Owensboro Parent - March 2013 by Owensboro Parent Magazine

www.OwensboroParent.com

March 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

www.OwensboroParent.com

March 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

3 OWENSBORO PARENT

. March 2013

www.OwensboroParent.com

march 2013 Publisher/Creative Director Jason Tanner jason@owensboroparent.com Editor

from the editor Running and I have a pretty rocky past. We tried to get along for a while in 6th grade during my brief stint on the College View Middle School track team, but that was short lived. We tried our relationship again when I began college. I was worried about the “freshman 15” and used the fitness center a couple of times, that was until my roommate saw me running one day and fell to the floor laughing. I never returned. And then one last time when Jeff and I started dating. He and I made a pact to become healthier together, but after one jog around the neighborhood, Jeff decided it was best not to run with me again. Why, you ask, would my roommate laugh at the mere sight of me running? Why would Jeff refuse to run with me after one light jog around the block? Well, you see, I’ve been told that I run like an elephant. I am 5 ft. and weigh—well, I’m not going to divulge my weight in print. But, apparently I run like a large pachyderm. (Jeff could hear my stomp! stomp! stomp! over the music on his iPod.)

Ashley Sorce ashley@owensboroparent.com Account Executives Jeff Sorce jeff@owensboroparent.com Jodi Tanner jodi@owensboroparent.com Jonathan Tanner jonathan@owensboroparent.com Robert Williams robert@owensboroparent.com Graphic Designer Taylor West taylor@owensboroparent.com Distribution Manager Steven Morris Contributors Dr. Brian Gannon Casey Hamilton Christina Dalton Danny May Gail E. Kirkland

And it wasn’t until Jeff sat me down and broke the news to me that I was an embarrassingly loud runner and walker, that I understood many confusing situations in my life. Like when I visited my best friends’ dorm and received complaints from their neighbors below. Or when I nearly broke a glass figure when the vibrations from my walking almost caused it to fall from a shelf.

Jaime Rafferty

I tell you all of this because I am planning to participate in the Color Blast 5K event this month. Owensboro Parent is so proud to help support this event and the local organizations that help kids with disabilities. And because I know this is such a great cause, I am willing to risk the embarrassment of running in public for the first time in over five years.

Contact Information

I challenge everyone who is reading this to come out and participate too! Do it for the many local individuals with disabilities and help celebrate their ablilities. Do it to help raise money to support their cause. Do it to get blasted with color! Or simply do it to come watch (or hear) me run. No matter your reason, come out and help Color Owensboro Proud! Please visit the Owensboro Parent or Color Blast 5K Facebook page for more information.

Jessica Weafer Lora Wimsatt Printing Greenwell Chisholm Owensboro, Kentucky

Owensboro Parent Magazine PO Box 23237 Owensboro, KY 42304 (270) 314-5240 www.owensboroparent.com facebook.com/owensboroparent twitter.com/owensboroparent issuu.com/owensboroparent Cover Design & Photography Jason Tanner Advertise Owensboro Parent is a FREE magazine because of community support. Thank you to the great group of

Sincerely,

businesses & organizations who advertise with us. If you want to contribute to the success of our magazine, we would

Ashley Sorce ashley@owensboroparent.com

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.

4 OWENSBORO PARENT

. March 2013

www.OwensboroParent.com

march features parent talk [06]

[22] leah abell

greatest treasure of all [08]

[24] kaleb isbill

more alike than different [10] color us proud [13]

[26] sticks and miles(stones) [28] precious cargo

hunter ross [14]

[30] puck hogs hockey

leland isbill [16]

[32] future belongs to the educated

matthew cook [18] tyler lamar [20]

[13]

www.OwensboroParent.com

[30]

[34] quality early education

[28]

[35] march calendar

[08]

[26]

[10]

March 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

march 2013

parent talk What does your family do for Easter? How do you balance Easter egg hunts with the real reason we celebrate Easter? What traditions does your family have? Here are a few of your answers from Facebook.

We have 7 kids and this is how we celebrate Easter- a few

I have always taught my kids the true meaning of Easter. That

weekends before Easter we attend several community egg hunts,

is the most important thing, the best gift of all! We still have an

the night before we dye eggs, Easter morning each kid receives a

egg hunt and give them small presents and candy, but all of this

basket of goodies, then we go to our church’s sunrise service and

is after going to church so they can hear the truth about Easter.

then to our grandma’s house where we visit with family, read the

Then we go to my sister’s house for an Easter celebration with our

Easter story, and have another egg hunt.

family and church family and do another egg hunt. I want them to

- Christopher & Allison Driskell

have fun all while incorporating Jesus into it. - Natalie DeHart Hill

We go to church and then gather and eat at my parents’ house with 60+ family members. We have a huge egg hunt that goes into about

We have four children aged 13-3. It’s very important for us not to

three different yards with several hundred eggs filled with coins of

confuse them with a bunny rather than the true reason for Easter,

all amounts. The little kids get to hunt eggs and the big kids are put

Jesus Christ. We never want them to grow up thinking we told

into teams for a scavenger hunt! It’s a blast! Our kids are 4 and 1 so

them about a make believe bunny so Jesus must be pretend too.

we have been reading books about Easter and what it means. They

We have lots of fun hunting eggs with yummy chocolates inside,

are also learning at their school Maximillian Montesorri Academy.

but we put more emphasis on the life changing sacrifice of Jesus!

- Lauren Reid Patton

- Karla McClain Hendricks

6 OWENSBORO PARENT

. March 2013

www.OwensboroParent.com

March 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

family life

treasure the greatest

of all

{ by: lora wimsatt }

he little ones are not sure what’s going on or what is expected

spring weekend afternoon. With the clumsy gait of children who

of them. Their tiny feet step tentatively through the grass

are still new to the mechanics of running, they toddle erratically

of the back yard, a yard that is still mostly brown but there are a

from egg to egg, picking them up and throwing them gleefully

few patches of bright green grass, including a few bunches that are already tall enough for mowing.

My granddaughters have been given baskets

to carry. Multi-colored strands woven together – what is that stuff? Bamboo? Wicker? – and the inside is fluffy with shiny shreds of plastic, artificial grass, in this case, pink. Pink for girls. The girls – also dressed mostly in pink – wander about, herded gently by the guiding hand of their mothers or lured by Papaw as he points toward the shadow of the forsythia bush.

“Pick it up! Pick it up!”

That’s the daddies, ever competitive, urging

into their baskets. As the baskets fill, a few

As the baskets fill, a few eggs bounce out as the girls swing their baskets wildly about as they run, but nobody seems to notice or care.

eggs bounce out as the girls swing their baskets wildly about as they run, but nobody seems to notice or care. “The Easter bunny was here!” That’s my daughter-in-law, and I cast an appreciative glance her way. I can always count on her to get into the spirit of the holidays. In the meantime, Lyla has reached down to pick up one more egg, but as she does, her basket tilts precariously. Sure enough, a dozen or more of the eggs she’s already collected spill out. She stares at them for a moment, picks up

their little girls to fill their baskets with the

one of the errant eggs, then turns her basket

plastic Easter eggs scattered throughout the back

over and dumps out the remainder of her cache.

yard.

Briley has noticed the commotion and comes over to

Once they get the hang of it, once they realize what this game

investigate. Seizing the opportunity, she crouches down and

is all about, the girls dive in with reckless abandon, shrieks of

begins to pick up her cousin’s eggs, putting them in her own

laughter floating behind them on the breeze of this beautiful

basket.

8 OWENSBORO PARENT

. March 2013

www.OwensboroParent.com

Lyla had been on the verge of wandering away, abandoning

the whole pile, but now that Briley is snapping up “her” eggs, she cries, “Mine!” and begins to take eggs out of Briley’s basket, dropping them into her own.

Pandemonium ensures, at least until the mommies swoop in

and pick up their little darlings, whisking them off to opposite corners of the yard, distracting them by pointing out the location of heretofore unclaimed eggs, while Papaw discreetly collects the pile of disputed eggs and scatters them on the other side of the yard.

As for me – Granma – I just stand on the sidelines and watch,

smiling.

At ages just-turned-two and not-quite-two, my grandgirls are

too young to understand just yet.

But in the years to come, I will talk to them about Easter.

I’ll remind them of how, since the time they were old enough to walk, they celebrated the season by hunting for hidden treasures. And I’ll tell them the story about the real meaning of Easter, where the greatest treasure of all is waiting to be found.

Lora Wimsatt is a mother, grandmother and writer. She enjoys the everyday blessings and adventures of life, especially her family.

www.OwensboroParent.com

March 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

family life

more alike

than different { by: christina dalton,

A Teaching children to deal with bullying is like teaching them a new sport. You have to practice. You might not get it right the first couple of times, but practice some more and they become better.

10 OWENSBORO PARENT

. March 2013

M S S W, C S W

t Burns Elementary School there

are, how someone might act and how to

is a club called the “Everybody

help.

}

Counts Council.” This club is made up

One of the great expectations of the

of all different types of students and their

“Everybody Counts Council” is to watch

purpose is to advocate for students with

out for bullying, something that has become

special needs inside the school, but also in

more and more prevalent in our society.

the community. Their motto on the club’s

We, as parents, have to teach our children

t-shirt reads, “We are more alike than

how to deal with bullies. This goes for

different.” I often find myself thinking

children with or without special needs.

about that phrase and how true it rings.

Sometimes children with special needs can

The club has activities throughout the

be more of a target for bullies. Teaching

school year to promote other children with

children to deal with bullying is kind of

special needs. They have a buddy walk,

like teaching them a new sport. You have to

where they go through the entire building

practice. You might not get it right the first

collecting change to support the Green

couple of times, but practice some more and

River Area Down Syndrome Association.

they become better. You have to teach them

They also partner with other peers who may

skills that they can use and go over these

have special needs and help them when

skills and practice daily.

the school has a field day or fall festival.

I personally think that one of the most

in your mind a lion sitting in a field. Now

important things they do is to make all of

switch your visual image to a fat Basset

the children aware of disabilities, what they

Hound with floppy ears and a giant, red

Let’s try a little experiment. Picture

www.OwensboroParent.com

bow around his neck. Sounds simple

mad or say something ugly back.” We are

enough. If you can do that then you are

our children’s greatest role models.

the one in control of your mind. You are

have the power to choose their thoughts. Keep it simple and practice one

in charge of telling it what to think. It is

Throw out quotes from time to time.

response. You can practice over and over

no different than the process of learning

There are so many learning opportunities

with one simple phrase, “I’m sorry you feel

how to think and handle putdowns and

that we have with our children. Try to

that way.” Give your child pop quizzes and

criticism. We are responsible for our

find examples of real life situations where

ask them, “What do you say when someone

thoughts. Imagine how children would

certain quotes would apply and have your

says something nasty or mean to you?”

feel if they were taught how to use their

children do the same thing. Here are a few

And hopefully their response will be, “I’m

thoughts in a positive way, especially if we

of my favorites. “No one can make you

sorry you feel that way.”

start teaching them at a young age. Here

feel inferior without your permission.” –

are a few tips to help children handle

Eleanor Roosevelt. And I don’t know who

See if your child wants to teach a friend

bullies and putdowns:

said this, but I love it. “When someone

what you have taught them about

pushes your button, don’t let it ring your

bullying. One thing I have learned from

bell!”

teaching classes is that I learn a skill better

Model for your child how to react and respond to bullies. Tell them about how

and more effectively when I am teaching

you handled a difficult person that you

Try to come up with key words. Work

others. When we teach others we are

encountered. You could say, “I’m going to

with your child to come up with a key

internalizing the information and it will

choose not to worry about what that person

word that might initiate this new thought

stick with us more permanently.

said to me. They may have been having

process. It could be as simple as “Dog with

a really rough day. I did tell them that

a red bow.” It’s just something that will

comment hurt my feelings, but I didn’t get

remind your child to remember that they

www.OwensboroParent.com

Christina Dalton, MSSW, CSW is the Family Resource Center Coordinator for Daviess County Public Schools.

March 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

12 OWENSBORO PARENT

. March 2013

www.OwensboroParent.com

community

Have you ever thought running or walking

a color explosion. Additional color bursts

could be a “blast”?

will take place at the finish line party zone

If not, come participate in the Color Blast 5K and support disability awareness.

and other cool stuff. The color comes from eco-friendly colored cornstarch with food

The colorful event will take place on Saturday,

grade coloring, which is purchased through

March 23, 2013. Racers will begin and end at

a manufacturer.

English Park, where an after party will also be held.

Participants are encouraged to wear white clothes for colors to show.

Fun runners

The mission of the event is to spread ability

shouldn’t wear anything with sentimental

awareness in Owensboro, all the while

value, including shoes because they will

supporting six local non-profit organizations:

get “blasted.” Though most of the powder

Two Rivers Buddy Ball, Dream Riders of

will come out, there may be some residue

Kentucky, Green River Area Down Syndrome

remaining.

Association, Puzzle Pieces, Team Karlie, and Wendell Foster’s Campus for Developmental Disabilities. Each provides quality services to individuals with special needs and is a way for Owensboro children and adults to have fun while supporting great causes!

www.OwensboroParent.com

where there will be live entertainment, food,

Also remaining will be the impact the organizations have on REAL PEOPLE touched daily by these organizations, like the children on our cover. We interviewed one child from each of the six organizations that will be supported by the Color Blast.

Color stations will be located at each mile

Take the time to read each of their stories.

marker and the finish line. At the color

We think it might just inspire you to dust off

stations you will be showered with brightly

your running shoes and join in the fun on

colored powder, turning your white shirt into

March 23. >>

March 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

community

hunter ross {by: gail kirkland}

puzzle pieces: a perfect fit >> Words come thoughtfully and sparingly, but when

conscientiously completes his chores without complaint. In

he speaks the message is clear, genuine, and sometimes

fact, he eagerly tackles his list of after school chores—daily.

surprising. This 15-year-old Puzzle Pieces client flashed a

rare dimpled grin as he said, “I’m gonna be famous,” in regard

aspect of our conversation. “The coolest part is when school’s

to his interview. “People will say, ‘Hunter, Hunter, can I have

out, because I can be there all day,” he said. Generally the

your autograph’? And I’ll say, ‘Yes’.”

facility is open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., with

Hunter’s love for Puzzle Pieces came through in every

Hunter Ross, who has autism, easily wins the heart with

adult clients present primarily in morning hours and students

tender words and generous hugs. “Every single day Hunter

there during the afternoon. Both city and county buses provide

gives each of us a hug; he doesn’t miss a day,” said Amanda

student transportation to Puzzle Pieces.

Owen, whose inspiration for Puzzle Pieces was her brother,

who suffers from a chromosome disability. Amanda taught six

beamed as Amanda described the dress-up, Christmas dance,

years in an MD classroom at Burns Middle School and many

complete with Winter Wonderland decorations and a DJ—all

of her 18 staff members are also education majors.

of which Hunter planned and carefully designed. He and his

Although Hunter’s autism sometimes creates frustration if

twin sister recently celebrated their birthday together at Puzzle

he cannot do something perfectly, his well adjusted, relaxed

Pieces. Clearly, Amanda’s goal of creating “an extension of

attitude, and total enjoyment of his surroundings are more

home where they can be with their friends” has taken root with

than apparent. “Well, my favorite thing to do is spend time

Hunter, as well as the other 40 clients who come from Daviess,

with you guys,” Hunter told Amanda as we sat talking.

Ohio, Hancock, and Butler counties.

Hunter actually gave Puzzle Pieces a book about how to

Hunter attends Puzzle Pieces Monday through Friday. He

As for the upcoming Color Blast 5K Fun Run (March 23),

talk to someone with autism, and that book helped him meet

Hunter is slated to help with all the preparations. His main

and make friends with Cody, who also has autism.

responsibilities include precisely packaging the 4-ounce color

Along with the enjoyment comes an expectation of

packets for each of the anticipated 1,500 runners to toss at the

responsibility. Each of the clients is given chores. Hunter takes

conclusion of the race. He and his mom, Misty Harney, will

his vacuuming and trash emptying assignments seriously and

be participating in the race, along with 10-15 other Puzzle

14 OWENSBORO PARENT

. March 2013

www.OwensboroParent.com

Pieces team members. The remaining

during the holidays, because they could not

staff members, parents, and clients will be

keep up with the demand for the clients’

volunteering at the race.

crafts.

Amanda readily admits the daunting

From a warm, friendly greeting upon

task of organizing what some feel will

entering the Frederica Street building (once

become Owensboro’s largest annual 5K

the Boys’ and Girls’ Club) to the obvious kind

event, a take-off on nationally-acclaimed

attention given to each individual within the

Color Runs. Nonetheless, she has two clear

colorfully decorated facility, Puzzle Pieces

goals: to recognize the positive impact and

seeks to provide “a safe and structured activity

abilities of individuals with special needs

day facility for individuals with intellectual

and to spread awareness throughout the

disabilities and promote independence, life skills,

community. This fundraiser allows the six

community involvement, social interaction,

disabilities-oriented groups with mutual

communication, and most importantly build

interests and oftentimes mutual clients to

trusting relationships between clients, staff, and

work together toward a common goal. March

families,” according to their web site.

is Disabilities Awareness month.

Puzzle Pieces keeps those abilities at the

has never participated in an event like the

forefront of all they do. Each craft sold in

Color Blast before, but his excitement and

their Community Store—dog treats, laundry

eager anticipation are obvious, as is his love and

soap, theme-based plates, and jewelry—

admiration for Puzzle Pieces AND Amanda,

carries a special, heart-felt message: “Know

who sits alongside him. “It’s like I’m their big

me for my ability, not my disability.” Those

sister,” she said with a beautiful, broad grin.

crafts, by the way, are so exceptionally

Her message is clear, genuine, and not at all

popular that PP had to turn people away

surprising. >>

www.OwensboroParent.com

Hunter, a Burns Middle School student,

Seeing past the differences Use curiosity as a conversation starter When your child appears curious or you find them staring at someone that appears different, use this as an opportunity to have an honest discussion and openly educate your child on the differences. Do not scurry your child past the individual, rather use the opportunity to create a comfort level and explain the experience.

March 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

community

leland isbill {by: jaime rafferty}

wendell foster’s campus: superstar >> Leland’s mom, Deanna, has a contagious caring for people.

It’s easy to see where outgoing son Leland gets his love for others

services provided through the Wendell Foster’s Campus in

and zest for life. Leland’s number one love is the harmonica.

addition to support and information the organization has

He can play the blues harp like nobody’s business! He enjoys

provided. Leland has low muscle tone associated with Down

jamming with accomplished local musicians. He has played

syndrome and mild scoliosis, a curvature of the spine. He has

publically on the main stage at the Bean Blossom Blues Festival,

received physical, occupational and speech therapies at the

a Trunnel’s Farm event, at The Crème Café during open mic

campus to improve his strength and balance and endurance.

night, and at talent shows at his church, his school, the Hermitage

The Isbell’s have attended several of the parent trainings the

Rehab Center and at the Daviess County Fair talent show. Mom

WFC has hosted on subjects to improve their son’s quality of

says, “He is waiting for his ‘big break’ someday to be able to play

life.

regularly with a group or band!”

Leland is a Special Olympic Athlete in swimming and softball

Technology Program. They loaned the family an iPad for one

programs every year. Leland also enjoys riding his four-wheeler,

week to try with Leland. The Isbell’s saw the benefit of the iPad

watching movies and he’s an old soul who loves watching old

and purchased one for Christmas. The Assistive Technology

episodes of Bonanza. Like many people he also likes going out

Program staff tutors Leland and family on the use of the iPad

to eat, playing with his dogs and loves visiting his friends and

and helpful apps for their use.

family. He also really enjoys school at DCMS and hates to miss,

even if he is sick!

showing him using his iPad,

Deanna could hardly contain her excitement when talking

Louisville. He’s both a local and regional star now thanks to

about the Color Blast Fun Run, “We feel so blessed to have this

the support given to him and his family from the caring and

event come to our community. It will bring so many good people

knowledgeable staff at Wendell Foster’s Campus.

together for the benefit of six of our main non-profit organizations

for kids and adults with disabilities, plus it will be outrageous fun

also helps others have a blast by learning and growing through

for everyone. “

activities that may not otherwise be offered to them. >>

www.OwensboroParent.com

Leland and family have benefited greatly from therapy

The WFC also has helped them through the Assistive

Through the WFC, Leland is currently in a commercial which airs on stations in

As you can see, participation will not only be a blast, but it

March 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

www.OwensboroParent.com

March 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

community

matthew cook {by: jessica weafer}

gradsa: he can do everything >> “There is nothing my 10-year-old does that Matt doesn’t

do,” Sherry Cook, mother of three, said while sitting in her living

time, Matt’s grocery store excursion is a story she looks back on

room talking about her two sons, Shawn and Matt. Shawn, 10,

and just has to laugh.

is her youngest son, Sara, 21, is her oldest child, and Matt, 14,

is her middle child. Matt also has Down syndrome. Sherry said,

routine is a lot like any other child his age. She said he starts his

“He does everything everyone does — goes to school, plays sports,

day by getting up and ready for school, then he catches his bus to

goes to dances, hangs out with friends.”

Owensboro High School. After school, he goes to Puzzle Pieces, a

local activity center for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

“We try not to treat him any different,” she said. “We just

Sherry said that even though she was scared to death at the

Matt leads a normal life. His mother said his day-to-day

have to keep an eye on him.”

Once he’s home for the evening, he helps cook dinner and clean-

up.

Matt is known for being a little sneaky and impulsive, she

said.

“He is a whole lot smarter than people realize,” she said.

A week before his freshman year of high school, she took

Matt is currently working on learning everyday life skills like

Matt to register for class. When they returned home, he said that

cooking. His mother makes sure to have him help out every night

he was going to start school tomorrow and he was going to walk

while she cooks dinner. “He can cook a lot around here,” Sherry

there in the morning. Of course, classes wouldn’t start for another

said. “He can cook eggs, steak, pork chops.”

week, so his mother told him that he couldn’t walk to school the

next day.

day get a job. Sherry said that Matt talks about getting a job when

But the following morning, when she went to wake him up,

he turns 18 almost daily. He has mentioned a few jobs that he

his bedroom was empty. She quickly realized he had woken up,

would like to have: firefighter, restaurant cook, work with Bobby

dressed, and climbed out the window.

on his favorite television show, Lizard Lick Towing, or join the

After a frantic call to the police and a quick search of the area,

Army like his National Guard Veteran father, Terry. Matt is so

they discovered Matt at a local grocery store with a grocery bag

taken with the Army that if he sees a soldier, he has to go over and

filled with lunch meat, a Pepsi, laundry soap, and stew meat. He

talk to him. Sherry said he is very proud of his veteran father, and

was wearing his clothes and shoes that he picked out for back-

calls the Army his, “Daddy’s work.”

to-school, and he had his backpack on, complete with school

computer. He was altogether safe and unharmed.

around the same age as his peers and has been fortunate to not

18 OWENSBORO PARENT

. March 2013

Working on life and social skills daily will help Matt to one

Throughout his life, Matt has met most of his milestones

www.OwensboroParent.com

have any major health problems. Sherry said,

that she could see Matt getting married one day.

“He’s never had a broken bone, never spent the

She talked about how the Michelle P. Waiver

night in the hospital, and has never missed more

program helps with the day-to-day of adult life.

than one day of school for illness until this year.”

“It’s totally doable,” she said, “to have a house

She said, “We are very fortunate. He has no heart

and have caregivers come and do what needs to be

or thyroid problems.” She said he’s had quite a

done. I don’t see the difference (in married with

few cavities, but that’s it.

disabilities versus married without disabilities).”

Sherry said that one misconception about

Sherry said Matt receives help from Green

River

Association

Matt is, “I think a lot of people think they are

(GRADSA), an organization governed by a board

more different than alike. He does everything

of parent and professional volunteers who share

everyone else does. For so many years, people

an interest in improving the quality of life for

put labels on them and it’s not true.” She advised

individuals with Down syndrome. They are an

that if a parent finds out their child has Down

affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society

syndrome, the best thing they can do is, “go to one

and the National Down Syndrome Congress.

of the support agencies and get resources so you

They serve nearly 300 families, educators, and

can be better informed.” She said, “The agencies

professionals in the counties of Daviess, Hancock,

have support groups. There are other people out

Henderson, McLean, Ohio, Union, and Webster.

there, so you don’t have to be alone trying to deal

Matt was recently crowned King of the

with it.”

Dance at the GRADSA and Special Olympics

Valentine’s Dance and will attend Prom this year

about having a child with a disability, Sherry said,

with a fellow classmate. Matt told his mom that

“I would tell them having a child with a disability

he has 10 girlfriends after giving his flower pin to

is more of a blessing than a hardship. I couldn’t

his friend at the dance after the crowning.

image my life without him.” >>

Area

Down

Syndrome

As for what the future holds, Sherry said

When asked what she would tell a parent

Seeing past the differences Answer questions honestly and avoid emotional overembellishment- Explain such terms as Cerebral Palsy and Down syndrome in simple, factual terms that a child can understand. Describe how the muscles could be affected or how a more youthful appearance is natural. Talk about what might cause someone to need a wheelchair and how it helps them to accomplish tasks more easily.

www.OwensboroParent.com

March 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

community

tyler lamar {by: danny may}

buddy ball: all about fun! >> Hearing Paula Lamar describe her son Tyler, you quickly

things he can do definitely outweigh the few things he can’t do.”

realize he is like most teenage boys. He’s good with technology,

he loves pizza, he quotes movie lines non-stop, he listens to

the “can do” list.

country music, and he plays his Wii almost every afternoon.

Buddy Ball gives children with disabilities an opportunity

At first glance you would also notice that he’s tall for his age.

to be a part of a sports team by taking out the competition

But the one thing that makes Tyler different from most of

and focusing on fun. Even though teams might wear different

his Apollo High School classmates is that he was born with

shirts, the sidelines and dugouts seem more like one big team

Down syndrome. And when he was just a few years old doctors

in Buddy Ball because everyone cheers and roots for each other.

discovered Tyler also had autism as well.

It’s all about inclusion and focusing on abilities. There’s no

need to keep track of errors. A kid might swing and miss twenty

Paula Lamar, a member of the Buddy Ball Board and a Special

Because of Two Rivers Buddy Ball, playing sports goes on

Education teacher for Daviess County Public Schools, explains, “As

times but when they do hit the ball - everyone cheers.

a parent, it’s easy to dwell on what your special needs child can’t do.

Tyler won’t ever get to drive a car. He’ll never be married. But the

Spectators at Buddy Ball events have plenty to smile about

20 OWENSBORO PARENT

. March 2013

They just go out and have fun.

www.OwensboroParent.com

as well. “There are lots of high fives and standing ‘O’s in Buddy

Pierce, the first season of Buddy Ball was held in 2008 with 43

Ball, that’s for sure,” Lamar said, smiling as a memory came to

players. One of the initial goals was to make Buddy Ball free

mind. “There was one game where Tyler actually waltzed with his

of charge for parents because the founders felt that parents of

mentor all the way to first base!”

special needs children already have enough to deal with. Since

The name “Buddy Ball” comes from the idea of pairing

its first season, Buddy Ball has become so popular that they’ve

each participant with a mentor to help assist the players during

added new sports every year since. Today, Buddy Ball has grown

games. Local schools and churches recruit the mentors, who are

to include bowling, soccer, a fishying tournament, baseball,

usually high school or college students interested in working

swimming, the Jared Payne memorial mini golf scramble,

with disabilities as a career.

basketball, cheerleading, and the special needs awareness fair.

Within the Buddy Ball community, there is an automatic

“It’s a safe place,” Paula says. “And they just enjoy it so

camaraderie that develops among the parents. “For me,” Paula

much. We all do! It’s something Tyler really looks forward to.

Lamar explained, “The great thing about Buddy Ball is the

Especially in the summer months because it’s a way to stay in

chance to meet more parents who share the same experience I

touch with his friends he wouldn’t get to see until school started

have. The stands are full of people who support each other by

again if it wasn’t for Buddy Ball.”

sharing resources, stories, which doctors and specialists to go to,

things like that. It really is a community and it helped me to not

Buddy Ball. Obviously it needs players and their parents, but it

feel so isolated.”

also takes mentors, coaches, volunteers, and donors to maintain

The story of Two Rivers Buddy Ball traces back to 2003 when

the program. Because of Owensboro’s continued support, the

founder Billy Shain and his wife Tami adopted two sons with

future looks bright for Two Rivers Buddy Ball. A portion of the

special needs. The boys played in a special needs baseball league

proceeds from the Color Blast 5K will help Buddy Ball continue

in Henderson and had a blast! Sadly, the league disbanded the

to grow its sports programs and increase it’s outreach to other

next season, but that is what lead Billy to try and start a similar

children with special needs. >>

It takes an entire community to run a program as involved as

league here in Owensboro. With help from his friend Charlie

www.OwensboroParent.com

March 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

community facebook

leah abell {by: gail kirkland}

team karlie: more than able >> She’s involved across the spectrum, from church youth

stroller so they can participate in the sport of running.” Karlie

group to Buddy Ball to Puzzle Pieces to Team Karlie to Dream

Hempel, the team’s namesake, has cerebral palsy. Karlie’s middle

Riders to the Color Blast 5K. That robust activity schedule and

school health technician, Jeff Miller (an All-American runner),

a strong interest in athletics plus an outgoing personality equal a

was the inciting force behind the creation of Team Karlie. He had

spirited young lady who gushes when she describes her stroller-

been inspired by the father-son story of Dick Hoyt, who competes

jogger races. She’s nothing short of inspirational, rooted in and

with his son in marathons nationwide.

sustained by a strong support network.

For Leah Abell, who has cerebral palsy, it all began several

super fast runner—until Leah noticed Jeff pushing Karlie in one

years ago with a church-sponsored Harvest Day Run. Leah,

of their races. “I wish Daddy would push me faster,” Leah said.

now 15, and her dad, Ronnie, registered to run in support of the

That’s all it took.

event, although neither he nor Leah had done anything like this

before. “It’s easier for me to run and push the jogger than to run

at the top of the pack.

by myself,” said Ronnie—who quickly admitted he was not a

legitimate, well-trained runner in the beginning.

Middle School to help the special needs students during track

All of that changed quickly after Leah witnessed Team

practice. One of those tutors was Andrew Lee, who openly said,

Karlie in action. “I’d like to do that,” Leah said. When the

“Before this, I really wasn’t athletic at all.” Make that two non-

Abells discovered that Team Karlie would be participating in the

runners now becoming runners (Ronnie and Andrew).

Harvest Day Run, they joined forces. The Leah-Dad combo was

the first addition to Team Karlie, whose “mission is to provide

awful,” said Andrew upon recalling that first race in which the

young people with physical disabilities the use of a special jogging

winds were blowing 40 mph. Nonetheless, he ran the whole thing.

22 OWENSBORO PARENT

. March 2013

Sara, Leah’s mom, recalls that Ronnie (a fireman) was not a

“Oh, I trained hard after that!” said Ronnie, who now finishes Enter Jeff Miller—again. He recruited peer tutors at Burns

Andrew joined Team Karlie, and trained two weeks. “It was

www.OwensboroParent.com

“I’d never run like that before.”

running, pushing Leah in her jogger.

“But, he was hooked,” Ronnie interjected.

“Andy pushes Leah in all the in-town races

Andrew ran alongside the Leah-Dad combo

now, which Leah prefers…which broke Daddy’s

until the last mile of that first race. Then Ronnie

heart the first time,” Sara said.

did something extraordinary, something life-

“Not really,” Ronnie added.

changing. He offered Andrew the opportunity

“Yes, it did!” Leah broke in. Uncontrollable

to push Leah the last mile.

laughter filled the room.

“That was the most rewarding experience in

Leah is surrounded by genuinely good

my life…that’s the best feeling still to this day,”

people, an awesome family, and an incredible

said Andrew, a sophomore, who is now a member

network of friends.

of Apollo’s cross country team.

Prior to Team Karlie expanding to four

in something that she otherwise wouldn’t be

sets of runners, a very dedicated Special

able to participate in physically and to connect

Services teacher, Amanda Owen spear-headed a

with people that she otherwise might not get to

fundraising effort to purchase Karlie a jogging

connect with in the community,” said Sara, with

stroller.

Leah affirming her mom’s sentiments.

“Within four days they raised the

“For me, [the impact is] seeing her participate

money for the stroller, along with a few extra

hundred dollars for a helmet (pink) and a racing

opportunity for social events. “Seeing the kids

outfit (also pink),” according to Kathy Hempel,

just enjoying the moment like everybody else is

Karlie’s mom.

doing is such a good feeling,” Ronnie added.

“The

running

community

Kids with special needs have such a limited

familiar

Just as redwoods stand tall and mighty—gaining

now with Team Karlie and everybody’s so

their strength by intertwining their otherwise

supportive,” said Ronnie with a sense of pride

weak and shallow roots with the surrounding

and appreciation.

redwoods—so stands this young Owensboro

family, securely rooted with their strong network

Ronnie and Sara are volunteering with Team

Karlie for the Color Blast 5K; Andrew will be

23 OWENSBORO PARENT

. March 2013

Seeing past the differences Use caution in your vocabulary – Avoid using negative and insensitive terms such as retarded or handicapped. As always, your child is watching and listening to how you handle these situations. Take care not to use words like autistic as adjectives, but rather as nouns, such as “That little boy has autism.” Also, be cautious in referring to children without disabilities as normal as to imply there is something wrong with other children.

of support. >>

www.OwensboroParent.com

community

kaleb isbill {by: casey hamilton}

dream riders: a dream come true

>>Like many other teens, Kaleb Isbill is crazy about horses.

According to Janice Tomblinson, Executive Director, the

But his experience with horses goes beyond riding for fun and

mission of Dream Riders is “to provide those with physical,

his relationship with the horses is more than that of an animal

mental, and emotional needs an opportunity to experience the

and its rider. For Kaleb, the horses at Dream Riders of Kentucky

joy of horseback riding and a bonding experience with horses.”

provide friendship, social skills, therapy and fun.

The group offers two 12-week sessions each summer for clients

Kaleb was born with a congenital condition called

like Kaleb, but they also provide group sessions for students with

Arthrogryposis, which caused his knee, hand and wrist joints to

special needs in the local school systems and for the clients at the

be contracted preventing normal use of them. Through years

Wendall Foster’s Campus.

of therapy, Kaleb has regained the use of his wrists and fingers,

but the contraction of his knees remains a challenge for him. In

riders, grooming horses, cleaning stalls, maintaining the grounds

2000, when Kaleb was 6 years old, he began riding with Ohio

and organizing fundraisers.

County Equestrian, but after a while the drive became difficult,

training sessions each year to stay current on the best practices

so Kaleb’s parents quit taking him. Then in 2004, a volunteer

to safely assist the riders. As a non-profit organization, Dream

from Ohio County Equestrian began a similar business at the

Riders is funded mainly from donations (both private and

Daviess County Fairgrounds and Kaleb was back to riding. He

corporate), grants and fundraisers such as their Fall Jamboree,

has remained with the organization ever since.

which takes place in September. Clients pay only $100 for each

24 OWENSBORO PARENT

. March 2013

Approximately 75 volunteers perform tasks such as leading These volunteers must undergo

www.OwensboroParent.com

discover 12-week session with scholarships covering the

remainder of the $600 cost.

Jane and Pat are more than willing to help out.

Kaleb’s parents, Jane and Pat, find the

Jane, a nurse at Dr. Edds’ office, has been on

benefits of Dream Riders truly a dream come

committees for the Fall Jamboree silent auction,

true.

Pat believes that improvement of his

worked at the auction and called people for

social skills is the most important benefit Kaleb

donations for the Jamboree. Pat, an Owensboro

gains from his riding, but another significant

Police officer, has controlled traffic for the event

advantage is that the therapy improves Kaleb’s

and helped with the silent auction as well. Even

balance and strengthens his core muscles, which

siblings Alex, a student at Western Kentucky

is vital considering Kaleb is unable to use his legs.

University, and Abby, a 6th grade student at

Jane has seen another value firsthand. At one

Daviess County Middle School, have lent a hand

session, a volunteer demonstrated the difference

to the organization. Alex has mowed the grass

in Kaleb’s knees before and after riding, and

and helped out with the Jamboree, but what he

Jane could see that the gravity of sitting on the

enjoys most is just hanging out with Kaleb at the

horse had helped Kaleb’s legs stretch out farther.

facility. Abby considers her job the best- playing

with the kittens and rabbits- since all the animals

Kaleb’s favorite parts of his therapy focus

Since Dream Riders offers their son so much,

more on the fun he has than on the physical

a Dream Riders need love, not just the horses.

benefits he receives. When asked what he enjoys

Kaleb is just one of approximately 300

most, Kaleb responds, “The horses, of course,

individuals that Dream Riders assists each

and the volunteers are nice, and the activities

year. The volunteers do it all with smiles on

they offer are really fun.” Such horseback riding

their faces and warmth in their hearts. “It is a

activities include weaving in and out of poles,

great program,” Jane adds, “the volunteers are

maneuvering the horse over logs, and grabbing

amazing, not just the time they spend with clients

rings in the arena then placing them back where

but the training they put in.” Our community is

they belong. But the activity Kaleb enjoys most

fortunate to have an organization so committed

is maintaining his balance on the bridge. “It’s

to helping our citizens with special needs, but in

just a thrill ride!” he exclaims proudly.

order for it to survive, we must support it.

www.OwensboroParent.com

Seeing past the differences Most importantly: Focus on the similarities – A child with differences is still a child. Have a conversation about common likes among children their age like popular characters, favorite colors, sports your child may be involved in, or where they go to school. Remind your child that even though a child may have a physical disability, it does not mean that they are any less capable mentally. We know as parents that all children are paying attention to the world around them and comprehend more then we will ever know.

March 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

discover { b y : d r. b r i a n g a n n o n }

sticks & (mile)stones For this issue devoted to disabilities and overcoming obstacles, I decided to focus on how such issues are discovered in the first place: developmental screening during well checks. Clearly some medical problems are apparent at birth, like Down syndrome or spina bifida. But most developmental delays occur in normal-appearing children, so how does a parent know when to worry and what to do?

1 At birth, every baby looks perfect to his parents, but some

development at all ages. In older kids and teenagers, it may

have physical challenges, such as cleft lip or prematurity,

be helpful to screen for mental health issues such as ADHD,

which make them more likely to need professional

anxiety and depression. If you believe your child’s school

intervention in order to talk and walk at close to the typical

performance or behavior has changed since the last visit

ages. If your child has such an issue, your pediatrician will

with your pediatrician, ask about screening. It can be very

probably mention it and possibly even refer to a specialist

useful in sorting out the reasons for a change in your teen’s

early on. But if you as a parent are concerned that your child

emotional state.

does not resemble either parent, or just is not progressing

4 Before the third birthday, if a child has delays in speech

normally, tell the doctor.

or other developmental concerns, even feeding, Kentucky

2 Because so many children appear normal before they begin

has a wonderful free program called First Steps. The first

to fall behind other children their age, it is very important to

evaluation is at the child’s home or other location of the

attend all the scheduled well checks with your primary care

parent’s choice. This allows the therapist to check the child

provider, even if your child is not due for shots. We discuss

in a comfortable, familiar environment, giving the most

typical timing of all the speech and motor milestones (like

reliable information. If the child has a significant delay

talking and walking) and if your child is falling behind her

from average children related to a particular skill, a different

peers, we can refer for evaluation or other help.

therapist will be contacted to work with the family and child

3 Many doctors will also do specific screening questionnaires

on an ongoing basis.

looking for autism (at 18 months or so), or even general

5 If your child reaches her goals set by the therapist, then

26 OWENSBORO PARENT

. March 2013

www.OwensboroParent.com

she would be developing normally at that point. If she is still not in the average range by the time she turns three years old, then therapy will be transitioned to the school system of zone. Some of our local schools have developmental preschool programs for these children, but if you are zoned to a school that does not have such a program, the school system is still required to help you find resources to help your child catch up by kindergarten. 6 If a delay is not discovered until after age three, then everything starts with the school system. School-based services are very good, but if the child is not old enough for kindergarten yet, it may be confusing to figure out how to get your child assessed. This situation can be more difficult for a parent to navigate, so your pediatrician may need to be more actively involved as an advocate for your child. 7

For children with more severe issues, there are programs

such as the Michelle P waiver, available through the local health department, which help parents with things like wheelchairs and handicapped-accessible vehicles. It can be very expensive to take care of a child with special needs, and not all of the expenses are related directly to therapy or medical care. The waiver program is aimed at helping families with these ongoing financial needs. Americans are becoming more accepting and tolerant of individual differences, including those related to medical problems or physical challenges. For the child with special needs, whether self-limited like a treatable speech delay, or more involved like a severe neurologic disorder, we have more options now than ever to aid families in making their lives easier and their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s futures brighter.

As a parent of 4 special needs children, Dr. Gannon has experienced these challenges first-hand. But the reward of seeing children blossom, however slowly and gradually, is always a blessing and a reminder of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s promise to watch over all of us, even as the sparrow.

www.OwensboroParent.com

March 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

discover { by: jessica weafer }

precious cargo

Since the first carseat was invented, they have been in a constant state of redevelopment to improve the safety of your precious cargo. But with this constant development, many parents struggle with confusion over the latest and safest recommendations. Here are the most recent recommendations and tips: — The American Academy of Pediatrics

—Many parents are concerned about the child

(AAP) advises parents to keep their toddlers

becoming uncomfortable as he grows and is

in rear-facing car seats until age two, or until

forced to sit cross legged in the rear-facing car

they reach the maximum height and weight for

seat. However, Pediatrician Alisa Baer, who

their seat. Dr. Dennis Durbin, lead author of

specializes in car seat safety, said in a report,

the AAP’s policy statement and accompanying

“Kids are flexible because their joint spaces

technical report, stated, “A rear-facing child

aren’t fully formed (therefore), your rear-facing

safety seat does a better job of supporting the

preschooler is able to sit comfortably even

head, neck, and spine of infants and toddlers

though they appear somewhat cramped.”

in a crash because it distributes the force of the collision over the entire body.”

— Another misconception is that the rearfacing child is more likely to smash his

28 OWENSBORO PARENT

. March 2013

— The AAP wants parents to note that even if

legs against his stomach during a car wreck

your rear-facing child’s legs are touching the

and break a leg or suffer abdominal injury.

back seat of the car, or even bending so they’ll

According to Baer, data from real crashes

fit, it’s not unsafe and not a reason to turn your

indicate this is not significant concern. “They

child around too soon.

typically won’t break their leg, and we have

www.OwensboroParent.com

not seen any abdominal injuries,” she said. “In fact studies have shown

is a checklist that you should follow to determine if the seat is OK to

there are many more leg injuries to forward-facing children than to

use. The NHTSA said that all checklist requirements should be met for

rear-facing children. As a pediatrician, I worry most about the brain

the car seat to be deemed safe to use:

and spinal cord, as these are the parts of the body we don’t know how

-The seat has never been involved in a moderate to severe crash.

to fix if they get broken. Rear-facing protects the brain and spinal cord

-The seat has labels stating date of manufacture and model number.

much better than forward facing. A broken leg should be the worst

-The seat has no recalls.

injury your child has; six weeks in a cast, and they are as good as new.”

-The seat has all its parts. -The seat has its instruction book.

— Make sure the harness is secured appropriately. “The chest clip

Contact the manufacturer if any of these requirements are not met, as

should be even with the armpits,” according to the AAP. Parents should

some of these problems may be fixed.

not have the chest clip positioned anywhere but on the chest. This is a very common mistake made by many parents and can be harmful to

— Parenting.com states that you can find the expiration date molded in

your child in an accident. Emily Levine, a nationally certified child

the car seat or printed on the shell. They also stated, “Safety standards

passenger safety technician, said that the harness should be snug

change over time as safer technology is developed. Expiration dates not

enough that you can only fit one finger between your child’s collarbone

only alert you to the possibility that your car seat may be worn out, but

and the harness strap.

they also provide an opportunity to buy a new seat that is safer for your child.

— The AAP warns against children wearing bulky clothes like heavy jackets when they ride in their seats because it causes the straps to fit

One of the best things you can do as a parent, is stay up-to-date on the

improperly. Instead, when it’s cold, drape the child’s jacket around

latest car seat safety recommendations and set a good example for car

them when walking outside, then place the jacket over the child like a

safety. Remember to always wear your seat belt, do not talk or text on

blanket when they are properly strapped into the carseat.

your phone, and remain focused on the task at hand — driving. You are toting precious cargo. Keep them and you safe on the road.

— The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advised that if you are considering using a second-hand car seat, there

www.OwensboroParent.com

Jessica Weafer lives in Owensboro with her husband and son. She is a stay-athome mom who enjoys writing about all things kids and family.

March 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

discover

puck hogs

have story book season { by: danny may }

It was a history-making season for the “Puck Hogs” (the Owensboro Youth Hockey Association’s 11 and 12-year-old Pee-Wee traveling team) who were regional champions and International Finalists in the Silver Stick Tournament. Owensboro Parent sat down with their very excited coach, Roy Henry, to get the story behind the headlines. OP: Tell us about Owensboro Youth Hockey Association.

OP: So how did you get to go to Canada?

Coach Roy: Here’s how it works; there’s an in-house league

Coach Roy: We won the south regional qualifier in Huntsville

at the Edge that practices once a week and plays one game a

Alabama, which made us one of 16 teams who made it to the

week. Then the best of those players get invited to play for the

International Silver Stick Tournament in Ontario Canada.

traveling team, the Puck Hogs. The 7 through 8-year-olds are

Silver Stick is the equivalent of the world series of hockey. At

called “Mites,” 9-10s are called “Squirts,” 11-12s are “Pee-Wee,”

Silver Stick every team plays each other round robin and then

and the 13-14s are “Bantum.” The high school age team is called

they separate you into A and B tiers. In the quarterfinal game

the “Rampage.”

we scored with 40 seconds left to win! And the final game we were in it till the very end. It was a heartbreaker. But, after the

OP: What do you think made this team so special?

game was over the organizer of the tournament stuck his head

Coach Roy: We finished 18-0 in the regular season. But the thing

in our locker room and told the guys that there shouldn’t be any

about it is the success of the whole team depends on how much

tears in our eyes because we made history. And he’s right. No

the secondary players develop. It was a team effort and they

Kentucky team ever made it as far as we did. No Kentucky team

listened and grasped what we (the coaches) were telling them.

ever beat a Canadian team before. And no Kentucky team ever

And it was a great group of parents too.

shut out a Canadian team before.

30 OWENSBORO PARENT

. March 2013

www.OwensboroParent.com

OP: What was the most exciting thing about Silver Stick for you? Coach Roy: Taking these kids to Canada was one of the most gratifying things of my life. We went to the Hockey Hall of Fame and saw the Stanley Cup. We took a team picture at Niagara Falls. But it’s the whole experience of going further than anyone expected. I think accomplishing something like that and gaining confidence at an early age will only help them down the road.

OP: Sounds like hockey is getting more popular in Owensboro. Coach Roy: A lot of that has to do with the new Edge Ice Center. It’s a positive place for kids to hang out. Parents can sit in the bleachers and cheer for their kids at practice and games. I honestly believe it’s part of our success. I don’t think we’d be where we’re at if we still had that old rink.

Danny May is a husband and father of two boys (3 and almost 5). He is also the Director of Family Life at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

www.OwensboroParent.com

March 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

community

{ paid advertorial }

the future belongs to the educated

Q&A with Ryan Williams, Milken Educator Award recipient and WKU-O graduate Tell us about your education. What degrees do you have?

Each participating state department of education appoints an

Both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees are in Elementary Education

independent blue ribbon committee to review candidates, who are

and came from Western Kentucky University-Owensboro. I am also

sourced through a confidential selection process, and recommend

a National Board Certified Teacher. I am currently taking classes

candidates for final approval by the foundation. The criteria for

towards an administration degree.

the selection of outstanding elementary and secondary teachers, principals and specialist as Milken Educators include: exceptional

What did you like most about your WKU-O experience?

educational talent, exemplary educational accomplishments, and

What I liked most about the WKU-O experience was the attention

contributions to education that are largely unheralded yet worthy of

I received from the small class sizes. The professors and facilitators

the spotlight. This award is geared for early to mid-career educators

really had a chance to get to know the students and were available

who offer strong long-range potential for professional and policy

to help the students in their classrooms. Being in smaller class sizes

leadership. According to the Milken website, receiving this award is

allowed for me to collaborate and share ideas with the people that

like winning an Oscar!

were going to join me in the education field. Mrs. Pam Janoski is a wonderful instructor who challenged us to do our best in and out of

What advice do you have to other students thinking about pursuing

the classroom and she definitely did a tremendous job in preparing

a bachelor’s degree?

us for what it would be like in a classroom.

If you are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. You need to realize a teacher’s job

Were you a non-traditional student? Did you go through school

does not end when the students go home- the day really never ends

while balancing other things?

because you are constantly thinking of ways to do a better

I was a non-traditional student while attending WKU-O. The classes

job of educating your students. Those summer

offered at the campus allowed me to have a part time job. Going into

breaks aren’t really breaks either because

my final year at WKU-O I also got married to my wife Tamara, who

you are coming up with the new lessons

is also a teacher.

or you are constantly trying to educate yourself on how to become a better teacher.

What made you pursue elementary education?

You have to love working with students and

I wanted to do three things while I was growing up: I wanted to be 6 ft.

want to make a difference in your students’

9 in. and weigh 240 lbs. and play in the NBA; I wanted to be a game-

lives. Come and visit me at either Cravens

show host; and I wanted to be a teacher. Considering I am 5 ft. 9 in., the

Elementary or Estes Elementary

dream of being in the NBA never quite developed. As far as a game show

and I will show you what a

host, I have created several games within my classroom to fulfill that

teacher does in the life of

dream. I had two outstanding teachers at Holy Name Catholic School in

his or her students.

Henderson that really took an interest in me and they were two of the

I will leave you with

factors that contributed to me wanting to go into education.

the Milken motto: The future belongs

Can you tell me about the Milken Educator Award? The Milken

to the educated.

Educator Awards has no formal nomination or application process.

Western Kentucky University in Owensboro has been educating students for over 40 years.

Learn more online: www.wku.edu/owensboro 32 OWENSBORO PARENT

. March 2013

www.OwensboroParent.com

March 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

discover { paid advertorial }

quality early education “Education is the foundation upon which we build our future.” – Christine Gregoire

nd 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 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 4-15, 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. (Fee-based 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. 34 OWENSBORO PARENT

. March 2013

www.OwensboroParent.com

calendar

march 2013 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.

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 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 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse. com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 2 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

SUNDAY, MARCH 3 STORY LAB Enjoy story time with a science

www.OwensboroParent.com

twist! To celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday, this month’s book will be Hop on Pop. Lab: Hoppers and Poppers (and more fun with kinetic and potential energy). After the story, participants will do a variety of activities that demonstrate transfer energy. It’s science toy time at its science best; 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.; Owensboro Museum of Science and History, 3rd Floor Budding Biotech Lab, 122 East 2nd St; (270) 687-2732 or owensboromuseum.org. FREE CONCERT WITH DR. DIANE EARLE Professor of Music at Kentucky Wesleyan College Dr. Diane Earle performs at RiverPark Center for a FREE concert; RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.; (270) 687-2787 or riverparkcenter.com.

MONDAY, MARCH 4 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. AN EVENING OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER

Reservations are now being accepted for the annual dinner concerts of the Owensboro Symphony Chorus. Nicholas Palmer is conductor, and Diane Earle is pianist. Music includes solos and choruses from Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Evita, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and other favorite musicals by Webber; Ticket reservations are $20 per person, and includes dinner and the show. Reservations must be made by March 1 by calling (270) 684-

March 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

calendar 0661. No tickets are available at the door, and seating is limited; 7 p.m.; Settle Memorial United Methodist Church, 201 E. 4th Street.

TUESDAY, MARCH 5

THURSDAY, MARCH 7

SATURDAY, MARCH 9

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 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

U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must

wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for $5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com. AN EVENING OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER; 8 p.m.;

See event description on Monday, March 4.

WEDNESDAY, 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. WENDELL H. FORD GOVERNMENT EDUCATION

BLUEGRASS JAM On the first Thursday of

each month, head to the Bluegrass Museum to jam with other musicians. Jamming is for musicians of all levels and begins at 7 p.m. For more information, contact the Museum at (270) 926-7891 or visit their their website at www. bluegrassmuseum.org.

36 OWENSBORO PARENT

. March 2013

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.

FRIDAY, MARCH 8

TUESDAY, MARCH 12

BROADWAY’S “THE RAT PACK IS BACK” Frank

U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must

Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford and their entertaining Vegas show are brought to life on the Cannon Hall stage; 7 p.m.; RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess Street; (270) 687-2787 or riverparkcenter.com.

wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for $5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.

CENTER FUNDRAISING RECEPTION President Bill

Clinton will be coming to Owensboro to attend a fundraising dinner to benefit the Wendell H. Ford Government Education Center. Tickets are $1,000 to include a VIP reception with President Clinton and dinner; 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.; RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.; Contact the Science & History Museum at (270) 687-2732 for information.

MONDAY, MARCH 11

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 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.

WALK, TALK & LUNCH IN THE GARDEN “AN ORCHID FOR MY LADY” Have lunch at the Western

KY Botanical Garden; 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.; (270) 852-8925 or www.wkbg.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 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;

www.OwensboroParent.com

March 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

calendar THURSDAY, MARCH 14 PI DAY Celebrate Pi Day with the Owensboro Museum of Science

and History Events include story time with cookies while reading “Sir Circumference and the Dragon of Pi,” crafts, games and more; 1 and 3 p.m.; Also, Pizza by the Guy will donate 10% of the day’s proceeds to the Museum of Science and History. Owensboro Museum of Science and History, 122 East 2nd St; (270) 687-2732 or owensboromuseum.org. 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.

FRIDAY, MARCH 15 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 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com. THE CRUCIBLE Arthur Miller’s classic tale of the Salem witch trials; The

Opryhouse by Theatre Workshop of Owensboro; Friday and Sat shows at 7:30 p.m., Sunday matinee 2 p.m,; The Opryhouse, 418 Frederica St.; (270) 683-5333.

SATURDAY, MARCH 16 STORY LAB Enjoy story time with a science twist! To celebrate Dr. Seuss’s

birthday, this month’s book will be Hop on Pop. Lab: Hoppers and Poppers (and more fun with kinetic and potential energy). After the story, participants will do a variety of activities that demonstrate transfer energy. It’s science toy time at its science best; 10:30 – 11:30 p.m.; Owensboro Museum of Science and History, 3rd Floor Budding Biotech Lab, 122 East 2nd St; (270) 687-2732 or owensboromuseum.org.

38 OWENSBORO PARENT

. March 2013

www.OwensboroParent.com

SNOW WHITE’S COTTAGE TEA Have

tea with some of the characters from Owensboro Dance Theatre’s In Concert featuring “Snow White and the Red Rose” on RiverPark Center’s Cannon Hall stage; 10 a.m. – noon; RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St; owensborodancetheatre.org. IN CONCERT FEATURING SNOW WHITE AND THE RED ROSE

Owensboro Dance Theatre’s spring performance at RiverPark Center features a variety of new works choreographed by both professional guest artists & ODT’s staff in the first act. The second act is on “Snow White and the Red Rose;” 7 p.m.; RiverPark Center 101 Daviess Street; (270) 687-2787. ST. PATRICK’S DAY 5K RUN/WALK 10K

Run Sponsored by the Owensboro Parks and Recreation Department, the races will take place along the scenic South Trail of the Greenbelt. Check-in will begin at 7:15 a.m. at O’Charley’s Restaurant, South Frederica Street, and continue until 7:45 a.m. Both races will start at 8 a.m. and will be chip-timed by the Owensboro Area Runners and Walkers Club. The entry fee is $20 per person on or before March 1st. The entry fee after the first will be $25 per person. The registration fee includes entry in to either the 5K or 10K, event t-shirt, breakfast buffet after the race, and eligibility to win door prizes. Participants are encouraged to pre-register. For more information please contact the Owensboro Parks and Recreation Department at 687-8700, or visit our website at www.owensboroparks.

www.OwensboroParent.com

org. Online registration is available at www.active.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 THE CRUCIBLE See event description

on Friday, March 15.

SUNDAY, MARCH 17 THE CRUCIBLE See event description

on Friday, March 15.

MONDAY, MARCH 18 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.

TUESDAY, MARCH 19 STORY LAB Enjoy story time with

a science twist! To celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday, this month’s book will be Hop on Pop. Lab: Hoppers and Poppers (and more fun with kinetic and potential energy). After the story, participants will do a variety of activities that demonstrate transfer energy. It’s science toy time at its science best; 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.; Owensboro Museum of Science and History, 3rd Floor Budding Biotech Lab, 122 East 2nd St; (270) 687-2732 or owensboromuseum.org. FREE LEGO BLOCK Party For ages 6-12; Build, play, and learn with

March 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

discover

www.OwensboroParent.com

March 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

calendar LEGO! Seating is limited--Pre-registration is required!; 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must

wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for $5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.

WEDNESDAY, 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.

THURSDAY, MARCH 21 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.

FRIDAY, MARCH 22 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 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.

www.OwensboroParent.com

THE CRUCIBLE Arthur Miller’s classic tale of the

Salem witch trials; The Opryhouse by Theatre Workshop of Owensboro; Friday and Sat shows at 7:30 p.m., Sunday matinee 2 p.m,; The Opryhouse, 418 Frederica St.; (270) 683-5333.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23 COLOR BLAST 5K COLOR US PROUD This 5K run/

walk color celebration will recognize the positive impact individuals with special needs have on our lives, acknowledge their abilities, and help spread awareness. Participants wear anything and everything WHITE and along the run/walk route, participants will be “BLASTED” with a safe and non-toxic COLORED POWDER at each mile marker and the finish line. The color fun continues to the After Party for live music, food, crazy fun, and group color showers! Families, schools, church groups, friends, and business groups are encouraged to get involved in this non-competitive 5K event to have fun and support a great cause! Don’t miss the opportunity to have fun in our Downtown Owensboro area. The proceeds raised will benefit the six organizations that are contributing a portion to the WHAS Crusade for Children. The WHAS Crusade for Children, an organization based at WHAS TV studios in Louisville, KY, raise and distribute millions of dollars in Kentucky and

Indiana each year for special needs children; last year they raised and distributed over $5 million. To ensure your participation in the fun and to receive your free pre-packaged color packet for the AfterParty and a free race t-shirt, be sure to pre-register as soon as possible! Write it on the calendar, tie a string on your finger, or set a reminder in your phone, but whatever you do don’t miss the fun on March 23rd! www.colorblast5k.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 EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA Come celebrate with

the Easter Bunny at Diamond Lake Resort. Photos with the Easter Bunny from 11:30 am-1 pm, plus games & crafts, face painting, and lunch at the grill. At 1:30, meet at the Welcome Shelter for an Easter Egg Hunt. For more information, contact Diamond Lake Resort; 7301 Hobbs Road; (270) 229-4900 or diamondlakeresort.net. OWENSBORO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA “MAGICAL BEATLES” The music of the Beatles is featured

with the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra at

March 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

calendar RiverPark Center; 7:30 p.m.; RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.; (270) 687-2787. THE CRUCIBLE See event description on Friday,

March 22.

MONDAY, MARCH 25 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. BROADWAY AT RIVERPARK “ELVIS LIVES” Billed as

“The Ultimate Elvis Tribute”, this show will have everyone rocking in the aisles as they remember The King; 7 p.m.; RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.; (270) 687-2787.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26 FREE FAMILY FUN NIGHT- EASTER EGGS-

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear

STORY LAB Enjoy story time with a science

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.

THURSDAY, MARCH 28 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. LA LECHE LEAGUE GROUP MEETING Are you

breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed? LLL provides information and encouragement for mothers and mothers-to-be. Accredited Leaders are experienced breastfeeding mothers and a Lending Library is available. Babies and children are welcome; 6:30 p.m.; Settle Memorial United Methodist Church, 201 E. 4th St.; (270)929-7164.

TRAVIGANZA! Hop into the DCPL for some fun

Easter activities; 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org. U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must wear

socks; Children 5 and under get in for $5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.

42 OWENSBORO PARENT

. March 2013

FRIDAY, MARCH 29 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 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 31 EASTER Easter at the Garden “A Family Affair” Spend Easter with the family at the Western KY Botanical Garden; 25 Carter Road; (270) 852-8925 www. wkbg.org. OP

www.OwensboroParent.com

discover

43 OWENSBORO PARENT

. March 2013

www.OwensboroParent.com

March 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT