Lifelong friendships and exceptional outdoor activities are just some of the things Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults has to offer. Camp ASCCA is a therapeutic recreation camp that caters to people of all ages with disabilities.

Kelli Hood is from Hartselle Ala. She is an Auburn University graduate who interned at Camp ASCCA in the summer of 2008. After seeing a listing on Facebook for a public relations internship, Kelli decided to apply, and her life has not been the same since.

“Camp definitely changed my life,” says Kelli. “I learned so much about myself that summer, and I walked away with so many valuable friendships. I consider myself lucky to have had this experience.”

As a PR intern, much of Kelli’s time was spent photographing the campers, doing video interviews and writing blogs. These responsibilities allowed her to float between all the camp programs from day to day.

“I loved that I had the opportunity to visit all different activities each day,” says Kelli. “It gave me a unique view of camp that many other counselors don’t get. I got to see how one kid would connect with horseback riding, and how another would overcome his fear of tubing to have the time of his life.”

Swimming, water skiing, tubing, canoeing, boating, fishing and horseback riding are just a few of the camp programs. Camp ASCCA is dedicated to providing a unique experience for every camper.

As Camp ASCCA’s website states, “The Easter Seals Camp ASCCA mission is to help eligible individuals with disabilities and/or health impairments achieve equality, dignity, and maximum independence.”

Camp ASCCA even has specialty weeks devoted to serving more specific proposes. For example, there is a three-week period, Camp Seale Harris, that for diabetic campers—one week for families, one for juniors (children) and one for seniors (teens and up). Kelli lived at camp from the end of May through the beginning of August. She stayed in cabins with the campers who came and went each week.

“It was definitely one of the best experiences of my life and I would recommend it to mostly anyone. I say ‘mostly anyone’ because there are some hard times, but some of those times are what taught me so much.”

Kelli’s personal favorite camp experience was “team week.” This is a week that she describes as “homecoming and prom all rolled into one.” Local high schools donate their prom decorations used from the previous year, and Camp ASCCA hosts an authentic prom for their campers—formal dresses and all.

“I don’t think I have ever laughed or cried more in one week,” says Kelli talking about “team week.”

According to Kelli, the campers live for camp. They love being in a place where nobody looks at their disabilities; people just see them. Kelli said that it was a very unique experience because it was the first time she felt like she was not like everyone else. This feeling of being different is what many people with disabilities experience every day, and retreating to camp provides these campers with a valuable feeling of comfort.

For more information about Camp ASCCA visit the camp website. While you’re at it, stop by ASCCA Friends, the camp’s very own social network site.



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Not very many people at Auburn University get to experience what education majors do. While lots of people intern, very few get to completely step in the shoes of professionals the way student teachers do.

Student teaching is generally a three-month (one semester) assignment for education majors. These students are assigned a school, grade and specific class from many of the surrounding areas. They go to this school every day of the work week from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The student teachers will shadow a specific teacher and their class, and they will also spend two weeks independently teaching the class.

Many Fleming is a senior at Auburn University, and she is student teaching at Smith Station Primary in Smith Station. She was assigned to a first grade class of 16 children. There is a low student to teacher ratio at Smith Station Primary because it is made up of only kindergarten and first grade, and there are many separate classes. For example, there are 26 first grade classes at Smith Station Primary.

“I was so excited to begin student teaching, but it was hard to get use to the schedule at first,” says Fleming. “It’s a 40-minute drive, and when I first got my school I was really nervous about gas money. But a friend of mine was also assigned Smith Station, so we have been able to trade off driving, and it hasn’t been that bad.”

The “friend” Fleming is referring to is Cassie Cherof, who also teaches first grade at Smith Station Primary.

“Mandy and I have had lots of great stories to share on our drives to and from school, that’s for sure,” says Cherof. “It has been one of the greatest experiences of my life so far, and I feel like I have learned more so far this semester than all of my years of school combined. There is something special about getting the first hand experience. You gain something that you can’t ever learn in a classroom. No pun intended,” Cherof laughs.

Last week was “Read Across America” week in honor of Dr. Seuss’s 109th birthday. Fleming said it was her favorite experience while teaching yet. This week fell under Fleming’s time of independent teaching, so she had the opportunity to incorporate special reading-based activities into her lesson plans. She even arranged for a close friend of hers to come read a couple of Dr. Seuss books to the class.

“They seemed to really enjoy ‘Read Across America’ week, and it makes me feel good that I can provide these kids with an education and fun at the same time,” says Fleming. “It’s so funny because I can love and hate those kids so much at the same time, and no matter how much trouble they get in or how much I have to punish them, I think they will always love me too.”



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Unless you have been living on the moon the past month, you have probably heard about the American woman who gave birth to octuplets. The mother, Nadya Suleman, 33, of Bellflower, Cal., has been a frequent face on the news, because of the public controversy surrounding the birth of her eight children.

Already a mother to six, Suleman, has had all her children by in vitro fertilization. This is the second time a set of octuplets has been born in the United States, but the Suleman octuplets are the world’s longest-living.

Suleman has come under public scrutiny. Many question the morality her choosing to have six embryos (one spilt during pregnancy) implanted when the recommended safe limit is three. On Oprah Winfrey’s Web site, Dr. James Grifo, director of the NYU Fertility Center and member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, gives his opinion on the situation.

“This case is very troubling for those of us who treat patients with infertility,” Grifo says. “It’s amazing that these babies were able to survive, but this is not a good outcome for anybody.”

Many people have questioned the morality of the situation because of the high risk the babies were at during birth, and the potential medical problems they could face in the future. While there are no federal or state laws controlling embryo transfer, the Society of Reproductive Medicine’s guidelines for a woman of Suleman’s age state that no more than two embryos should be transferred.

Cacky Tate, an Auburn University nursing student, expresses her opinion.

“I think it is very irresponsible for her to voluntarily choose to have so many embryos implanted in her,” says Tate. “All the babies were born premature and severely underweight, and anytime a baby is born too early it could potentially develop a number of severe health problems or die.”

Despite the medical risks the mother and babies were/are under, many people have also expressed concern that Suleman does not have a substantial income. While she does not have a job, Suleman injured her back while working in 1999 and received about $ 170,000 in disability payments. In February of this year, she also began receiving $490 in food stamps.

Russell Warren, an Auburn University public relations student, explains that he would never want to provide her with his PR services.

“I would drop her in a heartbeat,” says Warren. “I think she is a lost cause. She is living off tax payer dollars, and she chose to have this unorthodox pregnancy even after she has six children at home.”

Over the next few months, the babies will possibly be released from the hospital to the mother.


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Are you looking for a weekend getaway with plenty of sun, food and outdoor activities? If so, Lake Martin is a nearby option. Warm weather is almost here to stay, and if you are itching to spend time outside, the 44,000 acres of Lake Martin has multiple entertainment options to choose from.

The lake is approximately a 30 minute drive north of Auburn. Whether you are staying for the day or a week, there are accommodations for everyone’s plan. You can set up camp at "Wind Creek State Park" that spans more than 1400 acres along the lake’s shores. You can also go straight to one of the many marinas on the lake and rent a boat.

Kaitlyn Gregory, and Auburn resident, has made many trips to the lake.

“I’m from Florida originally, so I love the water and get out on it anytime I can,” says Gregory. “I first started going to Lake Martin three years ago when a friend asked me to go to her lake house with her. Now I go almost every weekend that I can when it is warm. I either go with a friend who has a boat, or since it so easy to rent, I will do that a lot too.”

Gregory went on to describe a popular island hangout that visitors and locals refer to as “Chimney Rock.” According to Gregory it is tradition to visit “Chimney Rock,” and everyone ties their boats together in front of this island and engages it a “floating party.”

In addition to boating, Lake Martin also boasts great fishing. As stated on http://www.lakemartinmagazine.com/)">Lake Martin Magazine’s official Website,” Lake Martin is one of the best freshwater fishing spots in the Southeast. ESPN Bass Masters, the Wal-Mart BFL Tour and several local fishing tournaments make their home here.”

Another way to enjoy Lake Martin is by hiking around it. "Horseshoe Bend History Trail" is one of the many trails on the lake. This trail meanders through the battle field of Horseshoe Bend National Military Park. You will find plaques punctuating this trail that provide historical facts about this battle.

Lake Martin resident, Paige Flaherty, says that living on the lake year-round is a great experience.

“I love living on the lake, mainly because it is so peaceful,” says Flaherty. “But there is also never a shortage of things to do. My favorite thing to do is go eat pizza at Chuck’s after being out on the boat all day. Chuck’s is so good, and they have really cool bands from time to time.”

Other causal restaurants similar to Chuck’s on the lake include, Kowaliga, Oskar’s and Cotton’s BBQ. However, there are lots of other eateries to choose from.

For more information about Lake Martin and what it has to offer, visit the http://www.lakemartin.com/)">lake’s Website. Here you can find everything from a map of the lake to information on boat rentals.

The Auburn University School of Nursing is full of students aspiring to enter the medical field. Last semester, nursing students who took "Professional Nursing Concepts I" were required to write a paper that could potentially educate the Auburn community on serious medical subjects. Of these students, 12 were chosen to have their papers published in The Auburn Villager throughout 2009.

The top 12 papers were selected carefully. The students did not know who would be reviewing their papers, and the graders did not know whose paper they were reviewing.

Caitlin Decamillis, one of the nursing students who had their paper chosen for publication, is a junior. Her essay is on "Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month" (May). This covers general information about asthma and allergies, prevention and medications.

Interestingly enough, Caitlin came to Auburn wanting to be a journalist.

“I was surprised but honored that my paper was chosen to be published. It’s kind of funny because I came to Auburn as a journalism major,” says Decamillis. “I love to write, and it means a lot to me to be recognized because it is combining two things I’m very passionate about,” says Decamillis.

Although the nursing students did not get any hands-on experience in writing these essays, they were exposed to the importance of patient teaching. They also gained experience in getting their medical message across to the general public.

Each student in the class was assigned a topic for their essay by random. The topics corresponded with months of the year, such as January being "National Glaucoma Awareness Month." One paper was chosen on each topic, and it will be published during its relevant time. For example, Decamillis’ essay on asthma and allergies will come out just as you start to notice spring-time sneezing.

Kimberly Raines, a clinical instructor working for Auburn University, said that this assignment gave students needed experience in publication.

“It’s a pretty powerful thing the first time someone sees their name in print,” says Raines.

Although Decamillis is still fond of writing, she said she loves been able to physically help people.

“I change my major from journalism to nursing after my first semester freshman year,” says Decamillis. I just felt like wanted to do something with my life that involved me directly helping people. As opposed to only writing. I guess I like the personal face to face aspect of nursing.”

She is currently doing her clinical studies at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika. She also does some pediatric clinical studies at Baptist South Medical Center in Montgomery. In the future, Decamillis hopes to attend graduate school and, ultimately, work as a nurse anesthetist.

For more information on the Auburn University School of Nursing visit their website. Here you can do everything from applying to viewing upcoming events.



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This summer a group of 30 students and four professors from the McWhorter School of Building Science at Auburn University will be studying their senior thesis in China. The goal of the five-week abroad class is to expose students to companies, practices and construction management professionals that they would never be exposed to otherwise.

According to the BSCI Auburn Web site, China consumed half of the world’s concrete used last year. The Chinese government also predicts that 15 million people will migrate from rural to urban areas every year for the next 20 years.

Taylor Brannan, a student partaking in the research, said he is looking forward to the trip.

“I look forward to being in these big cities and finding my way over the five weeks,” says Brannan. “Being in emerged in a drastically different culture will be very interesting. I haven’t had first-hand experience with anything Chinese past Cheng Du in Auburn.”

According to the McWhorter School of Building Science, students in this special thesis study abroad class will partake in work equivalent to or more challenging than the traditional building science thesis class.

The abroad class is taught by Professors Bruce Smith, Scott Kramer, Junshan Liu and Peter Weiss. These professors will also be joining the students on their Chinese journey. The group will visit Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing and Xi’an. Although much time will be spent working and studying, the students will have many opportunities to go sightseeing and experience the Chinese culture.

For a portion of the trip, the building science students will stay at SIAS International University just south of Beijing. Weiss, an associate professor in the Auburn University College of Architecture, designed the campus for SIAS International University. It is the first solely American-owned university in Central China.

Each student going to China this summer is currently taking a preparatory class at Auburn University. Part of the class is devoted to learning about the cultural differences between the United States and China, and another part is for thesis research. The students have already chosen a focus for their thesis.

Brannan has chosen to focus on sustainability and construction. In his thesis he will compare the strength, safety and environmental impact of metal scaffolding used in the US with bamboo scaffolding used in China.

Smith, a professor making the trip, said that he has great expectations for the students.

“Each student will take away something different from the experience. The core of the experience is opening of minds to depth of how different things are for the people in other countries, and how they still have all the same concerns, goals and aspirations for their lives and their country.”

For more information on this trip or future trips sponsored by the McWhorter School of Building Science, visit the BSCI Auburn Web site.


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Located on the corner of North Donahue Drive and West Glenn Avenue, The Goal Post has been a staple Auburn’s community for years, and now there will be a liquor store next door. Goal Post Package Store is tentatively scheduled to open in two and a half weeks. If you have driven by and noticed the building that previously was The Gourmet Tiger undergoing construction, this is why.

The floors are still covered in dust and workers can be found filing in and out every day, but new shelving extends down two long walls. It is easy to see the skeleton of the new store forming. A portion of The Goal Post has been made into a makeshift storage unit for wood and other tools, and lately it is not unusual to step over a few boxes of wine to reach for a Gatorade. But overall, the grocery store has maintained a clean shop during this transitional phase.

The liquor store is a separate business from the grocery store; however, they share owners, and now, the same space. The wall separating the spaces has been knocked down, and behind The Goal Post register, you can see the undergoing renovation. Because they must be separate business because of licensing stipulations, you will not be able to walk from inside The Goal Post to the package store. There will be separate external entrances.

This new business will be one of five other liquor stores in Auburn. These other stores include two ABC Stores, two Tiger Package stores and Tiger’s Den Package.

Mandy Fleming, an Auburn resident, is excited about the opening of Goal Post Package Store.

“I live a block away and so do many of my friends,” says Fleming. “And we’re all excited to have a liquor store on this side of town.”

If you are a Goal Post regular you can expect to see some familiar faces at Goal Post Package Store. The Goal Post manager, Clara Perry or “Ms. Clara” as she prefers to be called, will be working at the new store along with other current employees of The Goal Post.

Perry has been anxiously preparing for the opening.

“I’m here at work nearly every morning and one thing I can tell you is that I’m ready for everything to be finished and open for business,” says Perry. “There have been workers here for weeks, and they are almost done. The store should turn out really nice.”

According to one owner of The Goal Post, who chose to not be named in this article, when the conveniently located space came up for rent, they seized the opportunity.

“We own other stores in the area but The Goal Post has always been the best spot for business,” says the owner.

When Goal Post Package store opens their hours of operation will be 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Sunday. According to the owner, the hours may extend.


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