Montgomery Parents October 2017 by KeepSharing

PERTUSSIS

(WHOOPING COUGH)

IS IN ALABAMA PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY

WHAT IS WHOOPING COUGH?

Whooping cough – or pertussis – is a very serious respiratory (in the lungs and breathing tubes) infection caused by the pertussis bacteria. It causes violent coughing you can’t stop. Whooping cough is most harmful for young babies and can be deadly.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF WHOOPING COUGH?

Early symptoms can last for 1 to 2 weeks and usually include • Runny nose • Low-grade fever • Mild, occasional cough • A pnea - a pause in breathing (in babies)

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDER TO GET VACCINATED AND FOR TREATMENT. For more information, visit adph.org/immunization or facebook.com/AlabamaImmunizationInfo

It’s a

G REAT DAYat ! Mark Your Calendars! SA IN T JA M E S SCHOOL IN V ITE S PROSPECTI VE STU DEN TS A ND PA R EN TS TO VISIT STJ IN NOVEMBER

Welcome Wednesdays in November AT STJ November is get to know us month! We encourage all prospective families to schedule an individual tour of Saint James School during the school day. In addition, we are inviting all who are interested in Saint James School’s Pre-K3, Pre-K4, and Kindergarten programs to our Welcome Wednesdays this November. The children will enjoy a classroom activity and play with new friends while the parents take a brief tour of our pre-school and kindergarten.

Save The Date

OPEN HOUSE Sunday January 21, 2018 1:30pm

9:00am 9:10-9:30am

9:30am

Registration in the Admissions Office in the Saint James Elementary School Enrichment Classroom Activity November 8, 2017–Science Lab November 15, 2017–Technology Lab November 29, 2017–Holiday Library Time Students enjoy refreshments and arts & crafts with our STJ Student Ambassadors while the parents tour our Pre-K3, Pre-K4, and Kindergarten classes

Reservations are encouraged. Please call 334-273-3021 or email admissions@stjweb.org at least three school days before the Wednesday you would like to attend.

Saint James School FOR PRE-K3−12 TH G RADE ADM I SS ION S, 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.

SJ01-39775 Parent's Ad Oct. 2017.indd 1

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CENTRAL ALABAMA WOMEN’S CARE Birth Control

Baptist Health is pleased to announce the creation of a new OB/GYN practice known as Central Alabama Women’s Care. Drs. Johnson, McIntyre, McCorvey, Pena and Zimmerman have teamed together with Baptist Health to create a practice dedicated to outstanding female and maternity care with two convenient locations to serve the community.

• Nexplanon • IUDs • Tubal Ligations Help With

• Infertility

Over the years, these premier physicians have delivered thousands of babies within Central Alabama and fostered caring physician-patient relationships through timely service, expert delivery of care and simply getting to know each patient by name and understanding her personal health needs. From annual exams to pregnancy education to menopausal issues, the providers and staff at Central Alabama Women’s Care will ensure your care is personalized, comfortable and timely.

• Abnormal Pap • Uterine Bleeding • Menopause • Pelvic Pain

2055 East South Blvd, Ste 806 Montgomery, AL 36117 (334) 288-3400 3

• Fibroids Removal • Myomectomy • Hysterectomy • Ablations • Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy • Robotic Gynecologic Surgery Specialize In

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Surgeries

2455 Bell Road Montgomery, AL 36117 (334) 284-2355

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Catch the Knight Fever!

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7 ACADEMICS ATHLETICS ACHIEVEMENT Macon East Academy is an independent, college preparatory school, committed to providing students with a safe, nurturing environment that promotes academic achievement, patriotism, and belief in God through Christian values. Our accelerated curriculum is complemented by offerings in performing and visual arts, music, foreign language, and over 20 interscholastic sports, as well as a 1:1 Apple iPad program for students in grades K5 - 12. At Macon East, our students are held to high standards in all areas of student life, and Christian values are reinforced throughout all school programs. Small class sizes, flexible scheduling and a safe, nurturing environment give every student the opportunity to excel. Macon East is more than a school; we are a family. Schedule a campus tour today, and find out why Macon East is the right school for your student.

MACON EAST ACADEMY 15396 Vaughn Road Cecil, Alabama 36013 Telephone: 334.277.6566 Web: maconeast.net l

Leadership scholarship opportunities are available. Montgomery Parents I October 2017

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October2017

Volume 22 Number 10

68 Columns

8 Living With Children John Rosemond

12 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

STEM for Preschoolers Ideas for science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities to try at home.

Halloween for Tweens and Teens Find teen approved games for hosting a fabulous party!

14 Montgomery Education Matters by Superintendent Reginald Eggleston, Ed.D.

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

44 Autauga Education Matters by Superintendent Spence Agee

50 Elmore Education Matters by Superintendent Richard Dennis

58 The College Years by Lee Gonet

62 Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

Fall Festivities and Halloween Fun

Our guide to all things “fall” in and around the community.

10 Skills to Know By Age 10

Important tasks to teach as they move towards independence.

64 Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston

66 Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

78 A Page in a Book

On The Cover Shameria Harris (age 7) is in 2nd grade and attends MacMillan International Academy in Montgomery. She is an “A Honor Roll” student and enjoys learning, laughing, dancing, spending time with family, playing with dolls, being fashionable, and taking gymnastics at The Armory. Shameria also loves to pretend she’s a YouTube blogger. Proud parents are Kiarah Harris and Chris Jones, and Shameria will become a big sister in April 2018.

Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 10 Bits and Pieces 16 School Bits 86 Calendar/Support Groups 96 Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Editor’sNote Happy Fall, Y’all...FINALLY! What a glorious time of year in the South! Football, fabulous weather, Halloween, the Alabama National Fair, and the anticipation of Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner. Excitement is brewing around our house already for all of these, especially Halloween. Our six-yearold daughter Grace was positive for months that she would be Ariel from The Little Mermaid, that is until we watched Beauty and the Beast a couple weeks ago. She quickly changed her plan and now we are looking for the perfect Belle costume. At almost 17 years old, Anna is bummed (once again) that she can’t trick-ortreat anymore, but insists on dressing up in costume no matter what the evening of October 31 holds for her and her friends. If you have an older child who wants to celebrate the holiday, but has outgrown fall festivals and ringing doorbells for candy, be sure to read Pam Molnar’s article, 10 Halloween

Party Games for Tweens and Teens. Maybe this is the year your family starts a Halloween party tradition your older kids can look forward to every year. We’ve also included our Fall Festivities and Halloween Fun Guide in this issue and it details tons of fall fun for the entire family, here in the River Region and in nearby cities. You’ll find pumpkin patches, arts and crafts festivals, trunk or treats and much more. Take advantage of the many opportunities to go out and make memories as a family this fall! I’ve often talked about the differences in parenting a young child now, as a 45-year-old, compared to the first time in our late 20s/early 30s. Worrying less about the “small stuff” probably tops the list, but a close second is that we let Grace do things earlier than we allowed her siblings. For example, Will and Anna took baths until they were probably 6, before

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 Robert Coggin, M.D. Richard Dennis Reginald Eggleston, Ed.D. Lee Gonet Mark Gregston Carolyn Jabs Dr. Charles Ledbetter Sarah Lyons Pam Molnar John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith

Cover Photography Lori Mercer

we introduced the shower concept. We taught Grace to take a shower at 3. Grace has been getting herself dressed and brushing her teeth on her own since about that age, too. She puts her own laundry away neatly in her drawers and helps empty the dishwasher. I know Will and Anna weren’t doing these things at her age, not because they couldn’t, but I guess because I thought they were too young to be expected to. What I’ve found with Grace is that she enjoys feeling capable of handling these tasks and is eager to help (most of the time). Sarah Lyons shares a helpful article along these lines, 10 Skills to Know Before Age 10. She covers some that I have mentioned, but many others that Jason and I need to get busy teaching Grace over the next few years. If you’ve heard (and like) the saying, You shouldn’t do for kids what they can do for themselves, you’ll love this article. Other content you won’t want to miss in this issue includes How to Stop Yelling at Your Kids, Are We Addicted to Cell Phones, and Tackling the College Application. So you see that no matter what phase of the parenting journey you are in, we’ve got you covered! Have a Happy Halloween and a fabulous October!

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

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Publisher Jason Watson jason@montgomeryparents.com

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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ACCREDITED K4 THROUGH 12TH GRADE INDEPENDENT COLLEGE-PREPARATORY SCHOOL

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INVESTING IN A LIFETIME

Shaping Leaders that Change the World 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 available. Discount offered to military families.

trinitywildcats.com M O N T G O M E R Y, A L A B A M A |

LOWER SCHOOL

334.213.2100

n Trinity graduates have received over $35 million in merit-based scholarships over the last 5 years n The vast majority of Trinity’s AP students score between a 3 and a 5 on their exams, with many students nearly completing their freshman college studies before graduating from Trinity n Trinity’s EnviroBowl Team won the 2016 State Championship—Trinity’s 10th EnviroBowl championship since 2001 n Partnering with a local elementary school, Trinity students serve as “Study Buddies,” as well as provide food to 85 children weekly through “Feeding America’s BackPack Program” n Trinity’s Change 4 Change project has donated over $70,000 in the past three years to charitable organizations in Montgomery and throughout the world Trinity admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origins to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Trinity does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origins in any of the educational policies, scholarship programs and athletics, and other school-administered programs.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents ONE CAMPUS

LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

How to Stop Yelling at Your Kids Q. I get very frustrated with my children when they don’t obey me, even down to the simplest of instructions, and end up yelling. How does a parent stop yelling at her kids? A: Thank you, thank you, thank you for asking this very pertinent and timely question. Yelling is commonplace among today’s parents (as opposed to 60-plus years ago); therefore, almost everyone reading this column will benefit from it. And yes, that is a guarantee. If the reader does not benefit, then he or she only engaged in rote decoding of alphabetic symbols. Parental yelling occurs for two reasons, depending on the type of parent in question. As regards the sort of parents who read my column on a regular basis—parents, that is, who love their children unconditionally and want to be the best parents they can be—yelling occurs because they tolerate misbehavior. Tolerant parents repeat themselves, threaten, bluster and otherwise work themselves into a state of frustration that eventually expresses itself in yelling. Intolerant parents do none of that. They are mean. A parent who

Montgomery Parents I October 2017

qualifies as mean does not yell. Said parent is virtually unflappable, which is to say cool, calm, and collected. From a child’s perspective, a parent (or teacher) is mean if the child discovers that the parent says precisely what he means and means precisely what he says. No means no. It does not mean maybe. “I (parent) want you (child) to do thus and so” means the child is going to do it. It does not mean anything short of that. Mean parents do not negotiate, backtrack, equivocate or blow smoke. They do not threaten or give second chances. For example, if a mean parent tells a child to go straighten and clean his room and the child pushes back or fails to perform the task properly, mean parent might go clean the child’s room himself and then ground the child to the home for two weeks with early bedtime. Mean parent in this example gave the instruction once. The child had one chance to either obey or disobey. In the latter, mean parent did not repeat, complain, berate, bluster, give a second chance, threaten, jump up and down while flapping his arms, or

yell. He was calmly intolerant; therefore, he did not yell. I have polled hundreds of audiences on the issue of yelling and discovered that the percentage of parents who frequently yell has at least tripled in the last fifty years or so. The percentage of children who do habitually disobey at first instruction has risen accordingly. During that time, the nature of the child has not changed. The increase in yelling is due to parents of two generations ago being generally more intolerant of misbehavior. Their intolerance expressed itself in several ways, including that they did not repeat themselves, did not give reasons and explanations, replied with “because I said so” if asked for a reason or explanation, and used consequences that instilled permanent memories. The payoff to children who grew up with these intolerant, mean parents was rarely if ever being yelled at. Sorry to disappoint, but if you yell at your children, you do so not because they are strongwilled or argumentative or can’t take no for an answer. You yell at your children because you are weak-willed, accept invitations to argue, and can’t say no and mean it. Stop trying to change your children. Change you. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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Creatures of the Night

Saturday, October 21 * 4 p.m. Bring the family and join us for a Halloweenthemed evening under the stars, hosted by the Alabama Nature Center and Reality Connection. Activities include a slithering snake encounter, bats, black lighting for insects, ewwy gooey touch table, flashlight spider search and night hike, and a movie under the stars beginning at 6:45! S’mores are complementary for the movie. Please feel free to bring a blanket or chairs. There will be a glow-stick night hike after the movie. For more info, call (800) 822-9453 or visit www.alabamawildlife.org/.

Alabama National Fair October 27 - November 5

From musical entertainment to classic fair rides to various vendors and competitions, there is plenty to see and do. Special ticket packages ending on October 20. Brothers Osborne will perform Saturday night and Fantasia on Sunday at 7 p.m. Other events include racing pigs, magic shows and alumberjack show. Visit www.alnationalfair.org.

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Buddy Walk Celebrates National Down Syndrome Awareness

October 7 * 9 a.m.-noon. John Mark Stallings Football Field, Faulkner University. Your participation in the Buddy Walk helps the Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group provide information and support to families in the Montgomery Tri-County area. Registration fee is $15 per person until Sept. 10. After Sept. 10, the registration fee goes up to $20 per person. For more info, visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com/.

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17th Annual Walk ‘n Wag October 7 * 8 a.m.-noon. Blount Cultural Park. Join hundreds of pets and pet lovers as they participate in this pledge walk to support homeless animals in the Montgomery area through the Montgomery Humane Society. Register online, by mail, in person or on event day. For more info, call (334) 409-0622 or visit www. montgomeryhumane.com/.

Montgomery’s Junior League Holiday Market

October 11-14 The Multiplex at Cramton Bowl, 220 Hall St. Hours Wed. are 6-9 p.m.; Thur.-Fri. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Advance ticket sales end Oct. 6 at noon for online purchases and at the close of business at the ticket outlets. Advanced general admission $5; Prancer’s Preview Party $40; Breakfast with Santa $20; Three Day Pass $15 (only available at the Market); General Admission at the Door $10; Military (with Military ID) $5. For more info, call (334) 288-8816 or visit www.jlmontgomery.org/. Montgomery Parents I October 2017

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. 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. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Whole Foods Second Saturday Kids Club

October 14 * 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.

October 21 @ 5-9 p.m. Teens and Tech is an after-hours event at Birmingham’s McWane Science Center for students in 6th-12th grades. Each Teens and Tech night focuses on a single topic that is related to science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics. This event is FREE for the students. Games, fun and food will be provided! Younger siblings may not attend. Seating is limited. Our parking deck will be open for pick up and drop off. You may enter the special events entrance on level C. To reserve a spot, please call (205) 7148414. For more info, visit www.mcwane.org.

October 21 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Prattville YMCA All the grits you can eat for $2. Festivities include: grits cookoff, door prizes, contests, arts & crafts, bounce houses and live music.

October 20-22 Renaissance Montgomery Convention Center, 201 Tallapoosa St. Fri. hours 4-9 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Movies, Comics, Toys, Video Gaming, Games, TV, Horror, Wrestling, MMA, Original Art, Collectibles, Anime, Manga & More! Wizard World Comic Con Montgomery is brought to you by the group who produces the most widely attended Comic Con tour. For a list of special guests and more info, visit http://wizardworld.com/comiccon/montgomery or call (310) 648-8410.

Princess & Superhero Brunch at Blackfinn Ameripub

October 21 * 6854 Eastchase Parkway. Tickets include a brunch buffet and meet and greet with our chosen princess and superhero. There will be 10 a.m. and noon seating times. Please e-mail mdrew@ blackfinnmontgomery.com once tickets are purchased to reserve your table. Characters will be at both seating times. Costumes encouraged! Tickets for children under 12 are $11.94 each; adults are $22.89 each. Tickets may be purchased at Eventbrite. For more info, call (334) 517-1760.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Tips for Your Child’s Cough Every parent dreads seeing their child sick and it is worse when they don’t have a fix for the problem. Most children have 4-10 colds every year, and along with many of them comes the dreaded cough. Cough is a protective reflex by the body to clear the airways of irritating or obstructing material like mucous and can be very aggravating to both the parent and the child. In January 2008, the FDA warned against giving children less than 2 years old cough and cold medicines due to the possibility of serious harm or death. They later extended the age limit to include children 5 years and under. Their decision was based on evidence from studies showing little to no improvement of symptoms in this age group, and the large number of visits to the emergency room for adverse effects caused by many of these medicines. While complete suppression of the cough can cause problems there are some things that you can do to help with the cough. Vapor rub containing camphor, menthol, or eucalyptus oils have been shown to help with symptoms at night when used appro-

Montgomery Parents I October 2017

priately. For children ages 2 and up, these products should be applied to the chest and neck area at bedtime and have been shown to relieve some but not all the symptoms. If your child has asthma, chronic lung disease, eczema, or a seizure disorder this may not be a good choice for your child as it could irritate their disease. Another option you can try is honey. Some studies show that giving your child honey 30 minutes before bedtime can help relieve the cough. Honey is not safe for children younger than one year old as it can cause a serious infection with botulism. A cool mist humidifier in your child’s room can also help with cold and cough symptoms. Elevating the head of your child’s bed by placing a towel or blanket under the top mattress may help relieve some of the cough as well. For children over the age of 6 years there are many over the counter medicines available. They usually contain a combination antihistamines, decongestants, cough suppressants, and cough expectorants intended to help with the symptoms of a

cold with cough. Antihistamines are good for a runny nose and decrease the amount of post nasal drainage you have decreasing your cough. Cough suppressants help to suppress your cough but don’t expect it to completely disappear as no medicine can. Cough expectorants do not suppress your cough, but help to keep mucous moist so you can cough it up. It will help with a wet cough, but may not help much if you have a dry cough. Some of the medicines will also add a pain reliever to the mix. The most important thing to remember is not to mix multiple cold and cough medicines unless you are sure about not overdosing on the included medications. If you are unsure about what to try talk with your doctor before giving any medicine to your child. Remember that your child’s cough is still a protective, airway clearing reflex and try not to suppress it completely.

Dr. Malissa Hoy was born in Montgomery. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and earned her medical degree from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, West Virginia in 2007. She completed her Pediatrics Residency in Detroit, Michigan at St. John Hospital and Medical Center. Malissa is happily married to Jade and they have two children.

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Involvement Means Success It should come as no surprise that when parents let their children know how important getting a good education is, they achieve at a higher level. Perhaps what is surprising to some … it only takes a few minutes each day and no particular skill or training. According to the National Committee for Citizens in Education, students whose parents are involved in their education have better academic performance, fewer behavioral issues and are more likely to graduate. That should be enough of a motivation for all parents to take just a few

Montgomery Parents I October 2017

minutes each day to get involved in their child’s education. Here are a few simple things you can do to be more involved and help your child succeed. Ask your child, “What did you learn in school today?” Never accept “nothin” as the answer. If your child insists he or she didn’t learn anything that day, you should let your son or daughter know that you are going to make an appointment with the teachers at the school to find out why. Chances are that your child will suddenly remember a number of things that were discussed in class and details of what they learned. If they insist there was no learning going on, then follow through with a meeting with his or her teachers. Attend your child’s school events. This includes the PTA/PTO meeting, special events like Muffins with Mom, Donuts with Dad or any opportunity for you to go to campus and participate. Talk to your child about the importance of education. A high school

graduate typically makes more than $10,000 more per year than a dropout. A college graduate can make more than $36,000 per year than a high school graduate. Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. A good education also makes life more interesting. Expanding our curiosity about the world around us opens up possibilities professionally and in our leisure activities. Get the INOW Parent Portal. This tool allows you to check grades and assignments anytime online. Just go to your child’s school and get a password. Just a few minutes each day can make a dramatic difference in your child’s performance in school. You don’t have to know how to diagram a sentence or dissect a frog. Just ask a few questions and let your child know how important education is to you and to their future. Dr. Reginald Eggleston was recently named the new Superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools. He served as an assistant superintendent in Mobile for the last 10 years, and is happy to be back in Montgomery to serve its schools.

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Montgomery County Schools

Ten MPS Students Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

Success Unlimited Announces SGA Officers

Success Unlimited Academy announces its Student Government Association officers for the 2017-18 school term: senior Jordan Andrews, SGA president; sophomore Hayden Terrell, vice president; sophomore Stephen Lane, secretary; junior Shamia McDaniel, chaplain; and sophomore Devin Johnson, SGA member at large. Activities Director Julie Beard is the SGA Advisor. The main function of the SGA is to give students the opportunity to network and be the voice for the student body. These elected officers are responsible for planning student activities throughout the year and also represent the school at various school and community events. The officers attended the AISA SGA Conference on September 11 at Huntingdon College.

Ten students from Montgomery Public Schools have been named 2017 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. Nine of the students are from Loveless Academic Magnet Program, and one is from Booker T. Washington Magnet High. These students are now eligible to compete for a scholarship given to the most promising high school students in the nation. The students from LAMP are Phillip Harden, Janyeong Kim, Jacob Mesina, Katherine Walcott, Gary Willford, Anna Williams, Martha Yin, Varun Kosgi and Aaron Zheng. The BTW student is Rachel Thompson, who is pictured separately at right. The Semifinalists are the highest-scoring entrants on the PSAT/NMSQT test in each state. These 10 students join about 16,000 nationwide in the running for scholarships. Semifinalists will be notified in February if they have advanced to Finalist status. Winners are then chosen based on academics, student activities and an essay. Winners receive a $2,500 scholarship. The LAMP students are shown above with Principal Matthew Monson and guidance counselor Mary Harmon.

ACA’s First Quarterback Honored

Holy Cross Third Grade Plants Fall Garden

Holy Cross Episcopal School’s third-grade students are studying plants, plant parts, plant cells and photosynthesis. They are also examining how germination of seeds takes place and the appearance of a seed as it sprouts. The class began a pumpkin seed in a plastic bag to document the changes as it developed and record them in their observation journals, and then transplanted the seed outdoors into their garden. Mrs. Black coordinated the plants chosen for the garden to be tubers, which are examples of rhizomes such as potato plants, flowering plants and fall root vegetables. Montgomery Parents I October 2017

As part of Alabama Christian Academy’s 75th anniversary celebration, an honorary captain will be featured at each home football game. It was only fitting to name Steve Phillips the first honorary captain. Phillips, who attended ACA from 1971 to 1975, was the first quarterback at the school and also threw the first touchdown pass. After graduation, Phillips attended what was then Alabama Christian Junior College and AUM. After college he enjoyed a 25-year career of teaching and coaching in the Montgomery Public Schools system. He retired from public school and coached at ACA and Faulkner, where he is currently in his 14th year as an associate professor in the department of kinesiology and exercise science at Faulkner University. “We started the football program in 1974 with a dream that hundreds of young men would be able to play the game of football at Alabama Christian for years to come and that one day Alabama Christian would have its own stadium full of fans,” Phillips said. “Fortythree years later, on nights like tonight, it is literally a dream come true for me to return and watch the ACA Eagles.” 16

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Montgomery County Schools

Montgomery Academy Eagle Patrol

Luncheon Honors Specialists at Forest Avenue

The Forest Avenue Academic Magnet School PTA hosted a luncheon last month to thank the school’s specialists for their many contributions to enrich student learning. Parent Allison Irvin Godwin provided the beautiful decorations for the event. #FAAMRocks!

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The Montgomery Academy’s newly formed Eagle Patrol is comprised of fourth- and fifthgrade volunteers. The kids are stationed on the porch each morning welcoming students to school and they also raise and lower the American, Alabama and MA flags each day. Head of School Jay Spencer recently taught the Eagle Patrol flag etiquette. ”We discussed flag etiquette and demonstrated the proper way to fold the flag,” Spencer said. “Then we went out to the flagpole to go over the proper technique for raising, lowering and half-staffing the flag. I love to engage with the kids.” The students learned a lot from Mr. Spencer: “I learned how to fold a flag.”- Gaines Burnham “I learned that on special holidays or when someone special dies, we raise the flag half-staff.” - Lucy Nelson “I learned that you shouldn’t drop the flag because it’s disrespectful.” - Kirsten Thomas “If you drop the flag, you have to burn it or bury it.” - Edward Stivers

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Churchill Uses Breakout Lesson to Study Bioagents

High school students at Churchill Academy wrapped up the month of August learning about bacteria and viruses. To make the lesson more hands-on, they participated in a “Breakout Classroom.” The fictional classroom scenario was that class members were “stuck” in a research lab run by a local scientist. The premise was that a fatal bioagent had been released, and this scientist was trying to find a cure for it. Their job was to figure out the type of bioagent, how it could be transmitted, where it originated, and any symptoms associated with it. The catch? The scientist placed a precautionary measure to protect his lab and to prevent the spread of the bioagent. Students in this classroom breakout only had 30 minutes to figure everything out before those protective measures kicked in. The students finished with more than two minutes remaining. Breakout and learning success combined!

Eastwood Celebrates Grandparents and Grandpals

The lower school students at Eastwood Christian School honored their families and friends during their grandparents/grandpals celebration recently. Guests enjoyed brunch catered by Jenny Weller and were then joined by the students who sang “In Christ Alone” and shared ideas from the first quarter of school. Afterward grandparents/grandpals were invited to visit the classrooms. 19

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Solar Eclipse Fun at Alabama Christian

Alabama Christian Academy celebrated the historic solar eclipse. Students learned how to safely view the solar eclipse and received special safety glasses. Faculty, staff, students and parents gathered on the football field to view the eclipse. It was a special day for the ACA community.

Catholic Names Middle School’s Knight Ambassadors

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Montgomery Catholic’s Middle School has named Knight Ambassadors for the 201718 school year. These students show leadership, good judgment, maturity, honesty and integrity while upholding their responsibilities of serving as campus role models. Knight Ambassadors are: front from left, Canon Bach, Josie Smith, Grant Eady, Sadie Bartels, Angeles Gonzalez-Ansaldi, Cecelia Crawford and back, Samantha Day, Alex Wieser, Patrick Ryan, Christopher Lathram and Amy Treloar.

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2600 Bell Road Montgomery, Alabama 334.277.6690

460 McQueen Smith Road Prattville, Alabama 334.358.6411

Dr. John H. Payne IV • Dr. David Stanley • Dr. Davis Denney • Dr. Rob Owen Montgomery Parents I October 2017

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Trinity Senior Named Nat’l Merit Semifinalist

Trinity Presbyterian School senior Will Merrill was named a National Merit Semifinalist in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program. Merrill’s distinction places him among an elite group that represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. He has a cumulative grade-point average of 4.05 that includes some of the most advanced courses offered at Trinity. In addition to being named a National Merit Semifinalist, Merrill was recently selected as an AP Scholar with Honor. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the National Speech and Debate Honor Society, the National Forensics League, and a Silver Medal recipient for the National Latin Exam. Even though Merrill maintains a heavy workload, he continues to be an invaluable member of the Trinity varsity football and baseball teams. Merrill has distinguished himself by the quality of his work and intensity of his effort. He has excelled in Trinity’s rigorous collegepreparatory environment by selecting courses that include honors and advanced placement courses, as well as being being selected as a junior to Trinity’s Head of School Leadership Class. He is very active at Frazer United Methodist Church and serves on the Youth Leadership Team. In addition, he was one of the founding members of Trinity’s schoolwide mission program, Change 4 Change, where he has contributed many hours of service. Approximately 16,000 students were named Semifinalists in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of competition. About 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and about half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title. 21

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Lanier High Newspaper Wins Best Student Publication, Three Other First-Place Awards

Montgomery Academy Ranked Top Private K-12 School in Alabama

Niche.com recently ranked The Montgomery Academy the #4 Best Private K-12 School in Alabama. Rankings, which were released for the start of the 2017-18 school year, are determined by average SAT/ACT scores, rankings of the colleges that graduates attend, the percent of seniors who go to fouryear colleges, student culture and diversity, the ratio of students to full-time teachers, and parent and student experiences.

Montgomery Parents I October 2017

The Sidney Lanier High student newspaper, The Blue and White, won the Hallmark Award for best student publication and three other first-place awards at Troy University’s J-Day media workshop and competition. This is the second straight year that the newspaper has won the top award at J-Day. The paper also won awards for Best Writing Quality, Best Newspaper Coverage and Best Layout and Design. More than 500 students from 27 public and private high schools took part in J-Day. “This newspaper is lively and interesting in both design and content,” a judge in the competition wrote. “It addresses issues that touch students’ lives and does not shy away from controversial topics.” The judge also noted the paper’s attention-grabbing headlines and an effective use of narrative, paraphrases and direct quotes. The stories the staff submitted for the contest included an article on the high cost of student parking decals and questions about a high court ruling on transgender bathrooms. Second-year students on The Blue and White staff are Kamryn Young, Andre Lamonte, Ebony Allen, Jamarious Fulks, Emko Pash and KenShaun Gipson.

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SUA Announces Senior Class Officers

The 2018 Class of Success Unlimited Academy announces its Senior Class officers for the school term: Jamal Johnson, president; Mary Rogers, vice president; Shikeria Moore, secretary; and Paige Isbell, chaplain. The senior class officers have decided to hold an Auburn and Alabama food drive the month of November to support the Montgomery Area Food Bank. Future decisions for the senior class officers will be to help with the senior class project and the senior class legacy gift.

STJ Cross Country Results at Memphis Twilight Classic

During Labor Day weekend, the Saint James School Cross Country team traveled to Memphis to compete in the Brooks Memphis Twilight Classic hosted by Christian Brothers University. This 5K event was held in the early evening of September 3. The girls ran first, competing against hundreds of athletes representing nine states. The team overall placed 42nd out of 58 teams competing. Ninth-grader Presley Miles placed first and won the Overall Elite High School Division. Other Varsity girls competed well including senior Sailor Miles; juniors Virginia Williams, Izabel Cabral, Amanda Grate and Lana Harwick; and sophomores India Bond and Eliana Soto. In the Girls’ Junior Varsity race, Sidnee Beavers ran very well as the Saint James representative. The boys’ varsity team ran the 5K after the girls’ races. Seniors Jake Maddox, Hawthorne Ramsey, J.B. Ramsey, Harris Washington and Jake Hastings, along with ninth-grader Spencer Madore, all made the coaches proud with great times in their first meet of the season. Before returning home on Sunday, the STJ team visited Graceland and other Memphis tourist attractions. Coaches are Kevin Madden, Jeremy Turner and Samantha Lynn.

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Churchill Celebrates 2017 Senior Class

Churchill Academy celebrated the Class of 2017 on May 18 through a Commencement Ceremony held at Immanuel Presbyterian Church. The Senior Class entered the room full of family, teachers and friends to Sir Edward Elgar’s “Pomp & Circumstance.” The group was then encouraged by School Director Lisa Hanlon Schroeder’s reading of Edgar Guest’s poem “It Couldn’t Be Done,” paying homage to the students’ collective tenacity and spirit. Reverend Paul Jay Sansom was the keynote speaker for the evening, commending class members on their hard work and inspiring them for the future ahead. He said that life is not easy, and there will be hardships; however, getting to life’s victories will require them to press through each of those. He reminded the senior class that similar to Edward Guest, the world will bear witness to the way they rise from difficulties and be inspired by the same. Each student was recognized individually by a member of Churchill Academy’s High School faculty also. The graduating class of 2017 included Luke Edward Ferrell, Tyreke Deondra Carter, Gavin Michael Gaines, Brenan Patrick Ream, Shandor Tex Rosenberg and Jonathan David Schaupp. Class valedictorian Luke Farrell, concluded the evening by addressing his classmates with parting words of wisdom, followed by the presentation of diplomas by Director Lisa Hanlon Schroeder and Instructor Gayle Jernigan Rogers. The evening began with a stage of Churchill Academy students who worked hard to earn their place in this dedicated group of learners. The evening ended as graduates filed out, diplomas in hand, as the song “I Hope You Dance” filled the air. Shandor Rosenberg is shown below.

Eastwood Students Compete in Summer Programs

Eastwood Christian School’s first- through sixth-graders competed in summer programs in reading, creative writing and math. The top winners in each grade were recognized. Reading winners were: third place: David Pearson, Amelia Ingram, Will Birchfield, Seonwoo Lee, Kurt Miller and Anna Beth Coon; second place: Garland Thomas, Marlee Smith, Collier Miller, Lily Givens, Will Kirkland and M.E. Grace Shuemake; and first place: Lena Birchfield, Judah Pierce, Harper Thomas, Caroline MacLeod, Abbie Ensminger and Ava Thomas. The top reader overall was Abbie Ensminger with 171 book credits. First-place reading winners are shown at top left. Math winners were: third place: two-way tie with Amy Coon and Gabe Klimek, Rivers DeHuff, Charlie Coon, two-way tie with Caroline MacLeod and Hudson Mathews, Anna Moore, and a five-way tie in sixth grade with Anna Beth Coon, Sarah Cox, Will Dekle, Ansley White and Charlotte Worley; second place: two-way tie with Collier Kent and Laurie Spooner, Brice Webb, Stephen Spooner, Lucy Calhoun and a three-way tie in sixth grade with Emma Finch, Hayes Finch and Kate Finch; first place: Lena Birchfield, Albert Christensen, Will Birchfield, Hope Birchfield, Abbie Ensminger and Emma Sonnichsen.The top mathematician overall was Hope Birchfield with 210 math credits. First-place math winners are shown at top right. Winners in the creative writing competition were Albert Christensen, Amelia Ingram, Jonah Channell, Anna Moore, Will Dekle, Jack Hawkins, Paige Sawyer, Emma Hawkins and Charlotte Worley. Paige Sawyer received the Capre Librum writers’ journal award. Creative writing winners are shown below.

Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com. Montgomery Parents I October 2017

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Bethany Offers Helping Hands for Houston

Holy Cross Sixth-Grade Class Begins the Year With ‘All About Me’ Project

To begin the school year, Holy Cross Episcopal School’s sixth-graders created projects which involved collecting personal objects, sentimental mementos and childhood items from home and placing them in a bag of their choice to present to classmates. Each item selected best described what made the students unique as a person and best defined their identity. As each member of the class brought his presentation to the front of the room, the items were revealed one by one and discussed with the class to explain why they were so important to him and how they made and defined each one and their personalities. It was a very effective project to begin the school year, and helped each member of the class get to know each other better and welcome new classmates.

The faculty and families of Bethany Christian Academy have joined forces with the Bethany Seventh-Day Adventist Church and community to provide assistance for the citizens of Houston, Texas. The city continues to suffer from the horrific devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey. Troy businessman Mitchell Sneed transported one truckload of clothing, shoes, water, household items, toiletries, diapers, school supplies and paper products to Houston and BCA is preparing the second load. Helping Hands trips to Houston will be ongoing and plans are being made to offer the same assistance to Florida areas. If community members are interested in joining BCA and Mr. Sneed in extending Helping Hands to Houston and Florida, donations may be dropped off at the school located at 1765 Highland Avenue or contact Outreach Director Reggenia Baskin at (850) 212-4795.

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Success Unlimited Announces New Assistant Finance Director; Receptionist

As a result of the increase in enrollment, a new position was added this year at Success Unlimited Academy. Sharron Gjesvold, top left, joined the finance department as assistant finance director in August. “I am excited to be a part of the SUA family,” Gjesvold said. “I have 18 years’ experience in school finance in the public school system and I am eager to learn how to best assist the parents, teachers and students here at SUA. Our most pressing task this month is to make sure all of the student files are updated and complete. I think we are on track for a productive year.” In addition, Success Unlimited welcomes Talicia McCall, bottom right, as receptionist and administrative assistant at the Fairlane Campus for the 2017-18 school term. McCall is a graduate of the University of Alabama. She is married to Nick McCall and they have an eleven-year-old daughter named Nailah. She loves people and has already made a welcoming impact on SUA. Call McCall today at (334) 213-0803 for an appointment at SUA!

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Montgomery Academy STEAMfest

On October 28 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., join us for STEAMfest 2017! Enjoy FREE handson STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) activities for children up to sixth grade including virtual reality, Lego robotics, paint catapult, cardboard arcade, and exhibits from Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Escapology, Snapology and the Alabama Wildlife Federation! Food trucks will be on site at 1550 Perry Hill Road for those interested in purchasing lunch. For more info, call (334)272-8210.

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

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NOW ENROLLING! CALL US TODAY! 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 (formerly 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, RELIGION, AND NATIONAL OR ETHNIC ORIGIN. Montgomery Parents I October 2017

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18 Catholic Seventh-Graders Qualify for Duke TIP

Eighteen Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Middle School students qualified for Duke TIP. The largest program of its kind, participants in the Duke TIP 7th-Grade Talent Search identify academic strengths, develop abilities and interests, and celebrate their achievements at a crucial time when they are forming their identities and looking ahead to the future. TIP assists families in determining how advanced their students’ academic abilities are and what level of educational challenge is appropriate. As part of the talent search enrollment, Duke TIP registers eligible seventh-graders to take either the ACT (no writing) or the SAT as an above-level test. This allows students to have greater insight into their abilities and it gives them the opportunity to preview a college entrance exam. Montgomery Catholic’s qualifying students are: top row from left, Kayleigh Everage, Kaylee Holmes, Preston Holk, Harrison Howell, Matthew Galvin, Lena Duncan, Cas Wilson, Kean Cullen and Michael Galvin; and bottom row from left, Danielle Willcox, Audrey Trant, Esa Gancayco, Andrew Bosch, Thomas Giere, Canon Bach, Cade Corbin, Michael Algarin and Laura Thomas Zhvania.

Jefferson Davis High School sophomore Ne’vaeh Sheperd won an Award of Excellence after attending the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders in Boston. Students are nominated based upon academic achievement and attend a threeday conference that provides them with the training, motivation, guidance and mentorship they need to stay on track to achieve their goals. The National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists was created in 2014 to inspire and support K-12 and college students who seek to devote their lives to science and technology. Principal Bobby Abrams presented Sheperd with the award.

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JD Student Wins Award of Excellence

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Montgomery Academy Names 40 AP Scholars

The College Boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Advanced Placement Program (AP) provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; performance on AP Exams. Twelve Montgomery Academy students were named AP Scholars, which is granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. These students are: Austyn Barnes, Issey Behr, Maddie Brazil, Maylon Davis, Maddie Hughes, John Koo, Margaret Leonard, Ben Marquess, Lauren Muller, Hunter Rives, Ann Vivian Spencer and Isabel Trehern. Thirteen MA students were named AP Scholars with Honor, which is granted 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. These students are: Taabish Arshad, Spencer Campbell, Kevin Doh, Will Franklin, Darry Freeman, Andrew Harris, Jenny Jeon, Justin Jones, Reese Kelso, Sarah Payne, Annie Ramsey, Martha Glenn Sease and Fred Tippett. Fifteen students were named AP Scholar with Distinction, which is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. These students are: Ford Cleveland, Emily Ernest, Dora Eskridge, Lindsey Ferraro, Pio Jung, Gyungmin Kim, Anna Kate Lindsey, Ellen Park, Griffin Payne, Arju Reza, Elizabeth Robertson, Caroline Sellers, Brown Simmons, Emma Slawson and Talya Whyte. Three students were named National AP Scholars, which is granted to students in the United States who receive an average score of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. These students are: Dora Eskridge, Anna Kate Lindsey and Ellen Park. The Montgomery Academy offers 22 AP Courses, the most of any independent school in the state. Montgomery Parents I October 2017

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Holy Cross Participates in ‘Hats On for Harvey’

Holy Cross Episcopal School students recently wore hats to benefit the American Red Cross to help those who were affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana. Students, faculty and staff wore hats and brought donations for the Red Cross. Holy Cross Principal Kathy Taylor reported, “We raised $1,108 for the victims of Hurricane Harvey. This makes me so proud of our school. We may be small, but we have great, big hearts.” Kari Hennagin of the American Red Cross accepted the donation on behalf of evacuees that were affected by Hurricane Harvey. She is shown with the Holy Cross fourth-grade class.

ACA Teams Up with LifeSouth

Alabama Christian Academy and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers teamed up for the “Bleed for Your Team” blood drive hosted on ACA’s campus. LifeSouth supplies blood to every hospital in the tri-county area. “Once we have our hospitals supplied, we will be able to help Texas and Florida and any other requests that come our way,” said LifeSouth team member Harriett Stephens. “That’s what we do; we help others in need and we look forward to having a surplus so that we can help when asked. Our corporate office is located in Gainesville, Fla. and they were closed for several days preparing for Irma so they are working to make sure they have blood for their local hospitals as well. We are all pulling together to assist each other and together we will make this happen. Thanks to ACA we will be one step closer!”

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BTW Student Visits New York For Theatre Training

An 11th-grade student from BTW Magnet spent 10 days in New York City for intensive theatre training. Trinity Ross was selected to participate in the National Student Leadership Conference and chose Fordham University as her training site. The conference provided participants with a college-level lecture series on the foundation of knowledge on theater performance and production. Ross had the opportunity to live in a campus dorm with other participants. Together the group explored the city; saw Broadway and OffBroadway shows and engaged in post-show talk-backs with cast members; worked with theater professionals and participated in Master Classes with actors, music directors, designers and stage managers; and showcased their own talent on a New York stage as they collaborated with a group of peers to design, rehearse and produce their own show. Throughout the process, students received feedback from professional actors, directors, playwrights and stage managers who have years of experience working on Broadway. Ross is in the musical theatre magnet at BTW and is considering Carnegie Mellon as her college of choice.

Holy Cross Episcopal School Rocks!

Holy Cross Episcopal Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art teacher Kathy Albreeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students are painting decorative rocks as a special project in her classes. Albree begins with introducing her students to the master artists and their iconic paintings while introducing them to their unique style of painting. She then demonstrates how to embellish them to represent those same themes on the rocks that they paint and decorate with inspirational images. Albree encourages students to use unique techniques as they create each one such as placing salt on the paint as it dries, which results in a sparkling effect that reflects light and gives the paint a 3-D appearance. Third-graders are shown below.

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McKee Pre-K Center Holds First Parent Game Night

McKee Pre-K Center recently held its first Parent Game Night, a new activity that was educational for both students and parents. The event gave parents the opportunity to expand their knowledge about developmentally appropriate practices by engaging in educational games with pre-K teachers. Each teacher demonstrated an activity parents could do at home with their children to reinforce good cognitive development, fine motor skills and essential social and emotional skills necessary for school readiness. Montgomery Public Schools offers pre-K classes for 4-year-olds at the McKee Pre-K Center and 12 other elementary schools. The goal is to increase student readiness in a safe and nurturing environment.

Success Unlimited Kicks Off Volleyball Season

Volleyball season is in full swing at Success Unlimited Academy. Head Coach Tom Pinkston and Assistant Coach Emily Dunning are very pleased with the work ethic of such a young team for both the varsity and junior varsity squads. “Having seventeen members on the roster is very impressive,” said Coach Pinkston. “The girls are working together to build a strong team.” The girls have won matches on the road and at home. Team members include: Harleigh Collum, Hunter Matthews, Tiphany Gray, Aileah Lawrence, Trinity Smith, LaDaisia McNeil, Jayla Preister, Alexia Phillips, Tynika Spencer, Jamaya Beck, Yanazia Moxley, Briana Humphrey, Alurrian Jones-Taylor, Kemiriyah Powell, Crystal Mathews, Madison Deering and Anna Claire Berrey.

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Churchill Holds Student Council Elections

Montgomery Catholic Elects High School SGA Reps

For the 144th year of Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, students elected executive officers and class representatives to lead the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Student Government Association (SGA). The all-girl group will be responsible for several activities and service projects throughout the year. Pictured are the 2017-18 Montgomery Catholic SGA Executive Officers: (front row) senior Anna Nutting, secretary; senior Paige Rentfro, president; and senior Jessie Clark, vice president. Class representatives include: (back row) freshmen Emma Garrison, Gracie Barranco and Rachel Rodriguez; sophomores Kinley Taddlock, Anna Sadie and Alexis Weber; juniors Anna Catherine Barranco, Zoe Rutland and Annamary Gilbert; seniors Chloe Newell, Hannah Kate Magee and Lauren Beverly (not pictured). The SGA sponsor is Elizabeth Harbin.

Montgomery Parents I October 2017

High school students at Churchill Academy wrapped up the month of August by holding Student Council elections. Candidates were allowed time to speak of their goals as potential officers of the Student Council, and students were given the opportunity to vote for their candidate of choice. Upon vote, it was decided that the Churchill Academy Student Council Officers for the 2017-18 year are: President Jeffrey Wiggins, Vice President Sam Mayo, Secretary Thomas Rutherford, Treasurer Teneal Foster and Historian Katie Boyt.

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Saint James Leads Independent Schools in National Merit Recipients for Second Year

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SUA Artists Fuel Their Passion

The “A Team” at Success Unlimited Academy met on August 23 for its first organizational meeting of the new school term. “A Team” membership is for honors art students in grades 6-12. The students meet weekly with art instructor Barbara Grimes for the after-school art program to enhance their skills and fulfill their passion for art. The first meeting introduced the students to the three values in art by drawing a pear with oil pastels. “The students entered the room with lots of enthusiasm and a drive to learn a new method of art,” Grimes said. Students will begin to work on their favorite mediums of artwork and to prepare for upcoming art competitions and art shows.

For the second consecutive year, Saint James School hails the largest number of independent school National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists in the area. Saint James seniors Declan Fitzpatrick and Eric Rice have been named 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists, a prestigious honor awarded to approximately 16,000 students nationwide, from 1,600,000 entrants. These academically talented high school seniors across the nation have an opportunity to continue in the competition vying for one of 7,500 National Merit Scholarships that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and more than half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title. Fitzpatrick has chosen engineering as the major he will pursue in college; his dream college is Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Rice has narrowed his field of study in college to immunology or biomedical sciences. He is considering three colleges, The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), The University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB) and The University of South Alabama (USA). Both are exemplary students in the classroom and in their extracurricular pursuits. Fitzpatrick, an honor student at Saint James, has a full schedule outside of academics. He is one of two drum majors for the Saint James Marching Band, sings with the high school choir, and performs in the high school plays. Rice, also an honor student, is very involved in the Saint James Band program as well. From left, Declan Fitzpatrick and Eric Rice have been named 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists.

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MPS Scavenger Hunt is a Hit with Parents and Students

Students Enjoy STEM At Alabama Christian

Fifth-graders at Alabama Christian Academy are learning about mixed reality in STEM class using Microsoft Holo-lens goggles. The goggles have opened a new avenue of learning for ACA students. With this advanced technology, students have virtually explored the heart, virtually visited Rome and Peru, and interacted with holograms. Holo-lens technology allows students the opportunity to have a virtual reality experience, which extends the traditional classroom.

Nearly 100 students brought their parents to Eastdale Mall on a Saturday morning in August to participate in Montgomery Public Schools’ first Mall Math Scavenger Hunt. After completing registration, students ranging from kindergarten through 10th grade were given a clue sheet with math word problems. Most of the clues required the students and their parents to walk the mall in search of answers to clues such as locating geometric shapes like a sphere (gumball machine) and cylinder (trashcan), or determining the best buy of like items with different sale prices and percentages off. The event was not a competition but a way to show parents how shopping can be transformed into an educational experience. Most participants completed “the hunt” in less than an hour. Parents and students alike indicated that the hunt was challenging, but definitely a lot of fun. Special thanks to Eastdale Mall marketing director Allison Hendley for partnering with MPS to provide this unique learning opportunity. Students who completed the activity received carousel rides for $1 and ice skating for $4. Lynn’s Skating School also offered two for the price of one skate classes. The biggest reward was the time and effort by parents working with their children. The event was coordinated by the Montgomery Public Schools Office of Family and Community Engagement.

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Holy Cross Holds Opening Chapel

Holy Cross families gathered together on the first day of school for Opening Chapel, which officially began the new 2017-18 school year. Episcopal priests from area parishes celebrated Holy Eucharist and pronounced an individual blessing over teachers, families and students in preparation for the new school year. Rev. David Peeples delivered the homily which encouraged students, teachers and families to embrace and celebrate new challenges, explore new opportunities, and encourage each other to grow with the gifts and talents that have been given to each one of us. After the service, parents met their children’s teachers and visited in the classrooms. Representatives for after-school extracurricular activities were available to provide parents an opportunity to register their children to participate. From left are Gabe Krause, Will Alexander and Andrew Peavey.

Montgomery Academy Seventh-Graders Study the Roaring ‘20s

Jazz bands, flappers, the Charleston... welcome to the Roaring ‘20s! Montgomery Academy’s eventh-grade students experienced a Flashback Friday to the Jazz Age to bring the study of their summer reading book Dave at Night to life. Instead of a traditional class day, students explored various aspects of the Jazz Age and Harlem Renaissance with sessions on art, poetry, music, culture and economics. In art, they created pieces in the style of Romare Bearden; in history and math class, they learned about the culture and the highs and lows following the stock market crash; in music, they all listened to popular jazz and blues music and learned a few dances from the decade. English teacher Caroline Sease welcomed a special guest, Dr. Jackie Trimble, an Alabama State University English professor, who spoke about poetry and writing during the Harlem Renaissance, with an emphasis on the works of Langston Hughes. Cars from the ‘20s and ‘30s were on campus for the students to explore and imagine driving around without modern conveniences such as seat belts, radios and air conditioning. Students ended the day in the theater for a special viewing of Young Indiana Jones and the Mystery of the Blues. Drama teacher Scott Bowman talked with students about Prohibition and organized crime of the 1920s before the show. During the film, students got a taste of all the lessons they had learned during the day and the setting of their summer reading novel.

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Wilson Elementary Honored for Reading Achievement

Churchill Holds Back to School Splash

The Back to School Splash at Churchill Academy was a huge hit! The Churchill family gathered on a Friday afternoon in August, giving teachers, students and parents a chance to connect in a casual, fun environment. True to its name, the main attraction was a “splash” in the water slides on site, followed by dinner on the school grounds.

Each year the Huntington Learning Center takes students on a summer reading adventure. Every participating Huntington student receives a “passport” to the journey, and is asked to set a goal to read a self-determined number of books during the summer. The student’s “baggage” consists of reading lists and comprehension cards that are completed as each book is read, demonstrating the student’s understanding of the book. This year, a competition was held between three of our elementary schools (Wilson, Halcyon and Garrett) to see which school’s students would read the most books over the summer. The winning school receives a plaque to recognize its accomplishment as well as a $150 donation to its library to help the students keep on reading throughout the year. Huntington is proud to announce this year’s winner: Wilson Elementary. In addition to the plaque and library donation, participating students were treated to a pizza party and book reading with Christi Davis and Jason Morgan from Huntington. “We were so excited by the participation of our elementary schools and students this summer,” said Executive Director Len Silverman. “There’s nothing we enjoy more than seeing young people get excited about books, but it’s even more rewarding when parents and school personnel get involved too. Thanks to all of our school partners and a big congratulations to Meredith Bishop and the entire Wilson Elementary family.” Located off Taylor Road near Vaughn, Huntington Learning Center provides individual student tutoring and testing in reading, study skills, writing, phonics, spelling, math and SAT/ ACT preparation. For more info, call (334) 277-9200 or visit www.HuntingtonHelps.com.

Holy Cross Episcopal Celebrates ‘Holy Cross Day’

SUA Mustang Market Now Open

Success Unlimited Academy’s Mustang Market is now open for business! “The Market,” operated by instructors Mrs. Watson and Mr. Beard and the Vaughn Road Achievers class, was established as a life skills activity so students can gain knowledge of money counting and sorting, giving correct change, stocking inventory, keeping invoices and customer service. Each morning, the students sell a variety of chips, crackers, fruit snacks and drinks to our student body. “We even have an array of chocolate bars for purchase for our chocolate-loving staff,” Watson said. Scarlett Sears and Karlton Sims are shown above. Montgomery Parents I October 2017

Holy Cross Episcopal School recently celebrated “Holy Cross Day,” which honors the founding of the school more than 19 years ago. The day began with a Holy Cross Day Litany service in the Chapel of the Annunciation to name and pray prayers of thanksgiving for the original founders of the school, followed by a Celebration of the Holy Eucharist in Melanie Kelley Hall with Reverend Candice Frazer of St. John’s Episcopal Church officiating the service and Reverend Bob Hennagin of Holy Comforter assisting. During the service, the Holy Cross Show Choir performed “I’ll Make the Difference.” Immediately following the service, students, faculty and guests gathered on the campus grounds for the traditional colorful balloon release. Attached to each balloon was a special message of God’s love and hope. Balloons in past years have been found as far away as neighboring states the next day. The celebration ended with a reception in the library for Holy Cross parents, grandparents, supporters, founders of the school, Board members and clergy. 36

www.montgomeryparents.com

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AUM Named Among Top Universities in the South

U.S. News & World Report recognized Auburn University at Montgomery’s undergraduate and graduate programs among its 2018 regional and national rankings of top colleges and universities. In addition to being named among the top tier of Regional Universities — South, AUM was also included (#37) among the Best Public Regional Universities — South, making it the top-ranked university in the River Region. In its national rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked the AUM College of Business’s undergraduate program #216 and its part-time Master of Business Administration program #143 among the country’s best. The undergraduate ranking was based solely on assessment surveys, and the graduate degree ranking was based in large part on peer assessment. The College of Public Policy and Justice graduate studies program tied for #96, based “solely on opinions of each program’s quality as rated by academic experts at peer institutions,” according to the rankings. “It is an honor for Auburn University at Montgomery and its academic programs to be recognized among the best in the South and in the country,” said AUM Chancellor Carl A. Stockton, “particularly those programs ranked so highly by our peer institutions. As for our overall rankings, our faculty and staff have worked very hard to extend our reputation for excellence beyond the River Region while continuing to make our programs more accessible to students who call this region home and those coming to our campus from other parts of the state, the country and the world.” Notable performance contributors to this year’s recognition for AUM are higher first-year retention and graduation rates, bolstered by support the university provides students through its Warhawk Academic Success Center and new scholarship programs that help lessen the financial burden and allow students to focus on academics. Established in 1967, Auburn University at Montgomery is an SACSCOCaccredited four-year regional institution. Learn more at www.aum.edu.

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

Accredited: ACTS, AISA, SACS, Advanced ED, NCPSA

N O W E N R O L L I N G K4-12 2017-2018

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

For a FREE Educational Success Consultation please contact the school office

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Montgomery County Schools

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Montgomery Academy Announces New Lower School Director

The Montgomery Academy has appointed Sarah Housley as Lower School director. Her appointment was the result of a nationwide search that took into consideration input from The Montgomery Academy school community. Housley has been serving as the interim Lower School director since June. Housley earned a bachelor’s degree in general education (K-6) and special education (K-6) through the Multiple Abilities Program at The University of Alabama in 2007. In 2012, she completed the Reading Specialist Program at The University of Alabama and earned a master’s degree in secondary education, curriculum and instruction. Housley has served in public education for five years and independent schools for five years. “Sarah was impressive as a teacher and as a candidate for interim Lower School director. She has continued to impress me as she has served in the role of interim director over the past few months,” said Head of School Jay Spencer. “In recent weeks, I have found myself referring to her as ‘director’ rather than ‘interim director.’ When I stopped to think about it, I realized there was no need for us to conduct another search. We had our perfect candidate right here. I have asked a lot of Sarah and she has responded graciously and with tenacity. Her enthusiasm and her love for children are unparalleled.” Housley said, “The Montgomery Academy truly is a special place, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to continue serving teachers, students, and parents in this capacity. I believe wholeheartedly in the mission of our school, and I look forward to working alongside our outstanding faculty to support The Pursuit of Excellence at the Lower School.”

Montgomery Parents I October 2017

SUA Achievers Dissect Flowers

Success Unlimited Academy’s Achievers decided to get their hands dirty this week during science class. Teacher Kay Smith brought a bouquet of flowers to school for the students to dissect. Using the lessons taught throughout the week, the students culminated their unit by learning to identify plant parts. “I learned so much by being able to dissect the plants,” said Darai Crum. “What a great way to end the week!”

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Forest Avenue Holds Back to School Bash

Forest Avenue Academic Magnet School hosted its annual “Back to School Bash,” the school’s biggest fundraiser, on September 15. The event was a fun-filled night of food, games and entertainment for families and friends. The theme for the event was #FAAMRocks. Attractions included bounce houses, Montgomery Zoo animals, balloons by Kreative Moments, performances by US Yoshukai Karate, a dunk tank, photo booth, face painting, and much more. The event also featured a dance floor where students danced to popular music provided by DJ Josh Oswald of Top Tier Entertainment. During the week leading up to the event, students were given an opportunity to participate in Bash-themed dress-up days, including “Rock Your Socks Day!” and “Rockstar Hair Day!” The Back to School Bash is organized by the FAAM PTA. The money raised helps support students and teachers throughout the year.

Booker T. Washington’s Future Business Leaders of America Helps Restore Local Church Playground

Booker T. Washington’s FBLA club’s first “Serve Day” of the year was a success. Members wasted no time and arrived early to help a local church restore its playground. A morning of hard teamwork ensued and the ending result was worth it. The club will engage in many more volunteering projects during the year.

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ALABAMA DANCE THEATRE PRESENTS

Floyd Middle Magnet Gives Back

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.

Seventh-grade students from Sallie Parks’s homeroom class and the Spanish Club at Floyd Middle Magnet School organized a recovery drive for hurricane victims in Texas. Faculty and students brought non-perishable items, as well as monetary donations, to send to the American Red Cross for aid to the people who suffered from Hurricane Harvey. More than $200 and 230 items were donated to those who need it most. Shown with Principal Vince Johnson are students, from left, Molly Mitchell, Aysha Mack, Sarah Greene, Ansley Hinson, Michael Pettaway and Charlie Lee.

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

ACA Kicks Off Fall Sports with ‘Meet the Eagles’

Alabama Christian Academy kicked off the start of fall sports with the annual “Meet the Eagles” pep rally. All fall sports athletes, band members, and color guard members were recognized and celebrated. Montgomery Parents I October 2017

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Catholic’s Petters Named National Merit Semifinalist

Holy Cross STEM Lab Creates Cyto-Slime

Holy Cross Episcopal School’s fifth- and sixth-grade students enjoyed conducting a special “Cyto-Slime” STEM lab experiment and talking about the likenesses between the cytoplasm in cells and the consistency of slime. The students learned that cytoplasm in cells is spongy in consistency in order to hold the cell components in place. STEM Lab teacher Leigh Anne Hedrick planned this special treat for the students to celebrate their first “Fabulous Friday” of the school year. From left are Nancy Addy, Ava Stuart and Sanai Burton.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School announces Henry Petters as a 2018 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. He will have the opportunity to compete for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring. Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the names of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 63rd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. The preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test serves as an initial screening of program entrants. In addition to the test scores, the student’s academic record, community involvement, leadership ability, and personal essay are considered when determining semifinalists. About 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing in February, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the title of Merit Scholar.

Churchill Students Collect Funds for Houston

Churchill Academy students wanted to make a difference for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. The students started a “Make Change for Houston” drive and collected loose change for the area. In just two weeks, students raised close to $100 in change alone to help families in Texas.

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A Great Autumn in Pike Road Schools It is a great autumn in Pike Road Schools! Our students, faculty, and parents continue to amaze as Pike Road Schools grows and our students show what they can do. Our PTSA participation is phenomenal at both of our schools. Parents in Pike Road are involved and make student learning a priority. Our Back to School Bash at PRES was attended by hundreds and was a hit! Our students are in the middle of fall sports with great performances in

Montgomery Parents I October 2017

cheerleading, cross country, football, and

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fact that we do not yet have eleventh or

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dents working, learning, and taking own-

Pike Road.

ership of their futures. October brings

Our first home football game of the

about report cards, and our students are

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support was outstanding! The Pike Road

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varsity football teams and cheerleader

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squads performed, and many youth sports football players and cheerleaders also represented Pike Road. The Pike Road middle school and junior varsity volleyball teams have been playing extremely well, and are into the meat of their schedule as well. We would like to encourage people to come out and see our teams compete! The PRHS robotics team is preparing to compete against high schools from

Chuck Ledbetter became Superintendent of Pike Road City Schools on June 1, 2017, and 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 served on the boards of the Council for Leaders of Alabama Schools, Georgia School Superintendents Association and the Georgia Charter Advisory Committee. He is married to Kim and has three daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.

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Congressman Tours Historic Pike Road School

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Historic Pike Road School Alumni: Share Your Stories with Us!

Congressman Mike Rogers passed through Pike Road recently and had the opportunity to tour the Historic Pike Road School. From left are Congressman Rogers, Mayor Gordon Stone, Historic Pike Road School Principal David Sikes and Pike Road Schools Superintendent Dr. Chuck Ledbetter.

This October, the Town of Pike Road will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its incorporation. As part of its week of Founders Day activities, the Town will host an open house at the Historic Pike Road School. This event, open to the entire community, will focus on sharing the history of the building, memories and memorabilia of alumni, and the modern touch of renovations. If you have any memories or items you would like to share as part of this celebration, please reach out to Liz at Liz@ PikeRoad.us!

PRS Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Basketball Helps Break World Record

Pike Road Schools participated in the Shoot for Life World Record Challenge for the most free-throws made in a 24-hour period. In the event, 42,264 free-throws were made in a 24-hour period! The Patriots shot for an hour from 7 to 8 a.m. on Saturday, August 26. Players made over 500 free-throws in that timespan. PRS boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; basketball players are shown with PRS Head Basketball Coach Ken Klinger.

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The 201718 school year is well under way, and I have already been so impressed by numerous events and activities. As I visit our schools, I can tell that everyone is off to a great start. The one thing I am absolutely positive about is the fact that Autauga County Schools are Taking Care of Business! Our students and faculty members continue to do their very best in every aspect of the educational realm and in our community. Fall break is quickly approaching, and I sincerely hope everyone enjoys a pleasant and restful break. Each year, we strive to improve in all aspects of your children’s education, including making as many capital improvements as possible. The remodeling project for the Prattville High School lunchroom was completed just in time for the opening of school.

That project focused on the refurbishment of the PHS kitchen. Another big project for FY17 was installing a new roof on Prattville Kindergarten School. That project was completed shortly after school began. Keeping our schools in the best shape possible is costly but very important. The 2018 budget passed on August 31, 2017, and contains numerous capital improvement projects. We have a very ambitious roofing agenda on tap for FY18. We plan to reroof or conduct roof repairs on sections or the entire roof for the following schools: Daniel Pratt Elementary, Pine Level Elementary, Prattville Elementary, Prattville Kindergarten, Prattville Primary, Prattville Intermediate, Prattville Junior High, Autauga County Technology Center, and Prattville High School. This list was determined from the facility assessment completed by Volkert this summer. We also have a few smaller capital improvement projects on slate for FY18. The stadium in Billingsley will be getting new bleachers, and Prattville Intermediate School and possibly the Autauga County Technology Center are scheduled to be paved. As educators and parents, we have our hands full attempting to provide the very best academic experiences, extracurricular activi-

ties, and safe facilities, but we also must focus on each student’s emotional and physical well-being. Marc Mero and The Champion of Choices Production Team shared a very impactful message with all students in grades 9-12 from Autaugaville, Billingsley, Marbury High and Prattville High. The content of the “Choices” program focused on many timely and significant challenges students experience today, including bullying, peer pressure, substance abuse, and suicide prevention. Goal setting, dreaming big, and achieving your highest potential were other topics covered. The feedback from the assemblies has been so positive that we are considering inviting Marc back to address our 7th and 8th graders. Next month I will give a report on how all of our fall sports are progressing. To keep up with the day-to-day events in our system, like us on Facebook at Autauga County School System. 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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Montgomery Parents I October 2017

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M Autauga County Schools

Prattville Students Among Boys State And Boys Nation Participants

PJHS Gives Positive Office Referrals

Sometimes, teachers only call parents when something is wrong. This may lead to negative parent/school interactions. To combat this, Prattville Junior High has decided to “flip the script,” so to speak. All staff members are encouraged to fill out Positive Office Referrals when they catch students doing RIGHT! They often earn a treat AND a phone call home. Parents occasionally cringe when they hear the voice of an administrator; however, they are delighted to hear good news! We still hold a tough line with discipline and will continue to have very high expectations for our students. However, they need to know that we are looking to see them do right and don’t just notice when they do wrong. It’s a win-win situation, one of Stephen Covey’s highly effective habits.

Prattville High School students Nicholas Albright and Darius Thomas had the dual honor of representing their school at Alabama Boys State as well as Boys Nation this summer. Alabama Boys State is a free weeklong camp on the University of Alabama campus, sponsored by the Alabama chapter of the American Legion. The goal of this camp is to take rising seniors from across the state with strong qualities of leadership, hard work, morals and motivation, and instill in them the knowledge of their state government and give them the tools to be an active civic participant. The camp has many activities ranging from a mock government where city, county and state positions are elected and if politics are not your preference, there are multiple interest groups to join such as agriculture, public safety and business. This year, the experience included a variety of speakers such as Mayors Bell and Maddox of Birmingham and Tuscaloosa respectively, Governor Kay Ivey, former White House personnel, and Alabama Head Football Coach Nick Saban. Complimentary to Boys State is Girls State, which offers similar experiences and benefits. Both experiences are among the highest honors and privileges a high school student can receive. Boys Nation is a weeklong camp in Washington, D.C and is attended by two delegates from every state’s Boys State program, except Hawaii. To be selected to represent Alabama, you must be elected governor or lieutenant governor. Boys Nation is sponsored by the entire American Legion and its goals are to teach the delegates about national government and a citizen’s role in it. Activities include touring the D.C sites, attending meetings with your senators and representatives, and being received by the current president at the White House. Elections simulate federal positions such as president, president pro tempore, and secretary of state. There is also a mock senate in which bills are debated and laws passed, as well as an operating federal government in which policies are written and enacted. This week gives each student friends across the country, multiple new connections with high-ranking public officials, and a true understanding of what serving people is and how you can do it through government. From left are Katherine Stubblefield, Girls State representative; Nicholas Albright, Alabama Boys State Lt. Governor and National Supreme Court Justice; U.S. Senator Luther Strange, R-AL; Darius Thomas, Alabama Boys State and National Boys State Governor; and Hayden Sledge, Girls State representative.

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Marbury Student Made Top 10 in Local Music Competition

Marbury High School’s own Abigail Douglas made it to the Top 10 local finalist round in the Nash-Next 2017 Competition through 92.3 WLWI. The Top 10 local finalist round was held at EastChase Sept. 7 outside The GAP. Winners of this round will go to Nashville to compete in the National Round.

Pine Level Offers Resources

Pine Level Elementary School provides a Family Resource Center that is located in front of the Media Center. It is open every day during school hours and during after-hours events. It contains numerous educational materials that parents and family members can use to assist them in supporting their children’s education. Montgomery Parents I October 2017

Send Your school news to: editor@ montgomeryparents.com. 46

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Marbury Student Selected To Leadership Program

Janie McCord of Marbury High School has been selected to the Ambassador Leadership Program by the National Society of High School Scholars. McCord was selected from hundreds of applicants for demonstrating strong academic achievement and a commitment to community service. Each year, student members of NSHSS are invited to apply for leadership roles responsible for representing the Society in their schools and inspiring peers to become more involved in community activities. Participation in the NSHSS Ambassador Leadership Program is an opportunity for talented scholars to enhance their leadership skills by identifying a community or social need, actively becoming involved in volunteerism and helping others. NSHSS provides exclusive Ambassador scholarships to students based upon their active participation in the Program during their senior year.

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State Senator Visits ACTC

Senator Clyde Chambliss visited the Autauga County Technology Center September 19 to deliver a $20,000 donation to the school. The funds will improve career and technical programs for Autauga County students who study automotive, welding and agriconstruction. As part of the visit, Sen. Chambliss visited Gordon Allenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students in the automotive shop. Superintendent Spence Agee and board members Eleanor Ballow and Mark Hindman also attended the presentation. See www. autaugatech.com for more info.

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Autauga County Schools

National Merit Program Recognizes Two PHS Students

Faulkner Education Student Honored for Work at Pine Level

Faulkner Dean of the College of Education Leslie Cowell presented a congratulations basket to Marie LaChance for her year of teaching at Pine Level Elementary.

Prattville High School students Katie Kroft and Wesley Domsalla are Semifinalists in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program. They are two of approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the 63rd Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 Nation Merit Scholarships worth $32 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for the National Merit Scholarship, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Fnalist level of competition. About 90% of the Semifinalists are expected to obtain Finalist standing, and more than half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship. Kroft is a member of the Prattville High School marching band as well as the concert band and orchestra. Though she is keeping her options open, she would like to attend Vanderbilt University and study history/pre-law. Domsalla, who recently moved from California, is a member of the PHS cross country and track teams. He is considering attending college at Rice, Stanford, Duke, University of Pennsylvania, UCLA, UT-Austin or Princeton. He is unsure what he would like study, though he is considering electrical engineering, applied mathematics or pre-law. From left are Autauga County Schools Superintendent Spence Agee, Katie Kroft, Wesley Domsalla and PHS Principal Brock Dunn.

PJHS Administration ‘Cheers’ Students On!

At Prattville Junior High School, we believe in being cheerleaders for our students–to help them grow academically, emotionally and socially. We give them examples of how to accomplish tasks and gradually encourage them to perform on their own. Sometimes, it is hard for us to practice what we preach! The cheerleaders at PJHS asked Principal Janice Stockman to perform a cheer with them. She had never cheered before and was a nervous Cat. However, after some encouraging from the students and a reminder of all the things she had previously stated, she relented and practiced and performed. It was not perfect, but it was a reminder that together, we ARE better!

Prattville Recognizes Two Nat’l Merit Commendations

PJHS Instagram Page Promotes Shared Effort

Prattville Junior High School has an Instagram page (@catspjhs) just like many schools. We have found that the more we promote what students are doing, the more willing they are to work hard! We are super proud of our students and are excited to communicate with parents and the community in real time to show how hard students are working. In Cat Country, we want them to be InstaFamous as we share their efforts in the classroom, on the athletic field, and across extracurricular activities. Follow us and see for yourself. Montgomery Parents I October 2017

Prattville High School seniors Nathan Gillespie and Britton Webster are Commended Students in the 2018 National Merit Program. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2018 competition for National Merit Awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of the more than 1.6 Million students who entered the 2018 competition by taking the Preliminary SAT/National merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in the academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation,” said a spokesperson for NMSC. Gillespie is considering attending Georgia Tech, MIT, Swarthmore or the University of Alabama, Huntsville. He would like to study biomedical engineering and anthropology. Webster wants to attend the University of Alabama and study journalism. From left are Britton Webster, Nathan Gillespie and PHS Principal Brock Dunn. 48

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PJHS English Teacher Introduces Socratic Circles

The ultimate goal at Prattville Junior High is not for students to regurgitate information, but to assimilate and synthesize what they have learned. To assist in this process, PJHS 7th-grade English teacher Hannah Meherg’s students participated in a Socratic circle. After reading a classical piece of literature, the students were assigned various debatable issues. They researched their stance and collected evidence. During the Socratic circle, students represented various viewpoints and themes. The students were astounded at what deep subjects they discussed and how efficiently they began to articulate various viewpoints. As we have previously learned, “beyond capturing the imagination and creativity, Socratic circles can build skills in the areas of reading, listening, reflection, critical thinking and participation. A benefit of Socratic circles is that they bring all the areas of the curriculum and instruction together into a cohesive whole.” Ultimately, this is our education mission!

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Pine Level Open House Success

Open House was held at Pine Level Elementary on September 5. Parents and students were invited to talk with teachers about the first weeks of school and participate in STEM activities. The engagement of parents with their children was evident as they worked together to complete their tasks.

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

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What do the top-performing schools systems in the world have in common? Many factors affect student achievement – curricula, smaller class size, funding, and family and community involvement all play a part. But the single most important factor contributing to student achievement is the quality of teaching, especially for lowincome and minority students. High-quality professional development is a key ingredient in teacher effectiveness. A highly-effective teacher can have a tremendous positive impact on their students’ learning experiences as well as their personal lives. It is our responsibility as a school system to provide focused, meaningful professional learning opportunities in the areas of curriculum content, teaching strategies, collaboration, and coaching to meet the needs of our teachers.

Here in Elmore County, we have instituted our first annual Teacher Leader Academy which held its first meeting in September. Applications were made available system-wide, and 27 teachers spanning grades K-12 were selected to participate. The focus of this program is to strengthen schools by developing teacher leaders who have the capacity to mentor colleagues and assume leadership roles among their peers. Some of the areas of focus include project-based learning, monitoring students’ academic progress on a regular basis, using research-based teaching strategies, and teaching at various levels to meet the learning needs of students. The underlying goal of the Teacher Leader Academy is to develop a growth mindset among teacher leaders regarding their ability to effect positive change in their classrooms and throughout their respective schools. Effective school administrators also have a profound impact on student achievement. Elmore County instituted a Leadership Academy for aspiring administrators almost ten years ago, and many of our

administrators are products of this Leadership Academy. The principal is no longer simply a building manager but serves as the instructional leader of the school. They play a large role in monitoring classroom instruction on a daily basis, analyzing student data, and assessing teacher needs to provide quality professional development. The principal sets the tone for the learning environment for the entire school….and they still manage the school facility! Everything we do in Elmore County is centered on providing the best possible education for our students. The most important provision of all is effective teachers and leaders, and we are committed to providing ongoing professional development to support them in their efforts to reach and teach every student. 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.

N O W E N R O L L I N G F O R 2017 2011

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The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science Come find out if ASMS is right for you by attending a statewide

– and so are tuition, room, and board if you are admitted! Start

ASMS Days on November 11 or December 2. Register for the

or 10th graders can apply. Many people ask, “Do I have to be

info meeting (see dates below) and visiting our campus for meeting you plan to attend as well as for ASMS Day at www.asms.net.

sophomores, juniors, and seniors seeking advanced studies in math, science, and the humanities. Applying to ASMS is FREE

ANNISTON

AUBURN

Thursday, Oct. 19, 5:30 PM (Central) Auburn University Ross Hall Auditorium, RM 136

BIRMINGHAM

Wednesday, Oct. 25, 6:00 PM University of Alabama at Birmingham Heritage Hall, RM 104 1401 University Blvd

ENTERPRISE

Thursday, Oct. 26, 6:00 PM Dauphin Jr. High School Library 425 Dauphin Street

HUNTSVILLE

Thursday, Oct. 26, 6:00 PM University of Alabama in Huntsville Louis Salmon Library, RM 111 301 Sparkman Drive NW

a ‘genius’ to be accepted to ASMS?” Answer: Absolutely NOT!

ASMS is made up of students who are intelligent and work hard

ASMS is our state’s only fully public, residential high school for

Thursday, Oct. 12, 6:00 PM Gadsden State Ayers Campus Learning Resource Center Auditorium 1801 Coleman Rd

your application today at www.asms.net. Current Alabama 9th

for academic success. All ASMS students go to college and most receive merit-based scholarships.

Questions? Email admissions@asms.net or call 251.441.3250.

LIVINGSTON

Monday, Oct. 16, 6:00 PM University of West Alabama Student Union Small Conference Room Student Union Drive

MONTGOMERY

Tuesday, Oct. 17, 7:00 PM Montgomery Main Library 245 High Street

SELMA

MOBILE OPTION 1

Monday, Oct. 16, 6:00 PM Wallace Community College Hank Sanders Tech. Bldg., Conf. Room 3000 Earl Goodwin Pkwy

MOBILE OPTION 2

Thursday, Oct. 5, 6:00 PM Coastal Alabama Community College Library Building 3000, RM 107 30755 Hwy 43 South

Thursday, Oct. 5, 6:00 PM ASMS Campus Media Center 1255 Dauphin Street Thursday, Oct. 26, 6:00 PM ASMS Campus Media Center 1255 Dauphin Street

MONROEVILLE

Thursday, Oct. 19, 6:00 PM Coastal Alabama Community College Library, RM 101 2800 South Alabama Avex

Alabama School of Mathematics and Science 1255 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 36604 251.441.2100 - www.asms.net 51 admissions@asms.net

THOMASVILLE

TROY

Thursday, Oct. 5, 6:00 PM Troy University Trojan Center Room 212 231 Adams Center

TUSCALOOSA

Tuesday, Oct. 24, 6:00 PM University of Alabama South Engineering Research Center RM 1059

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Elmore County Schools

Donation to Elmore County Schools Career & Technical Education

ARIS Fall Festival Set for October 26

Airport Road Intermediate in Millbrook invites everyone to its 2017 Fall Festival to be held on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 5-8 p.m. The evening will be filled with various games, haunted hay rides, cake walks, a haunted house and more. There will also be a costume contest and a silent auction that can help you take care of upcoming Christmas presents. Vendors will also be set up to sell fabulous items. We aim to please everyone’s appetite with a variety of yummy food and treats for sale.

State Senator Clyde Chambliss donated $20,000 to Elmore County Schools Career & Technical Education (CTE) at the Elmore County Technical Center on September 19. The funds will be used to continue current programs and expand to new programs and opportunities for students. Currently, there are programs across the county in agriculture; arts, A/V, & communications; automotive service; business/marketing; computer; construction; culinary arts; electrical; family & consumer science; finance; hospitality & tourism; JROTC; medical sciences; plumbing; pre-engineering, drafting, & design; public safety & law; and welding serving students in grades 9-12.

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Wetumpka High School Students of the Month

Sponsored by The Grumpy Dog in downtown Wetumpka, the following students have been honored by Wetumpka High School as Students of the Month for September: 9th Grade–Skylar Frye and Brandon Rogers; 10th Grade–Zarria Crayton and Samuel Knee; 11th Grade–Alyssa Feggins and Gavin Fuller; and 12th Grade–Hannah Everage and Marshall Alexander.

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Eclectic Middle Students Attend Career Discovery Expo in Opelika

More than 100 eighth-graders from Eclectic Middle School visited the Career Discovery Expo in Opelika sampling hands-on careers in 11 different clusters. Throughout the day, students tested out careers in agriculture, hospitality & tourism, health care, public safety, education, communications, and manufacturing. Above, EMS students examine apps in the communications and education cluster.

Send Your School News and photos to: editor@montgomeryparents.com. Montgomery Parents I October 2017

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E A t b f t o f A b

Representative Visits Stanhope Elmore To Support Football, Cheer Programs

Alabama Representative Reed Ingram was on the campus of Stanhope Elmore recently to present Coaches Brian Bradford and Karen Naquin a check supporting the football and cheer programs. Rep. Ingram has provided donations totaling $9,500 over the last two school years that have assisted the football program and cheer squads. Shown with Rep. Ingram (middle) are, from left, Elmore County Schools Superintendent Richard Dennis, Head Football Coach Bradford, Cheer Coach Karen Naquin and County Commissioner (District 4) Bart Mercer. Supt. Dennis and Commissioner Mercer were on hand to personally thank Rep. Ingram for his support of the Elmore County School system.

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Holtville Bulldog Pride

Each Friday during football season, the Holtville High School football players and cheerleaders come over to the elementary school to sell spirit supplies and welcome the students to school. Shown are a group of football players welcoming HES car riders to school. Our community vision is â&#x20AC;&#x153;One purpose, One communityâ&#x20AC;? and this is an excellent display of our schools working together as ONE!

Edgewood Hosts Alumni Reunion

Edgewood Academy will host an Alumni Reunion Night on Friday, October 13, at 5:30 p.m. The event will be a potluck dinner for ALL alumni families. Children are welcome! Contact Jessica at wjessicad@gmail.com, or call the school at (334) 567-5102 for more details. Visit our Edgewood Academy Alumni and Friends Facebook page for details as well. 53

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Elmore County Schools

Victory Baptist School Kicks Off 46th Year

Reed Chosen Holtville Teacher of the Year

Holtville Elementary School has named Elizabeth Reed the 2017-18 HES Teacher of the Year. Reed was voted on by her peers to represent the school. She has been a teacher at HES for three years and has a total of nine years’ experience. She believes, “True teachers teach from the heart and not from a textbook.” She displays her belief daily in her classroom as she provides her students with hands-on learning experiences.

Plumbing Program Kicks Off at ECTC

The Elmore County Technical Center started a brand-new program in plumbing and pipefitting this school year in partnership with the State of Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board. Students are already learning key skills in the trade and applying their knowledge in on-campus service calls. Shown, instructor James Broadway guides students in removing fittings and pipes to unclog a classroom water fountain. Montgomery Parents I October 2017

Victory Baptist School has begun its 46th year as a leading Christian school in our community. The students are in full swing and enjoying some of the extras added to the school this year. Melissa Cole has joined the staff as a music and piano teacher. She will conduct elementary and high school music classes. Along with learning new songs, the students will learn basic music theory. Several students are taking individual piano lessons. High school science instructor Mr. Bonaparte has added more technology to his classroom with with students using Chromebooks and iPads. “We students now have the ability to complete our homework via our cellphones, tablets, or computers with the Moodle App,” said a high school junior. “This ability helps students that have missed a class to stay caught up with homework and other assignments. The Moodle app also lets us review previous quizzes to aid in our study for tests and exams. I personally love the new use of technology in our school and the ability we now have to use Chromebooks for research papers, homework and computer class. This is a great advantage to students who may or may not have the means to use technology at home.” VBS is constantly striving to add more technology to enhance learning on every level. The volleyball, cheerleading and football teams are working hard. The JV volleyball team welcomed Rebekah Hays, a VBS graduate and nurse, as its coach this year. Jessica Bowman continues to coach the varsity volleyball team. The varsity will be going to Pensacola Christian College for a tournament October 5-6. Becky Griffin continues to coach the cheerleaders, while Jim Hardy remains as head coach of the football team with Kevin Byrd and Mark Gillum as assistants. The VBS football team won a nail-biter on September 1 by coming from behind and beating Brooklane 34-32. The following week, the team traveled to play Marshall and won 40-15.The JV football team also is off to a good start with a win against Cahawba. Follow VBS on Facebook for all the latest happenings and scores.

ARIS Begins Year with Rocky Project

Airport Road Intermediate School kicked off the new school year with a very special schoolwide activity. As painting rocks became the popular activity of the summer, ARIS continued this popular activity by reading the book Only One You by Linda Kranz. The words of this book are meant to comfort and guide students throughout the new school year. The students were encouraged to paint their very own “rockfish” that was pictured in the book. The rocks are now displayed at the entrance to the school. 54

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Wetumpka Schools Observe Solar Eclipse

Even the principals got in on the fun of Solar Eclipse Day! Wetumpka Elementary School celebrated this special day by doing many fun activities in the classrooms including viewing the live feed from NASA.

Wetumpka Senior Named National Merit Semifinalist

Lucas Lynn, a senior from Wetumpka High School, is a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. Semifinalists are the highestscoring entrants on the PSAT/NMSQT test in each state. Lynn is an Eagle Scout from Troop 13 in Wetumpka; a past county, state and national science fair winner; a member of the National Honor Society, National Beta Club and Mu Alpha Theta; Wetumpka High School robotics team; and a French horn player in the school band. He is currently ranked third in the Wetumpka High School Class of 2018. Currently Lynn plans to major in math and finance. He is still visiting colleges and is as yet undecided. Approximately 16,000 students were named Semifinalists in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of competition. About 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and about half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title. Winners receive a $2,500 scholarship. Semifinalists will be notified in February if they have advanced to Finalist status.

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Elmore County Schools

Eclectic Names August Students of the Month

Kindergarten: Emma Sanders, Ensley Ward, Kenzie Hearn, Abbi Eckert, Maddie Tyson and Mackenzie Worden; 1st Grade: Baleigh Ames, Zoey Gray, Desirae Floyd, Sophia Mulder and Alissa Champion; 2nd Grade: Jordan Smith, Megan Gargus, Kameron Barry, Kynslee Lausee and Sam King; 3rd Grade: Joshua Cousins, Addi Stephenson, *Laura Smith, Bailey Kennedy, Marley Bickley and Amber Kelly; 4th Grade: Blair Ingram, Landon Boswell, Taylor Stubbs and Mason Pack. (*Not Pictured)

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ARIS Holds Family Night

Airport Road Intermediate School welcomed families and friends to its annual Family Curriculum Night September 7. The lunchroom was busy with families eating dinner together as PTO officers, faculty and staff helped serve the guests. Parents were then welcomed into classrooms to get a better understanding of math and reading curriculum. Club sign-ups were also held so that students could get involved with an extracurricular activity. Thanks to all the faculty, staff and volunteers for planning the evening, and thanks to all the parents who attended.

Hurricane Harvey Relief Drive by Wetumpka High School JROTC

The Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp at Wetumpka High School organized and led a supply drive for victims of Hurricane Harvey in partnership with the American Legion Post 133 in Millbrook. Representatives from the American Legion picked up multiple loads of supplies at WHS collected by the students from surrounding schools and businesses. The response was overwhelming in the most positive way, and students learned a valuable lesson in giving back to others in their surrounding community and beyond.

Holtville Helps Harvey Victims

Holtville Elementary Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newly elected Student Council Members are hard at work already. They organized a drive to gather donations for hurricane victims. Pictured are the Student Council Members with the numerous donations collected!

Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com. Montgomery Parents I October 2017

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Elmore County Schools

Edgewood Holds FCA Gathering

Edgewood Academy held its first Fellowship of Christian Athletes gathering after the football game September 8. At the event, music, food and fellowship were enjoyed by everyone. Guest speaker Steven Clark delivered the message. “It was an awesome night of 50+ students gathered to worship,” said Edgewood senior Elizabeth Crosby. “It was so encouraging to see so many students choose to stay late on Friday night after a football game to worship Jesus. I’m so excited to see how God uses FCA at Edgewood to further His Kingdom.” Edgewood will be having FCA events every month and all are invited!

Elmore County College + Career Day

More than 800 seniors from high schools across Elmore County visited the annual Elmore County College + Career Day event at the Wetumpka Civic Center September 5. Students were able to speak with more than 60 representatives including college personnel, military recruiters, service providers, and hiring businesses. Schools who attended include Elmore County High, Holtville High, Stanhope Elmore High, Wetumpka High, Tallassee High, Edgewood Academy, New Life Christian Academy and homeschool students.

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

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TheCollegeYears Preparing Teens for Life Outside the Nest

by Lee Gonet

Dot Every i and Cross Every t: The College Application “Hello? Admission’s Office?” “Yes?” “I am calling on behalf of my son who just received a rejection notice. It was my fault his application was late. We’ve had such a busy year, and I lost track of the time. I forgot to get the application filled out, and then I noticed we had missed the deadline. Would you please make an exception?” This parent actually wanted me to support her opinion that the school unfairly rejected her son’s application! A student who cannot follow deadlines, fill out applications, or make phone calls will not succeed in the college world. Usually, this type of student shows up to class late, forgets to turn in work, and eventually drops out of school. Sadly, this same student will think the “system” failed him. Why? Because Mom always had his back and he never learned to stand on his own. Therefore, I am writing the rest of this article directly to students.

The Application Fill out a form online, pay your fee, and click send. Sounds simple, right? Well, that’s only the first step. This just begins your file, which is enhanced with each additional piece of information needed to complete your application. Following directions explicitly, filling out all areas completely, and proofreading are very important. I cannot stress these points enough. After all, if you can’t fill out a form correctly, why would a school risk accepting you? According to the National Center for Education Statistics, only 59% of college freshmen graduate, and dropout rates reflect poorly on schools. I also strongly recommend copying Montgomery Parents I October 2017

your applications and maintaining your own college files. These records will not only ease the decision-making process later, but also be available if the school misplaces your application and needs additional copies.

who will enhance their student populations. If you followed my advice in July’s issue (http://montgomeryparents.com/index.php/ category/articles/the-college-years/), you already have a detailed resume, which can be sent with your application.

FAFSA

Recommendations

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is required by most colleges. It helps each school create demographic profiles and make financial aid decisions. If you are hoping to receive need-based aid, the sooner you complete the FAFSA the better.

Early Decision If you have your heart set on a particular school, receiving an early acceptance will save you time and money. However, if you are considering different colleges and/or need financial aid, you will want to apply to several schools and weigh the benefits and offers of each.

Deadlines Remember that your applications are not complete until all of the required items are received by the applicable deadlines. Regularly, check your personal webpages, which each school creates, to see if your information has arrived, and make a final call to confirm. • July-October Early Decision Applications • July-March Applications • October-January FAFSA • October-February Scholarships • March-July Acceptance

Extracurricular Activities Individual interests reflect the values and different personalities of students. Colleges desire well-rounded applicants 58

When you request a written reference, provide an addressed, stamped envelope, your resume (more information = a better letter), and plenty of time for the person to respond. Favorite teachers receive many requests, and looming deadlines can be overwhelming for instructors, too!

Essays Requirements vary by school. You may not have to write one at all, or you may have to write two. You may have a character limit or a word limit (note the difference!). However, become comfortable writing about yourself because essay topics will always be personal.

Transcripts & Test Scores You must request these records from the issuing institutions because colleges will not. Additionally, some deadlines are before completion of your fall semester, so consider taking ACT/SAT tests, AP classes, or dual-enrolled courses throughout your sophomore and junior years, so these accomplishments will be evident on your initial applications. A final piece of advice: write down your log-in information (username and password) for each college, and keep the information in your file. Can you imagine having to call the college because you are locked out of your account?!

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

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Do your children have an interest in figuring out how things work? Do they

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enjoy experimenting with their surroundings? You may have a budding engineer, astronaut, mathematician or scientist on your hands. Even kids who are not naturally drawn to all things math and science enjoy exploring their environment and figuring out how they work.

Montgomery Parents I October 2017

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STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, are activities that engage kids of all ages in these specific areas. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, STEM occupations are growing 17% per year and STEM degree holders have a higher income. While a career in the STEM field may seem like a long time off for your preschooler, STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables innovation of new products in the future. Most would agree that jobs of the future will require a basic understanding of math, science, and technology and it is never too early to start developing your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interest in these areas. (www.engineeringforkids.com) While many schools are developing STEM curriculums for classrooms, there are plenty of things you can do at home to kickstart your preschoolers love of science.

STEM in the kitchen Your school teachers were right, you do use math and science in everyday life. You may already love cooking with your kids but consider incorporating science and math lessons at the same time. While baking cookies have your children help measure the ingredients, count the scoops of flour, talk about what happens if you

do not use the correct measurements, and discuss what the purpose of baking powder and baking soda is. (It leavens the batter to rise while baking.) Make the experience fun and educational at the same time. Your child may not even notice they are learning about math and science while baking and sampling tasty treats.

DIY science lab Create your own science lab mixing station at home. All you need is several plastic or glass containers (see through are best) of any shape and size. Fill containers with dry ingredients such as baking soda, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cornstarch. Fill additional containers with wet ingredients such as water, white vinegar, lemon juice, and ice. It may be wise to lay towels underneath your mixing station or set the ingredients up outside so you can have fun without worrying about the difficulty of clean up. Once your science lab is set up, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to get creative. Let your kids experiment with what happens when different ingredients are mixed. This activity is great for preschoolers but can also be adopted to older children by providing them with a journal to record the results of each combination of ingredients when they are mixed.

Use what you have Set up a sensory bin using dried beans, water beads, or rice as a filler then hide items inside. Ask your child to find the red dinosaur, count the green items, or close their eyes and guess what items they feel. Encourage your little engineer or architect to build a tower using toothpicks and marshmallows or fill a tray with shaving cream and blocks and ask if they think the shaving cream will help their blocks stick together. Sharpen their math skills with colored cereal like Fruit Loops. Ask your child to sort the pieces by color and count them. Then have them string the cereal on yarn to make a necklace. Make it fun and see what potential STEM activities you have laying around the house. Preschoolers love to explore with their hands and all of their senses which makes the possibilities endless. Plant a garden, fill water glasses with food coloring and mix to learn about colors, count and sort items throughout the day, talk about and chart the weather, or play with magnets and a cookie sheet. STEM is all around us just waiting to be explored. mp Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and stay at home mom to six kids, including three-year-old triplets.

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Are We Addicted to Cell Phones? How much time did your kids spend with their cellphones yesterday? When was the last time you checked yours? If contemplating these questions makes you uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Cellphones dominate our lives in part because they are designed to do precisely that according to Tristran Harris, a tech entrepreneur who worked for a while as Product Ethicist at Google. He now runs TimeWellSpent, a non-profit that points out how cellphones and their apps hijack our attention. Some researchers have noted that brains scans of people who spend a lot of time online are disconcertingly similar to those of people with substance abuse problems. Here are a few consequences you may recognize in yourself or your kids: • Time – Devoting more and more time to cellphone activities, partly because the person looses track of time and partly because it takes longer to feel satisfied. • Obsession — Thinking about being online even when the person is offline. Failure to cut back despite resolutions. • Mood – Feeling anxious, restless, irritable or even angry when online activities are interrupted or when the person has to be offline. • Social – Withdrawal from friends and real life social activities. The feeling that online relationships are more significant and genuine. • Interference – Spending time online even when it interferes with other important activities including employment, schoolwork, chores, exercise, family time and sleep. Montgomery Parents I October 2017

• Deception - Lying to oneself or others about how much time is spent with the phone. For most people, of course, cellphone use doesn’t rise to the level of addiction. Still, many parents have the uneasy feeling that phones take too big a chunk of family life. In contemporary culture, total abstinence isn’t realistic for adults or teens but there are ways to become more deliberate about when and how we use our phones. Here are a few suggestions: 1. Evaluate activities. Pay attention to what you and your kids are doing on your phones. Some activities—games, social media, news—are designed to be endless. Others—gambling, shopping, looking at porn—are associated with off-line addictions. Identify activities that are productive and/or enjoyable. How much time should be allotted to each? Develop a budget that guides how you spend your online time. Use the timer on your phone--or ask other family members—to hold you accountable. 2. Create an essential home screen. Harris suggests sorting apps into three categories: Tools to help you complete essential tasks—calendar, camera, etc. Bottomless Bowls are apps that encourage you to binge. Aspirations are things you’d like to do. Create a homescreen that includes ONLY indispensable tools and realistic aspirations. Hide other apps in folders where you won’t see seductive icons. Having a folder called News, Games or Social forces you to think, even briefly, about whether you really want to engage in that activity. 3. Identify triggers. Addictive behavior often starts with uncomfortable feelings such as depression or anxiety. Talking about feelings helps children and adults recognize their emotions and make more conscious decisions about how 62

to manage them. If a family member is upset because of something that happened at school or work, he or she may get temporary relief from playing a game or binge-watching YouTube. That’s not necessarily a problem—if the person eventually thinks through the basic problem and comes up with ideas about how to address it. 4. Customize notifications. The ding from a cellphone is like a slot machine. Most of the time it’s meaningless, but occasionally there’s a big payoff. Assign special ringtones to family members and other people so you won’t miss genuinely important messages. Then turn off notifications from everything else. You won’t know everything about everybody all the time, so put an end to FOMO (Fear of Missing Out.) 5. Create rich off-line lives. Seek out tech-free experiences that are rewarding for family members. Take every opportunity to be physically active, outdoors if possible. Ride bikes, take walks, play sports. Invite friends and extended family over for meals or game nights. Collect cellphones at the door. 6. Get an alarm clock. Using a cellphone as an alarm makes it the last thing you see before you fall asleep and the first thing you check in the morning. It may even interrupt sleep with notifications that matter much less than being rested. Claim the luxury of thinking your own thoughts as you drift off to sleep. Take a little time in the morning to wake up fully before engaging with whatever is on your phone. Finally, appreciate what’s good about cellphones. Some researchers, for example, have noted that use of drugs and alcohol among teens has declined over the same period that smartphone use increased. They speculate that interactive media may satisfy adolescent cravings for independence, risk-taking and sensation seeking without the devastating consequences of other addictions. In other words, cellphones like so many other technologies, can make lives better or worse. It’s up to parents to pay attention to that uneasy feeling about phones, so we can gently take corrective actions that restore them to their proper place. 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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October is Bullying Prevention Month Be a part of the solution not a part of the problem! ROCK: RESPECT OTHERS CREATE KINDNESS What is bullying? Bullying is meanness that is not provoked. Bullying is on purpose. A bully knows what they are doing and almost always targets those who seem weaker or less confident. People who bully might target a person just because of his or her size, race, religion, way of speaking, appearance, or sexual orientation. Bullying usually occurs repeatedly unless a person or group helps stop it. You can be part of the solution by saying something as simple as, “stop”. You can set the example by never joining in the laughter, teasing, or gossip; you can help the target of the bullying by saying kind, encouraging words and by encouraging your peers to join together against bullying. It is important to get help from an adult and report bullying right away. NO ONE deserves to be bullied! EVERYONE deserves respect! The ROCK Star Awards are given annually to a student, individual or community organization whose actions have contributed to a kinder, more respectful community. Activities can include community service projects, events or activities that: • Discourage bullying behavior

• Raise understanding and celebrate differences

• Advocate for inclusion and promote unity

If you know someone whose efforts have contributed to a kinder, more respectful community, i.e. youth leader, counselor, parent, student, mentor, neighborhood association, club, civic group, teacher, community leader, etc., please nominate them for the ROCK Star Award! Deadline for nomination is October 7. The link to the nomination form: https://stamp111.wufoo.com/forms/z1jaoqp80zg3zmh/. http://rocktaskforce.com/

#familysunshinecenter #RespectOthersCreateKindness #kind #antibullying#nominate

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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston

Communicating with Teens Every parent of a teenager wants to build a strong line of communication with their teen. But sadly, the opposite is most often true. I’d like to share with you some simple tips to improve your communications with your teen. You may wonder what the best timing is for building good lines of communication with your teen or pre-teen. That’s simple. Do it NOW, before problems, struggles and difficulties begin. And never stop working at it, even when there is conflict. As your children move from the elementary years into early adolescence, it’s essential that you adapt your style of communication to the changes taking place with your child. What was non-hormonal, now becomes laced with hormones. Total dependence moves closer to independence, and that affects how your teen interacts with you. Unless you change with them, there will be conflict and broken communications. The hope is that we, as parents, become that place of rest for our kids, a place where they might be restored. Too many times parents become a place of added burden or hardship, or an extra “measure” of correction, when correcting, and a life of training, has already been done. Moms have the tendency to do the “Energizer bunny” communication that just keeps on going. And dads have that tendency to tune out when communication is most needed. Moms, your over-correcting does not provide the rest your child needs. And dad, your refusal to speak up does not restore. What is crucial for your child is the Montgomery Parents I October 2017

balance of the mom and dad mix, which will result in that place of rest. But to achieve this balance, it is important for us as parents to transition with our children, to change our style of communication. If we can successfully make this transition, then the day when our children begin to struggle or have difficulties, and desperately need someone to talk to, we are the ones they will turn to. Now, let me give you some advice on how to build that bridge– how to make that transition… Start by laying down some new rules, not ones that dictate, but those that invite. In fact, these are rules for yourself, not as much for your child, including making it a priority to have one-on-one time with your child. For example, you might state that a new rule for your house is to go on a motherdaughter, or father-son special vacation each year. Another might be a Joke Night that gets everyone laughing, just laughing, no spiritual lesson attached, just pure fun time together. Ask thoughtful questions… create a sense of wonder. Instead of always telling your child the answers, offer them thoughtful questions. And remember, not every question has to be answered immediately, or at all. They will learn to think on their own, and begin to ask you questions as you model one who asks questions. The questions themselves can lead to the right answers, without preaching. …and wait to be invited. Hold off on the tendency to always drive the conver64

sation and share your own opinions Don’t break genuine interest, but poignant moments of silence (especially when they are not accustomed to silence from you) will move a child to ask, “What do you think?” Try not to force your opinion unless it is invited. “I Was Wrong” diffuses difficult discussions. If you handled a situation poorly, admit where you were wrong. You will take the fuse out of the firecracker when you do that. Once you admit you blew it, the issue can no longer be held against you. Anger puts up barriers and must always be diffused before communications will open up. Give them respect… consider others to be more important. Easy to say, and sometimes tough to do. It’s basically putting your child first and showing them respect, even as you demand that of them. This should affect the way you speak to them (you wouldn’t yell at, belittle, or talk down to someone you respect), the way you discipline, the way you show grace and the way you respond when you are disappointed and upset. I want to challenge you today to commit to building a relationship with your child, and that starts with good communications. Make time to communicate and really get to know your teen. And no matter how strained or difficult your relationship might be, there is always HOPE. It may take time and persistence, but keep at it in a loving and natural way and they will eventually open up.

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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OUR HOME IS ACTIVE, OFTEN NOISY BUT ALWAYS SPECIAL. WE WOULDN’T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY – OR LIVE ANYWHERE ELSE. WE BUILT A BEAUTIFUL HOUSE OUT HERE, AND NOW WE'RE FILLING IT WITH MEMORIES. GOOD MEMORIES FROM A GOOD LIFE.

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NEW PARK IS A MASTER-PLANNED FAMILY COMMUNITY IN EAST MONTGOMERY • ADJACENT TO THE NEWEST ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS • HOME TO THE CITY’S NEWEST YMCA • NEIGHBORHOOD SWIMMING POOL • DOZENS OF FLOOR PLANS TO CHOOSE FROM • YOUR CHOICE OF THE RIVER REGION’S BEST HOME BUILDERS 334.215.9215 | newparkliving.com | 9430 Park Crossing Between Ray Thorington Road and Taylor Road

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Kids with Keys to the Car

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Safely secured in their pumpkin seat, children typically meet a car when they take their first ride home from the hospital. For many kids this is the beginning of a life-long love affair with cars and the independence they represent. But relegated to the back seat for most of their youth, a child’s curiosity about cars is amplified and their desire to explore all things automotive, magnified. The following toys let kids explore the driver’s seat, grab the keys, kick the tires and take the wheel as they explore the familiar machine that moves them through their lives.

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by Gerry Paige Smith

V-Tech Beep & Go Keys

Whisper Ride II (Step 2)

Kids take the next step toward driving independence when they transition from being pulled along as a passenger in a wagon, to taking the wheel in the push cart design of the Whisper Ride II. With an adult hand managing speed and direction from behind, little operators can confidently take the lead as they occupy the driver’s seat in front. Featuring automotive decals, seat belt, under-hood storage, a working horn and cup holders (for both adult and child), this ride is ready for every off-road expedition. Perfect pairing parent-child transportation for neighborhood walks, festival outings, park adventures and more, the Whisper Ride II from Step 2 is ready to roll out in style.

(V-Tech Baby)

Dangling from parents’ hands like forbidden fruit, jingling with a siren’s call that small children can’t resist, our real keys to the car are the most perfectly imperfect toy for little kids. Thankfully, there’s an easy replacement for legitimate keys that will not only keep kids occupied, but also provide additional entertainment and learning opportunities in the mix. With an electronic motion sensor and buttons that generate more than 30 sounds, songs and phrases, V-Tech Beep & Go Keys offers hours of play for little hands. One of the keys is rubberized for additional teething action as well! For every parent of toddlers whose car alarm mysteriously goes off, and their toddler is the key-in-hand prime suspect, this interactive set is the ideal answer.

Sat Nav Steering Wheel

Car Station

Simulating a realistic driving experience either at home or in the car, Casdon’s Sat Nav Steering Wheel is the perfect choice for the serious driver-in-training. With simulated driving sounds and realistic design features, kids can learn right from left as well as the principles of acceleration while they navigate the course suggested by the Sat Nav. Handeye coordination and decision-making are also supported by the responsive design of this steering wheel as kids develop real-world navigation skills in a safe and engaging environment. Enjoying a realistic and responsive experience behind the wheel, young car enthusiasts’ will be engaged and entertained as they explore the fundamentals of driving with the Sat Nav Steering Wheel.

For children who seek a deeper understanding of the workings inside a car, the Theo Klein Car Station offers a closer look into the workings of an automobile. Built for tinkering, this station lets little ones open the hood and give the engine a once (or thrice) over. From changing the oil and tire to rebuilding the engine, young mechanics are equipped with tools to manipulate and manage the various working of a simplified car engine. Using a handful of AAA batteries, the Service Car Station also features working headlights, horn and realistic engine sounds. The only thing missing is an oily mess. Providing an excellent primer on a car’s familiar functions, this toy is top choice for the young automobile fan who wants to get up under the hood.

Theo Klein Service

(Casdon)

(Theo Klein)

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 October 2017

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Dream Court Montgomery’s Dream Court had a successful summer session at O’Conner Tennis Courts with a combined volunteer and athlete total of 50 in attendance. The summer session focused on tennis skills and friendships, while increasing each athlete’s love for the game of tennis. Athletes

ranged from 9 years old to adults, and fun was had by all. Dream Court, Inc. is a non profit organization that provides adaptive tennis programs for individuals with special needs. Their mission is to teach the lifetime sport of

Serving Up Hope and Changing Lives

tennis and life skills to children and adults of varying ability levels. The organization was primarily created to have fun while learning tennis, but also goes beyond the sport. They focus on promoting active lifestyles, teaching appropriate social behaviors, and developing selfesteem. Most importantly, Dream Court strives to foster an environment of inclusion and acceptance. Dream Court was founded by Jessica Weyreuter (seen in white t-shirt) and she built it around the concept of “serving hope and changing lives.” Montgomery has already seen so many moments where Dream Court is doing just that and they can’t wait to see what the future holds! Jessica explains, “I challenge everybody in the River Region and beyond to look beyond physical appearance or a mental difference and find people with souls, with feelings, with emotions, and most importantly, with some pretty amazing stories!”

Please contact Jessica to volunteer with or sponsor Dream Court athletes. The organization began their fall tennis session on Sunday, September 9, at Edward Thompson Park, 1655 Ray Thorington Road. Interested parties may contact Jessica at 334.414.1980 or dreamcourtinc@gmail.com for information. Photos by Emily Caldwell.

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Halloween has always been an exciting holiday for kids. They get dressed up, hang out with friends and know that a simple â&#x20AC;&#x153;Trick or Treatâ&#x20AC;? means free candy. As our kids hit middle school, their days of trick or treating reluctantly come to an end. In an effort to keep the holiday fun for teens, why not throw a party?

Montgomery Parents I October 2017

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I know what you thinking – “How am I going to come up with entertainment that is not lame and that will keep everyone amused?” Simple! Check out these ten teen approved party games that will challenge, gross out and deliver hours of good times and laughter. But beware, if the kids have too much fun at your party, they will want you to host again next year!

Go Fishing – Fill a small swimming

pool with water and live goldfish. On the bottom of the pool, place several marbles. Set as many chairs around the pool as will fit. Ask your guests to sit in the chairs and remove their shoes and socks. That’s right, they are going fishing for marbles with their feet. Add a little fear and anticipation by blindfolding the participants or turning off the lights.

Pumpkin Face

– Have the kids put a layer of Vaseline on their faces. Pour several cheeseballs on a long table. On go, each person has to cover their face with cheese balls without using their hands. Set the timer for one minute and the person with the most cheeseballs wins. This is a great photo opportunity!

Plastic Wrap Mummy Race – Break the group into teams. Choose one person from each team to wrap in plastic wrap (from the neck down). As soon as the mummy is wrapped, the team has to gently lower him to the ground and roll him down the race course. When he gets to the finish line, you need to stand him

back up and completely unwrap him. For a longer race, rewrap the next person and race back down to the other end.

pieces of bubble inside. Using only their face, the first kid to find the bubble gum, chew it and blow a bubble, wins.

Coins and Crickets

– Melt 5 different candy bars in the microwave. Be sure to crush up any large pieces. Place the melted mess inside a clean disposable diaper and place on the table. Have the kids smell or taste what’s in the diaper to determine what candy bar it is.

– Fill a large jar (like a sun tea jar) with 20 crickets from the pet store. Place several coins on the bottom of the jar and have each player try to pick up 5 coins. Make it more challenging by having the kids pick up only dimes or choose the winner based on the least amount of money (not coins) collected.

Create a Crime Scene – Create

a bag of things found at a mock crime scene but don’t include obvious murder weapons like knives or rope. Instead, find silly things like an apple, wooden spoon, stuffed animal, a children’s book and a magnet. Break everyone up into groups of 4 or 5. Each group has to create a crime scene based on the items in the bag and present it to the group. This is a great activity to do while you are serving dinner.

Halloween Egg Hunt – Fill plastic eggs or plastic pumpkins with candy and hide around the room or outdoors. Take advantage of the early setting sun and search for the eggs with flashlights. Try adding a few tricks instead of treats and fill some of the eggs with worms, crickets or cow eyes from the local butcher shop. (Be sure to open the eggs outside!)

Bubble Gum Pie – Fill a pie plate with whipped cream and bury a couple

Guess the Candy Bar

Fear Factor - Egg Roulette

– Hard boil 12 eggs and let cool in refrigerator. Place eggs on a table in front of your guests. Tell the kids that there is one raw egg among the hardboiled eggs. Challenge them to find it by choosing an egg and smashing it on their forehead. Get your cameras ready. Their expressions will be priceless!

LCR – This is a great way to end the

night. LCR is a popular dice game that can be played with any size group. You can either purchase the LCR dice or use regular dice and determine which number is L, C and R. Normally you would play with chips or coins, but since it is Halloween, let’s use candy. Every player starts with three candies. As you roll, the candy goes to the left, right or into a bowl in the center. The winner is the person holding the last piece of candy! mp

Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mom of two teens and a tween. All of their parties include good food, lots of laughter and of course, games!

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Arts & Crafts/ Fall Festivals 61st Annual Central Alabama Fair October 2-7

Lion’s Fair Park, 2401 W. Dallas Ave Selma, AL Fun-filled event offering a midway with rides, entertainment, beauty pageant, agricultural exhibits, livestock judging and a competition for local arts, crafts, canning, sewing, and more! www.centralalabamafair.com

71st Annual Lee County Fair October 3-7

US 431 near Opelika High Opelika, AL Livestock shows, contests, exhibits, pageants, rides and much more.

54th Annual Bluff Park Art Show October 7 Bluff Park Community Ctr

517 Cloudland Dr Hoover, AL 9:00am-5:00pm. Sponsored by the Bluff Park Art Association and includes more than 130 local and national artists displaying fine art for sale. Bring the kids to enjoy some hands on art fun. Free admission, parking and shuttles. Please visit our website at www. bluffparkartassociation.org for more information.

Cotton Pickin’ County Fair October 7-8 Gay, Ga

Return to 1910 where the Farmhouse, the Cotton Gin, and the Cotton Warehouse form a unique backdrop for a great day of 21st century fun. Amidst skilled artisans and antique specialists, the Fair shares remnants of farm life in days gone by. New talent keeps the festival fresh and interesting while returning artists welcome loyal customers seeking to add to individual collections.

www.cpfair.org

Pioneer Days October 13-14

Pioneer Museum of Alabama, Troy, AL Horse and wagon rides, trips on the Pioneer Express, Native American camps with demonstrations of candlemaking, spinning, weaving, quiltmaking, blacksmithing, drum, dance, etc. Friday is School Day. www.pioneer-museum.org

Montgomery Parents I October 2017

24th Annual Alabama Cotton Festival October 14 Eclectic, AL

8:00 a.m. -2 p.m. Vendors will line Main Street with a wide variety of delectable food and unique wares as live music is played. The festival also features a variety of contests, including a car show, photography and art contests and the annual taste-off to see who can bake the best Sweet Treat.

townofelectic.com

35th Annual Oktoberfest October 14

Charles E. Bailey, Sr. Sportplex, Alexander City, AL Day-long celebration features local arts and crafts, great food, entertainment, Kid-Fest children’s activities, sports programs, antique car show and much more. A Native American Artifact show is our newest showcase. www.alexandercityonline.com

46th Annual Harvest Day Festival October 14 Headland, AL

9am-3pm. This fun-filled event takes place downtown in and around the beautiful city square. The day features arts and crafts, a car show, children’s games and rides, a variety of food vendors, and live entertainment throughout the day. Local shops and restaurants will also have special offers and sales.

Reeltown Harvest Fest October 14

Reeltown Elementary, Reeltown, AL 8 until 2 p.m. Harvest & Holiday Market is a fundraiser benefiting Reeltown Marching Band. It will include a variety of vendors for your shopping enjoyment selling anything from arts & crafts to personalized clothing and accessories! There will also be a BINGO, Cake Walk, Raffles, Food, Entertainment, Dunking Booth, Games, prizes & lots of fun for the kiddos. Facebook under Reeltown Harvest Fest

Harvest Hoe Down

October 14-15 Warm Springs, Ga Enjoy this fall celebration with arts, crafts, good food, entertainment and more! www.warmspringsga.us

39th Annual Alabama Tale Tellin’ Festival Presented by ArtsRevive October 20-21 Selma, AL

5:30 p.m. Hear tales told by popular storytellers.

The family friendly event returns to the Carneal Cultural Arts Center, 3 Church Street, Selma, AL, and features stories, music and lots of laughter! The Swappin’ Ground, where amateurs can tell their own tales, starts a 5:30 on Friday. Sponsored by ArtsRevive, admission is $15 for adults for one night, $10 for students Tickets will be sold at the door or in advance through PayPal. (334) 878.2787 info@artsrevive.com artsrevive.com, and find ArtsRevive on Facebook

22nd Annual Arts on the River October 21

1100 Block of Broadway Columbus, Ga 11:00am-5:00pm. The fine art show and sale includes paint, photography, hand-thrown pottery, and sculpture, with some artists performing live demonstrations. Free.

Fall Farm Day & Festival October 21

Landmark Park, Dothan, AL Learn how peanuts were harvested in the Wiregrass a half-century ago. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of cane grinding, syrup making, butter churning, basket weaving, soap making and other traditional farm activities. Plus, food, music and antique tractors and farm equipment. www.landmarkparkdothan.com

Alabama Gourd Festival October 21-22

Cullman Civic Center, Cullman, AL Annual festival features gourd arts and crafts, such as birdhouses, musical instruments and decorated gourds. www.alabamagourdsociety.org

Hummingbird Festival

October 21-22 Hogansville, Ga Main Street will be bustling with food, crafts, antiques, music, local artists, open storefronts, rides, and activities for the whole family. www.hummingbirdfestival.com

27th Annual Christmas Made in the South October 27-29

Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ga Amazing craftspeople, outstanding art, unique gourmet food, and diverse entertainment to whet

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and satisfy every demanding appetite. Handmade, one-of-a-kind designs populate the booths that fill the festival: silk wearables to fabric bags, glass jewelry to close-up photography of nature’s funniest and fiercest creatures all await and more! Adults $7.00, Children 12 & under-Free; admission good for all 3 days. www.madeinthesouthshows.com

Country Living Fair

October 27-29 Stone Mountain Park, Ga A fun, folksy and fabulous show and sale of folk art, antiques, “Made in America” crafts, art, furniture, home decor and more. Meet the editors of Country Living Magazine, attend seminars and how-to’s, artisan demonstrations, Harvest & Gourmet Market, and fall festivities. www.stonemountainpark.com

63rd Alabama National Fair October 27-November 5

Garret Coliseum, Montgomery, AL Midway rides, main stage entertainment including Collective Soul, Hunter Hayes, En Vogue, Eli Young Band and Cameo, food, information and commercial booths, kids area, livestock and other competition, family faith day, and more! www.alnationalfair.org

Alexander City Fall Family Festival October 28 Russell Crossroads

432 Goldthwaite St Alexander City, AL Join friends and neighbors for pumpkin painting, a costume contest, wagon rides and more, courtesy of Russell Lands on Lake Martin.

www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com

Boll Weevil Festival

October 28 Enterprise, AL

9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Arts and crafts vendors, variety of music, food, children’s costume contest

and activities, farmers market, car show, family entertainment.

Art in the Dark

Peanut Butter Festival

Art, music and fun! Join Emerge Montgomery and the Montgomery Art Guild to see 7 different galleries throughout the River Region under one roof. All proceeds benefit the Montgomery Art Guild to promote and foster artists in our area.

www.enterprisedowntown.org

October 28 Brundidge, AL A harvest and heritage celebration honoring the town’s proud heritage in the peanut butter industry. The free for all festival features a 5-K Peanut Butter Run, non-stop entertainment, contests, games, exhibits, recipe contest, Peanut Butter Kids Contest and the Nutter Butter Parade and food galore including everything peanut butter. www.piddle.org

Spinners 36th Annual “Pumpkin Patch” Arts & Crafts Show October 28-29

Spinners Park, Prattville, AL Exhibitors of original art and crafts from throughout the southeast will display their wares. Food vendors, live entertainment, games, a coloring contest and many other activities for children and youth. Door prizes will be given at intervals during the show. Other events include The Great Pumpkin Race, a 5K/8K Race and a one mile Run/Walk, a motorcycle show, jack-o-lantern contest and more. Free admission and free parking. www.spinnersprattville.com

Christmas Village Festival November 1-5

Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham, AL The largest indoor arts, crafts, and gifts show in the south, this show draws exhibitors from over 30 states with products like clothing, jewelry, food, decorations and much, much more. www.christmasvillagefestival.com

Nov. 2 The Sanctuary, Montgomery, AL

Facebook under Art in the Dark

Indian Festival & Pow-Wow November 2-5

Stone Mountain Park, Ga Experience Native American culture through dance & drum competitions, music, authentic craft demonstrations, cooking samples and storytelling activities. Learn about primitive skills such as flintnapping, bow making, fire starting, open fire cooking and pottery. Find that one-of-a-kind holiday gift in our artists’ marketplace, where world-renowned Native artists and crafters demonstrate their skills and offer items for purchase. www.stonemountainpark.com

2017 National Peanut Festival November 3-12

5622 U.S. Hwy. 231 S Dothan, AL Headliners Corey Smith, Michael Ray, 38 Special and Brett Young. Livestock exhibits, competitions, demolition derby, crafts, food preservation, recipe contests, entertainment, carnival rides, sea lion show, and much more! www.nationalpeanutfestival.com

Pike Road-Mount Meigs Arts & Crafts Festival November 4 Community Center

828 Gibbs Road Pike Road, AL 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Amateur and professional artists, crafts, retail and food vendors.

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9th Annual Charis Crafters “Home for the Holiday” Craft Show November 9-11

Wetumpka Civic Center, Wetumpka, AL November 9-11. Wetumpka Civic Center Tickets are available in advance and at the door. One ticket is good for all three-show days! Door prizes will be given away every hour. The Craft Show features a variety of handmade items as well as homemade delight available for purchase. These pieces are perfect for gift giving, home decor and Holiday decorating! Facebook under Charis Crafters

Church Events Aldersgate UMC Fall Festival ad on page 61

October 29

6610 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 5:30-7 p.m. Trunk or Treat, trunk decorating contest, carnival games, prizes, live band, inflatables, hot dog dinner. Admission is free, but canned goods will be collected for the food pantry. 272.6152

Angel Fest

October 21 St. Michael and All Angels Church,

5941 Main Street Millbrook, AL 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. We are celebrating 17 years of Angel Fest with a bake sale, silent auction, children’s carnival, great concessions, entertainment, and loads of vendors selling unique wares, and the sale of the best cooked Boston Butts in the River Region. Family fun, no admission charged. Come out and help us celebrate Angel Fest. All proceeds go the outreach program of the church!

Blue Ridge Baptist Church Back to the 50’s Fall Festival

First Baptist Church Prattville Fall Festival

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4471 Jasmine Hill Road Wetumpka, AL 3 to 5 p.m.; A hotdog and chili supper. Trunk or Treat, bouncy houses, fun, games and crafts. Friendly costumes are welcome.

138 S Washington Street Prattville, AL 4:00-6:00 p.m. Preschool-Sixth Grade Games, Rides and Prizes! Free admission, popcorn and cotton candy!

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October 29

567.4325

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East Memorial Baptist Church Family Fun Fall Festival

FUMC Montgomery Fall Bazaar

October 31 1320 Old Ridge Road Prattville, AL 5:30-7:30 p.m. Games, candy, balloon animals and all sorts of fun for the whole family!

365.7500

Eastmont Baptist Church Trunk or Treat October 29

4505 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 4-6 pm in the front parking lot of Eastmont Baptist Church. Bring your little super heroes, princesses, pirates and cowgirls for a FREE, fun and safe alternative to trick-or-treating. 277-6300 www.eastmont.org

First Baptist Church Montgomery Family Fest ad on Inside Back Cover

October 29

305 S. Perry Street Montgomery, AL 4 to 6 pm. Free Games, Fun Fellowship, Fantastic Prizes. Wear a fun, happy costume! There will be a hot dog dinner with chips and drink for $3 per person. Visit www.montgomeryfbc.org/ familyfest.

October 4

2416 W. Cloverdale Park Montgomery, AL Luncheon $12 | 12:00-1:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall Shopping & Silent Auction, 1-7:00 p.m. Wesley Hall Red’s Little School House Bbq Dinner $10 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. Park Avenue Parking Lot Kid’s Chicken Finger Meal: $5. Tickets can be purchased for $10 by calling the church. 834-8990

FUMC Wetumpka Trunk or Treat October 29

306 W. Tuskeena Street Wetumpka, AL 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Contest, games, concessions, inflatables, cake walk, dunking booth and treats for all ages. Parents are encouraged to attend with child. 567-7865 www.fumcwetumpka.com

Gateway Baptist Church Fall Family Festival October 31

3300 Bell Road Montgomery, AL 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Free admission. Games, popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones and Trunk or treat. Little bit of something for everyone. 272-9494

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Harvest Family Church Trunk or Treat October 29

7245 Copperfield Drive Montgomery, AL 4 -5:30 p.m. All superheroes, princesses and minions (and their families!) are invited to stuff their bags with candy and enjoy fun games at a FREE carnival presented by the folks at Harvest Family Church in the Copperfield community. FREE hotdogs will be provided (while they last) and a TV will be showing football! (334) 277-1156

www.harvestfamilychurch.com

Mulder UMC Fall Festivities October 31

3454 Firetower Road Wetumpka, AL 6 - 8 p.m. Fun for the whole family. Free hot dog supper, hayrides, inflatables, games with prizes, candy and face painting. 567-4225

Ridgecrest Baptist Church Fall Festival ad on page 30

October 28

5260 Vaughn Rd Montgomery, AL 5 until 7 p.m. Open to all ages. Family friendly. Games, prizes, food, candy, bouncy house and Trunk or Treat. 277.0011

Saint James UMC

Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat ad on page 13

October 29

9045 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 5 until 6:30 p.m. Inflatables, candy, hayride, pizzas and much, much more. 277-3037

Taylor Road Baptist Church Treats the Town October 29

1685 Taylor Road Montgomery, AL Gates open at 6 p.m. FREE FOOD. Hot dogs, drinks, popcorn, peanuts, cookies, candy, games, hayrides, and family pictures. Family Atmosphere. NO scary costumes please. 271-3363

Fall Farms Paradise Pumpkin Patch ad on page 39

September 30 through November 3 910 County Road 79 South Eufaula, AL Pumpkin Patch, Petting zoo, Cow Trains and Hayrides, Farm Playground, Giant Corn Box, Cotton pickin and more! Open for Fall Season on September 30. Saturdays 9 am-6 pm and Sundays 11-6 pm. Special event dates and field trips available Monday-Friday. (334) 695.2258 www.paradisepumpkinpatch.com

Backyard Orchards

September 30â&#x20AC;&#x201C; October 31st

6585 Hwy 431 North Eufaula, AL U-Pick It Farm with fresh fruits, veggies and pumpkins! Fall Festival September 30â&#x20AC;&#x201C; October 31st. Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze. (334) 370.6490 backyardorchards.com

Corn Dodgers Farm

September 23 through October 29

1555 Knowles Road Headland, AL Open weekends September 23 through October 29 for the 2017 maze season. Corn cannon, hay rides, pony rides, cow train, corn crib, 7 acre corn maze, giant jumping pillow and more! www.corndodgersfarm.com

Cornfield County Farms Pumpkin Patch September 30-October 29

Elmore County community of Redland at the intersection of Redland Road & Willow Springs Road Wetumpka, AL Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze, Sunflower Maze and more. Also booking Bonfires and Birthday Parties. Church groups welcome! Open September 30-October 29, Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm, Sundays 1 pm to 5 pm. Weekdays and groups by appointment only. Facebook under Cornfield County Farms

Farmer in the Dell Pumpkin Patch

Wire Road 6 miles west of Vet School Auburn, AL Pick your pumpkins off the vine, enjoy the hay bale play area, ride the hay ride, pick sunflowers, dig in the corn trough, farm animals, bring your blanket, purchase a hotdog meal and enjoy the picnic outdoors. (334) 750.3792 www.auburnpumpkinpatch.com

Jack-O-Lantern Lane at The Oaks L.L.C

18151 Veterans Memorial Parkway Lafayette, AL Pumpkins, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, tractorpulled hay rides, wagon rides, petting zoo, inflatable park, train rides, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, face painting, and more. Friday 12-3 pm; Saturday 9:00am-6:00pm; Sunday 12:00-6:00pm. Also available by reservation Monday-Friday for school, church, daycare field trips and more. (334) 869.0554 www.jackolanternlane.com

The Pumpkin Patch at Barber Berry Farm

2362 Alabama River Parkway Millbrook, AL Second weekend in October. Hayride, pumpkin patch, pick your own pesticide-free fruit and veggies. Hours of operation are Saturdays, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sundays, 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is $3.00 and a field pumpkin is $4.00. www.barberberryfarm.com

The Pumpkin Patch Express

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera, AL Every Saturday and Sunday in October. Train boards and departs Saturdays 10:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm; and Sundays 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Enjoy an autumn train ride aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express that lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours, including our time at the Pumpkin Patch. Snacks and soft drinks are available for purchase. Pick the perfect pumpkin from the patch for an additional fee. Reservations recommended. www.hodrrm.org

Halloween Events Zoo Boo ad on page 43

October 13-15, 20-22 and 27-31

Montgomery Zoo Montgomery, AL October 13-15, 20-22 and 27-31. 6:00-9:00pm. A safe alternative to Halloween, ZooBoo provides a fun-filled evening of games, treats, and costumed characters, Enjoy education presentations, and the traditional haunted ride. www.montgomeryzoo.com

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Camp Chandler Halloween Carnival October 21

5-8 p.m. Admission is $5.00 per child. Come out and join us for a night of carnival games, raffle tickets, inflatables, Little Pumpkin Playhouse in Lions Lodge, facer painting, hayrides to Waterfront for Marshmallow Roasting, Concessions and cake walk, Haunted House and a costume contest. Please check with your local YMCA for other fall festivals.

567.4933

Judgment House

Haunted Hearse Tours of Montgomery

October 15, 18, 21-22, 25, 27-31

4003 Eastern Blvd Montgomery, AL October 15, 18, 21-22, 25, 27-31 from 6-9 p.m. The ministry of Judgment House spans over 29 years with its roots tied to Montgomery. River Region Judgment House is a God centered drama which focuses on the triumphs and tragedies faced in the lives of today’s youth and young adults. All aspects of this ministry are based on Biblical principles and teachings. www.judgmenthouse.org

Creatures of the Night at Alabama Nature Center

(334) 514.4457 Facebook under Haunted Hearse Tours of Montgomery

Halloween Candy Walk October 30

October 21

Millbrook, AL 4-8:30 p.m. Bring the family and join us for a Halloween-themed evening under the stars, hosted by the ANC and Reality Connection. Activities will include a slithering snake encounter, black lighting for insects, ewwy gooey touch table, flashlight spider search and night hike, and a movie under the stars! Free hotdog, chips and drink. Bring a blanket or chairs. All ages, but recommended for ages 5 and up. 1(800) 822.9453 www.alabamawildlife.org

Prattville, AL Monday, October 30th at 4 p.m.- 6 p.m. Downtown Main Street, Prattville. Free admission. Fun filled event for all children through 3rd grade. The event is free but we ask that you make a donation of a non-perishable food item for the Autauga Interfaith Care Center Food Bank.

October 1 - October 28

Montgomery, AL The Fall Harvest Market will take place each Saturday morning ending October 28th. Shoppers will continue to find unique, local items such as organic meats and goat cheese, pumpkins, honey, cakes, and seasonal vegetables and fruits. 279-6046 www.theshoppesateastchase.com

Montgomery Humane Society’s Annual Haunted House October 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28

October 31 Montgomery, AL

7:30-11 p.m. 1150 John Overton Drive. Tickets $10 in advance, $12 at the door. So come get scared for a cause! Please note that this is family fun and although there is not a set age limit for our scare, it is not for toddlers and young children. For more info, call (334) 409-0622 or visit www.facebook.com/ mhshaunt4paws/.

(334) 546-2282

Old Cahawba Haunted History Tours

(334) 595.0851

www.prattville.com

Halloween in Hampstead Starting at 4:30. Celebrate Halloween in Hampstead! Bring the whole family for kids’ activities.

Fall Harvest Market at The Shoppes at Eastchase

The Alley , Montgomery, AL Come along with us on a ride through Montgomery’s dark history. You will tour Montgomery’s most macabre locations in a real hearse. Tours will leave The Alley every hour on the hour beginning each evening in October starting at 7:00pm; the last tour is at midnight each night. Reservations are strongly suggested due to the limited seating capacity. Call us and make your reservation and our “hearsetess” will meet you at the water tank at The Alley and get you prepared for the tour. $15/ person, cash only.

Facebook.com/HampsteadLiving

Halloween Masquerade on the Harriott II October 28 Riverwalk, Montgomery, AL

Boarding at 8:00pm, Cruises time 8:30-10:30pm. Tickets $30/Adult, Ages 21 and over only. Live entertainment, Cash Bar, Costume Contest with prizes and more!

(334) 625-2100

October 21 and October 28

7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30 & 9 p.m. Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, Orrville (near Selma). Alabama’s most famous ghost town is rarely open to nighttime visitors, but on these dates, a few lucky people will experience Old Cahawba after dark. Advance tickets are required. This is a deluxe wagon tour but some walking is necessary. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Fee: $20 per person. No refunds. (334) 872.8058

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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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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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The Shoppes at EastChase Princess & Superhero Brunch October 21 Montgomery, AL

10:00am-1:00 pm Our Princess & Superhero Brunch is the perfect event for the whole family! Tickets include a brunch buffet and meet and greet at the brunch with our chosen princess and superhero. There will be a 10am and 12pm seating time. Please email mdrew@blackfinnmontgomery.com once tickets are purchased to reserve your table. Costumes encouraged!

(334) 279-6046 www.theshoppesateastchase.com

W.A. Gayle Planetarium Special Halloween Shows ad on page 25

October 27 & 28

1010 Forest Avenue, Montgomery Friday, October 27: 7 PM – Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon Laser Light Show; 8 PM – Synchronization of DSOM to the Wizard of OZ; 9 PM – Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon Laser Light Show Saturday, October 28: 7 PM – Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon Laser Light Show; 8 PM – Synchronization of DSOM to the Wizard of OZ. Wear a costume or risk being ridiculed and vanished into the dark matter of space. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind Halloween party! Cost: $10.00 in Advance ($12.50 at the door) (334) 625.4799

http://www.troy.edu/planetarium/

Wetumpka’s First Haunted History Tours

October 25-28 Wetumpka, AL October 25-28 * 7-10 p.m. nightly Experience the rich history of Wetumpka’s historic downtown buildings and listen to hair-raising personal experiences of paranormal occurrences in the buildings by taking a haunted history tour! 3 hour walking tour, $15, 3 hour walking tour + 2 hour extended tour with live paranormal investigation & 8 hour Paranormal class with certificate, $40. Jamie at (334) 567-4811 jyoung@wetumpkachamber. org Facebook under Haunted History Tours of Wetumpka or www.webtumpkachamber.com

United Gymstar and Cheer Spooky Parents Night Out ad on page 31

Friday October 13

6100 Brewbaker Blvd Montgomery, AL 6-10 pm. Costumes are welcome. Cost is $20 for the first child and $15 for each additional sibling. Pizza and drinks included. Lots of fall festival and Halloween games, plus tons of candy! (334) 284.2244

www.unitedgymstarandcheer.com

Holiday Shopping 29th Annual Montgomery Junior League 2017 Holiday Market

October 11-14 The Multiplex at Cramton Bowl, 220 Hall Street Montgomery, AL Start the Winter Holiday Season off right with shopping the Jr. League’s Market. Each year, holiday themed booths set up for a great, one-stop-shop for all your Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years items. www.jlmontgomery.com

Prattville Holiday Arts & Craft Show November 18

Prattville Pickers, 616 Hwy 82 West Prattville, AL Indoor Show from 10am-6pm at Prattville Pickers, 616

Hwy 82 West. Produced by Julianne Hansen, Fine Art & Pottery. Find custom artwork by local artists, pottery, ornaments, soaps/lotions, candles, candy, holiday home decor and much more. Fabulous door prizes. (256) 476.6016

Out of Town/State Fun 14th Annual Pumpkin Festival September 29-October 29

Stone Mountain Park, Ga Follow the life sized telling of The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin as you wind your way through Spookley’s A-MAZE-ING Adventure. Join Spookley the Square Pumpkin and lift his friends into the air for a Dance-A-Long Party Parade that dances through Crossroads, and then meet him at Spookley’s Pumpkin Patch Meet & Greet. www.stonemountainpark.com

14th Annual Pumpkin Festival October 28 Tannehill State Park,

The Tannehill Halloween Festival, a non-scary funfilled holiday event focused on the campgrounds, annually attracts over 6,000 visitors. Park events include a moon walk, clowns, face painting, pony rides and sand art. Campground site decorations and lights are extensive, creative and surreal.

www.tannehill.org

31st Annual Tour of Southern Ghosts

October 13-29 Stone Mountain Park, Ga Meet professional storytellers spinning their tales of famous (and not-so-famous) Southern Ghosts along the lantern-lit paths of the Antebellum Plantation grounds- never too frightening and always appropriate for young children. Each night offers a different cast of six storytellers. www.stonemountainpark.com

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our thrill seekers exit these attractions they can join in the festival fun and entertainment located on the other side of the park. www.desotocavernspark.com

Whispers From the Past: A Native American Experience October 8 Aldridge Botanical Gardens

Hoover, AL 10 a.m. until 5:30 pm Explore Native American life through demonstrations featuring flint knapping, cooking, hunting and weapons and activities like leaf pounding, grinding corn and more.

School Festivals Alabama Christian Academy Fall Festival November 9 Montgomery, AL

3-6 p.m. Inflatables, Pony rides, games and more. They will have a silent auction and Country Kitchen and chili cook off. Each class sponsors games for children of all ages. Concessions available. Admission $5.

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Autauga Academy PTA Fall Festival October 21

Autauga Academy Gymnasium, AL 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Autauga Academy Gymnasium. Dinner, Games, Haunted Trail. (334) 365.4343

Bear Exploration Center Fall Family FunFest October 17

2525 Churchill Dr Montgomery, AL 3:40 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., At the Bear Exploration Center sporting field. Preschool age children and parents are free. Wristbands are available for purchase at the gate. Concessions will be available for purchase. Fun activities for all ages will include Pony Rides and Hay Rides, Inflatable’s, Karaoke, Face Painting, Bead Art, games and so much more. 284.8014

Edgewood Academy Fall Festival October 24

5475 Elmore Road Wetumpka, AL 5-8 p.m. Carnival, games, cake walk, hayride, inflatables, and much more. Costume contest divided by age group. Ticket prices at the door. (334) 567.5102

31st Annual Indian Summer Arts and Crafts Festival

Sloss Fright Furnace

9 until 5 p.m.. The district will be lined with handmade arts art crafts, perfect for the home, garden or holiday gift giving. Food and all types of games and activities featured.

20 32nd Street North Birmingham, AL Let us take you into the deepest, darkest parts of Sloss Furnace. Explore new locations normally closed to the public including the terrifying Boiler Room. Come see why Sloss Fright Furnace is voted one of the top fright attractions around and prepare yourself for the terror that is Slag’s Revenge.

October 14 Eufaula, AL

www.eufaulachamber.com

Pope’s Haunted Farm

October 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28, 21-22, 24-31 450 Lee Rd 724 Salem, AL Pope’s Haunted Farm has four different events to experience and scare you. Zombie Paintball Safari, Haunted Hayride: The Hunted, Haunted Barn: Times UP!! and Haunted Forest: The Darkness. (706) 566-7766 www.popeshayride.com

Montgomery Parents I October 2017

September 29-30, October 6-7, 12-15, 19-22, 25-31 Sloss Furnace

www.frightfurnace.com

Tomb of the Risen Dead October 6-28 Desoto Caverns

Every Friday & Saturday from 6:30-10:30 Admission $8 per person ages 3+ or Combo admission for $20. Our Haunted Halloween Park will feature two incredible haunt attractions: The Labyrinth of Lost Souls and The Tomb of the Risen Dead. When

Hooper Academy Fall Festival ad on page 28

October 26

380 Fischer Road Hope Hull, AL 5 to 7 pm; Admission $10 per child (for kids 6th grade and under). Trunk or Treat, inflatables, cake walk, toy walk, costume contest, prizes and more. Haunted House $2. Concessions available.

Montessori Academy Fall Festival October 20

1025 South Hull Street Montgomery, AL 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. Pony rides, Inflatables, Face Painting, Cup Cake Walk, Games and Prizes. Admission fee charged. Alumni and grandparents are always welcome. mp (334) 262.8685

www.montgomeryparents.com

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Breast cancer may not have a cure yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t beat it.

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OUR SPECIALIST

Breast cancer. They’re the last two words any woman wants to hear. But now there’s new hope, because the UAB Multispecialty Clinic at Baptist Medical Center South has welcomed its first specialty-trained UAB doctor for breast care and breast cancer. She’s an expert in breast surgery and breast diseases,

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UAB Medicine Breast Health

and she’ll provide you with a full range of options for your treatment. So, call us for the latest in specialized breast care. And let’s get you better, together.

Coordination with plastic surgeon for immediate breast reconstruction

334.613.7070 UABmedicine-Baptist.com/breasthealth UAB Medicine Breast Health Clinic 4749 Berry Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36106

BH01-37142-Parents Ad October 2017.indd 1

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

9/14/17 10:02 AM

A Page in a Book Grateful for Good Reading A child’s introduction to expressing gratitude usually comes first with our own example, and later with our first whispered ‘Say, thank you’ as we teach them to voice appreciation. When our children are treated with kindness, offered a gift or receive help, we want to teach them the ways to respond with thankfulness. But even more important than appreciative words are the profound and sincere feelings of true appreciation. The following titles take a deeper dive into our ‘thank you’ moments and bring to the surface the richer reasons for gratitude in our lives.

Thank You, Mr. Panda

by Steve Antony (Scholastic Press) Wearing his constant expression of stoic endurance and trailed by his friend Lemur, Mr. Panda ventures out with gaily wrapped presents specifically tailored for each of his friends. When he solemnly gifts Mouse with a sweater, the response isn’t ‘thank you’ but rather, ‘It’s too big’. Lemur helpfully interjects ‘It’s the thought that counts!’ Mr. Panda’s gift of six socks for Octopus spurs an exclamation of ‘But, I have eight legs. Lemur is nearby to point out the thought that counts with each almost perfect gift Mr. Panda offers. When a last present emerges for Lemur, will Mr. Panda finally get the thanks he deserves? If you’re looking for a primer on helping children receive gifts with grace, even if it’s the wrong size, shape or color, this title is just right.

Ten Thank You Letters

by Daniel Kirk (Nancy Paulson Books / Penguin) When Rabbit drops in on his friend Pig, he finds his pal writing a ‘thank you’ letter to his Grandma. Encouraged by Pig’s thoughtfulness, Rabbit asks to borrow paper and pen as he embarks on a mission to thank those who have positively affected his life. From his favorite author to the crossing guard, Rabbit remembers many people who deserve thanks for the things they do. Pig is glad to see Rabbit’s enthusiasm for writing letters, until it exacts an unfortunate toll on his supply of stamps. It may take one last important ‘thank you’ to remind both friends about the importance of gratitude. Encouraging kids to recognize the broader gifts in their lives, this celebration of a formal ‘thank you’ is welcome reading!

Thank You For Me

by Marion Dane Bauer, Illustrated by Kristina Stephenson (Simon & Schuster) Peeking into the diverse lives of children, ‘Thank You For Me’ is a sensory exploration of all the ways little ones experience their personal world with gratitude. Hearing daddy’s ‘Hush-sh-sh-sh’, seeing mama’s face, tapping toes and clapping hands join a list of gifts that receive special thankfulness from children. From the nose that smells the rain to the skin that fits exactly right, everyone is born with aspects and abilities that are worthy of appreciation. While children are encouraged to express their thanks for gifts and kindness that comes their way, this heartwarming title gently reminds kids of all the moments that deserve acknowledgment and thankfulness every day.

Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

Montgomery Parents I October 2017

www.montgomeryparents.com

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Town of Pike Road Honors Veterans One Brick at a Time

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic violence is an alarming and pervasive problem in our country. NISVS data reports that on average, 24 people per minute or 12 million people per year are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States. Every nine seconds a woman is assaulted or beaten in the U.S. The Family Sunshine Center provides a 24-hour crisis line (800-650-6522) as well as offering counseling, legal and court advocacy, shelter, transitional housing and outreach and prevention education. To learn more about how you can help, visit familysunshine.org and follow up on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. #Hope&Healing

This fall, the Town of Pike Road will continue its tradition of honoring veterans at the annual Veterans Day Ceremony. Commemorative bricks will be installed in the Walk of Honor at the Pike Road Veterans Memorial at the Veterans Day Ceremony on November 5. Since the first bricks were installed in November 2012, nearly 200 men and women have been honored for their service to our country. Personalized bricks installed in the Walk of Honor allow community members to honor specific veterans who have made an impact in their lives, such as family members, friends, and mentors. Bricks may be ordered to honor any veteran, regardless of his or her location. “We are so thankful for the men and women who have served and sacrificed to keep our country free,” said Mayor Gordon Stone. “Our Veterans Memorial and Veterans Day Ceremony allow us to show our respect and appreciation of these men and women, both collectively and as individuals honored on our Walk of Honor.” The Town of Pike Road would like to thank Home Depot on Chantilly Parkway for their contributions to the Veterans Memorial. Each year, our local Home Depot donates time and materials to beautify the Memorial, ensuring that it remains a location that fosters reflection and community. “We are grateful for our partnership with Home Depot and other businesses in our area that are committed to the success of the Town of Pike Road,” Mayor Gordon Stone said. “It is humbling to see how Veterans Park has evolved with the help of so many throughout the community. We have a special place to pay tribute to veterans – a place that truly reflects our appreciation for their service and sacrifice.”

Celebrating 125 Years of Serving our Community in Jesus’ Name. Teaching Series Sundays Sept. 10–Oct. 1

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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 79

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By the time your child turns ten, you may have started teaching them responsibilities, assigned weekly chores, and started discussing whether they are old enough to stay home alone for a few minutes at a time. In the middle of their tween years, ten year olds are ready to begin taking on more responsibilities. Krystal Laws, Olathe mother of seven, says, “Parents can think about where they would like their kids to be at age 18 then go back every few years making goals to work up to independence as an adult. Having a vision for where you’re headed really helps in knowing what to work on at various ages.”

What are some basic skills kids can learn before ten? Here are some ideas: Montgomery Parents I October 2017

www.montgomeryparents.com

Basic household tasks

Teach your child some basic household tasks. If you are busy, out of the house, or under the weather your child should be able to make himself a sandwich, pack a sack lunch for school, and be able prepare a small meal in the microwave. It is also good to teach your kids how to do laundry, run the dishwasher, and how to clean up a spill.

Safety

Keeping our kids safe is a huge priority for parents. At a young age, we begin to teach them how to safely cross the street, bike and road safety, and to be aware of strangers. By ten, parents should take it one step further by teaching kids about internet safety and what to do in case of an emergency. “I want them to be safe mentally and physically.” says Lisa Parrish, mother of three. “They should know how to use the phone, procedures for being home alone or in emergencies, safe touch, and that no means no.” Kids approaching ten should also know basic first aid and when to call 911.

Proper hygiene and self grooming

Ten year olds should understand the

importance of good hygiene and how to care for their own body and hair. Frequent showers, proper face and hand washing, and wearing deodorant are good habits to get into as the changing hormones of the teen years approach.

Budgeting and saving

Ten years old is a great time to introduce basic budgeting skills. Kids can learn to pick something out that they would like to purchase, research the cost, and begin saving for it. This helps teach them delayed gratification, the value of the dollar, the reward for hard work, and also how to budget and save for things that they want. This skill will be necessary as they plan for larger purchases in adulthood.

Problem solving skills

When presented with a problem, children often look to the adults in their lives to solve the problem. Rather than giving your child the answer to the problem, why not let them try to work it out themselves? The problem solving skills learned early will benefit them as they grow older. You can also present your child with different scenarios and ask them what they would

do. Ask your child - If you get lost, what should you do? What if you forget your lunch at home? What if you see another child getting teased? If there is a fire in the house, what should you do? Working through different scenarios and practicing problem solving skills will help your child build confidence for when they are faced with a problem.

Value of hard work

Kids need to know the value of hard work, especially as they head off to college or into the workplace. Even middle and high school require a higher level of study habits. Developing good study habits also helps kids learn that their dedication pays off when they receive good grades because of it. To prepare your child for the workforce, assign chores that work towards a family goal, like putting in a garden for everyone to enjoy, or saving up allowance to work towards something they would like to purchase will show them the long-term payoff of hard work.

Proper etiquette and speaking skills

Ten year olds should know how to treat other people respectfully, approach adults in public, have proper phone eti-

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quette, know how to shake hands, and express gratitude when someone gives them a gift or does something for them. With so much electronic communication, we must teach our children that when having face to face conversations, it is polite to use proper language rather than text speak. “Kids this age should know the Golden Rule and treat others the way they’d like to be treated,” says Laura Fenner, Olathe mother of four. Ten year olds can build confidence in this area by practicing public speaking and participating in sports or recitals.

Caring for others

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.

Accepting new patients. • Treating all ages • Same-day appointments • Medicare accepted • Most insurances accepted • Patient education • Physical exams/check-ups

• Acute/chronic medical problems • Immunizations • Women’s health • Pre-natal and OB care • Pediatric care • Age-specific screening testing

Call (334) 613-3680 to schedule your appointment today.

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

Kids learn a lot when given the responsibility of taking care of something or someone else. Examples could be a pet, garden or plants, or helping with younger children. This helps teach them responsibility and selflessness.

Outdoor skills

Kids this age can be taught outdoor safety. Fire safety, how to use a map and compass, what poison ivy looks like, and water safety are all good examples. Teaching them these skills encourages them to find outdoor activities that they enjoy. Again, as we face competition with the screen, teaching kids how to be safe when pursuing outdoor activities may open a love of the outdoors they have not yet experienced.

Healthy habits

The importance of a healthy diet and routine exercise is never too early to learn. While they may not be preparing entire meals at age ten, they do need to know that potato chips are not a well balanced lunch. Kids should also be able to listen to their bodies so they can tell you if they are unwell and what is wrong. Healthy sleep habits and a good diet can help them perform better in school and improve their moods. Kids should also be able to manage their emotions and calm themselves when needed. These skills are a guideline as every child and every family is unique. You may find that in your family you value certain skills over others or that some of these were learned some time ago. “Be flexible with your plan to teach life skills,” says Laws, “Everyone learns at a different pace.” mp Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and stay at home mom to six kids, including three-year-old triplets.

Montgomery Parents I October 2017

www.montgomeryparents.com

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Bradford Health Services ROAD MAP TO ADOLESCENT RECOVERY

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Addiction is not an easy road for adults and can be even more

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Groups

There Is Hope Ahead. 83

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Christmas Clearinghouse: Reaching Out to Those in Need

How a Camp Physical Saved My Son’s Life

By Diana S. Young My kids are all active and usually require a basic physical for one activity or another, and up until recently I have always felt like it was more of a hassle than anything helpful. When they need a quick physical, it is normally last minute with no time to wait for our pediatrician to fit us in for an appointment, so we head to the closest urgent care facility. In April of this year, my husband Jeff and 15-year-old son Alex were preparing to head to West Virginia for the 2017 Boy Scout National Jamboree. The trip required them both to have the dreaded physical. They headed into Your Doctor’s Office, a newly opened urgent care type facility in Montgomery. During Alex’s examination, the doctor noticed what appeared to be a swollen lymph node. He advised us to follow up with our pediatrician, but luckily it didn’t stop him from signing off on Alex’s physical. He was cleared for Jamboree. A few weeks later, we did follow up with our pediatrician, Dr. Carlile. He immediately referred us to Jackson Hospital’s Imaging Center for an ultrasound. The ultrasound revealed that the swelling was actually Alex’s thyroid, and not a lymph node. From there we were referred to the Endocrinology Clinic at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. Our appointment there led to a referral to a surgeon at UAB, Dr. Chen. Dr. Chen sent us for a fine needle aspiration biopsy. The results of that biopsy were suspicious, but inconclusive. The next step was surgery. On September 6, Dr. Chen performed a partial thyroidectomy on Alex. He removed the lobe of his thyroid containing the growth. At this point we still didn’t know what it was, but we had high hopes that it was nothing serious and Alex would make a full recovery. Alex’s thyroid was sent to pathology for testing after surgery. Two weeks later we finally received the results of the testing: Alex had thyroid cancer. He will undergo a second surgery in November to remove what is left of his thyroid and be treated with a radioactive iodine to kill any remaining thyroid tissue. We expect him, now 16 years old, to make a full recovery. I will never again take a camp or sports physical for granted. This particular Jamboree physical potentially saved my son’s life, and I am forever grateful. Montgomery Parents I October 2017

The Christmas Clearinghouse would be a perfect recipient of your generous giving this holiday season. For 35 years, the Clearinghouse has partnered with the community to help solve enormous problems for poor families. The Christmas Clearinghouse, a program of HandsOn River Region, is a partnership of churches, organizations and service providers who join to assist those in need during the holiday season and avoid duplication of giving. The success of the Clearinghouse depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers. We encourage clubs, organizations, individuals, churches and agencies to “adopt” families who have registered for help. Adoption means providing gifts and much-needed items for each member of the family. Another important way the community can help is by donating to the Christmas Clearinghouse to provide gift certificates for families who have not been adopted so that they too can experience the joy of the season. The Christmas Clearinghouse keeps a central file of needy families who have registered with local churches and service providers in the community. All registration forms come to HandsOn River Region where the information is entered into the Clearinghouse database. Some agencies are able to help those families who register with them. Families who are not helped by agencies or organizations where they registered are also entered into the system. The Christmas Clearinghouse tries to assist these families through community adoptions or gift certificates made possible through fundraisers and donations. With the combined efforts of our community, more than 10,000 individuals are cleared and helped annually during the holiday season. The Christmas Clearinghouse creates a bonding experience for the citizens of our community. The program makes a difference. Want to help? Visit www.handsonriverregion.org to adopt a family, make a donation or volunteer with the program! Last year, Saint James School students donated care baskets for needy families.

Parent Advocates in Training

Alabama Partnership for Children’s Smart Start and Pink and Pearls for Girls recently partnered to host a Parent Leadership Project to train 18 parent leaders and advocates. These men and ladies learned about five protective factors that can be used to strengthen families. 84

www.montgomeryparents.com

B B e Te S o a co th a O m T

Community Supports Hurricane Victims with Diaper Drive

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Students of Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Martial Arts Make the USA Martial Arts Team

Booker Pitts IV, Briana Jackson and Hezekiah Hampton, Black Belt students of Instructor David Johnson in Montgomery, were selected as members of the United States Martial Arts Team and competed in the World Martial Arts Games in Orlando September 6-10. They won four gold medals, three silver and one bronze through participation in traditional forms, creative and extreme weapons, and sparring divisions. Twenty different countries were represented in this event and we are very proud that Montgomery was represented by these three young martial artists ranging from ages 17 to 23. Because of their success in Orlando, they have already qualified to be U.S. Martial Arts team members for the next World Games in 2019 to be held in India. They will also train for the 2020 Olympic tryouts.

Gift of Life (GOL) thanks the community for its support of the recent diaper drive benefiting Hurricane Harvey families, which was later expanded to help Hurricane Irma families who evacuated to Montgomery. GOL received more than 400 cases of baby wipes and diapers over the nine-day drive, which ran from August 31 through September 8. In addition to those given by individuals, groups like Tuskegee Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s occupational therapy students and Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church also made large donations. Baptist Health made the largest donation to the drive with more than 126 packs of wipes and 127 boxes/ packs of diapers which were donated by its employees. First United Methodist Church in Montgomery generously offered to take the diapers and wipes to Houston. From left, staff members are: Family Coach Tina Berry, Executive Director Cheryl Davis, Parent Educator Ashley Edwards, Fatherhood Family Coach Jessie Yates, Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait/Maternal Child Outreach Coordinator Michelle Anthony, Assistant Director of Nursing Program Amy Trammell and Family Coach Kathy Lightsey.

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FamilyCalendar This Month

Sunday, October 1

First Sundays at One -- Also November 5 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/. Fall Food Truck Takeover @ Hampstead -Also November 5 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.

Monday, October 2

on a mission in the Smithsonian. Assistant Curator of Education Kaci Norman will introduce the film and lead a fun discussion afterwards. The Museum will provide complimentary popcorn, and beverages will be available for purchase. Cash only please. For more info, visit http:// mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333. 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.

Thursday, October 5

Flower Crown Workshop 6-8 p.m. The Shoppes at Eastchase. You’ll be surrounded by champagne, music and of course, flowers. This is an

Montgomery Tri-County area. Registration fee is $15 per person until Sept. 10. After Sept. 10, the registration fee goes up to $20 per person. For more info, visit www. montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com/.

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Montgomery Out of the Darkness Walk Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.; walk is from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Buddy Watson Baseball Park, 1748 Halcyon Blvd., Montgomery. Join the effort with others to raise awareness and funds that allow the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss. For more info, call (334) 435-5802 or e-mail felishiafranklin@gmail.com.

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Beauty by Fire Ministries 6th Annual River Region Prayer Walk Union Station Train Shed. Registration 8:30 a.m. Activities begin at 9. Free lunch, concert and family activities after the walk. Register at riverregionprayerwalk2017. eventbrite.com. Like us on Facebook at: fb.com/RiverRegionPrayerWalk. This is a FREE community event! The

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

The Invincible Czars Perform Original Soundtrack to Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (1920 version starring John Barrymore) 7:30 p.m. Capri Theatre. The Invincible Czars have been performing their own scores for early 20th century silent films for nearly a decade in historic/hip theaters, colleges, outdoor spaces, DIY arts centers, etc. The shows appeal to people of a wide range of ages and interests. The soundtrack is minimal, spooky and even includes audience participation. Tickets are $12 for Members and $15 for non-members. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858. 51st Annual Montgomery Art Guild and Regions Bank Art Show -- Through October 12 RSA Regions Bank, 100 Monroe Street. For more info, visit https://51stannualregionsbankexhibit.artcall.org.

October Museum Make & Take: Day of the Dead Masks -- Through October 31 Visit the Hands-On Gallery at the Museum of Alabama this month to learn about the Hispanic holiday Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, and make your own mask to take home. It is said that during Dia de los Muertos, spirits of the dead come back to visit the living. While the holiday’s observations include spending time in cemeteries, making shrines to the dead, and displaying skeletons and skulls, the occasion is joyful, instead of sad or scary. Museum Make & Take activities are for the young and young at heart and are always free! The Hands-On Gallery is open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, October 3

Capri Theatre Presents Mean Girls 7:30 p.m. Cady starts her first day at high school after spending years in Africa, completely unprepared for the intricacies of the high school hierarchy. Fortunately, she has Janis and Damien to help her navigate the social field. Unfortunately, after Regina, queen bee of the school, takes an interest in Cady, Janis hatches a plan to destroy Regina. Even more unfortunately, after Cady develops a crush on Regina’s ex, Aaron, Regina decides to destroy her right back. Never have riots been so fun. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858.

Wednesday, October 4

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Presents Battle of the Smithsonian 1-3 p.m. As a followup to Night at the Museum shown over the summer, we hope your family will join us for further Museum adventures with Ben Stiller, this time

Montgomery Parents I October 2017

all-materials-included workshop where you’ll learn how to create your own crown, the basics of floral arranging and you’ll have the opportunity to snap some *very* instagram-able pictures with your besties. For tickets, visit Eventbrite. For more info, call (334) 279-6046 or find us on Facebook.

Friday, October 6

Faulkner University Benefit Dinner presents Donald Trump, Jr. 7 p.m. Renaissance Montgomery Convention Center, 201 Tallapoosa St. Proceeds support the university, particularly study scholarships. VIP reception starts at 5:30 p.m. and benefit dinner begins at 7 p.m. Ticket prices vary and may be purchased through Faulkner. Call (334) 386-7487 or visit www.faulkner.edu/ for more info. 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 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, October 7

Wetumpka First United Methodist Church House of Holidays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 306 West Tuskeena St., Wetumpka. Arts and crafts, handmade gifts and food for sale, tag sale and much more. Lunch will be served for $5. Something for everyone. Rain or shine. For more info, e-mail rhqmgb@ gmail.com. Montgomery Buddy Walk Celebrates National Down Syndrome Awareness Month 9 a.m.-noon. John Mark Stallings Football Field, Faulkner University. Your participation in the Buddy Walk helps the Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group provide information and support to families in the

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first 150 adults and 25 children to arrive receive a free T-Shirt (subject to availability) For more info, contact us at riverregionprayerwalk@gmail.com or (334) 578-9783. 17th Annual Walk ‘n Wag 8 a.m.-noon. Blount Cultural Park. Join hundreds of pets and pet lovers as they participate in this pledge walk to support homeless animals in the Montgomery area through the Montgomery Humane Society. Register online, by mail, in person or on event day. For more info, call (334) 409-0622 or visit www.montgomeryhumane. com/16th-annual-walk-n-wag/. 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 a coin bank with a fire station design. 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 October 14, 21 & 28 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. Oct. 7 is Sprout Character Canvas; Oct. 14 is Vampirina Web of Friendship; Oct. 21 is Vampirina Friendship Bracelets; and Oct. 28 is Vampirina Treat Bags. 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 moments from slavery, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights

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FamilyCalendar 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. Farmers Market at the Shoppes at EastChase Saturdays through October 7 a.m.-noon. Several popular farms make their return with locally grown products, including Aplin Farms, Oakview Farms, Penton Farms and Leatherwood Nursery. For more info, call (334) 279-6046 or visit www. theshoppesateastchase.com/farmersMarket/.

Sunday, October 8

Prattauga Art Guild Fall Art Show Opening Reception 2-4 p.m. The show will be on exhibit October 8-31 at the Prattville Creative Arts Center and Gallery at 342 Chestnut Street. For more info, call (334) 595-0854.

Monday, October 9

Montgomery Symphony Orchestra Opening Night 7:30 p.m. Davis Theatre, 251 Montgomery Street. The MSO’s two artists-in-residence will step into the spotlight with a pair of concertos for this festive Opening Night Concert, including a performance of Dvorak’s Cello Concerto in B Minor. For more info or tickets, call (334) 240-4004 or visit www.montgomerysymphony.org/.

Tuesday, October 10

Russian Grand Ballet Presents Swan Lake 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. This fulllength classical production includes the rarely seen “Waltz of the Black Swans,” and features Russia’s brightest ballet stars. Odette, a beautiful princess, falls under the spell of an evil sorcerer. Only Prince Siegfried’s devotion can save her. Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake combines pure romanti-

cism and tragedy, in a magical tale of love and deception. Tickets begin at $24. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100. Frazer Hosts Back2Back Good News Comedy Night featuring Michael Jr. and John Crist 7 p.m. in Wesley Hall; doors open at 6 p.m. Event benefits Child Evangelism Fellowship of Central Alabama. Visit frazer.church for tickets or call 1-800-965-9324.

Wednesday, October 11

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/. Book Talk at the Alabama Dept. of Archives & History Noon. 624 Washington Ave. Today’s topic is Getting Out of the Mud: The Alabama Good Roads Movement and Highway Administration, 1898-1928, presented by Marty Olliff. It is the rare story of one Alabama plantation, Cameron Place, located near Greensboro, that was bought in the 1870s by emancipated African Americans who once worked there in bondage. During this book talk, Nathans will discuss how he used thousands of letters and interviews to tell this remarkable story. For more info, call 353-4689 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov. Alabama State University’s Department of Theatre Arts Fall 2017 Dance Concert The Alabama Project -- Through October 14 7:30 p.m. Leila Barlow Theatre, 915 S. Jackson St.

In celebration of the State of Alabama’s bicentennial, the department’s BFA Dance Program will present a concert of dance celebrating the music, visual art and/ or creative writing of artists and individuals who hail from the state through engaging, illuminating, and thoughtprovoking choreography that ranges from ballet to jazz. $12 general admission, $6 students. For tickets, call (334) 229-4551 or visit www.alasu.edu. Montgomery’s Junior League Holiday Market Through October 14 The Multiplex at Cramton Bowl, 220 Hall St. Hours Wed. are 6-9 p.m.; Thur.-Fri. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Advance ticket sales end Oct. 6 at noon for online purchases and at the close of business at the ticket outlets. Advanced general admission- $5; Prancer’s Preview Party- $40; Breakfast with Santa- $20; Three Day Pass- $15 (Only available at the Market); General Admission at the Door- $10; Military (with Military ID)$5. For more info, call (334) 288-8816 or visit www. jlmontgomery.org/.

Thursday, October 12

Capri Theatre Presents Mars Attacks! 7:30 p.m. There are weird movies, and then there’s Mars Attacks. Featuring Glenn Close, Jack Nicholson, Pierce Brosnan, Annette Bening and Danny DeVito. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858. Cloverdale Playhouse Theatre Presents And Then There Were None -- Through October 22 7:30 p.m. performances Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Written by Agatha Christie; directed by Mike Winkelman. Eight strangers who have never met each other or their mysteriously absent hosts are lured to an island and, along with the two house servants, marooned. An unseen voice accuses each guest of having gotten away with murder and then one drops

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FamilyCalendar dead - poisoned. One down and nine to go! For more info, visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org or call (334) 262-1530.

Friday, October 13

Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets Also October 27 Elmore County Homeschool Organization is a non-profit support group for homeschooling families. We provide a positive socialization environment for homeschooled children & support and encourage their parents in the homeschooling process. We typically meet the second and fourth Friday of every month year-round from 10 a.m. to noon at Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. Membership is free and is open to all homeschoolers in the tri-county area. For details, visit http://www.onlineecho.com. 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.

Saturday, October 14

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. Prattauga Art Guild Artists’ Market 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Prattville Creative Arts Center and Gallery on Chestnut Street. Artist booths 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. For more info, call (334) 595-0854. Cooking on the Wild Side 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Alabama Nature Center, 3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook. Join Kirk Green, lead chef of the Coop Cut-Ups cook team, as he shows you how to cook some delicious wild game. Chef Green’s team has won Best Overall in several of AWF’s Wild Game Cook-Offs as well as other top cooking awards. On the menu: Ground Venison Tacos and Venison Tenderloin Fajitas. During this class, we will learn two different ways of using three common cuts of venison. Suggested age: 15 & up. Admission: $10.Space is limited...get your tickets today! For more info, call (334) 285-4550 or visit www. alabamawildlife.org/.

Montgomery Parents I October 2017

Eagle 5K Run or Walk at Faulkner University Benefits Friends for Faulkner. Onsite registration 6:30-7 a.m.; event begins at 7:30 a.m. Fees: $25 pre-registration for 5K all participants/$30 day of race. Registration forms available by contacting poliver@faulkner.edu or register online at Active.com. AMC Theaters Offers Sensory-Friendly Movietimes -- Also October 28 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, and don’t forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly.

Sunday, October 15

River Region Community Action Team Holds Candlelight Memorial to Observe Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day 6:30 p.m. at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Those who have lost an infant during pregnancy or that was stillborn or a few months old are welcome to participate in the memorial. Local families are also invited to bring a picture of their infant, a sonogram or a pregnancy photo that will be placed on a large memorial board. The candle lighting will begin at 7 p.m. For more info, call Ashley at (334) 272-1820. Prattville Pops Annual Fall Concert 3 p.m. at the Doster Community Center. This concert will feature both the concert and jazz bands and is free and open to the public. For more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit pops.prattvilleal.gov. Landmarks Foundation’s Discovery Sundays 2 p.m. Meet at the front door of Equal Justice Initiative, 122 Commerce Street. This program is free to the public. Preview of Equal Justice Initiative’s Memorial to Peace and Justice that focuses on the more than 4,000 lynchings of African Americans from 1877 to 1950. The preview will also include the museum that explores the legacy of slavery in the United States and its direct link to contemporary American life, including mass incarceration. Today the United States, with 5% of the world’s population, has 25% of the world’s prisoners. The preview includes a positive and hopeful explanation of why the memorial and museum are being built. River Region 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer’s 1:30-5 p.m. AUM- Moore Hall 7440 East Drive, Montgomery. Nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Join MemoryWalkers at this year’s event at Auburn University Montgomery. For more info, call (850) 225-0680 or e-mail amcdonald@alz.org.

Monday, October 16

Basic Photography Class in Prattville with Keith Farrar -- Also October 17 6-8 p.m. at the Prattville Creative Arts Center at 342 Chestnut Street behind City Hall. An award-winning photographer, Keith Farrar has been working with many different processes and a variety of cameras for many years. His classes cover any type of camera, whether it is completely manual, digital, smart phone or tablet. Price is $30 for two classes. To register or for more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit artguild.prattvilleal.gov. 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.

Tuesday, October 17

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. Easter Seals Central Alabama Partners with Rockin’ Jump Montgomery for Sensory Friendly Jump Day 3-8 p.m. Rockin’ Jump Montgomery, 5544 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery. When families arrive, they will notice that adaptations have been made. These include: increased and trained staff, no music, picture menus at concessions, designated quiet spaces, and a social story available if needed. $15 for two hours of jump for one child and one adult; $5 for each additional child; $2.25 for socks and a waiver must be signed prior to jumping. For more info, call (334) 7995722 or e-mail chad.stinson@rockinjump.com.

American Foreign Policy in a World Both Uncertain and Dangerous 5:30-7 p.m. Troy University Montgomery, 231 Montgomery St. Dr. Loch Johnson is a distinguished academic, the author of 30 books and more than 200 articles on U.S. Foreign Policy and Intelligence. A former Congressional staffer, he has been a visiting scholar at Yale and Oxford. ALWAC events are open to members and to the public. Events are free to members and guests are $20. To register online, visit https://alwac. org/event-2626877/Registration. For more info and reservations, call Dahdee Bullen at (334) 567-0953 or visit alwac.org/events.

Thursday, October 19

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 “Creek Indian Removal from Alabama,” presented by Christopher Haveman. Call 353-4726 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Dwight Yoakam 7:30 p.m. Dwight Yoakam has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide, and he is a 21-time nominated, multiple GRAMMY Award winner. He has 12 gold albums and 9 platinum or multi-platinum albums, with five of those albums topping Billboard’s Country Albums chart. Tickets begin at $35. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100. Montgomery Brain Brawl 6-9 p.m. AUM 7400 East Drive, Montgomery. The Montgomery Brain Brawl Team Trivia invites schools, companies, churches, PTAs, civic groups and individuals to participate in an evening of trivia to raise money both for the Montgomery Education Foundation and the winning team’s selected school. A contribution of $150 to the Montgomery Education Foundation serves as an entrance fee and entitles a group to field a team of up to five participants to play for a chance to win up to $1,500

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FamilyCalendar on behalf of any Montgomery Public School of their choosing. Multiple teams may play for the same school. Win the grand prize and earn $1,500 for your favorite school. Gifts and monetary prizes will also be awarded to teams for most money raised, most creative team name, and most creative team uniform. Dinner and refreshments included in fees. For more info, call (334) 647-1700 or visit www. classy.org/event/2017-brain-brawl-trivia-challenge/ e140011. 2nd Annual Flight of Arts: Creative & Cultural Arts Celebration -- Through October 22 Sponsored by 21 Dreams Arts & Culture. The four-day event will feature several workshops and exhibitions for digital, visual, performing, literary and culinary arts. All events and activities will be hosted at different venues in and around downtown Montgomery to raise public awareness and community engagement. For event updates, locations, and times, visit: http://flightofartsmgm.com. For more info or to participate, e-mail: foa@21dreamsmgm. org or call (334) 721-5121.

Friday, October 20

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Presents Art in Concert 5:30-10 p.m. featuring Tank and the Bangas. The group from New Orleans recently won the NPR Tiny Desk Concert Contest. Band saxophonist/flutist Albert Allenback is a Montgomery native and graduate of Booker T. Washington Magnet High School. Early bird VIP tickets cost $50 per person and include a meet-and-greet with the band, food and drinks. Early bird general admission tickets are $15 per person. Early bird pricing ends October 18, so get your tickets now! Food and beverages will also be available for purchase during the event. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. No outside coolers will be permitted. For tickets or more info, visit mmfa.or or call (334) 240-4333. Wizard World Comic Con Montgomery -Through October 22 Renaissance Montgomery Convention Center, 201 Tallapoosa St. Fri. hours 4-9 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Movies, Comics, Toys, Video Gaming, Games, TV, Horror, Wrestling, MMA, Original Art, Collectibles, Anime, Manga & More! Wizard World Comic Con Montgomery is brought to you by the group who produces the most widely attended Comic Con tour. For a list of special guests and more info, visit http://wizardworld. com/comiccon/montgomery or call (310) 648-8410.

Saturday, October 21

Great Grits Cookoff & Festival 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Prattville YMCA, 972 McQueen Smith Rd. All the grits you can eat for $2. Festivities include: grits cookoff, door prizes, contests, giveaways, arts & crafts, bounce houses and live music. Nitty-Gritty 5K Race 8 a.m. Prattville YMCA, 972 McQueen Smith Rd S. Mostly flat course that begins at the Prattville YMCA and stay afterwards to enjoy grits cooked by local businesses and community groups at the Great Grits Cookoff & Festival. Register online at active.com or call Cecily at (334) 3610268. Reenactment of French & Indian War of 1812 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fort Toulouse/Fort Jackson, Wetumpka. Admission charged: $2/adult & $1/child. For more information, call (334) 567-3002 or visit https://fttoulousejackson.org/events/.

Muscular Dystrophy Association Muscle Walk of Montgomery 2017 9 am.-noon. Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway. Sign up for Muscle Walk as an individual or with a team, or create your own team. To register, visit www.mda.org/ walk or call (205) 823-8191. Also find us on Facebook. Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair & Book Sale 9 a.m.-3 p.m. UU Fellowship, 2810 Atlanta Hwy., Montgomery. Variety of books including fiction, non-fiction, coffee table books, and children’s books in excellent condition. The used book sale will be held indoors. Artists and crafters are invited to rent spaces for the day-long event. Visit http://uumontgomery.org/holiday-fair/ or call (334) 279-9517 for more info. 21st Annual British Car Show 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Alabama State Farmers Market, 1655 Federal Drive, Montgomery. Sponsored by the British Motoring Club of Montgomery. Free to the general public; $25 entry fee for participants, for as many cars as you wish to display. More info at www.montgomerybrits.org/. Princess & Superhero Brunch at Blackfinn Ameripub 6854 Eastchase Parkway. Tickets include a brunch buffet and meet and greet with our chosen princess and superhero. There will be a 10 a.m. and noon seating time. Please e-mail mdrew@blackfinnmontgomery.com once tickets are purchased to reserve your table. Characters will be at both seating times. Costumes encouraged! Tickets for children under 12 are $11.94 each; adults are $22.89 each. Tickets may be purchased at Eventbrite. For more info, call (334) 517-1760. McWane Center Teens and Tech Event 5-9 p.m. Birmingham. Teens and Tech is a FREE afterhours event at McWane Science Center for students 6th-12th grade. Each Teens and Tech night focuses on a single topic that is related to science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics. Games, fun and food will be provided! Younger siblings may not attend. Seating is limited. To reserve a spot, please call (205) 714-8414. Our parking deck will be open for pick-up and drop-off. You may enter the special events entrance on level C. Visit www.mcwane.org for more info. Riverwalk Wine Festival 3-6 p.m. More than 100 wineries offer tastings, making the most of Montgomery’s beautiful riverfront park on an early fall afternoon. The event is made complete with live music, food vendors, and discounts on on-site wine purchases. Admission is $30 per person and is available at www.funinmontgomery.com, Derk’s Filet $ Vine and Pike Road Butcher Block. For more info, call (334) 625-2300. 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/.

Sunday, October 22

Soaring Spirit Presented by The Montgomery Chorale 3-5 p.m. First Baptist Church, 305 S Perry St., Montgomery. The 2017-2018 season of the Montgomery Chorale begins with the first of four concerts. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit www.montgomerychorale.org/or call (334) 265-3737. The Town of Pike Road Founders Week -Through October 28 This October, the Town of Pike Road is celebrating 20 years since incorporation! October 22: Founders Week Kickball Kickoff with neighborhood teams; October 23: Open House. Stop by Town Hall during regular business hours to see visual displays depicting the history of our town; October 24: Open House continues with special guests for after-hours conversation until 7 p.m.;

October 25: P.R.A.Y.E.R. Team Circle of Encouragement followed by the Historic Pike Road School Dedication at 6:30 p.m.; and October 27-28: 6th Annual Pike Road Plein Air Paint Out. The Hay, Look at Us! competition will draw to an end during Founders Week, and winners will be announced Oct. 24. Drive around the Town of Pike Road to see these completed creations later in the week. For details on these events, visit http://pikeroad.us/.

Monday, October 23

Film Photography Class in Prattville with Keith Farrar -- Also October 24 6-8 p.m. Join this class to learn more about your camera and how to take amazing photos on film. Keith Farrar has been a photographer for many years and works with a variety of processes. Class fee is $30. To register or for more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit artguild.prattvilleal.gov.

Wednesday, October 25

2nd Annual Haunted History Tours of Wetumpka Through October 28 7-10 p.m. Start the Tour at the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce building located at 116 E. Bridge Street and visit 10-15 commercial buildings in downtown Wetumpka. Hosted by the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce & River Region Paranormal. Experience the rich history of Wetumpka’s historic downtown buildings and listen to hair-raising personal experiences of paranormal occurrences in the buildings; some stories from the owners themselves! **Tours not recommended for small children due to length of tour** Please wear comfortable closed toe shoes. Register online or visit the Chamber office to purchase your ticket! Call (334) 567-4811 or e-mail jyoung@wetumpkachamber.org.

Thursday, October 26

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, October 23, to Suzanne Lowry at (334) 396-5368 or zanzuzan@charter.net. At today’s meeting, Archives Volunteer Coordinator Calli Patterson will discuss the many exciting resources available to the public at the Ala. Dept. of Archives and History and how you can get involved. Visit www.newcomersmontgomery.com. Capri Theatre Presents The Addams Family 7:30 p.m. There’s nothing quite like family, even when that family is creepy and kooky. For more info, visit www. capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858. College Night at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 6-7 p.m. College Night is inspired this fall by the Museum’s visiting exhibition Frank Stella Prints: A Retrospective. Immerse yourself in the exhibit and enjoy live music and spoken word. Try your hand at printmaking to create your own Stella-inspired work and learn more about the printmaking process. Call (334) 240-4333 or visit www.mmfa.org.

Friday, October 27

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. Special ticket packages ending on October 20. Brothers Osborne will perform Saturday night and Fantasia on Sunday at 7 p.m. Other events include racing pigs, magic shows and alumberjack show.

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FamilyCalendar United Gymstars & Cheer Parents’ Night Out 6:30-10:30 p.m. $25 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.

Saturday, October 28

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. Russell Crossroads Fall Family Festival 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Town Green at Russell Crossroads. Not only will you find a working blacksmith and a grist mill, but at the Russell Crossroads Fall Family Festival you’ll be treated to horseback rides, tons of games on the lawn, face painting and pumpkin carving, hotdogs, lemonade and more. This year we are adding Fall Festival BINGO and LOTS more! For more info, call (256) 3971019 or visit www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com/. Cody Jinks with Ward Davis 7 p.m. Union Station, 300 Water Street, Montgomery. Jinks is an American country music singer from Denton, Texas. His 2016 album, I’m Not the Devil, reached No. 4 on the Billboard’s Country Albums chart. He is backed by The Tone Deaf Hippies. Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster. For more info, visit codyjinks. com/. Montgomery Lions Club Chili Cook-off 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium. 200 Coosa St., Montgomery. All team sponsorship proceeds go toward Montgomery Lions Club charities. Amateur and restaurant categories to level the playing field. Don’t miss our new Kids’ Costume Contest, sponsored by Farmers Insurance. Register for just $5 at the Chili Cook-off; costume contest judging starts at 12:30 sharp. Advance tickets will be available through Oct. 20 for $10 each. After the 20th, tickets must be purchased at the gate for $15. Children under 6 enter free. For more info, tickets, entry form and rules for Kids’ Costume Contest, visit www.montgomerylionsclub.com/chilicookoff.html or call (334) 356-1180. Saturday Genealogy Workshop at the Ala. Dept. of Archives and History 9 a.m.-noon. Untangling the Web: Finding Your Alabama Ancestors in Cyberspace is presented by Nancy Dupree. Registration for the general public is $30. Friends of the Alabama Archives members can register at $20. Spaces are limited and advance registration is required. For more info and to register, visit www.archives.alabama.gov or contact Sarah at (334) 242-4364 or sarah.mcqueen@archives.alabama. gov. 6th Annual Pike Road Plein Air Paint Out 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Presented by the Pike Road Arts Council. Artists will be painting throughout Pike Road in areas including The Waters, Grace Episcopal Church and the Historic Pike Road School. There will be an Art Show & Sale from 4-6 p.m. at the Pike Road Town Hall Mezzanine, 9575 Vaughn Rd.

Montgomery Parents I October 2017

Rise Out of the Dark Tour featuring Danny Gokey and Mandisa 7 p.m. in Wesley Hall at Frazer UMC. Includes special guests Love and the Outcome and Jasmine Murray Doors open at 6 p.m. For more info, e-mail khendrix@frazerumc.org or call (334) 495-6397.

Sunday, October 29

Family Art Affair and Jazz Jams 2-4 p.m. Music will fill the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and get your creativity going as you visit the studio and complete a make-and-take art project.  his FREE family program has specific themes related to Museum exhibitions and is sure to be fun and engaging for the whole family. Inspired by the work of Hans Grohs, a German printmaker, participants will create a fall or Halloween-themed print. For more info, visit http://mmfa. org/ or call (334) 240-4333.

Monday, October 30

Meatless Monday Supper Club 6-7:30 p.m. Whole Foods, 1450 Taylor Rd., Montgomery. Join Whole Foods the last Monday of every month for a Health Starts Here educational workshop, based on the simple criteria of filling your diet with Plant-Strong Whole Foods. Includes a cooking demonstration and samples from the Food for Life Basics class. For more info, call (334) 523-2940 or visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com/events.

Wednesday, November 1

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/.

Saturday, November 4

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 familyoriented 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. 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) 567-3002 or visit https:// fttoulousejackson.org/events/. 2017 Superhero 5K 8 a.m.-1 p.m. River Front Park, 355 Commerce St., Montgomery. Come dressed as your favorite superhero to this familyfriendly 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. Register by October 23 to receive race bag and T-shirt. Tickets may be purchased at mmstiming.com/races/ or call (334) 356-7271.

Sunday, November 5

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/.

Thursday, November 9

Special School Performance of Alabama Dance Theatre’s Mistletoe 10-11:15 am, Davis Theater. Limited space available. Tickets $7 for public, private and homeschoolers. Contact Pamela Swan at 334.625.2590.

Friday, November 10

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. Alabama Dance Theatre Presents Mistletoe -Through November 12 Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. This year’s production features “Favorite Dances of Christmas” and “Kingdom of the Sweets” from The Nutcracker. Other new favorites returning to the stage are “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Silent Night.” Performances are Nov. 10 at 7 p.m., Nov. 11 & 12 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets range 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.

Ongoing Ala. Dept. of Archives & History Exhibit galleries include a children’s gallery and a reference room for genealogical and historical research. In Grandma’s Attic, kids can try on clothes, try an old typewriter, sit at an old school desk or experience making a quilt square. Also visit our History at Home web page to print off fun activities to do at home. In addition, there are FREE, guided tours of the Museum of Alabama EVERY Saturday at 1 p.m. Follow us on Facebook, call 242-4435 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov. Artists In Action: 1st Wednesday and 3rd Saturday of EVERY month at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts from noon-2 p.m.. Local and regional artists at work. For more info, call 240-4333. “Artworks,” a hands-on children’s exhibit. FREE. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Blount Cultural Park. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Open until 9 p.m. Thursdays. Closed Mondays. For more info, call 240-4333. Brain Pump is a group exercise class, targeting children 4-12 years old. The class is the collaboration of a physical therapist and a kinesiology professor combining traditional therapy and exercise concepts with the latest cutting edge research on movement and the brain. This is all done in a fun, energetic setting, that seems much more like playing than exercising. Brain Pump is taught at Metro Fitness on Saturdays from 11-11:45 a.m. Contact Tiffany Higginbo-

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FamilyCalendar tham at Body Logic PT & Wellness (334-380-5920) for more info. The Central Alabama Tennis Association (CATA) is a volunteer-based tennis organization formed to provide programs which promote and develop the growth of tennis throughout central Alabama. For event info, call Ernie Rains, CATA Community Coordinator, at 324-1406 or e-mail www.centralalabama.usta.com. Civil Rights Memorial A monument to those who died and/or risked death in the struggle for civil rights. 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery. For information, call 264-0286.

for adults, $4 for students ages 6-18. Under 6 free. 301 Columbus St., Montgomery. For information, call 2404500 or vist www.landmarksfoundation.com/. Prattville-Millbrook Newcomers Club A non-affiliated social club geared to new people moving into the area AND to those looking to form new friendships or just learn more about the area and help new residents do the same. Meets every third Thursday (except special events, holidays) throughout the year at the Willis Bradford Branch of the YMCA on McQueen Smith Road in Prattville. For more info, contact Nancy Schrull at (334) 414-8185 or nschrull@knology.net.

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

Prattville Movie Club (for Teens) Meeting twice a month on Fridays, current Prattville Movie Club members range from 14-18 years old and meet at the Carmike Promenade 12 on Cobbs Ford Road. There are no GPA requirements and no class requirements. We are friends who enjoy moviegoing and want to meet others who also enjoy watching movies. For more info, call (334) 224-7811 or e-mail brandonperdue12@gmail.com.

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

Rosa Parks Museum 252 Montgomery Street. Hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays and holidays, closed. Admission 12 years and under-$5.50/Over 12$7.50. Alabama college students with a valid student ID: $6.50; discount price for both Museum & Children’s Wing: adults: $14, children $10. For more info, call 241-8615 or visit www.troy.edu/rosaparks/.

Fountain City BMX Track 802 County Rd 4, Prattville. Friday practice $3. Free 1-day trial, fun for any age. Race on most Sundays. For more info, visit Fountain City BMX on Facebook or www.fountaincitybmx.com. You can also e-mail: info@ fountaincitybmx.com or call (334)300-4328.

Tales for Tots Join us for this FREE introduction to art in storybooks and in the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts galleries for young children and their families. Each time a different work of art and special story will be presented. Next classes are October 18 from 10:30-11 a.m., and 11-11:30 a.m. Call 240-4365 or visit www.mmfa.org for more info.

Friday Night Hoops Students in 5th through 12th grades get together with friends for pick-up games of basketball every 1st and 3rd Friday at the Bell Road YMCA from 9 p.m.-midnight. Students must be dropped off by 10 p.m. and cannot leave without being picked up by parent or guardian (unless students drove themselves). Must play basketball to be involved. Participants must have a photo ID (i.e. School ID). $3 for members; $7 for non-members. For more info, contact James Garvin at (334) 271-4343 or jgarvin@ymcamontgomery.org. Friday Night Open Volleyball Students in 5th through 12th grades get together every 1st and 3rd Friday at the Bell Road YMCA from 6-9 p.m. Students cannot leave without being picked up by parent or guardian (unless students drove themselves). Free for members; $3 for non-members. For more info, contact James Garvin at (334) 271-4343 or jgarvin@ ymcamontgomery.org.

YMCA 7 to 11 Club Calling all children ages 7 to 11 for this fun, free event. While Mom and Dad are working out, join us for games, arts & crafts, service projects and more. Earn special beads for participation and try to break records for superior achievements. Monthly special events will be hosted as well. Check with your YMCA center or visit ymcamontgomery.org for more details.

Classes

MOOseum, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Children’s educational center featuring past, present and future in agriculture and the cattle industry. Free. Group tours should be pre-scheduled. Mon.- Fri. 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Last scheduled tour of the day starts at 3:30 p.m. 201 Bainbridge St., Montgomery. For info, call 265-1867 or visit www.bamabeef.org. Old Alabama Town 19th and early 20th century outdoor history museum. Tours Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: $8

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 Delivery Nurses on the campus of Baptist South. This class for new mothers covers topics ranging from how your body changes during pregnancy to signs of labor to the benefits of breastfeeding and what to expect during your birth experience. This class is complimentary. To register, call (334) 286-3466. Childbirth Preparation Boot Camp (One Day Saturday Class) This fast-paced one day class taught by Baptist Health’s experienced Labor and Delivery Registered Nurses prepares families to welcome their new addition. All aspects of Labor and Delivery from our hospital admission process through postpartum care are covered during class. Additional topics include Cesarean sections, medication and anesthesia options along with coping and comfort measures. Breathing and relaxation techniques are also introduced. Maternity Area Tour is included as a part of this class. Class offered select Saturdays of each month. Fee: $60 per couple and includes lunch. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. ID required. Chinese Language Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Office of Far Eastern Initiatives offers Saturday classes for children and adults. The one-hour weekly courses are provided free-of-charge as a service to the community. For more info or to register, contact April Ma at 244-3018 or ama@aum.edu.

W. A. Gayle Planetarium Public Shows offered Mon.-Thurs. at 4 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. and first & third Saturdays at 2 p.m. Admission $6.50/ person, children under 5 free, seniors $5.50/person. 1010 Forest Ave. in Oak Park. Call 625-4799 or visit http://www. troy.edu/planetarium/. Montgomery’s Freedom Rides Museum 468 South Perry Street. Learn how 21 young people helped change our nation’s history using nonviolent protest. Black and white, male and female, none of them were older than 21. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, noon -4 p.m. For more info, visit www.freedomridesmuseum.org or call (334) 242-3184.

breastfeeding equipment and supplies. Classes are taught by IBLCE instructors. Partners are encouraged to participate. Class fee: $20. Registration is required. E-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military.

CPR & First Aid The American Red Cross offers classes in adult and infant/ child CPR as well as first aid and babysitting classes monthly. Call 260-3980.

Breastfeeding Class Designed to prepare the expectant mother for breastfeeding her newborn. Also includes troubleshooting common problems to establish a successful breastfeeding experience. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $15. Class schedule is subject to change, so please call 293-8497 or e-mail liz.owen@jackson.org to register or for more info. Breastfeeding Class This one-time class at Baptist Health provides expectant mothers with information about breastfeeding including various factors influencing lactation, advantages of breastfeeding, basic anatomy and physiology of milk production, specific techniques to promote a successful breastfeeding experience and

Diabetes Education --Prattville Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available Wednesdays by appointment at Prattville Medical Park. Call 747-7700 Option # for more information. Diabetes Education --Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available weekdays by appointment. Call 747-7700 Option # for more info. Family Nutrition Classes Fun, hands-on 3 or 6-week in-person or online course developed by well-known pediatrician Dr William Sears. Classes focused towards parents of children age 3-12. The goal is to learn simple ways to improve the health of your child through lifestyle, exercise, attitude, and nutrition. Fee includes materials, activities and a snack. A 2-hour preview class is available. For more info, contact alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or visit www.Facebook.com/ LeaninCentralAL.

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SupportGroups 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 334430-7569 or e-mail bolson@abchome.org. Infant Safety/CPR This one-time class sponsored by Baptist Health will teach parents and grandparents the American Heart Association’s Family and Friends CPR for infants and children including care of the choking infant, infant rescue and breathing with hands on practice using ACTAR CPR dolls for class 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. Pre- and Post-natal Fitness Classes Includes water aerobics, step-floor aerobics and strength training. SportsFirst. Call 277-7130. Pregnancy Nutrition Classes Interactive 3-week series of classes developed by wellknown pediatrician Dr. William Sears. Classes focus on lifestyle choices, attitude, and exercise at any stage of pregnancy; optimal nutrition before, during and after pregnancy; transition from pregnancy to motherhood. Courses can be taken separately or as a series. Jump in any time! Materials and snack provided with fee. For more info, contact alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or visit www. Facebook.com/LeaninCentralAL. Prepared Childbirth Class (Understanding Birth) Jackson Hospital. Preregistration required. Topics include: pregnancy, labor, birth, options for pain management, medical procedures, cesarean birth. Note: This class is a basic overview of the labor and delivery process and does not prepare someone for “natural” or unmedicated childbirth. Cost: $25 (covers mother and support person). Class size is limited. Please try to register by the 5th month of pregnancy for the best selection of available class dates. Call (334) 293-8497 or e-mail: liz.owen@jackson.org. Sibling Preparation Class One-hour class is designed for expectant “big brothers and sisters” ages 3 to 8. They will learn about the arrival of their new baby through an introduction to the hospital experience and the early days at home. Parents should plan to attend with their child. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org. Slow Flow Yoga Classes are held at Old Alabama Town on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 11:30-12:15, and 12:30-1:15. Beginners welcome! No registration needed; just come to Molton South Building. Enter through the Rose House, located on Columbus St. between N. Hull and Decatur. Parking is available along Decatur and N. Hull. Drop in fee: $12; 5-class pass: $50 (exp. 60 days). Monthly unlimited: $65. Mat rental: $1. For more info, call (334) 240-4500 or (334) 207-0909 or e-mail juliet.yoga@icloud.com.

Montgomery Parents I October 2017

Services

American Cancer Society Seeks Volunteers for Road to Recovery This program is designed to ensure that cancer patients have transportation to and from medical facilities for treatment. Anyone who has a driver’s license, a safe driving record, personal automobile insurance, owns a car or has access to one, and can spare as little as one morning or afternoon a month is encouraged to volunteer. For more info, or to volunteer, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Baptist Hospice Volunteers There are many ways to help, such as special projects and events or providing administrative support for the staff, that are essential. Volunteers often have special talents and innovative ideas that add to our program. Please call Gloria @395-5018 to join our dynamic team. Baptist Hospital Volunteers Volunteers are needed at Baptist Medical Center East, Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville Baptist Hospital. Duties vary by facility but include delivering mail and flowers, transporting patients, staffing waiting rooms and information desks, and furnishing coffee for visitors. Volunteers work one four-hour shift per week. For more info, call 286-2977. Baptist Sleep Disorders Centers Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville. Both centers have the ability to diagnose up to 84 different sleep disorders. There are four board-certified physicians and a clinical psychologist on staff between the two centers. For more info, call (334) 286-3252 for Baptist Medical Center South and (334) 361-4335 for Prattville Baptist Hospital. Hospice of Montgomery Volunteer Opportunities 1111 Holloway Park, Montgomery. There is a current need for Patient Care and Family Support volunteers, Clerical volunteers, and Outreach/Fundraising volunteers. For more info, call (334) 279-6677 or e-mail kjones@hospiceofmontgomery.org. Jackson Hospital Animal Therapy Program Jackson Hospital’s Animal Therapy Program is a vital part of its patient care. Animals in the program are limited to dogs, and no other animals are allowed to participate. Currently, there are 10 dogs in the program. Their handlers have undergone extensive training and orientation, and visit the hospital weekly. For more information, please call 293-8894. Jackson Hospital Volunteer Services Jackson Hospital information desk volunteers are needed for the evening shift, 5-8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Volunteers must be friendly and eager to offer information to those visiting the hospital. With this position, a free meal will be given as well as a parking spot next to the lobby. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and are asked to work 4 hours a week. Call 293-8967 or visit www.jackson.org/patients_volunteers.html. Jackson Sleep Disorders Center Jackson Hospital houses a sleep disorders center on the third floor of the Goode Medical Building to monitor those who are suffering from sleep disorders. For more information, contact your physician or the Sleep Center at 293-8168. River Region Association of Doulas Doulas Traci Weafer, Rebekah Hawkins and Christina Clark provide prenatal counseling, labor and postpartum doula services, breastfeeding education, events and support groups. Contact rradoulas@gmail.com or visit rradoulas.weebly.com or https://www.facebook.com/ RRADoulas/.

Support Groups Adoption Support

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd 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. Panda Pals is a support group for families who have adopted or in the process of adopting children from China. We have playdates, family nights and get-togethers to talk about raising our children from China. If you would like to join our group, just e-mail PandaPals2005@yahoogroups. com or call Tracie Singleton at 395-8215.

Cancer Support

American Cancer Society, including Montgomery, Elmore & Autauga Counties: **To access or sign up for these programs, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Look Good…Feel Better is an American Cancer Society program in which trained volunteer cosmetologists help female cancer patients deal with the side effects of treatment. Patients are taught beauty techniques to enhance their appearance and self image during or after treatments, including ways to disguise hair loss and skin changes. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 for more info. OTHER PROGRAMS/SERVICES OFFERED BY THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: Reach to Recovery matches newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors on a one on one basis. Free wigs and other supplies for cancer patients Free rides to treatment through our Road To Recovery program (where volunteer drivers use their cars and time to take in need cancer patients to treatment) Free lodging through the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge in Birmingham (if patients are sent to Birmingham for treatment) On-line cancer information classes and support group through cancer.org. Information anytime and trained specialists at 1-800ACS-2345. Cancer Patient and Caregiver Support Group 1-2 p.m., Tuesdays, Montgomery Cancer Center, 4145 Carmichael Road. The group is facilitated by professionally trained health care providers and other members of the support care team. It’s free and open to all cancer patients and their caregivers. Call (334) 273-7000. General Cancer Support Group held at Christ Church, 8800 Vaughn Road, Tuesday afternoons at 1 p.m. This is an open group. For more information, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie Diemayer at 467-4578. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 2nd Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Room 8114. Provides education, awareness and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family or friends. For more info, call 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

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SupportGroups 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. 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

Illness Support

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers Support Group meets 1st Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in room 3103 at Frazer Memorial UMC. For more info, call 272-8622. Cardiolife, a FREE educational series for congestive heart failure patients and their caregivers, meets 4th Thursdays of each month, 10-11 a.m. Diabetes Center classroom, Jackson Hospital. For more info, call 279-6677. Topics include: Lifestyle Changes, A Heart Healthy Diet, Proper Fluid Intake, Importance of Daily Weights and Exercise Tolerance. Christians Against Substance Abuse (CASA) is a 12step spiritual recovery program for overcoming addictions. Using the steps and the Bible, we help build self-esteem, responsible behavior, learning to make amends for destructive behavior, then fill the void in our hearts by developing a loving relationship with God. Class begins each Wednesday evening @ 6:30 p.m. Please contact the Prattville Church of Christ office, 344 East Main St. in Prattville (334-365-4201), for additional information. Diabetes Support Group Noon-1 p.m. and 4-5 p.m., fourth Thursdays, Jackson Hospital Park Place Building Suite 302. Are you interested in learning how to better manage your Type 2 diabetes? Would you like support from others as you work to control your diabetes? Sponsored by inpatient diabetes educator Michelle Carothers, this group offers clinical information, advice and tips to make living with diabetes easier for you and your family. Register today! Call (334) 293-8574 or e-mail michelle.carothers@jackson.org. Montgomery Area Mended Hearts, First floor of Montgomery Cardiovascular Institute on the campus of Baptist Medical Center South. For anyone who has experienced

cardiac illness. Third Mondays, alternates between 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Call 286-3410 for more info. NAMI Montgomery (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) provides understanding, education and information to family members and friends of those who suffer mental illness. The NAMI Montgomery Family Member Support Group meets second Mondays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in room 7205 at Frazer Memorial UMC. Call Mary Jo Logan (2712280) for details. NAMI also presents a 12-week series of free classes on mental illness. These classes are for family members living with or supporting individuals with mental illness. To register, call Mary Jo at 271-2280 or e-mail classicmjl@hotmail.com. OCD Support Group (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) Long showers, multiple hand-washing, rituals, checking the stove, hoarding and symmetry. This support group is open to anyone who has struggled with OCD. You’re not alone anymore. Meetings are held at 5500 Ash Grove Circle, Montgomery. Call Donald at 220-7555 for more info. Ostomy Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Highway. Meets every other month on 2nd Sundays at 2:30 p.m. in Room 3101. Remaining 2017 meetings are in October and December. Call 495-6350 for more info. Overeaters Anonymous, Unity of Montgomery, 1922 Walnut St., Saturdays from 3-4 p.m. Contact Misty at 3249568 or Carol at 467-5742. Parkinson’s Support, Frazer UMC Activity Bldg. Room 8114, on 4th Thursdays at 6 p.m. Group is for Parkinson’s patients and their family members. For more info, call 495-6350.

Parent Support

D.A.D.S. (Dad and Daughter Saturdays) Second Saturdays at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Library in downtown Montgomery at 11 a.m. D.A.D.S. gives fathers and daughters an opportunity to read together to create fun, educational memories. This free event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Montgomery City-County Public Library and Dreamland Barbeque. For more info, call Ron Simmons at (334) 777-8596. La Leche League of Montgomery Area has served local mothers since 1984. Women who are pregnant, interested in breastfeeding and nursing mothers are invited to attend our free mother-to-mother support meetings or e-mail with breastfeeding questions. Join us with your babies. Children of all ages are welcome. We currently have morning and evening meetings. For more info, e-mail LLL.Montgomery.AL@gmail.com or visit http://www.llli.org/ groups/@llli*group*montgomery or “like” us on Facebook. Mom2Mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of children ages birth-5 years at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. E-mail Mom2mom@frazerumc.org for more information. Moms’ LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) First Baptist Church, Prattville. Meets twice monthly from 8:3011:45 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

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SupportGroups of twins, triplets, and more in the Central Alabama region. They have a mom’s night out with dinner once a month. They also have a yard sale twice a year, in the spring and again in the fall. For more info, visit https://sites.google.com/site/montgomerymultiples/home. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry St., Montgomery. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Moms, need a little break? We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Visit www.montgomeryfbc.org/ MOPS or contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Vaughn Forest Baptist Church, 8660 Vaughn Road, Montgomery. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Are you in need of a time-out? MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. Childcare is provided. For more info, e-mail vaughnforestmops@gmail.com or visit http://vfcmops.weebly.com/.

Pregnancy Loss/Infertility

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 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

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 2704100 for information about current classes. Support Group for Teens with difficulties communicating with parents and friends. Contact Felicia Pressley at Pressley Counseling by leaving a message at (334) 625-0159.

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AdvertiserDirectory

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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.

oer o s g.

Evangel Christian Academy, 37

New Park, 65

Family Guidance Center, 14

OB/GYN Montgomery, Dr. Desautels, 21

First Baptist Church, Inside Back

O’Connor Tennis Lessons, 30

ACE of the River Region, 73

First Presbyterian Church, Prattville, 49

Paradise Pumpkin Patch, 39

Adventure Sports II, 29

Franchise Connection, 85

Pet Palace Hotels, 67

Alabama Christian Academy, 18

Frazer Memorial UMC, 27, 79

Prattville YMCA, 44

Alabama Dance Theatre, 40

Harvest Festival, Goodship Missionary, 32

Professional Pediatrics, 12

AL Dept. of Public Health, Inside Front

Health Services, Inc., 15

Pump It Up Party, 55

Alabama School of Math & Science, 51

Herron Dermatology & Laser, 22

Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 30

Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 53

Holy Cross Episcopal School, 26

River Region TV, 87

Alabama World Travel, 11

Hooper Academy, 76

Riverview Camp for Girls, 57

Aldersgate UMC Fall Festival, 61

Inflatables of Montgomery, 72

Rockin’ Jump, 19

Armory Athletics, 63

Jenilyn’s Creations, 33

Saint James School, 1

ASKIN/Synergy House, 85

K Lynn Ice Skating School, 41

Saint James UMC, 13

AUM Early Childhood Center, 8

Kingry Orthodontics, 40

Sea Dragon Pirate Cruises, 2

Autauga/Western Elmore Arc, 55

Learning Tree Child Care, 50

Shane’s Rib Shack, 31

Baptist Health, 3, 77, 82

Macon East Academy, 4

Spacewalker, The, 28

Beth’s Heirloom Sewing, 38

MEOW Academy, 38

Spotless Cleaning Services, 69

Bradford Health Services, 83

Memorial Presbyterian Childcare, 81

Success Unlimited Academy, 9, 34

Centerpoint Fellowship, 75

Montessori @ Mulberry, 17

Swim Prep, 49

Chapman Orthodontics, 37

Montgomery Catholic Schools, 59

Sylvan Learning Center, 41

Child Evangelism Fellowship, 21

Montgomery Dermatology, 63

Taylor Road Baptist Church, 81

Children’s Hospital of Alabama, 74

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 28

The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover

Churchill Academy, 45

Montg. Pediatric Dentistry/Ortho, 20

Trinity Presbyterian School, 7

Dentistry for Children, 35

Montgomery Uniforms Plus, 47

Tru-Cut Lawn Care, 72

Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 32

Montgomery YMCA, 35

United Gymstars & Cheer, 31

Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 42

Montgomery Zoo, 43

Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 42

E & S Hobbies, 85

Moody Learning, 85

Vaughn Road Preschool, 71

Edward Jones-Lane Easterling, 44

My Kids Attic, The Shoppes of, 23

W. A. Gayle Planetarium, 25

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The LEGO Ninjago Movie

Home Again MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C+ Violence: B Sexual Content: C+ Profanity: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: CThe MPAA has rated Home Again PG-13 for some thematic and sexual material. A middle-aged fantasy for women, Home Again offers separated-butnot-divorced Alice Kinney (Reese Witherspoon) the “problem” of dealing with a bevy of men. An evening out with the girls to celebrate her 40th birthday (a non-event that has kept her in tears all day) leads to an all-nighter of binge drinking with three twenty-something guys that are homeless, wannabe filmmakers. We can only assume an inheritance or Alice’s husband Austen (Michael Sheen), who is distracted with his music business in New York, is paying the bills for the ongoing party. But when he discovers the three amigos cavorting with his wife and daughters, he has a moment of sensibility and comes to Los Angeles. Yet his renewed presence only adds to the ongoing alpha male competition and does nothing to suggest Rosie and Isabel are going to have any hope of a stable family outcome. Shot in a beautiful neighborhood with a cast of vanilla characters who look way too good to be stressed about jobs, money and life, Home Again is the antitheses of those many male-dominated movies with lusty women romping by the pool. If you can buy into the script’s subtle argument that if her father could roam the Hollywood hills looking for young women to bed, there’s no reason his daughter can’t do likewise, this romantic comedy may offer enough laughs to keep you interested.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: BSexual Content: ALanguage: B+ Alcohol/Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated PG for some mild action and rude humor. Garmadon (Justin Theroux) attacks Ninjago City on a regular basis. His brick-smashing rampages are so frequent that the local TV news depends on him for entertaining programming. Even more thrilling for the locals is when the team of mysterious ninja warriors, who pilot Transformer-like robots, come to the rescue. Everyone knows Lloyd (Dave Franco) is the offspring of the most evil guy in the world and the citizens of Ninjago City voice their displeasure toward the teen boy by ostracizing and demeaning him. But what they don’t know is that Lloyd is none other than the Green Ninja, one of the six heroes who save the day... everyday. Teens Cole, Jay, Kai, Nya and Zane all bring their unique talents together and, along with Lloyd, are trained in the ways of martial arts by Master Wu (Jackie Chan). But their dependence on oversized robots to defeat their archrival is coming to an end when Garmadon promises to attack with his “ultimate weapon”. Now Master Wu determines to teach his charges the true methods of the warrior, including finding your inner piece. This movie follows the build template of the previous LEGO outings with jabs at popular culture and specifically the martial arts movie genre. The LEGO Ninjago Movie is a fun diversion that will likely appeal more to the typical ages that would purchase the toys this film deftly markets.

Captain Underpants

Wonder Woman (new to home video)

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: CSexual Content: BProfanity: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: BThe MPAA has rated Wonder Woman PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, and suggestive content. World War I is raging. Everyone is aware of the horrifying conflict. Everyone, except those who live on the remote island of Themyscira. In the too-beautiful-to-be-true land dwells a community of women, members of the Amazon tribe from Greek mythology. All are adept fighters and continually train for an impending battle. The only child amongst them is Diana, daughter of Queen Hippolyta, the ruler of the island. Diana soon discovers war among mortals is a complex scenario. Arriving on the front lines she witnesses the horrific effects of the political confrontation. Men, women and children, many of whom are civilians, are seen with bloody injuries -- some with missing limbs. Frequent battle scenes depict shootings, stabbings and bombings, however the violence falls short of gratuitous. Perhaps more disconcerting are scenes depicting the German military’s experiments with poisonous gas mixtures. Amid this chaos, Wonder Woman stands as the voice of reason, most likely echoing the sentiments many of us feel when we see hate and anger lead to bloodshed and the killing of innocent victims. Determined to find a way to stop the slaughter, her deft skills at dodging bullets with armored bracelets and a blast-proof shield demonstrate a desire to utilize defensive tactics. Wonder Woman stands tall above other recent movies with comic book pedigrees.

(new to home video)

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: BSexual Content: B+ Profanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie PG for mild rude humor throughout. George and Herold (voices of Kevin Hart and Thomas Middleditch) are elementary-aged kids who have been friends since kindergarten. Sharing the same sense of humor, the pals combine their separate talents for writing and art, to make hand-drawn adventure stories featuring a bald action figure in tighty-whities. The pair also likes to play pranks on their teachers as a way to cheer up their fellow students at their penitentiary-like school. Their mischief has made them regular visitors to the office of Principal Krupp (voice of Ed Helms). Fed-up, the administrator threatens to put the hooligans in separate classrooms. To prevent him for carrying out the threat, George attempts to hypnotize him -- and it works. With a suggestion, Principal Krupp believes he is Captain Underpants, and the boys take control of his actions. As is to be expected from the film’s title, this script is full, full, full of potty humor. Yet despite the fixation on toilets and a blatant disrespect for authority figures, the story does allow its characters to reconsider their motives, feel remorse for their mockery, and redeem their actions. While these positive moments won’t flush away all the shenanigans, they will likely provide enough charm to amuse older children and tweens. Montgomery Parents I October 2017

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Art & Library Fun!

ALABAMA WILDLIFE FEDERATION SNAPOLOGY

SATURDAY OCTOBER 28 10:00am-1:00pm

Lower School Campus 1550 Perry Hill Road

Th e M o n t g o m e r y A c a d e m y RSVP to admissions@montgomeryacademy.org or contact Susannah Cleveland at 272-8210 for more information.