Letter to the Editor

By Staff
Thank you Madison
Dear Editor,
I was dreading the summer. Being a stay-at-home mom of two children, one of which was in school, the other in preschool, I had been spoiled with my free time.
In May, I started to feel panicky. What in the world was I going to do with the kids for their summer vacation? I needed something we all felt good about. Well, the community of Madison came through for me, and I wanted to write an article to say thank you.
First, the school system had this free program where I could register my daughter for a cooking class. They also had choices in computer class, French language class and even a dinosaur. My daughter's cooking class was only an hour and a half, which was satisfactory for the both of us. After all, this was her summer vacation and I was sure she didn't want to spend all day in doors at school. And the class was eight days, a great span of time, not too long and not too short.
Secondly, my church came through for me as well. Of course I signed them up for Vacation Bible School. But the church also started a new program, which I do hope they will continue for many years to come. I registered both of my children for music day camp.
A weeklong program running from 9 a.m. to noon. My children thoroughly enjoyed this camp. And it only cost me $10 for both children. They learned patriotic songs and played instruments and even made their own. At the end of this week the kids put on their own program for the parents to enjoy.
Our local library was another place of retreat for the whole family. They had something for all age groups. Story time, crafts, computers, an incentive reading program and quiet time for me.
And then there is Dublin Park with all their sports camps. I plan to sign my children up for the new tennis camps. We enjoyed going to the pool twice a week. And you have to love Kids Kingdom.
I know I had not listed everything Madison has to offer in this article, only the ones of which we took part in were just enough. I did not feel like I overloaded my children at all. It was all spaced out very well and the events were not long in hours. So I say thank you to the community of Madison.
Boy, I am the luckiest mom alive to be living in Madison, Alabama. What a wonderful community to live in. There are quite a variety of activities, functions and events from which to choose.
The children will be heading back to school before I know it, and with my youngest one starting kindergarten, I do have mixed emotions. I cannot believe that both my babies will be going to the "big" school.
Now the question is not what to do with the children's free time for the summer, but what will I do with myself come August?
Thanks for letting me share.
Sincerely,
Carol Marks
Madison, Ala.