River Region Parents Special Needs Guide Edition (September 2024)

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September2024 46

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Volume 29 Number 10

Columns 6 Editor’s Note DeAnne Watson

8 Meeting Kids Where They Are

Talking to Kids About Disabilities

Helping children understand, show compassion and be inclusive.

Works of Wonder Therapy

Supporting Special Needs Families

10 ways to offer love and support!

14 Montgomery Education Matters

by Superintendent Dr. Melvin Brown

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30 Pike Road Education Matters

by Superintendent Dr. Keith Lankford

34 Autauga Education Matters

by Superintendent Lyman Woodfin

38 Elmore Education Matters

by Superintendent Richard Dennis

Special Needs Guide

Local, state and national resources to help your child and your family.

Raising Creative Kids How creativity shapes successful children plus ideas to get started.

44 Grands are the Greatest!

by Kimberley Carter Spivey

58 Teens, Tweens & Screens

by Kristi Bush, LSW

On The Cover Millie Maddox (13) enjoys swimming, riding horses, playing tennis and watching movies. She is the daughter of David and Stephanie Maddox. Stephanie is on the Board of Directors and a volunteer for MANE (Montgomery Area Non-Traditional Equestrians).

Zachary (Zac) David Schofield Jr. (13) is the son of David and Missy Schofield. He enjoys riding his bike, swimming, playing with his trains, and riding horses at MANE. Both families live in Pike Road and both Millie and Zac attend Pike Road Junior High School.

Departments 12 Teacher of the Month 16 School Bits 64 Family Calendar 68 Mom to Mom

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Parents

Editor’sNote September is a fantastic month for many reasons, right? School is back in session, so routines are getting back to normal. Football and Friday night lights have kicked into high gear. The hot Alabama temps are finally dropping to a simmer. And... you’re holding a super special issue of River Region Parents in your hands!

In this month’s issue, we aim to honor and encourage our special needs community, plus offer advice on how we can all support them along their journey! First, Sarah Lyons shares advice on Talking to Your Kids About Disabilities, followed by Rebecca Hastings’ article, How to Support the Special Needs Family. Each one helps us adults and our children better come alongside these special families with love, understanding, and encouragement.

Also, our Special Needs Resource Guide is a comprehensive tool full of national, regional and local resources to help families navigate the challenges they face in providing the very best care for their child. You’ll find advertisements throughout this issue, and highlighted in the guide, for agencies and businesses desiring to help your family navigate the waters of raising your extraordinary child. You are not alone in this journey.

If the phrase “it takes a village” applies to parenting in general, consider how much more our special needs moms and dads could benefit from our embracing this idea. Whether watching your friend’s son for a few hours so she can have a much-needed break or speaking a kind word to a stranger when you see him struggling with his daughter in the grocery store, we can all play an important part!

Enjoy this month’s issue, and please share it with someone you know who needs encouragement today. Have a wonderful September!

River Region Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community.

River Region Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.

Founder Marty Watson (1950-2006) Editor DeAnne Watson editor@riverregionparents.com

Research Editor Wendy McCollum Contributing Writers Dr. Melvin Brown Kristi Bush, LSW Richard Dennis Rebecca Hastings Dr. Keith Lankford Sarah Lyons Sandi Schwartz Kimberley Carter Spivey Lyman Woodfin Works of Wonder Therapy

Cover Photography Lisa Smith www.studiopanache.net

Publisher Jason Watson jason@riverregionparents.com

Advertising Department (334) 213-7940 ext. 703 adservices@keepsharing.com or Text 334.328.5189

Content Manager Anna Watson

DeAnne

Social Manager Scott Davis

deanne@riverregionparents.com

Ad Design Tim Welch River Region Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing LLC, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, Alabama, 36123. River Region Parents is copyrighted 2024 by Keep Sharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. opinions expressed in River Region Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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by Works of Wonder Therapy www.worksofwondertherapy.com

What We Can Learn From Special Needs Parents Angela Schwindt is credited for these wise words, “While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” I think most of us go into parenthood with a mix of nervousness and excitement. We want to raise good people who make the world a better place, but we are overwhelmed by the complex realities of parenthood and forced to accept that we are unprepared for the most challenging journey of our lives. I have learned from parents of children with special needs that if we allow ourselves to be teachable, our children will open our eyes to life’s greatest lessons.

Parents of children with special needs know the value of observing their children through the lens of curiosity instead of judgment. For example, through care-

River Region Parents I September 2024

ful observation, they recognize that when their child is pacing back and forth across a room, he is simply calming his nervous system rather than being “hyperactive” or “defiant.”

They have gained patience from waiting eight long years to hear their daughter say anything, much less “I love you.” They have discovered that comparison is the thief of joy from countless days on the playground watching other children engage in a game of “hide and go seek” while their child prefers solitude. They understand unconditional love and sacrifice from countless sleepless nights in the hospital. From helping their child learn how to pick up toys to advocating in IEP meetings, they have gathered

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wisdom by identifying what battles they should walk away from and what battles are worth disrupting the peace. They have accepted kindness from strangers who encourage them when their child is having a meltdown in Wal-Mart instead of staring in horror. They know to take nothing for granted and appreciate the value of taking the time to stop and celebrate the smallest of achievements. They have unmatched self-control from the sheer number of repetitions it takes to teach their child anything she does not want to learn. They excel at persevering through days of overwhelming exhaustion. They absorb everything they can from doctors, nurses, counselors, teachers, therapists, and other parents who have walked in their shoes.

These heroic parents are unbelievably faithful to their children and persevere through challenges that most of us cannot imagine. They are unsung heroes in need of our support, admiration, and respect.

The next time you have the opportunity, praise and encourage these parents and children. Spend time listening without judgment, sit with them in the middle of the chaos, and ask how you can help.

Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Beth has worked in six unique clinical environments across the country and currently owns Works of Wonder Therapy in Montgomery. Beth utilizes the knowledge from a variety of different disciplines to give her patients the best care possible. To learn more visit www.worksofwondertherapy.com.

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Fall Festival @ MMFA

September 21 and 22 * 10-5 Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Fall Festival is a free event that celebrates Montgomery’s vibrant creative culture, featuring both local and regional artists from all backgrounds. This free public event features an art market with more than 30 vendors, live music, art demos, food trucks, and tastings with local brewers. Booths feature fine arts and crafts for sale made locally in the River Region. Visit https://mmfa.org/event/fallfestival-2024/.

Montgomery Oyster Festival is Back September 14, 3-7pm Old Alabama Town * 301 Columbus St Montgomery Oyster Festival is one of the River Region’s signature events, produced by Lightning Line and held in the charming environment of Old Alabama Town. This special event benefits the Landmarks Foundation and showcases the best of Alabama’s oyster farmers, featuring local and regional chefs, and live music. Get your tickets at https:// www.eventbrite.com.

Bark in the Park 2024 Sunday, September 15 * 12-4pm Fort Toulouse, Wetumpka Bark in the Park is all about people and dogs and an afternoon of fun.

There will be plenty of vendors, activities, microchip clinics, demonstrations and tshirts for sale. Admission is $5 for ages 13 and up. https://t.elmorehumane.org/bark-in-the-park-2024.html River Region Parents I September 2024

ANC Honey Festival

September 21 * 9 am to 2 pm Alabama Wildlife Federation Festival Day will include honey for sale, kids activities, live music, plant/ gardening presentations, specialty vendors, and a Lanark plant sale. NaturePlex General Admission applies for this event ($5/ person with a $20 maximum per family) and includes visiting the NaturePlex Discovery Hall, theater and this awesome event. Visit www.alabamawildlife.org.

Shindig 2024

Montgomery Smooth Jazz Festival

September 20-21 Riverwalk Amphitheater Celebrating various music genres with an emphasis on Smooth Jazz and R & B. Our main stage at the Riverfront Amphitheater will feature live performances accentuated with large video screens including a specially designed interactive screen allowing the artists to stylishly operate harmoniously with the music.

Get tickets at https://www.montgomerysmoothjazzfestival.org/.

September 15 * 4pm to 7pm Red Bluff Bar at the Silos The Child Protect Junior Executive Board is excited to announce their annual Shindig event happening at Red Bluff Bar at the Silos! They’re at a new location with new food and drink options, new entertainment, and the same great family-friendly vibes! *Free and open to the public. A $10 donation to Child Protect Children’s Advocacy Center is highly encouraged and appreciated. Visit www. experiencemontgomeryal.org.

2024 Alabama disAbility Conference

September 8-10 * Montgomery Marriott Prattville Hotel & Conference Center at Capitol Hill * 2500 Legends Circle Prattville, AL Join us for a day filled with insightful sessions, networking opportunities, and engaging discussions. This in-person event is a fantastic chance to connect with fellow advocates, professionals, and individuals with disabilities.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference in the disability community. We can’t wait to see you there! https://www.aldisabilityconference.org/ 10

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Alabama Dance Theatre presents A Christmas Carol Auditions for Children and Adults

September 21 * 10:30am * 1018 Madison Ave at ADT Parts include townspeople, urchins, pumpkins, party teens, party children, and orphans and are available for boys and girls in first grade and up. Those auditioning will be judged on acting, dancing ability, and musicality. The audition fee is $35 (refunded if not selected). Parts for adult males are also available. Please register to audition in advance. “A Christmas Carol”will be performed November 7-10, 2024 at Troy University’s Davis Theatre. For information, call (334) 625-2590.

Oktoberfest 2024

September 28 * 10am-4pm Downtown Wetumpka Enjoy live music, vendors, food trucks, children’s activities, and more!

Local favorite, Grumpy Dog, will host a hotdog eating contest and businesses will be open late for shoppers. Free and open to the public.

Out of the Darkness Community Walk

HULLABALOO: A Day of Fun and Games

September 29 * 4pm Blount Cultural Park, Montgomery Raise awareness and much-needed funds, strongly sending the message that suicide can be prevented, and that no one is alone. https://supporting.afsp.org/

September 21 * Cramton Bowl Multiplex Video games, interactive workshops, performances and an array of delicious treats. Plus rock walls, selfie stations, water games and more. Visit www.sweetdeals.com/montgomery/deals.

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Kenisha Milledge Children’s Center School

S O Working with special needs children takes a passionate person with a heart for students’ unique learning and medical needs. A teacher who embeds pedagogical practices to enhance the learning experience of their students. An exceptional teacher will use every educational tool, strategy, and innovative curriculum to help students become successful. And that’s why Kenisha Milledge has dedicated herself to her profession and students. She began her career working for nonprofit organizations that created/implemented volunteer-based reading programs for at-risk students. As she worked with different schools in the River Region, she began to cultivate a passion for community development and contribution. She volunteered at Children’s Center School and realized it was where she wanted her journey to continue as a K-6 Special Education teacher and Special Education Facilitator for K-12.

Kenisha Milledge received her Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree from Auburn University Montgomery. Seven years later, she received her Master of Education in Special Education K-6 from Alabama State University and an Education Specialist Certification in Special Education K-6 from Auburn University.

She shares, “I not only love my students, but I love all the students I have the pleasure of coming in contact with. The beauty of having a servant’s heart is assisting whoever and wherever is needed. Although I am based at Children’s Center School, I occasionally have opportunities to work with students outside of Children’s Center. Being a teacher for students with special needs means my life will forever be changed. It is such an honor and blessing to be a part of their lives.” Kenisha also enjoys working with a group of colleagues who are supportive, hard-working, and passionate about the students they serve.

Like every teacher, Kinisha has professional goals. She desires to do more good than harm, leave a situation/person better equipped than before her involvement, and always act out of love and respect. These are qualities that parents value and admire when they’re entrusting educators to lead and guide their children toward academic growth and success.

After retiring, Kenisha feels she will still be pursuing what she loves to do in some capacity.

Kenisha Milledge has been married to Dr. William Milledge, Jr. for 22 years. They have two children, Madalyn and Mason, and reside in Montgomery.

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We’re well into the school year now, with almost a month under our belts.

It’s been wonderful visiting so many schools, and I’m truly inspired by the enthusiasm and dedication I’ve seen. We have an incredible year ahead of us, and I’m excited to witness all the amazing things we’ll accomplish together. To our supportive parents and guardians, thank you for your continued support and partnership. Your involvement is crucial to the success of our students, and we are grateful for the trust you place in us to provide a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for your children.

We encourage our students to put their best foot forward everyday, as we need their attendance in class every single day, ready to learn and engage with teachers.

I encourage our students to continue with the eagerness to learn, commitment to doing their best, and I encourage them to carry that spirit with them every day.

This year we’re excited to kick off several new initiatives that will impact the success of our school district. Our “Portrait of a Graduate” vision outlines the skills and qualities we are developing in our students to prepare them for the diverse pathways they may choose after graduation.

This vision encompasses not just academic proficiency, but also the development of essential 21st-century skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and creativity. These are the skills that will allow our students to thrive in the rapidly changing world they are entering. We envision our graduates as individuals who are prepared to pursue a variety of successful pathways post-graduation, including: Post-Secondary Education: Graduates will be prepared to succeed in both two-year and four-year college programs,

pursuing their academic interests with confidence and preparedness.

Workforce Success: Students will possess the skills and attributes valued by employers, enabling them to seamlessly transition into fulfilling careers.

Military Service:Graduates will have the necessary skills and discipline to excel in the military, contributing to national security and global peace.

Entrepreneurship: Students will be encouraged to develop entrepreneurial skills, creativity, and resilience, equipping them to launch and manage successful ventures.

We are committed to developing these skills and attributes in all of our students, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future endeavors. As we move forward, I am confident that this will be a year of growth, learning, and achievement for all of us.

Melvin J. Brown, Ed.D., is the superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools and previously served as superintendent of Reynoldsburg City Schools in Ohio.

He has 24 years of school administrative experience.

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Welcome Back To School, MA Family!

Montgomery Academy’s newest and oldest Eagles kicked off the school year during our annual Convocation ceremony on Tuesday, August 13. The ceremony begins with a procession of all our new K/12 Buddies. Ethan Yi (Senior Class President) gave the invocation, John Alford (SGA President) shared his own unique perspective of the MA Journey, and Head of School John McWilliams challenged all in attendance to truly focus on what matters in life, both in & out of the classroom. To cap things off, Millie Arrington closed with a special message from the Class of 2037 to the Class of 2025.

Soar, Eagle, Soar!

ACA Kicks Off Year with Laughter, Worship, and Bonding The 7th Annual First Friday at ACA was an unforgettable day, brimming with laughter, moments of worship and reflection, and deep bonding among classmates.

This cherished tradition kicked off the school year with enthusiasm as students spent the day with their homeroom teachers, engaging in team-building activities, learning about one another, and setting goals for the months ahead.

A significant focus of the day was the discussion around this year’s theme, “SHINE.” Developed by our Student Leadership, this theme encourages students to Shine their Light within our school, community, and the world. Throughout the day, homerooms delved into what it means to shine and how they can embody this spirit throughout the year.

Hearing students recap the day is a testament to the excitement and positivity that filled the air. With such a strong start, it’s clear that this is going to be a remarkable year at ACA!

Saint James Youth Judicial Students Compete at Nationals

Propelling Preposition Planes at Montgomery Catholic

As an introduction to prepositions, students in Mrs. Pears’ sixth grade class at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s St. Bede Campus got creative with a fun paper airplane activity during the first week of school. Each student crafted a paper airplane that they then sailed down the hallway 10 times. Following each flight, students described how and where the plane landed using a different prepositional phrase. Some examples of the phrases were “into Jayden’s back”, “above the locker”, and “it did a loopy loop over their heads.” The lesson really took flight and will surely be remembered for the next sixth grade writing assessment!

Pictured: Montgomery Catholic sixth grade students Jackson Butler and Coleman Beale create preposition planes in Mrs. Pears’ class. Photo

by Mary Pears.

River Region Parents I September 2024

Saint James students participated in the YMCA’s National Judicial Competition in St. Paul, Minnesota, July 29-August 1.

Saint James competed in a multiday competition against programs from around the country. Students participated in arguments, each witness testimonies, and strategy sessions.

Eight students participated in the competition: Jaden Rossell, Jordan Rossell, Alex Ruona, Carter Miller, Will Alexander, Michael Phan, Ava Donaldson, and Charlotte Brown.

As stated by the YMCA’s website, “the YMCA National Judicial Competition (NJC) is an annual competition for high school student participants in the model judicial components – Appellate Court and Mock Trial – of the YMCA Youth and Government program. YMCA Youth and Government is a national movement of over 55,000 students participating in YMCA Youth and Government programs around the country.

Each year, representatives or delegations from each state program has the opportunity to attend national programs and conferences.”

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Macon East Welcomes New Baseball Coach Christian Coston

ECA is Bigger Than Ever!

Evangel Christian Academy’s student body has grown to a larger size than ever before as more and more parents choose ECA as the place to be for a quality education in Montgomery. ECA added staff members to keep our student-to-teacher ratio low and stay true to our promise of small class sizes. To accommodate our growing size, ECA has even added an upstairs classroom in addition to many other renovations around the school, all done to ensure we are giving students a comfortable and effective learning environment. One of the many benefits to having new members of staff is the new opportunities students have for electives taught by exemplary teachers.

ECA is now offering an ACT prep course for high school students as well as a videography class. The ECA family is looking forward to a fantastic year!

We are excited to welcome Christian Coston as the new head baseball coach at Macon East Academy.

A proud graduate of Verbena High School and Faulkner University, Christian holds a BS in Physical Education and Drivers Education.

With 8 years of coaching experience in baseball, football, and basketball, he brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for athletics to our program.

Family is at the heart of Christian’s life. He is engaged to Ashley McLean and is a loving father to Karlee Mae and future stepdaughter Emersyn. Outside of sports, Christian enjoys traveling, cheering on Alabama athletics, and spending quality time with his loved ones.

At Macon East, where academic excellence meets championship tradition, Christian is eager to embark on this new journey. We look forward to his leadership and expertise as we strive for another successful baseball season.

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

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Resurrection Catholic School Welcomes New Principal My name is Dr. Teisha Pessoa and I am honored to announce that I am the new Principal of Resurrection Catholic School.

Our first month of school was nothing short of exceptional.

The energy and excitement that filled our hallways were palpable, and it was truly heartwarming to see our students return to school with smiles on their faces, ready to embark on another year of learning and growth. The positive energy generated by our dedicated staff, eager students, and supportive families has set the stage for a remarkable academic journey ahead.

I am truly excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for our students and our school community. I look forward to working together to make this school year a memorable and enriching experience for everyone.

I wish the Resurrection Catholic School Family a wonderful year filled with growth, learning, and success.

Saint James Cross Country Team Hosts Trojan Trot Community Fun Run Saint James School’s Cross Country Team is hosting a 5k and 1 mile fun run for the community on September 21, 2024. The annual Trojan Trot will be held at the Shakespeare Festival Theater and will generate excitement around health and wellness in our community. The 5k ($30) will start at 8am and the 1-mile fun run ($20) will start at 9:15 am. All levels of runners and walkers are encouraged to participate!

There will be music, face painting, and an inflatable bounce house during both races. Medals will be presented to first, second, and third place runners in each age group for boys and girls of the 5k and 1-mile fun run.

Packet pickup is recommended and will be the night before the race from 5-6pm. To guarantee a race t-shirt, please register by September 6th.Register at https://register.chronotrack.com/r/81818 to join the fun!

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ACA Hosts “Meet the Eagles” Celebrating Fall and Youth Sports The annual “Meet the Eagles” event brought together the community for an exciting day of sports, activities, and fun. The event, eagerly anticipated by local families, marked the official announcement of all fall sports, as well as the various youth sports programs.

The atmosphere was electric as athletes, coaches, and fans gathered to kick off the new season with enthusiasm.

The event featured a variety of attractions for attendees of all ages. Bouncy houses were a hit among the younger crowd, providing endless entertainment and laughter. The concession stand was open, offering a range of snacks and refreshments, ensuring everyone was well-fed throughout the afternoon.

Local vendors added to the festive atmosphere, with Bama Chill serving up their popular ice-cold treats, perfect for cooling down on a warm day. MGM Nutrition also had a booth, providing healthy and delicious options for those looking to fuel up before the activities.

“Meet the Eagles” was not just about sports; it was about bringing the community together to celebrate and support the athletes who represent the spirit of the Eagles.

The event was a success, setting the stage for a thrilling fall sports season and a promising year for youth sports programs.

Mayors Elected at Forest Avenue Academic Magnet Forest Avenue fifth graders have started their micro economy study with the election of mayors for each fifth grade “city.” Each mayor is holding a campaign sign. All candidates delivered a speech, and all “citizens” voted. Our mayors are Elijah Yang for Hall’s Hacienda, Weston Adams for Bruner’s Beach, Lynn Kim for Rodo Ridge, and Mashal Habib for Dyer’s Dugout.

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Wildcat Welcome for Trinity’s New School Year

We’re thrilled to welcome our Wildcats back to campus for Trinity’s exciting new school year.

With a focus on growth, learning, and serving God in mind, body, and spirit, we’re dedicated to nurturing every student’s potential. This year promises to be one of the unforgettable experiences where students thrive in a supportive and faith-centered community.

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GOD HAS A PLAN AND A PURPOSE FOR ME

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

AISA Blue Ribbon School The Montgomery Academy Honor Code

In the opening hours of the new school year, Montgomery Academy Middle and Upper School students review and pledge to uphold the tenets of the Honor Code, adding their signature to a list with their classmates. The Montgomery Academy Honor Code fosters the development of a school community of trust, mutual respect, integrity, and academic honesty. All members of the community are expected to support the ideals of the Honor Code, to conduct themselves ethically, and to encourage others to do the same. These principles, set forth starting in our Lower School, serve to further our school’s fundamental mission: to develop leaders committed to honor, scholarship, service, and the pursuit of excellence.

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Saint James School 9th Grade Visits Camp Butter & Egg On Friday, August 16, the Saint James School ninth grade class headed to Camp Butter & Egg outside of Troy, Alabama for a day of team building and community bonding. The Saint James School Advisory Program, led by the High School Guidance Office, works to create lasting friendships and a sense of community among the newest high school students. The 9th grade advisories are assisted by a team of seniors who serve as Peer Leaders. The Peer Leaders meet weekly with the 9th grade students to help them transition to high school.

At Camp Butter & Egg, the 9th grade advisory groups and their Peer Leaders participated in several activities meant to build trust and encourage positive communication among the students. Many of the activities included challenges that require the group to problem-solve to achieve the goal.

These group activities encourage communication and listening skills as the group works together. They also had lots of fun! Ziplining is always a favorite activity, along with canoeing, hiking, and volleyball.

Saint James School sets the tone for the new high school students with this fun-filled and team-building field trip each year.

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ECA Senior Spotlight: The Last First Day The Evangel Christian Academy senior class enjoyed special recognition on their first day back to school. The class of 2025 was all smiles as the whole student body gathered to welcome them to their last first day, allowing the seniors the privilege of being the first students in the building. Some seniors chose to decorate graduation caps to celebrate the occasion. The Senior Walk is an annual first day of school tradition at ECA given some extra flair by this year’s class.

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New School Year Excitement at MCS Hooray for the 17th annual back to school! Montgomery Christian School (MCS) had such a fantastic first week of school celebrating with Nancy’s Ice on Friday. A sweet treat on a hot day was a great reward and MCS is grateful to Nancy’s Ice for their generosity. Last year, MCS added a second kindergarten class. This year, we welcome an additional first grade class.

MCS will continue to grow each year, adding one grade level at a time.

Montgomery Christian School (MCS) 5th grade leaders are off to a successful year! They are so blessed with fantastic teachers Mrs. Allison Jackson and Dr. Joy Darley.

They are currently reading Wonder by RJ Palacio. The fifth grade students serve the school by hosting tours, playing with the younger students, cleaning, and being examples to all who enter the MCS community. When MCS students continue their education in 6th grade and beyond, MCS staff and families are confident in their readiness and ability.

Montgomery Christian School loves weekly visits from DOGS ON CALL. Weekly, kindergarteners got to enjoy double the love from Winston and his polka-dot pal, Hank. Volunteers read Madeline Finn and the Library Dog by Lisa Papp. These precious pups received many hugs from their beloved fans.

Fun First Days of Kindergarten at Forest Avenue Academic Magnet Kindergarten friends in Ms. O’s class at Forest Avenue enjoyed a fun first few days of school!

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MA Back to School Bash

Senior Breakfast at Trinity School

On Friday night of opening week at MA, over 1000 members of the MA community came together at our Back to School Bash sponsored by the Parents of the Academy (POA).

Dinner was served

Trinity seniors kicked off the school year by joining together for a beautiful sunrise breakfast, celebrating the strong sense of community that defines Trinity. It’s the perfect way to begin their final chapter, surrounded by friends and supported by a school that values unity and lasting memories.

and members of our fall sports teams were introduced. Our Lower School students were treated with bounce houses and had a chance to show their MA spirit with the first Eagle Walk of the season.

MA would like to offer a special thank you to Tracy Williford who organized the event.

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First Day of School at River Region Academy

First day of school excitement was in full swing at River Region Academy, and we had a special guest to kick things off! Big Mo from the Montgomery Biscuits stopped by to make the day extra memorable for our students. There is nothing quite like starting the school year with some hometown spirit and big smiles!

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School

Christ’s Light in the River Region for 150 Years.

Send Your News: deanne@ riverregionparents.com.

Back-to-School STEM Activity at FAAM Third grade students at Forest Avenue participated in a fun STEM activity called, Save Fred! This back to school activity encouraged the students to work together cooperatively, problem solve and communicate!

A fun way to start the year and get to know your classmates better!

This is Catholic.

Thank you for voting us the 2023 Best Private School in the River Region! montgomerycatholic.org

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Trinity’s Buddy Program Kicks Off for 2024-2025 School Year

Saint James Senior Lily Everett Attends Girls State

At Trinity, the Senior and Kindergarten buddy program is a cherished tradition that begins on the very first day of school when Seniors and Kindergartners are matched as buddies. This special connection is nurtured throughout the year as they see each other daily in the halls, fostering a unique bond. Each month, they participate in special events together, creating memories and relationships that last well beyond their time at Trinity. This program beautifully reflects the close-knit, family-like atmosphere of our school community.

Saint James School senior Lily Everett recently participated in the sessions of the American Legion Auxiliary’s Alabama Girls program.

During Lily’s week serving as the school’s delegate, she learned about all levels of state government, attended workshops and sessions, and was inspired by female leaders in our community. Lily stated, “The program teaches us about being good citizens, role-models, encouragers, and about how to be involved in our local and state governments. It was truly a week of us all building each other up through compelling speakers, team time, Olympic trial games, a “Red, White, and Boots” dance, and even a formal inaugural dinner!”

Girls State is held on the campus of Troy University. The week-long, hands-on learning experience is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA). Alabama Girls State is a premier youth leadership program which offers a one-of-a-kind experience to its delegates.

Saint James School sends representatives to Girls State and Boys State each summer. These students enjoy the experience and learn lessons which will often impact their futures.

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Alabama Christian Academy Kicks Off School Year with Hour of Prayer As the new school year begins, Alabama Christian Academy (ACA) set a powerful tone by hosting an Hour of Prayer, uniting ACA families, faculty, staff, and the broader community.

The gathering, held on campus, brought together a diverse group of individuals, all focused on one purpose: to pray over each student enrolled at ACA and the year ahead.

The event was a touching reminder of the importance of faith in the ACA community, as participants prayed for the students’ academic success, spiritual growth, and overall wellbeing. Faculty and staff were also lifted in prayer, as the community asked for guidance, wisdom, and strength for the educators and administrators who play such vital roles in shaping the lives of the students.

Parents and community members expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to come together in prayer, emphasizing the unique bond that ACA fosters among its members.

The gathering was a testament to the school’s commitment to nurturing not just the minds, but also the hearts of its students.

As the school year unfolds, the ACA community is confident that this powerful start will pave the way for a year filled with learning, growth, and blessings.

Forest Avenue’s 2024-25 Peer Helpers Introducing the 2024-2025 Forest Avenue Peer Helpers! These friends had to fill out an application, be approved by previous year’s and this year’s teachers, give a speech to their classes, and then go onto a committee to be chosen. We are proud of these students, and ALL of the students who had the courage to apply! We look forward to seeing more from this group! This group is let by Mrs. Melissa Friesen and Mrs. Laura Daniel.

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Montgomery Academy Students Selected for the Inaugural LINC MGM Class

Trinity School Selects Life on Wheels as First Semester Charity

Dr. Matthew Phillips recently led chapel at Trinity School, delivering an impactful message to our Middle and Upper School students about the importance God creating life. Trinity’s first-semester charity, Change for Change, will be Life on Wheels—a traveling ultrasound bus with a mission to serve women, save babies, and share Jesus. Through this initiative, students are encouraged to make a meaningful impact, embodying the spirit of service and compassion at our community’s heart.

Congratulations to MA Juniors Sullivan Murphy and Drew Phenix on their selection to represent MA in the inaugural LINC MGM class!

LINC (Lead, Innovate, Network, and Change) MGM is a new program with the goal of developing leaders, making connections, and providing students an opportunity for growth. Drew and Sullivan are now part of a group of 17 students from around the Montgomery area, from both public and independent schools, chosen by Mayor Steven Reed, the Montgomery School Board, and Montgomery-area faculty and staff as top leaders. MA is proud of you both as you embark on this exciting opportunity!

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River Region Academy’s Meet the Teacher Night Students, parents, and staff came together for River Region Academy’s Meet the Teacher Night so we could gear up for an exciting school year.

Our River Otters came ready to dive in and make a splash!

Puppy Fun at FAAM Ms. Ausley’s kindergarten friends at Forest Avenue have adopted puppies to take home to read to for 20 minutes each night!

Happy Reading! Happy Puppies!

School Fun at River Region Academy School is in session and we are in the groove at River Region Academy! Our River Otters are diving into learning and making waves.

Our teachers don’t just teach—they support, uplift, and create a community with good vibes and teamwork where everyone wins.

Who said school can’t be fun?

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Dear Parents, As September unfolds, I’m pleased to share that Year 10 at Pike Road is already off to a great start! While we celebrate our growth and look forward to what’s next, we remain focused on the present.

As we welcome back more than 2,800 students—from our youngest kindergarteners learning to be a student to our seniors enjoying all of their final firsts—we are committed to fostering academic success in a safe and supportive environment.

This year, one of our key initiatives is encouraging students to keep their

River Region Parents I September 2024

electronic devices in their backpacks, and powered off throughout the school day. I believe this step will not only support their mental health but also help them engage more fully in their academic studies.

In addition to academic focus, we’re planning to “Catch Kids in Acts of Kindness.” Throughout the year, we’ll be on the lookout for students who go out of their way to be kind, and we’ll let them know that their actions have been noticed and are appreciated. Kindness is a big part of our community, and I’m excited to see how our students will rise to this challenge.

September also brings cooler nights, perfect for enjoying fall sports.

We are looking forward to an exciting season ahead with our Cross Country, Volleyball, and Football teams. Friday Night Lights in Pike Road is always an

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exciting time, bringing our students, teachers, parents, and community together to support our athletes.

In August, I had the privilege of starting the 2024-2025 school year by riding a school bus with some of our students. It was a reminder of what makes our district so special—our students, their energy, and their enthusiasm for learning.

As we kick off another school year, I’m more excited than ever to see what our students will accomplish.

Superintendent, Dr. Keith Lankford has a wealth of experience in public education in Alabama. Before earning his Bachelor’s, Master’s, Education Specialist, and Doctorate, Dr. Lankford served several years in the Army and the National Guard. He has worked at almost every level of education, including paraprofessional, teacher, principal, and superintendent.

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Macon East Volleyball Coach Expands Expertise Macon East Academy’s head volleyball coach, Codi Berry, virtually attended two prestigious coaching clinics this summer to expand her expertise.

First, she participated in the Art of Coaching (AOC) High School Coaches Clinic, which featured presentations from some of the nation’s top volleyball coaches.

The clinic offered several beneficial sessions that provided valuable insights and strategies.

Coach Berry was also invited to attend the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Coach Development Academy. This exclusive event brought together elite volleyball coaches to share their knowledge and experience.

By engaging with these renowned clinics, Coach Berry has strengthened her coaching abilities and is ready to take the Knights volleyball program to new heights this season.

River Region Parents I September 2024

PRS Officers Visit Washington DC

Four student-to-student (S2S) officers from PRHS spent time in DC this summer where they participated in Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) training. Hannah Wilson, Addison May, Jackson Crooks, and Jackson Amburn learned how important it is “to serve the children of those who serve us all”.

S2S (an extension of MCEC) is a peer-to-peer student-led program that brings military and civilian students together to welcome new students, create a positive environment for all, support educational opportunities, build connections through service, and easy transitions.

Pike Road Schools Year 10 Pike Road Schools is celebrating its tenth year. We have grown from a one-school system to having four schools across three campuses. Through tremendous growth, one thing has remained the same: we are still encouraging the Pike Road Community to think, innovate, and create!

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Senior Traditions at Pike Road Schools

Pike Road Schools has many traditions for our seniors. One of the highlights is allowing students to purchase and personalize a parking spot for the year. Students spent a few days designing and painting their spaces while enjoying the last days of summer.

Another fun tradition for seniors is gathering for breakfast on the morning of their first day back to school.

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Pike Road Schools Hosts Volleyball Camp PRS Volleyball teams hosted a camp for almost 50 future Patriots volleyball players. The girls worked in stations led by Pike Road Varsity Players where they learned the proper mechanics of serving, passing, setting, and hitting!

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As we settle into another school year, I can’t help but be overcome with gratitude for the community we’ve built here in Autauga County Schools! In the few quiet moments I’ve had over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been intentional about reflecting on my first year as your Superintendent. I’m excited about how far we’ve come but even more so about where we are headed.

While I’m always eager to jump over the next hurdle or get to the next big thing, I know we must remain rooted in today. We must continue to do the everyday, ordinary things that keep us committed to creating a culture centered on our students’ success. To this end, my expectations remain straightforward: treat people right, serve others, and do your job well. When everyone lives out these simple but powerful

statements, we will continue to transform our district. This school year brings lots of anticipated excitement with the opening of Autauga Virtual Academy, the completion of the new Prattville Kindergarten School, and the opportunity for Autauga County residents to vote on a proposed ad valorem tax increase that could result in additional funding for all schools.

Having seen the FY2025 projections, I see the county-wide vote as a crucial moment for our system. We play the three-shell game really well. We are known for doing a lot with very little, but the reality is we will soon not be able to play the game quickly enough to keep up with all the expenses under our district’s current model. Autauga County Schools is currently ranked 128 out of 138 school systems in the state for total funding, so what we’re proposing is a 7-mill increase that would rank us at 114 with an additional cash flow of approximately $7 million annually. These additional funds would allow us to stabilize the system as we are wholly dependent on earmarked funding.

We require local funding that allows us to

divert dollars where they are needed most and not always where the appropriation requires it. School systems that are making it happen with facility upgrades, extra teacher units, and flashy things often use local funds. Simply put, when we pay all of our bills, there are not a lot of local dollars left, and the projections for FY2025 indicate that there could be even less once the bills are paid in the upcoming year.

Regardless of the outcome, we will work to provide the best educational experience for our students. Student safety and success will remain our top priorities with a model that makes sense financially. Until then, I encourage you to learn as much as you can on the ad valorem increase proposal. Feel free to review our plan at ACBOE.net/fundthefuture and share it with others as we work to ensure that every voter has access to this information to make an informed choice.

Lyman Woodfin is a 18-year veteran of the school system having served as a classroom teacher, coach, and school administrator. He is married to Staci and they have five children who attend school in the district.

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Macon East Students Participate in AISA All-Star Football

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Macon East Fourth Graders Enjoy Field Trip

Eight Macon East student-athletes Autauga County School’s Participates were honored to participate in the 2022 AISA All-Star Football game in MCEC’s Global Training Summit held December 2 at Cramton Bowl. in the Military Child Education Coalition’s (MCEC) Autauga County Schools participated Deonte Powell, Sanders Man2024 Global Training Summit this summer! Student2Student and peer-to-peer transition ning, Gabe Spencer and Hunter groups and sponsors from Prattville Elementary School, Prattville Intermediate School, Tillman all represented Macon Prattville Junior High School, and Prattville High School flew to Washington, D.C., to East for the East team. Gabe Spencer was honored as Most Outstanding Offensive Back learn how to best serve the district’s military-connected students alongside 600 peers, for the East team. Madison May, Ar’monni Payne, Hannah Kate Hodges and Mikalah educators, and youth-serving professionals from across the world. PES, PIS, PJHS, and Belser cheered the East team on from the sidelines as part of the all-star cheerleading PHS were three of only nine schools selected to attend from Alabama, taking advantage squad. The participants enjoyed a few days of practice with their fellow AISA teammates. of the ability to network and collaborate with other students while learning from some of The East team beat the West team this year 36-22. the nation’s most influential leaders, subject matter experts, and educators on militaryrelated topics.

Ms. Johnson’s fourth grade class enjoyed an educational field trip this past Friday that goes along with their study of Alabama State History. The students were able to tour Alabama’s historic Capitol. They were able to view the beautiful rotunda, the spiral staircase, the Avenue of Flags, and the portraits of the former governors. The students also enjoyed touring The First White House of theSenator Chambliss PCA Welcomes Confederacy and The Alabama Department to Campus of Archives and History. Their special treat September 17 We are for the opportunity to have added to excited an already fun-filled day was eatingSenator Chambliss on campus September 17 to present information answer about The CHOOSE Act, a bill recently signed into lunch at Chris’ and Famous Hotquestions Dogs. law

by Governor thatCustard gives Alabama Special thanks Ivey to Mrs. and her families up to $7,000 per enrolled child through an education savings account funded daughter for taking time to guide us and give by a new refundable income tax credit. their expertise at all these historic places.

Pike Road High School Leo Club Collects Chrismtas Toys for Kids Our Leo club did a great job collecting toys to help make Christmas merry and bright for lots of children!

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Celebrating a New School Year at PCA

We have had a great start to the school year! It has been a joy to celebrate new PCA families, and reunite with those we missed all summer!

Back to School Bash at PIS

Prattville Intermediate School’s annual Back to School Dance was so much fun! Students and faculty danced the night away. Our APT puts this event together for PIS students each year to give us a fun and festive way to celebrate a wonderful start to the school year!

Crisis Preparedness at Prattville Christian Academy Recently, PCA held a safety exercise to be prepared in case of a crisis. We had the support and participation of the Prattville Police Department, Prattville Fire Department, Autauga and Elmore County EMA and 911 call centers, Baptist Health, Haynes Ambulance, the City of Prattville, and many other volunteers and observers.

PIS Hosts Open House PIS hosted Open House for all incoming 5th and 6th grade students. Getting to meet each new member of our Cougar family is always so exciting!

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Montgomery | Pike Road | Prattville | Lake Martin | Auburn | Opelika *Terms and conditions apply. In participating neighborhoods only. Visit website for full offer details.

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Elmore County students returned for the 2024-2025 school year on Wednesday, August 7, and all schools reported a smooth opening. We currently have 11,110 students enrolled in 16 schools in the district, and we anticipate continued growth throughout this school year.

I am excited to report that Elmore County Schools has several construction projects planned across the district. A new main entrance will be constructed at Wetumpka Elementary School. The school opened in 1963 as the W. B. Doby High School and is included on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. This project will improve the safety and security of the main entrance to the school and create a bright, welcoming environment for students, parents, staff, and visitors.

The Elmore County Technical Center continues to grow to meet workforce demands and student interest. A diesel mechanic program will be added to bring the total number of Career and Technical Education programs offered in Elmore County to 17. Construction on the diesel mechanic facility will begin in the near future.

Several quality-of-life projects are planned around the county with the goal of enhancing students’ and stakeholders’ experiences outside the classroom. The sports fields in the Eclectic and Holtville areas will receive a much-needed upgrade. Artificial turf will be installed on the softball, baseball, and football fields in both communities. The Hohenberg Field complex in the Wetumpka area has undergone several improvements, including two new multipurpose turf fields, new sports lighting, paved parking areas, renovation of concrete plazas, and demolition of outdated facilities. The master plan for these projects involves prioritized improvements to be made in phases. Similar to the 17 Springs project in the Millbrook

For kids like Gwen

area, these projects are joint ventures funded by multiple entities, including the City of Wetumpka, the Town of Eclectic, Elmore County Board of Education, Elmore County Commission, and Elmore County Economic Development Authority. Finally, a new traffic pattern in the Eclectic area will reroute traffic onto Board of Education property to provide a smoother traffic flow and minimize encroachment onto private property.

Elmore County Schools constantly strives to provide an exceptional education for every student and continually seeks ways to enhance safety and offer high-quality facilities for all stakeholders. In Elmore County, we believe “every student empowered – every student succeeds.”

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

•

Because Gwen came to Children’s for the diagnosis and treatment of her blood disorder, she received the best care available thanks to ground-breaking research made possible by clinical trials for cancers and blood disorders. The research happening today will lead to future cures, and it is happening here at Children’s of Alabama.

Learn more at ChildrensAL.org/cancer

River Region Parents I September 2024 Cancer_Month-GWEN-Montgomery_Parent_7.5x4.8-PROD.indd 1

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Mathematics Fun at Millbrook Middle Students in Mrs. Glover’s classes are practicing their multiplication fluency using the game of “SKUNK.” This game helps students enforce basic multiplication and addition facts. These students are having a blast and learning at the same time! Keep up the good work, Little Mathematicians!

WHS Class of 2025 Senior Events Wetumpka High School’s class of 2024-2025 seniors have kicked their school year off to a memorable start. The newly elected class leadership came together to organize multiple senior events upon the start of the school year. Seniors enjoyed a “Senior Sunrise,” meeting at Wetumpka’s Gold Star Park to take pictures, catch the sunrise, and bond before the school year began. Many students got together privately to paint their car windows, decorating them with colorful paints and designs. For the first time in Wetumpka High School history, seniors were allowed to paint their parking space with approved designs. On the first day of school, all students arrived spotting colorful decorated parking spots and vehicles. To seal off an excellent first day of school, seniors gathered in front of the new football field to take photos, play games, and catch up under the sunsets golden hour. The new class of seniors are keeping in mind Elmore County Board of Education rules and regulations while also creating the memories that last a lifetime. Wetumpka High School is looking forward to a new school year and the senior class certainly has more events to come! By: Aajah Thomas

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Area Homeschoolers Tour New Food Bank Location Homeschool students at Academy Days Co-op make their fall delivery of canned food to Welcome Inc., but this time at the food bank’s brand new location in Millbrook.

Students delivered canned foods collected at orientation and then enjoyed a tour of the spacious new facilities at 1881 I-65 Service Road, where the organization has been operating for two months. Director D’Ann Pendley showed off the new equipment and explained how the food bank continues to serve West Elmore County families in need.

The homeschoolers represent 45 families in the greater Montgomery area who participate in the weekly homeschool co-op held at Eastmont Baptist Church in Montgomery. Academy Days Co-op offers preschool through high school classes in subjects such as science labs, literature, foreign languages, creative writing, art, and PE. Visit AcademyDays.com for information.

Improvements at Wetumpka High

New and exciting developments have been happening at Wetumpka High School. At the start of the 2024-2025 year, a new pavilion with new outdoor seating was built for students to eat and learn at. There are new sidewalks for students and faculty for easier access to the building.

This year, WHS has implemented a new lunch period called ‘Indian Period’. During this time, students are able to freely eat lunch during a 45-minute period. Tutoring is also provided during this period as needed.

Also, WHS has installed two new mobile classrooms outside of the school for two classes.

Mr. Goodin is in one of the classrooms for TV Production class and Dr. Vilardi is in the other for her Robotics class.

These new additions will help grow these amazing programs and prepare them for future success.

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“Why do you talk like that?” I heard the question come from behind me as I helped another child in the Sunday school class.

“It’s just the way I am,” I heard my sister-in-law wisely answer the curious boy.

My sister-in-law, Kara, was born with Cerebral Palsy. She was helping me in the classroom that day when one of the kids noticed her speech was different. Kara has been taught to answer, “It’s just the way I am,” after years of questions about her differences.

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Our kids have grown up around their beloved Aunt Kara and accept her as she is, but there came a time when each of them asked about Kara’s disability and why it makes her different.

Chances are, at some point, your child will meet someone who has disabilities at school or in the community. It is normal for children to have questions about people who are different, which means parents should be prepared to answer their questions in an intelligent and appropriate way. Here are some tips to get the conversation started:

Everyone is different but the same. All of us have unique gifts, personalities, and challenges. No two people are the same, and this is a great thing because diversity makes life interesting and fun. While we are all different, everyone has things in common, too. All people, including people with disabilities, want to have friends, be shown respect, and have the desire to be accepted. Encourage your child to embrace the differences of others and find common ground, as well.

If your child is interested in a popular television show, book, toy, or game, chances are a person with special needs is too.

Ask them what they love to do, and they will be happy to tell you.

Types of disabilities. Some disabilities are obvious, and some are not. Some people may need a walker or wheelchair to help them move around.

Others may have a cognitive (thinking)

disability that is not as visible. Explain in simple terms that people struggle with different things and may need a little extra help from a physical tool (like a wheelchair) or help from others. People can have impairments in sight, hearing, walking, speech, cognitive functioning, or a variety of other things. It is important to note that just because someone is in a wheelchair, it does not mean they have a cognitive disability. Also, disabilities are not contagious, and children are not going to “catch” the disability. These things may sound obvious to adults, but children process things differently, and many have these questions.

Name-calling is never okay.

Emphasize that people with disabilities have feelings just like everyone else.

Name-calling is hurtful, disrespectful, and is a form of bullying. People with disabilities need others to stand up for them when they cannot stand up for themselves. Encourage your child to tell an adult if kids are teasing another child.

Your child can be an example to others by being kind and respectful. Parents can set an example by using positive language and behavior towards others.

A note about “rude” comments. Kids are curious and love to ask questions. Many times, they will speak exactly what is on their mind without thinking about whether the comments will be hurtful. This can be very embarrassing to parents. So, what do you do if

your child blurts out a rude and embarrassing comment? Start by answering calmly and matter-of-factly. For example, your child may ask, “Why is that boy in a wheelchair?” Simply answer, “He needs it to move around. Why don’t you say hello?” If the child is reluctant, say hello to him yourself along with something like “John likes trains. Do you like trains too?”

If the person accompanying the child responds, follow their lead. It is always better to treat others as you would like to be treated than to hurry away in an embarrassing situation. Later, when you are at home, you can ask your child if they have any other questions about others with disabilities and reinforce the value of treating everyone equally.

My sister-in-law, now thirty-eight years old, has been asked many questions over the years, some rude and some just curious. She has learned to handle them well because she knows that, just like anyone else, she has challenges to overcome and successes to celebrate.

Kara loves watching movies, dancing to music, and taking care of animals. She loves eating candy, pizza, and tacos. She is fun to be around and loves to get out and explore new places. People with disabilities are just people. Sometimes, that simple fact is all kids need to know. rrp

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and frequent contributor.

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by Kim Spivey

What makes your grandchildren unique?

know how much I love them and want to spend time with them.

There is no shortage of personality when it comes to our three granddaughters. Our oldest granddaughter, Mila (6), loves art. Getting to do crafts with her is such a joy! Everly (3) loves to cheer, and Emma (3) loves to sing.

What are your favorite things to do with your grandchildren?

One of my favorite things to do is teach/play new games like tic tac toe, dominos, matching games, and puzzles. Games are so much fun, and we all enjoy them. We make lasting memories along with having a lot of laughs. I enjoy the girls showing me their skills and watching them have fun. Getting to do these things keeps me young at heart.

What is the first memory of bonding with your grandchildren?

I just loved holding and rocking my granddaughters when they were born. I remember the first time each one smiled at me, and I cherish those memories very dearly. As toddlers, hearing each one of them call us “Gigi” and “Pop Pop” for the first time was so special.

What do you hope your grandchildren remember most from their years with you?

I hope they will remember the warmth of our time together when we played, had heartfelt conversations, and enjoyed each other’s company. I hope they remember how much I love them and the joy they bring to my life. I hope they carry with them the sense of being cherished and valued and that the little traditions and memories we created together bring them comfort and happiness as they grow older.

How does being a grandparent keep you young at heart?

My granddaughters bring joy and excitement into my life, which is truly rejuvenating. Grandparents can relive the joy, reconnect with their inner child, and experience the fun of playing with their grandchildren.

All three are full of energy. Taking the girls to the park or pool keeps us young at heart. It keeps me physically active and healthy.

They say becoming a grandparent is one thing in life that lives up to the hype. Would you agree and why?

Do your grandkids live nearby? If not, are you able to visit her often?

Yes! There’s something extraordinary about how grandchildren bring a new sense of joy and purpose into your life. It is like reliving the best parts of parenting without the stress.

Two of my granddaughters live very close, while one unfortunately lives out of state. No matter where my granddaughters are, I try to see each of them just as much as I can! It’s important to see them and spend time with them. I never want to lose that bond we share, and I always want them to River Region Parents I September 2024

Bio: Diana Hemminger has been married to John Hemminger for 42 years. They have three grandchildren and two children: Christina and Jake. They live in Montgomery.

Kimberley Carter Spivey is a freelance writer, blogger, author, and entrepreneur. Her debut book Bloom: How to Get from Good Enough to a Life You Love can be purchased on Amazon and girlyouwrite.com.

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you can do to help their child enjoy the activity. You can invite the child for a one-on-one playdate instead of a group playtime, welcome the parent to stay and ask if they need any accommodations. Simply ask how you can meet the family where they are and welcome them.

“I don’t know how you do it!”

It was a simple statement. There was no ill-will behind it, just an honest thought from one mom to another. Something I’ve thought a thousand times about other parents. But this was directed at a mom gathering her five kids, most with special needs, into the car after a trip to the store.

The mom smiled and replied, “You just do.”

Every parent has been there, walked through something challenging, and kept going. It’s what we do as parents.

When you have a child with special needs, there’s more.

Sometimes, it feels like the challenges never end. And the stakes feel high. A lot of times, parents of kids with special needs have to push through really hard things, often alone, because people don’t know how to help.

3. Don’t gossip: This should go without saying, but it’s easy to forget. Don’t talk about the family or the child’s needs with other people. If you have a question, simply ask the parent.

This is enough of a struggle with the kids they encounter. They don’t need adults making it harder.

4. Get practical: Special needs often require special care and appointments. This can mean multiple doctors, therapists, and specialists within one week or even one day. Bring coffee to school drop-off. Offer to babysit their other kids. Leave a meal on their porch or send delivery. It can go a long way for a tired mama. And don’t forget the paper plates!

Here are 10 ways you can help support families with special needs:

5. Ask kindly: Most families are familiar with people wonple in their life that are not afraid to show up, even when they don’t know what to do. You don’t have to have the answers, you just need to be present.

dering about their child with special needs. Instead of steering clear and avoiding the subject, ask thoughtful and kind questions. It is far better than staring. Special needs are nothing to be ashamed of. We can talk about them in ways that we are all comfortable with.

2. Invite the kids: Kids who have special needs are often

6. Respect privacy: Everyone has a story. It’s natural to

1. Keep showing up: More than anything, they need peo-

left out of fun activities like playdates and birthday parties. Have a quick conversation with the parent or send a text asking what

be curious about someone’s situation, but it’s important to give people the privacy they deserve. Just because you can see

Schedule your free exam!

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someone’s special need doesn’t mean they want to share every detail about it. Honor what they are comfortable talking about and what they would like to keep private.

7. Invite the parents: We all need friendship and community, both of which can be hard to come by when you are caring for a child with special needs. Invite the parents out to dinner or the barbecue. They may not be able to come as often as they would like (or ever), but being invited reminds them that they are seen and valued. Keep inviting them, reminding them there is no pressure.

8. Accept quiet: If you text or call and you don’t hear back, try not to be offended. Think of how much you are juggling daily and throw a dozen more things in the mix (some of them life and death.)

This is what parents with a child with special needs handle regularly. If they don’t get to text or call back, there may be a reason. Don’t write them off. A simple I’m thinking of you to follow up reminds parents you care.

10. Do more than smile: Families with special needs have a lot of people who smile and say a quick hello but never engage. It may feel new and unfamiliar for you, but making the effort to engage in real friendship with families makes a big difference for them and for you. Try it and see! rrp

9. Interact with the child: Sometimes, people don’t know what to say when they see a child with special needs, so they say nothing. Make an effort to interact with the child.

Ask them what their favorite color is or what they want to be when they grow up. Value the child and show the family they matter.

River Region Parents I September 2024

Rebecca Hastings is a mother of three, a former teacher and a freelance writer.

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impaired students a comprehensive education that develops each student’s maximum potential to become an independent, productive member of society.

Lakeshore Foundation

(256) 761.3260

(256) 825.9226

campascca.org

4000 Ridgeway Dr., Birmingham, AL 35209 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.

(205) 313.7400

Camps/Activities

lakeshore.org

Early Intervention

aidb.org

Alabama School for the Deaf

205 South Street, Talladega, AL 35160 Alabama School for the Deaf provides quality individualized educational programs, unique experiences, and fully accessible services for students who are deaf and hard of hearing that empower them to be functioning, productive and responsible members of society.

(256) 761.3215

aidb.org

Alabama’s Early Intervention System Camp Frog

5278 Camp ASCCA Rd, Jackson’s Gap, AL 36861 ASA hosts 35+ families at the annual September Family Camp ASCCA, Camp FROG. Children on the autism spectrum enjoy traditional camp activities in a supportive environment with their families.

Scholarships available.

(877) 428.8476

autism-alabama.org

Camp Mash

P.O. Box 850548, Mobile, AL 36685 Camp M.A.S.H. is a weeklong recreational program for children ages 7 to 17 with a form of juvenile arthritis or a related autoimmune disease.

Camp M.A.S.H. is offered at NO COST to our families.

(251) 599.5688

campmash.org

Camp Seale Harris

500 Chase Park S. #104, Birmingham, AL 35244 Camp Seals Harris offers a medically supervised, fun camp experience and family connection to year round support that helps kids fight diabetes.

(205) 402.0415

campsealeharris.org

Camp Smile-a-Mile-Alabama’s Program for Children with Cancer

1600 2nd Ave. S, Birmingham, AL 36801 Camp Smile-A-Mile’s mission is to provide year round challenging, unforgettable recreational and educational experiences for young cancer patients, their families as well as young adult survivors from Alabama at not cost to the families.

1(205) 323.8427 or 1 (334) 500.7920

campsam.org

Easter Seals Camp ASSCA

5278 Camp ASCCA Rd, Jackson’s Gap, AL 36861 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 River Region Parents I September 2024

Easter Seals of Central Alabama ad on page 24

2185 Normandie Drive, Montgomery, AL 36111 Our goal is to provide quality life enhancing programs and services to meet the individual needs of our consumers. ESCA offers the following programs: Food School, Pediatric Occupational Therapy, Ready Readers Dyslexia & Testing Therapy, Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic, ASL Interpreting Program, CARE Project, Certified Nurse Aide, Speech Therapy and Employment.

(334) 288.0240

eastersealsca.org

E.I.E.I.O Autauga/ Western Elmore Arc ad on page 29

298 Jay St., Prattville, AL 36066 We offer free and voluntary family-focused resources, supports and services for eligible infants and toddlers, birth to three years, who have developmental delays. Serving Autauga, Chilton, Elmore and Montgomery counties.

(334) 365.4054

awearc.org

Alabama Institute for the Deaf & Blind

205 South Street, Talladega, AL 35160 AIDB is the most comprehensive education, rehabilitation and service system serving children and adults 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.

(256) 761.3200

aidb.org

Alabama School for the Blind

705 South Street East, Talladega, AL 35160 Alabama School for the Blind provides visually

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602 South Lawrence St, Montgomery, AL 36104 Provides supports and services for infants and toddlers (0 to 36 months of age) who have a medical diagnosis that can delay normal development or who have a developmental delay causing the child to not meet developmental milestones.

Early intervention supports and services focus on teaching the parents and other caregivers ways to help the child learn and participate in everyday activities. AEIS also prepares infants and toddlers with disabilities and developmental delays for transition to the Alabama State Department of Education’s and local school systems’ preschool program for 3- to 5-year-olds by providing specialized instruction; physical, occupational, and speech-language therapies; service coordination; and parent and family education.

800-543.3098 rehab.alabama.gov/individuals-andfamilies/early-intervention

Child Find

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.

(800) 441.7607

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Early Intervention Family Alliance- (APEC)/ Parent Training and Information Center 10520 US Highway 231, Wetumpka, AL 36092 Formed to provide parents with training and information to help them become meaningful participants in their children’s education.

(334) 567.2252 or (866) 532.7660 center.com

alabamaparent-

Helen Keller School of Alabama

1101 Fort Lashley Avenue, Talladega, AL 35160 The mission of Helen Keller School is to provide a functional-based instruction to sensory-impaired students with multiple disabilities and/or deafblindness using an individual approach to living

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and work skill development. This approach emphasizes strong linkages with families through cooperative educational planning, case management, and transition services.

(256) 761.3377

aidb.org

Help Me Grow (HMG) Alabama

2595 Bell Road, Montgomery , AL 36117 Help Me Grow Alabama is a parent information line designed to connect families to information about child development and community resources. Parents or providers can dial 2-1-1 (833) 939.0336

helpmegrowalabama.org/

Montgomery Children’s Specialty Center

2853 Forbes Drive, Montgomery, AL 36110 We are Montgomery’s preferred children’s nursing and rehabilitation facility. In our caring and nurturing environment, we provide services to children with severe developmental disabilities that require on-going nursing care. Our dedicated team of health care professionals understands that each family has an individual set of circumstances, needs and preferences. At Montgomery Children’s we are inspired by you to work together creating a plan of care that promotes a nurturing environment of respect, growth and healing.

(334) 261.3445

montgomerybytutera.com

The Children’s Center of Montgomery

310 N Madison Terrace, Montgomery, AL 36107 Montgomery Public School for Special Needs.

Offer services for cognitive delayed or multihandicapped.

(334) 262.4850

childrenscenterofmontgomery.com

Financial Resources Alabama ABLE Savings Plan

100 North Union St, Montgomery, Alabama 36104 Enable Savings Plan Alabama provides tax-free savings accounts for eligible individuals with disabilities. Keep your disability benefits and save for your future. Please visit our website for information.

(334) 242.7515

alabamaable.gov

Alabama Family Trust

2820 Columbiana Rd, Birmingham, AL 35244 A nonprofit special needs trust that holds and administers money for the disabled so they are able to become eligible and maintain government benefits for which they would otherwise be financially ineligible.

(205) 313.3915

alabamafamilytrust.com

General Resources

Baptist Health Care ad on page 3, 57

Medical Office Building, inside Baptist East, 400 Taylor Rd., Montgomery, AL 36117 The Comprehensive Therapy Center at Baptist Medical Center East is the 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. Includes: Assessment for adaptive equipment needs, Early intervention, Feeding/ swallowing evaluation and treatment, Sensory integration therapy, Hand therapy by a certified hand therapist.

• Speech therapy program evaluates and treats communication and swallowing disorders. Our services help with development and medically related disorders. Communication disorders we treat include: Articulation, Cleft palate, Comprehensive and expressive disorders, Deficiency in understanding language or expressing thoughts, Dysarthria, Hearing problems, Language (adult and child), Oral motor/feeding dysfunction, Stuttering, Swallowing problems/disorders.

• Neonatal and Pediatric Therapy--Our pediatric physical, occupational, and speech therapists provide specialized treatment for neonates, infants, children and adolescents. They are dedicated to restoring function, preventing disability and helping patients achieve independence in daily living. They are beneficial for: Autism, Assessment for special equipment needs, Congenital disorders, Developmental disorders, Neuromuscular disorders, Orthopedic injuries, Trauma-related disabilities.

• AmTrykes Demo Site--The Baptist Medical Center East Comprehensive Therapy Center is an Ambucs AmTrykes demo site. Therapists are able to fit disabled children and adults on these special tricycles. For more information about AmTrykes, visit www.montgomeryambucs.org.

• Appointments--Patients must have a physician’s referral for treatment. Services are by appointment only and the Comprehensive Therapy Center staff will make every effort to service all patients.

(334) 244.8345 baptistfirst.org/services/ comprehensive-therapy-center/

Alabama Alliance for the Mentally Ill

1401 I-85 Parkway Ste A, Montgomery, AL 36124 Our mission is to provide support, education, and advocacy for persons with mental illnesses, their families, and others whose lives are affected by these brain disorders.

(334) 396.4797

namialabama.org

AL Department of Rehabilitation Services

602 S. Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 Programs offered: Early Intervention System, Child’s Rehabilitation Service, Vocational Rehabilitation Center, VRS-Bline and Deaf Service, S.A.I.L. (Homebound), Business Enterprise Program and Business Relations Consultants.

(334) 293.7500 or (800) 441.7607 (Montgomery); (800) 205.9986 (Alabama’s Toll Free Hotline for ADA Information) rehab.state.al.us/ada

Alabama Early Intervention System and Department of Rehabilitation Services

602 S Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 Provides support and services from birth-3 years who have a diagnosis that causes developmental delays. Focuses on teaching the parents and caregivers ways to help and learn so they may participate in everyday activities. Programs for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities (334) 293.7500

rehab.alabama.gov

Alabama Parent Education Center (APEC)

10520 US Highway 231, Wetumpka, AL 36092 A non-profit 501c3, organized in 2002 by Alabama parents, educators, and professionals serving families. APEC provides services and supports to assist families particularly those underserved including minority, low-income, and those with children with disabilities. APEC provides parents with training, information, and support to help them become meaningful participants in their children’s education and lives.

(334) 567.2252

alabamaparentcenter.com

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Alabama PTA

470 S. Union St. , Montgomery, AL 36104 Our mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.

(334) 834.2501

alabamapta.org

American Foundation for the Blind

1101 Wilson Blvd, 6th Floor, Arlington, VA 22209 AFB advocates for policies that promote accessibility, equality, and opportunity. We speak up for children who are blind or visually impaired, to make sure every student has an equal opportunity to succeed.

1(212 502.7600

afb.org

American Speech-Language-Hearing Assoc.

Committed to ensuring that all people with speech, language, and hearing disorders receive services to help them communicate effectively.

(800) 638.8255

asha.org/public/

Arc of Alabama

557 S Lawrence Street, Montgomery , AL 36104 Advocates for people with disabilities.

(334) 262.7688

thearcofal.org

Auburn University

Auburn, Al 36849 CARTT: The Center for Autism Research, Treatment, and Training (CARTT) is part of the Auburn University Psychological Services Center and serves as a training clinic for students in the Behavior Analysis Program in the Department of Psychology. CARTT is an intensive preschool program that uses behavioral, research-based instruction to address the individual needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the Auburn-Opelika community. We also offer a range of behavioral consultation services to individuals and schools in the surrounding area.

Best Buddies: Our mission is to build one-onone friendships between our college members and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) from the Auburn-Opelika area.

This offers social interactions while improving the quality of life and level of inclusion for a population that is often isolated and excluded.

Speech and Hearing Clinic: Haley Center, The clinic provides a full range of evaluation and treatment services for clients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. The facilities include three audiometric test booths, an electrophysiologic test room, fifteen therapy rooms with observation, and a group therapy room.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy: The Auburn University Psychological Services Center offers Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), an empirically supported intervention for the reduction of behavior problems in young children. During PCIT, parents work with a graduate clinician supervised by a licensed psychologist to learn play therapy skills to enhance their parent-child relationship.

Parents also learn to manage child behavior using behavioral principles. Therapists will work with your family until your child’s home behaviors improve. Treatment typically lasts 14-18 weeks, and parents are asked to complete homework assignments with their child between sessions. www.auburn.edu

Blind or Visually Impaired, Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind

205 South Street East, Talladega, AL 35160 We provide comprehensive education and service programs of superior quality to children and adults who are deaf, blind, deafblind and multidisabled and their families.

(251) 432.7777

AIDB.org

www.facebook.com/RiverRegionParents

Developmental Disabilities Council

100 North Union Street, Montgomery, AL 36130 Mission to support independence, advocacy, productivity, and inclusion for Alabamians with developmental disabilities.

(334) 242.3973

acdd.org

Developmental Disabilities, Alabama Department of Mental Health

100 North Union Street, Montgomery, AL 36130 Provide an array of services and support to individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families in the state through contractual arrangements with community agencies.

(334) 242.3454

mh.alabama.gov/

Family Voices of Alabama (FV of AL)

1050 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36604 Aims to achieve family-centered care for all children and youth with special health care needs and/or disabilities. Through our national network, we provide families tools to make informed decisions, advocate for improved public and private policies, build partnerships among professionals and families, and serve as a trusted resource on health care.

(877) 771.3862

familyvoicesal.org/

Governor’s Office on Disabilities

602 S Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 Provide information on Disabilities (888) 879.3582

good.alabama.gov

State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency

602 S Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 Provides specialized employment and education related services and training to assist teens and adults with disabilities in becoming employed.

(334) 293.7500

Technology- STAR (Statewide Technology Access and Response for Alabamians with Disabilities)

602 S Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 STAR is a resource to provide Alabamians free access to information, referral services, educational services, educational programs, and publications in accessible format on extensive topics related to disability rights, laws/policies, and funding opportunities for assistive technology.

(800) 782.7656

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

Alabama Dept of Public Services, (334) 293-7160 Ask for sail waiver program. State of Alabama of Independent living waiver – (800) 441.7607

Mental Health Rep. for Children/Youth, Office of Children’s Services/ Alabama Department of Mental Health

100 North Union Street, Montgomery, AL 36130 Comprehensive array of treatment services and supports through four state-operated facilities and contractual agreements with community mental health centers across the state.

(334) 242.3454

mh.alabama.gov

Respite Care

1856 Keats Drive, Huntsville , AL 35810 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.

1(866).RESTALA

alabamarespite.org

Southeast ADA Center

1419 Mayson Street, Atlanta, GA Information, Training and Guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (800) 949.4232

Facebook: Southeast Ada Center

Special Education Services

50 North Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36130 Alabama Department of Education (800) 392.8020

alsde.edu

Special Format Library

6030 Monticello Drive , Montgomery, AL 36117 Alabama Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

(800) 392.5671

aplsws1.apls.state.al.us

River Region Parents I September 2024

rehab.alabama.gov

2301 Arlington Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205 Triumph Services provides a holistic approach to support people who have developmental disabilities. The Individual is in the center as the expert on his/her dreams and goals. The LIVE program provides independent living skills. The WORK program provides competitive employment and purpose in life. The PLAY program provides community integration and healthy relationships. The COUNSELING program addresses depression and anxiety and builds self-esteem. triumphservices.org

Legal Services Balch & Bingham LLP

Protect the future of your special needs child.

Special needs planning works to maximize an individual’s quality of life to enable them to achieve their full potential. Attorneys in Balch & Bingham’s Estate Planning & Trusts Practice can tailor a plan that is right for your child.

• Special needs planning • Estate & tax planning • Guardianships • Estate & trust administration & litigation • Settlement planning balch.com

Capell & Howard, P.C.

150 South Perry Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 At Capell & Howard, our special needs attorneys understand the fear of not knowing how your child will be financially and physically cared for once you’re gone. We understand those fears because everyday, we talk and work with parents who are afraid for the futures of their special needs children — afraid the children will lose their government benefits, afraid they’ll make a poor medical decision, afraid they’ll one day be without a caretaker.

That’s why we offer you a solid legal plan for your child’s future, one that’s sculpted to address your concerns and meet your child’s many needs. With your input, we develop a plan that provides for the financial and physical well-being of your special needs child — today and every day that follows.

(334) 241.8000

(334) 277.9925

healthwisefoods.com

Lee Silsby, Compound Pharmacy

23865 Mercantile Road, Beachwood, OH 44122 Compounding Pharmacy focusing on children with Autism.

(800) 918.8831

leesilsby.com

Our Kids

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.

(877) 533.7457

ourkidsasd.com

The Herb Shop

Triumph Services

(205) 581.1000

Medicaid Waivers

rehab.alabama.gov

variety organic, egg free, gluten free food products for individuals with celiac disease and autism.

capellhoward.com

Nutrition

8161 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery , AL 36117 We have a whole section dedicated to special needs and learning disabilities. Please visit our store for individual supplement recommendations.

(334) 271.2882

Parks & Recreation Ida Belle Young Park

5400 Vaughn Road , Montgomery, AL 36116 Sight Impaired Playground.

(334) 625.2300

montgomeryal.gov

Montgomery Zoo

2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, AL 36110 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.

(334) 240.4900

montgomeryal.gov

Overlook Memorial

299 Jay Street, Prattville, AL 36066 Handicap accessible, swings.

(334) 361.3640

Pratt Park Child Place

460 Doster Road, Prattville, AL 36066 Handicap accessible, swings.

(334) 595.0800

prattvilleal.gov

Spinner’s Park

390 West 6th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 Metal slides for cochlear implants.

(334) 358.1355

prattvilleal.gov

Therapeutic Recreation Center

604 Augusta St., Montgomery, AL 36111 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.

(334) 240.4595

Health Wise

5147 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36109 Provides nutritional supplements for children and adults with celiac disease, autism, ADD/ADHD and other learning disabilities. We offer a wide

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Thompson Park

1655 Ray Thorington Road , Pike Road, AL 36064 “No Limits” Miracle Field Playground and Miracle League Ball Field.

(334) 625.2300

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3620 Vaughn Road , Montgomery, AL 36106 Boundless Playground.

(334) 625.2300

montgomeryal.gov

Recreation and Enrichment

Dream Court Inc. ad on page 32

Montgomery, AL Sharing hope, changing lives. Adaptive tennis program in Montgomery, AL for children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. Dream Court provides an opportunity for individuals with intellectual and/ physical disabilities a chance to play the lifetime sport of tennis. Dream Court focuses on inclusion, active lifestyle, positive self esteem, appropriate social behavior, and having fun while learning the sport of tennis.

(334) 414.1980 Dreamcourt.org

Facebook: Dream Court and

ad on page 7

3699 Wallahatchie Rd, Pike Road, AL 36064 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 and equineassisted learning activities. Email: Director- tiffany@maneweb.org, Associate Director (Student Intake)- abby@maneweb.org, Volunteer Coordinator- jess@maneweb.org maneweb.org

Prattville YMCA ad on page 34

Locations in Prattville, Prattville, AL Abilities Sports & Classes including Adaptive Sports Clinics, Field of Dreams Baseball and Kickball, Gymnastics Lessons, Swimming Lessons.

(334) 365.8852

prattvilleymca.org

Access To Recreation

Provides exercise and recreational equipment for people with disabilities.

(888) 504.5611

accesstr.com

Angels Among Us

A community with a mission to promote a fun positive atmosphere for children with special needs or developmental delays.

(334) 430.2991

aaucmty.com

Armory Athletics

1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104 Classes offered and combined. Case to case basis upon the need of extra coaches. Please call for more information.

(334) 241.2789

armoryathletics.com

Boy Scouts of America

3067 Carter Hill Rd., Montgomery, AL 36111 We provide an educational and social program for boys and young adults.

(334) 262.2697

(850) 438.5555

1600 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294 Children’s Harbor provides children with serious illnesses and their families a place to be themselves – to have fun and relax – while also receiving no-cost services that make life a bit easier for the whole family.

(205) 638.6123

scouting.org

Captains for Kids

Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, AL Fun activities on the water for kids with special needs and illness.

We offer fishing charters, dolphin cruises, pirate

childrensharbor.com

Disabled Sports USA

451 Hungerford Dr, Ste 608, Rockville, MD 20850 Disabled Sports USA’s mission is to provide national opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through community sports, recreation and educational programs. Disabilities include those with visual impairments, amputations, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, head injury, cerebral palsy, other neuromuscular/orthopedic conditions, autism and related intellectual disabilities. disabledsportsusa.org

Expressions of a BraveHeart

1001 Andrews Road, Opelika, Al 36801 Expressions of a BraveHeart, also known as BraveHearts, is a fine arts program offering art, music, and dance classes to enhance the quality of life for preteens, youth, and young adults ages 11–21 years old with moderate to severe disabilities. BraveHearts is a safe, respectful, and understanding setting where your family member can develop friendships, explore fine arts, and enhance self-esteem. To find new interests and passions, to connect to a more meaningfully and widen social groups, and to practice inclusion and encourage diversity. Each participant is matched with 1-3 Auburn student volunteers who serve as individual coaches/buddies during all activities.

334-705-5560

www.opelikasportsplex.com

Family Karate Center

8159 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 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. Come try a free class.

Carole Coker, (334) 277.4911

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama

2501 Bell Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 Helps girls self value, social and volunteering skills through troop service.

(334) 272.9164

girlscoutssa.org

Huntingdon College Ability Sport Network

1500 E. Fairview Ave., Montgomery, AL 36106 The Ability Sport Network (ASN) at Huntingdon College serves youth and young adults with physical disabilities, ages 6-21, in the River Region who have a desire to participate in sport and adapted activity. Ability Sport Network at Huntingdon College. Our email is asninfo@hawks.huntingdon.edu.

(334) 833.4465

huntingdon.edu

Montgomery Miracle League

The Miracle League provides an opportunity for children and adults with physical and/or cognitive disabilities a chance to play baseball.

(334) 430.9810 Miracle League

Outdoor Friends Forever outdoorfriendsforever.com

captainsforkids.com

Children’s Harbor Family Center & Camp

(301) 217.0960

M.A.N.E.

(334) 213.0909

cruises, sailing charters, parasailing, banana boat rides, airboat rides and more.

Facebook under Montgomery

Resource Roundup

A place where you can find out what’s happening in our special needs community. A place to unify all of the available local resources!

Facebook: Resourceroundup1

Special Olympics Alabama

880 South Court Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 Offers year-round sports training and athletic competitions in 18 individual and team Olympictype sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

(334) 242.3383

Storybook Farm

300 Cusetta Road, Opelika, Al 36801 Storybook Farm empowers children facing profound adversity with specialized, animal and nature-based learning environments that pave the way for a brighter, more hopeful future. Offering 6 programs to special needs children at no cost to them: Hope on Horseback, Horse Sense, Short Stories, Secret Garden, Storybook Tails, and Discovery Trail.

334-444-5966

www.hopeonhorseback.org

Swim Prep

Locations in Prattville & Montgomery, AL Adapted Swim Lessons for those with Special Needs.

Lessons are customized to each child’s abilities.

New facility coming to Prattville with a year round lessons and indoor heated pool.

(334) 356.6116

swimprepllc.com

Therapeutic Recreation Center

604 Augusta St, Montgomery, AL 36111 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.

(334) 240.4575

montgomeryal.gov

Schools & Tutoring

Kumon Reading and Math Center ad on page 13

8115 Vaughn Rd Montgomery, 36116 After-school academic enrichment program that helps children achieve success. The Kumon Math program develops necessary skills to help children progress from counting through calculus. The Kumon Reading program begins with basic phonics and progresses all the way through advanced reading comprehension.

(334) 649.1178

kumon.com

Mathnasium ad on page22

3453 Malcolm Drive, Montgomery, AL 36116 We specialize in teaching kids math the way that makes sense to them. We provide: Expert tutors, Custom learning plans and personalized instruction, and Homework help.

(334) 521.8327

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specialolympicsalabama.com

mathnasium.com/eastmontgomery

www.facebook.com/RiverRegionParents

Better Than Average

2820 Fairlane Dr., Ste A3, Montgomery, AL 36116 Building Confidence. Creating individuals who love learning. Our peer tutors aim to build relationships with our students to make learning more engaging and relatable. We strive to show our students their potential and to strengthen confidence in their capabilities by celebrating their acheivements. In-person and virtual.

(334) 802.1315

betterthanaverage.online

Churchill Academy

Taylor Road Baptist Church and First Christian Church, Montgomery, AL 36117 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.

(334) 301.9996

114 Medical Center Drive, Prattville, AL 36066 We offer the highest quality behavior analytical center-based services for children, families, and organizations in Alabama. greatleapslearning.com

Huntington Learning Center

3251 Malcolm Drive, Montgomery, AL 36116 Several teachers on staff to help with Special Education needs. Tutoring in reading, study skills, writing, phonics, spelling, math and ACT/SAT prep and exit exam. Students ages 5 - adult.

(334) 277.9200

huntingtonhelps.com

Montgomery County Public School System

1153 South Lawrence St, Montgomery, AL 36104 Offers speech-language evaluations and therapy (if eligible) for children ages 3 and up. This service is available to children by law regardless of if they attend private, public or are homeschooled. Disabilities recognized include Autism, Deaf-Blindness, Developmental Delay, Emotional Disability, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disabilities, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech or Language Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury and Visual Impairment.

(334) 269.3808

montgomery.ss12.sharpschool.com

New Hope Academy

301 Water Street, Montgomery, AL 36067 We understand that each student learns differently, and our passion is to help students discover their potential. Our educational programs are designed with individual needs at the forefront of learning.

(334) 361.9505

newhope4kids.com

Speech and Hearing, Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama

Birmingham, AL Advance the disciplines of speech-language pathology and audiology in order to provide support for professionals while advocating quality services.

(205) 873.6667

(334) 213.0803

suacademy.com

Sylvan Learning Center - Montgomery

4240 Lomac St., Montgomery, AL 36106 One on one or small group for children with learning disabilities. Study skills, courses for credit writing/grammar, reading, math and SAT/ACT college preparation. Also individualized tutoring. Diagnostic evaluation and tests.

Students improve skills, becoming more motivated and gaining in self-confidence. Degreed teachers.

(334) 262.0043

Sylvan Learning Center - Prattville

2046 Fairview Ave., Prattville, AL 36066 Individualized tutoring for children with special needs and/or learning disabilities. Certified teachers.

(334) 380.4144

alabamashaa.com

Success Unlimited

2328 Fairlane Campus and 4500 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36106 and 36116 Success Unlimited Academy is dedicated to River Region Parents I September 2024

Dianne Craft – Child Diagnostics

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.

(303) 694.0532

diannecraft.org

March of Dimes Alabama Chapter

3500 Blue Lake Dr., Ste. 198, Birmingham, AL 35243 March of Dimes fights for the health of all moms and babies while advocating for policies to protect them.

(205) 824.0103

marchofdimes.org

sylvanlearning.com/Montgomery

sylvanlearning.com/Prattville

Churchillacademymontgomery.com

Great Leaps Learning Center

(334) 491.3020

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.

The Alabama Public school systems offer speech-language 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.

Meredith Mitchell’s Methods

It is my passion to help familites with children who hae disabilities get the best individualized Education Plan possible. Let me help you master trhe IEP maze and get the best IEP for your child. Let’s schedule 20 minutes together so you can share your top 3 concerncs with me. I’ll share with you the next stes you can take for you child and we’ll see if we’re a perfect fit to build your child’s IEP together. meredithmitchellsmethods.com

Montgomery Children’s Specialty Center

Support & Educational Services

Easter Seals Alabama ad on page 24

5960 East Shirley Lane, Montgomery, AL 36117 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.

(334) 395.4489

easterseals.com

Montgomery Public Schools Dept. of Special Education ad on page 9

1153 S Lawrence St, Montgomery, AL 36104 Provides educational services to more than 3,200 students throughout the district. The system has special education teachers, paraprofessionals, speech pathologists and related service personnel which provide instruction and related services to students who have a disability. Students are eligible for special education services from the age of 3 through 21.

(334)269.3808 Extn: 74003 ments/special_education

mps.k12.al.us/depart-

Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities

RSA Union Building, 100 North Union Street, Post Office Box 301410 , Montgomery, AL 36130 ACDD works to achieve equality of opportunity for all citizens. We promote independence, advocacy, productivity, and inclusion for Alabamians with developmental disabilities.

(334) 242.3973

acdd.org

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2853 Forbes Drive, Montgomery, AL 36110 We are Montgomery’s preferred children’s nursing and rehabilitation facility. Providing services to children with severe developmental disabilities that require on-going nursing care. Our team of professionals will create a plan of care that promotes a nurturing environment of respect, growth and healing.

(334) 261.3445

montgomerychildrenscare.com

NeuroKinetic Solutions

6933 Oakside Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 A coordinated body is an organized brain. Brain Pump classes and Educational Consulting offered.

A coordinated body is an organized brain. NKS provides educational consulting services, teacher training and public speaking engagements on how to incorporate purposeful movement into classsroom/physical education settings. Professional development can include anything from a one hour conference/presentation or keynote speech to a six hour workshop for teachers and administrators in a school, school system, or specific teaching field. Also, Brain Pump is a group exercise class, targeting children 4-12 years of age. Brain Pump combines traditional therapy and exercise concepts with the latest cutting edge research on movement and the brain.

(334) 625.0068

neurokineticsolutions.com

Partners in Policymaking of Alabama

100 N Union Street, Montgomery, AL 36130 To support independence, advocacy, productivity, and inclusion for Alabamians with developmental disabilities. ACDD is dedicated to the vision that all Alabamians, regardless of disability, will live, learn, work, and play in inclusive communities.

(334) 242.3973

acdd.org

Service Dogs Alabama

8365 Mobile Hwy., Hope Hull, AL 36043 Service Dogs Alabama is a multi-functional Service Dog training organization including K-9s 4 Kids. We are the only non-profit organization

www.riverregionparents.com

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(334) 676.3733

ServiceDogsAlabama.com

The Listening Program

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.

(888) 228.1798

thelisteningprogram.com

The Southeast ADA Center

1419 Mayson St. NE, Atlanta, GA The Center provides information, training, and guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and disability access. The Center serves eight states in the Southeast Region including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

(800) 949.4232

adasoutheast.org

Therapy/Behavioral

Easter Seals of Central Alabama ad on page 24

2185 Normandie Drive, Montgomery, AL 36111 Our goal is to provide quality life enhancing programs and services to meet the individual needs of our consumers. ESCA offers the following programs: Food School, Pediatric Occupational Therapy, Ready Readers Dyslexia & Testing Therapy, Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic, ASL Interpreting Program, CARE Project, Certified Nurse Aide, Speech Therapy and Employment.

(334) 288.0240

eastersealsca.org

The Learning Tree

Montgomery, AL Preschool services, consultation and training, child and adolescent services (education and residential), and behavioral services throughout Alabama.

(334)252.0025

learningtree.org

Trellis Behavior and Learning Solutions

2361 Fairlane Drive, Montgomery, AL 36116 Providing in-home, school-based, and clinic-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy services for children and adolescents with communication, social, and behavioral concerns. ABA therapy utilizes the principles of learning and behavior to reduce problem behaviors and teach new skills that result in an improvement in the quality of life for children and their families. Some of the skills that ABA therapy can address include communication skills, social skills, coping skills, daily living skills, toileting skills, motor skills, attending skills, and compliance.

(334) 790.7460

trellisbehavior.org

Works of Wonder Therapy Beth Long, PhD, LLC

1320 Carmichael Way, Montgomery, AL 36106 Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University in California. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

As a military wife, Beth has had the opportunity to work in six unique clinical environments across the country. She recently opened a private practice in Montgomery where she specializes in child and family counseling. As a behavior analyst, Beth consults with families and school systems to help children with challenging behaviors.

Clients work with Beth to develop a personalized, step-by-step treatment plan. Along with counseling, Works of Wonder Therapy proudly provides services for families of children with special needs.

Beth understands the struggles that families of children with special needs face, and she would love to support you as you navigate each step of this process. Beth is happy to assist your family with everything from interpreting the diagnosis through the IEP process.

(334) 356.4900

worksofwondertherapy.com

Attention

Bi-monthly magazine with information and support for people affected by ADHD (800) 233.4050

chadd.org

ESpecial Needs

Especial Needs is dedicated to providing our clients with the best selection of adaptive equipment, rehab equipment and therapy solutions for children and adults with special needs. With over 10,000 special needs products focused to mobility, sensory needs and independent living, our experienced staff strives to provide the highest quality service. From the homepage, at the bottom, click on “Funding” to see a list of funding resources. especialneeds.com

Exceptional Parent Magazine

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.

1(877) 372.7368

exceptionalparent.com

Joyful Journey Mom’s Ultimate Guide

Therapy/Speech AUM Speech and Hearing Clinic

7177 Halcyon Summit Dr, Montgomery, AL 36117 AUMSHC is a full-service speech and hearing clinic. \We offer speech and hearing diagnostic testing and rehabilitative therapy, as well as hearing aid services. We are a non-profit research/teaching organization, associated with the university. We train students in communication disorders and supervise doctoral level students from main campus that do clinical rotations here with us in their second year. We proudly serve the AUM family and surrounding River Region communities. Our patients are all ages from birth and up.

(334) 244.3408

Facebook: AUM SHC

Comprehensive Therapy Center Baptist Speech and Hearing Clinic

Baptist East Hospital, 400 Taylor Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 Provide speech, hearing, OT and physical therapy department and swallow and feeding therapy. We see patients from birth to geriatric. 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.

(334) 244.8345

baptistfirst.org

WeCare Therapy Services

3911 Fain Court, Montgomery, AL 36109 We are honored to offer an array of skilled and professional speech therapy services to individuals of all ages who may have speech related conditions.

334) 328.6615

Facebook: WeCare Therapy Services

Websites & Publications ADDitude Magazine

Bi-monthly lifestyle magazine for individuals with ADD/ADHD. (888) 762.8475

additudemag.com

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Joyful Journey Mom posted the “Ultimate List of Grants and Resources for Families with Special Needs”. joyfuljourneymom.com/ultimate-list-of-grants-andresources-for-families-with-special-needs/

Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive Clothing

Tommy Hilfiger proudly partnered with Runway of Dreams™ to create a very special collection addressing the challenges the differently-abled community faces each day when getting dressed.

Faux buttons and cuff plackets conceal a patented MagnaReady® magnet closure for ease of dressing. tommy.com

Disability Specific Support ADD/ADHD Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (C.H.A.D.D)

4221 Forbes Blvd, Suite 270, Lanham, MD 20706 Provides education, advocacy and support for individuals with AD/HD. (800) 233.4050

chadd.org

Feingold Association of the United States

11849 Sun catcher Drive, Fishers , IN 46037 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.

(631) 369.9340

feingold.org

Learning Disabilities Association of America 4156 Library Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15234 Offers support programs for parents, an information and referral network, legislation and school program development.

(412) 341.1515

ldaamerica.org

www.facebook.com/RiverRegionParents

Allergies & Asthma Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

1235 South Clark St Ste 305, Arlington, VA 22202 AAFA is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with asthma and allergic diseases through education, advocacy and research.

(800) 727.8462

aafa.org

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network

7901 Jones Branch Dr, McLean, VA 22102 Food Allergy Research and Education works on behalf of the 15 million Americans with food allergies, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis.

(800) 929.4040

foodallergy.org

Autism Hope Center

603 Veterans Pkwy, Ste 223, Columbus, GA 31909 The Autism Hope Center is a free resource to both families and professionals throughout the Chattahoochee Valley. We host a monthly support group and monthly inclusive events.

(706) 604.6333

autismhopecenter.com

Autism Internet Modules

(AIM) project is designed to provide comprehensive information to assist those working and living with individuals with Autism Spectrum. The AIM project will develop a series of 60 modules by the time the project is complete on topics including assessment and identification, characteristics, evidence-based practices and interventions, transition to adulthood, and employment.

(614) 410.0321

autisminternetmodules.org

Autism Society of Alabama Sibshops

4260 Cahaba Heights Ct, Birmingham, AL 35243 Sibshops are fun events where kids who have a sibling with a disability can play fun games, share and meet other “sibs” who get it!

(877) 428.8476 autism-alabama.org

Autism Society of America

Rockville, MD 20852 Services in the areas of advocacy, education, awareness and research.

(800) 328.8476 autism-society.org

Autism

Autism Speaks

Autism Support of Alabama ad on page 47

ASA collaborates with various state and local agencies to increase awareness in the community, schools, and in the medical and professional arenas to promote education, understanding, resources, and to encourage the early diagnosis of autism. Our website acts as a source of support for families and parents to individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

877-4-AUTISM

www.autism-alabama.org

Easter Seals of Central Alabama ad on page 24

2185 East South Blvd, Montgomery , AL 36116 Our goal is to provide quality life enhancing programs and services to meet the individual needs of our consumers.

(334) 288.0240

www.eastersealsca.org

Autism Alabama

50 North Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36130 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).

(334) 694.4782

alabamaachieves.org

River Region Parents I September 2024

900 Circle 75 Pkwy, Suite 445, Atlanta, GA 30339 Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions across the spectrum and throughout the life span.

We aim to increase knowledge and acceptance for those with Autism.

(770) 451.0570

autismspeaks.org

TACA (Talk About Curing Autism)

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 treatments.

(855) 726.7810

www.tacanow.org

Cerebral Palsy 4 My Child

41850 West Eleven Mile Rd, Novi, MI 48375 Provides provide all families of children of special needs with Help and Hope For Life.

1(800) 692.4453

cerebralpalsy.org

United Cerebral Palsy

2739 Office Park Circle, Montgomery, AL 36116 As a childcare training program funded by D.H.R., CCEP provides training sessions and classroom activity demonstrations/ observations free of charge to both licensed & exempt preschool/ daycare centers & family day care providers in our five county area.

(334) 271.2280

ucpcentralalabama.org

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Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome Alabama ad on page 49

3000 Riverchase Galleria, Hoover, AL 35244 Promote awareness and acceptance, and advocacy for individuals. Offers education and support for individuals.

(205) 988.0810

downsyndromealabama.org

Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group

P.O. Box 230471, Montgomery, AL Provides family support, education, links and social opportunities.

Facebook: Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. (Families Reaching, Influencing, Educating, and Networking for Down Syndrome) P.O. Box 9551, Dothan, AL 36304 Local organization for families, friends and advocates who love an individual with Down Syndrome.

(334) 790.8292

downsyndromefriends.org

Dyslexia Alabama Branch of the International Dyslexia Association

1716 Triple H Ranch Road , Bessemer, AL 35022 We are here to help improve the lives of individuals with dyslexia through education, legislation and services.

(256) 658.7936

idaalabama.org

Montgomery Scottish Rite Learning Center 565 Eastern Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36117 Testing for children up to 9th grade with dyslexia.

(334) 277.8109

scottishrite.org

Epilepsy Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama

3540 Crain Hwy., Ste 675, Bowie, Maryland 20716 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.

(800) 332.1000

epilepsy.com

Muscular Dystrophy Muscular Dystrophy Association

700 Century Park S #225, Birmingham, AL 35226 Provides informational materials, networking, referrals to local resources, summer camps and an equipment loan program.

(205) 823.8191

mda.org

Spina Bifida Spina Bifida Association of Alabama

1717 6th Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35249 Strives to provide families affected by Spina Bifida with the most up-to-date medical and social information related to this birth defect.

(256) 617.1414 sbaofal.org rrp

www.riverregionparents.com

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Our minimally invasive treatments offer patients a maximum reduction in varicose veins.

At Baptist Medical Center South’s new Interventional & Vascular Specialty Center, patients are finding state-of-the-art technology and relief from varicose veins, leg swelling, and other painful vascular disorders. Our services include a wide variety of minimally invasive procedures such as ablations and sclerotherapy. We also offer relief from venous ulcers and can help with the management of blood clots.

It’s time to feel good in your own skin, again.

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www.facebook.com/RiverRegionParents

Ensuring a Successful School Year For most of us, we already have a few weeks of school behind us. As the new school year begins, parents face the dual challenge of ensuring their children excel academically while navigating the complexities of tech and social media. With smartphones and social media becoming an integral part of our lives, it’s essential to implement strategies that foster a conducive learning environment, promote healthy habits, and encourage open communication.

I came up with what I believe are three pivotal approaches to ensure a safe and productive school year in this space. They are keeping the child’s phone in another room at night, setting restrictions on device usage during school hours, and maintaining open discussions about online activity. These strategies, when implemented, can provide a sense of reassurance about your child’s safety and academic success.

Here is a quick breakdown of my thoughts on each one.

1. Keep the Child’s Phone in Another Room at Night.

Sleep is vital for children’s physical and mental recovery, significantly impacting their academic performance and overall well-being. Research shows that excessive screen time, especially before bed, can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and diminished focus during the day. Keeping your child’s phone in another room at night creates a distraction-free environment conducive to better sleep. EsRiver Region Parents I September 2024

tablishing a nightly routine that encourages winding down without screens can help cultivate healthy sleep habits. Encourage your child to engage in relaxing activities such as reading or journaling before bed, which can help them recharge for the challenges of the school day ahead.

2. Set Restrictions on Device Usage During School Hours. The

importance of minimizing distractions during school hours cannot be overstated.

Social media and online apps can easily divert attention from essential learning tasks. Setting restrictions on your child’s phone during school hours is a proactive step toward maintaining focus. Most smartphones offer settings that allow parents to limit access to specific apps or features during designated times. Implementing these restrictions helps your child prioritize their education and develop self-discipline.

Communicating the rationale behind these limits is crucial, helping them understand that these measures are not punitive but supportive of their academic success. You may also note that many schools are leaning into a completely phone-free environment this year. I love this for so many reasons!

3. Check Your Child’s Device and Foster Open Conversations. Main-

taining an active role in your child’s online life is vital. Regularly checking your child’s device can provide insights into their online activities, interests, and potential 58

challenges. However, this should be approached with sensitivity and openness.

Rather than policing their every move, aim to foster an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their online interactions. Engage in conversations about their favorite apps, the content they encounter, and any concerns they may have. This dialogue not only helps you stay informed but also empowers your child to make safe and responsible choices online. By creating an atmosphere of trust, you encourage them to reach out to you when they encounter difficulties or uncertainties, fostering a sense of connection and understanding.

As parents, you play a crucial and empowering role in shaping your child’s educational experience and digital engagement. By adopting practices such as keeping phones away at night, setting restrictions during school hours, and fostering open conversations about online activity, you can help your child navigate the complexities of technology while focusing on their academic success. These strategies not only promote healthier habits but also strengthen the parent-child relationship, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and successful school year.

Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate.

She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.

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Congratulations to World Series Champions: Montgomery American All-Star 6U Sweetees

The Montgomery American All-Star 6U Sweetees are World Series Champions! This team represented the state of Alabama and went undefeated in the tournament that was held in Monroe, Louisiana.

They would like to thank all the supporters, fans and sponsors who made this all possible. We are so proud of these girls and the coaches for all their hard work and accomplishments!

Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection Holds Workshop The DC Strutters competition dancers at Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection had a weekend workshop with Julia Avant Smith as the guest instructor.

The day included warm ups, technique, leaps & turns and jazz combos! The teams range from ages 8-17. Team building was also included. TSDC is ready for the new dance year!

Call (334) 265-7488 608 E Fairview Ave

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How much time do your children spend dabbling in the arts—to freely express themselves in creative ways?

Creativity is the ability to think in unusual, divergent ways. It does not only refer to artistic and musical expression; it is also essential for science, math, and social/ emotional intelligence. Creativity has been shown to develop so many positive characteristics and to help children lead happy, successful lives. Unfortunately, creativity is becoming somewhat endangered in this generation because technology and busy schedules are taking priority over the arts. We can guide our children’s growth and impact their success by incorporating creativity into their daily routines.

Benefits of Creativity When children grow up with opportunities to be creative, they can develop a number of key skills that will help them succeed throughout their lives.

When children have the capability to express emotions in this way, they can better manage challenges and issues like anger, anxiety, and depression.

3. Improve Concentration Creativity helps children learn to concentrate and focus more effectively on the task at hand, which is so important for studying in working in the future. Artists can become so absorbed in their projects that they reach a state of flow or a sense of being completely engaged in an activity to the point of being in a near-meditative state.

4. Persevere and Work Hard Creativity helps children build patience and perseverance as they develop new skills and even face frustration and setbacks. Art allows them to try different approaches until they are satisfied with their creation. Perseverance is a critical skill to have in an increasingly competitive world, where people need to continually adapt to changes and develop new skills.

1. Develop Problem Solving Skills

5. Achieve Academic Awards

The arts help children learn how to think in innovative ways when making decisions and solving problems. Many experts find that creativity actually rewires the brain to think ‘outside of the box’, a very important skill for all aspects of life.

When children are creative, they tap into intuition, imagination, and playfulness, which help to solve complex problems. Without even realizing it, children working on creative projects are being challenged to solve problems like what colors to use, how to make a line, and what size to make something.

Researchers from Michigan State University have found a strong correlation between childhood engagement in the creative arts and measurable success later in life. Children who were exposed to a wide variety of arts and crafts were more likely to create unique inventions worthy of patents, come up with ideas good enough to start a new company or publish provocative papers on science and technology.

Children who participate in artsbased programs are more successful academically, according to a Stanford University study. Some of their achievements included being more likely to win an academic award such as the honor roll, to receive a community service award, and to participate in a math or science fair. These students also scored higher on the SAT.

2. Express Emotions Creativity also provides an outlet for children to express and cope with their emotions in a safe, calm way. Art offers a way to communicate ideas, feelings, and solutions without speaking or writing.

6. Adopt a More Flexible and Worldly View When children are exposed to the arts, they experience multiple cultures and ideas that they are not familiar with. This helps them learn to think with an open mind and realize that there are multiple points of view. A study at the University of Kansas found that during a visit to an art museum, students displayed higher levels of social tolerance, exhibited more empathy, and developed an interest in art and cultural institutions.

build these attributes in order to perform in front of an audience.

How To Raise More Creative Children You may be surprised to find out that creativity can be learned. It is not necessarily a natural talent that we are born with. Actually, there is so much that we can do to expose our children to opportunities for creativity so they can develop these amazing skills.

Here are 10 ideas to get your children excited about being creative: • Sign them up for art, music, drama, or dance classes.

• Frequent creative performances such as concerts, theater, ballet, and art festivals.

• Keep a bin of art supplies in the house and ask them to use their imagination to create.

• Use art to teach science, math, reading, and other subjects.

• Invite your children into the kitchen to cook or bake with you.

• Include fun arts and crafts projects during playdates and birthday parties.

• Allow for plenty of artistic free play in your home, such as singing, dancing, puppet shows, and reading books aloud with expression.

• Point out interesting art all around you during your daily routine—while shopping, at parks, while traveling, at friends’ houses, and even at the doctor’s office. Talk to your children about what they observe.

• Study famous artists and their works by getting books at the library or watching videos. Challenge your children to do their version of the famous artwork.

• Play games that involve creativity, like Pictionary (drawing) and charades (drama), or make up your own, like a songwriting or poetry contest. rrp

7. Build Confidence Children who are encouraged to think creatively tend to have higher self-esteem and confidence. One reason for this is that children learn to feel pride in their original work. Also, many types of art forms, like drama and dance, require individuals to 61

Sandi Schwartz is an award-winning author, freelance journalist, and mother of two. She has written extensively about parenting, wellness, and environmental issues. As the founder and director of the Ecohappiness Project, her mission is to inspire and educate families to build a nature habit to feel happier and calmer. Learn more at www. ecohappinessproject.com.

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Bite-Sized Breakthroughs How Easterseals Central Alabama is Helping Kids Conquer Mealtime Challenges!

Imagine a world where broccoli is a villain and carrots are the enemy— welcome to the realm of picky eaters!

For many children, mealtime can feel like a battleground, with parents struggling to get their little ones to try anything beyond chicken nuggets and fries. But what happens when this pickiness leads to poor nutrition and growth issues? Here in the River Region, Easterseals Central Alabama’s Food School program is stepping in to help these young food critics discover the joys of a balanced diet. This program is not just about eating vegetables; it’s about unlocking a world of flavors that can help kids thrive!

The Easterseals Food School program is designed for picky eaters or children with oral-motor difficulties who are at least three years old. It especially benefits children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. In order to enter the program, the child must have a referral from their pediatrician stating the need for a feeding evaluation or using the code R63.31 (pediatric feeding disorder, acute).

The 12-week program, which is based on Dr. Kay Toomey’s Sequential-Oral-Sensory Approach to Feeding, is run by an Occupational Therapist and a Speech Therapist. The sessions are done individually, and each child is accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

The therapists incorporate parent/caregiver education at each session and provide “homework” to try at home. The goal is for the parent/caregiver to be able to carry over strategies learned in Food School at home to reach feeding success.

Most insurance carriers cover the cost of Food School, with parents responsible for co-payments.

The registration fee ($50) and feeding evaluation ($250) are not covered by insurance, but a weekly payment plan is available.

If you have a child who you feel would benefit from the Food School program, talk with your pediatrician. By addressing feeding issues early on, the Food School program helps prevent long-term nutrition and growth problems. Thank you, Easterseals Central Alabama for providing this valuable program for our children in the River Region!

Kim Nelson, MSN, RN is a freelance health writer with over two decades of nursing experience. With a nursing career that spans the adrenaline-pumping world of emergency departments and the strategic realm of hospital administration, Kim brings a wealth of experience to her writing. Kim enjoys life on the Coosa River with her husband, David, in their beautiful hometown of Wetumpka. You can reach her at kim@nelsonhealthcarewriting.com.

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FamilyCalendar Sunday, September 1

Boeing Red Tails Classic 6:00 PM Cramton Bowl, 1022 Madison Avenue Join us in showcasing Historically Black Colleges and Universities in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen who fought in World War II. https://montgomerykickoffgames.com/redtailsclassic/ ticket-info/

September 2-3

Montgomery Whitewater Golden Hour Festival Montgomery Whitewater, 1100 Maxwell Blvd Celebrate the last days of summer with Montgomery Whitewater on September 2nd & 3rd! The weekend will feature live music, yoga, a 5k run, and activities for children, including a kids’ triathlon. There will also be kayak cross and freestyle kayak competitions in addition to daily flatwater and whitewater activities. https://montgomerywhitewater.com/upcomingevents/golden-hour-festival/

Saturday, September 7

Animal Enrichment Day 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway The goal of Animal Enrichment is to safely stimulate and reproduce behaviors that are natural for each animal in the wild. Placing different stimuli in the animals’ environment allows animals to use their five basic senses while they exercise. It is a lot of trial and error, but it is always fun! https://www.montgomeryal.gov/Home/Components/ Calendar/Event/6052/4288 Big Cat Youth Fishing Tournament 7:00 AM to Noon, Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook Cash prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers each hour during the 4 hour tournament with an overall winner as well. The tournament kicks off at 7:00 a.m. and anglers have the opportunity to weigh in their biggest catch every hour, starting at 8:00 a.m. with the final weigh-in at 11:45 a.m. Anglers must be between the ages of 6 and 15 to be eligible for this tournament. This tournament is not to exceed the first 50 registrants. Please be aware anglers must be able to hook, catch, land and take fish to weigh station unassisted. Mandatory anglers meeting: Friday September 6th at 6pm at the NaturePlex facility (3050 Lanark Rd. Millbrook). Make plans to come join us! To register please visit alabamawildlife.org.

September 8-10

2024 Alabama disAbility Conference Montgomery Marriott Prattville Hotel & Conference Center at Capitol Hill, 2500 Legends Circle Prattville, AL Welcome to the 2024 Alabama Disability Conference! Join us at the Montgomery Marriott Prattville Hotel & Conference Center at Capitol Hill for a day filled with insightful sessions, networking opportunities, and engaging discussions. This in-person event is a fantastic chance to connect with fellow advocates, professionals, and individuals with disabilities. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference in the disability community. https://www.aldisabilityconference.org/

Thursday, September 12

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and essential and critically important book” (Bryan Stevenson), an award-winning scholar tackles her toughest research assignment yet: the unsolved murder of a Black man in rural Mississippi while her grandfather was the local sheriff, a cold case that sheds new light on the hidden legacy of racial terror in America. John Grisham calls the work “remarkable.” Join The NewSouth Bookstore for a talk by Grace Elizabeth Hale about her new book — a work of national and personal reckoning. https://newsouthbookstore.com/events/ Zoobilation: The Wildest Party in Town 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway The Montgomery Zoo and Montgomery Area Zoological Society (MAZS) proudly announce the return of THE WILDEST PARTY IN TOWN, Zoobilation. This annual fundraising event will be held at the Montgomery Zoo. Zoobilation is a major, annual fundraising event for the Montgomery Zoo. The night will feature samplings from many of the region’s finest eateries and beverage vendors; soulful, toe-tapping, live entertainment; a digital auction, and a few surprises to make the evening grand and festive. www.montgomeryzoo.com The Wallflowers 8:00 PM Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, 201 Tallapoosa Street The Wallflowers have sold over ten million albums internationally[6] and have won two Grammy Awards: Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Best Rock Song for “One Headlight” in 1998. “One Headlight” is also listed at #58 in Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Pop Songs.

The Wallflowers have been nominated six times for “Best Rock Song” and “Best Rock Performance.” https://mpaconline.org/the-wallflowers/

Friday, September 13

Storytime- Whales 10:00 AM El Lowder Regional Library We will read Mighty Moby by Barbara Dacosta. Join an adventure on the high seas with this thrilling story based on the classic novel Moby Dick! Be sure to stick around for the twist ending. We will also read If You Want to See a Whale by Julie Fogliano. What do you need to see a whale? Find out as we follow a young boy and his dog as they go whale watching in this charming story! We will have an activity. https://www.mccpl.lib.al.us/Pages/Index/20283/ event-calendars

Saturday, September 14

Montgomery Oyster Festival 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Old Alabama Town, 301 Columbus Street Montgomery Oyster Festival is one of the River Region’s signature events, produced by Lightning Line and held in the charming environment of Old Alabama Town.

This special event benefits the Landmarks Foundation and showcases the best of Alabama’s oyster farmers, featuring local and regional chefs, and live music. Join us in celebrating Alabama’s culinary heritage on September 14th, 2024. 12 tickets for oysters and drinks (1 ticket equals one chef oyster or one raw oyster from farm) (1 ticket equals one beer, 2 tickets equals a cocktail). https://www.eventbrite.com

The NewSouth Bookstore: Presents Grace Elizabeth Hale 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM, The NewSouth Bookstore, 105 South Court Street In this “courageous, compelling

Celebrate Hank 101 3:00 PM Troy University’s Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts, 251 Montgomery Street The Hank Williams Museum Presents Celebrate Hank 101. Star-

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ring The Malpass Brothers, best known as modernday troubadours who carry the torch amongst the Legends. Come to see the energy and excitement of their highly polished show. Prior to the show: Annual Memorial Service and wreath laying will take place at 8:45am, Saturday the 14th at Oakwood Cemetery Annex. The Sheppard Family will perform for the Memorial Service. Following the ceremony there will be music at the Museum by Larry Darnell and Dalton McSwain 11:00am-2:00pm.

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The Joe Thomas Jr. Guitar Pull 7:00 PM The Cloverdale Playhouse, 960 Cloverdale Road Our Singer/Songwriter Series is a great night of original music and songwriters talking about how they craft their music and performing original works on the Playhouse’s intimate stage. cloverdaleplayhouse.org/joe-thomas-jr-guitar-pull

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Sunday, September 15

Bark in the Park 2024

(Admission is $5 for ages 13 and up) 12:00 PM - 4:00

PM,, Fort Toulouse, Wetumpka Bark in the Park is all about people and dogs and an afternoon of fun. There will be plenty of vendors, activities, microchip clinics, demonstrations and

tshirts for sale. https://t.elmorehumane.org/bark-in-the-park-2024.html Shindig 2024 (*Free and open to the public. A $10 donation to Child Protect Children’s Advocacy Center is highly encouraged and appreciated.) 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Red

Bluff Bar at the Silos, 335 Coosa Street The Child Protect Junior Executive Board is excited to announce their annual Shindig event happening at Red Bluff Bar at the Silos! They’re at a new location with new food and drink options, new entertainment, and the same great family-friendly vibes! Mark your calendars! https://experiencemontgomeryal.org/event /shindig-2024/1162/ Randy Travis- The More Life Tour 6:00 PM The Montgomery Performing Arts Centre With lifetime sales in excess of 25 million, Randy Travis is one of the biggest multi-genre record sellers of all time and a recent inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame class of 2016. His honors include seven Grammy Awards, 11 Academy of Country Music statuettes, 10 American Music Awards, two People’s Choice awards, seven Music City News awards, eight Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association and five Country Music Association honors. ttps://www.ticketmaster.com

Monday, September 16

The 40th Annual College & Career Fair 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Multiplex at Cramton Bowl The College & Career Fair is a FREE public event hosted

by The Junior League of Montgomery. It is tailored to high school juniors and seniors, parents, guidance counselors, and administrators. The fair is designed for high school students to explore college and career possibilities by meeting and engaging with representatives, gathering scholarship information, and discovering financial aid opportunities. https://www.jlmontgomery.org/fundraisers/collegecareer-night/

Tuesday, September 17

The NewSouth Bookstore: Presents Jim Morris 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM, The NewSouth Bookstore, 105 South Court Street Environmental journalist Jim Morris joins us for a talk about his highly praised

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Calendar new book, The Cancer Factory. The story concerns a group of Goodyear Tire and Rubber workers who were exposed to toxic chemicals, the lawyer who sought justice on their behalf, and the shameful lack of protection our society affords all workers. With four decades of reporting behind him, the author offers an authoritative and chilling account that is also a clarion call for change. The NewSouth Bookstore is fortunate to host Jim Morris for a talk and signing. https://newsouthbookstore.com/events/

Wednesday, September 18

September Lunch and Learn 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM, Montgomery Whitewater, 1100 Maxwell Blvd We’re excited to have Codie Gopher, President of the Meridian Media as our September Lunch & Learn speaker! ALL ARE WELCOME to join us as he walks us through why a strong arts and entertainment infrastructure is crucial for job opportunities. The key question is: Are we nurturing talent in the arts and entertainment industry? This is vital for enhancing our ‘Quality of Life.’ https://allevents.in

Friday, September 20

Storytime- Fall Arrives 10:00 AM El Lowder Regional Library We will read Pete the Cat: Falling for Autumn by Kimberly & James Dean. Pete the Cat is not a fan of autumn. He likes summer better because of all the fun activities it offers. But will his family be able to show him that autumn can be just as fun? We will also read In the Middle of Fall by Kevin Henkes. In this story, we learn about all the changes that autumn brings about.

Colorful leaves, cooler temperatures, ripe pumpkins, and more! Not to mention the beautiful illustrations

by Laura Dronzek. We will have an activity. https://www.mccpl.lib.al.us/Pages/Index/20283/ event-calendars

September 20 - 21

Montgomery Smooth Jazz Festival Riverwalk Amphitheater, 355 Coosa Street The Montgomery Smooth Jazz Festival celebrates various music genres with an emphasis on Smooth Jazz and R & B. Now in our 3rd year, The Montgomery Smooth Jazz Festival will provide two days of outstanding performances for national jazz and R & B artists. Our main stage at the Riverfront Amphitheater will feature live performances accentuated with large video screens including a specially designed interactive screen allowing the artists to stylishly operate harmoniously with the music. https://www.montgomerysmoothjazzfestival.org/

September 20 and 27

Tiny’s Blessings Creative Day 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM, Rufus A Lewis Branch Library, 3095 Mobile Highway Tiny’s Blessing is a powerful nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading love and positivity within the community. Our mission is to give back and support nursing homes, children’s homes, and foster homes through meaningful interactions and joyful experiences. Join us for Tiny’s Blessing Creative Day, an event designed to bring out the creativity in everyone, from young children to seniors.

This special day will feature a variety of arts and crafts activities tailored to different age groups. https://allevents.in

Saturday, September 21

ANC Honey Festival 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Alabama Wildlife Federation, 3050 Lanark Road You are invited to join us for a HONEY FESTIVAL on Sept. 21st from 9:00am-2:00pm. There will be honey for sale, kids activities, live music and much more! Festival Day will also include plant/gardening presentations, specialty vendors, and a Lanark plant sale. NaturePlex General Admission applies for this event ($5/person with a $20 maximum per family) and includes visiting the NaturePlex Discovery Hall, theater and this awesome event. https://www.alabamawildlife.org/calendar/?id=1080

Children’s Auditions- Christmas Carol (The auditioned fee is $35.00 (refunded if not selected). Parts for adult males are also available. Please register to audition in advance.) 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM, Alabama Dance Theatre,

1018 Madison Avenue Parts include townspeople, urchins, pumpkins, party teens, party children, and orphans and are available for boys and girls in first grade and up. Those auditioning will be judged on acting, dancing ability, and musicality. https://my.cheddarup.com/c/christmas-carol-auditions/items?cart

September 21 - 22

Fall Festival- MMFA 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts , One Museum Drive Montgomery AL 36117 Fall Festival is a free event that celebrates Montgomery, Alabama’s vibrant creative culture, featuring both local and regional artists from all backgrounds. This free public event features an art market with more than 30 vendors, live music, art demos, food trucks, and tastings with local brewers. The Artist Market is an integral part of Fall Festival; booths feature fine arts and crafts for sale made locally in the River Region. https://mmfa.org/event/fall-festival-2024/

Wednesday, September 25

Timeless Tales: A Classic Book Club 4:00 PM El Lowder Regional Library Come along with us at the E.L. Lowder branch beginning in August as we start our Timeless Tales book club. Any age is welcome to join us as we take a deep dive into classic literature. September 25th will be our second meeting and we will be discussing The Phantom of the Opera

by Gaston Leroux, the classic French novel about a recluse who is madly in love with an opera singer.

Timeless Tales will meet starting at 4 and will last approximately 45 minutes to an hour. https://www.mccpl.lib.al.us/Pages/Index/20283/ event-calendars

September 26-October 13

Pike Road Theatre Presents: Into the Woods 5346 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36109 Join us for a journey into the woods, where fairy tales collide and teach us lessons about life, responsibility, and growing up. With its witty and poignant storytelling, breathtaking score, and complex characters, “Into the Woods” is a musical experience you won’t want to miss. https://www.eventbrite.com

Friday, September 27

Storytime- Nighttime 10:00 AM El Lowder Regional Library We will read The Moon by Robert Louis Stevenson. The moon

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watches over all at night! Follow a father and son’s nighttime adventures as we learn about the moon in this poetic story. We will also read Stars by Mary Lyn Ray. What exactly is a star? Where can you find them? What are they used for? Learn the answers to all these questions and more in this charming little story! We will have an activity. https://www.mccpl.lib.al.us/Pages/Index/20283/ event-calendars Ballet and the Beast 6:00 PM Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway Experience the mesmerizing artistry of the Montgomery Ballet, alongside the talented dancers from the Montgomery Ballet School and more! This captivating performance will transport you into a world where classical ballet meets beloved fairy tale characters.

Admission is free. For the first time, the event will offer VIP seating options, provided through a collaboration between the Montgomery Zoo and Montgomery Ballet. These VIP seats come with a nominal fee and offer attendees an upgraded experience. With the VIP ticket, guests will have access to exclusive seating, a comfortable chair, a beverage of their choice, and a small table for added convenience. Get your tickets at https://montgomeryballet.org The Black Jacket Symphony- Elton John 8:00 PM Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, 201 Tallapoosa Street The Black Jacket Symphony presents Elton John’s “Madman Across the Water” It will be performed live in its entirety. https://mpaconline. org/the-black-jacketsymphony-elton-john/

Saturday, September 28

Cops ‘N Kids 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Village Green Park, September 28, 9am-2pm Village Green Park 3160 Main Street, Millbrook, AL The City of Millbrook’s Police Department will be at the Village Green Park with free fun for the whole family! Bounce houses, dunk tanks, food, K-9 demonstrations, vehicle displays, and so much more. You don’t want to miss this chance to get to know our officers, so bring the family for a fun day out! https://www.facebook.com/events Dino Dig Education Program 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Museum, 2301 Coliseum Parkway Are you ready to get a little dirty? Then Dino Dig is perfect for you. Our junior explorers get to experience an archaeological dig, discover bones from the past and have a great time while learning about creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago. Dino Dig is an educational program with hands-on experience and fun. It is geared for boys and girls aged 4-10 yrs old.

International Day of the Girl Festival 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Union Station Train Shed , 210 Water Street Women in Training, Inc. (WIT) is a youth empowerment organization that advocates for menstrual equity, menstrual education, and engages girls and nonbinary youth, ages 10 to 18, in community service and social justice. https://www.womenintraining.org/events Wetumpka Oktoberfest 2024 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Downtown Wetumpka Oktoberfest in Wetumpka will have arts and crafts

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FamilyCalendar vendors, food trucks, a children’s area, music on two stages and more. https://www.facebook.com/events/856217343128957

Sunday, September 29

Out of the Darkness Community Walk 4:00 PM Blount Cultural Park, Montgomery Alabama The Community Walks, held in hundreds of cities across the country, are the core of the Out of the Darkness movement, which began in 2004. These events give people the courage to open up about their own connections to the cause, and a platform to create a culture that’s smarter about mental health. Friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers walk side-by-side, supporting each other and in memory of those we’ve lost. https://supporting.afsp.org

Thursday, October 3

Midland: The Get Lucky Tour w/ Elvie Shane + Carter Faith 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM, Avondale Brewing Company, 201 41st Street S, Birmingham, AL All tickets are standing general admission. For this show, there are two options. Preferred Pit - barricaded area at the front of the venue - limited availability. General Admission - located behind the barricaded area. https://www.avondalebrewing.com/calendar-tickets/ midland-oct3

Sunday, October 6

Fall Art Show- Prattauga Art Guild 1:00 PM Prattville Creative Arts Center, 342 S Chestnut St, Prattville, AL The Prattauga Art Guild will host its annual Fall Art Show in October at the Prattville Creative Arts Center and Gallery on Chestnut Street in Historic Downtown Prattville. There will be a joint opening and reception on Sunday, October 6 at 1:00 p.m. This annual exhibit features works by visual artists from throughout Prattville and the River Region.

There will be works from a myriad of art media, including painting, drawing, photography, mixed media, sculpture, fiber, and more. prattvilleal.gov/event/pag-fall-art-show/2024-10-06/

Monday, October 7

Eagles Fore Easterseals (Starts at $150 for individual players.) 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Arrowhead Country Club 2185 Normandie Dr. Eagles Fore Easterseals is a Golf Tourney & Life Auction benefiting Easterseals Central Alabama. www.eastersealsca.org

Thursday, October 10

MANE’s Raise the Roof 30th Anniversary Celebration/Fundraiser MANE’s Poarch Creek Arena You can provide lifechanging opportunities for MANE’s students! Through MANE’s “Catch a Miracle” Scholarship Program, approximately 80% of enrolled students are able to benefit from therapeutic horseback riding and equine assisted activities with no cost or financial stress to their families. Enjoy live music, great food, dancing and more, all while supporting a great cause! https://maneweb.org Noises Off 7:00 PM The Cloverdale Playhouse, 960 Cloverdale Road Called “the funniest farce ever written,” Noises Off presents a manic menagerie of itinerant actors

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rehearsing a flop called Nothing’s On. Doors slamming, on and offstage intrigue, and an errant herring all figure in the plot of this hilarious and classically comic play. https://www.eventbrite.com

Sunday, October 13

Asleep at the Wheel 6:30 PM Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, 201 Tallapoosa Street Founded in 1970, Asleep At The Wheel has been part of the American roots music landscape for more than 50 years. Although the band got its start on a farm in Paw Paw, West Virginia, Asleep At The Wheel became a cornerstone of the Austin, Texas scene upon its arrival in 1973. Inspired by Western swing and honky-tonk country, the band has accrued 10 Grammy Awards. In the Fall, a career retrospective recorded with the current lineup — and a few special guests — will carry the band back onto the road, where they’ve remained a staple for decades. https://mpaconline.org/asleep-at-the-wheel/

Friday, October 18

Danae Hays 8:00 PM Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, 201 Tallapoosa Street Alabama-bred and Nashville-based, comedian, actress, and content creator, Danae Hays represents a fresh, new female voice in the comedy, acting, and music worlds. Her cast of zany southern characters and parody country music songs have pushed her to the top of the Spotify and Apple Music charts, earning her a cumulative following of 3.6M+ followers and nearly 2 billion views. https://mpaconline.org/danae-hays/

Saturday, October 19 Glassner Autumn Challenge

5:30 AM - 9:00 AM, Alabama State University Are you ready to join us for the 2024 Backroads “Capital City” Cycling Safety Party Ride in Montgomery?

We will have all of the fun and excitement you have come to expect from the Montgomery Bicycle Club celebrating again for 2024.

This is the 22nd annual century ride held in memory of Dr. Jim Glassner, a longtime friend and supporter of cycling in central Alabama. An MBC Member, Jim was killed in a cycling accident on December 16, 2001.

We renamed our century event (which we have been running since the 80’s) in his honor. He was an avid cyclist and the Autumn Challenge is dedicated to his love of cycling. https://www.mgmbikeclub.org/glassner.html Auburn’s Oktoberfest 2024 3:00 PM AG Heritage Park at Auburn University, 600 S Donahue Dr, Auburn, AL Our annual Auburn’s Oktoberfest will take place on Saturday, October 19th from 3 PM until 7 PM and feature live music throughout the festival from Kidd Blue and The War Damn Polka Band. More than 70 breweries and wineries represented, a dozen homebrewers, educational tents from Auburn University’s AU BREW and a HOP Presentation

by Auburn’s Horticulture Department. Entertainment and activities will include Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest, Stein Hoisting, Weiner Dog Racing, Barrel Racing, Chicken Dance Competition and much more. Games and activities will be set up throughout the festival along with several large TV’s highlighting the days football games. https://auoktoberfest.com/

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Friday, October 25

City Events Creatures of the Night / Family Fun Night Mann Museum Flashlight Tour 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Museum , 2301 Coliseum Parkway Night and Mann Museum Flashlight Tour Education Program and Family Fun Night. Peer through the darkness and discover walls lined with animal pelts of the past, see several deer species nose to nose, and if you can bear it, just around that corner may be 10 foot Polar bear just waiting to meet you. Creatures of the Night / Mann Museum Flashlight Tour is an educational program and family fun night with hands-on experience, all sorts of adventure, and lots of fun. It is geared for boys and girls aged 5-12 years old, and their parents.

Yes, parents, you are invited to join the fun too. www.montgomeryzoo.com

Saturday, October 26

The Greatest Showman Tribute by Vienna Light Orchestra 6:30 PM Davis Theatre, 251 Montgomery St This immersive tribute concert series is coming to the Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts on October 26th for a grand performance to be held at 6:30 pm - a stunning venue of purpose and elegance located in the heart of Montgomery, AL. The original cinematic musical released in 2017 is based upon the story and life of P.T. Barnum who was a famous Showman and Entertainer.

The unforgettable music centers around his creation of the Barnum & Bailey Circus and of course—the lives of its star attractions. viennalightorchestra.com/1026-montgomeryal-showman

Everyday until October 20

Art Connects Exhibition Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts , One Museum Drive Montgomery AL 36117 The visual arts are an integral part of all cultures, and artists speak to us of their human condition in a particular time and place, as we engage with that work in our own time.

Art Connects assembles works from the Museum’s extensive permanent collection of paintings, sculpture and works on paper with the goal of challenging visitors and viewers to engage with these works more deeply, considering their own personal responses and reactions to the works, and capturing them via onsite and digital media resources. https://mmfa.org/exhibition/art-connects-2/

Sundays from September 8 until October 29

The Get Down Fall Concert Series 3:00 PM Montgomery Whitewater, 1100 Maxwell Boulevard The Get Down Fall Concert Series starts Sunday, September 8th at 3pm. Join us each Sunday until October 27th. https://montgomerywhitewater.com/upcomingevents/get-down-fall-concert-series/

Please check with each venue prior to attending the event to verify the information provided is still accurate and up to date.

www.riverregionparents.com

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RRP: How has serving with the River Region Down Syndrome support group and being a board member with MANE impacted your life?

SM: When Millie was younger, we were very involved with the Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Support Group. As she got older, she got involved with riding horses at MANE. I started getting more involved there and serving on the Board of Directors. MANE has been a big part of our lives for the last few years and is one of the best programs within the River Region.

RRP: How did having a daughter with special needs give you a different perspective on life?

Stephanie Maddox

SM: When Millie was born, we were scared and unsure of what to expect. I worried so much about her health and what her future would be like. She has taught us so much. Honestly, we all became closer as a family and feel so blessed to have her. She is pure sunshine and spreads so much love.

RRP: How do you balance being a mom of two with your pharmaceutical sales career?

RRP: What do you do for self-care as you navigate motherhood?

SM: Self-care is valuable to me. It can improve your physical and mental health, and that’s also important to me. I try to incorporate it into my life as often as I can. Not only does it help me physically, but mentally as well. I love to read, and it gives me a mental break from the business of daily life. I also like to walk. Walking seems to put me at peace and gives me mental clarity.

SM: Balancing work and being a mom of two can be challenging at times.

There are so many things that come along with both obligations.

But I manage the responsibilities as carefully as I can. Sometimes, work can interfere with my schedule; however, I do everything possible to put the girls first and work second. If I stick to that motto, everything falls into place.

RRP: How do you manage your daughters attending separate schools?

SM: My husband and I are a team. We divide and conquer when it comes to getting the girls to school and picking them up from activities. Two different schools can be challenging to manage, but it has worked well for our family, and the girls have thrived in their separate environments.

RRP: What is the best motherhood advice that you’ve ever received?

RRP: How did you encourage your daughters Mary Olive and Millie to pursue their passions with tennis, equestrian, softball, and volleyball?

SM: Probably the best advice I ever received was always to tell my kids I love them. It helps them feel safe, secure, and comforted, as well as helps them build self-esteem and healthy relationships and connections with others. I sometimes laugh at myself at how often I say that, but they will always know they have my heart. I want them to know that I will always love them unconditionally.

SM: I was an athlete growing up, and it was important to my husband and me that they get involved in team activities. Sports teach many life lessons that they will carry with them throughout life. All the sports keep us busy, but we love it, and our girls love it, too.

RRP: Your daughter Millie was diagnosed with Down syndrome.

What advice would you give other moms who struggle with some of the challenges of being a caretaker?

Rapid Fire Questions Favorite family activity? Being together at Lake Martin.

One thing that makes you feel like yourself?

When I can take time to be with my friends and laugh.

Favorite holiday? Christmas Favorite meal? I love fresh veggies, cornbread, and fried chicken.

Favorite phrase? Spread love everywhere you go.

SM: My advice would be to take one day at a time. When you start to feel overwhelmed, stop and take a breath. It’s okay to slow down and refocus yourself when you feel anxious or defeated. It’s normal, so giv yourself grace for being human. Motherhood comes with a lot of responsibilities, and having a child with Down syndrome, there are adjustments that I make. I would also encourage moms to take time for themselves. When I am healthy physically and mentally, I feel like I can give my children my best self.

River Region Parents I September 2024

Stephanie Maddox has been married to David Maddox for 19 years. They have two daughters: Mary Olive (16) and Millie (14). The family resides in Pike Road.

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We’re proud to announce that Montgomery Academy has been recognized as the #1Best Private School in Montgomery by Niche! This year, we ranked in the following categories: #1 Best Private K-12 Schools in Montgomery Area #1 Best Private High Schools in Montgomery Area #3 Best Private K-12 Schools in Alabama #6 Best Private High Schools in Alabama

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