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April 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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april 2013 Publisher/Creative Director Jason Tanner jason@owensboroparent.com
from the publisher
Editor Ashley Sorce ashley@owensboroparent.com Account Executives
There are many things I really love about Owensboro. So many
Jeff Sorce
things about our community that keep me firmly planted here.
jeff@owensboroparent.com
Things like our great education opportunities from early childhood
Jodi Tanner jodi@owensboroparent.com
through post-secondary education. Things like our commitment
Jonathan Tanner
to the arts through organizations like the RiverPark Center, the
jonathan@owensboroparent.com
Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, the Museum of Science and History and many more. We also are right in the middle of an
Robert Williams robert@owensboroparent.com
exciting revitalization of downtown and our economy and job
Graphic Designer
growth numbers are looking great.
Taylor West
But more than these things, there is something that sets Owensboro
Distribution Manager
apart from other cities. I believe it’s Owensboro’s people that make
Steven Morris
the difference.
taylor@owensboroparent.com
Contributors Dr. Brian Gannon
On a cold Saturday morning in March, I witnessed what I believe is
Casey Hamilton
truly the heartbeat of Owensboro. Thousands of people showed up
Christina Dalton
for the Color Blast 5K to support organizations in our community who care for disabled children and adults. This sea of smiles, hugs,
Gail E. Kirkland Lora Wimsatt
dancing and a lot of color powder, all giving of their time and
Printing
their money to come together as families, coworkers, friends and
Greenwell Chisholm
neighbors.
Owensboro, Kentucky Contact Information
It’s our hope that this issue helps to promote what makes Owensboro
Owensboro Parent Magazine
great, its people. From a young lady who spearheaded a project to
PO Box 23237
help newly arrived Burmese students, to our own Top 20 American
Owensboro, KY 42304 (270) 314-5240
Idol contestant. A high schooler who promoted bi-weekly seatbelt
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checks to a baby born premature who is thriving thanks to local
facebook.com/owensboroparent
fundraising.
twitter.com/owensboroparent issuu.com/owensboroparent
Here’s to you, the community of Owensboro - the reason Owensboro
Cover Photography
truly is a great place to live.
Dream Copy Photography Advertise Owensboro Parent is a FREE
Sincerely,
magazine because of community support. Thank you to the great group of businesses & organizations who advertise with us.
Jason Tanner jason@owensboroparent.com
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
[22]
parent talk [06] the best there ever was [08] the secrets of autism [10] parental control [12] in good hands [14] the golden ticket [16] photos from facebook [20]
[12]
kids that shine [22] april calendar [30]
[16] [20]
[08]
www.OwensboroParent.com
[14]
April 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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april 2013
parent talk So, Owensboro Parent had a blast at the Color Blast 5K! Not only was it fun to get covered in color, but it was all for a good cause. We asked you to tell us about your experience and here are a few of your answers from Facebook. It was the best race we’ve ever attended. We laughed, we danced,
This was such an amazing experience! I walked with Hager
we sang, we walked, we ran & we were together. We were Team
Preschool on team “13 Women and A Bald Man.” We all wore
Owensboro Figure Skating, moms & skaters & we rocked bunny
our white tutus and had a blast supporting some wonderful
ears & tails & we are already planning to attend next year...What
organizations! - Nikki Gentry Sims
an awesome event & we were blessed to have been apart of it. - Cindy Miller-Bowman
We had a team for my nephew and we had a great time! Since I am a speech therapist, I work with lots of people with various disabilities. I got to spend time with lots of friends as well! I have
To me, Color Blast represented the support and love the
only heard great things and everyone wanting to see it even bigger
Owensboro community has for individuals who have disabilities.
next year. - Michele Clouse
It was an opportunity to bring everyone together. A disability doesn’t and shouldn’t define anyone. Events like Color Blast
I was part of the awesome “Gradie Bunch,” which was for my
increase the awareness that we are all people with a dream and
granddaughter. We had a blast! Gradie loved getting “colored” and
destiny! - Teresa McKinney Clark
everyone wearing a shirt for her! - Pat Stephan Howard
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family life
you’re the best
1
t here ever was { by: lora wimsatt }
I
’ve always remembered those words, a simple statement from a
coach to take “that kid” out and put her son in the game.
father about his son.
We were sitting in the bleachers at a baseball game that summer
To me, it wasn’t a question of whether her kid would have made
the out or not.
afternoon. My son played for one team, his for the opposing team. I
I cringed as the parent’s tirade continued, wondering how her
don’t remember how it happened that I was standing next to him; I
son, who had slunk into the shadows of the dugout, must have felt.
was probably on my way to the concession stand.
Anyway, we struck up a conversation – I’m sure
it started with something generic about the weather (hot) or the quality of the concession stand hot dogs (excellent) – but somewhere along the way, we got on the topic of parents who think their kids are the best athletes to ever step cleat on a field.
His son was a catcher, and a good one, and I said
so.
My son played outfield. I thought he was good
too, but I never said so. I didn’t want to sound like I was bragging.
I felt sorrier for him than I did the kid who made
His son was a catcher, and a good one, and I said so. My son played outfield. I thought he was good too, but I never said so. I didn’t want to sound like I was bragging.
I sure didn’t want to sound like some of those
parents who cried and complained that their kid
the wild throw. The parent of the current shortstop, however, felt no such pity. Jumping to her feet, she began to scream at the other mom. “So what do you think of that?” I glanced at the guy standing next to me. I had hoped he wouldn’t ask me that. Slowly, I replied, “I guess every parent thinks their kid is the best.” Secretly, I was wondering to myself, “What kind of conversation does a parent and a kid have at home after an exhibition like this?” He nodded. And then, as if reading my mind, he
should have been the starting pitcher, the lead-off batter, team
said, “You know, my son has always been a good ballplayer, from
captain, All Star …
his very first year in rookie league, but he’s had a few bad games
As we watched, the shortstop made a wild throw to first, and
along the way. But no matter what, there’s one thing I’ve always
I winced as another parent, two bleachers away, screamed at the
said to him on the ride home from the game: ‘Son, you’re the best
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there ever was.’”
I nodded, mumbled some kind of reply, and went on to the
concession stand, thankful that regardless of the behavior of Little League parents, at least I could depend on the hot dogs to be good. That conversation was a lot of years ago – a lot of ballgames, a lot of hot dogs ago.
For some reason, that statement stayed with me. For a long
time, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it.
Some kids – let’s be honest – are not “the best” at baseball, or
dancing, or mathematics, or painting, or swimming, or singing, or whatever the activity in question might be.
The kid knows it. And surely the parent does too.
So why say it?
As the years have gone by, I’ve realized a couple of things.
The first one I already knew. Parents who make a big scene
really aren’t doing their kids any favors.
But here’s the other thing: All kids – from the All-Star hot-shot
starting pitcher to the bottom-of-the-lineup benchwarmer – all kids need to know Mom and Dad are their biggest fans.
I called all four of my kids the other day. I told each one the
same thing.
“You’re the best there ever was.”
OP
Lora Wimsatt is a mother, grandmother and writer. She enjoys the everyday blessings and adventures of life, especially her family.
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family life { b y : d r. b r i a n g a n n o n }
unlocking the secrets of
autism
I In honor of Autism Awareness month in April, I would like to review some of the resources available in our region for helping families deal with their children who are affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
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n honor of Autism Awareness month in April,
University of Louisville has an Autism Center
I would like to review some of the resources
through the Weisskopf Child Evaluation Center
available in our region for helping families deal
(on the web at Louisville.edu/autism), as do
with their children who are affected by autism
St. Mary’s Children’s Center in Evansville
spectrum disorders (ASD).
and Vanderbilt (kc.vanderbilt.edu/triad) in
Nashville.
When a child is not developing typically,
leading parents to wonder about ASD, the best
first step is to discuss the child’s milestones and
many of the resources to aid in speech and
behavioral symptoms with the pediatrician.
social development are through First Steps, a
Many pediatricians use standardized screening
government-sponsored agency. Many children
questionnaires, such as the M-CHAT, to aid
may receive therapy in the home setting at
in clarifying whether a child fits the diagnosis
this age, although in some cases the child may
of ASD. Once the diagnosis is made, parents
benefit from being in a group with peers of
rapidly realize their main task is to be an
similar age with similar challenges. The most
advocate for the child, in order to maximize the
common behaviors children show at this age
child’s development and future possibilities for
are abnormal speech (sometimes no speech at
achievement and self-sufficiency.
all), odd feeding patterns, and tantrums not
Many resources are available locally,
responding to typical discipline strategies.
nationally, and on the Internet to educate
When working with First Steps on choosing
parents in ways to foster children’s development
a therapist for your child, be sure to ask if the
and social skills. For more specific diagnosis,
therapist has special training or interest in the
During the early years, before age three,
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specific symptoms your child shows. Some of the providers in Owensboro, particularly through Wendell Foster’s Campus and Puzzle Pieces, have experience in the unusual feeding problems of autistic children.
By age three, these services are available through the school system.
In many cases, the same therapist will continue to work with your child, but the responsible party shifts to the school system instead of the state. Another resource that could be helpful at this point is the Kentucky Autism Training Center, also at University of Louisville. This Center maintains a database of providers with expertise in ASD for parents who need extra support as their child grows older. The KATS can link parents with training events for parents and early childhood educators. They have an extensive library of articles and guidebooks on teaching methods and behavioral management plans that have been found through research to be most successful for children with ASD.
In the school system, once the child enters kindergarten, your child
may be offered a slot in a school outside his or her zoned school in a special “autism unit.” This can be a great opportunity for you and your child to blend in with others who are traveling the same road, and all of you can learn from each other’s little successes. These teachers also have special training in teaching styles for ASD. There are at least two programs in Owensboro for these special-needs children that provide further support, such as applied behavioral analysis (ABA), which is a philosophy that has shown excellent results as children with ASD transition into the real world. Growing Minds, based in Henderson, has several campuses around
Western
Kentucky,
including
one
in
Owensboro
(growingmindslearningcenter.com). It serves 7 local counties and children from birth to age 18, accepting billing through Medicaid and some private insurance. They provide individual therapy and tutoring as well as a social skills group.
The Kelly Autism Program of Western Kentucky University has a
satellite campus in Owensboro at the Wendell Foster Center. Services are similar to those noted above but are aimed more at school-aged children starting at age 7, as an extension of their school day. The WFC also has a sensory garden that many families enjoy. Children with ASD present many unique daily challenges to their families because of their special temperaments and personalities, as well as their atypical pattern of interacting with the world. If these children and their families have specialized guidance from therapists and educators, they have lots of potential for contributing to our greater society in their own unique, rewarding way.
OP
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 God’s promise to watch over all of us, even as the sparrow.
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family life
{ Q&A with christina dalton,
M S S W, C S W
parental control Q: What can I do when nothing works for my 6-year-old son? When he gets in trouble, I can take toys away, make him go to his room, time outs, and nothing works. He acts like he doesn’t care at all. Help?
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}
A. Over the years I have had several
Q. My 10-year-old daughter has no
parents ask this same question. They
interest whatsoever in school. Her
will try all of the suggestions that I offer
grades are good and she doesn’t get in
them in class and they come back and
trouble, but there is no spark when it
say nothing worked. It is very puzzling
comes to learning. Is there anything
to me time and time again. I have had
I can be doing to help her?
parents say they bagged up all the toys and put them in the garage and the
A. I do trainings for the afterschool
child had little or no reaction. One of
staff for Daviess County Public
the first things I would suggest to you
Schools. One technique I teach them
is consider what the child was doing to
is to engage children during the
get in trouble. Did it have something
homework process. Of course the last
to do with getting your attention? Were
thing children want to do when school
you on the phone, making dinner or
is out is do homework. Nonetheless
distracted by something else? Often
it is part of afterschool. When they
times I think the worst punishment for
are doing homework, I encourage
a child is to be sent to their room or
them to ask the children how they
somewhere else where their behavior
came up with an answer. Let’s say
cannot be put on display. Sometimes
they are working on math. You would
children act out in order to get your
ask the child, “Can you show me how
attention. I tell parents to really think
you came up with that answer?” Not
about what their child loves because
only does it help the child with the
there is always something, you may just
learning process, it also makes them
may not have thought enough about
use their brains in order to show you.
it yet. I think over half the time the
Sometimes we have to look dumb, so
answer is being with you. Children
that our children can learn to be really
love being with their parents…that is…
smart. I think sometimes we are all
up to a certain age! LOL. So if taking
so busy with life that we say to our
away toys isn’t working, time outs are
children, hey you did a great job and
not working, you say to them, “Please
we move on. Giving out generalized
go to your room. No one wants to be
compliments is great and it builds
around you when you act like this. Let
self-esteem but being specific puts
me know when you’re ready to come
their brains into thinking mode.
out and be with me.” I am not saying
Instead of saying, “you’re so pretty,”
that this will work on every child 100%
and “great job.” Say things like, “I
of the time, but I do think that for a
love your outfit and how did you put
great number of children being with
it all together?” When you are doing
their parents is the only thing they
homework with your child or just
really want.
talking about it, seize those moments www.OwensboroParent.com
when you can ask them questions about how something was done.
this is an issue for so many married couples, as well as divorced
If they said they learned about Harriet Tubman today that is the
people too. Someone has to be the caretaker and someone has
perfect opportunity to ask, “What did you learn about her? Who
to be the disciplinarian and they are both hard jobs. My advice
is that? “ Let them teach you and I think you might see where
to you is to talk to your husband about this issue. Let him know
the spark is and what field of study it lies in. It sounds like you
that you can’t be the one that makes the fun stop all the time. He
are already doing a great job, you just might want to dig a little
sounds like he might be in the “friends” zone with his child. And
deeper.
while we all want to be friends with our children, in my opinion, it’s not ultimately what you want to be to them. You have to be a
Q. I’m a stay at home mom to my 3 ½ year old son and during
parent first and foremost. But that doesn’t mean there’s no time
the day he’s not too bad but when my husband comes home, he
for lots of fun because there’s always time for fun. There just
acts crazy and doesn’t do anything I tell him. My husband just
needs to be an equal balance. I think he should step in and be the
wants to play, gets him wound up and I’m left to do all the “not
disciplinarian and the caretaker from time to time. It should be a
fun” stuff. Do you have any suggestions?
shared role. I think in this day and age those roles are not defined by any means and a united front is always going to be better than
A. This is such a tough question and a touchy one too. There’s
a separated one.
OP
no way around the fact that this puts you in a terrible position. It sounds like you are the caretaker and the disciplinarian and
Christina Dalton, MSSW, CSW is the Family Resource Center Coordinator for
that doesn’t leave much time for you to be “the fun” one. I know
Daviess County Public Schools.
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community
in good hands { by: casey hamilton }
photo by captured moments photography
K
ennedy Marie Thompson is a happy, active, inquisitive
1st birthday party, Kennedy’s parents, Jenifer and Nick Thompson,
baby who loves watching other children and enjoys
proudly share with me that Kennedy is a healthy one year old with no
emulating their behavior. The fact that she is laid back
signs of developmental delays or medical concerns. This miracle is
and easy going is a direct contradiction to how she entered the world-
largely due to the research conducted by the March of Dimes that led
frighteningly early.
to the medication, surfactant, which helps premature babies’ lungs
mature more quickly. Kennedy was given Surfactant as part of her
Born on March 6, 2012, at just 32 weeks’ gestation, Kennedy was
immediately placed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at
treatment.
(then) Owensboro Medical Health System. She required oxygen, a
This year, Kennedy and her parents are serving as the
feeding tube, and was jaundiced. Eventually when it was time to wean
Ambassador Family for the March of Dimes March for Babies. The
her from the feeding tube, anemia prevented Kennedy from having
walk, scheduled to take place on April 27th, is the key fundraiser for
the strength to nurse a bottle long enough to gain the nutrition she
the local organization. Although the local March of Dimes office is
needed. After 52 long days in the NICU, Kennedy was allowed to go
located in Owensboro, it actually covers the “Green River” division.
home.
Amy Nonweiler, Division Director, explains that a portion of the
money raised at the event will go toward community grants and
As she sits in her dad’s lap and plays with the balloons from her
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program services such as prenatal classes, which
bonus, there will be giveaways as well.
provide materials for expectant mothers. Anyone
in Daviess, Henderson, Hopkins, Ohio and other
of Dimes, and Jenifer says, “Having a premature
surrounding counties may benefit from these
baby really opened our hearts to the March of
programs. “When you walk in March for Babies,
Dimes organization and we knew we wanted to
you give hope to the more than half a million babies
get involved somehow. When the opportunity to
born too soon each year. The money you raise
become the Ambassador Family was presented to
supports programs in your community that help
us, we couldn’t turn it down!” The couple also
moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies and it
praises the staff at OMHS, especially Kennedy’s
funds research to find answers to the problems that
neonatologist, Dr. Bridget Burshears, and the
threaten our babies.”
nurses in the NICU. According to Nick, “It was
The march, which takes walkers on a two-mile
a scary time, especially the first few days. But
route, also includes a “fun lap” for those unable to
the nurses were there, answering questions and
walk the two miles. After the walk lunch will be
making us feel as comfortable as possible given
provided, with food donated by Rally’s, Frito Lay,
the situation.” What the parents found especially
and Coca- Cola Bottling Co. Walkers will also be
difficult was leaving their child with strangers
able to take advantage of a special treat, donated
overnight and not being allowed to take her home
by The Cup Cakery and Cold Stone Creamery. A
like normal parents should be able to. But, Nick
bounce house and exciting activities for children
continues, “We got to know them and we knew that
means you can include the whole family in this
Kennedy was going to be in good hands.”
activity, while also showing your children an excellent example of giving to others! As an added
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Nick and Jenifer are so grateful to the March
OP
Casey Hamilton is the mother of two blessings- a daughter age 11 and a son age 7. She is the education coordinator and instructor at OCTC and the host of Campus Close-up on OCTV 71.
March of Dimes Walk for Babies The event will begin at Smothers Park with the opening ceremonies on the BB&T Plaza at the River Park Center. Registration begins at 10 AM; Opening Ceremonies are at 10:30 and the walk starts at 11. Walkers can register all the way up to the date of the event. Teams and individuals are invited to walk toward the same goal- Stonger, Healthier Babies. For more information or to register early, please contact: Amy Nonweiler at (270) 993-7789 or e-mail at anonweiler@marchofdimes.com
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community
jenny beth willis:
the golden ticket { by: gail e. kirkland }
photos by dream copy photography 16 OWENSBORO PARENT
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T
he big deal—the real deal—is a wispy thin 17-year-old with a long, curly cascade of brunette tresses, which she twirls frequently while describing her debut on American Idol. Jenny Beth Willis, whose singing inspiration is country music phenom Martina McBride, is the only contestant from Kentucky to become a Top 20 finalist in the 11-year run of this popular TV talent platform. “She has always been an entertainer. She has always wanted the spotlight a little bit,” said her dad Jeff, who along with her mom Mary Beth, happen to be two of her biggest fans. That family fan base, including her older brother Clay, recognized this little girl had talent, enough talent to win second place in the Daviess County Fair at age 6 singing “Tomorrow” from the Broadway hit musical Annie. Mary Beth confided she had rehearsed Jenny Beth so much that she became hoarse. Their
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kitchen features a mic stand and sound system. A video clip from that first stage performance made its way to American Idol, to Hollywood, as part of Jenny Beth’s official background and introduction. It all began with an urgent phone call from Randy Lanham, who has a strong reputation for musical and vocal talent. He told the family they had to take Jenny Beth to Bowling Green that very day for an American Idol screening. Even though her dad was recovering from a stroke, he rose to the occasion when Mary Beth called: “Do you think you’d feel like driving Jenny Beth over there?” Her mom had never missed an audition—except this time, since it was her first day back to work after her husband’s stroke.
April 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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community Ironically, it was a jeans-and-T-shirt Friday at Owensboro Catholic, so Jenny Beth was ready for this spur-of-themoment trip. Jeff had his doubts about the authenticity of this so-called screening. “Why would they come to Bowling Green?” he wondered. Come they did. Over 3,000 showed up for the tryouts there. Jenny Beth was among the 38 chosen to advance to a larger audition in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She sailed through two auditions there, followed by three weeks of group and individual screenings in Hollywood, culminating with the glitz of the American Idol stage in Las Vegas. Jenny Beth came to appreciate why the “group round” is so tough. She was operating on just three hours of sleep when she had to perform. In addition, she was nervous and had just learned the lyrics to their song in the wee morning hours. “Well, it’s over for me,” she thought after they performed.
Power of Love.” Her main take away from this experience, although cut that night, was “the confidence it gave me.” Just as her mom invested hours choreographing, practicing and preparing her daughter for the stage at age 6, so she does today, acting as Jenny Beth’s booking agent, travel companion and hairdresser extraordinaire. She even sings along in encouragement… “I always sing along with her; that’s for sure,” her mom confessed. She readily acknowledged at the onset of our interview that she was not a singer. Well, that depends on who’s telling the story. “It’s hilarious; it’s so funny,” Jenny Beth added, in reference to her mom’s undeniable vocals. One of her potential future vocal coaches, who happened to be Martina’s coach, couldn’t help but notice. “I love ya, Mom. You’re super fun, but you’ve gotta stop!” Nick Cooper
Not so. Her entire group moved on to the next round. Although she has been fighting mononucleosis since last August, Jenny Beth gushed as she said, “I’d do it all over again.” Each of the judges—Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban—had something positive to say about Jenny Beth’s debut on American Idol, where the crowd was standing and clapping as she sang “Heaven, Heartache & the
said, in reference to her mom’s sing-alongs. When Jenny Beth’s dad went with her to the next rehearsal, word had spread. “You don’t sing, do you?” the piano player asked. “No!” her dad said emphatically. “Good. We got enough of that from your wife.” This goodnatured teasing brought a crescendo of laughter. Admittedly, Mary Beth is far more nervous before her
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daughter’s performances than the performer herself. “I’m there for the calming effect,” Jeff said.
be part of a three-song demo CD, which Jenny Beth may have completed, as of press time. “It’s really big, because you have to have studio time,” she explained. Wade Hayes (‘90s country music star) and Randy worked to secure musicians, as well as find two other unreleased songs to produce in the demo. From there, the Willis family will shop around the CD to a variety of producers and record labels, hoping they will like what they hear. In the meantime, Jenny Beth’s calendar continues to expand, a direct result of the American Idol exposure. She will open the riverfront’s new Friday After Five stage, May 17. Prior to that, she will join three other American Idol
Each of the judges—Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban—had something positive to say about Jenny Beth’s debut on American Idol, where the crowd was standing and clapping as she sang “Heaven, Heartache & the Power of Love.” With a deep sense of love and pride, Jenny Beth agreed. “Dad mellows everyone out. Mom makes sure I’m on my toes, ready to go. It all blends together.” Along with the good times and crazy tales comes an intense commitment of time, energy, emotion and financial resources. Since age 11, Jenny Beth has worked for an hour monthly with Nashville vocal coach Christy Sutherland—a gospel singer and Barbara Mandrell’s daughter-in-law. Add to that piano lessons with Joy Malone since first grade, as well as guitar lessons more recently from Randy, with whom she has co-written five original songs. All five are available via her website: jennybethwillis.net. “Fade Away” has emerged as a fan favorite and will likely
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participants in April for an Elizabethtown performance. Reflecting back, receiving her Golden Ticket to American Idol was surreal. “To have the Golden Ticket in my hand was awesome,” said Jenny Beth, with a big smile of satisfaction and anticipation of things to come. OP
Gail recently retired from DCHS, where she taught journalism and English. She is a mother of twins, a Meme, and sports enthusiast.
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photos from facebook In honor of Spring Break this month, we wanted to feature vacations in this issue’s Facebook photo submission. We asked for your favorite photo of your family on vacation-- beach, mountains, skiing, a stay-cation right here in Owensboro-- however your family vacations! These are come of our favorite photos.
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community
Owensboro Parent wanted to dedicate an issue to the kids in our community. There is nothing more rewarding to us than highlighting all the great things that your children are doing. After all, that’s why we publish this magazine each month. We asked each of the three school systems to give us some examples of kids that shine in their schools. We got lots of nominations, but these are just a few of our favorites.
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. April 2013
www.OwensboroParent.com
4th Grader @ Highland Elementary School
skylar cain
singing sensation!
T
o look at Skylar Cain, you would never know that often
She performs locally with the Lanham Brothers and
times she is in a lot of pain. You would not know that
radio station WBKR. She has even taken her talent to the
some mornings she wakes up and cannot brush her teeth
Kentucky Opry and Evansville, where she placed second
or tie her shoes because of the pain of juvenile idiopathic
singing the National Anthem for the Icemen hockey team.
arthritis.
And Nashville is a perfect fit for this budding country star
where she sang at the Nashville Palace and the Nashville
According to Skylar’s mom, Michelle Cain, Skylar’s type
of arthritis typically settles in one joint, but for Skylar all
Hard Rock Café.
of her joints are affected. Numerous doctors appointments,
shots and some surgery has eased the symptoms of this
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure event in Evansville,
invisible disease. But it’s a day-to-day battle.
where she performed in front of 14,000 people. But it wasn’t
“She’s still a regular kid,” Michelle said.
the size of the audience that made this memorable for Skylar.
But Skylar is beyond a regular kid. She makes straights
But Skylar’s favorite time on stage was last year at the
“It was for a good cause,” Skylar said. “I like doing
As, has an artistic talent, landing her second place in a
fundraisers the most.”
school district poster contest, she plays the fiddle, despite
the pain from arthritis, but most prominently, Skylar is a
the future. While Skylar says she is going to “try her best to
singing sensation.
be something in the music business,” she hopes more than
anything to become a country music star.
“It’s like I’m supposed to be [on stage],” Skylar said. “It’s
With Skylar’s talent and good heart she will go far in
my other home. It’s where I can let all my feelings go and let
it all out.”
visit her website at skylarcain.com or find her on Facebook.
www.OwensboroParent.com
To follow Skylar Cain and her promising career, you can
April 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
23
community 12th grader @ Owensboro Catholic High School
morgan goetz a fighter O
vercoming more in high school than most do in their
She is now president of the club and regularly speaks to other
lifetime, Morgan Goetz is a fighter.
students about her eating disorder. She often quotes, “Size zero
Her fight began when she started high school soccer after
her eighth grade year. Routine soccer practice turned into an over-exercising
obsession
and
is not a size,” and “Eating disorders are not a fashion statement, but a disease.”
healthy
With her life finally back on track,
eating turned into restricting fats, then
Morgan was flourishing. Then, last October,
sugars,
the day before her birthday, Morgan
and
eventually
evolved
into
malnourishment.
wrecked her car. She was driving her
“I wanted perfection,” Morgan said.
mother’s car, one she was not accustomed
“The perfect body, perfect grades…”
to. She overcorrected the vehicle, causing it
to flip. Emergency workers responded and
Morgan became so thin that her family
feared for her health. She was referred
were forced to cut Morgan from the car.
to nutritional therapy and counseling. It
was determined that she needed inpatient
said.
treatment and she spent 29 days in the
hospital.
senior year, but not without a new passion.
She
“I felt lonely and depressed,” Morgan
“My seat belt saved my life,” Morgan Morgan has returned to finish her has
implemented
bi-weekly
seat
said. “I had anger issues toward others and
belt checks through SCRUBS and has
myself.”
implemented a pledge at her school to
But her treatment worked. After a
prevent distracted driving which includes
month in the hospital Morgan was released
no cell phone usage while driving.
and eventually returned to school.
“It was scary and challenging going
in her lifetime. And she is using her
This young lady has survived a lot
back to school,” Morgan said. “I had to make friends again. I had
experiences to help others. When she begins college this fall she
pushed them away before and now I needed their support.”
hopes to major in dietetics and psychology, hoping to one day
work in an eating disorder facility.
Now, Morgan uses her experience to help others. Morgan
joined SCRUBS (Students Creating Respect Using Better
Solutions), a club at her school that advocates better decisions.
them.”
24 OWENSBORO PARENT
. April 2013
“Things happen to you,” Morgan said, “but you learn from
www.OwensboroParent.com
4th grader @ Sutton Elementary School
melina lopez
the special one 7th grader @ Burns Middle School
fletcher barr
dancing is my sport F letcher Barr has always liked music. He began Kindermusic at the young age of two. And music and the
arts have always been a part of his family. But it wasn’t until kindergarten that he discovered his true calling: dance.
At age five, Fletcher began dancing with the company at
P
oised and polite, Melina Lopez appears shy when first meeting her. Her hair is perfectly placed, her manners
beyond her age. But as soon as you speak with this young lady, you see the sparkle she possesses.
Johnson’s Dance Studios. He quickly landed parts in their
performance of The Nutcracker and their spring show.
She brags that Melina has always achieved the highest
“Dancing is my sport,” Fletcher said.
honors academically. She is a member of several clubs and
And just like any dedicated athlete, Fletcher practices
enjoys doing volunteer work.
his craft. He has joined the Evansville Ballet, where he dances over four hours per week. He has danced in many performances with Evansville Ballet and has developed a true
Melina’s mom, Tina Howard, knows her daughter shines.
“She is just a really great kid,” Tina Howard said.
She laughed that every time she calls her daughter’s
passion for dance. While the fourth grader has tried his hand,
school, any person that answers the phone knows Melina by
or rather feet, in many other styles, Fletcher says, “My main
name and describes what a great girl she is.
focus is ballet.”
Moving to a larger company has given Fletcher more
successful in whatever she pursues. But right now, she is just
opportunity, including finding other males that enjoy dance as well. Through this company Fletcher has met male ballet dancers that have developed successful dance careers. Fletcher’s parents, John Barr and Leigh Jackson, are excited www.OwensboroParent.com
With all of these great characteristics, Melina will be
not sure. Her mom says she has talked about being a lawyer or a veterinarian. Melina says that when she took a career test at school she chose three possible jobs: chef, physical April 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
25
community facebook that these dancers have inspired their son to use ballet as
therapist and youth worker.
a springboard to travel the world.
Fletcher has already set his goals high, determined to
one day join the Royal Ballet in London.
“It will be cool to see different cultures in the world,”
Fletcher said.
Fletcher’s parents are strong proponents of the arts for
Just in the seventh grade, Melina has plenty of time to
make up her mind. For now, she is focused on her school work and being kind to those around her. She is also a huge help at home, according to her mom, Tina. Babysitting her younger brothers and sister, Melina is a mentor at home too.
children because they have seen what a difference it has
made in their son, an accomplished dancer, a musician
nominated Melina to be featured in Owensboro Parent. She
and artist.
said, “Melina is such a wonderful young lady. She doesn’t
“Fletcher is strong academically,” John and Leigh said.
“Music has helped him with math. [Because of dance,] Fletcher has a lot more confidence than other boys his
Jean Ann Stanley, a counselor at Burns Middle School,
have any special talent or skills that make her stand out in the crowd, but what makes her so special is the goodness that
age.”
radiates from her. She is kind, sweet and good to everyone
she meets. She nurtures others and is a friend to everyone.
Even more, they contend, “A lot of kids in the arts are
just happy. They have a different view on life.”
Melina has the gift of making everyone she comes in contact
with feel special, and what makes this so unique is that she
When their son began dancing he did not want others
to know. But with his gain in confidence, Fletcher is now proud of his sport. And he has since found that his friends are very accepting of his passion and he has never
has no idea that she is truly the special one.” When asked, Melina couldn’t pinpoint why she was
experienced any bullying.
nominated. She simply and humbly said, “I just like helping
friends out. I love being friends with everyone.”
Fletcher simply says, “I liked the arts and became
really good at them and never stopped.”
26 OWENSBORO PARENT
. April 2013
www.OwensboroParent.com
27 OWENSBORO PARENT
. April 2013
www.OwensboroParent.com
community
12th grade @ Owensboro High School
martha sharp hughes kindness ambassador
28 OWENSBORO PARENT
. April 2013
www.OwensboroParent.com
discover
W
hen Martha Sharp Hughes saw Burmese classmates
works with their translator and sees that the needs of these
at her school not fitting in, she took action.
students are met.
As president of Kentucky Youth Assembly and Kentucky
“She is one of a kind who truly cares about others,” Ms.
United National Assembly (KYA and KUNA), Martha
Fogle said.
Sharp spearheaded a project to help newly arrived Burmese
students assimilate into Owensboro High School.
inspires her every day.
“They had a difficult time in their life in Burma,” Martha
Martha Sharp’s mother, Leslie Hughes, says her daughter “She has flourished at OHS because of the diversity and
Sharp said. “I felt we could help them.”
the great teachers,” Leslie said. “I am excited about her
future. She has a lot of strengths and knows how to connect
Martha Sharp says the 12 or so Burmese students at OHS
are shy and lonely. They have trouble communicating with
with people.”
the difference in language. These students left their homes
Martha Sharp is currently deciding between Belmont
and often times their families behind in Burma when they
University in Nashville and Wofford College in South
were relocated to the United States.
Carolina, where she hopes to major in environmental
studies and conservation.
Guidance Counselor Christie Fogle commends Martha
Sharp for her kindness and compassion for others. Ms.
“Martha Sharp has a broad view of the world,” Leslie
Fogle is proud that Martha Sharp befriends the students,
said. “She understands we were put on earth to serve.”
www.OwensboroParent.com
OP
April 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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calendar
april 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.
MONDAY, APRIL 1 SPRING BREAK
TUESDAY, APRIL 2
his program, In Like a Lion! Learn about how
FREE FLY AWAY WITH CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS
SPRING BREAK FUN AT OWENSBORO MUSEUM
thunderstorms grow, how unpredictable weather
You have the underpants now you just need a
OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY First we’ll be visited
cape! Join us in the Programming Room to
by Annette Heisdorffer from the Daviess County
hear some of Captain Underpants remarkable
Extension office. At 11:00 a.m., she will present
adventures and create your own cape! ; 2 p.m.
her program Insects in My Garden! and we can
and 3 p.m.; Ages 12 and younger; Daviess County
investigate the garden insects who are pests to
Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org
our plants AND the good guys who help our gardens grow better! Visitors will take some live
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
ladybugs with them for their own yards and
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
gardens!
can be, what warning signs to watch for and what to do in the event of severe weather. See Jeff’s informative power point presentation and create your own weather map! At 1:00 p.m., the lab door open once more with Kim Ray focusing on tornadoes and how they are formed in Open Lab! Be sure to stick around for a full day of fun!
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
30 OWENSBORO PARENT
. April 2013
At 12:00 Noon, we’ll be seeing our old buddy,
FREE BUTTERFLY STORYTIME (Registration
WFIE meteorologist Jeff Lyons once more with
Required) Join us for a whimsical butterfly
www.OwensboroParent.com
storytime, and use fingerpaint to create your own
your own hummingbird feeder to bring your own
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must
beautiful butterfly. Ages 5 and younger; 10 a.m.;
unusual birds home to your yard!
wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2
Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org
are free, unless they are the only child, adults Noontime is Raptor time at the Museum as the
always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or
folks from Wesselman Nature Society presents
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
FREE JUST BEAD IT (Registration Required) We
Meet Our Raptors. Learn what a raptor is, how
will be using fuse beads to create your very own
they adapt to survive in the wild, and hear the
THURSDAY, APRIL 4
artwork. Choose from animals, people and other
individual stories of the raptors you will meet,
SPRING BREAK FUN AT OWENSBORO MUSEUM
cool shapes! Model them with all the colors of
Skylar, an American Kestrel, Basil the Turkey
the rainbow and take them home to decorate
Vulture, and Luna, a Barred Owl!
your room! Ages 6-12; 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.;
At 3:00 p.m., head up to the Budding Bio Tech
dcplibrary.org
Lab for Polymers! Polymers! Polymers! Create gummy capsules, dissect a baby’s diaper, discover
U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must
amazing crystals, make a plastic, and make a
wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for
bracelet that changes under UV light and lets you
$5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or
know when the sun’s light is strongest
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3 SPRING BREAK FUN AT OWENSBORO MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY Mary Kissell from the Audubon Society will share Say Whaaat? Awesome Facts About Awesome Birds! At 10:00 a.m. We’ll learn all kinds of fun facts about unusual birds, including ostriches and penguins! As a part of the program, you’ll be able to make
www.OwensboroParent.com
OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY Kim Ray will present Open Lab at 10:30 a.m and discuss erosion and how it affects the land beneath our feet. At 1:00 pm, we will have the pleasure of meeting Park Ranger Johnny Merideth from Mammoth Cave National Park. In a rare visit outside the boundaries of the park, Ranger Merideth presents Dissolving the Mystery, in which he discusses Kentucky’s thousands of caves; a landscape
FREE WHAT IS AR? Parent Program Accelerated
so unique that people from all over the world
Reader has become a fixture at your child’s
come to visit. Learn about the world’s longest
school but do you know how it works? Do
known cave system, Kentucky’s own Mammoth
you know where to find books? How is your
Cave, and discover the circumstances that come
child’s reading level determined? Join us in the
together to create subterranean worlds and the
programming room for a presentation on the AR
forces that continue to erase the world away
program and a tour of the Children’s area; 6:30
from under our feet!
- 7:30 p.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org
April 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
31
www.OwensboroParent.com
April 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
32
calendar We’re back in the Lab at 2:30 p.m. for more
show will begin at 7:30 p.m. A donation of $5 is
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must
Polymers! Polymers! Polymers! There is an oil spill
appreciated; Owensboro Community & Technical
wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2
on the Ohio River! Work as a team of scientists
College, Blandford Lecture Hall; owensboro.
are free, unless they are the only child, adults
using special polymers to clean the spill.
kctcs.edu.
always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.
FREE HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMELIA BEDELIA Amelia
BLUEGRASS JAM On the first Thursday of
Bedelia has turned 50 this year and she needs
each month, head to the Bluegrass Museum
SATURDAY, APRIL 6
help more than ever with her to-do list! Come
to jam with other musicians. Jamming is for
SPRING BREAK FUN AT OWENSBORO MUSEUM
celebrate Amelia’s birthday with cake, activities,
musicians of all levels and begins at 7 p.m. For
OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY Come and join
and Amelia herself! Ages 12 and younger; 2 -
more information, contact the Museum at (270)
us in the Budding BioTech Lab and get a jump
4 p.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020
926-7891 or visit their their website at www.
on Spring Break with StoryLab’s feature, Hop
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org
bluegrassmuseum.org.
on Pop, by Dr. Suess at 10:30 a.m., followed by
FREE STORYTIME WEE READ for ages 2 and
FRIDAY, APRIL 5
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
SPRING BREAK FUN AT OWENSBORO MUSEUM
At 11:00 a.m. the fun begins for everyone as
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020
OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY Museum educator
Debbie Webb starts spinning yarns...literally…
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
Meredith Hall will talk about how to start your
as the Yarn Spinners share their expertise on
experiments with kinetic and potential energy!
own Spring Garden, and give out seedlings so
spinning wheels and looms. There will be
“MASTERPEICES” PRESENTED BY OAK ISLAND
that you can begin your own! The fun starts at
samples of both raw and processed fibers such as
THEATRE This play by Arthur Bicknell is an
11:00 a.m.!
wool and other fun things to touch. Try your hand
imaginative reconstruction of the lives of Branwell
(or foot) at the spinning wheels, and learn how to
Bronte and his sisters, Charlotte, Emily and
At 1:00 p.m., be on hand for the StarLab as Todd
Anne. In this drama, the siblings spend their days
Reynolds presents the Spring Constellations.
sequestered in their father’s parsonage, scribbling
Learn about the stories in the stars as he talks
Also at 11:00 a.m., enjoy Doll Day at the
in tiny notebooks and creating an imaginary
about Centaurus, Bootes the Herdsman, Leo the
Museum! The Owensboro Area Doll Club will
world. Branwell presides over this world, inspiring
Lion and all the other major stellar signs of spring.
share a display called “Our Favorite Things”, and
his sisters to create characters that would one
prepare wool for spinning.
offer items for sale, crafts, and a power point
day reappear as the protagonists in the novels
2:00 p.m,. in the Lab How’s It Do That? Polymers:
presentation. Be sure to join in the drawing to win
Wuthering Heights, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
Investigate sand that refuses to get wet. Find
your very own American Girl Doll!
and Jane Eyre. All of the Brontes’ short lives were
out why some objects disappear in a clear liquid.
shrouded in anonymity. OCTC’s production
Watch a special metal stay bent then pop back
Open Lab – come in at any time between 1:00
will feature cast members Taylor Potter, Bayly
to its original shape when you add this science
p.m. and 3:00 p.m. for Microscopes and Mystery
Zoglmann, Makayla Vogt, Allie Hendrick, Elvis
touch.
Shapes. Use a variety of microscopes to see
Lane, Joe Rubsam, and Jennifer Kasey. Each
www.OwensboroParent.com
things in a whole new way.
April 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
33
calendar STORYLAB AT THE OWENSBORO
Garden; 25 Carter Road; 11:30 a.m.
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND
- 1 p.m.; (270) 852-8925 or www.
HISTORY Diary of a Spider by
wkbg.org.
Doreen Cronin. Lab: Making an art model of a spider. Participants
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10
will create an anatomical art model
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE
of a spider and web. Science can
NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7
be both beautiful and fun! 10:30 –
per child, children under 2 are free,
11:30 a.m.; Owensboro Museum of
unless they are the only child, adults
Science and History,
always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-
122 East Second Street;
1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.
(270) 687.2732 or www. owensboromuseum.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
THURSDAY, APRIL 11 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.
Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.;
FRIDAY, APRIL 12
dcplibrary.org
THE TOT, THE TEEN & THE WARDROBE CONSIGNMENT
SUNDAY, APRIL 7 BIG BAND SOUNDS OF 2ND STREET Owensboro Symphony Orchestra’s 2nd Street Big Band will perform at RiverPark Center for some great music from the golden years of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, and Tommy Dorsey; $15 for adults, 2 for $25, $10 for children; RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.; (270) 687-2787 www. riverparkcenter.com.
MONDAY, APRIL 8
SALE Over 40,000 items for sale! Everything for baby, toddler and teen—clothing toys, nursery equipment, riding toys, furniture, home décor, CDs, books, electronics and more! Consignor Sale, Friday 6 – 10 p.m.; Public Sale, Saturday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Public Half-Off Sale, Sunday 12 – 3 p.m.; Owensboro Boys and Girls Club, 3415 Buckland Square; For questions, please contact Jennifer at (270) 993-7532 or Stephanie at (270) 316-2732 or visit www.ttwky.com.
FREE STORYTIME WEE READ for
AID THE HOMELESS BENEFIT
ages 2 and younger and Circle
The 2nd Annual Aid The
Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.;
Homeless Benefit, a fundraiser for
Daviess County Public Library, 2020
Owensboro’s homeless shelters, is
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
sponsored by the Owensboro Board of Realtors in association with the
TUESDAY, APRIL 9
Owensboro Museum of Fine Art
U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY;
and Back Alley Musicals. An evening
All must wear socks; Children 5
of unique entertainment, food and
and under get in for $5 all night;
spirits is $50 per person and is open
5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or
to the public with all proceeds
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
benefiting local shelters; OMFA, 901 Frederica Street; (270) 685-3181.
WALK, TALK & LUNCH IN THE
34 OWENSBORO PARENT
. April 2013
GARDEN “THE POISON PLANT
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE
LETTERS”. Enjoy lunch and a great
NIGHT; All must wear socks;
program at Western KY Botanical
$7 per child, children under 2 www.OwensboroParent.com
www.OwensboroParent.com
April 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
35
calendar are free, unless they are the only child, adults
LANHAM BROTHERS JAMBOREE This family-
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020
always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or
fun and interactive show will feature Bluegrass,
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
Country, Clogging and Comedy. The Jamboree
SATURDAY, APRIL 13 THE TOT, THE TEEN & THE WARDROBE CONSIGNMENT SALE See event description on Friday, April 12.
will be held in the Good Time Theater at
TUESDAY, APRIL 16
Diamond Lake Resort. Tickets are general
U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must
admission at the door and are $10 per person,
wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for
$5 for ages 6-12 years and 5 years and under
$5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or
are free. Discounts offered for groups of 15 or
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
more people; 7 – 9 p.m.; Group tickets may be purchased by calling (270) 314-4331; 7301 Hobbs
FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE!
Road; www.lanhambrothersjamboree.com.
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 OCTC’S 26TH ANNUAL ANNIVERSARY 5K ROAD RACE/WALK Run or walk from Legion Park to the OCTC Main Campus on New Hartford Road for the Grant G. Talbott, III Memorial Run. Entry fees
CIRQUE ZIVA The newest production from the Golden Dragon Acrobats, Cirque Ziva is a fast-paced, technically innovative and beautifully
KICK FOR A CURE SOCCER TOURNAMENT
presented Chinese acrobatics and dance; 7 – 9
Horse Fork Creek Park, 3005 Fairview Drive
p.m.; (270) 687-2787 or www.riverparkcenter.org.
Thompson Berry Park, US 60 W. and Carter Road.
SUNDAY, APRIL 14
FREE LEGO BLOCK PARTY Build, play, and learn with LEGO! Seating is limited. Pre-registration
THE TOT, THE TEEN & THE WARDROBE
is required! Ages 6-12; Daviess County Public
CONSIGNMENT SALE See event description on
Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
Friday, April 12.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17
are $20, or a family of four for $50 before April 1. Door prizes and a $250 drawing (must be present
KICK FOR A CURE SOCCER TOURNAMENT See
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must
to win), with awards for overall male & female,
event description on Saturday, April 13.
wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults
masters (40+), grandmasters (50+), and top three in each age group; www.owensboro.kctcs.edu/5k
MONDAY, APRIL 15
always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or
or (270) 686-4530.
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
36 OWENSBORO PARENT
. April 2013
www.OwensboroParent.com
THURSDAY, APRIL 18
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must
OWENSBORO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
STORYLAB AT THE OWENSBORO MUSEUM
wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2
“ROMANTIC MAGIC” Two area choruses join the
are free, unless they are the only child, adults
Owensboro Symphony Orchestra for selections
always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or
from Verdi, Rachmaninoff, and Walton at
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
RiverPark Center; 7:30 pm; 101 Daviess St.; (270)
OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY Diary of a Spider by Doreen Cronin. Lab: Making an art model of a spider. Participants will create an anatomical
687-2787.
art model of a spider and web. Science can be both beautiful and fun! 1:30 – 2:45 p.m.;
SATURDAY, APRIL 20
Owensboro Museum of Science and History,122
PIGTAILS & COWLICKS KIDS CONSIGNMENT
ALL-AMERICAN RALLY RACE Gravity racing for
East Second Street; (270) 687.2732 or www.
SALE See event description on Friday, April 19.
two days at the Owensboro Lions Club Track at Ben Hawes Park. Contact Ron Leonard for more
owensboromuseum.org. ROMAN RUN 5K Our Lady of Lourdes Family
information at (270) 929-5515; Ben Hawes Park,
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
Ministry presents the Roman Run 5K. 5k Run/
400 Boothfield Road, Owensboro.
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
Walk - 6:00pm in the evening The course will
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020
begin and end at the Our Lady of Lourdes/K-3
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY MUD RUN &
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
Campus parking lot. Pre-register by completing
YARD SALE Come out to Diamond Lake Resort
registration form found online at www.
and cheer on the racers in the Up, Down and
FRIDAY, APRIL 19
lourdescatholicchurch.com. Packets may be
Dirty for a Cure 5K Mud Run and stroll through
PIGTAILS & COWLICKS KIDS CONSIGNMENT
picked up the day of the race beginning at
the yard sales; Diamond Lake Resort, 7301 Hobbs
5:00pm. There will be many door prizes awarded
Road, Owensboro; (270) 229-4900 or www.
to those in attendance at the award ceremony!
owensboromudrun.com
25,000 kids’ items, from newborn to teen!
FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! Visit the library
SUNDAY, APRIL 21
Friday, 8 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.;
every Saturday morning from 10:00—12:00
STORYLAB AT THE OWENSBORO MUSEUM
Owensboro Sportscenter, 1215 Hickman Ave.;
for self guided fun and educational activities
OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY Diary of a Spider by
pigtailsandcowlicks.com.
with a focus on literacy and school readiness;
Doreen Cronin. Lab: Making an art model of a
Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.;
spider. Participants will create an anatomical art
dcplibrary.org
model of a spider and web. Science can be both
SALE brings Owensboro and surrounding counties a one weekend sale event where over 250 families will be selling more than
www.OwensboroParent.com
April 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
37
discover
38 OWENSBORO PARENT
. April 2013
www.OwensboroParent.com
calendar beautiful and fun! 1:30 – 2:45 p.m.; Owensboro
8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.
bowl from hundreds of handcrafted bowls
Museum of Science and History,
NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK
made especially for this event by local artisans
122 East Second Street; (270) 687.2732 or www.
Join supporters in locking hands to raise public
and students of Brescia University. Brescia’s Art
owensboromuseum.org.
awareness about crime victims’ rights and
Department has supplied the clay, glaze, and
services, and also honor victims of crimes; 11 a.m.
location for the bowls to be created. Participants
ALL-AMERICAN RALLY RACE See event
– 1 p.m.; Smothers Park, 199 Veterans Boulevard,
at the event will then will use their selected bowl
description on Saturday, April 20.
Owensboro.
to be served a soup of choice available that night. Student volunteers from the Brescia Clay Club will wash each person’s bowl after dinner so it can
MONDAY, APRIL 22
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020
free, unless they are the only child, adults always
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
free; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255
TUESDAY, APRIL 23
THURSDAY, APRIL 25
STAND AGAINST CHILD ABUSE Child abuse and
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
Kentucky Wesleyan singers. Serving times are 5
neglect is not something that solely affects those
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
and 6 p.m. For more information, contact Tina
being abused and neglected but has the potential
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020
Kasey at 270-686-2110; First Presbyterian Church,
to have an adverse and lasting effect on society
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
1328 Griffith Avenue, Owensboro.
April 23rd from 4 – 6 p.m. to STAND AGAINST
EMPTY BOWLS OF OWENSBORO Empty
CHILD ABUSE. Children and adults of all ages
LA LECHE LEAGUE GROUP MEETING La Leche
Bowls is a fundraiser to raise awareness and
are welcome; Front lawn of Boardwalk Pipelines
League of Owensboro invites breastfeeding
funds for local organizations who service those
facing Frederica Street.
mothers and mothers-to-be to join us at 6:30
with hunger needs. The $15 tickets are on sale
pm. LLL Leaders are accredited, experienced
now and may be purchased by cash or check
breastfeeding mothers available to answers
U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must wear
through the Brescia University Public Relations
questions and concerns; discussion topics
socks; Children 5 and under get in for $5 all night; 5 -
Office. Your ticket allows you to select a ceramic
include the ‘art’ of breastfeeding & avoiding
be taken home at the conclusion of the event. Only 300 tickets will be available for this event which was at capacity last year when it was held at First Christian Church. Entertainment will be provided by the First Presbyterian Choir and the Kentucky Wesleyan singers. Silent Auction, plus entertainment by the First Presbyterian Choir and
as a whole. Join with Community Partners on
www.OwensboroParent.com
April 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
39
calendar common difficulties. Meetings are FREE and
on healthy food choices, the importance of
by Doreen Cronin. Lab: Making an art model of
babies & children are welcome; 6:30 p.m.; Settle
incorporating exercise and tips for taking care
a spider. Participants will create an anatomical
Memorial United Methodist Church, 201 E. 4th
of their general health. The event will include
art model of a spider and web. Science can
St.; (270)929-7164 or LLLowensboro@gmail.com.
a kid-friendly food preparation lesson, exercise
be both beautiful and fun! 1:30 – 2:45 p.m.;
classes, and games that will allow the children to
Owensboro Museum of Science and History,
FRIDAY, APRIL 26
learn the importance of being healthy and see
122 East Second Street; (270) 687.2732 or www.
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must
how much fun it can be! Enjoy game and sports
owensboromuseum.org.
wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2
stations, healthy eating stations, door prizes, and
are free, unless they are the only child, adults
a iron chef kids challenge and celebrity chef
MARCH OF DIMES “MARCH FOR BABIES”
always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or
performance by George Stella, who has been
Teams and walkers are asked to get donations
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
featured on Food Network; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.;
from friends and family to go toward preventing
Moreland Park.
birth defects, premature birth and infant
SATURDAY, APRIL 27
mortality. Opening Ceremonies take place at REIDLAND PLAY AREA Enjoy opening day with
10:30 a.m., with the walking beginning at 11.
FREE JUMP AROUND THE PARK! Hosted
horse and pony rides and petting zoo and lots
Walkers may choose a two-mile route or a
by the Junior League of Owensboro Jump
of fun! Reid’s Orchard, 4821 Kentucky 144;
“fun lap” around Smothers Park. Lunch will be
Around the Park will improve the health of our
reidorchard.com
provided following the walk. There will also be
community because it focuses on teaching good diet, exercise and general health to young children that will aid them in becoming healthy adults that can serve as an example to others. Educating children at an earlier age will allow them to make better health choices, which will improve the overall health of our community in the future. Improved diet and exercise will also help prevent and reduce the risk for health conditions that result from obesity. The goal of Jump Around the Park is to educate children
40 OWENSBORO PARENT
. April 2013
a bounce house and other childrens’ activities, FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! Visit the
a best T-shirt contest and giveaways. For more
library every Saturday morning from 10:00—
information, contact Amy Nonweiler at (270)
12:00 for self guided fun and educational
993-7789; 10:30 – 2 p.m.; Smothers Park,
activities with a focus on literacy and school
Owensboro Riverfront.
readiness; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org
WKBG ANNUAL PLANT SALE Herbs, perennials and annuals all on display at Western KY
STORYLAB AT THE OWENSBORO MUSEUM
Botanical Garden; 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.;
OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY Diary of a Spider
Western KY Botanical Garden, 25 Carter Road, Owensboro, KY ; (270) 852-8925.
www.OwensboroParent.com
SUNDAY, APRIL 28
Tips for All Ages Come learn about simple ways
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
REIDLAND PLAY AREA Enjoy opening day with
to lead a healthier life from one of America’s
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
horse and pony rides and petting zoo and lots
foremost wellness physicians at a special event
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library.
of fun! Reid’s Orchard, 4821 Kentucky 144; reidorchard.com
hosted by Owensboro Dance Theatre. William Sears, M.D. has been advising busy parents
HIGHWAY 54 YARD SALE Shop for bargains
on how to raise healthier families for over
all along Highway 54 from Leitchfield to
35 years. He received his pediatric training at
Owensboro, Kentucky for three days of yard
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
Harvard Medical School and currently serves
sales; www.hwy54yardsale.com or (270) 256-
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020
as an associate professor of pediatrics at
3934.
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
the University of California, Irvine School of
MONDAY, APRIL 29 FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
Medicine. Together with his wife Martha, Dr.
TUESDAY, APRIL 30
Sears has written more than 30 best selling-
U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must
books and countless articles on parenting and
wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for $5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.
childcare. He serves as a medical and parenting consultant for Baby Talk and Parenting magazines, and his ask Dr.Sears.com website
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.
FREE FAMILY FUN NIGHT- Game Night for
is one of the most popular health sites on the
ages 12 and younger; Daviess County Public
Internet. “Dr. Bill” - as his patients call him - has
Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
FRIDAY, MAY 3
been a guest on over 100 television shows
HIGHWAY 54 YARD SALE See event description
including 20/20, Good Morning America,
on Thursday, May 2.
THURSDAY, MAY 2 FREE COMMUNITY WELLNESS EVENT FEATURING DR. WILLIAM SEARS Top Health
www.OwensboroParent.com
Oprah Winfrey, Today Show and Dateline; 7 – 8:30 p.m.; Jody Berry Theatre, RiverPark
SATURDAY, MAY 4
Center.
TRUNNELL’S FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS “It’s a
April 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
41
calendar discover Blooming Good Time for the Entire Family”.
FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE!
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
Trunnell’s will be alive with color during this
Visit the library every Saturday morning
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020
Festival. This festival will excite the entire family
from 10:00—12:00 for self guided fun and
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
with live music, pulled pork BBQ, and activities
educational activities with a focus on literacy
for the young and old. Our guests can watch
and school readiness; Daviess County Public
TUESDAY, MAY 7
and learn about Outdoor Container Gardening:
Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org
WALK, TALK & LUNCH IN THE GARDEN “The Not So Nutty Professor”. Enjoy lunch and a
How to Plant a beautiful pot of flowers, or learn how to start your own back-yard garden. This
JULEPS & JOCKEYS, A DERBY PARTY Sip a
walk through the Western KY Botanical Garden;
weekend the family can discover the world of
mint julep, taste some delicious food, and
25 Carter Road; 11:30 a.m. -.1 p.m.; (270) 852-
bees. Kids can make a decorative pot to take
watch the 138th Run For the Roses, The
8925 or www.wkbg.org.
home, create their own grass-head to take
Kentucky Derby. Enjoy mint juleps, a bourbon
home and watch grow, play in the Family Fun
bar, a cigar tent, auctions, and the 2nd Street
Our magazine compiles events from across the
Acre, ride on the pedal carts, bounce on the
Big Band. 4-9 p.m. at the Hines Center, 1
city and county. So when your family is looking
Bouncy Balls, pet and feed the animals at the
Wellness Drive, Philpot. For more information,
for something to do, check out the Owensboro
Animal Barnyard, master the Rope & Tile Maze,
contact the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra
Parent calendar, where you will find information
have their face painted, or take a ride on a
at (270) 684-0661.
on local events, including event descriptions, locations, dates, times and price.
pony. Families will have a blast mining for gems and arrowheads in the Gem Mine Adventure.
HIGHWAY 54 YARD SALE See event description
Live Entertainment, Great Food and more
on Thursday, May 2.
editor at ashley@owensboroparent.com.
“Absolutely Farmtastic Fun;” 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Trunnell’s Farm Market, 9255 US Highway 431,
MONDAY, MAY 6
Utica; (270) 733-2222
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
42 OWENSBORO PARENT
. April 2013
Want to include your event? Contact the
Want to include your event? Contact the editor at ashley@ owensboroparent.com.
www.OwensboroParent.com
www.OwensboroParent.com
April 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
43
www.OwensboroParent.com
April 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
44