Montgomery Parents November 2017 by KeepSharing

When I grow up I want to be...

a doctor a lawyer a CEO I WONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T LET HPV STOP ME! The HPV Vaccine is a cancer prevention vaccine. Boys, girls, and young adults should receive the vaccine to defend against several different strains of cancers. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends the vaccine begin at 11 to 12 years of age.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let HPV keep you from reaching your goals.

For more information, visit alabamapublichealth.gov/immunization or facebook.com/AlabamaImmunizationInfo

OPEN HOUSE

Educating the Whole Child

Pre-K3, Pre-K4, and Kindergarten Sunday, January 21 at 1:30pm Register Online STJweb.org/admissions

From Pre-K3 through 12th grade, STJ students, faculty, and administration work together to foster the potential of each child at Saint James School. Visit our state-of-the-art campus January 21st and experience first-hand the impact of engaged and experiential learning. Please join us! Our Open House program begins at 1:30pm on January 21st and is full of fun events that will help you and your child experience the complete education offered at Saint James School.

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

Leading the Way Since 1955 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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10/17/17 10:54 AM

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PARENTS_NPxmas.qxp_Layout 1 10/9/17 12:50 PM Page 1

Fa la la la la, la lots of homes!

Id to

'Tis the season to check out New Park – the East Montgomery neighborhood with a variety of beautiful and affordable homes. Choose from dozens of floor plans from the River Region’s best homebuilders!

November 15 through December 15

HOLIDAY DECOR FOR YOUR DOORWAY OR FIREPLACE MANTLE Come by our new Sales Office inside New Park at 1361 Barret Park Way to register to win custom holiday decor by professional designer Logan Wright. The giveaway will take place on December 15.

The first 200 to register will receive a

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New Park Home to East Montgomery

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Between Ray Thorington Road and Taylor Road

A J I M W I L S O N & A S S O C I AT E S D E V E L O P M E N T

Montgomery Parents I November 2017

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November2017

Volume 22 Number 11

68 Columns

8 Living With Children John Rosemond

12 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Creating Thankful Kids Ideas for encouraging children to be grateful all year long.

Thanksgiving Games

Holiday-themed games to keep the family interacting all day.

44 Pike Road Education Matters by Superintendent Charles Ledbetter, Ed.D.

48 Autauga Education Matters by Superintendent Spence Agee

54 Elmore Education Matters

by Superintendent Richard Dennis

60 The College Years by Lee Gonet

62 Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

66 Growing Up Online

Holiday Happenings

Parades, lights, musicals and more...to brighten your season.

Carolyn Jabs

All Ears?

Discover 9 fun games to tune up your child’s listening skills.

77 A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

78 Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston

On The Cover Jacob (11) and Cooper (2) are the sons of Chad and Brandy Caddell. Jacob attends Macon East Academy and loves playing football, riding bikes with friends, and wakeboarding on the lake. Cooper loves balls, the outdoors, and Mickey Mouse. He attends Saint James United Methodist Church Mother’s Morning Out.

Departments 10 Bits and Pieces 14 School Bits 84 Calendar/Support Groups 92 Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Editor’sNote With the holidays fast approaching, and preparations being made for family gatherings, I am flooded with memories of my amazing mother-in-law, precious friend and founder of Montgomery Parents, Marty Watson. While we had more wonderful moments than I can even count throughout the years, the holidays really come to the forefront of my mind when it comes to Marty. I remember her donning her apron on Thanksgiving Day as we all worked together in the kitchen to prepare a feast of the Watson family’s traditional foods. Unique dishes like baked apricots and scalloped oysters accompanied the traditional turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. Sure, we almost always ran over our planned start time for dinner, but we didn’t mind. That time in the kitchen talking, laughing and listening to soft jazz while we partnered up to make our favorite dishes was just as valuable as our time around the table. Marty definitely had a knack for making the holidays special, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop missing what she brought to this season. I can only do my best to try and carry that torch with my family, in hopes that they too will remember the holidays with this same fondness when they are older. In this month’s issue, we’ve included two articles to help make your Thanksgiving 2017 more meaningful and memorable. First, Sarah Lyons offers advice on How to Create Thankful Kids This Thanksgiving. Mentioned are ideas like going around the table to share what we are grateful for, taking the kids along for the holiday grocery shopping so they can see the cost of things and understand all that goes into preparing the meal, and giving to someone less fortunate during the holidays. Next, Pam Molnar shares 7 Family Games for All the Turkeys at Your Thanksgiving. If your family is like mine, we often find ourselves in the same

The River Region’s Foremost Parenting Source Montgomery Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Montgomery Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.

Founder Marty Watson (1950-2006) Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@montgomeryparents.com

Associate Editor Alison Rouse Research Editor Wendy McCollum Contributing Writers Spence Agee Richard Dennis Reginald Eggleston, Ed.D. Lee Gonet Mark Gregston Christa Melnyk Hines Carolyn Jabs Dr. Charles Ledbetter Sarah Lyons Pam Molnar John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Allen White, M.D.

Cover Photography Maria Wiggins www.lolafineartphotography.com

old rut after dinner is over...some people doing the dishes, some people taking a nap, and kids scattered about the house. Why not all jump in and get the kitchen clean so that you can spend more time together having fun! None of Pam’s ideas require a lot of extra effort, and they are great for the toddlers in your group all the way up to the grandparents! With the kickoff of the holiday season, you’ll also find the beginning of many holiday events to attend in our area and nearby. Christmas parades, tree lightings, holiday performances and where to visit with Santa are just some of the activities you’ll find in our Holiday Happenings Guide. Whether you want to stay close to home or enjoy a day trip with the family, our guide has something for you. While I’m sure many of us will be missing someone very special around our Thanksgiving table this year, let’s take our memories of all they brought to the holiday (and to our lives) and make the day that much more special for those who still surround us. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

jason@montgomeryparents.com

Associate Publisher Gena Hill Digital Manager Scott Davis Advertising Opportunities Stephanie Parsons, VP of Client Services (334) 213-7940 ext. 703 ads@montgomeryparents.com

Ad Design Tim Welch Distribution Manager Chris Mitchell

DeAnne

Member

deanne@montgomeryparents.com

Montgomery Parents I November 2017

Publisher Jason Watson

Montgomery Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing LLC, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, Alabama, 36123. Montgomery Parents is copyrighted 2017 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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Help Alabama

Shine!

The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) is a joint research project between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Alabama Department of Public Health. Its purpose is to determine why some babies are born healthy and others are not in order to aid in the development and assessment of programs designed to identify high-risk pregnancies and reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes. New mothers are randomly chosen from the state birth registry to participate in PRAMS. Surveys may be returned by mail or completed over the phone. Let your voice be heard!

“Happy to be part of this survey.”

“Thank you for checking on us!”

Actual comments from survey responses.

Moms who complete the PRAMS survey receive their choice of a cooler bag, diapers, or manicure set! Responses are kept confidential to the extent of the law. For more information, please call us at 334-206-2923 or go to alabamapublichealth.gov/PRAMS ADPH does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, age, religion, disability, genetic information, and other federal, state, or agency regulations and policies. Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies may be directed to Civil Rights Coordinator: ADPH CRC, RSA Tower, 201 Monroe Street, Suite 1010, Montgomery, AL 36104, Tel. 334-206-5226, or email crcomplaints@adph.state.al.us.

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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

Video Game Addiction Worsening Responding to my recent columns on video games and smart phones, a reader asks what the problem is, thus proving that these devices can and do cause serious harm to one’s cognitive hardware. He, the father of two boys and a gamer himself, in effect claims that parents are imagining things and researchers are not finding what they are finding. He proposes that video games and smart phones do not make people play them or stare at them obsessively; rather, that some parents are simply not providing proper supervision. That’s true, as far as it goes. He then offers that nothing is bad in moderation, which is one of the stupidest adages ever conceived. The list of things that are bad/evil in moderation include pornography, heroin, cocaine, arsenic, assault, murder, rape, armed robbery, lying, cheating, child abuse, and cruelty to animals. Need I go on? Furthermore, if an addiction is defined as a self-destructive obsession over which an individual seems to lack control, then video games and smart phones do indeed “make” some people play them and stare at them as if their very lives depended upon it. Furthermore,

the force of that effect appears to be inversely proportional to the age of the individual in question. As such, what a 40-year-old may be able to do—that is, fit playing video games into an otherwise responsible and richly varied life—a 13-year-old boy may not be able to do. One of my grandsons is a case in point. After I expressed concern to his parents that his obsession with playing video games bordered on unhealthy, they took his game controller away. A year later, at age 14, he told me that he realized in retrospect that he had indeed been addicted. If his parents had not stepped in, he said, his adolescence would have been a disaster. I’ve lost count of the number of parents who have asked me what to do about unemployed 20-something male children who live at home, sequestered in the slums that are their rooms, playing online video games day and night. Most of said adult children do not engage in meaningful conversations with their parents, participate in family meals, or even leave the house unless there is no option but to do so. A few years ago, a convention center manager told me that many of the young males who

participated in a gaming convention at his facility wore adult diapers so they would not have to get up from their consoles to use the bathroom. To get them to eat and drink, he had to threaten to unplug them. The mother of a 25-year-old man-child who fits the above description recently asked if there are “resources for parents” who are dealing with adult video game addicts. I have figured out that in this context the word “resources” is a euphemism for “stuff we can read or meetings we can attend to convince ourselves that we’re doing something when we have no real intention of doing anything but complaining endlessly to anyone who will listen.” When I suggest the “resource” of involuntary emancipation, these parents come up with one excuse after another, demonstrating that where there is an addict, there is often an enabler or enablers. Would that these parents had employed the very resourceful word “no” when these males first asked for a video game console. What America is discovering, and most painfully so, is that a lost adolescence often precedes a lost life.

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

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Montgomery Parents I November 2017

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Faith ● Academics ● Arts ● Athletics

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Chapel • Ar t • Music • Spanish • STEM • Librar y • Sports Theatre • 21 st Centur y Computing • Accelerated Reader

Holy Cross has it all!

K4 - 6th GrAde Open hOuSe

Sunday, January 28 | 1pm - 3pm ESL AvAilAble | eSl 강좌 개설 Active duty military, first responder, and multiple child discount. We accept the Alabama Opportunity Scholarship and Scholarships for Kids. Ask us about financial aid opportunities.

4400 Bell Road | Montgomery, AL 36116 | 334-395-8222 | holycrossmontgomery.org

Holy Cross Episcopal School is accredited by AdvancED (SACS) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools We are a proud member of the National Association of Episcopal Schools

HOLY CROSS ADMITS STUDENTS OF ANY RACE,9RELIGION, AND NATIONAL OR ETHNIC ORIGIN. www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Holiday-Themed Theatre

Montgomery Veterans’ Day Celebration

ADT Presents 2017 Mistletoe Performance

The Alabama Dance Theatre will open its 31st season with Montgomery’s holiday production of Mistletoe, which will be performed November 10-12 at The Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. More than 90 dancers and artists will participate in this year’s elaborate production which features Favorite Dances of Christmas, an audience favorite, and “Kingdom of the Sweets” from The Nutcracker. Favorite Dances of Christmas, a collage of dances set to beautiful Christmas carols and songs, will feature the return of audience favorites including “First Noel,” “I Saw Three Ships,” “Sleighride” and “I’ll be Home for Christmas.” Other new favorites returning to the stage are “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Silent Night.” Performances are Friday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 11, at 2:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov.12, at 2:30 p.m. at The Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. Tickets range in price from $15 to $30. All tickets are discounted. Reserved and general admission tickets are available at www.alabamadancetheatre.com. For more info, call (334) 625-2800. ** The Alabama Dance Theatre along with Troy University of Montgomery will host a special free perfor-mances in honor of our Military on Thursday, November 9th at 7:00 p.m. at the Davis Theatre. The perfor-mance is open to all active duty, retirees, reserve and national guard military personnel and their families who present a valid government military ID card at the door. Tickets are available at the door the night of the performance and at Maxwell/Gunter ITT. Montgomery Parents I November 2017

November 10 * 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium, 200 Coosa St., Montgomery. This event will honor our veterans and active duty service members and their families with music, pageantry, flags, bands and tons of special guests! Many vendors, static military displays and historic vehicles will be on-hand at Riverwalk for the celebration. There will be a small parade/procession with some veterans, Boy Scout troops and JROTCs at 10:30 a.m., followed by a program with the national anthem, a flyover, music from the 151st Army Band, comments from distinguished military guests and special guests. For more info, call (334) 241-4400 or find us on Facebook.

An Eclectic Christmas

December 1-9 Come join us in December to experience the true story of the first Christmas. In the atmosphere of an outdoor walking trail, you and your guests will be part of live drama that is set during the Roman Empire. As you make your way to Bethlehem, you will visit the field where shepherds received the angel’s message and news of the Messiah. Then visit the wise men as they journey in search of the Newborn King. This event will take place at the Falk Farm located at 1733 Claude Road just south of Eclectic on AL Highway 63. The 6 and 8 p.m. time slots on each production night are handicap accessible. Please notify us when registering if you require assistance. Reservations are suggested and may be made by: calling (334) 578-4846; e-mailing: reservations@aneclecticministry.org or by visiting www.aneclecticministry.org. Time slots are scheduled in 15-minute increments. Admission is free, and donations are accepted and appreciated to help with expenses. 10

Alabama Shakespeare Festival presents A Christmas Carol Nov. 19-Dec. 24. A heartwarming must-see that will get you into the swing of the holiday season with Scrooge’s search for redemption and a spectacular, magical evening of ghosts, festivity and goodwill. Recommended ages 5+. For tickets or more info, visit asf.net or call (334) 2715353. Wetumpka Depot presents A Christmas Story Nov. 27-Dec. 2. Directed by Kristy Meanor and adapted for the stage by Phillip Grecian. “It’s a major award!” For tickets, call (334) 868-1440 or visit wetumpkadepot.com. Cloverdale Playhouse Theatre presents Little Women Nov. 30-Dec. 10. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s early life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March, detailing their passage from childhood to womanhood and their experiences growing up in Civil War America. In a new “trunk show” adaptation by director Sarah Thornton, this production brings a fresh take to a familiar and heartwarming story. For more info, visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org or call (334) 262-1530. Millbrook Community Theatre presents A Country Christmas Carol Dec. 7-10 and 14-17. Directed by Sam Wallace. Book by Ron Kaehler. Music by Albert Evans. Season’s greetings from Marley County, USA, where folks don’t have a whole lot, but everybody’s doing what they can to make the Christmas holiday crackle—except for one mean and miserly old coot who somehow misses the whole point. It’s Dickens’ classic, dusted off and gussied up in a new countrywestern musical version. Call (334) 782-7317 or visit www.millbrooktheater.com/. Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre presents A Charlie Brown Christmas Dec. 7-17. Written by Charles Schulz and directed by Pamela Trammell. The classic animated television special comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation in which Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts Gang discover the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets $10 in advance; $12 at the door. For more info or to purchase tickets, call (334) 595-0854 or visit cc.prattvilleal.gov. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Food Truck Mash-up

November 18 * 8 a.m. Montgomery MultiSport, 8107 Vaughn Road. A 5K run/walk and 1-mile fun run to raise money for the Montgomery Area Food Bank. Great family event. Register by Nov. 11 for a T-shirt; online closes Nov. 15 at midnight. Call (334) 356-7271 or visit mmstiming.com/ race/2017-turkey-burner/ for more info.

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Montgomery Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

December 7-10 Troy University’s Davis Theatre. LEAP performances Dec. 7 & 8 @ 10 a.m. Public performances Dec. 8 & 9 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 9 & 10 at 2 p.m. For more info, visit www.montgomeryballet.org.

November 24 * 3-8 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium, 200 Coosa Street. Presented By Wind Creek Montgomery, food trucks from all over Alabama are coming together to indulge your culinary delights! Tailgating, music, kids’ activities, hot air balloon, Santa Claus, prizes and more. $5 admission. Kids under 5 years are admitted for free. No pets please. For info, call (866) 946-3360 or visit tickets.montgomeryadvertiser.com/e/food-truck-mash-up#top

10th Annual Christmas at Lanark

Dec. 9 * 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with activities from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook. Enjoy Christmas crafts, decorating cookies, a movie special and much more. Learn how to create your own nature ornament, get pictures with Santa and make sure to go on the hay ride. We will have hot chocolate for sale and plenty of activities to keep you warm. General admission applies. For more info, visit www. alabamawildlife.org/ or call (800) 822-9453.

Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party!

November 19 * 2 and 6 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Features favorite Sesame Street pals Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and more in a brand-new sensory adventure live on stage. Tickets begin at $15. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Too Sick for School? How do you know when your child should stay home from school or day care? Start with these three short questions: 1. Does your child have a fever? Fevers over 100.4° F indicate illness, so no school. 2. Is your child well enough to participate in class? If too tired, sleepy, or too quiet to get much out of school, keep them home. 3. Is this illness possibly contagious, like the flu or pinkeye? If so, no school until they’re no longer infectious.

soft and fewer than 3 per day. Offer fluids to avoid dehydration. 2. Vomiting relieves the body of the stress of digesting food and allows it to focus on healing. Vomiting two or more times in 24 hours means stay at home. 3. Vomiting or diarrhea is an automatic pass for that day.

Coughs and Colds

1. Mild cough and cold symptoms should not keep kids home from school or daycare, even if the mucus is green or yellow, as long as there is no fever.

Fever: Fever helps fight germs and is a symptom of infections. Take your child’s temperature before using fever reducing medication like Tylenol or Motrin. Wait until fever-free for 24 hours before letting them return to school.

2. A serious cough could be a sign of contagious conditions like whooping cough, viral bronchitis, croup, RSV, or pneumonia. It may be a sign of asthma or allergies. Coughs lasting two weeks or more need to be evaluated. Some coughs can take weeks to disappear, so send to her back to school if the cough is not disruptive.

Vomiting and Diarrhea

Sore throats: Sore throats can be a symp-

1. Diarrhea may be the result of infection, food poisoning, or a side effect of antibiotics. Keep children home until stools are at least

Montgomery Parents I November 2017

tom of strep or a virus. Severe pain could mean strep, but strep does not always cause high fever and the tonsils are not always swol-

len. A diagnosis of strep throat, means keep your child at home for 36 hours after starting antibiotics. Another possible cause is mono which even young children can catch.

Pinkeye (conjunctivitis): Look for redness of the white part of the eye with crusty, draining yellow or green pus. Pink eye is contagious, and like strep, children should stay home from school for 36 hours after beginning treatment. Rashes: Rashes with fever can be the sign of contagious conditions such as chickenpox, fifth disease, or bacterial meningitis. Eczema, allergies or just extremely dry skin can cause suspicious rashes but without fever. Children with fever should stay home until diagnosed. They can return to school after their doctor gives the okay or the rash fades. Earaches: A child with a mild earache may attend school, as long the pain does not interfere with concentration. Dr. Allen White earned his medical degree in 1969 from Kentucky Medical School, Lexington, and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. He began his private practice of pediatric medicine with an office in the Goode Medical Building of Jackson Hospital before moving to the Carmichael Road location in 1986. He and his wife, Diana, have 3 sons. For pleasure, Dr. White enjoys reading, gardening and spending time with his grandchildren.

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A K4-12 College Preparatory School

OPEN HOUSE

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Sunday, February 4, 2018 | 2 - 4 p.m.

Holy Spirit Elementary Campus, K4-6 grade 8580 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery, AL 36117 334-649-4404 St. Bede Elementary Campus, K4-6 grade 3850 Atlanta Hwy., Montgomery, AL 36109 334-272-3033 Middle School Campus, 7-8 grade 5350 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery, AL 36116 334-272-2465 High School Campus, 9-12 grade 5350 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery, AL 36116 334-272-7220

Join us for Open House and experience how we prepare students to become persons of faith, virtue, and wisdom. For more information contact vdickson@montgomerycatholic.org or call 334-272-7221 ext. 32.

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Montgomery County Schools

Saint James Celebrates Homecoming 2017

Eastwood Headmaster Receives Class Act Award

John Geiger, headmaster and teacher at Eastwood Christian School, was presented the WSFA Class Act Award after being nominated by senior Cami Phillips. The WSFA news crew made a surprise visit to Geiger’s classroom, presenting him with a plaque. He was also interviewed for a story that aired on the five o’clock news.

Floyd Spanish Club Visits Hispanic Flamenco Show

The Floyd Middle Magnet Spanish Club attended the Hispanic Art and Dance Concert at the Davis Theatre September 19. Students were exposed to a variety of Spanish dances and songs and even had the opportunity to participate and dance on the stage with the performers. This is the fifth year that Sra. Henley has taken her students to this concert where the students gain knowledge and understanding of the Spanish culture. After the concert, the students had lunch at San Marcos. The students were able to order food in the target language and speak Spanish both within and beyond the school setting. Montgomery Parents I November 2017

Saint James senior Katherine Grace McIntyre (Katie), daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Innes McIntyre, was crowned Saint James School’s 2017 Homecoming Queen in halftime ceremonies during STJ’s September 22 match-up against the Ashford Yellow Jackets. Queen Katie’s court included freshman attendant Hannah Grace Griggs, sophomore attendant Sarah Elizabeth Rice, junior attendant Lacy Trammell Brown, and senior attendant Elizabeth Ann Skoneki (Annie). Queen’s Attendants were Mya Amira Averett and Claudia Elizabeth Hubbard. The crown bearers were Saint James kindergarten students whose parents are Saint James alumni: Mary Katherine Aman (Kate), daughter of Ms. Ann Aman ‘01 and Mr. Doug Aman; Sarah Hastings Kelly, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joel Kelly (Emmy ’99); Peyton Elizabeth Stewart, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wes Stewart (Wes ’01); Elizabeth Jane Turnipseed (Ella), daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Ian Turnipseed (Ian ’00); and Paisley Emerson Wright, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Wright (Logan ’03). The Trojans won the night’s game in a shutout against the Yellow Jackets, 51-0. The Queen was announced during the afternoon pep rally; Queen Katie and her court were presented during halftime ceremonies at the homecoming football game that evening escorted by their fathers. Back row from left, Saint James School Homecoming Court included freshman Hannah Grace Griggs, junior Lacy Brown, senior Mya Averett, Queen Katie McIntyre, senior Claudia Hubbard, senior Annie Skoneki, and sophomore Sarah Rice; and front from left: Kindergarten Crown Bearers Sarah Kelly, Paisley Wright, Peyton Stewart, Ella Turnipseed and Kate Aman.

SUA Makes Edible Plant Cell

Success Unlimited Academy’s third-graders were quite the little scientists recently. They studied plant and animal cells, learning the parts of each as well as similarities and differences. Students drew, colored and labeled each type of cell. Third-grade teacher Mrs. Easterling concluded the study by letting students make an edible plant cell. They used a cake, icing, sprinkles and various candies to represent each part. Students labeled each part with pennants before diving into their tasty treat! It was one of many “Fabulous Firsts” as an SUA third-grader. 14

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Montgomery County Schools

ACA Student Wins Orthodontics Contest

Montgomery Academy Students Qualify for Duke TIP

Thirty-eight seventh-grade students qualified to participate in the 38th Annual Scholastic Talent Search sponsored by Duke TIP. Eligible students must have scored at the 95th percentile or higher on a grade-level standardized achievement test, such as the Educational Records Bureau Comprehensive Testing Program (ERB). Students who qualified include: Jane Abbie Alford, Coleman Bell, Katie Brown, Carlyle Chandler, Jenna Chandler, Fionah Desautels, Norah Desautels, Forrest Dockery, Kathleen Doyle, Bobby Eskridge, Allie Fitzpatrick, Claire Gary, Holden Habermacher, Isabella Hill, Terry Kim, Anne Layton Lee, McKay Lee, Anne Francis Little, Campbell Long, Walton Norrell, Charles Norris, Dylan Patel, Cydney Pepple, Jai Ivy Raines, Elizabeth Ray, Mary Charles Richardson, Lucas Rizzo, Lily Shores, Leah Simms, Katherine Sinco, Kareena Singh, Jake Skutta, David Spencer, Carson Springer, Laura Stanton Strickler, Kameron Tuck, Braxton Welch and Brett Westhauser.

ACA student Emily Kate Sansom recently won the Chapman Orthodontics “Spotted” contest. Each time she was spotted around Montgomery, with a Chapman Orthodontics magnet, she was entered into a drawing. Sansom won an Apple Watch and ACA was awarded $1,000.

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334-272-4900 MAIL@KINGRYORTHODONTICS.COM 8101 SEATON PLACE, MONTGOMERY, AL 36116 31 BRIDGE ST, THE WATERS, PIKE RD, AL 35064 Montgomery Parents I November 2017

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Holy Cross Holds Annual Blessing Of the Animals

Holy Cross Episcopal School’s annual Blessing of the Animals was celebrated recently at the forefront of the Chapel of the Annunciation overlooking the school campus. This is a tradition among many Episcopal churches and schools that provides an opportunity for families and members of the community to bring beloved pets to receive a blessing from local Episcopal parish priests. A very special thank you to our celebrants this year – Rev. Candice Frazer, associate rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church, and Rev. Jamie Osborn, associate rector, also of St. John’s Episcopal Church. The Blessing of the Animals is a tradition honoring St. Francis of Assisi which started more than 800 years ago and is held during the week of his Feast Day which was on October 4, 2017. St. Francis introduced the idea that animals are a part of creation and that humans must be responsible stewards over them. Holy Cross combined Blessing of the Animals with the opportunity to provide community support for the Montgomery Humane Society. All week the excitement grew for the children as they saw their donations for the needy animals grow on the massive display table in the centrally located crossings hall. “This event is so much fun for students and adults alike as they get to see all the pets,” said Principal Kathy Taylor. “It is also an exciting time for our school as our students work together to provide food and supplies for the animals at the shelter and learn the importance of caring for God’s creatures.” Shown, Rev. Candice Frazer, associate rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church, blesses animals at the school’s annual service honoring St. Francis of Assisi and his devotion for animals. 17

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Montgomery County Schools

MPS Hosts Parent Expo at Eastdale Mall

Trinity Preschoolers Enjoy Grand Story Hour

Trinity Presbyterian School recently hosted a “Wildcat” Grand Story Hour, a wonderful time for grandparents, parents and preschoolers to visit Trinity’s campus and enjoy storytelling, crafts and treats with Trinity Wildcat cheerleaders and football players. The children completed several “football and cheer” themed crafts. Afterwards, Middle and Upper School librarian and storyteller Linda Hastey read the book Don’t Throw It To Mo to a captivated audience. Each child left with a big smile on his face and a special treat. Vicki Parrish is shown with her granddaughter, Parrish Moody.

Parents of Montgomery Public School students were treated to a variety of community resources at Eastdale Mall October 7. The Office of Family and Community Engagement hosted its Inaugural Fall Parent Expo at Eastdale Mall in an effort to provide parents a connection to agencies and organizations that can equip them with knowledge and skills to better help their children or to help them as parents. Tooth Buds Dental Clinic, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, VA Suicide Prevention, the Gift of Life Foundation, and Clear Path Counseling are just a few of the agencies or organizations that volunteered timr and shared their expertise with parents. Parents and other mall-goers also had the opportunity to register to vote during the expo through the “Rolling to the Polls” initiative. Research has shown there are numerous barriers to parental engagement in a child’s education. One of those barriers is parents’ apprehension about visiting schools or feeling uncomfortable helping a child with schoolwork. The Parent Expo was held at the mall to break those barriers and capture parents who were just out shopping. This is the second event the school district has held in partnership with Eastdale Mall. A Mall Math Scavenger Hunt was held in August.

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Girls on the Run at Forest Avenue!

The River Region Girls on the Run (GOTR) program is in full swing at Forest Avenue Academic Magnet School. Sixteen girls in grades three through five are participating in the school’s fall session. The program, held twice a year, is in its fifth season at Forest Avenue. GOTR was piloted in 2015 at Forest Avenue and one other school in Montgomery. It is a positive youth development program for girls in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades that combines training for a 5K running event with a holistic, healthy living education. The program instills self-esteem through life skills development, mentoring relationships and physical activity – all of which are accomplished through collaboration with the girls, their parents, schools, volunteers and the community. Over the course of a 10-week program, Forest Avenue students meet bi-weekly for 90 minutes with trained volunteer coaches who lead students through a research-based curricula on issues such as positive self-talk, peer pressure, bullying, gossiping, gratitude, nutrition, healthy decision-making, and community service. These skills help them navigate their worlds and establish a lifetime appreciation for health and fitness. The girls also implement a community project toward the end of the season. The Fall 2017 GOTR program culminates with the girls completing a noncompetitive 5K run on November 18 in downtown Montgomery, surrounded by hundreds of supporters and volunteers. The event provides girls with a tangible understanding of the confidence that comes through accomplishment, as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals. Maggie Brooks, co-director of Girls on the Run serving the River Region, said that following the end of every season, “the girls finish with improved confidence and connection to their peers.”

We are having Thanksgiving

Day Camps

Monday and Tuesday, November 20th and 21st 7:30am - 5:30pm Cost is $45 for 1 day and $90 for 2 days, $30 for half day and $60 for 2 half days (Prices listed is for one child)

Ages 5-12

Be sure to pack a lunch and a snack! Afternoon snack provided.

Fun Thanksgiving themed games!

Call (334) 284-2244 to sign-up! 6100 Brewbaker Blvd. • Montgomery, AL 36116 www.Unitedgymstarsandcheer.com 19

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Montgomery County Schools

Holy Cross Students Chosen for Art Exhibit

Holy Cross Episcopal School art students were selected to exhibit creative works inspired by well-known abstract American artist Frank Stella in a contest sponsored by Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. The students’ mixed media creations were selected by art professionals and are now part of the “Inspired By Stella” exhibit in the ARTWORKS Corridor Gallery on display through November 12. From left are Steadman Meadows, Emilee Alexander and Zoe Stough.

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Hooper Academy Adopts Texas Classroom

Miss Meredith’s 2nd-grade class, along with Mrs. Carpenter’s 3rd-grade class, adopted a 1st-grade classroom from San Leon Elementary in Dickinson, Texas, that was directly affected by Hurricane Harvey. Students brought in supplies ranging from crayons and pencils to backpacks and notebooks. In addition, each student made a card for the students in Texas, hoping to brighten their day. # AdoptAClassroom

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Montgomery Parents I November 2017

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AP Scholars Named at Alabama Christian

Nine students at Alabama Christian Academy earned Advanced Placement scholar awards for excellent achievement on their AP exams. In addition, two of the students were named AP Scholars with honors. The College Board recognizes a student as an AP Scholar if he has received scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. An AP Scholar with Honors is awarded to a student who has received an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. AP Scholars are: Jameela Broadie, Lacey Spear, Cameron Strowbridge, Micah Williams, Cade Horn (2017 Graduate), Aly Nguyen (2017 Graduate) and Keely Nguyen (2017 Graduate.) AP Scholars with Honors are: Phelps Griffin and Campbell Mock. Alabama Christian Academy offers AP classes in world history, psychology, calculus, biology, English language, English literature, European history and U.S. history. In addition to AP courses, Dual Enrollment classes are offered in Composition I/II, Literature I/II, calculus and finite math in conjunction with Faulkner University. ACA currently has more than 100 students enrolled in AP and Dual Enrollment Courses. Back row from left are: Phelps Griffin, Campbell Mock, Micah Williams and Cameron Strowbridge; front row: Jameela Broadie and Lacey Spear. Not pictured: Cade Horn, Keely Nguyen and Aly Nguyen.

Evangel Has Sweet Assignment

Evangel Christian Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s middle school students recently studied the structure of DNA in science. To help build the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; understanding, teacher Crystal Gayle Hammack had the students build a model DNA strand out of food. The students used different-colored marshmallows to represent Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, and Guanine, which are the chemical bases for a DNA ladder. Licorice was used as the backbone of the DNA strand. The students connected each piece with a toothpick, twisted the ladder shape to form a double helix, and labeled each part. After the teacher checked each DNA strand, the students were instructed to eat their assignment!

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Montgomery County Schools

Montgomery Academy Athletic Teams Capture CCC Titles

The Montgomery Academy Middle School and junior varsity volleyball teams, as well as the Middle School football team, have won the CCC Championship titles. The JV volleyball team finished the season 35-0, while the Middle School volleyball team went 24-3.

STJ High School Art Teacher’s Work Chosen for National Exhibition

The National Art Education Association (NAEA) is showcasing artwork from art educators in a juried exhibition at the association’s headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia through April 2018. Artwork designed by Saint James High School art instructor Evelyn Shoults was selected for the NAEA exhibition. Out of 422 submissions, only 65 pieces were chosen for exhibit representing work from 29 states and two nations. Shoults’s artwork is also displayed digitally in the NAEA Virtual Gallery. Shoults is the Advanced Placement studio art, Advanced Placement 2D design, visual art, and graphic design teacher for Saint James School. In describing her selected piece, Static Apocalypse, she said, “This artwork was inspired by getting back to the basics of still-life-drawing – creating a series of drawings/painting from life and not from photographs. I wanted to put myself in the same space as the objects, so that I could study their shape/form, their mass, their unique details, and how they overlap other objects.” Founded in 1947, NAEA is the leading professional membership organization exclusively for visual arts edu-cators. Members include elementary, middle, and high school visual arts educators; college and university professors; university students preparing to be art educators; researchers and scholars; teaching artists; administrators and supervisors; and art museum educators—as well as more than 54,000 students who are members of the National Art Honor Society. Static Apocalypse, created by Saint James High School art instructor Evelyn Shoults, was selected for exhibit at the National Art Education Association in Alexandria, Va. through April 2018. Montgomery Parents I November 2017

The Middle School football and volleyball teams are shown above and below.

The junior varsity volleyball team is shown below.

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Trinity Student Named Player of the Week

BTW Photography Students Exhibit Work At Kentuck Festival of the Arts

This year, Booker T. Washington Magnet High photography students once again exhibited their work at the Kentuck Festival of the Arts in Northport. BTW has a unique distinction at this festival. Each year, BTW students are invited as guest artists, and they are the only high school students to exhibit there among the more than 275 adult artists from all over the country. During the festival, students sell their artwork, interview other artists, volunteer for the Kentuck organizers, and calculate taxes and income against participation costs at the festival.

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Trinity Presbyterian School’s Luke Hufham was named the Private School Player of the Week by the Montgomery Quarterback Club for his outstanding game against Montgomery Catholic on September 15. Hufham received the award at the Quarterback Club’s banquet on September 26, where Mark Schlabach, a senior writer for ESPN, was the featured speaker. Hufham, a senior receiver/defensive back, had four catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns in Trinity’s 33-22 win over Catholic. On defense, Hufham had four tackles and one interception and two pass break ups. He is shown with Trinity’s Head Football Coach Barry Loyal.

THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE ENDLESS Macon East Academy provides students the opportunity to reach the full potential of their gifts and talents through the following benefits: • SMALL CLASS SIZES

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Academy Art Students Display Work at Museum

Montgomery Catholic Students Named AP Scholars

Five Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School students have earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition for their exceptional achievement on AP Exams. The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program (AP) provides opportunities for motivated and prepared students to experience college-level courses while in high school, thereby fostering critical thinking and college persistence and success. Audrey Kim ‘17 earned the title of AP Scholar with Distinction by earning an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and a score of 3 or higher on five or more of the exams. Adam Bristol ‘17 and Seoul Hong ‘17 each earned the title of AP Scholar with Honor by earning an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. Two students earned the title of AP Scholar by completing three or more AP Exams with grades of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars are Chris DeJesus ‘18 and Michael Barber ‘17. From left are Audrey Kim ‘17, Adam Bristol ‘17, Michael Barber ‘17, Seoul Hong ‘17 and Chris DeJesus ‘18. Photos are courtesy of Total Image.

Montgomery Academy students Anna Brown, Ella Chancellor, Emma Cleary, Mary Kathryn Cook, Anne Tyler Fitzpatrick, Elle McBride, Landon Meadows, Millie Stevenson, Anne Carlson Sylvest and Ben Thackston have works showing in the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts “Inspired by Stella” Corridor Exhibition. Students were selected out of a field of more than 200 participants. The exhibition will be on display until mid-November. From left are Elle McBride, Anna Brown and Ella Chancellor.

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DEC. 10 4 & 6:30 P.M. Contemporary & Traditional Sunday Worship 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m. A family of faith for everyone • Spanish, Korean & Chinese Services 6000 Atlanta Hwy. in Montgomery 334.272.8622 www.frazer.church Montgomery Parents I November 2017

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MEA Senior Competes in DYW

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Floyd Middle Magnet Spanish Club Hosts Spanish Market for Hispanic Heritage Month

Last year’s event was such a success that Floyd Middle Magnet Spanish Club decided to once again host El Sabor del Mercado Español 2 (A Taste of Spanish Market 2). The event took place on October 20 in the Jefferson Bldg. at Floyd. This time more than 250 students had the opportunity to taste Spanish dishes from 10 Spanish-speaking countries. Generous donations came from restaurants like Sol, Cuco’s, San Marcos, El Patron, Chappy’s and Pat Maggard, as well as dishes brought in by parents and students. The students were able to savor hot and crispy Spanish churros to fresh, delicious Mexican quesadillas. Students from Sra. Henley’s class and the Spanish Club dressed up in Spanish costumes while serving the dishes and were able to gain respect of cultural diversity.

Macon East Academy senior Hannah Johnson competed in the Macon County Distinguished Young Women scholarship program September 23. DYW (formerly Junior Miss) is a national scholarship program that celebrates the accomplishments of young women in the areas of scholastic achievement, leadership, and talent. Contestants are judged in the areas of poise, physical fitness and talent during the performance as well as academic achievement and judges’ interviews held prior to the competition. Singing “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music, Johnson was named 1st Runner-Up for Macon County. She was also selected to receive the Spirit of DYW award, which is a special award voted on by the other contestants.

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STJ Seniors Shine in Montgomery DYW

B A P T I S T FA M I LY M E D I C I N E The physicians and staff at Baptist Family Medicine are honored to meet the healthcare needs of our central Alabama communities. From routine needs to urgent concerns, we look forward to building a warm, dependable and lasting relationship with you and your entire family.

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BAPTIST FAMILY MEDICINE

Katie McIntyre and Abbey Engles, seniors from Saint James School, competed in a pool of 31 participants during the Montgomery County Distinguished Young Women’s competition in early October. The contestants were evaluated on scholastic merit, personal talent, a 10-minute interview, a choreographed fitness routine, and a self-expression round including a routine and platform for a personal statement. McIntyre, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Innes McIntyre, was awarded 2nd Runner-Up Overall. She earned a financial scholarship for college based on ranking in the Top 10, placing as the fitness component winner, and placing as 2nd runner-up. Engles, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Engles, was awarded Honorable Mention for her dance presentation during the talent portion of the competition. Distinguished Young Women is a unique program that combines the opportunity to win college scholarships with a program that offers life skills training to prepare young women for the world after high school. Each year, DYW provides over $1.1 billion dollars in scholarships through its local, state, and national competitions. From left, Saint James School seniors Abbey Engles, William Fritz and Katie McIntyre photographed during the Montgomery County Distinguished Young Women competition October 8 & 9. Fritz assisted contestants on and off stage during their talent presentations.

4371 Narrow Lane Road, Suite 100 • Montgomery, AL 36116 www.baptistfirst.org/baptist-family-medicine

Montgomery Parents I November 2017

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Brew Tech Students Create Innovative Apps During Time at Facebook, Yahoo

Two Brewbaker Technology Magnet High students developed high-tech skills and gained invaluable experience when they were chosen for an intensive six-week program known as All Star Code. The nonprofit program places high school students at top tech companies, giving them the access and exposure necessary to become high-tech entrepreneurs. Faisal and Fuad Hossain competed with more than 600 other students for the chance to take part in the program. After a rigorous selection process, Faisal was placed at Yahoo, and Fuad was placed at Facebook. During their time at the tech companies, Faisal and Fuad proved that they are true innovators. Fuad created a way to check out at grocery stores more efficiently, while Faisal created a sleek and user-friendly personal finance app for students. Along the way, the brothers worked on countless coding projects, mastering aspects of HTML, JavaScript and CSS programming languages. They also learned about networking, collaboration, professionalism and other “soft” skills. The brothers are in Brew Tech’s Information Technology Academy and are involved in 16 student organizations and clubs. Both have multiple certifications, and Faisal is currently the only certified Microsoft Office Specialist Master in Montgomery County.

Holy Cross Singers Perform at Samford University Music Festival

A group of Holy Cross Episcopal School’s sixth-grade students, accompanied by music teacher Beverly Fain, recently participated in the Alabama Music Educators Association conference held at Samford University in Birmingham. Holy Cross students were fortunate to perform under the direction of Mr. Vic Oakes, president-elect of the Southern Division of the American Choral Directors Association and who is also an international conductor. For the finale, all choirs combined to sing “I’ll Make The Difference” under the direction of AMEA Festival Director Cliff Huckabee. The Elementary Music Festival was the 12th annual music festival to be held at Samford University for the Elementary General Division of Alabama. From left are Carsyn Hawkins, Camille Campbell, Michael Ann Williams, Bella Garbutt, Chloe Campbell and Sam Roberts.

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Montgomery County Schools

Trinity Girls’ Swim Team Wins Westminster Invitational

SUA’s Music Class Exposed To a Variety of Genres Success Unlimited Academy’s High School music appreciation class offers a mixed class of 9th- through 12th-graders the opportunity to be exposed to a variety of musical genres while learning basic music chords for performance. Through music history, theory and ear-training, students learn to play rock and roll, blues and popular songs to Christmas standards. The class also offers a platform for students like JaCobe Ray and Scott Gardner to use their advanced musical skills to serve as a teacher’s assistant while earning class credit. The classes perform each semester during the school’s winter and spring concerts.

Trinity’s varsity girls’ swim team took first place in the Westminster Sprint Invitational for the second consecutive year. The girls competed with eleven other schools, including secondplace Mountain Brook and third-place Hewitt-Trussville. Points were earned with the secondplace finish in the Medley Relay and a first-place finish in the 200 Freestyle Relay. The following earned points for their placement in individual events: 100 Meter Freestyle — Prather Anne Hargrove, 2nd place; Sarah Stephen Foshee, 4th place; 100 Meter Individual Medley — Sarah Stephen Foshee, 3rd place; Maria Stevenson, 4th place; 50 Meter Freestyle — Prather Anne Hargrove, 1st place; Sarah Stephen Foshee, 3rd place; 50 Meter Butterfly — Prather Anne Hargrove, 1st place; Lauren Vermillion, 6th place; 200 Meter Freestyle — Lauren Vermillion, 2nd place; Lilly Yancey, 5th place; 50 Meter Backstroke — Sarah Stephen Foshee, 8th place; and 50 Meter Breaststroke — Maria Stevenson, 3rd place; Lauren Vermillion, 8th place. Shown are Maria Stevenson, Lauren Vermillion, Sara Stephen Foshee, Lilly Yancey and Prather Anne Hargrove.

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Montgomery Parents I November 2017

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ACA Raises Money for Hurricane Harvey Victims

Alabama Christian Academy fifth-grade students Abigail McKee, Bella Mills and Lily Sconyers helped lead the charge for Hurricane Harvey Relief in ACA Elementary. “ACA students felt a tug on their hearts when Hurricane Harvey landed in Houston and its surrounding areas,” said school administrators. “We came up with the idea of a lemonade stand to help Houston turn their lemons into lemonade. We wanted to think of a way that kids could raise money in a fun way, and give something back to the ACA elementary students that donated.” The event was proudly put on by the ACA 5th grade National Elementary Honor Society and $1,037 was raised in just four days.

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Flowers Elementary Parents, Students Prepare New Garden For Vegetables

At Flowers Elementary, parents and students alike are excited about the prospect of planting vegetables and watching them grow in the new school garden. Teacher Erin Bankert started the garden over the summer with the help of eager students looking forward to the project. A group of parents and students showed up on a recent weekend to help prepare the flower beds on campus for the vegetables the students have been growing in Bankert’s science class. The students earlier researched which vegetables would thrive in the garden. Bankert said the students love how hands-on the project is. “It’s real and authentic,” she said. “It’s not from a book.” The new garden is just one of the methods that Bankert uses to get kids excited about learning. “I try to engage every student in every way that I can,” she said.

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third largest pediatric hospital in the United States

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for 332 beds & 48 NICU bassinets

first LEED-certified hospital building in Alabama

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of the Top 20 employers in Alabama with more than 4,700 employees across the state

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pediatric teaching hospital for the School of Medicine at UAB

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to the Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center of Alabama, where more than 450 cardiac surgeries are performed annually

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of the only pediatric kidney dialysis program in the state — one of the largest in the country

Russell Campus

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205.638.9100 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233 Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children Lowder Building McWane Building Children’s on Third Outpatient Center Children’s Park Place

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205.638.4800 1940 Elmer J. Bissell Road, Birmingham, AL 35243 Outpatient surgery services, Pediatric Imaging Center, laboratory services, specialty care clinics and After Hours care

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Montgomery County Schools

Lee High Parents, Students Show Up For Senior Parent Night at AUM

About 400 parents and students from Robert E. Lee High showed up in droves for Senior Parent Night at Auburn University Montgomery. The event was a great example of Lee achieving one of its primary goals, which is to increase community and parental engagement by developing rewarding partnerships. Dr. Carl Stockton, the chancellor of AUM, delivered a moving and motivational speech to the crowd. Parents also had the opportunity to browse through booths representing various AUM departments and their deans. Professors were there to meet with parents and students and provide information on financial aid, admissions, college careers and scholarships. Lee High Principal Dr. Lorenza Pharrams delivered the data portion of the event, explaining the importance of standardized testing and the relevance of the ACT and high school GPA. Pharrams stressed the importance of a college education regardless of a familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s socio-economic status. Awards were available as well. A $500 scholarship was awarded along with 10 free cap and gown vouchers, a $250 senior portrait photo shoot, a $200 Jostens gift certificate and AUM paraphernalia. Pharrams, left, is pictured here with Stockton.

Montgomery Parents I November 2017

Eastwood Students Participate in Empathy Experiment

For just a small taste of what those with hearing and/or vision impairment experience, 6th-grade students in Mrs. Lemireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s literature class participated in the Helen Keller Empathy Experiment. With earplugs and blindfolds to simulate being deaf and blind, the students worked in partnership with each other to find their way around the playground and on play equipment.

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SUA Students Explore Classifying Plants

Sixth- and seventh-grade students at Success Unlimited Academy explored how scientists classify plants and animals by classifying beans. Students organized, categorized and classified beans into their own unique, student-created groups. Eliminating the basic color or type of bean groups caused students to use their creativity to classify their beans. Students created groups ranging from “brain bean” for garbanzo beans to “corn bean” for yellow lentil beans. Students soon discovered flaws in their classification systems when multiple beans could fit into one category. This required that students create more detailed classification systems, supporting keys and descriptors for each bean. Throughout this self-discovery opportunity, students analyzed the importance of observing, classifying objects and paying attention to details, (and how to pick beans up off the floor).

Duke TIP Selects Trinity 7th-Grade Students

Twenty-seven Trinity School 7th-graders were selected to participate in the 38th Annual Scholastic Talent Search sponsored by Duke TIP, based on their scores in the 95th percentile or higher on one or more of the subtests on either of their two most recent standardized achievement, aptitude, or mental ability tests. The 7th-Grade Talent Search helps educators and families find out how advanced their students’ abilities truly are and what level of educational challenge is appropriate. Eligible 7th-graders are invited to take either the ACT or SAT college entrance exams, which allows them greater insight into their abilities and also provided them with valuable benefits and resources. Students who qualified include: Cal Bennett, Tate Bixenman, Zac Childs, Dalen Cope, Hudson Cornett, Grayden Flowers, Emma Reid Gamble, Luke Harrison, Wyatt Hartzog, Hannah Elizabeth Hert, Chappell Hill, Virginia Anne Holmes, Harrison Johnson, Anna Kate Kyser, Kirby Lumpkin, John Russ Marshall, Sara Grace Merrill, Reese Patterson, Norris Pemberton, Clyde Pittman, Lallie Rogers, Emory Roth, Emma Kate Smith, Marley Smith, Tabitha Tegman, John Thomas and Madysen Thornton.

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Montgomery County Schools

MPS Special Education Holds Supply Drives

Carver High JROTC Wins First Place Overall in Drill Competition

The George Washington Carver High JROTC is making a mark in drill competitions across the state. Most recently, the cadets won first place overall at the Sparkman High School Drill Competition in Huntsville. Before that, the cadets had placed third overall at a drill competition at Stanhope Elmore High in Millbrook. Last year, the Carver JROTC earned a national ranking, coming in 27th after the National Drill Championships. They also ranked fifth in the nation in Unarmed Dual Exhibition and seventh in Unarmed Regulation. The Carver drill team is led by Sgt. 1st Class Michael Walker.

Montgomery Parents I November 2017

In late August, the MPS Special Education Department decided to hold a supply drive for victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas. On Sept. 11, school social worker Jodie Battison and a friend drove two trucks and trailers full of supplies to Covington, La., where they were shrink-wrapped and shipped to Texas. As Irma approached Florida, people continued to bring supplies into the office. On Oct. 2, Battison made a trip to Florida to deliver more supplies to relief efforts there. Special Education Department Director Katrina Johnson is shown here with just a few of the supplies that came pouring in.

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Macon East Students Attend Girls and Boys State

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Eastwood Seniors Show Team Leadership

The Eastwood Christian School boys’ cross country team has won six straight AISA State Championships. Senior Mikey Kometer, center, has been one of Eastwood’s top varsity scorers contributing to all six championships, beginning in the 7th grade. Senior girls Carli Culpepper, left, and Joy Gulley, right, joined the team in 2016 as juniors. They are excellent leaders for this year’s very young girls’ team. The Eastwood girls’ cross country team has won the AISA State Championship two of the last five years.

Boys State and Girls State are summer leadership and citizenship programs sponsored by The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary for high school juniors. Delegates are nominated by their high school faculty during their junior year. Macon East students Katie Jo Dickey and Tyler Watson attended this summer’s programs at the University of Alabama. Dickey was elected to the State Board of Education at Girls State and enjoyed lunch with Governor Kaye Ivey and celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Girls State program. She serves as Macon East’s SGA president and plans to attend the University of Alabama in the fall. At Boys State, Watson was elected to the State Senate and also ran for Mayor of his city. His favorite speaker of the week was Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban. Watson is an academic leader at MEA and vice president of the SGA. He is still undecided on where he will attend college in the fall of 2018. Delegates to Boys and Girls State must have an interest in government and current events, high moral character, strong leadership ability, and above average scholastic standing. The weeklong immersive program helps students understand and respect our governmental process by participating in mock government, running for elected office, developing leadership skills, and hearing from many state officials.

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Montgomery County Schools

Montgomery Catholic 2017 Groundbreaking Event

ACA Announces National Merit Commended Students

Alabama Christian Academy seniors Cameron Strowbridge and Josiah Survance have been named Commended Students in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program. Although they will not continue in the 2018 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.6 million students who entered the 2018 competition by taking the 2016 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School recently held the groundbreaking of a new gymnasium and renovation of the current gym into a performing arts building. The event was held on October 10 at the Middle/High School campus located at 5350 Vaughn Road. The Most Reverend Thomas J. Rodi, archbishop of Mobile; Gwendolyn P. Byrd, executive director, Department of Catholic Education Archdiocese of Mobile; Michele Manry, executive director, Financial Services Archdiocese of Mobile; Earl Ryser, owner, Central Contracting, Inc.; and Anne Ceasar, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School president, were special guests at the event. Reverend Monsignor Charles Troncale opened the event in prayer, while Montgomery Catholic’s Middle/High School principal Justin Castanza hosted the event. Tia Levanda, MCPS advisory council chair, read 1 Corinthians 3:5-11. Each MCPS campus was represented with members from the SGA who participated in the signing ceremony and blessing of the building site by Archbishop Rodi. The students were: Aaron Gilbert, St. Bede Campus Student Council president; Mally Barranco, Holy Spirit Campus Student Council president; Gibson Souriya, Middle School SGA president; Paige Rentfro, High School SGA president; and Chloe Newell, senior class president. Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s capital campaign, Building on Faith, Family and Tradition, raised more than $3.5 million in just eleven months, allowing Montgomery Catholic to look toward the future and realize the dream of a new 31,000 square foot gymnasium with stadium seating and capacity for 800. The gym will have two regulation basketball courts, a weight room, concession area, offices, locker rooms and conference rooms. The new facility will be air conditioned - a luxury the current Father Pat Delahunty gym (built in 1968) does not have. Along with building a new gym, plans also include converting the current gymnasium into a dedicated performing arts building to enhance our entire performing arts program. This area will be completely remodeled and create critically needed practice, storage and office space for our highly regarded band program and emerging choral program. More space means students will be able to better focus on all aspects of their practice. It will also increase the breadth of our performing arts program to include a state-of-the-art choral/drama classroom. This will allow us to provide a vibrant and supportive environment for current and future students with an affinity for the performing arts. A high school student lounge and meeting space will also be added looking onto the courtyard, giving Montgomery Catholic students a comfortable meeting space on campus. The last expansion at the campus was in 2007 with the addition of the Dolly Barranco Student Activity Center and cafeteria. Today, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School is a K4-12 college preparatory program, with an average student enrollment of 800 at three campuses in Montgomery.

ECA and EFCA Students Meet at Flagpole to Pray

Recently the students from Evangel Christian Academy and Evangel Family Christian Academy joined together at the school’s flagpole to pray for their school, county, state and country. The annual “See You at the Pole” event is celebrated each year by students all across the United States. This year’s theme was “Fix Your Eyes on Jesus.” ECA student James Paterson delivered a short sermon based on the theme. Other students prayed and led praise and worship. Joseph Washington, Logan Temple, Dymon Tucker, Emily Stehl, Nana Tuffour, Bailey Houser, Katie Cartee, Hannah Allen and Brittney Sherrill represented Evangel Christian Academy. Clifford Chatman and Joseph Gilmer represented Evangel Family Christian Academy. Montgomery Parents I November 2017

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STJ Grads Named National AP Scholars

Three 2017 Saint James School graduates were named National Advanced Placement Scholars this fall – Joseph Gary, Gyuna Kim and Sarah Claire Loeb. These alumni scored an average of 4 on all Advanced Placement (AP) exams taken in high school, and scored a 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. Gary is currently attending Auburn University with plans to major in aerospace engineering. Kim is attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with plans to major in chemical-biological engineering. Loeb attends Tufts University with interests in science and world languages. Through the rigor of AP courses, Saint James hails 29 AP Scholars and three National AP Scholars from the 2017 testing. There were 11 students named AP Scholars with Distinction – an honor given to students who receive an average score of at least a 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams: Hannah Dailey ‘17, Mason Edwards ‘17, Joseph Gary ‘17, Jason Grate ‘17, Gibeom Kim ‘17, Gyuna Kim ‘17, Sarah Claire Loeb ‘17, Henry Olree ‘17, Connor Taylor ‘17, Ian Tsekouras ‘17 and Jason Zhang ‘17. There were five Saint James students named AP Scholars with Honor – an honor given to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams: Colton Alter ’17, Veronica Cherry ’17, Daniel Kim ’17, Mackenzie Montiel ’17 and Ella Skier ’18. And there were 13 students named AP Scholars – an honor given to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams: Dylan Baggiano ’17, Aaron Campilan ’17, Sydney Cramer ’17, Cassidy Duncan ’17, Declan Fitzpatrick ’18, Jackson Hipp ’17, Sophia Kim ’17, Jake Maddox ’18, Heather Otis ’18, Hawthorne Ramsey ’18, Evian Salgado ’17, Alexandria Seirafi ’17 and Olivia White ’17. Saint James offers fourteen AP courses including Art History, Art 2D Design, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, European History, Macroeconomics, Physics, Studio Art: Drawing, U.S. History, and U.S. Politics and Government. Shown are the three Saint James alumni who were also named National AP Scholars, an honor earned by only 5% of the total AP Scholars in 2017, per College Board AP reporting. From left, Joseph Gary ‘17, Sarah Claire Loeb ‘17 and Gyuna Kim ‘17.

GOD HAS A PLAN AND A PURPOSE FOR ME

Evangel Christian Academy Evangel Christian Academy exists to partner with Christian parents to provide their child with a Christ-centered education. Our desire is to help each child achieve their God-given potential through providing activities designed to foster spiritual, academic and social growth.

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

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Montgomery County Schools

BTW Graduate Performs at School with Acclaimed Band Tank and the Bangas

Booker T. Washington Magnet High graduate Albert Allenback is a member of Tank and the Bangas, winner of the prestigious NPR Tiny Desk Contest. They performed Oct. 21 at Booker T. Washington and also held a master class on improvisational techniques and talked to students about the ups and downs of the music industry. BTW’s Musical Theater vocalists and Band instrumentalists even got the chance to perform with the band. Allenback graduated at the top of his BTW senior class and received a full-tuition music scholarship to the University of New Orleans. He plays flute and saxophone for the group. He is pictured here at left with Tarriona “Tank” Bell, lead vocalist of Tank and the Bangas. Allenback also got to visit with his former principals, Quesha Starks of BTW and Jannette Wright of Baldwin Arts and Academics Magnet.

Morningview Kids Take Parents to PE

Morningview Elementary parents showed up at the school’s outside covered gym area for some exercise and to learn about the physical education program at Morningview on Take Your Parent to PE Day. Take Your Parent to PE Day is a project of Active Schools, a national movement to help schools provide at least 60 minutes a day of physical education before, after and during school. Part of the goal of the event is to encourage families to be physically active at home and in the community throughout the year.

Montgomery Parents I November 2017

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“Pink Out Day” at Forest Avenue Academic Magnet School for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Holy Cross Presents ‘Pond Projects’

Holy Cross Episcopal School’s second grade recently researched and presented “Pond Projects” that were both very informative and interesting. The projects were presented with each student reading the same set of standard questions to the class and then answering the questions without revealing what kind of animal it was. At the end of each presentation, the class could guess what they thought the animal might be!

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Montgomery County Schools

Brew Tech Raises Funds for Puerto Rico

Students at Brewbaker Technology Magnet High accepted a challenge to help students in Puerto Rico, and ended up raising more than $300 in a short amount of time. State Rep. Thad McClammy challenged students to contribute to an effort he spearheaded to assist school children who were victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Principal April Lee said the goal was to raise $100, and she was proud to learn the students more than tripled that amount. Brew Tech was one of several public schools in the district that contributed to the cause. After raising the money, Brew Tech students went to Dollar Tree with Lee to buy school supplies to be shipped to the island.

ACA Crowns Homecoming Queen

Alabama Christian Academy celebrated Homecoming 2017 with the theme “Back to the Future.” 2016 Homecoming Queen Shakendria Addams returned to assist with crowning this year’s queen. The ACA 2017 Homecoming Court included freshman attendant Jacqueline Rose Costanza, sophomore attendant Mary Elizabeth Hall, junior attendant Mary Vanderbilt Sewell and three senior attendants. Senior attendants were Elisabeth Lark Edwards, Anna Katherine Palmer and Wilson Anne Stephen. Edwards was crowned ACA’s 2017 Homecoming Queen. Evie Bailey served as crown bearer and Janie Kate Taggart served as flower girl.

Montgomery Parents I November 2017

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Catholic Students Attend 44th Annual Red Mass

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Holy Cross Collects Donations for MHS

The 88 members of Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s senior class and the high school choir joined the state of Alabama’s Unified Judicial System officials in celebrating the 44th Annual Red Mass at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in downtown Montgomery on October 2. The Most Reverend Thomas J. Rodi, Archbishop of Mobile, celebrated the Mass. The tradition of the Red Mass goes back many centuries in Rome, Paris and London. It is the Solemn Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit celebrated generally near the beginning of the Judicial Year and attended by judges, lawyers and court officials of all faiths for the purpose of invoking God’s blessing and guidance in the administration of justice. Choir teacher Kate Gates and the Montgomery Catholic high school choir sang at the 44th Annual Red Mass.

To celebrate St. Francis of Assisi and his love for animals, Holy Cross Episcopal School collected much-needed items for the Montgomery Humane Society. Children, with the help of their parents, brought food for dogs and cats, and numerous other items ranging from toys, leashes, bowls, special treats, towels, pet kennels and newspapers for the shelter. After the “Blessing of the Animals” service, the items were blessed and presented directly to Director Steven Tears who came to receive the donations, incuding an SUV that was donated by Holy Cross parents Sean and Elizabeth Blum for Montgomery Humane Society. WSFA Channel 12 covered the event for its evening newscast.

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Trinity Students Visit Paper Mill for Engineering Presentation On September 21, several AP Chemistry, AP Biology, and physics students from Trinity Presbyterian School visited International Paper in Prattville for a presentation hosted by Auburn Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department of Engineering. Representing International Paper was Trinity alumnus (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;84) Neal McDevitt, a process control engineer for the Prattville Mill. McDevitt was instrumental in arranging the dinner, presentation and tour for students, teachers and parents from around the River Region. Attendees gathered for an informal pizza dinner while Dr. William Josephson of Auburn University presented on the many degree programs and opportunities offered in engineering. Dr. Josephson is senior lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering for the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. He provided handouts and information specifically to the paper making process and described how multiple engineers work together to better produce the product. During his presentation, he asked Miller Johnson, Mackenzie LeGrand, and Ensley Craven to help him demonstrate how chemicals are used to separate the fibers in tree pulp during the paper making process.

Montgomery Parents I November 2017

In addition to McDevitt and Dr. Josephson, several co-op students from various universities shared their experiences, intended majors, and aspects of choosing to participate in co-op programs as students. Uniquely, those working at the paper mill could gain experience in the fields of mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering. All of the co-op students emphasized the value of working as teams to problem solve, develop new ideas, or design more efficient processes at the mill. After dinner, International Paper engineer Trinity Alumna (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;08) Madison Davis Richardson led the group through a detailed tour of the paper making process within the mill. Two huge machines

with an assembly of conveyor belts moved the wet pulp through compression and drying processes to eventually create giant rolls of paper. The paper is then tested and processed for shipping. Trinity students interested in engineering as a career received much guidance and direction by attending the dinner and presentation. Special thanks to Mrs. Richardson, Mr. McDevitt, and Dr. Josephson for personally hosting the event.

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Saint James Senior Earns High Honor

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Montgomery Academy 2017 Homecoming Court

Austyn Barnes who was crowned the 2017 Homecoming Queen at Montgomery Academy. The court included, from left: McRae Freeman (9th Grade), Jane Yelverton (10th Grade), Tara Katz (11th Grade), Sydney Kohn (12th Grade), Karrington McTier (12th Grade), Dora Eskridge (2016 Queen), Austyn Barnes (12th Grade and 2017 Queen), Margaret Leonard (12th Grade), Lucy Chapman (11th Grade), Susannah Blount (10th Grade), Ann Cobern Chapman (9th Grade). and Kindergarten Buddies: Walker Main, Spencer Green, Davis Ann Fitzpatrick and Margaret Flowers.

Saint James School senior Edward Kim received National Merit Commended Student recognition this fall. Approximately 1.6 million high school students take the PSAT each year; of those, approximately 50,000 (just over 3%) are named National Merit Semifinalists or Commended Scholars. Of those 50,000 high scorers, approximately 34,000 are named Commended Students and approximately 16,000 are named Semifinalists. Currently, Kim is headed toward a technology major in college. NYU is his first choice. He developed an interest for computer sciences after taking various 21st technology, networking and programming courses at Saint James.

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Macon East Celebrates Homecoming 2017 “Home Sweet Homecoming” was the theme of this year’s Homecoming week at Macon East Academy, September 18-22. The SGA sponsored events each night including a boys’ volleyball tournament and the Jr./Sr. powder puff football game. Each school day students dressed up for theme days such as home for the holidays, homerun day and spirit day. The week was full of fun and excitement and culminated on Friday with a schoolwide tailgate party, parade and crowning of the 2017 Homecoming queen. The Knights hosted the Wildcats of Springwood for the big game and easily defeated them 34-7. At halftime the Homecoming attendants were escorted onto the football field by their fathers/escorts and Madison McKee was crowned as queen. 2017 attendants were Hannah Kate Hodges (7th),

Ali Churchwell (8th), Mary Hunter Wright (9th), Kayla Boroff, Spencer Lindemood (10th), Annslie Gourlay, Ellie Kate Wilkerson, Anne Auston Wright (11th), Katie Jo Dickey, Jaycee Cook-McCollum, Madison McKee and Taylor Watkins (12th).

Following Friday’s win, upper school students celebrated on Saturday night at the Homecoming Masquerade dance. Many thanks to the Student Government Association and President Katie Jo Dickey on all the hard work put into a successful 2017 Homecoming.

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Montgomery Academy Lower School Selected to Participate in AMEA Festival

Twenty-three Montgomery Academy Lower School students were selected to participate in the Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA) Festival in Birmingham. Young singers from around the state spent the day studying under a clinician and then performed an impressive concert at the end of the day. MA’s own Mr. Huckabee coordinates this festival for AMEA; The Montgomery Academy is always well-represented, and this year was no exception! 4th-grade particpants included: Viplove Sharma, Bruno Krznaric, Konrad Krznaric, Sullivan Murphy, Josephine Foshee, Ella Renegar, Marlin Hardwich, Sailor Vance, Kirsten Thomas and Austin Shin. 5th-grade: Sonja Krznaric, Bailey Bowen, Graham Martin, Rhys Chou, Anderson Long, Amelia Hughes, Elle McBride, Jocelyn Gleason, Mary Elizabeth Cole, Gabby Barrera, Emma Hernandez, Claire Poundstone and Sophia Cho.

McKee Pre-K Garden Committee Helps Plants, Young Minds Grow

McKee Pre-K Center has been planting seeds for future generations for a while now, but now the school is planting literal seeds as well. The Parent Garden Committee is making sure the garden will help pre-K students develop age-appropriate language and literacy skills as they increase their capacity for learning through hands-on experiences in the garden. The committee is made up of parent volunteers, Montgomery County Board of Education President Robert Porterfield, and Quintlon ‘Shun’ Ross, AEA’s Uniserv director for District 21. They are not only teaching pre-K students how to plant fruits and vegetables, they are also providing encouragement and confidencebuilding moments that are instrumental for social and emotional development. 43

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fantastic fall in Pike Road Schools! October saw the end of our first nine week grading period, which included a day for parent teacher conferences at both Pike Road Elementary School and Historic School. Our educators are building effective school-home partnerships to ensure great communication between teachers and parents so that every student is successful in school and in life. Students have been showing their success in many ways. The BEST Robotics team has been competing with other high schools and doing extremely well. Our PRES students hosted a visit from Alabama Agriculture Commissioner John MacMillan and displayed their vegetable garden, their butterfly garden, and their honeybee hives. Commissioner MacMillan had in-depth discussions with numerous Pike Road students about the intricacies of their work and studies in these areas.

Montgomery Parents I November 2017

During October our fall sports season also drew to a close. Pike Road junior varsity football team and middle school football team both went undefeated. The Pike Road junior varsity volleyball team went 10-2 and the middle school volleyball team was also very successful. The Pike Road boys and girls cross country teams had many runners achieve personal records. All our sports teams are looking forward to next fall when we begin competing in varsity sports. Pike Road Schools celebrated its first homecoming with a dance, crowning a queen and king, and defeating Marbury in a football game. The nominees for homecoming queen and king identified charities they wanted to support and then raised funds to donate, with the highest fundraisers earning the crowns. Pike Road students raised over $5,000 for charity through this effort. The last week of October brought our official ribbon cutting for the Pike Road Historic School as we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Town of Pike Road and the 100th anniversary of the building of Pike Road Historic School. Many Pike Road alumni and community members joined with the Pike Road School family to commemorate these events.

November brings the beginning of winter sports, namely boys and girls basketball, wrestling, and cheerleading. We look forward to seeing our athletes continue to grow and exhibit the character and leadership skills that will serve them well in the future. November also brings a portion of the school year that can easily be overlooked. The second nine week grading period is a time to really dig into the educational experience and work to improve! Sometimes between Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas it can be easy to focus on all the fun festivities and let some of the academics fall off. Let me encourage students and parents to press on and work hard. It will pay off as we move into the second half of the academic year! Have a great Thanksgiving and Go Patriots! 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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Trinity is Montgomery’s foremost educational institution, binding academic excellence with Christian values. Providing a challenging college-preparatory education, Trinity offers a rigorous academic program, committed educators, outstanding athletics, and a nurturing family environment. Our extraordinary educators at Trinity strike the perfect balance as they encourage students to strive for excellence, while emphasizing Christ-like character above all else. “The Trinity Experience” produces leaders who possess mental, physical and spiritual strength. If you have questions or need 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. Trinity admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origins to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Trinity does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origins in any of the educational policies, scholarship programs and athletics, and other school-administered programs.

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Georgia Washington Jr. High Joining Pike Road System

Georgia Washington School located just north of the Pike Road Town Hall will soon join the Pike Road School (PRS) system. The Georgia Washington campus gives PRS the immediate capacity to provide classrooms for more than 600 students. Students will benefit from the school system’s ability to offer enhanced academic, artistic and athletic programs. The Georgia Washington campus provides the opportunity for expanded curriculum options and the space necessary to continue to excel. This $11.25 million dollar investment, including the current Georgia Washington school and 23 acres, provides a muchneeded campus in the Mt. Meigs and Merry communities, strategically distributing educational investments. Along with creating opportunities for PRS students, the agreement also ensures that the dedicated employees serving at Georgia Washington and the Montgomery Public Schools students currently attending classes at the campus will have their needs met without interruption, seamlessly transitioning to other facilities within MPS. Understanding and preserving the history of the Georgia Washington School is a crucial part of this transition. The Town of Pike Road and the Pike Road Schools system will honor the contributions of Georgia Washington, who knew that to invest in the youth of a community is to invest in its future. From the first schoolhouse to the Peoples Village School, to the current Georgia Washington Junior High School, generations of students have been educated and encouraged.

Agriculture Commissioner Visits Pike Road Elementary

Alabama Dept. of Agriculture & Industries Commissioner John McMillan visited Pike Road Elementary School to see its outdoor learning spaces, built with a Specialty Crop Grant from the Department. So far, PRS lead learners and learners have used the grant money to build vegetable and herb gardens, raise honey bees, create a butterfly garden and more. PRES learners showed Commissioner McMillan their compost beds.

Farm City Festival Brings Agriculture to Life

PRS Football Players, Cheerleaders Visit Troy University

Send Your school news to: editor@ montgomeryparents.com. Montgomery Parents I November 2017

On Oct. 16, the Farm City Festival returned to the “Flying B” Bartlett Ranch in Pike Road. Farm City provided fun learning opportunities for children who may not be exposed to agriculture in their everyday lives. This annual festival, spearheaded by the Montgomery County Farmers Federation, is an educational celebration of the agricultural commodities produced in Alabama. This photo from the Montgomery Advertiser shows Jieun An, 6, holding out a snake for her brother, Jihun An, 4.

On Oct. 11, Pike Road School football players and cheerleaders had the opportunity to attend the Troy University v. South Alabama football game. While on campus, learners visited the Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park and International Arts Center. Thank you to Chancellor Jack Hawkins and our friends at Troy University for working with a foundation to offer this experience to our football team and cheerleaders. 46

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Pike Road Schools’ First Homecoming

In the Town of Pike Road, generations joined together as the Pike Road Schools Patriots celebrated their first Homecoming. After a week of school spirit-boosting events, the Pike Road Schools’ first-ever Homecoming court was announced at a pep rally. Alumni of the original Pike Road School joined Pike Road Schools students, fans and Homecoming hopefuls at the 6 p.m. Homecoming game against Marbury Oct. 9 at Faulkner University. At halftime, the Homecoming king Travis Cloud and queen Chyna Patterson were crowned by Principal Sikes and Charlene Rabren, who was crowned Miss Pike Road in 1970, shortly before the original school closed. In addition to being Miss Pike Road, Rabren was also the Town of Pike Road’s first clerk, and her husband, Wayne, was the Town’s first mayor. When the football game resumed, Pike Road won 47-12! “It is incredible to see the ways the Pike Road Schools System has brought our community together,” said Mayor Gordon Stone. “We are honored by this opportunity to celebrate the rich history of our community while creating new traditions in our schools.” To be considered for a position on the Homecoming court, hopefuls were asked to fundraise for nonprofits close to their hearts. Students raised more than $5,200 for organizations such as the Montgomery Area Food Bank, the Humane Society, Common Ground and more. From left are Charlene Rabren, Travis Cloud, Chyna Patterson and Principal Sikes. 47

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November is a wonderful month! It encourages me to reflect on all the things I have in my life to be thankful for. One of the things I am very thankful for is the opportunity the people of Autauga County have given me to serve as their superintendent of education. Every day I strive to make the educational experience better for our children. As we prepare to celebrate Veteran’s Day, I would like to take a moment to remember those who gave their lives in service to our country and thank those who continue to serve today. Our military men and women (past and present) change lives and impact all of us. Please take a moment

to express your gratitude to true American heroes, and remember that our schools will be closed November 10th in their honor. We had big news from Prattville High School recently. Nathan Gillespie and Britton Webster received certificates of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). This Commendation places them in the top 3% of students taking the Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. This is an outstanding accomplishment! As volleyball season comes to a close, I would like to recognize our coaches and players. Autaugaville School’s volleyball team ended the season 5-4 and placing second in their division with a 3-1 record. Great season, coaches Gwen Todd and Miriam Hill and players. Billingsley School’s varsity volleyball team finished 6-10 and the junior varsity team finished 4-11. The junior high team finished 4-5. Great season, coaches Kim Zaner and Nathan Thompson and players. Marbury Middle School’s vol-

leyball team finished 6-2. Great season, coach Juzil Rudolph and players. Marbury High School’s varsity volleyball team finished 11-2. Great season, coaches Kelly Sanders and Kendall Teel and players. Prattville Junior High School’s volleyball team finished 19-3. Great season, coaches Claire Nikrant and Kayla White and players. Prattville High School’s varsity volleyball team finished 18-13. Great season, coaches Neysa Hernandez and Jacquelyn Wynn and players. Remember, schools will be closed November 20th-24th for Thanksgiving. I hope everyone has a nice holiday with family and friends. We truly have so much to be thankful for in 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

PJHS Lab Cats

Prattville Junior High School is in need of a dedicated science lab space for students to perform experiments for life science and physical science. Through fundraising and grants, we are building the lab space one project at a time. This group of Cats worked hard to assemble the science lab tables. Another group of Cats is launching a publicity campaign to help us spread the word. Thank you to our teachers and students who are working so hard to raise the funds for supplies and equipment that will last for years to come.

Marbury High Holds Honor Club Inductions

Safety Town at Prattville Kindergarten School

On September 28 and 29, Prattville Kindergarten students concluded a community unit with the Safety Town event. The community support was great. The PKS gym was transformed into a small town which included a hospital, grocery story, police department, library, fire station and veterinarian office. Students traveled around the community learning about community helpers and how to stay safe in their community. Thank you to Mrs. Sabrina Colburn, Publix Associates, Prattville Police, Prattville Librari-ans, Prattville Fire Firefighters, Autauga County Schools Transportation Department and Dr. Dee Jones for helping with this awesome event. After traveling around Safety Town, students went outside to see and learn about the bus, police cars and fire trucks.

On the morning of October 4, Marbury High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta and National Honor Society held a joint induction ceremony for their new members. This year 65 students were inducted to one, two, or all three honor organizations in front of their family and friends. The requirements to be invited to be a part of each club are as follows: Beta Club: Any 9-12 grade student who has maintained an overall B average. Mu Alpha Theta: Any student who has maintained an overall B average in math and is enrolled in advanced math classes. National Honor Society: Any student, grades 11-12 who has maintained an overall GPA of 3.7 or higher.

Autauga Academy Hurricane Cleanup

The Autauga Academy varsity football team opted out of its normal football practice one Monday afternoon. Coach Bobby Carr and his team chose to help their community and clean up from Hurricane Nate. Pictured is the team after cleaning downed trees and damaged homes along County Road 17 in Autaugaville.

Marbury SGA Cleans Up!

Thank you to Marbury High School SGA sponsor Jason Mattox and the SGA for sponsoring the School Clean-Up Day recently. It was a success. We hope to have more volunteers next time! Montgomery Parents I November 2017

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Marbury High School Holds Wrestling Show

On September 23, Marbury High School athletics department held a fundraiser that included the ring and the entertainment that go along with pro wrestling. In fact, Marbury head football coach Allen Brothers got in the ring and won against his pro-wrestling opponent. Thank you to Continental Championship Wrestling for coming out and showing the Marbury community some awesome entertainment!

Prattville Kindergarten Reads for the Record

On October 19, Prattville Kindergarten School students participated in Read for the Record. This is JumpStartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campaign to promote literacy in young children. We joined children across the country to help set a record for the most children reading the same childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book in the same day. This year the book was Quackers by Liz Wong, which went perfectly with our farm unit. We had lots of community members come as guest readers to read to our students.

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Autauga County Schools

PKS Students Learn About Community Service

During the month of September, Prattville Kindergarten School Students learned all about community. Students also learned about the importance of giving back through community service. This can mean giving time or resources. In effort to give back to the community, students, parents and teachers decided to help the local Prattville Autauga Humane Shelter. There were donations of dog and cat food, litter, pet toys, cleaning supplies, etc. The Humane Shelter was presented with these items on September 29. Donations are greatly needed and appreciated.

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Marbury Youth Leadership Autauga County Reps

Marbury High School had five representatives for the Youth Leadership Autauga County program this year. Back row are juniors Hunter Warr and Graydon Albritton; front row: juniors Diana Livingston, Morgan Thompson and Emilee Amason.

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PJHS Pep Rally Fun

At Prattville Junior High, City Councilor Robert Strichik (District 6) was the guest judge for our final pep rally of the year. The cheerleaders put on a spectacular dance routine and the majorettes showed off their twirling skills. The entire student body participated in a “pink out” for Breast Cancer Awareness. There was a spirit competition between the 7th and 8th grades. Students raised the room and the decibel meter was off the charts! In the end, the 8th-grade students edged out a win. Here are members of the football team with Mr. Strichik and the spirit trophy.

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MHS Homecoming Queen and Court

On October 6, Marbury High School held its Homecoming Game. The entire week prior was full of dress-up days and Homecoming festivities including an alumni luncheon. This year’s Homecoming queen is Jade Ingram, daughter of Terry and Tabatha Ingram. She was escorted by her father. Ingram plays softball for Firecrackers 2000 and recently won the USA ASA 16u “A” class National Championship in Normal, Illinois. She is also a member of First Priority, Be-ta, Mu Alpha Theta and Spanish Club. She plans to attend Auburn University of Montgomery where she has been offered a scholarship to play softball. While at AUM, she will pursue a degree in nursing with aspirations to become a nurse practitioner. This year’s MHS Homecoming Court from left are: junior representative Katrina Shorey, senior representative Madison Stettler, senior representative Janie McCord, 2017 MHS Homcoming Queen Jade Ingram, senior representative Madison Anderson, sophomore representative Anna Dennis and freshman representative Lachlan Agin.

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November means that fall is well underway, cooler weather has finally arrived, and we are over halfway through the first semester of the 2017-2018 school year. It also signals that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. As I reflect back to the beginning of the school year, there are many reasons to be thankful for the Elmore County Public School System, and I am privileged to have the opportunity to serve as your superintendent. First, I am thankful for the parents who send us their children daily, trusting that we will not only teach them, but care for and nurture them while they are with us. I am thankful for parents who are able to volunteer in classrooms, serve as chaperones on field trips, participate on committees, work in concession stands for sports events, and help with so many other activities. I am thankful for parents who offer a word of

encouragement to a teacher or other school staff member or send additional supplies to a classroom during the school year. I am truly thankful for parents who communicate their high expectations and the value of education to their children. Second, I am thankful for our students – all 11,000 of them! We have a diverse student population with 34 languages spoken by our English learners. Our students participate in a wide variety of sports and other extracurricular activities that help them grow personally as well as equip them with skills to be better students and future workers. Elmore County 2017 graduates earned a combined total of $11,950,000 in scholarships which is a testimony to their hard work and commitment to achieving their personal goals for academic excellence. I am continually amazed by the accomplishments of our students! Third, I am thankful for the spirit of community that is evident in all of our attendance areas. The support of local business, churches, and other organizations is a tremendous benefit to our schools.

Finally, I am thankful for our employees. Each and every employee of our school system plays an important role in fulfilling our purpose: Every Student Empowered – Every Student Succeeds. Space does not permit me to name every job held by our employees, but every single one contributes in some way to ensuring that we educate our children to the best of our ability in a clean, safe environment with sufficient resources. As the largest employer in Elmore County, I am thankful for talented, dedicated employees who do what they do for our students. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on those things for which we are thankful, and I am thankful for the parents, students, community partners, and employees of the Elmore County Public School System. Happy Thanksgiving!

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Richard Dennis is the Superintendent of Education for Elmore County Schools. He is a 1983 graduate of Holtville High School. He completed his undergraduate degree in English and History Education at The University of Alabama, his Master’s degree in English at Troy University and his Administrative Certification at AUM. 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

WES Welcomes Community Musicians

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Airport Road Holds Grandparents’ Day

The first Friday of every month, Wetumpka Elementary School welcomes musicians from the community to come and play to the children as they arrive for school. The halls are filled with music and laughter. What a wonderful way to begin a school day! A big thanks to all the community musicians who have come to share their many talents with our students. Pictured is Jack Jackson playing the 12-string acoustic guitar to a group of fourth-grade students.

Airport Road Intermediate School recognizes that grandparents hold a special place in the life of a child. On September 21, ARIS welcomed hundreds of grandparents to a special program in honor of them. All students participated. A gift and a breakfast snack were provided to grandparents as a token of appreciation. We would like to thank local businesses for their donations (Front Porch Grill) and The Holtville High Culinary Team for their gift of service.

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Redland Writing Assignment Allows Opportunity for Teacher Appreciation

Redland Elementary third-grade teacher Misty Trussell’s homeroom class had a special writing activity that gave the students an opportunity to write to someone in the school that means something special to them. Gavin Moss wrote a special letter of thanks to school librarian Sabrina Russell for all that she does to help him when he is in the library looking for books, Max and Sam Webb wrote a special letter of thanks to first-grade teacher Melanee Erwin for helping to prepare them for third grade, and Jaden Paschal showed thanks to Coach Jayson Hall for all that he does to make P.E. fun for him at school.

Western-Themed Book Fair at HES

The past Holtville Elementary School book fair was a huge success. The western theme included an opportunity for dads to come and browse the books available for purchase during “Dudes and Donuts.” Mothers also had the chance to come and purchase books during “Cider and Cowgirls.” The book fair was an excellent opportunity for parents to promote the love of reading with their children. A few moms are shown at the “Cider and Cowgirls” event. 55

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Elmore County Schools

Wetumpka Senior Chosen for State Advisory Council

Wetumpka High School senior Ashley Wilson was selected for the 2017-2018 State Superintendent Student Advisory Council. The Council is a group of 16 middle or secondary school students who discuss how decisions are made at the state level and affect students throughout Alabama. These students will directly provide student voice to the State Superintendent of Education on issues that affect them in our state.

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ARIS GATE Students Enjoy Visit from Australian Principal

Airport Road Intermediate School GATE students were so excited to welcome Principal Bowen from Australia. Principal Bowen shared information about her culture, school and life “Down Under.” The students were intrigued and enjoyed asking many questions about life in Australia.

Fire Department Visits Holtville Elementary

The Wetumpka Fire Department came out to educate Holtville Elementary’s secondgrade students for Fire Safety Week. The students were given safety tips and ways to prevent fires. Shown below is a group of students exploring the fire truck and its equipment.

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Eclectic Elementary Names Students Of the Month for September

Kindergarten: Mela Hall, Braylynn Clayton, Alice Buckley, Micah Lett, Shawn Compton and Arielle Kendrick; 1st Grade: Renyn Watkins, Brooks Moseley, Carson Lusco, Ja’Edlen Benson and Hunter Hines; 2nd Grade: Blaine Attaway, Beau Traylor, Lizzie Reese, Tripp Edwards and Madelyn Loften; 3rd Grade: Jayda Stepney, Brock Hragyil, Levi Creamer, Eden Carpenter, Tony Mask and Hunter Pugh; 4th Grade: Gage Tompkins, Cheyenne LoTempio, Raevyn Barris and Carlee Sides.

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Redland Third-Graders Perform ‘Battle of the Brains’

Redland Elementary third-grade students in Misty Trussell and Holly Lubinsky’s classes performed their first reading class play production called “Battle of the Brains” for family members and other classes at school. The students rehearsed from August through the beginning of October with Mrs. Trussell, family members and their classmates to prepare. Performing the play helped the students with confidence and stage presence.

ECTC Visits Trenholm State

Juniors and seniors from the Elmore County Technical Center attended Manufacturing Day at Trenholm State Community College on October 4 and toured the campus, learning more about career opportunities and training in welding, HVAC+R, machine tool technology, electrical and automotive manufacturing. The 15 students pictured are a part of the ECTC welding program.

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Elmore County Schools

Elmore County Homeschoolers Experience Colonial America

Bulldog Bistro Serves at ARIS Grandparents Day

Again this year, Holtville High Culinary Arts students served breakfast at the annual Grandparents Day celebration at Airport Road Intermediate School. The “Bulldog Bistro” is comprised of second- and third-year students in the program, led by instructor Theresa Long, who serve the community at catering jobs throughout the year and are open to the public to contract for events.

Native Americans, British Redcoats, Colonial Minutemen, pioneers and pirates set aside their differences to enjoy the “America Discovered” Feast at Academy Days Homeschool Co-op recently. Shown are the male and female costume contest winners from each history class. During the feast, the homeschoolers and their parents sampled a wide assortment of dishes featuring ingredients native in America, such as turkey, tomatoes, corn, pumpkin, peas and chocolate. As they enjoyed their meal, they were entertained with Early American songs played on the violin, dulcimer and other period instruments. The Academy Days Co-op, held weekly during the school year at Coosada Baptist Church, is designed for preschool through high school students to learn subjects difficult to teach at home or best taught in group settings. Visit www.AcademyDays.com for more information.

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State Senator Chambliss Visits and Donates to ARIS

Airport Road Intermediate School received a generous donation from State Senator Clyde Chambliss. Our school appreciates when government leaders and stakeholders take time out of their busy schedules to observe the great things that are happening at ARIS.

Wetumpka Schools Honor Special Teachers

Wetumpka Elementary named Karen Shepherd its 2017-2018 Teacher of the Year. She is shown above with WES Principal Bonnie Sullivan and Assistant Principal Minnie Pringle. Wetumpka High School named Adriane Duvall its September Teacher of the Month. She is shown with WHS Principal Robbie Slater.

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TheCollegeYears Preparing Teens for Life Outside the Nest

by Lee Gonet

How Important Are Extra Curricular Activities Towards

Earning Institutional Scholarships? Unless a student has high ACT/SAT scores and a strong GPA, not very much. First of all, what is an institutional scholarship? One that is awarded by the college itself rather than by outside benefactors, and colleges offer the largest awards. College admissions officers receive thousands of applications each year, and their first step is to pare down the list. Even though everyone says scores should not reflect what a student can accomplish, most schools still rely on these tests and grades to simplify the admission decision. After all, national school rankings are based in part by their students’ ACT/SAT scores—the highest ranked schools have entering freshmen with high scores. Once in the door, students who have applied for both merit-based and needbased scholarships and grants will have a hearing, but again grades are reviewed first. In fact, most large schools today don’t even have separate applications for the many awards they offer. Only after the financial aid office reviews the general application do student applications receive attention from individual departments. Only then do your child’s abilities receive an opportunity to shine. If you think this practice is unfair, remember that grades and test scores do reflect self-discipline, necessary skill sets, critical thinking, and possible success in academic settings. Schools use scholarships not to help the needy, but to recruit desirable students. Students who Montgomery Parents I November 2017

will make the school look good. Students who will lead other students to do well. Students who will set a high standard of integrity on the campus. Students who may become famous alum and one day bring glory to the school. If your children struggle academically in high school, they will surely be overwhelmed in college. Therefore if your children’s grades are suffering because of too many additional commitments, you must reevaluate their schedules and help them make wise decisions. Once academic success and rising test scores are achieved, you can consider extra-curricular activities. These ventures fall into two categories: fun stress relief and developing talent. One can lead to the other, but the second category is the one that wins the bucks.

Fun Stress Relief These are interests that your children love and enjoy. Endeavors in which they may excel, but don’t become anxious. In fact, these types of pursuits are often tension relievers because children can relax and don’t have to perform. Not for a grade. Not for approval. Not to win. Just to have fun. This process is important in our high-pressure society. Activities may include sports, art, volunteering, writing, part-time jobs, clubs, travel, music, reading, church work, gymnastics, martial arts, cooking, swimming, theater… Obviously, the list is endless. These occupations should be ones your child enjoys, not ones that are forced. After all, the point is to de-stress not add to their difficulties! 60

Developing Talent All of the above ventures can move into the scholarship-earning category depending on a few key points. No, one of the factors does not include taking the fun away. However, developing talent in a given area can be challenging and difficult at times. Colleges are looking for students who relish the opportunity to improve and apply themselves to the task. For many children, this process looks like work, and as a parent, you will have difficulty changing this perspective. To award money, a college will consider quality over quantity of activities, depth of ability over uniqueness, and civic service over self-fulfillment. Many desirable skills which develop through personal growth are the same regardless of activity: leadership, service, recognition, self-confidence, comradery, time-management, responsibility, advancement, etc. Being an excellent musician, ball player, dancer, student, or artist might get them into the school, but it’s not enough to earn financial rewards in the form of scholarships. Colleges want to know what they have done with their talent in the service of others and their communities. Why? Because their choices demonstrate what type of student they will be on a college campus. Scholarship committees want to know if prospective students can handle the academic load AND play ball, join clubs, lead groups, or enter competitions. Next month, I will outline techniques to win privately-sponsored scholarships, where your child’s uniqueness does pay off!

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.

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Education always takes a student somewhere; the real question is "where?" What is truth? What is good? What is beautiful? What does it mean to be human? What is the purpose of life? These are questions addressed at Eastwood Christian School and the answers given are drawn from historical Christianity. The Bible is our only rule of faith and practice. Eastwood students are equipped with academic skills and critical-thinking ability which are joined by biblical character. This is why an Eastwood graduate is able to navigate through the tumultuous waters of modern society.

Explore Eastwood and discover the difference. + 1701 E. Trinity Blvd. + Montomgery, AL 36116 + 334.272.8195 + www.eastwoodschool.org Our Headmaster invites you to 61set an appointment with him. www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Getting the Ball Rolling

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

The familiar sphere is a perfect shape constantly reflected in nature. Our hands are naturally designed for grasping round objects and kids instinctively make the best use of this partnership. Depending on their material and design, balls can bounce, loft, and roll with a versatility that makes them the centerpiece of most major sports. With multiple opportunities throughout their lives to handle a ball, the field is wide open for ways children can engage with this marvelous shape. The following items celebrate the round wonder in ways that help little ones get the ball rolling.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Laugh & Learn Singing Soccer Ball

Playhut Game Center

Round, plush and reactive, the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Singing Soccer Ball offers a range of function and activities that keep little ones rolling forward developmentally. With audio prompts to guide the way, the ball encourages babies to crawl, roll and follow as they nudge the ball along. In addition to teaching numbers and colors, this toy also introduces beginning sportsmanship with the concept of taking turns. Easy to grasp (with mutable sound function), this ball is also washable once the electronics are removed. Introducing the basics of ball momentum, the Laugh & Learn Singing Soccer Ball is the ultimate engagement for toddlers ready to have a ball.

Sized for the kindergarten and pre-school set, this game center features a variety of play options including basketball hoops and skee-ball. But the real beauty of this itemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design is the clever ball return which keeps the game rolling without the distraction of tracking down errant balls. Playhutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patented twist-and-fold technology ensures easy pop-up assembly and portability, making it ideal for parties, playdates and other group gatherings as kids take turns playing through the versatile challenges on offer. Part exercise, part arcade and all active play, the Playhut Game Center rounds up the top score for entertaining ball games.

Kidoozie Six Pin Bowling Set

Little Tikes Easy Score Soccer

With its simple goals and guidelines bowling seems ready-made for little ones who like to roll balls. But slippery lanes and heavy balls can preclude the youngest children from trying out this sport. Enter the Kidoozie Bowling Set with its six brightly colored pins and foam ball, all cleverly portable in a clear plasic carry-all that mimics the shape of a real bowling bag. Crafted with soft foam thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weighted on the bottom, soft strikes are in the cards as caregivers are spared the crash and bang associated with standard bowling. Perfect for cultivating hand-eye coordination and gross motor development, this bowling set serves as an entertaining solo play outlet and a fun game for groups of children. Get ready for solid strikes when this engaging game gets on a roll!

Before they age up into team soccer play, the Little Tikes Easy Score Soccer set is an excellent primer for kids who want to work on their aim unobstructed. Ideal for building strength, developing large muscle coordination, and teaching basic aim this goal-oriented set offers constant reward. Lightweight, portable and adjustable for height, this goal is a quick set up for kids ready to start kicking the ball around. The inflatable ball comes with a pump so not a minute of soccer training will be lost. For the youngest kickers, the Little Tikes Easy Score Soccer is the first choice to help them reach their World Cup goal, every time.

(Playhut)

(Fisher-Price)

(Kidoozie)

(Little Tikes)

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

Montgomery Parents I November 2017

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We love to see you smile when you celebrate the holidays! #smilesfromus #livelifesmiling

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2600 Bell Road • Montgomery, Alabama • 334.277.6690 460 McQueen Smith Road • Prattville, Alabama • 334.358.6411 www. SmilesFromUs.com Dr. John H. Payne IV • Dr. J. David Stanley • Dr. R. Davis Denney • Dr. Robert H. Owen

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As Thanksgiving approaches it is nice to reflect on and appreciate our blessings. In our family, each member writes down something they are thankful for on Thanksgiving Day and we read them aloud at Thanksgiving dinner. This is a fun exercise that teaches our children to show gratitude for things otherwise taken for granted. We enjoy that daily pause to remember what we are grateful for; but, what about every other day of the year? How do we teach our kids to be grateful all year long? Montgomery Parents I November 2017

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Model gratefulness

The easiest and most effective way to start teaching your children gratitude is to model it yourself. Let your children hear you talk about the things you are thankful for. “I am so grateful for this beautiful day today so that we can go to the park,” or “I am so thankful for a great job to pay for our home and our food.” You can also do as we have on Thanksgiving Day and go around the table at dinner and name something you are thankful for any night of the year. When kids acknowledge the blessings they have in their lives, they will begin to take note and appreciate them.

Serve as a family

Families who do service projects together tend to be families who appreciate what they have more. When children see that some are less fortunate, they will develop a desire to help others and make a difference. Not only do they become more aware of others and the blessings in their own lives, but they are more likely to give of their time and treasures for a lifetime.

Teach them to say thank you

From a young age, teach children to say thank you. Encourage kids to say thank you for any acts of service or gifts. Even toddlers can be taught to sign “Thank you”. Writing thank you notes is

a great way to provide kids the opportunity to thank someone for the gifts they receive and the time it took to purchase them. Encourage a “It’s the thought that counts” policy and explain that it isn’t the actual gift itself but the thought behind the purchase that we are grateful for.

Take care of property

Teach kids the value of their property by showing them the importance of caring for their belongings. Clothes cost money so they should not be on the floor in piles. Toys cost money so if one is broken due to misuse, do not rush to replace it.

Say no

It isn’t healthy to say yes to every request your child has. An answer of “no” or “not right now” teaches children both the value of delayed gratification and encourages gratefulness for occasional treats. If a child is allowed to purchase a toy every time he visits the store, this will become expected. If the toy is purchased as a special reward or with their own money, the child will appreciate it much more.

Teach them the cost of things

Parents know everything costs money and it adds up fast. Allow your child to come along to the grocery store and have them help you find the best deal on food

they would like to purchase, or allow them to bring their own allowance and purchase something they would like. Point out how much it costs when you go out to eat as a family or make a large purchase of groceries or other items the family needs. Take care to avoid blaming or anger when discussing the cost of items and use the opportunity to teach. When children understand the true cost of items, they are more likely to appreciate the purchase in the first place.

Give them chores

When children have chores and responsibilities to their family, they begin to understand how much work goes into cleaning, yard work, or other household tasks. Some families may choose to give an allowance for tasks completed which can help kids learn to budget and understand the value of hard work, and in turn, develop gratitude for the work that others do. The main thing to remember as you encourage gratefulness in children is to model the behavior. Thank them for their hard work, acknowledge and thank others for their acts of service, help kids understand the value of items, and give them responsibilities that teach them hard work. We don’t have to eat turkey every day to be thankful for the blessings that surround us all year. mp Sarah Lyons is a wife and stay at home mom of six children, including two year old triplets. She writes from her home in Kansas City.

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Tech Gifts -- For People Who Truly Need Them These days gift-giving holidays are all about gadgets—cellphones, educational toys and smart devices for the home. Families lucky enough to take technology for granted have a big advantage. Not only do they have the fun of giving the latest techno-gizmos, they are also more comfortable figuring out how things work, navigating virtual spaces and doing the inevitable problem-solving. Since technology plays such a big part in education as well as adulthood, it would be great if everyone had easy, early access. Instead, we face what’s often been called a digital divide. Families that don’t have ready access to technology often fall behind, creating a bigger gap between haves and have nots. During the holidays, when people who have more look for opportunities to share with people who have less, it’s worth thinking beyond warm mittens and turkey dinners. Consider participating in one of these efforts to make the digital divide less of a chasm.

1. Donate money. The simplest way to get technology into the hands of kids who wouldn’t otherwise have it is to donate to wellrun organizations. • One Laptop Per Child has an ambitious goal—get a rugged, connected low-cost computer into the hands of every child in the world. The laptops weigh less than a lunchbox and come equipped with simple software that allows children to read, write, record, measure and make music. With partners around the world and in low-income regions of the US, they have already distributed over 2.5 million computers. (one.laptop.org) • The Rural Technology Fund was founded by a tech executive who had limited access to computers when he was growing up in rural Kentucky. His organization helps out-of-the-way schools get equipment and books that will ignite a “spark” for studying electronics, programming Montgomery Parents I November 2017

or engineering. The organization also gives scholarships to students from rural communities who hope to pursue careers in technology. (ruraltechfund.org)

2. Adopt a classroom. Public schools

are another way to give kids access to technology. Teachers usually know what would make a difference in their classrooms, and playing Santa can be very rewarding. • Your local school district. Find out if teachers at your child’s school have technology on their wishlists. Or make a gift to your local school foundation. If your district is affluent, consider reaching out to a school in a community that has more challenges. • Donors Choose is one of several websites that give teachers a chance to explain how they would use specific pieces of equipment. The site makes it possible to search by location or curriculum. In many cases, a relatively modest donation will put current technology in the hands of teachers eager to use it with their students. (donorschoose.org)

3. Donate Equipment. If family members get tech gifts during the holidays, you may have used equipment to donate. Or share the joy by giving another child a game your child loves. • The Non-Profit Locator helps donors identify local organizations that might need equipment they aren’t using anymore. Enter a zip code to get a list of local agencies and detailed information about the kinds of equipment they could use. (www.donatetechnology.com) • Child’s Play gets video games to children’s hospitals and shelters for kids who have experienced domestic violence. A map on their website shows the organizations in their network. Each group has an Amazon wishlist 66

which usually features popular video games and systems. The website also includes a helpful guide to “therapeutic games” that help children cope with pain, boredom and anxiety. (childsplaycharity.org)

4. Volunteer. The holidays are also an excellent time to make resolutions about doing good in the new year. Regardless of whether you consider yourself a geek, there are ways to help children learn about technology. • Code.org hopes to make computer science a standard part of the curriculum just like biology or chemistry. The group provides lesson plans for grades K-12 and organizes an annual Hour of Code campaign which has reached 10% of all students in the world. They actively recruit volunteers to help with the Hour of Code and equip them with a helpful toolkit. (code.org/ volunteer/guide.) • Community Corp identifies volunteer opportunities for people who have more technical expertise. Their search engine allows you to find virtual or in-person projects in a variety of areas (communitycorps.org)

5. Set up passive donations. Perhaps the easiest way to support these (and other) charities is registering with a site that makes a microdonation every time you do something simple like searching or shopping online. • Goodsearch is an ordinary search engine powered by Yahoo that makes a tiny donation to a chosen charity each time you search. For families that do a lot of research, the numbers add up. Their sister site, GoodShop, makes it easy to donate a fraction of every of every online purchase to good causes. • Giving Assistant is a coupon marketplace that offers discounts from big retailers like Best Buy, Kohl’s and Bed Bath and Beyond. A percentage of what you save goes to the charity you designate. Whatever you decide to do, involve your kids as much as possible. Encouraging them to imagine life without their beloved devices may very well be the gateway to a lifelong habit of empathy and generosity. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing the Growing Up Online column for ten year. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart. Available at Amazon and Cooperative Wisdom.org. @ Copyright, 2017, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to gather â&#x20AC;&#x201C; up until dinner is over, that is. When their bellies are full, the men retire to watch football, the kids scatter to empty rooms and the women are often left with kitchen duty. Avoid the after dinner segregation and keep them together with these Thanksgiving games and activities. Montgomery Parents I November 2017

www.montgomeryparents.com

Leaf Blower: Split the group into two teams. Each team needs to blow a leaf from Point A to Point B using a straw in a relay race style. The next player will blow it back from Point B to Point A until everyone has had a turn. First team to finish wins.

I Was So Hungry:

This memory game is a fun way to get the party laughing. The players sit at the table or in a circle. The first player starts, “I was so hungry that I ate a juicy drumstick for Thanksgiving.” The next person adds something like, “I was so hungry that I ate a juicy drumstick and a mound of mash potatoes for Thanksgiving.” Keep repeating and adding until the whole party is stuffed.

Stuffed Turkey: Wrap a piece of candy in brown box tape. Continue to wrap the tape in a ball, adding additional pieces of candy as you go. The size of the ball will depend on how many players and how much candy you have.

(This is a great way to use up the rest of your Halloween candy.) To play, place the ball in the center of the table. Using a pair of dice, each player takes a turn rolling for doubles. If you get doubles, you can start unwrapping the ball to get candy for as long as it takes the next player to get doubles. The ball is then passed to that player and so on until the ball is completely unwrapped.

construction paper or foam sheets. Don’t forget your camera!

Pass the Cranberries: Using a turkey baster, pick up a cranberry and bring it to a bowl on the other side of the room. The first team to pass all their cranberries from one bowl to the other is the winner.

Fill Your Plate: This is a two part Toss & Tell: All players sit in a circle. game. Use free printables of ThanksgivStart by tossing a small turkey stuffed animal or small football to a player and ask a question like, “Who do you think will make it to the Super Bowl this year?” or “What is your favorite memory from elementary school?” This multigenerational game will be a hit!

Dress the Turkey:

Select a volunteer from the family to be the turkey. Using brown crepe paper streamers, wrap up the turkey until he is covered. Decorate the turkey with a yellow beak, feet and colorful feathers made from

ing meal items – drumstick, cranberries, potatoes, stuffing, corn and pie. Have the kids color and cut out their dinner items. When everything is colored, pass out a paper plate to each player. The game is a spin off of the Cootie game, but instead of building a bug, we are filling our plate. Assign each meal item with a number and each time a player rolls the die, he gets to put that item on his plate. Whoever fills their plate first is the winner. mp Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three. It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving at her house without games! Follow her on Etsy at Pam’s Party Printables for more party and game ideas.

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Sto Old Alabama Town Holiday Open House

301 Columbus Street Montgomery, AL Join Old Alabama Town in December to celebrate the holiday season. Our house museums will be authentically decorated for the holidays. Early December.

features baked goods, canned goods and crafts from more than 20 artisans. Door prizes every hour. Tickets available at the door. Come taste foods prepared by members from our recipe cookbooks which will also be on sale.

(334)240.4500 www.oldalabamatown.com

Sheila Green (334) 567.3594

Pet Photos with Santa

Santa’s Magical Arrival on Ice

Montgomery, AL Saturdays + Sundays in December | Don’t forget your four-legged friends! Pets love Santa, too! Pet photos are available on Saturdays and Sundays in December and $5 for every pet photo will be donated to the Montgomery Humane Society. theshoppesateastchase.com

YMCA Goodtimes Holiday Childcare

2325 Mill Ridge Drive Montgomery, AL Program will run everyday except Thanksgiving Day or the day after. 7:00 a.m. thru 6 p.m. Cost per day; members $24 and non-members $29 (334) 279.8666

Holiday Gift Wrapping

Now through Christmas Eve Now through Christmas Eve | Save time and have our friends at the Montgomery Humane Society wrap your gifts this holiday season. Prices vary based on the packages size and all proceeds benefit the Montgomery Humane Society. For a list of times, visit theshoppesateastchase.com. Located next to Pet Smart in EastChase Plaza.

Charis Crafters 18th Annual Christmas Show “Home for the Holidays” and Tasting Fair

November 9-11 @ Wetumpka Civic Center 410 South Main Street Wetumpka, AL Thursday, November 9th from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Friday, November 10th from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and November 11th from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Annual show Montgomery Parents I November 2017

Christmas Craft Show

November 10-11 @ Gardendale Civic Center Gardendale AL Gardendale Civic Center hosts the Christmas Craft Show with over 60 booths. Only handmade, hand crafted items. Pictures with Santa too! (205)683.0354 www.northartscouncil.webs.com

“A Christmas Carol” at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival ad on page 43

November 10-December 24 1 Festival Drive Montgomery, AL A heartwarming must-see that will get you into the swing of the holiday season with Scrooge’s search for redemption and a spectacular, magical evening of ghosts, spirits, festivity, and goodwill. Under new direction this season, there are sure to be a few extra surprises in store for all who love Alabama’s favorite holiday tradition. “God bless us, every one!” www.asf.net

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Christmas Village Festival

www.christmasvillagefestival.com

November 10-December 24th @ Eastdale Mall 1000 Eastdale Mall Montgomery, AL Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday’s, 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. Come have your photo made with Santa on the big green sleigh! Packages and Digital Files are available to purchase!

November 10 @ Eastdale Mall 1000 Eastdale Mall Montgomery, AL 5p.m. - 7 p.m. Santa Claus will arrive in his magical sleigh during a spectacular ice show at the Eastdale Mall Ice Palace. Ice Palace skaters will perform whimsical vignettes featuring traditional Holiday tunes that will delight children of all ages. The Eastdale Express will be up and running, so make sure and catch a ride!

theshoppesateastchase.com

November 1-5 @ Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham AL Wednesday-Saturday 10:00am- 8:00pm; Sunday, noon until 5:00pm. The largest indoor arts, crafts, and gifts show in the south, this show draws exhibitors from over 30 states with products like clothing, jewelry, food, decorations and much, much more.

Photos with Santa

Alabama Dance Theater presents “Mistletoe” ad on page 83

November 10th -12th @ The Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts 251 Montgomery Street Montgomery, AL The Alabama Dance Theatre will open its 31st season with Montgomery’s holiday production of “MISTLETOE” which will be performed on November 10th -12th at The Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. Over 90 dancers and artists will participate in this year’s elaborate production which features “Favorite Dances of Christmas” an audience favorite and “Kingdom of the Sweets” from The Nutcracker. Performances are Friday, November 10th at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, November 11th at 2:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 12th at 2:30 p.m. at The Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. Tickets go on sale Monday, Oct. 2 and range in price from $15 to $30. All tickets are discounted. Tickets are $15.00 for children 12 and under. Reserved and general admission tickets are available by visiting www. alabamadancetheatre.com. For more information call 334-625-2800. ** The Alabama Dance Theatre along with Troy University of Montgomery will host a special free performances in honor of our Military on Thursday, November 9th at 7:00 p.m. at the Davis Theatre. The performance is open to all active duty, retirees, reserve and national guard military personnel and their families who present a valid government military ID card at the door. Tickets are available at the door the night of the performance and at Maxwell/Gunter ITT. **ADT will

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also host a special school performance on Thursday, November 10 at 10:00 AM at the Davis Theatre. Tickets prices are $7 per student. Reservations required. 334-625-2590

River Center for Performing Arts Presents: Elf

November 11 @ River Center for Performing Arts 900 Broadway Columbus, GA 7:30pm. ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. Buddy is raised unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list and his step-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. www.rivercenter.org

Stone Mountain Christmas

November 11-January 3 @ Stone Mountain Park 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd. Stone Mountain, GA There is nothing like the Christmas season that magically transforms Stone Mountain Park into a land of enchantment. Within the glow of more than two million twinkling lights, you can watch live entertainment, engage in fun attractions and reconnect with friends and family during this special time of year. Make a Stone Mountain Christmas a part of your holiday tradition. Events include Wonderland Walkway, Snow Angel Castle, Holly Jolly Cabaret, The Polar Express 4D Experience, Snow Angel Fireworks and Snowfall Celebration, Sleigh Ride, Simply Christmas, Christmas Parade, Visit with Santa Claus, storytelling and live shows, great food and holiday shopping!

shows enticing passers-by to stop, reflect and enjoy. Sunday, November 11, the annual March of Dimes Walk – one night each year is reserved for walkers only to hike the winter wonderland of Fantasy In Lights. No vehicles allowed!

North Pole Express Train Rides

November 17-19, 24-26, December 1-3, 8-10 and 15-16 @ Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Calera, AL Fridays, Nov. 17, 24, December 1, 8 and 15 Saturdays, Nov. 18, 25, December 2, 9, and 16 Sundays, Nov. 19, 26, and Dec. 3 and 10 Please visit our website www.hodrrm.org for times. “All Aboard” says the conductor, and your journey begins. Through the dark night, the magical train speeds to the top of the world! Upon arrival at the brilliantly decorated North Pole, Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves board the train to visit with everyone, so be sure to bring your camera! You’ll enjoy chocolate milk and cookies and sing Christmas carols along with the live musician, Mr. Jim. Listen to a special Christmas story and receive a Christmas gift. 1(800)943.4490 www.hodrrm.org

Candlelight Harpischord Chamber Concert at Christchurch

November 17th @ Christchurch 8800 Vaughn Rd. Montgomery, AL 6:30 p.m. You are invited to Christchurch’s free concert of sacred and secular music. The 45-minute performance will feature instrumental and vocal pieces performed by the church’s chancel choir and soloists from the church as well as outside professionals. The free concert in the church’s sanctuary will begin at 6 p.m. It will be followed by a champagne and dessert reception in the parish hall. Reception tickets, which are $25 each, will be available by calling (334) 387.0566, ext. 203.

www.stonemountainpark.com

www.christchurchxp.net

Magical Nights of Lights

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Holiday Tree Lighting

November 17 – January 3 @ Lake Lanier 7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy. Buford, GA Nightly 5:00-10:00pm. Rekindle an old tradition or create a new one at Lake Lanier Islands Resort’s Magical Nights of Lights holiday celebration. A seven-mile drive through tour of animated, festive, holiday light displays. At the end of your tour, the Holiday Village awaits you with carnival rides and games, pony rides and numerous holiday treats. Warm up with a hot cup of cocoa or step inside Santa’s Workshop for some holiday shopping and a visit with Santa. And nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like a visit to Legacy Lodge & Conference Center for a delectable Magical Nights of Lights dinner buffet, or stay the night so the kids can enjoy the time honored tradition of having Breakfast with Santa. www.lakelanierislands.com

Annual Fantasy In Lights

November 17- January 6 @ Callaway Gardens Pine Mountain, GA The most spectacular holiday light and sound show in the south begins November 17- Jan. 6! Nestled amidst wooded landscape of Callaway Gardens, Fantasy In Lights is the Southeast’s most spectacular holiday light and sound show with more than eight million twinkling lights celebrating the holiday season. This spectacular show has attracted almost two million visitors since it opened in 1992. With more than a dozen larger-thanlife lighted scenes, Fantasy In Lights remains unique in that its scenes are custom-designed especially for Callaway Gardens–to celebrate not only the joy of the season but the wonder of nature in this idyllic setting. Drive your car or ride the Jolly Trolley to experience scenes like March of the Toy Soldiers and Snowflake Valley. At Robin Lake Beach, enjoy ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ and ‘The Nativity’, light and sound

November 18 1 Festival Drive Montgomery, AL Program begins at 4 p.m. Bring the whole family out to the grounds of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Saturday, November 18th for ASF’s 4th Annual Tree Lighting. Enjoy free hot chocolate sponsored by the Alabama AARP, Krispy Kreme donuts, a free concert by the Upbeats Combo, a festive carol sing led by the Montgomery Chorale, crafts for kids, the tree lighting and family photo opportunities with Santa, carriage rides through the park and more! Community vendors will also be on hand with free treats and samples! All are welcome to join us for this free family friendly event generously sponsored by Alexander Pediatrics, Baptist Health and True South Properties. All are welcome to join us for this free family friendly event. www.asf.net

The Shoppes at EastChase Lights Up Christmas Parade + Fireworks Show

November 18 Montgomery, AL 6 – 8 PM | Kick of the holiday season with The Shoppes at EastChase for our annual Lights Up Christmas Parade and Fireworks show on Main Street. This is a free event, open to the public. theshoppesateastchase.com

#SantaAtEastChase

November 18 – Christmas Eve Montgomery, AL Visit Santa in his brand-new Whimsical Wonderland located in front of Blackfinn Ameripub and get a profes-

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

sional photo. For a list of package prices and to make an appointment, visit theshoppesateastchase.com. theshoppesateastchase.com

McWane Science Center Magic of Model Trains

November 18 – January 7 Birmingham AL Back for its 10th year in a row, the Magic of Model Trains will return to spread some holiday cheer and amaze guests. Discover trains of every shape and size inside this popular exhibit of train displays. Every set in the exhibit is designed to scale with the size of the trains. The meticulous detail of the scenery includes covered bridges, downtown storefronts and, of course, several train stations that will keep your family entertained for hours.Sponsored by Royal Cup www.mcwane.org

Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain

November 18– February 25 @ Stone Mountain Park 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd. Stone Mountain, GA Snow Mountain is Atlanta’s first snow park! The 2017/2018 season opens November 18– February 25. Atlanta’s Stone Mountain Park transforms into a winter wonderland with Snow Mountain. Bundle your family up and get ready for snow tubing, snowballs, snowmen and snow angels. Snow Mountain’s state-of-the-art snow-making magic guarantees you tons of fresh snow daily. And with two Mountain SnoLifts to get you up the tubing hill, you’ll want to go again and again! www.stonemountainpark.com

Prattauga Art Guild Holiday Open House

November 19 @ Prattville Creative Arts Center and Gallery 342 South Chestnut Street Prattville, AL The Prattville Creative Arts Center and Gallery will be all decked out for the Holiday Season with decorations and treats from 2-4pm. There will be lots of artwork and gift items for everyone on your list. Handmade and hand painted ornaments, note cards, paintings, photographs, prints, and more will be available with prices as low as $1! 334-595-0854 artguild.prattvilleal.gov

Thankgsiving and Black Friday Shopping

November 24 & 25 @ Eastdale Mall 1000 Eastdale Mall Montgomery, AL $500 giveaway at 10 p.m. on 24th and again at NOON on the 25th. Located at the Customer Service Desk.

Wetumpka Depot presents: “A Christmas Story”

November 27 – December 2 300 S Main Street Wetumpka, AL The Wetumpka Depot players will present “A Christmas Story,” November 27 – December 2. Humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas on the Depot stage. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself, at Higbee’s Department Store. The consistent response: “You’ll shoot your eye out!” All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the family’s temperamental exploding furnace; Scut Farkas, the school bully; the boys’ experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg in a net stocking; Ralphie’s fantasy scenarios and more. A Christmas Story is destined to become a theatrical holiday perennial. (334) 868.1440 kmeanor@wetumpkadepot.com

2017 Capital City Tree Lighting November 28 @ City Hall Montgomery, AL 5:30 – Located in front of City Hall

City of Prattville’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration

November 28 @ Grassy area near the Fountain at Court and Third Streets The event will be held in the grassy area near the Fountain at Court and Third Streets. There will be music and caroling by the Prattville Pops and Community Chorus and performances by local dance troupes. The event will be held on Tuesday evening, November 28, from 5:30-7pm with Santa arriving at 7pm and listening to the wishes of the children until 8pm. This event is free and open to the public.

(334) 834.6310 www.montgomeryfbc.org.

Montgomery Parents I November 2017

20th Annual Lights of Love

December 7 @ Jackson Hospital Montgomery, AL 6 p.m. For a contribution of $15 or more to the Jackson Hospital Foundation, a light will be placed on the Lights of Love tree inside of Jackson Hospital in front lobby in honor, or in memory, of someone special to you. For contributions of $100 or more Moravian stars will be placed on the tree. For contributions of $500 or more a decorative angel will be placed on the tree. Christian music will be presented. An invitation to the ceremony will be sent to those honored or to the family of those memorialized. 293.6940

YMCA Camp Chandler Holiday Camps

12th Annual Interfaith Christmas Nativity Exhibit

2017 Capital City Governors Tree Lighting

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November 29-December 3 3460 Carter Hill Road Montgomery, AL 1:00-8:00 p.m. Help your family keep the true meaning of Christmas in your heart from the start by attending this Community Celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ. This spectacular event features nativities from around the world and special music by local performers. This magnificent display is sure to warm the hearts of young and old alike. 3460 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery. Open to all. FREE Admission.

December 1 @ Capital Montgomery, AL 5:30 p.m. Come enjoy the National Guard Band 30 minutes prior to tree lighting. - Governor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Capitol.

www.MontgomeryNativity.com

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November 26 @ Main Sanctuary of First Baptist Church 305 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL Come join us JOY Singers Senior Adult Choir as the y lead us in worship celebrating Christ’s birth.

(334) 833.4515

334-595-0854 www.prattvilleal.gov

November 30 @ Millbrook Village Green Stage Millbrook, AL There will be caroling, a live Nativity, refreshments for sale, the Tree Lighting and the Christmas Lights and Music show.

ad on Inside Back Cover

November 30 @ Huntingdon College College Street Montgomery, AL Share some holiday cheer at Huntingdon College’s annual Community Christmas Celebration November 30th, on the Huntingdon Campus. The celebration includes: 6:30 p.m., the Arrival of Saint Nicholas, in front of Flowers Hall, 6:45 p.m., Treelighting Ceremony and caroling, in front of Flowers Hall; and 7:00 p.m., A Service of Lessons and Carols, combining Biblical readings by members of the Huntingdon community interspersed with music from the College’s Concert Choir; Ligon Chapel, Flower’s Hall.

December 20-22 1240 Jordan Dam Road Wetumpka, AL Arriving on Dec 20th at 4-5 p.m. and departing Dec. 22nd at 4-5 p.m. This adventure is for old and new campers (ages 5-14), old and new staff, friends and relatives. Fee: $110 (members) and $125 (non-members), which includes t-shirt and camp store.

Christmas Music and Tree Lighting

First Baptist presents The Joy Singers Christmas Program

Huntingdon Offers Annual Christmas Celebration

November 30 – December 10 @ Cloverdale Playhouse 960 Cloverdale Road Montgomery, AL Based on Louisa May Alcott’s early life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March, detailing their passage from childhood to womanhood and their experience growing up in Civil War America. In a new “trunk show” adaptation, this production brings a fresh take to a familiar and heart-warming story just in time for the holidays. (334) 262-1530 boxoffice@cloverdaleplayhouse.org

(334) 242.7150

Christmas Tree Lighting December 1 @ Veterans Park Tallassee, AL 5:30 p.m. at Veterans Park

December 1 @ Montgomery Performing Arts Center Montgomery, AL 7 p.m.,Christmas Songs of Worship

City of Prattville’s Annual Christmas Parade

December 1 @ Autauga County Courthouse Prattville, AL The parade will start at 7pm at the Autauga County Courthouse at 4th and Court Streets. It will follow Main Street, turn right on Northington, then left on Doster Road to Stanley Jensen Stadium. 334-595-0854 www.prattvilleal.gov

Holiday Market

December 1 @ Veterans Park Tallassee, AL 8 p.m.

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“Tis the Season!” and the “Alien Who Stole Christmas

December 1-17 @ Planetarium 1010 Forrest Avenue Montgomery, AL This great traces the development of many of the world’s endearing holiday customs, and how they involve lighting up the winter season, from the burning Yule log and sparkling Christmas tree lights, to the lighting of the Menorah and luminaries. It also recounts the historical religious and cultural rituals practiced during the time of winter solstice. Not only Christian and Jewish, but also Celtic, Pagan, Nordic, Roman, Egyptian and Hopi. It also takes a look at some of our more lighthearted seasonal traditions: from gift-giving and kissing under the mistletoe to songs about lords a-leaping, and ladies dancing. And the custom of decking the halls with greenery and candles. St. Nicholas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus all drop by as well. (334)241.4799 http://mongomery.troy.edu/planetarium

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Annual Holiday Light Festival at The Montgomery Zoo ad on page 69

December 1-3, 7-10, 14-31 @ Montgomery Zoo 2301 Coliseum Blvd. Montgomery, AL 5:30- 9:30 p.m. each night. Thousands of Holiday Lights illuminate The Montgomery Zoo in shapes of animals and Christmas themes. See the Zoo transformed into a Winter Wonderland sparkling with thousands of festive lights and decorations. Stroll the many pathways or enjoy a brisk ride on the Santaland Express train ride. Visit with Santa nightly; enjoy live entertainment, food, gifts and more. (334) 240-4900 www.montgomeryzoo.com

Christmas Begins With Christ: An Eclectic Christmas

December 1-9 1455 Claud Road Eclectic, AL Come join us in December to experience the true story of the first Christmas. Time slots are scheduled in 15 minute increments. If registering through the website, your reservation will be confirmed as soon as possible. Admission is free, and donations are accepted and appreciated to help with expenses. 578.4846 reservations@anelecticministry.org www.aneclecticministry.org

Breakfast with Santa

December 2 @ Eastdale Mall Montgomery, AL 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Santa always starts his day off with a good breakfast, and this year Eastdale Mall invites you to join him! Reservations required. david.hagood@aronov.com

Eufaula Christmas Tour of Homes

December 2 Eufaula, AL Stroll through history and witness the magnificence of Eufaula’s finest homes all aglow in holiday splendor. Enjoy a seated luncheon or an elegant dinner at the grand historical Shorter Mansion. www.eufaulapilgrimage.com

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Holiday Parade

Way Off Broadway Theatre’s Christmas Plays

December 2 Tallassee, AL 10 a.m. Begins at Tallassee Church of Christ and goes thru Central Blvd down to Barnette Blvd. and end at Tallassee High School.

December 7-17 Prattville, AL 7:30 pm, Way Off Broadway Theatre presents both A Charlie Brown Christmas. Based on the television special by Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson. Stage adaptation by Eric Schaeffer by special arrangement with Arthur Whitelaw and Ruby Persson. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

(334) 283.5151

334-595-0854 wobt.prattvilleal.gov

Hanging of the Greens at First United Methodist Church Holiday Open House @ Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts ad on page 83

December 2 1 Museum Drive Montgomery, AL 1 to 4 p.m.; The festivities for the event include musical performances by local school choirs and performance groups, holiday art projects, cookies and lemonade, and horse and carriage rides in the park. Holiday Open House is free and open to the public, so invite your friends and family and spend the afternoon at MMFA celebrating the season. www.mmfa.org

Millbrook Spirit of Christmas Parade, “A Peaceful Christmas”

December 2 @ Sports Complex behind Smokehouse Bar-B-Q and will end at the intersection at City Hall. Parade is at 2 p.m. Activities will be from 1:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. (334) 285.7232

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis

December 2 Montgomery, AL 5k Run or Walk to benefit the Arthritis Foundation Also 1 mile fun run (chasing an Elf) for under 8’s and 1-mile walk to support the Arthritis Foundation. www.jbrMontgomery.kintera.org

Santa Claus Special Train Ride

December 2, 9 and 16 @ The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Calera, AL Santa rides the train with you! Tell him what you would like for Christmas as he poses for photos.

ad on page 42

December 3 Montgomery, AL 4 p.m. Come with unwrapped toys or monetary gifts for families in need as we dress our Sanctuary for the season of Advent. (334) 834.8990 www.fumcmontgomery.org

Hometown Christmas Parade

December 4 @ Downtown Alexander City 6 p.m., One of East Alabama’s largest parades featuring elaborate floats, dancing groups, marching bands, horse-riding clubs and Santa Claus highlight. (256) 329.9227 www.alexandercity.org

Governor’s Mansion Candlelight Tour Open House

December 4, 11, & 18 1142 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL 5-7 pm. The 1907 Governor’s Mansion will be aglow with lights and filled with the spirit of the season. 834.3022

Holiday Festival

December 4-16 @ Performing Arts Center 1000 Selma Ave. Selma, AL A community celebration of the holiday season. A two week longcraft show and bake sale with Santa in attendance some afternoons. 9:30 am. -5:30pm.

City of Wetumpka Wetumpka Tree Lighting

1(800)943.4490 www.hodrrm.org

Aldersgate UMC: The Great Christmas Cookie Caper

Pet Photos with Santa

(334) 272.6152

December 7-19 300 S Main Street Wetumpka, AL The Wetumpka Depot players will present “Winter Wonderettes,” December 7-19. Directed by Mathew Oliver. The Wonderettes are back on the Depot stage ! This seasonal celebration finds the girls entertaining at the annual Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party. Featuring great ’60s versions of holiday classics such as “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run,” and “Winter Wonderland,” the result is, of course, marvelous! 868.1440 kmeanor@wetumpkadepot.com

City of Wetumpka Christmas Decoration Contest

December 7 6:00 p.m. Businesses and residential. There will be judging to those who have submitted applications. Prizes will be awarded. www.cityofwetumpka.com

Wetumpka Nativity and Luminary Open House December 8 @ Downtown Wetumpka 6 p.m. www.cityofwetumpka.com

December 5 @ Gold Star Park Wetumpka, AL 6 p.m. Photos with Santa at 5 p.m. and hot cocoa.

December 3 6610 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 4:30 p.m. Christmas Cookie contest, Mission projects and concert.

Wetumpka Depot presents: “Winter Wonderettes”

Annual Christmas Concert by Prattville Community Chorus and Prattville Pops

December 8 @ Doster Community Center 424 South Northington Street Prattville, AL Concert will begin at 7pm at Doster Community Center. This Annual Christmas Concert will feature both the Prattville Community Chorus and Prattville Pops and a special appearance by dancers from the Center for the Performing Arts. This concert is FREE and open to the public. 334-595-0854 pops.prattvilleal.gov

www.cityofwetumpka.com

December 5 and December 22 @ Eastdale Mall 1000 Eastdale Mall Montgomery, AL 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 5-9 p.m. in December, furry friends are invited to have their photo taken with Santa!

Frazer Memorial UMC presents Youth Worship Arts ad on page 24

December 3 @ Wesley Hall, 6 pm 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Montgomery, AL (334) 272.8622 www.frazerumc.org

Montgomery Parents I November 2017

(334) 409.0522

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“The Nutcracker”

December 7-10 Montgomery, AL Montgomery’s Favorite Holiday Tradition for over 42 years presented by The Montgomery Ballet. The world’s most famous Christmas ballet. A Montgomery tradition since 1976, this year’s production promises to delight all ages with brilliant dancing, beautiful scenery, and colorful costumes. All reserved seats. Tickets are $20 to $30 for adults. We offer military, senior and student discounts. Prices are dependent on convenience and/or handling fees.

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First Baptist Church presents The Living Christmas Tree ad on Inside Back Cover

December 8-10 @ First Baptist Church 305 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL Come joins us for the “Living Christmas Tree”. Performers will delight you atop the 40 ft. set resembling a Christmas tree on stage. www.montgomeryfbc.org

www.montgomeryparents.com

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Cookies and Crafts with Santa

Saturday, December 9 @ Eastdale Mall 1000 Eastdale Mall Montgomery, AL 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. Come join Santa and his elves to create a cute Christmas craft! Enjoy cookies. This event requires reservations and space is limited.

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The Prattville Ballet’s “Nutcracker”

City of Wetumpka’s Christmas on the Coosa ad on page 58

December 9 Wetumpka, AL Character Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Arts & Crafts, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Car Show, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Street Parade, 2 p.m. Wakeboarding Santa Show, 4 p.m. Fireworks/Wakeboarding Santa, 6 p.m (334)567.1313 or (334)567.4811 www.wetumpkachamber.com

F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum Christmas Open House

December 9 919 Felder Avenue Montgomery, AL Come join us, December 9, as we celebrate Christmas with our Christmas Open House. 264.4222 www.thefitzgeraldmuseum.org

McWane Science Polar Express P.J. Party

December 9 & 10 Birmingham AL Time: 2 PM - 4 PM IMAX @ 1 PM or 3 PM Pricing: $20, Members receive $5 off Join us for a journey beyond your imagination aboard the Polar Express! Slip on your PJs and visit with Santa over a cup of hot cocoa and cookies. Then it’s time to “believe” as you experience Polar Express on the IMAX Dome. A special keepsake will be given to all children 12 and under who wear their pajamas. www.mcwane.org

McWane Science Center Jingle Bell Breakfast

December 9 & 16 Birmingham AL Time: Breakfast 8:30 AM-9:30 AM, IMAX @ 9:30 AM Pricing: $30 Adults (13+), $25 Child (2-12) Members Receive $5 Off. Bring your little elves for a Merry Morning at McWane! Head to the North Pole where you will enjoy a hot holiday breakfast, make festive crafts, and have a very special visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus! When breakfast is over, take a ride down the slide and head to the IMAX Dome for a private showing of Santa vs. the Snowman. Ticket includes same day admission.

Saturday, December 9th @ Jeff State Performing Arts Theatre Prattville, AL 2:00 p.m. “Land of the Sweets” and 7:00 p.m. evening performance $15.00 General admission. The Nutcracker is based on the story about a young German girl, Clara, who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a battle against the Mouse King. Through her adventures with the Nutcracker Prince, Clara visits the Land of Snow and The Land of Sweets, where they meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and are rewarded with a series of dances. Portraying the role of Clara in the Nutcracker is an aspiration of many young ballerinas. Madison Faith Allen, a 14 year old Freshman at Sovereign Grace Academy landed the role in this year’s Prattville Nutcracker Ballet. It is a role she has aspired to ever since she put on her first pair of ballet slippers, training at C.J.’s Dance Factory in Prattville. She is the daughter of Craig and Kristin Allen. When she is not dancing she enjoys spending time with her twin sister, reading mystery novels, drawing portraits, and playing the piano. (334) 467-8603

Brunch with Santa

Saturdays, December 9 + 16 Montgomery, AL 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Parents and their children can enjoy a full brunch and a visit with Santa at Blackfinn Ameripub with proceeds benefiting Child Protect, A Children’s Advocacy Center. Tickets are $20 per parent, $10 per child and include a full brunch, activities and more! theshoppesateastchase.com

Aldersgate UMC: “Almost There”

Sunday, December 10 6610 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 10:30 a.m. Lessons and Carols Service A heart stirring presentation featuring the Chancel Choir, Drama Team and Orchestra. Narrator: Rev. Macon Armistead (334) 272.6152

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA

River Center for Performing Arts Presents: The Nutcracker

www.rivercenter.org

ad on page 4

December 10 @ Wesley Hall 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Montgomery, AL 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Frazer presents this community wide production, Christmas Theatre. Fun for the entire family! (334) 272.8622 www.frazerumc.org

The Montgomery Chorale Holiday Performances

Friday, December 12 @ Church of the Ascension Montgomery, AL 7 p.m., Messiah Sing Along (334) 265.3737

www.montgomerychorale.org

Glenn Miller Holiday Concert featuring Airmen of Note

December 13th @ Davis Theatre 251 Montgomery Street Montgomery, AL Annual Glenn Miller Holiday Concert. This year’s performance is free to the public. Will be accepting canned food donations for the Montgomery Area Food Bank. This performance will be held at the Davis Theatre. Featuring The United States Air force Band, Airmen of Note, premier jazz ensemble, will perform holiday and Glenn Miller favorites. The Airmen of Note ensemble was created in 1950 to carry on the style and tradition of the Glenn Miller Army Air Forces Dance Band. 241.9567

Sensory Santa Experience

Wednesday + Thursday, December 13 and 14 Montgomery, AL 7 p.m. | The Shoppes at EastChase is making sure every child has time with Santa by providing a Sensory Santa experience for those families with special needs children. Visit theshoppesateastchase.com to make an appointment. theshoppesateastchase.com

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December 9-10 @ River Center for Performing Arts 900 Broadway Columbus, GA December 9th at 7:30 p.m. and December 10th at 2:30 p.m. The Columbus Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker promises to instill a love of the arts in young and old alike. This family-oriented production, which features a cast of over 100 performers, with live orchestra and acclaimed guest artists, captures the magical wonder and innocence of Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet as seen through a child’s eyes. Spectacular sets, sumptuous costumes, special effects and live music come together to create a stunning grand-scale event that is sure to become a firm family tradition.

Frazer Memorial UMC presents Musical: The Christmas Storybook

Service of Lessons and Carols at First United Methodist Church ad on page 42

December 10 2416 West Cloverdale Park Montgomery, AL 8:30 am and 11 am; Celebrating the story of the birth of the Christ-child through the reading of scripture and the singing of traditional carols. The music will be led by our cathedral choir, adult ensemble, and orchestra. (334) 834.8990

MPAC: Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker”

Wednesday, December 13 @ Montgomery Performing Arts Center Montgomery, AL 7 p.m., Bring the whole family for the sweetest Christmas celebration of the season! Experience the exquisite artistry of world class Russian dancers, playful puppets and the unmatched splendor of hand crafted sets and costumes. Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is the Holiday tradition that brings the Christmas spirit to life! New York Times raves, “Real beauty!” and Los Angeles Times, “Bravura expertise!” Get your seats now for Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece at nutcracker.com. Tickets: $23 to $68. Tickets can be purchased online or at the MPAC Box Office. www.mpaconline.org

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Holiday Soiree

December 14 @ Eastdale Mall 1000 Eastdale Mall Montgomery, AL 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Grab your girlfriends and head over to Eastdale Mall for a night of shopping, fun and giveaways! Belk Giveaway in front of Belk inside entrance.

A Tuna Christmas

December 14-16, 19-22 @ Studio II Series McClure Theatre Columbus, GA December 14-16, 19-22 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 16 at 2:30 at Studio II Series McClure Theatre, Columbus, Ga. Putting the fun in DisFUNction, a brilliant new cast of master comedians continues the legacy of Columbus’ legendary Holiday cult favorite. Springer favorites Jim Pharr and Ben Redding will play all 24 citizens of Tuna, the tiny Texas town that erupts in holiday mayhem every year with a disastrous production of “A Christmas Carol,” yard displays vandalized by the Christmas Phantom and a Humane Society overrun with iguanas, coyotes, sheep and myna birds. 60,000 patrons have made this a genuine Christmas tradition in Columbus. www.springeroperahouse.org

2017 Capital City Christmas Parade

December 15 Montgomery, AL 6 p.m. The City of Montgomery would like to invite you to the Christmas Parade. Depart from Cramton Bowl and Parade downtown from Capitol Steps to the Court Street Fountain. A limited number of parade entries will be accepted. (334) 625.2118

the perfect way to prepare to receive the true message of the season. www.rivercenter.org

Holiday Pops Concert

December 19th @ Montgomery Performing Arts Center 201 Tallapoosa Street Montgomery, AL 7:30 p.m. at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center. Join the MSO for an evening of everyone’s seasonal favorites. (334) 240.4004

American Girl Tea Party with Santa

Thursday, December 21 @ Eastchase Montgomery, AL 2 PM. Enjoy a tea party with Santa and your favorite American Girl Doll on Thursday, December 21 at The Shoppes at EastChase! theshoppesateastchase.com

Centerpoint Fellowship Church Christmas Eve Morning Services

December 24 @ Bienville Square Shopping Center 4876 US Highway 231 Wetumpka, AL Regular morning service at 9:35 a.m. Sunday, December 24 Candlelight service at 4:30 p.m.

Centerpoint Fellowship Church Christmas Eve Morning Services

December 24 @ Marriott Conference Center 2500 Legends Circle Prattville, AL Regular morning services at 9:30 a.m and 11 a.m. Candlelight services at 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Centerpoint Fellowship Church Christmas Eve Morning Services – Westside December 24 @ White Water Camp 2276 US Highway 82 Prattville, AL Regular morning service at 10:00 a.m.

Aldersgate UMC: Christmas Eve Service

Sunday, December 24 6610 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Communion, Carols and Candlelight.

Atlanta New Year’s Eve Peach Drop

December 31 @ Peachtree Street Atlanta , GA This Block Party for Thousands offers live Musical Performances by local artists and musicians, as well as a midnight Fireworks Spectacular. Tickets are available at a variety of local sources. Stay downtown and enjoy the festivities at Underground Atlanta ... enjoy the ‘official’ Peach Drop at midnight - followed by a really awesome New Year’s fireworks display, with live performances.

Eastdale Mall - WLWI Giveaway

Saturday, December 16 @ Eastdale Mall 1000 Eastdale Mall Montgomery, AL 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. WLWI and Eastdale Mall are giving you the chance to win a $2,500 Shopping Spree! Listen to 92.3 for a chance to win. 277.7359

December 18 - 19 @ River Center for Performing Arts 900 Broadway Columbus, GA Saturday, December 18 at 6:30 p.m., December 19 at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. A Charlie Brown Christmas, the Emmy® and Peabody awardwinning story by Charles M. Schulz, has warmed the hearts of millions of fans since it first aired on television over fifty years ago. Now the classic animated television special comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation featuring all of your favorite characters and classic Vince Guaraldi score. Join, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they mount a play, save a tree, and uncover the true meaning of Christmas.

December 24 @ Wilson YMCA 1445 Wilson Park Drive Pike Road, AL Sunday, December 24 Regular morning service at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, December 24 Candlelight service at 5:00 p.m.

(334) 272.6152

www.montgomeryal.gov

River Center for Performing Arts Presents: A Charlie Brown Christmas

Centerpoint Fellowship Church Christmas Eve Morning Services

First United Methodist Church Christmas Eve Services ad on page 42

December 24 2416 West Cloverdale Park Montgomery, AL Communion Service at noon, Family Service at 3:15 pm, and Candlelight service at 5 and 7 pm. (334) 834.8990 www.fumcmontgomery.org

New Year’s Eve Party

December 31 @ Behind the City Administrative Bldg Wetumpka, AL 9 p.m. until midnight Fireworks, DJ and a whole lot of fun!

Rockin’ NOON Year’s Eve Celebration

December 31st @ Eastdale Mall 1000 Eastdale Mall Montgomery, AL Eastdale Mall is excited to host it’s 3rd annual Rockin’ NOON Year’s Eve Celebration on December 31st from 11 am to 1 pm. Please check our website for more details.

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www.rivercenter.org

River Center for Performing Arts Presents: A Cantus Christmas

December 19 @ River Center for Performing Arts 900 Broadway Columbus, GA 7:30 p.m. In its eighteenth annual holiday concert, the professional chorus CantusColumbus, directed by William J. Bullock, recounts the Christmas story with classical masterpieces and audience carols. The chorus is assisted this year by the renowned Vega String Quartet and the Legacy Hall concert organ and piano. This beautiful holiday tradition is Montgomery Parents I November 2017

Frazer Memorial UMC “Candlelight Worship” ad on page 24

December 24 6000 Atlanta Hwy Montgomery, AL Times TBA. (334) 272-8622 www.frazerumc.org

Please send your Christmas Events to deanne@ montgomeryparents. com to appear in our December issue! www.montgomeryparents.com

Find

A Page in a Book

Chasing Down the Best Books As children migrate from creeping to crawling, from toddling to walking, we eagerly anticipate our babies progression through locomotion. We hover nearby offering encouragement, ready to catch them when they fall. But the game changes when they begin to run. Caregivers get our exercise as we weave and lurch through shrubbery, crowds, minefields of toys and more to keep up with the newly agile child who has become fleet of foot. Fueled by adrenaline, the new-found excitement of speed is a siren’s call to little ones who are testing their speed limit. The following recommended reading is guaranteed to catch the attention of the kid on the move!

Catch That Cookie!

by Hallie Durand, Illustrated by David Small (Penguin Books for Young Readers) After a week of reading about runaway gingerbread men in class, Marshall was still not buying it. Taking a stand against the notion that a cookie can run, he pronounces his disbelief to the teacher and students alike. With a knowing smile, Marshall’s teacher lets him take the lead as the class bakes their own gingerbread men cookies. Through the slow-as-molasses dough prep to the long wait by the cooking oven, Marshall remains convinced that there is nothing fast about these cookies. But when an empty oven and a series of tantalizing notes sends the class in hot pursuit of missing cookies, young Marshall may have to revise his opinion of runaway gingerbread men. Delicious reading for cookie lovers, this imaginative title is worth chasing down.

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Shh! We Have a Plan

by Chris Haughton (Candlewick Press) Dressed for stealth as they walk through the woods, a foursome of friends spy a colorful bird in the branches. Rather than chasing it forth, three of the group craft a plan of pursuit that may net their prize. Shushing the smallest fourth member of the team who randomly chirps “Hello, Birdie”, the group exhausts various strategies as they creep and climb after their target. After repeat attempts, the team is no closer to their target. But when the littlest one produces crumbs, the elusive bird is drawn in, along with dozens of his feathered friends. As hunters become the hunted, the pursuers may need to find another plan, or easier prey in this digitally-rendered winner of the Ezra Jack Keats Book award.

Naked!

by Micheal Ian Black, Illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Simon & Schuster) Fresh from the bath, unencumbered by clothes and free from inhibition, one child’s bedtime prep becomes a race around the house as he eludes his parents by bare inches. Running around at top speed, the child streaks from room to room decrying the need for shirts, pants, shoes and capes. Wait, capes? Capes are cool and back on the menu. As his fire burns lower and he begins to feel the chill, his mom is slowly able to coax him into pajamas (with cape) and nudge him toward his bed. Illustrated with the best of strategic perspective, posing and product placement, Naked is brilliant bedtime reading for every child who has attempted a clean getaway.

Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston

10 Steps Towards Maturing Teen Boys Fifteen is the age when a boy moves into manhood while still holding on to the boyish ways of childhood. It is a time when parents need to be extra vigilant to help him make it through the transition smoothly, and therefore not get stuck at this stage for several years. Age 15 is when the your son’s thoughts and his expectations crash like ocean waves amidst a sea of change. It’s the end of one tide and the beginning of another. At the very least, it’s an awkward season. Increased hormones, growth spurts, voice changes, muscles, and moving from concrete to abstract thinking all tend to make a young man feel a jumble of both invincibility and vulnerability. And as a first step toward making up his own mind about life, everything you’ve taught him will be questioned. This is a “convenient” time for a mom and dad to detach and drift alongside their teen as he is busier with extra-curricular activities at school and spends more time away from home. But this is no time for parents to back off. It is a critical and pivotal point of time where a parent can steer a son away from childish thinking and move him toward more mature thinking. Your son needs to learn from you how to be respectful during a conflict, to be honest in the face of confusion, and to remain obedient in times of disagreement. It’s a time for some serious character-building. Sailing these waters can be a tough time for parents… but more than ever it is the right time to be available and to be firm. So how do you go about making a smooth transition? First, determine the “state of your child.” If things are already getting strained in your relationship, move toward them out of compassion, not frustration. Approach the harshest situations with humility, but carry a big stick. I don’t mean a big stick in relation to punishment, but I’m referring to your Montgomery Parents I November 2017

authority as a parent to set the agenda and to say “No” when you need to. Parents today strive to be a friend of their children more than a parent. But as most soon find out at about age 15 when conflict erupts, they’ll wish that they had more of a “parent role” than a “friend role.” I’m here to tell you from years of experience that it is never too late to jump into the parental role, and trust me; there will never be a better time for boys than at age 15. If you’re seeing behavioral problems, it is important for your son to know that you will stop at nothing to change the inappropriate direction he is headed. If you don’t know what to do, find help from others who have been there. Or, contact our on-call coaches for more help. Just call our Family Crisis Helpline at 866-700-3264 or visit www.heartlightministries. org/crisiscoaching for more information about that service. A parent will do well to start with the following list to-do’s beginning on your son’s 15th birthday: 1. Ask your son to begin making more of his own decisions. “Where should we go to eat tonight? What would be good for us to do on our vacation? What movie should we get this Friday? What charities do you think would be good to support?” 2. Ask for his input or point of view. How would you respond in this situation? How would you discipline differently? What you do think about what’s happening at school? 3. Give him an opportunity to respond correctly. He may not respond to your giving him more responsibility appropriately at first. So give him another opportunity to get it right. Display empathy rather than judgment. The way you go about it is sometimes more important than the message itself. Remember, a gentle answer turns away wrath. How you respond to him will determine how he will respond to you. 4. Set clear boundaries. In times of trouble, don’t move away from your child, 78

move toward him. Immaturity demands that you place boundaries around his inappropriate behavior. You may be thinking, “Well, you don’t know my kid and how he mistreats me.” I admit, I don’t. However, I do know that if you do nothing to rein in the bad behavior you see in your 15-year-old son, it’s only going to get worse, not better. 5. Help your son learn how to say “No” by honoring it when he says “No.” This is another boundary issue. Honoring his boundaries will help him learn to honor others’ boundaries. 6. Admit when you are wrong. Admitting when you are wrong will help your son understand that everyone makes mistakes, and models how to behave when mistakes happen. 7. Shift control before you think he is ready for it. Yes, he will blow it, but he will also learn some valuable lessons from doing so, but only when you… (see number 8). 8. Force him to take responsibility for his decisions. Don’t say, “I told you so,” or, “I should have made that decision instead.” Allow him to figure out what he should have done instead, and force him to own up to the consequences of his choices. 9. Encourage him in his good decisions. Point your comments toward his successes, not his failures. 10. When your son responds with maturity and responsibility, then move him up to the next level. Expand the limit and expectations and expect him to meet new requirements. For instance: “Honey, I think it’s great that you have a job now. If you are willing to save your money, I will match it and help you buy your first car.” I encourage you to take advantage of this time to help your son make a strong transition to the smoother waters of responsible adulthood. Thankfully, he won’t be 15 forever. Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

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Groups

There Is Hope Ahead. 79

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Ever notice how kids tune us out just when we need them to listen the most? While listening is critical in communication, the skill is one of the most difficult to master and the least taught. From toddlerhood to teen, make learning to listen fun by playing games that will help your kids tune in.

“After they know the song, play with language by changing the lyrics or adding new original verses.” Try it with songs like The Itsy Bitsy Spider, If All the Raindrops (or Snowflakes), Wheels on the Bus and Ten Little Ducks.

20 Questions. You can purchase this game or make up your own version by putting slips of paper in a jar that feature categories like animals, famous people or objects. One player pulls a slip of paper and the other players have to guess what is on it by asking questions to gather clues. The person who deducts the answer in 20 questions or less by carefully listening to clues gets to go next.

Sing together.

Toddlers and preschoolers love to sing and imitate movements that go along with songs. “Any opportunity for songs and finger-plays promotes working on listening skills,” says Debra Burnett, Ph.D., assistant professor and speech-language pathologist in the College of Human Ecology at Kansas State University.

Montgomery Parents I November 2017

Shoutout. Read books with repetitive phrases like

Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow; Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very

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Bad Day by Judith Viorst; Brown Bear, Brown Bear: What Do You See by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle; and Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson. Whenever your toddler or preschooler hears the key word or phrase, she can shout it out. “Reading together is critical. Starting early by looking at books and labeling pictures, then reading simple, repetitive stories will allow the child to learn and predict,” Burnett says. “Books are a great tool for sharing language.”

taining way for older kids to practice conversation and listening skills. This game is available on Amazon and comes in pocket or board formats with various themed editions, including all ages, kids, teens and families. Chat packs and TableTopics are other convenient options.

Get “om” the mat. With playful names like gorilla, cat, happy baby and airplane, many of yoga’s poses appeal to kids’ imaginations. Practicing yoga enhances concentration, focus and listening because you must listen to instructions while moving your body. For ideas, check out The Kids’ Yoga Deck: 50 Poses and Games by Annie Buckley; download kid-focused yoga videos on YouTube; or visit Yogakids.com for a free pose of the week.

Who am I? Gather your preschooler’s stuffed animals and have her turn her back. This game will probably get both of you giggling! Pretending to be one of her stuffies, use a silly voice and describe your characteristics. Can she figure out which one of her favorite loveys you are describing? Picture it. Give your child a blank piece of paper and a pencil. Using step-by-step instructions, tell him what to draw. How accurate was he? Then let him challenge you.

Revisit the classics. Games like Simon Says, Red

Light-Green Light and Bingo is His Name-O (an electronic board game available on Amazon) remain favorites among kids and can be played almost anywhere. Outside of games, set aside time everyday without the distractions of electronics to chat with your children. As Burnett says, “There is no substitute for personal interaction with young children.” For more tips on listening, check out How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish. mp

Heads Up! Fun for anyone to play and much like the retro game “Password,” Heads Up! is an inexpensive app inspired by the game Ellen DeGeneres plays with guests on her talk show. Players must guess the word on their head by listening to the clues the other players give before the time runs out. The game features 18 different categories for players to choose from. Conversation starter games. Try out the Un-

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines is the mom of two boys who are selective listeners. Christa’s latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

game, which is a non-competitive game that features an enter-

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The Prattville Nutcracker Selects Clara

Madison Faith Allen, a 14-year-old freshman at Sovereign Grace Academy, landed the role of Clara in this year’s Prattville Nutcracker Ballet. It is a role she has aspired to ever since she put on her first pair of ballet slippers, training at C.J.’s Dance Factory in Prattville. She is the daughter of Craig and Kristin Allen. When she is not dancing, she enjoys spending time with her twin sister, reading mystery novels, drawing portraits, and playing the piano. Ther performances will be Saturday, December 9, at 2 p.m. (“Land of the Sweets”) and 7 p.m. (evening performance) at Jeff State Community College Performing Arts Theatre in Clanton. General admission is $15. For tickets, call (334) 467-8603.

Pink and Pearls Selected To Receive Rock Star Award

Pink and Pearls for Girls was selected to receive the ROCK Task Force’s Rock Star Award for its outreach against bullying and celebrating diversity in the community. Family Sunshine Center and the ROCK Task Force are proud to honor the Pink and Pearl Girls for service provided to nearly 140 students through its outreach efforts. Congratulations to the group’s volunteers and the young ladies who are working to affect change and make a positive difference in our community.

Tonya Speed’s DC Strutters Perform for Pageant

Members of the DC Strutters Dance team at Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection performed at the Montgomery County Distinguished Young Woman Program in October. This is a scholarship program for senior girls in the county.

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Montgomery Parents I November 2017

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ALABAMA DANCE THEATRE PRESENTS

LAMP Senior Wins Distinguished Young Woman Title

Meredith Kingry, a senior at LAMP High School, recently won the title of Montgomery County Distinguished Young Woman (DYW). This program, previously known as Junior Miss, is part of a national scholarship program that promotes and rewards scholarship, leadership and talent in high school senior girls. The standards and ideals for evaluating candidates are universal, based on qualities and characteristics that make up the total young woman. The basis of selection for the program emphasizes excellence in scholarship, fitness, creativity and human relations. The program evaluates participants as follows: Scholastics (25%), Interview (25%), Talent (20%), Fitness (15%) and Self-Expression (15%). The Montgomery County program was held October 8 and 9, with 31 high school senior girls participating and representing high schools from across the city. Kingry performed a contemporary dance for the talent portion of the competition. In addition to winning the title, she was also the overall winner in the SelfExpression and Interview categories. Some of Kingry’s honors and activities include: National Honor Society, National Latin Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Science National Honor Society, National History Honor Society, Interact Club President, and LAMP Invitational Model United Nations Head of Delegate Services. She has been a member of LAMP’s cross country and track and field teams, in addition to dancing at the Alabama Dance Theatre. Kingry has been an active member of Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church, and she, along with her family, recently helped with the launch of the new Century Church in Pike Road. She enjoys traveling, reading and spending time at the lake. Kingry will represent Montgomery County at the Alabama Distinguished Young Women program which will be held in Montgomery on January 19-20, 2018. She plans to attend Auburn University next fall and major in speech-language pathology.

featuring and

Favorite Dances of Christmas

Kingdom of the Sweets from The Nutcracker

Friday, Nov. 10, 7:00 | Saturday, Nov. 11, 2:30 | Sunday, Nov. 12, 2:30 Troy University’s Davis Theatre • Montgomery, Alabama

Tickets: alabamadancetheatre.com | Information: (334) 625-2590 SPONSORS

WIND CREEK HOSPITALITY • JIM WILSON & ASSOCIATES, LLC • HYUNDAI MOTOR MANUFACTURING ALABAMA WELLS FARGO • PICKWICK ANTIQUES • BAPTIST HEALTH • WSFA • CUMULUS MEDIA This performance is funded in part by the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

(Photo by Susan Schneider of Paul Robertson Photography)

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FamilyCalendar Wednesday, November 1

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. Fort Toulouse/Fort Jackson Alabama Frontier Days Through November 4 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wetumpka. Demonstrating frontier life in the southeast during the period 1700-1820. The public can experience this living history as frontier trades and crafts are demonstrated by living historians in period clothing. Admission charged: $8/adult and $7/child. For more info, call (334) 567-3002 or visit https://fttoulousejackson.org/ events/. Alabama National Fair -- Through November 5 From musical entertainment to classic fair rides to various vendors and competitions, there is plenty to see and do. Brothers Osborne will perform Saturday night and Fantasia on Sunday at 7 p.m. Other events include racing pigs, magic shows and a lumberjack show. For more info, visit www.alnationalfair.org.

Miss Alabama USA & Miss Alabama Teen USA Preliminary and Finals 2018 -- Also November 4 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Tickets begin at $45. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

moments from slavery, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement. This tour highlights pioneers and unsung heroes who contributed to a new era. Cost: Adults - $10; 12 & under - $5; 4 & under FREE. Book your tour by calling (334) 595-9243.

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Glass Menagerie -- Through November 5 At the behest of his mother Amanda, Tom brings home a gentleman caller for his painfully shy sister, Laura. The themes of how family, the power of memory and our perception shape reality are as impactful today as when this Tennessee Williams masterpiece premiered 70 years ago. Ages 12+. For tickets or more info, visit asf.net or call (334) 271-5353.

Pike Road-Mount Meigs Arts & Crafts Festival 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The Mount Meigs Community Center located at 828 Gibbs Road Pike Road. This is a family-oriented community event with entertainment, artist and craft vendors, food vendors and children’s activities. Charity Bowden, a country singer and the reigning Miss Shelby County, will take the stage at 11 a.m. Admission is $2 for ages 12 and over – free parking. Proceeds will be used for the restoration and maintenance of the Community Center. For more info, visit us on Facebook.

Friday Night Hoops -- Friday nights through November 9 p.m.-midnight. Bell Road YMCA. For students in 5th through 12th grades. Students must be dropped off by 10 p.m. and cannot leave without being picked up by parent

Christmas on the Square at The Waters 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The Vision of Christmas on the Square is to provide a warm and inviting Christmas shopping experience to the town of Pike Road as well as to serve as a fundraiser for Pike Road School. To contact

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

Fall Tree Giveaway -- Also November 9 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The Home Depot, 2312 Eastern Blvd., Montgomery. Join Montgomery Trees as we give away hundreds of 3-gallon live oaks just in time for fall planting! Look for our tent near the Garden Center and come learn more about Montgomery Trees’s involvement in the community and about proper planting techniques. Trees are to be given out on a first come, first served basis and are limited to one per customer. For more info, e-mail nfo@montgomerytrees.org.

Upward Basketball Player and Coach Sign-Ups Players and coaches, sign up now for Upward Basketball at Frazer. Number of teams will be determined by number of coaches recruited. Leagues are for boys and girls K5 through 8th grade. Evaluations will be Nov. 13-16 with games starting in January. $90 Registration fee includes uniform jersey, shorts and T-shirt. After Nov. 10, players will be added on a space available basis and the cost will increase to $120. For more info, e-mail craig@frazerumc. org or call (334) 495-6458.

Friday, November 3

Wild & Scenic Film Festival - Montgomery 1-4 p.m. Goodwyn Hall Room 112 at Auburn University at Montgomery. Presented by Alabama Rivers Alliance and the Montgomery Group of the Alabama Sierra Club. Celebrate the great outdoors through films that will leave you feeling inspired and engaged. The program will feature short films and documentaries highlighting adventures to be had as well as important issues to be addressed. Experts from across the state will be on hand to help answer any questions and provide guidance on how you can get involved locally and throughout Alabama. Plus we’ll have door prizes! FREE! Open to everyone! For more info, call (256) 572-0400 or find us on Facebook. United Gymstars & Cheer Parents’ Night Out Also December 8 6:30-10:30 p.m. $20 for the first child/ $15 for each additional sibling. Pizza and drinks provided. Fun games, trampolines, rope swing, tumble tracks, foam pits and more! Call (334) 284-2244 to reserve your spot. Walk-ins welcome (until maximum capacity is reached). All participants must have waiver signed by parent. Visit www. unitedgymstarsandcheer.com for more info.

Montgomery Parents I November 2017

or guardian (unless students drove themselves). Must be playing basketball to be involved. Participants must have a photo ID (i.e. School ID). $3 for members; $7 for nonmembers. For more info, contact James Garvin at (334) 271-4343 or jgarvin@ymcamontgomery.org.

Saturday, November 4

Silk Dyeing Workshop with Peggy Raines 9:30 a.m.-noon. City of Prattville Cultural Arts Office. Learn to dye silk and create a one-of-a-kind scarf to keep for yourself or give as a gift. Workshop costs $40. Supplies are furnished. For more info, call (334) 595-0854. Home Depot Kids’ Workshop 9 a.m.-noon. Ages 5-12. Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety. Today’s project is build a custom wooden humvee to honor all those that have served our country. Once the project is built, your child can decorate it with stickers and paint. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron and an achievement pin. For more info, visit http://workshops.homedepot.com/workshops/ kids-workshops. Michael’s Kids Club -- Also November 11 & 18 10 a.m.-noon. $2 per project. Supplies included. Ages 3 and up. Each session is 30 minutes. Parent or guardian must remain on premises. Nov. 4 is Christmas Painted Rocks; Nov. 11 is Craft Stick Ornaments; Nov. 18 is Holiday Banner. For more info, visit www.michaels.com/. AUM Offers Free Mandarin Classes -- Every Saturday Auburn Montgomery’s Confucius Institute continues to offer free Mandarin classes to the community. To register, send the student’s name, age and contact information to ama@aum.edu. Civil Rights Walking Tours -- Every Saturday and Sunday 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. start times. Tours start from The Village Gallery. Come explore Montgomery’s history walking from different historical sties and engage in profound

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the Christmas on the Square committee, e-mail christmasonthesquare@yahoo.com. Fort Toulouse’s 300th Anniversary Celebration This event will be observed during the annual Alabama Frontier Days. Beginning at 10:30 a.m., special activities will include the unveiling of markers outlining a portion of the original 1717 fort. Also, a short dramatic presentation will bring to life the moment French marines first met the Alabama Indians. For more information call (334) 5673002 or visit https://fttoulousejackson.org/events/. 2017 Superhero 5K 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Riverfront Park, 355 Commerce St., Montgomery. Come dressed as your favorite superhero to this family-friendly event. Race begins and ends at the Riverwalk amphitheater with an after-party for everyone to enjoy. 8 a.m. 5K starts; 8:30 a.m. 1-mile fun run. $30 registration fee. Kids 12 and under $10 for 1-mile fun run; $20 for ages 13 and up for 1-mile fun run. Tickets may be purchased at mmstiming.com/races/ or call (334) 356-7271.

Sunday, November 5

Town of Pike Road Veterans Appreciation Ceremony 2 p.m., Veterans Memorial at Veterans Park, 4902 Pike Road. Featuring Music by the Capitol Sounds beginning at 1:30 p.m. Veterans Walk of Honor, Presentation of Colors, Veterans Bricks Dedication, Distinguished Guest Speaker and Wreath Laying Ceremony. For more info, call (334) 272-9883 or visit www.pikeroad.us. Veterans’ Appreciation Week at the Montgomery Zoo Through November 11 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. During Veteran’s Appreciation Week, all veterans, active duty military and their immediate family members receive a 50% DISCOUNT on regular daytime admission to the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. Participants must provide a valid military identification to receive discount. For more info, call (334) 240-4900 or visit montgomeryzoo.com/.

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FamilyCalendar First Sundays at One -- Also December 3 1-2 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Learn more about the traveling exhibitions as well as the Museum’s Permanent Collection in these FREE docent-led tours the FIRST Sunday of each month. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa.org/.

Thursday, November 9

Fall Food Truck Takeover @ Hampstead -- Also December 3 Noon-3 p.m. Hampstead Town Center. Visit a rotating group of Montgomery food trucks on the first Sundays each month of fall. Local food trucks may include: NYC Gyro, Southern Smokeshack, On A Roll, El Campesino’s Taqueria, Fire Meats Wood, Frios Pops and more. Plenty of outdoor park seating and live music to keep the party going. This is a free event open to the public. Parking is available on Long Acre Street, Mercer Street, and in the two large Hampstead parking lots. For more info, call (334) 270-6730 or find us on Facebook.

ClefWorks Kickoff Party 5:30 p.m. Goat Haus Biergarten, 532 Clay Street, Montgomery. FREE gathering to kick off ClefWorks’ season with live music, drink specials and free snacks. Family-friendly. Great views. Get there by 6:15 p.m. for our announcement of ClefWorks’ March 2 Festival Headliner and a special performance by the ASU Faculty Brass Quintet. Thank you to our friends at Goat Haus for donating 15% of beverage sales to benefit ClefWorks. Call (334) 6259602 for more info.

Tuesday, November 7

Montgomery Chamber Music Organization Presents Schumann Quartett 7:30 p.m. Wilson Auditorium at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. For tickets or more info, call (334) 277-3505 or visit montgomerychambermusic.org/.

Wednesday, November 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/.

Capri Theatre Presents Space Jam 7:30 p.m. In 1993, Michael Jordan left basketball for baseball. This movie is arguably the best thing to come out of it. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858.

Book Talk at the Ala. Dept. of Archives & History Noon. 624 Washington Ave. Today’s topic is Beautiful War: Studies in Dreadful Fascination, presented by Philip D. Beidler. For more info, call (334) 353-4689 or visit www. archives.alabama.gov.

Friday, November 10

Montgomery Veterans Day Celebration 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium, 200 Coosa St., Montgomery. This event will honor our veterans and active duty service members and their families with music, pagentry, flags, bands and tons of special guests! Many vendors, static military displays and historic vehicles will be on-hand at Riverwalk for the celebration. There will be a small parade/procession with some veterans, Boy Scout troops, JROTCs at 10:30, followed by a program with the national anthem, a flyover, music from the 151st Army Band, comments from distinguished military guests, plus

special guests. For more info, call (334) 241-4400 or find us on Facebook. Book Talk at the Ala. Dept. of Archives & History Noon. 624 Washington Ave. Today’s topic is The Shadow Tiger: Billy McDonald, Wingman to Chennault, presented by William C. McDonald III. For more info, call (334) 353-4689 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov. 2017 Parents’ Night Out at Grandview YMCA 6-10 p.m. Let the Grandview YMCA watch your child while you take the night to go to a movie, relax at home, go grocery shopping or have a date night. (School-age children, 5 and up). Dinner for your child, games and fun included! For more info, contact Bill Myers at (334) 290-3622 or bmyers@ ymcamontgomery.org. Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets Elmore County Homeschool Organization is a non-profit support group for homeschooling families. We provide a positive socialization environment for homeschooled children & support and encourage their parents in the homeschooling process. We typically meet the second and fourth Friday of every month year-round from 10 a.m. to noon at Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. (However, there will be NO meeting Nov. 24.) Membership is free and is open to all homeschoolers in the tri-county area. For details, visit http://www.onlineecho.com. 2017 Charis Crafters “Home for the Holidays” Craft Show -- Also November 11 Wetumpka Civic Center, 410 S. Main St. Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission charged. A wide variety of handmade-crafted items and homemade delights perfect for gift giving or decorating your home.

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FamilyCalendar Saturday, November 11

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/ev ents/1374454692792666/?source=1. Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women Montgomery Country Club, Azalea Room, 3800 Narrow Lane Road. 9 a.m.-noon. 3-hour workshop that is offered monthly, designed to help participants explore the legal, financial, and emotional issues of divorce and gain a greater understanding of the process. Cost to attend is $20 per person and pre-registration required. For more info, please call or e-mail Sommer Morris at (334) 6121086 or sommer.morris@morganstanley.com. You may also visit www.secondsaturday.com.

more! FREE. For more info, call (334) 213-3080 or visit www.lakeviewbaptist.cc/. MACOA’s International Tasting 2-4 p.m. Southern Homes & Gardens 8820 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery. Come enjoy a trip around the world as you experience international cuisine, entertainment, and an afternoon of cultural surprises! A monetary donation to MACOA and Meals On Wheels entitles you to this special charity benefit: Guests of the International Tasting will also enjoy a special 20% discount while shopping at Southern Homes & Gardens during the event. To learn more and to RSVP, contact Chacolby at (334) 2630532, cjohnson@macoa.org, or www.macoa.org.   Landmarks Foundation’s Discovery Sundays 2 p.m. Auditorium of Old Alabama Town’s Visitors’ Center, 301 Columbus Street. Slide presentation by Delos Hughes about historic Alabama courthouses. The presentation will be on architecture and stories of buildings that have been the centers of public life from the state’s beginnings. Professor Hughes is the author of Historic Alabama Courthouses: A Century of Their Images and Stories. He is a co-author of Lost Auburn: A Village Remembered in Period Photographs. This program is free to the public. For more info, visit www. landmarksfoundation.com/events/upcoming-events/ or call (334) 240-4500.

Wednesday, November 15

Newcomers Club of Montgomery Monthly Luncheon The Newcomers Club of Montgomery invites all women of the River Region to attend our monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Arrowhead Country Club. Cost is $18 and reservations must be made by noon Monday, November 13, to Suzanne Lowry at (334) 396-5368 or zanzuzan@charter.net. Visit www. newcomersmontgomery.com.

Prattauga Art Guild Artists’ Market 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Prattville Creative Arts Center and Gallery on Chestnut Street. Artist booths and live music will be set up in the art garden adjacent to the Center, as well as in the Gallery. This market will feature a variety of artistic styles and media from painting to photography and clay sculpture to mixed media and wood work. Come out and pick up that perfect one-of-a-kind gift for the holidays or a new piece for your home or to add to your art collection. For more info, call (334) 595-0854.

Introduction to Drawing Workshop 2 p.m., Pike Road Branch Library. Laura Murray, author and illustrator of Amazing Alabama: A Coloring Book Journey Through Our 67 Counties, will lead this workshop for kids and adults. Pre-registration is required for this event. Call (334) 244-8679 or e-mail cmwilliams@mccpl.lib.al.us.

Alabama Nature Center Rocks! 11:30 a.m. Ready to “Rock Out?” Come visit us to search for and paint some nature scene rocks. This program will be informal and will be good for children and adults alike! All materials will be supplied. Feel free to hide your rock around the ANC once you’re done, or take it home as a souvenir. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (800) 822-9453.

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 “Anne Mae Beddow, Pioneering World War I Nurse Anethetist,” presented by Anne Gibbons. Call (334) 353-4726 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov.

AMC Theaters Offers Sensory-Friendly Movietimes -- Also November 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 (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes.

Sunday, November 12

Lakeview Baptist Church Fall Festival 4-6 p.m. 9225 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery. Inflatables, hay ride, music, games, hot dog dinner, and

Montgomery Parents I November 2017

Thursday, November 16

Capri Theatre Presents Planes, Trains and Automobiles 7:30 p.m. Holiday classic with Steve Martin and John Candy. Neal just wants to get home to Chicago for Thanksgiving, but right off the bat, things start going wrong. Things just keep getting worse, and for Neal to spend Thanksgiving with his family, he’s going to have to use everything he has - including Del the taxi thief and, of course, planes, trains and automobiles. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858. ARTtalk at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 6-8 p.m. This unique program, designed for artists and art lovers alike, has been celebrating the work of Montgomery area artists for more than 25 years. Sign up for a new season of opportunities to view outstanding artwork and receive feedback about your own work. ARTtalk meets on select Thursday evenings in the Museum Library. Annual dues: $20 for Museum or Art Guild members; $35 for non-members. E-mail edsecy@ mmfa.org or call (334) 240-4365 for reservations or visit www.mmfa.org.

Friday, November 17

Late Nights at Goodtimes YMCA 7-10:30 p.m. Let the Goodtimes YMCA watch your child while you take the night to go to a movie, relax at home, go grocery shopping or have a date night. Ages: 5 to 12 years old. Cost: $15 per child for registrations by Thursday prior; $5 late fee for day-of registrations. Dinner for your child, games and fun included! For more info, contact Nick Brown at (334) 279-8666 or nbrown@ ymcamontgomery.org. Bill Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band 7 p.m. Frazer UMC’s Wesley Hall. Bill Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band will be in concert for the “Better Together Tour” along with Charlotte Ritchie, Gene McDonald and Kevin Williams. General admission $30. Seniors 60+/Child 0-12 $25. Groups 10+ $20. For tickets, call 1-855-484-1991 or order online at premierproductions. com. A limited number of tickets also on sale in Frazer’s bookstore.

Saturday, November 18

Third Saturday @ Art Museum 1-2 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Learn more about the works of art on view at the Museum in these FREE docent-led tours offered the third Saturday of each month. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa. org/. 2017 Capitol 10 Miler 5:30 a.m.-noon. The Capitol 10 Miler race course will Start/Finish on the south side of the Capitol Building in downtown Montgomery, AL. The course will be fun, yet challenging, and will wind through many beautiful and historic areas of Montgomery, including downtown, Oak Park, Alabama State University, and Old Cloverdale. Proceeds from this event will benefit Centerpoint Missions, River Region Chaplains and Girls on the Run. For more info, call (334) 356-3076 or visit capitol10.com/. 2017 Turkey Burner 8 a.m. Montgomery MultiSport, 8107 Vaughn Road, Montgomery. A 5K run/walk and 1 mile fun run to raise money for the Montgomery Area Food Bank. Great family event. Register by November 11 to be guaranteed a T-shirt; online closes Nov. 15 at midnight. Call (334) 3567271 or visit mmstiming.com/race/2017-turkey-burner/. Lights Up! at The Shoppes at EastChase 6-8 p.m. This year will include live music by Jason Givens and The Wanderers, followed by the magical parade and fireworks show. For more info, call (334) 279-6046 or visit www.theshoppesateastchase.com/. 8th Annual Artist Market 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Open to the public. Join us to peruse the wares of regional artists and start checking off your holiday gift list with local, handcrafted, unique pieces. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa.org/. Survival Day at the Alabama Nature Center 11:30 a.m. This program is all about our outdoor skills! Some of the activities we will do today include canoeing/kayaking, archery, compass course, fire, shelter, and knot tying. Be sure to bring a change of shoes or shoes that can get wet for when we go canoeing! For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (800) 822-9453. Celebrate the Season with the Pike Road Arts Council 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Pike Road Town Hall.

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FamilyCalendar Children’s Holiday Art Workshop 10-11:30 a.m. OR 1-2:30 p.m. The Prattauga Art Guild will host this free event for children ages 5-12. Children will create a piece of artwork to take home and enjoy or give as a gift. Space is limited and reservations are required. To register your child(ren) or for more info, call (334) 595-0854. Landmarks Foundation Walking Tour: Trekking Through the Past 8:30 a.m. Historic Oakwood Cemetery with Mary Ann Neeley and Collier Neeley. Parking inside main gates of Oakwood. Meet inside main gates at Oakwood Cemetery. Free to Landmarks members, $10 for non-members. Montgomery’s oldest, documented burials are in the Western area with some identified and others still to wonder about. Wear comfortable clothes, walking shoes and bring water bottles. Call (334) 240-4500 or visit www. landmarksfoundation.com/ for details and information.

Sunday, November 19

Family Art Affair and Jazz Jams 2-4 p.m. Music will fill the Museum and get your creativity going as you visit the studio and complete a FREE makeand-take art project. This program has specific themes related to Museum exhibitions and is sure to be fun and engaging for the whole family. Create a landscape, using a variety of materials, inspired by the works in the exhibit Landscapes, Cityscapes, and Harvest Scenes on display in our gallery. For more info, visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333.

Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! 2 and 6 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Features favorite Sesame Street pals Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and more in a brand-new sensory adventure live on stage. A unique, up-closeand-personal pre-show experience will be offered at an additional charge prior to select performances, allowing families the opportunity to tour the on-stage neighborhood of their favorite, furry friends before they arrive for the main show. Tickets begin at $15. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Tuesday, November 21

Joe Thomas, Jr. 3rd Tuesday Guitar Pull 7-9 p.m. Three or four regional songwriters perform original music on the Cloverdale Playhouse’s intimate stage. Tickets are $10 at the door. Call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org.

Friday, November 24

Landmarks Foundation Walking Tour: Trekking Through the Past 2 p.m. Historic Monroe Street with Mary Ann Neeley and Dr. Richard Bailey. Meet at the corner of Hull and Monroe Streets. Free to Landmarks members, $10 for non-members. Stroll down one of Montgomery’s most historic thoroughfares, where once upon a time a future presidential assassin performed, famous actors strode the ‘boards, and the aroma of fried fish sandwiches competed with those of indoor restaurants, the stables of the police and fire departments, and the vegetables from the market under City Hall (which burned in 1932). Wear comfortable clothes, walking shoes and bring water bottles. Call (334) 240-4500 or visit www.landmarksfoundation.com/ for details and information. Funksgiving Music & Food Festival 4 p.m. Court Square, Montgomery. This year’s lineup includes CBDB, Funk You, Soul Mechanic, & The Talismen Band. A wide variety of local restaurants, craft vendors,

artists, and activities for kids on site! For more info, call (334) 657-2804 or find us on Facebook.

Food Truck Mash-up Presented By Wind Creek Montgomery 3-8 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium, 200 Coosa Street, Montgomery. Food trucks from all over Alabama are coming together to indulge your culinary delights! Tailgating, music, kids’ activities, hot air balloon, Santa Claus, prizes and more. $5 admission. Kids under 5 years are admitted for free. No pets please. For more info, call (866) 946-3360 or visit tickets.montgomeryadvertiser. com/e/food-truck-mash-up#top

Monday, November 27

Millbrook Community Theatre Presents Christmas Day with Scrooge -- Through November 30 10:30 a.m. A modern take on the Scrooge story, with a family having to spend Christmas day with mean old Uncle Ebs. However, young Nancy sent a letter to Santa asking if Uncle Ebs could be made to enjoy Christmas, so when Santa delivers the presents he leaves behind three fairies who are going to make Uncle Ebs change his ways. $5 for each student, $2 additional if they would like a drink and popcorn. Call (334) 782-7317 or visit www.millbrooktheater.com/. Wetumpka Depot Presents A Christmas Story Through December 2 7 p.m. performances and also a 2 p.m. matinee Dec. 2. Directed by Kristy Meanor and adapted for the stage by Phillip Grecian. “It’s a major award!” For tickets, call (334) 868-1440 or visit wetumpkadepot.com.

Tuesday, November 28

Prattville’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration Entertainment and activities will begin at 5:30 p.m. Christmas tree will be lit at 7 p.m. Santa will arrive at 7:05 p.m. and will listen to the wishes of the children until 8 p.m. For more info, call (334) 595-0854.

Thursday, November 30

Red Door Theatre Presents Christmas Belles Through December 3 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30-Dec. 2; 2:30 p.m. matinee Dec. 3. Red Door Theatre, Union Springs. Written by Jones, Hope and Wooten and directed by Kim Mason, this play is set in Christmastime in the small town of Fayro, Tex. The Futrelle Sisters are not exactly in a festive mood. A cranky Frankie is weeks overdue with her second set of twins. Twink, recently jilted and bitter about it, is in jail for inadvertently burning down half the town. And hot-flash-suffering Honey Raye is desperately trying to keep the Tabernacle of the Lamb’s Christmas Program from spiraling into chaos. But the feuding sisters find a way to pull together in order to present a Christmas program the citizens of Fayro will never forget. Their hilarious holiday journey through a misadventure-filled Christmas Eve is guaranteed to bring joy to your world! Call (334) 738-8687 or e-mail info@ reddoortheatre.org. Cloverdale Playhouse Theatre Presents Little Women -- Through December 10 7:30 p.m. performances Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s early life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March, detailing their passage from childhood to womanhood and their experiences growing up in Civil War America. In a new “trunk show” adaptation by director Sarah Thornton, this production brings a fresh take to a familiar and heart-warming story. For more info, visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org or call (334) 262-1530.

Friday, December 1

Montgomery Perfoming Arts Centre Presents Chris Tomlin 7 p.m. Affirming his lifetime calling to “write songs that help people worship God,” Tomlin continues to evolve in his musical leadership role for the nation with the recent inauguration of Worship Night in America events – unifying the church through an evening of worship through music and prayer. Tickets begin at $38. For more info, visit www. mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100. 13th Annual Daddy Daughter Diamond Princess Ball 6-8 p.m. Ware-Farley-Hood House, 450 North Hull Street, Montgomery. Hosted by Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery. Dads, granddads and uncles come dance the night away with your special princesses. No moms allowed! Open to girls in 6th grade and below, black tie optional, hors d’oeuvres will be served. $120 per couple, and $60 per additional princess. A Royal Diamond Tiara will be waiting for your princess when you arrive. For more info, visit landmarksfoundation.com. Girls in 7th grade and above are invited to join us as Teen Reception Committee members! The Reception Committee members serve as the hostesses for the ball, and help the princesses pick out their tiaras! Please call (334) 240-4500 for more info. 47th Annual Montgomery Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show -- Through December 3 Garrett Coliseum. Friday hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat.: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sun.: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission for adults $2 or a weekend pass for $3. Kids 18 and under are free with a student ID and paid adult. For more info, visit http://montgomerygemandmineralsociety.com.

Saturday, December 2

Arthritis Foundation’s 2017 Jingle Bell Run Activities begin at 7:30 a.m.; race begins at 8:30 a.m. Huntingdon College. The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run is a fun way to get out, get moving and raise funds and awareness to cure America’s #1 cause of disability. Wear a holiday-themed costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Show off your ugly Christmas sweater. Complete a 5-kilometer run or walk with your team members, spreading smiles, good cheer and a winning spirit. For more info, contact Lendria Glass at lglass@arthritis.org or call (334) 219-8707.

Sunday, December 3

MPAC Presents Travis Tritt 7:30 p.m. Two-time Grammy Award winner Travis Tritt released his first album in 1989, which was followed by several platinum albums and chart-topping singles throughout the 1990s. The musician continued to persevere with ongoing success, with hits like “Can I Trust You With My Heart” and “Here’s a Quarter.” Tickets begin at $25. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100.

Monday, December 4

Genealogy Workshop at the Ala. Dept. of Archives and History 9 a.m.-noon. This workshop will include the history of land records in America, where to find them, and how to use them to enhance your genealogical research. The second half of the workshop will focus on the various types of military records, where to find them, and what information can be found in them. Registration fee for each workshop is $30 for the general public. Friends of the Alabama Archives members can register at a discounted rate of $20. Space is limited and advance registration is required. To register online, visit www.archives.alabama.gov or contact Sarah McQueen at (334) 242-4364 or sarah. mcqueen@archives.alabama.gov.

Thursday, December 7

Millbrook Community Theatre Presents A Country Christmas Carol -- Also December 8-9, 14-16 @ 7:30 p.m. and December 10 & 17 @ 2 p.m. Directed by Sam Wallace. Book by Ron Kaehler. Music by

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SupportGroups Albert Evans. Season’s greetings from Marley County, USA, where folks don’t have a whole lot, but where everybody’s doing what they can to make the Christmas holiday crackle—except for one mean and miserly old coot who somehow misses the whole point. Ring a bell? It’s Dickens’ classic, dusted off and gussied up in a new country-western musical version. Call (334) 782-7317 or visit www. millbrooktheater.com/. Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre Presents A Charlie Brown Christmas -Through December 17 7:30 p.m. performances Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. matinees Saturdays and Sundays. Written by Charles Schulz and directed by Pamela Trammell. The classic animated television special comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation in which Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts Gang discover the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets $10 in advance; $12 at the door. For more info or to purchase tickets, call (334) 595-0854 or visit cc.prattvilleal.gov. Wetumpka Depot Presents Winter Wonderettes Through December 19 7:30 p.m. performances and also a 2 p.m. matinee Dec. 10. Written by Roger Bean and directed by Matthew Oliver. Four lovely ladies sing and dance their way through Christmas favorites. For tickets, call (334) 868-1440 or visit wetumpkadepot.com.

Classes

Breastfeeding Class Designed to prepare the expectant mother for breastfeeding her newborn. Also includes trouble-shooting common problems to establish a successful breastfeeding experience. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $15. Class schedule is subject to change, so please call 2938497 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. 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 Basics Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose to have pain relief during labor and delivery. Sessions are taught throughout the year at Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $25. Call 293-8497 by your 4th month of pregnancy to register. Childbirth Preparation (Four Sessions on Monday Nights) This four-session class is taught by Registered Labor and

Montgomery Parents I November 2017

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. 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@abchome.org. Infant Safety/CPR This one-time class sponsored by Baptist Health will teach

Pre- and Post-natal Fitness Classes Includes water aerobics, step-floor aerobics and strength training. SportsFirst. Call 277-7130. Pregnancy Nutrition Classes Interactive 3-week series of classes developed by wellknown pediatrician Dr. William Sears. Classes focus on lifestyle choices, attitude, and exercise at any stage of pregnancy; optimal nutrition before, during and after pregnancy; transition from pregnancy to motherhood. Courses can be taken separately or as a series. Jump in any time! Materials and snack provided with fee. For more info, contact alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or visit www. Facebook.com/LeaninCentralAL. Prepared Childbirth Class (Understanding Birth) Jackson Hospital. Preregistration required. Topics include: pregnancy, labor, birth, options for pain management, medical procedures, cesarean birth. Note: This class is a basic overview of the labor and delivery process and does not prepare someone for “natural” or unmedicated childbirth. Cost: $25 (covers mother and support person). Class size is limited. Please try to register by the 5th month of pregnancy for the best selection of available class dates. Call (334) 293-8497 or e-mail: liz.owen@jackson.org. Sibling Preparation Class One-hour class is designed for expectant “big brothers and sisters” ages 3 to 8. They will learn about the arrival of their new baby through an introduction to the hospital experience and the early days at home. Parents should plan to attend with their child. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org.

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., Room 8114 at Frazer Memorial UMC. For more info, call Sonia Martin at 409-9477 or at smartin@ 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.

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

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Panda Pals is a support group for families who have adopted or in the process of adopting children from China. We have playdates, family nights and get-togethers to talk about raising our children from China. If you would like to join our group, just e-mail PandaPals2005@yahoogroups. com or call Tracie Singleton at 395-8215.

Cancer Support

American Cancer Society, including Montgomery, Elmore & Autauga Counties: **To access or sign up for these programs, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Look Good…Feel Better is an American Cancer Society program in which trained volunteer cosmetologists help female cancer patients deal with the side effects of treatment. Patients are taught beauty techniques to enhance their appearance and self image during or after treatments, including ways to disguise hair loss and skin changes. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 for more info. OTHER PROGRAMS/SERVICES OFFERED BY THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: Reach to Recovery matches newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors on a one on one basis. Free wigs and other supplies for cancer patients Free rides to treatment through our Road To Recovery

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SupportGroups 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 5311390 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. Join us for thirteen weeks of guidance and purpose as you move forward with life after divorce. For more info, call 495-6350 or e-mail jan@ frazerumc.org. Divorce Care for Kids meets Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. at Frazer Memorial UMC. Children of divorce or separation find hope, help, and healing. Call 495-6350 or e-mail jan@ frazerumc.org for more info. 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. This is a 3-hour workshop that is offered monthly, designed to help participants explore the legal, financial, and emotional issues of divorce and gain a greater understanding of the process. The cost to attend is $20 per person and pre-registration is required. For more info, please call or e-mail Sommer Morris at (334) 612-1086 or sommer.morris@morganstanley.com. You may also visit www.secondsaturday.com.

Grief Support

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

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. Grief Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Rm. 3105. Call 495-6350 for more info. 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. Grieving With Hope, St. Mark UMC, meeting weekly on Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m. The group offers a place to share, care and heal from the losses of life. Facilitated by Dr. Lennie Howard and Marie Parma. Contact the church at 272-0009. Honoring Angels Like Owen, Inc. (HALO) offers family-oriented, Christian-based grief support groups that meet monthly. These groups are for families who have lost a child from 20 weeks gestation up to the age of 2 years old. Our parents’ group is for mothers and fathers. Our siblings’ group is for children ages 6-15. Both groups meet at the same time and place. HALO also offers free professional photography for families facing the loss of a child up to the age of 2 years old and needs-based financial assistance for burial. Visit www.honoringangelslikeowen. org or call (334) 328-1202.

La Leche League of Montgomery Area has served local mothers since 1984. Women who are pregnant, interested in breastfeeding and nursing mothers are invited to attend our free mother-to-mother support meetings or e-mail with breastfeeding questions. Join us with your babies. Children of all ages are welcome. We currently have morning and evening meetings. For more info, e-mail LLL.Montgomery.AL@gmail.com or visit http://www.llli.org/groups/@ llli*group*montgomery or “like” us on Facebook. Mom2Mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of children ages birth-5 years at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. E-mail Mom2mom@frazerumc. org for more information. Moms’ LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) First Baptist Church, Prattville. Meets twice monthly from 8:30-11:45 a.m. in the chapel at First Baptist Church in Prattville August through May. For moms of all stages and ages of life. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guests, special guest speakers and a lot of fun! Cost is $5 per meeting. Childcare provided by reservation. For more info 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, 9:3011:30 a.m., September through May. Moms, need a little break? We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Visit www. montgomeryfbc.org/MOPS or contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165.

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

Parent Support

D.A.D.S. (Dad and Daughter Saturdays) Second Saturdays at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Library in downtown Montgomery at 11 a.m. D.A.D.S. gives fathers and daughters an opportunity to read together to create fun, educational memories. This free event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Montgomery City-County Public Library and Dreamland Barbeque. For more info, call Ron Simmons at (334) 777-8596.

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 timeout? 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

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

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SupportGroups 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. Sav-A-Life conducts a HOPE GROUP for women who have experienced the emotional aftermath of an abortion. Groups meet eight consecutive Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. and are facilitated by women who have experienced abortion. The “Forgiven and Set Free” Bible study is used. Confidientiality is assured. Please call Kathy at 260-8010 for information. “Take Heart,” Room 116 at Eastmont Baptist Church, first Mondays of each month at 6 p.m. Support group for women dealing with infertility and/or miscarriage. Contact Melissa at (205) 913-2667 for more information.

Single Parents Support

God Will Make a Way, Frazer UMC, Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. Learn to follow God’s principles to thrive relationally, emotionally, and spiritually in 12 key areas of life and use God’s wisdom to cope with your most difficult problems. Call 495-6368 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org for more info. 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. 2016 pageant date TBA. Visit www. alabamaangels.org and look for us on Facebook! Central Alabama Autism Support Team (C.A.A.S.T.), St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Hwy. 31 in Prattville from 6-8 p.m. 3rd Thursdays quarterly (Feb., May, Aug., Nov.). Visit www.easysite.com/caast or e-mail casst50@yahoo. com for more info. Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach, Vaughn Park Church of Christ, 2nd Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. We have activities, speakers and special events throughout the year for the parents, siblings and children with Down Syndrome. Childcare provided. Visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com or visit our Facebook page (MADSOG) for more information. Contact MADSOG at montgomeryareadownsyndrome@gmail.com for more info. Montgomery Area Hearing Loss Support Group meets monthly at the Wesley Building of the First Methodist Church in Montgomery on 2nd Thursdays at 4 p.m. It is affiliated with the nationally recognized non-profit advocacy group, Hearing Loss Association of America. The purpose is to bring together all

adults and parents of children who would like to know more about hearing losses, its causes and its possible corrections. Refreshments at each meeting. For more info, contact HearingInfo@earthlink.net. A Parent’s Perspective A therapeutic and educational group for parents of children with physical/emotional needs that provides direct support through shared experiences and coordinated by a trained facilitator. For more info and a free consultation, contact Julie Cox, LMSW at (334) 310-1649 or juliecox.sw@gmail.com. You can also “like” A Parent’s Perspective on Facebook. 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 270-4100 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.

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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.

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Edgewood Academy, 20

Montgomery Zoo, 69

Edward Jones-Lane Easterling, 57

My Kids Attic, The Shoppes of, 21

Evangel Christian Academy, 35

New Hope Academy, 27

ACE of the River Region, 71

Family Guidance Center, 41

New Park, 4

Adventure Sports II, 81

FC Montgomery Soccer Academy, 19

OB/GYN Montgomery, Dr. Desautels, 47

Alabama Christian Academy, 30

First Baptist Church, Inside Back

O’Connor Tennis Lessons, 57

Alabama Dance Theatre, 83

First UMC Montgomery, 42

Pet Palace Hotels, 44

AL Dept. of Public Health, Inside Front, 7

Franchise Connection, 90

Prattville YMCA, 52

Alabama School of Math & Science, 49

Frazer Memorial UMC, 24

Professional Pediatrics, 12

Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 43

Guild Mortgage, 3

Pump It Up Party, 73

Alabama World Travel, 8

Health Services, Inc., 67

River Region Straw, 31

Armory Athletics, 28

Herron Dermatology & Laser, 39

River Region TV, 36

ASKIN/Synergy House, 90

Holy Cross Episcopal School, 9

Riverview Camp for Girls, 38

AUM Early Childhood Center, 65

Hooper Academy, 17

Rockin’ Jump, 51

Autauga/Western Elmore Arc, 17

K Lynn Ice Skating School, 31

Saint James School, 1

Baptist Health, 2, 26

Kingry Orthodontics, 16

Shane’s Rib Shack, 71

Beth’s Heirloom Sewing, 33

Learning Tree Child Care, 48

Spacewalker, The, 26

Bradford Health Services, 79

Lola Photography & Portrait Studio, 47

Spotless Cleaning Services, 11

Chapman Orthodontics, 35

Macon East Academy, 23

Success Unlimited Academy, 18

Children’s Hospital of Alabama, 29

MEOW Academy, 33

Swim Prep, 54

Christmas on the Coosa, 58

Memorial Presbyterian Childcare, 25

Sylvan Learning Center, 25

Churchill Academy, 53

Montessori @ Mulberry, 15

Taylor Road Baptist Church, 32

Cupcake Castles Travel, 27

Montgomery Catholic Schools, 13

The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover

Dentistry for Children, 37

Montgomery Dermatology, 28

Trinity Presbyterian School, 45

Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 54

Montgomery Gem & Mineral Show, 37

Tru-Cut Lawn Care, 32

Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 82

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 83

United Gymstars & Cheer, 19

E & S Hobbies, 90

Montg. Pediatric Dentistry/Ortho, 63

Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 52

Eastwood Christian School, 61

Montgomery Uniforms Plus, 59

Vaughn Road Preschool, 40

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My Little Pony

Same Kind of Different as Me

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: BSexual Content: AProfanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated My Little Pony: The Movie PG for mild action. Our hero is Princess Twilight Sparkle. Tasked with planning the kingdom’s all important Festival of Friendship, she is understandably stressed out. In this land of energetic ponies, there’s apparently nothing to pass the time besides impromptu musical numbers and snacking on a wide selection of baked goods. No wonder her peers are brimming with excitement; it’s about time someone broke up the monotony. With her reputation riding on this, Twilight comes close to panic over the event. Fortunately, her loyal friends have her back. But as preparations for the big day continue, the happy herd is delivered a rude awakening. An airship descends out of nowhere and an army is deposited in their peaceful city. From thence, the tireless team embark on a quest to find help in throwing off their oppressors. While the team may be tireless, the audience isn’t. As our protagonists journey across deserts, oceans and mountains, acquiring new friends through the charm of lengthy song and dance numbers, the tedium is only punctuated by the occasional pun. More concerning for families are the frightening bad guys and their minions who lock helpless citizens in cages and force them to pull heavy loads like... well, ponies. All the while, the main characters face perils of their own. This will only be troubling to the very youngest of viewers. For all its faults, the movie is full to bursting with moments of trust and friendship. Not half bad messages for kids to hear.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: AViolence: BSexual Content: B+ Profanity: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C+ The MPAA has rated Same Kind of Different as Me PG-13 for thematic elements including some violence and language. Ron Hall (Greg Kinnear) has a large home, a successful business as an art dealer, a beautiful family... and a mistress. He stands to lose everything when he confesses his affair to his wife Debbie (Renée Zellweger), but she surprises him. After sleeping on the problem, Debbie has a peculiar dream involving a poor wise man. When she awakens, she offers Ron his freedom or a chance to try to find what they once had. Ron chooses to stay with his wife, who then leads him on a curious journey to rekindle their love. It starts with Debbie inviting a reluctant Ron to join her as a volunteer in the soup kitchen. At first the wealthy man is more concerned about parking his Mercedes in the seedy neighborhood than he is about helping the hungry homeless. And his fears are only heightened when a vagrant wielding a baseball bat enters the building yelling death threats and smashing windows. After the situation cools, Debbie surprises him again. She tells her shaken husband that the stranger (Djimon Hounsou) is the man from her dream – and she wants Ron to go and make friends with him. The unusual request marks the beginning of an even more unusual relationship. Although sentimental at times, this faith-based film shows how small acts of kindness can add up to large life changes. And it demonstrates how a sharing of perspectives can improve the way each of us see the world.

Only the Brave

Geostorm

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: BSexual Content: BProfanity: D Alcohol / Drug Use: CThe MPAA has rated Only the Brave PG-13 for thematic content, some sexual references, language and drug. During June of 2013 a lightning strike started a wildfire. With winds whipping the flames toward the community of Yarnell, Arizona, various fire crews were called upon to bring it under control and to protect civilians. One of these was the Granite Mountain Hotshots. This elite group of firefighters held the unique certification of hotshots, meaning these men and women are trained to meet demanding physical standards and to undertake complex fire mitigation methods. Even though they worked within the fire department of the City of Prescott, Arizona, they are considered an “interagency” resource, and could be called to serve anywhere in the US. Only The Brave takes a great deal of time introducing many of the twenty members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots on a personal basis. Being a memorial film (yes, this is a true story with a very tragic ending), this approach is not only appropriate but also provides an effective dramatic backdrop. An exceptional film that uses its long running time effectively, Only the Brave also unleashes a torrent of profanities in what seems to be an attempt to convince us the men we see on the screen are the real deal. Although it would be unrealistic to believe their language wouldn’t include a variety of four-letter words, the generous peppering of profanity and sexual remarks may cause parents to rethink this title for family viewing -- and that’s unfortunate.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: C Sexual Content: B+ Profanity: C Alcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated Geostorm PG13 for destruction, action and violence. In the year 2019, Earth’s increasingly extreme weather conditions reach such a severe state that the leaders of the world are forced to come together to find a solution. Using the best scientific minds available, a large network of satellites is created to control the environment. The miraculous machine is a collaboration of 17 countries and managed from the International Space Station. But the US leads the effort and an American named Jake Lawson (Gerard Butler) heads up the team of experts. Instead of willingly transferring The Dutchman over to a multi-national council, it appears the US Senate wants to stay in charge of the device. Fast forward two years and 49 weeks. With 21 days left before the US hands over their administration of The Dutchman, a malfunction occurs. Worried about passing on damaged goods, the US President (Andy Garcia) gives the problem to the Secretary of State (Ed Harris), who enlists Max, who in turn recruits Jake to give the complex system a check-up and cure whatever is ailing it. Yet once onboard the Space Station he stumbles into something more suspicious than a mechanical failure. Meanwhile Max untangles some Washington red tape that appears to be covering up a sinister plot. And at the same time, various freak weather incidents are killing unsuspecting civilians. Parents should be aware that this may be too much for young children. All in all, Geostorm offers everything a disaster film is supposed to.

Montgomery Parents I November 2017

www.montgomeryparents.com

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