Montgomery Parents October 2018

It’s a

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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 THIS FA LL

Welcome Wednesdays AT STJ Come on Campus and get to know us! 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 Rising 6th-12th Graders and Parents

Save The Date

STJ POP-UP SHOP Saturday January 26, 2019 3:00pm Rising Pre-K3, Pre-K4, Kindergartners, and Parents

Save The Date

OPEN HOUSE Sunday January 27, 2019 1:30pm

Saint James School’s Pre-K3, Pre-K4, and Kindergarten programs to our Welcome Wednesdays. 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.

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

9:30am

Registration in the Admissions Office in the Saint James Elementary School Enrichment Classroom Activity November 14, 2018–Science Lab November 28, 2018–Technology Lab December 5, 2018–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.

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October2018

Volume 23 Number 10

68 Columns

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8 Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LMSW

12 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

The Expressive Child

Help them understand their emotions and express them in a healthy way.

Pumpkin Decorating Made Easy

Ten no-carve approaches for Halloween.

14 Montgomery Education Matters

by Dr. Ann Roy Moore, Interim Superintendent

42 Pike Road Education Matters

by Superintendent Charles Ledbetter, Ed.D.

46 Autauga Education Matters

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by Superintendent Spence Agee

52 Elmore Education Matters

by Superintendent Richard Dennis

58 The College Years

by Lee Gonet

60 Parenting, Media & Everything in Between

Fall Festivities and Halloween Fun

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

What to Do When Parenting Styles Clash How to navigate parenting style conflicts without confusing kids.

Common Sense Media

64 Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston

66 A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

84 Get This!

On The Cover Catherine Grace (21 months) and Caroline Elizabeth (3) are the daughters of JC Love, III, Esq. and Porcia Bradford Love, MD. The Loves also have a 5-monthold son, James.

Catherine and Caroline are pictured at Sweet Creek Farm Market on the corner of Troy Highway and Meriwether Road in Montgomery.

Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 10 Bits and Pieces 16 School Bits 86 Calendar/Support Groups 96 Mom to Mom

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Editor’sNote Happy Fall, Y’all...finally! I felt like the hot summer would drag on forever, but relief has arrived. And with the cooler temps we usher in the beginning of a season filled with fun. October is full of opportunities for your family to connect and make memories. Our Fall Festivities and Halloween Fun Guide helps you plan your month with events you and the kids will love. You’ll find everything from pumpkin patches to fall festivals to arts and crafts shows, plus a whole lot more! For more fall-themed fun, check out Pumpkin Decorating Made Easy, where Christina Katz shares ten no-carve ideas for super cute pumpkins your kids will love creating.

In the way of parenting help, we’ve got several articles you won’t want to miss, including Sarah Lyons’ Raising an Expressive Child. We are raising one of these spirited, sometimes over-dramatic children ourselves right now. Along with the fun and liveliness they add to a family, parents also have the challenge of helping them understand and express their feelings appropriately. You’ll find some good advice here!

Christa Hines addresses a topic that hits home with most of us on some level. What to Do When Parenting Styles Clash explores the all-to-common issue of mom and dad either “not quite agreeing” or “being completely on opposite pages” when disciplining the kids. She encourages couples to remember they are on the same team, and shares how to create a plan for avoiding conflict as often as possible.

We are also excited to announce a new monthly column exploring the concept of Therapeutic Parenting, written by Sonia Martin, LMSW. I met Sonia several years ago after we adopted our youngest, Grace (that expressive one I mentioned above!). At the time, Sonia was a therapist for Children’s Aid Society, but has recently taken a job with Kids to Love Foundation. Having seven sons, three who are internationally adopted, she has extensive experience working with kids from trauma backgrounds, both personally and professionally. Therapeutic parenting is described as parenting in a highly structured, highly nurturing way. This form of intensive parenting is often a key to progress in dealing with children who have trauma and attachment challenges, but has also proven beneficial with any child. Sonia has seen these ideas work beautifully with both adopted and biological children. Each month she will cover various discipline issues and offer practical approaches for getting to the root of the problem. Keeping a strong connection with your children will always be top priority, as she shares in her first installment, It’s All About Relationships, on page 8. Welcome, Sonia!

Finally, we want to thank all of the sponsors, vendors and attendees who came out to our 3rd Annual Special Needs Expo on September 29th. Parents were able to receive encouragement and helpful information from our exhibitors, while their kids had a blast doing mini yoga sessions, having their faces painted, and meeting Doc McStuffins and Super Mario. A fun day was had by all! A big thank you goes out to Baptist Health, Frazer Memorial UMC and Publications for sponsoring this important event!

Montgomery Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Montgomery Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.

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

Associate Editor Alison Rouse Research Editor Wendy McCollum Contributing Writers Spence Agee Richard Dennis David Drennan, MD Mark Gregston Christa Melnyk Hines Christina Katz Dr. Charles Ledbetter Sarah Lyons Sonia Martin, LMSW Dr. Ann Roy Moore Gerry Paige Smith

Cover Photography Maria Wiggins www.lolafineartphotography.com

Publisher Jason Watson jason@montgomeryparents.com

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

Ad Design Tim Welch Distribution Manager Chris Mitchell

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Member

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Montgomery Parents I October 2018

The River Region’s Foremost Parenting Source

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Montgomery Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing LLC, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, Alabama, 36123. Montgomery Parents is copyrighted 2018 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. opinions expressed in Montgomery Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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TherapeuticParenting

by Sonia Martin, LMSW

It’s All About Relationship!

The internet is full. Do you ever think that?

There just simply cannot be one more get your baby to sleep through the night strategy or one more way to cook kale. Do you ever scroll past article after article and get lost in people telling you what easy 3-step dessert will compliment that chicken dinner, what new style of pant will make your legs look ten feet tall, and certainly how best to parent (and how you are currently doing it all wrong)? I do.

We can so easily get lost in the idea that if we can just find that one strategy, that one solution, that one approach, we can affect change in every area of our child’s current level of functioning. Though I can’t help you find those pants that will change your life, I can definitively say this when it comes to parenting your kids: It is ALL about relationship.

Here’s the thing, if you ask 100 people about the best strategy to deal with whatever behavior you are currently facing with your child, you are going to get about five different answers explained in 100 different ways. Spank your child. Don’t spank your child. Put your child in time-out. Put your child in time-in. Take away privileges. Enforce greater consequences.

Leave them at the table until they clear their plate. Never get into a battle over food, they will eat when hungry. And on and on and on.

Montgomery Parents I October 2018

So, allow me to simplify for you... relationship.

Focus on the relationship, because relationship compels obedience. In fact, this concept bleeds over into other areas of our life. Allow me to illustrate. If you make a massive mistake at work one day and your boss calls you into his office and begins to yell, demean, threaten and tell you how incompetent you are, do you at all feel as though you are in relationship with your boss? No. Do you at all feel driven to please him? No. Do you at all feel connected to and respectful of your boss? Definitely no. You stand there until he is done, give a cursory apology and then walk out of the office grumbling under your breath straight to your co-workers, so that you can all discuss the frustration and irritation of working for such an incompetent leader…because somehow your mistake is definitely his fault.

Now keep that example in mind. You have made a massive mistake at work and your boss in this scenario calls you into his office and says, “Hey. I heard what happened. It’s going to be okay. How can I help you in this? How can we partner together to make this right?” Now what does that do to your relationship? It breeds a spirit of connection. Do you walk out of that office feeling empowered to correct your mistake?

Yes. Do you feel respect for and reverence toward your boss? Yes. In this scenario your boss is addressing the mistake, partnering with you to make it right, and is mindful to not dis-

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suade his or her relationship with you, because that relationship – when preserved - is going to compel that obedience within you.

Here’s the thing. Your kids are going to screw it up. They are going to fail and falter and not get it right. This is the process of childhood.

They are learning and, through that process, we are going to get such a better response if we can fiercely and unapologetically defend and protect our relationship with our child. The entirety of this concept is called Therapeutic Parenting and it is something I want to begin to introduce over the coming months. So join me as we dig deep and begin to understand how incredibly important our foundational relationship with our kids is, and how we can nurture that all important connection.

*Therapeutic parenting is parenting in a highly structured, highly nurturing way. This form of intensive parenting is often a key to progress in dealing with children who have trauma and attachment challenges, but has also proven beneficial with any child.

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

Sonia is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of which were internationally adopted, and is also a foster parent. She spends her free time cooking, drinking coffee, cleaning, cooking, sweeping infield baseball dirt off of the kitchen floor, cooking, and cleaning up after the cooking in an effort to keep all those boys full while avoiding the appearance that she lives in a fraternity house.

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Wetumpka Archery Park

Recently opened, The Wetumpka Community Archery Park is located in the Wetumpka Sports Complex at 2350 Coosa River Parkway. The archery park will be open year-round for recreational shooting, competitive tournaments and outdoor educational programming. The facility features a 10-target adult range from 15 to 50 yards, a four-target youth range of 5 to 15 yards, and an elevated platform with four targets from 10-40 yards that provides bowhunters an opportunity to simulate hunting conditions.

For more info, visit www.outdooralabama.com/activities/archery-parks.

Alabama Dance Theatre Presents Dracula & Mistletoe

Sink your teeth into a thrilling vampire drama back by popular demand as Alabama Dance Theatre presents the classic story Dracula, a ballet to die for. Performances will be held Saturday, November 3, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, November 4, at 2:30 p.m. This masterpiece production, choreographed by Sara Sanford and performed at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival on the Festival Stage, will thrill audiences with special effects, lavish costumes, and breathtaking scenery. Philip Feeney’s score illuminates Bram Stoker’s classic novel and breathes new life into this timeless story.

A special children’s matinee of Mistletoe will be held Saturday, November 3, at 2:30 p.m. and will feature “Favorite Dances of Christmas.” Mistletoe will feature newer works, “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” and “Mary Did You Know?” and will bring back old favorites, “First Noel,” “Still, Still, Still” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”

Tickets go on sale October 1 and range in price from $15-$30. They can be purchased by visiting www.alabamadancetheatre.com or by calling (334) 625-2800.

A special closed dress rehearsal to honor military personnel and first responders will be held Thursday, November 1, at 7:30 p.m. All active duty, retirees, reserve and national guard military personnel and their families who present a valid government military ID card at the door are eligible to attend.

Photo credit: Richard Calmes Montgomery Parents I October 2018

Junior League’s 30th Annual Holiday Market

October 10-13 * Multiplex at Cramton Bowl, 220 Hall St., Montgomery.

Online advanced ticket sales available.

Advanced general admission tickets are $5. Tickets will also be on sale at the door! General admission ticket $10; Prancer’s Preview Party ticket $40; threeday multi-day passes $15. Military with ID and senior tickets (65+) are $5. For more info, call (334) 288-8816 or visit www. jlmontgomery.org/.

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Gump City Con 2018

October 20 & 21. Montgomery Multiplex @ Cramton Bowl. Pop culture, comics, anime, scifi, gaming, wrestling & MORE! $30 general admission weekend pass. Purchase tickets through Eventbrite.

For more info, call J.R. (334) 464-0191 or visit www.gumpcitycon.com/.

Creatures of the Night @ Alabama Nature Center October 20 * Bring the family and join us for a Halloween-themed evening under the stars, hosted by the ANC and Reality Connection. Activities begin at 3 p.m. and include a slithering snake encounter, creepy crawly for insects, ewwy gooy touch table, flashlight spider search and night hike, and a movie under the stars! Glow sticks will be provided for the night hike with one of our naturalists. Bring a blanket or chairs for the movie. $20 maximum per family. For more info, visit www. alabamawildlife.org/ or call (800) 822-9453.

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Burger Bash 2018

October 18 * Gates open at 5 p.m.

Burgers available 5:30-8:30 p.m. Lower Dexter Avenue, Montgomery.

Chefs from area restaurants compete to determine who really has the best burger in the city—and you, the people of Montgomery, decide. Each ticketholder gets to try each competitor’s burger. After sampling, the ticket holder votes on their top three. The Burger Bash winner walks away with $1,000! General admission tickets: $25; beer cup: $10. For more info, visit www.lightninglinemgm.com.

October 20 * 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, 5941 Main Street, Millbrook Bake sale, silent auction, vendors with unique wares, entertainment, children’s carnival with a hay ride and pumpkin patch, great concessions, family fun and free admission! www.montgomeryparents.com

Mount Meigs Arts & Crafts Festival

Saturday, October 20 * 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Mount Meigs Community Center, 828 Gibbs Rd., Pike Road All proceeds benefit the remodeling/ upgrading of the community center and sports facilities. Admission: $3 at the gate for ages 12 & up.

Festival includes entertainment by Charity Bowden, country singer and Miss Northeast Alabama; and Rudy Flashback, Motown from the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s and beyond. The event also features a children’s area, food vendors, arts & crafts and much more. This is a unique outdoor event conveniently laid out for your strolling pleasure.

Like us on Facebook: Mount Meigs Arts & Crafts Festival. For more info, call (334) 669-2091 or (334) 300-4791.

6th Annual Great Grits Cook Off and Festival

October 20 * 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Event benefits the Prattville YMCA Coach a Child Scholarship fund. Includes live music, bounce houses, arts and crafts vendors, and a cooking competition of businesses, churches, restaurants and individuals for the best grits recipe. Prizes will be awarded. For the fourth year, the day will begin with the Nitty Gritty 5K Race. The race will begin at 8 a.m. and features awards for all ages. Completion of the race will coincide with the opening of the grits festival.

Register for the race at www.NittyGritty.itsyourrace.com. Cook teams and vendors are currently being accepted.

Contact Keith Cantrell at (334) 358-9622.

MPAC Presents Paw Patrol Live: Race to the Rescue October 23 & 24 shows For tickets, call (334) 481-5100 or visit www.mpaconline.org/.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Croup Season It is 3 a.m. and Joshua’s parents are suddenly awakened by the sound of their 2-year-old child’s deep, barking cough. It occurs in spasms and resembles the grunting of a seal. Joshua has croup, a syndrome that affects numerous children of all ages throughout the winter in North America.

The medical term for croup is laryngotracheo-bronchitis. This syndrome is primarily a viral illness that causes swelling of the air passageways beneath the vocal cords and increased secretion of mucus.

The most common causes are viral infections, though occasionally allergies have been involved.

The viruses that can cause croup are primarily influenza and para- influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and, rarely, adenovirus, and rhinovirus. The seasons will affect the number and type of cases in the community. For example, para-influenza related cases occur most often in the fall and early winter; RSVrelated croup commonly occurs throughout Though croup mid-winter and spring. can affect children of all ages, it most frequently involves children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years.

Besides having a barky cough, children with this illness usually have stuffy and runny

Montgomery Parents I October 2018

noses, watery eyes, and fever before the development of the cough. As the swelling under the vocal cords progresses, the child also may develop stridor, which is a coarse, crowing-like sound heard when the child inhales. At first the sound may be apparent only between coughing spells or while crying. If the swelling progresses, it may be heard at rest, which implies a more serious respiratory problem and the possible need for hospitalization.

The majority of children will have a mild case that will run its course and require only treatment to help reduce the swelling and thin the secretions in the tracheal bronchial tree or air passageways. This is more easily accomplished through the use of cool air humidifier and by encouraging the child to drink large amounts of fluid to insure adequate hydration. Hot air vaporizers are not suggested, because of the potential for burns and scalds. Taking the child out in the cold night air for 20 minutes also has been helpful. The duration of the illness is usually 5-7 days.

If these measures fail, the parents should call or have their child see his physician who may decide to either admit the

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child or use outpatient medication to reduce the swelling beneath the vocal cords and in the tracheal bronchial area. If the symptoms are not too severe, a trial of a fast acting steroid may be used to reduce the swelling that is usually apparent beneath the vocal cords. If symptoms do not improve or deteriorate, hospitalization is necessary for more aggressive treatment. Other treatments in the hospital could include bedside humidifier, increased oral fluids, nebulized breathing treatments with medicine that shrinks the swelling beneath the vocal cords, and steroid therapy. Antibiotics are generally not helpful for viral infections and are not used unless there is also a bacterial infection such as ear infection, or bacterial pneumonia.

Though most croup episodes in children are self-limiting viral illnesses, parents should not hesitate to consult their physician about the severity of their child’s illness as well as the possibility of a different diagnosis.

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

The entire family enjoys downhill skiing and beach activities.

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9/21/18 10:38 AM

The Value of Parents as Teachers Schools educate children, but parents are a child’s first teacher. Many of the basics that children need to learn, they learn at home.

You can look for practical examples to get them started in history, math and vocabulary.

Let’s do a little math. Introduce your young children to math using coins. A penny is one – ten pennies make one dime. Two dimes and a nickel (10 + 10 + 5) makes a quarter (25). A quarter is one-fourth of a dollar (now we are getting into fractions). Look for other opportunities, like measuring a window for curtains, cooking, shopping, figuring gas mileage, power usage, paying bills and budgeting.

Montgomery Parents I October 2018

All provide chances for you to help introduce math to your child.

Help your children develop a love for learning and a sense of curiosity. Start with your family history. Show your children photographs of your family. Talk about your grandparents and great grandparents and what they did in work and what they were like as people. How did people communicate during their prime? How did they travel?

What is different for them when they were the age of your children? What were the key inventions in their lifetimes and in yours?

We are often judged by the words we use. Words are made up of the communication symbols we call letters. Words are also symbols for things, concepts, and ideas. Of course you start with young children and the A B C Song. Then use picture books to begin to teach them words like cat and cow and flower. But don’t stop there.

Our level of intelligence is measured, in part, by our vocabulary. Introduce a new word to your children everyday. It can be

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a topic of discussion at breakfast or dinner.

Talk about the new word – its meaning and application. Then challenge your child to use it at least once per day for the next week in sentences. The average person typically uses about 5,000 words in their daily speech, 10,000 in their writing, but a college educated graduate could know as many as 80,000 words. The earlier you begin teaching children the better.

Let’s do one more math exercise.

Education at home + education at school = student success.

Starting early with you as your child’s first teacher, and working hard in school will help them reach their goals. It is never too early, to do a little math.

Dr. Ann Roy Moore is a teacher. For more than four decades, Dr. Moore has educated the children of Alabama. From her first post as a pre-school teacher, to her administrative work as a principal, central office curriculum specialist, superintendent, and her mentoring the next generation of teachers as an adjunct professor at colleges and universities, teaching is her passion. She became MPS interim superintendent in January of 2018 and was named superintendent effective June 1, 2018.

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Montgomery County Schools

Montgomery Academy 4th-Graders Study Poppy

Montgomery Academy fourth-graders read Avi’s Poppy as part of their summer reading. The story follows a heroic mouse, named Poppy, who bravely outsmarts the dastardly owl, Mr. Ocax, to save her family and friends. Over the last few weeks, students have engaged in a cross-curricular study that included owl pellet dissection, a birds-of-prey class, poetry writing, and much more!

Nine LAMP Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

Holy Cross Class Learns How to Extract DNA

The kindergarten class at Holy Cross Episopal School learned about DNA in STEM lab today with teachers Dr. Caleb and Krista Hamilton. They did a handson experiment in which they separated the interior DNA from a strawberry by applying light pressure to bring out the juices. Next, the juices were strained, which produced a liquid that could be applied to the slide of the microscope so that the cells would be visible. The students were then able to view the strawberry cells clearly under the microscope, and were able to look inside the cell to actually see the DNA. Some described the DNA inside the cells as “stringy.”

As nine sets of proud parents and family members watched, Loveless Academic Magnet Program honored its nine students who were named National Merit Semifinalists.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships for high school students. The students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Around 1.6 million students take that test each year. Only 16,000 students are named semifinalists.

LAMP saluted its honorees with a ceremony in the school library. During his speech, Principal Matthew Monson pointed out that only four schools in the state had more National Merit Semifinalists and that each of those schools have a much larger student enrollment than LAMP. LAMP’s semifinalists are Minwook Choi, Arnob Guha, Sanjeev Gurshaney, Haeun Lee, Quinn Lee, Yan-zhe Liu, William Nutt, Jung Vin Seo and Dain Yi.

Eastwood Summer Olympic Math Award Winners

Eastwood Christian School offers a summer math competition for students to practice and sharpen their math skills. They submit completed math problems and skill development sheets at their grade level and above. The following students participated and excelled in the ECS Summer Olympic Math program.

1st grade: Amelia Jean Freeman; 2nd grade: Amy Kate Coon; 3rd grade: 1st place, Albert Christensen, 2nd place Bella Humphries and 3rd place Judah Pierce; 4th grade: 1st place Charlie Coon, 2nd place Will Birchfield and 3rd place Stephen Spooner; and 6th grade: 1st place Emma Hawkins, 2nd place Will Kirkland, and 3rd place Anna Moore.

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Montgomery County Schools

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MEA Student Receives Radio Club Recognition

Macon East Academy 6th-grade student Marissa Robledo was recently recognized as an outstanding member of the Montgomery Amateur Radio Club. At age 11, Robledo was named first runner-up for the Alabama Outstanding Youth Ham Award at the American Radio League’s event in Huntsville.

During the past year, she has given satellite demonstrations to various clubs and organizations and is considered to be an excellent ambassador for amateur radio.

She is one of three local student members of the Montgomery Amateur Radio Club who received awards for outstanding amateur radio skills during recent local and national competitions.

ACA Fishing Team Begins Season

The season opener and first tournament of the 2018-19 Alabama Christian Academy Fishing Team took place September 15 at Cooter’s Pond in Prattville.

Student rankings were: 1st Place: Jackson Faulk, 2nd Place: (Tie) and Big Fish: Michael Zanglin, 2nd Place: (Tie) Dalton Kimbro, 4th Place: John Connell and 5th Place: Ethan Gardner.

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

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Volunteers Make a Difference at SUA

Success Unlimited Academy has a multitude of volunteers; however, one volunteer has been extremely faithful.

Cindy Tyner, a volunteer who is also an SUA parent, has plugged into serving and assisting at the school. Tyner reached out in an amazing way by coordinating SUA’s reward programs with local and national vendors. The rewards program benefits include receiving valuable resources for faculty and students, as well as SUA’s library.

Tyner was instrumental in securing necessary supplies for the “Welcome Back to School” packages for teachers and administration.

She has developed strong reward programs with Scholastic books, Office Depot and a multitude of others.

SUA administration and faculty extend a warm thank you to Tyner, as well as others who volunteer their time and energy.

Churchill Holds Special 9/11 Ceremony

Churchill Academy students, faculty and staff gathered on September 11 to honor the heroes of 9/11. Local first responders and community members joined the group to remembered those who lost their lives on that tragic day. First responders were also honored for all that they do for the local area each and every day. Scouts from Churchill Academy’s Troop 20 presented a flag ceremony during the memorial and the Student Council presented an American flag created from the handprints of each Churchill Academy student.

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Montgomery County Schools

Holy Spirit Students Build Sturdy Paper Towers

With only newspapers, tape and scissors, Ann Berher’s fifth-grade students at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s Holy Spirit campus were tasked with constructing the tallest tower that could hold the weight of a volleyball for 30 seconds or more. Each team was given just a few minutes to design, build and test their creation before demonstrating its structural integrity to the class.

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Hooper Student Competes in Horse Show

Hooper Academy sixth-grader Ashbee Norman and her black gelding named “I’m Coach Cal” competed at the 80th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration August 23-September 1 in Shelbyville, Tenn. Norman won the title Owner/Amateur Youth 6-11 Geldings World Champion and World Grand Champion, to bring home the Roses.

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STJ Speech & Debate Season Opens with Win

The Saint James School Speech & Debate Team returned home victorious after traveling to Madison Central High School in Madison, Miss., in September for their first tournament of the season.

Saint James junior Gabe Robbins was awarded First Place in Humorous Interpretation and junior Trevor Otis placed fourth out of a very competitive field of 66 Impromptu Speaking competitors.

“We are so proud of Gabe, Trevor and the entire team,” said Lonny Harrison, Saint James School director of forensics.

“Not only did the two of them place in their events, but we had several other Saint James competitors break to semi-final rounds in their events. It was a great tournament to open our competition season.” Saint James Speech and Debate students earned four state titles in spring 2018 and Speaker of the Year for the state of Alabama.

Above from left, Gabe Robbins and Trevor Otis.

Cornerstone Renovations

Construction is in full swing at Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy. Thanks to the generosity and vision of Morningview Baptist Church, Cornerstone’s facilities are receiving a total renovation. When complete, Cornerstone will have a new science lab, art rooms, library and classroom space from which to continue its mission of “training students to think critically, reason clearly and communicate persuasively and articulately from a biblical perspective.”

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St. Bede Students Enjoy Unique Writing Project

Tammy Quillin’s third-grade students at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s St. Bede campus have a unique year-long creative writing project. Each student picks out a teddy bear at the start of the school year and gives it a name and personality.

Throughout the year, the students write about their bears’ likes and dislikes, hobbies, careers and adventures. These stories are put into in a keepsake book that the students get to take home at the end of the year.

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MA Lower School Celebrates Dot Day

The Montgomery Academy’s Lower School recently celebrated International Dot Day, a day that celebrates creativity, courage,and collaboration. The day is based on Peter H. Reynolds’s book, The Dot, which tells the story of a caring teacher who dares a doubting student to trust in her own abilities by being brave enough to “make her mark.” The celebration is centered around the question, “How will your mark make the world a better place?” Senior Buddies joined in the fun with their kindergarten friends!

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Success Unlimited Academy Honors Community Servants on 9/11

Success Unlimited Academy students in grades K4-8 completed their first community service project on September 11. In remembrance of the life-changing day 17 years ago, current SUA students collected snacks, goodies, candy and a variety of drinks so they could make “thank you” baskets for nearby Montgomery fire stations. Firemen visited on campus with SUA students and discussed essential fire safety and allowed students to explore their station’s fire truck.

American Red Cross representatives were also on hand to speak and share important inclement weather safety practices. With hurricane season at hand, students participated in the “Pillowcase Project,” in which they decorated cases so that victims of natural disasters would have something to gather necessities in during a storm.

Evangel Christian Academy’s middle school students were recently studying the structure of DNA in science. To help build the students’ understanding, teacher Crystal Gayle Hammack had the students build a model DNA strand out of food. They used different colored marshmallows to represent adenine, thymine, cytosine and guanine, which are the chemical bases for a DNA ladder. Licorice was used as the backbone of the DNA strand.

Later, when the students learned about animal cells, they were asked to create an animal cell out of food. This time, the students were given a choice of materials.

There were several creative materials used including cakes, tortilla shells and candies.

At the end of both assignments the students were allowed to eat their science projects!

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AUM Offers BTW Use of Campus Resources

Macon East’s Maddox Selected for D.C. Tour

Jon Maddox, a senior at Macon East Academy, was one of four local students invited to represent Dixie Electric Cooperative during the 2018 Washington Youth Tour.

Along with 1,500 other students from across the country, Maddox had the opportunity to tour numerous historical sites in D.C. and learn about the importance of political involvement. In March of this year, Maddox participated in the Montgomery Youth Tour and there earned selection for the D.C. summer tour. The all-expense paid trip is a great outreach program to broaden the students’ understanding of the local cooperative as well as teach them leadership skills. Along with visiting sites in our nation’s capital, students heard from various motivational speakers and made lasting friendships.

From left, representing Montgomery County are Tiara Williams, Izabel Cabral, Jon Maddox and Harmonie Gachett.

As reported by The Montgomery Advertiser, AUM announced recently that the university would offer Booker T. Washington Magnet High School free use of on-campus facilities and resources, while the the arts-based magnet school retools from the devastating fire that burned much of its school and equipment in August.

“We teach our students to give back to the community,” said AUM Chancellor Carl Stockton. “That’s what we’re about, and we wanted to step up to the table and demonstrate that.”

BTW students were moved to the previously closed Hayneville Road School after the fire incinerated studios, cameras, computers, artwork, a dark room, a kiln and other space and equipment necessary for students to succeed. The cafeteria, library and counselor offices were also housed in the building that burned.

One of the most significant opportunities that the partnership with AUM offers to BTW is the use of an auditorium at AUM’s Goodwyn Hall. Despite a strong legacy of performance arts, BTW has never had its own auditorium.

BTW Principal Quesha Starks said the school would fundraise to rent local performance arts studios in the past, until Montgomery Public Schools began pitching in to help cover costs a few years ago.

Stockton said BTW students will also be offered use of the library, computer lab, dark room, broadcast equipment, piano studios and other spaces necessary for students who lost a similar list of resources when Building C burned down, a tragedy that caused the school to adopt a logo of a phoenix to represent the school’s “rise up” mantra.

Starks and Stockton are shown. Photo credit Montgomery Advertiser

Academy Chemistry Teacher Earns Grant

Montgomery Academy Upper School chemistry teacher Dr. Reza Farasat earned the ACS-Hach Professional Development Grant. This grant supports high school chemistry teachers as they identify and pursue opportunities that advance their professional development and enhance the teaching and learning of chemistry in their classrooms.

Montgomery Parents I October 2018

Churchill Scouts Take Weekend Camping Trip

Twelve Boy Scouts from Churchill Academy’s Troop 20 departed on a Friday in September to camp at the Coosa Outdoor Center in Wetumpka until Sunday morning. For many of the boys, it was their very first camping experience. The boys worked together, pitching tents upon arrival and preparing for mealtimes throughout the trip.

On Saturday, Troop 20 participated in Merit Badge Day at Frazer United Methodist Church. This council activity allows Scouts to meet the requirements of earning one merit badge in a single day. The boys worked from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., earning badges such as chemistry, game design and engineering.

The weekend gave Troop 20 increased responsibilities and a host of stories to share with their parents and friends upon returning to Churchill on Sunday. Thank you to the owners of Coosa Outdoor Center for partnering with the troop for this experience and to all of the leaders involved in making it a success.

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Wonderful Wednesdays Encourage Spiritual Growth at SUA

Eastwood Awards Summer Olympic Reading Winners

Every summer, Eastwood Christian School students are encouraged to read and develop a love for good literature. They have an opportunity to compete by submitting the number of books they read, submitting a book report, and completing reading comprehension guides.

The following students received awards for excelling Summer Olympic Reading program. First grade: 1st place, Christopher Lee, 2nd place, Philip Thomas, and 3rd place, Lottie Smith. Second grade: 1st place, Amy Kate Coon, 2nd place, Garland Thomas, and 3rd place, Knox Gardenier. Third grade: 1st place, Sophia MacLeod, 2nd place, Judah Pierce, and 3rd place, Marlee Smith. Fourth grade: 1st place, Ansley Quallio, 2nd place, Charlie Coon, and 3rd place, Harper Thomas. Fifth grade: 1st place, Caroline MacLeod, 2nd place, Evelyn Williams, and 3rd place, Hope Birchfield. Sixth grade: 1st place, Andrew Ewald, 2nd place, Will Kirkland, and 3rd place, Sophia Kessler.

Wednesdays at Success Unlimited Academy are now known as “Wonderful Wednesdays.” Each week, students on the lower campus in grades K4-8 experience worship and Bible study led by faculty, staff or invited guest speakers. It is a time of reflection and meditation. SUA is a Christ-centered school with deep spiritual roots. Administration and faculty believe all students can be successful through spiritual growth.

Pastor Antonio Seales not only serves on SUA’s staff, but also shares his spiritual wisdom and discernment by leading weekly in chapel for grades K4-5 and and as chaplain for the Mustang football team.

Students and faculty worship together on Wednesday with upbeat Christian music, Bible study, and a fervent prayer time.

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Cornerstone Starts New Year with Chapel

Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy has traditionally begun each school year with an Opening Chapel service and this year was no different. Cornerstone’s Headmaster Mark Cox exhorted the scholars to consider their present calling to be a student, and that they “are called to faithfulness.” We were delighted to have many new faces in our gathering and excited to see some familiar ones, as well.

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ACA Serves with Salvation Army

This year Alabama Christian Academy launched a community outreach program called “WE SERVE.” We want to create opportunities for students to serve in our city and the surrounding communities of Montgomery. This year’s first outreach was a partnership with the Salvation Army, in honor of September 11, and students served lunch to Montgomery’s first responders. It was a true honor for ACA students to thank our local police, firefighters and paramedics for their service and daily sacrifice.

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

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Holy Cross Episcopal School is accredited by AdvancED (formerly SACS) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools Holy Cross is 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 2018

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Montgomery Academy Announces aMAzing Mornings & Evening Program

The Montgomery Academy announces aMAzing Mornings and Evening Program for prospective kindergartners and their parents! aMAzing Mornings and Evening is a unique opportunity for children and their parents to experience firsthand Montgomery Academy’s Lower School Enrichment program. Join us on October 2 for Music time, an experiment in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Lab, and fun in the Gym; on November 27 we’ll create a masterpiece in Art and enjoy a story in our Library; and on February 5 we will highlight our annual Culture Study! Contact the Admissions Office at (334) 273-7155 for more info or to RSVP.

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Holy Cross Students Present Animal Habitat Projects

Holy Cross Episcopal School 2nd- and 3rd-grade students were proud to present their animal research projects to the class. Students chose an animal anywhere in the world they wanted to know more about, designed a description of the habitat in which they live, described what they eat, how and why they migrate, and how they change in appearance with the seasons. Some of the animals featured in the reports were the giraffe, razorback hog, Arctic fox, penguin and betta fish.

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

Monday, October 8th. 7:30am - 5:30pm.

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TrunkorTreat Friday, October 12th

from 6pm to 10pm. Ages 5 to 12.

Pizza and drinks provided. A costume is optional Lots of fall festival and halloween games, as well as tons of candy!!!

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Catholic 7th-Graders Get Hands-On Lesson About Classification

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Karla Gier’s middle school science classroom recently may have looked like it needed an exterminator, but she said that it was all part of the lesson. Shadowboxes of desiccated grasshoppers, cicadas and dragonflies lined the tables. Petri dishes full of preserved spiders, scorpions, millipedes and beetles were placed in front of the students. At the front of the classroom, a large cage that looked like it should hold a small songbird instead housed an enormous banana spider.

“Her name is Nellie,” said Gier, “after her scientific name, Nephila clavipes. And it is her lunch time.” Nellie was hungrily devouring a bumblebee that was neatly wrapped in a nearly invisible strand of silk.

To some students’ delight and to others’ horror, their assignment was to open the dishes, delicately handle the specimens, and create a dichotomous key based on the physical traits of each arthropod. Each small group of students classified the various preserved insects, arachnids, and myriapods based on number of legs, presence or absence of wings, number of body segments, the shape of the mouth, and other traits. The students then used the keys they made to identify each specimen. While many students bravely picked up their specimens to get a closer look, others chose to take a supervisory role and instead took notes from a more comfortable distance. By the end of the period, each group was able to use the keys they created to identify the specimens that were classified by the other groups.

“Once students get beyond the ‘ick factor’, they discover that these small creatures, often overlooked, are fascinating and, dare I say it, beautiful,” said Gier.

“They are so important in our ecosystem and are the perfect specimens to instruct a lab on classification.” www.montgomeryparents.com

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STJ Elementary School Learns About Emergency Readiness

In the September 12 assembly of the Saint James upper elementary students (grades 3-5), volunteers from Hands On River Region spoke with the children about family emergency preparedness and safety skills.

Part of the assembly was devoted to the Pillowcase Project – an initiative that evolved from stories of Loyola University students packing emergency belongings in their pillowcases during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The Saint James students decorated pillowcases and were taught types of essential items to transport in times of emergency. Also included in their pillowcases – a letter from Hands on River Region, a family communication plan, and a list of essential supplies to pack in the pillowcase in the event of an emergency.

The students also welcomed three firefighters from the Bell Road fire station to their assembly on safety. The students wanted to express their thanks to the firefighters for keeping them safe.

As a token of appreciation, the Saint James family provided the firefighters’ unit with lunch and dinner that day.

Eastwood Lower School Boys Win 1st Place in Cross Country Tournament

Eastwood Christian School’s Elementary Cross Country Team recently had several first-place winners in the LSA Cross Country Invitational meet on September 6. From left are Knox DeHuff, 5th grade; Braeden Collins, 6th grade; Joseph Givens, 4th grade; Stephen Spooner, 4th grade; Andrew Ewald, 6th grade; and Cole Dozier, 5th grade. (Not pictured, Porter Johnson, 5th grade.)

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

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Holy Cross Enjoys Delicious Experiment

Holy Cross Episcopal School firstgraders enjoyed tasting three of the most popular varieties of apples in preparation for making applesauce as a seasonal class experiment. The tasting contest was between red delicious, Granny Smith, and golden delicious. The students enjoyed incorporating math and research skills by constructing a graph on which they voted with red, green or yellow dots in the column of their favorite tasting apple.

Later, the students were introduced to adjectives as they described how the different kind of apples tasted. After the applesauce cooked all day with all three of the apple varieties combined, the students tasted to see if they liked the taste of the applesauce and conducted a class vote.

The outcome was an introduction to the mathematical concept of percentages and collaborative findings. All of the students enjoyed the project and the spicy, warm aroma it brought to the classroom as they looked forward to the first day of autumn.

Macon East Baseball and Softball Champions Receive Their Rings

The 2018 Macon East Academy varsity baseball and softball teams both ended the year as the AISA AA State Champions. A ring ceremony was held for each team at the annual Night with the Knights kick-off event to the season.

For Coach Bob Picket and the baseball team, it was a back-to-back title win at Paterson Field. The Knights capped their 39-8 season sweeping rival Autauga Academy in the state finals.

Coach Glynn Lott’s softball team reclaimed the AISA AA state title in dramatic fashion. The Lady Knights were 4-1 in the state finals at Lagoon Park winning a tie-breaker game over Pickens Academy. Overall, the team had an outstanding 57-12 season and graduated just one senior.

Macon East made the move back to 3A this year, but both teams have the talent and depth to vie for state again in 2019. Macon East Academy athletes have won 16 state championships in the last seven years (baseball 2, basketball 2, softball 6, volleyball 6).

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Suicide Prevention Awareness

In honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Alabama Christian Academy and Montgomery Catholic united their students. Before the football game September 14, marching bands from both schools joined together in God Bless the USA. The field was filled with maroon and blue uniforms playing together and both color guards standing together for one cause, suicide awareness.

In recent years, both ACA and Montgomery Catholic have experienced loss from the suicide epidemic in this country. There was a sense of hope in the air that night as students from each school took center field and showed compassion to students that may be silently struggling. The ceremony ended in prayer led by ACA junior Judd Hardin, reminding students that their lives matter.

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MEA Holds Successful Back-to-School Event

The Macon East Academy PTO hosted a fun-filled Back to School Bash on August 12. Macon East families and the community gathered to enjoy activities for all ages. Lower school students bounced between the inflatables, carnival games, face painting, balloon creations and the popular touch-a-truck area.

Upper school students lined up at the dunk tank for a chance to soak one of their coaches. Everyone satisfied their hunger with delicious selections from area food trucks while listening to tunes played by DJ Van Wadsworth. The Bash included a silent auction with a huge variety of items available for bidding. This year’s event was a huge success, and the PTO is already making plans for next year’s Bash.

GOD HAS A PLAN AND A PURPOSE FOR ME

Evangel Christian Academy Encouraging each child to achieve their God-given potential

AISA Blue Ribbon School MPACT IT Students Compete in InnovateAFITC 2018

Several Montgomery Preparatory Academy for Career Technologies students took part in a multi-part technology competition during the Air Force Information Technology and Cyberpower Conference. The competition, called InnovateAFITC, teamed the students and MPACT IT instructor Tammie Jones with military members and IT professionals from related career backgrounds in network communications, cybersecurity, software development, and design.

Dai’shun Johnson, a Carver High and MPACT student, was on the winning team, BEST, and was awarded the championship belt along with his team members at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center.

The teams worked through a series of challenges including Code Troubleshooting, Website Attack, Network Communications, Server Hardening, and Mobile Application Build/Pitch. Jones and students were on teams that won in individual challenges.

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

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

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

Pictured here with Jones, center, and Johnson, second from right, are Brandon Arnold and Roger Steele of Park Crossing, and Tierra Davis of Lanier. Kendrick Hudson and Terrance Nichols, who aren’t pictured here, also took part in the competition.

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Two Montgomery Academy Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

Two seniors at The Montgomery Academy, Carter Chandler and Catherine Updegraff, have been named National Merit Semifinalists in the 64th annual 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 $31 million that will be offered next spring.

More than 1.6 million juniors in about 22,000 high schools entered the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2017 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT), which served as an initial screen of program entrants.

The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

Montgomery Parents I October 2018

Eastwood Lower School Girls Build Character through Mentoring Program Eastwood Christian School students continued the fourth year of older and younger girls meeting and growing together. The kickoff tea for the Big Sis/Little Sis mentoring program was September 6. Older girls are paired with younger girls to encourage one another, memorize Scripture, and develop Godly character traits. The time the girls have together allows the younger girls to establish relationships with their older mentors who guide them through the school year.

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ACCREDITED K4 THROUGH 12TH GRADE I N D E P E N D E N T C O L L E G E - P R E PA R AT O R Y S C H O O L

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EXTRAORDINARY EDUCATION EXTRAORDINARY ENVIRONMENT EXTRAORDINARY EXPECTATIONS trinitywildcats.com

Trinity is Montgomery’s foremost educational institution, binding academic excellence with Christian values.

Providing a challenging college-preparatory education, Trinity offers a rigorous academic program, committed educators, outstanding athletics, and a nurturing family environment. Our extraordinary educators at Trinity strike the perfect balance as they encourage students to strive for excellence, while emphasizing Christ-like character above all else. “The Trinity Experience” produces leaders who possess mental, physical and spiritual strength.

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

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

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

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Success Unlimited Implements Recycling

SUA’s Achievers’ C class has implemented a recycling program on the upper campus for the new school year. As a handson project, teachers Kay Smith and Crystal Williams have incorporated the study of recycling into the class curriculum. The students have learned the importance of recycling and the impact it can have on the environment.

According to epa.gov, Americans generated about 254 million tons of trash and recycled and composted about 87 million tons of this material, equivalent to a 34.3 percent recycling rate since 2013. On average, we recycled and composted 1.51 pounds of our individual waste generation of 4.40 pounds per person per day.

The Achievers’ project will continue throughout the school year. Proceeds from recycling aluminum cans will assist in funding other class projects related to life skills.

Local Sportscaster Visits ACA Media Club

Alabama Christian Academy has a series of clubs that are offered to students throughout the year. The elementary after-school Media Club had a special visitor from Channel 12 recently. WSFA sports reporter Maria Martin visited the club to teach ACA students all about news broadcasting. Students were shown equipment and what reporters do to tell the news effectively.

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Trinity Senior Named National Merit Semifinalist

Trinity Presbyterian School senior Mollie Flotemersch was named a National Merit Semifinalist in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program.

This distinction places her among an elite group that represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.

Flotemersch is a gifted student with a cumulative grade- point average of 4.32 that includes some of the most advanced courses offered at Trinity. In addition to being named a National Merit Semifinalist, she was recently selected as an AP Scholar. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Interact Club, Key Club, and French Club. She is also a Presbyterian College 2018 Junior Fellow Scholar and received the Sewanee Award for Excellence in Writing.

Even though Flotemersch maintains a heavy workload, she continues to be an invaluable member of Trinity’s Symphonic Band, the “Wildcat Pride” Marching Band, and Show Choir.

Flotemersch is very active at Vaughn Forest Church, where she serves as a volunteer and also sings in the youth services. In addition, she served as an intern in Trinity’s Choral and Theatre Department, where she assisted Director Jordan Sullivan.

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

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Holy Cross Fifth-Graders Learn Construction and Interior Appearance of Human Backbone

SUA Students Write ‘Dear Senior Me’ Letters

Last spring, the faculty at Success Unlimited Academy took the entire high school to see the movie, I Can Only Imagine. This movie is based on the life of Bart Millard, the lead singer of the popular Christian band, Mercy Me. Millard writes or co-writes the

Holy Cross Episcopal School fifth-graders recently did a handson experiment to learn about the backbone and its interior parts.

Connie MacDonald demonstrated that the backbone is comprised of stacked disks and between each disk a flexible connective tissue which is called cartilage. The students learned that cartilage is a smooth rubber-like padding that offers the bones cushioning which helps support weight when we run, bend and stretch.

Each student participated in a demonstration of those components with a pipe cleaner, wagon wheel pasta pieces and gummy bear life savers. The pipe cleaner represented the backbone, the wagon wheel pasta represented the disks, and softer gummy bears represented the cartilage between the disks. The students were able to see the actual function of each working together in different daily activities.

Shown with MacDonald is student Jacob Kendall.

lyrics to most of the band’s songs.

One of Mercy Me’s popular and most recent hits, “Dear Younger Me,” has lyrics that inspired Sharion Vandervort’s students to write themselves a “younger me” letter after listening to the song.

Now the letters are displayed prominently in Vandervort’s classroom. This activity encouraged senior students to put a fresh perspective on their senior experience and has proven to be beneficial as they put into practice the advice and ideas of their fellow classmates, as well as their teachers.

Michaela Standberry is shown with the letters.

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Montgomery Catholic 7th-Graders Experience Camp Chandler

The transition to middle school can be a difficult time for some students.

Moving to a new school, meeting a lot of new people, switching between different classes each period, and learning to open a locker are part of the challenges that almost every middleschooler experiences for the first time.

To help ease the new school jitters and build fellowship, the Montgomery Catholic 7th-grade class takes an overnight trip to Camp Chandler at the beginning of each school year.

The students enjoyed all kinds of activities including archery, swimming, tower climbing, boat rides, and everyone’s favorite high-intensity camp game, GaGa. The students split into four large groups and rotated between the different activities during the day. In the evening, everyone gathered around the campfire to wind down for songs and fellowship with one another. Justin Castanza, principal of the Montgomery Catholic middle school, gave a motivational talk to welcome the students to middle school and encourage them to get to know one another better.

Reflecting on the time spent together, the students felt that the trip was both fun and valuable to create new friendships and strengthen bonds within the class. “Camp was fun and a great way to get to know everyone,” said student Michael Ann Williams. Eli Kindle agreed.

“It really brought us together and united us.”

N O W E N R O L L I N G F O R 2018 2011

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Saint James School Celebrates Homecoming 2018

Saint James senior Shelby Elizabeth Craft, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Craft, was crowned Saint James School’s 2018 Homecoming Queen in halftime ceremonies during STJ’s September 21 match-up against the Dadeville Tigers.

The Queen’s court included freshman attendant Marrison Jean Gardner, sophomore attendant Margaret Carolyn Custard, junior attendant Sarah Elizabeth Rice, and senior attendant Camilla Sinclair Richardson. Queen’s attendants were Bryson Nicole Belich and Lacy Trammell Brown. Crown bearers were Saint James kindergarten girls whose parents are Saint James alumni: Anne Helen Hawke, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Hawke (Elizabeth Thompson Hawke ’02); Bonner Elizabeth Pelham, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Pelham (Patti Reed Pelham ‘96); Sarah Elizabeth Phillips, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Phillips (Mary Catherine Richardson Phillips ’94); Anna Wesley Rabon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Rabon (Jimmy Rabon ‘99); and Sadie Amanda York, daughter of Mr. Christopher and Dr. Sallye York (Sallye Jeffcoat York ‘00).

The Queen was announced during the afternoon pep rally, and the court was presented during halftime ceremonies at the homecoming football game that evening escorted by their fathers. Saint James Board of Trustees Chair Barry Prim presented Craft with a silver bowl per school tradition, and Head of School Dr. Larry McLemore crowned the 2018 Queen with the assistance of the five crown bearers. The Trojans won the night’s game against the Tigers, 27-14.

Back row from left, the Saint James School Homecoming Court included freshman attendant Marrison Gardner, junior attendant Sarah Rice, Queen’s attendant senior Bryson Belich, Head of School Dr. Larry McLemore, 2018 Queen Shelby Craft, 2017 Queen Katie McIntyre, Queen’s attendant senior Lacy Brown, senior attendant Camilla Richardson, and sophomore attendant Meg Custard. Front row from left: kindergarten crown bearers Anna Rabon, Sadie York, Bonner Pelham, Anne Helen Hawke and Sarah Elizabeth Phillips.

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

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Montgomery County Schools

Holy Spirit Holds Grandparents Day Whether you’re called Memaw, Nana, Papi, Halmoni, Sittie, or just the classic Grandma and Grandpa, chances are you may have gotten an invitation to a very special gathering from your Holy Spirit student recently. Grandparents, parents, family members and special guests crowded the gym of the Montgomery Catholic Holy Spirit campus to get a glimpse of their beloved students.

Each class prepared a special presentation for the entire audience comprised of their classmates, teachers and, of course, their grandparents. The students donned creative hats, displayed handmade signs, recited poems, and sang songs to honor their very special visitors. After the heartwarming performance, guests were treated to doughnuts and juice with their students and had a fantastic time learning about the fun things that the children are learning at Holy Spirit.

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

Montgomery Parents I October 2018

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Engineering Curriculum \ Robotics Club \ Cyber Patriots Club \ Broadcasting

Spark ingenuity.

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

Montgomer y C atholic Preparator y S cho ol

Grades K4 - 12

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montgomer ycatholic.org

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October is upon us, bringing the end of the first quarter of the school year and perhaps some fall weather! The Board of Education and Superintendent of Pike Road City Schools announces the development of a five year strategic plan to guide the operations of the school system. Strategic plans include all stakeholders in establishing the mission, vision, and operational plans for improving student achievement, curriculum, instruction, facilities, technology, safety, finance, and human resources.

You are invited to join the members of the Pike Road City Board of Education and administration at our community forum Thursday evening, October 25, 2018 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Pike Road Middle

Montgomery Parents I October 2018

School, Historic Campus, 4710 Pike Road, Pike Road, Alabama. This event is designed to give students, parents, employees, and community members an opportunity to discuss the future of our school system. A brief overview of the strategic planning process will be given by the team of educators helping with this project. Discussion groups will follow, allowing participants to share ideas about short and long range plans for improving our schools over the next five years. All participants are welcome to help us envision the best schools to serve all Pike Road students and our community. After the strategic plan is completed and adopted by the Pike Road Board of Education it will be the road map that we use to guide our work and the measuring stick we use to be accountable to all our stakeholders.We encourage you to be part of our process so that your voice is heard and included as we move forward.

The Pike Road Patriots athletic teams are moving through their first regular season s of varsity play. Cross country, football, and vol-

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leyball are performing extremely well, and we look forward to making the playoffs before we have any seniors!

We are very excited that the town of Pike Road supports Pike Road Schools and has committed significant funds to the purchase, renovations and additions to our educational facilities. We are moving forward with renovations to the school building at the Georgia Washington Campus and the addition of varsity game-worthy athletic facilities there.

Our strategic planning will help us determine where we need to add classroom space as we continue to grow. We appreciate the partnership we enjoy with the Town of Pike Road and look forward to great days ahead! Go Patriots!

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

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

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Pike Road Kicks Off Varsity Football Season

On August 30, Mayor Gordon Stone had the opportunity to speak with the Pike Road Schools varsity football team after practice. After congratulating them on their first win as a varsity team, he encouraged them to learn from each other, work together, and lead their teammates and friends to victory on and off of the field.

Each player received a recording of the first Patriots Sports Network Broadcast from the Aug. 25 season opener as a reminder of their opportunities as trailblazers and changemakers. The Patriots Sports Network is a partnership between Pike Road Schools and WTXK ESPN the Ticket (107.5 FM / 1210 AM) designed to teach students digital media production, broadcast journalism, and related disciplines through live radio broadcast of the Patriots football games and other academic endeavors.

Pike Road Elementary Students Say the Pledge for WAKA

n o H To H to h ra su th a u

WAKA visited Pike Road Elementary School (PRES) in September and recorded each class saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

Each day a class will be featured on “Alabama Rising” on both WAKA CBS 8 and WNCF ABC32 between 6:30 & 6:40 a.m.

Look for the Facebook post to share later each day. After that, they will live online for the remainder of the school year on the Morning Pledge Page. Both pages can be found at https://www.alabamanews.net/.

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Tribute To Aubry Houlditch Funds School Lunches

Patriots Sports Network Provides Real Experience

Four Pike Road High School (PRHS) students are gaining real world, handson experience in the field of sports radio.

They are working alongside Doug Amos and Charlie Trotman with ESPN The Ticket to provide live radio coverage of the Pike Road varsity home football games.

Caden Lockett, Dewey Terry, Izzy Smith and Jasmine McGarry are participating in Patriots Sports Network (PSN), a program that is unique to PRHS. Each week this team produces the half-time feature for the radio show Patriot Pulse on ESPN The Ticket hosted by Amos and Trotman. The students are learning to write scripts, conduct interviews, approach adults with confidence, and are acquiring on-the-job training—all skills that will have students prepared for college and career.

Montgomery Parents I October 2018

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Aubry Houlditch was a Pike Road Elementary Community 5 learner who lost his life in a tragic accident at his home last year. In looking for a way to honor their son’s legacy, Dondra and Kevin Houlditch chose to establish “Aubry’s Lunch Account” to benefit children who might not have the money to afford lunch at Pike Road Schools.

Friends, family, neighbors and perfect strangers were inspired and generous in giving.

This time last year, Samara Hester donated her PRS Homecoming Fundraiser to (what would become) Aubry’s Lunch Account. Jennifer Horton with WSFA was inspired by the story and felt compelled to tell it to a much larger audience. Dan Morris told Aubry’s story on his radio program for an entire week and set up a donation button on his website. Eric Leisy organized and prepared a benefit Taco Dinner to raise funds. Kim Sides ordered bracelets which were sold by Community 6 Learners at Pike Road School in the spring.

All these efforts, gifts and contributions, together with countless others, raised approximately $6,000 by spring 2018 to help fund the Free Lunch Program at Pike Road Schools.

This year, beyond subsidies from paid lunches, there is no FY 2019 funding for the Free Lunch Program at Pike Road Schools. Daron Bell and Dustin Daehn have indicated that Aubry’s Lunch Account can remain open and active to receive donations at all three Pike Road Schools. It remains the intent of the Houlditch family to allow funds from Aubry’s Lunch Account to be used to fund the Free Lunch Program at Pike Road Schools for the remainder of FY 2018 and for the coming year. They hope in FY 2019 to cover a larger portion of the funding gap with Aubry’s Lunch Account.

Community 6 Learners have already expressed an interest in selling bracelets again to raise funds. Direct donations can be made at each of the Pike Road Schools and designated for Aubry’s Lunch Account. The next “Tacos for Aubry” dinner is scheduled for October 17 at Christchurch on Vaughn Road. Proceeds will go to Aubry’s Lunch Account. #ShineYourLight #PikeRoadWay #OnePikeRoad 44

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Pike Road Schools Celebrate Homecoming The Pike Road Patriots celebrated their first Homecoming as a varsity program the week of September 17. After a week of school spirit-boosting events for students, the PRS Patriots and their family, friends and fans gathered at Pike Road Town Hall for a community pep rally.

The event featured cheerleaders, football players, the Pike Road High School Band, and a lot of Patriot Pride. With the help of PRHS Band Director Patrick Darby, students have learned to play the original Pike Road School’s alma mater, which Darby transcribed from a rendition by alumnus George Howell.

The Homecoming court was announced at the pep rally, but the crowning of the queen took place at halftime of the Homecoming game on September 21.

To be considered for a position on the Homecoming court, hopefuls were asked to fundraise for nonprofits close to their hearts. Last year, Homecoming hopefuls raised more than $5,200 for organizations such as the Montgomery Area Food Bank, the Humane Society, Common Ground, and more. This year, the tradition continued, and students raised $13,000.

The PRHS 2018 Homecoming court included: Sophia Starkey, 8th-grade attendant; DeAysia Moore, 9th-grade

attendant; Peyton Courson, 10thgrade attendant; Victiria Tidwell and Isabella Vinson, 11th-grade attendants; and Kennedy Jones, Homecoming Queen.

“Homecoming is a great opportunity to build school and community culture,” said Dr. Chuck Ledbetter, PRS superintendent. “The activities bring our schools together and include our community members as well.”

Terina Gantt, athletic director and assistant principal at Pike Road High School, added, “We have the unique opportunity to begin and build traditions that will stay with our school far longer than I will be here. Last year we had our first Homecoming court. We began the tradi-

tion of the Homecoming hopefuls raising funds for their chosen charity, and it has grown tremendously. We want to create something that every person in our school can be a part of and that everyone in our community can be proud of.”

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D It’s hard to believe the first two months of a new school year are already in the books! I hope everyone had a restful Labor Day weekend. 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 necessary

Montgomery Parents I October 2018

capital improvements as possible. Of these improvements, our four million dollar roofing project is well underway. The roofs of the Pine Level Elementary School lunchroom and Prattville High School fieldhouse are nearly complete. Roofing projects at Prattville High School, Prattville Junior High School, Autauga County Technology Center, and Prattville Intermediate School are scheduled to begin very soon.

Paving projects to include the car loop and parking lot at Prattville Intermediate School along with the bus loop between Prattville Intermediate School and Prattville Elementary School were completed this summer. The Billingsley School bleacher project was completed just in time for the opening game in August. Installation of new intercom systems at Prattville Primary School and Pine Level Elementary School should be completed soon.

Congratulations to Billingsley School and Pine Level Elementary School for being named to the Top 50 Elementary Schools

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for Reading Success! What an outstanding distinction and accomplishment. This recognition was for being among the top 50 elementary schools in Alabama showing the most improvement in third grade reading growth on last year’s statewide Scantron reading assessment. Each school will receive a $20,000 check from the Alabama State Department of Education as a way to recognize the teachers and students who worked so hard to accomplish this recognition. Great job!

Working together, we can accomplish great things in Autauga County. We have proven this time and time again. We are off to a great school year! I will keep you updated on events and our accomplishments throughout the year.

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

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Headaches & Fatigue

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Autauga County Schools

PJHS Heads Up School Supply Drive for BTW

Ms. Spencer, the Student Council sponsor at Prattville Junior High School, headed up a drive to provide school supplies to the teachers at Booker T. Washington High School in Montgomery who lost everything in a recent fire. Members of the BTW/FAME board came to accept the gift baskets and handwritten notes and other items on their behalf.

Our slogan this year is #pjhsbettertogether. However, this was a way to acknowledge that we are ALL “better together.”

It was great to see our students rally around teachers and students they don’t even know for a great cause.

Prattville Primary Chosen for Blue Cross ‘Be Healthy’ Grant

PCA Juniors Attend Leadership Program

Prattville Christian Academy juniors Ben Echols, Olivia Hamilton, Madison Hanson, Andrew Raife and Nicholas Stephenson represented their school at the Presidential Leadership Institute in York, Neb., under the direction of Julie Warlick, student affairs director.

The Presidential Leadership Institute (PLI) is a national leadership development program among Christian high schools, specifically designed for high-achieving students in grades 10-12.

The weeklong program is dedicated to leadership development and character building through interactive programs, discussions and leadership industry expert speakers.

“The PLI experience for our students opened their eyes to the different ways a person can lead,” said Warlick. “Our students gained valuable insight into how to serve, plan, collaborate, communicate and respect their peers. They came home with a deep desire to help create a culture of ‘speaking life’ into others.”

More than 30 students from Alabama, Florida, Texas, Colorado and Oklahoma attended the Institute, which was established after York College partnered with Strata Leadership, LLC - the largest character-based leadership company in the world. The students returned from their experience energized to become change agents at PCA and within the community.

Montgomery Parents I October 2018

Prattville Primary School was chosen from more than 100 applicants in the state to become a Blue Cross and Blue Shield Be Healthy School. PPS received $6,100 to be used in updating its technology in the gym so that when weather does not allow the students to get outside, it doesn’t stop them from being active. The school will install a projector and larger screen to include a sound system so that students can view online gaming that will allow them to all be engaged at once. PPS will also bring in community representatives and parents to discuss healthy habits so that students have more opportunities to learn more about becoming healthy leaders. Thank you, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.

PJHS Uses BreakOut Kits for Learning

BreakOut escape rooms have quickly become a favorite pastime for kids of all ages! Prattville Junior High School has invested in several Breakout kits (BreakoutEDU) for students to use higher order thinking skills to solve academic problems. There are BreakOut games for all subject areas and they have quickly become a fantastic educational tool!

Seen here, civics students in Mr. Sandlin’s class work to break into the case for their next clue about the Road to the Revolution.

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Prattville Primary Learns Power of Positive Attitudes

Prattville 8th-Graders Receive Spirit Trophy

Pep Rallies at PJHS are the BEST! The Prattville Junior High Cats cheer for their team and their grade level for bragging rights. Each pep rally hosts a guest judge to distinguish which grade cheers the loudest. Some very special guests have helped cheer us all on to victory.

Recently, Dr. Jason Wingate, chair of the Department of Leadership and Professional Studies for Troy University and prior principal at PJHS, stepped into the role with enthusiasm. It was an exciting time as he presented the Spirit Trophy to the 8th-grade student body. Accepting on their behalf was 8th-grade Assistant Principal Tony Camara.

Prattville Primary School hosted the NED Show August 31. NED stands for Never Give Up, Encourage Others and Do Your Best. The NED Mindset Program was a rewarding and positive experience for our students.

PJHS Hosts CATalyst Enrichment Program

Each semester, Prattville Junior High hosts a CATalyst enrichment program. Students are able to choose from classes ranging from art theory to yoga and tons of amazing things in between.The school partners with local talents to provide classes they could not otherwise provide for the students.

Intro to Law Enforcement is a crowd favorite, and we are so grateful for our local police officers and detectives who teach the students about fingerprinting, “See Something, Say Something� and other programs.

Thank you to long-time sheriff deputy and current County Commissioner Larry Stoudemire for heading up this great group.

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Autauga County Schools

PJHS Distributes ‘Cat Bucks’ Behavior Incentive

Prattville Junior High School administrators expect all students to be respectful, responsible and resourceful. Each teacher is provided with “Cat bucks” to give to students who exhibit these behaviors in the classroom and around the school.

Lyndsi poses for a quick picture as she deposits her Cat buck for weekly and monthly drawings for prizes. Each semester, students even win cash if their name is drawn. The better the actions, the more chances to win.

Autauga County Tech Center Multimedia Design Students Tasked with Prattville Tourism Project

Students in Teresa Calhoun’s multimedia design class at the Autauga County Technology Center were tasked with creating presentations about the City of Prattville. Students were asked to take on the role of travel agent and base a Prezi on all the interesting places and things to do in the city. They presented their Prezi to their classmates and teacher.

The students focused on the area’s climate, history of Prattville, the must-see and must-do activities in the area, best local restaurants and cultural events that are unique to Prattville.

Several students made top-notch projects.

From left, are Jasmine Sims, Brandon Wilson, Akeyeh Henderson and Caroline Cavnar with the cover page of their Prezis, which were also shared with the City of Prattville Mayor’s office and the Chamber of Commerce.

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Montgomery Parents I October 2018

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Register for the meeting you plan to attend as well as ASMS Day at www.asms.net.

ASMS Informational Meetings ALBERTVILLE Thursday, Oct. 11, 6:00 PM Albertville High School

FLORENCE Wednesday, Oct. 17, 6:00 PM University of North Alabama

MONTEVALLO Monday, Oct. 8, 6:00 PM Montevallo University

ALEXANDER CITY Tuesday, Oct. 23, 6:00 PM Central Alabama Community College

GREENVILLE Thursday, Oct. 4, 6:00 PM Beeland Park Community Center

MONTGOMERY Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:00 PM Alabama Association of School Boards

ANNISTON/OXFORD Wednesday, Oct. 24, 6:00 PM Oxford Civic Center

HAMILTON Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:00 PM Bevill State Community College

ROANOKE Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:00 PM Roanoke Public Library

ATMORE Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, 6:00 PM Coastal Alabama Community College

HUNTSVILLE Monday, Oct. 22, 6:00 PM University of Alabama in Huntsville

SELMA Tuesday, Oct. 2, 6:00 PM Wallace Community College

AUBURN Thursday, Oct. 11, 5:30 PM (Central) Auburn University

JASPER Thursday, Oct. 25, 6:00 PM Bevill State Community College

THOMASVILLE Thursday, Oct. 11, 6:00 PM Coastal Alabama Community College

BIRMINGHAM Tuesday, Oct. 23, 6:00 PM University of Alabama at Birmingham

LIVINGSTON Tuesday, Oct. 9, 6:00 PM University of West Alabama

TROY Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:00 PM Troy University

BOAZ Wednesday, Oct. 10, 6:00 PM Snead State

MOBILE-OPTION 1 Thursday, Oct. 4, 6:00 PM ASMS Campus

TUSCALOOSA Wednesday, Oct. 24, 6:00 PM University of Alabama

ENTERPRISE Tuesday, Oct. 23, 6:00 PM Dauphin Jr. High School

MOBILE-OPTION 2 Thursday, Oct. 25, 6:00 PM ASMS Campus

Register for an ASMS Informational Meeting at www.asms.net.

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Football games, homecoming festivities, harvest festivals, and other special events make fall an exciting time of year in our schools, and this year is no exception! From parades to powder puff games, there is something fun for everyone in Elmore County Schools.

October is also a time for us to focus on several important areas that impact all our students in some way. National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month is a time to increase awareness of the prevalence and impact of bullying on all children of all ages. To help address this problem, we have taken steps to make reporting bullying as safe and easy as possible. One way we do this is to provide an online tool that anyone can use to report bullying (anonymously, if desired). Students are encouraged to report known or suspected

Montgomery Parents I October 2018

bullying to a trusted adult, and all reports of bullying are taken seriously and thoroughly investigated. Our students are at the heart of everything we do and keeping them safe is our top priority.

National School Lunch Week is October 15-19. The Child Nutrition Program in Elmore County has undergone some very positive changes. Last year we piloted Breakfast in the Classroom at one elementary school, and this year we were able to add five additional elementary schools and our four child development programs. All children eat free in their classrooms every day. Benefits of Breakfast in the Classroom include not only a free meal, but reduced behavior and attention issues as well as tardies. Approximately 4,700 breakfast meals are served daily throughout the district, and a total of 318,521 meals (breakfast, lunch, and supper) prepared by 90 CNP employees have been served during the first six weeks of school. A well-fed student is healthier and does better in school, and we hope to expand this program in the future.

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October is also National Red Ribbon Week. The Red Ribbon campaign began in 1985 in response to the torture and murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena. Parents and youth across the country began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs in America and as a symbol of intolerance toward the use of drugs. Red Ribbon Week is observed in our schools each year with the goal to help keep our students safe, healthy, and drug-free. Join with our students by wearing a red ribbon during the week of October 23-31 and show your support for drug-free lifestyle choices.

Elmore County Schools – where every student is empowered and every student succeeds!

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

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Elmore County Schools

ARIS Holds Annual Curriculum Night

On August 27, Airport Road Intermediate School hosted its annual Curriculum Night. This is a night set aside to teach parents about the curriculum being taught to their children. It also gives them the opportunity to ask questions so that they can better assist their students at home.

The Stanhope Elmore High School Dance Team provided child care services so that parents could focus on learning.

Parents and students were served pizza

by ARIS teachers. Club sign-ups were also held on this night. We appreciate the outpouring of support from parents and their willingness to learn new techniques in the curriculum to further their child’s learning.

WES Class Receives Book Sponsors for the Year

Wetumpka Elementary 4th-grade teacher Kimberly Deem put out a call for sponsors to help purchase recreational books for her students. Folks came through and her entire class was sponsored! For $9 per student, the kids receive one paperbook each month for the whole school year. The students are shown the day that their first set of books came in.

The kids were SO excited and couldn’t believe that the books were theirs to KEEP! Thank you to all who are helping spread the love of literature this year.

Lowe’s Donates Freezer For WHS Band Use

A big BIG THANK YOU to Lowe’s in Wetumpka for its recent donation of this deep freezer to Wetumpka High School Band Boosters. Below is a picture of the new addition to the concession stand on the away side of the field.

Holtville Got Caught Reading!

The principal, assistant principal and librarian at Holtville Elementary seek to find students that are enjoying a good book during their school day. Shown above are the students that were “caught reading” during the month of August.

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

Therapy Dog Visits WES Library

At right, Shayna the therapy dog came to read with us in the Wetumpka Elementary library recently. Thank you to Shayna’s owner, Mrs. Rose Ann Dean.

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Edgewood Varsity Volleyball Players Lead by Example

This year, Edgewood Academy has the privilege of having three 13-year seniors as varsity leaders for volleyball.

These young ladies are a great example of Christian leadership and loyalty to Edgewood Academy. Pictured are Kenzie Johnston, CJ Weldon and Avery Roberts reading to pre-K students. All three girls had the experience of winning state tournaments for JV volleyball and were great contributors in winning varsity state championships in 2016 and 2017.

WMS Students Learn About Tech Center Programs

Wetumpka Middle School 21st Century students enjoyed a visit from Emilie Johnson, the counselor at the Elmore County Technical Center. Johnson shared the amazing opportunities that ECTC offers Elmore County students in areas such as aviation technology, computer technology, medial science, pre-engineering, automotive mechanics, and much more.

Students learned that Technical Center courses can send them straight into the workforce OR they can further their technical education through dual enrollment and continuing education at several colleges.

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Elmore County Schools

WES Second-Graders Participate in Law Day

Wetumpka Elementary 2nd-graders participated in Law Day recently, where they met Circuit Judge Bill Lewis. Shown are members of Carol Matthews’s class.

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Eclectic Elementary August Students of the Month

Kindergarten: Mariah Southerland, Ansley Gray, Ryan Perdue, Janiya Barris, Brantley Rogers, Jaycee Lucas 1st Grade: Elliott Kennedy, Ensley Ward, Channing Mann, Hudson Pepe, Keymarhi Matthews 2nd Grade: AJ Gantt, Adalyn Mayfield, Molly Kate Justice, Khloe Moe 3rd Grade: Kayden Matthews, Jamarcus Pritchard, Megan Gargus, Madelyn Lofton, Jordan Smith, Kayleigh Mann 4th Grade: Danielle Reynolds, Madilynn Kindler, Samie Payne, Kaylan Martin

WHS Homecoming Nerds

During Homecoming week, Wetumpka High School students enjoyed dressing up in different themes each day.

For “Nerd Day,” seniors Michael Armstrong and Justin McMillan dressed in their best nerdy attire.

Bulldog Pride at Holtville Elementary

Students at Holtville Elementary School are welcomed every Friday morning by the Holtville High School cheerleaders and football players. The students show their Bulldog pride by wearing Holtville Shirts and green! HES students are really excited to get a high five and a good morning from the high school students. This is one of many great examples of our community purpose “One Community, One Purpose!”

Students Celebrate Grandparents at Redland

Misty Trussell’s 3rd-grade homeroom students at Redland Elementary invited their grandparents to lunch and presented them with a special writing about what makes them so special to their grandchild. It was a very special time of memories that the children and their grandparents will never forget.

Montgomery Parents I October 2018

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WMS Students Meet Deputy Dogs

The Wetumpka Middle School 21st Century students had a great afternoon learning about the organization “832 Deputy Dogs” and how they give back to our community through training their bloodhounds for search and rescue operations. They also enjoyed loving on two 16-week-old bloodhounds who will be entering into full-time service in a few short weeks! #CareerExploration

Holtville Students of the Month

Holtville Elementary recognizes students each month for their outstanding behavior in the classroom as well as throughout the school.

Above are the kindergarten-1st grade August Student of the Month winners. Below are the 2nd-4th grade winners.

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

ADVENTURE GUIDES

FATHER CHILD WEEKEND YMCA Camp Chandler

Saturday, October 27- Sunday, October 28 Children 5-13 A weekend retreat at YMCA Camp Chandler is just one of the many ways to foster strong relationships between parents and children. Over the course of the weekend, Dads and their children will participate in all the traditional camp activities such as Riflery, Archery, Climbing Tower, Canoes, Pedal Boats, and Fishing. Adventure Guides weekend will also include a campfire with s’mores, songs, skits, and all the wonderful camp magic that you would expect!

For more information, contact Anna Beth Harris at aharris@ymcamontgomery.org or visit our webpage, ymcamontgomery.org/camp.

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Lindsey Donaldson Alabama Christian Academy

Making a difference in children’s lives. Lindsey

family environment. This compassion enables her

Donaldson says this and watching her pupils realize

students to respond to learning, especially the joy of

success are the most rewarding parts of teaching.

reading. She is a master teacher and communica-

“I want my students to each know that they are

tor to her students and their parents. I have seen

loved and that they matter. They were each created

her extended family concept in action this year with

for a purpose and will one day go on to do great

students’ emotional needs.”

things. I hope to instill a work ethic that helps them

Lindsey is completely humbled by all the nomi-

put forth a great effort to achieve their dreams and

nations for this award. She says, “The parents of my

goals. I also want them to know that the way they

students are great encouragers and are willing to

treat others is very important. I want to encourage

work alongside me to help their children succeed.”

them to always be kind and choose to love others,” explains Lindsey.

Lindsey began teaching 11 years ago in the

Emily Henry says, “Lindsey is kind, patient, fun, and caring. She teaches children how to have good manners and be respectful, as well as teaching

Montgomery Public School system before teaching

them about God’s love. We love her!” Henry’s son,

at ACA. She began at ACA as a 5th grade teacher,

Mason, is one of Lindsey’s 2nd grade students.

but now teaches all subjects in 2nd grade.

Her dream of teaching first grew while she was

Lindsey takes time to get to know her students and realizes that each student is different and each

in first grade. She says she never once considered

one needs their own special care. She takes extra

doing anything else as her career choice.

steps to figure out what motivates individual students.

Carolyn Hollingsworth, who has a granddaughter at ACA says, “Mrs. Donaldson’s has the exceptional ability to blend ACA’s mission of teaching excellence with the compassion of an extended

Montgomery Parents I October 2018

Lindsey Donaldson has an undergraduate in Elementary Education from AUM and is currently working on her Masters at Faulkner University. She is married to Adam Donaldson. They have two sons, Caden 7yrs and Coleman 3 yrs.

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Montg Pa

Apps Stirring Up Trouble in Schools

snaps within a 24-hour period. The longest streaks number in the thousands of days -- and some kids maintain streaks with multiple people.

Tik Tok - including musical.ly. What started as a lip-synching app is now a hugely popular, full-fledged videosharing service. The ability to “go live” at any time -- meaning to stream yourself live (yes, on the internet) -- has added a whole ‘nother level to the time tweens and teens can spend dancing, singing, pranking, and performing skits to music or other recorded sounds. While much of the content is fine, a lot of it is extremely iffy for kids, and when you watch it, you can see plenty recorded during the school day.

Games such as Fortnite and HQ Live Trivia Game Show (HQ for short). Fortnite has all the hallmarks of being a teacher’s worst nightmare: It’s easy to play, highly social, and super compelling. The hugely popular survival game is played in short bursts (until you die -- which is often), so it’s tailor-made for students trying to get a bit of fun in between lunch and algebra class. Some schools are banning the game, leading to knockoff versions that get around the school network’s blacklist. HQ is the smash-hit trivia game that’s played for real prize money. Each 12-minute game is hosted live as hundreds of thousands of players log in to answer 12 multiple-choice questions on a wide variety of trivia topics. Games usually take place twice on weekdays and once on weekends (the company experiments with different airtimes to keep players on their toes).

Sponsors including Nike and Warner Bros., and big jackpots timed with massive events such as the NBA finals, show that HQ is actively cultivating a young audience.

Homework helpers such as Photomath, Slader, and, of course, Google. What do you do if you’ve been goofing off all day, or just feverishly multitasking, and can’t finish your geometry problems? Look ‘em up. Apps that supply all the answers are only a few taps away. And don’t even get us started on home assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Home, all of which can be programmed to provide tutor-like assistance.

People finders such as Find My Friends and Mappen.

Kids love being in touch with their friends 24/7/365, and location apps make it easy to arrange get-togethers and make plans with your posse. But these apps have a dark side, too. Kids feel pressured to be “on” all the time, partly because of friends’ expectations that one should always be available. Stalking -either of your kid or by your kid -- can be a major issue. And, riskiest of all, some location-aware apps encourage face-to-face meet-ups with strangers.

Ask any middle or high school teacher about their classroom frustrations, and you’ll probably hear “cellphones.” Makes sense. Today, 95 percent of teens have access to a cellphone, and nearly half say they’re on them “constantly.” Putting aside for a moment the need to find solutions to this problem, inquiring minds want to know: What the heck is on kids’ phones that they can’t go an entire class without them?

Two words: killer apps. Specifically, the ones that play into the tween and teen brain’s need for stimulation and peer approval and its weakness for thinking through consequences.

To stay a few steps ahead, teachers are doubling down on their efforts to keep kids focused, starting with strategies for managing device distraction and teaching kids selfcontrol and media balance.

But you can help your student by discussing this issue at home. In fact, by simply being aware of some of the key apps that tend to stir up trouble in schools, whether due to social drama, distraction, or something worse -- like cheating -- you can start a conversation with your kid that could save them and the teacher a lot of headaches. And while you don’t have to know every single detail of all the popular apps, it helps to have an awareness of when, why, and how they’re being used and to help your kid manage their own use and that of their friends. Most teachers would probably agree that the internet has been a mostly positive aspect of the middle and high school years. But students, with the support of parents, need to use it responsibly.

Check out some of the apps that can potentially stir up drama in schools this year:

Snapchat. The original disappearing-message app has metamorphosed into a megaportal for chatting, finding your friends on a map, sharing images, reading the news, watching videos, and much, much more. As one of the most important apps for teens, it takes up a significant portion of their day. One of those time-consuming activities that occupy students during the school day is Snapstreaks, which require users to trade Montgomery Parents I October 2018

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Does your child throw temper tantrums when things don’t go their way? Does he hit siblings when he is mad? Does she throw toys across the room when she is frustrated?

Kids often don’t understand how to appropriately express strong feelings like anger, frustration, or disappointment causing them to act out. This is totally normal and the good is, parents can help kids understand their emotions, express themselves in a healthy way, and even learn to cope with their feelings.

Montgomery Parents I October 2018

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Teach feeling words

ask for help. Feelings of sadness It is important to not only give your child the are normal and we can show The biggest obstacle todwords to express their own feelings, but to also kids it’s okay to feel down once dlers have when expressing their feelings is the simple fact notice and label the feelings of others. When you in awhile. Spending time with people we care about, exercising, that they do not have the words arrive home to a dog that greets you at the door or doing something we enjoy is a to explain what is going on. great way to lift a mood.

When your child has worked and a wagging tail, explain that the dog is excited hard to build a tower of blocks only to have it topple down to see you. If they notice someone crying talk Teach appropriate over and over again, they feel about how they are sad and why. ways to deal with frustrated. Simply stating “You are frustrated with your blocks emotions why. If your child acts out toward someone aren’t you? Can I help?” acOnce kids can express how they feel else, try to explain the feelings involved. knowledges your child’s feelings and give with words, we can help them come up “You were mad at your sister and so you words to identify them in the future. If a with appropriate ways to express their feeltold her you didn’t like her anymore, that sibling took their toy away and they begin ings. For some kids this may be simply talkhurt her feelings and now she feels sad.” to cry, acknowledge that they are sad and ing about it. For others they may need extra Help your child to notice the cues and come up with a solution together to work snuggles or hugs. For another child, having body language of others and guess their it out. In the future, give your child the optime to be alone to sort out their thoughts emotions. You can also play a game where portunity to express how they are feeling and feelings or cool down gives them time you make faces at each other. First make and listen. This will help them show their they need to process their emotions so they a happy face, then a mad face, then a sad feelings through words rather than actions can discuss them. When my daughter gets face. As you read books try to guess the (like hitting or throwing a tantrum). For an mad she finds it helpful to go to her room, feelings of the characters. Parents can older child, ask them what they are feeling shut the door and turn up the music. I often also find many books and videos about and listen to the answer without criticism. hear her singing as she looks at books, feelings at their local library If they are having trouble coming up with plays or even cleans. When she joins us feelings words to express themselves, again she is calmer, happier, and able to give them a couple that you feel may fit talk and interact with others calmly. My son Model appropriate the situation. Ask if they feel there is a prefers to take a walk when he is upset. expression better way they could handle the situation The exercise and fresh air helps him settle It’s okay for kids to know that parents and talk it out together. down. Depending on the child, their current have feelings of sadness, excitement, frusemotion, and the situation the coping skills tration, and anger just like they do. During may look very different.

Talk about feelings often these emotional moments, we can model As kids begin to learn to express It is important to not only give your a positive way of dealing with our feelings their feelings using words and appropriate child the words to express their own to our kids. When a parent gets mad, they coping skills, it is important to give them feelings, but to also notice and label the have the opportunity to yell or get physical positive feedback. This will help encourage feelings of others. When you arrive home or they can calmly say they need to take them to continue to express themselves as to a dog that greets you at the door and a walk and excuse themself until they can they mature. mp a wagging tail, explain that the dog is cool down. When we are frustrated with a excited to see you. If they notice someone task let kids know what you are feeling and Sarah Lyons is a Midwestern mom of six kids, crying talk about how they are sad and including three year old triplets. that you have decided to take a break or

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ParentingToday’sTeens

by Mark Gregston

Teens in a Performance Driven Culture We live in a performance driven culture.

Remember when baseball and football were sports you played in the empty sandlot at the end of the street? Nowadays, parents spend thousands of dollars to make sure even their middle-school kids have all the right equipment and privatized training to be bigger, faster and stronger. A high school diploma used to be enough to ensure you a decent job. And if you went on to a trade school and learned a skill like welding or mechanics, you were guaranteed a solid career.

You can see the effect this performance driven culture has on teens when you step into the world of social media. Hop onto Facebook on a random Thursday, and you see friends and acquaintances reporting on what they’re doing, where they’ve been, who they’re hanging out with and what they know. Teens use photo-sharing apps like Instagram to display pictures of themselves with nice clothes, nice cars, nice vacations, and nice and notable friends. It’s a highly competitive digital world, in which our kids feel the pressure to “perform” as well, or better, than the other kids they see.

Of course, moms and dads don’t want this performance attitude to permeate their own relationship with their kids. We don’t want our teens to feel they have to perform in order to win our affection. But sometimes the way we communicate with them says the exact opposite. When our teens exhibit bad behavior or don’t live up to our expectations, we may pull away from them, express our disappointment, or punish them by withholding time or attention. Yet, when our son or daughter excels or accomplishes something noteworthy, we heap praise, tell them how proud we are of them, and how much we care. This almost subconscious reinforcement that achievements bring love, and mistakes bring rejection, further drills into our teens this need to perform.

So what are some of the lies our teens are hearing that we need to combat?

Montgomery Parents I October 2018

Performance Driven Lies

In today’s culture, teens are hearing that people will only love them if they perform up to a certain high standard. Approval and accolades will be theirs when they are running on all cylinders. But should there be a drop in their performance, teens believe that others’ affections will correspondingly plummet. It’s one reason guys are conditioned not to show weakness, and to display the bravado of power and strength.

It’s one reason young ladies develop eating disorders, or turn into mean girls and try to cut other people down.

In a performancedriven world, teens are being conditioned to be tough guys and drama queens.

The second lie teens are buying into is that if they make a mistake, no one will love them. It’s what leads many teens to act dishonestly or in secret. They’re worried that if anyone finds out who they really are, or what they’ve done, they’ll lose the relationship.

Lastly, the lie of performance-driven culture says that we are valuable in our good years, but not valuable in our bad years.

Teens think that if they’re behaving properly they have more worth to parents and family than when they are misbehaving. But I believe in the sanctity of life in all stages. An unborn baby is just as valuable and worthy of love as that bratty 14-year-old or that Rhodes Scholar student!

With so many lies, untruths and misrepresentations flying around, how can we combat these performance-driven myths?

Let me share a few options.

Relationally Driven Truth Communicate love in various ways when your teen does something bad. This is not a recommendation to gloss over the mistake, or forgo the due consequences. But in the midst of the punishment, verbalize your love to your child. Let him know that his behavior doesn’t negate your relationship with him. Give her a hug. Share an encouraging word. Be creative 64

about how you relay your care and compassion, even when they blow it.

Also, allow your teen to make mistakes without shaming him or her. I’m sure you’ve seen or read articles about parents punishing their children by having them hold signs proclaiming their guilt in front of busy streets, or posting pictures and humiliating them on social media. I understand the motivation behind those methods, but shaming kids is never a good solution. All it does is reinforce their own insecurity and push them deeper into performance-driven behavior. When our toddler falls off their tricycle, we don’t run up and point and let them know what a stupid mistake it was to keel over. No, as parents we come alongside, brush the child off, and put them back on the bike. We have to treat our teens the same way. We brush them off and encourage them to keep going and try again.

Also,it can help for teens to hear about mom and dad’s mistakes. I know it might be uncomfortable, but those stories let teens know that if mom and dad made mistakes, and still turned out all right, then maybe they don’t have to be perfect either.

Let your kids have their own opinions.

You don’t have to be correcting your teen 24/7. Let some discussions simply be about communicating. There may be times when you have to share the truth with your kids, but most of the time conversations should revolve around getting to know your teen as a person. Ask them what they enjoy, and why they enjoy it. Don’t tear them down. They are already facing pressure to like the “right” things from all of their peers; home should be a safe place for them to be who they are.

Lastly, affirm your teen’s value regularly.

Let your child know they have intrinsic worth.

Show your kids that you appreciate them for who they are, and you’ll destroy that performance-driven mentality and foster a healthy teenager.

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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TheCollegeYears Preparing Teens for Life Outside the Nest

by Lee Gonet

Juniors: Countdown Checklist to College!

If you are a junior and have been following the advice in my articles in Montgomery Parents Magazine or on my website leestestprep.com, you have already laid a good foundation for your transition to college. If you haven’t even thought of college yet, there are plenty of steps you can still take to help you on your way.

Visit College Campuses

Hopefully, you were able to attend Montgomery’s College and Career Night in September and talk to lots of college representatives because this is the year you want to start visiting campuses, meeting admissions counselors, and making best friends with financial aid advisors.

Don’t save all your visits for next summer. Several schools offer tours over Christmas break, and many admissions offices are only closed the week between Christmas and New Year’s. Spring break is another good time to visit because colleges will be in session, and you can see what campus life is really like.

Earn Top Grades

College admissions counselors will focus on your most recent grades, and since you apply in the summer before your senior year, those are the grades you will make this year. Finish strong! Focus on doing well this year, and don’t drop the ball at the end of each semester as you look forward to the breaks.

If you are a senior, make sure you do well this semester because those grades will be forwarded to colleges, and will still make a difference. Some students have had their acceptances rescinded based on low senior grades.

Don’t forget that colleges give preference to high school students who take advanced English, Math, and Science classes. Plan to take advanced classes next semester and/or dual enroll.

Montgomery Parents I October 2018

Narrow Your Interests

It is to your advantage to have a field of interest already chosen for several reasons: 1. College admissions lean towards students who already are confident about their goals, 2. More scholarships are available to specific fields of study, 3. Teachers write better letters of recommendation when students are interested in their respective subjects.

Choose outside activities, clubs, volunteer programs, career shadowing, and work opportunities which support your chosen field and are going to impress college admission counselors the most. Don’t have a clue about where you’re headed? Check out my article: “Career Assessment: Create a Life Plan before College.”

Update Your Resume

Don’t forget to give a copy of your resume to teachers who are writing your recommendation letters. Resumes are also important to send in with your college application because you can demonstrate your potential by creating a thorough list of your activities, awards, and leadership experiences.

If you have not yet written your resume, see my article entitled “Why Your Child Should Start a Resume at Age 12.”

Of course, you shouldn’t need your parents’ help anymore!

Increase ACT/SAT Scores

You still have time to up those ACT/ SAT scores! If you are struggling in a particular subject area, work through a book that specializes in just ACT or SAT Math, English, or Science. For a last minute score boost, take my ACT class next June or July.

You can also read through my past articles on how to up your scores: “ACT vs ACT: Which Test is Best for You?” or “How to Improve Your ACT Score.” High scores 66

are important not only to earn scholarships, but also to obtain entrance into the college of your choice.

Apply for Scholarships

Applying for independent scholarships can take hours of your time, but knowing that most college degrees cost over $100,000 for tuition, fees, books, room and board, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses is strong motivation.

Therefore, the wise student spends time to research opportunities, write essays, and fill out all those forms. For help in this area, see my article: “How to Find and Earn Privately-Sponsored Scholarships.”

(All of the previously mentioned articles may be found at MontgomeryParents.com under the Articles tab, by clicking The College Years.)

Attention 12th Graders!

Your applications are already in the mail, right? If not, get on the ball! If you are set on one particular school, apply only to it and ask for early decision. If you are accepted, you will save a lot of work and money by only applying to one school.

This is the month you and your parents will fill out your FAFSA. Colleges determine their need-based scholarship awards based on this form, and once the money is given to others, it’s gone, so get it in early.

By April, your final acceptance notices and awards are mailed to students. Read them carefully before you sign and always ask if any more assistance is available.

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.

www.montgomeryparents.com

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Girl Scouts Seek Volunteers

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) is now seeking volunteers to help build the go-getters, innovators, risk-takers, and leaders of tomorrow. Girl Scouts is a proven leadership development program that pairs girls with strong, caring female role models and mentors who prepare them to take the lead from age five to 18 and into adulthood.

Whether you can give a day, a few weeks, or the whole year, it all starts with the volunteers. The range of activities may include kayaking, archery, camping, coding, robotics and financial literacy,” For more info on how to volunteer or become a Girl Scout, visit girlscoutssa.org or call (800) 239-6636.

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Tonya Speed Dance Connection Hosts Guest Instructor

Guest choreographer Jonathon Adams, originally from Montgomery and now a Carnival ship cruise director, came to a specialty class in hip-hop/jazz for the Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection DC Strutters competition team! His unique and fun style energized the dancers.

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

be their forever.

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections recruits, prepares, and supports parents adopting waiting children in Alabama’s foster care. Currently, HUNDREDS of children are awaiting their forever families. APAC is ready to partner with your family to begin the adoption process. To find out more about adoption, contact our team or visit our website!

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Maybe you grew up carving Jack-o-lanterns and you want your kids to follow in your footsteps.

Who could blame you? Carving pumpkins is a gooey-messy-blast for the whole family.

For many of us, it’s a time-honored tradition.

But exploring other options isn’t about turning pumpkin-carving into a Pinterest-perfect art form it’s about having fun decorating in a variety of ways. Why not try mixing things up this year?

Select pumpkin color and size according to taste and embellish away! You’ll be amazed at how many looks a simple pumpkin can pull off. For best results, choose a pumpkin with a smooth, unblemished surface.

Wash your pumpkin gently with mild soap and water and allow it to dry overnight before you begin decorating. Most of these looks work best for medium-sized to smallish pumpkins.

Montgomery Parents I October 2018

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1. Polk-a-dots Galore. Give very young children a pumpkin and a pile of sticky felt circles. Show them how to adhere them to their pumpkin, and they will be happily entertained for quite some time. Polk-a-dots are the simplest approach for the youngest in your clan, but you can also create a more traditional look using black felt shapes on an orange pumpkin.

2. The Glittering Globe. Coat pumpkin in a layer of Mod Podge or white glue, then sprinkle entire pumpkin with glitter. Or mix a few glitters in advance for a multi-color look. If you want to do a variety of colors, coat only a portion of the pumpkin, then sprinkle glitter over just that portion. Catch extra glitter on newspaper and pour it back into container. Let sections dry between applications of new colors for best results.

3. The Painted Lady. If you want your painted pumpkin to last, coat it with a layer of varnish or sealer first in a well-ventilated area. Flip pumpkin over onto a bowl or jar while you paint the bottoms first. When dry, flip it over to

paint the rest. Apply a couple of coats of acrylic paint. Chalkboard paint works well on pumpkins. Apply another coat of varnish to painted pumpkins for longest-lasting results. Leave chalkboard painted pumpkins unvarnished.

When dry, coat fabric with glow-in-thedark craft paint.

6. The Doodle Work-of-art. Teens

4. The Glitter-paint Combo. If you want to mix things up a bit, follow instructions for painting your pumpkin.

Then, when completely dry, apply glitter to the pumpkin stem only. Or use blue painter’s tape to create designs on pumpkin. Then apply glue and glitter for added sparkle.

and up who enjoy drawing will relish the opportunity to create temporary works of art on pumpkins using Sharpie markers.

Supply them with a rainbow of colors or an array of black markers in various thicknesses. Sharpie art using black and colored markers works especially well on white pumpkins. And black markers of various thicknesses look great on orange pumpkins. Varnish afterwards for a longer-lasting work of art.

5. All Wrapped Up. Turn your

7. The Drippy Look. Spread out

pumpkin into a spider web by wrapping it randomly all over with thick white twine. Then hot glue a large black spider onto the web to finish the look. For a mummified look, cut cheesecloth into long, wide strips. Fold strips to double thickness and spray with fabric stiffener.

When dry, wrap strips around pumpkin, leaving top and bottom clean. Secure strips with hot glue. Hot glue googly eyes and wrap with a few more strips so eyes are peeking out. Cut away a thin mouth and dab inside with black paint.

newspaper or brown bags to catch any excess. Unwrap crayons in assorted colors. You can either do a spectrum of colors or mix things up. Consider autumn colors on an orange pumpkin or ghoulish colors on a white pumpkin.

Glue down crayons (just the top half) with points facing out and tipped slightly down around the pumpkin stem with a thick white nonflammable glue. Let dry.

Set hair dryer to high and work your way around the crayons one at a time until they are melted to your satisfaction.

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stem, work your way down the sides of the pumpkin with gem stickers. Create an evenly spaced over-all pattern or a dripping-with-gems look. Combine gems with an adhesive letter sticker, if you like, for a monogrammed look. Leave gems off the bottom so pumpkin stands flat.

10. Stamp-a-pumpkin. If you wish

8. The Collaged Gourd. Mod Podge works well for applying paper or fabric to pumpkins. Paint the stems ahead of collaging, if you want a more polished look. Then choose tissue paper, old book pages, hand-made paper, printed paper napkins, or fabric quilting scraps for best results. Cut material into squares or

strips. When using strips, cut the ends into points so they will smooth easily. Apply a layer of Mod Podge under and over material. Smooth materials with fingers as you go. Add embellishments like ribbon on dried pumpkin as you wish.

9. Bling-kin. Paint pumpkin with two coats of paint. Then, starting at the

to change the color of your pumpkin, paint your pumpkin first, as described above. You can also paint your stem, if you like. To achieve a stamped look on your pumpkin, don’t try to stamp directly on the surface. Instead, take white tissue paper and stamp it using archival quality ink with the image or images of your choice. Allow ink to dry thoroughly and then Mod Podge your tissue carefully to your pumpkin. Add additional collage elements to the top and bottom of the pumpkin to frame your stamp, if you like.

Try using matching tissue paper or paper napkins around the top or bottom of pumpkin for a complimentary look. mp Author, journalist and writing coach, Christina Katz enjoys the results of carving pumpkins but the messy process not-so-much. This year, she is looking forward to turning her front porch into a gallery of pumpkin art with the help of the whole family.

MONDAY–SATURDAY 11AM–10PM SUNDAY 4PM–10PM

MONDAY–FRIDAY 7AM–10PM SATURDAY–SUNDAY 8PM–10PM

(334) 264-4241

(334) 356-1212

503 Cloverdale Road

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Art & Crafts/Fall Festivals 10th Annual Charis Crafters “Home for the Holiday” Craft Show November 8-10 Wetumpka Civic Center, 410

South Main Street, Wetumpka, AL November 8-10. 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!

2018 National Peanut Festival

November 2-11 5622 U.S. Hwy. 231 S Dothan, AL

Headliners Az-Izz, Creativity, Tamella Mann, Morris Day, and Granger Smith. Livestock exhibits, competitions, demolition derby, crafts, food preservation, recipe contests, entertainment, carnival rides, sea lion show, and much more!

(334) 793.4323 www.nationalpeanutfestival.com

23rd Annual Arts on the River

October 20 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.

www.artsontheriver.com

26th Annual Alabama Cotton Festival October 13 Main Street Eclectic, AL

October 13th from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eclectic, AL 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. Registration forms for each contest can be found either in the front lobby of the Eclectic Municipal Building at 145 Main Street in Eclectic.

www.townofeclectic.com

28th Annual Christmas Made in the South

October 26-28 Columbus Convention & Trade

Center, 801 Front Avenue Columbus, GA Amazing craftspeople, outstanding art, unique Montgomery Parents I October 2018

gourmet food, and diverse entertainment to whet and satisfy every demanding appetite. Handmade, one-of-a-kind designs populate the booths that fill the festival: silk wearable’s 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

38th Annual Oktoberfest

October 13 Charles E. Bailey, Sr. Sportplex,

1842 Sportplex Blvd. 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.

(256) 329.6736 www.alexandercityonline.com

40th Annual Alabama Tale Tellin’ Festival Presented by ArtsRevive October 18 Arts Revive Carneal Building,

3 Church St. Selma, AL 6:30 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) 410.2302 artsrevive@outlook.com artsrevive.com

47th Annual Harvest Day Festival

October 13 City Square, Downtown, 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.

www.headlandal.gov

62ndt Annual Central Alabama Fair

October 2-6 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!

(334) 277.6189 www.centralalabamafair.com

65th Alabama National Fair

September 28 - October 8 Garret Coliseum,

1555 Federal Drive, Montgomery, AL Midway rides, main stage entertainment including Trace Adkins, Rush of Fools, and Fantasia, food, information and commercial booths, kids area, livestock and other competition, family faith day, and more!

(334) 272.6831 www.alnationalfair.org

72nd Annual Lee County Fair

October 2-6 US 431 near Opelika High, Opelika, AL Livestock shows, contests, exhibits, pageants, rides and much more.

(334) 749.3353

Alabama Gourd Festival

October 19-20 Cullman Civic Center, 510 Fifth Street Cullman, AL Annual festival features gourd arts and crafts, such as birdhouses, musical instruments and decorated gourds. gourdzilla@aol.com www.alabamagourdsociety.org

Alexander City Fall Family Festival

October 27 Russell Crossroads, Alexander City, AL Join friends and neighbors for pumpkin painting, a costume contest, wagon rides and more, courtesy of Russell Lands on Lake Martin.

(256) 397.1019 www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com

Boll Weevil Festival

55th Annual Bluff Park Art Show October 6 Bluff Park Community Center,

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.

bpaashowchair@gmail.com www.bluffparkartassociation.org

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October 27 Downtown, 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.

www.enterprisedowntown.org

Christmas Village Festival

November 1-4 Jefferson Convention Complex,

2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Birmingham, AL The largest indoor arts, crafts, and gifts show in

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the south, this show draws exhibitors from over 30 states with products like clothing, jewelry, food, decorations and much, much more.

(205) 836.7178 www.christmasvillagefestival.com

Country Living Fair

October 26-28 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd 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 (800) 401.2407 www.stonemountainpark.com

Fall Farm Day & Festival

October 20 Landmark Park, 430 Landmark Dr.

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.

(334) 794.3452 www.landmarkparkdothan.com

Harvest Hoe Down

October 13 City Park, Warm Springs, GA

Enjoy this fall celebration with arts, crafts, good food, entertainment and more! www.warmspringsga.us

Hummingbird Festival

October 20-21 Downtown, 400 E. Main Street

Hogansville, GA Main Street will be bustling with food, crafts, antiques, music, local artists, open storefronts, rides, and activities for the whole family (706) 333.2520 www.hummingbirdfestival.com

Indian Festival & Pow-Wow November 1-4 1000

Robert E. Lee Blvd 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 flint-napping, bow making, fire starting, open fire cooking and pottery.

Find that one-of-a-kind holiday gift in our artists’ marketplace, where worldrenowned Native artists and crafters demonstrate their skills and offer items for purchase.

(800) 401.2407 www.stonemountainpark.com

Mount Meigs Arts & Crafts Festival October 20 Mount Meigs Community Center,

828 Gibbs Road, Pike Road, AL Sponsored by Mount Meigs Community Center (all proceeds benefit the remodeling/upgrading the community center and sports facilities). Admission is $3.00 at the gate for ages 12 & up. Entertainment

by Charity Bowden country singer & Miss Northeast Alabama, Rudy Flashback Motown 50’s, 60’s 70’s & beyond are among those taking the stage. The event also features a children’s area, food vendors, arts & crafts including handcrafted items and original items (clothes, pewter, make-up, etc.) and much more. Family-oriented community event for all ages. Festival is a unique outdoor event conveniently laid out for your strolling pleasure. The arts and crafts booths provide the perfect place for you

to mingle and marvel while you shop. Christmas is just around the corner, it’s not too early to begin your shopping.

Peanut Butter Festival

October 27 102 N. Main Street, 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.

(334) 344.0643 or (334) 344.9427 www.piddle.org

Pioneer Days

October 12-13 Pioneer Museum of Alabama, 248 Highway 231 N, Troy, AL Horse and wagon rides, trips on the Pioneer Express, Native American camps with demonstrations

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of candle making, spinning, weaving, quilt making, blacksmithing, drum, dance, etc. Friday is School Day. (334) 566.3597 www.pioneer-museum.org

Reeltown Harvest Fest

October 27 Reeltown Elementary, Reeltown, AL

Angel Fest

October 20 St. Michael and All angels Church,

5941 Main Street Millbrook, AL 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Enjoy entertainment while you browse the booths of renowned local artisans, bid on amazing items for an unbeatable price at the Silent Auction, as the children enjoy the Kids’ Carnival. And don’t miss out on all the great food… Grab a tasty lunch of mouthwatering homemade goods at the Bake Sale, freshly cooked Boston Butts and more. Put the date on your calendar and come be part of this classic Millbrook festival!

11 a.m. until 6 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.

(334) 285.3905

Russell Crossroads Fall Festival

Blue Ridge Baptist Church

10 a.m.-1 p.m. When is the last time you, or your kids, saw a working blacksmith or watched corn being ground into corn meal? At the Fall Family Festival, you’ll be treated to horseback rides, tons of games on the lawn, face painting and pumpkin carving, hot dogs, lemonade, and of course the baking and canning contest, plus LOTS more!

4p.m. until 6 p.m. A hotdog and chili supper. Trunk or Treat, bouncy houses, fun, games and crafts.

Friendly costumes are welcome. Come celebrate this beautiful season God has given us.

October 27 9 Russell Farms Rd, Alexander City

(256) 397-1019 www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com

Spinners 37th Annual “Pumpkin Patch” Arts & Crafts Show

October 27-28 Spinners Park, 390 West Sixth Street, 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.

October 28 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd, Wetumpka, AL

(334) 567.4325

blueridgebaptistchurch.net

Calvary Baptist Church Fall Festival October 28 504 West Osceola St, Wetumpka, AL 4 until 6 p.m. No scary costumes.

(334) 567.4729 calvarybaptistwetumpka.org

Camellia Baptist Trunks or Treats October 31 201 Woodvale Rd. Prattville, AL

5:00 until 7:30 p.m.

Games, Prizes, Food, Hayride, Inflatables!

Church Events

(334) 272.2190 dalraidaumc.com

First Baptist Church Montgomery FamilyFest ad on page 71 October 28 305 S. Perry Street Montgomery, AL

4 to 6 pm. Free Games, Fun Fellowship, Fantastic Prizes. Wear a fun, happy costume! Food available to purchase. Visit www.montgomeryfbc.org/familyfest for more info.

(334) 834.6310 montgomeryfbc.org

Saint James UMC Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat ad on page 7 October 28 9045 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL

5 until 7 p.m. Inflatables, candy, hayride, pizzas and much, much more.

(334) 277-3037 sjlife.com

Montgomery Parents I October 2018

October 31 7245 Copperfield Dr, Montgomery, AL

6-7:30 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.

(334) 277.1156 harvestfamilychurch.com

Heritage Baptist City Patch

October 7 1849 Perry Hill Road Montgomery, AL

Come join us for some fun from 12 until 2 p.m. We will have balloon artists, petting zoo and inflatables.

First 1000 children receive a free pumpkin with a food donation to the Forest Park Ministry Center.

Buy lunch to support our local food trucks.

(334) 279.9976 hbcm.net

Mulder UMC Fall Festivities

Ridgecrest Baptist Fall Festival

Dalraida UMC Fall Festival

(334) 272.6152 aldersgateumc.org

Harvest Family Church Trunk or Treat Fall Carnival

Dalraida Baptist Church Annual Family Fall Festival

400 4th Street, Columbus, GA Celebrate the beginning of autumn in the Chattahoochee Valley. Food, rides, games, and more!

4-6 p.m. Trunk or Treat, Games, prizes, crafts, hayride, inflatables.

gatewaybaptist.com

(334) 567-4225

(334) 272-2412 thedalraidadifference.org

ad on page 35 October 28 6610 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL

(334) 272-9494

(334) 365.0231 cbdprattville.org

The Greater Columbus Fair

Aldersgate UMC Fall Festival

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.

October 31 3454 Firetower Road Wetumpka, AL

October 28 3838 Wares Ferry Rd, Montgomery, AL

(706) 653.4472 www.columbusciviccenter.org

October 31 3300 Bell Road Montgomery, AL

6-7:30 p.m.Games, food, candy and a life-changing message. Free admission. Games for ages preschool – 6. No scary costumes. Bring your family and friends.

www.spinnersprattville.com

November 8-18 Columbus Civic Center,

Gateway Baptist Church Fall Family Festival

TBA 3817 Atlanta Highway. Montgomery, AL

Please call for dates and times.

Games, food, prizes, costume contest and other surprises.

East Memorial Baptist Church Family Fun Fall Festival

October 31 1320 Old Ridge Road Prattville, AL

Times to be decided. Games, candy, balloon animals and all sorts of fun for the whole family!

(334) 365.7500

www.eastmemorial.org

Eastmont Baptist Church Trunk or Treat

October 28 4505 Atlanta Hwy, 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.

(334) 277-6300 www.eastmont.org

FUMC Montgomery Fall Bazaar

October 3 2416 W. Cloverdale Pk Montgomery, AL

Luncheonn$12 | 12:00-1:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall; Shopping & Silent Auction, 1:00-7:00 p.m., Wesley Hall, Baked Goods, Frozen Foods, Garden Treasures, Gifts & Crafts, Kid’s Closet (334) 834-8990

fumcmontgomery.org

FUMC Wetumpka Trunk or Treat

October 31 306 W. Tuskeena St, Wetumpka, AL

Time TBA. Contest, games, and treats for all ages.

Parents are encouraged to attend with child.

(334) 567-7865 wetumpkafirst.com

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6 - 8 p.m. Fun for the whole family. Free hot dog supper, hayrides, inflatables, games with prizes, candy and face painting.

October 31 5260 Vaughn Rd Montgomery, AL 6 until 8 p.m. Open to all ages. Family friendly.

Games, prizes, food, candy, and Trunk or Treat.

(334) 277.0011 rbcmontgomery.com

Taylor Road Baptist Church Treats the Town

October 28 1685 Taylor Road Montgomery, AL

Gates open at 5 p.m. Come out for a night of fun.

We will have games, a cake walk, photo booth, inflatables, and free hot dogs. We will also have Trunk or Treat with lots of candy. Bible Story Land is also part of the evening. Enjoy a hay ride as it takes you by 8 Bible story scenes. Costumes are welcome but no scary ones please.

(334) 271-3363

taylorroad.org

Thorington Road Baptist Fall Festival

October 21 450 Ray Thorington Road

Montgomery, AL 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Come join us for inflatables, games, and fun for the entire family. Free! Rain or shine!

(334) 396.9376 trbaptist.org

Fall Farms Paradise Pumpkin Patch on page 14 September 29 through October 31

910 County Road 79 South Eufaula, AL Pumpkin Patch, Petting zoo, Cow Trains and Hayrides, Farm Playground, Giant Corn Box, Cotton pickin and more! We have a delightful Country Store with gifts & souvenirs. Come hungry, ’cause our Farm Kitchen is the home of “finger-licking good and farm fresh”! Hotdogs, hamburgers, chicken fingers, pizza, cotton candy, popcorn, soft pretzels, boiled peanuts, chips, nacho’s, ice cream, and assorted snacks and

www.montgomeryparents.com

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cold drinks. Open for Fall Season on September 29. Saturdays 9 am-6 pm and Sundays 11-6 pm. Special event dates and field trips available Monday-Friday.

(334) 695.3600 www.paradisepumpkinpatch.com

The Pumpkin Patch Express on page 52

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, 1919 9th Street 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.

(205) 757.8383 www.hodrrm.org

Backyard Orchards

September 29– October 31st

6585 Hwy 431 North Eufaula, AL U-Pick It Farm with fresh fruits, veggies and pumpkins! Fall Festival September 29– October 31st.

Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze.

(334) 695.5875 backyardorchards.com

Corn Dodgers Farm

September 29 through October 31

1555 Knowles Road Headland, AL Open weekends September 29 through October 31for the 2018 maze season. Corn cannon, hay rides, pony rides, cow train, corn crib, Haunted corn maze ride, 7 acre corn maze, giant jumping pillow and more!

(334) 726.1485 www.corndodgersfarm.com

Cornfield County Farms Pumpkin Patch September 29-October 28

Elmore community of Redland at intersection of Redland Rd & Willow Springs Rd Wetumpka, AL Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze, Sunflower Maze and more. Also booking Bonfires and Birthday Parties. Church groups welcome! Open September 29-October 28, Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm, Sundays 1 pm to 5 pm. Weekdays and groups by appointment only.

(334) 850.7084 cornfieldcountyfarms@gmail.com cornfieldcountyfarms.com

Farmer in the Dell Pumpkin Patch September 27- 29 and October 8-31

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 auburnpumpkinpatch.com

Jack-O-Lantern Lane at The Oaks L.L.C September 29-October 31

18151 Veterans Memorial Parkway Lafayette, AL Pumpkins, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, tractor-pulled hay rides, wagon rides, petting zoo, inflatable park, train rides, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, face painting, and more. 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

Halloween Events Alabama Dance Theatre Presents DRACULA and Mistletoe

on page 82 November 3-4 Alabama Shakespeare Festival,

1 Festival Drive, Montgomery, AL Sink your teeth into a thrilling vampire drama back by popular demand as Alabama Dance Theatre presents the classic story Dracula, a ballet to die for. Performances will be held Saturday, November 3 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, November 4 at 2:30 p.m.

A special children’s Matinee of Mistletoe will be held Saturday, November 3rd at 2:30 p.m. and will feature “Favorite Dances of Christmas.”

Mistletoe will feature newer works, “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” and “Mary Did You Know?” and will bring back old favorites, “First Noel”, “Still, Still, Still”, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”.

(334) 625.2590 ADTdance1@gmail.com www.alabamadancetheartre.com

United Gymstar and Cheer Halloween Parents Night Out on page 27 October 12 6100 Brewbaker Blvd

Montgomery, AL 6 until 10 p.m. Parents Night Out. Wear costumes if you would like. Pizza and drink included. $20 for the first child and $15 for each additional child.

(334) 284.2244

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Zoo Boo: Montgomery Zoo ad on page 49 October 12-14, 19-21 and 26-31

2301 Coliseum Pkwy. Montgomery, AL 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.

(334) 625.4900 www.montgomeryzoo.com

Camp Chandler Halloween Carnival October 20 1240 Jordan Dam Wetumpka, AL

October 20 from 5-8 p.m. Admission is $5.00 per child and $3 for adults. Carnival Games, Cakewalk, Costume Contest and Little Pumpkin Playhouse, Inflatable Fun, Trick or Treating, and Haunted House, Raffle, Silent Auction, Concessions and More This family friendly event is open to anyone interested in an evening of Fall Fun with a Camp Chandler twist. From toddlers in the Little Pumpkin Playhouse to teens in the Haunted House, the Halloween Carnival is great for kids of all ages!

(334) 567.4933

Creatures of the Night at Alabama Nature Center

October 20 3050 Lanark Road Millbrook, AL

Beginning at 3 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! While you are here make sure you meet our baby Alligator! Free hotdog, chips and drink. Bring a blanket or chair for the movie. All ages, but recommended for ages 5 and up.

1(800) 822.9453 www.alabamawildlife.org

Halloween in Hampstead October 31 Montgomery, AL

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

(334) 546-2282

hampsteadliving.com

Halloween Masquerade on the Harriott II October 27 Riverwalk, Montgomery, AL

(334) 625-2100. 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 funinmontgomery.com

Haunted Hearse Tours of Montgomery October 1- 31 The Alley, Montgomery, AL

Come along with us on a ride through Montgomery’s dark history. You will visit places of those souls who according to legend won’t or can’t rest.

Listen to our ghostly tales of events, some long past, that happened along the quiet streets of the Capitol City. 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. The cost is $15.00 per person, cash only please.

(334) 514.4457

Judgment House

October 14, 17, 20-21, 24, 26-31

4003 Eastern Blvd Montgomery, AL 6-8 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 Montgomery Parents I October 2018

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

Montgomery Humane Society’s Annual Haunted House October 19-20, 26-27 and 31

1150 John Overton Dr. Montgomery, AL 7:30-11 p.m. 1150 John Overton Drive. Tickets $15. 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.

(334) 409-0622 www.facebook.com/mhshaunt4paws/

The Shoppes at Eastchase Fall Harvest Jam

October 27 7274 EastChase Pkwy Montgomery, AL

11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Harvest Jam is the newest event to The Shoppes at EastChase lineup, which offers {free} festive fall fun for music fans, farmers market shoppers, craft beer lovers, and families from the River Region! Harvest Jam delivers a unique and robust experience filled with live music featuring Jason Givens + The Wanderers, over farmers market vendors, here will also be delicious local food and a craft beer tasting presented by Pies and Pints.

Donations for the craft beer tasting will benefit Child Protect, A Children’s Advocacy Center.

(334) 279-6046 www.theshoppesateastchase.com

Wetumpka’s First Haunted History Tours

October 24 - 27 116 E. Bridge St, Wetumpka, AL 7-9 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, $45.

Jamie at (334) 567-4811 jyoung@wetumpkachamber.org www.webtumpkachamber.com

Holiday Shopping 50th Annual Pike Road Arts and Crafts Fair

ad on page 25 Saturday, November 3 890 Old Carter Hill Road

Pike Road, Old Marks House 9 am to 4 pm. Fun for the whole family; great arts and crafts shopping; over 150 artists and crafts exhibitors, food for sale!

30th Annual Montgomery Junior League 2017 Holiday Market

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.

(800) 401.2407 www.stonemountainpark.com

Indian Summer Arts and Crafts Festival

October 13 333 East Broad Street Eufaula, AL

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.

(334) 687.6664 www.eufaulachamber.com

Tour of Southern Ghosts

October 11-27 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd

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.

(800) 401.2407 www.stonemountainpark.com

27th Annual Halloween Fairyland October 27 Tannehill State Park,

12632 Confederate Parkway McCalla, AL The Tannehill Halloween Festival, a non-scary funfilled holiday event focused on the campgrounds, annually attracts over 6,000 visitors, most of them children. Halloween candy “trick or treat” stops at more than 200 campsites during the evening. Park events include a moon walk, clowns, face painting, pony rides and sand art. Campground site decorations and lights are extensive, creative and surreal.

(205) 477.5711 www.tannehill.org

BOO 23 Halloween Party ‘Bride”

Benefiting Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of AL

October 26 B&A Warehouse, 1531 1st Avenue

South, Birmingham, AL 8:00pm . Live music, costume contest and more.

Open to adults 21 yrs. and older.

(205) 326.4220 www.boohalloweenparty.com

Fall Family Fun Days- The Rock Ranch October 6-November 3

5020 Barnesville Hwy Rock, GA Open 10:00am-8:00pm each Saturday, guests will enjoy themed entertainment plus Train Rides, Hay Rides, a Petting Zoo, Zip Lines, Pony Rides, the Pumpkin Cannon, Tiny Town and much more!

(706) 647.6374 www.therockranch.com

Judgment Journey 2018

October 6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, November 2-3

(334) 288.8816 www.jlmontgomery.com

552 Hammett Road LaGrange, GA Ministry of Faith Baptist Church, Judgement Journey was started in 1997 as a method of presenting the events of the end of the world, as the Bible describes them. The vision was to present various ‘scenes’ where each person could experience a multi-sensory presentation of how the Bible describes what is yet to come.

Out of Town/State Fun

Old Cahawba Haunted History Tours

October 10-13 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.

Annual Pumpkin Festival September 22-October 28

1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd Stone Mountain Park, GA Take in all of the splendor that autumn provides with attractions, fun-filled games, shows and more. Follow the life sized telling of The Legend

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(706) 845.0000 www.judgementjourney.com

October 22 Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, 9518 Cahaba Rd Orrville (near Selma), AL 7:00-10:30 p.m. 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 selmaalabama.com

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Childersburg, AL Every Friday & Saturday from 6:30-10:30 Our Haunted Halloween Park will feature two incredible haunt attractions: The Labyrinth of Lost Souls and The Tomb of the Risen Dead. Exit these attractions and join in the festival fun and entertainment located on the other side of the park.

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Pope’s Haunted Farm

October 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27 , 28, 30-31

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

Sloss Fright Furnace

September 29-30, October 5-6, 11-14, 18-21, 23-31 Sloss Furnace, 20 32nd Street

North Birmingham, AL 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. Visit www.frightfurnace.com for more information. Be prepared to be scared! Make your way though our newly designed trail including the furnace catwalk, underground tunnels, and new dark passageways that force your group to go single file–leaving you completely exposed. Experience our all new 3D maze, complete with killer clowns and spinning vor-

Airport Road Intermediate Harvest Festival

October 25 384 Blackmon Dr, Coosada, AL

5:00-8:00. We will have games, hayrides, haunted houses, a silent auction and contests. Yummy food will be available for purchase. Wear your favorite costume!

(334) 285.2115

Alabama Christian Academy Fall Festival

November 8 4700 Waresferry Rd, Montgomery, AL Thursday, November 8th, from 3-6 p.m. Inflatables, Pony rides, games and more. They will have a silent auction and Country Kitchen and chili cook off.

Concessions will be available. Admission is $5.

Whispers From the Past: A Native American Experience

(334) 277.1985

3530 Lorna Road 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.

October 20 Autauga Academy Gymnasium, 497 Golson Road, Prattville, AL 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Autauga Academy Gymnasium.

Dinner, Games, Haunted Trail.

October 7 Aldridge Botanical Gardens,

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Autauga Academy PTA Fall Festival

(334) 365.4343 autaugaacademy.com

(205) 682.8019 aldridgegardens.com

School Festivals Hooper Academy Fall Festival and Haunted House

Edgewood Academy Fall Festival

October 22 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 edgewoodacademy.org

ad on page 36 October 25 380 Fischer Road, Hope Hull

Montessori Academy Fall Festival

(334) 288.5980

(334) 262.8685 mp

5-7 pm. There will be a cake contest, inflatables, cake walk, toy walk, costume contest and more. Admission ages K-6th grade, $10. Haunted House $5.

October 19 1025 S. 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.

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A Page in a Book Saying Goodbye to an Animal Companion While humans are typically blessed with decades--long lifespans, our animal companions typically experience a briefer time with us. Our cats and dogs, our hamsters and turtles join us for part of our journey, but not all. For children with a limited understanding of the finite spans of a pet’s life, the death of an animal companion can have a profound impact on them. Rather than hiding from or avoiding the topic of a beloved pet’s final days, honest conversations about the natural lifetimes of human and animals can be helpful for a child preparing or experiencing this very personal goodbye. The following titles help start a discussion that can ease this time of transition for kids.

Tim’s Goodbye

By Steven Salerno (Farrar Straus Giroux) Young Margaret is sad because her pet turtle Tim has died. As she walks away from the story to collect herself, the book pages reveal a scene that is quietly visited by other friends. Vincent enters and brings with him some balloons. Melinda comes with her French horn. Otis arrives wearing his best hat. Margaret’s friends continue to a show up bringing along both moral and material support to help her say goodbye to Tim. A simply illustrated, subtle guide for children who are either experiencing their own grief or that of a friend, Tim’s Goodbye illustrates the simple expressions of sympathy and support that can uplift someone as they navigate loss.

Goodbye, Brecken

By David Lupton (Magination Press) Isabelle and Brecken were born on the same day. They were always together, playing and snuggling. Isabelle was still a young girl when Brecken died, and she didn’t understand why he left so soon. What follows is a poignant dream sequence in which Isabelle meets other creatures of the forest in her quest to find Brecken. While the animals can’t tell Isabelle where her lost companion has gone, the woodland animals each offer a wordless reminder of the joys she shared with Brecken.

Awakening to her loss, but comforted by her memories, Isabelle’s is better prepared to navigate her grief and move toward acceptance. Offering final pages that invite readers to add their own helpful memories toward the recovery, Goodbye, Brecken is a gentle acknowledgement of grief’s unique timeline.

Stay: A Girl, a Dog and a Bucket List

By Kate Klise, Illustrated by M. Sarah Klise (Feiwel & Friends Macmillan) When baby Astrid came home from the hospital, Eli was there waiting for her. Over the years, Eli was sometimes a pillow, often a bodyguard, regularly a playmate, but always Astrid’s friend. They have so much in common, except for the way they age. Once Astrid realizes that Eli would be ‘old’ long before she would, Astrid creates a bucket list so her precious pet can experience the best in life with his remaining days. Sleeping under the stars, going to the movies, and a fancy spaghetti dinner are a few of the special moments they pursue together with Eli’s remaining strength. Eli’s perception of these adventures are relayed to the reader with warm and profound simplicity. An uplifting message of reassurance for children experiencing the decline of a beloved pet, the message of Stay supports making the most of every day we have with our companions.

Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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Co We all come to parenthood with a certain set of expectations and assumptions about raising kids. Naturally, we assume our partner will share our healthy outlook. That is, until we find ourselves butting heads in the midst of a heated child-rearing dilemma.

How do we navigate a parenting style conflict without confusing our kids and harming our relationship with our partner?

Discuss your upbringing with your partner. “In a perfect world, we would have these conversations when we are dating,” says adolescent and family therapist Melissa Perry, LPC. How we raise our kids is often dictated by how our parents raised us--or how we wish we’d been raised. As a couple, discuss each other’s childhoods. For example, what was your parents’ disciplinary style? How did they interact with you?

Listen to understand and empathize with each other’s experiences. “Most people know that it doesn’t feel good to scream at their kids. Most people know it doesn’t feel good to hit them, but Montgomery Parents I October 2018

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they do it because they say ‘I turned out okay,’” says Cati Winkel, a wellness coach, who works with individuals and families.

“Once we start figuring out what that’s created in their lives, how they interact and how they have relationships with people, they start to recognize ‘oh, maybe things could have been a little bit different,’” Winkel says.

Parent as a team. Even if you are divorced or separated, focus on presenting a united front when it comes to parenting.

“It’s fine for parents to each have their own way of interacting with their children.

As a matter of fact, it’s healthy because it teaches children to be more flexible and to adapt better in different environments,” says Colleen Huff, a certified parent educator.

Discuss the ideal home environment you want to create, the types of family rules that are important to each of you, and zero in on common goals.

Come up with a plan. Agree on ageappropriate rules and consequences in your home. For a toddler or preschooler, you might have two or three rules like no hitting or throwing toys, while a five-yearold might have up to five rules.

“If kids know the expected behavior, then they’re free to do something else, which is going to be exploring and learning, playing and engaging and feeling self-confident versus feeling timid, inward and insecure,” Huff says.

Establish reasonable consequences for unacceptable behavior, but be flexible.

For example, you might use the corner for a timeout for your child, while your partner may prefer that your child sits in a time-out chair.

By agreeing on a plan of action for common scenarios and remaining consistent with consequences, you can avoid reactive parenting.

Manage conflict. Vastly different approaches to parenting can send mixed messages to your child.

“Your child might start to identify one parent as the parent to avoid and the other parent as the parent to get what they want to out of them--or use parents against each other,” Perry says. “If your goal is to both love your child and both parent them, then you can probably come to some sort of compromise.”

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November 3 & 4, 2018 at Alabama Shakespeare Theatre presented by Alabama Dance Theatre

One Performance Only - Saturday 2:30 p.m.

Saturday 7:00 p.m. & Sunday 2:30 p.m.

Kitty Seale, Artistic Director

Purchase tickets online at alabamadancetheatre.com Information: 334.625.2590 Sponsored by: WIND CREEK HOSPITALITY • JIM WILSON & ASSOCIATES • HYUNDAI MOTOR MANUFACTURING ALABAMA WELLS FARGO • PICKWICK ANTIQUES • WSFA TV • CUMULUS BROADCASTING

Suppose you want your child to do homework right away after school to free up the evening for other interests. Then, your partner comes home, dismisses this rule and let’s your child play before homework.

A good way to address the situation might be for you to say: “I’ve noticed that Johnny struggles to complete his homework if he puts it off until later in the day. This structure in our afternoons seems to help. I could really use your support on this.”

Then, give your partner an opportunity to respond without interrupting them.

“Focus on the problem, not the person and focus on the actual issue at hand in the moment, not what the parent or child did or didn’t do in the last week or week before, “ Perry advises.

Also, use reflective listening to validate what your partner says, which shows that you care about their perception or opinion. In reflective listening, you restate in a non-condescending way what you think you heard: “I think I’m hearing you say______. Is this what you mean?”

“Oftentimes we misunderstand, and we base our next answer on an assumption of understanding,” Perry says.

Is it okay to fight in front of your child? If you can remain calm, it’s healthy for kids to see their parents work out a conflict and come to a resolution.

“If we teach children from a young age how to properly deal with conflict, that’s only going to set them up for success,” Winkel says.

But, if you are too angry to discuss the situation immediately, give yourselves permission to cool off before working through the issue.

“Agree to walk away, but have a set, specific time that you are going to come back and talk about it again,” Perry says. “A lot of times people fight, then they cool down, but they don’t ever come back and resolve what was said in the heat of the moment.”

Without coming to resolutions for problems that come up in our relationships, resentment and disengagement from each other can set in, potentially harming your partnership.

Need help strengthening your communication skills with your partner or ex to resolve parenting differences? Consult with a licensed family therapist for helpful support and strategies. mp Christa Melnyk Hines is a nationally published freelance writer. Her latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

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October 16, 2018 6:00 - 8:00pm Join us for a time of worship, fellowship, and an encouraging word.

Refreshments will be served at 6:00pm and the event begins at 6:30pm.

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Rolling Out the Rockers

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Far from being a simple novelty with movement, toys and equipment that facilitate rocking motions are actually fostering calm in their users. The subtle power of this back and forth movement can trace its roots to our prenatal days. Rocking a little one mimics their in utero experience, a time and space where they enjoyed maximum peace and comfort coupled with minimal outside stimuli. This primal source of calm is even rediscovered by adults who find themselves chilling in a rocking chair or porch swing. The motion matters. Beyond their soothing effect, rocking toys for toddlers also cultivate coordination and balance, while fostering arm and leg strength. From infants to preschool, the following items are perfect for little rockers!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Deluxe Rock n’ Play Sleeper with Smart Connect

Green Crocodile Plush Rocker (Labebe)

The whimsical design of the Green Crocodile Plush Rocker is an instant invitation for small kids to mount up and get moving. Cupping around little ones who are still working on their balance, the three-sided soft seat guarantees that children will always be protected while rocking. The solid wooden structure is richly padded for extra cushion against bumps and tumbles. And while solid rocking action is a big attraction, this comfy ride comes with a host of other surprises to keep kids entertained.

Crinkling spines, companion critters, pockets and other sensory features offer extra exploration during the ride. Promising more than one toothy grin in the room, the Crocodile Rocker from Labebe is the best ride for reptile fans.

(Fisher Price)

Comfort and convenience are priority in Fisher Price’s Rock n’ Play Sleeper. With its extra-deep seat, plush newborn insert and head support, and breathable mesh sides, infants are ideally situated for sound sleep or soothing motion. Featuring two speeds of hands-free rocking, two customizable modes, music, sounds and vibration, this sleeper has everything baby (and parents) need for quality rest. Download the Smart Connect app, and it’s snap for your phone or smart device to activate and customize gentle rocking, calming music and soothing sounds without disturbing baby. Remarkably, the whole set up is lightweight and folds for easy portability. For sleeping and soothing baby at home or on the go, the Rock n’ Play Sleeper is the ultimate sweet dream machine.

(Simplay3)

Transforming in one simple flip, the Rocking Bridge can be both a sailor’s boat on the high seas, as well as a bridge over new terrain! The boat features seating for up to four playmates who can tilt and rock it over pretend waves. Turned upside down, the bridge provides steps up and over fantasy obstacles. Both bridge and boat offer textured areas where little hands and feet can secure extra purchase. Solidly molded in one piece, the Rocking Bridge is durable, weather resistant and, best of all, requires no assembly! Playful ups and downs hit the high water mark with Simplay3’s versatile Rocking Bridge.

(Fisher Price)

The Infant-to-Toddler Rocker can cradle your child in comfort for years. It starts out as a sleek, modern infant seat rocker with a low profile frame that’s perfect for newborns. As they gain more mobility, babies can test out the toys that hang from the overhead bar. When babe gets bigger, the toy bar can be removed, clearing the way for toddlers to reclaim their familiar spot as it becomes their big kid rocking chair. Featuring a secure three-point restraint, fold-out kickstand, 2-position seat recline, the evolution of the rocker is flexible and easy for parents to adjust as needed. The Infant-to-Toddler Rocker moves back and forth...and upward with your growing child.

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

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Montgomery Native Represents Alabama in Regional Golf Competition

First Act of Kindness Scholarships Presented in Memory of Jamari Williams

Three high school seniors will receive a $1,000 college scholarship during this event held October 13 from 6-8 p.m. at the Alvin Tucker Center, 5280 Vaughn Road, Montgomery.

Dr. Theodore (Teddy) Atlas Jr. is an American boxing trainer and fight commentator. His foundation awards scholarships and grants to individuals and organizations. This will be a formal event. Donations are accepted.

For more info, call or text Monique at (334) 777-8358 or e-mail moniqueydavis@yahoo.com or Tonya Speed at (334) 549-1098.

Shown above are Jamari Williams (2006-2017) and below, Teddy Atlas, commentator from ESPN.

Eight-year old London Leonard is a young golf champion who represented Alabama on September 16, competing in the regional Drive, Chip and Putt competition at the Honors Course in Chattanooga, Tenn., where golfer Tiger Woods won the 1996 NCAA Championship.

Leonard, a native of Montgomery, competed in the Girls 7-9 Division in the Southeastern regional championship. She finished first in the local and sub-regional competitions this summer. Her sister, Lauryn Leonard, was a finalist at Augusta National in the 2016 Drive, Chip and Putt Championship.

Leonard has been playing golf since she was a toddler and started playing tournament golf at age five. Her father and coach, Quincy Leonard, founder of Leo Golf Academy, says she is a very talented and skilled golfer.

“London picked up the game of golf from watching her siblings. She has become a skilled golfer by competing against her older brother and sister and practicing on her golf game continuously. She became more inspired after witnessing her older sister, Lauryn, compete in the 2016 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National and brother Quincy Ahlias, compete in the 2017 regional Drive, Chip and Putt at the Honors Course in Chattanooga.

I am proud of her determination and hard work to make it this far.”

The Masters Tournament, United States Golf Association (USGA) and the PGA of America sponsored the competition.

This free nationwide youth golf development initiative is open to boys and girls ages 7-15, competing in separate divisions in four age categories. In its third edition, the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship opened qualifying locations throughout all 50 states during the months of May, June, July and August.

Top performers at the local level advanced through sub-regional and regional qualifiers in July/August and September, respectively. The top 80 performers – 40 boys and 40 girls – will earn an invitation to the National Finals at Augusta National on Sunday, April 1, the eve of the 2019 Masters.

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Pink and Pearls for Girls Host Stand Up, Stand Out Leadership Camp

Teens from all over engaged in creative activities in the areas of accountability, authentic relationships, team concept, responsibility, public speaking, listening skills and leadership at Pink and Pearls for Girls’ first leadership camp. Each teen was certified as a leader and ambassadors for Pink and Pearls for Girls. Afterward, the teens celebrated their accomplishments. For more info, please call (334) 561-5091.

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FamilyCalendar Monday, October 1

Alabama National Fair -- Through October 8 Garrett Coliseum & Fairgrounds, 1555 Federal Dr., Montgomery. Enjoy more than 60 thrilling rides, food, information and commercial booths, livestock competitions and more. Check out our daily schedule, including information on entertainment, discounts and vendors. For more info, call (334) 272-6831 or visit https://alnationalfair.org/.

SWEAT Fall Fitness Series -- Also October 15, 22 & 29 6 p.m. Shoppes at EastChase. Start your week off with a free fitness class. Located next to Francesca’s at 6832 EastChase Parkway. 10/1: Basic Self Defense with Fly Aerial Studio; 10/15: Pure Barre; 10/22: Breezeville Yoga; and 10/29: Club Pilates. For more info, visit https://www.theshoppesateastchase.com/.

Hay, Look at Us! Hay Bale Competition: Viewable all month Town of Pike Road neighborhoods, businesses and organizations are invited to decorate a hay bale to reflect the following themes: Fall/Harvest, Support of the Pike Road Schools Patriots, Thanksgiving, and Halloween. The hay bales will be judged on Oct. 23 and then a map of each location with a hay bale will be available at Town Hall (9575 Vaughn Rd) and on www. pikeroad.us through Nov. 4. This makes a great family activity – a drive through the countryside, with exciting hay bale creations around every corner.

Wetumpka Depot Presents Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean Through October 6 7:30 p.m. performances except one 2 p.m. matinee Sept. 30. Written by Ed Graczyk and directed by Tom Salter. In a small-town dime store in West Texas, the “Disciples of James Dean” gather for their twentieth reunion. Now middle-aged women, they were teenagers when Dean filmed Giant two decades ago in nearby Marfa. One of them, an extra in the film, has a child whom she says was conceived with Dean during the shoot. The ladies’ congenial reminiscences mingle with flashbacks to their youth; then the arrival of a stunning-but-familiar stranger sets off a series of confrontations that smash their delusions and expose bitter disappointments. For tickets, call (334) 8681440 or visit wetumpkadepot.com.

Inc. This hilarious play will keep you laughing as Charles is haunted by the ghost of Elvira, his first wife, who tries to undermine his life with his new wife. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door (if available) and can be purchased by calling (334) 595-0854 or online at cc.prattvilleal.gov.

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Food Truck Friday -- Also October 12, 19 & 26 5-8 p.m. Shoppes at EastChase, near H+M. This event is free and open to the public. The menu and food truck changes every week, so stay tuned on Facebook!

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Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Every Brilliant Thing -- Through October 20 Written by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe; directed by Rick Dildine. Imagine a list of everything that’s brilliant about the world—all of the reasons a

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Tuesday, October 2

Prattville’s National Night Out 6-8 p.m. Target Store, 2754 Legends Pkwy., Prattville. FREE event about preventing local crime.

Featuring entertainment, food and education.

Prattville-Autauga Humane Shelter will be at this event with an information table and some free things for children. Fire trucks, police cars, boats and many others will be on hand. Invite a neighbor and bring a friend.

Wednesday, October 3

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 4

2018 Faulkner University Benefit Dinner Featuring The Rt. Hon. Tony Blair 5:30-9 p.m. Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center, 201 Tallapoosa St. Blair will bring his broad local appeal and international experience on current issues to the River Region for what will be an exciting night. General admission is $150. Call (800) 8799816 for more info or visit www.faulkner.edu/.

Good News Comedy Night 6-8 p.m. Frazer United Methodist Church. Sponsored

by Central Alabama Child Evangelism Fellowship, featuring comedian Andrew Stanley and a “funniest church” competition. Tickets are $15 and benefit CEF’s work to share the good news of Jesus with children across our region. Food trucks and initial competition begin at 6 p.m.; comedian and final competition at 7 p.m. For more info, call (334) 272-8622 or visit http:// frazer.church.

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Friday, October 5

Harry Potter Night at the Zoo 7-10 p.m. Calling all witches, wizards and muggles.

Grab your wand, robes and broomsticks as you enter the world of Harry Potter at the Montgomery Zoo. Enjoy a peaceful ride on the Hogwarts Express. Attend Care of Magical Creatures, and learn about all the animals found in the muggle and magical world. Talk a walk down to the Quidditch field and try your hand at being a chaser or keeper. There is even a costume contest. $50 per person; $45 for Montgomery Zoo members. Register online now. All reservations must be received by October 1 at noon. For more info, call (334) 625-4900 or visit montgomeryzoo.com.

Color The Town Pink Walk in Wetumpka 1 p.m. beginning in front of Wetumpka Civic Center fountain. The City of Wetumpka encourages all local businesses to “Color the Town Pink” for the month of October in honor of breast cancer awareness.

Tavern Fest at Old Alabama Town 5:57 p.m. Historic N. Hull Street, Montgomery.

Gather at Montgomery’s oldest tavern for our 2018 Tavern Fest! Craft beer, music, food trucks and good times are “on tap” for a great evening supporting Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery. Your admission ticket ($25 in advance; $30 at the door) includes craft beer samples! Entrances will be at Lucas Tavern and Columbus and Jefferson Streets (until 7 p.m.).

For more info, visit www.landmarksfoundation.com/ or call (334) 240-4500.

First Friday Cruise-In 5:30-7 p.m. LowerDexter 36 Dexter Ave, Montgomery. Local dealerships will have cars to showcase and a different car club will be featured each month!

Check out www.lowerdexter.org for more information and a chance to have YOUR car featured on the lower block. Join us for some family-friendly fun on Lower Dexter! Call (334) 273-0313 for more info.

Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre Presents Blithe Spirit -- Through October 7 Written by Noël Coward and directed by Matthew Givens, by special arrangement with Samuel French,

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7-year-old would want to live: ice cream, the color yellow, laughing so hard you shoot milk out of your nose.

A refreshingly intimate and collaborative performance that celebrates the lengths we will go to for those we love. The audience will be seated on the Festival Stage for this exclusive performance. Recommended ages 13+. For tickets, visit asf.net or call (334) 271-5353.

Saturday, October 6

5th Annual Miracle Maker Benefit Pageant St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Fellowship Hall in Prattville. This pageant benefits Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and is open to females, age 12 month to 19 years, with six age categories. Attire for the pageant: formal wear. Baby and Tiny Miss contestants wear short pageant gowns. Petite Miss wear a long or short pageant dress of choice. For Little Miss and up, attire is a long pageant gown.

This is a semi-glitz pageant where age-appropriate makeup and attire are stressed. Applications may be downloaded at www.SterlingMiss.org. For more info, you may also call 313-5444.

Coosa River Challenge in Wetumpka 6 a.m. Last Minute registration and packet pickup if you missed Friday night event. 7 a.m. All racers at Gold Star Park in Wetumpka for bike drop-off and race briefing, then transport (big school buses) to race start.

8:30 a.m. Race Start at Swayback Bridge Trailhead. For more info, visit www.coosariverchallenge.com/.

Shivalaya School of Dance Recital 3-4:30 p.m. Aldersgate Methodist Church on Vaughn Road in Montgomery. The recital will showcase Bharatanatyam, a classical dance of India. The event will feature a dance drama, “The Lion and the Mouse - a Tale from Panchatantra,” and dances to classical music from Indian films. Seating begins at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $7 per person and are free for children under 5. The dance event is supported by the Alabama State Council on the Arts. For more info, e-mail sudha.shivalaya@hotmail.com.

Tour of Lanark Hike at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook -- Also November 3 Hike some of Lanark’s 5 miles of trails with an

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FamilyCalendar experienced ANC naturalist by your side. S ​ aturday programs are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Take a look around the hands-on Discovery Hall, enjoy the movie specials in the theater, and explore the trails. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (800) 822-9453.

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

For more info, visit http://workshops.homedepot. com/workshops/kids-workshops.

Michael’s Kids Club -- Also Oct. 13, 20 & 27 10 a.m.-noon. $2 per project. Supplies included.

Ages 3-8. Each session is 30 minutes. Parent or guardian must remain on premises. Oct. 6 is Pumpkin Lantern; Oct. 13 is Flying Bat; Oct. 20 is Glitter Paper Spider Web; and Oct. 27 is Monster Bash. For more info, visit www.michaels.com/.

Sunday, October 7

First Sundays at One -- Also November 4 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/.

Food Truck Takeover at Hampstead Also November 4 Noon-3 p.m. Hampstead Town Center. A variety

of local trucks may include Wharf Casual Seafood Montgomery, Smokin’ Wells BBQ, Taqueria El Campesino, Fire Meats Wood LLC, Frios Gourmet Pops - River Region, That’s My Dog Montgomery, Alabama Sweet Tea Co., Cheesecake Empori-Yum, and Dynamite Dogs. Enjoy craft beer, wine and cocktails at our Town Center businesses including The Tipping Point (open for drinks and snacks - food truck food may be brought in) and TASTE serving Sunday Brunch. Live music. Great for all ages.

Parking located on Long Acre, Mercer Street and in two large Hampstead Parking Lots. No rain date.

Sunday Fishing at Hampstead Lake Also October 14, 21 & 28 1-5 p.m. Hampstead residents gather to enjoy lazy summer Sunday afternoons at Hampstead Lake.

Bring your fishing poles and spend time with other residents fishing lakeside for trout and brim.

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/.

Junior League of Montgomery’s 30th Annual Holiday Market -- Through October 13 Multiplex at Cramton Bowl, 220 Hall St., Montgomery.

Online advanced ticket aales available after September 5. Advanced general admission tickets are $5. Tickets will also be on sale at the door! General admission ticket $10; Prancer’s Preview Party ticket $40; 3-Day Multi-Day Passes $15. Military with ID and Senior Tickets (65+) $5 general admission ticket. For more info, call (334) 2888816 or visit www.jlmontgomery.org/.

Thursday, October 11

Book Talk at the Ala. Dept. of Archives & History Noon. 624 Washington Ave. Today’s topic is “The Best World War I Story I Know: On the Point in the Argonne, September 26-October 16, 1918,” presented

by Rod Frazer. Admission is free. Copies of Frazer’s books will be available for purchase at the event. For more info, call (334) 353-4636 or visit www.archives. alabama.gov.

Cloverdale Playhouse Presents Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead -- Thru October 21 7:30 p.m. performances except for 2 p.m. Sundays.

Writer Tom Stoppard turns Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet on its head by telling it from the worm’seye view of two relatively minor characters. The bewildered Rosencrantz and Guildenstern finally get a chance to take the lead role, but do so in a world where echoes of Waiting for Godot resound, where reality and illusion intermix, and where fate leads our two heroes to a tragic but inevitable end. Directed by Sarah Walker Thornton. For more info, call (334) 2621530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org/special.

Wednesday, October 10

Friday, October 12

Tuesday, October 9

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

Wynonna & The Big Noise at MPAC 8 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre.

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FamilyCalendar has described the new sound as “vintage yet modern” and a “return to the well.” It’s a rootsy work encompassing country, Americana, blues, soul and rock. The album features special guests Derek Trucks, Jason Isbell, Susan Tedeschi and Timothy B. Schmit. Tickets begin at $27. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Swayback Asylum Haunted House -Also October 13, 26 & 27 9 p.m.-midnight. Wetumpka High School, 1251 Coosa River Pkwy., Wetumpka. Fundraiser sponsored by Wetumpka High School, Robotics and Theatre Guild.

Tickets are $10 per person. Ages under 12 are highly discouraged. Concessions will also be sold. For more info, find us on Facebook.

Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets - Also October 26 Elmore County Homeschool Organization is a nonprofit 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.

Saturday, October 13

Cotton Festival 5K/1 Mile Fun Run Hosted by Eclectic Middle PTO. The run will lead you through historic downtown Eclectic. Registration day of event 6 a.m.; Zumba warm-up with Abby Traylor at 6:45; 5K begins at 7 a.m. and 1-Mile Fun Run at 7:30. Registration fees are $30 for 5K and $15 for 1-mile Fun Run. Awards will be given to top finishers and will be announced on the stage in the Warehouse following the events. Register online at cottonfest5k.itsyourrace.com or call Jennifer Bennett at (334) 324-1895.

Eagle Run 5K Run/Walk 7:30-10:30 a.m. Faulkner University, 5345 Atlanta Hwy. Sponsored by Friends for Faulkner. Raising money for student scholarships. On-site registration: 6:30-7 a.m. $25 pre-registration for all 5K participants; $30 day of race. Awards for all age groups.

Register online at active.com or e-mail eaglerun@ faulkner.edu.

National Federation of the Blind of Alabama Walkathon 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Ida Bell Young Park, 5400 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery. While some steps have been accomplished toward equality for the blind consumers in our great state, there’s still an enormous way to go toward full integration into society. We are changing what it means to be blind, one life at a time.

Register on www.eventbrite.com/.

Scavenger Hunt at Alabama Nature Center 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook. Join us for a self-guided scavenger hunt that will be ongoing all day. Explore our trails in search of treasure ANC style. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (800) 822-9453.

Act of Kindness Scholarship Presented by Dr. Theodore (Teddy) Atlas Jr. Foundation 6-8 p.m. Alvin Tucker Center, 5280 Vaughn Road. In memory of Jamari Terrell Williams. Three high school seniors will receive a $1,000 scholarship each for college during this event. Dr. Atlas Jr. is an American boxing trainer and fight commentator. His foundation awards scholarships and grants to individuals and organizations. This will be a formal event. Donations are accepted. For more info, call or text Monique at

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(334) 777-8358 or e-mail moniqueydavis@yahoo. com or Tonya Speed at (334) 549-1098.

Whole Foods Second Saturday Kids Club 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Whole Foods, 1450 Taylor Rd., Montgomery. Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Each second Saturday, Whole Foods will host fun, hands-on craft activities to teach kids about healthy eating. It’s totally free, and every participant gets a piece of fruit and whatever they make in the workshop! For more info, call (334) 523-2940 or visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/montgomery.

Dads and Daughters Saturday (D.A.D.S) Calling ALL Fathers and Daughters for storytimes, fun and laughs, 11 a.m.-noon every 2nd Saturday at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Memorial Library.

There will be singing, dancing and arts & crafts. So come visit us and have an enjoyable time! For more info, visit www.facebook.com/events/137445469279 2666/?source=1.

Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women Montgomery Country Club, Azalea Room, 3800 Narrow Lane Road. 9 a.m.-noon. 3-hour workshop that is offered monthly, designed to help participants explore the legal, financial, and emotional issues of divorce and gain a greater understanding of the process. Cost to attend is $20 per person and preregistration required. For more info, please call or e-mail Sommer Morris at (334) 612-1086 or sommer. morris@morganstanley.com. You may also visit www. secondsaturday.com.

AMC Theaters Offers Sensory-Friendly Movietimes -- Also October 27 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 14

2nd Annual Pike Road Neighborhood Kickball Tournament 2 p.m. Veterans Park. Warm up your kicking feet and play alongside your neighbors in this round-robin tournament. All you need are 8-12 players and some supportive fans. Feel free to bring your lawn chairs and picnics for an afternoon outside. Call (334) 272-9883 or e-mail Katy at Katy@pikeroad.us to learn more or register a team. Please register your team by Oct. 5.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s Montgomery 1:30-5 p.m. Auburn University Montgomery Moore Hall, 7400 East Drive, Montgomery. Contact Kourtni Hooks at kjhooks@alz.org or (205) 379-8065 ext. 8325.

Thursday, October 18

Capri Theatre Presents Cabaret 7:30 p.m. The 1972 movie, featuring music, Liza Minnelli and 1931 Nazi-era Berlin. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858.

Burger Bash 2018 Gates open at 5 p.m. Burgers will be available 5:308:30 p.m. Lower Dexter Avenue, Montgomery. Chefs from area restaurants throw down to determine who

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really has the best burger in the city—and you, the people of Montgomery, decide. MGM Burger Bash is a competition style cook off and you are the judge, you cast your vote after sampling all of the burgers.

Each ticket holder gets to try each competitor’s burger. After sampling, the ticket holder votes on their top 3. The Burger Bash winner walks away with $1,000! General admission tickets: $25; beer cup: $10. For more info, visit www.lightninglinemgm.com.

Friday, October 19

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Southern Writers Festival of New Plays -Through October 21 This lively three-day event features premiere theatrical readings, stimulating conversation, and delicious food. During the festival, playwrights will develop and polish their stories by working with actors, directors, dramaturgs, and the audience—every voice matters. The SWF Weekend Pass includes all events, meals, and readings including The Light of the World, A Sudden Spontaneous Event, Singles in Agriculture and In the Southern Breeze. You can buy a weekend pass for $125 or purchase readings and events individually. For tickets or more info, visit asf. net or call (334) 271-5353.

Saturday, October 20

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/.

6th Annual Great Grits Cook Off and Festival 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Event benefits the Prattville YMCA Coach a Child Scholarship fund. Includes live music, bounce houses, arts and crafts vendors, and a cooking competition of businesses, churches, restaurants and individuals for the best grits recipe.

Prizes will be awarded. For the fourth year, the day will begin with the Nitty Gritty 5K Race. The race will begin at 8 a.m. and features awards for all ages.

Completion of the race will coincide with the opening of the grits festival. Register for the race at www.

NittyGritty.itsyourrace.com. Cook teams and vendors are currently being accepted. Contact Keith Cantrell at (334) 358-9622.

Riverwalk Wine Festival 3-6 p.m. Montgomery Riverfront Park. This event will include wine tasting from 10 different distributors representing more than 100 wineries. With ticket purchase, you will receive a commemorative 2018 wine glass, tasting bag with baguette and wine listing. For more info, call (334) 625-2300.

Gump City Con 2018 -- Also October 21 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

Montgomery Multiplex @ Cramton Bowl. Pop culture, comics, anime, sci-fi, gaming, wrestling & MORE! $30 general admission weekend pass. Purchase tickets through Eventbrite. For more info, call J.R. (334) 464-0191 or visit www.gumpcitycon.com/.

Confederate Memorial Park Camp of Instruction Confederate Memorial Park, 437 Co. Rd. 63, Marbury.

Living historians from the 33rd Alabama will drill, perform guard duty and other tasks typical of a newly enlisted Confederate soldier. Free and open to the public.

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Prattville Artist Market -- Also November 17 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Local artists gather to sell their work at the Prattville Creative Arts Center and Gallery on third Saturdays through November. Enjoy music and hands-on art projects while you shop for one-of-akind pieces for your collection or for those on your gift list! For more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit facebook.com/prattaugaartguild.

The Buddy Walk Celebrates National Down Syndrome Awareness Month Registration begins at 9 a.m. The walk will begin at 11 with lunch and awards ceremony afterwards at Faulkner University’s John Mark Stallings Football Field.Registration fee is $20 per person. The Buddy Walk was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to bring together friends, family and co-workers to promote awareness and inclusion for people with Down syndrome and to raise money for research and education programs. For more info, e-mail montgomerybuddywalk@gmail.com.

Fort Toulouse/Fort Jackson Living History Weekend 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For more info, call (334) 567-3002 or visit https://fttoulousejackson.org/.

Creatures of the Night at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook Bring the family and join us for a Halloween-themed evening under the stars, hosted by the ANC and Reality Connection. Activities will begin at 3 p.m. and include a slithering snake encounter, creepy crawly for insects, ewwy gooy touch table, flashlight spider search and night hike, and a movie under the stars!

Glow sticks will be provided for the night hike with one of our naturalists. Bring a blanket or chairs for

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

Sunday, October 21

TOTO 40 Trips Around the Sun at MPAC 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. As a band, TOTO has sold more than 40 million albums, and today continue to be a worldwide arena draw staging standing room-only events across the globe.

Tickets begin at $37. For more info, visit www. mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Tuesday, October 23

PAW Patrol Live at MPAC -- Also October 24 6 p.m. both nights; also 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. It’s the day of the Great Adventure Bay Race between Adventure Bay’s Mayor Goodway and Foggy Bottom’s Mayor Humdinger, but Mayor Goodway is nowhere to be found.

PAW Patrol to the rescue! Tickets begin at $20. For info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Thursday, October 25

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. The topic will be “Having Year-Round Color in the Garden,” a talk and slide presentation by Terese Goodson from the Capitol City Master Gardeners Association. She will show examples of plants that give us four seasons of garden beauty, so your winter yard can be attractive instead of dull and dreary.

Cost is $18 and reservations must be made by noon Monday, October 21, to Cathy Donald at (225) 287-3693 or cathydonaldne@gmail.com. Visit www. newcomersmontgomery.com for more info.

Kenny G at MPAC 8 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre.

Kenny G is a master of the soprano sax and worldrenowned jazz superstar. It’s been 25 years since Kenny G debuted the Grammy Award winning album Breathless, selling over 12 million copies in the United States alone. Tickets begin at $35. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Alabama Head Injury Foundation Presents Murder Mystery Dinner 6-8:30 p.m. Alley Station Ballroom, 130 Commerce Street, Montgomery. It is the height of the Jazz Age, and social revolution is afoot. Club owner of The Cat’s Meow, Felix Fontano, the son of a successful bootlegger/crime boss, is throwing a private party for a group of select friends, and YOU are INVITED! The evening will begin with a buffet-style dinner with water, tea and sodas provided. Dressing to impress in your best 1920s attire is welcome, but not required.

Tickets are $35 per person. Dinner included and cash bar available. Tickets may be purchased through Eventbrite. Call (205) 823-3818 or visit www.ahif.org/ for more info.

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FamilyCalendar Friday, October 26

Paul Thorn at MPAC 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre.

Tickets begin at $15. For more info, visit www. mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Parent’s Night Out at the Armory 6:30-10:30 p.m. Armory Athletics, 1018 Madison Ave. For ages 4-14. Includes fun activities, crafts and food, plus bouncy houses! Pre-registration required. $35 per child. To register, call (334) 625-2789. Also, visit www.armoryathletics.com for more info.

7th Annual Pike Road Plein Air Paint Out -also October 27 8:30 a.m. Live painting demonstration by artists Barbara Davis and Alisa Koch at Lake Sweet T at The Waters. All participating artists will paint around Town throughout the day Friday. On Saturday, there will be a reception & art show and sale from 5:30-7 p.m. at New Waters Realty, 2239 Marler Rd. Attendees can vote for the People’s Choice Award.

Winner will be announced at 6:30 p.m. Contact Patty at patty@pikeroad.us or (334) 272-9883 to register or learn more.

Wetumpka Depot Presents The Diviners Also October 28 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. matinee Sunday. Written by Jim Leonard, Jr. and directed by Kim Mason, this is Wetumpka Depot’s entry into ACTFest November 2-4.

For tickets, call (334) 868-1440 or visit wetumpkadepot.com.

Saturday, October 27

Harvest Jam 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Shoppes at EastChase.

Free festive fall fun for music fans, farmers market shoppers, craft beer lovers, and families from the river region! Harvest Jam delivers a unique and robust experience filled with live music featuring Jason Givens + The Wanderers, farmers market vendors, delicious local food and a craft beer tasting presented by Pies and Pints. Donations for the craft beer tasting will benefit Child Protect, A Children’s Advocacy Center. For more info, e-mail swasserman@bayerproperties.com.

Father/ Child Weekend at Camp Chandler Also October 28 The registration fee is $100 for YMCA members (Father and one child). For Non-Y members the fee is $120 (Father and one child). For each additional child the cost is $45. Over the course of the weekend, dads and their children will participate in all the traditional camp activities such as Riflery, Archery, Climbing Tower, Canoes, Pedal boats, and Fishing.

This weekend will also include campfire with s’mores, songs, skits, and all the wonderful camp magic that you would expect and have come to love. Visit www. ymcamontgomery.org/camp/.

Don Felder formerly of The Eagles at MPAC 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Don Felder is renowned as a former lead guitarist of The Eagles, one of the most popular and influential rock groups of our time. Tickets begin at $24. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Campfire Cooking Class at Alabama Nature Ctr 11:30 a.m. 3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook. Learn how to not only start a successful campfire but how to

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cook on a fire! We are providing the food. Guests will learn how to prepare various types of food over a campfire as well as enjoy some tasty foods. Call (334) 285-4550 to add your name to the list. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (800) 822-9453.

Sunday, October 28

Frazer Night of Worship 5-7:30 p.m. An evening of worship and community led by the Wesley Hall band. Gathering with food at 5 p.m.; Worship starts at 6:30 p.m. Free coffee and hot chocolate afterward and a special time for visitors to meet the worship leaders. For more info, visit frazer.church or call (334) 272-8622.

Monday, October 29

Tessa’s Birthday Costume Bash & UUFM Fundraiser 6-8 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Montgomery, 2810 Atlanta Hwy. Come in costume and get your picture taken in front of a fun Halloween background. Play games and win prizes. Enjoy face painting and crafts; pizza, gluten-free birthday brownies or birthday cupcakes. Admission for children ages 1-15 is $5 or two for $8. Infants under 1 year are free. One adult free per group, $5 each additional adult. Activity tickets are $1 each. For more info, call Felicia at (334) 430-6935.

Wetumpka Candy Walk 5-7 p.m. 408 S. Main St., Wetumpka. For more info, call Valencia at (334) 567-5147 or e-mail vsmith@ cityofwetumpka.com.

Tuesday, October 30

Halloween Band Concert at the Lake Martin AMP 6 p.m. 8878 Kowaliga Road, Eclectic. Featuring the Alexander City Middle School Advanced Band and the Benjamin Russell High School Concert and Symphonic Bands. Grab your favorite Halloween costume and join the Ghouls at The AMP for the 3rd annual Halloween Band Concert. Admission is free! For more info, visit www.theamponlakemartin.com/ or call (256) 397-1019.

Thursday, November 1

Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Presents Disney on Ice: Frozen -- Through November 4 Various performance times. Legacy Arena. Tickets begin at $15. For tickets or more info, visit www. bjcc.org/ or call (205) 458-8400.

Theatre AUM Presents Child’s Play -- Through November 11 7:30 p.m. performances except one 2 p.m. matinee November 11. Written by Kevin D. Ferguson. $10 - general admissions; $5 - senior citizen, non-AUM students, and military (with ID); and free - AUM students, faculty, staff, and alumni (with AUM ID).

For reservations or more info, contact Katie at (334) 244-3632 or kpearso2@aum.edu.

Saturday, November 3

Alabama Dance Theatre Presents Mistletoe 2:30 p.m. A special children’s matinee will feature “Favorite Dances of Christmas.”

Newer works will include “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” and “Mary Did You Know?” and will bring back old favorites, “First Noel,” “Still, Still, Still”, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”. Tickets go on sale October 1 and range in price from $15-$30.

Visit www.alabamadancetheatre.com or call (334) 625-2800.

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Super Hero Education Program at the Montgomery Zoo 10 a.m.-noon.

Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway. Dress up as your favorite super hero and see what you may have in common with some of the animals at the Zoo. This program is geared for boys and girls, ages 4-12 years old. All participants are encouraged to wear this favorite super hero costume and show off their super powers. $28 per child (ages 4-12 years old, $20 for Montgomery Zoo members). Accompanying adult event fee: $17 (13 years old and older). FREE for Montgomery Zoo members accompanying adults. For more info, call (334) 625-4900 or visit montgomeryzoo. com.

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Zoo Volunteer Serve Day 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway. We are gathering volunteer groups to accomplish several tasks in preparing the Montgomery Zoo for Christmas Lights Festival and the upcoming holiday season. We are asking volunteers to help with landscaping, trimming bushes, planting flowers, raking leaves, painting, and overall prepping the Zoo for the holiday season. For info, call (334) 625-4900 or visit montgomeryzoo.com.

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Sunday, November 4

Pike Road Veterans Appreciation Ceremony 2 p.m., Pike Road Veterans Memorial, 4902 Pike Road. As each year, we will dedicate a new class of personalized veterans bricks in the Walk of Honor.

We will hear from a distinguished guest speaker, and enjoy the patriotic tunes of the Capitol Sounds.

Speaker and additional details to be announced. For more info, visit www.pikeroad.us.

Wednesday, November 7

Fort Toulouse/Fort Jackson Frontier Days Through November 10 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fort Toulouse/Fort Jackson Park, Wetumpka. This snapshot of frontier life includes Creek Indians, French soldiers and their families, British traders who lived among the Creeks, and American soldiers who fought in Andrew Jackson’s army during the Creek War. Admission is $8/adult & $7/child. For more info, call (334) 567-3002 or visit https://fttoulousejackson.org/.

Thursday, November 8

Wetumpka High School JROTC Indian Battalion Veteran’s Day Program 8:30-9:45 a.m. Wetumpka High School new gym.

Program will be followed by a reception held in the Library/Media Center. We will pay honors to all veterans, law enforcement, fire fighters and EMS. Contact MAJ Joey Hutto or SFC Danny Hunter at (334) 567-5158 or e-mail at joey.hutto@elmoreco.com or danny.hunter@ elmoreco.com with any questions or concerns.

2018 Charis Crafters “Home for the Holidays” Craft Show -- Through November 10 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-7 p.m Saturday. Wetumpka Civic Center, 410 S. Main St., Wetumpka. Admission charged. A wide variety of handmade crafted items and homemade delights perfect for gift giving or decorating your home.

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Breastfeeding Class Designed to prepare the expectant mother for

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Breastfeeding Class This one-time class at Baptist Health provides expectant mothers with information about breastfeeding including various factors influencing lactation, advantages of breastfeeding, basic anatomy and physiology of milk production, specific techniques to promote a successful breastfeeding experience and breastfeeding equipment and supplies. Classes are taught by IBLCE instructors.

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

Caring For Your Newborn Taught by Baptist Health Newborn Nursery nurses, this one-time class helps new families become familiar with the basics of caring for your infant in the first six weeks after birth. This interactive class covers routine hospital newborn procedures along with bathing, diapering, swaddling and soothing, normal infant behavior, appearance and sleep patterns.

Class fee: $20. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military.

Childbirth 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 Calligraphy Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Office of Far Eastern Initiatives offers free classes (noon-1 p.m. Tuesdays) weekly through November 13 at AUM’s Clement Hall 203.

Instructor is Ms. Yunjia Yang (Janice). For more info, contact her at yyang8@aum.edu or (334) 394-5922.

Chinese Language Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Office of Far Eastern Initiatives offers beginner classes for children and adults. The one-hour weekly courses (noon-1 p.m. Thursdays) are provided free as a service to the community through November 15 at AUM’s Clement Hall 203.

Instructor is Mr. Xiaojun Sun (Jack). For more info, contact him at xsun@aum.edu or (334) 244-3624.

Cloverdale Playhouse Rep Class Series First Mondays every month from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Cloverdale Playhouse Rehearsal Hall. This is a safe space to work on your craft, develop your audition skills, share your newest piece, or just get feedback on your latest artistic endeavor. Guest panels and rotating faculty ensure constant growth and a variety of insight.

Even if you don’t perform every time - you can learn a lot by observing! There will be a sign-up sheet if you would like to work. Call (334) 262-1530 with questions.

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

Diabetes Education --Prattville Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available Wednesdays by appointment at Prattville Medical Park. Call 747-7700 Option # for more information.

Diabetes Education --Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available weekdays by appointment. Call 747-7700 Option # for more info.

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SupportGroups 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.

Pregnancy Nutrition Classes Interactive 3-week series of classes developed by well-known pediatrician Dr. William Sears. Classes focus on lifestyle choices, attitude, and exercise at any stage of pregnancy; optimal nutrition before, during and after pregnancy; transition from pregnancy to motherhood. Courses can be taken separately or as a series. Jump in any time! Materials and snack provided with fee. For more info, contact alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or visit www.Facebook. com/LeaninCentralAL.

Foster Parent Training Classes Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries sponsors foster care training classes in the Tri-County Area. For more information on foster care or to register for the classes, please contact Bobbi Olson, Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, at 334-430-7569 or e-mail bolson@ alabamachild.org.

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.

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.

Montgomery Parents I October 2018

Preparing For A Natural Birth (One Time Class) Baptist Medical Center East.

Please bring two bed pillows and a floor mat to class for breathing and relaxation exercise.

This class equips expectant parents with natural childbirth options providing them with tools, techniques and coping skills for their labor and delivery experience. Participants will practice breathing and relaxation exercises along with other comfort measures. This class is most beneficial when your support person attends. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Class fee: $20 (couple or single) payable at class by cash or check.

Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org or call 273-4445.

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.

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 17 from 10:30-11 a.m., and 11-11:30 a.m. Call 240-4365 or visit www. mmfa.org for more info.

Wetumpka Line Dance Classes held at A Chance to Dance, 68 Queen Ann Road, Wetumpka. Country and Non-Country Music for All Ages! CURRENT CLASS SCHEDULE: Mon. Beginner 7:15 p.m.; Wed. Beginner 10 a.m.; Wed. Senior 2 p.m.; Wed. Intermediate 7 p.m.; Fri. High Beginner/ Intermediate 7 p.m. *Open Dance to follow class.

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For more info, call (334) 452-0293 or find us on Facebook.

Support Groups Adoption Support

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., at Vaughn Forest Church.

For more info, contact Jill Sexton at 409-9477 or jsexton@childrensaid.org.

Birth Parent and Adult Adoptee Support Group Children’s Aid Society hosts a free support group for adult adoptees and birth parents. This group provides emotional support for people at all stages of the life-long adoption process. Meetings held at Children’s Aid Society, 2141 14th Avenue South in Birmingham. For class dates and times, call Kathy King at (205) 943-5331 or e-mail kking@ childrensaid.org.

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

Cancer Support

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-ACS2345 for more info.

OTHER PROGRAMS/SERVICES OFFERED BY THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: Reach to Recovery matches newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors on a one on one basis.

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 1-800-ACS-2345.

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

General Cancer Support Group held at Christ Church, 8800 Vaughn Road, Tuesday afternoons at 1 p.m. This is an open group. For more information, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie Diemayer at 467-4578.

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SupportGroups 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.

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.

Divorce Support

Grief Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Rm. 3105. Call 495-6350 for more info.

DivorceCare meets Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. at Frazer Memorial UMC. Come to the Library area.

This group will provide support & guidance to assist you in working through the issues, pain & pressures surrounding divorce. For more info, call 495-6350 or e-mail jan@frazerumc.org.

DivorceCare meets at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. It fosters a weekly supportive and caring environment to heal the hurt of separation and divorce. The DivorceCare experience involves a dynamic video presentation, group share time, and personal workbook exercises.

Facilitators for DivorceCare are Todd Smith, Wendy Timbie and Becki Harrison. To register or for more info, call 279-5433.

DivorceCare and DivorceCare 4 Kids First Baptist Church Montgomery, Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $15 (scholarships available).

Contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@montgomeryfbc. org or 241-5125.

Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women Montgomery Country Club, Azalea Room, 3800 Narrow Lane Road. 9 a.m.-noon. 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.

Gambling Support

Gamblers Anonymous Meetings in the River Region Area: Saturdays @ 6 p.m. and Mondays @ 6:30 p.m.: meet at Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US Hwy. 231 N in the Wetumpka/Wallsboro community.

The church is 1 1/2 miles past Tutweiler prison on the same side of the street.

Sundays @ 5 p.m.: meet at Mental Health of America, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery.

For more information about the GA meetings, call (334) 399-6918. For information about counseling services or to request a guest speaker, please call the Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling at (334) 277-5100.

Grief Support

Bereaved Spouses Support Group A new ministry of Cornerstone Christian Church, USA (Unavoidably Single Again) Ministries is designed to offer 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.

GriefShare meets on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in the parlor of First United Methodist Church Prattville.

Led by Michael Beatty. For more info, call the church office at (334) 365-5977.

GriefShare meets weekly at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. This program is non-denominational and features biblical concepts for healing your grief. Three key parts make up your GriefShare experience: video seminar; support group time; and workbook study. GriefShare will be led

by Howard and Carol Payne and Jim Williams. To register or for more info, call 279-5433.

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 yearround 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 495-6350.

Alzheimer’s and Memory Loss Support Group Meets at 6 p.m. third Wednesdays starting in Octo-

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ber at Trinity Episcopal Church in Wetumpka. Group is for those living with or caring for someone with memory loss. This will be a monthly event that will provide information, a time to share and listen to others experiencing what you are, a time to be supported in your struggles and to share your victories.

All are invited. Sometimes caregivers just need to talk with those that understand their struggles. For more info, call (334) 235-4151 or visit The Gathering Place Community Respite on Facebook.

Cardiolife, a FREE educational series for congestive heart failure patients and their caregivers, meets 4th Thursdays of each month, 10-11 a.m. Diabetes Center classroom, Jackson Hospital. For more info, call 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 12-step spiritual recovery program for overcoming addictions. Using the steps and the Bible, we help build self-esteem, responsible behavior, learning to make amends for destructive behavior, then fill the void in our hearts by developing a loving relationship with God. Class begins each Wednesday evening @ 6:30 p.m. Please contact the Prattville Church of Christ office, 344 East Main St. in Prattville (334-3654201), 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 on Mental Illness) provides understanding, education and information to family members and friends of those who suffer mental illness. The NAMI Montgomery Family Member Support Group meets second Mondays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in room 7205 at Frazer Memorial UMC. Call Mary Jo Logan (271-2280) for details. NAMI also presents a 12-week series of free classes on mental illness. These classes are for family members living with or supporting individuals with mental illness.

To register, call Mary Jo at 271-2280 or e-mail classicmjl@hotmail.com.

NAMI Connection (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a support group for individuals with mental illness. It meets every Thursday from 6-7:30 p.m. in room 3103 at Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Call Mary Jo Logan at 271-2280 for more info.

OCD Support Group (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 1:30 p.m. in Room 3101. 2018 meetings are in June, August, October and December. Call 495-6350 for more info.

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SupportGroups Overeaters Anonymous, Unity of Montgomery, 1922 Walnut St., Saturdays from 3-4 p.m. Contact Misty at 324-9568 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 CityCounty 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.

ganization offering support to the mothers and families of twins, triplets, and more in the Central Alabama region. They have a mom’s night out with dinner once a month. They also have a yard sale twice a year, in the spring and again in the fall. For more info, visit https:// sites.google.com/site/montgomerymultiples/home.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry St., Montgomery. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Moms, need a little break? We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Visit www.montgomeryfbc.org/ MOPS or contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Vaughn Forest Baptist Church, 8660 Vaughn Road, Montgomery.

1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Are you in need of a time-out? MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. Childcare is provided. For more info, e-mail vaughnforestmops@gmail.com or visit http://vfcmops. weebly.com/.

Pregnancy Loss/Infertility

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.

Mom2Mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of children ages birth-5 years at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. E-mail Mom2mom@frazerumc.org for more information.

Moms in Prayer International is a Christ-centered interdenominational prayer ministry made up of moms, grandmothers, aunts or any woman who wants to gather to pray for their children and schools.

Meets every Sunday afternoon from 3-4 p.m. at St. James UMC, 9045 Vauhgn Road. Call Annette Jones at (850) 529-4730 or e-mail Montgomerymipac@gmail. com for more info on joining us or training to start your own group.

Moms’ LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) First Baptist Church, Prattville. Meets twice monthly from 8:30-11:45 a.m. in the chapel at First Baptist Church in Prattville August through May. For moms of all stages and ages of life. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guests, special guest speakers and a lot of fun! Cost is $5 per meeting.

Childcare provided by reservation. For more info and to reserve your spot, call Kelley Manning at 361-7919.

The Montgomery Multiples Club is a non-profit or-

Montgomery Parents I October 2018

Sav-A-Life conducts a HOPE GROUP for women who have experienced the emotional aftermath of an abortion. Groups meet eight consecutive Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. and are facilitated by women who have experienced abortion. The “Forgiven and Set Free” Bible study is used. Confidientiality is assured. Please call Kathy at 260-8010 for information.

“Take Heart,” Room 116 at Eastmont Baptist Church, first Mondays of each month at 6 p.m. Support group for women dealing with infertility and/or miscarriage.

Contact Melissa at (205) 913-2667 for more information.

Single Parents Support

God Will Make a Way, Frazer UMC, Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. Learn to follow God’s principles to thrive relationally, emotionally, and spiritually in 12 key areas of life and use God’s wisdom to cope with your most difficult problems. Call 495-6368 or e-mail singles@ frazerumc.org for more info.

Single Moms Support Group, Landmark Church of Christ, Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in Classroom 118. For more information call 277-5800.

Single Moms’ Care and Support Group, Perry Hill United Methodist Church, 910 Perry Hill Road (corner of Perry Hill and Harrison Roads). Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:15-8 p.m. Free snack supper pro-

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vided 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 familyoriented 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. 2018 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.

D.A.T.S. M.O.M. (Disability as an Ability Toward Success: Moms on the Move), a free online parent empowerment network for parents of children on the autism spectrum (or with related special needs challenges) that focuses on inspiring, equipping and motivating parents to move their child’s disability to an ability. Follow DATS MOM on Facebook, Twitter and Periscope for live sessions and discussion. E-mail datsmom@yahoo.com for more information.

Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach, Vaughn Park Church of Christ, 2nd Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. We have activities, speakers and special events throughout the year for the parents, siblings and children with Down Syndrome. Childcare provided. Visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome. com or visit our Facebook page (MADSOG) for more information. Contact MADSOG at montgomeryareadownsyndrome@gmail.com for more info.

Montgomery Area Hearing Loss Support Group meets monthly at the Wesley Building of the First Methodist Church in Montgomery on 2nd Thursdays at 4 p.m. It is affiliated with the nationally recognized non-profit advocacy group, Hearing Loss Association of America. The purpose is to bring together all adults and parents of children who would like to know more about hearing losses, its causes and its possible corrections. Refreshments at each meeting. For more info, contact HearingInfo@earthlink.net.

Traumatic Brain Injury Support, cafeteria at HealthSouth on Narrow Lane in Montgomery. 2nd Thursdays at 6 p.m. Sponsored by Alabama Head Injury Foundation for anyone with a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or related disability. For more info, contact Holli at (334) 290-0646 or e-mail: ahif_ montgomery_auburn@yahoo.com. Visit www.ahif.org.

Teens/Families Support

Call Family Guidance Center of Alabama at 2704100 for information about current classes.

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

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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.

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Frazer Memorial UMC, 3, 69

O’Connor Tennis Lessons, 57

Grant Joy Learning, 15

Paradise Pumpkin Patch, 14

Guild Mortgage, 53

Party Posse, 37

Adventure Sports II, 87

Heart of Dixie Railroad, 52

Pike Road Community Arts Festival, 25

Alabama Christian Academy, 22

Holy Cross Episcopal School, 26

Prattville YMCA, 50

Alabama Dance Theatre, 82

Hooper Academy, 36

Professional Pediatrics, 12

AL Dept. of Health, Inside Front, 47

IEPA Academy, 52

Pump It Up Party, 19

AL School of Math & Science, 51

Inflatables of Montgomery, 42

Read Write Learning, 2

Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 39

Integrative Wellness, 11

Redland Baptist Church MMO, 55

Aldersgate UMC, 35

Jackson Hospital, 59

RR Dermatology and Laser, Inside Back

Armory Athletics, 75

Kingry Orthodontics, 21

Riverview Camp for Girls, 77

ASKIN/Synergy House, 89

Lakeview Baptist Church, 29

Rockin’ Jump, 8

Autauga/Western Elmore Arc, 81

Learning Tree Child Care, 38

Saint James School, 1

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Baptist Health, 13, 65

Little Lights Creative Learning Ctr, 52

Saint James UMC, 7, 83

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Beth’s Heirloom Sewing, 27

Lola Photography & Portrait Studio, 81

Sea Dragon Pirate Cruises, 4

Macon East Academy, 34

Spacewalk Montgomery, 11

Mathnasium, 18

Spotless Cleaning Services, 63

Memorial Presbyterian Childcare, 37

Success Unlimited Academy, 45

Montessori @ Mulberry, 17

Swim Prep, 75

Montgomery Catholic Schools, 41

Sylvan Learning Center, 25

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 82

Taylor Road Baptist Church, 40

Montg. Pediatric Dentistry/Ortho, 73

The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover

Montgomery Storks and More, 28

Tomatino’s Pizza/Cafe Louisa, 70

Montgomery Zoo, 49

Trinity Presbyterian School, 33

My Kids Attic, The Shoppes of, 23

Tru-Cut Lawn Care, 55

New Hope Academy, 50

United Gymstars & Cheer, 27

New Park, 61

Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 89

Newtopia, 43, 79

YMCA Camp Chandler, 57

OB/GYN Montgomery, Dr. Desautels, 21

Young Living Essential Oils, 89

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Chapman Orthodontics, 36 Children’s Aid Society of AL, 67 Children’s Hospital of Alabama, 28 Churchill Academy, 20 CMH Mobile Notary Services, 19 Cupcake Castles Travel, 91 Dentistry for Children, 40 Docarmo’s Taekwondo, 29 Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 46 Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 87 Easter Seals Central Alabama, 42 Edward Jones-Lane Easterling, 46 Evangel Christian Academy, 31 Family Guidance Center, 32 First Baptist, Montgomery, 9, 71

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MP: The definition of pragmatic is, “dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.” How did your “pragmatic” personality help you deal with your diagnosis and treatments?

Stephanie: One way it helped is that I didn’t worry too much about things I couldn’t control. If we were waiting on a test result, it would be easy to spend two solid days imagining all the terrible things that could develop.

I tend to lean more on my faith in times like that and save worrying for when I have an actual result that I need to deal with or face. And even then, I wouldn’t so much worry as I would want to better understand what I was facing. I do think there is a peace only God can provide that really shines during times like this.

Stephanie Norrell

MP: How is what you hope for now different from what you hoped for at the time you were diagnosed?

MP: As a breast cancer survivor, wife, mother and friend, what, if anything, is hard for you about telling your story?

Stephanie: I don’t really think it has changed what I hope for, but I do think it has made me more appreciative of all the little moments in our day-to-day. So, I think I am more aware of being present in the moment and taking in all the gifts I have around me right now.

Stephanie: Telling the story itself is not hard, but remembering all the help and support I got along the way tends to make me emotional.

MP: What resources were most helpful to you from when you received your diagnosis through your last treatment?

Stephanie: There are several things that were helpful. I had doctors that took their time to discuss my diagnosis and make sure I was comfortable with any decisions I had to make. The Montgomery Cancer Center doctors and staff were so supportive and helpful and always had suggestions on ways to manage any issues that might arise. I learned that you are your most important advocate and that it’s important to speak up.

But aside from the medical side, there were SO many things that were helpful during both of my experiences. I had close friends who helped manage meals the first time when the kids were younger from people who offered to help. When the kids were older and all playing sports, it was more helpful to us for people to contribute gift cards to restaurants, since we were not eating at home as often. But friends and family helped in so very many ways, from picking up kids for me, to helping with laundry, to just visiting to keep me company when I was stuck at home and everyone else was at work or school. And I received so many encouraging cards and notes that lifted my spirits. I even had one friend who decorated my Christmas tree for me!

MP: What went through your mind when you first found out you had breast cancer?

Stephanie: I guess I probably started with the million questions of how, why, what would my prognosis be, etc. But I quickly turned that into trying to understand my diagnosis, prognosis and options.

MP: Within the last 10 years, you have had two different bouts with cancer. How did you communicate the diagnosis to your sons and how did they receive it?

Stephanie: During my first experience it was diagnosed as DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ), which means it was confined to the milk ducts, so I felt good about my prognosis and the fact that it was caught early.

And I guess because I felt good about all of this, I tried to express that to my children. It would be a bit of disruption to our daily lives for a little while, but nothing we couldn’t get through. I did have a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction, so that was a major surgery and it took a while to recover completely so I could get back to doing everything a mom with three young kids and a job needs to do. But I tried to keep things positive and share with them as much as they were able to comprehend at that time.

During the second experience, it was determined that I had a small tumor that was HER2 positive. The treatment would require chemotherapy and radiation. Again, I was honest and positive with my children. At that time they were 17, 14 and 11, so I was able to be completely honest with them from the very beginning. They all took it very well and I think appreciated being informed about what we as a family would be facing. I think we want to shield our kids from bad news, but in my case I didn’t see this so much as bad news, but a reality we all were going to have to adjust to for a little while.

Montgomery Parents I October 2018

MP: In your opinion, how has your journey impacted your boys?

Stephanie: My hope is that this has shown them that you need to face your challenges head on and lean heavily on your faith.

MP: It has been two years since your last treatment. What advice would you offer a mom who is just now receiving a diagnosis of cancer?

Stephanie: Stay strong, stay positive, and stay focused on the bigger picture. It stinks to lose your hair and be sick from chemo, but it is a small price to pay to be around for your family for many more years. I’ll take that trade any day!

Stephanie Norrell is Governmental Affairs Consultant with McMillan and Associates. She has been married to her husband Billy for 23 years, and they have three sons, George (20), William (17), and Walton (14).

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What do MA graduates look like?

Diverse in every way, yet they share surprisingly similar qualities.

As early as kindergarten, The Montgomery Academy looks ahead to the kinds of qualities a young adult needs to succeed.

Programs are structured, and experiences are designed around creating lifelong learners who challenge themselves.

Co-curricular involvement is planned to champion honor, ethics, diversity and service. We do all this—but if you ask our first graders what they do in school, they’ll simply tell you they have fun. And show you their paintings.

Th e M o n t g o m e r y A c a d e m y The Pursuit of Excellence in K-12 Education Contact Rachael Gallagher, admissions@montgomeryacademy.org | 334.272.8210 | montgomeryacademy.org