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November2021 24

Volume 12 Number 9

Columns

Kids Say the Wisest Things Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

Sports Specialization?

The pros and cons of having your child stick with only one sport.

Tweens, Teens & Screens Setting screen time on your child’s device is an easy win for you.

Kids Health Watch sponsored by Cornerstone Family Chiropractic

27 Tweens, Teens and

Screens

Kristi Bush, LSW

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

The Science of Giving

How giving enhances kids’ lives and how parents can promote it.

Use our guide as you plan your family outings to celebrate the holidays!

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces

On The Cover Addison and Emoree are the children of Seth and Haven Duff of Auburn. Addison is a sophomore at Auburn High School where she is a member of the Elan Show Choir. She also loves competition dance and baking in her spare time. Emoree is a 5th grader at Pick Elementary. Emoree enjoys playing lacrosse and softball as well as craft projects.

School Bits 40

Family Calendar

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Publisher’sNote We made it! Another year in the books and we are in the final stretch of 2021. As a reward for another successful year of work, helping with school projects, infinite dinners cooked and laundry loads, we are headed into the most wonderful time of the year. November and December are your reward! Two months of endless celebrations with family, friends and our community. Thanksgiving is the highlight of November for many reasons. For most families, it’s a time to gather around the table, immerse yourself in all the seasonal smells and tastes of roasted turkey, dressing and pecan pie, and reflect on all there is to be thankful for. At our table, we traditionally share something we are thankful for during the year. I’m certain there will be a resounding gladness for our health, followed by gratefulness for each one of our family members and for the food we have in front of us. The kids will chime in with thankfulness for their friendships, old and new, the fun we had on the lake this past summer and for school assignments that resulted in good grades. Taking a moment to reflect and truly acknowledge all that we have been blessed with is a wonderful way to start the holiday season. However, this is only half of the experience. A greater experience this season is in the giving. Nothing can make you feel more grateful than to give back to others. In this month’s feature, The Science of Giving and How It Can Help Your Kids, you will find that children who give back gain many positive attributes, including a boost in happiness, a positive social connection to others and an opportunity to inspire others. The author also encourages some ways that families can give back this upcoming year. She suggests that brainstorming ideas together and doing a service project as a family has huge benefits. Not only are you volunteering your family’s time to help others, but you are leading by example, putting an emphasis on team effort and placing value on the family working together in an altruistic way. Another suggestion is to choose a project close to home. Children may not be aware of all the needs that other local families have, even those right down the street. It would be easy for my children to think that all families around us have the same blessings we do. Helping children look outward and truly see the needs of others can have an amazing impact. Locally, we have some wonderful organizations where our volunteerism impacts our own neighbors. Toys for Tots, Life Savers Ministry, Women’s Hope, Habitat for Humanity, Lee County Human Society, The Girls’ Ranch and The Boys and Girls Club are just a few. Take a moment to research, find a project that fits your family, and make a plan to give back during the holiday season and in 2022. As you gather around the Thanksgiving table, take a moment to reflect, remind yourself of everything you are thankful for, and then make a plan to pay it forward. In doing so, you will encourage your children to value kindness toward others and joy in the giving. From one parent to another, Happy Thanksgiving!

Auburn Opelika Lee County’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

Publisher Kendra Sumner Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson Associate Editor Kelly Watson Contributing Writers Kristi Bush, LSW Christa Melnyk Hines Dr. Jordan Jensen Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA Dave Ramsey Sandi Schwartz

Cover Photography Keightley Garnett Simple Joy Photography www.simplejoyphoto.com

President Jason Watson Director of Sales Justin Sumner (334) 209-0552 Ad Design Tim Welch

Visit us online at www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2021

Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: 475 Bennington Ct, Auburn, Alabama, 36830. The phone number is (334) 329-8073 and fax is (334) 826-7303. Auburn-Opelika Parents is copyrighted 2021 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Auburn-Opelika 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 Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

Embrace the Challenges A few months ago, I was giving an IQ test to an adorable little boy. As the questions became more difficult, he looked at me and said, “This is challenging. I love a good challenge.” His reaction was so different. Typically, children become frustrated when it gets too hard or they give a whiney variation of, “I don’t know, I just want to stop.” At five years of age this sweet boy had already learned the value of persistence in the face of resistance. The United States military has a popular saying, “Embrace the Suck”. Research among members of the military has repeatedly shown that mental toughness was developed and/or improved when they accepted the difficulty of a situation, made a plan to overcome it, and followed through with the plan.

While parenting may not be as life threatening as serving in a foreign war, it is a grueling and persistent battle. No home is drama free. Bedtime is rarely easy, kitchens are hardly ever clean, and children are only happy about completing chores or homework once in a blue moon. Unfortunately, some parents want someone to “fix” their child at the first sign of anything problematic. The truth is, all children have tantrums, all children are selfish, and no one is born with the ability to be logical when they are overly emotional. How are you dealing with this as a parent? Are you embracing the challenge or becoming whiney and frustrated? How can you be an emotionally healthy parent? Embrace the suck. To improve your own mental toughness, you need to EXPECT to clean up vomit, cancel your exciting plans for a sick child, deal with a tantrum at the worst possible moment, or a variety of other parenting realities. Once

you fully embrace the suck you can avoid the joy stealing pitfalls of bitterness and resentment. When we embrace the suck, we are better able to see the beauty of a face and dress covered in ice cream or the humor in a sassy comment. Embracing the suck of parenting will not only heal you and free you, it will also allow you to fully experience the joys of raising children in spite of how angry, frustrated, sad, or alienated being a parent may make you may feel. I was blessed by a friend who taught me this lesson when my oldest was very young. When I was at her house, her son found a hole in a pillow and pulled out all of the stuffing. It was everywhere. I was exasperated and thought, “How annoying. This will take forever to clean.” She fell on the floor laughing and ran to get a camera. The mess didn’t surprise her (she had previously embraced the suck of toddlers and messes). She treasured that moment (made a plan to enjoy the messes), and did not allow the inconvenience to make her bitter or resentful (followed through with the plan). Let’s revisit that sweet, challenge loving five-year-old. Do you know who modeled that behavior to him? His mother. She rarely complains, becomes frustrated, or whines. She looks at parenting problems as an exciting mystery to solve. Trust me, her son is H-A-R-D, but her attitude towards parenting is positively changing her life and his. 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.

Let Us Help you

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2021

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Real Estate for Real People 334.329.5055 I info@thehomelink.com 310 Samford Village Court, Auburn, AL 36830 Follow us @yourhomelink Download our app 5

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The Simon & Garfunkel Story

Join The Opelika Center for the Performing Arts on November 14 for this timeless story. The Simon & Garfunkel Story is touring North America again this year! Using state of the art projection photos and original film footage, featuring a full live band performing all the hits including, ‘Mrs. Robinson’, ‘Cecilia’, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, ‘Homeward Bound’ and many more. www.eastalabamaarts.org

Blue Friday in Downtown Auburn

Tis’ the season to shop local! In Auburn, it is not Black Friday, but BLUE FRIDAY! Our downtown merchants will be open on the busiest shopping day of the year to offer you doorbusters, specials and extended shopping hours. When you shop local, you are not only supporting our local business owners, but also the community. Preview our Blue Friday ad by visiting www. downtownauburnonline.com/events/2018/11/16/blue-friday

Ho Ho Ho Hike

The Jingle Jog 5k is back in 2021 – so pull out those ugly sweaters and Santa hats, Auburn! Join Active Auburn on Saturday, December 4 at 7 AM as we ring in the holiday season in style! www. activeauburn.org/

The Ho Ho Ho Hike at Kreher Preserve & Nature Center will be December 4, 10-11:30 AM. Hikers visit stations along a well-marked trail to pick up and learn a little about some of nature’s beautiful treasures. Hikers will use these items to create beautiful, custom nature frames for holiday photos. A fun holiday photo opportunity will be set up in the Nature Playground for you to take a family photo. Children will be able to wave at Santa who will be safely nestled in his tree house workshop! Admission is $5 ($4 for members); children 2 and under are free. Preregistration is recommended but not required. Rescheduled in the event of rain. www.facebook.com/aupreserve

Jingle Jog 5K

events/jingle-jog-5k

Patti LaBelle in Concert

The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University presents Patti LaBelle, on November 14. Actress and singer Patti LaBelle is widely regarded as the queen of rock and soul music—acclaimed for many of her songs, including “Lady Marmalade,” “When You Talk About Love” and “New Attitude.” She began her career in 1959 as part of the Ordettes, who became the Bluebelles in 1961. She first found success as a solo artist in 1983, when she released her hit album ‘I’m in Love Again’, paving the way for pop breakthrough in 1984. www.goguecentertickets.auburn.edu

“Match the Hatch”: November 11

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn and the local chapter of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. are partnering on a fly-tying demonstration, “Match the Hatch,” in observance of Veterans’ Day. Inspired by the exhibition, Outside In, and the insects on view, master anglers from the Auburn Chapter of this national non-profit will create realistic-looking lures to “match the hatch.” This event is free and open to the public. The demo begins at 2 p.m., with a light reception beginning at 6 p.m. Fly-tying materials provided (while supplies last). Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans through fly fishing and associated activities including education and outings. www.jcsm.auburn.edu Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2021

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Sno*pelika Christmas Festival and Tree Lighting Event

Opelika’s official kick-off event for the Christmas season will be at Courthouse Square on Sunday, November 30, at 4:30 p.m. This is a free event for all! This is an annual community event that kicks off the Christmas season in Opelika with artificial snowfall and tree lighting. Hundreds of local citizens attend to kick off the Christmas season. The purpose of the event is to bring Christmas cheer to Opelika and is in line with the City of Opelika’s initiative to become a Christmas destination. www.opelikachamber.com

Discovery Hike: White-Tailed Deer

This event is for all ages. Family Discovery Hikes are monthly guided hikes through the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. Family Discovery Hikes offer excellent opportunities for the entire family to learn about nature and see wildlife up close, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. This month's theme is white-tailed deer. Discovery Hikes are free – donations are welcomed. November 9, 3:30 PM. Rescheduled in the event of rain – check Kreher Preserve & Nature Center Facebook. www.facebook.com/ aupreserve

Veteran’s Appreciation Week at The Montgomery Zoo

Please join the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum in thanking the proud men and women of the United States Armed Forces. During Veteran's Appreciation Week, November 7-13, all veterans, active duty military personnel, and their dependent family members receive a 50% DISCOUNT on REGULAR DAYTIME admission to the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. Participants must provide a valid military identification to receive discount. www.montgomeryzoo.com

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Cornerstone Family Chiropractic

Phones... A Pain in the Neck Everyone is doing this. You see it in the waiting room, as you walk past the other treating rooms, and you probably start doing it yourself while you’re waiting to see the doctor. It makes the chiropractor cringe to look at, even though he or she probably is guilty of this too (including myself). You probably have already guessed it. This is the great postural sin of looking down at your phone. Each of us have been told or have caught ourselves in this poor posture, peering downward, playing on our phone. Even highprofile successes fall victim to these devices. Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl Champion, confessed during his recent Wall Street Journal interview that he spends too much time on social media. “That endless Instagram scroll just sucks up minutes and hours of my day,” Brady stated. “Too many times I get lost, and I look up and now I’m late for something.” Yes, phones can be a nice distraction, but as it passes the time, it is slowly leading to problems.

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2021

The research on phone usage and neck issues is weighed in the theme of inactivity. Looking down to check the time on your phone or sitting on the couch while sending a quick text are not by themselves detrimental to your neck health, but if one holds this poor posture excessively, around 10 hours per week according to the literature, that is another step down the path of future neck complications. Unfortunately, these short phone sessions are easy to miss and start adding up. As we see young children playing on electronic tablets more regularly, free from pain in the moment, it is important to remember that this infamous “Text-Neck” syndrome is a progressive condition. There has been a drastic increase in neck pain amongst children, but it is interesting to note that the older children get, the higher the risk of regularly dealing with neck pain, headaches, and sleep problems. If never addressed, and poor postural inactivity continues for years, more complex problems, such as bone degeneration or structural abnormalities, can further negatively affect his or her health. Fortunately, all of us can act today to combat this. First, the single best thing

one can do is replace the bad habits with good habits. Holding your phone up to eye level is a quick effective step to take stress off your neck. Second, be active! Keep a timer on your phone to track how often you’re on it. Every 15 minutes, put it down, walk around or get something done without it. Lastly, but still important, keep a chiropractor in your health toolbox. Everyone falls short of perfection when keeping healthy phone management. Because this is often a structural issue that can affect normal function, regularly getting checked assures that a structural imbalance doesn’t take root and your body can continue to function optimally. Wow! That is a positive note to end on. Things are starting to look up already…

Dr. Jordan Jensen earned his Bachleor’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences at Auburn University in 2013 and earned his Doctor of Chiropractic at Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2018. Following graduation, Dr. Jensen was accepted into the International Chiropractic Association’s Diplomate of Craniocervical Procedures postgraduate program, where his research encompasses Chiropractic’s application of advanced imaging and patient outcomes.

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Autauga County Schools

Auburn Early Education Center Celebrates Constitution

Pick ES Principal Expresses Importance of the Arts

Pick Elementary School Principal, Debbie Brooks, has been volunteering with the Gogue Performing Arts Center to provide feedback on student-centered programming! After serving on a committee this summer, Mrs. Brooks was able to speak to a woman’s group on the importance of the Arts in a K-12 setting. The goal of this opportunity was to encourage women to participate in artistic ventures locally. ACS is proud of Mrs. Brooks for representing the school system as well as sharing about the vital role art plays in a well-rounded education! Pictured with Mrs. Brooks is Brianna Jarvis, Auburn University’s first African American female Drum Major.

We celebrated the 234th signing of the Constitution at AEEC? Our students got creative and learned about the Constitution!

AHS National Merit Semifinalists

Nine Auburn High School Seniors have been selected as Semifinalists in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship program! To be considered for a National Merit Scholarship, Semifinalists have to fulfill requirements to advance to Finalist standing. Each Semifinalist submits a detailed scholarship application, which includes essays and information about extracurricular achievements, awards, and leadership positions. Semifinalists also have to have an outstanding academic record, be endorsed and recommended by a school official, and earn SAT scores that confirm their qualifying test performance. By the conclusion of the competition, a select group of Finalists will be chosen to receive prestigious National Merit Scholarships totaling nearly $35 million. Scholarship winners represent fewer than 1% of the initial pool of student entrants, based on official statistics released by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Auburn City Schools is proud of the following students for being named Semifinalists and wish them the best of luck moving forward in the process to becoming Finalists: Connor Brown, Matthew Clegg, Angela Fan, Grace He, Bryant Ingram, Eunice Lee, Junsang Lee, Andrew Niu, Victoria Wang.

Pick Elementary School Thankful for our Families

2021 High School Broyles Award Winner

Scott Goolsby has been named the 2021 High School Broyles Award winner for Alabama! This award recognizes the top high school assistant football coach in every participating state, projecting their excellence onto the national stage. So whether Coach Goolsby is calling plays on the sidelines, instructing students in the classroom, or navigating local roads while teaching Driver’s Education, he represents Auburn High School, and Auburn City Schools, to the fullest! You make a difference in the lives of many!

It takes so many talented people to keep our #Villageonthehill moving each day. We continue our celebration and appreciation to highlight some of the people who play a very special role in supporting our total school program. Today’s focus: Our AWESOME PES Families and Stakeholders! We THANK YOU parents for being our #1 supporters. You are part of Team PES and we are so thankful for each one of you. Your partnership with us is important. We Love your children and we are thankful for the opportunity to serve our community.

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Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2021

ACA Students Visit Ecology Preserve

Art Class at Trinity

Auburn Classical Academy's sixth grade visited the AU Forest Ecology Preserve as part of their study of trees!

Our 5th and 6th grade classes are working on their projects in Mr. Brantley’s art classes. The Lord has blessed many TCS students with artistic ability, all for His glory! O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all. Psalm 104:24

Historical Pumpkins at Lee-Scott

Mrs. Pickard’s AP European History class at LSA researched key European historical figures and created pumpkins depicting the character they chose.

“Made to Create” Art and Bible Club at LSA

Lee-Scott Academy is so excited to kick off clubs in the lower school this year to give our students opportunities for enrichment outside the classroom! Mrs. Beard and Mrs. Johnson are excited to cosponsor the “Made to Create” Art and Bible Club. Their Bible study is based on Lauren Duncan’s book for girls, “Made to Create,” and they will incorporate art into their time together.

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Autauga County Schools

Inspire Academy hosts Business and Industry Roundtable

On Tuesday, September 28, the Chambers County School District leadership coordinated a business and industry roundtable discussion at the Board of Education. CCSD Superintendent Casey Chambley, Career Technical Education Director, Ken Sealy, Inspire Academy Principal, Dr. Tyler Nelson, CCSD Assistant Superintendent, David Owen and CCSD Career Coach, Laura Anglin hosted several local business and industry leaders. The goal for the roundtable discussion for the CCSD was to reach stakeholders from area industries interested in establishing a partnership with Inspire Academy. It is the desire of our leadership at the Board of Education to develop and cultivate the excitement in technical education to encourage more of our students to consider careers in advanced manufacturing. The roundtable discussion included leadership and multiple representatives from West Rock, Challenge Manufacturing, Knauf, Berry, the city of Auburn, the Chambers County Development Authority, Southern Union State Community College, and RAPA. Superintendent Chambley reiterated that the Chambers County School District is “Open for Business.” This idea was stressed in the system’s desire for business partnerships as well as identifying ways the district can better serve area industries producing graduates to meet their work force demands. Following initial discussion, the invited guests toured the campus of Inspire Academy which is home to twelve different program opportunities for students. Career Technical Education programs and credentials are available in Agri-Science, Automotive, Business & Finance, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Graphic Arts, Health Sciences, Computer Science, Advanced Manufacturing, Pre-Engineering and Teacher Education. The campus also features a stand-alone virtual school component for students in grades 6-12 with in excess of 100 plus students enrolled. These virtual students can complete their core curriculum classes and still have the opportunity to attend CTE classes to earn credentials. Visitors had guided tours meeting several Inspire Academy instructors such as Mr. Daniel Smith in Advanced Manufacturing, Mr. Seth Stehouwer in the Engineering program and Mr. James Winkles in the automotive program. Students were hard at work in the Engineering program prepping for their upcoming race, the 2021 Chambers County Grand Prix Race. The IA racing team is the equivalent of a major sporting event opportunity for these students with the middle school team serving as the defending national champions. Students build and modify these race cars as part of their projectbased learning in the engineering program. Pictured, round table visitors watch the students work on their race car for the Grand Prix Race.

Please send your school news to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama Honors Leading Ladies and Leading Workplaces for Women

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) held its annual Leading Ladies Awards Luncheon September 23. Leading Ladies recognizes outstanding women who are making an impact in their community, as well as organizations that are advancing women in the workforce. Leading Ladies also serves as an important fundraising event for GSSA to continue to offer programming for the next generation of female leaders. This year’s nominees include: Morrell Baxter, Career Coach, Baldwin County Board of Education and Washington County Board of Education; Susan Brigitha, Trials Master, Austal USA; Dr. Bobbie Holt-Ragler, Community Advocate; Sarah Bumgarner, President, Junior League of Mobile; Stacy Wellborn, Owner, Wellborn Strategies, The Container Yard, Professor, Spring Hill College; Amanda Gonzales, Development Director, Volunteers of America Southeast; Gayle Guthrie, Founder and Director, Stray Love Foundation; Amberly Harris, Co-Owner, Nspire U!; Adriel Brown, Grammar School Principal, Bayshore Christian School; Lyndsey Dixon, Manager, Wilkins Miller; Susan Shaw, President and CEO, IMMIX Strategic; Sabrina Alexander, Chief Amazement Officer, Proxi Public Relations; Miriam Fry, Government Relations, Poarch Band Creek of Indians; Victoria Blackmon, Gulf Coast Content Creator, Co-Owner, Cacti Palm Productions; and Trista Stout-Walker, Vice President of Community Impact, United Way of Southwest Alabama. GSSA named Evonik Corporation as the Leading Workplace for Women Award recipient for 2021. Sponsors for the Leading Ladies event included: BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama, Iberia Bank | First Horizon, and SmithDukes. To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit www.girlscoutssa.org. Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2021

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Auburn Classical Academy 80s day

LSA Senior Receives Reputation on the Line Award

ACA recently held an 80s Spirit Day. Students and Teachers had a blast dressing up from one of the most infamous decades!

Trinity Scavenger Hunt

Trinity Christian School 2nd grade went on a sensory nature scavenger hunt. They used their senses to observe God’s beautiful creation to learn more about His infinite wisdom. “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Revelation 4:11

Congratulations to LSA senior Tate McKelvey who was presented the Reputation on the Line Award on campus! This weekly award is present Congratulations to senior Tate McKelvey who was presented the Reputation on the Line Award today on campus! This weekly award is presented by Eltoro Freeman, former Auburn University player, to a high school student-athlete that upholds great character and work ethic not only in their sport but in the classroom as well.

Auburn Early Education Center Celebrates Day of Peace

AEEC celebrated the International Day of Peace. Peace can be defined as a quiet and calm state of mind and harmony among all people. At AEEC we work to advance a better and more compassionate world!

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

PROVERBS 22:6

Call 334-745-2464 to schedule a tour. kmarrs@tcsopelika.org | tcsopelika.org A C LAS S I CAL AN D C H R I STIAN ACAD E MY

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Autauga County Schools

AHS Seniors Participate in LCYL Program

There are five Auburn High School seniors participating in this year’s Lee County Young Leaders program! Modeled after Leadership Lee County, as well as some youth leadership programs across the state, the Lee County Young Leaders program (LCYL) is a program of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce. One of the goals of the Chamber is to help grow leaders in our community to meet future challenges that arise in the area and around the state. The program serves as a vehicle to help cultivate the potential in young people to assume positions of responsibility in their communities at an early age. Twenty-seven juniors in high schools, home schools, and private schools across Lee County (9 total high schools) were chosen for the program through an application process last year but due to COVID-19, the program was put on hold until now; the current participants are in their senior year of high school. This is a 9-month program that offers sessions pertaining to topics such as education, public safety, health and human services, economic development, judicial processes, as well as state and local government. Upon graduation, students will also earn one hour of Leadership credit to Southern Union State Community College. We wish our five representatives the best as they complete this prestigious program: Patrick Bingham, Kylie Nimmo, Jahanzeb Rafay, Anna Grace Wilson, Jack Wisdom.

NoahBRAVE 5K

NoahBRAVE 5K took place on September 18! Noah Evans passed away from a 16-month cancer battle in January 2021. He, his parents and brothers were a part of the Auburn Classical Academy family. The 5K is an annual walk/race that is held to honor Noah and to support families who have been affected by the same cancer Noah had.

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Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2021

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Friday, December 31 - Auburn, Opelika, Lake Martin

ISTE Making it Happen Award presented to OCS Technology Director

During the Alabama Leaders in Educational Technology conference held recently in Orange Beach, Opelika City Schools Technology Director, Stacy Royster, won the ISTE Making It Happen Award. Each year the Alabama Leaders in Educational Technology (ALET), an affiliate of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), selects one candidate as Alabama’s ISTE Making It Happen Award Winner. Mrs. Royster was presented this statewide award on September 21. “Having a vision for technology's impact on learning is one thing, but being an actual change agent is quite another,” stated Susan Poling, ALET Executive Director. “For years, Stacy Royster has been just that. She is recognized statewide and beyond for her innovative application of technology to teaching and learning and her dedication to supporting teachers and students in this pursuit. Her enthusiasm and expertise have reached far beyond the classroom. As the leader of ALET's Chief Technology Officer certification program and as Executive Vice President, Stacy has also positively impacted the effectiveness of Alabama's EdTech leaders, whose role in education is more critical than ever before.” During the ALET conference, Mrs. Royster was also presented with a Resolution of Appreciation by the ALET Board of Directors for “her tireless support of her peers regarding the PowerSchool conversion” after which she received a standing ovation. “The Opelika City Schools are extremely proud of Stacy and her leadership in our system and across the State regarding technology in education and with the implementation of PowerSchool,” stated Dr. Mark Neighbors, Superintendent, Opelika City Schools.

Send school news to: Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com.

Make reservations now for our familyfriendly dinner and celebration with great food, party hats and a sparkling juice toast at 7pm to ring in the New Year.

NiffersPlace.com/new-years

featuring “Miss Kitty’s”

Favorite Dances of Christmas November 13 @ 2pm & 7pm November 14 @ 2pm

DAVIS THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Info: 334.625.2590 alabamadancetheatre.com

This performance is made possible by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Autauga County Schools

Gold Award Girl Scout Receives Girl Scouts of the USA Gold Award Scholarship

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the pinnacle of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, and it's available exclusively to Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors (9-12 grade). Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) would like to recognize Daphne High School graduate Jordan Sampson for receiving the Gold Award and the Girl Scouts of the USA Gold Award Scholarship. Through the Gold Award, girls engage in a rigorous leadership process, as they tackle issues they're passionate about to create long-term, sustainable change. To earn the Gold Award, girls typically spend one to two years exploring the root cause of a local or global issue and partner with the community to create lasting solutions. The Girl Scouts of the USA Gold Award Scholarship recognizes one outstanding Gold Award Girl Scout per council whose project exemplifies the core components of the Gold Award. Jordan’s outstanding Gold Award project demonstrated measurable and sustainable impact and addressed an issue of national and global significance, proving that Girl Scouts of courage, confidence, and character truly do make the world a better place. As a scholarship recipient, Jordan received special recognition during our 2021 Girl Scouts Change the World celebration on October 9, 2021, a promotion that will help her reach a broad audience while highlighting the impact of her Gold Award, and a total of $2,000 in academic scholarships. For Jordan’s project, she educated high school students on the legal documents they agree to when clicking “I Agree” when signing up for a social media platform. Most teens fail to read the legal documents they are agreeing to, so she created a 6-minute educational video regarding those documents and their contents. She also included a pre and post-quiz within the video. Jordan’s video is now a part of the Baldwin County Public School System’s Internet Safety curriculum and has been widely spread across the county to inform high school students of the danger of not knowing social media laws. Jordan is a social media curator and designer and noticed that many people did not quite understand or even know what they were agreeing to when signing up for social media accounts. Since Jordan started her social media career at a young age, she wanted to be able to educate people of all ages on the legal aspects of social media. Jordan is now a sophomore at Savannah State University where she is majoring in Global Logistics and International Business while also obtaining a minor in Spanish. Through Girl Scouting, girls learn to face challenges head-on, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and find solutions to social issues all while building the skills and courage they need to take the lead every day. Earning the Gold Award is just one of the amazing things girls can do as part of Girl Scouts.

OES Robotics Instructor Receives Teaching Award

Ogletree Elementary School’s very own Dr. Bruce Zutter received the inaugural Terry Marbut Excellence in Robotics Teaching Award! Following a 30-year career as an instructor and Department Head of Applied Engineering at Jacksonville State University, Marbut lost a hard-fought battle with cancer in 2020. He was the first educator in Alabama to adopt VEX Robotics, where he used the program to promote STEM and teach engineering design to both high school and college-aged students. Dr. Zutter is a true pioneer in Auburn City Schools when it comes to teaching robotics, coding, and engineering. He has coached teams that have qualified for the state and world championships, and when schools were unable to have activities last year, he volunteered his time to coach several community robotics teams. Not only does he see the value in competitive robotics, but he has also worked to purchase kits to use in his classroom, where he sees more than 450 students each week, ensuring the opportunity to experience STEM activities. Dr. Zutter exemplifies all that Terry Marbut stood for in robotics education, and ACS is proud of his hard work and many accomplishments in providing STEM education in our community!

Trinity Volleyball

We honored our senior volleyball players recently. Congrats to all our girls on their victory over Crosspointe. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

Lit Class at Trinity

9th grade Literature class celebrated finishing Beowulf by performing a comical skit of the epic poem. “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Proverbs 16:24 Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2021

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Fire Prevention Week activities from the Chambers County School District

Schools across the Chambers County School District participated in National Fire Prevention Week from October 3 – 9. The goal from the activity is to raise fire safety awareness with students and help them ensure safety at home. The National Fire Protection Association named the second week of October as Fire Prevention Week in 1922 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. U.S. President Calvin Coolidge signed the first Presidential proclamation for the week in October of 1925. Superintendent Casey Chambley was very pleased to see that several schools across Chambers County worked with their local fire departments to coordinate fire prevention education for their students. Students at Eastside Elementary School in LaFayette hosted the LaFayette Fire Department for a special outdoor program to raise safety awareness. Eastside Principal Allyson Matthews coordinated the LFD visit with Chief Dooley and his staff for October 8. One special visitor to Eastside was Sparky the fire house dog who visited and posed for pictures with students. Also, students at Huguley School hosted their own Fire Prevention program with special guest visitors from the Huguley Fire Department, also on October 8.

AHS Homecoming Court

As Auburn High School looks forward to the Varsity Tigers’ football game against Enterprise on October 22, Auburn City Schools would like to celebrate this year’s Homecoming Court! These young ladies were chosen by their peers to represent their grade level, as they all embody immense school spirit for Auburn High School. We look forward to crowning a Homecoming Queen in Duck Samford Stadium during homecoming halftime!

2021-22 Academic Year Programs

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Autauga County Schools

Chambers County Schools Celebrate Constitution Day

September 17th, students and staff in Chambers County Schools celebrated Constitution Day across the school district. Constitution Day is an American Federal government initiative to observe and recognize the adoption of the U.S. Constitution on the 17th of September. The date commemorates the delegates from the Constitutional Convention signing the official document that would become our Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787 in Philadelphia, PA. A 2004 amendment passed by Congress officially established the holiday and the mandate for educational programs in our schools on the history of the American Constitution. Chambers County Schools hosted multiple activities across the school district to promote Constitution Day. At Bob Harding-Shawmut Elementary School, Principal Tana Cannon and her staff had a great day recognizing Constitution Day with their students. Students and staff from across BHS joined together to create a magnificent colorful U.S. flag made of handprints from the school’s community that was posted in the school’s main hallway. Additionally, students from K4 – 2nd grades all worked together to create and sign their own class Constitution’s. Each grade level had a signed Constitution which stated the following: In order to learn and have fun, we will follow the rules and show Tribe Pride! We will be free to love learning, love coming to school, and love making lots of friends. We will make our parents, our school and our teachers proud. We declare this for the K4, Kindergarten, 1st, or 2nd grade class of B.H. Shawmut Elementary School. Each grade level of students signed their own class Constitution to post on the walls. At Huguley Elementary School, Principal Phillip Jenkins and his staff used the Constitution Day theme for their morning educational huddles. Students viewed educational presentations and had lessons on the Bill of Rights, who makes our laws, and the various parts of the Constitution. The teachers also worked together to incorporate activities and events to focus on developing civic awareness on the Constitution for students. At J.P. Powell Middle School, Principal, Christy Brock-Johnson worked with her social studies teachers to ensure that Constitution Day learning activities took place for all students in grades 6-8. 7th Grade students at J.P. Powell utilized their Chromebooks for accessing the iCivics program for a lesson on the “Race to Ratify” the Constitution in observance of the day. Students across all grade levels were looking at the purposes of Government as they completed their activities commemorating the date. Pictured, Bob Harding-Shawmut Elementary School students joining in to celebrate Constitution Day.

Chambers County College Fair

On Thursday, September 16 , Chambers County Schools Career C… LaWendy Willis worked with other school counselors from across Chambers County to host the annual College and Career Fair for area high school seniors. Several hundred seniors from schools across Chambers County came together to meet with multiple college admissions recruiters as well as human resource contacts from several area businesses. The program was a huge success for area seniors especially after it had to be initially rescheduled due to a conflict with the CCSD’s move to virtual school during the original date set for September 1. Invitations to all of the area’s schools were extended with seniors from Lanett High School, Valley High School, LaFayette High School, Inspire Academy, Acts Academy and Chambers Academy attending the program. Ms. Anglin and Ms. Willis were complimentary of all the various representatives that made themselves available to educate the seniors about the vast number of both career and college opportunities that were available for them. The program included 21 different college admissions representatives from both Alabama and Georgia. Additionally, 5 different branches of military recruiters were represented to share their career opportunities with students. The counselors also hosted 9 different industry representatives with local human resource leaders sharing work-based learning opportunities with the seniors. Ms. Anglin and Ms. Willis were most appreciative to the staff at the Valley Sportsplex for helping host and coordinate this year’s College and Career Fair for our area seniors here in Chambers County. Superintendent, Casey Chambley noted that a great deal of hard work went into this College and Career Fair for the seniors. Chambley added that he was pleased to see many of our area businesses and industries on hand to share their career opportunities with this year’s future graduates. Chambers County College & Career Fair College, Military and Industry Participants: Troy University, Auburn University Facilities Department, Marion Military Institute, Berry Global Inc., Point University, East Alabama Medical Center, Jacksonville State University, ForestryWorks-Alabama, Southern Union State Community College, Go Build Alabama, The University of Alabama, John Soules Foods, University of South Alabama, Knauf Insulation, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Wal-Mart Distribution Center, LaGrange College, West Fraser, Huntingdon College, University of Alabama Early College, Auburn University, Auburn University at Montgomery, University of North Alabama, Georgia Southwestern State University, Central Alabama Community College, Alabama State University, Tuskegee University, Alabama A & M University, Columbus State University, Southern Union State Community College – Technical Division and Military Representatives: Air Force, Army, Army National Guard, Navy, and Marine Corps. Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2021

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DRES Student Co-Authors Children’s Book with AU Grad

Auburn University EAGLES student Anna Moates and recent College of Education graduate Anna Penland authored a new children’s book titled “Almost Twins: A Story of Friendship and Inclusion” that they read to Dean Road Elementary students! Moates was born with intellectual disabilities, and in the book, she describes how she regularly imagined having a twin sister while growing up and outlines her experience of meeting Penland at Auburn University. The two of them hit it off and became good friends after they discovered they look a lot alike and also have many similar interests. Moates’ personal journals served as the inspiration for the book, and her friendship with Penland sparked a working relationship that brought the narrative to life. Moates loved reading children’s books growing up but noticed none of them displayed characters that looked like her or represented children with disabilities. “Almost Twins,” tells Moates’ story as a young woman with Down syndrome in an open and educational way specifically designed to reach children. Auburn City Schools thanks the two Annas for reading to our students and sharing their story about how everyone is different but can find things in common, given the opportunity!

Habitat for Humanity

Auburn High School’s Building Construction teacher Jess Bowlin and senior Garrison Luther participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for a home that will become the residence of a local family in Northwest Auburn! Garrison is a Work-Based Learning student at AHS currently interning with Habitat for Humanity as an Assistant Project Manager on this home. Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states and in more than 70 countries worldwide. Habitat works toward building and improving homes in partnership with individuals and families in need. In addition to making real-world connections for students in the construction field, Jess Bowlin is still in the running to win a 2021 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. The top 18 teachers from across the country will be announced in October and get a chance to share more than $1 million in cash prizes for their respective skilled trade programs. 19

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Autauga County Schools

Valley HS Cross Country Competes in Jesse Owens Classic

Camp Read S'More at LSA

What a great week in the media center at Lee-Scott Academy as our students participated in "Camp Read S'More!" Thank you to Mrs. Moore and her team of campsite workers who transformed this space into a campground for the week full of campfire stories and activities.

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The Valley High School Cross Country team competed in the Jesse Owens Classic. Michael Jones and James Jones ran in the gold division for varsity boys. Michael and James both improved on their times from the following week. After the varsity boys ran, junior high boys completed their race. Brayden Bunn, Sawyer Moore, and Vann Williams competed for the Rams. Lastly, Ziniya Floyd ran her very first race for the junior high girls. When asked about the team, Coach Elliott replied, "I am really proud of how the team performed this past weekend. To see the improvement from last week to this week was impressive. I would like to especially shout out the Jones brothers for beating their times from last week."

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1204 OGLETREE VILLAGE LANE AUBURN, AL 36830 • (334) 887-0099

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Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2021

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Chambers County Grand Prix

Students from Inspire Academy in LaFayette hosted the annual Chambers County Grand Prix racing event on Saturday, October 2. The first race began at 8:30 a.m. with the day concluding with the race awards ceremony at 5 p.m. There were 19 racing teams in all that registered to compete in this event. The Piedmont Motorsports Racing Team is a competition team made up of students from Chambers County. All of the students take classes at Inspire Academy participating in the engineering and manufacturing programs. The Chambers County Grand Prix hosted both high school and middle school team competitions on Saturday with Stock Car Races, Modified Car Races, and Custom Car Races. The team coaches are Mr. Seth Stehouwer and Mr. Tim Blanks that serve as teachers at Inspire Academy. The racing for the day had 19 car entries with over 235 participants from schools across both Alabama and Georgia. The day brought four hundred plus parents, grandparents and fans to the campus of Inspire Academy to cheer on the drivers. The racing teams set up pit crew stops on what became pit road on the main infield for the racing track. All drivers went through the driver safety training meeting and cars were scrutinized closely for modifications to ensure compliance. Each car used a transponder to track the number of laps travelled during each of the four racing heats that were hosted for competition. Inspire Academy Principal, Dr. Tyler Nelson noted the race was a great event for all and the strides made in the school’s engineering program would not have been possible without the financial commitment and support of Superintendent, Casey Chambley. • Long Cane Middle School Car #555 won the stock car race with 72 laps covering 31.7 miles • Oxford High School Car #777 won the stock car race with 56 laps covering 24.6 miles • Long Cane Middle School Car #999 won the modified car race with 73 laps covering 33 miles • Bob Jones High School won the modified H.S. car race with 73 laps covering 32 miles • Challenger Middle School won the M.S. custom car race with 66 laps covering 29 miles • Oxford High School car # 99 won the H.S. custom car race with 75 laps covering 33 miles • The Piedmont Motorsports Racing middle school team from Inspire Academy placed 3rd overall in the stock car race with 66 laps covering 29 miles • The Piedmont Motorsports Racing high school team from Inspire Academy also placed 3rd overall in the custom car race with 74 laps covering 32.5 miles. The next race for the Piedmont Motorsports Racing team from Inspire Academy will take place on Saturday, December 2 in downtown Columbus, Georgia. The next home race for the

team at Inspire Academy will be hosted on Saturday, March 12, 2022. Pictured is the Chambers County Piedmont Motorsports Racing Team from Inspire Academy. (Back Row from left to right) Jay Robinson, Connor Green, Garrett Burrows, Anna Suchowolec, Coach Tim Blanks, and Jackson Blanks. (Front Row) Coach Seth Stehouwer, Harley Gosdin, Bryce McDonald, Chase Sanders, and Landon Smith. Several students are holding their race awards. 21

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AHS Art Students Meet Sculptor at Jule Collins Smith Museum

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University recently hosted Tricia Oliver’s International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement Art students from Auburn High School for a special meet-and-greet with sculptor and performance artist Nick Cave! Nick Cave’s visit to the museum was presented in conjunction with “Crafting America,” which is organized by the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. He is one of the artists featured in this inclusive and diverse survey featuring contemporary craft from the 1940s to the present. Cave’s contribution to “Crafting” is a work from his acclaimed Soundsuits series, which earned him the “rock star of the art world” distinction among critics and press for his enigmatic blend of sculpture, installation, fashion, design, video, sound, and performance.

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Opelika High School National Merit Semifinalist

Congratulations to Opelika High School Senior Will Randolph for being a National Merit Semifinalist! Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2021

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While sports can provide a multitude of emotional and physical benefits for kids, specializing in a single sport at too early of an age can pose risks. How do you know when—or if— your child should specialize in a sport they love? Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2021

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What is sports specialization?

Brian Harvey, O.D., a pediatric sports medicine physician, says that sports specialization is defined as playing and competing in one single sport exclusively for more than eight months out of the year.

Advantages of multi-sport athletes. Some parents worry that their

children won’t have a competitive advantage later on if they don’t specialize early. Karen Hughey, co-founder and CEO of Team Cura, works with scholarshipseeking athletes and their parents. As a former sports parent, Hughey says both her children played a variety of sports. She and her husband left it up to their children to decide which ones they wanted to pursue as they got older. Although he was a talented golfer, her son Rob, co-founder of Team Cura, opted to quit golf early in his high school career to participate in other activities. But, by his junior year, he decided that he wanted to return to golf and play at the college level. “He had to work harder to reach out to college coaches at that point, but he still was fine,” Hughey says. “He found a great school and a great fit for himself. So, leave it up to your kids. They’ll find their way and figure it out.” From discussions with many high school and college coaches, Hughey has found that they tend to prefer recruiting multi-sport athletes. “I think football is probably the best example of not specializing,” Harvey says. “Ninety percent of the first-round draft picks are multi-sports athletes. They’re running track, playing basketball, wrestling. It certainly doesn’t hinder their ability to play professionally or get those college scholarships.”

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Prevent injury. “We see that kids,

who have had experiences playing a multitude of sports, have fewer difficulties learning new skills and, generally, don’t suffer from the overuse injuries and burnout that are common with youth athletes specializing in one sport,” says physical therapist Tim Cummings, PT, DPT. An overuse injury occurs as a result of repetitive motion and impact on one area of the body. “Overuse injuries are those injuries that cause an athlete to lose more than a month of their sport,” Harvey says. “Those are the biggest ones that we see in the developing athletes who do sports specialization.” Cummings says the most common overuse injuries he sees in younger patients include ankle sprains, knee pain, Little Leaguer’s Elbow, ACL tears and Osgood-Schlatter. 25

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“Osgood-Schlatter is a traction injury on a special type of growth plate called an apophysis, which is at the top of the shin bone,” Cummings explains. “The traction comes from strong and relatively tight muscles that develop during puberty and high activity levels. Pain and sometimes swelling can be felt directly over a bump at the bottom of the knee.”

Avoid burnout. Participating in different sports throughout the year is easier on developing bodies and kids are less likely to get bored or even anxious or depressed. “Athletes wanting to perform at their best, but not being able to, whether it’s due to injury or their fear of disappointing a coach or a parent or even themselves, plus that chronic daily physical demand, can lead to higher rates of burnout and quitting their sport,” Harvey says. To allow the body time to rest and recover, kids shouldn’t train for more than eight months out of the year. “And really try not to practice, train or compete more than their age in years per week,” Harvey says. (For example, no more than 12 hours per week for a 12-year-old.) Striking a healthy balance between sports and other interests is also beneficial.

“Some of the high school athletes we work with have stressed the importance of needing down time and being able to spend time with friends,” Hughey says.

Encourage free play. Whether

they toss a football around with friends, shoot hoops in the driveway, play tag, or make up competitive games, kids develop motor skills, creativity and social/emotional skills through unstructured play. “When we start to look at young athletes, the body really needs time to develop, to learn how to run, learn how to jump—really learn how to use their bodies and play,” Harvey says. “Instead of focusing on one exact sport, try a little bit of different types of sports. Learn how to be athletic first and foremost, and then really have fun with those sports.”

When to specialize. “This isn’t a black and white, good or bad issue. Sports like figure skating, gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics and diving require early specialization due to the high demand to acquire specific sports skills early on,” Cummings says. “Peak performance in these sports most often happens before reaching full physical maturity.”

But, he emphasizes that early specialization combined with decreased recovery time does put an athlete at increased risk for overuse injuries no matter the sport chosen. Harvey recommends parents gauge specialization readiness according to a child’s physical and mental maturity. Although he’d prefer kids waited until they were at least 12 (ideally 14 or 15), “there’s probably not a specific age that I would say is perfect,” he says. He says a child who is physically and mentally ready to specialize: • Is goal-oriented • Understands that the sport should be fun • Comprehends complex rules of the game • Recognizes the demand that a sport can put on the mind and the body • Can cope with those demands in a healthy way Above all, “you’ve got to listen to your children,” Hughey says. “Countless coaches have told us that you will know when the time is right. If you’re pushing it, it’s not the right time.” AOP

Christa Melnyk Hines is a nationally published freelance writer. She and her husband are the parents of two active sons.

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Screen Time: A Quick “Win” To Help Parents Feel More in Control Do you feel like you can never stay on top of what your children are doing on their devices? Do you feel overwhelmed when you think about monitoring their ongoing social media activity, not to mention the 400 apps they use. Okay, let’s be honest, if your kids are older than nine, they are probably only REALLY interested in two apps… Snapchat and TikTok. In any case, I like to give parents what I call an “easy win” when it comes to monitoring their kids. We need something that helps us feel like we are providing some safety. We know we want them to be viewing age appropriate material and we do not want them to be on their devices ALL THE TIME. Have you ever heard yourself saying to your kid, “Get off the phone. Get off the phone. GET OFF OF THAT PHONE!” This is where we can have that “easy win”. First, though, let’s chat a minute about device use. The rise in anxiety, depression and suicide has been linked directly to constant unrestricted device time. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among those in their late teens and early twenties. As parents, we want to protect our children, while also allowing them access to media so they don’t feel left behind. Where is the balance? And what can we do?

To start, children and teens should never have a device, any device, that is not monitored for both age related time AND content. The phone settings should be set so that at least the time allowed on the phone, and the information viewed online, coincides with the child’s or teen’s age. How do we do this? Set screen time on your child’s device. It is free and easy to do, as well as easy to monitor. Here are the steps you can follow to set screen time. In Settings on your child’s phone, scroll down to Screen Time. Click on it. Here you will find everything you need. First, you will want to scroll down and click on Screen Time Passcode. Set the passcode. Make sure it is one you can remember and your child will not figure out. This prevents them from making any changes to what you set on the phone. Next, go back to Screen Time and click on Down Time. Here you decide how much time your child gets to spend on his/her device. You can customize it by days, and drill down to hours. It is beautiful! When their allowed time is finished, an hourglass will pop up, and they will not have access to the phone until you have it set to “wake up” next. You can even put time limits on certain apps or completely restrict certain apps from the phone, as well as certain websites. 27

Next, go to Content and Privacy Restrictions. This allows you to set age appropriate restrictions for content. NOTE: This only monitors content online. It will not monitor the content coming through specific apps. You also want to go to the “Allow Changes” section under Content Restrictions. Click “Do Not Allow” on each one. This prevents your child from uploading or downloading any apps without permission. A quick secret… you will not hurt or break the phone, so spend time scrolling through Screen Time and looking at all it has to offer! The main thing to note is to always remember the passcode because it will lock you out if you forget. In addition to providing these protections, start having open conversations with your child. Start doing random device checks. Give yourself some support by putting in place monitoring systems that will make your job easier. Do not forget to rely on your support systems outside of tech as well... your friends, counselor, school, resource officers. It truly takes a village. If you find yourself needing extra support, I am here. Please do not hesitate to reach out!

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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Want to really make your kids happy? Teach them the importance of giving to others. Contrary to common belief that kids need and want more “stuff” to be happy, science tells us that it is the act of giving to others that actually boosts happiness and can even improve health and other areas of their lives. Believe it or not, children enter this world with a natural instinct to be compassionate to others. Scientists at the Max Planck Institute discovered that infants help others even though they are too young to have learned about being kind and polite. The children take action because of their own motivation, and not because they expect a reward. Do children continue to show compassion as they grow? A breakthrough study by psychologists at the University of British Columbia determined that young children are happier to give than to receive. Toddlers who were asked to give away their own treats expressed greater happiness when they shared with others. The researchers interpreted the results of this study to mean that anytime people

participate in pro-social behavior, such as volunteering and giving charitable donations, we experience an increase in happiness. Children have the foundation to be kind, but it’s our job as parents to continue to nurture this part of them as they grow. If we neglect to do so, negative life experiences can unfortunately tear down this beautiful instinct.

How Giving Transforms Our Kids Numerous studies have uncovered several ways that giving enhances our children’s lives.

Boosts Happiness: When we make others

happy by giving a gift or our support, we experience a physiological change called a helper’s high. It is a euphoric physical sensation resulting from our brain releasing chemicals called endorphins. According to Psychology Today, the helper’s high is a literal “high,” similar to a drug-induced sensation. It makes us feel good naturally, giving us a rush that leaves us elated and excited. This positive energy is similar to how we feel after exercising.

Improves Health: Research shows that

giving leads to better health. In his book Why Good Things Happen to Good People, Stephen Post, a professor of preventative medicine at Stony Brook University, explains that giving to others has been shown to increase health benefits in people with chronic illness. In addition, a 1999 study led by Doug Oman of the University of California, Berkeley suggests that giving may improve physical health because it helps reduce stress. Finally, a 2006 joint study by Johns Hopkins University and the University of Tennessee indicated that people who helped others had lower blood pressure than participants who did not.

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Best Ways To Teach Children About Giving

We help navigate the mental health system for teens and children.

Teaching our children how to pay it forward is easier than you may think. There are endless opportunities to volunteer as a family and to give our children meaningful experiences that will enhance both their lives and the individuals they help. Here are some tips on how to incorporate giving into your children’s lives.

Discuss how they can help. Find a few

minutes during your day to ask your children who they would like to help. Provide some options like babies, animals, people without homes, children who do not have families, students who need books, or the elderly. Talk about the different types of projects you can do to help those in need. For some inspiration, read books about giving and kindness to your children.

Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC)

205- 638-PIRC ( 74 72 )

Talk about the importance of charitable giving. If you choose to start a

PIRC is a confidential phone response center linking adult callers to mental health resources for children and teens. Service is provided by licensed mental health professionals who educate callers and recommend the most appropriate treatment options. PIRC hours are 8:00 am — 11:00 pm, 7 days a week.

Help your children discover their passion. Our passion should drive how we

PIRC is NOT a crisis or suicide hotline. Call for mental health resources.

give because when we are excited about a project, we can put all of our heart and soul into it. Also, when we care about what we are working on, we will get more out of it and feel happier. Help your children identify their talents, skills, and interests that they can put to good use.

The PIRC is generously supported by funding from the Anne B. LaRussa Foundation of Hope, Brasfield and Gorrie, LLC, the Daniel Foundation of Alabama, the Hill Crest Foundation, the Gorrie family, and the Walker Area Community Foundation.

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Promotes Social Connection: Several

studies suggest that when we give, our generosity is ultimately rewarded by others. These positive actions promote a sense of trust and cooperation that strengthens our relationships. Moreover, we feel a bond towards those we help. All of this is important because having positive social interactions is central to good mental and physical health.

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what they have and gives them a glimpse of the broader world. Meanwhile, gratitude is another very important ingredient for happiness and good health.

Gives Children the Opportunity to Inspire Others: Those who are on the

When we give to those in need, we feel a sense of gratitude because it puts things in perspective. Volunteer work is a great opportunity for our children to appreciate

receiving end of a good deed typically want to pass along that positive feeling and help others. Researcher James Fowlerat the University of California, San Diego found that just one act of kindness can inspire several more acts of kindness by others. In this case, children have the opportunity to be a mentor to others, inspiring a chain of kindness and compassion.

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2021

Encourages an Attitude of Gratitude:

monetary collection for charity, consider creating or buying giving boxes for each child. Ask them to set goals about how much they would like to give throughout the year and which organizations they would like to donate to. Check in weekly or monthly throughout the year to see how close they are to reaching their goal.

Find ways to volunteer as a family. By volunteering as a family, you make giving a priority and build it into your children’s daily routine. You can find volunteer opportunities for your family by checking your local government website; searching for local charities in your area; asking friends and neighbors; or visiting sites like Idealist, VolunteerMatch, and JustServe.

By providing our children with opportunities to give, they will be happier and healthier and have the power to pass along that goodness to so many people. AOP

Sandi Schwartz is a freelance writer and frequent contributor.

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N O S I G N - U P F E E S , C A N C E L AT I O N F E E S , CL ASS FEES OR HIDDEN C HARGES. J U S T O N E L OW M O N T H LY / Y E A R LY PAY M E N T .

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Auburn Parks and Recreation

AO Discover: ‘Tis the Season to Discover!

425 Perry Street Auburn, AL 36830 Annual Holiday Art Sale: The Auburn Arts Association, Auburn Parks & Recreation and the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center will host their 14th annual Holiday Art Sale on Saturday, Nov. 20th from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. This year’s socially distanced sale will be held at Kiesel Park. Local artists will be selling paintings, pottery, stained glass, photography, cards, jewelry, hats, scarves and much more! If you would like to sell your work, applications will be available on the Auburn Arts Association website. A limited number of exhibition spaces are available. To download an application, please visit www.auburnarts.org. Applications and vendor fees can be dropped at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. For more information, please contact Art Education Specialist, at (334) 501-2944. Jingle Jog 5K/Santa Stroll: The Jingle Jog 5k is back in 2021 – so pull out those elf ears and Santa hats Auburn! Join Active Auburn on Saturday, December 4th at 7 a.m. as we ring in the holiday season in style! The ever-fun Santa Stroll Fun Run/Walk is back this year and will begin at 7:30 a.m. at Toomer’s Corner. The Jingle Jog 5k will begin at 8:00 a.m. at Toomer’s Corner. Registration for both the Santa Stroll and Jingle Jog 5k will begin on Monday, September 6th. Please visit www.activeauburn.org. Holiday Mug Painting Workshop: Come join us for an evening of hot chocolate and holiday mug painting. The Dean Road Ceramic Studio has everything you need to create a hand painted work of art. No matter your skill level, you’ll have a great time painting your own custom holiday mug. Great as a gift or just for yourself. Bring your friends, family or special someone to sit back and enjoy some quality time in our studio. $15/participant + $5 materials fee. Ages 12 and up. Vines & Vino Holiday Wreath Workshop: Bring a bottle of wine and we’ll teach you how to vine. This unique class is only open to those 21 years and older. In this workshop, we will have everything you need to make a hand-woven vine wreath. Skilled artisans will guide you each step of the way. Both natural and artificial items will be available to decorate your wreath. BYOB along with a friend, family or a special someone. Come relax, create and enjoy the holiday with us at the

ad on page 17

December 12 and 18 Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National, 3000 Robert Trent Jones Trail Opelika, AL 36801 Discover events feature hands-on STEM holiday fun for the whole family! Help Santa’s sleigh fly faster, make an ice necklace, design a gingerbread house, code a path to sneak to the presents and more! Plus visit with Santa Claus! Sunday, December 12 (12:00-5:00 p.m.) and Saturday, December 18 (9:00-11:30 a.m.) and (1:30-4:00 p.m.) (334) 209-0460 www.aodiscover.org

Auburn Downtown Merchants ad on page 11

North College Street, Auburn, AL 36830 Blue Friday: November 26th. It’s back and it is not Black! In downtown Auburn, the best shopping day of the year is BLUE FRIDAY! Merchants will open as early as 8 am for door-busters, deals and specials. The party will continue throughout the day with live music from 12-3 pm and also from 6-9 pm. Entertainment district begins at 5 pm. Downtown Holiday Open House: November 28th, 12:00-6:00pm. In conjunction with Auburn University’s tree lighting ceremony, the Auburn Downtown Merchants will host their annual Holiday Open House. Enjoy the holiday lights while you stroll through downtown for local shopping. Merchants will offer extended shopping hours and exclusive specials. The Loveliest Village Holiday Fair: December 4th and 5th. Join the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association for The Loveliest Village Holiday Fair, a two-day celebration that will include past holiday favorites with new traditions. On Saturday and Sunday, there will be a Holiday Market in the Gay St. lot that will feature over 40 curated artisans, gifts, gourmet foods and more! Enjoy special holiday performances throughout the day on Saturday, Santa on the Corner from 10 am - 2 pm for family photos, and cap off the weekend with the Auburn Christmas Parade that Sunday at 2 pm. www.downtownauburnonline.com/events

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2021

ad on page 21

Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Ages 21 and up. (334) 501-2930 www.auburnalabama.org

Christmas at Choctafaula ad on page 3

929 County Road 14, Auburn, AL 36830 November 27-29, December 5-6, 12-13, 19-20. Saturdays 10:00am-4:00pm & Sundays 12:004:00pm. Beginning in 2020, Choctafaula hosted “Christmas at Choctafaula”, featuring hayrides to see exotic and domestic animals, horse-drawn carriage rides ($2), hand-led pony rides ($5), meet & greet with Santa Claus, face painting, Christmas crafts and more! Christmas at Choctafaula has a selection of Fraser fir trees available for purchase. Our goal is to provide an experience that the whole family will enjoy. We hope to see you this holiday season! General admission $15, parents free with children 12 and under. Looking for a space to host your next event? Our barn is perfect for your next party, wedding, school event or sorority/fraternity function. (334) 750-2521, (334) 209-1777 www.visitchoctafaula.com

Kreher Preserve & Nature Center Holiday Happenings ad on page 14

2222 North College Street Auburn, Al 36082 HoHoHo Hike: This year’s HoHoHo Hike, December 4, has a new twist! Hikers will visit stations along a well-marked trail to pick up and learn a little about some of nature’s beautiful treasures. Hikers will use these items to create beautiful, custom nature frames for holiday photos. A fun holiday photo opportunity will be set up in the Nature Playground for you to take a family photo. Children will be able to wave at Santa who will be safely nestled in his tree house workshop! Covid-19 might change how we do things, but it can’t stop the fun! Admission is $5 ($4 for members); children 2 and under are free. Preregistration is recommended but not required. Rescheduled in the event of rain. Visit our website to learn more: https://aub.ie/hohohohike. A Holiday Walk in the Woods: December 17 and 18. A walking tour through the piney winter woods with lights, decoration, and songs by local talent at stations along the trail. All performances will be

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family-friendly and highlight the diverse traditions and culture of our community. The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center will offer a trail stop with woodsy holiday art activities. Additionally, walks will have special surprises and songs for the kids! Details about timed entries and tickets at www. auburnact.org. Nature Art Series: Holiday Nature Ornament: December 11, 1:00-3:00pm. Local artist Heather Jackson teams up with the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center to bring you this art workshop series for all ages. Each workshop has a nature theme and will explore beautiful and interesting art techniques. As Heather says, “Art is for everyone no art experience needed! 334-844-8091 www.wp.auburn.edu/preserve/

Niffer’s Place Kids’ New Year’s Eve Celebration ad on page 15 and 22

December 31 3 Locations, Opelika: 917 South Railroad Avenue, Opelika, 36801; Auburn: 1151 Opelika Road, Auburn, 36830, Lake Marin: 7500 Highway 49 South, Dadeville, 36853 Make reservations now for our family friendly dinner and celebration with great food, party hats and a sparkling juice toast at 7pm to ring in the New Year. Give Niffer’s Gift Cards for the Holidays! The perfect stocking stuffer for everyone on your list! www.niffersplace.com/new-years

www.niffersplace.com/gift-cards

Opelika Parks and Recreation ad on page 31

December 11-13; 5:00-8:00pm 1001 Andrews Road Opelika, AL 36801 Rocky Brook Rocket Reindeer Express: Come take a train ride through the lights at Municipal Park! December 10-12, 5:00-8:00pm. Enjoy food, hot chocolate, face painting, entertainment, pictures with Santa and more! Ages 2nd grade and younger. Reindeer Express Holiday Market: December 10-12, 5:00-8:00pm at Municipal Park, Opelika. The Market will be full of handmade items created by local artists and community members. To add to the Holiday entertainment, local choirs and performance groups will be there each night and topping it all off, Santa Claus will be in attendance for free Santa visits and pictures with children.

Sunday, December 12 TWO PERFORMANCES!

3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

334-705-5560 www.opelika.org

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical ad on page 33

December 12, 3:00pm, 7:30pm Gogue Center for the Performing Arts, 910 South College Street Auburn, AL 36849 Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. 334-844-4722 www.gogue.auburn.edu

Opelika Holiday Open House

November 14, 12:00-5:00pm Downtown Opelika Opelika, AL 36801 Start your holiday shopping in downtown Opelika. Stores will be offering up great sales on a variety of different gift options, they will also have live

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holiday music playing throughout downtown. Make a day out of it and enjoy this annual holiday tradition. 12:00-6:00pm. 334.745.0466 www.opelikamainstreet.org

Variation’s Dance Studio’s performance of The Nutcracker. Follow Clara’s wintry adventures as she battles mischievous mice and charms the Sugar Plum Fairy. 334-844-4722 www.gogue.auburn.edu

Sno*Pelika Festival featuring Snowfall & Christmas Tree Lighting November 30, 4:30-7:00pm Courthouse Square Opelika, AL 36801 Opelika’s official kick-off event for the Christmas season! This is a free event for all! This is an annual community event that kicks off the Christmas season in Opelika with artificial snowfall and tree lighting. Hundreds of local citizens attend to kick off the Christmas season. The purpose of the event is to bring Christmas cheer to Opelika and is in line with the City of Opelika’s initiative to become a Christmas destination. www.opelikachamber.com

Santa On the Corner

December Toomer’s Corner, 100 North College Street Auburn, AL 36830 Santa Claus will be in downtown Auburn on select December weekends. Bring your family! Donations will be accepted to The United Way. www.downtownauburnonline.com

Christmas In Camelot Lighted Tour

December 1-31, 4:30-10:00pm Camelot Way Opelika, AL 36801 The magic of Christmas comes alive throughout Camelot with the many large Christmas Cards, painted under art teacher, Roslyn Stern, by Opelika High art students. The neighborhood lights are adorned with lighted wreaths and all the houses are decorated with the wonders of Christmas. This drive-through event begins at sundown

Drive Thru Nativity Story

December 1-31 Spa Loop and Yards Lane Opelika, AL 36801 The whole month of December the drive through the Nativity Story at National Village - Spa Loop and Yards Lane. Presented by National Village Joint Venture.

Auburn Christmas Parade

December 5, 2:00pm 122 West Magnolia Avenue Auburn, AL 36830 The entire community is invited to celebrate the season with the Auburn Chamber Christmas Parade in downtown Auburn. The parade will include Aubie, Santa, Christmas characters, live music and lots of other favorites! For float entry forms, contact Auburn Chamber. www.auburnchamber.com

The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center

December 5-January 1 241 South College Street Auburn, AL 36830 Gingerbread Village Unveiling- Come experience the largest Gingerbread Village in East Alabama in the conference center of the Hotel at Auburn University. Over 10 Gingerbread Buildings are on display in the pre-function foyer for guests to admire. The Gingerbread Village will be unveiled right after the Auburn Christmas Parade and remains on display throughout the month of December. 334-821-8200 www.auhcc.com

Million Dollar Quartet: Christmas

December 7th 1700 Lafayette Parkway Opelika, AL 36801 The Arts Association of East Alabama presents, “Million Dollar Quartet: Christmas” at the Opelika Center for Performing Arts. Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley come together again to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Sun Records, now donned with a Christmas tree, garland, and mistletoe, rings with the sounds of the season and the chart-toppers that made these four famous. Follow along with the gang’s usual antics as we journey through a story of Christmas past, present, and future. It’s a jam-packed evening of holiday hits and classic characters you won’t want to miss! 334-749-8105 www.eastalabamaarts.org

www.opelikachristmas.com

Opelika Christmas Parade

December 4, 10:00am Downtown Opelika Opelika, AL 36801 Don’t miss the 2021 Opelika Christmas Parade on December 4! The rain date will be Sunday, December 5, at 3 p.m. If you would like to participate in the parade, please complete an application form. The form and guidelines can be found on the Chamber’s website, www.opelikachamber.com For more information, call (334) 745-4861. 334-745-4681

Christmas at Marriott Grand National

December 4-18 3700 Robert Trent Jones Trail Opelika, AL 36801 Join Marriott at Grand National every Saturday from December 4 until December 18 for a holly jolly celebration! Drink hot cocoa while walking through the spectacular light display, listen to Mrs. Claus read Christmas stories, and even call an elf through a direct line to the North Pole!

Annual Christmas in a Railroad Town

December 10, 5:00-8:00pm Historic Downtown Opelika, 1032 South Railroad Avenue Opelika, AL 36801 Whether you’re a young child or simply a child at heart – there will be activities for everyone at this great night out in historic downtown Opelika. Join us for Christmas in a Railroad Town. Visit with friends and enjoy a variety of food vendors and restaurants. Bring the kids to write letters to Santa, enjoy pony rides, caroling, entertainment and other new activities! Guaranteed fun for adults includes Loft Tours, personalized gifts made on site and bundles of sweet treats for sale. Local retail shops will be open late for all your Christmas needs. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be available for family photos! Be transported back in time and take a wagon ride through the Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour. Leave straight from Christmas in a Railroad Town and be delivered back once you’re done. Enclosed trolley rides also available at the Museum of East Alabama.

334-737-2114 www.aotourism.com

334-745-0466 director@opelikamainstreet.org www.opelikamainstreet.org

The Nutcracker presented by Variations Dance Studio

East Alabama Community Ballet presents The Nutcracker

December 4-5 Gogue Center for the Performing Arts, 910 South College Street Auburn, AL 36849 Celebrate the joy and wonder of the holidays with Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2021

December 10-12 Telfair Peet Theater, 350 West Samford Avenue Auburn University, AL 36849 Multiple Performances: Join Clara and the Nut-

cracker as they battle the evil Mouse Queen and travel to the Land of Sweets! Journey with them as they meet various treats from different countries including the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy! Clara’s Tea Party: December 11. For younger audiences, Clara’s Tea Party is a shorter performance of The Nutcracker. Experience all the magic of Act II, The Land of Sweets! Meet the dancers while enjoying treats and crafts!

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334-844-4748 www.eacballet.com

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Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour

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December 10-14 Opelika Historic District, 8th & 9th Streets Opelika, AL 36801 The homes are decorated with life size Santa’s, angels, toys, carousel horses and Christmas themed figures. The Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour has been voted one of the southeast’s top rated tourism events and featured in Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Living. The event is a self directed driving tour. However, on Saturday night North 8th and 9th streets will be closed to traffic to encourage visitors, neighbors and friends to stroll through the neighborhood. This enables everyone to leisurely enjoy the homes up close, listen to the carolers, and talk with residents dressed in Victorian costumes. This tour begins on North 8th street and 2nd Avenue and includes over ten city blocks. Admission to this spectacular production is free. On the Friday night of the tour the City of Opelika sponsors Christmas in a Railroad town which includes wagon rides through the Victorian Front Porch Christmas tour which includes tour guides who take you back in time while enjoying the festively decorated homes. Bike Tour: December 11, 10am, Walking Tour: Saturday December 11, 6:00-9:30pm. www.opelikavictorianfrontporchtour.com

Opelika Theatre Company December 13, 3:00-4:00pm SportsPlex Amp Opelika, AL Winter Showcase

www.opelikatheatrecompany.com

Collingwood Christmas Luminaries

December 17, 5:00-9:00pm Collinwood Street Opelika, AL 36801 Take a drive through the Collinwood neighborhood to experience the pathway to Bethlehem. Featuring live actors and live animals, this tradition is fun for the whole family. With over 1,500 sacks with candles prepared by the Collinwood neighborhood residents, the candles are set out along the roadway through the neighborhood to “light the path” on the “journey to the manger.” Along the luminary path you will see shepherds, wise men, and angels following the star on their way to see the Christ Child. All are welcome.

Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library

December 23, 10am-close 200 South 6th Street Opelika, AL 36801 Christmas Movie Marathon: Join us at one or all of our Classic Christmas movies. We will begin at 10 am and a new movie will start every two hours. 334-705-5380

“Back in Time” A Tradition Filled Historical Holiday Celebration

TBA Pioneer Park, 6500 Stage Road Loachapoka, AL 36830 Traditional seasonal music will be provided as guests gather and prepare to enter the early 1800 to 1900s. Once escorted to their tables, costumed servers will provide a period appropriate multi-

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course meal within the historic buildings. Character actors and actresses will visit each table and provide up close and personal opportunities for guests to honor the people of Alabama. This educational entertainment will provide event participants a special glimpse “Back in Time.” Tickets are $50.00 each with all proceeds considered donations to The Lee County Historical Society. They can be purchased on the website or by calling. 334.887.3007 www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org

Junior League of Lee County’s Annual Holiday Poinsettia Sale

Auburn, AL 36830 Poinsettias are available in two sizes and three colors (red, white, and marble.) Orders may be placed with any JLLC member or online at juniorleagueofleecounty.org.

Crossroads, will be on the Town Green. Artisans and patrons from all over gather for this vast annual display of handmade goods. Artisans feature everything from jewelry, soaps, paintings, pottery, woodwork, lotions, furniture, and much more! 256-496-4232 www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com

Annual Hometown Christmas Parade

December 6th Comer Street Alexander City, AL 35010 Join us as we light up the night, when Alexander City’s Annual Hometown Christmas Parade winds its way through the streets of Alexander City the first Monday of each December. Spectators are invited to line the parade route to watch bands and dancers perform, see the festively decorated floats, and wait for the much anticipated arrival of Jolly Old St. Nick himself.

juniorleagueofleecounty@gmail.com

www.alexandercity.org

Alexander City/Lake Martin

Atlanta Area

Christmas at Crossroads and Holiday Bazzar

License to Chill Islands & Magical Night of Lights

November 26th Russell Farms Road Alexander City, AL 35010 Make sure your kids have their lists ready for Santa, we know they have been really good this year! The Jolly Elf will make his way from the North Pole to the Green Stage at Russell Crossroads on Friday, November 26th!! Santa will arrive by carriage around 10am and will be in place until around 2. On the Town Green there will be tons of arts and crafts for the children to make and games for them to play! Come spend Black Friday at Russell Crossroads with Santa and a whole lot more! The Holiday Bazaar, in conjunction with Christmas at

November - January Lake Lanier Islands, 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway Buford, GA 30518 License to Chill Snow Island: Be transported to a wintery vacation state of mind on the fastest snow tubing hill in North America. Magical Nights of Lights: As you drive through our holiday inspired front gate, you crossover the magnificent snowflake bridge, through the 12 Days of Christmas, pass the illuminated diamond wonder light, under the blanket-lit bridge, all through the dancing Holiday House, Santa’s Workshop, Winter Carnival and more! Your magical night does not stop with

the lights. Santa’s Village is a must for guests of all ages. Roast marshmallows on the bonfire, treat your tastes buds to delicious holiday treats, do some holiday shopping at Bucky’s Gift Shop or the many concessions that abound. Children of all ages will enjoy the many rides in our Winter Carnival. Tis’ the season to be jolly with Old St. Nick. You will find Santa taking pictures and discussing holiday wish lists with children at Santa’s Workshop. 770-945-8787

www.lanierislands.com

Stone Mountain Christmas

November 13- January 2 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd Stone Mountain, GA 30083 Have a Holly Jolly Christmas at Stone Mountain Park, where the true magic of the season is in the air. Enjoy the glow of more than two million lights, festive music and visits from some your favorite holiday characters. Each day of Stone Mountain Christmas, you can enjoy park attractions including Summit Skyride, Scenic Railroad, and more! Then, immerse yourself in holiday magic with evenings full of festive music, millions of dazzling lights, spectacular shows and visits from some of your favorite holiday characters! Events include Angelina the Snow Angel, Visit Santa, Journey through the Musical Frosted Forest, Jurassic Christmas, Polar Express 4D, and more! 800-401-2407 www.stonemountainpark.com

Atlanta Children’s Christmas Parade

December 4th Peachtree and 16th Street Atlanta, GA 30308 With floats, giant helium-filled balloons and marching bands, the Children’s Christmas Parade will be the largest holiday parade in the southeast.

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Thousands of spectators will be lined up along the streets eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa and the official beginning of the holiday season in Atlanta. www.choa.org

Birmingham and Surrounding Areas The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum’s Christmas at the Museum

November-December 1919 9th Street Calera, AL 35040 North Pole Express: A Magical Christmastime Tradition: Through the dark night, the North Pole Express makes its way by starlight to the top of the world. On the way, you’ll listen to a whimsical Christmas story, sing your favorite holiday carols, and watch out the windows for the bright lights of the North Pole to appear. Christmas at the Station: A newly reimagined daytime holiday event at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum each Saturday before Christmas in December. Bring the family for a fun-filled Christmas experience riding trains, seeing Santa, exploring a festive maze, and more on the Museum grounds! 205-668-3435

www.hodrrm.org

Alabama Ballet presents George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker”

December 17-23 2726 1st Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233 Tchaikovsky’s beloved melodies transport the young and young at heart to a magical world where mischievous mice besiege a battalion of toy soldiers, and an onstage blizzard leads to an enchanted Land of Sweets. 205-322-4300 www.alabamaballet.org

Eufaula/Dothan Annual Eufaula’s Christmas Tour of Homes

December 4-5 Historic Downtown Eufaula Eufaula, AL 36027 Stroll through history and witness the magnificence of Eufaula’s finest homes aglow in holiday splendor. This delightful tour boasts lovely, unique homes decorated for Christmas as only Eufaulians can do. Experience Christmas as never before in some of the South’s finest homes! 888-383-2852 www.eufaulapilgrimage.com

“The Nutcracker” presented by Southeast Alabama Dance Company

December 9-12 Dothan Civic Center, 126 North Andrew Street Dothan, AL 36303 The annual performance of this holiday classic. Watch as snowflakes dance, flowers waltz, dolls come to life and the Nutcracker turns into a charming prince. 334-702-7139 www.southeastalabamadance company.org

Millbrook/Wetumpka Christmas On the Coosa ad on page 7

December 11th Gold Star Park, Ready Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 Wetumpka’s Christmas on the Coosa continues to bring people from all over the state to enjoy Wetumpka’s family atmosphere and unique heritage. Called the “City of Natural Beauty” Wetumpka is Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2021

a quaint, historic town nestled along the banks of the Coosa River and is home to the annual Christmas on the Coosa celebration. The event features activities and events for the whole family. The day-long Christmas on the Coosa celebration features a car show, children’s character breakfast, entertainment for children and a show case for local talent. The annual street parade features over 100 entries and passes along the area for arts & crafts vendors. The evening continues with a ski-in by Santa and the ends with a grand fireworks finale. 334-567-5147 www.cityofwetumpka.com

Montgomery/Selma Alabama Dance Theatre presents Mistletoe ad on page 15

November 13-14, 2:00pm and 7:00pm Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts, 251 Montgomery Street Montgomery, AL 36104 The Alabama Dance Theatre will open its 35th “Season of Poetry” with Montgomery’s holiday production of “Mistletoe” which will be performed November 13th and 14th at The Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. This year’s production will feature “Miss Kitty’s Favorite Dances of Christmas”, an audience favorite. “Favorite Dances of Christmas” showcases a collage of dances set to beautiful Christmas carols and songs, with classics including First Noel, I Saw Three Ships, Sleigh ride, and Jingle Bells. “Mistletoe” will also feature new works Green sleeves, Boughs of Holly, and Coventry Carol choreographed by Sara Sanford and Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town choreographed by Janie Alford. Other favorites returning to the stage will include I’ll Be Home for Christmas, O Come All Ye Faithful, and First Noel. www.alabamadancetheatre.com

Annual Interfaith Christmas Nativity Exhibit

December 1-31 3460 Carter Hill Road Montgomery, AL 36111 Montgomery’s Interfaith Nativity Exhibit is back in person for 2021! Since 2006, this beloved tradition has shared the Christmas Spirit in the River Region with nativities from cultures around the world and concerts by local musicians. Start your holidays right by attending this peaceful celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ! FREE for the whole community. Open daily from 1:00-8:00 pm. www.business.facebook.com/LighttheWorldAChristmasExhibit/

Alabama Shakespeare Festival presents A Christmas Carol

December 3-24 1 Festival Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 ASF favorite Greta Lambert is a one-woman tour de force as she takes on more than a dozen roles to bring this beloved holiday classic to life. You’ll be mesmerized as Greta brings this beloved and heartwarming holiday classic to life and transports you back to a magical evening in Victorian England to enjoy the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his encounters with Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.

lights and festive decorations. Take a leisurely stroll, a brisk train ride or see the lights from atop the Zoofari Skylift Ride. Visit Santa, enjoy the live nightly entertainment and no winter’s night would be complete without some warming hot chocolate and fresh baked cookies. 334-625-4900 www.montgomeryzoo.com

Phenix City/Columbus Drifters, Platters, & Coasters Holiday Show

December 10th 900 Broadway Columbus, Ga 31901 Come celebrate the holidays with three great Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame groups! After nearly 40 years, The Holiday Hop featuring the Drifters, the Platters and Cornell Gunter’s Coasters has become the longest running Christmas show in America, outlasting even the Radio City Rockettes show. Combining holiday classics such as “Let It Snow,” White Christmas,” and their three-group classic gospel hit “Silent Night” with their rich catalogue of more than 30 million-sellers that define 60s music and the pre-Motown sound, the show has truly become a holiday tradition. www.rivercenter.org

Callaway Gardens Annual Fantasy in Lights

November 19-January 3 17800 Us Highway 27 Pine Mountain, GA 31822 Callaway Gardens’ Fantasy In Lights, in Pine Mountain, Georgia, is not only the South’s most spectacular holiday light and sound show, it is one of the world’s “Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights,” as named by National Geographic Traveler. Follow the links below for complete details on 2020 Fantasy In Lights. Specialty Nights: Saturday, Nov. 13- March of Dimes Night Walk; Sunday, Nov. 14 - Bicycle Night; New this year are Bike Hour- December 30 Sunday, Dec. 31 - New Year’s Eve Party at Fantasy In Lights 800-898-4868 www.callawaygardens.com

Canadian Brass Holiday Tour

December 3, 7:30pm 900 Broadway Columbus, Ga 31901 With an international reputation as one of the most popular brass ensembles today, Canadian Brass has truly earned the distinction of “the world’s most famous brass group. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Go Tell It On The Mountain, You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch, Carol of the Bells, and A Charlie Brown Christmas. www.rivercenter.org

Santa Claus 10K at Callaway Gardens December 5th Callaway Gardens, 17800 US Hwy 27 Pine Mountain, GA 31822 This run course travels through the Callaway Gardens lit “FANTASY IN LIGHTS” and includes marshmallow, chocolate, and candy cane miles. Stick around after the race for your picture with Santa!

tricolumbusga@gmail.com www.tricolumbusga.com

334-271-5353 www.asf.net

Annual Christmas Light Festival at the Montgomery Zoo

December 3-25 2301 Coliseum Parkway Montgomery, AL 36110 See the Montgomery Zoo transformed into a Winter Wonderland sparkling with thousands of

“A Tuna Christmas”

December 16-23 Springer Opera House, 103 10th Street Columbus, GA 31901 How could we celebrate our 150th Anniversary Season without the most popular show in Springer history? Since 2001, over 50,000 otherwise nor-

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mal people have spent perfectly good money to celebrate their holidays by watching two amazing actors portray 21 inhabitants of Tuna, Texas in a hilarious quick-change comedy sensation that has become a true cult favorite for Columbus audiences. The annual yard display contest has been plagued by a bandit known only as the Christmas Phantom. Socialite Vera Carp hopes to win for the fifteenth year in a row, but she has stiff competition from Didi Snavely, the owner of Didi’s Used Weapons and the sassy Tastee Kreme waitresses Inita Goodwin and Helen Bedd. Meanwhile, Aunt Pearl Burrus and Dixie DeBerry ain’t sayin’ nothin’. Find out why people say, “It just isn’t Christmas without A Tuna Christmas!” 706-327-3688 www.springeroperahouse.org

The Columbus Ballet presents The Nutcracker

December 18, 2:30pm and 7:30pm 900 Broadway Columbus, GA 31901 Join us as the magic returns to the RiverCenter stage for our 25th anniversary production of The Nutcracker. This annual Christmas classic celebrates the joy and spirit of dance and is a perfect way for families to enjoy the holiday season. www.rivercenter.org

The Lundy’s Christmas Light Spectacular

Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve 5784 Ironstone Drive Columbus, GA 31907 Drive into a light display set to music like none other…over 155,000 lights! Featured on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight”. 706-443-6975 www.lundychristmas.com

South Alabama Magic Christmas in Lights

November 26-January 5 Bellingrath Gardens, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, AL 36582 Bellingrath Gardens and Home is celebrating the 26th year of Magic Christmas in Lights in 2021! In this Gulf Coast holiday tradition, guests stroll through a dazzling light display that features more than 1,100 set pieces, 3 million lights and 16 scenes throughout the 65-acre Garden estate. In addition, the Bellingrath Home is decorated in its holiday finery and enhanced with beautiful poinsettias. 251-973-2217 | www.bellingrath.org

Valley/LaGrange The Manger Tours

Weekends November 14 -December 23 Explorations in Antiquity Center, 130 Gordon Commercial Drive LaGrange, AL 30240 Follow the journey of Joseph and Mary as they travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem and learn new insights into the Christmas story. These walks can be done in conjunction with the Christmas multi-media presentation in the evening. Reservations required. 706-885-0363 www.biblicalhistorycenter.com

LaGrange Christmas Parade

December 2, 6:00pm 111 Bull Street LaGrange, AL 30241 The floats begin at 6:00pm. Start the holiday season off right with this spirited Troup County tradition. Each year hundreds of businesses, community groups, schools and churches create floats for the annual parade that makes its way through

downtown city streets. Marching bands, live animals, clowns and a variety of novelty entries complete the festive environment. And, much to the delight of both the young and young at heart, Santa always manages to make a special guest appearance on the top of a fire truck. 706-844-8671 www.lagrangechamber.com

Christmas Holidays at Hills & Dales Estate

December 4-31 1916 Hills and Dales Drive LaGrange, GA 30240 Experience our circa 1940’s, tinsel-laden Christmas tree, brilliant Poinsettias and other seasonal decorations during the holiday season. The Fuller E. Callaway family home and the visitor center will be decorated for the holidays this December, Tuesdays to Saturdays. Regular tour prices apply. Also offering wreath workshops, family tabletop luminaries workshop, mixed green Christmas wreath workshops and Children’s Christmas Celebration. 706-882-3242 www.hillsanddales.org

Christmas Village at the Historic Langdale Mill

Weekends in December US Hwy 29 at Fob James Road Valley, AL Beginning the first weekend in December, experience the spirit of the season in Historic Valley. There is a life-size nativity scene in the meadow, the Madonna light-sculpture, and the Christmas Merry-go-Round that has given over 1,000,000 FREE rides to families. As you take a walk through history, you will be greeted with caroling and much more festive fun. Also, don’t miss the “A Cotton Mill Christmas” production at Langdale Theatre, as the local actors tell the history and stories of Valley, Al. 334-756-5290 www.facebook.com/City-of-ValleyChristmas-Merry-Go-Round AOP

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Regardless of how gracefully we want to handle aging, we often find ourselves making heroic efforts to stave it off, starting in early adulthood. The proof is that women of all ages (even in their 20s) are spending small fortunes on Botox injections, fillers, and plastic surgery. Also, many who don’t go to such drastic measures still spend hundreds of dollars a year on anti-aging lotions and potions. Fortunately, you don’t have to undergo risky and costly procedures or resort to ineffective concoctions to enjoy a more youthful appearance.

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2021

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It’s All in the Application

Clothing That Compliments

Makeup techniques can go a long way toward fine-tuning your features to make you look younger. So give these a try.

Your clothing can either add years or subtract them from your appearance. Consider the following tricks to make clothing work in your favor.

The eyes have it To make your eyes look bigger, line the inside of your lower lid with a white or flesh-colored eyeliner. Then brighten up your eye area by dabbing pale pink, flesh, or oyster color shadow to the inside corners of your eyes. Also, add a couple more dabs just under your lower lashes moving from the inner corner of your eye to the center. For your lashes, flare them. First, brush through your lashes as usual with mascara. Then sweep through them again and pull your outer lashes outward and inner lashes inward. Repeat these steps with your lower lashes.

Out with the black

If you’re over 35, banish black above your waist. As you age, black draws atten-

finally gotten the message. You can find shapewear now that’s both sexy and more comfortable to wear. Shapewear can shave years off your appearance by creating a sleek look.

Health and Attitude Is Everything Physical and emotional wellness goes a long way toward both looking and

Youthful lips Full lips make you look younger. So invest in a quality, long-lasting lip liner, and line your top and bottom lip. For fuller lips, line just to the outside of your lip line.

A flawless complexion

Foundation can do wonders to give you flawless, youthful-looking skin. But your skin type and age may dictate what type works best. On younger skin, sheer coverage is best. On mature skin, foundation can make your lines more noticeable. So look opt for a sheer, very lightweight foundation or skip it altogether.

tion to your fine lines. For tops and jackets, wear colors that compliment you. Everyone looks great in particular colors. So play those up. This also goes for black-framed eyeglasses. Opt instead for metallics, bright colors, or lighter colored frames.

Avoid the dry look

Keep it stylish, but don’t overdo it

Unless you have very oily skin, skip the face powder because it can make your skin look dry and any lines more noticeable. If you must use powder to control too much shine, apply it only in your oily areas. Also, look for a translucent pure silica formulation and avoid mica or talc.

Add some color Use soft pink or bright coral blush to add color and brighten your face. Avoid bronze tones, which only serve to age your skin. Also, use cream rather than powder blush since powder makes your skin look dryer. Apply blush along the top of your cheekbones, forehead, and center of your chin.

As you age, dressing trendy from head to toe is hard to pull off without drawing attention to your age. Instead, mix a pair of classic pants and shirt, with a trendy sweater. Or add style to a pair of jeans and a classic top with a pair of fashionable boots (so long as they aren’t bulky). Another option is to choose pieces that are mostly classic but have a stylish flair.

Shapers aren’t what they used to be That’s excellent news. At one time, many women wouldn’t be caught dead wearing the hideous shapewear that existed. But lingerie companies have 39

feeling younger. A positive outlook on life is beneficial to your physical health. In contrast, anger, stress, and depression increase your risk of disease. Negative emotions also reflect in your posture and face. So, make wellness a priority. Exercise is an essential part of physical and mental wellness and should be a part of your daily routine. A regimen of aerobic exercise for your heart and lungs and weight lifting for muscle tone and bone health will help you maintain your youth longer. As an added benefit, exercise also releases endorphins, which elevates your mood. So remember good health and a positive attitude have the most significant impact on maintaining a youthful appearance. With these, you’ll glow and emanate radiance. AOP

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online store, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions and fine bindings at sagerarebooks.com.

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FamilyCalendar Friday, October 29

Sunday, October 31

Downtown Auburn Trick-or-Treat 6:00- 8:00 PM. This is a fantastic alternative to doorto-door trick-or-treating, with downtown merchants handing out candy and plenty of treats for everyone! There will be music, provided by our special spooky entertainment for the evening, and the annual Costume Contest.

Downtown Auburn Trick-or-Treat From 6-8 p.m., we will have a ghoulishly good time in downtown Auburn. This is a fantastic alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating, with downtown merchants handing out candy and plenty of treats for everyone! There will be music, provided by our special spooky entertainment for the evening, and the annual Costume Contest.

Come Home to the Corner Downtown Auburn, every Friday evening before a home football game. Free, for all ages with live music and extended shopping hours downtown. Football, Fans and Feathers Southeastern Raptor Center, 1350 Pratt-Carden Drive. Hawks, falcons, eagles, and other birds of prey are free-flown around the amphitheater during hour-long educational program. Tickets are $8 per person, no charge for children age three and under. www.vetmed.auburn.edu/raptor Ausome Amphibians & Reptiles. Join the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center educators from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. for a presentation about the awesome amphibians and reptiles found in Alabama and beyond! This one-hour, handson program is fun for kids and adults. Tickets are $5 ($4 for members) for adults and free for children 3 and under. Pre-register with credit/debit or pay with cash or check at the event. Canceled in the event of rain. www.wp.auburn.edu/preserve Tour de Fright Opelika Sportsplex. 6-8 PM. Bicyclers beware! Parents and children are invited to take a ride on the haunted biking trail. Bring your bikes! 9th Annual Haunted Auburn Walking Tour Also Oct. 30 and 31. Join Local folklorist, Paranormal investigator, Artist, and Professional actor Mr. Brandon Stoker (Walking Dead, Zombieland 2), and Accredited historian, Local author, and Paranormal investigator Mr. John-Mark Poe as they lead you through our downtown area recounting first-hand accounts from people just like you who’ve worked and lived in our ‘Loveliest Village on the Plains.’ Admission is ALWAYS free, but donations are appreciated.

Saturday, October 30 Fall Family Festival Admission charged. Russell Crossroads. Face painting, pumpkin decorating, wagon rides, and more. 10 AM-1 PM. Alexander City. 256-397-1019. www.russelllands.com.

Vet School Trunk-for-Treats The fourth annual “Trunk-For-Treats” at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine (AUCVM) is here, from 2 - 4 p.m. How it works: This is a pet and family-friendly event where you and your fur buddies come dressed up in your favorite costumes. The price of admission is a minimum $5 donation for each trunk or treater. We will provide empty treat bags at the registration table to fill up with dog treats for your pets and candy for you! As a special treat, all proceeds will go to the AUCVM Good Samaritan fund!

Monday, November 1 Polar Express Holiday Celebration: Tickets Go on Sale Today Children 12 and under are invited to hop aboard the Polar Express on Saturday, Dec. 4 at Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Activities include arts and crafts, sweet treats, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and more! $15/person for participants 24 months and older. Tickets available at Active.com.

Wednesday, November 3 Creative Cubs Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 9:30 AM. Join the Education, Engagement and Learning team for storytime and hands-on art activities inspired by the exhibitions on view. This interactive experience is curated for ages 3-5. Pre-registration required | 15 children maximum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu

Saturday, November 6 Pike Road Arts and Crafts Fair One of the oldest crafts fairs in Alabama featuring more than 250 artists and craftspeople. Held on the grounds of the historic Marks House. Children under 8 free. Horse U Program Auburn University Equestrian Center, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For the youth program, participants will rotate to different hands-on stations with topics such as nutrition, learning about tack and equipment, and parts of the horse. Adults will meet with veterinarians and other professionals for education on relevant industry topics. The youth registration fee of $20 will cover lunch, snacks, participant bags, and a t-shirt. Adult registration fee is $20 and will cover lunch and snacks. www.facebook.com/ horseuatau

Saturdays at the Garden O Grows Farmers Market Every Saturday this fall from 9 a.m. - noon! Support your favorite local growers, bakers, craftsmen/ women, artisans, gardeners, and maybe a goat! There will also be workshops, educational activities, and more! www.ogrows.org

Ingrid Andress with Georgia Webster The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University presents Ingrid Andress live at the Woltosz Theatre. The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter—

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2021

Rocky Brook Rocket Train Rides Also Oct. 31. Municipal Park, Opelika. 2:00-5:00 PM, $1.00 per ride. Reservations: 334-705-5549.

considered one of country music’s rising stars—will be joined by pop-country crossover Georgia Webster. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

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Lineville Heritage Day Festival Downtown--An old-fashioned street festival featuring an antique tractor show and parade, a juried vintage quilt show, historical displays, Mr. & Miss Heritage Day, live music featuring local talent, an oldfashioned costume contest, horseshoe and domino tournaments, great food, craft vendors, and more. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. www.facebook.com/LinevilleHeritage-Day-518038171598584

Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens Magnificent champion thoroughbred horses gather on the Callaway grounds to charge through our stunning woodland setting. The foxhound parade will put a smile on your face. On Saturday, savor a picnic on the infield, show off a traditional race hat, and soak in the festive hunt club atmosphere. www.steeplechaseatcallaway.com

Sunday, November 7 Alzheimer’s Association-Walk to End Alzheimer’s The first people to register will receive a set of Walk flags to display, while supplies last. To get more involved with the Alzheimer’s Association and Walk to End Alzheimer’s - Auburn, join the Auburn Walk. act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2021/AL-Alabama Dadeville Christmas Open House Dadeville Businesses will be opening their doors to the public to showcase their businesses items for the upcoming Holiday season. Most businesses will be serving refreshments and great conversations. Go to our FaceBook page prior to the event for a map and listing of participating businesses. Veteran’s Appreciation Week at The Montgomery Zoo Also Nov. 8,9,10,11,12,13. All veterans, active duty military personnel, and their dependent family members receive a 50% DISCOUNT on REGULAR DAYTIME admission to the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. www. montgomeryzoo.com In the Garden with Cyndi Kreher Preserve and Nature Center. Fun, casual gardening class for adults where you get to learn tips and tricks, get your hands dirty, and get expert advice on a myriad of gardening techniques and best practices. This month’s theme is all about learning how to keep your garden going through the winter. www.facebook.com/aupreserve Toby Mac Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.ticketmaster.com Nov. 7-13: Veteran’s Appreciation Week at The Montgomery Zoo Please join the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum in thanking the proud men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Veterans, active duty military personnel, and their dependent family members receive a 50% DISCOUNT on REGULAR DAYTIME admission to the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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FamilyCalendar Museum. Participants must provide a valid military identification to receive discount. www.montgomeryzoo.com

Tuesday, November 9 Discovery Hike: White-Tailed Deer Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, 3:30 PM. Family Discovery Hikes offer excellent opportunities for the entire family to learn about nature and see wildlife up close, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. This month’s theme is whitetailed deer. Free – donations are welcomed. www.facebook.com/aupreserve

Thursday, November 11 Kreher Preserve & Nature Center Fall Camp The KPNC offers fall camps to students in grades 1 through 6 on days when schools are closed. Campers will join the KPNC naturalists outside, exploring our natural world and wildlife communities and discovering new adventures all around us. 8 AM to 3 PM. www.facebook.com/aupreserve Veterans Day at the American Village Montevallo. This is a FREE event, and all veterans, active members of the military and their families are invited to attend. As a state and as a nation, we must never forget the service and sacrifices made by these men and women for our freedoms. www.americanvillage.org Family Fun Movie Auburn Public Library. 3:30 PM. Coco (2017) Rated PG, 1 hour 49 minutes. Please contact us if you need adaptive assistance to make the program more accessible. For more information: email libraryevents@ auburnalabama.org or call 334-501-3296. Nature Walk: White-Tailed Deer 8:30 a.m. at Kreher Preserve and Nature Center. This walk is for adults only. This month’s theme is whitetailed deer. Nature Walks are free – donations are welcomed. Rescheduled in the event of rain – check Kreher Preserve & Nature Center’s facebook. www.facebook.com/aupreserve “Match the Hatch” The Jule at Auburn and the local chapter of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. are partnering on a fly-tying demonstration in observance of Veterans’ Day. Master anglers from the Auburn Chapter of this national non-profit will create realistic-looking lures to “match the hatch.” Free and open to the public. Demo begins at 2 p.m., with a light reception beginning at 6 p.m. Fly-tying materials provided (while supplies last). Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans through fly fishing and associated activities including education and outings. www.jcsm.auburn.edu

Football, Fans and Feathers See Oct. 29 for details.

Saturday, November 13

B’ham. Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and, of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound onto your stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime. www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org

Nature Art Series: Leaf Printing Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. Local artist Heather Jackson teams up with the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center to bring you this art workshop series for all ages. Each workshop has a nature theme and will explore beautiful and interesting art techniques.

Friday, November 19

AO Discover! Pop-up on the Plains at AU Saturday, Nov. 13 (prior to kickoff of the Miss. State vs. AU Game) Check aodiscover.org for time and location updates!

Saturday, November 20

Dino Dig Education Program Montgomery Zoo. 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. Geared for boys and girls aged 4-10 years old. www.Montgomeryzoo.com Saturdays at the Garden - O Grows Farmers Market See Oct. 30 for details. CSO: The Greats…Beethoven & Schubert RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org

Sunday, November 14 Patti LaBelle Gogue Performing Arts Center. Actress and singer Patti LaBelle is widely regarded as the queen of rock and soul music—acclaimed for many of her songs, including “Lady Marmalade,” “When You Talk About Love” and “New Attitude.” www.goguecentertickets. auburn.edu The Simon & Garfunkel Show The Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. Using state of the art projection photos and original film footage, featuring a full live band performing all the hits including, “Mrs. Robinson”, “Cecilia”, “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, “Homeward Bound” and many more. www.eastalabamaarts.org Second Sundays Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. The second Sunday of each month at The Jule! Exhibitions are open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a programming. Meet contemporary artists, screen a film or make art; your experience is inspired by the collection and exhibitions on view. www.jcsm.auburn.edu

Thursday, November 18

Friday, November 12

Third Thursday Poetry Series at Pebble Hill The Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities at Pebble Hill is hosting a Third Thursday Poetry Series. Make plans to attend on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/cmdcah

Come Home to the Corner See Oct. 29 for details.

Dreamworks’ Madagascar Jr. Also Nov. 19, 20, 21. Virginia Samford Theatre,

Little River Band RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org

14th Annual Holiday Art Sale Auburn Parks and Rec Center, Perry Street. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. This FREE event features local and regional artists selling handmade works, including pottery, paintings, personalized items, photography, handmade soap, jewelry, gourmet food items, scarves, hats, candles, and more! www.auburnalabama.org/parks Auburn Thunder Classic Also Nov. 21. Come join us for a competitive weekend of competitive soccer matches at Auburn Soccer Complex. We look forward to hosting your teams and showing off the coolest college town in the south! Unity Wellness Center World Aids Day Run/Walk Town Creek Park in Auburn, 8:00 a.m. Run, jog or walk a scenic 5K (3.1 mile) route through the moderately rolling hills of Auburn. The race will start and finish at Town Creek Park. Strollers and dogs on leashes welcome and encouraged. 334-749-3593. Saturdays at the Garden - O Grows Farmers Market See Oct. 30 for details.

Sunday, November 21 Rising Gardens Community Market Held year-round on the 3rd Sunday of every month from 2 - 5 PM at 231 E. Drake Ave. Shop for fresh local organic produce and artisan goods by community vendors. Enjoy live music, participate in drum circles, eat local nutritious food, support local vendors and experience community!

Tuesday, November 23 Cirque Dreams Holidaze Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.ticketmaster.com

Wednesday, November 24 Ricky Smiley and Friends of Comedy Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.ticketmaster.com

Friday, November 26 Football, Fans and Feathers See Oct. 29 for details.

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FamilyCalendar Blue Friday in Downtown Auburn Our downtown merchants will be open on the busiest shopping day of the year to offer you doorbusters, specials and extended shopping hours. When you shop local, you are not only supporting our local business owners, but also the community. Preview our Blue Friday ad by visiting www. downtownauburnonline.com/events/2018/11/16/ blue-friday Come Home to the Corner See Oct. 29 for details.

Saturday, November 27 Saturdays at the Garden - O Grows Farmers Market See Oct. 30 for details. AO Discover! Pop-up on the Plains at AU Saturday, Nov. 27 (prior to kickoff of the Iron Bowl) Check aodiscover.org for time and location updates!

Sunday, November 28 Sno*pelika Christmas Festival and Tree Lighting Event 4:30 PM, Courthouse Square. This is a free, annual community event that kicks off the Christmas season in Opelika with artificial snowfall and tree lighting. www.opelikachamber.com Sundilla Presents Ellis Paul in Concert Pebble Hill. Showtime will be 7:30 p.m., and admission at the door is $25. A limited number of $20 advance tickets are available at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee, and www.facebook.com/sundilla

Friday, December 3 The Loveliest Village Holiday Fair Also Dec. 4 and 5. A three-day celebration Friday, December 3 through Sunday, December 5 featuring holiday activities, performances, and a holiday market. The ADMA is currently seeking vendors for the holiday market. If you are interested visit www. auburndowntownonline.com

Saturday, December 4 The South’s BEST Robotics Competition Also Dec. 5. Auburn University Coliseum. BEST is a national program with competition sites in eighteen states, free to schools/no cost for robotics materials. The mission of BEST is to inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through participation in a competitive robotics program that fosters knowledge, teamwork, and communication. www.southsbest.org

Friday, December 17

Saturday, December 18 Doc Magic Elf Show Auburn Public Library. 2:30 PM. Everyone’s favorite, Doc Magic, will entertain you with interactive stories, prestidigitation, and fun! For more information, email libraryevents@auburnalabama.org

Library Events Auburn Public Library Story Time Tuesdays-Saturdays, 9:30 AM and 1:00 PM. Early literacy story time for our friends birth to 5 years old and their favorite grown-ups. Program will be held in person in the Picture Books section of the Auburn Public Library Youth Room. Free and open to the public. Auburn Public Library Virtual Story Time Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10:30 AM. Virtual early literacy story time for our friends birth to 5 years old and their favorite grown-ups! Virtual story times are held via Zoom, and registration is required in advance. Free and open to the public. Register here: https://zoom. us/webinar/register/WN_63KtHmIkRpWY1nPD8Pxrlw Auburn Public Library Puppet Show 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM. Puppet shows will be held in person in the Picture Books section of the Youth Room and virtually via Zoom. Free and open to the public. Register for a Zoom link here: https://zoom. us/webinar/register/WN__a-e86qbR1mhYZIDFybRzA Opelika Public Library Yoga Story Time Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26. 9:30 AM, Ages 0-5 and their siblings are welcome to join Ms. Janie for Yoga Story Time! Stories, movement, games, and fun! Opelika Public Library Music and Movement Family Story Time Oct. 25. Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. 6:00-7:00 PM. Opelika Public Library Magic and Puppet Show Oct. 26, 10 AM. Opelika Public Library Brick Builders Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. 3:30 PM. Opelika Public Library Baby & Me Story Time Oct. 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24. 9:30 AM Opelika Public Library Teens: NaNoWriMo Oct. 27, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. 4:00 PM. Students in grades 6-12 are invited to drop-in any time from 4-7:00 PM to talk with Spenser to learn more information and pick up materials for OPL’s NaNoWriMo(National Novel Writing Month) program. Opelika Public Library Teens: Murder at the Toadwart Inn Oct. 30. 3:00 PM. Brush off your robes and pull out your wands, you are cordially invited to this year’s Witch’s Brew Ball. It’s sure to be a deadly good time. Grades 6-12 Come dressed in your fantastical finest - prize for best costume. Snacks served. Registration encouraged so that you can receive your character information ahead of time.

A Holiday Walk in the Woods Also Dec. 18. Kreher Preserve and Nature Center. A walking small-group tour through the piney winter woods with lights, decoration, and songs by local talent at stations along the trail. The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center will offer a trail stop with woodsy holiday art activities. Additionally, walks will have special surprises and songs for the kids! www.facebook.com/aupreserve

Performances

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2021

James and the Giant Peach November 12-14, 19-20. Springer Opera House. It’s the tale of James Henry Trotter and his daring escapades with his five buggy friends, his evil aunts Spiker and Sponge, and a silly assortment of kooky acquaintances. www.springeroperahouse.org

The Glass Menagerie Oct. 28-Nov. 7. Virginia Samford Theatre, B’ham. The story, set in St. Louis in 1937, is drawn from the memories of the narrator, Tom Wingfield. He is an aspiring poet who toils in a shoe warehouse to support his mother, Amanda, and his fragile sister, Laura. www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org The Wizard of Oz Dec. 2-19. Springer Opera House. The timeless musical adventure about a Kansas girl and her little dog who are scooped up by a tornado and carried over the rainbow to the Land of Oz. www.spirngeroperahouse.org

Sports Auburn University Football Oct. 30, Nov. 13, 27 Auburn University Swim and Dive Nov. 5 Auburn University Men’s Basketball Nov. 9, 12 Auburn University Women’s Basketball Nov. 4, 11, 16, 26, 30 Auburn University Volleyball Nov. 10, 20, 21

Ongoing Outside In at the Jule Through January 2022. This collaborative exhibition pairs selections from the university’s impressive Louise Hauss and David Brent Miller Audubon Collection with seasonally-changing specimens from Auburn’s Museum of Natural History. www.jcsm.auburn.edu Market Days on Broadway Saturdays, 9 AM - Noon. Columbus, GA. Featuring over 200 regional vendors selling everything from homemade bread and pastries to homegrown products, including local and organic produce, home goods, jewelry, crafts, and eclectic gifts and clothing. www.uptowncolumbusga.com Friday Night Concert Series Uptown Columbus. You’ll hear jazz, rock, reggae, gospel, and more. A full block along Broadway is shut down for pedestrian use. FREE and open to all ages. Bring your lawn chair, blanket, outside food and beverages allowed—glass containers and outside alcoholic beverages prohibited. www.alwaysuptown.com Beyond Van Gough - The Immersive Exhibit Nov. 17 - Jan. 2, 2022. B’ham Jefferson Civic Center. Imagine being completely immersed in more than 300 of the greatest works of post-Impressionist artist Vincent Van Gough, in a three-dimensional experience that exhilarates every sense and brings to life one of the most influential artists the world has known. www.bjcc.concerthallbirmingham.org/

Because of ever-changing circumstances due to Covid-19, please check with each venue prior to attending the event to verify the information provided is still accurate and up to date.

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Grading Family Movies: Streaming, Digital Rentals, and DVDs Pokemon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle

LOL Surprise: The Movie

Under Wraps

No Time to Die

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

TV-Y7

A-

Netflix

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

TV-G

C-

B+

A-

Disney+

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

TV-Y7

B+

In Theaters

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

PG-13

B-

C-

Living anonymously in Jamaica, James Bond’s idyll is brought to an end when CIA agent Felix Leiter asks for his help in tracking down an abducted scientist. Now it falls to Bond to save the world from a devastating bioweapon. For the genre, the profanity is lighter than expected and the sexual content is far lower than in past 007 films. There is, however a fair bit of creative violence. Adult and teen fans of the franchise will enjoy Daniel Craig’s final mission. Photo ©Metro-Goldwyn Mayer

e g.

pel,

Sex

When an elderly resident in their community starts acting suspiciously, three friends set out to investigate, only to accidentally awaken a 4,000 year old mummy. Harold, their new bandaged buddy, is far less scary than he looks but the story will provide some harmless frightening moments for school-aged kids. Production values are mediocre and the script is clunky, but this still provides safe scares for an audience that is underserved at Halloween. Photo ©Disney+

ent

ist nce of

Violence

Unhappy about moving to a new house, Ava is suddenly whisked away to a digital world populated by her LOL Surprise dolls. While helping them make a film, Ava develops courage and learns to embrace change. This movie’s aggressive product placement is problematic,but its toxic message that girl power comes from clothes, cosmetics, and celebrity is even worse. Despite its lack of negative content, the messaging makes this show unsuitable for youngsters. Photo © Netflix

rs m ’s

Overall

Photo ©Netflix

ary

ry.

Rating

Ash and Pikachu run into Koko, an orphan who has grown up wild in the jungle. As Koko learns about humans, he also uncovers a plot to destroy his jungle home. Cue lots of Pokemon battles and cheesy dialogue before the inevitable triumph of good over greed. This film is neither novel nor clever, but it provides kids with a fun, simple, safe introduction to the Pokemon universe. Adults with fond memories of the franchise will also enjoy the movie, but it has little to offer a mass audience.

Netflix

Ron’s Gone Wrong

Rating PG

In Theaters

Overall B+

Violence B-

Sex A

Profanity A-

Alcohol/Drugs B

Barney is the only student at his school without a B*bot, an egg-shaped digital pal designed to collect all its owner’s preferences and recommend new friends from the network. When Barney finally gets his own B*bot, he’s disappointed to discover that it’s defective: Ron can’t automatically download Barney’s life and make new friends for him. This is a smart, witty film that explores issues like digital connectivity, online safety, friendship, and bullying - all wrapped up in an entertaining package suitable for viewers of all ages. Photo ©Walt Disney Studios Grades range from: A= absence of content concerns to D= excess of content concerns Detailed reviews available at www.parentpreviews.com 43

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Can I Protect Myself Against Inflation? Q. All the talk on the news about inflation is a little scary. Is there any way to protect yourself against it on a day-to-day basis? A. When people start talking about inflation, it seems like there are always some who want to start collecting gold, fill every container they own with gasoline and stick their cash under their mattresses. But listen, you can prepare for inflation and address the results without being panicked. You are still in control of your money, inflation or not. You’ll be able to make sure your money is going toward the right things, while being able to find places where you can cut spending, if you’re living on a written, monthly budget. If you’re noticing the prices of things like food

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2021

and gas rising in your area, you’ll need to adjust your budget to account for this. That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re working with, and it will help you avoid any nasty surprises. If you’re really feeling the pinch and want to save even more, look for specific ways to lower your grocery bill or save money on gas. Maybe it’s time you switched to generic brands, or started a carpool into work. If you find great deals on canned food and things you can stock your pantry with— I’m talking about stuff you’ll actually use—go ahead and buy a little extra. Just make sure you’ve budgeted for it before heading to the grocery store. You’ll want

to already know exactly what you’re going to spend, so you don’t get swept up into impulse buying. Like it or not, inflation is a thing. If you plan on retiring one day, it’s pretty much guaranteed that the cost of a loaf of bread, a tank of gas and even a cup of coffee will have gone up by then. The best way to protect yourself against inflation that’s bound to happen is to invest your money—and the sooner the better. But remember, if you still have debt other than your mortgage, and don’t have an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses, you need to take care of those things first!

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Parents

stop

hpv

Keep Your Kids Cancer Free!

More than 26,000 new cases of HPV cancers could be prevented with HPV vaccination

HPV Vaccine is Cancer Prevention!

Prevents 90% of HPV cancers Protects boys and girls against half a dozen cancers including cervical and other HPV cancers.

Don’t Delay.

contact your childs doctor today! Vaccine costs are covered by most insurance programs, Medicaid, and the Vaccine for Children Program (VFC).

Don’t Wait to Vaccinate AGE AT FIRST DOSE

DOSE #2

DOSE #3

9 years until 15th birthday

6-12 months after dose #1

Not Needed

15 years or older

1-2 months after dose #2

Approximately 4 months after dose #2

Visit alabamapublichealth.gov/imm for more information and other available resources. 1