Montgomery Parents September 2012

1. Make a plan and take action 2. Take a multivitamin with 400 micrograms of Folic Acid daily

3. Eat more fruit, veggies, and whole grains.

4. Get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly

5. Choose wisely: Be tobacco, alcohol, and drug free.

6. See your doctor for checkups and yearly screenings.

7. Reach and maintain a healthy weight.

8. Control medical conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, etc.

9. Learn your family health history 10. Get mentally healthy

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What’s new?

A great lifestyle for you!

New Park offers exceptional home values in one of the River Region’s fastest growing neighborhoods.

In a bulls-eye location surrounded by the city’s newest schools, best shopping and new convenience with the new Ray Thorington/Taylor Road

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Johnnie Carr Middle School, James Wilson, Jr. Elementary School and the city’s newest YMCA.

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Contents September 2012 Volume 17 Number 9

Features 46 Are You a Reluctant Entertainer?

Conquer your fear of entertaining with helpful advice that puts the focus on the fellowship rather than a perfect home or gourmet meal.

52 Coping with Your Child’s Special Needs Diagnosis Walking through the difficult stages which lead to acceptance, plus getting support, can lead to a blessed life with your special child.

Columns 6 From One Parent to Another DeAnne Watson

56 Special Needs Resource Guide

Local and national support abounds for parents raising a special needs child. Our guide tells you where to find the help your family needs.

72 Modern Manners in the Tech Age

With Nintendo DS, cell phones and iPods ever present in our kids’ lives, a new look at manners is necessary. Help your tech savvy child know what’s appropriate, and when.

8 Living With Children John Rosemond

12 Kids Health Watch

sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

On The Cover

14 Montgomery Education Matters

10 Bits and Pieces

by Superintendent Barbara W. Thompson

39 Autauga Education Matters

16 School Bits

by Superintendent Spence Agee

42 Elmore Education Matters

by Superintendent Jeffery E. Langham

70 Library Storytimes

44 Get This!

Paige Gardner Smith

78 Calendar/Support Groups

48 The FlyLady Marla Cilley

50 Page in a Book Paige Gardner Smith

66 Relocating with Kids Julie Steed

Montgomery Parents I September 2012

Departments

Ben Brewbaker (age 14) and is in 8th grade at Johnnie Carr Middle School. His parents are Dick and Ruth Brewbaker and he has four brothers: David, 21, attends Samford University; Tom, 19, attends the University of South Carolina; Mac, 17, attends school in Montana; and Alex, 9, is in fourth grade at Montgomery Academy.

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95 Advertiser Directory 96

Movie Reviews www.montgomeryparents.com

MontgomeryParents

The River Region’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

Founder

Marty Watson (1950-2006)

Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@montgomeryparents.com

Associate Editor Alison Rouse

Research Editor Wendy McCollum

Contributing Writers Spence Agee Marla Cilley Christie del Amo Johnson Dr. Jeff Langham Julie Landry Laviolette Phil Mitchell, DVM John Rosemond Paige Gardner Smith Julie Steed Barbara W. Thompson Jan Udlock

Cover Photography Savannah Bowden Photography

Ad Design Tim Welch

Publisher Jason Watson jason@montgomeryparents.com

Advertising Opportunities 334.213.7940 ads@montgomeryparents.com

From One Parent to Another...

I have a love-hate relationship with technology! I love the increased productivity it provides our business.

I love being able to Google any question and having the answer in two seconds. I REALLY love typing in an ingredient and finding a five star recipe I can cook that night for dinner. And, yes, while I was a little late to the game, I even enjoy texting someone a message rather than calling every time.

But let’s face it, with all of these perks come plenty of challenges for parents. There’s a maturity required to keeping technology in it’s proper place in our lives, and most of our kids need some help obtaining it. We’ve all seen that family dining out in a restaurant, the parents talking while all the kids are staring at their Nintendo DS systems. Or how about when you’re at a holiday gathering and rather than engaging in conversation, there’s that one family member who’s busy texting friends not in attendance? While teaching manners has always been an important part of raising children, technology has introduced some new areas to focus upon. This month’s article, Modern Manners in the Tech Age, offers great advice to help you combat this rising problem...one that’s sure to get worse without intervention.

While we’re on the topic of love-hate relationships, many women experience negative emotions when it comes to entertaining. We may relish the idea of having a great time with friends or family, but often can’t get past the overwhelming feelings that accompany preparing a large meal, getting our houses spick-and-span and throwing a party. In Jan Udlock’s, Are You a Reluctant Entertainer, she helps you take the focus off the performance, and put it on the fellowship, with helpful tips to keep your next event low-stress.

Finally, each September, we like to place a special focus on all the “special” kids who live in our community, and their parents. Families raising special needs kids have a difficult set of challenges to face day in and day out, with decisions about schooling, medical issues, social interactions and more. Our desire is that this month’s feature, Coping with Your Child’s Special Needs Diagnosis, will offer you encouragement whether you are facing a new diagnosis with your child or as you continue to discover his/her special needs. Also, our Special Needs Resource Guide shares an extensive list of local and national organizations who come alongside parents, so you can be better informed about your child’s needs and get the support you need for the journey.

Now that cooler weather is on the way, family events in the River Region and nearby are becoming plentiful! It’s a great time of year to get outdoors and spend time with your kids, and our calendar has all the details. Don’t miss it! Have a terrific September!

DeAnne

Member

www.montgomeryparents.com editor@montgomeryparents.com Montgomery Parents magazine is published monthly

by KeepSharing LLC, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, Alabama, 36123. The phone number for voice and fax is (334) 213.7940. Montgomery Parents is copyrighted 2012 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.

www.montgomeryparents.com

Like Montgomery Parents on Facebook for monthly parenting tips, fun ideas, giveaways and more!

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Living With Children

By John Rosemond

Discipline Consistently Even When Ex-Husband Won’t Q: My ex-husband

has our 3-year-old son from Thursday through Saturday, every weekend. When I hand him over to his dad, he’s fairly well behaved, but when I get him back, he’s disrespectful and defiant. It takes a day or two to get him back on track. I work very hard to discipline consistently and it seems his dad unravels everything I accomplish.

A: In the attempt to be fair to both adult par-

ties, divorce court judges often make rulings that are distinctly unfair to children. The sort of back-and-forth custody arrangement you describe is going to be very disruptive to most 3-year-olds. In fact, having to move households every few days would be very disruptive to most adults. Unfortunately, when parents divorce, children don’t have attorneys arguing on their behalf.

The problem is compounded by fathers who are nothing more than large playmates when they have their kids. This makes it difficult for their children to transition back to mothers who expect obedience and impose structure.

The only solution is for you to stay the course. Even though you’re in a “two steps forward, one step back” situation, continue to discipline consistently and with purpose.

Eventually, your efforts will pay off.

Q: I have 32 years of teaching experience,

mostly in second grade. All of us veterans have noticed that classroom discipline problems have been getting worse with every new year. At our school we have lots of problems with open defiance, disrespect, and constant interruptions. The most recent administration, however, considers any sort of punishment inappropriate, even having a child sit out recess.

What’s a teacher to do?

A: The reason classroom behavior has been

going downhill for at least thirty years is growing numbers of parents who don’t adequately discipline in the home. These same parents don’t support discipline from their kids’ teachers and even become defensive when anyone even suggests that their kids fall short of perfect.

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From the point of view of principals and other administrators, the parents in question are impossible to deal with. The standard administrative response, therefore, is to try and avoid confrontations with them, no matter the cost to teachers. That’s why so many teachers complain to me that their administrators (and even school boards) don’t support their efforts to discipline, that they even go to great lengths to pacify protesting parents.

One way to avoid such confrontations is to prohibit punishment of any sort. This may seem “enlightened,” but the best research indicates that appropriate punishment is associated with not just better behavior, but better overall adjustment as well. If it is just to reward excellence, then it is also just to punish misbehavior.

Unfortunately, I have no pat answer to this growing problem. My advice to teachers is fairly pragmatic: Choose your battles carefully. My advice to parents: Wake up! My advice to administrators: Find your backbones.

Q: My 5-year-old seems to have difficulty

paying attention and is in constant motion when I try to teach him to read or write.

That said, he can sit and watch a movie or build with LEGO blocks while following the instructions. Is this ADHD or just him being bored and not liking the activity?

A: I can’t make a diagnosis in a column, but

I can tell you that some degree of inattentiveness and “hyperactivity” is characteristic of young boys. That tendency is aggravated when adults force them to participate in activities they’re not interested in. For instance, it may well be that your son is simply not developmentally ready for academics. That readiness emerges in girls before it does in boys, who tend to be more inclined toward activities involving motor skills; thus, your son’s interest in LEGO sets.

According to good research, other factors that may contribute to excess activity and problems with attention span include watching excessive amounts of television, playing video games, and improper diet. Your son sounds like a typical 5-year-old boy to me, but if you have any doubts, then I strongly recommend a consultation with a child psychologist.

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

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8/9/12 1:32 PM

bits & pieces Faulkner Hosts Former First Lady Laura Bush

Faulkner University is proud to host former First Lady Laura Bush for Turning Points, a dinner event to benefit the college, on October 4 at 7 p.m. Turning Points will take place at the Montgomery Renaissance Convention Center, and all money raised will help fund scholarships.

For more info or to purchase tickets, visit www.faulkner.edu/bush.

Eclectic Holds Annual Alabama Cotton Festival

Saturday, October 13, from 8 a.m. until Located in the heart of town, this event provides a family-oriented all-day fun festival. Events will include: Alabama Cotton Pageant, Alabama Cotton Run (5K), Alabama Championship Rook Tournament, Antique and Classic Car Show, Photo and Art Contest, Pet Parade, Sweet Treats Contest, Kids Zone with Hamster Balls, pony rides, trains, inflatable bounce castles, games and Cotton Exhibit.

There will be vendors of all types within The Warehouse (Eclectic’s historic 1920s warehouse utilized in the storage and sale of cotton). The Junior Anglers will be here with a demonstration and exhibit that is great for kids. Live musical entertainment will be held on the Main Street Stage and will include The Keith Moody Band, The Shiloh Spirituals, Laurel Taylor, and Tina Marie, and the 4 J’s* Information and registration forms for all contests and vendor space can be found on the home page and documents section of www.townofeclectic.com. We welcome vendors and sponsors. You may also email alabamacottonfestinfo@gmail.com www.montgomeryparents.com

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Broadway Under the Stars

The Montgomery Symphony Orchestra will amaze you with their annual concert lakeside at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in the Blount Cultural Park on Thursday, September 13. Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and will feature some of Broadway’s greatest hits. Picnic baskets, coolers, blankets and lawn chairs are all welcome at this FREE, family-oriented event. For more information, contact the Montgomery Symphony at 240-4004 or montgomerysymphony@gmail.com.

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Upcoming Theatre

Millbrook Community Players present Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, directed by Stephanie McGuire. Show dates are September 13-15 and 20- 22 at 7:30 p.m. and September 16 at 2 p.m. Described by Edward Albee as “…the greatest American play ever written,” the story follows the small town of Grover’s Corners through three acts: “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage,” and “Death and Eternity.” Narrated by a stage manager and performed with minimal props and sets, audiences follow the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry and eventually—in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre—die. Tickets may be purchased online at www. millbrooktheatre.com or by calling (334) 782-7317 Wetumpka Depot presents Seeing Stars in Dixie October 4-6, 11-14 and 18-20.

This charming Southern comedy is set in 1956 Natchez, Miss., where Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift have arrived to film “Raintree County.” Meanwhile at Clemmie’s, a Natchez tea room, the widowed proprietor who has a fascination with movies and a secret admirer, oversees her own cast of characters. Competition for a small role in the movie brings out the best and worst of the town’s colorful characters. Written by Ron Osborne and directed by Kim Mason. For tickets, visit www.wetumpkadepot.com or call (334) 868-1440.

Showing on three Saturdays ONLY October 6-20, Alabama Shakespeare Festival presents The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Written by Laura Eason, adapted from the novel by Mark Twain. Tom and Huck are just one step ahead of evil Injun Joe. Treasure, murder and their own funeral bring them to the edge of disaster. From the greatest American humorist of all time comes this tale of danger and adventure, rich with unforgettable images of life on the Mississippi. Recommended for ages 6+. Appropriate for most audiences. Tickets are available by calling 271-5353, visiting www. asf.net or going to the ASF box office in Blount Cultural Park.

Faulkner Dinner Theatre presents Pirates of Penzance October 11-13, 18-20 and 25-27. Theatre doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner is served from 6:15 until 7. The show begins promptly at 7:30. Tickets are $25 and include dinner and the show. Members of the military can purchase tickets for just $20. Reservations must be paid in advance. For reservations or more information, call 386-7190 or e-mail boxoffice@faulkner.edu.

Cloverdale Playhouse performs Opus by Michael Hollinger October 11-14 and 18-21. A world-renowned string quartet follows their world tour with a new recording contract amid rumors of a breakup and the search for a replacement just before a performance at the White House. Extraordinary music joins with dynamic language as the play explores the inner workings and lively relationships of a once tightly-knit ensemble. Call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org for tickets or more info.

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Pike Road Fire Dept. Holds 9/11 Ceremony

The Pike Road Volunteer Fire Department will host a 9/11 ceremony on Tuesday, September 11, at Town Hall, 9575 Vaughn Rd. (Pike Road Station). The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and is free to the public.

The event is to raise community awareness and support for firefighters, first responders and law enforcement while remembering and honoring the lives of those firefighter/first responders and law enforcement lost on 9/11/01. This year’s event will feature speakers, bagpipes, Montgomery County Honor Guard, trumpet player, refreshments and commemorative items. Bradley Roberson, a rising country music artist, will also perform. The event concludes with a candlelight vigil.

For more information on Pike Road Fire Department, visit www.pikeroadfire.com.

Family Events @ the Art Museum

Sunday, Sept. 23 * 2-4 p.m.

Jazz Jamz: Enjoy the Museum and a little jazz. This event is a partnership with Alabama Roots Music Society. Admission is free.

“Family Art Affair” will take place at the same time. Bring the entire family for this special FREE fun day, combining music and art!

Visit www.mmfa.org or call 240-4333 for more info.

Montgomery Zoo Launches New Zoofari Skylift Ride

How would you like to put your toes in the treetops as you glide 30 feet in the air above the Montgomery Zoo? Get a bird’s eye view of the giraffes, the animals from our Australian, African and Asian collections and so much more on the Montgomery Zoo’s all new Zoofari Skylift Ride. Open since August 30, visitors are invited to climb aboard a chairlift-style, open air ride that will provide a spectacular view of the Montgomery Zoo and its many residents.

The Zoofari Skylift Ride will be available from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily, pending weather conditions, for a fee of $4. The Zoofari Skylift Ride is made possible by a generous grant from Alabama Power Company and 2010 Zoobilation Sponsors: Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Rita Sabel, The Hobbs Foundation, Montgomery Advertiser, Sabel Steel, Regions Bank, Jean Weil and BB&T. For more info, please call 240-4900 or visit www.montgomeryzoo.com. You can also follow us on facebook, flickr, twitter, myspace and youtube.

Southeastern Diabetes Education Services & River Regions Lions Clubs present

River Region’s Fall Family Fun Day

Sunday, October 21, from 2-5 p.m.

Lanark Park, Millbrook Come join us for a fun day event for children living with diabetes and their families. Included in the event will be food, fishing, a treetop walk, team building activities, diabetes education and fun for the whole family!

Cost: $10 for immediate family of child with diabetes; $5 each for an extended family members or friend. Scholarships available if needed.

Please register in advance before October 17. Call (205) 402-0415 or email info@southeasterndiabetes.org.

Send payments in advance to: SDES, 500 Chase Park South, Ste 104, Hoover, AL 35244.

Riverfront Family Event

Saturday, September 8 Offered FREE the second Saturday of every month from 5-8 p.m. Actvities will include: live entertainment, interactive activities for all ages (bocce ball & more), food vendors and cocktails served from the SandBAR! Vendors include: iCantina, Dreamland, Peppertree Steaks and Wines, Cheezie’s Pizza, Nancy’s Italian Ice, Spacewalker and Bruster’s Ice Cream. For more information, call 625-2100.

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Kids Heal h Watch

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Flu Shot Season Did you know every year an average of 20,000 children under the age of five years are hospitalized due to complications of the flu? Flu seasons vary in severity, but some children will die every year from the flu.

Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. It can be difficult to distinguish from a cold. In general, flu symptoms tend to be more severe, start abruptly, and include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, fatigue, and occasionally vomiting and diarrhea. Common cold symptoms are more mild and often come on gradually. Congestion or runny nose tend to be hallmarks of a cold, whereas body aches and fever are more common in flu.

Flu is contagious. It is spread mainly through respiratory droplets. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, the droplets land in mouths or noses or are inhaled into the lungs of others up to six feet away... Gross, right?! Flu is contagious even before symptoms develop, so if your child is playing with another apparently healthy child who comes down with the flu the following day, your child was exposed.

So, how can we protect our children from getting the flu? The absolute best way to protect against the flu is to get a seasonal flu vaccine every year. The

recommendation is now that EVERYONE over the age of six months get a yearly flu shot. It is especially important that children under five and those with chronic illnesses get the vaccine, as these children are at highest risk for complications from the flu. It is recommended to get the vaccine as soon as it is available in your community. Most doctor’s offices receive it in late August and begin vaccinating in early September. There are four types of flu vaccines, only two of which are currently available for children: traditional flu shots, which contain inactivated or killed viruses and a nasal spray containing live, attenuated (weakened) viruses.

It is NOT possible to get the flu from the flu vaccine. It takes about two weeks after vaccination to build immunity, so don’t wait! Get the vaccine when it becomes available!

Children eight years of age and under who have not had a prior flu vaccine require two doses, given four weeks or more apart. The first dose primes the immune system, while the second dose provides immune protection after two weeks. So, it takes a total of six weeks and two vaccines to build immunity in a young child receiving vaccine for the first time. Receiving only one dose in a child who is recommended to have two leaves the child vulnerable to catching the flu.

Infants under six months are not able to receive the flu vaccine. It is our job as a community to protect these young babies by vaccinating everyone around them.

Imagine holding a friend’s baby, then coming down with the flu the following day. That baby has now been exposed and is at extremely high risk of hospitalization and flu complications. Anyone who will be around young children and babies needs to be vaccinated to protect our most vulnerable from getting ill.

Check out our Facebook page for a link to the CDC vaccination pledge, and give a copy to your child’s teacher to send home with the children! Go with a group of friends for flu shots and ice cream! Get your kids in a routine that this is a normal part of fall and back to school.

Be sure to set a good example by getting your flu shot, too!

Dr. Karen Doles is a board certified pediatrician practicing at Professional Pediatrics in Montgomery, Alabama.

She completed her medical degree at the University of Tennessee in Memphis, and her residency at State University of New York in Buffalo. She lives in Montgomery with her husband and active 3 year old son.

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

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

Newborn, Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

OFFICE HOURS Mon-Thurs Friday Saturday Sunday www.montgomeryparents.com

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I am pleased to say that this has been a very smooth opening of school. Montgomery Public Schools welcomed back more than 31,000 students, 2,500 teachers and 2,000 support professionals for what we expect will be an exciting and productive year.

We will spend this year concentrating on improving our service to parents and the community. Many departments and school personnel had summer workshops on working with parents and community members.

This year, every school and department will be evaluated by “secret shoppers” who will visit and contact schools. Phone calls to specific departments and schools will be randomly recorded and monitored to ensure proper service. We have revamped our Student Services Department, formally

known as PALS, including setting criteria for response times. Our transportation department has several innovations including a pilot program placing GPS trackers on selected buses that will allow us to offer better information to parents if one of those buses is delayed.

Robert E. Lee High School has been restructured with many new faculty and staff members. Every administrator and teacher is excited about the coming year and has a renewed focus on student success.

Every teacher at Lee has had staff development this summer. There are 15 new Teach for America teachers among those new educators who will bring a new energy and focus to the school.

The new International Baccalaureate (IB) programs have begun at MacMillan International Academy, Carr Middle School and Loveless Magnet High School.

The schools have approved candidate status. From the first day of school this year teachers have been using these internationally recognized teaching strategies.

Great teachers are the key to successful students. We have over 130 new teachers this year and eight new principals.

Adding this new energy to our staff of veteran educators will certainly be a boost for our system. Our principals and key staff received training this summer on strategic teaching and a teacher assessment process called Instructional Rounds.

We are very excited about the new school year and our new beginnings. Ann Frank is credited with saying, “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” We are at that moment - a turning point. Working together we will continue to improve our schools.

Barbara W. Thompson is Montgomery County Schools’ superintendent. She has served children as a teacher, curriculum leader, elementary principal, and supervisor of secondary alternative and at-risk programs. Superintendent Thompson’s skill as an educator has garnered her several professional honors. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American Association of School Administrators and the Board of the School Superintendents of Alabama.

Dont Miss It!

Holiday Market begins October 17th, 2012 at an EXCITING NEW VENUE!

Holiday Market

at Cramton Bowl!

Montgomery’s Multiplex

The 24th Annual

Wed., October 17 ~ 6-9pm Mistletoe and Martinis: Preview Party & Silent Auction - $35 Beverage tickets, hors d'oeuvres and entertainment

October 17-20th, 2012

Thurs., October 18 Shopping Hours ~ 9am-9pm

Presented by The Junior League of Montgomery

Fri., October 19 Shopping Hours ~ 9am-9pm Girls Night Out 6-9pm No Stroller Night!

Grand Investor:

Sat., October 20 Shopping Hours ~ 9am-5pm Kids! Help the Elves in Santa’s Workshop for Holiday Fun! $10 ~ 10-11:30am Santa is in Town! Stop by and have your picture taken with Santa ~ 12-5pm

TICKETS: Advance - $5 • Daily - $10 Military/Seniors - $5 Children 10 & under - FREE

For Info and Advance Tickets: Call 334-288-8816 or visit JLMontgomery.org www.montgomeryparents.com

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AUM Opens New Wellness Center

MA Director Earns Master’s Degree from Dartmouth The Montgomery Academy congratulates Middle School Director John McWilliams on the completion of his Master of Arts and Liberal Studies degree from Dartmouth College. His official graduation date from the program was June 10, though he did not get to walk in the ceremony as he was with the Academy’s forensics team at the National Forensics League Speech & Debate Tournament in Indianapolis, Indiana.

McWilliams was able to receive his Master’s by attending a program that Dartmouth offers specifically for educators, with classes being offered in the summer.

The program consists of four summers of actual courses, an independent study and a written thesis. Some of the courses McWilliams took while in the program included Post-Colonialism in Irish Literature, Market Societies, Cold War Film, and Craft and Culture of Journalism.

McWilliams enjoyed the course work at Dartmouth and getting to spend his summers in Hanover. “It was really a wonderful experience, but it feels great to be done,” he shared. “I’d really like to thank the Academy for the support they gave me for this program, both financially and emotionally. It’s great to work for an organization that encourages your endeavors to excel and improve yourself.”

John McWilliams, middle school director at The Montgomery Academy, and his mother, Dianne McWilliams, upper school English teacher, enjoy the Dartmouth College campus. www.montgomeryparents.com

Auburn University at Montgomery kicked off its fall semester on Aug. 13 by opening the doors to its highly anticipated Wellness Center on the first day of classes. The 73,500-square-foot facility is the first building on campus dedicated to student wellness and recreation. It houses the Department of Physical Education and Exercise Science, including classroom space, and is home to the AUM Intramurals Program and Human Performance Lab. The center’s amenities and features include: weight room; cardio/aerobics room; multipurpose activity room; pool/aquatic center, including a lap pool and vortex pool; rock climbing wall (22-feet tall); indoor track (one-eighth of a mile); recreational basketball courts (with volleyball, badminton and pickleball); outdoor beach volleyball court; exercise garden; locker rooms; and healthy snack bar.

The Auburn University Board of Trustees approved construction of the center in summer 2010 and AUM broke ground in February 2011. Construction was slated for completion in August 2012, so it opened on schedule. The project was championed by AUM students, who voted in a campus-wide referendum to increase their fees to cover the costs of the $20.6 million facility.

Membership is included in the cost of tuition and fees for all students enrolled at AUM. Alumni who graduated between Fall 2010 and Summer 2012 may receive one year of membership free of charge, as they helped pay for the facility through increased fees during that time period. Other alumni and friends of the university, as well as faculty and staff, may join the Wellness Center at a monthly membership rate. For more information, visit www.aum.edu/wellness-center.

Shown, Auburn Montgomery SGA President Darius Pettway cuts the ribbon opening the AUM Wellness Center. Photo by Frank C. Williams

Evangel Welcomes New Administrator

Evangel Christian Academy recently welcomed Scott Matthes as the school’s new administrator. Rev. Matthes is no stranger to ECA; he previously served on the school’s executive committee and coached the boys’ basketball teams during the early years of the school. He was also an active member of Evangel Church before answering the call of God on his life to become a missionary.

Matthes grew up as part of an Air Force family.

He graduated from Troy State University in Troy with a B.S. degree in mathematics and computer information. After being commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force, he received an M.S degree in operations research from the Air Force Institute of Technology. Several years after separating from the Air Force, he received his ministerial credentials and was ordained with the Assemblies of God. Matthes recently returned from Siberia, Russia, where he and his family served as missionaries for several years. ECA is excited to welcome the Matthes family back to Evangel and is looking forward to a great school year!

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At Trinity, we believe our student athletes are true champions... in life and on the field. Our winning teams not only rack up trophies and awards, but godly character and development too!

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| Contact Monica Lott 334.213.2137

Nondiscriminatory statement as to students: 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 anyParents of the educational policies, scholarship programs and athletics, and other school-administered programs.

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Trinity Teachers Attend iSummit

ACA Holds Social For New Students

Alabama Christian Academy welcomed new students to the secondary campus by hosting a special reception for them and their families. ACA faculty, staff, board members and members of the Honor Society and Athletic Ambassadors visited with the new families over some light refreshments that were served on a Sunday afternoon.

Sophomore Alyssa Harrell, far right, visits with new students Lark Edwards, Marisa Sutton, Slayton Edwards and Sara Thornhill.

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Nineteen teachers from Trinity Presbyterian School attended iSummit 2012 in Atlanta July 10 and 11. iSummit is an Apple-sponsored event for independent schools.

Faculty members learned how to integrate technology into their classrooms for the 20122013 school year. The teachers enjoyed two days of keynote speakers and workshops at Greater Atlanta Christian School. One evening the conference sponsored dinner at the Georgia Aquarium, where guests toured the exhibits and dined in the grand ballroom. In attendance were Dan Cleveland, David Yohn, Kathy Pirtle, Stan Milton, Trip Franklin, Ann Louise Harrell, Rosie Sprague, Trish Hixon, Christy Colee, Kay Kirtland, Terri Sullivan, Lucy Thrasher, Teresa Henderson, Karen McVay, Alice Williams, Laura Williams, Cindy Morrison, Beverly Saliba and Christy Cornett.

From left are Kathy Pirtle, Terri Sullivan, Christy Colee, Kay Kirtland and Lucy Thrasher at the Georgia Aquarium

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STJ Book Donation Aids Brantwood Expansion

Working with a group of Saint James students, STJ school board member Michelle Parks recently organized the donation of discontinued textbooks at the school to the Brantwood Children’s Home.

“The donation of more than 150 textbooks has a value of greater than $5,000,” said Kim Herbert, Executive Director of Brantwood Children’s Home. “Brantwood is so grateful for the support and friendship of the Saint James students, families, teachers and administration. Together, Brantwood Children’s Home and Saint James are changing young lives and making a difference for youth in Montgomery.”

Brantwood administrators said the facility is expanding its on-campus middle school to include high school and the STJ donation of student textbooks, including teacher editions, will save money and enhance the learning environment of their educational program.

Preparing to make the delivery to Brantwood are, from left, Sahil Patel, Brantwood Board President Adam Stephenson, Sadie Argo, Brantwood Children’s Home Executive Director Kim Herbert, Ashley Williamson, STJ High School Principal Bryan Oliver, SGA President Reed Chisenhall, STJ board member Michelle Parks and Abigail Greenberg.

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Catholic Sixth-Grader Donates to Locks of Love

Zoe Rutland, a sixth-grader at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s St. Bede campus and daughter of Tina and Chris Rutland, donated more than eleven inches of her hair to Locks of Love. This is Rutland’s second time to donate. She was inspired to start giving to this cause because of a student her mother taught who had received a wig from Locks of Love.

www.montgomeryparents.com

Covenant Kids Celebrate Wild West Week

ECA Receives a New Look

Evangel Christian Academy’s students and faculty recently returned to school and were excited to see changes in the school’s appearance. The school recently underwent a major remodeling effort, including new paint, tile, carpet and landscaping.

New classrooms were also added. Everyone was excited to start a new school year with a new look.

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

Led by their teacher Ms. Jeanette, the four-year-old class at Covenant Kids Child Development Center recently celebrated Wild West Week. Children had a blast making chaps and cowboy hats and then having a campout. At the campout they enjoyed special food made just for cowboys and especially enjoyed the roasted marshmallows. Then they took their naps “under the stars” like real cowboys!

The class also has been learning about the Ten Commandments, so the picture shows some of the children displaying their Ten Commandments dressed in cowboy attire.

Covenant Kids is a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church and the director is Kathy Hegwood. The center enrolls children from 6 weeks to 4 years old. For more information, call 356-9110.

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SUA Summer Tutoring Students Excel

The 2012 Summer Tutoring Program at Success Unlimited Academy came to an end August 9. The nine-week program serviced more than 30 students from the Montgomery, Prattville and Wetumpka areas. Many students signed up for fall tutoring to get help with homework and test prep during the school year.

Mrs. Lauren Morgan, Ms. Debbie Gibson and Ms. Kay Smith worked with the students ranging from kindergarten to 12thgrade levels during the nine weeks in all areas including algebra, geometry, reading, spelling, writing, science, history, and ACT prep.

Fourth-graders Racquel Barner and Calvin Martin are shown receiving their trophies for their hard work over the summer. “Racquel and Calvin were motivated learners and always had a smile on their faces,� Ms. Gibson said.

Call Lauren Morgan at 213-0803for an appointment to sign up for fall tutoring for homework help and test preparation.

Holy Cross Teachers Advance Technology Skills

Holy Cross Episcopal School teachers Connie MacDonald, Charlene Daugherty, Marcia Bazell, Nancy Stankard and Beth Harris shared a day of learning, professional development and fun traveling together. This group took a trip to HewittTrussville High School over the summer to attend workshops at the Alabama Educational Technology Conference. Leaving Montgomery at 6:15 a.m., they embarked on a full day of seminars that focused on creating webpages and learning more about using interactive technology in their classrooms.

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ECA Teacher Named AISA Teacher of the Year

Evangel Christian Academy’s high school English teacher, Carol Lowe, was recently named AISA’s Class 2A Secondary Teacher of the Year for the 2011-2012 school year. Lowe was the first teacher in the history of ECA to receive this prestigious honor. She was nominated by the school’s SGA and was selected by AISA from several teachers throughout Alabama.

Lowe received her B.S. degree in secondary education from Troy University. She received a Master’s degree from Troy State University at Montgomery and a Specialist’s Degree from Auburn University at Montgomery in administration and supervision. Her majors in college included both English and Social Studies; she also minored in Bible.

Lowe has worked in education for 42 years. She has taught at ECA for 14 years.

She also worked in public education as a teacher for 11 years and in administration for 16 years before coming to ECA.

Holy Cross Welcomes Two New Instructors

A native from Decatur, Ala., Amber Wright has been hired to teach fifth- and sixth-grade studies at Holy Cross Episcopal School. She is an Auburn University graduate and is currently working on her master’s in education at Troy University Montgomery.

Third- and fourth-grade instructor Monette Stuart comes to Holy Cross from MacMillan International Academy in Montgomery, where she taught kindergarten, first-, second- and third-graders. Stuart graduated from Troy State University with a B.S. in elementary education. www.montgomeryparents.com

Lee ROTC Holds Summer Leadership School

The Robert E. Lee High School AFJROTC (Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp) held its Summer Leadership School for the first-year cadets enrolled for the 2012-2013 school year. The weeklong course was an introduction to the program that included: leadership seminars, physical fitness, drill, and custom and courtesies.

The cadets were awarded a leadership ribbon, certificate of completion, and the advanced rank of airman.

The intense program was led by volunteer leaders from Maxwell AFB and the local community. In addition, the following AFJROTC senior class cadets served as training officers: Dannisha Forbes, Lanesia Martin, Jonathan Mosely, Bahja Pettus, Kyra Taylor, Celeste Thomas, Dari Thornton, William Thornton, Tristan Tolbert, Raven Townsend, Wiliam Tutt, Gabriela Vazquez, Ronnie Webb, Kwonethia Wilkins and Preston Reese.

Trinity Senior Travels to South Korea

This past summer, Trinity Presbyterian School senior Molly Catherine Brown had the privilege of traveling to South Korea. She represented Alabama in a program called A-Keep. The A-Keep program serves as a conduit for academic, educational and cultural exchange between Alabama and Korea.

Brown served as an ambassador for this elite global leadership and foreign exchange program between Alabama and South Korea. She spent ten days exploring Korea, mainly in the city of Pohang. During the ten-day trip, she hiked in the mountains, practiced traditional archery, participated in traditional Korean culture classes, performed a traditional Korean wedding ceremony, spent the night in a 1,000-year-old Buddhist temple, practiced taekwondo, tried traditional Korean meals, and so much more.

Her favorite thing about the trip was “spending time with my home-stay family.”

At the beginning of the week, Brown was paired with a Korean counterpart and at the end of the week, she stayed with them for two days. While with her home-stay family, she explored the city of Pohang, where they ventured through busy streets trying new food, meeting new people, and attending a firework festival on the beach.

Brown says she “wouldn’t trade this wonderful experience for anything; I made lasting friendships and learned to appreciate a different culture. I hope to travel back to Korea soon.”

Brown, front left, is shown with friends in South Korea.

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MPS Teachers Attend Professional Development Day

Montgomery Public School elementary teachers attended a back-to-school Professional Development Day at Lee High School in early August. The featured speaker was Barbara Gruener from Friendswood, Texas. Gruener serves as the school counselor and character coach in a National School of Character in Friendswood, which has been recognized by the Character Education Partnership for its outstanding work in the area of character education.

Highly energetic and creative, Gruener challenged the MPS elementary teachers to take advantage of every teaching moment of the school day to highlight character education, by interjecting laughter, movement, children’s literature, and song into the curriculum. Her wealth of professional knowledge and commitment to quality character education is the foundation for her unique and captivating ideas for teaching the six basic pillars of character education including trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. In addition to her work as a school counselor, Gruener maintains a nationally recognized blog called “Corner on Character,” serves as a site visitor for Character Education Partnership, and speaks at character education conferences and workshops around the country.

Montgomery’s Character@HEART was pleased to sponsor the workshop. Character@HEART is a non-profit organization dedicated to working with the Montgomery Public School system in supporting strong character education.

Cornerstone Welcomes New Faculty

Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy has added three new faculty members for this school year. Teaching first grade is Amy Buxbaum. She has a Master’s degree in elementary education from AUM and comes to Cornerstone with great passion and expertise. Buxbaum and her husband, Andrew, attend Gateway Baptist Church and are parents to Cornerstone students Anna and Mark as well as pre-schooler Matthew.

Teaching second grade this year is another Cornerstone mom, Jennifer Graham. The Graham family (with children Andrew, Anna Grace and Elijah) has been involved with Cornerstone since the school’s inception. The family attends Morningview Baptist Church.

Wanda Purvis, fifth-grade teacher, is new to Cornerstone and Montgomery. Purvis has a Master’s degree in elementary education and one in school administration, both from Pensacola Christian College. She has numerous years of teaching experience, most recently at a Christian school in California.

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STJ Students Visit Korea!

Saint James School students Allison Rutherford and Anna Siddiq visited South Korea July 24-31, as part of the Alabama Korea Educational Exchange Program. The program’s purpose is to bridge the gap between Americans and Koreans, especially in areas of Alabama where Korean companies are prevalent.

Only 20 students were selected for the program from East Central Alabama, an area that includes Montgomery, Auburn and Opelika city schools.

Students were only responsible for their passport and a $500 program fee--all other expenses are paid. Rutherford and Siddiq received leadership training, experienced the Korean educational environment, toured historical sites, and had a weekend home stay with a Korean peer.

The home stay will become a reciprocal relationship, where the Korean peer will come stay with their new American friend and visit Saint James School.

The majority of the students’ Korean experience took place at the Hwarang Educational Institute, where they received extensive Korean-style leadership training.

Distributing certificates noting the high honors for the students are, from left, chaperones Ms. Meesoon Han (President and founder of A-Keep), Mrs. Sheila Cravens (Program Director), and Mrs. Beverly Callaway (Public Relations). STJ students Anna Siddiq and Allison Rutherford are holding their certificates.

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Catholic Integrates Technology Into History

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School is piloting a new class that integrates technology into history instruction with students using multiple dynamic approaches to learn about World History. The freshman class will use Macbook Airs and SmartBoards to learn about global cultures and history. Much of the instruction will be project-based, which will challenge students to create presentations and learn in ways outside of a textbook. The computers, housed in a mobile lab, will also be used to supplement other teachers’ instruction and provide more opportunities for MCPS students seventh through twelfth grades to learn about technology in a controlled educational environment.

where i will grow

As Central Alabama’s 21st Century Technology School, Saint James is proud to be on the cutting edge once again... bringing innovation to your child’s learning experience.

Tour our campus to see the impact of technology in our classrooms. Digital tools engage our students, from online textbooks to specialized apps, from personal MacBooks® assigned to high school students to personal iPads® for all middle schoolers. Preschool and elementary learners have daily access to iPods®, iPads®, MacBooks®, used under the skillful guidance of their classroom teacher.

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Schedule a visit today and picture your child soaring to new heights – right from the classroom!

Montgomery Academy Camp Eagle Fun!

Camp Eagle is a fun-filled day camp for children entering first through sixth grade. It offers four one-week sessions of summer adventure. Professional coaches John Fleming (Taekwondo U.S.A.) and Big Green Bus Gymnastics join Abrakadoodle and a host of experienced Montgomery Academy educators to offer instruction in a unique variety of activities including Spanish, Computer, Science Magic, Terrific Tennis, Sensational Soccer, and Bouncin’ Basketball.

Above, Ellie Sabel, Mychaela Mathews and Isabella Capouya show off their “Western” Abrakadoodle artwork.

Below, Ben Harris, Virginia Anderson, Krisie Stakely (Camp Eagle counselor) and Mamie Connor show their Abrakadoodle artwork from “Western” week.

for pre k3-12th grade admissions info call

334.273.3000

6010 Vaughn Road, Montgomery

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stjweb.org

English as a second language (ESL) tutoring provided.

Saint James School admits students of any race, 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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ACA First Day of School

SUA Attends Faulkner Basketball Camp

Success Unlimited Academy’s boys’ basketball team recently attended the Faulkner University Basketball Camp headed by Coach Jim Sanderson. The weeklong event featured skills and fundamentals training focusing on post and perimeter play.

“I was so excited to see the majority of our returning players attend this year’s camp,” said Athletic Director Jack Moody.

“Coach Sanderson does such a great job developing players. The progress the players make from Monday to Friday always amazes me. I can’t wait for the season to begin!”

After a summer filled with camps, family trips to the beach, the mountains and the sea, students at Alabama Christian Academy were ready to take on the new school year August 9. Elementary students were all excited to see friends again, make new friends and start a new year with new home room teachers. Middle school and high school students, except for sixth-graders, were excited to start the new school year using iPads in the classrooms since carrying heavy books is now a thing of the past. The first few days were a bit challenging trying to download textbooks, but all in all, according to computer support, all went smoothly.

“It’s fun, more interesting to do homework and I love Face-time with my friends,” said eighth-grader Harper Stiff. “When I had a question about a homework assignment last night, I was able to e-mail my teacher and get an answer immediately.”

Junior Kyle Keever added, “I enjoy having textbooks on our iPads instead of carrying all those heavy books and I like the extra apps we’re allowed to download.”

Below left, K4 student Teagan Cook was brave on the first day of school.

Below right, students were instructed on how to download textbooks.

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Saint James AP Scores Soar Above Averages

College Board Advanced Placement (AP) courses, considered more rigorous than other high school classes, offer students an opportunity to pursue schoolwork eligible for college credit, pending a high enough score on the College Board’s international exams. In 2012, Saint James students’ AP exam averages once again soared far above national, state and even global averages on the same tests.

The classes are designed by the College Board as college-level coursework, and the material covered is fast-paced and intensive. All students who take the AP exam are graded with a score ranging from 1 - 5, with a 5 indicating “extremely well qualified to receive college credit” and a 1 representing “no recommendation to receive college credit.”

Results from the May exams show Saint James School students’ overall mean score on all AP exams was 3.41, far above the Alabama overall mean score average of 2.45, and the national overall mean score average of 2.86. Equally as exciting, scores of 4 and 5 dominated three classes: AP English Literature, AP Advanced U.S. History, and AP Studio Art. The overwhelming majority of students in those classes were judged “extremely well qualified to receive college credit” or “well qualified to receive college credit.”

In AP English Literature at Saint James, 100 per cent of students passed the rigorous AP exam, while, globally, only 57 per cent of students passed the exam. In AP Studio Art, half of the STJ students enrolled in the class passed with flying colors, earning the highest score possible, while, globally, only 14 per cent of students received the exam’s top score.

And, in AP U.S. History, 14 out of 16 students (7/8 of the class) scored the top grades of a 5 or a 4, while nationally, students averaged a 2.5 score.

“Students at Saint James are typically very competitive on the College Board exams, scoring well above the state and national averages,” says Academic Dean Susan Atkins.

“We are so proud of these students and their teachers and all their efforts to excel in these challenging courses.

Students enrolled in AP classes gain knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to the college experience.”

The sixteen students in Saint James School’s 2011-12 Advanced Placement U.S. History class scored an average of 4.2 on the College Board’s AP exam, out of a possible 5.

The high-scoring class was composed of, front from left: Amelia Hanan, Reed O’Mara, Cassidy Alwan, Caroline Crisp, Beth Oakley and Emily Prim; back from left: Nate Keckley, Matthew Alter, Grayson Rutherford, (instructor Larry McLemore), Sydney Brasfield, Reed Chisenhall, Walker Woodson, Chase Ritter, Josef Jackson, Matt Young and Elliott Burrow.

Montgomery Academy Donates Uniforms

Over the past two years, The Montgomery Academy Parents of the Academy (POA) organization has donated hundreds of uniforms, as well as soccer equipment, through the Kenya Relief organization to an orphanage in Migori, Kenya. The Kenya Relief organization collects items for orphans and hospital patients as well as many other programs that were established to improve the quality of life in this African community.

This year, clothing was also collected for a Haitian orphanage to help children affected by the devastating earthquake of January 2010. Enough uniforms were collected to provide each child with two whole outfits.

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SUA’s Got Talent

The senior class officers of Success Unlimited Academy hosted the school’s first talent show recently, under the leadership of co-class presidents La’Tonia Norman and Franchezaka Ricard.

The show was open to all students from kindergartners to seniors. Judges for the evening were Rick Hendrix, announcer for the Montgomery Biscuits, and Crystal Wright, nationally recognized dance and gymnastics instructor with Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection.

Talent included piano players, singers, a Michael Jackson impersonator, a Tae Kwon Do demonstration and a comedy act. The winners were announced and each received a monetary prize. The singing duet of Shelby Bullen and Mitchell Bradley tied for third Place with a solo by Mitchell Bradley. Second place went to a rousing rendition of “Kerosene” sung by Sarah Moody and first place was awarded to Jamal Johnson, who performed a dance impersonation of Michael Jackson.

All of the participants had a great time and really encouraged and cheered for one another. Mr. Hendrix stated that he could not stop smiling the entire evening. We are definitely looking forward to discovering more hidden talent in the future.

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New Holy Spirit Campus Dedicated by Archbishop

The Holy Spirit Catholic Church Parish, along with Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, celebrated the dedication of the new Holy Spirit Education Complex August 12. The first new building in the Education Complex will contain Religious Education classrooms and church meeting rooms for the Parish, and will also serve as the second elementary campus for Montgomery Catholic, joining the St. Bede Campus in serving students prekindergarten through sixth grades.

The dedication ceremony began with Mass at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, followed by the dedication and blessing of the complex by Archbishop Thomas. Rodi. The pastor of Holy Spirit, Rev. Patrick Driscoll, welcomed guests as the ceremony began.

Special recognition and speakers included: Rev. Msgr. Charles Troncale, pastor emeritus; Nap Barranco, chairman of the Options Committee; and Anne Ceasar, president of

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, all of whom spoke of the excitement of the project and the success and joy of opening a new school. The celebration concluded with classroom tours and lunch in the Parish Hall.

Hosts of the day’s events were: Holy Spirit’s Pastoral Council, Finance Council, Building in the Spirit Committee and the Knights of Columbus. The new campus comprised of 19.6 acres has completed Phase I, which includes the 26,000 square-

foot two-story classroom building for prekindergarten through sixth grades. Phase II will include a multi-purpose building that will house the gym and finally, Phase III will include a church and school administrative building.

As it opened for classes on August 20, the Holy Spirit elementary campus, located at 8580 Vaughn Road across from the Wynlakes subdivision, will serve the growing Holy Spirit Parish and add a fourth campus for MCPS. Joining the St. Bede elementary campus, and the middle and high school campuses. Montgomery Catholic offers K4 through grade 12 and is accredited by SACS. Visit www.montgomerycatholic.org for more information or call the school office at 334-649-4404.

From left, Rev. Patrick Driscoll, Archbishop Thomas Rodi and Rev. Msgr. Charles Troncale, Pastor Emeritus, bless the new building. Photo credit to: Judy Barranco, Dawn Barranco and Dr. Tom Moore

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Holy Cross Teacher Organizes Summer Fun

ACA Elementary School Safety Patrol

Elementary School Safety Patrol fifth-grade students are making the job for teachers and parents easier at Alabama Christian Academy. They get the younger students from their parents’ cars in the mornings and take them to their respective classrooms and in the afternoons, they pick up the kids from their classrooms and take them safely to their parents’ cars.

From left are School Safety Patrol members Jenna Sanders, SavannahRose Fonville and Rivers Stowers.

Over the summer, rising kindergarten and first-grade students were invited to join Mrs. Grace Ann Armagost for Camp Kevin Henkes at Holy Cross Episcopal School.

From 9 a.m. – noon each day the group shared books by author Kevin Henkes, followed by writing and art activities and the creation of some tasty treats.

The campers read Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse; they made purses for the girls and neckties for the boys, plus they baked a batch of Mr. Slinger’s Cheese Crispies.

Other books studied were Chrysanthemum, Wemberly Worried, Bailey Goes Camping and Chester’s Way. The group also made delicious batches of Chester and Wilson’s Never-Better Peanut Butter Cookies, S’mores, Wemberly’s Don’t Cry Over Spilled Punch, and Chrysanthemum’s Parcheesi Nips, which they shared with everyone in the building. At the end of the week, campers took home a book they created with all their art and writing work, some great reading and comprehension skills, and wonderful memories of a fun week at Camp Kevin Henkes.

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STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

A MINISTRY OF EVANGEL CHURCH

Certified Teachers Full media Center library & Computer lab science lab sports Program Clubs,Drama and more!

Pre-school through 12th Grade - Fully Accredited with sACs, AisA & ACts, AisA blue ribbon school

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evangel Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, gender and national or ethnic origin

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STJ Jumpers Don’t Horse Around

Beginning in August, the “STJ Jumpers” trotted into their first-ever season. The team, the only official high school equestrian team in the state, provides competitive jumping for riders in three middle school levels and four high school levels, ranging from beginner to advanced. With no local high school competition, the Jumpers are competing regionally in events hosted by the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, against barn teams from Birmingham and teams from Georgia and Florida.

“We want to train these girls for competition on a collegiate level,” says sponsor Lane Sullivan, “and give them the background needed to excel in their riding.”

STJ high school student and rider Olivia Kent, a competitive jumper, is a member of the Equestrian Team.

PICE Golf Tournament Tees Off September 28

Partners In Catholic Education (PICE) will host its 12th annual charity golf tournament at the Capitol Hill Robert Trent Jones Golf Course in Prattville on September 28.

Sponsorship packages are available from $250 to $5,000. These packages offer great promotional opportunities for businesses in the form of pre- and post-event publicity, event banners, golf tee signage, golf cart logos, as well as players in the tournament.

The registration fee is $150 per player. Entry fee is $600 per foursome. Registration and lunch will begin at 11 a.m. and the shotgun start, on both the Senator and Legislator courses, will be at 1 p.m. Format will be best ball. The registration fee includes lunch, green fees, cart, range balls, gift bags for each player, golf shirt, refreshments on the course, post-tournament food and beverages, and many door prizes. Also, all par three holes will have a prize, plus four Hole-In-Ones consisting of a new car or $35,000 cash prize for a car. There will be a $5,000 putting contest between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and the top three net and gross teams will receive superb prizes.

For more info about sponsorships or playing in our tournament, contact Liz Sutton at 260-2488, ext. 1311, Mary Kelley at 272-7221, ext. 32, or Jerry Lopez at 224-6607. PICE is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

More information can also be located at www.montgomerycatholic.org/.

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Cornerstone Expands School Program

With the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year, Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy has the largest population of students in the school’s history. This has allowed the school the opportunity to expand some of its academic and extracurricular programs. New to the school’s academic schedule this year is a Biblical Interpretation class taught by Reed DePace of First Presbyterian Church in Montgomery. The school is also able to offer a third-year Latin class taught by Brewer Ames, and elementary Latin for students in fourth through sixth grades.

In addition, the seniors at Cornerstone continue with the dual enrollment program at Faulkner University participating in English Composition 1 and 2.

A physical education option has been added to the school schedule for students in grades 7-12. In addition, music lessons offered at the school now include piano, guitar and violin.

The school continues to offer art instruction for all elementary and secondary students as part of the weekly instruction. Also available this year for students is the opportunity to train and compete in Scholar’s Bowl and Certamen.

SUA Holds Music Concert And Awards Program

The music department at Success Unlimited Academy presented its 2012 spring concert on May 10. Led by teachers Molly Cross and Jack Moody, the program featured students from the guitar classes, keyboard class, the Warrior Praise Band, and several outstanding vocal students and solo instrumentalists.

During the evening, awards were presented to students who excelled in their music studies the past year. The recipients of Zero to Hero awards were Caroline Guilford and Ebony Perry.

Zach Cruce, above left with Moody, and Rickey Finney, above right with Cross, were awarded the Top Chops awards, and Collin Oliver received the Golden Guitar award. The first annual Vivace Award was awarded to Kayla Cohen for her enthusiasm in musical studies.

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“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13

CELEBRATING 12 YEARS OF SUCCESS!

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Online Books, iPads & MacBooks at STJ

Saint James School students in Grades 6-12 started the 201213 academic year, fortified with their new iPads (middle school) and MacBook Airs (high school) distributed by the school.

“It‘s impossible to ignore the fact that technology creates more engaged student learners,” said Melba Richardson, Saint James Head of School. “The digital tools provide vast new opportunities for students throughout the school day, affording immediate access to extensive pools of vetted knowledge. The devices also allow students to communicate and collaborate with each other. And, they provide students new ways to express themselves in daily work through the integration of a variety of media.”

STJ leaders selected Apple products because their research indicated the company has devoted significant resources to education and created cutting edge tech tools for students. Administrators also decided to rent the digital tools rather than purchase them, or require each student to provide their own iPad or MacBook for classes.

“The leasing option was a topic thoroughly discussed during our visit to Cupertino (Apple Headquarters), and addressed in our phone calls and visits to various model schools across the U.S.,” Richardson said. “Everyone indicated leasing the devices was the way to go. We have the opportunity to totally upgrade the tools every three to four years – which would not have been possible if we’d purchased them.”

The new tools were distributed to STJ’s faculty last year, allowing instructors additional time to incorporate innovative digital complements to the school’s college-prep curriculum. Richardson said an added benefit to the incorporation of iPads in middle school is the use of online books. Most of the Grade 6-8 textbooks have been pre-loaded on to the students’ devices before distribution.

“Middle School Principal Cathy Pearson and her faculty have done an amazing job of researching online books,” Richardson said, “and some teachers are even creating their own books for class. We are thrilled about this idea, as it eliminates heavy book bags, a long-time concern. There are also potential similar possibilities for high school.”

Elementary and kindergarten students are not included in the STJ technology rental plan, Richardson said, because they still need to work on basic motor, readiness and math skills – using pencil and paper. The younger students’ tech tools will be available on roll-around carts, and woven into the classroom curriculum for appropriate learning.

“Based on our research, technology use in these grades should continue to take place at school, under the guidance of teachers,” Richardson added.

Above, excited STJ seniors get their first look at the MacBook Airs, a vital component of Saint James School’s 21st Century Learning Initiative. From left are Cassie Alwan, Countess Johnson, Payton Brannon, Deanna Bruner and Caroline Crisp.

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Success Unlimited Academy, LLC Montgomery’s Foremost Institution Dedicated to Individualized Education

ENROLL NOW FOR FALL 2012 Night School and Tutoring

Programs & Special Services College Preparatory Education • Individualized Tutoring Quality Instruction by Certified Teachers Distance Education • Evening School Programs for Special Needs Students

Interdisciplinary Arts Programs Music Education • Drama Productions • Dance Education After school programs (Praise Band, Guitar Lessons)

(334) 213-0803 • SACS Accredited 2328 Fairlane Drive • Montgomery, AL 36116 www.suacademy.com • K-12 33

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Yo I MA Students Travel to Korea Montgomery Academy seniors Marshall Lee and Hendrick Adams recently returned from an eight-day trip as part of the Alabama Korea Education Exchange’s Elite Global Leadership Program. The program’s mission is to provide a channel for academic, educational and cultural exchange between Korea and Alabama and to identify, cultivate, nurture and retain Alabama Youth Ambassadors who are interested in the Korean Experience. Lee and Adams are two of 20 students from central Alabama that were selected based on an application process of submitting a resume, transcript, teacher recommendations and an essay.

The group of students spent the majority of their time at the Hwarand Educational Institute, where they participated in traditional Korean archery, learned about Korean etiquette, experienced Korean food and slept on the ground on thin mats (typical in Korean culture). They also learned about traditional Korean ceremonies, studied Confucian theory and made

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authentic Korean food. This group of students participated in all these activities with a Korean “buddy” that they were paired with upon arrival –making their time even more meaningful.

As part of their itinerary, the students visited both Korean beaches and mountains.

“The whole experience was really exciting,” said Lee. “Their beaches and mountains were both beautiful, and we got to see some really interesting ancient Korean artifacts on our hike in the Nasam Pagoda Valley.”

The group also spent a day and night at a Buddhist temple where they learned to do Sunmudo, which is a type of Korean martial arts, practiced meditation and ate dishes such as seaweed soup and rice.

Both Lee and Adams agreed that their favorite part of the trip was the homestay, where they spent the night with their buddies’ families. Lee’s host took him to see the movie The Dark Knight Rises (that was airing in English with Korean subtitles) and then to a Korean steak house.

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Adams went shopping with her new friend and several other girls from the program, and ate dinner with her host family. “It was really cool to see that, beneath all our cultural differences, we really are very similar – just a group of girls that liked to shop!” she said.

Shown, Marshall Lee and Hendrick Adams learned Sunmudo, a Korean martial arts, during their trip to Korea

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Youth Leadership Weekend Inspires STJ Food Drive

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Saint James students Caitlin Cobb and Abigail Greenberg attended the Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership weekend at Troy University May 25-27, where they were encouraged to think about leading efforts that are beneficial to communities.

In addition to listening to a host of dedicated speakers, the high school student leaders had been asked to bring as many non-perishable items to the event as possible. As the students boxed more than 7,000 items they had collected, they were asked to consider the severity of hunger in the United States, as well as in the world.

As a result of the HOBY weekend, Greenberg, a current junior, decided to plan and host a food drive in front of the Winn-Dixie at the intersection of Vaughn and Taylor Roads, in mid-June. For assistance, she contacted other students in the area who had attended HOBY, as well as fellow classmates. After nine hours of asking for donations, the small group raised $500 and collected five full boxes of food, the equivalent of more than 3,000 pounds of food.

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Hooper Academy Hires New Headmaster

The Montgomery Food Bank was very appreciative of the students’ volunteer efforts.

“This left me with such a great feeling, knowing that I could coordinate something to help those in need,” Greenberg said. “HOBY taught us not only how to be a better leader, but also a better person. We made friendships that will last a lifetime and this program has had a big impact on our lives. We will never forget our HOBY experience.”

Among the students involved in the local food drive event were, from left, STJ students Zach Taylor, Laura Catherine Clark, Borden Cater, Daniel LoBello (a student at Catholic H.S.), and Abigail Greenberg. Not pictured are Jessica Bozeman (STJ), Summer Starkie (LAMP) and Fox Carlson (Trinity).

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Hooper Academy welcomes new Headmaster Mike Petite. Petite brings to Hooper Academy his extensive experience in the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) and the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA).

“Hooper is known for its strong traditions and academic achievements. The Class of 2012 secured more than $3.1 million in scholarships and I am ecstatic to join the Hooper faculty to continue and increase such achievements,” said Petite. “I believe every child can learn and do so at high levels. As educators, we have the responsibility to serve the needs of our students to enable them to grow to their fullest potential.”

Petite holds a Master of Science in sports administration from Georgia State University, Bachelor of Science degree in education from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Appalachian State University.

He is married to Catherine and they are the proud parents of two young children.

Hooper Academy is a Blue Ribbon School and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

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Montgomery Academy Hosts Professional Development

The Montgomery Academy hosted Teacher Academy this summer, a professional development program for teachers led by Academy faculty. The Academy invited not only its teachers, but teachers from across the River Region to participate in the program which included five different workshops: ABCs of Interdisciplinary Projects, Critical Explorations in the Classroom, Make More iMovies, Creating Handmade Books and iWant iPad Apps.

“ABCs of Interdisciplinary Projects” shared how to engage students in exciting learning opportunities, clever ways of planning interdisciplinary units and how to build an amazing project while breaking down the tasks to make it manageable.

The following week, “Critical Exploration in the Classroom” shared a constructivist approach to teaching and learning that can be applied in any subject area. This workshop was designed to improve the way teachers think about engaging students and to help teachers recognize the different pathways to understanding.

“Make More iMovies” provided instruction on shooting videos, editing footage, using special effects, making transitions and adding music and sound effects. By the end of the session, participants had learned creative ways of using iMovies in student projects and classroom presentations.

In July, “Creating Handmade Books” shared creative ways to motivate students by incorporating art into the classroom. While this session was targeted primarily at K-6th grade teachers, the projects were adaptable to any level of learning.

The final Teacher Academy session, “iWant iPad Apps,” explored the latest iPad apps for use in the classroom and focused on productivity, reference and content creation apps that everyone can use, while exploring specific content areas of interest to the workshop attendees.

“The Teacher Academy series was very successful!” said Associate Head of School Vivian Barfoot. “It was a wonderful way of giving our faculty an opportunity to share their expertise with their colleagues and to participate in professional development.”

The Montgomery Academy will expand the program over the next year, offering more workshops, and hosting them throughout the school year and summer. www.montgomeryparents.com

Trinity Dance Team Travels to Memphis

Trinity Presbyterian School’s Dance Team, the Wildcat “Paws,” is ready for the new school year and had plenty of practice this summer.

Trinity’s dance team chose a camp through Universal Dance Association in Memphis, Tenn., to attend and had a wonderful time. After tryouts were held in March, the girls started conditioning with running, upper and lower body workouts, and lots of core strengthening. The girls started their practices at 6:30 am. and worked on choreography, technique and strength every day.

The girls headed for Memphis June 10 and got there early to see some sites. They toured Graceland and had dinner four- Beale Street, where they heard the sounds of jazz and blues as they walked in downtown Memphis. They began a four-day camp by performing their Home Pom routine and receiving a superior ribbon. The girls took technique classes, learned Jazz, Pom, Hip Hop, and team routines, and attended seminars throughout the week. The girls danced from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. in classes and practices.

After all of their hard work, the girls ended camp with first place in small varsity and fifth place out of large and small varsity, having the experience to compete with the number-one team at Nationals, Floyd Central from Indiana. The girls received all superior ratings, giving them a Superior Trophy with a bid to Nationals in Orlando, Florida. This year Trinity had four All-American all-star dancers receiving medals.

They were Captain Caroline Cooper, Co-Captain Emory Johnston, Co-Captain Lauren Kingry and junior Emily Windham.

Back row from left are sophomore Caroline Colee, junior Madison Elrod, freshman Anna Slawson, Savannah Elrod, Coach Jenny Letner, senior Blakely Brown, sophomore Jordyn Meeks, and sophomore Virginia Reid. Front from left are senior Lauren Kingry, senior Caroline Cooper, junior Emory Johnston and junior Emily Windham.

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STJ’S New Technology in Action!

What are the benefits?

Paperless note-taking, easy to carry, easy to stay organized, immediate access to web-research and special education apps.

Saint James students say they love the small size, weight and versatility of their new MacBook Airs.

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Macon East Senior Attends Premier Program at South Carolina School Of Agriculture

Jonathan Kyser, a senior at Macon East Academy, was chosen through application

by South Carolina Department of Agriculture and Clemson University to attend the premier summer academic program held at Clemson University. Top high school juniors and seniors from around the country gather at Clemson University for the week long residential program to learn the diverse industries of agriculture and natural resources. Three academic tracks are offered in 1.) animal and veterinary medicine, 2.) agronomy, turf grass, and horticulture, 3.) forestry, wildlife and environmental sciences. The weeks activities included academic sessions with Clemson professors, Clemson Admissions, field studies in the Clemson University’s Experimental Forest 17,500 acres, turf management on the Tigers Death Valley’s field, Biotechnology, food safety which included students making and then preparing their own food, leadership and team building skills, as well as rafting on the Chatooga River. Jonathan Kyser is pictured with Hugh Weathers; South Carolina’s Commissioner of Agriculture at the a recent graduation ceremony of South Carolina Commissioner’s School of Agriculture and Clemson University’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences.

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Vaughn Park Church of Christ 334-272-2665 Registration begins September 10th

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Trinity Starts Second Year With Apple Program

New MA Ambassadors

Trinity Presbyterian School was the first to implement the Apple 1:1 laptop program in the River Region last year, when students in seventh and ninth grades received MacBooks. This school year, every student in the sixth through twelfth grades was assigned his own MacBook laptop. Sixth- and seventh-graders received MacBooks and eighth- through twelfth-graders received brand-new MacBook Airs.

“The 1:1 program is the best way to capitalize on student learning,” said Trinity Head of School Robert Neu. “Although the devices that the students use will change throughout the years, the idea of technology will always stay the same.”

One element that makes this program different is in its approach: instead of dispensing information through a lecture, teachers have found new ways to communicate their lessons to students. Applications such as Keynote and Podcasts have proved to be extremely effective in the classroom. Lectures and classroom learning are still very prominent, but new ways exist to disseminate information.

However, the largest impact that the Apple 1:1 program has had is on Trinity’s students themselves. It has been a large leap from heavy textbooks to lightweight computers, but the students have embraced the changes. The students enjoy creating fun projects with the Keynote, and note taking on the laptops is a benefit.

Above, students in Lucy Thrasher’s Economics Class utilize their new MacBook Airs at Trinity.

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The 2012-2013 Montgomery Academy Ambassadors met for orientation August 1 to review tour training, a 2012-13 event overview, anecdotes from veteran ambassadors and words from Head of School Dave Farace and Associate Head of School Vivian Barfoot. Academy Ambassadors are student representatives that assist with a variety of activities throughout the school year.

The 2012-2013 Academy Ambassadors are: Andrew Bell, Danielle Berlin, Emmie Chambers, Jake Chesnutt, Barton Crum, Laura Katherine Crum, Emily Garcia, Lilla Bea Granger, Abigail Hagood, Brock Hendon, Mary Braden Hendon, Ann Hester, George Hook, Sarah Catherine Hook, Liza Hunter, Sallie Johnson, Andrea Grey Jones, Jacqueline Lee, Elsa Leonard, Mary Elizabeth Massey, Neil McCorvey, William Moore, William Newman, Drew Patterson, Annabel Roth, Olivia Rush, Will Sahlie, Krisie Stakely, Corrie Tankersley, Josh Thomas and Layne Williams.

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Last month I provided an overview of the adjustments which had to be made to the 20122013 school calendar and the reasons for those changes. My plan is to keep all citizens informed of school proceedings throughout my term as your superintendent, and I hope the information given was beneficial in beginning that process.

This month I want to address textbook funding. One of my goals for my term in office was to have a math textbook to place in the hand of every child. Due to the current funding situation, this will not be immediately possible.

This year the State Department of Education has provided each system with $31 per student for textbooks. Considering that a third grade textbook costs approximately

Montgomery Parents I September 2012

$75, and a calculus textbook costs about $120, it is easy to recognize that those funds will not be sufficient to meet our needs.

The State has adopted the Common Core standards, and our old textbooks do not meet those Common Core standards.

The only option for math instruction this year is to have a classroom set of textbooks for each math teacher in grades 3-8. Grades K-2 will have a consumable workbook for each student. Even with this basic plan of attack, we will still be about $175,000 short of necessary funds. The difference will now have to be made up through our general fund budget. I have been in contact with city and county officials, asking for help in providing enough math textbooks for every student. If any new funds become available, the monies provided will be used, first, to make up for the short fall from the state, and then to methodically add textbooks, beginning with 3rd grade. We are optimistic that as additional funds are received, we can continue through each grade until our goal is met.

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The process will just take longer than we had originally planned.

As we work to lead our school system out of financial hardship, I have one promise to every citizen of Autauga County. I will work very hard for you and stretch each dollar in order to provide your child the best education possible with the resources available. As our financial situation begins to improve, I will continue to lead this system frugally. My staff and I are already discussing budget plans for the 2013-14 school term. I feel that advance planning is critical to ensure that we do not experience this same financial situation again.

As always, I appreciate your continuing support and encourage you to become actively involved in helping secure our children’s academic future.

Spence Agee is the Superintendent of Education for Autauga County Schools. He is a third generation educator with an ED.S. in Educational Leadership.

He has 16 years of experience in the education field as well as 25 years of military experience. Agee is an active member at First Baptist Church in Prattville.

He and his wife, Cesily, who is also an educator, have two daughters, Abby and Addison.

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PJHS Holds Field Day

New Hope Academy Holds Yard Sale

New Hope Academy, located in Prattville, will hold a Yard Sale September 29, beginning at 7 a.m. Please bring your gently used items to the Prattville location beginning September 26.

Items accepted for this sale include household items, clothes, toys, small furniture, books, etc. Please do not bring large items such as couches, bedroom sets or large electronic items. You will not need to mark any of your items! All items will be marked for you.

We will need help before the sale sorting items and pricing larger items. On the day of the sale, early morning help will be needed setting up tables and placing the items outside. During the day, help will be needed monitoring the tables and assisting customers.

Finally, we will need help cleaning up and bringing unsold items to the thrift shop.Also, tell your family and friends about the sale!

Questions can be directed to the Prattville location at (334) 361-9505 or Julie Cox at (334) 403-2766.

Prattville Junior High School held a field day at the end of the 2011-2012 school year. Many students teamed up with friends to create their own unique field day shirts. From left are Ashlyn Nix, Maddie Chesser, Callie Shirley and Emily Hunter. These ninth-graders now attend the new Prattville High School Freshman Academy.

PCA Students Donate iPods to St. Jude

The eighth-grade class at Prattville Christian Academy raised money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by waiting tables at CiCi’s Pizza and selling donuts. The class raised a total of $671 and purchased three iPods, four iPod cases, and three iTunes gift cards with the money. The class chose to donate these items to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for the young patients that are in the hospital for treatment overnight or longer.

Alison Deason, a secondgrade teacher at PCA, said, “The children being treated at St. Jude will hopefully enjoy these a lot.

They will be able to listen to music and play games and be entertained while they are in the hospital.” Deason’s son Reid was in the eighth-grade class that raised the money, and helped choose St. Jude for a special reason. Deason’s son Parker is a previous patient at St. Jude, so they know how tough it is for a child to be confined to a hospital. Parker is 10 now and is pictured on the left with his younger brother Trevor, 6, as they donate the iPods to a St. Jude staff member.

PCA Cheerleaders Place First in Contest The Prattville Christian Academy Varsity Cheerleading Squad, under the leadership of Coach Laura Ann Scott and choreographer Taylor Davis, recently attended a Universal Cheerleading Association camp/competition at Auburn University. The group cheer competition was conducted in the Auburn University Arena, and the PCA cheerleaders received several awards.

PCA placed first in all of the competitions the girls entered during this camp, and also won the Overall “Leadership” award.

This meaningful award is given to the team that all the competing squads voted as the “squad they would most like to be on.” Sarah Hanners, Lindy Moore, Laura Story and Avery Wagner each received “All American” recognition. Laura Story received an offer to try out as a possible member of the camp staff next year, which is considered one of the top honors for this competition.

Lindy Moore won the jump off against every other Varsity cheerleader at the camp, and PCA also won the “Banana” the first night at camp. This is the first time PCA has EVER won the banana.

Back row from left are: Ally Davis, Emily Gore, senior Avery Wagner, senior and Captain Laura Story, Courtney Cunningham, Sidney Wohlers, Dee Jackson from UCA, Madelyn Dassel, Abbey Wagner, senior Lindy Moore, Cole Brewer, Annelore Box and Joy Deaile; front row from left are: senior Hannah Gipson, senior and Captain Sarah Hanners, Haleigh Law and Mary Katherine Johnson. www.montgomeryparents.com

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PJHS Cheerleaders Sponsor Youth Clinic

The Prattville Junior High School Cheerleaders sponsored their second annual Youth Cheer Clinic on July 28. Girls from pre-K through 8th grade were able to learn jumps, chants, and a cheer-dance. Each young lady received a T-shirt and will be invited to cheer during a halftime performance in the upcoming football season. Participants are shown below with PJHS Athletic Director Donny Burnett and the PJHS 2012-2013 Cheerleaders.

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‘Giddy-Up,’ New Prattville Elementary Students!

Mrs. Brother’s second-grade class at Prattville Primary School prepared to march in the Field Day Parade with a theme of “Giddy-Up for Third Grade!” Shown here are Tamya Hall, Marlee Brown and Jenna Johnson. They are all students at Prattville Elementary for the 2012-2013 school term.

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Prattville Swimmers Win State Title

At right, these Prattville City Swimmers are also members of the Prattville High School varsity swim team . These guys won the state title at the ARPA State swim meet. From left are Ken Levens (junior), Drew Zimmerman (senior), Haden Nelson (senior) and Matthew Hubbard (junior). They were seeded second and took the state title from Madison.

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The Elmore County School District is now in session with more than 11,000 students, 700 teachers, and 600 support professionals for an exciting new school year.

Here are the ABCs of the 2012-2013 school year: A is for Achievement—It is great to start a school year with the news that our school district made Adequate Yearly Progress. Out of 14 schools tested, ten schools met 100% of their goals. Four of our schools met 95% of their goals.

A is for Advanced Placement—As a part of the A+ College Ready Program, two of our high schools, Wetumpka and Stanhope Elmore, have already posted remarkable results.

As school begins this year, Elmore County High School has been selected to join in with this thrilling initiative.

B is for Big Boost—I had the pleasure recently of distributing checks to each of our school campuses from the $1 million dollars provided to our system by the Poarch Creek Indians earlier this year. Each campus received $35/student based on attendance numbers from May 2012. The remainder of the funds are being utilized to boost arts education, advanced placement, preschool, at-risk students, extracurricular programs, athletics, textbooks, and transportation.

C is for Collaboration—For the past several years, the State Department of Education has provided funding for many of our schools to have Reading Coaches, as a part of the mission of the Alabama Reading Initiative. This year, thanks to the flexibility of the SDE, Reading Coaches will now be known as Instructional Coaches and can provide assistance to teachers beyond reading practice. For our school district, these instructional coaches will be invaluable in this assistance with our math curriculum. Our data shows that math is an area that we need to concentrate our efforts. Additionally, our school district is going one step further in this process. Utiliz-

ing state funding, we are providing teachers known as Instructional Partners on many of our campuses. This will create a collaborative team of administrators, Instructional Coaches, Instructional Partners, teachers, students, and staff members that we believe will boost our student achievement in an exciting fashion!

C is for Continuous Improvement—As a new year begins, we are reminded of all of the exciting opportunities available here in our school district. With that being said, there is always room for improvement in our operations and delivery of instruction to our students. Please help us to keep getting better and better for the benefit of our children!

Well, there you have it. The ABCs of the 2012-2013 School Year. In the spirit of the Summer Olympics, the Elmore County School District will take up the banner of “Going for the Gold”!

Dr. Jeff Langham is the Superintendent of Education for Elmore County Schools. Now in his eighth year as the system’s leader, he has a total of 27 years of experience in the field of education. Langham is an active member at Landmark Church in Montgomery. He and his wife, Ginny, a nurse educator, have one daughter, Weldon.

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Wetumpka Senior Chosen for National Committee

Edgewood Off to Great Start for New Year

Edgewood Academy had a great first week of school. The week started with the senior parade and breakfast. The varsity football players and cheerleaders walked the elementary and pre-school students to their classes the first three days of school.

There is a lot of growth this year, including a new headmaster, four new teachers, and 89 new students. On Tuesday night, the school held its Fall Sports Kick-off Banquet at the Wetumpka Civic Center. There was a huge turn-out to support all of the fall sports programs.

Administrators introduced the Varsity, JV, Peewee and Termite football teams, cheerleaders, and coaches. They also introduced the Varsity and JV volleyball teams and coach. Volleyball and football seasons have started as well.

Wetumpka High School senior Wade Mattox was selected to serve on the Episcopal Church’s National Happening Leadership Committee at the conference held July 2730 in Monteagle, Tennessee. He and seven other young people from across the country will serve a two-year term to help lead this movement to share God’s love and grace with young people everywhere.

Happening is a Christian experience presented by teenagers for teenagers with the help of clergy and lay adult leadership. The purpose of the “Happening - A Christian Experience” program is to be one of the instruments within the Anglican Tradition to renew the Christian Church in the power of the Holy Spirit, in order that the Church may respond more readily to its call to spread the Kingdom of God throughout the world. The program originated with some high-school students in Dallas, Texas, in the mid-1970s.

Mattox will also serve as a student ambassador on the inaugural Tribal Council at Wetumpka High School. Members of the Council were selected based on teacher recommendations, academic achievements, and leadership skills.The 26 council members will represent WHS at public events and school functions.

Mattox serves as engineering captain for the Wetumpka High School 2012-2013 Robotics Team. This position is earned based on skill and dedication, qualities that he has in abundance. As engineering captain, he will be responsible for the design, construction and test of this year’s robot. In addition, this year Mattox and the WHS Robotics will mentor a brand-new robotics team at the Wetumpka Middle School.

Redland Group Holds Annual Golf Tournament

F.O.R.E. (Friends of Redland Elementary) will present its third annual golf tournament to benefit the school on Friday, September 14, at Emerald Mountain Golf Club. Honorary chairperson will be WSFA’s Judd Davis. A new car from Riverside Chevrolet will be awarded to anyone who achieves a hole-in-one on Hole 17!

Registration fees for individual golfers are $75 and include green fees, cart rental, goody bag and hamburger buffet lunch.

Team registration is $300 for a team of four. The net proceeds of $12,700 from the 2011 golf tournament purchased books for the school library and computer equipment for classrooms. This year’s proceeds will be given to the school to meet the needs in those same areas again.

Individual sponsorships begin at $25 and, for that amount, your child’s name will be listed on a sign in front of the school and he or she will receive a souvenir golf ball. Corporate sponsorships begin at $100. If you, or maybe the business for whom you work, would like to be a sponsor of this great event, please contact John Enslen at jeenslen@gmail.com.

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Curiosity: About Our Solar System

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

With the recent excitement about the successful landing of the Curiosity rover on Mars, it’s the perfect time to support children’s interest about what is ‘above and beyond’ the atmosphere of Earth! From developing a nodding acquaintance with the constellations to supporting a more developed understanding of the planets, stars and man’s study and exploration of the same, there are amazing toys and gadgets that foster and encourage young minds to expand into the spaces in between and reach for the stars!

by Paige Gardner Smith

Fisher-Price Imaginext Space Shuttle and Tower

National Geographic Kids Power Telescope

Sparking a little one’s imagination about space can be as easy as putting the means to leave Earth into their hands, While the voyages are imaginary, the power of this play set to spark imagination is real. The upright design of the launch assembly, with an elevator in the tower, an accessible cockpit and two astronauts boost the realistic sensibility of this play set. The roar of the rockets’ launch and other sound effects add another interactive level when the shuttle takes flight. With a launch setup very similar to actual space shuttle launch pads, the Imaginext Space Shuttle and Tower are just the beginning of a pretend-play journey that can rocket young minds to the stars and beyond.

There are a host of telescopes available for earthly and extra-terrestrial viewing, but finding one that is easy enough for pre-teens to use, yet advanced enough to actually study planets and stars can be tough. The National Geographic Kids 375x Telescope is a full-size refractor telescope with good optics that range from 25x magnification to 375x. The tripod is adjustable for height and the finder scope makes aiming at far away objects easier for novices. Easy enough for newbies to start with, but equipped for astronomy buffs to look longer and farther, this is the telescope to start the family’s visual journey into space.

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Space Exploration Mobile

3-D Solar System (University Games)

Even though it’s ‘lights out’ at bed time, there’s no reason why young minds can’t look up for a while and ponder our solar system gently glowing in their own room. The 3-D Solar System includes the collected planets of our solar system (even Pluto – who’s still family in our mind!). Using the room’s ceiling light as the “sun”, we hung the planets in order from Mercury all the way to Pluto in the far corner of the room. Rendered with glow-in-the-dark plastic and colored to mimic the actual appearance of the planet, it becomes easy to discern each unique planet and learn their order from the sun. Tapping each planet and naming it quietly after lights out became a bedtime routine for us – and taught our kids the planets’ name and order by age 4. Simple, inexpensive and educational – the 3-D Solar System is also a gently glowing reminder to sleepy minds that there will be a big, ole universe waiting for them to explore when they wake up.

(Perisphere and Trylon Games)

Some kids set their sights on the stars early, so it’s worthwhile to share with them the elements of the ‘race to space’ and the evolution of technology that has allowed man to reach further into the recesses of space. From Sputnik to the International Space Station, the steps along the way included the Mercury, Soyuz, Apollo, Skylab, Space Shuttle and Mir missions in between. And all of these lofty projects are represented in this motorized mobile as they rotate around a color-wrapped, illuminated Earth. Less about the stars and planets and more about the journey to get closer to them, this is an ideal entertainment and cool room decoration for any youth with an eye trained on space!

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

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Are YOU a Reluctant

Entertainer?

by Jan Udlock

Does the thought of having a party make you break out in a cold sweat? Do you want to have a few friends to your home, but you come up with every excuse possible to not invite them over? Well, here are some simple steps to help you face a few common fears to entertaining and some helpful tips to make your party a success.

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Fear #1: My party won’t be perfect.

On the pages of magazines and on television screens, you see pictures of people holding drinks, leaning into each other, laughing and enjoying themselves. So no wonder parties in the media cause high expectations on what they should look like.

“You can have a socalled A+ party where everything is in the right place, the food is perfect but people are not enjoying themselves because the mood is so tense,” says Tamar Chansky, Ph.D, author of Freeing Yourself from Anxiety; Four Simple Steps to Overcome Worry and Create the Life You Want.

Switch your thinking by putting those perfect pictures away in your mind and think about the benefits of having a party. When you get together with

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friends, it’s a time of connecting with one another, strengthening relationships, catching up on the latest news of our loved ones and slowing life down a bit.

Electronics should be put away so you can enjoy the personal interactions.

Fear #2: My house is not big enough.

One of the most common fears is my 46

house is too small or my house doesn’t look like the magazines. In reality, no one’s house looks like the glossy pages.

Remind yourself that magazine pictures are great to get ideas, but they are staged and have many professionals creating the look.

Your living room or kitchen may need some picking up and rearranging of furniture, but with a little organizational work your home will be ready for your Montgomery Parents I September 2012

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party. Depending on the time of year, you can always have the party outside on your deck or even at a park.

Fear #3: No one will come.

Common sense would tell you to plan out your party first. However, if you’re reluctant to go through with a party, send out the invites first which commits you to an actual date. You know you’ll be having good friends knocking at your door so you now have to plan your gathering.

Always invite more people than you expect to come because not everyone will be able to attend. Depending on the time of year, you can send out your invitations three to four weeks ahead of the date.

You can send out handwritten invitations or electronic invites depending on your preference.

Fear #4: I Don’t Know What to Do.

Read entertaining blogs on the internet and party books from the library to glean ideas. Ask your friends about easy make-ahead recipes. But remember to keep it simple. If you come up with a fun idea that may take extra work, set it aside and use it for your next party.

With each party you have, you’ll learn what works and what doesn’t. “In addition to connecting with friends, family, colleagues on a social level, you can learn a lot of organizational, creative and party planning skills working on an endeavor that is fun,” says Greg Jenkins, event planner and partner, Bravo Productions.

Even if you can start off small with only one friend, you can still make her feel special by having a special dessert, using cloth napkins, or candles. “If you have very good friends, you can let them know (or they may already know) that you are a HIT (hostess in training), and have them share their secrets to good parties with you and make it a potluck,” says Chansky.

Party On

The day of the party, give yourself some down time before the actual gathering. A rushed hostess makes everyone feel uneasy. Think about how you’ll handle any possible situations like something getting broken, or if a drink is spilled. “It’s like any professional event

Montgomery Parents I September 2012

planner who is always thinking about Plan B,” says Jenkins. Remember to make your guests feel comfortable about any mishap.

Debrief After the Party

Now that you’ve had a party and probably had more fun than you expected, think about what you’d do differently. What worked and what would you tweak? With the holidays ahead, what kind of theme party could you put on? Will you invite a more varied group of friends? Be brave and try something new.

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Parties are about making connections with people. In our fast-paced techno world, you may need to be reminded to slow down and savor life a little bit more. Even though it’s a bit challenging at first, you’ll find having good friends over to your home is fun and rather addictive. So, when’s your next party? mp Jan Udlock is a mom of five, freelance writer and openly admits she’s a bit scared to have a party.

Facing her fear, she’s had some successful parties lately, and she’s determined to share her excitement with other fearful entertainers.

www.montgomeryparents.com

Become a Calendar Aficionado

by Marla Cilley

2. Use blank address labels to cover up mistakes or make changes in your calendar.

School has started and we have lots of events to get on our calendars. I have been brainstorming on how to help you and your family use a wall calendar. I have put together a list of 11 Tips to make your calendar work for you!

1. Color Code your calendar. Use a highlighter for each member of your family, a dot or some color to help you recognize who has something when you look across the room at your calendar.

3. Don’t procrastinate about putting appointments on your calendar. Do it now! You’re your calendar working for you! This way you don’t have to try to remember everything.

4. Look ahead so that you can plan for special events or doctor’s appointments. Do you need to fast, how about that suit that needs cleaning or a new dress for the wedding?

5. Check the family calendar morning, afternoon and evening. This habit is the Shiny Sink of your brain.

6. Put your calendar in a place that is in front of the family. After all, out of sight is out of mind for us.

7. Allow your family to help you use the calendar. This is teaching them the calendar habit. Using a calendar as a tool is giving your children wings.

8. Each week, have a family meeting to synchronize your schedules and put them on the family calendar. This is about communicating with each other and having all the information in one place.

9. When you walk in your door; THINK! Do we have something to post on the calendar?

Put up a note to remind you. Having that PTA or church bulletin in your purse, the sports schedule in the backpack or that invitation in back of the calendar is not going to get it posted to your family calendar. This habit will keep things from slipping up on you! Don’t wait to do it later. Later will be that frantic phone call!

10. Make your family calendar fun! Use sticker, stars and smiley faces to decorate as well as celebrate accomplishments.

11. Use your calendar to chart your family’s milestones. Your calendar will become your family history! Yes, you can save your calendars. They will help you to scrapbook.

These 11 tips will help you to use your calendar instead of just buying it and allowing yet another calendar to become clutter in your home. Are you ready to FLY with a calendar that helps you stay on your flight path?

For more help getting rid of your CHAOS, see her website and join her free mentoring group at www.

FlyLady.net. Also check out her books, Sink Reflections, published by Random House, and her New York Times Best Selling book, Body Clutter, published by Simon and Schuster. Copyright 2012 Marla Cilley.

Used by permission in this publication.

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A Page in a Book

by Paige Gardner Smith

Best Bets for Ballet Books One of the most recognizable forms of dance worldwide, ballet is classic performance art, and for many young children a rite of childhood. The trappings of the dance style - the slippers, leotards, the barre and mirrored walls – are second in lure only to the movement and performance of ballet itself. Ballet’s simple rudiments allow young children to slowly take up a very complex and demanding dance style and pursue it as far as they are willing to take the challenge. The following titles explore both the elements that characterize ballet and the dreams that can follow when you point your toes in the right direction.

Brontorina

by James Howe, Illustrated by Randy Cecil (Candlewick Press) Approaching the doors of Madame Lucille’s Dance Academy for Girls and Boys, Brontorina is met with surprise by the teacher and disbelief from students who can’t imagine how someone so large (an immense dinosaur, and lacking the proper shoes) can possibly want to take up ballet.

But before she is turned away, Clara, a young dance student pleads on Brontorina’s behalf that she be allowed to dance. Brontorina learns the positions, but her size is still an issue as her head cracks the ceiling (and the pianist is endangered as well). Her dreams of dancing are about to be ended until Clara and the class come up with a solution that saves Brontorina’s dance future, expands their dance space…and expands hearts and minds as well.

Bea at Ballet

by Rachel Isadora (Nancy Paulsen / Penguin Books for Young Readers) Part of the beauty of ballet is its roots in tradition and the shared elements that characterize almost every young dancer’s experience in a ballet studio. ‘Bea at Ballet’ introduces all the things that an aspiring ballet dancer can expect to encounter on the journey to the barre. With pen, ink and oil paint drawings, Isadora illustrates the basic costuming (for boys and girls), as well as the traditional fixtures in a ballet setting (mirrors, a piano, a barre). The basic positions of beginning ballet are also tenderly rendered with small children learning the first poses. This title is the ideal introduction for any child interested in taking up the dance and who wants to be at ballet!

Dogs Don’t Do Ballet

by Anna Kemp, Illustrated by Sara Ogilvie (Simon & Schuster) Biff the dog isn’t quite like other dogs. Unlike his hydrant-sniffing, stick-fetching, toiletdrinking peers, Biff prefers music, moonlight and walking on his tip-toes like a ballet dancer.

Following his owner to and from her ballet classes, Biff is entranced by the dance and it’s clear he wants to participate, but the teacher rebuffs the idea. When the girl suggests taking Biff to a big ballet performance in town, her father dashes the notion reminding his daughter that there’s no place in ballet for dogs. But when they cross town for the show, a short furry figure shadows them to the venue. And when the star of the show takes a tumble on-stage, the woofer from the wings may surprise everyone with exactly what a determined dog CAN do.

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

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Coping with Your Child’s

Special Needs Diagnosis

a couple gets pregnant they have in their mind this perfect baby with a full life, and when they get a diagnosis of a child with special needs, there is often a period of mourning…mourning the loss of what you expected,” says Katie Rutledge, director of genetic counseling services at UAB. Rutledge meets with families on a regular basis who receive news that their child is at a high risk for having a special needs condition. However, she says, whether the diagnosis comes while the baby is in utero, after birth, or later in their lives, it’s never easy. She says before parents can begin to help their child, they need to cope with the news themselves first.

After Receiving the Diagnosis

Dr. Jennifer Sheehy-Knight is a licensed psychologist with Children’s Hospital. She says it is normal for parents to go through the different stages of grief when receiving this diagnosis before reaching the acceptance stage.

They include:

by Christie del Amo Johnson

When Montgomery mom Ruth Brewbaker became pregnant with her fourth child, Ben, she was excited to see what the future held for her baby. But at her 20-week ultrasound, her doctor pulled her into his office and gave her news that would change her life. “He was quiet and somber and so was the nurse,” Brewbaker recalls. “He said, ‘Do you know what spina bifida is?’ The first thing that www.montgomeryparents.com

flashed through my mind is high school physiology and I realized that the baby is born with an open spine.”

Brewbaker says the diagnosis was the last thing she expected. One minute she was preparing for a happy, healthy child…the next, she was thrown into a world she knew nothing about. “I remember thinking, ‘how in the world are we going to handle this,’” she says.

“It’s very hard for parents. Each time 52

• Denial: Dr. Sheehy-Knight says this is the time period that parents often question the diagnosis.

• Anger: This is when they may think “It’s not fair!” Feeling like you want to blame yourself or get mad at someone else is common at this stage.

• Bargaining: They may think that maybe I can fix my child.

“This stage is when parents begin reaching out for any and every treatment out there,” she says. “I always caution parents to research the different treatments being offered and their findings. Weigh the pros and cons.

What are the benefits versus the risks.”

• Depression: Feeling sad and a sense of loss are all normal. “The parents have been setting up life goals for their child before they were even born. They think about school and marriage and how this child will have their own child some day.

In a way, the diagnosis can equal a loss Montgomery Parents I September 2012

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Feeling sad and a sense of loss are all normal.

The parents have been setting up life goals for their child before they were even born. They think about school and marriage and how this child will have their own child some day. In a way, the diagnosis can equal a loss because it’s their loss of the plan for the child. because it’s their loss of the plan for the child,” she says.

“It’s also normal to go back to these stages temporarily when reaching a big family milestone; whether it’s a school graduation, a wedding, etc. When breaking the news to the parents, one thing I try to convey to the family is this is the same wonderful child who they brought into the clinic. The diagnosis doesn’t change the child. Instead it is meant to help them access services,” adds Dr. Sheehy-Knight.

Your New “Normal”

Once you have accepted that your life with your child will be wonderful, just different, you can move forward.

Melanie Jones, executive director of the Autism Society of Alabama says, “A diagnosis is the name commonly given to a certain set of signs and symptoms. It should not be viewed as a label.”

She says the diagnosis is meant to help parents identify the strengths and challenges for their child. “Parents want their child to be happy, productive and successful at life, so it’s important to focus on what each child needs to reach his or her potential,” she adds.

Jones says feeling alone and isolated is a common thread shared by most parents who have a child with a special need, but she says that is why it is so important for them to reach out and find others in similar situations. She encourages families to find support groups by calling Montgomery Parents I September 2012

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What Our Parents Say

Katie Boyt

“Katie was miserable in public school and was floundering. When she was diagnosed with ADHD in first grade, my husband immediately started researching schools and talking to people. We heard nothing but good things about Churchill Academy. She has been there for two years now. It has been wonderful! Katie has blossomed socially and academically- even more than we had hoped. I volunteer at Churchill several times a week and I've never met a more caring and patient group of teachers and staff. They truly want our children to excel and be the best that they can be." Brenda Boyt (Daughter: Katie Boyt)

the organization that best represents their child’s need.

“At the Autism Society, we have networking groups in over 20 cities through out Alabama usually led by parents of a child with autism,” she says. “These groups bring in speakers, share ways of helping their children and coping, and give their children a safe place to relax and have fun. Most importantly, we teach parents to love and enjoy the child; the child comes first, not the disability.”

Sheehy-Knight adds another important thing to do is establish a strong support system. “The additional time required for raising a child with special needs puts a lot of stress on the family and stress on the marriage,” she says.

“A lot of times they feel very isolated.

Maybe they feel others don’t understand what they’re going through.” Because of this, she says parents may also want to consider seeking therapy for themselves to help deal with a lot of the added pressure or stress they may be feeling.

Finding Resources for Your Child

After finding out their child has a disability, most parents become information seekers. While finding information can help parents understand what’s ahead of them, experts also urge caution about where they get it from. “A lot of people turn to the internet,” says Rutledge.

“You get extreme stories on the internet and that can be extremely difficult for families. You get the really rare best case scenario or you get extreme worst case scenarios. This should be one of the last resources you use.”

Instead, Rutledge suggests talking to: • Your child’s healthcare providers: Their pediatricians, specialists and counselors; someone who is familiar with the diagnosis.

• Websites that are national resources: Many conditions have national advocacy organizations.

• Other parents: Rutledge says in UAB’s genetic counseling department, they have a list of parents willing to share their stories with other families in similar situations. She says other doctor’s offices often have the same resource.

• Schools: They can help map out your www.montgomeryparents.com

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child’s education and show you different programs that may be beneficial to them. School systems provide services for children with special needs starting at age three.

“Getting that information slowly gives parents the control back that they lost,” says Rutledge. “These families need to realize they’re not alone and that they can do this.”

It’s something Brewbaker can attest to. Fourteen years after his diagnosis, Ben is just like any other boy. He loves Auburn Tiger football. He goes to camp and water skis. He has even played on a basketball team at the Lakeshore Foundation. The only difference...he does it all in a wheelchair.

Brewbaker says she can’t stress enough how important a good support system is, whether it includes family, friends or your church. In fact, to help other parents, Brewbaker and some other parents of special needs children have started a ministry for people with disabilities based out of their church. It’s called “Rooftop Friends.” The idea of Rooftop Friends is to reach out into the community and make connections to help families who are touched by disabilities.

Through this ministry, they also hope to bring wheelchair sports to the Montgomery area. Working with Dr. Lisa Olinech Dorman, head of the Sports Sciences and Physical Education Department at Huntingdon College, plans are being put in place for Huntingdon to be the site for an adapted sports program to begin in the fall of 2013. “It is a win/win situation for all who are involved and especially for the Capital City as a whole,” says Brewbaker.

“God has opened doors and blessed us in ways I never could have imagined.

There have been lots of times of trials; he’s had 13 surgeries. He’ll always be in a wheelchair and has no feeling below the waist,” says Brewbaker. “For all the heartache you go through there’s an even greater joy when I think of things God has shown us that we may have never seen without him.” mp

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Christie del Amo Johnson is a former Birmingham television news reporter turned part-time freelance writer and full-time mom.

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*Photo by Savannah Bowden Photography.

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ADD/ADHD Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (CH.A.D.D)

1-800-233-4050 Provides education, advocacy and support for individuals with AD/HD. In addition to our informative Web site, CHADD also publishes a variety of printed materials to keep members and professionals current on research advances, medications and treatments affecting individuals with AD/HD. Please visit us at www.chadd.org.

Feingold Association of the United States

800-321-3287, 554 E. Main St., Ste. 301, Riverhead, NY. 800-321-3287 Provides informational materials, online/telephone support, and resources.

Helps families introduce low-additive dietary programs for children with learning/behavior problems and chemically sensitive adults. Www. feingold.org.

Learning Disabilities Association of America

1-412-341-1515 Offers support programs for parents, an information and referral network, legislation and school program development. Www. ldaamerica.org.

Autism Alabama Autism & Asperger’s Statewide Info & Support Network

Website offers videos, articles, forums, groups, chats, bulletin board, links and resources. Visit www. alabamaautism.org.

www.montgomeryparents.com

Special Needs Resource Guide Autism Alabama

1-334-242-8114, is an initiative of Special Education Services, Alabama Department of Education, to provide on-line training resources for parents and educational professionals on autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). www.alex.state.al.us/autismAL

Autism Society of America

ments. TACA holds monthly meetings throughout the United States that feature educational speakers on important topics and allow family members to connect with one another and stay on top of the latest news in the autism world. Members can check out books on Autism and DVDs/CDs. Please visit us at www.talkaboutcuringautism.org and www.tacanow. org (Alabama Chapter)

1-800-328-8476 Provides services in the areas of advocacy, education, awareness and research. 7910 Woodmont Ave., Ste. 310, Bethesda, MD. www. autism-society.org.

Cerebral Palsy

Autism Society of Alabama

4 My Child

1-877-4Autism Provide a resource list of services that have been recommended by families and professionals, support groups, lending library, newsletter and Education & Awareness. Please visit our website at www.autism-alabama.org.

Easter Seals of Central Alabama

(334) 288-0240; 2125 East South Blvd., Montgomery. Our goal is to provide quality life enhancing programs and services to meet the individual needs of our consumers. ESCA offers the following programs; Janice Capilouto Center for the Deaf, Speech Therapy, Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic, Vocational Evaluation, PACE Program, Job Placement, CAN Certification, Learning Disabilities Evaluation, and CARE. Please call or visit us at www.eastersealsca.org.

TACA (Talk About Curing Autism)

1-949-640-4401, TACA is a not-for-profit foundation of families helping families affected by autism.

TACA Alabama Chapter meets in Birmingham/ Huntsville/Tuscaloosa area. TACA aims to speed up the cycle from the autism diagnosis to effective treat-

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1-800-692-4453. Provides provide all families of children of special needs with Help and Hope For Life. Please visit us at http://www.cerebralpalsy.org.

United Cerebral Palsy

2520 Fairlane Dr Suite 360, 334-271-2280 Leading service provider and advocate for adults and children with disabilities, including cerebral palsy. Please visit us at www.ucp.org

Dyslexia Alabama Branch of the International Dyslexia Association

1-855-432-6325,2510 Monteview Drive, Huntsville, AL 35803. We are here to help improve the lives of individuals with dyslexia through education, legislation and services. For more information or to contact us please email info@idaalabama.org or visit www. idaalabama.org/contact.htm.

Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities

RSA Union Building 100 North Union Street Post

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Office Box 301410 Montgomery, Alabama 361301410 Phone: 1-334-242-3973 Toll-Free: 1-800-2322158 Information and Referral: 1-877-774-9520 FAX: 1-334-242-0797 Email:addpc@mh.state. al.us

International Dyslexia Association

800-222-3123 Offers information on products, an online store, conferences, support groups and more for children, teens, college students, parents and educators. www.interdys.org.

Learning Disabilities Association of Alabama (Montgomery)

334-277-9151 Non-profit grassroots organization whose members are individuals with learning disabilities, their families, and the professionals who work with them.

Down Syndrome Down Syndrome Alabama

Birmingham (PADS) Parent Advocates Down Syndrome 205-988-0810 Promote awareness and acceptance, and advocacy for individuals. Offers education and support for individuals. www. downsyndromealabama.org

F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

(Families Reaching, Influencing, Educating, and Networking for Down Syndrome), local organization for families, friends and advocates who love an individual with Down Syndrome. Please visit us

at http://www.downsyndromefriends.org/aboutus. html

Spina Bifida

Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group

Spina Bifida Association of Alabama

334-356-9048 (Prattville) Provides family support, education, links and social opportunities. www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com

Epilepsy Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama (251) 341-0170 Mission is to educate and support individuals with epilepsy and their families. Provide services and programs; educating and increasing awareness about epilepsy; providing leadership in advocacy for epilepsy issues. http://www.epilepsyfoundationalabama.org

Muscular Dystrophy Muscular Dystrophy Association

Provides informational materials, networking, referrals to local resources, summer camps and an equipment loan program. 700 Century Park South #129, Birmingham, Alabama. 205-823-8191 www.mdausa.org.

Strives to provide families affected by Spina Bifida with the most up-to-date medical and social information related to this birth defect. Visit their website at www.sbaofal.org for contact information. The 2012 Walk-N-Roll for SBA of AL at the Montgomery Zoo will be held September 29, 2012 - Registration begins at 9am and the Walk-N-Roll begins at 10am!

Register by calling 1-334-221-1707 or visiting the link: www.2012WalkNRoll4SBAofAL.kintera.org.

Schools/Tutoring Churchill Academy

395 Ray Thorington Rd., 334-270-4225; Churchill Academy was founded in 1996 to educate the many children in Montgomery and surrounding areas with unique learning differences that range from Attention Deficit Disorder to Learning Disabled to Gifted. We believe strongly that early intervention is essential to maximize the success of every child with special learning needs. Our youngest classroom, classroom A, identifies areas of strength and weakness in our 6 & 7 year olds and provides appropriate remedial instruction. Visit www.Churchillacademymontgomery.com.

Huntington Learning Center

2800 Zelda Rd., 277-9200. Several teachers on staff with Special Education needs. Tutoring in reading, study skills, writing, phonics, spelling, math and ACT/ SAT prep, GED and exit exam. Students ages 5 - adult.

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Success Unlimited

2328 Fairlane Campus, 213-0803. Success Unlimited Academy is dedicated to teaching all children.

In our Special Education Achievement Class, we have provided a special place of learning for those who need more one-on-one instruction and individualized lesson plans. Visit them at www. suacademy.com.

Sylvan Learning Center

2640 Zelda Rd., 262-0043; Study skills, (courses for credit) writing/grammar, reading, math and SAT/ ACT college preparation. Also individualized tutoring. Diagnostic evaluation. Students improve skills, becoming more motivated and gaining in self-confidence. Certified teachers

Parks and Recreation Montgomery Area

Vaughn Road Park, 3620 Vaughn Road – Boundless Playground Ida Belle Young Park, 5400 Vaughn Road – Sight Impaired Playground Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, Alabama 36110, (334) 240-4900 Montgomery Zoo is open year round with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day. The zoo opens at 9:00 am and closes at 5:00 pm. The Montgomery Zoo is handicap accessible.

Wheelchairs are available for rental at the Zoofari

Gift Shop. The play area does have handicap accessible swings.

Thompson Park, 1655 Ray Thorington Road – “No Limits” Miracle Field Playground and Miracle League Ball Field.

Therapeutic Recreation Center, 604 August St., 240-4595 (Frederick Thomas) one of Montgomery’s proudest accomplishments, makes recreation accessible to our city’s special population. The center offers a 26,000 square foot facility that is barrier free, and features a large gymnasium, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, weight room, game rooms, meeting rooms, locker rooms and a kitchen. Spring Prom and Special Olympic competitions are held here.

Please visit Parks and Recreation at www.montgomeryal.gov for more information.

Prattville Area, 334-361-3609

Overlook Memorial , 299 Jay Street, handicap accessible, swings Pratt Park Child Place, 460 Doster Road, handicap accessible, swings Spinner’s Park, 390 West 6th Street, Metal slides for cochlear implants

Recreation/ Enrichment Abrakadoodle

Susan Parker 265-5758 Offer several enrichment programs in Montgomery’s public and private school settings as well as daycares. We offer autism and

special needs classes which are not limited by age.

Please visit us at www.abrakadoodle.com or email sparker@abrakadoodle.com.

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Access To Recreation

Provides exercise and recreational equipment for people with disabilities. 8 Sandra Ct., Newbury Park, CA. 800-634-4351. www.accesstr.com.

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241-2789, 1018 Madison Avenue. Classes offered and combined. Case to case basis upon the need of extra coaches. Please call for more information.

Boy Scouts of America

3067 Carter Hill Rd., 262-2697 Provides an educational and social program for boys and young adults.

Family Karate Center

Carole Coker, 277-4911; 8159 Vaughn Road. Next door to Jalapenos, Peppertree Shopping Center. Only karate center that specializes in teaching special needs students- autistic, Asperger’s Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder, ADHD, Down Syndrome, Hearing and Visually impaired, all wheel chairs welcome. Call today for registration and information.

We are the only Montgomery school with a Master degree Instructor who specializes in special need children. There is no extra cost for the special needs child. A FREE gift for all new enrollments.

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama

334.272.9164 , 145 Coliseum Boulevard, Montgomery; Helps girls self value, social and volunteering skills through troop service.

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M.A.N.E.

3699 Wallahatchie Rd., Pike Rd., 334-213-0909 The Montgomery Area Non-traditional Equestrians is dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with a wide range of disabilities through safe and effective therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, and equine-assisted learning activities. Please visit our website at http://maneweb.org.

Montgomery Miracle League

The Miracle League provides an opportunity for children and adults with physical and/or cognitive disabilities a chance to play baseball. Visit their website at www.mtgml.com.

Special Olympics Alabama

880 South Court St., Montgomery, (334) 242-3383.

Offers year-round sports training and athletic competitions in 18 individual and team Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities Visit us at http://specialolympicsalabama.com/.

Basic tutoring helps kids prep for tests and little else.

Kumon is different — we prepare for the classroom and beyond. For more than 50 years, Kumon has provided children with more than a quick academic fix — we’ve provided a methodology for learning that transforms lives. Let Kumon help your child gain an unshakable understanding of reading and math and instill the motivation to learn for a lifetime.

Storybook Farms

300 Cusseta Road - Opelika, AL 36801 (334) 444-5966. www.story-book-farm.org ; The year-round equine assisted activities are tailored to serve children ages 2 years to young adults who are challenged with life-threatening illnesses, disabilities, mental and/or emotional trauma, and grief.

The gentle nature of our horses provides hope and healing. In addition to our “hope on horseback” riding programs, Storybook Farm also provides weekly Enrichment Classes for local school system’s inclusive special education classes, “Forever Families” quarterly events for families created by adoption or fostering, as well as annual events such as Easter Eggstravaganza, SBF Horse Show, Fall Festival, and the Christmas Celebration.

For the kind of benefits that last a lifetime, call for a FREE PLACEMENT TEST. Kumon Math & Reading of Montgomery - Central 1655 Perry Hill Road, Montgomery, Alabama 36106 334.279.1400 • www.kumon.com/montgomery-central montgomerycentral_al@ikumon.com

Therapeutic Recreation Center

604 August St., 240-4575 One of Montgomery’s proudest accomplishments, makes recreation accessible to our city’s special population. The center offers a 26,000 square foot facility that is barrier free, and features a large gymnasium, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, weight room, game rooms, meeting rooms, locker rooms and a kitchen. Spring Prom and Special Olympic competitions are held here.

Recreational Camps

Academic Enrichment Pre-K — 12th Grade

877.586.6671 | www.kumon.com

© 2012 Kumon North America. All rights reserved.

Camp Newhope & Camp Newsong

(205) 877-2224; A free program open to all grieving children in Alabama. Camp sessions are held at the YMCA Hargis Retreat in Chelsea, Alabama for children ages 6-18.

Camp Smile-a-Mile

1-888-500-7920; www.campsam.org; Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin, Al. Year round challenging, recreational and educational experiences for young cancer patients, their families as well as young adult survivors from Alabama at no cost. Our purpose is to provide these patients, families and survivors with avenues for fellowship, to help them cope with their disease, and to prepare them for life after cancer.

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Camp Sugar Falls & Camp Seale Harris

(205) 402-0415; www.southeasterndiabetes.org. provides our kids with the chance to learn about effective diabetes management, while at the same time allowing them to interact with other children living with this same illness.

Easter Seals Camp ASSCA

(256) 825-9226; www.campascca.org. Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults. ASCCA is a nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation for children and adults with both physical and mental disabilities. Providing weekend and week long sessions- open year-round. Located in Alabama on Lake Martin, offers campers a wide variety of recreational and educational activities. Activities include horseback riding, fishing, tubing, swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, canoeing, a “splash pad”, outdoor adventure elements like the zip-line, and much more.

Lakeshore Foundation

(205) 313-7400; www.lakeshore.org; Offers a wide range of fitness, recreation, athletic and education programs to children and adults who experience diagnostic conditions including spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, amputation, and visual impairment.

Support and Education Services Auditory Visual Enhancement of Alabama

improving the lives of children and adults so that life goals may be more realized. Provides AIT (Auditory Integration Training).

Dianne Craft – Child Diagnostics

303-697-7511 Wonderful website filled with information, articles, resources for learning disabilities, dyslexia, auditory processing, right/left brain learning. Nutritional therapy and supplement recommendations. You can purchase Dianne’s DVDs, CDs, Books, vitamins, and other various products through her online store. Visit http:// www.diannecraft.org.

Easter Seals Alabama

2125 East South Boulevard, Montgomery, AL 36116; (334) 288-0240; Consists of eight community rehabilitation program sites and the world’s largest barrier free recreational camp Camp ASCCA. Easter Seals Alabama services include: Medical Rehabilitation, Early Intervention, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Hearing Therapy, Job Training and Employment, Child Care & Camping and Recreation.

Joni and Friends International Disabilities Center

PO Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA 91376 www.joniandfriends.org General Information: 818-707-5664 For Joni and Friends Knoxville: 1540 Robinson Rd, Knoxville, TN 37923 Dr. Laura Payne, Area Ministry director, lpayne@ joniandfriends.org.

The Listening Program

1-888-228-1798 The Listening Program (TLP) is a music listening therapy that provides engaging brain stimulation to improve performance in school, work and life. It gently trains the auditory system to accurately process sound. Auditory processing problems can lead to academic, emotional, cognitive and social challenges, including problems with ADD, Listening, Speech & language, memory, communication, Social skills, reading, Sensory Integration, Balance and coordination and self regulation. Auditory processing problems are often found in children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD, dyslexia and learning disabilities. Please visit us at www.thelisteningprogram.com for more information.

March of Dimes Alabama Chapter

Birmingham, Al. (205) 824-0103; www.marchofdimes.com; Central Division in Montgomery, Al. (334) 277-6910

Nutrition Health Wise

277-9925, 5147 Atlanta Highway Provides nutritional supplements for children and adults with ciliac disease, autism, ADD/ADHD and other learning disabilities. We offer a wide variety organic, egg free, gluten free food products for individuals with celiac disease and autism. Please visit us at www. healthwisefoods.com.

The Herb Shop

271-2882; 8151 Vaughn Rd. We have a whole section

Call Lorrie P. Piazza at 334-277-7046. Dedicated to

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dedicated to special needs and learning disabilities.

Please visit our store for individual supplement recommendations. www.mynsp.com/herbshopalabama

Lee Silsby, Compound Pharmacy

800-918-8831, Compounding Pharmacy focusing on children with Autism. Please visit www.leesilsby.com

Our Kids

877-533-7457, 3216 Silsby Rd. Cleveland Hts., OH 44118 Our Kids was founded as the result of the joy Lee Silsby Compounding Pharmacy experiences in working with Autistic children. Our Kids focuses 100% of their product line exclusively on supplements for Autistic children and designing innovative, high quality products. Please visit us at www. ourkidsasd.com.

Speech Therapy AUM Speech and Hearing Clinic

7041 Senators Drive, 244-3408 Provides hearing evaluation and Auditory Processing Evaluation.

Easter Seals of Central Alabama

(334) 288-0240; 2125 East South Blvd., Montgomery Our goal is to provide quality life enhancing programs and services to meet the individual needs of our consumers. ESCA offers the following programs; Janice Capilouto Center for the Deaf, Speech Therapy, Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic, Vocational Evaluation, PACE Program, Job Placement, CAN Certification, Learning Disabilities Evaluation, and CARE. Please call or visit us at www.eastersealsca.org.

Prattville Baptist Speech and Hearing Clinic 358-6501. 635 McQueen Smith Road, Suite D. Center for Advanced Therapy. Provide speech, hearing, OT and physical therapy department.

Speech and Hearing, Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama (256) 325-8885; Info@AlabamaSHAA.org www.alabamashaa.org

The Therapy Center at Baptist Medical Center East

334-244-8345, 400 Taylor Rd., Only facility offering families and the communities of central Alabama comprehensive rehabilitation services. Individualized treatment is provided by experienced and licensed occupational, physical and speech therapists.

The Alabama Public school systems offer speechlanguage evaluations and therapy (if eligible) for children 3 and up. This is available to children, by law, regardless of if they go to private, public or are homeschooled.

Early Intervention Alabama Institute for the Deaf & Blind

(256) 761-3200, 205 South Street Talladega, AL. AIDB is the most comprehensive education, rehabilitation and service system serving children and adults

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who are deaf, blind and multi-disabled. Children ages 3 to 21 are served through the Alabama School for the Deaf, the Alabama School for the Blind and the Helen Keller School of Alabama.

Please call or visit our website at www.aidb.org.

The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind 334-262-0824 Serving Lee County and the surrounding area. Missy Byrd. Missy@aidb.state. al.us or serving the Opelika area Robin Blake at Blake.Robin@aidb.state.al.us serving the Auburn area Alabama School for the Blind- 705 South Street East, Talladega, Al.(256) 761-3259 Alabama School for the Deaf- 205 South Street East, Talladega, Al. (256) 761-3212 Helen Keller School of Alabama- 1101 Fort Lashley Avenue, Talladega, Al. (256) 761-3377 or please visit us at www.aidb.org/helen-kellerschool-of-alabama

Child Find

1-800-543-3098 Child Find is the process used in Alabama for identifying all children who may be eligible for services and referring them to Alabama’s Early Intervention System.

Easter Seals of Central Alabama

(334) 288-0240; 2125 East South Blvd, Montgomery Our goal is to provide quality life enhancing programs and services to meet the individual needs of our consumers. ESCA offers the following programs: Janice Capilouto Center for the Deaf, Speech Therapy, Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic, Vocational Evaluation, PACE Program, Job Placement, CAN Certification,

Learning Disabilities Evaluation, and CARE. Please call or visit us at www.easterseals.com.

individuals with ADD/ADHD. 888-762-8475. www. additudemag.com.

The Marianna Greene Henry Special Equestrian Program

Attention

Talladega, Alabama has a covered indoor arena and a 3/4 mile Sensory Trail for students from preschool age to middle age for both therapeutic and recreational riding year round. Please visit us at www.mgharena.com/generalinfo.html

The PLAY Project Wiggles & Giggles

(334) 264-8887 or (334) 264-8988, 1031 Oak Street, Montgomery. Play and Language for Autistic Youngster. Our program emphasizes the importance of helping parents become their child’s best P.L.A.Y. partner. Please visit us at www.playproject.org

PPEI Early Intervention

832-1080, 310 North Madison Terrace, Montgomery. Early Intervention

United Cerebral of Central Alabama

Horizon EI Program, (334) 271-2280, 2520 Fairlane Dr Suite 360, Montgomery, AL, Early Intervention

Special Needs Publications ADDitude Magazine

Bi-monthly magazine with information and support for people affected by ADHD, 800-233-4050. www. chadd.org.

Exceptional Parent Magazine

1-877-372-7368 Monthly publication that provides information, support, ideas, encouragement and outreach for parents and families of children with disabilities and the professionals who work with them.

Please visit us at www.exceptionalparent.com.

Alabama Resources ADA Center- Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services

334-293-7500 or (800) 441-7607 (Montgomery office); (800) 205-9986 (Alabama’s Toll Free Hotline for ADA Information); www.rehab.state.al.us/ada DBTAC - Southeast ADA Center; 1419 Mayson Street, Atlanta, GA 30324; (800) 949-4232; www.sedbtac.org

Alabama Alliance for the Mentally Ill, 396-4797, 1401 I-85 Parkway Suite A, Montgomery. www.namialabama.org

888-762-8475 Bi-monthly lifestyle magazine for

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Alabama’s Early Intervention System and Department of Rehabilitation Services,

Birth-3 years. 334-293-7500. Programs for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities, 602 South Lawrence Street, Montgomery. Please visit us at www.rehab. state.al.us

Alabama PTA,

470 S. Union St. Montgomery 334-834-2501 or visit us at www.alabamapta.org.

American Foundation for the Blind,

100 Peachtree Street, Suite 620, Atlanta, Ga. 1-404-525-2303

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 1-800-638-8255. Committed to ensur-

ing that all people with speech, language, and hearing disorders receive services to help them communicate effectively. http://www.asha.org/public/

Arc of Alabama, 557 South Lawrence Street, Montgomery 262-7688.

Advocates for people with disabilities. Visit us at www.thearcofalabama.com.

Blind or Visually Impaired, Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind, www.AIDB.org Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind- Mobile , AL; (251) 432-7777

Career & Technical Education,

Alabama State Department of Education- Montgomery, AL; (334) 242-9111; www.alsde.edu/

Client Assistance Program, Department of Rehabilitation Services, Montgomery

1-800-228-3231

Developmental Disabilities, Alabama Department of Mental Health-Montgomery, Al.

(334) 242-3454; www.mh.alabama.gov/

Developmental Disabilities Council,

Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities -Montgomery, AL (800) 232-2158; http://acdd.org

Governor’s Office on DisabilitiesMontgomery, AL. (888) 879-3582

Medicaid Waivers:

These waivers help those families who make too much money for Medicaid but “fall through the cracks” of their insurance.

June Perry- Alabama Department of Public Health; 800-243-5463 Ask for Area Agency on Aging – Elderly and Disabled Waiver, www.adss.state.al.us State of Alabama of Independent living waiver – 800-441-7607 Mentally Retarded Waiver – 800-367-0955

Mental Health Rep. for Children/Youth,

Office of Children’s Services/ Alabama Department of Mental Health-Montgomery, AL. (334) 353-7110; www.mh.alabama.gov

Montgomery Scottish Rite Learning Center, 277-8109, 565 Eastern Blvd., Montgomery. Testing for children up to 14 years of age with dyslexia

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Programs for Children with Disabilities:

Need a Doctor NOW?

Ages 3-5, P.O. Box 302101, Montgomery, 334-242-8114 or 1-800-392-8020

Come see us.

Protection and Advocacy, Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP)-

Faster Walk-in Urgent Care/Family Care

The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL. (800) 826-1675 ; www.adap.net

No Appointment Necessary

Respite Care,

Experienced Physician Always On Site Open 7 days a week

Special Education Services

Alabama Department of Education- Montgomery, Al. (800) 392-8020; www.alsde.edu/

9540 WYNLAKES PLACE MONTGOMERY, AL 36117

ATLANTA HWY.

Special Format Library,

Alabama Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. 6030 Monticello Drive , Montgomery, AL; (800) 392-5671; http://statelibrary.alabama.gov/

Special Health Care Needs,

TAYLOR RD.

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VAUGHN FOREST CHURCH

GET IN & OUT FASTER!!!

9540 Wynlakes Place, Montgomery, AL 36117

Phone: 334-395-9933 | Fax: 334-395-9931

www.VaughnUrgentCare.com

Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services/ Children’s Rehabilitation Service- Montgomery , AL; (800) 441-7607; www.rehab.alabama.gov/ crs

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On-site Digital X-rays, Lab & EKG Results while you wait Lab is CLIA and DOT certified

“Helping Families Stay Healthy”

CHAN

Minor Emergencies School and Sports Injuries Wound Care Dental Complaints Pediatric Complaints Colds, Flus & Illness Cuts, Lacerations & Bruises Eyes, Ears, Nose & Throat Gynecology and Women’s Health Immunization/Vaccination Rashes, Poison Ivy, Allergic Reactions Minor Burns Physical Exams Insect & Animal Bites Gastrointestinal Complaints Work Injuries Work Physical School Sports Physical Skin Disorders Neurological Disorders Blood Pressure Checks Digital X-Ray CD Copies Available Wireless EKG

Temporary short-term relief for caregivers of individuals with special needs such as: developmental and physical disabilities or other chronic illnesses that are related to health concerns, medical fragility, or for those at risk of abuse and neglect. Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network-Anniston, AL; (256-237-3683) Please visit us at http://alabamarespite.org. Birmingham, Al1-866-RESTALA ; alabamarespite@aol. com

State Department of Education: Special Education, P.O. Box 302101, Montgomery, 334-242-8114 or 1-800-392-8020.

State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency,

334-281-8780. 2129 East South Blvd, Montgomery. Please visit us at www.rehab.state.al.us

Technology- STAR

(Statewide Technology Access and Response for Alabamians with Disabilities)-Montgomery, AL; (800) 782-7656; www.rehab.alabama.gov/star

University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities,

AL-0000434597

Civitan International Research Center-University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham, AL 35294-0021; (800) 822-2472; www.circ.uab.edu

If you are a resource for children with special needs and you weren’t included in this listing, please email editor@ montgomeryparents.com. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Aging Pets and Their Care Technological advancements in veterinary care have allowed veterinarians to extend the life expectancy of our pets.

Also, contributing to the age increase, is the increased care, better nutrition, and exercise pet owners are providing their furry friends.

These are just a few of the reasons pets are living longer. As pets age, owners need to be aware of the changes that occur and the additional care needed to provide a pleasant quality of life for their special friend.

Just like with humans, pets begin to slow down with age. It may take your pet longer to get up from a resting position or climb stairs. During exercise, your pet may need more breaks. These are all normal signs that should take place gradually. However, its the signs my clients do not see that are the ones that can rob years of enjoyment from you and your pet.

Start from the Inside:

As pet owners begin to notice a few grey hairs on their furry friend, signs of internal aging can be more discrete. This is why most veterinarians recommend twicea-year-veterinary visits. Also, depending on your pet’s age and medical condition, your veterinarian may even recommend more frequent visits for scheduled tests.

Cancers, metabolic disease like diabetes, and organ deterioration (kidney disease, liver disease) are all health problems that can occur in older pets. For this reason, regular veterinary health exams, including complete blood screening and urinalysis, are an essential factor in keeping your senior pet healthy. Most diseases in senior pets can be diagnosed with blood or urine tests. These test provide a treasure trove of information providing your veterinarian proper information to make recommendations for your pet’s future care. It is a wise investment to catch easily treatable problems at the initial onset.

In addition, when bi-annual test are done regularly it allows veterinarians the ability to monitor trends and compare panel readings from year to year.

Proper diet and exercise is also very important to the aging pet. All veterinarians have pet food brands they recommend.

Without question, there are some great quality products available. However, what I stress to my clients when feeding an aging pet is to focus on the best digestible protein their budget can afford. Older pets have a harder time digesting poor quality foods, as their organs become less efficient with the aging process. This is why your veterinarian may recommend higher quality foods. The food recommended may cost more initially, Montgomery Parents I September 2012

however, because these brands are made specifically for the older pet’s digestion abilities, owners feed less....the bag lasts longer.... so the costs difference is usually a wash.

A Look on the Outside:

Although your aging friend may want to spend large amounts of time napping, I have been an advocate of continued exercise.

Obesity is one of the major health issues facing senior pets today. Pets need mobility and weight management not only to ward off obesity but to also prolong arthritis symptoms and joint pain associated with obesity.

If pet owners do not have time to take their pets on regular exercise excursions, enroll in a doggie day care program that emphasizes exercise and socialization. I have found in my practice that dogs who are exercised and socialized regularly cope with the aging process better. It may be harder to get the senior cat to participate in exercise, but it is important. I haven’t found a cat yet that would not chase a favorite treat at the end of a string.

Exercise also helps stimulate your older pet’s mind. As your pet ages, cognitive function begins to deteriorate. Most older pets

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will be content to sleep the day away only arousing for bathroom breaks or feeding times. However, by offering a regular gently walk helps prevent muscle atrophy, and the sights and especially the smells will keep an old friend’s mind stimulated and engaged in the world around him. Be mindful that hearing and sight may not be as keen. This means your pet may not come when you call. For this reason, I recommend keeping your older dog on a leash during exercise sessions. Older dogs can easily become disoriented in unfamiliar areas, wandering too far without meaning to.

Aging is a part of life. How we approach this process is correlated to the process’ outcome. As for the pet owner, advancements in technology have allowed our pets to live longer and happier lives.

By regular veterinarian visits, proper diets, and exercise, pet owners should be able to expand the time they have with their beloved furry friend.

Dr. Philip Mitchell, one of the owners of Taylor Crossing Animal Hospital, graduated from Auburn University’s School of Veterinary Medicine and has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 25 years.

www.montgomeryparents.com

It’s Your Move!

Relocating with Kids

Special Tips for Parents of Special Kids

by Julie Steed Luke Willhide is no stranger to relocation. He moves frequently with his parents and three siblings as required by his dad’s job in the Air Force. Luke’s mom, Emily Willhide, takes care to prepare all of her kids for relocation – but she takes a few extra steps to make sure Luke, who has Down syndrome, has everything he needs for a smooth transition.

Here are tips from Mrs. Willhide, and from other experts, that will help you smooth the transition for your special needs child.

Explore Your Options

Ideally you will want to research school and service options for your special needs child before you relocate. If you’ve already arrived at your new home it’s not too late to begin advocating for your child.

“Our main concern when moving into a new area is to track down all of the special needs services that are available within the community. When Luke was below the age of three this meant finding the early intervention services that are federally mandated to be in existence but that vary in name and structure from state to state,” says Willhide. “These are essential services that include physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.

Now that he is older, these therapies and programs are offered through the school systems, so now it’s just a question of getting plugged into a new system each time.” www.montgomeryparents.com

“Parents can begin to learn about school programs for special needs children . . . by contacting the district person responsible for those programs, or in a larger district, the school designate,” says Mary Keller, Ed. D, Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) President and CEO.

Hand Carry IEPs

“Because we move so frequently, we keep copies of Luke’s progress reports and IEPs so that new teachers and therapists can quickly get up to speed on his achievements and where he still needs work,” says Willhide.

The MCEC also recommends creating a list of parental observations about what programs, resources or tools have or have not yielded positive results for your child.

“The new school may be able to continue with the same or similar programs,” says Dr. Keller.

Keep Copies of Current Medical Records

Keep current copies of your child’s medical records on hand so her new doctors and specialists will know her health care history and current needs immediately. Locate pediatricians and specialists in your new area, and take care of required paperwork or referrals as soon as your insurance company will allow.

“Luke has had some heart surgery to correct small holes in his heart, so part of what we do as we move to a new area is to locate an excellent pediatric cardiologist and to obtain a referral from his pediatrician so that he can be seen both for regular check-ups and in case of emergencies,” says Willhide.

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Get Comfortable

If you child is struggling with relocation, you can help him feel more comfortable by visiting his new school before the start of the term and creating a calm, consistent environment at home.

“School visits are wonderful . . . And not just one time, but many times,” says Janis Gioia, teacher and award-winning author of The Wolf Pack Classroom Management Plan. She recommends meeting teachers and touring the school first, but returning to develop a sense of familiarity.

“Play on the playground, [let your child] ride his motorized wheelchair around the school, blow bubbles in the field, have a picnic or pizza under a shady tree . . . anything that promises a peaceful feeling about the school . . . so when the first day comes, it seems like [he has] been there many times before, because, [he has].”

“Have consistent routines in place that will help create a sense of calm, balance and predictability at home,” says Gioia. She also recommends creating a soothing space where your child can relax, preferably in his bedroom. Fill the space with pillows, stuffed animals, a stress ball to squeeze - anything that will help your child wind down after a day at school. “Accompany your child to the space and model relaxing there,” says Gioia.

And remember, as Gioia so aptly points out, “Change isn’t easy, for you or your family, but day by day what’s new and strange will become familiar and routine.”

Julie Steed is an Air Force spouse with 10 moves under her belt. Her children have attended 4 schools in the last 4 years.

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Serve an Ace Against Child Abuse

River Region public officials are warming up to serve an ace against child abuse and family violence on September 15, at Huntingdon College tennis courts. This “Power Players Challenge,” a new aspect of Tennis Across Montgomery’s serve-a-thon, will spotlight area mayors, chiefs of police, district attorneys, county commissioners and others in a friendly competition to see who can serve the fastest tennis ball and who can raise the most money for the Family Sunshine Center.

The fun begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at noon. This year’s special feature, the Power Players Challenge, will begin at 10 a.m. So far, Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange, Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone, Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis, Montgomery Police Chief Kevin Murphy, Prattville Police Chief Tim Huggins, 2nd Judicial Circuit DA Charlotte Tesmer, 15th Judicial Circuit DA Ellen Brooks and Chief ADA Daryl Bailey, 19th Judicial Circuit ADA Casey Biggs, Montgomery County Commissioner Ham Wilson and One Place Executive Director Steve Searcy will square off on the court. In addition, some media participants will have their own challenge with Donna Woods representing FOX 20, Dee Jackson for CBS 8 and Jeff Shearer for WSFA. Founded in 1995 by Coach John McWilliams, Tennis Across Montgomery has brought smiles to the faces of countless children as they held a tennis racquet in their hands for the first time and were taught the basics of a game they might never have experienced otherwise. In addition, the event has earned vital funds to help the Family Sunshine Center carry on its mission to end the cycle of violence and provide a safe haven and counseling for victims of family violence through its serve-a-thon.

There is still time for others to sign on to sponsor or to participate in the serve-a-thon. To do so, visit www.familysunshine.org and link to the Tennis Across Montgomery icon on the right-hand side of the page, or call FSC’s Special Events Coordinator at 206-2100.

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Chung’s Tae Kwon Do Wins Championship Trophies

Twelve students from Chung’s Tae Kwon Do and Fitness in Tallassee recently competed in the Fountain City Championships in Prattville. Each competitor had the opportunity to earn two first-, second- or third-place trophies. Twenty-one trophies were earned in total.

Chung’s Taekwondo is located on 304 King Street and is owned and operated by 5th Degree Black Belt Tracy Daar of Tallassee. Contact Daar at (334) 799-1891 for more information.

Photo by Harold Dunn

2416 W. Cloverdale Park Montgomery, AL 36106 334.834.8990 www.fumcmontgomery.org

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Join us for worship, fellowship, and service.

Sunday Morning Worship 8:45 & 11 a.m.

Hampstead’s Farm-to-Fork Food Invasion

Worship Service at Cloverdale School Sunday at 6 p.m.

The culinary invasion strikes Alabama again with the third annual Farm-to-Fork Food Invasion Sept. 27, at Hampstead Farms in Montgomery. Attendees will enjoy a family-style outdoor farm dinner and exclusive experience with this year’s “invading” guest chefs Alon Shaya, 2012 James Beard Award nominee, and celebrated pastry chef Lisa White of John Besh’s popular Domenica Restaurant in New Orleans. In celebration of fall’s finest flavors, guest chef Alon Shaya and his Big Easybased culinary team will use local ingredients for the threecourse dinner, sourced within inches of a guest’s seat at the table or from local Alabama suppliers and purveyors. All proceeds will benefit the non-profit John Besh Foundation and educational programs at the Hampstead Institute’s community farms.

The unrivaled supper starts Thursday, Sept. 27, at 6:30 p.m. when 150 diners from across the region settle in around the long table behind Hampstead’s signature Red Barn. Following the feast, all guests are invited to continue the festivities with a traditional New Orleans second-line led by guest chef Alon Shaya from the table to The Tipping Point for an “After the Food Invasion” celebration.

Tickets to the Food Invasion farm dinner are $75 per person and limited to the first 100. VIP Passes are $150 per person and limited to 50. All tickets are available for purchase at www. foodinvasion.com and The Tipping Point in Hampstead. Tickets will not be available at the door.

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Public Library Events MONTGOMERY CITY-COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Storytimes

Juliette Hampton Morgan Memorial Library (Main Branch) 245 High Street 240-4991 Preschool Storytime Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. in the auditorium September 6 Back to School Starting School Watch “Franklin: Back to School” September 13 Arthur’s Back to School Day Pete the Cat Rocking in My School Shoes Craft September 20 Story Lovers Lola Loves Stories I Broke My Trunk!

Activity September 27 Manners Matter Manners Matter in the Classroom Watch “Barney’s Best Manners” Morgan’s Young Adult Department Morgan Teen Book Club September 3 @ 3 p.m.

Outrunning the Darkness

by Anne Schraff Teen Advisory Board September 3 @ 4 p.m.

Join our teen advisory board to help plan teen programs, displays, and activities. Members enjoy snacks and receive volunteer hours for their participation.

September 12 @ 10 a.m.

Mr. Darren Harris-Fain, AUM, will speak about “The World of the Graphic Novel” Coliseum Branch 840 Coliseum Boulevard 271-7005 Sept. 6 I love surprises!

I Will Surprise My Friend www.montgomeryparents.com

Hampstead Branch Library 5251 Hampstead High St., Ste. 107 244-5770

Today I Will Fly Craft – Elephant masks Sept. 13 I love adventures!

Giant Tortoise Adventure Dinosaur Hunt Craft – Turtle masks

Baby & Toddler Time Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.

An early learning & literacy program designed for children ages 6 months to 3 years

Sept. 20 I love birthday parties!

Mater’s Birthday Surprise Bumble-Ardy Craft – Pig masks

Rufus A. Lewis Branch 3095 Mobile Hwy. 240-4848 Preschool Storytime September 5 Bring your children to see the Bird Men and their birds.

September 12 Trooper Charles Dysart will discuss safety.

September 5 Nursery Rhymes: “Jack Sprat”; “For Want of a Nail.”

Signing “hurt.”

September 19 Nursery Rhymes: “A Wise Old Owl”; “Old King Cole” Signing “all done.”

Coliseum’s Adult Program Plant Swap Day Bring your seeds, bulbs, cuttings, or plants to share with other members.

Sept. 19 @ 10 a.m.

September 26 Nursery Rhymes: “The Queen of Hearts”; “As I Was Going to St. Ives” Signing “mother.”

Coliseum Book Club Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand Sept. 13 @ 3 p.m.

Pre-School Story Time Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.

Children 3 and up

Art Gallery Artist - Norma Jean Robbins

September 4 Back to School Rocking in My School Shoes A Pirate’s Guide to First Grade Follow the pirate map.

Governor’s Square Branch 2885-B E. South Blvd.

284-7929

September 11 National Library Card Sign-Up Month Miss Brooks Loves Books (And I Don’t) Wild About Books Sign up for a children’s library card! Make a bookmark.

Sept. 4 Welcome Back to Storytime “The Wheels on the Bus” movie and book Sing “If you’re Happy and You Know It.” Coloring page

September 18 National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15- Oct. 15) La Primera Luna Llena de Gatita Kitten’s First Full Moon Spanish colors.

Sept. 11 Be a Patriot Day Stories about our country and our flag, followed by “The Pledge of Allegiance” to the Flag.

September 24 Kids Sally Jean, the Bicycle Queen Finn Throws a Fit! Coloring sheets.

Sept. 18 Train Tales Day The Caboose Who Got Loose The Little Engine That Could Role play

NO GALAXY READERS BOOK CLUB IN SEPTEMBER

Sept. 25 Child Safety Day Special guest TBA

Hampstead Adult Book Club Saturday, Sept. 29, at 10 a.m.

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September 19 If You Take A Mouse To School Mahalia Mouse Goes To College Back to School Coloring Pages

September 12 Nursery Rhymes: “Jack and Jill”; “Cock-A-Doodle-Doo!” Signing “drink.”

Sept. 27 It’s best when you are kind to others!

Pinkalicious Fledgling Craft – Bird masks

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September 26 A Giraffe and a Half Giraffes Can’t Dance Color a Giraffe Picture Storytime with Ms. Stringer MON: Southlawn Middle School Special Ed. 10 a.m.

WED: Y.M.C.A. /Teen Book Club (3rd Wed) 4 p.m.

THUR: Cultural Arts Head Start Center 10 a.m.

September 10, 12 & 13 Getting Ready for Kindergarten Office Buckle & Gloria The Very Hungry Caterpillar Activity: Make Caterpillars / Coloring Sheet September 17, 19 & 20 Stone Soup Goodnight Gorilla If You Take a Mouse to School ACTIVITY: Serve Soup September 24, 26 & 27 Stephanie’s Ponytail Never Talk To Strangers Activity: Go Over Safety Tips

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Rufus A. Lewis Book Clubs TEEN: Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen WEE CHILDREN: Caps for Sale

by Esphyr Slobodkina or Peter’s Chair by Ezra Jack Keats The After 5 Book Club September 10 @ 6:30 p.m.

Still Missing by Chevy Stevens E.L. Lowder Branch 2590 Bell Road

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244-5717 Preschool Storytime Fridays, 10:15 a.m.

September 7 Caps for Sale Activity: Monkey Puppet Craft September 14 Duck on A Bike Activity: Duck Coloring Sheet

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September 21 Bear’s Loose Tooth Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear Turn Around Activity: Teddy Bear Cup Craft September 28 Yes We Can Activity: Coloring Sheet Ladies of High Tea First Tuesday of each Month On September 4, the Ladies will discuss Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews.

Young Adult Gaming Event Second Tuesday of each Month Ages 13 to 18 are invited to join us 3:30-5 p.m. to play games on the PlayStation 3, the Wii, and the X-Box. Likewise, we invite ages 8 to 12 to join us on the second Thursday of the month.

Must have a permission slip on file signed by parents at Lowder before being able to play. Call Stacie at 244-5717 for more info.

Rosa L. Parks Branch 1276 Rosa L. Parks Ave./240-4979 Pre-School Story Time Tuesdays, 10 a.m.

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Sept. 4 Let the Talking Tree teach you all about taking care of the Earth!

Sept. 11 Practice good manners with Dora the Explorer!

Sept. 18 It’s Monster time!

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Grade School Story Time Thursdays, 1 p.m.

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Sept. 6 Let the Talking Tree teach you all about taking care of the Earth!

Sept. 13 Let’s practice good manners with Whoopi Goldberg at story time!

Sept. 20 It’s Monster time at story time!

the future holds for the Cloverdale Playhouse.

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Tween Book Clubs The Angry Dragons: A book club for kids ages 8 through 10.

Wednesday, Sept. 19, at 4:15 p.m.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle.

Book Clubs Rosa Parks Branch Library is starting a tweens and teens reading group on Facebook! Books are tween and teen centered, but adults are welcome! Book discussions will begin on the first day of each month. For more info or to join, send a message to or post on the Rosa L Parks Avenue Branch Library Facebook Page at http:// www.facebook.com/pages/MCCPLRosa-Parks-Avenue-Branch-Library/228128143874942. Starting September 1, we will discuss Getting Even by ReShonda TateBillingsley.

COBRA Book Club: A book club for 11 and 12 year-olds.

Wednesday, Sept. 26, at 4:15 p.m.

The Secret of Rover by Rachel Wildavsky.

Teen Book Club Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 4:15 p.m.

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson.

Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 11 a.m.

Rosa Parks Page Turners book club will meet to read Sweet Jiminy by Kristin Gore.

Fun For All Ages!

Rosa Parks Branch Library is starting a writing group on Facebook!

“Writing Out Loud” is a creative expression group for tweens, teens, and adults who enjoy writing stories, poetry and plays. Writing Out Loud provides a safe environment for self expression with positive feedback and encouragement. Send a message or post on the Rosa Parks Avenue Branch Library Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ pages/MCCPL-Rosa-Parks-AvenueBranch-Library/228128143874942.

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September 17 Good friends come to the rescue Farmer Duck

254 Doster Street, Prattville Call 365-3396 or visit http://www.appl.info Preschool Storytime Tuesdays at 10 a.m.

September 24 Sometimes even the best of friends hurt each other’s feelings.

Yes We Can!

P.A.W.S. dogs Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Reading Clubs for 1st-6th grades Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Pintlala Branch 255 Federal Rd., Hope Hull 281-8069 Ramer Branch Library 5444 State Highway 94 (334) 562-3364 Tuesday, Sept. 4, at 10 a.m.

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Tuesday, Sept. 25, at 10 a.m.

Count on Clifford

AutaugaPrattville Library

September 12 Leaving Gee’s Bend by Ivene Latham

Friends of the Pike Road Branch Library Speaker Series Thursday, Sept. 20, at 10 a.m.

Greg Thornton, artistic director of the Cloverdale Playhouse, will discuss his career, including his 20 seasons with the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and what

Thursday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m.

Ramer Library Movie Matinee: “McClintock,” a rollicking western with John Wayne and Maureen O’ Hara!

September 10 Welcome back to story time!

Hi, Harry!: The Moving Story of How One Slow Tortoise Slowly Made a Friend

Pine Level Book & Bagel Club August 8 The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen

Pike Road Bookies NOTE: SPECIAL TIME Thursday, Sept. 20, at 9:15 a.m.

The Bookies will discuss Blood, Bones and Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton.

Tuesday, Sept. 18, at 10 a.m.

Arthur and the Race to Read

Wednesday, Sept. 26, at 11 a.m.

Ramer Readin’ Right Book Club

Pine Level Branch 20 Kohn Dr., Pine Level 584-7144

Pike Road Branch 9585 Pike Rd. / 244-8679

Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 11 a.m.

“Nutrition” by Helen Jones, Alabama Cooperative Extension Service. Learn how to eat healthier!

Children’s Story Time for ages 3 through 7 moves back to Mondays at 4:15 p.m.

Family Movie Time Thursday, Sept. 13, at 4 p.m.

Hey, kids and grown-ups, come on over to enjoy a movie and some popcorn. The best part is the admission cost: FREE!

Adults Friday, Sept. 7, at 10 a.m.

Storytelling with Cynthia Jancaterino – A time of remembering old stories and sharing new ones.

The Berenstain Bears and the Excuse Note Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m.

Clifford Goes to School

Millbrook

3650 Grandview Road Call 285-6688 or visit http://library.cityofmillbrook.org/ Pre-school Storyhour Thursdays at 10 a.m.

Wetumpka

212 S. Main St. (next to Wetumpka Depot) Call 567-1308 or visit wetumpkalibrary.com Preschool storytimes Tuesdays & Fridays at 10 a.m.

Friends of Wetumpka Library (FOWL) sponsors local author Lexi George Sept. 25 at 7 p.m.

She will talk about her newly released second novel in her popular paranormal romance series (Demon Hunting in the Deep South). Book signing to follow.

This meeting is free and open to the public. Visit Lexi’s website at http://www.lexigeorge.com/ www.montgomeryparents.com

Modern Manners

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Teaching your child to use the right fork or fold their napkin properly may seem like a nice after-thought in today’s world, but modern etiquette experts say proper social graces could make or break your child’s future. These days, etiquette classes teach children not only impeccable table manners, but how to develop skills that will help them network, socialize and interact with others as they grow.

“It’s an advantage to learn good manners while you are young, because you take that with you your whole life,” said Elena Brouwer, director and founder of the International Etiquette Centre in Hollywww.montgomeryparents.com

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wood, Fl. “As you get older, whether you are going on a date or on a business lunch, you need to know not only how to hold your silverware, but how to interact with others.”

Etiquette lessons have evolved over the years, Brouwer said, into a series of life-skills that arm young people for a successful future.

“Some people think of etiquette as a young girl carrying a book on her head, but that’s a very old-fashioned view,” she said. “We are getting people ready for real life.”

Here are modern etiquette tips for parents from experts: 72

Ban electronics from the dinner table.

Placating your child with a Nintendo DS while you dine out may ensure a peaceful meal, but it’s rude to the other diners and deprives children of social interaction they need to succeed in the real world.

“Kids are not getting any practice interacting with others face-to-face,” Brouwer says.

Teach by example.

Don’t tell your kids not to bring their portable video games to the table, then Montgomery Parents I September 2012

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spend the whole meal checking your Blackberry or iPhone. When it’s dinner time, devote your attention to the people seated at the table.

“Children don’t learn by what the parents say, they learn by what they do,” Brouwer says.

Practice good manners.

Don’t text in front of others.

Use proper phone manners.

Texting one person while carrying on a conversation with another is rude. It is like telling the person in front of you that the other is more important, Brouwer said. Teach your kids to give their full attention.

Set rules for your kids.

The biggest manners offense kids commit today is ignoring their parents or talking back to them, Brouwer says. The solution? “Parents should stop saying they want to be their kids’ best friend,” she said. “Parents should be in control, and there should be consequences for children who do not follow rules.”

Children who grow up without boundaries may have trouble adhering to rules in the workplace and respecting authority.

“There are people who always know what to say and how to act. That doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It takes years of trying,” Brouwer says. “You don’t go to two guitar lessons and know how to play a guitar.”

Teach your kids how to identify themselves and greet the caller when phoning a friend. Make sure your child knows the phone rules in your household.

How late can they call out? How late can their friends call? Should they ask you before exchanging numbers with a friend? Show them how to take a complete phone message.

“Tell them to smile when they’re talking to a phone answering machine.

It makes all the difference,” said Lovely Payoute, president of Etiquette Miami in North Miami Beach, Fl.

Send proper thanks.

Buy a box of thank you notes for your kids. Teach them to write a thank you note within two days of receiving a gift, even if they thanked the giver

verbally at the party, Payoute said. In the note, mention the gift, and if it was monetary, mention what you plan to do with it. But don’t mention the dollar amount.

Make a good first impression.

Teach kids to show respect for adults by standing and making eye contact. Tell your kids which hand to extend for a handshake (some kids don’t know!) and how to make a firm grip. “A proper handshake shows you belong there and have confidence,” Payoute said.

Make nice at the table.

Often a child’s first meal out without parents is at a friend’s house. Teach them to follow the host family’s lead. If everyone serves themselves, do the same. If everyone helps clear the table, then help.

And if they don’t like something they’re served? “Eat the other items on your plate.

Don’t say ‘ewww’ and make a big deal out of it. It’s one meal on one evening. You’ll survive,” Payoute said. mp Julie Laviolette is a mom of two elementary school age kids (who love their electronics) and a journalist with 18 years of experience.

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Family Karate Center News

Friends and family at The Family Karate Center welcomed three new black belts in a beautiful candlelight ceremony recently. The three proud recipients of this honor were Eric Samelo, Adah Duites and Brad Walston. The ceremony started with the students lighting candles that represented their color belts earned over the past two years. After stating the black belt oath to their Chief Instructors Master Carole Smith 6th dan, and Mr. Chris Watson 3rd dan black belt, there was a congratulatory party with a cake, refreshments, and many pictures taken.

The students thanked their parents and Brad’s wife as they started their new journeys as black belts and instructors training in The Family Karate Center.

Pictured are the instructors and Black Belts of The Family Karate Center.

Families were happy to see that The Family Karate Center students and instructors were part of Deer Creek’s National Night Out Program again this year. Students ranging from 2 and up hosted a self-defense demonstration including Stranger Danger (taught only at The Family Karate Center), Teen Self Defense, Bully Busters, and Women’s and Men’s Self Defense. The Family Karate Center teaches discipline, confidence, how to focus on making good grades, and awareness of a potential dangerous situation in any circumstance.

The Family Karate Center children enjoyed hot dogs, fire truck demonstrations, and meeting and greeting new military families coming to Montgomery at Maxwell and Gunter. If you are interested in your child’s future training with The Family Karate Center, call Master Carole Smith today at 277-4911.

Help Spina Bifida Association at Walk-N-Roll a Thon

The Spina Bifida Association of Alabama will sponsor its second Walk-N-Roll a Thon on September 29 to help children who have Spina Bifida. Spina Bifida affects more children than cystic fibrosis and muscular distrophy combined. Folic acid taken in the early stages of pregnancy can prevent 70% of the cases.

More than 400 people volunteered and participated at last year’s Walk-N-Roll at the Montgomery Zoo. This year’s event will also be held at the zoo. The walk helps sponsor camps, workshops, research, equipment, and conferences for these children and parents.

If your child can walk (or run), consider sponsoring one of our teams. You can also join one of our teams and be a walker at the zoo that day. We will hold a silent auction, so maybe you could donate an item. Any contribution is appreciated!

For more information, please contact Teresa Treloar at (334) 272-1707 or msnoah123@yahoo.com or Angie Pate (256) 617-1414 or visit www.sbaofal.org and click on the Walk-N-Roll a Thon. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Local Student Provides Bear Hugs for Kids

Laura Grace Henry is a Prattville nine-year-old who knows that a hug can go a long way in helping someone feel better – especially a big ole’ Bear Hug. That’s why she started a teddy bear collection drive called “Project: Bear Hugs.”

Over the summer, Henry spearheaded the project that has offered more than 160 new and gently used teddy bears to children in need at the One Place Family Justice Center, Child Protect and the Family Sunshine Center of Montgomery.

These bears are given to children who have suffered abuse or a traumatic situation in their lives and serve to comfort and console them during those stressful times.

“I have a family that loves me,” said Henry. “Other kids aren’t so lucky. The people that they should be able to count on hurt them or they lose someone they love, like a mom or dad. I just wanted to give these kids a teddy bear to let them know that they aren’t alone and that someone is thinking about them.”

To prepare for “Project: Bear Hugs,” Henry sent out letters to contestants who were competing in a few of the summer pageants hosted by her mom, DiDi Henry, executive director of Sterling Miss Productions. “Each pageant my mom does has a community service project with it,” she explained. “She lets me decide what project I want to do. Besides the teddy bear collection, I’ve also collected canned foods for AICC and food and cleaning supplies for the Alabama tornado victims.”

Along with the letter writing campaign to contestants, Henry also makes posters, decorates the collection wagons and then delivers the items once the project is completed. “I had a great time doing ‘Project: Bear Hugs’ and was so excited that so many girls participated in my project. I couldn’t have done it without them,” she said.

Henry is a fourth-grade student at Prattville Christian Academy. She is shown delivering a wagonful of Bear Hugs to Family Sunshine Center Public Relations Director Melanie Beasley.

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Family Spiritual News Take the 12-Day Wellness Challenge at Aldersgate

Ballet Magnificat Performs at Frazer

September 23 * 6 p.m.

Wesley Hall at Frazer UMC Ballet Magnificat brings world-class dancing into the church as a beautiful intermingling of worship and art. Long-time fans of ballet and newcomers to the art form alike will be inspired and uplifted.

The performance at Frazer will feature “The Arrival,” a contemporary piece celebrating how we anticipate and experience the coming of the presence of God in our midst, and “Deliver Us,” the telling of the story of Moses and the Exodus of God’s people from slavery into freedom through dance and music.

Tickets are available now at iTickets. com, and in the Frazer Bookstore. Advance Prices: adults $12.50, children 12 and under $8 (plus ticket handling fees).

Day of Price: $15. Nursery available for 4 and under (no ticket required).

Visit balletmagnificat.com.

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Too many times we fail to see the connections between the different aspects of our lives, spiritual, emotional, physical and social. This disconnectedness leaves us feeling disjointed or off balance. Because we know God created our bodies, minds, and souls to be a cohesive whole, we as Christians should always seek to live with our whole selves in tune with God. This means taking care of ourselves in all those different ways.

The 12-day Wellness Challenge is an opportunity to jumpstart your physical health while tuning your soul to God, all in a 30 minute workout!

Come and join in this fun and challenging way to work out and eat right! It will be all about small and achievable goals that lead to long-term success, and learning new exercise ideas for all levels of exercisers. This will be a team effort with emphasis on strengthening our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.

We will have two workout sessions: early morning and evening/weekend. Workouts will be at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 6610 Vaughn Road, Montgomery. Cost is $60 per person per session.

An information session will be held September 9 from 3 to 4 p.m. To reserve your spot, contact Leslie Knox, CPT, at (334) 451-1624, www.knoxfit4u.com, or knoxfital@gmail.com.

Aldersgate Holds Annual Barbecue

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The 28th Annual Aldersgate Church BBQ sale to benefit local and international missions and ministries will be held October 13. Boxes are $8 and include both pulled pork and a chicken quarter, plus beans, slaw and bread. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the church, or boxes can be bought the day of sale. Drive-thru service is provided at the front of the church on Vaughn Road. Proceeds will benefit the Aldersgate Methodist Men’s mission and service projects which include Boy Scouts, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), Montgomery Area Food Bank and other hunger relief projects, short-term mission trips, and assistance for the elderly.

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Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Join the American Cancer Society in the fight to end breast cancer at its third annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Montgomery on October 13. By participating in this inspiring 5K walk, you not only honor and celebrate those impacted by breast cancer, but every step you take and every dollar raised helps save lives. When more walkers raise money to fight breast cancer, there will be more survivors able to celebrate more birthdays.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.; program and walk begin at 8:30 a.m. at Huntingdon College. For more info or to register a team, call 288-3432 or visit makingstridesmontgomery.org.

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River Region Pageants Set for October 20

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Pink & Pearls for Girls Host Science Night

Pink and Pearls for Girls hosted a science night for the girls recently. They experienced making lava lamps, exploding volcanos, and writing secret codes with lemon juice. Afterward, the girls talked about the many experiments and inventions of George Washington Carver. If you would like to become a member, please call Grace Smith at 561-5091.

The annual River Region Pageants will be held Saturday, October 20, at Prattville Doster Center. The pageants are open to young girls and ladies from Alabama, age 1 month to 30 years. Applications are due by October 10. Attire is casual and formal wear. Optional categories and People’s Choice titles will also be awarded.

There will be two pageant start times. Babies through Petite Miss will compete at 10 a.m. and Little Miss through Miss/Mrs. will compete at 2:45 p.m. Age categories are: Baby Miss (1-11 months); Tiny Miss (1-2 years); Petite Miss (3-5 years); Little Miss (6-9 years) and Pre-Teen Miss (10-12 years).

The Teen pageant is open to girls 13-17 years old (high school juniors). The winner of this pageant may choose to compete at the Miss Alabama Outstanding Teen Pageant in March 2013, if she meets the Miss Alabama requirements and financial obligations.

The Miss/Mrs. Pageant is open to ages 17 years (high school senior) and up.

The Little Miss River Region Pageant is a popular pageant whereby the winners in each age division enjoy activities and appearances throughout their reigning year including several area parades, pageant appearances and other events.

Applications may be found at www.MissRiverRegion.com or at the Bridal Boutique & Tux Shoppe, located at 127 W. Main Street, in downtown Prattville. For more information, visit the website or call (334) 313-5444.

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Family Calendar Ongoing

Ala. Dept. of Archives & History Exhibit galleries include children’s gallery and a reference room for genealogical and historical research.

Hands-On Gallery includes Granny’s Attic where you can try on clothes, uniforms, shoes, try an old typewriter, sit at an old school desk or experience making a quilt square. Discovery Boxes are filled with all kinds of Alabama history. Numerous handouts, videos on Selma to Montgomery March, Helen Keller, Mardi Gras and more. Photographs of Helen Keller on display.

The Archives museum galleries are FREE to the public.

Hours are Mon.-Sat., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Please note: The Research Room is only open the 2nd Saturday of each month. 624 Washington Ave., Montgomery. Call 242-4435 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov.

Alabama River Region Arts Center in Wetumpka has weekly after-school Arts Clubs which meet on Thursdays from 4-5 & 5-6 p.m. There are three clubs: Guitar (acoustic), Clay (polymer, ie “sculpy”) and Painting/Drawing. Each Club is $20 a month. Students for Guitar Club must be 10 years old, but 7-year-olds are welcome for the other two. Clubs are limited to the first 10 students, for one month. While children are in Arts Clubs, parents are welcome to stay and browse our Gallery or Resource Library, or just wait in the kitchen with a soda! Studio space is also available on a lease basis. The Pottery Studio is available to ARRAC members trained on the wheel. First Saturday of every month is a free Sit & Sew, from 9 a.m.-noon. Bring your hand-sewing project or sewing machine for a morning of sewing with the ladies. (Bluegrass Jam is going on at the same time in another room.) 300 W. Tallassee St. (former Wetumpka Jr. High building), Wetumpka, AL 36092. Visit www.arrac.org or see us on Facebook: Alabama River Region Arts Center, or call 578-9485 for more information.

Artists In Action: 1st Wednesday and 3rd Saturday of EVERY month at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts from noon-2 p.m.. Local and regional artists at work.

For more info, call 240-4333.

“Artworks,” a hands-on children’s exhibit. FREE. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Blount Cultural Park. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m.

Sun. Open until 9 p.m. Thursdays. Closed Mondays.

For more info, call 240-4333.

Bama Brushstrokes Art Club Meets 9 a.m., 2nd Saturdays of each month, Messiah Lutheran Church, 6670 Vaughn Road, Montgomery.

Club members include beginners, intermediate and advanced skill levels. Activities include seminars with well-known artists. Classes are taught by our members or guest artists. We share our talents with our community in various programs, such as the Memory Box Project for hospice patients through sponsorship by the Society of Decorative Painters. Our chapter creates finished paint projects and murals for various hospitals, libraries, and community-based organizations. For more info, contact Diana French, president, at garnet2@ bellsouth.net.

Celtic Dance Classes Fridays at Montgomery Ballet from 4-5 p.m. We welcome boys and girls ages 6 to adult. Call Amanda at (706) 457-9254 or e-mail Celtic.traditions@gmail.com for more info.

The Central Alabama Tennis Association (CATA) is a volunteer-based tennis organization formed to provide programs which promote and develop the growth of tennis throughout central Alabama. The CATA has four essential charitable and educational purposes: (1) to

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promote and develop the growth of tennis in central Alabama area by providing a variety of educational and charitable tennis programs and services; (2) to educate the community concerning the importance or tennis and the benefits that can be derived from tennis; (3) to expand the opportunities in the community for learning tennis and to offer opportunities for learning tennis to individuals who do not have access to tennis; and (4) to provide programs and services in the community that teach participants scholarship and fair play and that permit access to volunteers and instructors who can serve as positive role models and mentors. For event info, call Ernie Rains, CATA Community Coordinator, at 3241406 or e-mail www.centralalabama.usta.com.

The Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa A private, non-profit, community-based organization located at 2213 University Blvd. in downtown Tuscaloosa, next to City Hall. Current hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed most holidays. Special programs are held for preschoolers weekly. Admission is $5 per person, with no charge for museum members or children under the age of 1 year. Special discounts are available to schools. For info, call (205) 349-4235 or visit www. chomonline.org.

Civil Rights Memorial A monument to those who died and/or risked death in the struggle for civil rights. 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery. For information, call 264-0286.

Cloverdale Playhouse “Third Tuesdays” Montgomery’s singers and songwriters perform in our intimate theater space each month on the third Tuesday.

Join us for a musical evening in Old Cloverdale. For details, call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org. Also contact us about volunteer opportunities, auditions, and the Playhouse School!

Cool Kids Cook is a faith-based ministry with classes offered at different locations. Please call 220-3651 if you’d like to attend or volunteer with this ministry.

First White House of the Confederacy Open on Saturdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This year begins the commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. The First White House of the Confederacy played a significant role during the war and served as Jefferson Davis’ family residence from February-May 1861. Located at 644 Washington Avenue in downtown Montgomery, neighboring the Alabama Department of Archives and History. For more info or to tour the museum, call 242-1861 or visit www.firstwhitehouse. org.

Garden Tours Local gardens include Southern Homes and Gardens, Blount Cultural Park’s Shakespearean Garden at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Grace Episcopal Church, Prattville’s historic gardens in Old Pratt Village and the Wilderness Park, and Wetumpka’s arboretum at Ft. Toulouse. For more info in Montgomery, call 1-800240-9452 or visit www.VisitingMontgomery.com. In Prattville, call 361-0961 or visit www.prattville.com/visitor/history. In Wetumpka, call 567-3002 or visit www.wetumpka.al.us/features.

Other numbers are: Blount Cultural Park (274-0062 or www.blountculturalpark.org); Grace Episcopal Church (215-1422); Old Alabama Town (240-4005 or www. oldalabamatown.com); and Alabama Garden Trail (1-800-ALABAMA or www.touralabama.org).

W. A. Gayle Planetarium Public Shows offered Mon.-Thurs. and Sun. Admission $3.50/person, children under 5 free, seniors $2.50/person. Mon-Thurs. at 3 p.m.; Sun. at 2 p.m. 1010 Forest Ave. in Oak Park. Call 241-4799.

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Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is a family-friendly space filled with interactive and educational hands-on exhibits for children age eight and under. Imagine It! also offers birthday parties, memberships and field trip tours. Museum hours: MondayFriday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $11 plus tax for adults and children ages 2 and above. Imagine It! is located at 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. For more info, visit www.imagineitcma.org or call (404) 659-KIDS [5437].

Montgomery’s Freedom Rides Museum Road to Equality: The 1961 Freedom Rides yearlong exhibit features works of art from top Alabama artists and offers unique interpretations of one of the most pivotal desegregation events in the nation’s history.

Located in the capital city’s recently restored 1951 Greyhound Bus Station, the exhibit will remain open every Friday and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. or by appointment throughout the year. For more info, visit www.freedomridesmuseum.org or www.montgomerybusstation.org MOOseum, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Children’s educational center featuring past, present and future in agriculture and the cattle industry. Free. Group tours should be pre-scheduled. Mon.- Fri. 9 a.m. -noon and 1-4 p.m. Last scheduled tour of the day starts at 3:30 p.m. 201 Bainbridge St., Montgomery. For info, call 2651867 or visit www.bamabeef.org.

Old Alabama Town 19th and early 20th century outdoor history museum.

Tours Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: $8 for adults, $4 for students ages 6-18. Under 6 free.

301 Columbus St., Montgomery. For information, call 240-4500.

Rosa Parks Museum 252 Montgomery Street, 241-8615. Hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. -3 p.m. Sundays and holidays, closed. Admission 12 years and under-$5.50/ Over 12-$7.50. Alabama college students with a valid student ID: $6.50; discount price for both Museum & Children’s Wing: adults: $14, children $10 Toastmasters International is an organization that was founded in 1924. Its mission is to help individuals with their communication and leadership skills. Each club provides an atmosphere where individuals can speak without being criticized or judged, yet provide effective evaluations. We also offer the opportunity to take on leadership roles as club president, vice president, and other officer positions that teach planning, time management, organizing and parliamentary procedures. Anyone 18 years or older can join Toastmasters. We currently have six clubs in the River Region. Toastmasters is now starting a club named The River Region Toastmasters in the Prattville/ Millbrook area. Meet every Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Journey Church located at 2050 Commerce Street, just off I-65, exit 179. For more info, contact the interim president, Gene Ann Hildreth, at 361-6333 or alabamasoupgirl@aol.com.

Tales for Tots 10:30-11 a.m. September 12. Join us for this FREE introduction to art in storybooks and in the Museum galleries for young children and their families. Each time a different work of art and special story will be presented.

Call 240-4365 or visit www.mmfa.org for more info.

Classes

Bradley Method Natural Childbirth Classes Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Zink Chiropractic Clinic,

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Course includes pregnancy exercise and nutrition, body changes during pregnancy, the coach’s role in pregnancy and natural birth, the stages of labor, breathing and relaxation for labor, common interventions and how to avoid them, breastfeeding, basic newborn care, and more.

Contact Lanette Tyler, 450-4605 or lanette.tyler@gmail. com; or visit www.bradleybirth.com Breastfeeding Class Designed to prepare the expectant mother for breastfeeding her newborn. Also includes troubleshooting common problems to establish a successful breast-feeding experience. Usually the first Saturday of the month, from 9-11 a.m. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. FREE. Class schedule is subject to change, so please call 293-8497 to register or for more info.

Childbirth Basics Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose to have pain relief during labor and delivery. Sessions are taught throughout the year but are often held on the first Saturday of the month, from noon-2 p.m.. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $25. Call 293-8497 by your 4th month of pregnancy to register.

Childbirth Preparation Class Comprehensive four-week series covers all aspects of the labor and delivery experience, admission process, medication and anesthesia options including epidurals, cesarean sections, coping and comfort measures including breathing and relaxation techniques.

Postpartum care and baby care basics are also included.

A maternity area tour is also included as a part of this class. All of our classes are taught by registered nurses certified in childbirth education.Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule your class.

Childbirth Preparation Boot Camp An abbreviated version of Childbirth Preparation Class offered in a one-day format. A maternity area tour is also included as a part of this class. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule your class.

Chinese Language Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Office of Far Eastern Initiatives offers Saturday classes for children and adults. The one-hour weekly courses are provided free-of-charge as a service to the community. For more information or to register, contact April Ma at 244-3018 or ama@ aum.edu CPR & First Aid The American Red Cross offers classes in adult and infant/child CPR as well as first aid and babysitting classes monthly. Call 260-3980.

Diabetes Education --Prattville Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available Wednesdays by appointment at Prattville Medical Park.

Call 213-6360 for more information.

Diabetes Education --Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available weekdays by appointment. Call 213-6360 for more info.

Grandparent Class This program presents new concepts in newborn care to grandparents who need a refresher course. Usually one Tuesday per month. FREE. Call for schedule. Jackson Hospital. Call 293-8497.

Infant Safety/CPR Class Teaches parents and grandparents 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. Class will also help parents with creating a safe environment for their child. Classes are taught by certified CPR instructors.

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Family Calendar Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required.

Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule.

Maternity Area Tour Maternity area tour for expectant mothers and families not attending Childbirth Preparation Class/Boot Camp.

Baptist Medical Center East. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule.

Pre- and Post-natal Fitness Classes Includes water aerobics, step-floor aerobics and strength training. SportsFirst. Call 277-7130.

Prenatal Breastfeeding Class Provides expectant mothers 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 IBCLC instructors.

Partners are encouraged to participate in this class.

Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required.

Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule your class.

Sibling Preparation Class Fun 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 to schedule.

Your Amazing Newborn One-night class taught by a pediatrician and nursing

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staff usually one Tuesday a month. This class presents new concepts in newborn care and helps alleviate parenting jitters often experienced by soon-to-be parents. Grandparents also welcome. Jackson Hospital.

FREE. For more info, call 293-8497.

Services

American Cancer Society seeks Volunteers for Road to Recovery This program is designed to ensure that cancer patients have transportation to and from medical facilities for treatment. Road to Recovery volunteers can be individual drivers with time to help others or even local companies who allow employees to provide transportation on company time in company cars. Anyone who has a driver’s license, a safe driving record, personal automobile insurance, owns a car or has access to one, and can spare as little as one morning or afternoon a month is encouraged to volunteer. For more information, or to volunteer, please call Luella Giles at 612-8162 or call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.

Hospital Volunteers Volunteers are needed at Baptist Medical Center East, Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville Baptist Hospital. Duties vary by facility but include delivering mail and flowers, transporting patients, staffing waiting rooms and information desks, and furnishing coffee for visitors.

Volunteers work one four-hour shift per week. For more info, call 286-2977.

Hospice Volunteers Through volunteering at Baptist Hospice, the opportunities to help are endless. Our volunteers are an important

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part of the patient’s care and are the heart of the hospice family. There are many other ways to help, such as special projects and events or providing administrative support for the staff, that are essential. Volunteers often have special talents and innovative ideas that add so much to our program. Please call Gloria @395-5018 to join our dynamic team.

Volunteer Services Jackson Hospital is looking for volunteers to work in key areas of the hospital. Volunteers provide an invaluable service to the hospital while making new friends and experiencing a fulfilling activity. Volunteers must be at least 19 years old and are asked to work 4 hours a week. They must complete an application and pass a background check and health screening. If you are interested in volunteering, call Linda Dean, Dir. of Volunteer Services, 293-8967.

Baptist Sleep Disorders Centers Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville. Both centers have the ability to diagnose up to 84 different sleep disorders. There are four board-certified physicians and a clinical psychologist on staff between the two centers. For more information, call 286-3252 for Baptist Medical Center South and 361-4335 for Prattville Baptist Hospital.

Jackson Sleep Disorders Center Jackson Hospital houses a sleep disorders center on the third floor of the Goode Medical Building to monitor those who are suffering from sleep disorders. For more information, contact your physician or the Sleep Center at 293-8168.

Jackson Hospital Offers Animal Therapy Program to Pediatric Unit Jackson Hospital’s Animal Therapy Program is a vital

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part of its patient care. Animals in the program are limited to dogs, and no other animals are allowed to participate. Currently, there are 10 dogs in the program.

Their handlers have undergone extensive training and orientation, and visit the hospital weekly. For more information, please call 293-8894.

Nolan Research Pays Kids for Toy Testing Nolan Research, 2569 Bell Road in Montgomery, conducts toy tests that pay $20 in cash to each child ages 4-12 that participates. Testing takes place usually between 5 and 7 p.m. and only takes about 30-45 minutes. Results are used to help toy manufacturers decide whether or not to bring new toys out on the market.

Please call 284-4164 to sign your child up and spread the word to any other families who may be interested in allowing their children to participate.

Support Groups Adoption Support

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC), This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer Memorial UMC. For more information, call 409-9477 or 2728622.

Autauga/Elmore Group meets 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Glynwood Baptist Church, Prattville. Childcare, children’s group and dinner provided. For more info, call 409-9477 or e-mail apac2@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 gettogethers 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, & Macon Counties: **To access or sign up for these programs, call the American Cancer Society’s Montgomery office at 612-8162 or call 1-800-ACS-2345 and you will be connected to the Montgomery office.

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 Luella Giles at 612-8162 for more info.

Man to Man is an American Cancer Society support group for men who are battling or have survived prostate cancer. It offers them education, discussion and support. Please call for next meeting dates at the American Cancer Society Office in Montgomery.

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.

College scholarships to cancer survivors 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 www.cancer.org. Information anytime and trained specialists at 1-800-ACS-2345 General Cancer Support Group held at Christ Church, 8800 Vaughn Road, Tuesday afternoons at 1 p.m. This is an open group. For more information, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie Diemayer at 467-4578.

Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 2nd Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Room 8114. Provides education, awareness and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family or friends. For more info, call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@ charter.net. Plus, join us at our Signature Luncheon October 4 at 11:30 a.m. in Frazer UMC’s Wesley Hall.

Tickets are $30 each ($25 is tax deductible) and include tasty cuisine from Carrabba’s Italian Grill, modeling fashions from Focus on Fashion and guest speaker Rosie Butler (breast cancer survivor and former Ebony Fashion model). For more info, call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net. Visit us at www.thewomenofhope.org.

Divorce Support

Divorce Care, Grief Share, Divorce Care for Children, All three groups meet Sundays at 5 p.m. at Heritage Baptist Church, 1849 Perry Hill Rd. Call 279-9976.

Divorce Care and Divorce Care 4 Kids First Baptist Church Montgomery, Wednesdays starting August 22 at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $15 (scholarships available). Contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@montgomeryfbc.org or 241-5125.

Divorce Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622 for more info.

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Family Calendar 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 of each month at the church’s building, 301 Dalraida Road. Please e-mail Lynda Coats at farauthor@aol.com for more information.

“Big Leap!”

Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m., Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is designed to meet the needs of children who have experienced the recent loss of a loved one. This group will provide a hands-on, safe space for age-appropriate expression of grief. These sessions will aim to increase feeling identification, decrease self-blame or guilt, and build coping skills.

Through music, art, and play we will meet your child or grandchild on their level. We will encourage your children to hold tight to their memories as they make a “big leap” into their new future. This group is open to children ages 7-11. Space is limited to 6 participants so call 279-6677. Start date will be determined once reservations are confirmed. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW “Comfort and Conversation,” Wednesdays at 11 a.m., Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is intended to address those affected by a recent loss (0-12 months after death). This group will offer you a safe place to bring your thoughts and emotions. Through meeting with others who are walking a similar journey, you will be encouraged to work

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through the complications of your loss, understand your pain, and adjust to your new reality. Space is limited, so please call 279-6677. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW Compassionate Friends, Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Hwy, first Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child. Please call 284-2721 for more info.

“Connect,” Fridays at 11 a.m., biweekly, Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is for those who have already walked through the initial grieving process but still desire to connect with others who share similar experiences. This group will allow you to meet new people, stay active in the community, and look ahead to a bright future. We will share lunch, visit museums, volunteer, attend movies, and participate in area events. We even have a fishing trip on the agenda! This group is ongoing and does not have a participation limit. It’s time to have fun again, come join us! For more info, call 279-6677. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW Grief Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622 for more info.

Grief Recovery After Suicide, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., first Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Room 3102. This group is open to family members and friends who have lost a loved one as the result of suicide. Group offers a confidential environment in which to receive support, hope and information. Contact Rev. Susan Beeson, 272-8622.

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

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by Dr. Lennie Howard and Marie Parma. Contact the church at 272-0009.

HALO organization offers grief counseling for parents and siblings suffering the loss of a child from 20 weeks gestation up to the age of 2. Not only do they offer counseling, but also offer free photography services and help with funeral expenses as well as many other things.

More information is available at www.honoringangelslikeowen.org. This faith-based organization was started by two parents grieving the loss of their own child.

Homeschool Support

ECHO (Elmore County Homeschool Organization), Coosada Baptist Church on Coosada Road, Coosada. 2nd and 4th Fridays year-round from 10 a.m. to noon. This is a support group for homeschooling families in the tricounty area. Membership is free. For more info, please visit http://www.onlineecho.com PEAK of Montgomery Homeschool Group Parent Educators and Kids (PEAK) of Montgomery is an inclusive, member-led group of homeschooling families who meet regularly for field trips, park days and other social and educational activities. We welcome all local home educators who enjoy sharing and learning within a diverse community. To join us, visit us at www.peaknetwork.org/montgomery

Illness Support

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Day Care, Frazer Memorial UMC, Thursdays, in Room 3101, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. There is no charge, but registration is required.

For more information, call the Congregational Care office at 272-8622. On the first Thursday of each month,

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the hours are extended to 12:30 p.m. while the Caregivers’ Support Group meets in Room 3103 beginning at 11 a.m. Only during this time will each participant need to bring a sack lunch. For the support group, call the church at 272-8622.

This new series is for all patients with congestive heart failure and their caregivers. This series is FREE for all participants. Below is the information: Cardiolife, a new 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. Support for this program provided by River Region Supportive Care – a Division of Hospice of Montgomery. Facilitated by Arla Chandler, RN, BSN, MBA. Depression/Bipolar Support Alliance, Room 3101 at Frazer UMC, 1st Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. This group is for those with depression and bipolar illness and their families. For more info, call 272-8622 or visit dbsamontgomery@yahoo.com Meetings also available 3rd Saturday afternoons from noon-2 p.m. at Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway.

For more info, call 652-1431.

Depression & Bipolar Support, Montgomery Public Library Main Branch, 245 High Street downtown, 2nd Floor Meeting Room, 3rd Saturdays, Noon-2 p.m.; OR 1609 West Street, north off Carter Hill and Narrow Lane, 2nd Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Call 2019638 or 652-1431 for more info.

Fibromyalgia Support, Room 8114 at Frazer UMC, 3rd Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. This group is for those that have fibromyalgia and for their family members and friends. For more info, please call 272-8622.

Gluten Intolerance Group (www.gluten.net) is a nonprofit organization with the mission to provide support to those with any form of gluten intolerance.

GIG-Montgomery assists with awareness of diverse potential symptoms, which can range from fatigue and headaches to nausea and intestinal problems. Guidelines are provided on how to eat safely both at home and eating out. Another objective is to facilitate more effective communication between the local gluten-free community and stores, restaurants and the medical community.

Meets 4th Thursdays, 6-7 p.m., at Taylor Road Baptist Church, Fellowship Suite (faces entrance of EastChaseNE. Turn on Berryhill Rd by Eastchase). For more info, e-mail dr.hetrick@charter.net or visit http://gfmontgomery.blogspot.com or the group’s Facebook page.

Montgomery Area Mended Hearts, First floor of Montgomery Cardiovascular Institute on the campus of Baptist Medical Center South. For anyone who has experienced cardiac illness. Third Mondays, alternates between 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Call 286-3410 for more info.

NAMI Montgomery is offering “Family to Family,” a FREE 12-week education course open to all caregivers of adults with mental illness. Classes meet weekly from 6-8:30 p.m. at Montgomery Public Library’s Lowder Branch, 2590 Bell Road. Registration required.

Call Mary Jo Logan, 271-2280, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Overeaters Anonymous, Unity of Montgomery, 1922 Walnut St., Saturdays from 3-4 p.m. Contact Misty at 324-9568 or Carol at 467-5742.

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america’s premiere christian ballet company comes to frazer United methodist ChUrCh info 272-8622 tickets itickets.com

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Family Calendar Parkinson’s Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 4th Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in Room 8114. Group is for Parkinson’s patients and their family members. For more info, call 272-8622.

Sjogren’s Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, meets 3rd Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. in room 3104. This group is for those with Sjogren’s disease and the family members of those affected by this disease. For more info, call 272-8622.

Veterans OEF/OIF Caregivers Support Group meets 3rd Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 3108 at Frazer Memorial UMC. This group provides support and understanding to those caring for OEF/ OIF Veterans. For more information, contact Joy Germanos, LCSW, PIP, Caregiver Support Coordinator at CAVHCS, (334) 725-2542.

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. is the vision of local resident and Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce staff member Ron Simmons and his five-year-old daughter Erin. It gives fathers and daughters an opportunity to read together to create fun, educational memories. All fathers in the River Region are invited to bring their daughters to the library to read, laugh and have fun. This free event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Montgomery City-County Public Library and Dreamland Barbeque.

For more information on this event, call Ron Simmons at 334-777-8596. iConnect, Frazer Memorial UMC, 3rd Thursdays from 9-11:30 a.m. in the Parlor. Share life, encourage and be

September 2012

encouraged by other women. We meet for breakfast, fellowship and a speaker. Advance reservations are necessary for breakfast and preschool nursery. Cost is $5 per meeting. For more info call Frazer’s Women’s Ministry at 495-6391 or e-mail Sandy Boswell at sandy@frazerumc.org La Leche League of Montgomery, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 2810 Atlanta Hwy., 3rd Fridays, 10 a.m. Leaders are experienced breastfeeding mothers who have completed an accreditation program and are familiar with breastfeeding management techniques as well as current research. Meetings are free and open to all women. Expecting moms, babies and children also welcome. If you need information before the next scheduled meeting, please call or e-mail Bridgit (569-1500 or bridgitbroom@gmail.com) Moms’ LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) First Baptist Church, Prattville. Meets twice monthly from 8:30-11:45 a.m. in the chapel at First Baptist Church in Prattville August through May. For moms of all stages and ages of life. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guests, special guest speakers and a lot of fun! Cost is $5 per meeting.

Childcare provided by reservation. For more info and to reserve your spot, call Kelley Manning at 361-7919.

The Montgomery Multiples Club is a non-profit organization offering support to the mothers and families of twins, triplets, and more in the Central Alabama region.

They have a mom’s night out with dinner once a month.

They also have a yard sale twice a year, in the spring and again in the fall. For more info, visit http://montgomerymultiplesclub.org.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry St., Montgomery. Moms, are

you looking for a good excuse to get out of the house?

MOPS is a great opportunity to hone your mothering skills, meet new friends, and learn new things while deepening your relationship with God. Free childcare is provided. For more info, call Andrea McGregor at 799-7847, Laura Forman at 306-0352 or visit www. montgomeryfbc.org.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Vaughn Forest Baptist Church, 8660 Vaughn Road, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Are you in need of a timeout? Then have we got the place for you! MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. Childcare is provided. For more info, e-mail VFCMOPS@gmail.com.

Pregnancy Loss/Infertility

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

Sav-A-Life conducts a HOPE GROUP for women who have experienced the emotional aftermath of an abortion. Groups meet eight consecutive Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. and are facilitated by women who have experienced abortion. The “Forgiven and Set Free” Bible study is used. Confidientiality is assured. Please call Kathy at 260-8010 for information.

Single Parents Support

Singles’ Small Groups, Frazer Memorial UMC, Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby.

Call 272-8622 for more info.

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TNT (Tuesday Night Together) for Singles, Frazer Memorial UMC, Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, Bldg. 7000. A meal ($5) and program are provided. For reservations, call 272-8622.

Special Needs Support

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.

Down Syndrome Support, Vaughn Park Church of Christ, 1st Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Childcare provided. Call 356-9048 or visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com for information.

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.

Licensed audiologists make brief presentations explaining their local programs, their offices and the availability of hearing tests, of possible medical corrections, and/ of hearing aids and cochlear implants. Refreshments at each meeting. For more info, contact HearingInfo@ earthlink.net Parents of Special Needs Children, Saint James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road, 1st Sundays, 5-6:30 p.m. Please notify Chris Henderson if you plan to come. (Home: 2150427; e-mail: chenderson41@yahoo.com River Region Autism Support Group, Cafe Louisa (in Old Cloverdale), 1036 E. Fairview Ave. We meet on

1st Saturdays from 4-6 p.m. This group is comprised of parents whose children are on the autism spectrum.

We also welcome others involved with autistic children, such as grandparents, friends, teachers, therapists, etc. For more info about how to join the group, or if you plan to attend a meeting, e-mail Lyra Stephens at LyraStephens@yahoo.com.

Teens/Families Support

Life is Fun Together (LIFT): A FREE Relationship and Marriage Enrichment Program providing different educational and fun-filled seminars to individuals and families. The LIFT Program is provided through Family Guidance Center of Alabama in partnership with the Alabama Community Healthy Marriage Initiative. Call Tonya Rogers at 2704100 for class start dates or more info!

“Relationship Smarts Plus” teaches teens in grades 7-12 about healthy relationships in a fun, interactive way.

Six-week sessions are available throughout the year on Mondays from 4–6 p.m.

“Smart Steps for Stepfamilies” is a six-week session that helps stepfamilies learn strategies to strengthen and stabilize their families. Parents and children ages 8 and up meet in their own groups, then meet up at the end of each session for a fun family activity!

“Together We Can” gives non-married parents the skills they need to maintain healthy relationships between themselves and their children.

“How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk (or Jerkette)” teaches single adults how to get the most out of dating.

“Mastering the Magic of Love” is a communication class for all couples. Bring your spouse, fiancé, or that special someone in your life with you to learn new communication techniques and enhance your

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skills as a team of two. All adults are welcome, including graduates looking for a refresher!

Also…. LIFT has a brand-new program just for parents of teens!!!

“Bridging the Great Divide: Parents and Teens Communicating About Healthy Relationships” is perfect for parents or guardians who want open lines of communication with their teen. Topics include “Principles of Dating & Healthy Relationships,” “Sensitive Topics,” “Rules & Boundaries,” and more!!! Building D of Family Guidance Center, 2358 Fairlane Drive. This workshop lasts only three weeks, so call TODAY to reserve your spot!

You can look at a calendar of LIFT classes & events online by visiting our LIFT web page: http://www. familyguidancecenter.org/ Remember, LIFT has FREE programs for singles, couples, stepfamilies, parents, teens, and now parents of teens! Call 270-4100 or e-mail trogers@familyguidancecenter.org if you didn’t see your class listed so we can contact you when the next one starts.

Support Group for Teens with difficulties communicating with parents. This group began March 29 using the life skills training. Contact Felicia Pressley at Total Life Connection, 244-5061.

This Month Old Alabama Town Presents “Alabama Illustrated” Through October 20 “Alabama Illustrated” is an exhibition of 19th century era engraved newspaper illustrations from the Permanent Collection of the Birmingham Public Library Archives.

FREE

bag of chips & 20 oz fountain drink with purchase of any medium sandwich after 5 pm Good only with original coupon at 5055 Carmichael Rd. Schlotzsky’s® restaurant. Limit one coupon per person, per visit.

Not valid with any other offer, sandwich meal or kid’s meal. ©2012 Schlotzsky’s Franchise LLC. All rights reserved.

BUY ONE GET ONE

Buy one sandwich, get one sandwich of equal or lesser value for FREE after 5 pm Good only with original coupon at 5055 Carmichael Rd. Schlotzsky’s® restaurant. Limit one coupon per person, per visit.

Not valid with any other offer, sandwich meal or kid’s meal. ©2012 Schlotzsky’s Franchise LLC. All rights reserved.

We Cater!

Parties • Meetings • Events

Visit schlotzskys.com

5055 Carmichael Rd. • Montgomery • 334-409-9993 Montgomery Parents I September 2012

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Buy one Cinnabon® Classic Roll 2nd for ½ price Good only with original coupon at 5055 Carmichael Rd. Schlotzsky’s® restaurant. Limit one coupon per person, per visit.

Not valid with any other offer, sandwich meal or kid’s meal. ©2012 Schlotzsky’s Franchise LLC. All rights reserved.

www.montgomeryparents.com

Family Calendar In the 19th century, Americans received news and learned about the world by reading illustrated newspapers such as Harper’s Weekly, Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, and Ballou’s Pictorial as well as other international publications. Publishers employed artists to draw and engrave impressively detailed images of places, events and people. From the 1850s to the 1890s, more than 250 engraved images of Alabama were published in national and international illustrated newspapers.

More than 40 of these are included in the book Alabama Illustrated. The images of Alabama included here are typical of those published for many places and include portraits of political leaders, landscapes, cityscapes and events such as storms, parades, sports and work. Stop by to view this exhibit Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 301 Columbus Street.This exhibit provided by the Birmingham Public Library Archives. For more info, visit www.oldalabamatown.com or call 240-4500.

Jasmine Hill Gardens and Outdoor Museums Open in Wetumpka -- Weekends Through October 27 Japanese cherries, bulbs and many flowering shrubs are in bloom when the 20-acre Jasmine Hill Gardens opens for the season. Stroll through Greek statuary and enjoy the outdoors. Fri. & Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. Call 567-6463 or visit www.jasminehill.org for more info.

MainStreet Alexander City Farmers’ Market Through October 29 At the Fountain on Broad Street, Alex City. Local farmers, craftsmen and craftswomen present fruits, vegetables, honey, butters, plants, bird houses and more. 7-11:30 a.m. Call (256) 329-9227 or visit www. mainstreetac.org for details.

September 2012

Monday, September 3

Labor Day at Old Alabama Town Return to the days before Labor Day was established in 1894 to learn how early Americans of all backgrounds toiled in 19th-century Alabama. Picnic baskets and blankets are welcomein Kiwanis Park. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission charged; free for those 5 and under. Call 240-4500 or visit www.oldalabamatown.com.

Alabama Jazz and Blues Federation’s Jazz on the Grass in Pike Road Hosted by the Alabama Jazz and Blues Federation and WVAS 90.7. This spectacular event will take place in the Rolling Hills Community (off Troy Highway 231) from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Cost is $20 the day of the show; $1 for children 12 years and under. Ticket outlets: Another Chance, Ted the Wine Guy, Dirk’s Filet And Vines, Calhoun Foods, and Maxwell AFB. Please bring your lawn chairs, coolers and food. However, vendors will be available to sell a variety of foods. No alcoholic beverages will be sold. Alcohol is allowed in your coolers.The artist line up: Marcus Anderson, Reggie Hines, PJ Spraggins, and much more. Watch for more info on www.pikeroad.us.

Wednesday, September 5

The Paul Jones Collection: A Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Exhibition -- Through October 31 Troy University Rosa Parks Museum. The Paul R. Jones Collection is counted among the world’s oldest, largest and most complete holdings of works by African American artists. Known for his keen eye for quality art, Jones collected works by luminaries such as Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett and Henry Ossawa Tanner, amassing 2,000 works and placing him in Art and An-

tiques magazine’s top 100 U.S. collectors. In September 2008, Jones generously donated 40 pieces from his collection to Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and it is from those pieces that this exhibit was created. Special exhibit opening September 8 from 11 a.m. to noon, with lecture presented by artist and art historian Dr. Amalia Amaki, on ‘The Peculiar Mission of the Paul Jones Collection.” Create a Masterpiece Youth Art Workshop will also be held September 8, from noon to 2 p.m. Troy University Rosa Parks Museum Exhibit Hall. There is no cost to attend the lecture or the workshop. For more info, contact museum curator Viola Moten at (334) 2718701 or vmoten@troy.edu.

Friday, September 7

Ballet and the Beasts at the Montgomery Zoo 6-10 p.m. Join us for a wonderful evening under the stars with the Montgomery Ballet. Admission is FREE. Visit www.montgomeryzoo.com or call 240-4900 for more info.

Late Night with YMCA Goodtimes Also September 14, 21 & 28 A weekly Parents’ Night Out program for parents of five-to 12-year-olds offered at the YMCA Goodtimes Center on Bell Road. Time is 6:30-11:30 p.m. and supper is included. Cost is $15 per child and no reservations are required. Child to staff ratio is 15:1.

Call 279-8878 for more info.

Saturday, September 8

Indoor/Outdoor Yard Sale Sponsored by Millbrook Community Theatre 6:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Sell your treasures in a cool, comfort-

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New friends are now best friends. New experiences are now the best times ever. No wonder it’s so easy to tell others about it and include them in the fun.

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

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

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

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

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1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16

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

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able space. 5720 Main Street, Millbrook. Call 334-7827317 for more info or to reserve your space.

Riverfront Park FREE Family Event Offered the second Saturday of every month from 5-8 p.m. Actvities will include: live entertainment, interactive activities for all ages (bocce ball & more), food vendors and cocktails served from the SandBAR! Vendors include: iCantina, Dreamland, Peppertree Steaks and Wines, Cheezie’s Pizza, Nancy’s Italian Ice, Spacewalker and Bruster’s Ice Cream. For more information, call 625-2100.

Old Alabama Town Saturday Jam Sessions Also September 22 9 a.m.-noon at the 1840s Rose House. Musicians, bring your acoustic instruments and join the fun! Admission to the jam sessions is free; tickets to tour Old Alabama Town are available at the Reception Center. For more info, call 240-4500 or visit www.oldalabamatown.com.

Etiquette, Manners & More -- Saturdays through September 29 10–11:30 a.m. Upper Kingston Community Center, Prattville. For grades 1-6. Class taught by Felicia Tyus. $30 per month. Sessions include: Etiquette in Public Places, Proper Introductions, Social and Communication Skills, Posture, Dining Do’s and Don’ts, Place setting, Communicating 101 & More. Class session ends with a field trip to a restaurant, a certificate and picture in the newspaper. More than 150 youth have participated in the class since 2007.

Min./ Max.: 10/25. Registration at the Doster Community Center. Call (334) 361-3640.

Sunday, September 9

Alabama’s First 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Hosted by the Pike Road Volunteer Fire Department at the RSA Union building in Montgomery. To find out more on how to participate or be a sponsor, call Brantley Greene at 850-7796.

Tuesday, September 11

Pike Road Volunteer Fire Department Holds 9/11 Ceremony Pike Road Town Hall, 9575 Vaughn Rd. (Pike Road Station). The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and is free to the public. The event is to raise community awareness and support for firefighters, first responders and law enforcement while remembering and honoring the lives of those firefighter/first responders and law enforcement lost on 9/11/01. This year’s event will feature speakers, bagpipes, Montgomery County Honor Guard, trumpet player, refreshments and commemorative items. Bradley Roberson, a rising country music artist, will also perform. The event will conclude with a candlelight vigil. For more info, visit www.pikeroadfire.com.

Thursday, September 13

Millbrook Community Players Presents Thornton Wilder’s Our Town -- Also September 14-15 and 2022 at 7:30 p.m. and September 16 at 2 p.m.

Directed by Stephanie McGuire. Described by Edward Albee as “…the greatest American play ever written,” the story follows the small town of Grover’s Corners through three acts: “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage,” and “Death and Eternity.” Narrated by a stage manager and performed with minimal props and sets, audiences follow the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry, and eventually—in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre—die. Tickets may be purchased online at www.millbrooktheatre.com, or by calling (334) 782-7317.

ARMSchair Concert -- Also October 7 Hot Club of Cow Town, Kiwanis Park at 7 p.m. This

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www.montgomeryparents.com

Family Calendar Austin-based western swing/jazz trio–violin, guitar and upright bass –will bring even the tamest audience to its feet. October performer will be Guy Davis. Visit www. oldalabamatown.com or call 240-4500.

Broadway Under the Stars The Montgomery Symphony Orchestra will amaze you with their annual concert lakeside at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in the Blount Cultural Park.

Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and will feature some of Broadway’s greatest hits. Picnic baskets, coolers, blankets and lawn chairs are all welcome at this FREE, family-oriented event. For more information, contact the Montgomery Symphony at 240-4004 or montgomerysymphony@gmail.com.

Friday, September 14

Parents’ Night Out at the Wetumpka Family YMCA A monthly Parents’ Night Out program for parents of kids 12 years and under offered the 2nd Friday of each month from 6-10 p.m. Games, arts and crafts, a movie and hot dogs are offered. Cost is $10 per child for members and $15 per child for non-members. You must register by the Thursday prior. Call 567-8282 for more info.

Robert Earl Keen Concert at Montgomery Performing Arts Centre 7:30 p.m. As a singer and songwriter, Robert Earl Keen built a reputation as one of the nation’s finest musical storytellers. He paints vivid musical portraits with songs that are infused with such deep insight and humor that a new meaning and perspective is revealed with each song. Artists including George Strait, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Lyle Lovett and the Dixie Chicks

www.montgomeryparents.com

September 2012

continue to record Keen’s songs year after year. For tickets or more info, visit www.mpaconline.org or call 481-5100.

Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets -- Also September 28 Elmore County Homeschool Organization is a non-profit support group for homeschooling families. We provide a positive socialization environment for homeschooled children & support and encourage their parents in the homeschooling process. We 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. ECHO has field trips, park days, holiday parties, enrichment activities, and a yearly awards ceremony. For details, visit http:// www.onlineecho.com

Saturday, September 15

Ready, Set, Grow! Harvest/Arts and Crafts Fair Free. Village Green Park, Main Street Millbrook. Event features regional artisans and crafters of all media types, childen’s activities, live music and food vendors. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Call (334) 578-2054 or visit www.readysetgrowal. webs.com Hank Williams 89th Birthday Celebration and Collectors Faire Hank Williams Museum. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission charged. Call 262-3600 or thehankwiliamsmuseum.com Ace Against Child Abuse and Family Violence River Region public officials are warming up to serve an ace against child abuse and family violence at Huntingdon College tennis courts. This “Power Players Challenge,” a new aspect of Tennis Across Montgomery’s serve-a-

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thon, will spotlight area mayors, chiefs of police, district attorneys, county commissioners and others in a friendly competition to see who can serve the fastest tennis ball and who can raise the most money for the Family Sunshine Center. The fun begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at noon.

The event has earned vital funds to help the Family Sunshine Center carry on its mission to end the cycle of violence and provide a safe haven and counseling for victims of family violence through its serve-a-thon. To sponsor or participate in the serve-a-thon, visit www.familysunshine. org and link to the Tennis Across Montgomery icon, or call FSC’s Special Events Coordinator at 206-2100.

Gigantic Flea Market in Prattville 6 a.m.-noon, Doster Center. Call (334) 361-3640.

Prattville Autauga Humane Society Hotroddin’ for Hounds Car Show 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Pratt Park Amphitheater (behind the football stadium on the pond side). For more info, call (334) 358-2882.

Alabama Nature Center General Public Fishing Weekend -- Through September 16 Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook. From catfish to bream to bass, the ponds at the Alabama Nature Center are teeming with aquatic life! Don’t forget your fishing pole and bait! For those of you new to the art of angling, rods and reels will be available for a small fee. All fishing at the ANC is catch and release only. Sat., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m. Call 285-4550 or visit www.alabamawildlife.org. Admission charged.

Monday, September 17

Alabama Church Library Workshop -- Through September 19 Shocco Springs Conference Center. For more information and to keep up to date with all church library news

Montgomery Parents I September 2012

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including the Monitor newsletter, information about the Alabama Church Library Workshop and regional events, please visit www.alsbom.org/churchlibrary. Also call 1-800-264-1225 ext. 256.

Wednesday, September 19

Wednesday Nights at Young Meadows U Join Young Meadows U at Young Meadows Presbyterian Church, 5780 Vaughn Road. Th evening begins at 5:15 for dinner and 6:00 for classes. For class information please contact the church office at 244-1385.

Thursday, September 20

ArchiTreats: Food For Thought The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. Noon-1 p.m. Bring lunch and a drink and join us every third Thursday for these FREE lectures sponsored by Friends of the Alabama Archives. Today’s topic is “Sloths, Mammoths, and Saber-toothed Cats: The Ice Age Mammals of Alabama,” presented by Jun Ebersole. Call 353-4726 or visit www.archives.alabama. gov.

Montgomery Zoobilation 6 p.m. Montgomery Zoo. Hosted by the Montgomery Area Zoological Society, Zoobilation is a fun-filled, adult only, cocktail party, gathering and fundraiser.

Zoobilation 2012 is a continuing effort and part of a multi-year project to raise money for the new stingray exhibit at the Montgomery Zoo. This exhibit will be a touch-and-feel encounter allowing children and adults alike the opportunity to gather at Stingray Bay and experience a one-on-one encounter with a multitude of free-swimming stingrays. Past Zoobilations have aided the Montgomery Zoo in building the African Elephant and North American River Otter exhibits, with other

Montgomery Parents I September 2012

projects like the alligator exhibit coming soon and the Zoofari Skylift Ride that opened August 30. This year’s event will be extremely special due to the Zoo celebrating its 40th Anniversary at its current location. The night will include a smorgasbord of great-tasting food; cocktails and specialty drinks; energized live entertainment, action-packed live and silent auctions and many more surprises. Tickets are $50 per person. All guests must be 21 years old or older to attend. Tickets are on sale at the Zoo Admissions Office or can be purchased at montgomeryzoo.com. For more info, please call (334) 240-4900.

Friday, September 21

ICCF Benefit Golf Tournament at Callaway Gardens, Ga. Test your golf skills on Callaway’s golf courses while helping support the educational programs of the nonprofit Ida Cason Callaway Foundation, parent organization of Callaway Gardens. Call (706) 663-6799 to register an individual, team or for sponsor information.

Comedian Brian Regan at Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center 8 p.m. Tickets are $38.50 each. For tickets or more info, visit www.bjcc.org or call 800-745-3000.

Saturday, September 22

American Cancer Society Tennis Tournament at Callaway Gardens, Ga. -- Through September 23 Men and Women 2.5–4.5 Singles and Doubles; Mixed Doubles 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0. Tennis packages are available throughout the year as well, for both social guests and teams that want a getaway. For more info or to register for a tournament, contact the Mountain Creek Tennis Center at 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292), 706-663-

89

5032, tennis@callawaygardens.com or visit www. callawaygardens.com.

Sunday, September 23

Bark in the Park Fort Toulouse, Wetumpka. A celebration of the bond between owners and their pets and a great day at the historic park. Bring your dog for a fun afternoon of pet games and contests, food, vendors of all kinds, live music, children’s games, demonstrations and more. 1-5 p.m. Admission charged. Call 567-3377 or visit www. elmorehumane.com Jazz Jamz at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 2-4 p.m. Enjoy the Museum and a little jazz on a Sunday afternoon. This event is a partnership with Alabama Roots Music Society. Admission is free.

“Family Art Affair” will take place at the same time.

Bring the entire family to the Museum for this special FREE fun day, combining music and art! Visit www. mmfa.org or call 240-4333 for more info.

Ballet Magnificat at Frazer United Methodist Church 6 p.m. Wesley Hall. Ballet Magnificat brings worldclass dancing into the church as a beautiful intermingling of worship and art. Long-time fans of ballet and newcomers to the art form alike will be inspired and uplifted. The performance at Frazer will feature “The Arrival,” a contemporary piece celebrating how we anticipate and experience the coming of the presence of God in our midst; and “Deliver Us,” the telling of the story of Moses and the Exodus of God’s people from slavery into freedom through dance and music.

Tickets are available now at iTickets.com, and in the Frazer Bookstore. Advance Prices: Adults $12.50, Children 12 and under $8 (plus ticket handling fees).

Day of Price: $15. Nursery available for 4 and under

www.montgomeryparents.com

Family Calendar (no ticket required). For more information, visit balletmagnificat.com.

Wednesday, September 26

Tommy Emmanuel Concert at Montgomery Performing Arts Centre 7:30 p.m. Two-time Grammy nominee Tommy Emmanuel is one of Australia’s most respected musicians.

The legendary guitarist has a professional career that spans almost five decades and continues to intersect with some of the finest musicians throughout the world.

Emmanuel’s unique style – he calls it simply “finger style” – is akin to playing guitar the way a pianist plays piano, using all ten fingers. Guitar legend Chet Atkins was one of the first to inspire Emmanuel to try this “fingerpicker” style as a child. Decades later, Atkins himself became one of Emmanuel’s biggest fans. For tickets or more info, visit www.mpaconline.org or call 481-5100.

Thursday, September 27

The Newcomers Club of Montgomery Monthly Luncheon The Newcomers Club of the Greater Montgomery Area invites women who are new residents in the area to attend our monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Arrowhead Country Club. This month’s luncheon will feature Martin McCafferty, director of the Capri Theatre. Cost is $15 and reservations must be made by noon Monday, Sept. 24, to russell. cynthia98@yahoo.com or call 300-4949. Visit www. newcomersmontgomery.com ARTalk at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 6-7:30 p.m.There is still time to join this fun program

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September 2012

for artists and those interested in art, as there are two sessions remaining: September 27 and November 29.

Each session, artists can bring a work of art to show for friendly feedback. Light refreshments are served, along with a lot of camaraderie. Cost: $20 members of the Museum or Montgomery Art Guild; $5 non-members.

Visit www.mmfa.org or call 240-4333.

Farm-to-Fork Food Invasion Hampstead Farms in Montgomery. Attendees will enjoy a family-style outdoor farm dinner and exclusive experience with this year’s “invading” guest chefs Alon Shaya, 2012 James Beard Award nominee, and celebrated pastry chef Lisa White of John Besh’s popular Domenica Restaurant in New Orleans. In celebration of fall’s finest flavors, guest chef Alon Shaya and his Big Easy-based culinary team will use local ingredients for the three-course dinner, sourced within inches of a guest’s seat at the table or from local Alabama suppliers and purveyors. The unrivaled supper starts at 6:30 p.m. when 150 diners from across the region settle in around the long table behind Hampstead’s signature Red Barn. Following the feast, all guests are invited to continue the festivities with a traditional New Orleans second-line led by guest chef Alon Shaya from the table to The Tipping Point for an “After the Food Invasion” celebration. Tickets are $75 per person and limited to the first 100. VIP Passes are $150 per person and limited to 50. All tickets are available for purchase online at www.foodinvasion.com and The Tipping Point in Hampstead. Tickets will not be available at the door.

All event proceeds benefit the non-profit Hampstead Institute and John Besh Foundation.

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Friday, September 28

Zombie Cruise on the Harriott II Boarding begins at 10 p.m. Cruising is from 10:30 p.m.midnight. Cash bar and concessions will be available.

Live entertainment provided. Ticket prices are $10 per person. To purchase tickets call 625-2100 or visit the Box Office at 200 Coosa Street.

Zombie Walk and Prom 7 p.m. Court Square fountain to the Alley in downtown Montgomery. Zombies unite to fight hunger. All zombies are asked to bring non-perishable food items for donation to the Montgomery Area Food bank.

Sponsored by Y102, 95.1 the Fox, Mix 103, WLWI, Montgomery Riverfront facilities, Haunted Hearse Tours of Montgomery, and Fontaine Entertainment.

Saturday, September 29

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Birthday Party F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum. 6-10 p.m. Event in honor of the author of The Great Gatsby and chronicler of the Jazz Age. F. Scott lived at 919 Felder Ave. in the early 1930s, after the birth of his daughter Scottie, with his wife and Montgomery native, Zelda. Call 2644222 or visit www.fitzgeraldmuseum.net Titus Bluegrass Festival Admission charged. Titus Community Center. Great bluegrass music, food, arts and crafts vendors and more, all in a shady grove. No alcohol or dogs allowed. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call (334) 567-9059 or visit www.titusbluegrassfestival.com for more info.

Spina Bifida Association of Alabama Holds Walk-NRoll-a-Thon Montgomery Zoo. Spina Bifida affects more children

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The walk helps sponsor camps, workshops, research, equipment, and conferences for these children and parents. If your child can walk (or run), consider sponsoring one of our teams. You can also join a team and be a walker at the zoo that day. We will have a silent auction, so maybe you could donate an item. Any contribution is appreciated! For more information, please contact Teresa Treloar at 272-1707 or msnoah123@yahoo.com or Angie Pate (256) 617-1414) or visit www.sbaofal.org and click on the Walk-N-Roll-a-Thon.

Sunday, September 30

TheTransMission presents Preparing Your Senior For The Freedoms of College An event for parents from 2-3:30 pm Wilson YMCA- off Ray Thorington Road Free Admission. This event will include a paneled discussion of how to prepare your child for the freedoms of college by looking at this year as another permit year.

For more details, go to www.thetransmission.org.

Tuesday, October 2

“Your Amazing Newborn” Class Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

FREE. One-night class taught by a pediatrician and nursing staff. Presents new concepts in newborn care and helps alleviate parenting jitters by soon-to-be parents. Grandparents welcome. Class schedule is subject to change, so please call 293-8497 or visit www. jackson.org/events.

Thursday, October 4

Women of Hope Signature Luncheon 11:30 a.m. in Frazer UMC’s Wesley Hall. Tickets are $30 each ($25 is tax deductible) and include tasty cuisine from Carrabba’s Italian Grill, modeling fashions from Focus on Fashion and guest speaker Rosie Butler (breast cancer survivor and former Ebony Fashion model). For more info, call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net. Visit us at www. thewomenofhope.org.

Faulkner Brings Laura Bush to Montgomery Former First Lady Laura Bush continues to serve others, empower women and help better our country.

Faulkner University hosts the former first lady in Montgomery for Turning Points, a dinner event to benefit Faulkner. Turning Points will take place at the Montgomery Renaissance Convention Center, and all money raised will help fund scholarships.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.faulkner.edu/bush.

Alabama State University Fall 2012 Career Fair 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Dunn-Oliver Acadome, Alabama State University. A terrific opportunity to recruit, interview, and interact with well-qualified job applicants from a variety of disciplines. Reserve your booth today! To register, contact us at 2294156/4140.

Wetumpka Depot Presents Seeing Stars in Dixie Through October 6; also 11-14; and 18-20 This charming Southern comedy is set in 1956 Natchez, Miss., where Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift have arrived to film “Raintree County.”

Meanwhile at Clemmie’s, a Natchez tea room, the widowed proprietor who has a fascination with movies and a secret admirer, oversees her own cast of characters.Competition for a small role in the movie brings out the best and worst of the town’s colorful characters. Written by Ron Osborne and directed by Kim Mason. For tickets, visit www.wetumpkadepot. com or call 868-1440.

Montgomery Parents I September 2012

Friday, October 5

Harvest Moon Festival at Callaway Gardens, Ga. Also October 6 Enjoy a two-day festival focused on great music, fresh food and outdoor active living in the beautiful setting of autumn at Callaway Gardens. Call (706) 663-6799 or visit www.callawaygardens.com Alabama National Fair -- Through October 14 Admission charged. Garrett Coliseum. Midway rides, main stage entertainment, food, information and commercial booths, kids’ area, livestock and other competition, family faith day, etc. Call 272-6831 or visit www. alnationalfair.org for details.

Saturday, October 6

Prepared Childbirth Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose to have pain relief during labor and delivery. Topics include stages of labor, breathing and relaxation techniques, the role of the coach, and proper care of mother and baby after delivery. Sessions are taught throughout the year, from 10 a.m.-noon. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $25. Call 293-8497 or e-mail liz. owen@jackson.org.

2012 Montgomery Half Marathon, Capital City 5K and Mayor’s Mile Presented By Hyundai Executed by Montgomery MultiSport. Registration for Half Marathon and 5K will be held until Friday, October 5, at noon. Half Marathon Relay registration will be held until Thursday, October 4. For details, visit http:// montgomerymarathon.com Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents The Adventures of Tom Sawyer -- Saturdays through October 20

By Laura Eason, adapted from the novel by Mark Twain. Tom and Huck are just one step ahead of evil

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Injun Joe. Treasure, murder and their own funeral bring them to the edge of disaster. From the greatest American humorist of all time comes this tale of danger and adventure, rich with unforgettable images of life on the Mississippi. Recommended for ages 6+. Appropriate for most audiences.

Thursday, October 11

Cloverdale Playhouse Presents Opus -- Through October 14; also October 18-21 Written by Michael Hollinger. A world-renowned string quartet follows their world tour with a new recording contract amid rumors of a breakup and the search for a replacement just before a performance at the White House. Extraordinary music joins with dynamic language as the play explores the inner workings and lively relationships of a once tightly-knit ensemble. For tickets or more info, call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org Faulkner Dinner Theatre Presents Pirates of Penzance --Through October 13; 18-20; and 25-27 Theatre doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner is served from 6:15 until 7. The show begins promptly at 7:30.

Tickets are $25 and include dinner and the show. Members of the military can purchase tickets for just $20.

Reservations must be paid in advance. Make reservations or for more information, call 386-7190 or e-mail boxoffice@faulkner.edu.

Calendar information due by the 15th of each month. Send an email to editor@montgomeryparents.com. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Williams Carpentry Porches, remodeling, sheet rock, painting, hardwood floors.

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Plan a summer party for your child with Melissa & Doug Products. Call (334) 651-1292.

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The FREE AD GUY knows that every business needs a few lucky breaks before it can become successful. That’s why he is offering more FREE ads to Home Based Businesses. In return, the FREE AD GUY would appreciate it if you would tell a friend about Montgomery Parents Magazine. If you’ll just help him spread the word about Montgomery Parents Magazine he’ll keep working for you and your business. If you have already run a FREE ad you can send a request to repeat the ad or make changes. Please understand but we will not accept any phone requests. For new Home Based Business advertisers, just send your information to: FREE AD GUY, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, AL 36123, or freeadguy@montgomeryparents.com.

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Advertising Information

RESOURCES M o n t g o m e r y P a r e n t s ’ Advertiser Directory

Welcome to the Montgomery Parents’ Advertiser Directory. This section was created to help our readers easily access advertising information in our magazine. 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.

A Great Start Learning Academy, 60

First UMC Prattville, 54

Pediatric Cardiology, 57

Ace Bowling Center, 13

Fleming’s Martial Arts, 75

Pediatric Nephrology of Alabama, 32

Adventure Sports II, 77

Grand Ole Pumpkin Patch, 51

Petrunic Orthodontics, 41

Alabama Army National Guard, 25

Handwriting for Kids, 92

Professional Pediatrics, 12

Alabama Christian Academy, 28

Holiday Market, Junior League, 14

Pump It Up Party, 63

Ala Dept of Public Health, Inside Front, 7

Holy Cross Episcopal School, 35

Riverview Camp, 86

Arts in Motion, 34

Hooper Academy, 18

Rolling Video Games of AL, 83

ASKIN/Synergy House, 93

Huntington Learning Center, 31

Saint James School, 25

Auditory/Visual Enhancement, 37

Jenna Ann Photography, 92

Savannah L. Bowden Photography, 91

Baptist East Hospital, 4

KLynn Ice Skating School, 41

Schlotzsky’s, 85

Baptist Health, 49

Kazoo Toys, 84

Sea Dragon Pirate Cruises, 55

Barrington Place, 20

Kids Carousel, 53

Shade Tree Riding Academy, 42

Bradford Health Services, Inside Back Cover

Kingry Orthodontics, 48

Shark Tooth Creek, 88

Brandi McNew-Counselor, 68

Kumon East, 15

Smart Smiles, 61

Bruster’s Ice Cream, 58

Kumon Central, 59

Smiles Galore Parties, 90

Cancer Care Center, 67

Lagoon Park Golf & Tennis, 83

Southlawn Childcare Center, 63

Carver Arts After School Program, 82

Learning Tree Child Care, 81

Spacewalk of Montgomery, 27

Catoma Baptist Church Preschool, 31

Lil Pea Pod Boutique, 64

Spacewalker, The, 21

Chapman Orthodontics, 53

Macon East Montgomery Academy, 23

Spotless Cleaning Services, 76

Children’s Clothing Exchange, 3

Mathnasium, 26

St. Bede Child Development Center, 90

Children’s Hospital of Alabama, 9

Metro Fitness Zumba, 62

Success Unlimited Academy, 33

Chris Neil Guitar Lessons, 84

Mistletoe Market, 39

Sunny Side Child Care, 28

Churchill Academy, 54

Montessori @ Hampstead, 45

Sylvan Learning Center, 43

Club Z At-Home Tutoring, 32, 92

Montessori @ Mulberry, 21

Taylor Crossing Animal Hospital, 65

Dancewear, Etc., 93

Montessori Academy, 24

Taylor Made Gaming, 42

Dentistry for Children, 62

Montgomery Ballet, 73

Taylor Road Baptist Church, 77

Docarmo’s Taekwondo Center, 1

Montgomery Humane Society, 11

The Big Green Bus, 92

Doodlebugs, 61

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 79

The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover

Dr. Bradley Willis-Dentist, 79

Montgomery Pediatric Dentistry/Orthodontics, 75

Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection, 59

Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 34

Montgomery Taekwondo, 92

Transmission College Ministry, 87

Dreamfield Farms, 8

Montgomery Zoo, 80

Tree Theater Company, 89

Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 88

Mrs. Sandy’s House, 93

Trinity Presbyterian School, 19

E & S Hobbies, Inc., 93

My Kids Attic, The Shoppes at, 19

Twisted Spur, 20

Edward Jones-Lane Easterling, 89

My Kids Attic, Women’s Consignment, 47

United Family Services Outreach, 92

ERA Lake Martin, Mike Langston, 87

New Park, 2

United Gymstars & Cheer, LLC, 57

Evangel Christian Academy, 30

O’Connor Tennis Lessons, 18

Vaughn Park Church Upward B’ball, 37

Family Karate Center, 29

Paradise Pumpkin Patch, 38 Party Ponies by Renfroe & Daughters, 92

Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 75

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Vaughn Urgent Care, 64 www.montgomeryparents.com

The Odd Life of Timothy Green

ParaNorman MPAA Rating: PG Overall: BViolence: C+ Sexual Content: B Language: B Alcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated ParaNorman PG for scary action and images, thematic elements, some rude humor and language.

“I see dead people” has been a popular theme in movies ever since Haley Joel Osment uttered the line in the 2000 (The Sixth Sense). Now Norman (voice of Kodi Smit-McPhee), a young boy living in the small New England town of Blithe Hollow, is also cursed/blessed with this metaphysical ability.

Whether it’s his dead grandmother who chides him for watching zombie movies or the legion of ghostly people he meets on the way to school, it’s fair to say this boy with the sixth sense gets very little time alone. Even worse, Norman’s otherworldly conversations make him a prime target for bullying from his peers and ridicule from his frustrated father. Still this ghost whisperer has attracted one friend, an overweight and allergy prone boy named Neil (voice of Tucker Albrizzi), who is accepting of Norman’s unusual talent.

Then there is Mr. Penderghast (voice of John Goodman), the typical spooky old guy who lives in the house on the hill and happens to be Norman’s uncle. Also rumored to be able to communicate with those who have passed on, he is desperate to teach the boy how to use his gift to thwart a centuries old curse on Blithe Hollow. Sadly the disheveled man dies before the information can be transferred. But fortunately he is still able to reach Norman, albeit in a most unusual way, with his face appearing in a school toilet.

Now Norman and Neil, along with their respective older siblings Courtney (voice of Anna Kendrick) and Mitch (Casey Affleck), are left with the daunting task of saving the town from the curse. And the evil charm is about to intensify with the 300th anniversary of a witch trial that resulted in a young girl’s execution.

Although the script features juvenile protagonists, this animation is very likely to frighten young children thanks to frequent jump scenes, gruesome images of corpses, insects bursting from teddy bears, and zombies with body parts that fall off. Obviously families who don’t appreciate occult themes will want to steer clear of this script that views witchcraft as a “special gift.”

ParaNorman’s unique animation style and interesting musical score are worth noting. So are the occasional funny lines in the script and a message that uses the witchcraft plot to teach tolerance to modern day students. Yet it seems too scary for young kids, too immature for teens, and even less likely to interest adults.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: AViolence: B Sexual Content: ALanguage: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: B The MPAA has rated The Odd Life of Timothy Green PG for mild thematic elements and brief language.

Devastated by the news that they will never be able to conceive a child, Jim and Cindy Green (Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Garner) mourn the doctor’s report by penciling a list of all the characteristics and qualities their unrealized child would have -- things like a sense of humor, a big heart, honesty and the ability to love and be loved. Then they place all those little slips of paper in a wooden box and bury it in their backyard outside the small town of Stanleyville where both are employed by the Stanleyville Pencil Company.

Now I’ve grown a garden for 25 years and have yet to sprout a child, but quick as Jack’s magic beans grew into a gigantic beanstalk, a boy germinates in the soft soil of the Green’s plot. Still muddy from his incubation among the vegetables, Timothy looks like any other 10-year-old except for the leaves growing on his legs. His sudden arrival requires an explanation to family and friends (though the fact about the garden is conveniently avoided). However that seems like a small sacrifice for Jim and Cindy who are thrilled with their new role as parents.

Timothy, a gentle, serious soul, quickly becomes an easy target for school bullies and an unlikely competitor on the soccer field. Yet, he also possesses the ability to relate to the elderly (M. Emmet Walsh), the unlikable (Dianne West), the aloof (David Morse) and the outcast (Odeya Rush). But his compassion comes at a cost.

In reality, the story is less about Timothy than it is about the hopes and expectations of his parents. While trying to create a perfect boyhood for their new son, Cindy and Jim find themselves drawn into the competitive venture of childrearing, where bragging rights are paramount. They are also forced to face the disappointments they experienced in their own childhoods. During all of the Green’s frenzied attempts to be the flawless parents, Timothy remains a quiet, calming presence in the home.

Timothy gives this inexperienced couple a chance to learn what things are really important as a parent. Kids in the audience likely won’t appreciate the lesson. But maybe the adults sitting beside them will leave the theater less worried about what their neighbors’ (or sibling’s) kids are doing and more interested in helping their own children blossom.

What Parents Need To Know About ParaNorman...

Violence: Frequent scenes of gruesome images include corpses and zombies with dismembered body parts. Zombies are hit by cars and subjected to other violence. Townspeople threaten to burn a building with children inside. A horror movie within this film depicts a zombie eating brains. A teacher calls her students “useless.” A witch attacks a young boy.

Sexual Content: A girl fawns over a shirtless boy. A boy is caught freezeframing an aerobics video -- we see a woman clothed in exercise wear. A boy reveals his sexual orientation when he mentions he has a boyfriend.

Language: A mild rude term for female breasts, a mild profanity and a term of Christian deity are heard.

Drugs/Alcohol: None noted. www.montgomeryparents.com

What Parents need to know about The Odd Life of Timothy Green...

Violence: A man forcefully throws a ball at child during a game of dodgeball.

One child is hit in the head and knocked to the ground. A girl gets a bloody nose after being kicked in the face. Adults are oblivious to a child on the bottom of a swimming pool. A child is injured during a soccer game. A corpse is seen in a casket. Some brief moments of peril are shown.

Sexual Content: A married couple kisses. Girls wear swimsuits.

Language: The script contains brief, mild profanities and terms of Deity.

Alcohol / Drug Use: A couple drinks wine at home with some seeming affect on their sobriety.

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