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april 2012 Publisher/Designer Jason Tanner jason@owensboroparent.com Editor Ashley Sorce ashley@owensboroparent.com Distribution Manager
from the editor I wouldn’t say I have a green thumb. I’m not the best at remembering to water plants. And I have mixed up the definitions of annual and perennial before. (Jeff still makes fun of me for that.)
Jonathan Tanner jonathan@owensboroparent.com Account Executives Jeff Sorce jeff@owensboroparent.com Jodi Tanner jodi@owensboroparent.com Robert Williams robert@owensboroparent.com Contributors Christina Dalton
But that doesn’t stop me from planting a garden each year.
Dean Ehrenheim Dr. Brian Gannon
We have tried just about everything—fruits, vegetables, fruit trees, wildflowers. Last year we built four raised beds for our vegetable plants. We have discovered what works best for us and what doesn’t, what is worth the time to grow and what is just easier to buy at the grocery store.
Casey Hamilton
But there is just something about eating food you have grown yourself. It may be just a normal watermelon, but when you grow it yourself, trust me, it will be the best watermelon you have ever eaten.
Contact Information
And we eat the fruits and veggies all year long. We can a lot of what we grow and enjoy the fruits of our labor even in the winter. We have canned our own spaghetti sauce with home grown tomatoes, relish with peppers and onions, jalapeños, green beans, fruits and so much more. As spring approaches, I look forward to getting my hands dirty in the garden and soaking up some sun. But this year, more than anything, I look forward to playing outside with Avery. I can’t wait for her to discover all that nature has to offer.
Danny May Jaime Rafferty Christy Ramey Lora Wimsatt
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 Photography Captured Moments Photography www.capturedmoments-ky.com Cover Model Mira, Anjali, and Maya Khanna Parents: Dr. Sohit and Lyndi
Her mom may not have the greenest of thumbs, but she’s not afraid to dig in the dirt.
Khanna Advertise
Always,
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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april features parent talk [7] teaching character [8] it must be easter [11] the new idea of normal [14] the power of words [18] fresh take [20]
[26] facebook photos [29] earth day challenge [30] a moment in their arms [32] fly the friendly skies [35] a better you [36] power of one sentence
gardening tips for kids [21]
[37] kids eat free
the food fight [22]
[38] lbl getaway
healthy choices for everyone [24]
[20]
[36]
[40] april calendar
[28] [10]
[30] [11]
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[8]
[14]
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parent talk For this month’s issue, we asked you how to get picky little eaters to eat their fruits and veggies. Thanks for all who contributed on Facebook! Here are a few of our favorite answers. “My kids are not picky eaters but one idea is to shread carrots or
“I say ‘no treats if you don’t eat your veggies!’ Sounds simple, but
zucchini and ‘hide’ it in meatloaf or hamburgers. They will get
I don’t give my children a cookie or anything if they didn’t eat the
veggies and not even know. Another option is to offer fruits at
veggies at dinner.”
meals intead of veggies. Still healthy and generally not as much
Stephanie Trego Neal
fighting.” Lise Behr Payne
“I boil diced squash or zucchini in with potatoes when I mash them and they never know they’re there, and we always have pumpkin
“My boys will eat most cooked veggies, especially in soups. I add
pancakes. They love to dip stuff too, so celery with peanut butter
some frozen spinach to vegetable beef soup and fresh kale to
and carrots with ranch are a hit with my two.”
turkey sausage minestrone. Even toddlers will eat salad if they see
Shannon Ross
you eat them regularly and you chop it into bite-size pieces for them. I will add a carrot to smoothies and sometimes make green
“We make smoothies with half fruit and half greens, such as kale or
smoothies by adding kale or spinach.”
spinach. Simple, healthy and delicious! They love it.”
Christy Mattingly
Jason Roberts
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family life
W
ith so much emphasis on teaching tested subject matter in our school systems, we
may be neglecting one of the most important aspects of education -- character. The quote by Theodore Roosevelt brings the point home because our children could be stars in the classroom or all-star athletes, but if their character training has been neglected, true friends and admirers of their character, rather than their abilities, could be scarce. So where do we start with character training? The ‘Golden Rule’ is a good start. Treat others the way you want to be treated is a motto we can all embrace. As a child, I remember my dad saying over and over: ‘Pretty is as pretty does,’ ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover,’ or ‘Now, just act as good as you look.’ The repetition of these clichés ingrained in me the principles and ideals that I still practice and share with my own children and grandchildren. This is just one of the ways we teach. In order to teach the character trait of respect, we start focusing on the Golden Rule, by repeating it often and asking the questions “would you want someone to treat you that way or to say that to you?” By using these techniques we can bring the golden rule and respect into each situation. One of my personal favorites is the “what if ” game. “What if someone treated you that way? How would you feel?” For a fun activity with your children, take a ruler,
teachingcharacter
cover it with glue and sprinkle it with gold glitter. What
the golden rule
to find examples of people using the Golden Rule in
{ by: christy ramey }
a great reminder of the Golden Rule! Make posters or signs to put on mirrors in the house. Ask your children the newspaper. If they enjoy drawing, draw pictures of people being nice to each other. Then talk about it around the table. Children are very observant and they can probably point out when you follow or don’t follow the Golden Rule; so you’ll have to watch your own words and actions. What a great opportunity to build your own character while influencing your children!
“To educate a person in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.” Theodore Roosevelt
I was once focusing on the concept of coveting, which is a difficult principle for young children to understand. I knew my son understood when he caught his father wanting another homeowners’ pile of topsoil! He said, “Dad you can’t want that dirt because it
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belongs to someone else. That’s coveting! But… you
might be ‘Friend is Someone Who Likes You’ by J.
can want one like it!”
Anglund, ‘Rubber Shoes, A Lesson in Gratitude’ by
Reward systems are a nice method to use with
Gladys Barbiere, or ‘Velveteen Rabbit’ by M. Bianci.
the Golden Rule. Showing respect and using manners
For teens some choices include ‘Sounder’ by W.H.
are the basics when teaching this simple concept of
Armstrong, ‘Contender’ by R. Lipsyte, or ‘Cat Ate
mutual respect. Creating a chart with stars for good
My Gymsuit’ by P. Danzinger. A complete list of
deeds or a manners chart that is filled in by a caring
character books that teach respect, trustworthiness,
adult is productive. Rewards can include making a
responsibility, caring, fairness and citizenship
cake together for someone who is sick, doing a good
can be found by category and age level at http://
deed for a neighbor together or reading to a shut-in.
charactercounts.org/resources/booklist.php.
Teaching respect means showing respect to those who
of these books can be found at the Daviess County
we often forget. A fun project for children of all ages
Public Library.
is to be a pen pal to a nursing home resident. Ask
For more ideas on activities that teach respect,
the activity director of a facility to give you a name.
visit the Daviess County Extension Office or web site.
Exchange letters for a few weeks, and then take your
If you have a good idea on how to teach respect, share
child to meet their pen pal!
it on our Facebook page. Let’s all start thinking about
The dinner table can be a great place to share
how to build character!
Many
OP
daily examples of how we have shown or been shown respect throughout our day. After dinner is a perfect time to read stories and books which teach respect and use the Golden Rule. Some examples for children
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Christy Ramey is the Daviess County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences. She has been married for 38 years and have three children and three grandchildren.
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family life
it must be
easter { by: lora wimsatt }
L
ittle boys in shorts and bow ties, little girls in frilly
and under the coffee table as they try to find the baskets of
dresses and hair ribbons, anxious moms hovering nearby,
goodies that surely were hidden overnight by the magical
hoping to keep chocolate-smeared fingers away from the new
Easter Bunny.
clothing.
It must be Easter.
pails are discovered amid whoops of joy, and busy hands begin
Baked ham cooling on the serving platter, coconut cream
digging deep among the shimmering strands of plastic grasses
He has not disappointed. Colorful woven baskets or plastic
pies piled high with fluffy meringue, and would someone
to see what the Bunny has left for them.
please check the oven to see if the rolls have browned yet?
foil-wrapped chocolate eggs. Larger eggs, filled with peanut
It must be Easter.
Jelly beans – “Trade you my blacks for your greens!” – and
With an enthusiasm not seen since Christmas morning,
butter or caramel. Marshmallow chicks covered in yellow or
the children awaken early on this day, scampering out of bed
pink sugar.
to dash excitedly around the house, peeking behind the couch
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And the centerpiece: A large chocolate bunny with candy
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eyes, staring silently as he waits for a giggling child to bite
gathers their belongings – purse, programs, children’s
his ears off.
coloring sheets – and there are hugs and handshakes all
It must be Easter.
around as the crowd herds toward the door and out into the
Even families who are not in church every Sunday find
bright sunshine of the parking lot, where Dad has hurried
themselves dressing in their finest clothes, if only because
out under the pretext of starting the car but you know he’s
it will make Grandma happy to have her children and
just trying to see if the game is on the radio.
grandchildren lining the pew with her this morning.
Fortunately, the songs are familiar from year to year, and
the crowds and the long waits at the restaurant, others going
they sing with growing confidence, “Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-lay-
home where that baked ham is waiting – and the afternoon
looo-ooo-ya!”
will be spent with children scurrying around the back yard,
The final note fades, and everyone settles noisily, if a bit
searching for the plastic eggs carefully hidden by Papaw –
breathlessly into their seats, hymnals banging into the racks
even though he stands in the background, discreetly pointing
on the back of the pews, and the pastor stands up to share the
out the locations of the best-hidden eggs to the youngest
annual message of hope and victory.
children.
The old, old story is shared once again: Redeeming love
It must be Easter.
that conquers all, even death, changing the world forever
And life goes on, filled with family and love and hope and
with the promise of eternal life.
joy … all because there really WAS an Easter.
Cars spill out of the parking lot – some hurrying to beat
OP
The message wraps up and there is one more “amen” before the congregation scrambles to their feet for the final
Lora Wimsatt is a mother, grandmother and writer. She enjoys the
song, and then the organ continues to play as everyone
everyday blessings and adventures of life, especially her family.
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family life
a new idea of
normal Jaime, Beau, Paul and Brynna Rafferty
Had I not woken up, I might continue to impress what I thought should be Beau’s purpose on him. Though autism wasn’t something Paul and I planned, God did! { by:jaime rafferty }
I
t is God’s gifts of mercy and humor that carry our family
first child, Beau Peyton.
through difficult circumstances. I never tire when He is
Paul and I weren’t really “welcomed” into parenthood. I
heavy handed with the humor, especially in our parenting. Our
would say it was more like we were catapulted at an alarming
children, Beau and Brynna have been guinea pigs. When we are
rate of speed. We just did what any other unassuming young
laughing, that means we are not crying!
parents would do. We put our safety belts on and braced for
impact.
Unlike some little girls, I didn’t dream of being a mom. The
very thought of being responsible for a little one frightened me,
for the child of course.
disposition, OH MY! He cried every time his eyes were open.
I know individuals who were nicknamed “Smiley” because of
However, my elation at learning my husband, Paul, and I
Beau was beautiful. So beautiful-- just like his name. But his
were pregnant erased reservations about becoming a parent.
their precious disposition as a baby; Beau’s would have been
Parents often dream of the great things their child will do in the
more like “Sour Puss.” Doesn’t quite roll off the tongue like
world. Paul and I were no different. We began preparing them
“Smiley.”
as babies for NASA, the White House, the stage or professional
sports.
same time, and he often slipped away into his own little world.
We consider ourselves lucky if they share our common
He just didn’t seem to really bond with anyone-- me the most.
passions or surpass our expectations.
We were not in the habit of comparing him to other children,
Just when Paul and I got comfortable dreaming of our
but these were noticeable and more obvious differences. We
baby’s future, God sounded an alarm that woke us up. Who
started feeling a tugging in our hearts that something was wrong
would have guessed it would be an alarm at the birth of our
developmentally.
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Beau wasn’t progressing like other babies born around the
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He made no attempts to walk or crawl until he was about 18
bring me to my knees asking God for guidance. It’s therapeutic
months old. He showed no interest in playing with other kids.
to acknowledge our struggles and heartaches with autism but
Beau liked toys, but didn’t play appropriately with them. He
we don’t want them to define Beau or our family.
would line them up to look at them and just become attached,
in spite of having no imaginary play with them. It was just
alarm sounded because those dreams we had would seem crazy
strange.
to him.
We see blessings in autism. God has given us the ability
After playing several rounds of “what could it be,” we finally
Beau’s existence is completely normal to him; he’s glad the
put a name to this puzzling behavior: autism.
to laugh over some of our dreams now, many years removed,
It was devastating watching our son miss milestone after
providing much needed perspective as we parent both of our
milestone.
kids.
Long before we had a formal diagnosis,
Paul and I mourned our idea of a “normal” existence for our little one.
We had questions.
· Will he fit in with peers?
· Will he have trouble in school?
· Will he play sports?
· Will he graduate high school/college?
· Will he get married?
· Will he be able to work?
· Will he be able to live on his own?
· Who will take care of him if something
After playing several rounds of “what could it be,” we finally put a name to this puzzling behavior: autism.
Paul would watch anything, even ping
pong, if it came on ESPN. He naturally had aspirations that his son might share his passion for all things sports. But Beau… well, he doesn’t like sports. It would be cruel and unusual punishment to make him play a sport.
It still hurt Paul that Beau didn’t want
to play sports, but it wasn’t that autism limited him; it is just something Beau doesn’t like. God awakened us to see that Beau not wanting to play sports is okay, and we now find
should happen to us?
him gifted in other areas that were not on our
“dream-dar.” Paul and I are reminded that we
We were awakened to the fact that our dreams for Beau were
not God’s plan.
Paul and I experienced stares, ugly comments and lack of
can learn a few lessons from Beau Rafferty.
Beau is honest to a fault. He freely breaks out in song or
understanding. This definitely wasn’t our dream for our son.
dance, a freedom I wish I had. He rarely makes judgments, or
When I hear the news of another autism diagnosis, my mind
at least he doesn’t verbalize them. He has a wonderful sense
retreats to the raw emotions we felt. It was while sorting through
of humor like his mother. And he is a very kind big brother to
our dreams we began to discover God’s reality and feel His mercy.
Brynna. Just ask her, she will tell you.
Had I not woken up, I might continue to impress what I
Thankfully, Beau has been a testimony to us that autism is
not life limiting, just life altering.
thought should be Beau’s purpose on him. Though autism
wasn’t something Paul and I planned, God did!
Beau’s meltdowns are fewer and farther between, but can still
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family life I’m reminded of this through scripture.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,
april is autism awareness month
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11
Just when I start dreaming my own dreams again, the alarm
sounds and I call upon the Lord by reciting Jeremiah 29:11 and inserting their names...“For I know the plans I have for Brynna/ Beau, declares the LORD....”
Being a parent is hard! Maybe you’ve been awakened from
dreams for your children and you are still hurting. If this is the
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are terms used for a group of complex disorders of brain development. They are often met with disruptions in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.
case, insert your child’s name into Jeremiah 29:11.
Paul and I sleep easier and laugh more often trusting God’s
Autism appears to have roots in early brain
promises are fulfilled when we WAKE UP and stop trying to
development. Early diagnosis coupled with
make our dreams fit our kids. He brings a better reality into any situation…even autism.
Though I sometimes still get sleepy for my dreams for the
kids, I’m forever thankful that God woke us up!
OP
Glenn, Tina and Jacob want to thank everyone
intervention of proven behavioral therapies can improve outcomes. Increasing autism awareness is a key for families as we try to give our loved ones an equal opportunity at success.
for their kind words, prayers and support. Jaime Rafferty enjoys writing, as a hobby. She lives is Owensboro with her husband, Paul and their two children. More about the Rafferty’s can be found at http://findingtherightpiece.blogspot.com
Autism statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identify 1 in 110 American children on the autism spectrum. Studies show that autism is three to four times more common among boys than girls. An estimated 1 out of 70 boys is diagnosed with autism in the United States.
More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes or pediatric AIDS combined. ASD affects an estimated 3 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide.
These numbers are staggering, and are all the more reason our community needs to continue to be educated on the importance of awareness, diagnosis, intervention and the daily lives of individuals living with autism.
For more information, you can visit: www.autismspeaks.org
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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
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family life
advice from an
ordinary dad
words the power of
{ by: dean ehrenheim }
I
remember a time when I was about 7 or 8. It was an
hand impacted my check. Whoa…what was that all about?
unusually warm spring day in Tacoma, Washington. I
My aunt told me that I was rude to ask that. They both
decided to go play outside at the neighborhood playground.
thought I was taunting this girl. Heck, I was just a little kid
I was on the swings when the parent of a friend came by.
of 9 or 10 and didn’t realize the question was rude.
Mrs. Reever was a sweet mom that had often helped with
But we all say things we wish we hadn’t.
our Cub Scout troop. We visited and talked about the nice
Winston Churchill said, “I have never developed
weather. Before our conversation ended, I told her how she
indigestion from eating my words.” We all make blunders
reminded me of my grandmother. Now to be fair, she was
from time to time. Even as imperfect as we are as parents, it
an older parent. She and her husband had not been able to
is our duty to teach our children to speak kind and uplifting
conceive and they were not able to adopt until later in life.
words.
I loved my grandma. But Mrs. Reever did NOT take this as
a complement. When I returned home, I found out that she
night.” On one such evening we decided to take them through
had called my mom in tears. She thought I was calling her
a devotion on uplifting one another and the power of words.
“old.”
We bought each of our four kids a tube of toothpaste.
We gave them the tube and a large piece of butcher paper.
Even though I meant no harm, the naïve words of a grade-
When our kids were younger we would often have “family
schooler hurt poor Mrs. Reever.
We told them to squeeze out the paste in any way or design
A couple years later I misspoke again. Oh, to take
they wanted. After that, we simply asked them to put the
back words uttered in ignorance. I remember it like it was
toothpaste back in the tube. They looked at us like we were
yesterday. My aunt picked up my brother and me in her little
crazy. After about five minutes of attempts and laughter,
red convertible. She was introducing us to her nieces from
they realized once the paste was out of the tube, it wasn’t
her husband’s previous marriage. I remember they were
going back in. Not only wouldn’t it go back in, it made an
cute girls and after getting up the nerve to speak to them I
awful mess trying to put it back.
pointed at one girl’s mouth and blurted out, “Are those buck
We were able to tell them that words are like toothpaste.
teeth?” The words had only just left my mouth when her
Once they come out, no matter how hard we try, we just can’t
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Obviously, when kids use
put them back – they are out for good. The book of Proverbs
Once again,
says, “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but
our culture is
those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” It also says “Do
saying NO to a
you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for
hurtful word. The
a fool than for them.” And they’ll probably get slapped too.
“R” word (retard) is
derogatory and painful to
This little devotion was messy and fun. That’s why they
bad words or speak hurtfully, parents need to step in, being careful to react in an age appropriate way.
will remember it all of their lives. Try it if you have young
the families dealing with special
kids. This fun family activity will reinforce just how powerful
needs. God created each and every one
words can be.
of us to be special, unique and in His image.
Obviously, when kids use bad words or speak hurtfully,
Using the “R” word lessens the value of all of God’s
parents need to step in, being careful to react in an age
people.
appropriate way. There is a difference between childish
irresponsibility (telling a sweet lady that she reminds you of
Aibileen consistently tells little Mae Mobley, ‘You is smart...
your grandmother) and willfully hurting (calling someone
you is kind…you is important.” Aren’t those the kind of
names). Both certainly need correction, but not necessarily
words YOU would like to hear? Words can hurt, but they can
punishment.
also build up. Let’s model good words and teach our children
to do the same.
So the old saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones,
Words have power. In the movie “The Help,” housekeeper
OP
but words will never hurt me,” just isn’t true. Today our culture has all but extinguished the “N” word from our daily
Dean Ehrenheim, with his wife Jeanette, is raising four great kids. He regularly
vocabulary. We now clearly understand how hurtful that can
writes about his experiences in parenting, coaching and wellness. His email is
be to an entire group of people.
dmeymca@gmail.com.
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April 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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discover
f resh take
a look at gardens & eating healthy
What better place to ‘grow’ special family memories than in a garden? Gardening with your kids not only provides the tangible benefits of exercise and fresh food, it also fosters communication, builds strong relationships and offers an opportunity to work towards a common goal. (Not to mention it’s just plain fun to get outside and play in the dirt!) PROJECT GARDEN: Want to start a garden in your backyard? Here’s how. Tools and Materials: • Bricks, rocks, concrete blocks, naturally rot-resistant wood, or wood treated with a safe preservative • Sheet plastic or wood preservative • Shovel • Spading fork
• Iron rake • Measuring tape • Hammer
• Nails • Topsoil • Compost
Making permanent beds. Use rot-resistant wood such as cedar, or bricks, rocks, or cement blocks to create a bed that is at least 1 foot deep, no more than 3 to 4 feet wide, and as long as you like. Then fill the bed to the top with a mixture of compost and topsoil.
about 12 inches deep and no more than 3 to 4 feet wide. Remove sticks, rocks, and other debris, and rake the tops of the beds smooth and flat.
Water regularly. Raised beds may dry out faster than other garden beds, so water regularly. Also, since there is less soil mass to provide food for the plants, fertilize regularly with an all-purpose plant food.
Making temporary beds. Shovel garden soil into raised beds, or bring in a mixture of compost and topsoil. The basic rule of thumb is to build beds
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Planting raised beds. Plant your favorite vegetables, herbs and flowering plants at the proper times for your area. Concentrate watering and any fertilizer right around the plants, and try not to compact the soil by stepping on it. Plant tall plants against a wall .
Mulch. Mulch with straw, shredded bark, or other organic materials to conserve water and prevent weeds from growing.
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six
gardening tips for kids!
from trunnell’s farm market
1
2 3
4
5
6
Kid gardens must be kid-based. This means that kids help generate the ideas for what will be there while explaining that certain plants will not grow well or not at all in the climate we have in Kentucky. Children should be responsible for maintenance. Grown-ups need to facilitate and show how, but not do everything. Focus on the process of involving them, and they will then take ownership. Be comfortable with dirt. All kids are washable. Don’t dress them in fancy clothing, let them get dirty. Squishing mud between their toes and sifting dirt with their bare fingers will be a memory that will stick but rinses off easily with a water hose before going inside. Bugs and crawly critters are cool. Children aren’t inherently afraid of things that crawl and creep. Worms, caterpillars, grubs, insects, spiders and all sorts of wondrous creatures are out in your garden as part of the ecosystem. An explanation of beneficial insects for their garden will provide insight that most of theses organisms are necessary to produce food. No chemicals - at least none that are considered potentially toxic to people. Use this as an opportunity to teach children about pests and safe alternatives to control pests like soaps, oils and plant extracts. Household dish washing liquid mixed with water makes a good spray bottle weapon against aphids and mites. Vegetable cooking oil helps control the same pests but lasts longer than soaps. Grow some things to eat. Children are much more willing to try and consume fresh fruits and vegetables that they have grown. In fact, they likely will try things they never have eaten before because they have tended the plants through harvest. Grow different types of food crops so they will gain an understanding of how they produce. Here are three examples of the different types: Root crops (potatoes), Seed crops (sweet corn), Leafy crops (bib lettuce). Reinforce the lessons from the garden while indoors. Prepare the kids for their gardening experience by asking questions like, “What will we see today?” or “How much do you think things have grown since last week?” Engage kids in keeping journals. A day planner or a simple monthly calendar works great to visually see the progression of the crops. Make scrapbooks of their garden to monitor its progress.
Tip from Owensboro Parent Visit the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden to get a little inspiration! Open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., WKBG is proud to help others discover, observe and enjoy the wonders of the environment and provide priceless education in order to foster an awareness of interaction with nature. Tour the gardens, participate in an educational program or volunteer your time! www.OwensboroParent.com
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discover
f resh take
the food fight Every parent wonders at some stage in a child’s life whether the child is getting the nutrition he or she needs. Whether it’s a picky toddler or a teenager addicted to junk food, this can be one of the most emotionally charged discussions a parent ever has with children. Here are some tips to avoid the arguments and still encourage good choices and good eating habits for a lifetime. { b y : d r. b r i a n g a n n o n }
6 tips for encouraging children to make to make healthier eating choices 1.
All of us know that fresh fruits and vegetables are good
2.
Be careful of raw vegetables and fruits in children younger
for children (and adults). But how do we get kids to like these
than 4 years old. They have not yet mastered chewing, so any
foods? Part of the answer lies in the way the message is delivered.
food they eat should be soft and able to dissolve in the mouth.
If we berate our kids for eating bad foods, they will just become
Grapes and cherries with pits may cause choking, as well as
defensive and not change their behavior. A better approach is to
celery or raw carrots; cooked carrots are usually softer and sweet
involve children, even toddlers, in the preparation and planning
enough that toddlers think they are candy!
of meals. Even a very picky child is more likely to try broccoli if you call it “little trees” and they help you rinse it, or if they
3.
With older children, who can raid the pantry on their
can dip it in an interesting sauce. Many children will refuse a
own, the challenge becomes more about access. If sweets and
food prepared one way, but the same food is more enticing if
chips are available, they may not reach for the fresh bananas
presented more excitingly. I have never liked cooked spinach,
and apples as an after-school snack. It is surprising how much
but spinach salad is one of my favorites. Also, never assume that
these kids model the behavior they see in parents. If the adults
a child “hates” a food the first time it is offered. Most young
in the house snack on chocolate instead of fruit, then the kids
children will require up to ten attempts at a new experience
will follow that lead. The best way to encourage these older kids
before they will accept it, particularly new foods.
to develop good habits for life is to rid the house of all the bad influences, or at least limit the choices and quantity available.
22 OWENSBORO PARENT
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4.
Obesity is certainly a growing problem in our society,
but food choices are just a small part of the solution. Screen time (including TV, games and computer/phone) should be limited to two hours a day, leaving more time for physical activity, especially outdoors. The more time children are active, the less time there is for them to eat because of (perceived) boredom. Once again, parents are the role models here, so set a good example by limiting food to one after-school snack and eating the morning and evening meals together as a family. 5.
When children participate in growing the food, they
are also more invested, and they will often try raw fruits and vegetables before they will taste steamed or other means of preparation. Raw produce always has more of the nutrients in a form that is better absorbed by the body than the cooked version. Fruits have vitamin C, to boost skin and immune health; yellow and green vegetables have vitamin A and beta-carotene for better vision and brain development. Zinc is a common deficiency, leading to more frequent infections. Dry beans and pumpkin seeds have lots of zinc, but most of the other sources are animal-based, like eggs and lean red meats. Calcium is really important in teens, who often are not very interested in milk. If your teen has an aversion to dairy products, steer her toward yogurt and deep-green vegetables like spinach or soy-based foods like tofu. 6.
Parents are often surprised at the number of calories
and other nutrients their children need. We almost always OVER estimate our children’s needs and UNDER estimate their true intake. Remember that even snacks have calories and some nutritional benefit, especially if we switch to fruits instead of chips. Toddlers only need 1,000-1,500 calories daily, and school age kids 1,500-2,400 calories. Girls may need 200 calories more during the growth spurt that hits around 10-12 years old, the most they will ever need in their lives. Boys have the peak growth spurt about 2-3 years later and need 500 extra calories at this age. Any parent of a high school boy can attest to the volume of food they can go through in a day!
OP
Dr Gannon had the good fortune to have a child who decided to be almost meat-free for the first 5 years, but now she has discovered bacon and pepperoni! We are still working on the role model thing‌
www.OwensboroParent.com
April 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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discover
f resh take
healthy choices for everyone I
nspired to make Owensboro the healthiest community, Cecil Farms is giving back to Daviess County this summer. “It comes as a natural desire to want to give,” Suzanne Cecil White said. “I want Owensboro to be better than the norm.” This summer Cecil Farms Produce will be donating fresh, local produce to children in the community and their families for free. Cecil Farms’ goal is to see everyone, both privileged and under-privileged, making healthy choices. “We feel that we can introduce this healthy option to young children and their families in our local community that they may not have chosen to be introduced to on their own,” Suzanne said. In late December, Cecil Farms contacted a local elementary school’s family resource center and shared their idea. Since that initial contact, they have been working together to identify qualifying families. During summer break these identified families will be receiving a variety of fresh produce along with simple recipes to help them integrate the various produce items into their daily meals. Cecil Farms Produce Delivery is a type of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Members sign up to receive weekly or bi-weekly boxes of various, fresh produce at a small cost. Throughout the harvest season, the boxes will be delivered directly to customers’ office or home. The produce is picked fresh daily and delivered. And all is locally grown. “We provide residents of Daviess County and it’s surrounding counties the opportunity to eat produce at it’s freshest, most flavorful, most nutrient-rich state of being, rather than the average two-week travel delay that is normally between harvest date and purchase date,” Suzanne said. “Customers have the opportunity to support their local economy and continue to build the self-sufficiency of the community, while contributing to their own physical well being and health,” Suzanne said. “Our objective is to provide an opportunity for a positive change in our community’s eating habits. It is important to realize that the food we all eat every day doesn’t come from ‘the grocery.’ It comes from many of your neighbors. It comes from the fields of Daviess County and Kentucky and is planted, nurtured, harvested and packaged by people just like you, your parents and your friends.”
24 OWENSBORO PARENT
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April 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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26 OWENSBORO PARENT
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discover
you!
helping you become
a better
{ paid advertorial }
A
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Patients do not need to worry about lack of insurance. A doctor’s
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One of the most common tests offered is allergy testing. ANY LAB
TEST NOW® offers a quick, easy and painless alternative: a simple blood test that tests for airborne, food and environmental allergens, including regional allergens in your geographic area. Because it is a simple blood draw, allergy testing with ANY LAB TEST NOW® is much easier for children. Whether you are experiencing symptoms at the time of the test or not, ANY LAB TEST NOW® has a variety of options for you. There is no reason you should continue to suffer with possible allergies. Take Control of Your Health™. ANY LAB TEST NOW® also offers teen drug testing, an important issue with teen drug use on the rise. Legalization of marijuana in some states and the easy access to prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications is compounding the problem. In fact, today, more teens smoke marijuana than tobacco. The point of drug testing your teen is not to catch them using drugs, but to deter them from using drugs. Female and male hormone panels and cholesterol testing are also available at ANY LAB TEST NOW®. These are common tests for adults to have in order to ensure their own continued health for the benefit of their kids and their grand kids.
D
on’t have enough energy to keep up with your kids’ busy schedules? InShapeMD™ can help with vitamin B12 injections. There is no appointment necessary, just walk in and start having increased energy levels! Vitamin D injections are also available. Low vitamin D levels can lead to poor bone health, a weakened immune system, some types of cancer and depression. With these types of symptoms it’s important to get tested so you can start feeling better soon. Testosterone replacement therapy can help with hormonal deficiencies, a condition becoming more widely recognized among both men and women 35 and older. Low testosterone levels can cause men and women to feel fatigued with decreased energy, low libido, and feelings of anxiety as well as depression. Weight loss programs are also available to patients to help manage weight. Weight gain can lead to medical problems like hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes. Conditions like these eventually cause a number of other complications for the patient, including feelings of depression. If you are looking to lose weight so you can feel better about yourself and have more energy for your kids, InShapeMD™ has multiple treatment options available. From appetite suppressants to countdown therapy, professional medical staff works together with you to find the best program for your body, budget and weight loss goals. OP
OP
ANY LAB TEST NOW® & InShapeMD™ Grand Opening is April 13th and 14th, 2012 www.OwensboroParent.com
April 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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springfever With record breaking temperatures this season, we asked you to send us some photos of your family enjoying this beautiful weather. We asked and you delivered! Here are a few of our favorite shots!
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April 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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30 OWENSBORO PARENT
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community { paid advertorial }
earth day
challenge
A
pril is here and March Madness is coming to an end.
of materials would immediately reduce the tipping fees paid by
Unfortunately, there is a different kind of madness
the city by almost $1.3 million. Remember, that is 1.3 million tax
continuing in Owensboro. Each year 43,000 tons of trash are
dollars going right in the dump!
collected by the Owensboro Sanitation Department. Each
Together, recycling curbside, we can reach the goal of
year the city’s recycling drop-off site and GO Recycling’s curbside recycling service collect around 1,000 tons combined. Only 2.4% of our waste being recycled is truly madness, considering that nearly 80% of the waste is actually recyclable. That means that 33,368 tons of good, recyclable material is going into
diverting that 80% of our waste. Curbside
Only 2.4% of our waste being recycled is truly madness, considering that near 80% of the waste is actually recyclable.
our landfill every year at the current rate.
Could you imagine the city collecting a little under 10,000
recycling offers so many more opportunities than a government sponsored drop-off site. Drop-off sites do not accept junk mail, office paper, batteries, electronics or glass. Curbside does! Drop-off sites do not provide you with a bin and sort the material for you. Curbside does! Drop-off sites do
not come to your house for easy convenient recycling. Curbside
tons of waste per year? Currently the city is budgeting roughly
does!
$2.4 million dollars for sanitation tipping (dumping) fees, fuel
and vehicle maintenance alone. This comes from a $6.24 million
start recycling curbside with Owensboro’s clear, winning choice:
dollar Sanitation Department budget! Recycling the full 80%
GO Recycling!
As Earth Day approaches this April, challenge yourself to
Earth Day is April 22, 2012. Do you and your family want to take the Earth Day Challenge?
Learn more by emailing gorecycling@hotmail.com www.OwensboroParent.com
April 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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community
T
a moment in their arms, a lifetime in their hearts
{ by: casey hamilton }
543,000 babies are born too soon each year in the United States, with 13.6% of babies in Kentucky born prematurely. Clint and Misty Howard and their family know firsthand the pain and heartache that comes with having not one, but three children born too early, and the excruciating heartache of losing a child. 32 OWENSBORO PARENT
. April 2012
he Howards, along with their oldest child, Allison, welcomed baby Alex into the world eight years ago. Born at just 31 weeks gestation, and weighing only 3 lb., 5.6 oz., Alex spent five weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at St. Mary’s Hospital. Today, Alex is a healthy, vibrant boy in 2nd grade. Then in 2007, just 24 weeks into her pregnancy, Misty gave birth to a daughter, Erin, who only weighed 1 lb., 1.5 oz. Erin only lived two days. A third pregnancy in 2008 had the Howards frightened of going through the agony of losing yet another child. Their son, Peyton was born at 27 weeks and weighed in at a fragile 3 lb., 4.75 oz. But he survived. Misty affirms that it is the research and help from the March of Dimes organization that Alex and Peyton are alive today. The March of Dimes organization uses money raised each year to conduct research to find and promote the best practices in prenatal health and to improve birth outcomes, with the goal of helping more moms carry their pregnancies to full term and give birth to healthy babies. They also contribute educational materials and medical resources to health care providers in order to offer better prenatal support to their patients. For the Howards and their children, the most important outcome of the March of Dimes research was an artificial surfactant drug that helps premature babies’ lungs balance their internal and external pressure so they can remain open during inhalation. Because of this drug, both of their sons survived their pre-term births. Five years ago, Misty was approached by the March of Dimes organization to form a team for their signature fundraiser, March for Babies. So close to the death of their daughter Erin, the Howards’ emotions were still too raw to participate. The following year, Misty decided to form a team, Howards’ Angels, comprised of just immediate family. But as word spread, family members, both distant and immediate, co-workers and friends came alongside the Howards to become a team of nearly 30 people. Misty’s employer, Owensboro Dermatology, was very supportive of Misty’s cause, even donating a free vacation day to be raffled off for employees willing to buy a ticket. Each year, Misty designs shirts to sell to raise money for the team. With expressions like “Once you choose hope, anything is possible,” and “There is no foot too small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world,” the shirts honor Misty’s three children, her “angels,” and are in memory of little Erin. www.OwensboroParent.com
Although Alex is healthy, many uncertainties lie in Peyton’s future. Because of a condition known as PVL (Periventricular Leukomalasia), a type of brain injury involving inadequate blood circulation of the white matter of the brain, Peyton’s motor skills will not develop normally. He also suffers from severe Cerebral Palsy. Peyton must tolerate five different therapies a week including speech, physical and occupational therapy. The family is currently in the process of purchasing a wheelchair for him; although they hope he will one day walk with little assistance. Misty feels blessed to be a mother to her three children, despite the many health issues Peyton has. “We are so blessed and thankful that Alex is as healthy as he is,” Misty said. “Peyton, beyond words, drives us every day, because we see the struggles with him and what such early prematurity can affect and cause as far as the health of a child.” This year, the Howard family will be entering their fourth year of involvement in the March of Dimes campaign. Misty views the organization as such a wonderful cause and hopes that, because of the research and developments the March of Dimes is sponsoring, fewer and fewer families will have to live through the trauma and tragedies her own family has undergone. “The anticipation of having a family is supposed to be the happiest moment of a person’s life, but with three premature
www.OwensboroParent.com
births they were the scariest moments of my life,” Misty said. “I felt like the excitement of having a baby got stolen and after the babies were here, I just lived day to day not knowing if there was going to be a tomorrow for them. I couldn’t bond with my children or bring them home after two days like I could have if I had normal births.” Misty encourages others to become involved with the March of Dimes as well. She knows that the strides they are making in research and treatment will continue to save many lives. “You cannot imagine unless you have lived through the emotions you feel when you are watching your baby every day in the NICU fight for their life--for every breath they take--not knowing if it will be their last,” Misty said. “No family should have to go through burying your own child because it was born too early. When we should be watching Erin blow out candles on her birthday cake, we are putting flowers on her grave. Erin’s birthday is also the day after Allison’s. We are celebrating our daughter’s birthday and, the very next day, mourning the loss of her sister. Nothing about this is right.” OP
Casey Hamilton is the mother of two blessings, a daughter and son (ages 10 and 6). She is the Education Coordinator and an instructor at Owensboro Community & Technical College.
April 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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community
fly the friendly owensboro skies
{ paid advertorial }
photo by: donnie hagan
L
ocated in the center of the USA’s population, Owensboro
departures and arrivals per week to St. Louis, which allows the
is connected to most markets with excellent highway, rail,
business traveler to connect to almost any national destination
river and air access. The Owensboro-Daviess County Regional
and many international destinations.
Airport and the offers economical options for moving people
All flights from Owensboro are nonstop. Direct flights are
and products. The airport is an ideal hub for cargo distribution
a tremendous attraction for the frequent flier. People do not
with a main runway of 8,000 feet and a secondary runway of
want to stay over for several hours in a one- or two-stop trip.
5,000 feet.
(A two-hour flight can easily turn into a 9-10 hour experience
Located adjacent to the Mid-America Airpark, the
with weather and other delays.)
airport property spans 880 acres with 360 acres available for
Nonstop flights with partners Allegiant Air and Cape Air
development. Amenities include an air traffic control tower,
have greatly increased the success of OWB. More passengers
automated weather system as well as fuel and maintenance
will fly out of the Owensboro-Daviess Co. Regional Airport in
facilities. The Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport
2012 than any time in the airport’s history.
Authority (OWB) includes such amenities as a control tower
The Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport is
staffed 365 days per year and 178 acres of available land for
an economic development tool for Western Kentucky, a
development. Three fixed based operators provide fuel,
connection to the world for its regional residents and a
maintenance and hanger services for the aviation community
source of pride for Daviess County. Owensboro is in the
and 56 privately owned aircraft are hangared at OWB.
midst of a renaissance with more than $1.5 billion in public
OWB is a full security airport with more than 50,000
investment, including a vibrant downtown and five colleges.
departures and landings annually, including nonstop Allegiant
OWB is proud to serve this family-centered community with
Airline flights to Orlando and Las Vegas, the two most popular
stable growth, a diverse economy and a regional workforce
vacation destinations in the United States. Cape Air offers 36
of more than 250,000.
OP
A full security airport with more than 50,000 departures & landings annually.
Learn more online: www.owb.net 34 OWENSBORO PARENT
. April 2012
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April 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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power
community
the of one sentence { by: christina dalton, mssw, csw }
I
write articles on parenting. I usually give advice on how to
off. Needless to say, the clothes did not make it into the hamper.
parent and techniques to try out on your children, but today
Mom took it a step further. (She received extra credit points for
I want to tell you a story. I hope when you read this story it
creativity.) She took the dirty clothes on the floor, folded them
makes you smile, maybe even laugh out loud. I think it might
and placed them back in the drawers. Pure genius!
be funny enough that you might even share it with a friend. So
here it goes…
cheerleader and on this particular day there was a game. She
Fast-forward a couple of days. This teenage daughter was a
Several years back, when I was teaching a Love and Logic
went to her drawer and pulled out her cheerleading outfit. It
class, I had a parent that was having trouble with her teenage
was wrinkled, dirty and smelled a little funny! She freaked out
daughter cleaning her room. (The daughter was in middle
and yelled for her mom.
school.) The mom wasn’t asking very much from her daughter.
She simply wanted her to put her dirty clothes in the hamper.
I knew you needed your outfit so I put it back in your drawer.”
That’s it! The mom washed the clothes, folded them and put
Girl drama times a thousand followed, but the daughter wore
them away.
the wrinkled, dirty, smelly uniform. But something magical
happened after this. Something that had never happened
Mom was about two weeks into this particular class, when I
Mom said, “I wash the clothes that make it in the hamper.
started to really get into some good Love and Logic techniques
before. THE CLOTHES MADE IT IN THE HAMPER!
that could help her out. Her homework was to tell her daughter,
“I wash the clothes that make it in the hamper.” One simple
was on the phone with one of her friends. Mom overheard her
sentence. And was this something that mom could follow
saying, “If you ever get anything from school about a Love and
through on? Absolutely! So she said her simple, yet powerful
Logic whatever class, DO NOT give it to your parents!”
sentence, and she waited.
The moral of this story? How mighty and powerful one
simple sentence can be!
A week went by and mom came to class with a little extra pep
My favorite part of the story: later that night, the daughter
OP
in her step, smiling from ear to ear. I couldn’t wait to see how this played out. So mom informed my class that she told her daughter, “I wash the clothes that make it in the hamper.” Her
Christina Dalton, MSSW, CSW is the Family Resource Center Coordinator
daughter looked at her with that “whatever” look and walked
for Daviess County Public Schools.
36 OWENSBORO PARENT
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dining & travel
kids eat free
Who doesn’t love to save money? We have compiled a list of restaurants offering children discounts. If you see one we missed, Contact the editor at ashley@owensboroparent.com. *Please be sure to contact the resturant for specific details. Discounts are subject to change and Owensboro Parent is not responsible for incorrect listings.
Saturday
Tuesday
Denny’s (after 4:00 p.m.)
Fazoli’s (all day - kids eat for 99 cents)
Texas Roadhouse (11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
Pizza By the Guy (all day)
RocaBar (11:00-2:00 p.m.)
Salsarita’s (all day) Denny’s (all day)
Sunday
Beef O’Brady’s (4:00 to 8:00 p.m.)
Tumbleweed (all day) Texas Roadhouse (11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
Wednesday
RocaBar (11:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm)
Ole South BBQ (4:00 to 8:00 p.m. 2 kids eat buffet
Salsarita’s (all day)
w/ adult purchase)
Monday
Thursday
Shoney’s (up to 2 kids eat free with adult purchase)
Captain D’s (2 kids w adult meal)
T.G.I. Fridays (all day)
www.OwensboroParent.com
April 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT
37
dining & travel { by: janet land }
lbl
getaway
spend a family day at land between the lakes { by: danny may }
S
pring or early summer is the perfect time to pack a picnic,
through the wildflowers, butterfly garden and animals up close
load up the kids, and spend a day at LBL. When the
including bald eagles, owls, turkeys, deer, wolves, vultures and
wildflowers, azaleas and dogwoods are in bloom, there’s nothing
a bobcat. If you time it right, you can watch a “show” where
prettier than a drive down the Trace. A favorite destination
a ranger feeds the animal, gives lots of interesting facts and
for nature lovers, hikers, bikers, birdwatchers and fisherman,
information, and answers questions at the end. Then cool off
chances are you’ll see plenty of wildlife like deer and fox along
inside while watching a short video in the theater or enjoying
the road. Keep your eyes open for a bald eagle soaring overhead.
the reptile exhibits in the indoor discovery center.
There are plenty of picnic spots along the Trace, but the ones
directly across from the Bison Prairie are the most popular
the 3.5 mile drive through the Elk & Bison Prairie and let your
because of the chance to see herds of grazing buffalo just yards
kids see who can spot the bison and elk first. They’ll most likely
away. Call ahead or start your day at the Welcome Station to get
be along the tree lines or near the water holes. (Hint: the best
an updated schedule of LBL events during your visit. Here are
chance of seeing them is early in the morning or late in the
some spots you don’t want to miss:
afternoon.) Drive slowly and take time to let your readers read
At the Nature Station, for just a few dollars ($4 for 13+
the signs along the way.
yrs., $2 for 5-12 yrs., 4 & under free), your family can walk
While you’re at the Nature Station, buy your $5 token for
Right in the heart of LBL, the Golden Pond Visitor’s Center
OP
38 OWENSBORO PARENT
. April 2012
www.OwensboroParent.com
has a museum, restrooms, vending machines, planetarium and picnic shelter overlooking the pond. Check the planetarium schedule for show times. During the summer, they have an extended schedule including lasar light shows in the evenings. Near the southern end of the Trace, The Homeplace is a
about land between the lakes
living museum that gives you a hands-on experience of life on a frontier farm in the late 1800s. A mulched trail takes you through the farm, with stops at the farmhouse, barn, smokehouse, stable, garden and fields. “Interpreters� keep right on working while
Land Between the Lakes is a strip of land between
they explain daily chores of life on the frontier, ranging from
Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake that is maintained
plowing, making butter, quilting, sewing, shoeing horses,
by the Forest Service of the U.S Department of
planting crops, sheering sheep, feeding livestock, gathering eggs and endless other chores. Kids will enjoy the chance to see
Agriculture. With 170,000 acres and 300 miles of
cows, horses, chickens, sheep and oxen right in front of them.
undeveloped shoreline, it is a recreational paradise
(Cost: $4 for 13+ yrs., $2 for 5-12 yrs., 4 & under free.) The
that draws around 2 million visitors a year.
museum is open 9-5 p.m.
Of course there are lots of campgrounds throughout LBL
if you want to make it an extended stay or an entire weekend.
In January 2012, the Eggner Ferry Bridge over the river
There are biking and hiking trails at the north welcome station.
on the west side of Land Between the Lakes was stuck
Several hiking trails also start at the nature station. So whether you want a relaxing getaway or an exciting day of adventure, LBL is sure to be a favorite family memory.
OP
by a ship and partially collapsed. The road leading to the bridge has been shut down, although the bridge on the east side remains open.
Danny May is a husband and father of two boys (4 and 2).
www.OwensboroParent.com
April 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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calendar
april 2012 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.
35 YEARS OF GREAT ART: THE OMFA
ALL MONTH
FREE
FREE ARTLAND An
COLLECTION: PART I Exhibit begins March 10 and runs through May 12. Exhibit will display art collected by the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art during its first three decades.
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) 6853181 or omfa.us.
40 OWENSBORO PARENT
. April 2012
APRIL 2 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. SPRING DAY CAMP April 2 – 6; For 5-13 years; 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) 6878700.
APRIL 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 - 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.
www.OwensboroParent.com
THEATER CONSTRUCTION DAY Drop in to help design, construct, and decorate our puppet theaters. These had better be good, because they’ll be used all week! 2 – 4 p.m.; Daviess County FREE
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.;
APRIL 4
dcplibrary.org.
FREE CAPE AIR LAUNCH EVENT Help
celebrate the launch of the
Owensboro Cape Air service; Owensboro Daviess County Regional
APRIL 6
Airport, 2200 Airport Road; 11:45 a.m.; 270-685-4179 or owb.net.
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults
FREE
PUPPET MAKING DAY Drop in to make a variety of
handpuppets, good for beginners and more experienced artists; 2 –
always free; 5 - 10 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse. com.
4 p.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary. org.
25TH ANNIVERSARY GG TALBOTT 5K ROAD RACE Early Bird Registration Race will be held Sat., April 21 at 9 a.m.; Legion Park to
APRIL 5 FREE STORYTIME Wee
Owensboro Community & Technical College; Early bird registration Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time
for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020
$20, students $15; After April 6, entry $25; www.owensboro.kctcs. edu/5k.
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
APRIL 7 FREE
MEET LITTLE CRITTER! Instead of our regular storytime,
FREE
SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! Visit the library every Saturday
the library will be having a special visitor...Mercer Mayer’s famous
morning from 10:00—12:00 for self guided fun and educational
character Little Critter! 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Daviess County Public
activities with a focus on literacy and school readiness; Daviess
Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
www.OwensboroParent.com
April 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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calendar APRIL 8
FREE BASIC WEATHER SPOTTER TRAINING Regional
EASTER SUNDAY
limited to Daviess County residents. The basic class is full of new,
training, not
interesting information. The elite training is designed for those
APRIL 9
that have had the Basic class, but no one turned away. If you
FREE STORYTIME Wee
Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time
are interested in severe weather, even if you do not want to be a
for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020
weather spotter, you will get a lot out of these courses; 6 p.m.;
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
Brescia University science building lecture hall; Pre-registration is not required, and anyone can attend; For more information or
APRIL 10
questions, call the Daviess Co. Emergency Management Agency
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per
(270) 685-8448.
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.
APRIL 12 FREE STORYTIME Wee
Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time
WALK & TALK & LUNCH IN THE GARDEN “How the Foxes Came to
for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020
Call” Have lunch at the Western KY Botanical Garden;11:30 a.m. - 1
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
p.m; (270) 852-8925 or www.wkbg.org.
APRIL 13 FREE MACEDONIA BAPTIST CHURCH MOTHERS OF
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per
PRESCHOOLERS (MOPS) MEETING A group for moms designed
child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults
to nurture every mother with children from infancy through
always free; 5 - 10 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.
kindergarten. Place for encouragement, inspiration and guidance during this crazy, yet critical stage of motherhood; Macedonia Baptist
NATE THE GREAT Who do you call when there’s a mystery you just
Church, 4839 Millers Mill Road; 8:45 a.m. - 11 a.m.; Free childcare
can’t crack? Nate the Great, of course! He has found lost balloons,
and no registration fee; Contact Melissa Strunk at (270) 771-0846.
slippers, chickens, and even a lost goldfish. But can he solve the
42 OWENSBORO PARENT
. April 2012
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baffling case of the missing painting? Find out in this musical based
always free; 5 - 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.
on the book by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat; 9:15 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.; Grades K - 4; RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.; riverparkcenter.org.
PUZZLE PIECES OPEN ENROLLMENT The night will be dedicated for families to sign up their loved one who has special needs to
APRIL 14
attend any of the sessions offered by Puzzle Pieces. Don’t wait
FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE!
to sign-up, because space is limited. Don’t miss out on this great
Visit the library every Saturday morning from 10:00—12:00 for self
opportunity for your child/adult with intellectual disabilities to get
guided fun and educational activities with a focus on literacy and
a much needed service! Learn more atwww.puzzle-pieces.org; 5
school readiness; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.;
p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Legion Park (West Pavillion).
dcplibrary.org. FREE Big Owensboro Downtown Yard/Garage Sale 7 a.m. - 4
APRIL 19
p.m. Free Admission to Shop. Activities for the kids; Sponsored by
FREE STORYTIME Wee
Lighthouse Recovery; 270-689-4025.
for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020
Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
APRIL 16 FREE STORYTIME Wee
Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time
DESSERTS FIRST Some of Owensboro’s best chefs create original
for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020
desserts using Girl Scout Cookie varieties in this fundraiser for
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
the Girls Scouts of Kentuckiana. The event will also feature hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, and a crowning of the best dessert of
APRIL 17
the night! Call 270-316-3612 for more information. 5:30 - 8 p.m. at
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per
Southern Star headquarters, 4700 KY Hwy 56.
child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults
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April 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT
43
calendar APRIL 20
activities with a focus on literacy and school readiness; Daviess
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per
County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
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.
APRIL 21 FIRST ANNUAL ROMAN RUN SPONSORED BY OUR LADY OF LOURDES FAMILY MINISTRY. This Run/Walk will begin and end in the parking lot of Lourdes. Pre-register by completing the registration form on website. You may then place your payment in an envelope labeled “Roman Run” in the collection basket on Sunday or turn it in to the parish offices; lourdescatholicchurch.com or (270) 315-2186.
ballroom dance to raise money for Owensboro Dance Theatre, with the audience voting for the winners. Held at the Owensboro Country Club. Dinner and dancing provided. 270-684-9580. 400 E. Byers Avenue. 7 p.m. OWENSBORO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FANTASY! Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique is the stuff dreams are made of. Each movement is filled with fantastic shapes and characters. Espana by Chabrier is a fantasy piece that evokes the people of Spain.
25TH ANNIVERSARY GG TALBOT 5K ROAD RACE. See event information on April 6.
Poulenc’s Gloria combines our OSO Chorus, and a wonderful soprano in a celebration of glory from the Roman Catholic mass. It was awarded a Grammy Award in 1965 with the Robert
MARCH FOR BABIES Walk March of Dimes event at Kentucky Wesleyan College; 9 a.m. registration, 9:30 a.m. walk; Walk will be 3.1 miles; Contact (270) 683-2410 or visit http://www. marchforbabies.org.
Shaw Chorale; 7:30 p.m.; RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.; riverparkcenter.org. ICE SKATING INSTITUTE FIGURE SKATING COMPETITION; The Edge Ice Center.
FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! Visit
the library every Saturday
morning from 10:00—12:00 for self guided fun and educational
44 OWENSBORO PARENT
TASTE OF THE ARTS-DANCING WITH OWENSBORO Local couples
. April 2012
APRIL 22 EARTH DAY
www.OwensboroParent.com
ICE SKATING INSTITUTE FIGURE SKATING COMPETITION; The Edge Ice Center.
child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; 5 - 10 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.
APRIL 23 ICE SKATING INSTITUTE FIGURE SKATING COMPETITION; The Edge Ice Center. FREE STORYTIME Wee
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per
com.
APRIL 28 Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time
for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020
THE TOT, THE TEEN & THE WARDROBE PUBLIC SALE Owensboro Boys and Girls Club, 3415 Buckland Square; 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org. FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE!Visit
the library every Saturday
APRIL 24
morning from 10:00—12:00 for self guided fun and educational
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per
activities with a focus on literacy and school readiness; Daviess
child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults
County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
always free; 5 - 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com. HERSHEY TRACK & FIELD GAMES Hershey’s Track & Field Games is aimed at children between the ages of 9 and 14 to promote
APRIL 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.
APRIL 27 THE TOT, THE TEEN & THE WARDROBE CONSIGNMENT PRESALE
physical fitness and encourage participation in basic track & field events; Owensboro Middle School; 9:15 a.m.; 270-687-8700.
APRIL 29 THE TOT, THE TEEN & THE WARDROBE SALE HALF-OFF Owensboro Boys and Girls Club, 3415 Buckland Square; 12 – 3 p.m.
Owensboro Boys and Girls Club, 3415 Buckland Square; 6 – 10 p.m.
www.OwensboroParent.com
April 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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calendar THE BIG BAND SOUNDS OF OSO’S 2ND STREET The Owensboro
programs. Events included are catering, music, speakers, videos and
Symphony Orchestra’s ensemble of musicians and vocalists from
live testimonies of the success of the mentoring program. 1 Wellness
the Owensboro and Evansville area. The band will play classic
Drive, 6 - 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 270-926-6893.
swing music, the “standards” from the golden years of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, and Tommy Dorsey. They love the
MAY 4
songs of George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin, they
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per
imitate the sound of great singers like Frank Sinatra, Doris Day,
child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults
Sarah Vaughn and Rosemary Clooney; Adults $15 each or 2 for $25,
always free; 5 - 10 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.
children 12 & under $10; 3 p.m.; RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.;
MAY 5
riverparkcenter.org.
KENTUCKY DERBY!
APRIL 30 FREE STORYTIME Wee
Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle
JULEPS AND JOCKEYS, A DERBY PARTY Sip a mint julep, taste
Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,
some delicious food, and watch the 138th Run For the Roses,
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
The Kentucky Derby. Enjoy mint juleps, a bourbon bar, a cigar tent, auctions, and the 2nd Street Big Band. 4-9 p.m. at the Hines
MAY 1
Center, 1 Wellness Drive, Philpot. For more information, contact the
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHt; All must wear socks; $7 per
Owensboro Symphony Orchestra at 270-684-0661.
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.
FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! Visit
the library every Saturday
morning from 10:00—12:00 for self guided fun and educational MENTORKIDS KENTUCKY 10 YEAR CELEBRATION Head to The
activities with a focus on literacy and school readiness; Daviess
HInes Center and help celebrate 10 Years of MentorKids Kentucky’s
County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
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