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march 2012 Publisher/Designer Jason Tanner jason@owensboroparent.com Editor Ashley Sorce ashley@owensboroparent.com Distribution Manager
from the editor No, your eyes are not deceiving you! We hope you notice some slight changes in this issue of Owensboro Parent. In fact, because of you, our loyal readers, we try to make each issue just a little better. We would like to thank all of our readers that took time to complete our survey in the January issue. We got a lot of great feedback and are keeping your comments in mind as we work each month. Congratulations, Jessie M. of Owensboro! She won the Amazon Kindle Fire given at random for filling out the survey.
Jonathan Tanner jonathan@owensboroparent.com Account Executives Jodi Tanner jodi@owensboroparent.com Jeff Sorce jeff@owensboroparent.com Robert Williams robert@owensboroparent.com Contributors Dean Ehrenheim Dr. Brian Gannon Janet Land Danny May
Having said that, we still welcome any comments from you. Suggest articles you would like to see or stories you think Owensboro Parent readers need to hear. Want some parenting advice? Ask us and we will find the answers for you!
Jaime Rafferty
It is our goal to be your guide to raising a family in Owensboro. But we can’t do it with out you—after all, we are all in this thing together.
Owensboro Parent Magazine
Jessica Weafer Lora Wimsatt Contact Information PO Box 23237 Owensboro, KY 42304 (270) 314-5240 www.owensboroparent.com facebook.com/owensboroparent twitter.com/owensboroparent issuu.com/owensboroparent
Editor, Owensboro Parent Magazine ashley@owensboroparent.com P.S. Want to show your Owensboro Parent love? See page 22 for information on our April photo contest. Happy Spring Break and safe travels! - Ashley
{RETRACTION:} In the February issue of Owensboro Parent, I wrote a story “He Shouldn’t Be Alive” about Michael and Tyler Daugherty, whose son, Owen, will be receiving a kidney transplant. I incorrectly reported that Michael’s aunt would be donating the kidney. In fact, Owen’s Aunt (Michael’s sister) will be donating. I apologize to the Daugherty family for this mistake.
Cover Photography Captured Moments Photography www.capturedmoments-ky.com Cover Model Jillian Higdon, daughter of Kate and Jason Higdon Advertise Owensboro Parent is a FREE magazine because of community support. Thank you to the great group of businesses & organizations who advertise with us. If you want to contribute to the success of our magazine, we would love to hear from you and will work to develop an advertising partnership that will not only benefit you, but also the parents of Owensboro.
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parent talk [7] get out! [8] get rolling to bowling green [11] spring break survival guide [12] my hands are still busy [15] an extraordinary dad’s perspective [16] picture this! [20] pinteresting [23] march madness photos [24] stepping up to the plate [26] breaking the cycle [30] your child’s eduction foundation [32] march calendar [33]
[16]
march features [10] [12] [15]
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[8] [26]
[20] [23]
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parent talk You asked and Owensboro Parent Magazine found the answers! Here are responses from the pros to your questions about photography.
Q
How do you take action pictures; What setting should the camera be set on? Mine always turn out blurry!
Q
-Brittany Boswell Woodman
A
Some cameras will have a sports or action mode. In this mode, the camera will choose the fastest shutter speed for
How do you photograph toddlers? I am having a hard time getting mine to sit still. -Megan Griggs
A
Megan, this is a question EVERY photographer struggles with-- those toddlers are so active and have VERY short
the available light. Make sure you have plenty of light for the
attention spans. I have a few suggestions: Choose your
camera to work well in this mode.
time of day carefully. Toddlers are typically their best in
-Kenny King, Dream Copy Photography
the morning. Keep their hands busy, give them a little toy, stuffed animal, flower, etc. They are more likely to sit still for awhile if they have something in their hands.
Q
How do you catch that perfect moment? Like a babies first
Talk to them. Talk about their favorite TV show, cartoon
smile, or the first tee ball game homerun hit?
character or sing them a song. I like to ask them to make
-Felecia Piper
A
all the animal sounds. -Kate Higdon, Captured Moments
Felecia, this is something that even I have struggled with as a Mom. There really isn’t a perfect answer to this, but hopefully my advice will help. Honestly, you just have to have your camera out and available at all times. Don’t keep it in a bag and make
Q
In a home setting what type of lighting is best for a portrait? -Debbie Schadler
sure your batteries are charged. In this case, a SLR camera is not your friend, by the time you get it out, put the lens on and choose your settings, the moment has passed. I use a “point and shoot” at home and when we go on family outings. -Kate Higdon, Captured Moments
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A
Window light with sunlight coming through is the best light for indoor portraits. The larger the window, the better. -Kenny King, Dream Copy Photography
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travel
get out!
five day trips your whole family can enjoy { by: danny may }
Diamond Lake Resort Drive Time: Approximately 15 min. Directions: From Owensboro, take Hwy 56 West 11 miles
Features/Attractions: When is the last time you’ve been to Diamond Lake? If it’s been a while, you’re missing out on some major improvements they’ve made the past several years. In addition to pay-lake fishing and camping, there is a paintball “speedball” course, three go kart tracks (one is an oval slick track), pedal boats, a small convenience store with a snack bar and a newly renovated theater that houses a bluegrass jamboree among other things. And you definitely don’t want to miss feeding the koi. For a buck you can get a small bag of fish food, drop it off the bridge and watch the fish go wild! I’ve never seen anything like it!
Vastwood Park in Hancock County Drive Time: Approximately 30 min. Directions: From Owensboro, take Hwy 60 East, 33 miles
Features/Attractions: A large, beautiful 19-acre lake with a paved walking trail that goes all the way around it. There are other hiking trails as well, but the paved trail winds through the woods, over several bridges and across the dam. For an additional challenge, there is a fitness course along the trail. Disc golf players who have already played Panther Creek and Yellow Creek will enjoy the 18-basket course. For the youngsters, there is a large fenced-in playground. The park also has a basketball court, tennis court, ball fields and picnic shelters. During summer months, the sand beach is a popular spot, and for weekend excursions, there is a small campground on the backside of the lake. For lunch inside the park, there is a pizza place (Galaxy Pizza) with a few arcade games. Or as my boys call it, “PIZZA PLANET!”
Audubon State Park, Henderson Drive Time: Approximately 30 min. Directions: From Owensboro, take Audubon Parkway to 41 N
Features/Attractions: Audubon State Park is best known for its namesake, John James Audubon, who wrote an extensive book about birds, a landmark work in the 1800s. The museum is the main attraction, but there is also a 9-hole golf course, fishing and pedal boats 8 OWENSBORO PARENT
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on the main lake, several picnic shelters and playgrounds by
Barn.” It’s a few miles off the Natcher, but totally worth it!
the lake. It really is a beautiful place for a spring picnic when
Think Big Dipper meets Trunnell’s.
the wildflowers are in bloom. The one-mile “lake trail” offers a beautiful view of Wilderness Lake with another two-mile “backcountry trail” as an added bonus. Each time I’ve been there I’ve seen deer and so many birds I couldn’t count them. For overnight stays, there are cottages and a campground as well.
Bowling Green Drive Time: Approximately 1 hour Directions: From Owensboro, take Natcher Parkway South
Evansville, IN Drive Time: Approximately 45 min. Directions: Take Audubon Parkway to 41 N across the twin bridges
Features/Attractions: Mesker Park Zoo has made several recent expansions, including the newly opened “Amazonia.” Consider the family membership, a one-time fee that allows you to go back as many times as you want in a year and it also gets you really good deals or even free admission to other zoos (like Louisville and Nashville). We used it on vacation in Florida
Features/Attractions: In addition to WKU, Bowling Green is
one year. Teens will love rock climbing at Vertical Escape. Stop
world-famous for the Corvette Museum. But did you know
for lunch at Gattitown, similar to Chuck E. Cheese’s but less
they have a minor league baseball team now? (The Hotrods.)
crowded.
If you’ve got Thomas or Chuggington fans in your home, check out the Historic Railpark and Train Museum downtown. Or visit Lost River Cave for underground cave exploration. Beech Bend Park is on the rise too, recently adding a water park, free soft drinks, a new roller coaster and shows throughout the day. On the way home, swing out to local landmark “Chaney’s Dairy
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Gas is expensive. But sometimes it’s worth it to bite the bullet, fill up the tank, load up the kids and go make some priceless memories. Have fun!
OP
Danny May is a husband, father of two boys (4 and 2), and youth minister at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.
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travel { paid advertorial }
get rolling to bowling green, kentucky L
ost River Cave’s underground boat tour includes a stroll
every week? Take your chance to win for $10! And if you don’t
along the historic river walk leading to one of the largest
have Corvette fever yet, hop in the “sitter” car and snap a few
cave entrances east of the Mississippi River. Daylight disappears
memories.
from view as you board the boat and journey into the unique
The Museum is open daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST and is
world that exists beneath the streets of Bowling Green.
located at I-65, Exit 28. For more information call 800-538-3883
or visit www.corvettemuseum.org.
Lost River Cave offers a delightful escape into Kentucky’s
Cave Country with hiking trails through the lush wooded valley,
the seasonal butterfly habitat, a gem mining sluice and their
Green arrived at the L&N Depot. Today, that 1925 structure
charming gift shop, Wildflower Gifts.
has been restored to house the two-story Historic RailPark and
We promised adventure and that’s what you will find at the
Train Museum. Visitors will learn the history of the tracks by
beautiful Lost River Cave and Valley. Open all year, seven days
asking questions of a “real railroader” through state-of-the-art
each week. For more information call (270) 393-0077 or visit
interactive galleries. Exhibits highlight the African American
www.lostrivercave.com. Lost River is easily accessible from
experience during segregation, Civil War and the railroad,
either I-65 or the Natcher Parkway at 2818 Nashville Road.
business of the railroad, the culture and history of the Hobo and
Just across town you’ll find the only place in the world Corvettes
more.
are manufactured, as well as the National Corvette Museum.
The Museum features over 70 cars, plus regularly changing
railroad displays. Guided tours are offered every half hour
exhibits, including:
through vintage passenger cars: dining car, sleeper car, post office
“It’s a Nano World” presented by PNC Bank through April 15
car, and presidential. Behind-the-scene tours of the locomotive
September 11, 2001: A Global Moment August 4 – October 28
and hospital car are offered on weekends. The Museum is open
Country Music Stars & Cars late in late fall
Tuesday - Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays 1 – 4 p.m. and
For a quick bite to eat, step inside the 50s themed diner – the
Mondays beginning in April. The RailPark is located at I-65,
All Aboard! Long before interstates, people visiting Bowling
Kids of all ages will enjoy one of the region’s largest model
Corvette Café serving up breakfast, lunch and snacks daily.
Exit 28. Call (270) 745-7317 or visit www.historicrailpark.com
Did you know the Museum gives away a new Corvette nearly
for more information.
OP
Ready for a new adventure? Grab the kids and head to Bowling Green, Kentucky for an underground boat tour, train museum and the home of Corvette! www.OwensboroParent.com
March 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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travel
spring break
survival
guide It’s finally here! School is out for the week. The weather is warmer. It’s time to hit the road with your family for a much needed Spring Break vacation! Here are a few tips from Owensboro Parent to make this Spring Break a little easier. Safe travels, everyone!
safety first S
oon the warmer, longer days of spring will be upon us, and many families have big plans for travel, whether to ski resorts or sunny climates. Spring break can be a memorable time to reconnect with your children, but with a little planning you can prevent serious injuries which could overshadow the fun. Regardless of the destination, even if the kids are staying home with a babysitter, sun safety should be reinforced. As the days grow longer, that means more sunlight and risk for sunburn, in light-skinned kids especially. Sunburn can be a big issue on the slopes as well as at the beach, so be sure to take proper precautions. Besides the typical sunscreen, choose a lip balm with SPF of 15 or higher to protect against chapping and windburn as well. Parents should remember that car seat laws vary by state, and travelers must comply with the local laws, even if different than those where you live. Many states require booster seats until children reach 57 inches tall, 12 years or 80 pounds, whichever comes first. To be safest, younger children should stay in a car seat with a five-point harness until BOTH four years old AND 40 pounds. If flying with children, a big issue is boredom and disrupting other passengers, especially if the children are very young. It helps to try and have snacks in the carry-on and feed babies during takeoff and landing to prevent crying and fear. But airports and planes also pose a risk of spreading infections, so frequent hand washing and use of waterless sanitizers is a good idea, even
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{ b y : d r. b r i a n g a n n o n }
though we tend to think that by Spring Break illnesses will be winding down. (They won’t, probably.) Anyone spending time around water, whether at the beach or in the hotel pool, should bear in mind that children up to about 7 years old are still unreliable with their swimming ability and may panic in a crisis. Really no child should be left unattended at the beach or a pool, no matter what the age or skill level, because they often make poor choices when in unfamiliar settings. Pools and beaches with lifeguards are clearly safer, but some beaches in Florida are notorious for riptides, particularly in the spring months. NEVER enter the surf when the red flags are flying, even just to wade. There are cases of drowning in this situation every year along the Florida panhandle, many involving adults. Of course, never forget the basics: in the excitement of a vacation, children can easily be derailed from their usual sleep and eating schedules, so try to keep them on track. This can be an important protective mechanism against illness, dehydration or injury from fatigue. Most importantly, remember to spend time being with your children and enjoying the craziness that makes them so special and unique! Have fun and try not to stress out too much about the details! OP
The Gannons would love to travel more, but the logistics of seven plane tickets have proven too challenging for now…a stay-cation sounds wonderful for a few more years.
www.OwensboroParent.com
before you go 1
Confirm your reservations. (Hotel, air, car, dining and activity reservations.) A few phone calls before you leave can save you from vacation stress later on.
2
Remember to hold your home newspaper delivery and mail for the time you will be on vacation.
3
Organize the credit cards that you are planning to bring with you and order travelers checks from your bank. Make a list of emergency numbers to call if your credit cards or travelers checks are stolen.
4
Check the weather at your destination for last-minute wardrobe adjustments.
5
Be sure to have an updated contact list of important phone numbers with you, and not just in your phone.
6
Pack your camera and video equipment at least 24 hours before leaving your house. This way you can make sure that all the necessary batteries have been charged
7
Pack a copy of Owensboro Parent. (See photo contest on page 22.)
3 ways to save money Pack a Cooler Bringing enough of your own food to cover a couple of days can save you at least $100. This also allows your family to enjoy nature by picnicking outside instead of being in a stuffy restaurant.
Hotel Coupons and Booking Online Search for online hotel discounts before booking. You can’t usually make reservations with these coupons, but you will save lots of money that you can use for other things on your vacation. If you know the days you will be needing a hotel and want to reserve a room, booking a room online can give you a discounted rate without a lot of hassle.
Pay in Cash One of the best tips is to pay in cash! Plan a vacation budget and take cash for the expenses. It is so easy to get off focus when you are paying with debit or credit cards. Using cash will help you keep track of where your money is going and save you from overdrafts when you reurn home. www.OwensboroParent.com
March 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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travel
5 tips for long car rides 1 When possible, travel at night and let the kids sleep. But be cautious, because it’s easy for the driver to get tired. 2 If necessary to plan your trip during the day, use online trip planning sites to map your drive. Pre-planning will allow you to find breaks at kid-friendly places, such as parks with playgrounds, historic monuments or view areas. Giving the kids even a 15-minute break will give them a chance to “get the wiggles out” and work off some energy. With little ones in tow, stops about every 90 minutes are not a bad idea. 3 Bring along some sing-along music. Although your kids may groan at first when you start singing, they’ll soon join in. Think of your own childhood favorites, or camp songs. 4 Create a goodie-bag. Good ideas are travel toys and games, bubbles, inexpensive art books and pencils, even the latest in collectible cards or action figures. You can even choose particular games for particular stops, such as bubbles, Frisbees or small balls, which will encourage running off energy.
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5 Bring along individual “quiet time” activities. These could include an art box (keep the supplies inside an inexpensive plastic shoe box), postcards or writing paper, or even a journal given to each child at the beginning of the trip. You can also bring along hand-held games or iPods so that everyone can listen to the music or books of their choice. Depending on the space you’ve got and the length of time you’ll be gone, each child could have their own box or backpack, to keep their things organized and accessible.
owensboro parent tip Check out the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport. Fly to St. Louis, Orlando or Las Vegas right out of our hometown! Visit www.owb.net.
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family life
my hands are still busy { by: lora wimsatt }
I
t’s hard to remember, sometimes, what my house was like
backing, now faded and stained with age.
when every room was filled with children and all the stuff
But I read the words of that poem once again, and I
that goes along with kids.
remembered …
The youngest of my four moved out four years ago, and
“My hands were busy through the day,
since then, I’ve slowly but surely weeded through all the
I didn’t have much time to play …”
“stuff ” they left behind.
My hands really were busy back then – mostly picking
Clothing and shoes are easy enough, especially since
up the clothes, shoes and toys that I’m now sorting through
everyone has grown a dozen sizes since they wore these items.
for hopefully the last time – but also cooking, cleaning,
I haul big boxes off to the secondhand store, hopeful someone
chauffeuring, helping with homework, feeding the dog, making
else will enjoy “Hammer pants” or a T-shirt emblazoned with
beds, doing laundry, washing dishes, clapping at ballgames,
Alf, the critter from outer space.
combing hair, putting bandages on boo-boos, dragging out of
I keep a running pile of stuff I call the “now or never”
bed in the morning and tucking in at night …
stack.
But now?
I find myself biting my lip and blinking back tears as I read
“Do you want this box of Nintendo game cartridges?” I’ll
say. Or “Do you want that deflated football?” Or, “Do you want
the closing lines of the verse:
these old notebooks filled with love letters to Christy, Carrie,
“My hands, once busy, now are still.
Jamie and Katie? … Now or never. Come and get it by this
The days are long and hard to fill.
weekend, or I’m throwing it in the trash.”
I wish I could go back and do
Sometimes they come and get it. Sometimes they don’t.
The little things you asked me to.”
But sometimes … every once in awhile … I come across
I remembered the first time I’d read that poem, all those
something that I don’t throw away, and don’t even ask if they
years ago, and I admit to myself that I never really believed it
want.
would come true.
I keep it myself.
But it did.
That happened just the other day, when I was cleaning out
Well, almost.
a box crammed full of old Little League trophies (“now or
With a laugh, I turn back to another box of “stuff ”
never” pile) and an assortment of items that had once filled
abandoned by one of my grown-up kids. You see, my hands
a fish bowl (“trash” pile … no self-respecting goldfish would
are still busy, still picking up after my children, even all these
want to swim around that dusty plastic greenery or the gaudy
years later.
OP
ceramic castle).
Down in the bottom of the box – who knows how it got
there – was a simple plaque that had once hung on the wall of
(“To My Grown-Up Son” by Alice E. Chase)
my sons’ bedroom.
Lora Wimsatt is a mother, grandmother and writer. She enjoys the everyday
It looked cheaper than ever: Paper glued to a plywood
blessings and adventures of life, especially her family.
www.OwensboroParent.com
March 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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family life
an
(extra)
ordinary dad’s
perspective Glenn, Jacob and Tina Helwig.
I recently spent some time with Glenn Helwig. Just one ordinary dad talking with another ordinary dad. At least that’s what he would say. But I think not. { by: dean ehrenheim }
L
ast October, NASCAR great and Owensboro native
her son’s labored breathing and brought him to the emergency
Darrell Waltrip dropped in for a visit at the Helwig’s
room. One thing led to another and they found themselves
home. On February 5, Glenn and his son Jacob were able
being flown down to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital
to watch the Giants and the Patriots fight it out at Super Bowl
at Vanderbilt Universiy for diagnosis and treatment. Both he
XLVI in Indianapolis. At the time of this interview, he and his
and Tina accompanied Jacob and were able to stay in special
family are preparing for a trip to the Daytona 500. Sounds great
lodgings for families at the Vanderbilt medical center. Still weak
doesn’t it? Like a dad making some great memories.
from his own hospital stay, Glenn and Tina met with the doctors
the next morning.
“I would trade all of this away in a heartbeat,” Glenn stated
to me through a gravelly voice.
This family is locked in an extraordinary ordeal. He and
has cancer.
his wife, Tina, are caring for their only son Jacob as he is
challenged with a rare form of cancer. Only one in 350,000 have
Glenn said. “But I immediately thought of all the new treatments
Rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancerous tumor that attacks the soft
they keep coming out with for cancer.”
tissue of the body. As rare as it is, it is the most common soft
Coping isn’t an option…it’s a necessity. But how do you
tissue tumor in children. Jacob was 16 when this was diagnosed.
cope in the pain and shock of a disease like cancer?
It was March 9, 2011, the very day that Glenn himself was
“We are Christians,” Glenn said. “We have a wonderful
released from being treated for a gastric ailment at Owensboro
church family. We couldn’t survive, not on a daily basis, but an
Medical Health Systems. Jacob’s mom picked him up from
hourly basis without God’s shadow over us every single hour
Daviess County High School that day. She grew anxious about
of every single day. We can’t do this on our own. We pray for
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Imagine being in that room when the doctor says your son “Of course, your first thought is, ‘Is my son going to live?’,”
www.OwensboroParent.com
God to give the doctors knowledge. We pray that God gives him
(Jacob) a full life. It’s beyond us…just beyond us.”
the challenges facing this family, WaxWorks, where Glenn
has been employed for over 20 years, adjusted his schedule to
As you would imagine, it didn’t take long for this news to
And Glenn’s employer is no different. When they discovered
spread.
accommodate Jacob’s caretaking. Instead of having to quit work
and lose a steady income, they allowed him to change his hours.
“The community has been so good,” Glenn said. “They have
supported us with money, gift cards, gas cards. It’s expensive
traveling to Nashville and back as often as we do, having to stay
said. “I go in about 3:00 p.m. and work until 11:00 p.m. When
in hotels and eat out.”
Tina gets off (she is a Teacher at Highland Elementary), I am
“But I don’t think that the community understands how God
able to meet with her for about 30 minutes and update her on
is using them to care for us. Everything good comes from God.
Jacob. I care for him in the mornings and daytime while she
“I am the only employee allowed to work at night,” Glenn
There isn’t an hour in the day that we don’t
cares for him in the afternoon and evenings.
reflect and pray. We just can’t do it without
It’s tough, but it’s what you do.”
God.” Glenn’s comments reminded me that our God is a father too. He is a God who understands the love of a parent:
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread,
will give him a stone?
10
Or if he asks for a fish,
will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7
Coping isn’t an option…it’s a necessity. But how do you cope in the pain and shock of a disease like cancer?
Jacob is an A-B student and would not be
What about that trip to the Super
Bowl? That was compliments of Independence Bank.
They
paid
for
everything;
the
transportation, lodging, food and tickets.
“Jacob can walk, but not for long
distances,” Glenn said. “Even in Indy, all the people were so caring and helpful, accommodating his wheelchair.”
The Helwig’s trip to Daytona is
through the Make a Wish Foundation. But concerns about contracting infections are always present, especially right after
able to maintain that without the support from Daviess County
treatments. For various unconnected reasons,
High School. Twice a week, a teacher/tutor visits Jacob in his
Jacob’s doctors have postponed those treatments until after the
home.
trip. But Glenn doesn’t see this as coincidence, rather as God’s
providence.
“This traveling teacher has been just marvelous,” Glenn said.
“It’s amazing how people are when they find out that a kid’s
come down with something like this. They just are so caring and
I see a man of courage (refer to February’s Advice from an
they don’t prod or try to find out exactly what the bottom-line is;
Ordinary Dad). I see a man who believes in God’s love during a
they just don’t ask that. They are curious about how he is doing
family’s most profound trial.
right now. People are really concerned. Say what you want, but
we see that people just step up and help each other.”
their kids excel in sports or school or the arts. We love to watch
www.OwensboroParent.com
In Glenn, I see a man who would do anything for his son.
Even the most modest and humble parents enjoy watching
March 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT
17
our children achieve and get awards and recognition. We are
Family updates are posted on
so proud of our kids and that’s okay. But Glenn is a man who is
www.caringbridge.com
proud of the son he and Tina raised because of his son’s faith,
search “jacobhelwig”
strength and courage. No state championship or class status could ever come close to that accomplishment.
“Jacob is so brave,” Glenn said. “He has never wanted to give
up. Frankly, I don’t know what we would do if he ever said he’s
Contributions to help with family expenses can be made through the Daviess County Teachers
done. God better intervene, because we just wouldn’t be able to
Federal Credit Union (contact Dayna Robbins at
deal with that. But I know he’s going to have such an amazing
270-684-8954 or at 1900 Southeastern Parkway –
testimony to tell other teenagers, college friends and his kids
across from Daviess County High School).
someday. It’s encouraging to know he’ll be able to share his faith through this horrible ordeal.”
I spent over an hour visiting with Glenn, but it seemed like
minutes. Everywhere I turned within the conversation, God was present. As powerful as cancer can be, Glenn and his family trust in a greater power. Ordinary dad…or extraordinary dad?
Glenn, Tina and Jacob want to thank everyone for their kind words, prayers and support.
You decide. “People say we have been an inspiration,” Glenn said. “That’s humbling to hear but they would do the same thing. We are doing what anyone would do. I am not a hero. I am not special— just one of God’s children. God is showing me His way because I know I’d screw it all up if I did it my way.”
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OP
Dean Ehrenheim, with his wife Jeanette, is raising four great kids. He regularly writes about his experiences in parenting, coaching and wellness. His email is dmeymca@gmail.com.
www.OwensboroParent.com
There are thousands of families waiting anxiously for that special person to make a sacrifice in order to save a life. You can explore for yourself at www.donatelife.net andwww.organdonor.gov
www.OwensboroParent.com www.O
March 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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discover
picture this! As parents, you experience so many firsts with your children. First step. First birthday. First day of school. First homerun. First school dance. And what about all of those memories in between? It’s important to capture your memories in photographs, not only for yourselves, but for your children too. Owensboro Parent thought you might want to learn a few tricks of the trade from local pros. Here is their advice for capturing all of your special memories!
subject matters Take some time to decide what you are trying to capture and
Many a photo has been ruined by having a pole or tree
compose your shots rather than just pointing and shooting.
seeming to “grow” out of a person’s head. Watch for cluttered backgrounds.
Use the rule of thirds. Imagine every image as divided into
20 OWENSBORO PARENT
nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and
Possibly the most important trick to master is lighting.
two equally spaced vertical lines. The four points where
Early morning and late afternoon are good times to shoot.
these lines intersect are the strongest focal points. The
You generally don’t want to shoot outdoors at high noon
lines themselves are the second strongest focal points. Put
unless you have to, because the light is harsh and creates
important compositional elements along these lines or their
deep shadows. But if you do, learn some of the tricks to
intersections to create more interest.
shooting in direct sunlight.
. March 2012
www.OwensboroParent.com
digital age One trick that may help you most is learning about shutter
mountain, a person running and a face, for example. Use
lag. What is that? It’s the time from when you press the
these icon buttons. They tell the camera what you want to
button that snaps your picture to when the camera digitally
do. This is especially important when shooting action shots.
records the picture. To master blurry photos, you must hold the camera with two hands and remain still, with your
Many picture-takers debate purchasing an SLR (single-
elbows tucked in to your side. (A tripod may work better for
lens reflex) camera to replace their modest point-and-
certain situations.) The idea is to minimize camera shake
shoot camera. Don’t get caught up in buying the latest and
and the blurriness it creates.
greatest equipment. A point-and-shoot camera is adequate for most situations. If your family takes many action
If it is dark or you are in a shaded area, use your flash. It
photos, sporting events, for example, you may need a SLR
provides contrast and allows the camera to use a higher
camera. Whatever your needs, determine your price range
shutter speed, which also cuts down on blurriness. Many
before shopping.
camera manufacturers do not list the shutter lag time, so If buying an SLR online, be sure to pay attention! If the
test a camera before you buy.
online price is several hundred dollars lower than your It is also important to make use of your camera’s icons.
local store, you may be getting only a camera body rather
Many digital cameras have buttons showing a flower, a
than the body, a lens, a battery and strap.
our picks
www.OwensboroParent.com
SLR Camera: Canon 60D 18MP and HD video makes this a great camera when you are ready to move up to an SLR camera.
Point & Shoot Canon ELPH 300HS A nice, simple ultracompact with great photo quality for use indoors and out.
Phone: iPhone 4GS This built-in 8MP camera delivers excellent colors, face detection and reduced motion blur.
March 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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tips from the pros Get them off the floor so they can’t get away – if you have someone to help you! - Captured Moments Photography
Owensboro Parent Magazine Photography Challenge!
Get on their level. Shoot your kids with the camera at your child’s eye level. Caution, this will make them look like they are growing up too fast! - Dream Copy Photography Shoot anything but eye level. You’ll get really interesting shots this way. - Captured Moments Photography Backup and zoom in. If you’re up close they know it and tend to over-cheese for the picture. If you are farther away, your child may not notice your taking a picture, which will result in more natural expressions. - Dream Copy Photography Keep kids’ hands busy-- toys, beads, stuffed animals, blowing bubbles, Anything to distract them to be still! - Captured Moments Photography Don’t wait for the perfect smile. Capture your kids being themselves. Some of the most precious photos are of children not smiling.
We want you to test your photo skills for our April issue! Take this magazine with you on Spring Break and incorporate it into a fun photo. Having a “staycation” instead? That’s fine with us! Take a photo with the magazine at a fun spot in Owensboro or just in your backyard. When you get back from vacation, upload it to Facebook and we will choose our favorites to run in the magazine and win cool prizes. Good luck!
- Dream Copy Photography
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www.OwensboroParent.com
discover
*pinteresting { by: jessica weafer }
what is Pinterest?
simply go to that pin and it will take you directly to the link.
You’re on the Internet, shopping around for new ideas to redecorate your home, new clothes, birthday party ideas, and you find a few things that interest you. What do you do? Bookmark them? Write down the Web page? Hope that you remember where you found it? No! You use your Pinterest account to “pin it.” Pinterest is a site that lets you pin all your creative ideas — recipes, crafts, decorating, etc. — in one place. It’s a virtual bulletin board that keeps all your ideas, inspirations, and Things To Do, in one, organized, social Web site. Follow your friends on Pinterest and share ideas or pins. On your home page, all of the newest pins stream for your perusal. If you see an idea that a friend pinned, you can re-pin it onto one of your boards and vice-versa.
who can use Pinterest?
how do you use Pinterest?
Your Pinterest page is organized with different boards
that you name anything you want: Crafts, Recipes, Inspirational Quotes, Games for the Kids, Projects for the House, the options are limited only by your imagination.
As you skip around the Internet, you can copy a link to
something that’s piqued your interest and then upload that link to one of your boards with the intention of returning at a later date. Say you’re on one of your favorite cooking websites and you see a recipe that you must try. Copy and
Brides-to-be can use Pinterest as a catch-all for the ideas and plans for weddings: venues, decor ideas, unique party favors and recipes for the perfect wedding banquet. A lot of mothers like Pinterest. They can find valuable information about at-home educating, recipes, party ideas, money saving tips, craft ideas and DIY home cleaning products. Fellow Pinterest-users eagerly share ideas and offer suggestions for friends. By following a friend, you can tag her in pins of your own if you notice something that might interest her. Pinterest is not for any specific type of person, though. It’s accessible and useful for anyone no matter what stage of life they’re in. Pinterest is an Internetbased organizational tool with an edge of humor. There are also many things for men to pin such as workout ideas, recipes, photography ideas, musical inspirations and more. Men, don’t shy away. Within the sea of DIY curtains and birthday party ideas, there is plenty for you to pin. Your Pinterest board(s) are the equivalent of someone taking the lid off your head and fishing out all your ideas, interests, and inspirations and putting them in one place; it’s your archive of tips, recipes and instructions to transform your ideas into reality.
10.4 > million users on Pinterest
97
> percent of users on Pinterest are female
77
> average minutes each user spends per month on Pinterest
OP
paste the recipe’s URL page into the “add a pin” and the picture of the dish will appear. Then you select which board you want to put it in. Whenever you are ready to cook, you
www.OwensboroParent.com
Jessica Weafer is a stay-at-home mom and freelance writer. She lives
Statistics:
in Owensboro with her 1-year-old son, husband and cat.
Tech Crunch
AppData and
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march madness Go team, go! With March Madness coming up, we asked you to provide pictures of you and your family sporting your favorite team. Here are a few of our favorite shots.
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www.OwensboroParent.com
www.OwensboroParent.com
March 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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community
A
s foster parents, in 2003, the Shain’s welcomed two special needs boys into their home.
The couple couldn’t deny a bond had formed, and adopted their
foster sons, and eventually their sister.
Billy and Tami wanted to give their sons opportunities to grow
as individuals and in the community by being on a team, just as they had done with their biological children.
Due to their developmental needs, the boys would be unable
to participate in conventional sports programs. Through some investigating, Billy located a special needs baseball program in a neighboring community.
Having coached baseball and softball, he felt that this could be
an activity he could share with his boys while also supplying the opportunity to play a fun sport.
The boys had a blast! But, in an unfortunate turn of events the
following year, the league disbanded.
The Shains were frustrated and imagined other special needs
families would also like to have the option to participate in sporting programs.
Billy could see it was unlikely others would step up to the plate
with a program like this, so it would seem God was calling him. Though initially frustrated from the special needs league disbanding, Billy chose to allow this to fuel a productive fire. He ignited a movement for a grass roots effort to launch a sports
stepping up
to the plate photos by: donnie hagan
program for special needs children and their families in the Owensboro area.
Billy envisioned a program where families, who are often
heavily burdened physically, mentally, emotionally and financially, as they care for a special need child, participate in a free activity where barriers have been removed and having fun is the only prerequisite to participate.
Billy spoke to local sports organizations, businesses, churches
and city government seeking support and a safe handicap-accessible place for youth and their family to play baseball. { by: jaime rafferty }
God would have had it.”
When we think of hometown heroes the usual
Though it would take two years he said, “It fell into place as After a phone call to Cliff Hagan’s Boys and Girl Club, Billy
was offered a field to play and was introduced to a fellow with the same passion— to bring baseball to any child who had the desire to
suspects of firemen, policemen or first responders
play regardless of physical or social limitations.
come to the forefront of our minds.
Billy accepted the role as League President and worked alongside local supporter and baseball lover Charlie Pierce. They announced their very first season of Two Rivers Buddy Baseball
However, since 2008, many families have found
(TRBB) and accepted kids ages 5-20 with any physical or mental
heroes in an assuming man— Billy Shain, special
disability, completely free of charge.
needs school bus driver for Daviess County Public Schools, and his wife Tami. 26 OWENSBORO PARENT
. March 2012
That year, 43 special needs children and their families participated, free of charge, in Buddy Ball.
Even after the success Shain and Pierce saw with TRBB, the www.OwensboroParent.com
two never lost perspective that is was about so much more than baseball
Each year TRBB sees anywhere from 75-100 volunteers, has seen their
or any other sport.
budget increase from a modest $3,500 to $20,000 for 2012 and serves
approximately 200 kids from seven Kentucky counties and one county
Games rules differ from traditional sports by fostering an enjoyment
of the game and fellow participants. There is no score; they stand on
in Indiana.
the fact that each person playing is a winner.
There is little asked of participants and families. They must agree to
largest special needs sports leagues in the United States.
abide by three attainable rules:
Last year our community had 95 kids participate in TRBB baseball,
With the growth of this program, Owensboro is home to one of the
while Louisville who has two leagues had 60 participants.
1. Have fun! 2. Don’t get hurt! 3. Go home tired!
In 2011, TRBB saw a great need to connect families with local
services and held a Special Needs Awareness Fair.
The Shain’s had no idea how many people might attend this event,
but were humbled to have 20 vendors and over 500 attendees. It was
With a successful first season, Two Rivers Buddy Ball applied
such a success that another fair is scheduled for July 28, 2012 at Lewis
and received non-profit status the following year, and eagerly looked
Lane Baptist Church.
towards the future.
Owensboro citizens saw the impact Buddy Ball was having on
parents is a driving passion for everyone associated with Buddy Ball.
families and volunteers and embraced the program with open arms
They pray they never see a day where the organization wouldn’t have
by providing financial support, facilities and volunteers to expand the
funds to cover the number of children who wish to participate.
sports offerings individuals can participate in.
TRBB does not apply for governmental grant funding and has no paid
Since 2008, Two Rivers Buddy Ball, in addition to continuing
staff. Buddy Ball continues to maintain a strong volunteer base and be
baseball, has added an annual fishing tournament, basketball (fully
financially supported by the generosity of the greater Owensboro area.
equipped with cheerleaders), swimming, soccer and bowling.
It is facilities like Bowl-A-Drome, Kentucky Wesleyan College, Panther
Creek Park, Apollo High School, OMHS HealthPark and Lewis Lane
The events provide a support system for parents, respite for families
and a relaxing atmosphere that fosters fun for all.
All activities continue to be free to families. Having no cost to
Baptist Church that allow sporting activities to be possible.
OP
learnmore Kevin Olusola Website: www.kolusola.com You Tube: www.youtube.com/kolusola Facebook: www.facebook.com/KO1Music Pentatonix Website: www.ptxofficial.com You Tube: www.youtube.com/ptxofficial Facebook: www.facebook.com/Pentatonix
Photo by Nedy Valdivia Photography
www.OwensboroParent.com
March 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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Buddy Ball launched a campaign called “10 a Month” and simply
A week later, that young man’s mom returned, crying in appreciation
asks supporters to give $10 a month (equivalent to $.33/day) to be used
for Buddy Ball. Billy learned that prior to that night, the young man
to expand programming and fund additional participants.
had never used his hand before, until he rolled the children’s basketball
into that little hoop, over and over again. She was blessed with each
All donations are tax-deductible and the benefits can be seen year
round on the smiling faces and grateful hearts of the TRBB families.
basket her son made.
Billy Shain will tell you that the requirement for volunteering is
That conversation was divine confirmation to Billy that he could
simple, “If someone doesn’t have the heart for it, they just don’t need to
not place limits on what God can deliver to families through Two
come.” He volunteers anywhere from 20-40 hours per week, apart from
Rivers Buddy Ball.
his job driving a bus, because this is a mission.
Shain admits there are instances where doubt creeps in. He has
wondered if Buddy Ball was beneficial to specific children/families.
Jaime Rafferty enjoys writing, as a hobby. She lives is Owensboro with her husband, Paul and their two children.
OP
After an encounter with a grateful Mom, he received a clear answer
and affirmation that this program is changing the lives of others, not just his own.
For more information
or to make a donation
The first year TRBB hosted basketball they had a young man who
was wheel chair bound. Because of mobility limitations, this man could
Billy Shain
not play on the court with the others.
League President
3531 Lewis Lane
With a Fisher Price basketball goal, Billy sat with the young man
for 45 minutes and rolled the ball down his legs and into the hoop,
Owensboro, KY 42301
repeatedly. Though not on a basketball court, the young man played a
270-385-9925
modified version of the game.
bshain@oolwireless.net
tworiversbuddyball.com
Shain wondered if this family would return. He really felt like there
wasn’t as much to offer this family as others. In his mind, he had not helped this young man as much as other people on the court.
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community { paid advertorial }
breaking the cycle
N
orresha came from a low-income family where there wasn’t much encouragement to succeed. Her mother and father were high school dropouts and they were also young parents. As a child, she never lived in a stable environment and was moved around a lot. She struggled to find her place in the world, but always knew one thing: she was going to do well in school and graduate. In 1998, her junior year of high school, she became pregnant and had a baby boy in June. She was still determined to graduate high school and was thankful that the school provided a daycare for young mothers and fathers. The following year of high school, 1999, she became pregnant again with not only one, but two babies. After having twin girls in April, Norresha went on to graduate that May. Like she said, she was determined to graduate and break her family cycle of failing to graduate. She knew the importance of education. She wanted to go to college, but since she had young children, she decided to put it off for a while. Once her children got older, she went on to Owensboro Community and Technical College and obtained a degree in Human Services in fall 2010. The following spring she obtained an Associate of Arts. She started OCTC thinking she would just get an associate’s degree and stop there. But while working on her associate’s, she realized that she needed to go further in her education and get a bachelor’s degree as well. That’s when she realized that WKU was bringing a social work program to Owensboro and Norresha was excited. It was right in time for her to start her bachelor’s degree. With the help of OCTC, she transferred to WKU and was accepted into the Social Work
program. Now here she is, she knows her place in the world, and couldn’t be more excited about where she is in her life right now, considering where she came from. She is enjoying her education at WKU-O and feels like a part of the WKU family. What inspired you to seek a college education? No member of my family has ever received a college degree and I wanted to break that cycle and encourage the younger members of my family to further their education. I just wanted to do something different because I felt I had something to prove. What would you say your motivation for succeeding is? My motivation for succeeding is my family. I am married with four young children and I want to inspire them to receive all the education they can. I want them to understand that education pays off. I also want to make a better life for my family. Receiving my bachelor’s opens up more possibilities for me to receive a job that will allow me to be financially stable. What is your academic major or area of study, and what are some of your possible career goals? My academic major is social work. After I graduate from WKU with my Bachelor’s of Social Work, I plan on obtaining a career in the field of substance abuse. I also plan to go on and get my Master’s of Social Work. I enjoy helping others and making a difference in the lives of others. OP
Western Kentucky University in Owensboro has been educating students for over 40 years.
Learn more online: www.wku.edu/owensboro 30 OWENSBORO PARENT
. March 2012
www.OwensboroParent.com
www.OwensboroParent.com
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community
your child’s
{ by: janet land }
education foundation
“Education is the foundation upon which we build our future.” - Christine Gregoire
And early childhood education is the foundation upon which a
child’s entire academic career is built. We are fortunate in our community to have strong school districts that provide quality programs in the area of early childhood education. Those early years are essential in giving a child a good
The Daviess County Public Schools district has scheduled registration for children who will begin preschool or kindergarten beginning in August 2011. Parents may register students between 7:40 a.m. and 2:20 p.m. weekdays, March 5-16. Kindergarten is open to all children who will be 5 years old on or before Oct. 1. Preschool is available to children who will be 3 years old on or before Oct. 1 and who either meet Head Start eligibility requirements or are identified with a delay or disability; and children who will be 4 years old by Oct. 1 who meet income guidelines or are identified with a delay or disability. Preschool is offered in morning and afternoon sessions, Monday through Thursday each week. The DCPS district provides free transportation. Breakfast and lunch are also available. For more information, call (270) 852-7000 or visit your neighborhood elementary school; or go to www.dcps. org and select “Preschool” under the “Departments” tab across the top of the page.
start along the road to lifelong learning! Preschool is much more than “babysitting.” Dedicated professionals work closely with young children to develop curiosity, self-expression and creativity; develop problem-solving skills; increase the child’s attention span; introduce concepts to build a foundation for reading and math; and improve language development and communication skills.
In addition, a quality preschool program provides opportunities
for a child to develop social skills, such as sharing and helping; and builds self-esteem, self-confidence, independence and responsibility. Most of all, children who attend preschool will begin kindergarten with an advantage that continues, year after year, throughout the child’s educational experience. Preschool and kindergarten registration are open weekdays, March 5-16, at all public elementary schools in Owensboro and Daviess County.
Kindergarten is open to all children who will be 5 years old on
or before Oct. 1.
Preschool is available to children who will be 3 years old on or
before Oct. 1 and who either meet Head Start eligibility requirements or are identified with a delay or disability; and children who will be 4 years old by Oct. 1 who meet income guidelines or are identified with a delay or disability. Preschool is offered in morning and afternoon sessions, Monday through Thursday each week. (Feebased preschool programs are available for children who do not meet income or delay/disability eligibility requirements.)
Free bus transportation is provided. Breakfast and lunch are
also available. For more information, call Daviess County Public Schools at (270) 852-7000; Owensboro Public Schools/Hager Preschool at (270) 686-1125; or visit your neighborhood elementary school.
OP
Janet Land is the Preschool Director at Daviess County Public Schools. 32 OWENSBORO PARENT
. March 2012
www.OwensboroParent.com
calendar
march2012 Informing parents about fun, local events is a priority for Owensboro Parent. Our magazine compiles events from across the city and county. So when your family is looking for something to do, check out the Owensboro Parent calendar, where you will find information on local events, including event descriptions, locations, dates, times and price. Want to include your event? Contact the editor at ashley@owensboroparent.com.
All Month
FREE ARTLAND An exciting new dimension in
education, is an interactive art studio created especially for children ages 4 to 10. It is a special place designed to challenge and stimulate the imagination while allowing children to create works of art at their own pace. ARTLAND features an art laboratory fully equipped with supplies and materials for making works of art and is complemented by child-sized easels and tables. Museum open Tues. – Thurs. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Fri. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sat. - Sun 1 – 4 p.m.; OMFA, 901 Frederica Street; (270) 685-3181 or omfa.us.
March 1
FREE Storytime Wee Read for ages 2 and
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
Midtown East Neighborhood Alliance Meeting 5 p.m.
www.OwensboroParent.com
Se/ven Hills Neighborhood Alliance Meeting 7 p.m.
March 2
FREE Baseball Card & Collectibles
Show Towne Square Mall, 5000 Frederica St.
RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.; riverparkcenter.org.
American Journey: The Story of Sacagawea and the Lewis & Clark Expedition Be a member of the Corp of
St. Patrick’s Day Dash Early Bird
Discovery and travel with the young Shoshone girl, Sacagawea, and the Lewis and Clark Expedition as they discover America. This story will inspire and encourage your spirit of adventure and ignite your passion for history while introducing your students to Native American culture, song, dance and language; 9:15 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.; Grades 2 -6; RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.; riverparkcenter.org.
Registration Deadline See event description on March 17.
Pajama Shoppin’ Mamas Pre-Sale for
CountryComedy Tour CasioKid, Matt
Volunteers and Consignors; See event description on March 3.
U-Bounce Open Bounce Night; All must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; 5 - 10 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.
Mitchell, and MG Gaskin, will present two clean comedy shows. They two have appeared on the Tonight Show seven times. VIP tables available, cash bar, general admission; 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.;
U-Bounce Open Bounce Night; All must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults
March 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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always free; 5 - 10 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.
Pajama Shoppin’ Mamas Consignment
March 3
March 5
FREE Baseball Card & Collectibles
Show Towne Square Mall, 5000 Frederica St.
Pajama Shoppin’ Mamas A consignment sale, based out of Hancock County, Kentucky, that serves all surrounding counties. Sales are geared to help you find great deals for your little ones, and make some money all at one place! And you don’t have to be a parent to enjoy our sale! We have household items, furniture, adult clothing and MORE for you to browse and shop! Clean out your closets, garages and attics and earn 70% on everything you sell (Volunteer and earn even more!). Simple instructions on how to print tags from your home computer can be found at www.pajamashoppinmamas.com.; $1 adult admission, children FREE; cash, check and Mastercard/Visa/Discover cards accepted; Lewisport Community Center 15 Pell St., Lewisport; www.pajamashoppinmamas.com. FREE Saturday Morning Live! Visit the
library every Saturday morning from 10:00—12:00 for self guided fun and educational activities with a focus on literacy and school readiness; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
March 4
FREE Baseball Card & Collectibles
Show Towne Square Mall, 5000 Frederica St.
34 OWENSBORO PARENT
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Sale See event description on March 3.
FREE Storytime Wee Read for ages 2 and
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
March 6
U-Bounce Open Bounce Night; All must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; 5 - 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.
March 8
FREE Storytime Wee Read for ages 2 and
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
Southeast Alliance Meeting 6:30 p.m.
March 9
U-Bounce Open Bounce Night; All must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; 5 - 10 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.
March 7
Daddy Daughter Date Night & Mother/Son Tropical Voyage
Mall, 5000 Frederica St.
Registration Deadline See event descriptions on March 16 & 17.
Mocha Mouth Wednesday Open mic
March 10
FREE Giant Colon Display Towne Square
night for singers, songwriters, poets, acoustic or keyboard musicians will perform each Wednesday night at The Creme. 6 - 8 p.m., 109 E. 2nd Street; (270)683-7787. FREE Macedonia Baptist Church
Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPs)
Meeting A group for moms designed to nurture every mother with children from infancy through kindergarten. Place for encouragement, inspiration and guidance during this crazy, yet critical stage of motherhood; Macedonia Baptist Church, 4839 Millers Mill Road; 8:45 a.m. - 11 a.m.; Free childcare and no registration fee; Contact Melissa Strunk at (270) 771-0846.
FREE Isotopes RC Car Show, Towne
Square Mall, 5000 Frederica St. FREE Saturday Morning Live!
Visit the library every Saturday morning from 10:00—12:00 for self guided fun and educational activities with a focus on literacy and school readiness; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
March 11
FREE Isotopes RC Car Show, Towne
Square Mall, 5000 Frederica St.
www.OwensboroParent.com
calendar March 12
March 15
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
Audubon Are Alliance Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Dogwood Azalea Neighborhood Alliance Meeting 5:30 p.m.
March 13
March 16
must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; 5 - 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.
must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; 5 - 10 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.
FREE Basic Weather Spotter Training
Eighteenth Annual Daddy/ Daughter Date Night Luau Adventure Attention dads and daughters, this
FREE Storytime Wee Read for ages 2 and
U-Bounce Open Bounce Night; All
Regional training, not limited to Daviess County residents. The basic class is full of new, interesting information. The elite training is designed for those that have had the Basic class, but no one turned away. If you are interested in severe weather, even if you do not want to be a weather spotter, you will get a lot out of these courses; 6 p.m.; Brescia University science building lecture hall; Pre-registration is not required, and anyone can attend; For more information or questions, call the Daviess Co. Emergency Management Agency (270) 685-8448. FREE LEGO Block Party Build, play and learn with the library’s LEGO collection. For kids ages 6 and up. Registration is required, please do so by phone or at the library; 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
Hillcrest Area Alliance Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Shifley-York Neighborhood Alliance Meeting 5:30 p.m. Old Owensboro Neighborhood Alliance Meeting 6 p.m.
March 14
Mocha Mouth Wednesday Open mic night for singers, songwriters, poets, acoustic or keyboard musicians will perform each Wednesday night at The Creme. 6 - 8 p.m., 109 E. 2nd Street; (270) 683-7787.
www.OwensboroParent.com
FREE Storytime Wee Read for ages 2 and
U-Bounce Open Bounce Night; All
is your chance to hula on over to the DaddyDaughter Luau adventure! Dress in your best Hawaiian gear for an evening of tropical fun! The evening features dinner, lots of dancing, DJ led games, door prizes and the opportunity to have a keepsake photograph taken to remember your evening! Register early, space is limited on the island! Once registered, confirmation tickets will be mailed; Ages: 3 – 12 years; Registration Deadline: March 9; Fee:$34 per couple, each additional daughter is $17; 6 - 8:30 p.m.; Owensboro Sportscenter, 1215 Hickman Ave.; (270) 687-8700.
Family Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt Registration Deadline See event description on March 23.
We’re Under the Sea Owensboro Dance Theatre presents In Concert, where this children’s classic will be transformed into dance. Through the use of the many dance forms, the characters of the Mermaid, the Prince, Triton and their under the sea friends will come to life before your eyes; 9:15 – 11:30 a.m.; Grades K-12; For information call (270) 684-9580 or email at odt1982@ gmail. com.
March 17
St. Patrick’s Day The Little Mermaid Character Brunch 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at RiverPark Center on Cannon Hall’s Stage; For information call (270) 684-9580 or e-mail at odt1982@ gmail.com.
The Little Mermaid Return to the Sea Owensboro Dance Theatre presents In Concert, where this children’s classic will be transformed into dance. Through the use of the many dance forms, the characters of the Mermaid, the Prince, Triton and their under the sea friends will come to life before your eyes; 7 p.m.; Grades K-12; For information call (270) 6849580 or e-mail at odt1982@ gmail.com. FREE Saturday Morning Live! Visit the
library every Saturday morning from 10:00—12:00 for self guided fun and educational activities with a focus on literacy and school readiness; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
St. Patrick’s Day Dash 5K Run/Walk - 10K Run Check-in: 7:15 - 7:45 a.m.; Race begins: 8 a.m.; Location: Start and Finish at O’Charley’s on Frederica Street; Rain date: March 24; Cancellation Line: (270) 687-000.
Mother/Son Night of Fun Tropical Voyage Mothers and sons, limbo your way through this tropical voyage! This is your chance to enjoy an exciting evening featuring dinner, dancing, music and games. Come dressed in your best Hawaiian gear. Each couple will get the opportunity to have a keepsake photo taken to remember the evening. Register early, space is limited on the boat! Once registered, confirmation tickets will be mailed; 6 - 8:30 p.m.; Ages: 4 – 12 years; Registration Deadline: March 9; Fee:$34 per couple, each additional son is $17; Owensboro Sportscenter, 1215 Hickman Ave.; (270) 687-8700.
March 19
FREE Storytime Wee Read for ages 2 and
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
March 20
U-Bounce Open Bounce Night; All must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; 5 - 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.
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Walk & Talk & Lunch in the Garden “People & Plants in Glass Houses” Have lunch at the Western KY Botanical Garden;11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m; (270) 852-8925 or www.wkbg.org.
March 21
Mocha Mouth Wednesday Open mic night for singers, songwriters, poets, acoustic or keyboard musicians will perform each Wednesday night at The Creme. 6 - 8 p.m., 109 E. 2nd Street; (270) 683-7787
March 22
FREE Storytime Wee Read for ages 2 and
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
March 23
under the age of 8. Don’t forget your basket; 7:30 p.m.; Moreland Park; Registration Deadline: March 16; Fee: $14 per family / limit 6 family members, $3 for each additional family member; (270) 687-8700.
Spring Day Camp Registration Deadline See event description on April 2.
March 24
Easter Bunny Visits & Photos Towne Square Mall, 5000 Frederica St. FREE Saturday Morning Live! Visit the library every Saturday morning from 10:00—12:00 for self guided fun and educational activities with a focus on literacy and school readiness; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
Sunburst Beauty Pageant, Towne
The Magical Music of Disney! The
Square Mall, 5000 Frederica St.
Owensboro Symphony Orchestra Pops continue in March with The Magical Music of Disney, complete with enchanting images on the big screen set to symphonic arrangements. We encourage all kids to dress up as their favorite Disney characters and participate in the Disney costume parade; 7:30 p.m.; RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.; riverparkcenter.org.
U-Bounce Open Bounce Night; All must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; 5 - 10 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com
Family Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt When the sun goes down, the fun begins. Gather up your family and join in the search for the golden egg! Participants are required to bring one flashlight per family (no larger than 2 “D” cell batteries). An adult must accompany any child
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March 26
FREE Storytime Wee Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
March 27
U-Bounce Open Bounce Night; All must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; 5 - 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.
Origami Fun Night A quick course in the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. Origami projects will cover skill levels from beginner to advanced. For kids ages 6 and up; 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
Dugan Best Neighborhood Alliance Meeting 6 p.m. Northwest Alliance Meeting 5:30 p.m. Wesleyan-Shawnee Neighborhood Alliance Meeting 6 p.m. Apollo Area Alliance Meeting 6 p.m.
March 28
Mocha Mouth Wednesday Open mic night for singers, songwriters, poets, acoustic or keyboard musicians will perform each Wednesday night at The Creme. 6 - 8 p.m., 109 E. 2nd Street; (270)683-7787.
March 29
FREE Storytime Wee Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
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calendar March 30
April 3
must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; 5 - 10 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.
must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; 5 - 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.
U-Bounce Open Bounce Night; All
U-Bounce Open Bounce Night; All
FREE Theater Contruction Day Drop
March 31
Spring Break begins! FREE Saturday Morning Live!
Visit the library every Saturday morning from 10:00—12:00 for self guided fun and educational activities with a focus on literacy and school readiness; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org. April 1
April 2
in to help design, contruct, and decorate our puppet theaters. These had better be good, because they’ll be used all week! 2 – 4 p.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org
April 4
FREE Puppet Making Day Drop in to make a variety of handpuppets, good for beginners and more experienced artists; 2 – 4 p.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
FREE How to Tell a Story Like a Pro
Using all the supplies from earlier in the week, kids will learn the ins and outs of good storytelling from the library’s very own experts. For kids ages 6 and up. Registration is required, please do so by phone or at the library; 2 – 4 p.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
April 6
U-Bounce Open Bounce Night; All must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; 5 - 10 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.
25th Anniversary GG Talbott 5K Road Race Early Bird Registration Race will
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
Mocha Mouth Wednesday Open mic night for singers, songwriters, poets, acoustic or keyboard musicians will perform each Wednesday night at The Creme. 6 - 8 p.m., 109 E. 2nd Street; 270-683-7787.
be held Sat., April 21 at 9 a.m.; Legion Park to Owensboro Community & Technical College; Early bird registration $20, students $15; After April 6, entry $25; www.owensboro.kctcs.edu/5k.
Spring Day Camp April 2 – 6; For 5-13 years;
April 5
April 7
FREE Storytime Wee Read for ages 2 and
7 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Early drop-off 6:40 a.m. $2/day); Owensboro Parks and Recreation Administrative Center; Registration deadline: March 23; Fee: $65 whole week /$50 three days or fewer; Please note: lunch is not included in the spring program. Campers will need to bring a sack lunch. Breakfast is available for $1 per day (paid in advance). Morning and afternoon snacks are provided; (270) 687-8700.
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FREE Storytime Wee Read for ages 2 and
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org. FREE Meet Little Critter! Instead of our
regular storytime, the library will be having a special visitor...Mercer Mayer’s famous character Little Critter! 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
FREE Saturday Morning Live! Visit the library every Saturday morning from 10:00—12:00 for self guided fun and educational activities with a focus on literacy and school readiness; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
April 8
Easter Sunday
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