www.snapology.com

Summer School & Tutoring at Success Unlimited ad on page 39

4500 Vaughn Road Montgomery Summer School, June 4-July 25. Call now to enroll. Enrollment is limited. Dress code required.

Tutoring offered June 4-July 25. All grade levels.

One on one time and Small Groups. $40 an hour.

(334) 213-0803

www.suacademy.com

Sylvan STEM Camps ad on page 27

2640 Zelda Road Montgomery Python Coding II: Grades 5-8 $124. More advanced text coding for middle school grades, make comics, design and animate characters and build levelbased games.

Augmented Reality Coding: Grades 3-8 $124. Students will learn basic programming skills through a fun combination of animation and video game design projects. Kids will learn to put themselves in the game!

4th Annual STEM Challenge Camp: Grades 3-8, $149. Students will explore an ALL NEW real world problem and work in a team to solve the problem using K’NEX. Teams will compete against each other and with other Sylvan centers across the country to design the winning solution. Entries will be judged at the end of the summer by a team of judges. Grand prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. LAST YEAR WE PLACED NATIONALLY! 2nd PLACE OVERALL! All Day Botlab/Engineering Camp - Grades 1-6, $240. An action-packed camp centered around different themes each session! Students collaborate in pairs to build their own design based on robotics 201/202. They will use software to create programs and animate their bots. We will break from 12:301:30 for lunch. Don’t forget to pack your lunch!

Study Skills Back to School Camp: Grades 9-12, $124. Our new and improved Back to School Boot Camp will give your child the skills and confidence needed for success – both in and out of the classroom. Students will learn critical study skills strategies, including how to: Set goals for the upcoming year, Organize schoolwork and study areas, Learn time management skills, Learn strategies to address learning preferences and Assess and successfully tackle all learning situations.

Engineering Camp – Grades 1-3, $124. Working in collaborative pairs, the kids will solve a design challenge with nothing but their imaginations, their LEGO supplies, and their newfound knowledge of how simple machines work!

Math EDGE: Grades 1-6 / Geometry EDGE / Algebra EDGE Grades 8-12, $124. Aligns to state and national standards and provides extra practice with problem-solving to help students succeed in the classroom. Uses a variety of engaging activities that gives students the extra boost they need to be confident in the math skills.

(334) 262.0043

www.sylvanlearning.com/montgomery

Montgomery Parents I May 2019

ACT Boot Camp 1565 Ray Thorington Road Montgomery Lee Gonet’s unique method of having students take multiple practice tests, individually rework missed problems, and review error types in group settings improves students’ scores dramatically, increasing ACT composites from 2 to 12 points in just a week’s time. This intensive prep class is Saturday 9-5, and Monday through Thursday 8-5, and includes book, practice tests, handouts, water, snacks, and 40 hours of testing and instruction. Cost: $200 Dates: Class 1: June 1-6 / Class 2: July 6-11 (334) 524.7371

www.leestestprep.com

Wetumpka Library 212 S. Main Street, Wetumpka Summer program offered for grades 1 – 6. Meeting at Wetumpka Civic Center. Registration starts in May. Summer program offered for grades 7-12.

June 11-July 23 (334) 567.1308

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Martial Arts Docarmo’s Summer Karate Camp ad on page 13

Enjoy Learning Center 2801 Vaughn Plaza Rd., Suite H Montgomery One-on-one tutoring for ages 4 to adult. Math, science, reading, comprehension, phonics, spelling, writing, graduation exit exam, ACT and SAT. Certified, skilled teachers. Credit/debit cards accepted.

(334) 625.9535

www.enjoylearningcenter.com

Huntington Learning Center 3251 Malcolm Drive, Montgomery Individual testing and tutoring in reading, study skills, writing, phonics, spelling, math and ACT/SAT prep, GED and exit exam. Students ages 5 - adult.

(334) 277.9200

www.huntinghelps.com

MasterRead 2815-C Zelda Rd. Montgomery Grades K-12 individual tutoring. Sessions for reading, comprehension, phonemic awareness, phonics, math, composition, spelling, study skills and ACT/SAT preparation and Exit Exam preparation.

(334) 271.6295

Horseback Riding MANE’s Unified Summer Camp 3699 Wallahatchie Roady Montgomery MANE’s Unified Summer Camp will be held from 8:30 to 12pm Tuesday through Friday the weeks of July 9-12, July 16-19, and July 23-26. Riders must be between the ages of 4-14.

(334) 213.0909

www.maneweb.org

Libraries Autauga Prattville Public Library 254 Doster Street Prattville Preregister at any Autauga Prattville Public Library Branch Today! The Summer Reading Program is to encourage reading throughout the summer months.

Children going into grades preschool-6th grade are invited to participate. Registration begins May 1st.

June 4-July 23 (334) 365.3396 www.appl.info

applkids@bellsouth.net

Millbrook Library 3650 Grandview Road Millbrook Summer Reading Program for Ages 4-12; The Summer Reading Programs is to encourage reading though out the summer months and enjoy different adventures and travel to exciting places.

Sign ups begin May 20 .

(334) 285.6688

Montgomery Libraries Check with local branches or check the library page in each month’s issue of Montgomery Parents for story time and video listings. Sign up for summer reading program.

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3447 Malcolm Drive Montgomery zip Summer Day Camp Dates: June 22, July15, 20, and August 3. Please visit our website or call for more information.

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Camp NextGen at NextGen Martial Arts 698 Old Farm Lane Prattville Hyper Training Camp, June 3-7; Hyper Weapons Camp, June 24-28; TSD Level Up Camp, July 2226 and Black Belt Camp, July 29-August 2.

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(334) 220.5835

www.trytkdfree.com

(334) 398.5968 todd@nextgenmartialarts.com www.nextgenmartialarts.com

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Family Karate Center 8159 Vaughn Road. Montgomery Kids Karate camp for summer program offered every day. Ages 2 years old and up.

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Johnson Martial Arts Academy 2801 Vaughn Plaza Rd. Suite J Montgomery Summer Specials offered. Specialty Camps will be offered this summer. Date to be announced.

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(334) 277.4911

(334) 284.2344

www.johnsonsmartialartsacademy.com

Montgomery Taekwondo Center Located at Wetumpka YMCA and at Prattville East The Montgomery Taekwondo Center will teach classes all summer long on Tuesdays and Thursdays (and what a great activity for the whole family to enjoy together). Class begins at 6:30 until 7:30 at the Wetumpka branch. Times at the Prattville Branch from 6-6:45 and 6:45-7:45.

(334) 398.5968

Tiger Park Taekwondo and Chung’s Taekwondo 3125 Bell Road Montgomery Classes for everyone Ages 3 to adult.

We run specials often so please call or check our website for specials.

(334) 277.2627

www.tigerparktaekwondo.com

Tiger-Rock Taekwondo Academy 2750 Bell Road Montgomery Find Your Focus through traditional Taekwondo.

Please call for more information regarding Summer Programs.

(334) 244.1465

www.tigerrockmartialarts.com

Recreation Doster Center 424 South Northington Street Prattville Summer Youth Camp, grades K - 6th, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Swim lessons and swim team (enrollment limited).

(334) 361.3640

www.prattvilleal.gov

YMCA Goodtimes Center 2325 Mill Ridge Drive, Montgomery The YMCA Goodtimes program is designed to

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give our participants an active way to enjoy the summer, with daily devotions, swim lessons, a water park pool, organized indoor and outdoor games and creative activities. Ages 5 yrs. - 11 yrs.

Non- members $105-130 and Members $95; $50 non-refundable registration fee for non-member and members.

(334) 279.8666

www.ymcamontgomery.org

Skating 2211 Ultimate Playzone ad on page 78

3541 McGehee Road Montgomery Play and skate all summer long! You can visit us under 2211 The Ultimate Playzone on Facebook for details about our special hours and events. We host birthday parties!

(334) 593.7180

2211ultimateplayzone.com

K Lynn’s Skating School Eastdale Mall Montgomery Summer Monday Night Classes. Students receive 30 minutes of group class instruction and the remaining Eastdale Mall Ice Palace session time.

(334) 272.7225

Faulkner Baseball Camps ad on page 27

Faulkner University, Atlanta Highway Montgomery Youth Baseball Camp Session I: June 10-13. 9am -2 pm; Youth Baseball Camp Session II (same as session I): June 17-20 9 am- 2:00 pm. $125 per player. All registration is online. Patrick McCarthy, Head Baseball Coach, Faulkner University faulknerbaseballcamps.com

FC Montgomery Soccer Futsal ad on page 76

Capital City Sportsplex, 1555 Eastern Blvd Montgomery (indoor/air conditioned) Coach Bruno (Former pro & College coach - Masters Phy. Ed.) (All ages) Camp 1: May 27-31 Camp 2: June 10-14 Camp 3: June 24-28 Camp 4: July 8-12 Camp 5: July 29 - August 2

volleyball, basketball and football. All camps open to the public. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 277.6566 www.maconeast.net

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory Summer Camps ad on page 51

5350 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Wrestling Camp (Boys, 6-11 years), May 28-30 from 8:30-11:30 a.m.; Tennis Camp (Rising 4th-8th grade), June 3-5 from 8:30-11:30 a.m.; Baseball Camp (Boys, ages 6-12), June 3-5 from 9-Noon; Soccer Camp (6-11 years old), June 10-12 from 8:30-11:30 a.m.; Basketball Camp (K-6th grade), June 17-19 from 8:30-11:30 a.m.; Softball Camp (Girls, 6-12 yrs.), June 24-26 from 8:30-11 a.m. ; Football Camp (Boys, 6-12 yrs.), July 29-31 from 8:30-11:30 a.m.; Volleyball Camp (Girls, rising4th8th), July 29-31 from 8:30-11:30 a.m.; Cheer Camp (Girls, 4-12 yrs.), August 7-9 from 8:30-11:30 Ages: Ages vary by camp (334) 272.7221 www.montgomerycatholic.org

(334) 207.5442 brunomr@fcmontgomery.com www.fcmontgomery.com

O’Connor Tennis Camps

Macon East Academy Sports Camps

500 Anderson Street Montgomery Dates: June 3-6, 10-13, 17-20, 24-27 and July 8-11, 15-18, 22-25 and 29-Aug. 1 (All classes Monday thru Thursday from 9 am to 11 am) Advance registration, $100 per week.

www.klynnice.com

Skate Zone Wetumpka 88 Red Eagle Pkwy. Wetumpka Please call for Summer hours and rates. Please visit us on Facebook under Skate Zone 2000.

(334) 567.4434

Sports Clinics

ad on page 21

15396 Vaughn Road, Cecil Camps include Elementary baseball, soccer,

ad on page 56

(334) 240.4884 bbradshaw10s@gmail.com www.oconnortenniscenter.com

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Saint James Sports Camps ad on page 1

6010 Vaughn Road Montgomery Saint James School will continue its summer tradition of providing a variety of sports and cheerleader camps for young people. Printed information will be available soon and will include cost, age groups and other pertinent information.

Call Jerry Browning, athletic director, or the individual coaches at (334) 277.8033, ext. 145.

Keith Luckey Baseball Camp: 1st -5th grade, June 3-5 from 9 a.m.

- Noon. and 6th grade and above, June 3-5 from 1-4 p.m. Baseball Pitching Clinic for 5th grade and up, June 6, 9a.m. - Noon.

Katie Barton Girls Basketball Camp for 2nd – 8th, June 3-6, 9 a.m. -Noon; Nigel Card Boys Basketball Camp for 4th – 8th grade, June 10-13, 9 a.m.-Noon; Mark Hall Softball Camp for 2nd – 8th grade, June 17-20,9 a.m.-Noon; Jeff Corley Wrestling Camp for 3rd – 8th grade, June 25-27, 9-11 a.m.; Karen Lee Volleyball Camp for 3rd - 8th grade, July 8-10, 9 a.m.Noon; Saint James Youth Cheerleader Camp for Pre-K3 – 6th grade, July 22-25, 9 a.m.-Noon; Jimmy Perry Boys Football Camp, Ages 5-13, July 29-31, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

(334) 277.8033, ext. 145

www.stjweb.org

Trinity Sports Camps ad on page 7

1700 E. Trinity Blvd Montgomery Baseball Camp (6 yrs-7th Grade): June 5-7, 8-11 a.m.

Girls Basketball Camp, TBA Girls & Boys Soccer Camp, TBA

Boys Basketball (Rising 3rd-8th Grade): June 24-27, 9 a.m.-Noon Softball Camp, TBA Dance Camp (K4-5th Grade): July 29-30, 8:30

Patrick McCarthy, 386.7980, baseball; Dates: Youth Camp (ages 5-17), June 10-13 and June 17-20; Eagle Elite Spring Showcase, May 5 and June 9 for 15-18 year olds.

Scott Sanderson, 386.7159, basketball camp; Session I: June 17-20; Session II: June 24-27 (broken down into 2 age brackets) Pritchard Ndaira, 386.7162, Girls soccer camp; TBA Tori Bartels, 386.7149, Volleyball Camp; Dates TBA Shayne Wasden, 386.7671, Football Camp; June 13, 9th-12th grade Kyle Beard, 386.7162, Men’s soccer; Dates TBA Reed Sutton, 386.7509, Women’s Basketball; TBA (334) 386.7148

a.m.-Noon; LIttle Cats Cheer Camp (K4-5th Grade): July 31Aug. 2,9 a.m.-Noon Twirler Camp (K5-6th Grade): August 3, 9 a.m.Noon

(334) 213.2100

www.trinitywildcats.com

Faulkner Sports Camps 5345 Atlanta Hwy. Montgomery zip Hal Wynn, 386.7285, softball camp; Dates TBA

www.faulkner.edu

Huntingdon College Sports Camps 1500 East Fairview Avenue Montgomery Baseball Camp: Showcase Skills Camp: May 18 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fundamentals Camp: May 28-30; Ages 5-15; 8 a.m. until 12 p.m.

Basketball Camp: Boys and Girls ages 6-17 Be Strong Skills Academy: May 31-June 2, 9-12th grade. Summer Basketball Camp: June 4-7 (Ages 6-17), June 24-27 (Ages 6-17) Soccer I.D. Camp (Grades 9th-12th), June 15th, 8:45 until 3 p.m.; Summer Youth Academy (Ages 6-14), July 15-19, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Grades 9th-12th.

Softball Camp: July 15-19 for ages 5-12.

Youth Academy for Soccer: Summer Youth Academy (Ages 6-14), July 15-19, 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Ages 6-15.

www.huntingdon.edu

YMCA Montgomery Soccer Complex 300 Brown Springs Road Montgomery FC Barcelona Camp: June 24-28.

Principles of Soccer Camp: July 15-19 from 5:307:30 p.m.

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Power 30 (ACL Prevention): July 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31, August 1 and 5 from 4-5 p.m. For ages 13 +.

(334) 396.9754 msanchez@ymcamontgomery.org www.ymcamontgomery.org

Young Meadows Sports Camp 5780 Vaughn Road Montgomery Sports Camp is our Vacation Bible School held June3-7 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 a many other areas leading up to Sports Camp and following up with those children and their families who attend.

Activities include sports activities, bible studies, snacks and fun! Sports Camp encourages participation from children in the community and the greater neighborhood area as well as members and their friends and relatives. For information or to volunteer, call at 312-1732.

(334) 244.1385

www.youngmeadows.org

Swim Adventure Sports ad on page 93

1546 East Ann St. Montgomery Private swim lessons offered for ages 2 years to adult YEAR round. Indoor and outdoor pool available. Heated indoor pool for year round lessons.

Pool parties offered.

(334) 269.DIVE (3483)

http://www.adventuresports2.com

Emergency Solutions ad on page 78

Swim lessons begin May 29. Each swim lesson is taught by a certified Emergency Solutions Lifeguard/Swim Lesson Instructor. We also offer lifeguards for your next pool party. Find us on Facebook at EmergencySolutionsLLC. (334) 450-2724

www.EmergencySolutions.biz

Pratt Park, Prattville 460 Doster Road Prattville Swimming lessons. Ages 6months to 36 months and 3 and up. Please call for rates and session dates. Maximum of 20 kids. No makeup days due to weather unless the whole session is canceled. Check with your local branch for times and costs.

(334) 361.3640

www.prattvilleal.gov

Swim Prep Montgomery and Prattville Private One-o-one swim lessons starting at 6 months. Maintenance and group classes offered after student has graduated our program. Please visit our website for more information and to register.

(334) 375.2023 jeffrey@swimprepllc.com www.swimprepllc.com

YMCA Branches Summer Swim Leagues; Registration: Now until August 1st.

YMCA Goodtimes Center 279.8878, 2325 Mill Ridge Drive, Montgomery.

East YMCA, 3407 Pelzer Ave., 272.3390 Southeast YMCA, 3455 Carter Hill Rd.,262.6411 Kershaw YMCA, 2225 W. Fairview Ave., 265.1433 Bell Road YMCA, 2435 Bell Rd., 271.4343 Cleveland Avenue YMCA, 1201 Rosa Parks, 265.0566 Prattville YMCA, 600 Main Street, 365.8852 Wetumpka YMCA, Red Eagle Dr., 567.8282. mp

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A Page in a Book Busy Before Bedtime Bedtime for kids isn’t a simple exercise. There are a whole host of preparations and rituals that mark a child’s transition from active day toward the peace of sleep. With their surplus of energy, the run-up to bedtime is also important guidance for their close-ofday wind down. Bathing, toothbrushing, finding pajamas, and bedtime stories become worthy habits that stay with them into adulthood. And even though these behaviors are designed to point us toward our beds and relaxation, it’s still a lot of activity to navigate.

The following titles celebrate the bedtime hustle and bustle that none-the-less moves us closer to the peace of sleep.

Stop That Yawn!!

by Caron Levis, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham (Atheneum / Simon & Schuster) Gabby Wild has had enough of boring bedtime and thinks the whole thing’s a big snore. Enlisting the help of her Granny to escape the tedium of sleep, they both ditch pajamas and pillows to visit a wonderland of wakefulness. Their destination, ‘Never Sleeping City’, is populated with all-night carnivals, midnight marching bands, and a whole community of wide-awake inhabitants. But as the activity takes its toll, Granny’s jaws begin to stretch in the ultimate signal for sleep. Trying to suppress the contagion of a yawn, Gabby and Granny race from venue to venue, in an effort to stop the spreading drowsiness. But the yawn will not be stopped until it finds a place to rest. LeUyen Pham’s gift for expressive illustration shines through a journey that will carry a wakeful reader toward their ultimate destination of irresistible sleep.

Peekity Boo What You Can Do!

by Heidi Bee Roemer, Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka (Henry Holt & Company / Macmillan) Dinner is finished and it’s time to clean up and get ready for bed. And while sleeping is easy, there’s still a lot to do before heads hit the pillow. There are clothes to come off, baths to enjoy, pajamas to don, and books to read together. With softly colored central images that fade at the edges, every cheery vignette presents a warmly fuzzy feature of bedtime preparations for a toddler. Each stage of the journey to bed is paired with a rhyming couplet that mirrors the singsong voices of parents charming their child toward sleep. Ideal for introducing and celebrating traditional get-ready-for-bed routines, Peekity Boo What You Can Do is the perfect primer for a baby’s journey to dream time.

Good Night, Mr. Panda

by Steve Antony (Scholastic Press) As the unflappable Mr. Panda is getting ready for bed, he’s visited by a changing parade of friends coming to say ‘Good Night’. Committed to his own nightly routines, Mr. Panda points out to each friend something they are forgetting to do before bed. But his friends have their own rejoinders. Skunk only takes a bath once a month, Sheep don’t wear pajamas and Sloth is just too tired to make it to a bed. While no one is taking Mr. Panda’s advice, there’s one friend in the wings who enthusiastically follows his every recommendation for bedtime readiness. From the somber expressions that define Mr. Panda to the energetic interjections of his friend, Lemur, this title is perfect for read-aloud partners who revel in voicing a diverse cast of characters.

Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

Montgomery Parents I May 2019

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Tonya Speed’s Dancers Receive Platinum Award at Regional Competition

Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection DC Strutters team competed at Inspire Regional competition and received a Platinum award for their production number entitled “An American Classic.” It was a musical theater number featuring dancers who also sang live! Several songs from the musical Grease were included with jazz and tap sections. Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection chose this year’s production since it is the 40th anniversary for the movie Grease. Come May 18 to Frazer and see our shows featuring this number.

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Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama Honors Leading Ladies And Leading Workplaces for Women Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) held its 3rd annual Leading Ladies Awards Brunch at Wynlakes Country Club April 18. Leading Ladies recognizes outstanding women who are making an impact in their community, as well as organizations that are advancing women in the workforce. Leading Ladies also serves as an important fundraising event for GSSA to continue to offer programming for the next generation of female leaders.

This year GSSA announced Major General Sheryl Gordon as the 2019 Leading Lady. Maj. Gen. Gordon made history in 2009 when she became the Alabama National Guard’s first female general officer. She was promoted to Major General in 2011 and has become highly decorated

during her many years of service. She is also a proponent of young women entering the National Guard.

“One of the things I talk to my soldiers and airmen about is serving and leadership, which I think fits in weIl with what the Girl Scouts do,” Gordon said. “To be a leader you must first be a servant and I feel like preparing young people for society is a service to the community. I appreciate the honor and privilege of being a part of this.”

GSSA also named River Region Dermatology and Laser as the Leading Workplace for Women award recipient.

Sponsors for the Leading Ladies event included: BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama; Publix; Valley Bank; Rhonda 85

Walker, vice vhairman, Montgomery County Commission; Trustmark Bank; and Baptist Health.

For more than 100 years, Girl Scouts has provided life-changing leadership opportunities for every G.I.R.L (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-Taker, and Leader.) To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit www.girlscoutssa.org.

Left photo includes Dr. Portia Love of River Region Dermatology and Laser with Girl Scouts and Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama’s CEO Karlyn Edmonds.

Right photo includes Major General Sheryl Gordon with Girl Scouts and Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama’s CEO Karlyn Edmonds. www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Mia and The White Lion

Missing Link MPAA Rating: PG Overall: AViolence: B Sexual Content: A Profanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: BSir Lionel Frost (Hugh Jackman) is desperate to prove the existence of all manner of fantastic beasts, from mermaids to unicorns, and even the Loch Ness Monster! Frost hopes to use this evidence to earn him entrance to an exclusive club for famous adventurers, “The Optimates Club”. Unfortunately for Frost, his membership is heavily opposed by its leader, Lord Piggot-Dunceb (Stephen Fry), who makes a wager with Frost, guaranteeing admission to the club if he can prove the existence of Bigfoot. As Frost leaves, Lord PiggotDunceb immediately sets out to sabotage him, hiring diminutive hitman Willard Stenk (Timothy Olyphant) to track him down. When Frost finds the Bigfoot, who assumes the name of Susan Link (Zach Galifianakis), Frost makes another deal: he will help Susan find a new home, and in return, Susan will give him some samples to take back to the Optimate Club to prove his existence.

I’ll start with my gripes, since they’re pretty minor. First, the plot is basically just a reworking of Jules Verne’s classic novel, Around the World in 80 Days, but with a lonely Sasquatch replacing Passepartout. Second, the film builds a lot of jokes around Susan’s tendency to take everything literally, which for me, stopped being funny back when Star Trek was doing that with Data.

Otherwise, Missing Link is a fun and surprisingly charming kids’ movie.

The voice cast is superb, and Hugh Jackman is clearly having a blast. While some of the jokes fell a little flat, by being too complex for younger viewers and too dumb for parents, others got laughs from the whole theatre.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: BViolence: C Sexual Content: B+ Profanity: BAlcohol / Drug Use: B+ Eleven-year-old Mia (Daniah DeVilliers) is unhappy. Having grown up in London, she has been homesick since her South African father, John (Langley Kirkwood), moved the whole family back home to run the lion farm he inherited.

Then a miracle occurs and a million-to-one white lion cub is born on their farm.

Everyone is excited – except for Mia. But the Charlie the lion cub has a charming little furry face and they form a powerful bond. As Charlie grows, Mia refuses to acknowledge that he is a wild animal and defies her father’s warnings about the dangers. When John discovers the extent of his daughter’s disobedience and the peril to which she has exposed herself, he decrees the immediate sale of the now grown white lion. Learning about Charlie’s likely fate, fourteen-yearold Mia decides that her only hope is to take Charlie to a nature reserve where he will be free to live in the wild – no matter what it takes.

This film may sound like a heartwarming boy and his dog, girl-and-her-lion story, but there are some very troubling aspects to this production which should give parents pause. Most obvious is Mia’s cavalier attitude towards safety around her adored lion and her constant disobedience and disregard for her own safety. Whether parents want to take their kids to Mia and the White Lion will likely depend on their sympathy with the film’s message. The writers are deeply concerned about the danger lions face from hunters. Unfortunately, the film tries a bit too hard and instead of sharing its message it bludgeons the audience with it. In communications terms, this is overkill.

Penguins

Breakthrough

MPAA Rating: G Overall: A Violence: B Sexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A Penguins have long been a surefire winner at the box office. Films about these flightless seabirds range from the documentary March of the Penguins to the animated musical comedies like Happy Feet. Disneynature’s Penguins has found the sweet spot between the two. In this kid-friendly and parent-pleasing release, the directors have married documentary-style footage with a comical script to make an educational film that will have audiences laughing out loud.

The story focuses on Steve, a hapless but never hopeless Adélie penguin. Steve is running behind on the annual spring trek from Antarctica’s ice shelf to the rock-strewn mountains where his species mate and raise their chicks. Competition is fierce for the best nesting sites, although what makes any one site more desirable than another is far from obvious to a mere human viewer. Steve struggles to build a nest, getting struck by one penguin and having his carefully gathered rocks stolen by another. But eventually, his nest is complete and he manages to woo and win Adeline, who subsequently lays two eggs. The two penguins then face the arduous task of raising babies in the harshest environment on earth – and that’s just the summer.

Obviously, this film has very little for parents to worry about. There are some scenes of peril where South Polar Skua birds hunt baby penguins and where killer whales prowl the channels of open water seeking prey. And there is a terrifying moment where a leopard seal hunts Steve’s chicks. But the G rating for this movie is well deserved and only the most sensitive of children will find anything upsetting here.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: B+ Sexual Content: A Profanity: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: A “You have a purpose. You are loved.” So Joyce Smith (Chrissy Metz) repeatedly tells her moody 14-year-old son, John (Marcel Ruiz). Joyce is concerned about her increasingly uncommunicative teen and then the unthinkable happens – he falls through the lake ice and drowns. John is declared dead, Joyce prays, and John’s pulse miraculously returns. But he is hanging to life by a thread which may snap at any minute. Can John’s family, church, and wider community exercise their faith and call down a miracle from heaven?

Breakthrough has an earnest, multiracial cast, who, despite the fact that they sometimes seem to be reciting lines rather than living them, do so with real sincerity. The movie also takes on the joys and trials of being part of a church congregation and portrays the petty conflicts that can arise when wellmeaning people irritate each other as well as the wonderful acts of kindness and support that a faith community can provide. And the film is almost entirely free of objectionable content.

Unfortunately, Breakthrough also has some significant near misses.

Watching Joyce, viewers may be driven to wonder where the line is between steadfast faith and delusional determination. Is Joyce faith-filled or irrational?

Is her faith based in God’s will or her preferred outcome? And it’s a real disappointment that the script doesn’t go deeper here. Criticisms aside, Christians (or non-believers) who are grappling with feelings of divine abandonment, loss or doubt may feel that the movie isn’t able to break through their pain to provide the inspiration and comfort they seek.

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In case of an emergency landing on a plane, we are instructed to put on our own air masks first, before assisting our children. We hear this advice so often, it eventually becomes like a mantra we repeat to ourselves as soon as we board an aircraft.

But how often, in the midst of hectic times in our lives, do we jettison all the healthy instructions we know we should be repeating to ourselves right then when we need it most?

For busy moms, the answer is too often. Enter these ten mompower mantras to help you remember the magic words that can quickly restore order and sanity to your life no matter how much hustle and Montgomery Parents I May 2019 bustle you are facing today.

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So sit yourself down and commit these phrases to memory. This list of notes-to-self will remind you how to take care of yourself in the short run, so you can better take care of your whole family in the long run, and set a good example for a lifetime of healthy selftalk, too.

One: I Am Allowed To Say “No Thanks.” If you feel harried and hectic,

running from one family activity to the next, you may have forgotten how to bow out gracefully. All you likely need is a little practice in the ‘no thank you’ department.

Once you get back in the habit of weighing and measuring before you commit, your schedule will calm down and you can better choose how to divide and conquer your time. Just remember, in times of distress, the cure is often the shortest word you know.

Repeat:

Sometimes I say, ‘yes,’ and sometimes I say, ‘no.’

Two: My Health & Energy Matter.

Expect to feel happy and healthy every day. And if you don’t, seek solutions and improvements immediately. If you are not feeling your best, don’t ignore niggling symptoms. Maybe a small adjustment in diet and exercise is all that is needed.

Or maybe you need to consult with a health care professional. If you carry invisible hurts from the past, you owe it to yourself and others to seek healing support.

Repeat:

I take care of health concerns in a timely manner.

Three: Oops, I Am Not Perfect.

If you are putting yourself under too much pressure, or believe that others are holding you up to impossibly high standards, you may have trouble accepting yourself as you are. You are human, so naturally you will sometimes make mistakes. Forgive yourself for past errors in judgment or action, make amends with others swiftly as needed, and resist the tendency to be too hard on yourself. A penchant for self-recrimination will hurt you in the long run.

Repeat: I am human, therefore I make

mistakes.

Four: Home Is Sacred. Creating a safe, secure, stress-free home helps everyone in the family feel more loved and loving. Undercurrents of strife can undermine a family’s need for relaxation and rejuvenation. Try to make your home a relaxed respite where everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Then family members can carry that feeling of sacred space out into the world when they leave home, too.

Repeat: There is nowhere as precious

as home.

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Five: I Keep In Touch With My Needs. Are you feeling fuzzy and

muddled, as though you are not really certain what matters and what doesn’t? If you can’t remember the last time you did anything for yourself; then it’s time. Making space for yourself is not selfish; it’s necessary.

When you spend time doing things you enjoy, your energy goes up. For caregivers, it takes conviction to carve out time for self-expression, otherwise it inevitably falls to the bottom of the priority list. www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Repeat: I make regular time for

myself.

Six: My Voice Counts. Sometimes

we convince ourselves that our opinion does not matter before we have even had a chance to share it. The truth is that everyone’s opinion matters, ours just as much as anyone’s. Sometimes it’s hard to share what you think, especially if your opinion goes against the grain, and speaking up is a risk that’s always worth taking.

Repeat: My opinion deserves to be expressed and considered.

Seven: Acceptance Is Sanity.

Practice accepting situations and others as they are. When things don’t work out the way you’d like, remember that we can’t ultimately control other people and situations. If you feel beholding to everyone and everything, maybe you have forgotten how to let the world spin on without your input. Sometimes we need to be reminded that the world will keep spinning without our expert micro-managing. Today, just tackle what’s already on your plate.

Repeat: I am only responsible for what I choose to take on.

Eight: My Example Inspires.

You matter. Often we look for role models without remembering that we are all setting an example, for better or for worse, every day. You are all called to be an example for someone. Start with what you want to embody for your children and family and then move on to the rest of the world from there.

Repeat:

I strive to be a person I would admire.

Nine: Tomorrow Is Going To Be Great. Things don’t stay the same, so it’s important to expect life to be an adventure in growth and change. If you have a very traditional mindset and you like routine, it may take courage to embrace the idea of life as a continual evolution. But if you start by looking forward to tomorrow, and can simply let it be different from today, you will enjoy the journey instead of resisting it. If you want to raise brave, optimistic, adventur-

ous children, you are going to have to be brave, optimistic, and adventurous yourself.

Repeat:

I look forward to every day of the future.

Ten: I Appreciate This Moment. Of course, we all want to live

as long as possible. But we never know how long we are going to be here.

Rather than worry about it too much, why not just embrace today? Happiness in this moment isn’t about how much money you make, what you look like, or what kind of car your drive. It’s not about how clean your home is, your waistline, or what grades your kids are earning.

Enjoying the moment is about finding something to appreciate right here, right now, and sharing that joy with whoever is right in front of us.

Repeat:

I surrender to the joy of this moment. mp

Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz tries to remember to slow down and smell the roses in her own yard, but she can always use another reminder.

A great program for K-1st repeaters

Call 334-549-8955

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10th Annual Miss Firecracker Pageant Scheduled for June 1

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ADT Represents the City & State in Georgia

Thanks to the generous support of The JK Lowder Foundation and the Jean and Adolph Weil, Jr. Family, the Alabama Dance Theatre, in its 32nd year, will travel to Athens, Ga., to represent the City of Montgomery and the State of Alabama. The RDA/SERBA (Regional Dance America/Southeastern Regional Ballet Association) Festival will take place May 1-5. This prominent festival brings all of the member companies of the Southeast region together. Dancers attend classes with renowned faculty, perform as a company, audition and are seen by college recruiters and prestigious companies from around the nation.

At the festival, ADT dancers, along with 580 participants from 17 companies in nine states throughout the Southeast, will have the opportunity to take ballet, pointe, pas de deux, modern, musical theatre, jazz and hip hop classes from a nationally recognized faculty. They also attend seminars on relevant subjects such as auditioning, choosing a college dance program, stage make-up and body alignment. The three evening performances feature some of the region’s finest dancers.

ADT is proud to announce that Janie Alford’s contemporary pointe piece “Ascension” was selected to be performed on the Saturday evening Gala by adjudicator Thom Clower.

“Ascension” will be danced by Jane Abbie Alford, Abigail Barr, Mary Olivia Dudley, Emily Efferson, Savannah Golden, Ahsha Gray, Karen Licari, Shannon McGaughey, Camilla Ohme, Abigail Perkinson, Ryan Tucker, Micah Sims and Clover Hardin.

Abigail Perkinson’s contemporary ballet, “Divergent,” was chosen to be performed on the Emerging Choreographer’s Program on Thursday evening. “Divergent” will be danced

by Abigail Barr and Mary Olivia Dudley with Jane Abbie Alford, Emily Efferson, Ahsha Gray, Morgan Marshall, Shannon McGaughey and Lilla Kate Parkman.

ADT is based at the Armory Learning Arts Center, which is located at 1018 Madison Avenue. Classes are offered from age 3 to the professional level. For more info on summer classes and performances, call (334) 625-2590 or visit alabamadancetheatre.com.

The 10th annual Sterling Miss Firecracker Pageant will be held on Saturday, June 1, at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Fellowship Hall in Prattville. The pageant is open to females, age newborn to 18 years, with seven age categories. There are no area restrictions to compete.

This annual pageant will offer 25 crowns and titles including two Supreme titles, seven division titles, seven optional Patriotic casual wear titles, and seven optional photogenic titles. Princess crowns will be presented to those who do not win title crowns in the Baby to Petite Miss divisions.

Age divisions are: Baby Miss: newborn to 23 months, Tiny Miss: 2-3 years, Petite Miss: 4-6 years, Little Miss: 7-9, Pre-Teen Miss: 10-12 years, Jr. Teen Miss: 13-15 years and Teen Miss: 16-18 years.

Two People’s Choice crowns and sashes will be awarded in the Baby to Petite Miss divisions and to the Little Miss to Teen Miss divisions for the contestants who raise the most money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) The registration fee is $70 and includes entry into the Best Gown, Prettiest Eyes, Prettiest Hair, and Supreme titles competitions. Deadline for entries is May 25. Applications can be found at www.SterlingMiss.org. For more info, visit the website or call (334) 313-5444.

Pink and Pearls for Girls Hold Royal Court Meet and Greet

Pink and Pearls for Girls held a great dinner for its Royal Court 2018 with “Pinking of You” gift bags on the side. Lots of laughs, hugs and just plain old awesome camaraderie. The Royal Court briefly discussed community service projects that they will work on together. They will be sharing their projects soon. Stay tuned.

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

FamilyCalendar Wednesday, May 1

Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Military Wednesday Also May 15 & 22, June 5 6:35 p.m.

Riverwalk Stadium. The Biscuits thank our military men and women with discounted admission and concession prices! For more info, visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 819-7483.

Capital City Master Gardener Association Lunch and Learn Series Open to the Public The first Wednesday of each month, noon to 1 p.m.

Sessions are held at the Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, next to the Curb Market. Related handouts from the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service are provided each session at no cost. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunches to each event. Iced tea and water will be provided.

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Steel Magnolias -- Through May 5 Written by Robert Harling and directed by Rick Dildine, this is the hilarious and heartwarming story of six Southern women who gather and gossip at the local beauty parlor. With wit, warmth and intelligence, they rise to meet whatever challenges life sends their way. Recommended ages 12+. For tickets or more info, visit asf.net or call (334) 271-5353.

Wetumpka Depot Spring Youth Academy Sessions run through May 7 Do you have a budding singer, dancer or actor in your family? Sign up your young artist for the Wetumpka Depot Youth Academy. Classes are offered after school on Mondays and Thursdays for ages 8 and up, or during the day for homeschoolers on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For details, visit www. wetumpkadepot.com/youth-actors-academy.html or call (334) 868-1440.

Cloverdale Playhouse School K-12 Spring Classes -- Through May 23 The Playhouse School offers affordable, professionallytaught classes for acting students in grades K-12. No matter your experience level, we encourage you to join us to explore the fun, challenging, delightful world of theater! We’ll learn what it means to communicate, share and listen, develop characters, explore the core of the story, and develop the craft of acting. To learn more about our faculty and our program, visit www. cloverdaleplayhouse.org/ or call (334) 262-1530.

Artful Yoga at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts -- Also May 15 & June 5 Noon-1 p.m. Does your yoga practice need a little artistic inspiration? Join us for this new program to stretch, reflect and relax. Each Artful Yoga session will draw inspiration from collections and exhibitions of the Museum. Led by instructor Nancy Beale. The class is free and suitable for all levels; beginners are welcome. Bring your yoga mats and wear comfortable clothing. For more info, visit https://mmfa.org/ discover/artful-yoga/ or call (334) 240-4333.

Thursday, May 2

Montgomery Prayer Breakfast 6:30-8:15 a.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre.

In honor of the National Day of Prayer, The Montgomery Prayer Breakfast will be hosted by the City of Montgomery and Montgomery County with the theme “Love One Another.” Continental breakfast served; tickets $10. Call (334) 356-4478 or visit His Vessel Ministries (300 Water St., Suite 100 in Union Station) for tickets.

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Earth’s Heart: Connecting Cultures -Also May 9, 16, 23 & 30 and June 6 2:30-3 p.m. ArtWorks at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Explore the arts of different cultures.

ArtWorks Educator Kelly Bazan will introduce young learners to the basic greetings, visual arts, music, clothing, and traditions of the country in focus (this month is Thailand). Connections will also be made to works in the Museum’s galleries. Classes are limited to 25 students. First come, first serve. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa.org/.

Millbrook Community Theatre Presents Independence Day at Happy Meadows -Through May 5 7:30 performances except for 2 p.m. matinees Apr. 28 & May 5. Written by Laura King and directed by Susan Chain. It’s the 4th of July and the women of Happy Meadows Nursing Home have independence in mind! They’re fed up with the rules, the regulations, and especially the food. When senior resident Holly receives a cry for help from her grandson, she rallies her comrades-in-arms and the women plot a break out. Call (334) 782-7317 or visit www. millbrooktheater.com/.

Cloverdale Playhouse Presents Flyin’ West Through May 5 7:30 p.m. performances except for 2 p.m. Sundays.

Written by Pearl Cleage and directed by Sarah Adkins.

Following the end of the Civil War, many former slaves, anxious to leave the South and the dangers of Reconstruction, took advantage of The Homestead Act and went West to build new lives for themselves and their families. Set in 1898, Flyin’ West is the story of some of these female pioneers who settled, together, in the all-black town of Nicodemus, Kansas. For more info, call (334) 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org/.

Wetumpka Depot Presents Bright Star: The New Musical -- Through May 11 7:30 p.m. performances except for one 2 p.m. matinee May 5. Written by Steve Martin & Edie Brickell and directed by Kristy Meanor, this Tony Award-nominated and Drama Desk Award-winning musical tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption, set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina in the 1920s and ’40s. Propelled by bluegrass melodies. For tickets, call (334) 868-1440 or visit wetumpkadepot.com.

Friday, May 3

The River Region Healthy Living Expo 9 am.-3 p.m. Frazer United Methodist Church 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Presented by the Alabama News Network Team, local pharmacies, doctors, hospitals and the leading professionals in the Health and Wellness industry. Admission is a non-perishable food item that will go directly to the Frazer Food Pantry which helps local needy families and organizations.

For more info, call (334) 270-9252 or find us on Facebook.

Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Military Appreciation Night/MGM Friday 6:35 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium. We salute all five branches of the armed forces in a night filled with pageantry and recognition of all active and retired military members! For more info, visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 819-7483.

First Friday Cruise-Ins 5:30-7 p.m. 36 Dexter Ave., Montgomery. The lower block of Dexter Ave. will be closed off once the featured vehicles are in place. Numerous restaurants and food trucks will be open including Alabama Sweet Tea Company, Momma Goldberg’s, FRIOS Pops, Cuco’s Mexican Café and others. Join us for some free family friendly fun. For more info, visit www.LowerDexter.org or call (334) 273-0313.

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Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Presents Carrie Underwood 7 p.m. Tickets begin at $37. For tickets or more info, visit www.bjcc.org/ or call (205) 458-8400.

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Into the Breeches -- Through May 4 Written by George Brant and directed by Shana Gozansky. Montgomery, 1942: With the local playhouse’s director and actors off at war, the director’s wife sets out to produce an all-female version of Shakespeare’s Henry IV and Henry V. A hilarious and moving comedy about the transformative power of art. Recommended ages 12+. For tickets or more info, visit asf.net or call (334) 271-5353.

Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre Presents Pride and Prejudice -- Through May 5 7:30 p.m. performances except for 2 p.m. matinees April 14, 28 and May 5. The classic adapted from Jane Austen’s novel by Jane Kendall, presented by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing Company. For more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit wobt.prattvilleal.gov. Tickets: $10 in advance; $12 at the door and can be purchased at cc.prattvilleal.gov.

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Saturday, May 4

Wetumpka Community Expo 2019 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Great exposure for your products and services. Throughout downtown Wetumpka streets: E. Bridge, Court, Hill & Company. Businesses, arts and crafts, food vendors welcome. $75 Chamber Member Booth 10x10 space. Bring your own tent, table & chairs. Car show & music! Visit www.wetumpkachamber.com/.

Girls on the Run 5K 8-11 a.m. 2415 W Cloverdale Park, Montgomery. We are looking for adult community running buddies to partner with our participants as they run, walk, hop or skip their way from start line to finish line. The mission of Girls on the Run is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experiencebased curriculum which creatively integrates running.

For more info, call (334) 782-2081 or visit www. girlsontherunriverregion.org/.

All About Bonsai 9-11 a.m. Doster Community Center, Prattville. Topics will cover how to choose plants for bonsai, pruning techniques, and examples using the instructor’s plants. Pre-register by calling (334) 595-0800. FREE! Flimp Festival 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.

Includes art activities, chalk art, games, music and entertainment and food. This free Festival is rain or shine. For more info, visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333.

Capital of Dreams Triathlon 7:30-11 a.m.

Montgomery Riverfront Park.

The Baptist Health Capital of Dreams Triathlon presented by Montgomery Multisport will challenge competitors to swim, bike and run through historic downtown Montgomery. Intermediate level: 1.5K Swim/40K Bike/10K Run and sprint level: 400m Swim/20K Bike/5K Run. For more info or to register, visit www.team-magic.com/ events/152.

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FamilyCalendar Montgomery Biscuits Star Wars Night/ Jersey Auction 6:05 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium. Celebrate with characters from the 501st Legion, a costume contest, wookiee calling competition and all the sights and sounds from a galaxy far, far away! Biscuits players will be wearing Star Wars-themed jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game! For more info, visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 8197483.

Guided Nature Hike at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook Hike some of Lanark’s 5 miles of trails with an experienced ANC naturalist by your side. S ​ aturday programs are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Take a look around the hands-on Discovery Hall, enjoy the movie specials in the theater, and explore the trails.

General admission applies: $5/person with a $20 maximum per family. For more info, visit www. alabamawildlife.org/ or call (800) 822-9453.

Zoo Volunteer Serve Day Summer 2019 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway.

Volunteers are needed to help with landscaping, raking leaves, painting, and overall prepping the Zoo for the Summer season.

Volunteers can be adults, teens, civic groups, school groups, church groups, businesses, military squadrons, and families. Volunteers ages 12-16 years old

must be accompanied by a parent or a designated group chaperone. For more info or to register, call (334) 625-4900 or register at www.montgomeryzoo. com/.

4th Annual Wing Festival and Open House 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. East Family YMCA. Enjoy great chicken wings from our local competitors, refreshments, and a day of family fun with activities for children including bouncy houses and splashing in one of our three pools. $7 per person; children 3 and under are free. If you join the East Family YMCA during the event, enjoy a no-join fee! For more info, contact Jim at (334) 272-3390 or jfranklin@ ymcamontgomery.org.

Home Depot Kids’ Workshop 9 a.m.-noon. All locations. Ages 5-12. Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety.

Make Mom’s day with a handmade blooming art piece. Once your project is built, decorate it with paint and stickers. Each child also receives a kidsized orange apron and an achievement pin. For more info, visit http://homedepot.com/workshops/ kids-workshops.

First Saturday Music 6-8:30 p.m. Common Bond Brewers, 424 Bibb Street, Suite #150, Montgomery. Featuring the Porch Goats. This is a free, family-friendly event. Outside food welcome. Bring the family and enjoy good tunes and good brews. Call (334) 676-2287 or find us on Facebook.

Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Presents tobyMac 7 p.m. Tickets begin at $16. For tickets or more info, visit www.bjcc.org/ or call (205) 458-8400.

30th Anniversary of the Fitzgerald Gala 4 p.m. The Fitzgerald Museum, 919 Felder Ave. Guests arrive for this annual fundraiser for the Fitzgerald Museum decked out in 1920s and 1930s attire to celebrate Montgomery’s favorite literary couple, F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. The event includes live period music, antique cars and a jaw-dropping silent auction. For more info, visit www.thefitzgeraldmuseum.org.

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Winnie- the-Pooh -- Through May 5 From the stories of A.A. Milne, dramatized by le Clanché du Rand; directed by Neil David Seibel. Join Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and friends in this charming musical adaptation of A.A. Milne’s classic stories.

Winnie-the-Pooh spends his days searching for honey, doing his exercises, and playing with his best friends. Adventures ensue as a new animal — a kangaroo — moves to the forest! Recommended ages 3+. For tickets or more info, visit asf.net or call (334) 271-5353.

Yoga on The Green -- Saturdays through June 29 The Green at Shoppes at EastChase adjacent to Pies + Pints. This free event is sponsored by Guardian Credit Union.

Sunday, May 5

Capri Theatre Presents Art & Mind 3 p.m. Curator of Education at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Art Alice Novak will offer a brief introduction to the film Art & Mind, “a journey into art, madness and the unconscious,” contextualizing the work of the visionary artists featured in the film. Those also represented in the Museum’s collection include Francisco do Goya, Wil-

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FamilyCalendar liam Blake, and Salvador Dali. For more info, visit www. capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858.

Montgomery Biscuits Cinco de Mayo Celebration 2:05 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium. Join us for a celebration of Hispanic heritage and one of a kind drink specials! For more info, visit www.biscuitsbaseball. com or call (334) 819-7483.

Music in May -- Also May 12, 19 & 26 4-6 p.m. 201 Waters View Drive, Pike Road. Looking for a fun family event this spring? Join us at The Square for live music. We have an awesome line-up of local artists coming your way. So, grab your lawn chairs, snacks & friends for a series of great afternoons. May 5: Brett Burcham; May 12: Jason Givens; May 19: Laurel Taylor & James Keith Posey; May 26: Gypsy Cornbread. For more info, visit TheWatersAL.com.

Music On The Deck at Kowaliga- Also May 19; June 2 and 9 4:30-7:30 p.m. Kowaliga Restaurant, Lake Martin.

For more info, call (256) 215-7035 or visit www. russelllandsonlakemartin.com/. May 5 musician is Sid Phelps; May 19 is Murray Brown Band; June 2 is Jonathan Bloom; June 9 is Matt Smith.

Monday, May 6

5x7 Art Show, Sale & Reception for the “Alabama Then & Now” Bicentennial Plein Air Art Exhibition 5-7 p.m. at Pike Road Town Hall (9575 Vaughn Rd) In addition to the Bicentennial Exhibition, artists from all over Alabama have been invited to create art that does not exceed 5x7 inches (excluding a frame or mat) and to offer that art for sale for only $57 a piece at this event. Follow this link to visit the event on Facebook: http://bit.ly/2CggHRB.

Alabama Then & Now Bicentennial Art Exhibition Through May 17 Weekdays from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 11 in the Mezzanine of the Pike Road Town Hall. Presented in partnership by the Pike Road Arts Council and the Alabama Plein Air Artists. Visitors have the FREE opportunity to view 30 original paintings honoring Alabama’s Bicentennial. A public reception for the exhibit will be held on May 7 in the Town Hall from 5-7 p.m. Follow this link to “RSVP” and view details on the Facebook Event: http://bit. ly/2F8BUPk.

Tuesday, May 7

Book Launch: Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee 6 p.m. The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. Presented by Casey Cep, whose bok is the stunning story of an Alabama serial killer and the true-crime book that Harper Lee worked on in the years after To Kill a Mockingbird. Call (334) 3534689 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov.

Wednesday, May 8

Central Alabama Master Gardener (CAMGA) Lunch & Learn Program Noon-1 p.m. 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. 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/.

Friday, May 10

MPAC Presents Home Free 8 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. The all vocal (a cappella) country music sensation is bring-

Montgomery Parents I May 2019

ing Nashville country standards and country-dipped pop hits. The band comes to town on the heels of their most recent full-length album release, Timeless, bringing with them new music and new humor every night. Tickets begin at $16.50. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Capri Theatre Presents Black Maria Film Festival 7:30 p.m. Selected shorts from the 2019 Black Maria Film Festival, celebrating new and innovative filmmaking for 38 years. Eleven short films from the US and around the world covering animation, experimental, documentary and narrative. One night only. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858.

Open Gym at the Armory 7-9 p.m. 1018 Madison Ave., Montgomery. $10 fee.

Ages 6 and up. Pre-register by May 9. For more info, call (334) 625-2789 or visit armoryathletics.com.

Elmore County Homeschool Organization Also May 24 10 a.m.-noon at Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. 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 (except during November and December). Membership is free and is open to all homeschoolers in the tri-county area. For details, visit http://www.onlineecho.com.

Saturday, May 11

Taco Libre Festival 2-10 p.m.

Union Station Presented by Modelo USA, Alabama’s Taco Festival is back and better than ever, featuring a wide assortment of tacos from the state’s favorite local taco joints, restaurants and food trucks, along with plenty of refreshing beer and margaritas. With family-friendly activities and musical entertainment as the evening progresses, this event is designed as a multi-tiered festival for all ages. Find us on Facebook for more info.

Agape of Central Alabama’s 9th Annual Run for a Mom 5K & Fun Run 6:30 a.m. Race Day Packet Pickup & Registration; 7:30 a.m. 5K and 8:30 a.m. 1-Mile Fun Run. Vaughn Park Church and the Vaughn Meadows community. Proceeds will help assist women facing crisis pregnancies and find forever homes for children.

For more info, call (334) 272-9466 or visit www. runforamom.org.

Hampstead Fishing Rodeo 9 a.m.-noon. Hampstead Lake, 7802 Portman Street, Montgomery. A great family event for the kids, the rodeo brings fishing professionals together with kids and beginners to learn the basics of fishing. Prizes awarded at 11 a.m. to children up to age 12 for a variety of categories. Bring your rods or use our cane poles and bait. Snacks and water for young guests provided! For more info, call (334) 593-8008 or email info@hampsteadliving.com.

Old Alabama Town Revue 2 p.m. First Presbyterian Colored Church (1885), Old Alabama Town, Columbus Street. Free admission.

It’s the last show of the season and the theme is

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“flowers.” Featuring Karren Pell and the Old Alabama Town Revue Crue, along with guest artist Jackson Cee. For more info, visit www.landmarksfoundation. com/ or call (334) 240-4500.

Montgomery Ballet Presents Snow White Also May 12 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Alabama State University’s Leila Barlow Theatre, located in the Tullibody Fine Arts Building on campus. Tickets are $15. Visit montgomeryballet.org or call (334) (334) 409-0522.

Archery at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook 10 a.m. Come out and enjoy some archery at Lanark! All levels welcome, and all equipment provided. Guests will learn about archery history, basics, and safety during this program. Bring the kids and join us for some fun shooting! General admission applies: $5/person with a $20 maximum per family.

For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (800) 822-9453.

Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Family Faith Night Featuring Pre-game Concert 6:05 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium. Things kick off early with a pre-game concert presented by Faith Radio!

This night will be filled with family and fellowship along with fireworks, faith-based songs and games!

For more info, visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 819-7483.

Shoppes at EastChase Farmers Market Opening Celebration 7 a.m.-noon. Support Alabama farmers and local businesses every Saturday at EastChase Farmers Market. Find a variety of locally grown produce, whole milk, artisan breads, honey, goats milk soap, eggs and much more! The Grand Opening will feature live chef demonstrations, live music by the Blackbird Pickers and children’s activities, all starting at 9 a.m. For more info, visit www.theshoppesateastchase.com/ or call (334) 279-6046.

Whole Foods Second Saturday Kids Club 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Whole Foods, 1450 Taylor Rd., Montgomery. Looking for something fun to do with the kids?

Each second Saturday, Whole Foods will host fun, hands-on craft activities to teach kids about healthy eating.

It’s totally free, and every participant gets a piece of fruit and whatever they make in the workshop! For more info, call (334) 523-2940 or visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/montgomery.

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

Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women Montgomery Country Club, Azalea Room, 3800 Narrow Lane Road. 9 a.m.-noon. 3-hour workshop that is offered monthly, designed to help participants explore the legal, financial, and emotional issues of divorce and gain a greater understanding of the process. Cost to attend is $20 per person and preregistration required. For more info, please call or e-mail Sommer Morris at (334) 612-1086 or sommer.

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Second Saturdays at Old Alabama Town 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. Second Saturdays bring special programs for the whole family including crafts, music, lectures and more! For more info, call (334) 240-4500 or visit www.oldalabamatown.com/.

AMC Theaters Offers Sensory-Friendly Movietimes -- Also May 25 For guests and families living with autism or other special needs, AMC partners with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! This program is available on second and fourth Saturdays (familyfriendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes, and don’t forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly.

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Sunday, May 12

Mother’s Day at the Montgomery Zoo 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway. Free admission for all mothers. For more info, call (334) 625-4900 or visit www.montgomeryzoo.com/.

Montgomery Youth Orchestra Spring Concert 2:30 p.m. Davis Theatre at Troy University Montgomery, 251 Montgomery Street. For more info, visit https:// montgomerysymphony.org/.

Second Sunday at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 2-4 p.m.

Family Art Affair, Jazz Jams, and our popular docent-led Sunday tours are now on the second Sunday of every month. Bring the whole family for this multifaceted Museum experience Drop in anytime between 2 and 4 PM for this free offering. For more info, visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333.

Wednesday, May 15

CHILDREN A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY

and at Children’s of Alabama, we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential.

That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine.

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Boys and Girls Clubs of the River Region (BGCRR) 29th Annual Charity Golf Classic and Robert C. Ward, Jr. Memorial Spring Charity Tennis Classic Wynlakes Golf and Country Club. Golf morning session registration 7:15-8:15 a.m. with shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Afternoon session registration 12:30-1:45 p.m. with shotgun start at 2 p.m. Tennis registration 8:30-9 a.m. with tournament beginning at 9:30. For info, call (334) 832-4288 or e-mail: lgiles@bgcriverregion.org.

Boones Chapel Food Truck Festival 2019 5-9 p.m. Boones Chapel Baptist Church, 2301 County Road 66, Prattville. Fun, games and great food. The event is free to attend, but bring money for the food trucks from Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery and Auburn. There will be three-legged races, potato sack races and face painting among other fun family activities. For more info, call (334) 365-4191 or email jesuslives@booneschapel.org.

See Me: Exploring Abstractions at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 1 p.m. This program designed for students with special needs will explore abstract works in the galleries and then create mixed-media abstracts. Free and designed for ages 6 and older. To register, please contact Brandy Morrison at edsecy@mmfa.org.

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FamilyCalendar Thursday, May 16

Food For Thought Noon-1 p.m. The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. Bring lunch and and join us every third Thursday for these FREE lectures sponsored by Friends of the Alabama Archives. Drinks are complimentary. Today’s topic is “Finding Family History: The Secrets in an Antique Coverlet,” presented

by Elizabeth Findley Shores. Call (334) 353-4726 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov.

Capri Theatre Presents His Girl Friday 7:30 p.m. 1940 classic featuring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858.

Friday, May 17

Riverbend Brewfest 6-9 p.m. Union Station Train Shed. Live music, local food vendors and a large selection of local, regional and nationally renowned craft, seasonal, specialty and micro-brewed beers. Tickets are just $25 per person and include a commemorative glass and various brew tastings. For more info, visit www. funinmontgomery.com/announcements/brewfest or call (334) 625-2100.

MPAC Presents 85 South Comedy Show With Karlous Miller, Chico Bean & Dc Young Fly 7 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Tickets begin at $59. For more info, visit www.mpaconline. org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Friday on the Green -- Also May 31, June 7 6:30-8:30 p.m. Russell Crossroads, Alexander City.

Grab your family, even the pup – don’t forget the leash, a lawn chair if you want, a cooler if you’re thirsty, and join your pals and make some new ones.

For more info, call (256) 397-1019 or visit www.russellcrossroads.com/. May 17 is Jonathan Bloom; May 31 is Sid Phelps; June 7 is The Bank Walkers AirPower History Tour Lands in Montgomery -- Through May 19 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Montgomery Regional Airport - MGM 4445, Selma Hwy. Experience the sights, smells and sounds of historic World War II aircraft. Visitors will have the opportunity to: get up close & touch the aircraft; tour the cockpit; talk to the crews; teach the younger generations; see the planes FLY; and take a ride! For more info, visit www.airpowersquadron.org/.

Capital City Author Event -- Through May 18 6:30-9 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-4 ap.m. Saturday. Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street. The Capital City Author Event will host 80+ authors, including local Alabama authors. For more info, e-mail CapitalCityAuthorEvent.

MGM@gmail.com.

Saturday, May 18

River Jam Music Festival 5-10 p.m.

Riverfront Amphitheatre.

This year’s lineup includes Jessie Lynn, Kirk Jay and Corey Smith.

Tickets are $25 per person. For more info, visit www.funinmontgomery.com/ or call (334) 625-2100.

Beaver Trail 5K 6-10 a.m. Lagoon Park, 2635 Gunter Park Dr. The Beaver Trail 5K will take runners on the beautiful

Montgomery Parents I May 2019

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Lagoon Park Trails, Montgomery’s newest outdoor adventure area! After the race, runners will enjoy complimentary post-race refreshments and musical entertainment. In addition, to showcase the versatility of the Lagoon Park Trails, there will be a mountain bike time trial with awards for several age groups following the run awards ceremony.

Registration Fees: $25 till May 10; $35 Day of Race. For more info, visit runsignup.com/Race/AL/ Montgomery/BeaverTrail5K. Montgomery’s Largest Yard Sale 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Union Station Train Shed. Clothes, shoes, jewelry, kitchen appliances, furniture, toys, kitchen furniture, collegiate items, glassware, electronics, and more! For more info, call (334) 274-6464.

exhibitions at the Museum with docent-led tours offered the third Saturday of each month. These tours are free and open to the public, no reservations required. For more info, visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333.

Old Cahawba Bird Walk for Beginners (& History Buffs) 8-10 a.m. Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, 9518 Cahaba Rd, Orrville, Ala. Learn the basics of bird identification from an experienced birder on this easy two-hour walk through historic Old Cahawba Archaeological Park. Meet at the visitor’s center, rain or shine, and bring your binoculars and bird guide if you’ve got them. Call (334) 872-8058 for more info or visit www.ahc.alabama.gov or www.facebook. com/oldcahawba. Admission is $8/person.

Capri Theatre Presents Wrestle 3 p.m. Intimate, coming-of-age documentary about four members of a high-school wrestling team at Huntsville’s J.O. Johnson High School, a longstanding entry on Alabama’s list of failing schools. Teammates Jailen, Jamario, Teague and Jaquan each face challenges far beyond a shot at the State Championship: splintered family lives, drug use, teenage pregnancy, mental health struggles, and run-ins with the law. For more info, visit www. capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858.

Shoppes at EastChase Farmers Market -Every Saturday Through the Summer 7 a.m.-noon. Support Alabama farmers and local businesses every Saturday at EastChase Farmers Market. Find a variety of locally grown produce, whole milk, artisian breads, honey, goats milk soap, eggs and much more! For more info, visit www. theshoppesateastchase.com/ or call (334) 279-6046.

Plants and Pollinators at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook 9 a.m.-3 p.m. We will visit the Apiary, as well as see live demonstrations of honey extraction from our resident bee hives. Custom-collected and bottled “Lanark Honey” will be available for purchase that day. Festival Day will also include plant/gardening presentations, speciality vendors and the annual Lanark Plant Sale; proceeds benefitting the Lanark Gardens. General admission applies: $5/person with a $20 maximum per family. For more info, visit www. alabamawildlife.org/ or call (800) 822-9453.

Hampstead Food Truck Takeover Noon-3 p.m. 5272 Hampstead High Street. Enjoy local food, great drinks, parks and play space, and a walkable neighborhood on these Sunday Fundays! Trucks may include Little Donkey, Wharf Casual Seafood Montgomery, Smokin’ Wells BBQ, Sno Ta Goband more. Live music. Great for all ages. For more info, call (334) 270-6730 or find us on Facebook.

Dino Dig Education Program 10 a.m.-noon. Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway. Experience an archaeological dig, discover bones from the past and have a great time while learning about creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago. Dino Dig is geared for boys and girls aged 4-10 years old. REGISTER ONLINE NOW! Last day to make reservations is May 17. For info, call (334) 354-6034 or visit montgomeryzoo.com.

Ft. Toulouse/Ft. Jackson Living History Weekend Also May 19 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. & 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun. Wetumpka.

This special event focuses attention on the main protagonists of the French & Indian War - France, Britain and their American Indian allies. Living history demonstrations of military, Indian, and civilian life will take place on Saturday and Sunday throughout the day. Re-enactors will be dressed and equipped as they appeared in North America during the middle of the eighteenth century. $4 admission for adults, per day. $2 admission for children. For more info, call (334) 567-3002 or visit https://ahc.alabama.gov/calendar/.

Ride for Freedom History Bus Tour 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Freedom Rides Museum, 210 South Court Street. Hour-long bus tours will leave from the Freedom Rides Museum at 10, 11 and 12. Participants will get on and off the bus a few times to meet with guest speakers at crucial spots throughout the city. $10 for adults (age 19+); $6 for youths (age 6-18). For more infor or to reserve your space, call (334) 414-8647 or e-mail FreedomRidesMuseum@ gmail.com.

Highlight Tours 1-2 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Learn more about the works of art on view and latest

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Sunday, May 19

Tuesday, May 21

Joe Thomas Jr. Guitar Pull 7-9 p.m. Cloverdale Playhouse. The Singer/Songwriter Series is a great night of original music and songwriters talking about how they craft their music and performing original works on the Playhouse’s intimate stage. Tickets are $10 at the door. Call (334) 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse. org/ for more info.

Thursday, May 23

Newcomers Club of Montgomery Monthly Luncheon All women of the River Region are invited to attend our monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Arrowhead Country Club. Irene Wetzel will present our Mad Hatters Luncheon program and will award nice prizes for four hat categories: Most Beautiful, Humorous, Original and Outrageous. We hope you will join us by wearing a hat to make this a real hat party. Luncheon cost is $18 and reservations must be made by noon Monday, May 20, to Cathy Donald at (225) 287-3693 or cathydonaldne@gmail.com. Visit www.newcomersmontgomery.com for more info.

ARTtalk at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 6-8 p.m. Join this monthly program for Museum members during which artists share one artwork apiece and receive feedback from their peers. Enjoy light refreshments and networking with other professionals in this unique program whether or not you choose to bring artwork. To register, please contact Brandy Morrison at edsecy@mmfa.org or call (334) 625-4365.

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Montgomery Biscuits Baseball MGM Night/ Fireworks 6:35 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium. Celebrate what makes Montgomery special. We’ve partnered with local leaders, influencers, businesses, schools, and more to create nights that show how special our Capitol city is. For more info, visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 819-7483.

Montgomery Symphony Orchestra’s Jubilee Pops Concert 7 p.m. The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History Front Terrace, 624 Washington Ave. This is a FREE event and family friendly! For more info, visit https://montgomerysymphony.org/ or call (334) 240-4004.

RXR Music Fest: Memorial Day Weekend Also May 25 6 p.m. Lake Martin Amphitheater, Alexander City. The Town Green at Russell Crossroads comes alive with some great music Memorial Day Weekend! Join us for some great music on the Town Green and it’s all FREE! For more info, visit www.russellcrossroads.com/.

Saturday, May 25

Aquatic Invertebrate Round Up at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook 10 a.m. Get hands on and possibly dirty as we take a look at the insects and other organisms (without backbones) that inhabit our waterways! Grab a net (provided) and come on a journey through the waterbodies at Lanark as we search for things you normally don’t see under water! General admission applies: $5/person with a $20 maximum per family.

Evening with The Eagles 7 p.m. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Celebrate American airpower as you hear stories of leadership, overcoming adversity, and heroism from three aeronautical pioneers. Join Gen Kevin Chilton, Col Walt Watson, and SMSgt Thomas Case in an intimate setting where they will share their stories about the profession of arms. For tickets or more info, visit asf. net or call (334) 271-5353.

MPAC Presents REO Speedwagon 7:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $49. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Thursday, May 30

Wetumpka Depot Presents The Diviners 7 p.m. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Written by Jim Leonard, Jr. and directed by Kim Mason, this was the Wetumpka Depot’s award-winning entry at ACT Fest in Tuscaloosa earilier this year. Now it is preparing for national competition in Gettysburg, Pa. later this summer. For tickets or more info, visit wetumpkadepot.com or call (334) 868-1440.

Summer Reading Program Kick-Off 10 a.m. Juliette Hampton Morgan Memorial Main Library, 245 High Street. Free. For more info, call (334) 240-4999.

Saturday, June 1

10th Annual Miss Firecracker Pageant St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Fellowship Hall in Prattville. Pageant is open to females, age newborn to

18 years, with seven age categories. This annual pageant will offer 25 crowns and titles including two Supreme titles, seven division titles, seven optional Patriotic casual wear titles, and seven optional photogenic titles. Registration fee is $70 and deadline for entries is May 25. Applications can be found at www.SterlingMiss.org. For more info, visit the website or call (334) 313-5444.

Prattville Kayak Fun Run 10 a.m.-until.

Prattville’s Autauga Creek Canoe Trail.

You must provide your own equipment (canoe, kayak, paddle board, life jackets, sunglasses, drinking water, sunblock, etc.) No glass or alcoholic beverages allowed. After dropping off your kayak at the starting point and taking your vehicle to the ending point, a bus will be waiting to shuttle you back to the starting point. The last shuttle will be at 9:45 a.m. Starts at Creekwalk; Ends at Co. Rd. 4. Take out on Rueben Road.

Ladies’ Self-Defense Class 9 a.m.-noon. Doster Community Center, Prattville.

This class will spark awareness & teach protection for women who may need to learn or brush up on their self-defense techniques. Taught by the Prattville Police Department. Free. Call (334) 595-0800 now to pre-register. Space is limited. Registration deadline: May 29.

Prattville/Autauga Farmers’ Market Opens 7 a.m.-noon at the grove on Doster Road across

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SupportGroups from Gillespie Center and Pratt Park. Along with a variety of farmers with locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and more, there will be a variety of other vendors with plants, soap, baked goods, and more. A guest chef will create tasty dishes using fresh produce from the farmers. For more info, call (334) 595-0851.

Hydrangea Festival at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Maria Pacheco-West, Lanark grounds specialist, will do a Hydrangea talk, beginning at 10 a.m., and afterwards a tour of the Heirloom garden and Hydrangeas around the pond. Bring your hydrangea gardening questions for expert advice!

Lanark Gardens will also have a plant sale with proceeds benefiting the gardens at the Alabama Wildlife Federation. General admission applies: $5/ person with a $20 maximum per family. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (334) 285-4550.

Old Cahawba BYO (Bring Your Own) Bike Tour 10-11 a.m. Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, 9518 Cahaba Rd, Orrville, Ala. Come explore on two wheels Alabama’s most famous ghost town! On this one-hour tour your guide will lead you over four miles of mostly unpaved roads, exploring a landscape of relics, ruins, and graveyards. Bring your bike, water and snacks. Call (334) 872-8058 for more info or visit www.ahc.alabama.gov or www.facebook. com/oldcahawba. Admission is $8/person.

Classes Adoptive Parent Training Classes Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections recruits, prepares, and supports parents adopting waiting children in Alabama’s foster care. For information on adoptive parent classes or to register for classes in Alabama, contact our team at (866) 803-2722 or visit apac@ childrensaid.org.

Baptist East Maternity Area Virtual Tour We invite you to visit our hospital from the comfort of wherever you are. A personal tour of Baptist Medical Center East’s Maternity Area is now just a click away. This virtual tour is designed to answer any questions you may have regarding our “familycentered maternity care.” Receive an inside look at our Labor and Delivery Suites, Newborn Nursery, Post-Partum and NICU units. From admission to discharge, this video provides all of the information you and your family needs to know. Visit www. baptistfirst.org/.

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Breastfeeding Class Designed to prepare the expectant mother for breastfeeding her newborn. Also includes troubleshooting common problems to establish a successful breastfeeding experience. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $15. Class schedule is subject to change, so please call 293-8497 or e-mail liz.owen@ jackson.org to register or for more info.

Breastfeeding Class This one-time class at Baptist Health provides expectant mothers with information about breastfeeding including various factors influencing lactation, advantages of breastfeeding, basic anatomy and physiology of milk production, specific techniques to promote a successful breastfeeding experience and breastfeeding equipment and supplies. Classes are taught by IBLCE instructors.

Partners are encouraged to participate. Class fee: $20. Registration is required. E-mail smallwonders@ baptistfirst.org. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military.

Caring For Your Newborn Taught by Baptist Health Newborn Nursery nurses, this one-time class helps new families become familiar with the basics of caring for your infant in the first six weeks after birth. This interactive class covers routine hospital newborn procedures along with bathing, diapering, swaddling and soothing, normal infant behavior, appearance and sleep patterns. Class fee: $20. Registration is required.

Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military.

Childbirth Preparation (Four Sessions on Monday Nights) This four-session class is taught

by Registered Labor and Delivery Nurses on the campus of Baptist South. This class for new mothers covers topics ranging from how your body changes during pregnancy to signs of labor to the benefits of breastfeeding and what to expect during your birth experience. This class is complimentary. To register, call (334) 286-3466.

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

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Cloverdale Playhouse Rep Class Series Remaining 2019 dates are: June 3, August 5, October 7 and December 2 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Cloverdale Playhouse Rehearsal Hall. This is a safe space to work on your craft, develop your audition skills, share your newest piece, or just get feedback on your latest artistic endeavor. Guest panels and rotating faculty ensure constant growth and a variety of insight.

Even if you don’t perform every time - you can learn a lot by observing! There will be a sign-up sheet if you would like to work. Call (334) 262-1530 with questions.

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 747-7700 Option # for more information.

Diabetes Education --Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available weekdays by appointment. Call 747-7700 Option # 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. 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@ alabamachild.org.

Infant Car Seat Safety Inspection Baptist Health’s Certified Car Seat Safety Technician will help set your mind at ease. Expectant parents can register for a one-on-one car seat installation session tailored to your vehicle. Our goal is to ensure your confidence in a safe ride home from the hospital. Space is limited. Pre-registration required Must provide your own car seat! $10 per car seat payable at the time of inspection by cash or check.

Visit www.baptistfirst.org/ or e-mail smallwonders@ baptistfirst.org.

Infant Safety/CPR This one-time class sponsored by Baptist Health will teach parents and grandparents the American Heart Association’s Family and Friends CPR for infants and children including care of the choking infant, infant rescue and breathing with hands on practice using ACTAR CPR dolls for class participants. This class will also help parents with creating a safe environment for their child. Classes are taught by certified CPR Instructors. This class is not a certification class.

Fee: $10 per person. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military.

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SupportGroups for expectant mothers and families not attending Childbirth Preparation Class or Boot Camp. This tour is complimentary and is offered on select Saturdays of each month. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst. org for more info.

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

Pregnancy Nutrition Classes Interactive 3-week series of classes developed by well-known pediatrician Dr. William Sears. Classes focus on lifestyle choices, attitude, and exercise at any stage of pregnancy; optimal nutrition before, during and after pregnancy; transition from pregnancy to motherhood. Courses can be taken separately or as a series. Jump in any time! Materials and snack provided with fee. For more info, contact alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or visit www.Facebook. com/LeaninCentralAL. Prepared Childbirth Class (Understanding Birth) Jackson Hospital. Preregistration required. Topics include: pregnancy, labor, birth, options for pain management, medical procedures, cesarean birth.

Note: This class is a basic overview of the labor and delivery process and does not prepare someone for “natural” or unmedicated childbirth. Cost: $25 (covers mother and support person). Class size is limited.

Please try to register by the 5th month of pregnancy for the best selection of available class dates. Call (334) 293-8497 or e-mail: liz.owen@jackson.org.

Preparing For A Natural Birth (One Time Class) Baptist Medical Center East. Please bring two bed pillows and a floor mat to class for breathing and re-

laxation exercise. This class equips expectant parents with natural childbirth options providing them with tools, techniques and coping skills for their labor and delivery experience. Participants will practice breathing and relaxation exercises along with other comfort measures. This class is most beneficial when your support person attends. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Class fee: $20 (couple or single) payable at class by cash or check. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org or call 273-4445.

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 May 15 from 10:30-11 a.m., and 11-11:30 a.m. Call 240-4365 or visit www.mmfa.org for more info.

Wetumpka Line Dance Classes held at A Chance to Dance, 68 Queen Ann Road, Wetumpka. Country and Non-Country Music for All Ages! CURRENT CLASS SCHEDULE: Mon. Beginner 7:15 p.m.; Wed. Beginner 10 a.m.; Wed. Senior 2 p.m.; Wed. Intermediate 7 p.m.; Fri. High Beginner/ Intermediate 7 p.m. *Open Dance to follow class.

For more info, call (334) 452-0293 or find us on Facebook.

Support Groups Adoption Support

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd

Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., at Vaughn Forest Church.

For more info, contact Jill Sexton at 409-9477 or jsexton@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 Kathy King at (205) 943-5331 or e-mail kking@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

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-ACS2345 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.

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

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

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 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net.

Divorce Support

DivorceCare meets Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. at Frazer Memorial UMC. Come to the Library area. This group will provide support & guidance to assist you in working through the issues, pain & pressures surrounding divorce. For more info, call 495-6350 or e-mail jan@ 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.

Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women Montgomery Country Club, Azalea Room, 3800 Narrow Lane Road. 9 a.m.-noon. 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) 612-1086 or sommer.morris@morganstanley.com. You may also visit www.secondsaturday.com.

Gambling Support

Gamblers Anonymous Meetings in the River Region Area: Saturdays @ 6 p.m. and Mondays @ 6:30 p.m.: meet at Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US Hwy. 231 N in the Wetumpka/Wallsboro community. The church is 1 1/2 miles past Tutweiler prison on the same side of the street.

Sundays @ 5 p.m.: meet at Mental Health of America, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery.

For more information about the GA meetings, call (334) 399-6918. For information about counseling services or to request a guest speaker, please call the Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling at (334) 277-5100.

Grief Support

Bereaved Spouses Support Group A new ministry of Cornerstone Christian Church, USA (Unavoidably Single Again) Ministries is designed to offer

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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.

Bereavement Group, 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. For more info, call 279-6677.

Compassionate Friends, Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Hwy, first Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child.

For more information about the group, call (334) 284-2721.

GriefShare meets on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in the parlor of First United Methodist Church Prattville. Led

by Michael Beatty. For more info, call the church office at (334) 365-5977.

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 495-6350.

Alzheimer’s and Memory Loss Support Group Meets at 6 p.m. third Wednesdays at Trinity Episcopal Church in Wetumpka. Group is for those living with or caring for someone with memory loss. This will be a monthly event that will provide information, a time to share and listen to others experiencing what you are, a time to be supported in your struggles and to share your victories. All are invited. Sometimes caregivers just need to talk with those that understand their struggles.

For more info, call (334) 235-4151 or visit The Gathering Place Community Respite on Facebook.

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 2796677. Topics include: Lifestyle Changes, A Heart Healthy Diet, Proper Fluid Intake, Importance of Daily Weights and Exercise Tolerance.

GriefShare meets weekly at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. This program is nondenominational 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.

Christians Against Substance Abuse (CASA) is a 12-step spiritual recovery program for overcoming addictions. Using the steps and the Bible, we help build self-esteem, responsible behavior, learning to make amends for destructive behavior, then fill the void in our hearts by developing a loving relationship with God. Class begins each Wednesday evening @ 6:30 p.m.

Please contact the Prattville Church of Christ office, 344 East Main St. in Prattville (334-365-4201), for additional information.

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.

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.

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.

NAMI Montgomery (National Alliance on Mental Illness) 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 7205 at Frazer Memorial UMC. Call Mary Jo Logan (271-2280) for details. NAMI also presents a 12-week series of free classes on mental illness. These classes are for family members living with or supporting individuals with mental illness.

To register, call Mary Jo at 271-2280 or e-mail classicmjl@hotmail.com.

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.

River Region Survivors of Suicide Loss meets on second and fourth Thursdays (excluding holidays) at Cornerstone Christian Church, 301 Dalraida Road in Montgomery from 6:30-8 p.m. This is an open group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide and welcomes anyone regardless of religious beliefs. Contact Cheryl Vinson at riverregionsos@gmail.com with questions or for more information.

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

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NAMI Connection (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a support group for individuals with mental illness. It meets every Thursday from 6-7:30 p.m. in room 3103 at Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Call Mary Jo Logan at 271-2280 for more info.

OCD Support Group 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, Millbrook City Chamber of Commerce meeting room, 34531 Main Street in Millbrook. Saturdays at a.m. Trouble with food?

Do you worry about the way you eat? Overeaters Anonymous can help. It’s not a diet club; it’s a fellowship of people who don’t want to suffer anymore.

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively. There are no dues, fees, or weigh-ins. Visit our new meeting in the area. All are welcome! For more info, call (662) 425-2010 or visit www.oa.org.

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SupportGroups Parent Support

Century Strong Moms 9-11 a.m. Wednesdays. 11 Chapel Hill Street in Pike Road. At Century Church, we are dedicated to helping moms in our community be Strong Moms! This ministry is open to all moms in our community. The focus of this group is to build relationships through Bible study, play dates, and moms’ night out. Childcare is available for ages 1-5 years old. Please e-mail lifegroups@century. church for more info.

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 CityCounty Public Library and Dreamland Barbeque. For more info, call Ron Simmons at (334) 777-8596.

GirlTime at East Memorial Baptist Church 9:30-11:30 a.m. 2nd Tuesdays at various locations in Prattville. GirlTime is open to ladies of all ages. Visit eastmemorial.org or call the church office at (334) 365-7500 for info. Childcare is provided at the church.

La Leche League of Montgomery Area has served local mothers since 1984. Women who are pregnant, interested in breastfeeding and nursing mothers are invited to attend our free mother-to-mother support meetings or e-mail with breastfeeding questions. Join us with your babies. Children of all ages are welcome. We currently have morning and evening meetings. For more info, e-mail LLL.Montgomery.AL@gmail.com or visit http:// www.llli.org/groups/@llli*group*montgomery or “like” us on Facebook.

Mom2Mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of children ages birth-5 years at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. E-mail Mom2mom@frazerumc.org for more information.

Moms in Prayer International is a Christ-centered interdenominational prayer ministry made up of moms, grandmothers, aunts or any woman who wants to gather to pray for their children and schools. Meets every Sunday afternoon from 3-4 p.m. at St. James UMC, 9045 Vauhgn Road. Call Annette Jones at (850) 529-4730 or e-mail Montgomerymipac@gmail.com for more info on joining us or training to start your own group.

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

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

The Montgomery Multiples Club is a non-profit organization offering support to the mothers and families of twins, triplets, and more in the Central Alabama region.

They have a mom’s night out with dinner once a month.

They also have a yard sale twice a year, in the spring and again in the fall. For more info, visit https://sites.google. com/site/montgomerymultiples/home.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry St., Montgomery. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Moms, need a little break? We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Visit www.montgomeryfbc.org/MOPS or contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Vaughn Forest Baptist Church, 8660 Vaughn Road, Montgomery. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Are you in need of a time-out? MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. Childcare

is provided. For more info, e-mail vaughnforestmops@ gmail.com or visit http://vfcmops.weebly.com/.

Pregnancy Loss/Infertility

First Choice Women’s Medical Center conducts a HOPE GROUP for women who have experienced the emotional aftermath of an abortion. Groups meet for one weeknight over eight consecutive weeks and are facilitated by women who have experienced abortion. Confidientiality is assured. Please contact Kathy at (334) 260-8010 or kkay@firstchoicewmc. com for more details and information about upcoming groups.

Post-Abortion Support Group, Saint James United Methodist Church. Do you have a secret you have promised yourself “you are taking to the grave?” Come and listen to stories of others who were scared to surrender their secret. Come and find healing and peace that you never even knew you needed.

Come and learn about the One who came to set you free. Join us in a study of “Surrendering the Secret” by Pat Layton and know that you are not alone!

(Learner guide and digital download sessions.) For more info, e-mail annpemberton@ charter.net.

“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.

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

Special Needs Support

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

Participation is free. 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.

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D.A.T.S. M.O.M. (Disability as an Ability Toward Success: Moms on the Move), a non-profit parent empowerment organization for parents of children on the autism spectrum (or with related special needs challenges) that focuses on inspiring, equipping and motivating parents to move their child’s disability to an ability. Follow DATS MOM on Facebook, Twitter and Periscope for live sessions and discussion. E-mail datsmom@yahoo.com for more information.

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.

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) 290-0646 or e-mail: ahif_ montgomery_auburn@yahoo.com. Visit www.ahif.org.

Teens/Families Support

Call Family Guidance Center of Alabama at 2704100 for information about current classes.

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

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

Stacking Toys From the Ground Up

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Given only two cubes, the absolute first thing a child will do is stack them, one on top of the other. Perhaps it’s in our nature to instinctively build upward, to reach for new heights. For children, the practice of stacking objects serves their development on many important levels. With their various components, stacking toys cultivate motor control as kids practice their grip and release. Basic physics are introduced and children’s cognitive skills are nurtured as they ponder and plan the various outcomes of stacking diverse objects.

The following items offer unique features that really stack up as kids build their skills through exploration and play.

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Ad

Skoolzy Pegboard Stacking Toy

Jar Melo Stacking Cubes

Stacking gets a sturdy start on the Skoolzy Pegboard. With 36 pegs in 12 colors, building upward gets a sound foundation with the orange pegboard base. The pegs feature their own hollowed tops to allow continued stacking toward all new heights. With plenty of pieces, this set encourages shared play and team building as well.

This Skoolzy stacking toy is a favorite among Montessori teachers as well as physical therapists for its stable foundation and nesting elements that minimize frustration while rewarding ambitious stacking.

The variety of colored pegs also introduce counting, sorting and patterning to support early math learning. An ideal footprint for stacking games, the Skoolzy Pegboard offers a solid start from the ground up.

Farm living takes on a whole new shape with the Jar Melo Stacking Cubes.

Featuring six graduated boxes, plus six farm animals (sheep, dog, horse, chicken, cat and cow), each cube offers visual cues to its traditional inhabitant.

The graphic designs and shapes also introduce opportunities to explore counting, grouping and spatial order.

Distinctive open doorways in each cube and colorful vinyl characters encourage creative scenarios for pretend play. Crafted from sturdy cardboard, this set is lightweight, portable and easily stored when nested together. Whether this community grows from the ground up or side-byside, Jar Melo Stacking Cubes offer versatile building blocks for a whole farm full of fun.

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Baby Plush Stacking Rings (iPlay)

It’s never too early to introduce stacking toys to the toddler set. The Baby Plush Stacking Rings combines a stimulating softsided experience with a stacking exploration that’s perfect for the littlest hands. Featuring multiplied sensory benefits, each colorful ring has its own individual appeal. The duck ring squeaks and the windmill jingles, while other rings feature teething tabs and other tactile delights. The gentle graduation of ring size ensures that there is no wrong way to stack them on the soft fabric post. Ideal for small fingers to explore and arrange, iPlay’s Baby Plush Stacking Rings lands softly at the top of tiny tot toys.

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Offering a new twist on stacking, Fat Brain Toys’ SpinAgain adds captivating movement to the formerly static stack. Six textured discs, graduated in both color and size, rotate as they descend down a corkscrew pole. No matter the order or direction, each disc spins into place for a stable stacking assembly that can take any shape. Simply lifting the corkscrew center pole up from the reversible wobble base lets all the discs spin down and off into a pile that’s ready to turn around into a whole new stack. Adding kinetic movement to traditional stacking rings gives the SpinAgain an exciting twist that winds up (and down) in a whole new experience.

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

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AdvertiserDirectory We know that readers consider our advertisers as valuable a resource as the editorial content in Montgomery Parents. We hope this directory saves you time as you refer to the magazine throughout the month.

Page numbers follow the advertiser’s name.

FC Montgomery Soccer Futsal, 76

My Kids Attic, The Shoppes of, 29

Family Guidance Center, 81

New Park, 9

2211 Playzone, 78

Faulkner Baseball Camp, 27

Newtopia, 71

Adventure Sports II, 93

First Baptist Church, 57

OB/GYN Montgomery, Dr. Desautels, 21

Alabama Christian Academy, 17, 47

First Baptist Prattville, 75

O’Connor Tennis Lessons, 56

AL Dept. of Health, Inside Front

Frazer Memorial Kindergarten, 55

Prattville YMCA, 58

Alabama Dance Theatre, 73

Frazer Memorial UMC, 42

Professional Pediatrics, 12

Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 69

Glynwood Baptist Church, 11

Pump It Up Party, 30

Aldersgate UMC, 16

Guardian Credit Union, 15

Read Write, 53

Alpha & Omega Learning Ctr, 93

Guild Mortgage, 3

RR Dermatology and Laser, Inside Back

Armory Athletics, 56

Hempworx, 90

Resurrection Catholic School, 36

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ASKIN/Synergy House, 90

Holy Cross Episcopal School, 49

Riverview Camp for Girls, 24

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ASU Continuing Education Camp, 31

Hooper Academy, 41, 83

Saint James School, 1. 45

Auburn Soccer Camp, 28

Inflatables of Montgomery, 11

Saint James UMC, 2

Autauga/Western Elmore Arc, 23

Jackson Hospital, 87

Sea Dragon Pirate Cruises, 4

Baptist Health, 67

Jeff Dickey, New Waters Realty, 50

Smoothie King Montgomery, 90

Bell Family Chiropractic, 60

Judy Barranco Photography, 89

Snapology, 25

Bush Pediatric Dentistry, 48

Kingry Orthodontics, 65

Spotless Cleaning Services, 77

Chapman Orthodontics, 30

Kreative Moments, 61

Success Unlimited Academy, 39

Children’s Hospital of Alabama, 95

Lakeview Baptist Church, 61

Sylvan Learning Center, 27

Churchill Academy, 33

Larry Chapman, ALFA Insurance, 20

Sylvan Learing of Prattville, 58

CMH Mobile Notary Services, 21

Learning Tree Child Care, 52

Taylor Road Baptist Church, 97

Dentistry for Children, 78

Macon East Academy, 21

The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover

Docarmo’s Taekwondo, 13

Mathnasium, 35

Tonya Speed Dance Connection, 37

Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 37

Memorial Presbyterian Childcare, 28

Trinity Presbyterian School, 7

Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 50

Montessori @ Mulberry, 19

United Gymstars & Cheer, 8

EdTech, 43

Montgomery Catholic Schools, 51

Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 76

Edward Jones-Lane Easterling, 97

Montgomery Dermatology, 25

XiRepair, 79

Emergency Solutions, 78

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 82

YMCA Camp Chandler, 98

Evangel Christian Academy, 23

Montg. Pediatric Dentistry/Ortho, 63

Young Living Essential Oils, 90

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2) Sunscreen- my kids burn easily and I want to protect their sweet baby skin. (I am imagining us being stranded on a deserted island!)

3) Paper & pen or crayons- You can entertain your kids for hours with just paper and something to write with. They can draw, write letters, color, etc. And you can make things like paper airplanes, boats, games… the possibilities are endless!

MP: Have you made any major changes in your outlook or approach to life in general as the result of becoming a mom?

Jessica Sedgwick

Jessica: I thought that after I got married, I would have kids and live happily ever after... and that was my plan, so that was going to happen. When Gene and I started trying to have a baby, we did not get pregnant right away. It took a miscarriage and five years before we FINALY had Taylor. That time in my life was very difficult. Up until that point I had worked hard for what I wanted and usually got it. During that time of wanting a baby so bad it hurt, God taught me so much and made me grow in my relationship with Him and with my husband. I learned so much over those years and now my approach to life is much different.

I try to enjoy every stage of life and not get too upset with things I don’t have. I know God will give me exactly what I need when I need it. His timing is perfect.

MP: How would you describe your parenting style?

Jessica: I would describe my parenting style as loving with a splash of “Dragon Mom”. I love my kids and let them be kids and be silly and messy and crazy (this makes for great videos).

But we also have structure. We wake up at a certain time and have a bedtime routine; we have organized sports and activities after school and we stick to a schedule. I think that kids crave structure and discipline. They may not always like it, but deep down they need it.

MP: What is something you hope your children are learning from watching you?

Jessica: I hope they are learning to treat people with love and respect. God calls us to love Him and to love our neighbor.

If they can learn those two things from me, even if they don’t remember anything else, I think my “mom job” will be a success.

I also want them to be active and healthy and work hard at whatever they choose to do.

MP: Did your “style” come from how you were raised?

MP: What advice would you give a new mom just starting on her parenting journey?

Jessica: I grew up in a house with five brothers and sisters so it was survival of the fittest. If you wanted some of the special dessert, you better get to it before your siblings did. And if you didn’t want your sisters to steal your favorite shirt, you needed to hide it! And be the first to call “shotgun” if you wanted that coveted front seat. I think my style was influenced largely by how I was raised. I find myself thinking all the time, “What would my mom have done?” My siblings and I turned out pretty good so I think my mom’s style worked.

Jessica: I would tell a new mom: “Fake it till you make it, Girl!”

No mom has all the answers and sometimes you have to just keep moving forward and figure it out as you go. Always surround yourself with moms you look up to that can give you good advice. There is always someone that has “been there, done that” that can help you navigate the waters. Also, date your husband! It is so easy to get wrapped up in the kid life, that you don’t take time for your relationship with your husband. Get a babysitter and date him! It is so important for your children that your marriage is solid, and that you guys are a team.

MP: If you were stranded with your kids, what are the three things you hope you’d have on hand?

Jessica Sedgwick is the gymnastics director for the Prattville YMCA. She is married to Gene Sedgwick for 11 years and they have two children: Taylor (6) and Jesse (3). Jessica enjoys doing advertising design for the YMCA, loves to work out with her girlfriends, and loves Jesus.

1) Wet Wipes- there are so many uses for wet wipes with kids!

Clean the face, clean the tushy, clean the hands. And if they get overheated, you can rub it on their faces to cool them off.

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